lo Nov., 191 1.] Victoria)! Tree Planting Competition. 



731 



The Raising of Gums. 



Sowing ill Beds and Boxes. — The seed can be sown from September 

 to November, in open beds, boxes, pots, or pans. If in open beds, in the 

 absence of a cement bottom something in the shape of hardwood boards 

 or sheet-iron should be laid 7 or 8 in. below the surface to prevent the 

 roots of the seedling gums from going down. The seed beds should be 

 from 3 to 4 ft. wide, with a fnir smooth surface. Water the bed before 

 sowing. Sow broadcast, and spread some finely sifted loamy soil, light 

 and dry, with a little decaj-ed leaf mould mixed lightly and evenly over 

 the seed ; then water with a fine rose. A temi)orary screen over the beds 

 will assist the set^d and imjtcct the plants. 



If boxes are used they shtnild be from 4 to 6 in. deep, with holes in 

 the bottom for drainage. When filling the boxes, pots, or pans, place 

 over the holes (for open drainage T)urposes) curved pieces of creeks or 

 charcfxil. rill in vif-h 'Toderatelv-s'fted Icamv soil to within il in. oc 



PINE TREE.S AND GUMS, TITANGA ESTATE, LISMORE — io .i^.lko Awju.v 



PLANTING. 



the top ; water, sow, and cover the seed as directe<l for the open beds. 

 As plants in boxes are liable to b'; drawn, great care must be taken to 

 keep them exptjsed to the light. ;md cnly shadr when r(>.|uirt'd. The seed 

 will cost from is. 6d. to js. 6d. pt_r ounce. 



Solving in Belts. — \\'here this can be done it is the cheapest and best. 

 In rangy country, where there are steep slopes tliickly dotted with tree 

 stuni])s and outcrops of rock, and the surface is a tangle of roots, nursery 

 growtli must be planted. Where the soil is free from obstacles of fh's 

 kind, sicd |)lanting can lu- jjroceeded with. The nature <if tl'.e surface 

 Mid sub-soil should be un(lerstncd, as en this will depend the depth of 

 the ])l(iughing. A good shallow surface must not be buried or mixed out 

 of i)roportion with a stiff clay sub-soil, that will run together in wet 

 weather, and bake into a harri crust in summer. If the sub-soil is free, 

 open, and porous, plough deeply, and work it ui> (o a fine tilth. 



Mix the gum seed with drv sandy loam, well sifted, and sow b\ hand 

 broadcast out of a dish, seed bag, or box. 'I'hen j'ass a light harrow over 



