448 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 July, 1918. 



Manuee. 



Manure should be used rather more freely than for a cereal crop, 

 either bone or bone and super, being applied in equal proportions. 



Weeding. 



The land selected should be clean, and if strong-growing weeds, such 

 as thistle, dock, wild turnip, radish or fern, &c., appear, they must be 

 cut or pulled at the most suitable time; this is necessary, for they not 

 only occupy space that should be growing flax, but give trouble in the 

 after treatment. 



Harvesting. 



The crop should not be allowed to fully mature. It is ready for 

 harvesting when most of the seed bolls have turned brown, though a 

 few of the lower ones may be more or less green. The stems at this 

 stage are usuallv, but not necessarily, of a golden colour, with the lower 

 portion of the foliage dropping off. 



The crop should be cut as near the ground as possible, because the 

 stems carry fibre right to the surface, and if long stubble be left much 

 fibre is wasted. Another advantage is that cutting low makes the work 

 easier. The cutting parts of the reaper and binder should be in perfect 

 order, and plain blades are preferable to serrated. 



Sheaves should be small, as in this form they are much more readily 

 threshed than when large. They should be stood in long stooks (not 

 round), and stacked when ready, as unduly long exposure in the 

 paddock is objectionable. 



Note. — When the object is a crop of seed only, a thinner sowing is 

 advisable, and the crop should be alloAved to mature. 



NOTES ON CARE OF HORSES DURING AUGUST. 



The feeding and general management of horses recommended for 

 July will also api^ly for this month. Horses, more especially young 

 ones, running on low-lying country are liable to become affected with 

 internal parasites. This will be recognised by the unthrifty and poor 

 condition of the animals; in such, cases medicinal treatment will be 

 necessary. If the following lick be made available, it will not only be 

 of great assistance in preventing serious invasion, but in cases where 

 worms are not in large numbers, the repulsion of them from the intestinal 

 tjract will result : — 



Liclc. 

 20 parts salt. 

 10 do. lime. 

 1 do. sulphate of iron. 



If possible, be with mares at foaling, so that the navel cord may be 

 properly tied and thoroughly treated with antiseptic, and thus prevent 

 that very fatal disease, navel or joint ill. Wash cord with one part of 

 corrosive sublimate to 3,000 of water, and soon after paint with tincture 

 of iodine. The iodine treatment must continue till the cord has com- 

 pletely dried up. 



