KING ISLAND MELILOTUS-SEED FOR DISTRIBUTION.

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume XV, Issue 4, 20 October 1917, Page 235

KING ISLAND MELILOTUS-SEED FOR DISTRIBUTION.

Mr. J. W. Poynton, S.M., Palmerston North, writes to the Editor as follows :

c l “ I forward herewith a package of King Island melilotus-seed (obtained from Australia). It was formerly known as M. officinalis, but is now definitely recognized as Melilotus parviflora. It floated ashore on King Island, near Tasmania, in Bass Strait, in the stuffing of a mattress from a wreck, and spread over the wastes of white sand on the island, converting them into valuable . pastures. * The plant gave humus to the sand and, being a legume, enriched the soil with nitrates. It has since been used with success in reclaiming sand areas on the Victorian coast. I' suggest you offer through the Journal to ' send , small packets of the seed to settlers on our .west coast from Paekakariki to New Plymouth. On this stretch the sea-sands in many places are encroaching on good land. If the plant succeeds in spreading here as it did at King Island and in Victoria it will be of much value to New Zealand. The seed should be soaked well in water before sowing.” '

Mr. Boynton’s gift has been accepted with appreciation, and the distribution of the seed will be made from Weraroa. Applications from settlers in the district mentioned should be addressed to the Director of the Fields Division, Central Development Farm, Weraroa.