PRODUCTS FOR EXPORT.

Otago Witness, Issue 2565, 13 May 1903, Page 10

PRODUCTS FOR EXPORT.

OTAGO CENTRAL FOR SEED-GROW-ING AND BULB-RAISING. The fact of inquiries having been already made regarding the probabilities of the eupply of' apples' for 'the market in Hamburg baa been accentuated by another hou?e there holding out the prospect of an almost unlimited demand for this fruit for the period from Easter onward till their own CIOD9 are ready, a period of from

two to three months, fitting in exactly with >that in which our crops would arrive in prime condition. Canadian supplies of this item go pretty much out of date in the British market during March, thus leaving an opening for us during the months succeeding which could, with ordinary care and attention, be easily taken advantage of. Grapes for the tables also could, with a little more attention, be raised and properly packed, so as to endure a eix-weeks' voyage, and be also there in the nick of time. The possibilities of the growth of flowering bulbs have also been pointed out, togethei with th« proportion, of vegetable seeds, such as onions and parsley, to which others might be added, such as carrot and canary seeds. For most of these the Home market, from which we draw, has hitherto been dependent on France, Belgium, Germany, and the United States, the climate of Britain being too humid for successfully ripening. All of these we could produce iin perfection. In the Witness of the three last issues have appeared most interesting and instructive articlet and varied illustrations showing the capacities of Central Otago for becoming an immense granary from which exporte on a large scale could be made, and •thus add to individual and colonial wealth and prosperity. It- may also be added that many of our recent visitors have been freely and widely circulating their opinions and j observations, in which they laud owselves and our country very highly for political and irdustrial indepemdence and enterprise. These facts should be an incentive to our youth to move forward in the van, of progress, and not content with what they have already attained ; but making excellence their goal, use every means and adopt every suggestion which may assist in their efforts. It must be remembered that tho day has gone rast when inferior or even medium goods oan ba hustled on the market and find a rapid sale. Best quality and ;m best condition are indisputably necessary. Our younger farmers complain of the monotony of constant labour in growing the same varieties of grain and roots year after year, rad among our professed gardeners few understand or inquire into the habit end mode of culture best adapted for the plants they handle. It simply amounts to this conclusion: that early, systematic training is absolutely demanded to keep pace with the times. APPLE-GROWING. This is one department to which both branches of ooil-tillers may profitably resort. The farmer should have an orchard of a few acres in extent to commence with, and the garden3r in hia more limited sphere e.liould be master of every detail. A delrand for thi3 fruit, the most suitable of all kinds for export ;s bound to arise within the next few years, when many will regret that they have not prepared themselves to ieovo on with, the tide flowing to prosperity. In selecting an orchard site the most imperative pofnts to be observed are exposure »nd facilities for thorough drainage. Tho place chosen should have a free, open southern exposure, so that the sun, air, and light may have their due effect. One with a gentle slope to the south is preferable, both for this purpose end also for carrying away surplus moisture. An ordinary rioh alluvial soil, of which we have abundance, with a porous bottom, or resting na a limestone formation, is the .best. The soil can be enriched by a judicious allowance of suitable manures, and every part of it so drained as to prevent souring by an accumulation of stagnant water. Im our rather windy climate the quarters more exposed to prevailing winds should be protected by quick-growing, protective, easilytrimmed hedges, or a belt of trees. Such break-winds will prevent much of the fruit being shaken off. The soil should be thoroughly turned over to a depth of about two feet or less afc once. Tiuoi cornea a point of primary importance — the selection of the best varieties to grow for the special purpose aimed at. The purchaser should make sure nofc only that the varieties he wants are true to name, but also that they have been worked or grafted on blight pmd disease resisting stocks, as well as being best fitted for early production. Many griove over the years lost before- fruit is produced. The principal cause of these disappointments is the bad or unsuitable stocks en ivhich the scions have been grafted. Many growers of fruit trees are very careles*? in thia respect, and <?o long as jhey can laise a prom wing looking young tree do not hesitato to place it in the hands >f customers, without much ■"ec^ard to consequences. Apples of the best sorts should begin to bear on and after their third year, the number allowed to come .o maturity varying in accordance with the- strength of the plant. The distance between each tree is a matter of ohoio?, provided they are not ill hinted too close, 9ft :is a rule being allowed lu-twO'Dn. each standard, whioh should be kept a.3 dwarf as possible, and this can best be done by lifting and root-pruning, as described in former note;?. Among othor modes of growth that on trellises is a hisrhly-approved system for many reasons. Whilst waiting for the time vvhrra the trees will come to the acre of full bearing, the ground need not lie hUp. but can bo utilised for growing vegetable e.rops, which will aniuly compensate the discreet, practical husbandman. If the roots of the- trees are kept fairly within bound? very little j-iirplus wcod will be produced, rendering pruning nmd spurring easy of accomplishment. Were these preliminary operations intelligently adhered to very few district* of our province would be found unsuited for apple -grow ing. It is the paramount duty of every producer to look we.l ahead and prepare for any event that may occur. There is no meed whatever to import any fruit which can be> grown in a temperate climate such as our.;, and although the prices realised are mot fio high <is mitrht be reasonably (■>■ pec-ted, it will lv» found that even a small price will re-nay the cent of growing. _ The cott-aeer, with hia small plot, can raise by nrudencc find c?rc not only sufficient for his own ttppd-v but have a eurnlnp which coca tc materially increase a limited income. I. M. I. Mr Lionel .Tovee. of Tnvercara-ili, who went to the Gold Coast. West Africa, with a party of surveyors, writes home to Fay that th» nartv will leave for England about tho middle of this month. Breakers nhead! the cold and rain Will goon be with us once again, Soon winter's breath will freeze the air, For coughs and colds wo must prepare, Complaints that cause so much distress, Vet everyone will poon confess That the. remedy good and pure Is some Woods' Great Peppebmint Core.