FARMING.

Tuapeka Times, Volume VII, Issue 352, 2 May 1874, Page 2

FARMING.

{To tlie Editor.)

( Sir,— My friend " Colonial Farmer " has brought his remarks on the great subject of farming to a very abrupt termination. Had he given us a little more of his knowledge of colonial farming it might have worked wonders. I think if he were to content himself with the present instead of prophesying of what is likely to exist 200 years hence, he would be more' at home. My advice to "Colonial Farmer" would be, should he : ever attempt to again rush into, print before !he is ready, not to write iv such bombastic style, but rather try to interest and throw some light on the subject he attempts to deal with. But I suppose \fe shall hear no more of him until he reaches Texas orDixey's Land. With .regard to fencing in the Tuapeka District, I consider the cheapest and most durable fencing ia such aa I shall now describe, viz : — A sod fence, which will cost say 15s a chain. Letthe fence be on the line of pegs, leaving a border of 10 inches wide. Then cut a narrow trench on the border close to the bottom of the sod fence, and afterwards plant with hawthorn quicks. These will cost about 15s per 1000 foi good strong planjfcs.

Oat off th« long small roots of the quicks and Jwwe about 6 inches of strong root, and . plant them upright about six inches apart. . Planted in the manner descibed will take 132 to the chain. Some four or five years ago I opened a trench and planted and moulded four chain in a day, and find the plan described Works admirably. The cattle, however, should not be allowed to get near them for ; the first two years, and it will be found that •■the sods crumble down and the mould drops round the *ots of the thorns they will make very rapid progress — bo much so that I cottld shoir " Colonial "Farmer " some living White thorn hedges eight feet high -and so thick that neither he nor his horned cattle could get through, and all this can be Accomplished for about £1 a chain. I tend you herewith some of the fruit or haws of said hedge for' the satisfaction of "Colonial Farmer." This kind of hedge beautifies a farm as well as justifies one for the outlay. I would recommend every farmer to Adopt the same plan as— Yours, &c., Pbactical Farmer.