ELLESMERE.

Press, Volume LXVII, Issue 13936, 9 January 1911, Page 4

ELLESMERE.

Harvesting is now becoming general throughout the •EHesmere district. The warm weather experienced during last week has made a considerable difference in the appearance of all kinds of crops. Many oats crops have been cut, and quite a number of wheat and barley crops have been reaped during tho past two or three days. So quickly are cereals ripening that in many cases farmers will be able to go straight through with their reaping when they are able to make a start. Amongst those who are cutting are Messrs Holley Bros., of Leeston, who have a very nice field of oats in stook. Th«i«y are now having a particularly fine crop of wheat reaped, which should thresh very well. Round about Southbridge, Messrs W. B. Andrew, A. J. Inwood, J. E. Inwood, "W. Lochhead, and others are having crops cut. In several parts of the Ellcsmerc district the caterpillar has made its appearance, and though its ravages have not been so serious as last year, a fair amount of dnmago has been done. The pest is not confining its attentions alone to the barley, as in former years, but may bo found amongst the wheat and oats. The members of the committee appointed by the EHesmere A, and P. Association to inspect tho fields of wheat, entered in tho competition for Mr Ronnie's prize, state that caterpillars were to be seen in a paddock of wheat belonging to Mr Young, of Irwell, on the occasion of their visit some weeks ago. The pest made its appearance exceptionally early this season, due, no doubt, to the mild winter experienced, which favoured tho hatching of the grubs. In consequence of the prevalence of the pest in some of the crops, farmers aro anxious to get their cutting done as soon as possible. Several threshing machine* aro out already threshing oats and barley, but no returns have yet come to hand. There will be But little grass seed of any consequenco to thresh this season.