704 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [10 Nov., 1917. 



the milk to each calf. Let them have a i^uud grass run or lucerne, or J lb. 

 crushed oats each per day in trough. Dehorn all dairy calves, except those 

 required for stud or show purposes. 



Pigs. — Sows.- — Supply those farrowing with plenty of short bedding in well- 

 ventilated sties. Those with litters old enougli may be turned into grass run. 

 .\ll pigs should be given a plentiful supply of ilran water. Read Bulletin No. 16. 

 Vis. raising and fattening with present price of pollard and bacon should be 

 highly profitable. 



Sheep. — Mate all good young ewes procurable. Fatten and dispose of ^11 

 broken-mouthed, inferior-fleeced, and very coarse-woolled sorts. Where ewe lambs 

 are intended to be held for future breeding, see that the cross results in shafty, 

 fine to medium grade fleeces, as well as a shajiely frame. Allow rams tn remain 

 with the ewes seven weeks, this period admitting of any ewes coming in season 

 the second time. It is rarely necessary to join more than 3 i)er cent, of 2 tooths, 

 3 per cent, of 5 and G year olds, or 2 per cent, of 2, .3 and 4 year old rams, unless 

 with young ewes. If conditions justify it, 4 per cent, of vigorous matured rams 

 with aged coarse crossbred ewes will bring a greatly increased numlier of twin 

 lambs. Clear wool and burrs from about the pizzles of rams, and cut hoofs into 

 shape before mating. Ewes should be of one lireed, or as near one cross as pos- 

 sible, to ensure an even and rapid dropping. Merino and fine cross ewes are in 

 season earliest, first cross or half-breds later, and all ewes with a preponderance 

 of British blood later still. Ewes carry their lambs four montlis, four weeks, 

 four days, or roughly, five months. 



Poultry. — Add a little peameal to morning mash and give less bran. Feed 

 equal parts wheat and heavy oats at night. Supply plenty of green food — at this 

 time, lettuce is invaluable. Discontinue salts and condiments. Avoid salt meat 

 of any description. Put Douglas mixture in drinking water when required. 

 Keep ample supplies of sand, ashes, &c., in pens, and moisten same. This 

 will enable the birds to keep themselves cool and clean. Top off geese, ducka, 

 and cockerels for the Christmas markets. Hens will do better this month by 

 having free range. Remove all male birds from flocks, as infertile eggs will 

 keep longer and command a higher price. 



CULTIVATION. 



Farm. — Cut hay in late districts. Cut oats and barley in early places. 

 Finish planting potatoes. Put in late maize for fodder, also millet and imphee. 

 Plough fire-breaks where required. Get stackj-ard and stages ready for hay. 



Orchard. — Keep the surface loose and free. Suppress weeds. Spray as 

 often as necessary for codlin moth and pear slug. Mulch and spray young 

 trees and grafts with water in the early morning during hot weather. 



Vegetable Garden. — Keep the surface hoed, and allow the plants plenty of 

 moisture. Stake, pinch out, manure, and water tomatoes. Pinch back long 

 runners of pumpkin and melon family. Sow autumn and winter varieties of 

 cabbage and cauliflower. Plant out seedlings in cool weather. Sow French 

 beans. Cease cutting asparagus beds, and top-dress with manure. 



Flower Garden. — Plant out dahlias and gladioli for autumn blooming. Lift 

 and store spring flowering bulbs. Stake, tie, and train growing plants. Sow 

 zinnias and asters. Layer carnations, camelias, daphnes, &c. Water well and 

 keep the surface loose. Keep rose beds fairly dry. 



Vineyard. — ^Inspect young grafted vines ( field or bench ) ; suckering and 

 removal of scion roots 'should be carefully attended to — See Journals for Septem- 

 ber and October, 1917. Tie up young vines. Beware of cut worms on young 

 vines — See Journals for July, 1911, and September, 191.S. Tying up of bearing 

 vines, if practised, should be completed early in month. Avoid excessive and 

 indiscriminate topping, far too frequent in Victoria. Scarify, if soil is not suffi- 

 ciently loose, and after heavy rain or irrigation. Look out for oidium and repeat 

 sulphurings on first apijearnnce of disease. Keep a sharp look-out for Downy 

 Mildew — See article in current issue. 



Cellar. — Fill up regularly and keep cellars as cool as possible. 



