39° Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [ioth June, 1912. 



and air into the interior, Aviiere it is most needed. Thisi is one means by 

 which this class of plants may be kept healthy and free from disease. 

 Very few shrubs resent pruning, and the majority of them, including Aus- 

 tralian shrubs, such as Acacias, are very amenable to the pruning knife. 



In rose pruning, the rule is that strong growing plants require less^ 

 severe cutting than weak-growing ones. As roses always flower on new 

 wood, it is essential that tO' have good blooms the bushes must be pruned 

 regularly. All weak growths, exhausted and worn-out wood, must be 

 removed, retaining only the vigorous growths. It is generally advisable 

 to always prune to four or five eyes or buds, so as to have subsequent 

 strong growths, always pruning into the previous season's wood. Spindly 

 growths, especially in the centres of the bushes, should te removed, the 

 plants being trained with an open and angular habit. 



To prevent loss, by decay, it will be advisable to lift and store such 

 herbaceous plants as delphiniums, perennial phlox, rudbeckias, &c., also 

 dahlia tubers, chrysanthemums, cannas, and perennial sunflowers and 

 asters. Failing the possibility of dohig this, they should be lifted gently 

 with a fork, so as to allow of a slight air space under the crown. 



"Vegetable Garden. 



If not previously done, asparagus beds should be well cleaned out, and 

 a top-dressing of manure given. To insure good drainage, the soil from 

 the paths, or between the beds, may be thrown up on to the beds, so as 

 to deepen the stirface drainage, and to consequently warm the beds. This- 

 will mean earlier growths. A heavy dressing of manure should be given, 

 and the beds well and roughly dug over. 



Plant out seeds of tomatoes, and the pumpkin family in the frames ; 

 and sow in the open, .seeds of peas, lettuce, spinach, broad beans, raddish,. 

 onion, carrot, and leek. Asparagus crowns, rhubarb roots, tubers of Jeru- 

 salem artichokes, shallots, and onions may now be planted out. Celery 

 should still be earthed up, taking care not to have the beds too wet. 



ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. 



The Staff of the Depn-tiiient has been orj^'aiiized to a lars'e extent for the inirpose of j^iving information 

 to farmers. Question" in every branch of ayrieulture are >;la(lly answered. Write a short letter, giving as 

 full pi'ti<'n1ars as possible, of 3'our local conditions, and state precisely what it is that yon want to know. 

 All inquifi.es forwanied to the Kditor ■mu.-<t be accinitpanied by tite name ani address of the writer. 

 This is very necessary, as soni'-fiinr« in^nllicipnt infnvniation is fnrnisheil liy i he inquirer. 



Sunflower Seed for Poultry Feeding. — G.G.B. asks : — What are the fooif 

 elements in sunflower seed, and generally as to its utility as food for pouUry ? 



Answer. — Food elements consist chiefly of Albuminoids, 13.0; Carbo hydrates,, 

 17.7; Fats, 21.0; Water, 8.0; and Ash, 3.0. In excess it is injurious to poultry, 

 being too rich in heating and fattening properties. Useful if fed sparingly during 

 moulting period. 



Cr.^mps in Terrier. — T.F.C. asks how to treat his fox terrier for cramp, which 

 attacks it after a journey or much swimming. Seems in great pain and froths a^ 

 the mouth? 



Ansjver. — Try the efi'ect of a dose of areca nut, 20 grains in the form of a [mII, 

 for three consecutive mornings. 



Potatoes. — "New Chum" wishes to know if it is advisable to soak seed potatoes 

 in a solution of formalin, and, if so, what is the right strength? 



Answer. — Formalin, i lb. to 30 gallons of water steeped for two hours. 

 For spraying plants : — ■ 



Bordeaux — 6 lbs. sulphate of co[)]:)er (bluestone) ; 4 lbs. lime ; ^o gallons 



water. 

 Burgundy — 8 lbs. sulphate of copper; 10 lbs. washing soda; 40 gallons 



water. 

 Time of application — When plants are about 8 inches high ; after that 

 according to weather conditions as often as necessary. 



