lo Feb.. 1912.] Reminders for March. 133 



REIVIINDERS FOR MARCH- 



LIVE STOCK. 



Horses. — Feed as advised last month. Those in poor condition should be " fed 

 up " in anticipation of winter. 



Cattle — Feed as last month. Where grass is plentiful, cattle can be profitably 

 bought this month. Secure heifers to calve in autumn to replenish the herd. Old 

 cows in good condition should be sold. Cows not in calf should also be sold ; 

 otherwise they will come in next season too late to be profitable. Only exceptional 

 cows, and those required for town milk supplv, should be served between now and 

 July. 



Pigs. — Feed as last month. Breeding sows should be served; the young pigs 

 will sell well in early spring when milk is plentiful. Fatten stores for winter 

 curing. Weaners should not be allowed to go back; if markets are favourable, 

 may be sold as porkers when ready. 



Sheep. — Merino and fine comeback breeding ewes should be kept strong for 

 lambing. Crutch those most woolly and clear their eyes. Rams should not be 

 running with merino or fine comeback ewes at this time. Pure British ewes and 

 very coarse crossbreds are only properly in season now. If possible, spell a 

 paddock from now, to draft ewes with lambs into during April. 



Poultry. — Cull out the drones and get rid of surplus cockerels. Keep forward 

 pullets well fed — eggs are rising in value. Repairs to houses should be done this 

 month. Thoroughly cleanse all houses and pens. Spray ground and houses with 

 a 5 per cent, solution of crude carbolic acid, to which should be added a little 

 lime — this will act as a safeguard against chicken po.x ; burn all refuse and old 

 feathers. Provide a liberal supply of green food. Add a small quantity of sulphur 

 to mash; also, for each moulting hen, add a teaspoonful of linseed to the morning 

 mash. Use tonic in water, which should be kept in cool shady spot. 



CULTIVATION. 



Farm. — Work fallow where possible for autumn sowing of cereals. Sow winter 

 fodder crops, such as rye, barley, and vetches. Prepare land for lucerne plots for 

 autumn seeding. Make silage of maize and other crops for winter use. 



Orchard. — Prepare new land for planting ; plough deeply and sub-soil ; leave 

 surface rough. Plant out strawberries after first rain. Plant crops for green 

 manure. Continue to fight the Codlin Moth. 



Vegetable Garden. — Prepare ground for winter crops. Plant out seedlings in 

 moist soil. Sow cabbage, cauliflower, lettuce, early peas, swede turnip, beet, 

 carrot, radish, and early onions. 



Flower Garden. — Cultivate and water. Feed dahlias, chrysanthemums, and 

 roses. Plant out shrubs, trees, and all kinds of bulbs. Sow hardy annuals. Plant 

 geranium and pelargonium cuttings. Spray for Aphis, Red Spider, and Mildew. 



Vineyard. — Select scions, if not done last month. Where ripening is difficult, 

 assist by removing basal leaves only, as soon as berries change colour. This 

 is the month for drying currants, sultanas, and gordos (Le.xias and Clusters). Do 

 not pick before grapes are properly ripe. For instructions for packing grapes for 

 export, apply to Department. Shipments should be made in March and early 

 April. 



Cellars. — Vintage month. For light dry wines, pick as soon as grapes are ripe ; 

 do not wait for over-maturity, as is so often done. Pay attention to acidity ; correct 

 same if necessary with tartaric acid or late grapes. Acidimeter supplied by Depart- 

 ment ; price, 3s. 6d. Sulphiting and the use of pure yeasts are strongly recom- 

 mended, as thev insure production of sound wine ; further information supplied on 

 application. 



