$4. QUEENSLAND AGRIGULTURAL JOURNAL. [1 Jan., 1898. 
During the month see that the orchard is kept well cultivated, and in 
dry districts, where there is water available, citrus trees should receive 
a good irrigation. Keep the nursery clean, look after all grafts or spring 
buds, and see that they are growing clean and straight, and where strong 
enough head back at the height at which it is desired to form the head of the 
tree. Budding of all kinds of fruit trees can be done during the month, the 
only requisites to success being that the buds are fully developed and that the 
bark of the stock runs freely. For budding use a very sharp knife, and see 
that you cut your buds thin—on no account remove the wood from the bud, as it 
only makes the operation slower and does no good; in fact, the quicker the 
budding is done, and the less the inner bark of the bud or stock is exposed, the 
better will be the take. Always tie your buds firmly, especially so at the base 
of the bud, as it is there that the union must take place. As soon as the bud 
has taken properly, the ties should be cut ; otherwise they are very apt to cut 
into and destroy the stock. 
Tropical Farm and Garden Notes for January. 
Hiavy rains may be expected during this month. Surface drainage should 
receive attention—the rain waters directed into their natural channels, across 
which, wherever practicable, weirs of logs or stones should be placed to prevent 
the washing away of the soil. The growth of vegetation is very rapid. 
Cuttings of Guinea grass may be made for ensilage.. Silos should be under 
cover and drained. If the weather is favourable, coffee plants may be 
advanced to the field ; showery weather should prevail. During heavier rains, 
indoor or shed work can be found putting garden and field tools and implements 
in good order. Mango sceds should be planted immediately after the fruit is 
eaten. It is better to plant them where the tree is to grow. Budding and 
grafting orange and other citrus fruits can be undertaken. Bread fruit 
(Artocarpus incisa) will ripen. Whenever root plants appear above ground, 
they should be removed to the grove. 
The rainfall average during the month of January for the past eight years 
was 17°309. inches. The mean temperature for the month extending over the 
same period is 81-4 degrees. These observations are made at Kamerunga. 
