1 Aprin, 1898.] QUEENSLAND AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL. , 291 
Mont or PropaGatina. 
_ The principal method of propagating is by cuttings or slips. Some 
maintain that slipping down the small twigs, leaving the heel attached, is 
preferable, as this gives a better root system, and the plant is more vigorous 
than that from the clean cut ; but, whatever there may be in this, there can be 
no doubt that a good well-prepared cutting will hold its own with any other. 
The cutting should be of clean and fresh growth, about 4 to 5 inches in length; 
the side leaves should be taken off, leaving only the top one or two which are 
exposed. These should be planted in sandy mould, properly prepared so as 
not to crust or bake on the surface. The paring from the surface of a sandy 
or light loamy soil will answer the purpose well. It should be gathered and 
placed in heaps some time prior to its being used, so as to decompose the 
vegetable matter which it contains. The cuttings or slips are then placed in a 
frame or box, and supplied with a slight bottom heat, where practicable, which 
will assist considerably in getting the young plants started into a vigorous and 
healthy growth. ; ; 
Plants may also be raised from seed, but this system is not so favourably 
regarded, as the seeds vary in character, owing to the lavender bloom being a 
special favourite for bees and other honey-seeking insects, which inoculate the 
flowers from any of the same family that may be within reach; the product 
then has not that even character which is obtained by the carefully selected 
cutting. 
Sor. 
A sandy loam is most suitable for lavender growth. The plant thrives 
under almost any conditions, but, when oil extraction is the object, suitable soil 
and climate should be chosen ; if grown on strong or rich land, the produce is 
coarse. 
In some parts of the colony this plant becomes quite a coarse shrub, and 
useless for producing that fine rich scent which it is noted for. Land 
altogether too poor for ordinary farming will answer well for many of the 
perfumes, lavender included. 
PREPARATION OF Sern. 
The soil should be ploughed a good depth, 7 to 8 inches, and be exposed 
to a summer sun prior to receiving the plants. The furrows should be well 
pulverised to the depth to which it is ploughed, in order that the young plants 
may be enabied to push their way through in search of food; and, unless they 
are enabled to get a good firm hold of the soil, they will not be enabled to 
withstand the summer drought, as the strain on the plants when the tops are 
removed is considerable, and frequently results in their loss altogether. Every 
“care should be taken to guard against breaks in the plantation, as the young 
plants are not easy to re-establish between the old growing ones. 
DRraInaGe. 
_ This very important operation should not be overlooked, as on it not only 
does the life and health of the plant depend, but also the quality of the pro- 
duct. A good system of drainage is essential, both to surface and subsoil, 
and wherever the water is inclined to lodge in the bottom it must be got away 
or evil effects will soon follow. 
Where the subsoil is porous, deep drainage is unnecessary, but surplus 
surface water should be removed. 
‘System oF PLANTING. 
The usual system of planting is in rows which are 5 feet apart, and the 
plants 4 feet in the rows ; sometimes the rows are 6 feet apart, and the plants 
closer in the rows, but the practice varies. Itis well to give them an abundance 
of room; this will enable the cultivation and work of harvesting to be carried 
on with greater advantage. Some advocate the close planting system, and have 
