10 Sept., 1917.] 



Joiirridl of Agrk-uUiiir, Victoria. 



XVI 



SILVER BEET 



The Fodder for Sheep 



THE introduction of Silver Beet as a forage crop has been 

 attended with phenomenal success during the past few years. 

 Its freedom from insect pests and fungoid diseases, its resis- 

 tance to droughts and severe frosts, the enormous tonnage of 

 succulent forage it produces (giving quite six feedings off with 

 sheep in 12 months' time), and its fairly high feeding value, place 

 it in the foreground of all other forage or root crops grown for 

 stock at the present time. ^ Silver Beet appreciates a deep loam, 

 well cultivated and free from other plant growth, although it has 

 done very well on rather unpromising soils and in unfavourable 

 locations. When the crop is developed, inter-cultivation is 

 imperative, as it is not the value of the first year's crop which 

 determines the economical importance of Silver Beet, but the many 

 crops which well-nourished plants afford at subsequent seasons of 

 the year. Seed should be sown in Spring, when the ground is 

 warm, and then again in Autumn, at the rate of from 6 to 8 lbs. 

 per acre, in drills 21 inches apart. The crop is generally fit for 

 feeding in about four months from sowing. Price, 3 - per lb. ; 

 2 6 per lb. in 14 lb. lots or more. 



LAW, SOMNER & CO. 



BRITISH AND COLONIAL SEED MERCHANTS 



139-141 Swanston St., Melbourne 



Established 18SO 



Tel. Central 729 



Nurseries Orrong Rd.. Armadale, Adjoining Toorak Railway Station 



L.R.W. 



