VEGETABLE GROWING IN NEW SOUTH WALES. 89 



The tomatoes start to ripen from the base of the plant, and the ripening 

 proceeds gradually towards the top. 



i The tomatoes are sprayed occasionally to check black spot, Bordeaux 

 mixture being used at the summer strength. This is prepared from copper 

 sulphate, 6 Ib ; lime, 4 Ib. ; water, 50 gallons. 



Diseases and Pests. 



Black spot (page 94) ; early blight (page 101) ; late (or Irish) blight 

 {page 102) ; ripe rot (page 106) ; wilt- (page 109). 



A physical condition known as " sunburn" is also referred to on page 109. 



Cutworm (page 114) ; eelworm (page 118); Rutherglen bug (page 123) ; 

 tomato and bean bug (page 124) ; wireworm (page 127). 



TREE ONION. 



The tree onion is a variety of multiplier onion, which, in addition to form 

 ing " cloves," as with the potato onion, produces clusters of small bulbs on 

 the tips of the stalks, which are used for pickles. The cloves at the bottom 

 of the plant (smaller than those of the potato onion) may be used for propa- 

 gating, as well as the small bulbs obtained from the top ; these latter being 

 planted about March. The large bulbs produced at the bottom of the plant 

 are bad keepers and should be used quickly. Some strains of this class of 

 onion produce extra tall tops, and in all cases it is necessary to give plenty 

 of room between the sets when planting. 



Diseases and Pests. See list attached to o'nion (page 67). 



TURNIP AND SWEDE. 



Almost all soils are suitable for the production of Swede turnips, the 

 governing factor being more the supply of moisture than the richness of the 

 land. The turnip is a shallow rooter, and every effort must be made in the 

 cultivation of the soil and in the application of manures to retain the plant- 

 food near the surface where it can be readily drawn upon by the crop. 



The land should be ploughed or dug deeply, and brought to a fine tilth. 

 This is essential to ensure the proper germination of the seed. On very loose 

 soils the hand-sower at times shows an inclination to run too deep, and in 

 order to lighten the work it is advisable .to use the roller to compact the 

 seed-bed. In most parts of the State it will be found that December to 

 March sowings will produce the best results. Swedes do not do well in 

 New South Wales when sown early in the summer, the crop being one that 

 is native to cool conditions. The attacks of aphis in summer time also 

 contribute to failure, while the . heavy moisture requirements of the crop 

 further demand that it shall be grown at a time when the rainfall is most 

 regular. Autumn sowing avoids the hot weather and the attacks of aphis, 

 and allows the development of the roots at a time when the rainfall is usually 

 more regular, and the evaporation very much less. 



