1 Jan., 1902.] QUEENSLAND AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL, 71 
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 tie should be cut; otherwise they are very apt to cut 
into and destroy the stock. 
Farm and Garden Notes for February. 
Farm.—Plough up and prepare the land for the potato crop. This work 
should be completed before the middle of the month. Plough deep. Get the 
land into good tilth, and plant small potatoes whole. If large ones are cut and 
lanted, the chances are that many will rot. Where there is a rich deep soil 
ucerne may be sown, but if weeds abound then defer the sowing until they are 
got rid of. Sort out the seed potatoes in pit or barn, and plant out any wormy 
ones at once. On the coast, maize may still be sown, but it will run great risk 
from early frosts. Under similar conditions panicum, Cape barley, sorghum, 
vetches, kafir corn, and imphee may be sown. Jor an early winter crop, sow 
mangolds and swede turnips. When planting potatoes on poor soils, use bone- 
dust: or short manure. 
Kircuen Garpen.—During this month dig or plough up all unoccupied 
ground, and get it ready for the autumn and winter crops, adding well-decom- 
posed manure unless the soil is naturally rich. Leave it exposed in the rough 
state to the weather, and only harrow or rake such portions as are immediately 
required for use. Many farmers and gardeners will have cabbages and cauli- 
flowers ready for transplanting. See that the beds are heavily manured and 
thoroughly tilled. When the transplanting is done, keep a good lookout for . 
the fly, which is almost sure to be troublesome at this time of the 
year. Force the plants into quick growth by liberal manuring, and spray with 
one of the mixtures recommended in the Journal. Extensive sowings of these 
yegetables may now be made, as also of Brussels sprouts. Shade the seed beds, 
and give plenty of water in dry weather. Towards the end of the month make 
large sowings of swedes. Sow, also, beets, carrots, onions, peas, radish, leek, 
and lettuce. French beans and the vanity butter beans may now be sown with 
a good prospect of success. Potatoes may be planted at any time from now to 
the middle of March. Cucumbers and melons should bein full bearing. Mulch 
round the plants with a good dressing of long stable manure, as this will keep 
the fruit clean and free from damp. Pinch back straggling shoots, and remove 
all fruit as it ripens. Seeds of any selected plant should be gathered, or the 
pods will become brittle and shed the seed. Eschallots and potato onions may be 
lanted. Keep the cultivator and hoe busy amongst the crops ; and when water- 
ing is to be done, let it be done thoroughly. Hither soak the soil well, or let it 
alone and depend solely on mulching. 
