>94 



Journal of Agriculture, Victoria, [jo April, 1911. 



The universal adoption of the Myrobalan, or Cherry Plum {Prunu& 

 viyrobalana) has not been singularly successful with this variety on alf 

 soils. Working trees on strong peach stocks, or on the common cherry 

 plum (though on the latter a bad union is frequently formed), sometimes 

 gives more satisfactory results ; but, generally speaking, the first named is 

 bv far the best stock. 



The Hurl)anks are six years from 



the graft, and last year yielded au 



^^^^^ average crojj of eight ca.ses per tree. 



rW^k. '^^^^HhV ■ T\\^ fruit realized in the Melbourne 



K/JK ^I^^^BH^^J market 4s. per case, and ^5 ids. 

 ■B^^*^ ^^^^K^^^H Pf"!" ton at the factory; whereas, 



during the present critical season, 

 the plums from this orchard returned 

 3s. jd. ])er case, a highly satisf ac- 

 tor)- return when we consider that 

 manv growers find their plums un- 

 salealile. The Burbank is an ex- 

 cellent shipi)er to northern States, 

 and. with jurJicious handling and 

 selection, can be landed in perfect 

 condition. 



'I'he infliction of a hea^■y crop of 

 fruit en the single leader that sur- 

 vived the grafting operation cau.sed 

 it to break down with its burden, 

 iea\ing but a narrow connexion be- 

 tween it and its root-system, yet 193 

 lbs. of splendidly developed fruit 

 were obtanied from this one branch. 

 The propensity of Burbank to. 

 heavv bearing intimates that the tree 

 requires the best possible treatment, 

 if this propensity is to be fostered 

 and sustained. Proper cultivation, con- 

 stant tillage throughout the summer, 

 liberal application of manures to trees so generously responsive, and a 

 correct interpretation of the habits of the tree to direct pruning operations, 

 require the earnest attention of the grower. 



As the tree has a very sprawling habit of growth the pruner will require 

 to direct and develop leaders for the frame on such lines as will be con- 

 ducive to vigorous and sturdy growth. From the illustrations on pages 

 293 and 294, it can be .seen that lateral development is responsible for 

 heavy crops; the proper spacing and retention of these laLerals will govern 

 and control its fruitine; habit. 



4. FRLilTING LATERAL FROM 

 SIX-YEAR-OLD GRAFT. 



ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. 



The StalT of the Dep'iitment has been organized to a large extent for the purpose of sriving information 

 to farmers. Qnestionc in every branch of auriculture are ttlaclly answered. Write a short letter, ffiving as 

 full particulars as |Mssihle, of your local conditions, and state precisely what it is that i ou want to know. 

 All inquiries loTwarde<i to the Editor must he accompanied by the nnme and address 0I the tvriter. This is 

 very nepessar\ , as sometimes insufficient information is furnished by the in(|uirer. 



Cabbage Aphis. — W.J.N, states that his rnbbages are covered with blight, 

 which is also attacking the swede turnips. 



Anszaer. — Spray the turnips with a nicotine solution, ami also the cabbages 

 if they are fairly young. When the crop is taken out the soil shouM receive a 

 good dressing of lime, and voung plants should be dipjied in a we;d< nicotine solu- 

 tion before planting. 



