ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume 5, Issue 4, 15 October 1912, Page 455

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Lucerne and Hay

Mr. J. J. McKay,

Harihari, Westland, writes, —

1. I propose to try lucerne in a 5-acre field which will be sown down in oats and clover this spring. Would it be suitable to basic slag this field ? If so, what are the next steps after this crop is cut off, and when should the lucerne be sown ? The land is of fair average West’Coast sort, and when in maiden state grew cabbage-tree, nigger-heads, totara, and black scrub. This will be its first ploughing. It has shingle bottom, and the depth of soil varies, with small or fine clay, but the soil in places seems to grow white cover and Lotus major well. What variety of corn or maize would be likely to do well here, there being occasional frosts to the end of November generally ? What area would you advise me to experiment with, method of preparing ground, and manures, if any, in same field after the lucerne ? 2. In making oaten hay, would it be a suitable method to cock in 80 lb. cocks the same day as cut, leave for four or five days to cure, and then remove to barn or stack, as Hoard’s Dairyman advises the American farmer to do with clover and lucerne, using cock-covers ? The Director of the Fields and Experimental Farms Division replies,— Lucerne-growing : Last month’s Journal contained particulars of the Department’s' offer of assistance to farmers in the growing of lucerne. It is recommended . that you should not at first attempt to grow lucerne on so large an area as 5 acres. It would be far better to confine your efforts to 1 acre. It is observed that your land will be sown in oats and clover this spring. Dor this crop basic slag is a suitable manure. If the seeding is successful, the second cut of clover will come on after the oats are cut. This may be fed off during winter. The land would be ploughed and cross-ploughed in the spring and maintained in as clean a condition as possible, and the lucerne sown at about this month next year. You advise that the land is • fair average West Coast, and that this is its first ploughing. In most districts it is usually accepted that the crop after the first ploughing is not generally very profitable. It is suggested that further cultivation should be undertaken before laying this . land down in lucerne. Lucerne requires a well-cultivated, clean soil. If, however, as you say, white cover and Lotus major appear to flourish, the land may be sweet ■ and respond to less cultivation. You ask what variety of corn or maize would be likely to do well there, there being 'frosts to the end of November. It is presumed that the maize is for green feed to be cut and carted during summer. Almost any variety of maize answers this purpose. An article on this subject, written by Mr. Drysdale, Manager of the Weraroa Experimental Earm, appeared in the Journal of July, 1911. You inquire “ What area would you advise me to experiment with, method of .preparing ground, and manures, if any, in the same field after the lucerne ? ” Ido not quite understand this inquiry. Lucerne is a crop that lasts for many years ■ seven years would be but a short life. The area to experiment with should in no case exceed 1 acre. In the Journal for May, 1911, you will find a description of the plan known as the “ eight-plot system.” This, with modifications according to the locality and conditions, is availed of by many farmers in the Dominion. It may ■appear somewhat complicated at first, but careful perusal will show that it. can be operated fairly easily. Oaten hay : The means most adopted in New Zealand—and undoubtedly the most suitableis to cut oats with a reaper-and-binder. The crop is then easily handled. When set in stooks it withers and dries in ten to twelve days without much attention. If the oats are cut and made into hay in the same way as grass the crop is more difficult to handle and more expensive than when bound in sheaves. , Oats are seldom sufficiently dried for stacking under about twelve days. The methods mentioned in Hoard's Dairyman are those applicable to much lighter crops ■than those usually produced in New Zealand, and it must be remembered that the

summer in America is very much fiercer than in New Zealand. There' has been no experience in this country of the use of covers for haycocks. This would be expensive on an extended area. The covers would be difficult of maintenance in a climate that is windy. The recommendation to avail yourself of the reaper-and-binder is repeated. Silver-beet. Subscriber, Geraldine, writes, — Would you kindly inform me through the Journal whether you think silver-beet would be suitable to fatten lambs upon. I propose to grow it on fair, stony land. Rape on this land in a dry season blights badly. I have heard that silver-beet has been successfully grown by one of the freezing companies on light land. Do you think this class of land suitable for the purpose ? Where is the seed procurable, and the price ? What quantity of seed should be sown per acre, sowing on the flatdrills 14 in. apart ? The Fields and Experimental Farms Division replies,-Silver-beet: This forage plant was brought to the notice of farmers in the South Island by the Department of Agriculture four years ago as likely to take the place of rape and turnips in the feeding and fattening of stock, through its not being susceptible to the insect pests and fungoid diseases which devastate these crops so frequently. Small areas were sown and tested up to 1911-12, when seed was distributed in small quantities to eighteen farmers. The largest areas were sown on the Canterbury Frozen Meat Company’s property at Belfast, and MrJohn Macpherson’s farm, Totara Estate,.Oamaru. At Belfast the seed was sown on the 9th October, 1911, in drills 21 in. apart,, and the plants thinned out to about 12 in. in the rows. The land, was manured with Belfast rape-fertilizer at the rate of 3 cwt. per acre. On the 29th February the leaves of a portion of the area were cut and weighed, giving an approximate yield of 51-72 tons per acre. On the 12th March the experimental area was stocked with sheep, the carrying-capacity being at the rate of 243 sheep per acre for fourteen days. Mr. Hopkins, the company’s manager at Belfast, reported on the crop as follows : “It is the best forage crop of all, beating Thousand-headed kale, two varieties of rape, chou moellier, and Buda kale. The sheep ate it greedily, and evidently improved upon it, which was very apparent. The sheep did not, run all over it, but went straight ahead eating to the ground as they went. Since the stock has been removed I have given intercultivation between the rows, and the plants have made a splendid second growth.” 'On account of abundance of feed this has not been fed off a second time yet. The growth is good, and will be stocked again in September, when there will be further results to record. • At Totara there is a splendid crop,' but owing to an abundance of other sheepfeed this season it has not been fed off yet. The experiments indicate that it is a valuable plant for sheep-feed, being thoroughly hardy, of continuous growth,, and produces heavy crops on good soil. Information as to where seed is procurable, and the price, can be obtained on inquiry from the Fields Instructor, Department of Agriculture, Christchurch. Chou Moellier. Mr. W. McCaldon, Opotiki, writes, — Would you please tell me through the medium of the Journal when is the best timeto sow chou moellier and silver- beet for winter feed, and also the correct fertilizer to use. The Fields and Experimental Farms Division replies, — Chou moellier and silver-beet can be sown twice a year. The first sowing should be in spring, and the second about the beginning of February. The seed should not be sown in spring until the ground is warm. The Agricultural Chemist replies, — For chou moellier use 1| cwt. superphosphate and 1| cwt. bonedust and blood . per acre. For silver-beet apply 1 cwt. . superphosphate, 14 cwt. guano, | cwt. bonedust and blood, J cwt. sulphate of potash per acre.

Ploughing

Mr. B. C. Colbran, Wild Bush, Riverton, Southland, writes, — Would you give me some information in regard to ploughing? Which makes the best seed-bed and is most beneficial to the ploughing shallow in the autumn and leaving it stand over winter, and then ploughing deeper before sowing, or, on the other hand, ploughing deep in autumn and then shallow before sowing ? The Fields and Experimental Farms Division replies, — In reply to this inquiry, which ploughing is more beneficial to the ground, ploughing shallow in autumn and deep in spring, or vice, versa : Soil is naturally the most benefited by ploughing deeply, in order that the lower portion may be exposed to the air and light, and the longer that soil is so exposed the more it is ameliorated, and throughout the greater part of this country the usual process is to plough deep in autumn and light in spring before sowing the crop. This may, however, be altered from conditions arising from those of-rainfall, drainage, and texture of soil, and can only be determined by the farmer himself who is thoroughly acquainted with the circumstances. Naturally procedure must be altered in dealing with stiff wet soils and those that are light and dry.

Buckwheat.

Subscriber, Broadfield, Canterbury, writes, . ' . Can you supply any information regarding buckwheat ? I was thinking of trying a small area on medium land near • Christchurch. What is the quantity to sow, and do you know if it is likely to shake much with wind ? The Fields and Experimental Farms Division replies, — Buckwheat is a crop but little thought of in New Zealand, and the seed is principally made use of for poultry-feeding.. A bushel of seed is recommended per acre. The plant is susceptible to frost, and should not be sown until that danger is past. It is a peculiarity of the plant that it ripens unevenly; in fact, on the same plant , there may be observed the flower, the partly matured seed, and that so ripe that it is in readiness to shell. As it approaches ripening it should be carefully observed, and harvested when the greater quantity of the seed appears ripened. It is probable that it is liable to shell out from the effect of the wind. Another use of buckwheat is that of a smothering-crop. It is claimed to be one of the best for the smothering-out of weed-growths. It is free from most insect and fungoid troubles. .

Discoloration of Swede Turnips.

Mr. W. Hay, Hilly Park, Romahapa, writes,— Will you kindly inform me why well-grown Swede turnips should be discoloured in the centre ? Is it the fault of the manure, or what ? ' • * The Fields and Experimental Farms Division replies,— Without a knowledge of the condition of the soil it is difficult to furnish a definite answer. It may, however, be that the account of an apparently similar affection of turnips at Ruakura Farm of Instruction given in the Journal of July, page 34, will be of assistance. The discoloration there was very particularly marked —in fact, so much so that the Manager was naturally under the impression that some bacterial cause had been in action. As stated in that article, the plants were perfectly healthy. The cause was undoubtedly the acidity of the soil. The land had been but recently reclaimed from swamp, and the fact that roots on the portions adjoining open drains were free from discoloration is a further evidence that the cause was to be attributed to the soil and not to any affection of the root. It is probable that this would apply, in your case, as in the Romahapa district there are lands somewhat similar. It is regretted that in the inquiry details are not supplied of the nature of the soil and the conditions.

Moss and Rushes.

Mr. E. B. Langford, Bainham, Nelson, writes, — Would you kindly inform me through the columns of your valuable paper how to prevent moss from overrunning my land? The paddocks are getting overrun with moss and rushes. What will rid us of these pests and at the same time restore the grass to its former luxuriance ? Only a very small portion of the land is as yet cleared of logs and stumps. The Fields and Experimental Farms Division replies, — ' The answer given to Mr. P. C. Neilsen, Mangamaire, in regard to the clearing of land from rushes (page 536, June issue) applies in this case. It is recommended that a test only should be made of the methods mentioned. The actual improvement of such lands'cannot be assured excepting through cultivation.

Black-wattle.

Mr. Alfred Lakeman, Honikiwi, Otorohanga, writes, — In regard to the growing of black-wattle, I should be much obliged if you would kindly inform me as to the best time to plant the seed, how it should be treated beforehand, and what kind of soil is most suitable. Also, will it grow on poor land such as manuka and. fern ridges The Director of the Orchards, Gardens, and Apiaries Division replies as follows :■ — , Black-wattle (Acacia decurrens) seed should be sown in the spring, where the trees are to grow permanently, in well-prepared land. The quantity of seed required will be at the rate of lb. per acre. Overnight, from twelve to twenty-four hours before planting, pour boiling water into a vessel, and at once tip the wattle-seed into it. The steeping will cause germination to commence, and also the exudation of a certain amount of gum. The gum should be washed away, two or three changes of water probably being required to do so effectively. The seed should then be spread out to dry for, say, half an hour, care being taken that the exposure is not sufficiently long to do more than remove the moisture from the outside of the. skin and not in any way to check the germination already commenced. If there should still be any trace of stickiness left a light sprinkling of wood-ashes will correct it. In this condition the seed can now be drilled into the prepared land to a depth of | in. in two rows 6 ft. apart, with bonedust added at the rate of 1 cwt. per acre. Black-wattle does well in almost any class of soil, although it succeeds best in poor dry soils at low elevations near the sea.

Helianti.

Mr. Chris Le Noel, Matakohe, writes, — I should esteem it a favour if you could include an article in your next month’s issue on helianti. In the Weekly News of August there was a short article which induced me to write my seedsman (Auckland) for a few pounds of the tubers. He wrote advising me to find out more about it before trying it, as it was a pest and could not be kept within bounds. The article mentioned above advocated planting it as a first-class food for milking-cows. No doubt many dairymen like myself are anxious to secure some fodder plant for summer, and would appreciate an article on the above-named plant on which they could rely. , ■ - The Fields and Experimental Farms Division replies, . i Helianti is very similar in habit to the Jerusalem artichoke; in fact, there is but little difference in the plants. In the present condition of knowledge regarding this plant it cannot be recommended for use on anything larger than experimental plots. Reports are being obtained from the experimental farms, and an article will appear in an early number of this Journal.

“ Seedy-toe ” and Lice in Horses.

Messrs. Blackburne Bros., Tarata, write, — We have a draught mare (five years old) which for some considerable time has been troubled with “ seedy-toe.” Apparently we have succeeded in checking the disease itself, which had made much progress, the trouble now being that the quick of the hoof is making very little growth. We have been pouring warm Stockholm tar into the cavity and then plugging up with cloth at intervals of a fortnight for the past three months or so. The hoof is not sound enough to hold a shoe. Would you kindly advise through your correspondence columns. Also, what is the best treatment for horses affected with lice ? We have tried spraying with a non-poisonous sheep-dip, but with little effect. The Live-stock and Meat Division replies, — Successful treatment of “ seedy-toe ” depends a good deal upon the cause which has produced the condition. .You say the hoof is not sound enough to hold a shoe. Has she had laminitis, the so-called “ founder ” ? This is one of the most frequent causes of the disease, and at the same time the most difficult to cure, in 'many cases the animal being useless for working purposes. lam afraid I cannot suggest much improvement on the treatment you have been carrying out. ' As . a rule, after thoroughly cleaning out all the cheesy material,' packing with tow and tar is all that is necessary to effect a cure. One important thing you seem to have neglected to do, and that is the application of a blister to the coronet to encourage the growth of the horn. A mild blister is preferable to a strong one : 1 part of powdered cantharides to 24 parts of lard is plenty strong enough. Clip the hair off round the coronet, and rub a little in every second day until a scurf forms. Let this shell off, then repeat. This should effect a cure if the condition is due to ordinary causes, such as too tight toe-clip, &c., but if it is the sequel of “ founder ” I am afraid little can be done. . : With regard to the treatment of horses infested with lice, the ordinary nonpoisonous coal-tar sheep-dips will kill them. Choose a warm day, and go thoroughly over the animals, rubbing the dip into the hair with a stiff brush. This will kill all the lice, but it will not kill the “ nits ” or eggs, and as these hatch out in about eight days, it is necessary to dress the animal again about the ninth day, and even a third time. I expect you did not do this, hence your non-success. Shelter-trees. Mr. A. R. B. Pierce, Hawera, writes, — • Would you kindly inform me through your Journal the best shelter-hedges to plant on land situated between Hawera and the sea-coast. I have a high boxthorn hedge around the farm, but would like to know of a (non-thorn) evergreen hedge suitable for close to house. Would black-wattle or tree-lucerne thrive on that situation as a shelterhedge for garden and orchard ? I have a lot of plants of privet, but do not know if it will stand the salt spray ; or does it shed its leaves in the winter ? . , The Orchards, Gardens, and Apiaries Division replies, — Black-wattle (Acacia decurrens) would be very suitable for shelter-planting in your district. It is best raised from seed, which should, be sown in the place where the trees are to remain permanently. The seed should be steeped in hot water for about twelve hours before sowing; then well mix with dry sand or fine, dry soil to remove the stickiness and allow the seed to run freely through the hand when sowing. Tree-lucerne is liable to attacks from the “ borer,” and is only suitable as a temporary shelter. The privet does not shed its leaves, and should remain uninjured by any salt spray such as would affect the Hawera district. Taupata (Coprosma baueriana) is a vigorous grower and one of the best hedge plants for withstanding salt winds. Akeake (Olearia Traversii) is also deserving of mention. Of the introduced species, Euonymus japonica, Eleagnus japonica, Escallonia rubra are all of much value. All these shrubs, however, should be out of reach of cattle, which sometimes show a liking for their foliage.

Miscellaneous Queries. Mr. F. W. Corbin, Grove Road, Hastings, writes, — Will you kindly answer the following questions for me : 1. How much lucerne-seed do you advise to sow to the acre ? 2. Is it advisable to inoculate the seed, and, if so, would the Department supply inoculated seed, and at what price per pound ? 3. Which is the best variety of seed to sow—Hunter River, or is there any locally grown seed ? 4. Does the Department supply seed-potatoes ? If so, where are they to be obtained, and at what price per cwt. ? . , . 5. What do you advise for curing lampas in a young, horse ? Is it advisable to burn it out ? 6. Is oil emulsified with soft-soap only as effective for spraying as oil emulsified according to the Department’s instructions with carbolic acid, caustic potash, and resin ? The Fields and Experimental Farms Division replies, — 1. The usual quantity of lucerne-seed to sow to the acre is 15 lb. ’ ', 2 and 3. It is advisable when sowing this seed to use inoculated soil. The inoculation is obtained by the application of soil from a well-established lucernefield. At the present time it is found that local seed, from Marlborough, is giving good results. I have sent you a leaflet giving full particulars of the assistance given by the Department to those desirous of experimenting with lucerne. If it is your intention to participate an early application is necessary. 4. The Department has no seed-potatoes for disposal. ■ The Live-stock and Meat Division replies, — 5. You will get what information you require from an answer to a correspondent in the last month’s Journal, page 334. The Director of Orchards,, Gardens, .Apiaries replies, — 6. Yes, if used soon after making ; though it does not remain completely emulsified for so long a period, and therefore cannot be kept in stock for long periods. Growing Fine Seed. Mr. J. FI. L. writes, — Would you kindly let me know through your valuable paper if properly prepared soil is required for growing fine seed in a hothouse ? If so, how is it prepared ? I have been growing fine seed, and have been greatly troubled with small white insects. The Orchards, Gardens, and Apiaries Division replies : Soil required for growing fine seed in a hothouse may be prepared by sterilization by dry heat. The soil should reach a temperature of 200° Fahr., but need not pass 210° ; it should be maintained for an hour or more at a temperature exceeding 180° Fahr. After sterilization the earth should not be exposed more than necessary to rain, as plant-food rapidly begins to form and is thereby liable to be washed out. Manures. Mr. W. Davidson, Springston, Canterbury, writes, Could you inform me of the best manures to use for mangels, carrots, swedes, sugarbeet, and chou moellier on fairly stiff loam with heavy clay subsoil, cropped in potatoes this year without manure. At the present time the ground is almost too wet to walk on. . . The Agricultural Chemist replies, — I would recommend, for mangels, carrots, and sugar-beet, on the soil described, .1. cwt. superphosphate, 1 cwt. guano, J cwt. sulphate of potash, f cwt. bonedust and blood per acre ; for swedes and chou moellier, 1 cwt. superphosphate, I cwt. bonedust per acre. *