128 Jovnidl of Agriculttire, Victoriti. [11 Feb., 1918. 



Oechakd. — Prepare new land for planting; plough deeply and subsoil; leave 

 surface rough. Plant out strawberries after first rain. Plant crops for green 

 manure. Continue to fight the Codlin Moth. 



Vegetable Garden. — Prepare ground for winter crops. Plant out seedlings 

 in moist soil. Sow cabbage, cauliflower, lettuce, early peas, swede turnip, beet, 

 carrot, radish, and early onions. 



Flower Garden.- — Cultivate and water. Feed dahlias, chrysanthemums, and 

 roses. Plant out shrubs, trees, and all kinds of bulbs. Sow hardy annuals. 

 Plant geranium and pelargonium cuttings. Spray for Aphis, Red Spider, and 

 Mildew. 



Vineyard. — Select scions, if not done last month. Wliere ripening is difficult, 

 assist by removing basal leaves only, as soon as berries change colour. This 

 is the month for drying currants, sultanas, and gordos (Lexias and Clusters). 

 Do not pick before grapes are properly ripe. For instructions for packing grapes 

 for export, apply to Department. Shipments should be made in March and early 

 April. 



Cellars. — Vintage month. For light dry wines, pick as soon as grapes are 

 ripe; do not wait for over-maturity, as is so often done. Pay attention to 

 acidity; correct same if necessary with tartaric acid or late grapes. Acidimeter 

 supplied by Department; price, 3s. 6d. Sulphiting and the use of pure yeasts 

 are strongly recommended, as they insure production of sound wine; further 

 information supplied on application. 



LIMESTONE SAND. 



The hummocks environing the coast-line of the Western District from 

 A Hansford to Port Fairy consist of from 80 to 85 per cent, calcium car- 

 bonate, i.e., mild lime. There are millions of tons available. Experi- 

 ments ati Warrnambool show remarkable results especially in the grazing 

 areas. The effect of the sand, or at least the mild lime contained in the 

 sand, is to increase the rate of nitrification and to intensify the growth of 

 legumes. ' The immediate advantages are (a) a more succulent and 

 richer pasture; (h) a marked increase in the carrying capacity; and 

 (c) a longer growing period owing to maturity being retarded. 



There is no doubt the limestone sand produces a marked effect, but, 

 unfortuna'ely, the dressing required is very large — from 20 to 40 tons 

 were used in local experiments. This is the one disadvantage, for under 

 present economic conditions the cost of a suitable dressing would amount 

 to £5 per acre on land in the immediate vicinity of the hummocks, but 

 local authorities claim that the rises in the value of the land more than 

 meets this outlay. 



