FARM WORK.

Waikato Times, Volume XV, Issue 1256, 17 July 1880, Page 3

FARM WORK.

4. (By S.J.)

The plough should be kept at work but only on dry and well drained lands ; heavy land had better be left until the weather gets more settled. It is a great mistake to plough land covered with water, as it never afterwards pulverises properly, in fact the effect is seen for years being saturated the movement of the plough puddles it and causes the soil to get hard and bake when the dry weather sets in. Draining.— All main drains should now be attended to, see that there are no stoppages and that the water runs evenly, it is perfectly useless to under drain if this is not attended to as the water being forced back into the pipes, not only chokes up but sometimes bursts them. Underdraming should now be looked to, the ground is full of water and the sooner it is out of the land the better, as if allowed to stand it makes the soil cold and sour. There can be no greater mistake than to (what is called) " surface drain" it leaves the soil poorer, in fact a waste of labour, heavy rain coming on washes the surface and carries with it a great portion of the manure, and what is of as much importance a lot of the very fine earth, which taking place year after year usually leaves the ground much poorer. Therefore it is advisable where there is anything of a fall to under-drain, as the water then sinks <lown and carries all the fertilising property with it. Of course there is some expense attached to this system but it is far cheaper in the long run, and where pipes are too expensive and sometimes not to be obtained, ti-trce or any other brushwood can bo used with utility. The plan usually adopted is very simple. The drain is cut to the depth required with an ordinary draining spade, care bejng taken that the proper levels are obtained, which is seen by the water following slowly after the spade — that is supposing the drain to scart from the outlet ; then fill up with brushwood to the depth uf a foot, press well down, and then fill in the earth, which should be evenly filled and well tramped down layer after layer, so that it is not likely to be forced in in any particular spot and perhaps ruin the whole drain. One plan sometimes adopted is to cut small pieces of wood, say six inches lonor, and place at the bottom cf the drain (before putting in the brushwood) against the side, so as to prevent the brushwood touching the bottom ; the advantage being leaving a channel for the water. This class of drain has been known to last from 10 to 15 years, and, if properly done and attended to, may last much longer. There is scarcely a necessity of impressing the great importance of draining land; but, when looking round and seeing acres and acres of real good land lying comparatively idle through the water laying on it, a hint on the subject, and how to do it, is sometimes acceptable. As a boy said one time, "Couldn't see the cows for rushes, sir." Hedoes. — Hedges should be now cut and trimmed. This is perhaps the best time of year, as the sap is well down and there is more time to attend to them than later on in the season. Tools, &c. — What time is lost when most required. If it could only be always borne in mind that there should be a " place for everything, and everything in its. place, " what a vast amount of money would be saved — for time is money, especially in harvest 1 Wages, 7/- and 8/- per day. Machinery of all description should now be looked to, see that all is in proper working order, all well greased, and ready to be taken out at a minute's notice. There is many a wet day when nothing else can be done outside. w Ti en this can be seen to. With proper care things last as long again. Putting aside the loss, what a great amount of annoyance is saved when the crop is ripe and ready to cut ; weather uncertain temper lost, by looking after what should have been seen to before. There are many lttile things, if done in season, repay cent per cent the labor. It is false economy to throw down everything after it Is used j when again wanted, it is found useless through want of forethought and care. In this district I have seen a reaping machine and various other tools, left on the last swarth they cut; and such people complain of bad times ; how can they expect to do well with such mauagcmcat P

The new Pure Cash System now being initiated by G. and C. will certainly prove a benefit to the public. It has been a great success in Sydney and Melbourne, and when strictly carried out the customer who buys at an establishment where the goods arc marked low to ensure a rapid sale must Be a great gainer. G. and C. sell their drapery, millinary, and clothing at such prices for cash as gives the buyer the advantages of a shareholder in a co-operative society, without the risk of being called upon to bear aportion of the loss should the year's business prove unsatisfactory. Garlick and Cranwell will aim to retain the confidence which the public have hitherto shown them, and are detirmined to give the pure cash system a fair trial ; whether they gain or lose the first year. Country buyers on remitting cash with order will be supplied with goods at co-operative prices ; just the same as though they made a personal selection. Furnishing goods, such as carpets, floor cloths, bedsteads, bedding, and general house furniture, the largest portion of which is turned out at our own factory, will be marked at the lowest remunerate c prices, and a discount of five Der cent, will be allowed to those who pay at the time of purchase. G. &C. having realised the entire value of their stock during their late cash sale, the present stock is nbw aj»d cheaply bought. An inspection is invited. — GarlicK and Cranwrll, City Hall Furnishing Arcade, Queenstreet, Auckland.