Journal of Agriculture. ^& Jan., 1908. 



and the surface gently watered. The young plants appear during the 

 hottest part of the year, ard will require to be shaded during hot sunshine 

 and watered regularly to survive, it being necessary to water two or three 

 times a day during dry and very hot weather. 



The growing shoots of chrysanthemums should be carefully Avatched 

 at present to prevent caterpillars damaging them. Early next month the 

 crown buds appear, and if deferred or damaged by grubs, as they are 

 generally termed, the blooms are, in many cases, inferior. The growths 

 need regular examination and should be tied to stakes as they develop; 

 all lateral shoots should be removed. No buds should be saved this 

 month except in special cases where it is known that the best flowers 

 are produced on early crown buds. Carnation plants may be layered, by 

 which means a stock of young plants may be available for planting in 

 from four to six weeks. The shoots should be " tongued " on the under 

 side, fixed firmly, and covered with light soil (sandy, if possible) after 

 the reception of the cut portion of the shoot. The layers will need an 

 occasional watering during dry weather. This method of propagation is 

 practised by nurserymen for increasing shrubs that fail to strike readily 

 from cuttings. It is a method by which the amateur gardener may in- 

 crease many plants, otherwise difficult tO' propagate, without much trouble. 

 Daphne, eriostemon, and other shrubs are commonly increased by this 

 means, and the principle can be applied to a number of shy-rooting kinds. 



Kitchen Garden. 



At this season of the year little can be done be}ond keeping the ground 

 in good condition bv frequent light cultivating and by wateri^.«^^ No 

 deep cultivation should be attempted among growing crops, a light hoeing 

 or scarifying for moisture conservation being all that is necessary. As 

 soon as crops are gathered the rubbish should be cleared off, and either 

 burned or mixed in a compost heap containing fresh manure to destroy 

 any insects present, and the ground should be broken up and manured to 

 receive other crops. Advantage should be taken of a cool or moist 

 change to plant out celerv and other plants from former sowings. Seeds 

 of various saladings for succession may be sown, also peas, French beans, 

 cauliflower (at end of the month), and root crops for use in autumn and 

 early winter. Sets of early varieties of potatoes may be planted for an 

 autumn crop. 



THE RABBIT PEST. 



At the request of the Executive Committee of the Chamber of Agri- 

 culture, the various Agricultural Societies throughout the State have been 

 asked to collect all available information from progressive local residents 

 as to the means they have found most effective in dealing with the rabbit 

 pest. Journal readers whose properties have been infested are requested 

 to communicate with the Secretary of the nearest Society on the subject. 

 Particulars relative to results of poisons used and the methods of preparing 

 and laying same will be of value. 



The information will be collated bv the Societies and forwarded to 

 the Department for subsequent publication. 



