40 QUEENSLAND AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL. [1 Jax., 1902. 
FRUIT-TREE PLANTING IN GERMANY. 
At the Geissingen School of Instruction in Viticulture, Fruit Culture, and 
Horticulture, experiments have been conducted since as far back as 1892, having 
for object the loosening of deep, clayey, and rocky subsoils below the depth at 
which fruit trees are usually planted. It was then shown that by means of 
explosive charges very good results might be obtained in this manner in the 
way of loosening the subsoil. 
In view of those results, in November last year, the subsoil of some holes 
destined for fruit trees was loosened by the aid of powder. The method 
consists in boring a hole about 80 centimetres (82 inches) deep in the middle 
of the fruit-tree hole by means of a paling iron (Pfahleisen) to form a 
receptacle for the powder. From # lb. to 1 lb. of blasting powder was used. 
In order to direct the action of the powder-gas to the sides of the hole, the 
charge must be tamped on top as firmly as possible withdry earth. Fig. 1 
shows such a hole with the charge ready for ignition. Simple as the work 
seems, it requires great care, and should be conducted by an expert. Fig. 2 
shows the boring{tool and wooden mallet. 
That this method of subsoil loosening effects its object was shown by 
exposing one-half of a tree hole as low down as the bottom of the borehole, 
when it was seen that the soil showed great far-extending cracks. When it is 
further considered that the winter rains and frosts easily penetrate these 
cracks, the great advantage of the work is seen to be eminently satisfactory. 
CELERY FOR RHEUMATISM. 
The primary cause of rheumatism is acidity of the blood, and exposure to 
wet and cold intensifies the trouble. The remedy is a very pleasant and simple 
one. at as much celery as possible, raw or boiled. It produces an alkaline 
condition of the blood, and so minimises the rheumatism. Celery is also an 
excellent nerve tonic. It is, therefore, an excellent vegetable to use in hot 
weather, and prevents the nervous prostration consequent upon hot, muggy 
weather. 
