60 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Jan., 1918. 



secured with from 50 to 100 lbs. per acre. These facts indicate that we 

 have at our disposal a fertilizer for the supply of the much needed 

 potash salts. 



The Bulahdelah deposits are in a most favorable position to furnish 

 a product of this description, and can be treated at a low cost. The 

 plant required would not involve a large outlay of capital, and the 

 process is so simple that no difficulty should be found in successfully 

 carrying it out from the start. It should at the same time be recognised 

 that the ultimate success of this industry depends on the treatment to 

 be accorded to the German Potash Syndicate in the future. If the Germau 

 imports are stopped, or the supply of potash is not available as at present, 

 then alunite offers the simplest solution of the problem for the quick 

 production of a high-grade product at a reasonable outlay, with every 

 guarantee of success. The problem is not so much a chemical or 

 mechanical as an econontic one. Given favorable conditions, Australia 

 should be easily able to supply her needs of potash salts without delay 

 from her deposits of the mineral alunite. 



— Communicated by the Commonwealth Advisory Council 

 OF Science and iNorsTRY. 



ORCHARD AND GARDEN NOTES. 



E. E. Pescott, F.L.S., PomoJogist. 



The Orchard. 



If the work has not already been done, the orchard should be kept 

 in constant cultivation so as to conserve the abundant spring rains. 

 Should the siunmer become hot and dry, this will be a very neces- 

 sary precaution. Even where the soil had been previously well 

 cultivated, the cultivators should again be run over the surface, as 

 any hot weather will cause the soil to crust, which would be the means 

 of dissipating a very considerable amount of soil water. Every effort 

 should be taken to retain this moisture, so that the fruit crops shall 

 have all they require for their perfection. To further attain this end, 

 no weeds should be allowed to grow in orchard soils. 



Bl'DDING. 



Young trees, or old trees that have been previously cut down in pre- 

 paration for budding, may be worked towards the end of the month. 

 It is advisable to select dull, cool weather for this operation, so that the 

 sap may run more freely, and that atmospheric conditions may not have 

 too drying an effect on the bud. The operation of budding is a very 

 simple one, and is easily performed. To gain a successful end, the sap 

 should be flowing freely, so that when the cuts are made the bark should 

 " lift " or " run " easily, and without any clinging or tearing of the 

 fibres, and it should separate freely from the wood. The bud selected 

 should be firm and well matured, and should show no signs of premature 



