432 Journal of Agriculture. [lo July, ipopu 



others ; and from the data furnished it should be a very simple matter for 

 each farmer to decide for himself which variety will be' the most profitable 

 for his particular farm. 



The results of the experiments also demonstrate that, with the excep- 

 tion of a few of the earlier maturing sorts such as have been just referred' 

 to, almost any of the varieties of maize dealt with will give pavable results 

 if properly cultivated. The better the preparation of the seed bed the 

 more evenly will the seed germinate. The more thoroughly the inter- 

 cultivation of the crop is effected, the mr;re satisfactory will be its growth. 

 In so far as up-to-date farming is concerned the day of the broadcast 

 system of maize-sowing is now past. Even where irrigation is practised, 

 the system of drilling in the seed in wide rows is the best. Much seed- 

 is wasted in broadcast sowing. There is an increase in the quality of 

 the fodder, as well as in the quantity, when the plants are given room ta 

 properly develop. Also, where the intercultivation of the crop is 



properl) carried out, the land is cleaned of weeds which under other 

 systems invariably make strong growth under the shelter of the 

 maize crop. Broadcast sowing of maize for anv practical purpose is more 

 or less a waste of money; and few dair\men can afford to follow that 

 method of farming. 



THE :s"ORTPTERN SPY APPLE. 



J. Croiiiji, Principal, School of Horticulture, Burnley. 



Fruit medium to large size, roundish, conical, slightly ribbed; eye 

 small, closed, set in a deep corrugated basin ; stalk short, in.serted in a 

 shallow cavity ; .skin yellow on shaded side, streaked and striped with red 

 on side, exposed to the sun ; flesh yellowish white, tender and juicv, fiavour 

 rich, aromatic, very fine. 



The tree is a strong, vigorous, upright grower, a shy bearer when young, 

 but producing good crops when mature if properly pruned and managed. 

 It is thoroughly proof against the attacks of wcollv aphis, and is now 

 generally used l)y nurserymen as a stock <jn which other varieties are 

 budded or grafted. The apple growers of Australia, at least, are deep! 

 indebted to the late Mr. Thos. Lang, of Ballarat, who was the discoverer 

 of the blight-resi.sting qualities of this variety, and who svstematicallv used 

 it and the Winter Majetin as stocks for grafting in his nursery at Warren- 

 heip. It is certain that in many districts in Victoria the culture of many 

 of the finest varieties of apples would 1 e most difficult, if not impossible,, 

 were it not for the use of this and other immune \arieties as stocks as a 

 preventive of the attacks of woollv aphis at the roots. 



Although one of the finest dessert apples in cultivation and a fairly 

 good keeper, this variety is not popular with orchardists on account of its 

 tardiness in bearing profitable crops, coupl.d with a tenderness of the skin 

 which bruises readily and prevents the fruit being displayed for sale in 

 good contlition, excepting under the most careful conditicins of handling 

 and transport. 



In districts of hea\-v rainfall, and g<'neral]\ cool climatic conditions. 

 woolly aphis is the worst pest of the apnle grower. In comm.erciaT 

 orchards the employment of special knowledge and special equipment 

 keeps tliis {>est in check, but in the gardens devoted to the cultivation of 

 fruits for domestic use the skill and material necessary are usually absent. 

 Under conditions suited to woollv aphis. Northern .Spy is an apple that 

 should find a place in the garden of the amateur. 



