23

C—lb

Raising of Seedlings.- —Fortunately we were able to avail ourselves of a week of fine weather in October for seed-sowing operations, and the bulk of the seed was sown under ideal conditions botb as regards soil and weather. The resultant crop shows good germinative qualities in most of the seed dealt with ; but it cannot be claimed that the seedlings, excepting perhaps Pinus radiata, have since made as much growth as might have been desired in order to ensure successful transplanting the following season. About three weeks prior to the main sowing, which commenced on the 14th October, a small sowing of Pinus radiata was made in. order to test tho effect of a longer growing-period ; but the result does not show any considerable difference in the development of the seedlings as compared with those sown later, although if done early enough, and with a good season following, there is no doubt that sturdier trees would be the result. With one or two exceptions almost all seeds germinated well, the exceptions being Pinus Lambertiana and part of P. ponderosa, the failures being due to poor seed. A feature of the seed-beds this season is the absence of any apparent damage to seedlings by the grass-grub, due probably to the fallowing of the ground for two seasons and subsequent frequent ploughing and cultivation. About the middle of December a sowing of various Eucalypti was made, with in most cases very good results, the varieties which gave the best results being Euc. Macarthurii, E. viminalis, and E. Sieberiana. A trial sowing was made late in the season of a few drills of Pinus radiata, in order to test the advisability of adopting this method of dealing with this species. The seed was first coated with a mixture of red-lead and water to protect them from birds ; but this docs not seem to be entirely effective, although the idea merits a further trial. The total estimated number of seedlings in stock is 3,284,500. Transplanted Trees. —With the exception of the Pinus radiata seedlings previously mentioned, and also Cupressus macrocarpa, most of the trees lined out this season have struck fairly well, especially a break of about 75,000 P. austriacu, in which there is hardly a death ; but the growth made subsequently has not been up to the usual standard, owing to the adverse climatic conditions experienced. About 5,000 Populus deltoides cuttings were prepared and put in, and these have done well, almost 100 per cent. " striking." It is satisfactory to be able to state that the grass-grub is not in evidence to any extent amongst the lined-out trees this season, and no material damage has been done by this pest. Preparation of Ground. —Although there has been an absence of good growing-conditions throughout the season, the ground has seldom been too wet, to carry on systematic tillage of all nursery " bieaks " not at present occupied by trees. These breaks have been continuously ridged and cultivated throughout the season, and it is anticipated that it will not only help to sweeten and generally benefit the soil, but will to a great extent tend to exterminate the grass-grub, which has caused so much damage in previous years. It will become necessary, however, to again utilize next, season some of the breaks which are at present in crop; and this shortage of suitable nursery-ground constitutes one of our main difficulties in dealing with the grass-grub pest, and also in instituting a proper rotation of cropping. Horse-feed. About 18 acres of land was prepared and sown, down in oats, and an excellent yield of about 36 tons of oaten sheaves was the result. This should be sufficient to keep the horses in chaff and oats well on into the following season, and, according to the trend of prices for horse-feed, should prove a very good asset. A considerable quantity of hay (about 20 tons) was also harvested, and about 1 acre of swede turnips has given good results. Miscellaneous Works. —Several minor improvements have been effected during the year, and all buildings and gates have received a coat of paint. Several of the roads were regravellcd, and everything is now in order to proceed with the usual winter work of lifting and transfer of trees. The expenditure amounted to £2,063 Is. 5d., providing employment for an average of ten men ; and the anticipated output, for the coming season may be put down at, 900,000 trees.

Rainfall, Temperature, &c.

Month. Number of , Temperature. Number of Rainfall. j Days Days Frosts j Rainfe11 - Maximum. Minimum. occurred. 1914. April May June July August September .. October November .. December .. 1915. i i i i : In. Deg. F. Deg. F. 712 16 67 29 4 2-83 13 62 25 16 5-02 20 55 28 10 2-56 17 58 21 12 2-48 16 65 26 18 2-75 19 71 27 7 2-25 12 78 29 3 3-65 19 77 31 2 3-22 17 87 32 1 January February March 3-95 | 17 86 34 3-58 16 78 33 2-97 13 81 30 3 :- _____ , l ,_ Totals 42-38 195 .. .. 76 76