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THE FARMERS HANDBOOK. 



The Seed-bed. 



Just before the seed is sown a light ploughing should be given, and the 

 land well harrowed and rolled, to level the surface, and to give a firm, fine 

 seed-bed. Generally, about three or four harrowings and one good rolling 

 are required, but in some circumstances it is necessary to roll twice. If 

 weeds or grass are still present they should be worked out with a spring- 

 tooth cultivator and removed. 



Since the surface soil undergoes the greatest change, it follows that it 

 becomes the most fertile, and it is necessary to retain it where the young 

 plants will be benefited by the enhanced fertility. The seed is planted near 

 the surface, and it is there that the young roots gain the sustenance inquired 

 by the plant. If deep ploughing is given the second time, this improved 

 soil is inverted and put beyond the range of the young roots. The second 

 ploughing should, therefore, be shallow. 



Selecting Lucerne Seed. 



Good lucerne seed should be sound, mature, plump, bright, well saved, and 

 reasonably even in size. It should not contain more than 1 per cent, by 

 weight of impurities and weed seeds, with no dodder or harmful weed seeds 

 present (purity standard 99 per cent.). It should be free from insect pests 

 and fungus disease; and there should not be less than 85 germinable seeds 

 ip every 100. 



Dodder Seed. 

 (Cwseuta trifolii). 



Lucerne Seed. 



X 5. 



If grown in Xew South Wales, the seed is likely to give better results 

 than if imported, even though the germinating powers may be alike. It is 

 wise to test all seed for purity and vitality. To carry out the test, take a 

 piece of blotting paper about 6 by 8 inches in size, folded across the middle, 

 and place on an ordinary dinner plate. Moisten the blotting-paper with water, 

 and spread 100 seeds evenly over one half of the paper ; turn the top flat down, 

 and invert another dinner plate over the lower one so as to serve as a cover- 

 The plates should then be set in a warm place, where the temperature can 



