382 QUEENSLAND AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL. [L Nov., 1902. 
Farm and Garden Notes for December. 
Frerp.—The wheat harvest should now have been in full swing all over 
the wheat-producing districts of the State; but, unfortunately, owing to the 
severe drought, the harvest will be amere nominal one. After the magnificent 
wheat yield of 1901-1902, high hopes were entertained that that of 1902-1903 
would have reached 2,000,000 bushels, but, when the month of September had 
passed without any rains to germinate the seed, the last hope was abandoned. 
It then only remained to prepare as much land as possible for maize. Thus 
our best month of the spring season for general planting and sowing was lost. 
Farmers, from time immemorial, have been called grumblers, but very little 
grumbling is heard amongst the Queensland farmers. They take the visitation 
philosophically, on the principle that what can’t. be cured must be endured. 
Should good rains fall, the land under the plough will quickly resume its normal 
covering of green and luxuriant crops. 
After the rain, sow maize, panicum, imphee, Kafir corn, sorghum, and 
plant arrowroot, ginger, and sweet potatoes. 
Kircuen Garpen.—Gather cucumbers, melons, vegetable marrows, and 
French beans as soon as they are fit for use. Even if they are not required, 
still they should be gathered, otherwise the plants will leave off bearing. Seeds 
of all these may still be sown: for a succession. Tomatoes should be in full 
bearing, and the plants should be securely trained on trellises or stakes. Take 
up onions, and spread them out thinly on the barn floor until the tops wither 
sufficiently to pull off easily. They should then be graded into sizes, and sent 
to market or stored in a cool dry place. Where there is an unlimited supply of 
water, and shade can be provided, lettuce and other salad plants may still be 
sown. 
: Frower Garpren.—Keep the surface of the land well stirred. Do not 
always stir to the same depth, otherwise you are liable to form a “hard pan,” 
or caked surface, beneath the loose soil. Alternate light, with deep hoeings. 
A few annuals may still be planted, such as balsams, calendulas, cosmos, 
coreopsis, marigold, nasturtium, portulacea, zinnia, and cockscomb. Plant out 
whatever amaranthus may be ready. They may still be sown in boxes. Clear 
away all annuals which have done flowering. Bulbs should have all the dead 
leaves cut away, but the green leaves should not be touched. Stake chrysan- 
themums, and, as the flower buds develop, give them weak liquid manure. 
Coleus may now be planted and propagated from cuttings. Dahlias are in 
various stages, but the greater part will have been planted by this time. Give 
them liquid manure, and never let them dry up. Lift narcissus about the end 
of the year, but do not store them. Plant out at once in their new positions. 
Top dress all lawns. 
