Page 6 Advertisements Column 1

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 9726, 23 January 1895, Page 6

A writer _in the Gardeners' Chronicle states that in some kinds of soil, and in favourable situations, the larch will grow with great rapidity. Last year several trees, five years planted, made leading shoots four feet in length, indeed one measured four feet two inches, which must be regarded as an excessive length for one season's growth. The soil is heavy, and retentive of moisture, just the kind to suit the growth of larch. An authority on the subject has stated that when soot is used, it should be remembered that, as its nitrogen occurs in the form of ammonia salts, a comparatively rapid action upon plants will follow. , This fact explains why it is so generally employed as a top-dressing for corn crops. Another well-known property of soot, apart from strictly fertilising capabilities, is the power it possesses of warding off and counteracting the inroads of insect pests. Therefore, when this material is forthcoming ab a reasonable price, it will render farmers good value for their outlay. In purchasing it the rule must be recognised that low prices do not necessarily ensure a bargain, materials costing very little, if particularly poor in quality, ultimately prove comparatively more expensive than richer ones for which more is charged. An uninitiated person might at first suppose that soot is soot all the world over, and, therefore, it would be unnecessary to consider any possible difference in quality as a matter of great moment. It will be found upon investigation that no two samples are alike, the results of chemical analysis showing that the proportion of ammonia varies from 2 to 5 per cent., a point of primary importance, as its usefulness is governed by this factor. The chief cause of such wide divergencies is the great uncertainty regarding ' the relative quantity of cinders and other refuse matters. Obviously, if these are abundant, a sample must be correspondingly reduced in fertilising constituents. The employment of soot undoubtedly tends to materially lighten the character of clay eoil. , The drapery department of the D.S.C., will' ;be closed on Wednesday afternoon next, preparatory to sale to be held on Thursday, 24th January, 1895. / " Yalumba " Tokay. From oldest vineyard in South Australia.—L. D. Nathan and :; Co. -. .„■ " , * The undoubted success that has attended , the " Reliable " .teas, is due to the sterling character of the teas, and to the moderate ; j price they are sold at, . , 42 j