604 PROCEEDINGS OF SECTION G. 
commercial standpoint, the varieties abovementioned give 
the best results in Tasmania, owing to our comparatively 
low rainfall and strong westerly winds in the summer and 
autumn months. In selecting varieties careful considera- 
tion should be given that the stocks are of the best blight- 
proof sorts, such as the Northern Spy or Winter Majetin. 
In some districts, however, the blight-proof stocks do not do 
as well as the ordinary ones, partly, I think, owing to the 
artificial richness of the soil the stock is raised in as com- 
pared with the soil of its permanent location. Again, it 
should always be borne in mind that trees grafted on 
blight-proof stocks do not come into bearing as soon as 
ordinary ones, yet, at the same time; they last longer, and 
are more satisfactory to the grower. In selecting new and 
early kinds in other parts of the globe, many people in 
Tasmania are much disappointed with the results. The 
chief reason for this is, I think, they overlook the fact that 
climate is a far-reaching factor in successful fruit culture. 
PREPARATION OF LAND AND PLANTING. 
The land should be ploughed in the late summer, and 
again in the autumn, scarified, and, if rough, a disc harrow 
should be used to break the clods, so as to bring the land 
into thoroughly good order. Too much attention cannot 
be given to this, as the benefit derived from good cultiva- 
tion cannot be overestimated in the later growth of the 
trees. Before planting in poor land, it is as well to put 
some compost round the roots, as it gives the trees a better 
chance of free growth from the beginning which is very 
desirable. The roots of the young trees should be cut 
with a sharp knife all round, as it throws vigour into them. 
From six to eight inches is quite deep enough, and the 
roots should be carefully spread out after any tap roots 
which may be present have been removed, as they only 
strengthen one particular part of the tree, which is most 
undesirable, the chief aim being to feed the tree in every 
direction. Planting should be done not later than. June 
or July, and the soil placed lightly round the roots, and 
then pressed firmly about the collar of the tree, by 
this means enabling it to benefit by the later winter rains, 
and make a good start in the following-spring, as the roots 
begin to throw out fibres long before the stem shows any 
sign of growth. The trees should be placed about eighteen 
feet apart, and this leaves ample room for cultivation. It 
is good practice to plant the different varieties together, 
thus saving labour in picking. 
