340 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. ["lo May, 1911. 



To get the best results, raffia requires special treatment. Unplait the 

 hank from the thin end and shake it out ; then tie into smaller hanks, and 

 cut the required length. The average length for binding buds is about 

 14 inches. After soaking it in water until softened, remoA-e and twist to 

 expel the moisture ; and then beat against a post or something firm, when 

 it will be re?dv for binding. Some propagators prefer it slightly moist, 



3. SUJEE BAGGING. THREADS READY FOR BINDING OLD METHOD. 



and others dry. The advantage of using dry raffia is that, if tied pro- 

 perly, it i.s not so likely to slacken, whilst it will tighten upon becoming 

 moist; if applied when moist, it is lial)le to slacken and become untied 

 v.hilst drying. 



Site. 



In choosing a site for the raising of young fruit trees see that it is 

 well sheltered fn-m rough wind:^; by higher lands, or evergreen timber. 



4. RAFFIA UNTREATED AND TREATED, FOR BINDING. 



If the position is exposed, .serious damage is likely to be done to the grow- 

 ing buds in the spring and early summer by the strong winds, unless pro- 

 tected by an artificial breakwind, such as Pinus insignis or some other 

 quickly growing tree, suitable to the locality. 



The land, if possible, .should have a slight fall, .so as to allow it to 

 be easilv drained and worked. If too steep or abrupt, the soil is liable to 



