CALENDAR OF GARDEN AND FARM OPERATIONS FOR NOVEMBER.

Lyttelton Times, Volume II, Issue 95, 30 October 1852, Page 7

CALENDAR OF GARDEN AND FARM OPERATIONS FOR NOVEMBER.

The GAKDEN.'-Spiing' leaves us impressed with the recollection that timely planting; and sowingl are very important auxiliary duties to successful cultivation, for during1 the first two months of its existence we had frequent rains, a moist atmosphere and still moister condition of the soil, all of which were highly favouring circumstances to the immediate establishment of newly removed plants, and for the rapid germination of recently sown seeds ; but the bright sunshine, the parching winds and clear dry atmosphere of the last three weeks of the closing month of Spring, has shewn us that at an advanced period of the season, plants and trees may be removed unsuccessfully, and seeds sown in dry ground may remain as dormant as though, they were devoid of vitality until either copious rains or artificial watering excites them into active growth. Should, therefore, dry weather continue, the frequent watering of lately removed plants and newly sown seeds will be an indispensable daily operation in every well managed garden, the increased value of its productions amply repaying the additional trouble involved. The sowing of Peas, Beans, French Beans, Turnips, and Spinach may still be continued, and when the drills have been drawn for either, it is a good plan to run a potful of water along the bottom of each, immediately after which the seed may be sown and covered in. The ground will retain the moisture thus imparted longer than by surface watering, and the germination of the seeds be greatly accelerated thereby. Vegetable Marrows, Cucumbers, Melons and Tomatoes raised in pots as previously directed, may now be finally planted out in a sheltered situation, each of which, except the Tomatoes, may be planted in threes about a yard apart. The first few days after removal, they should be constantly shaded and frequently watered. Tomatoes may be planted at the bottom of a paling to be trained against it, or in continuous lines across the Garden twelve inches distant in the line, and to be ultimately supported by branches similar to pea-stakes. Successional sowings of Radishes, Lettuces, Cress, and Mustard can be.continued. Cabbages and Cauliflo \ers may be transplanted and additional sowings of each may be made. Fruit Trees, especially Vines, Peaches, and Nectarines are liable to produce more youngwood than is either favourable to the future production of line fruit, or conducive to the general vigour and symmetry vi" the tree:

pinch out, therefore, with the linger and thumb ;ill seemingly superabundant shoots, leaving only such as ;ire likely to render the tree symmetrical and well proportioned. Established .Raspberries, especially on a hot dry soil, are liable at this season to throw up numerous suckers, which should either be frequently cut with a garden hoe, or carefully lifted with a fork; for they are produced at the expense, and to the great injury of the parent fruit, bearing plants at the bottom of each ; of which from three to five young shoots, left for next years' fruit-bearing canes, are amply sufficient. Strawberries some months established, contrary to general belief, give every promise of an abundant crop of fruit, the size of which will be greatly increased by frequent copious waterings. Flower borders should now be repeatedly watered, and sweet-peas, Brompton-stocks, dahlias, and other tall growing plants will now require to be staked or otherwise supported. The Fatoi.—Potatoe planting progresses slowly from a short-sighted dread that next years supply must as at present be in excess of the demand. Let those who delude themselves with such a belief, consider for a moment the almost entire abandonment of cultivation in Australia, and its partial suspension in the hitherto highly cultivated and immensely productive island of Van Diemau's Laud, and let them yet further reflect on the thousands and even tens of thousands that are now from nearly every portion of the Globe, hurrying to the golden shores of Australia, and then even to the most thoughtless, the question must occur '; from whence are these thousands to be fed?" England, South America, and even North America may each supply a portion of flour, but tlieir united contributions will fall vastly short of the inevitably great demand for food. To what purpose, then, can our farmers better turn their enclosed acres than to the immediate extensive cultivation of Potatoes, a crop perfectly certain, and for which a demand must arise at prices abundantly remunerative. From the middle of the month the sowing of yellow Swede Turnips may be commenced, against which a mistaken prejudice has hitherto existed from an erroneous impression that they were entirely rejected by cattle. Now every one practically conversant with the management of stall fed cattle in England, knows that for the first few days after the cattle are brought in from the pastures, the Turnips offered are scarcely tasted, but after three days or so, a limited' portion begins to be eaten, and soon afterwards the cattle become perfectly ravenous, consuming from Bto 12 stones per day. Now the same peculiarity holds good in New Zealand, for I am informed by a gentleman, who last season grew a quantity of swedes for his milch cows, that at first they were eaten very sparingly, but after a slant time the daily supply was greedily consumed, and the quantity of milk greatly augmented thereby. The usual allowance of seed is 4 pounds per acre, and the best variety is-" Skirving's Purple Top Yellow Swede." They seem to delight in a fresh soil, newly turned' up, and if the weather is dry, the seed should be sown immediately after the plough, so that the moist laud may ensure tlieir rapid germination. Swede Turnips are also excellent food for both Horses and growini: PigS ami the probable average produce of the crop, will be about 25 tons per .acre. Wherever patches of land in the midst of wheat or other grain crops are vacant from the destruction of seed by surface water, such patches should now be dug up, and planted with Cabbages or Mangold Wurtzel, both of which will come iv soon after wheat harvest, and afford much valuable food for Cows and Pigs. W.W. Christchureh, October 28, 1552. !he first serious accident connected with the building of the Church, occurred on Wednesday, when William Martin, who was engaged in plastering the Western entrance, was precipitated from the platform by a violent gust of wind when banding a board to a fellow-work-man, and suffered a compound and comminated fracture of the thigh, dislocation of the wrist, and severe internal injury o! the cht'st and abdomen. The sufferer was promptly conveyed to the hospital, and lin^red till yesterday, when death put an end to hi* sufferings. An inquest held on the body, resulted in a verdict of "accidental death."