532 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [11 Sept., 1916. 



Plate 15, rig. 1, depicts stake, tree with three buds, from which the 

 branch system is formed, projecting above top of stake, and method 

 of tying. The relative positions of sixteen stakes of this kind are sho-\vn 

 in Plate 11. 



The stakes are made from 2-in. by 2-in. hardwood 2 ft. 3 in. long, 

 and pointed as shown in the diagram, with 1 ft. 6 in. driven into the 

 ground and 9 inches above the surface. Stakes 6 inches longer should 

 be provided for use in loose sandy soils or on land where subsoiling 

 operations have been carried out. 



The trees should not be cut to the desired length prior to being 

 planted, as the buds which are required to form the branch systems 

 may be accidentally destroyed during planting operations. To secure 

 the tree to the stake, procure a strip of hessian 2 feet long and 2 inches 

 wide. Take one turn with the hessian first around the stake and then 

 two turns around the tree and stake, then tie a piece of soft twine 

 on the hessian to keep it in position as shown in the illustration. 



If the tree is planted on the side of the stake facing south, the 

 stem will be somewhat shaded from the sun and hot northerly winds, 

 which frequently cause hardness of the bark, and often impede its 

 development. 



When stakes are not employed, pegs made from |-in. round hard- 

 wood about 1 ft. 6 in. long, as shown in Plate 15, Fig. 2, may be used 

 to mark the positions of the trees. They are removed when the trees 

 are being planted with the planting board. 



{To he continued.) 



Abraham Lincoln had a good notion of intensive cultivation. " More 

 brain, less sweat," was his view on the matter. " How foolish," he 

 remarked, " to walk over 40 acres when an equal crop can be raised 

 from 10 acres by intensive cultivation." 



As an instance of what irrigation can do, the example of Mildura 

 may be cited. On an area of 12,000 acres, an inland community of 

 6,000 souls, enjoying a high standard of comfort, is maintained. The 

 annual value of Mildura's products is no less than £450,000. 



How the war affects America as regards potash salts — shipments to 

 America, August, 1914, 50,000 tons; shipments, August, 1915, 500 tons. 

 A big nitrate of soda concern during the past twelve months made a 

 gross profit of only £8,000 against about £80,000 for the previous year. 



When taking cows to or from pasture, or, for the matter of that, 

 anywhere, never hurry them, but allow them to walk at their own 

 natural pace, and do not shout and holloa and kick up a row generally, 

 as though you had a crowd of wild and savage beasts to deal with. 



