CORRESPONDENCE. CROPS IN PIAKO.

Waikato Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1512, 14 March 1882, Page 3

CORRESPONDENCE. CROPS IN PIAKO.

- the JRniTOR. ' .Sir. — In one of your issues you invited remarkson agricultural matters ; and as an evidence of the fertility of the soil in the Piako district, I may instance a crop of potatoes here. A ton of "Derwents" was got from Otago for change of seed, but owing to the usual delays in retransmission from Auckland to the Thames, I had great fear the quality was injured by the potatoes being heated m the bags. This was so, and the germinating power of at least a third destroyed; consequently the crop came up very thin, and from this we may take a profitable lesson, viz : To always use the best seed, and with your fine soil and genial climate never to plant or sow too thick, as had those potatoes all sprung I hardly think the yield could have been what it is, viz., on a measured 63 yards the return was 292 lb., and these not quite ripe. The ground got 2 cwt. of bones per acre, and was drilled 30 inches apart ; the latter I do not approve of in this climate. I might mention that theie is a field of Swede turnips, the majority of the roots measuring a foot in diameter. These are in drills, but those sown broad-cast are also worthy of notice, as also the machine used in distributing the seed, which was introduced into Otago by my brother, and is now in general use there. Neighbours here are also adopting it. It is inexpensive ; is attached to and works with the roller, so that one man rolls, sows and harrows at one time, and the process is complete. — I am, &c, J. Murray. Annandale, Piako, March 10th. :

(For remainder of news see fourth page.)