loOcT., 1Q1-] LiDic for Orc/iards. 641 



case wlwre fruit is grown on heavy clay soils. In these soils fruit trees; 

 grow through a lengthy period, so that a considerable quantity of im- 

 mature wood is produced to the detriment of suijsequent crops of fruit. 

 Measures have not hitherto been adopted to definitely determine the actual 

 effect of lime on the different parts of the tree ; but investigations in- 

 other countries show that on soils rich in lime the wood is matured earlier 

 and the fruit-buds are mere stock\ and robust than is the case with trees 

 grown on soils deficient in lime. This is very apparent tn any one 

 acquainted with the fruit areas of many parts of Cipjisland and other 

 places in Southern Victoria, and one is struck with the unusual prominence 

 or length of the fruit-buds, the relative distance between the nodes, and 

 the softness of the wood in these districts when compared with the same 

 varieties grown in fruit centres known to possess lime in abundance. 



It may not, however, be correct to assign these differences solely tot 

 the effect of lime, as other soil constituents bear an important ])art orr 

 the character of the tree and its fruit-buds, particularly potash. It i.s- 

 generally recognised that the trees are not so manageable nor so prf)!ific 

 in bearing in soils where lime is deficient, and growers who have rectified 

 this have had excellent results, though as artificial fertilizers were sub- 

 sequently applied the same year, the relative va.lue of the lime could not 

 be ascertaineil. Though lime plavs an important part in the apple and 

 pear tree^ it is in the stone fruits that its value is most apparent. It 

 is a familiar fact that in .soils rich in lime the stone fruits set their crops 

 well, and are not so j)rone to cast off their fruit at the period of 

 " stoning " as is otherwi.se the case. Where trees are making extensive 

 wood grouch with abundant foliage there is buL little doubt that the ap- 

 plication of lime at the rate of 7 to 8 cwt. to the acre would be of pro 

 no'.inccd benefit. 



No class of fruit is more eloquent in its retjuest for specific soil con- 

 stituents than the citrus. A light yellowish appearance of the leaves- 

 demands an application of nitrogenous manures, whilst the want of 

 phosphoric acid is evidenced by manv of the light laterals dying off. In 

 a soil where lime is abundant the thinness of the rind, the deep colour 

 and delicate aroma of the f.ruit are special features of the orange, so 

 that beneficial- effectS'.are. obtained .bv the use. of lime in almost all classes 

 of fruit. 



ARTTFiriAL MANURES ACT. No. 2274. 

 Sfxtion 14. 



NOTICE TO MANUFACTURERS AND IMPORTERS OF 

 ARTIFICIAL MANURES. 



Applications for registration of brands of all manures which are 

 intended for sale during the ensuing season mu.st, with declarations and 

 regulation fees, be lodged with the Secretary for Agriculture on or before 

 the I St November. 



