44^ Journal of Agriculture. [8 July, 1908. 



the dairy, fodder from feedhouse to cows, or manure from shed to pit. 

 Usually it takes two men to carry a can of milk, but with the overhead 

 tram svstem under review one man may convey three cans at once to the 

 dairv. Such an arrangement is in operation at the farm of Mr. George 

 Matheson, .Moyarra, South Gippsland, who is one of the most successful 

 settlers in that district. Figs, i and 2 show how the carrier is suspended 

 from the floor joists of the loft ; the end elevation of the carrier, which is 

 suspended l)v a grooved roller on an iron rail, is also shown. The rail 

 is 2 in. X I in. flat iron screwed or bolted to 4 in. x 2 in. hardwood. It 

 mav be easier to u.se angle iron- in place of flat iron. The suspenders of 

 the carriers should be either 3 in. x 2 in. hardwood or \-m. iron with a 

 curve over the top through which the spindle of the roller will pass. If 

 there are any sharp curves on the line the trolly wheels should not be more 

 than 18 inches or 2 feet apart. If the line is straight they would be better 

 further apart. Hooks with grooved pulleys attached may be used instead 

 of the tray where required. Fig. 3 shows how to suspend the overhead 

 tram from posts outside the shed. The supports for the iron rail may be 

 bolted direct on to bearer. 



THE ORCHARD. 



James Lang, Ilarcoiirt. 



Pruning will be the chief work for the month. The object and aims 

 of pruning are to maintain a moderately good growth in the tree, and at 

 the same time produce good crops of marketable fruit. Trees that are 

 not pruned will only produce good fruit in the earlier stages of their 

 growth, while the tree is small and the growth vigorous. As it gets 

 older the fruit becomes small and unprofitable ; hence, the object of 

 pruning is to maintain an equal balance between the growth and fruit- 

 bearing qualities of the tree. A one year old tree just planted should 

 liave the leading shoot cut back to about two feet from the ground. This 

 will form the future stem of the tree, and in the spring when the buds 

 begin to shoot, leave the three top buds, and rub ofi^ all the buds below. 

 These three buds will form the foundation of the tree and should be 

 allowed to grow unchecked throughout the summer. During the following 

 winter these shoots should be shortened back ; cut off say two-thirds 

 of their growth, always cutting back to an outside bud. In the next 

 spring two shoots may be allowed to grow from each branch ; this treat- 

 ment will give six branches, and these will form the main branches of the 

 tree. To form a well balanced head the branches should be spaced as 

 nearly as possible at equal distances from each other. 



During the future growth of the tree, additional branches may be 

 left as required, taking care that they are not overcrowded. Lateral 

 branches will make their appearance during the third and fourth years. 

 Those growing inside should be well thinned out, leaving a tew only to 

 fill up the body of the tree, whilst of tlio.se growing outwards the strongest 

 mav be retained where required to further extend the tree. The leading 



