HOCKIXGS' GARDEN MANUAL, 



167 



The growing field of lucerne should be frequently 

 examined, and all yellow, stunted, or unhealthy patches 

 noted, that the necessary cure may be immediately 

 applied, whether it be a dressing of manure, or the 

 draining of a hollow. 



Land that is lucerne sick, through the long con- 

 tinuance of the crop on the ground, and not through 

 want of manure or bad cultivation, is thoroughly re- 

 covered by two years' rest. Either fallow a season, 

 and the following year take a crop of potatoes or corn, 

 after which lucerne may be sown again ; or green 

 fallow the land for two years, taking one crop of some 

 cereal each year. 



The after culture of lucerne, sown broadcast, consists 

 in harrowing to destroy grass anc { other weeds : rolling 

 after harrowing, to smooth the soil for the scythe ; and 

 a top-dressing of manure once a year. 



One great enemy to lucerne is decider (Cuscuta 

 Austral is), a parasite plant which infests the crop in 

 New South Wales, and has been introduced here with 

 the seed from that colony. Wherever it makes its 

 appearance over the field it should be carefully cut 

 out, and every little piece removed and burned. 

 Whatever plants may have been destroyed by it should 

 be replaced by transplanting in the first favorable 

 weather. 



THE SORGHUM MILLET. 



(Sorghum Saccharatum). 



This valuable fodder plant is easy of cultivation, 

 and is more hardy and productive than other crops 

 raised for that purpose. 



The soil should be rich, not too heavy, and well and 

 deeply ploughed. 



If intended for fodder cut green, the seed may be 

 sown broadcast ; but if for seed, it should be sown in 

 rows three feet apart, the seed being not more than one 



