692 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [11 Nov., 1912. 



using a light harrow if the hmd is rough, or a brush harrow if sandy. 

 The sowing of the seed may take place during autumn or winter in 

 light, well-drained soils; but in heavy, wet, cold land it is best to 

 delay sowing until spring-time. Frequently, in thin or patchy forest 

 land, the patches may be filled up with acacias by burning away the 

 undergrowth and putting in seeds at distances of 8 or 10 feet. 

 INIr. Gill states that, according to some, the best wattle-bark is usually 

 obtained from wattles grown under the shelter of larger trees; but it 

 is, of course, more difficult to protect such plantations from fire, 

 cattle, and bark-strippers. 



{To he continued.) 



SECOND VICTORIAN EGG-LAYING COMPETITION, 1912-13. 



//. T". Hawkins, Poultry Expert, report for month ending 14:th October. 



Good average results were obtained from the 69 pens engaged in 

 the present competition for the month ending on the 14th inst. The 

 weather has not been too favorable for high averages, due to the varia- 

 tions of temperature and at times rain squalls, accompanied by much 

 wind, which has severely tried the light breeds. The general health of 

 the birds has been good. Three deaths occurred during the month, all 

 three being "White Leghorns, due in each case to oviduct troubles; 

 replacements were made according to the rules. 



Mr. Samuel Brown's White Leghorns are well in front, having laid 

 consistently for the half-year, and their condition is very satisfactory. 

 As there are indications of broodiness amongst others which are well 

 up in the list, INlr. Brown's pen may retain its position throughout. 



The total number of eggs laid during the half-year is 38,621, an 

 average of 559.7 per pen. The feeding has been somewhat changed, 

 the meat ration being reduced one-half, due to the necessity of narrow- 

 ing the ratio as the warmer weather approaches ; very little maize has 

 been fed during the past few weeks, wheat and short oats being used 

 together with ample green lucerne, chopped finely. 



The present test has so far again demonstrated the superiority of 

 the small combed birds. The lowest pen in the competition is one of 

 large-bodied, big-combed AVhite Leghorns, coarse in the head, whilst 

 the leading 20 pens have small combs, are more active, and will be- 

 found less subject to heat apoplexy as the hot weather approaches. 



