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heat of summer and is also a winter grass in frost-free localities, 

 is not eaten out by pasture animals ; it will grow in drift sand 

 of the coast, and will keep growing in the dry season when 

 most other grasses fail, bat improves much on irrigation ; the 

 roots resist some frost ; three tons can be cut from an acre in a 

 single season. It yields so large a hay crop that it may be cut 

 half a dozen times in a season should the land be rich. All 

 kinds of stocks have a predilection for this grass. Much over- 

 looked in its importance for fixing loose soil on embankments. 

 It will mat the soil with its deep and spreading roots, hence it 

 should be kept from cultivated fields." 



A quantity of the roots have been sent to the railway de- 

 partment for trial and I believe they have been planted on the 

 South Coast Line, where it should do well in fixing the loose 

 sand on that portion of the line. A smaller quantity was sent 

 to Dr. Hyslop for trial near the Government Asylum, but as 

 yet I have no report from either. 



Pruning Citrus Treks. — I have frequently been asked as to 

 how Citrus trees should be pruned, and have replied that they 

 require little if any pruning as a rule, but I have noticed that 

 some persons have, in my opinion, damaged their trees and 

 spoiled their shape and appearance by taking off the lower 

 branches, for what reason I do not know. In a late issue of 

 the " Tropical Agriculturist " I find the following : — 



Citrus Trees Require very little Pruning. — The first year 

 should see them take proper shape,, and if well cared for they will 

 expand and develop symmetrically without much subsequent 

 pruning. A little pinching back here and there as the tree 

 starts off the first year is ordinarily sufficient. Make the tree's 

 head low and compactly. Don't put any ignoramus who pro- 

 fesses to know it all, to butchering your trees as I have seen 

 done recently, where a man went through a healthy, flourish- 

 ing young grove, and left only skeletons behind, setting the 

 trees back more than a year's growth and fruiting. If you do 

 not know how to do it yourself, or cannot get a man of ex- 

 perience to advise you, you had better not prune at all, con- 

 centrate your energies on thorough cultivation and fertilizing, 

 and the tree will do the rest." 



A gentleman who cultivates Citrus trees in Australia called 

 at the Gardens a short time ago and told me that the plan he 

 pursues is to allow a Citrus tree to divide into three branches 

 at from 6 to 12 inches from the ground, thus forming three 

 main stems which he endeavours to keep of about equal strength, 

 the tree then assumes a good form, with plenty of air space in 

 the centre, and he is seldom troubled with any disease attack- 

 ing the plants. About every third year he sows the ground 



