578 



THE FARMERS HANDBOOK. 



The crop is probably grown more extensively along the Macleay .River 

 than on any other coastal river. In that district it is used as a dual- 

 purpose crop, the greater bulk of the growth being used as a " soiling " 

 fodder and the residue being turned under for green manure. It is this 

 procedure that to a large extent keeps up the fertility of the land. Maize 

 is the chief crop grown, and to crop continually without a change, as 

 vetches, soon has a marked effect in decreasing its yields. Vetches are more 

 highly valued by mixed farmers as a fodder crop than any other legume, 

 excluding lucerne, and they are easily grown. During the last year or two, 

 however, their growth has not been satisfactory, owing to a " damping off " 

 occurring when the plants are about 6 inches high. This is more in isolated 

 cases than the general rule, and is probably caused by the very wet autumns 

 and winters. 



Black Vetches and Huguenot Wheat. 



Along the Manning River the vetch is chiefly used mixed with oats, wheat, 

 or barley as cow fodder. Used in this manner it is preferable to field peas, 

 which are not always relished by cows. It has often been noticed that where 

 vetches have been included with a cereal the latter invariably has a richer 

 colour than when sown alone, thus showing the value of the vetch as a soil 

 renovator early in its growth. 



This crop can be grown in most parts of the State where there is a fair 

 rainfall during the winter. In the moist coastal districts it grows very 

 luxuriantly in the cool weather, and produces a valuable fodder during 

 winter and early spring. 



The soil best suited to vetches is a loam or clay loam. Sandy soils are not 

 generally suitable, although vetches will do better than peas on such soils, and, 

 given a good season, they do moderately well on the poor sandy soil at the 

 Hawkesbury Agricultural College. 



