Life Sciences Commons^™

Poison Plants Of Western Australia - Cape Tulip, C A. Gardner

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

For countless ages the flora of Western Australia remained as a separate entity undisturbed by plant intruders, but following upon the arrival of the white man came a number of plants, some of which proved able colonists. These included useful plants such as the naturalised clovers; others such as the Cape weed developed here to an extent not to be observed in their natural home. Some of the plants now regarded as troublesome weeds were accidentally introduced by various agencies, while others were deliberately imported, but have since become widespread.

Checking Run-Off On Cultivation

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

Perenjori farmer's novel experiment.

Many people passing Mr. S. C. Leonard's property in the Perenjori district have been puzzled by the unusual patterns left on his cultivated paddocks (see right hand photograph). They are the result of an interesting experiment to check runoff.

List Of Stock Foods

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

The following stock foods have been registered with the Department of Agriculture under the Feeding Stuffs Act, 1928-1951, for the year commencing 1st July, 1952

Farm Fencing Hints - Gates And Gadgets, J A. Mallett

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

Apart from the fact that they add immeasurably to the appearance of a property, good gates are permanent assets—sound investments which pay generous dividends over the years, both in peace of mind and in the saving of many man-hours of valuable time.

Seasonal Reminders

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

Now that the plant is fully grown and leaves are maturing, growers should be on the way towards commencement of harvesting and curing. These operations can seriously reduce the value of a good crop if handled carelessly. If you have an even crop and are using inexperienced labour, it is possible to go around the crop the day before harvest and say how many leaves are to be picked from each plant. There may be from two to five. In an uneven crop this is impossible.

Water Erosion Control - 5 - Contour Working Increases Effective Rainfall, B A'B Marsh

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

working holds rainwater where it falls; as a result erosion is reduced, and the effectiveness of rainfall is increased. Contour working is the working of the land in such a way that a large proportion of the furrows are fairly close to the contour. In short, furrows are level and will hold water.

Barrel Clover, F L. Shier

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

Results obtained with barrel clover in recent years at the Salmon Gums Re- Al search Station suggest that this legume will play an important part in improving the quality and quantity of the grazing on many farms in the district. It has shown its ability to survive and to build up from small sowings under average rainfall conditions and to produce a large bulk of feed in a wet year By comparison Dwalganup subterranean clover has not done nearly as well.

Trees Of Western Australia - Swamp Or Flat Topped Yate, Brown Mallet And Four-Winged Mallee, C A. Gardner

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

The two trees described here under may be readily distinguished when growing as they differ considerably in their barks and general appearance and grow under different conditions, but in common with some other trees of the Southwest each has the mallee form, and the mallee forms are very difficult to distinguish.

A Simple And Effective Cow Bail, L C. Snook

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

While visiting the property of Mr. R. Burke, Cowaramup, I saw in use a type of cow-bail which made an immediate appeal because of its simplicity, effectiveness and ease of working. Mr. Burke is obviously skilled at setting up practical time-saving devices but there seems to be no reason why other dairy farmers should not make use of the principle he employed.

A Successful Method Of Spraying Against Looper Caterpillars And Other Springtime Pests, J C. Rowbotham

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

Description of a method which has proved successful over the past two seasons on the orchards of Messrs. J. L. Parke and W. Parke, of Donnybrook, should prove of interest to the large number of apple growers who during past seasons have suffered losses due to excessive blemishing of fruit by looper caterpillars (Chloroclystis lacticostata) and other spring pests.

Internal Parasites Of Cattle, J Craig

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

Worm infestation (Parasitic Gastro-Enteritis) is frequently a cause of serious economic loss both in calves and yearlings. It is unfortunate, however, that stock owners do not realise until too late the full extent of the effects of these worm parasites—for the cost can be counted not only in the actual deaths sustained, but in the resultant check in the animal's growth and development.

Shearing Shed Design, W L. Mcgarry

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

As the returns from sales of wool represent a large proportion of many farmers incomes at the present time, it is essential that the fullest consideration should be given to any factors affecting the lifting and preparation of the clip for market. Foremost among these is the provision of adequately-designed sheds with plenty of light and sufficient space for shearing and classing and for the wool tables, bins, press and other equipment.

Water Erosion Control - 4 - Selecting, Making, And Safe-Guarding Waterways, J E. Watson

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

Run-off water must be expected at some time or other from most agricultural land in Western Australia, where high intensity rains are likely to occur both in winter and summer. This run-off water will tend to concentrate in the natural drainage depressions of the slopes, and flow down to the main creeks. Running water is a principal agent of soil erosion, and it is essential that all channels where water flows must be protected if our lands are to be saved from the ravages of severe gully erosion.

Evicting Bees From Houses, A Kessell

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

Every year, the Apicultural Branch receives a number of inquiries from harassed householders concerning methods of evicting bee colonies which have taken up their abode in houses. Cavity walls often provide cosy quarters for swarms seeking accommodation, while others establish themselves in chimneys, ventilators and under floors.

[One of an ongoing series of articles, collectively titled: Bees and Honey]

Alsatian Dogs

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

Because of their size, intelligence and potential ferocity, if they become sheep-killers, Alsatian dogs may not be kept in Western Australia unless they have been effectively sterilised.

Grain Silos For Muresk

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

On September 7, two grain silos, each with a capacity of 2,000 bushels were formally handed over to Muresk Agricultural College by representatives of the Trustees of the Wheat Pool of Western Australia.

Farm Fencing Hints - Straining The Wires, J A. Mallett

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

Having erected the posts and run the wires, the next task is that of straining the wires and—where barbed wires are used—tying them to the posts. Where wires have to be joined in the fence, the "figure eight knot," or "fencer's knot" as it is often called, is probably the best of all. It is easy to make, once one has mastered the knack, holds safely under strain, and may be pulled through a hole in a fence-post if the points are bent over.

Here's The Answer

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

Having read with interest the articles on roses which have appeared in the Journal I am inquiring if you can supply some advice on the rooting of Fortuniana cuttings. I have grown two Fortuniana bushes with the idea of striking some cuttings for stocks. I already have some nice roses but all are growing on briar stocks which were obtained by taking up some of the suckers. This query was received in a letter addressed to the author of the rose articles (Mr. C. C. Hillary) but unfortunately you omitted to sign the letter. Fortuniana cuttings are best taken

Insect Pests - Aphides, C F.H Jenkins

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

The members of the aphis family are remarkable creatures both in structure and habits. They are practically world-wide in their distribution and despite their small size and apparent fragility they thrive under a wide variety of conditions and are among the most prolific breeders in the animal kingdom.

Tree Lucerne, L C. Snook

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

Perhaps the greatest need in our agricultural areas is for a hardy legume which year after year will provide palatable green fodder during the late summer months. In the white-flowered Tree Lucerne (Cystisus prolifer) such a legume is available. Surprisingly enough, this hardy perennial shrub has never been exploited. Tree Lucerne is so hardy that self-seeded thickets can be seen growing on virgin land in the Darling Ranges and I have seen seedlings in the streets of Corrigin healthy and robust after six months without rain. The foliage is so palatable that cattle and horses will break down quite large …

New Flax Variety

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

The Minister for Agriculture (Sir Charles Latham) announced recently that a new flax variety developed in this State has been accepted for registration and released for commercial cultivation.

Thinning Of Deciduous Fruits, F Melville, T F. Herlihy

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

In the absence of any artificial control of the crop, most varieties of fruit trees will set much more fruit than it is possible for the trees to bring to marketable size and this is particularly the case with stone fruits. Even under good cultural and weather conditions the trees are often unable to bring the fruit to satisfactory size unless thinning is practised.

Better Dairying Competition 1951-1952, H G. Elliott

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

The success of the Better Dairying Competitions in previous years prompted the Western Australian Pasture Improvement Committee of the Australian Dairy Produce Board to again sponsor a similar competition during 1951-1952. The committee which receives funds from the Australian Dairy Produce Board and the Rural Credits Branch of the Commonwealth Bank, offered substantial cash prizes in the six zones as detailed below.

Teaching Chickens To Perch, R H. Morris

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

The important managerial practices in the successful raising of healthy birds. Each year, many good chickens have their growth seriously retarded and in some cases are even trampled to death, by being permitted to remain on the floor until they are 10 or 12 weeks of age. Through faulty husbandry, some chickens, especially heavy breeds, never learn to perch and, as laying hens, camp on the ground in preference to perching

Muresk Agricultural College - Memorial To Foundation Principal

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

The Hughes memorial gateway at Muresk.

A large gathering of past and present students and members of the staff attended a ceremony at Muresk Agricultural College on Visitors' Day, September 7, when a handsome gateway erected to the memory of Mr. Hugh Jason Hughes the first Principal of the College was officially opened by his widow.

Mastitis, J Craig

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

Mastitis, or inflammation of the udder, is responsible for tremendous losses to the dairying industry throughout the world. The disease may be caused by several different types of bacteria, the most common of which, the Streptococcus, is responsible for about 80% of all cases of mastitis. The Staphylococcus is involved in about 10% of cases and the remaining 10% are caused by other micro-organisms.

Trees Of Western Australia - Gimlets And Pear Fruited Mallee, C A. Gardner

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

Next to the salmon gum, the gimlet tree is perhaps the best-known of the trees of the Eastern Agricultural Districts and the Eastern Goldfields. A thin reddish brown bark, and a fluted or spirally-twisted trunk (especially in the young trees), distinguish at a- glance the gimlet trees or fluted gums from all other Eucalyptus trees. This bark has a thin outer layer which when removed reveals a sappy pale green, inner bark, and sometimes this inner green bark is exposed when the trees shed their reddish-brown outer bark towards the end of summer.

The Wedge-Leaved Rattlepod, C A. Gardner

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

During the last two years, work has been in progress near Fitzroy Crossing (West Kimberley) upon an investigation to determine the cause of Kimber- Iey Horse Disease, commonly known as "Walkabout Disease." The investigations are still in progress, and the findings when completed, will be published elsewhere, but the discovery that Crotalaria retusa L. is a cause—and probably the major cause —of this disease is of considerable importance. Because of this it is considered advisable to assist pastoralists to recognise the plant and by providing information on its habit, occurrence and distribution, to enable them to take steps to minimise …

Raising Japanese Plum Trees From Cuttings

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

Occasionally prunings from Japanese plums used as stakes for peas, root readily and in a number of instances have made good trees. This applies particularly to such varieties as Santa Rosa and Satsuma. Interesting evidence of the performance of another variety has recently come from a Bedfordale grower, Mr. J. E. Dowell. Last year, after pruning a new Japanese variety called Purple King, he planted 18 cuttings, each about nine inches in length, in moist black loamy soil.

Seasonal Reminders For November-December

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 3

The main cultivation of orchards and vineyards should now be completed and any further working of the soil should be restricted to the control of weed growth. Continuous cultivation of clean ground serves no useful purpose but can be very harmful by accelerating the loss of organic matter from the soil.