JOTTINGS FOR FARMERS

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 13569, 2 November 1909, Page 8

JOTTINGS FOR FARMERS

The potato blight has, made its appearance at Ross (South Westland) an a very early crop of potatoes. The Napier syndicate's new machinery from Home for dressing flax, which it intends to set up near Foxton, will, it is said, turn out the finish(hl ' 6bro within 48 hours from the time the green flax leaves the swamp. The exact nature of the new process mi not knofvn, except by those concerned in tho venture, but it is understood to include steam-drying. The recent settled weather has greatly promoted the growth of the grain crops in North Canterbury. City dwellers who wish to eeo what the country is like when at one of its best periods of the year could not do better than go as far afield as train or motor-car will take them. The point to be noted at present is the vast potentialities of the Ashley County for growing crops and producing sheep (writes oar correspondent). Besides this tho town residents, would realise the rapid progress which is being made not only in prodnction but in improvements to farms and stations, where every up-to-date method is being utilised to the best purpose. In the gardens and orchards there is a good prospect of a fair crop of small fruits, and raspberry-growing patches are looking very promising. The apple trees which have blossomed since the gale of last week give indications of good crops of fruit for the autumn.