53

C.-Iβ

Pinus ponderosa. —These trees were lined out two seasons ago at one year old, and are now a tine sturdy crop, and should stand [the test of transplantation well. It is estimated that there are approximately about 1.000.000 trees available for permanent transfer to plantations. The total number in stock at the nursery on the 31st March was 3,251,700, valued at £5,964 9s. 6d. ; the number of seedlings raised during the year was 1.370.000, valued at £1,322 10s. ; making a total of 9,084,485 seedlings raised on this nursery from initiation to date. Trees to the number of 965.080. valued at £2,896 7s. (id.. were transferred to the plantation during the year. throughout the nursery was not quite up to the average of former years, partly owing to the general coldness of the summer and partly to the constant cropping of the areas, which has taxed the fertility of the soil severely. The hoeing and weeding of seed-beds and the lined-out areas was a large item of expenditure during the past year, owing to the moist season tending to rapid weed-growth, .mil consequently necessitating employment of additional labour. General. General Maintenance and Repairs. —This work also required a good deal of attention, much labour being utilized in repainting buildings and vehicles, upkeep of harness and implements, and general repairwork. The usual attention was given to the upkeep of ornamental borders and the maintenance of general neatness about workshop, stables, and implement-shed. Horse-feed. —About 12 tons of oaten chaff were grown and harvested in line condition, the previous year's stock being chaffed early in the season, and lasting up to the present date : this was. however, augmented by the purchase of a quantity of feed-oats. The carrot-crop turned out a satisfactory one, and should last well through the winter. For the ensuing season's horse-feed an area of about 23 acres was put down in dun oats during the autumn, with a sowing of 1 cwt. per acre of fertilizer. The operation was conducted under favourable conditions, and a good crop should eventuate. A quantity of hay was harvested, and should provide ample fodder for the horses during the winter months. Buildings. —A convenient bathroom was added to the nurseryman's house, and a wood-shed, breakwind, and trellis were also erected; the additions are much appreciated. A substantial oatbin was .built in the stable-loft to prevent the ravages of mice, and existing feed-bins were also lined with zinc. Nursery-formation. —This work consisted of the formation of ornamental borders and the tiledraining of low-lying an Penning. To prevent hares gaining access to the new nursery-area and doing damage to the trees the area was enclosed by a substantial netting-fence. Water-supply.- About 300 ft. of 1 in. piping was purchased for the extension of the water-supply to seed-beds. The supply at the nursery is very satisfactory, the pressure beine all that could be desired. At the dwelling and stables, however, the supply is not satisfactory, the water being pumped by ram from adjoining creek into a tank, from which it is laid on to the house and stables, the pressure being totally inadequate. The erection of an additional tank would meet present requirements. Pesls. —The grass-grub has not been greatly in evidence, and compared with past years very little damage was done. Rabbits and hares were conspicuous by their absence. The nursery is evidently quite free from disease of any kind. The daily average of men employed throughout the year was 7-17. Statement of expenditure and values, together with records of rainfall lor the year, are appended.

Schedule I.

Number of Days Rain fell. romp Maximum. 'emperature. pen ature. Minimum. Number of Days Frosts occurred. Month. Rainfall. 1911. Lpril lay iune uly Lugust September .. )ctober November .. )ecember 1912. anuary February larch In. 3-36 MO 4-74 10-56 040 5-59 3-69 5-29 8-08 1-81 3-23 3-53 13 2 a 10 3 15 10 13 16 12 13 10 Deg. Fahr. 78 67 63 54 62 67 70 7-1 73 83 94 88 Deg. Fahr. 31 23 17 20 23 25 32 31 34 34 34 32 3 11 16 14 8 5 2 1 1 Totals 51-38 131 61 61 i