The Star. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1907. THE HARVEST.

Star (Christchurch), 20 December 1907, Page 2

The Star. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1907. THE HARVEST.

The long-continued spell of dry weather is naturally beginning to cause considerable perturbation, not only to those immediately engaged in agricultural and pastoral pursuits, but to the general public, and keen interest is being felt as to the results of th© approaching harvest. On the lighter soils of the province the abnormally dry spring and early summer, following a winter distinguished for its comparatively light rainfall, have already Wrought irreparable damage, and in these localities there can be no doubt but the return of grain will b& disappointingly small. The straw in nearly ©very case is short and spindly, and as a natural result the ears are small and the grain thin and light. The extreme heat of the last week has had a very disastrous effect on crops thus situated, and, -with the thermometer registering ninety degrees in the shade, props growing on land that had become hard and dry as a result of weeks of almost rainless weather could not but wilt and ripen prematurely. Many crops which ten days ago- looked lush and of vigorous growth have undergone a metamorphosis during the last few days. Instead of looking green and healthy they now present a I withered and dried-up appearance, without any of that vigour which should characterise crops not yet in ear. On heavier soils, however, the outlook is much more promising, and, given a copious rainfall before Christma i, there is every reason to anticipate that tho coming season's return will not b© below the average of reoent years. These crops have not yet felt the full effects of the long period of drought, although they are beginning to show signs of lack of moisture, and a continuance of the present dry weather would prematurely hasten the ripening process. A natural result of the continued dry weather has beon to make the harvest considerably earlier than usual, and on the lighter lands of Canterbury a considerable area is already to be seen, in the stock, while the binders are at work in all directions. Generally speaking the crops now being harvested are light and poorly headed. It is instructive to natd the results of the various methods of cultivation pursued by farmers, and in all localities there is evidence that where the land has been scientifically treated, where the latest methods of improved tillage have been followed, the results are altogether more satisfactory than where the now almost obsolete methods of twenty and thirty years ago have been v followed. From, all directions come complaints of the extensive ravages of the small birds, many farmers holding that never in the past have they proved as destructive as they are this season. In many cases very early fields have been so severely treated by small birds as to make them almost worthless. The birds are said to be more numerous than at any previous period since their introduction, and there is a growing feeling that the time has arrived when all local bodies should go in for a systematic scheme to encompass the destruction of these pests. An early break-up of the present drought would make the outlook much more hopeful. Yesterday's rain will have done something towards helping the crops, but a much heavier downfall will have to occur to materially i a l i: '»iLJiifcJni«M&i»M