556 



Joiinial of A \:^ri culture. 



io Sept., 1909. 



The iniiTDNrd methods of cultivation and rotation of crops adopted on 

 this farm, on tlie advice of officers of the Department of Agriculture, arc 

 forcihlv demonstrated by the heavv vields of fodder crops grown; par- 

 ticularlx when it is considered that the soil is of a white sandy nature, 

 and, in its \irgin state two vears ago, was covered with a dense growth 

 of bracken fern. It was then not fertile, but its mechanical condition 

 facilitates cultivation at all periods of the vear, and by applving suitah.le- 

 manures it res]x)nds readily with pavable vields of fodder crops. 



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2. GROUND PLAN OF PADDOCK.S. .SHOWING SYSTEM OF SUB-DIVISION. 



'J'h<; method adopted in clearing the bracken fern, was to ]jlough (.some 

 J 4 inches deep), getting below the roots, three horses being used in a 

 single furro'W jilough. After harrowing, the roots were raked into heaps 

 and burned. Continuous cultivation has since kept the paddocks free 

 from further growth of bracken. 



To successfullv work such a farm as this it is necessary to have some 

 system, Man\- farmers lack system in lh( ir ojierations. This is o'ften 

 due to pres.sure of work, to want of foresight \n planning, or to- the 

 careless conception of nM|uirements by the owner. Mr. Hope has a 

 .system and follows it, always planning ahead, and therebv keeping the 

 farm operations up-to-date. 



Tile Drmnage. 



.Some 20 acres have so far been drained with ,^inch tile drains. The- 

 advantages to be derived by draining this sandy land are apparent bv the 



