9 Sept., 1907.] /■'ifi/i C<>ii:iiifio>i, Cl/amber of Agnadtiirc. 563 



who begins to plant either by sowing broadcast on well prepared land, or 

 by forming propagating beds, will very speedily develop an interest in 

 such work, and experience a gretat satisfaction in looking after the 

 seedlings, and then seeing the good results that will so soon follow his 

 well-directed efforts. One tree that is finding special favour in Victoria, 

 merits particular notice. The sugar gum, pronounced to be a fair timber 

 tree, is the most rapid grower of all the eucalypts, has a very fine foliage, 

 makes a good clean trunk if allowed to run up, and if cut back in its 

 t-arly growth, forms an excellent shade tree, and grows well in almost 

 any situation. It seems to be particularly adapted to the northern dis- 

 tricts, where, with the well-known pepper tree, it can be safelv planted. 



The opinion of i)lanters in the dry northern districts has been sought. 

 Mr. William McXab, of Corack East, after twelve years' experience, is 

 well satisfied with his results, and considers the sugar gum takes first 

 place. His trees are 30 feet high, seem to resist white ants, pro\'ide 

 effective break-winds, and alreadv supplv valuable material bv thinning. 

 His method of planting is by broadcasting seed on well fallowed and 

 carefully prepared ground. The fallowing gives the vcning plants a good 

 start, and enables them to survive the drv season (luring early growth. 

 Mr. O. H. Roediger, of Lorquon, confirms this opinion, but he raises 

 his plants in seed l)eds, hardens them off in early spring, and plants in 

 September, on well-prepared fallow'ed ground, taking the further pre- 

 caution to make with a crowbar, a hole, w'hich, when filled with sandy 

 loam, leads the tap root down into the sub-soil. These methods have 

 given excellent results, and should encourage growers, even in the verv 

 dry areas, where shelter would be most valuable, to make the attempt. 



In the matter of the cost of tree planting, no difficulty presents itself. 

 Seed can be obtained from Melbourne seed merchants, at the low price of 

 2S. 6d. per ounce, and the labour of sowing and protecting the plantations 

 represents a verv small outlay. With such manifest advantages to be derived 

 from thoroughlv systematic tree planting, of benefit both to the grower and 

 the general community, it should not be necessary to urge our land-owners 

 to undertake the work. It is hoped that the few notes now submitted will 

 l>e productive of good results and influence some, at least, to take a 

 keener interest in the subject, and become earnest planters. 



v. — PORK RAISING FOR EXPORT. 



ir. Smith, Pig Expert. 



The importance of bringing the matter of pork-raising for export 

 under the notice of the farmers of Victoria has, for some time past, 

 occupied the attention of the Department of Agriculture, whose desire 

 is to give every facility to those who will interest themselves to make 

 this special line of trade with other countries a success. The Depart- 

 ment deserves the thanks of the community for the assistance it is 

 rendering. I see no reason why Victoria should not export pork in very 

 large quantities, and raise proportionally as large numbers of pigs as 

 do the United States of America. I say proportionally, for, of course, 

 Victoria does not contain as much territory or population as the United 

 States ; but she compares very favorably with that country, for the 

 quality of the soil is. on the average, better than in the U^nited States. 

 Under the terms of my appointment. I will visit the various districts 



