1 Noy., 1901.] QUEENSLAND AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL. 517 
Farm and Garden Notes for December. 
Farm.—During this month stripper, reaper, and binder, and here and 
there a harvester will be in full swing over what at the moment of this writing 
appears to be as fine a crop of cereals as has ever been grown in Queensland. 
It is much to be regretted that during October, the barley crops, particularly at 
Westbrook, were attacked by caterpillars, which necessitated the cutting of 
some areas for hay. Fortunately the frosts in the early part of October were 
light and did not in any way affect the wheat. Every effort should now be 
made to get in the harvest speedily, as there may possibly be some showery 
weather. In such cases barley should be most carefully stacked, otherwise it 
will be discoloured. It should not be stacked until thoroughly dry, and should 
remain from six weeks to two months in the stack before being threshed. 
Maize may still be sown on large areas, also sorghum, imphee, Kafir corn, and 
panicum. Arrowroot, ginger, and sweet potatoes may be planted. Attend to 
tobacco, and keep all crops clean, and thin out where too closely planted. 
Kirenen GarpEn.—Gather French beans, cucumbers, vegetable marrows, 
&c. as soon as they are fit for use. Even if not required for the table or for 
sale, gather them, as the plants will leave off bearing if the fruit is left 
standing. French beans may still be sown, and also the sweet varieties of 
maize for summer vegetables. The cobs in the milk stage are excellent for the 
table, and should be more extensively used than is now the case. It is almost 
too hot to grow lettuce and other salads, but with care and subsequent judicious 
watering and with the application of liquid manure many seeds may be sown ; 
cucumbers, melons, &c., may thus still be sown. Tomatoes should now be in full 
bearing. Onions should be ready to take up and store. Spread them out 
thinly in an open shed until the tops wither sufficiently to pull off easily. 
Grade them into sizes before marketing. Sow cabbage and cauliflower seed 
for early plants. Some difficulty will be experienced in raising and protecting 
the young plants, but they will be proportionately more valuable if intended 
for sale. Remove all rubbish either by burning or digging in, as rubbish heaps 
form excellent harbours for insect pests. 
Frowrr Garpen.—A few annuals may still be planted, such as balsams, 
calendulas, cosmos, coreopsis, marigold, nasturtium, portulacca, zinnia, and 
cockscomb. Make a small sowing of each. If you have amaranthus pricked 
off ready for planting, you may plant them out now. Plant them in masses 
against a dark background of foliage when the gorgeous colours will show up 
to advantage. Annuals which have done flowering should be cleared away at 
once. As grass lawns are a chief attraction, care should be taken to keep 
them closely mown. Keep all walks clear of weeds. Perpetual roses may be 
cut back so as to obtain fresh wood for bloom. If aphis or Rose Scale makes 
its appearance, spray with kerosene emulsion. Chrysanthemums will require 
a great deal of attention such as pinching and staking. Give them frequent 
waterings with weak liquid manure and allow no suckers to grow till flowering 
is over. Treat dahlias to frequent waterings and liquid manure, keep them 
well staked up. Bulbs which have finished flowering should be taken up when 
the leaves are quite dead. 
