Life Sciences Commons^™

Incubator Hygiene, J E. Peterson, A R. Wright

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

The rapid expansion of the poultry industry is due in no small measure to the introduction of the cabinet type of incubator. However, the widespread use of these machines in which large numbers of chickens are confined, for a period, to a very small space, has also favoured the spread of many diseases, and unless steps are taken to prevent the introduction of these diseases to the newly-hatched chickens disastrous losses are likely to occur.

Actinomycosis And Actinobacillosis, J Shilkin

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

Actinomycosis and actinobacillosis, commonly known as "lumpy jaw" and "wooden tongue" respectively, are chronic infective diseases which are most commonly encountered in cattle, occasionally in pigs, and much less frequently in the other domestic animals and man. They are characterised by the presence of tumour-like swellings and exude pus containing yellow sulphur-like granules. These swellings are commonly found in or on the jawbones and tongue, but may be found on occasions, in other parts of the body such as the lungs, liver, spleen, etc.

Water Erosion Control - 2, L C. Lightfoot

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

Earthworks are frequently used to help to control or prevent soil erosion where the adjustment of farming methods—as discussed in the March-April issue—is unlikely to be sufficient. Contour earthworks have proved extremely valuable in many cases and incidentally have caused much less inconvenience than most farmers anticipated. Landowners in need of advice on contour earthworks should get in touch with the Soil Conservation Service, Department of Agriculture, Perth, and arrangements will be made for an officer to visit their properties.

Applying Orchard Fertiliser A Handy Home-Made Aid, H S. Argyle

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

Fertilisers such as sulphate of ammonia and nitrate of soda, being rich in nitrogen are used extensively by orchardists and market gardeners. Both these compounds are readily soluble in water and are easily carried through the soil to the rooting areas of plants and trees.

Dahlias - Lifting And Storing The Tubers, F Jackson

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

Now that the flowering season for dahlias has finished, arrangements must be made for lifting and storing the tubers. Many losses occur each year during the dormant period and most of these are due either to carelessness or lack of knowledge. While the storage provided for dahlias during the winter months may be thoroughly satisfactory, tubers are often lost because of the treatments received by the plants during the growing period.

Reduction Of Pre-Harvest Drop Of Washington Navel Oranges By 2,4-D Sprays, N J. Halse

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

The uses of various synthetic "plant hormones" in agriculture are many—one of the most generally known of these uses being their action in reducing pre-harvest drop of fruit. Naphthalene acetic acid, commonly known as N.A.A. is widely used for this purpose with apples, but 2,4-DichIorophenoxyacetic acid, commonly known as 2,4-D, is much more effective with citrus fruit.

On The Trail Of The Dingo, A R. Tomlinson, A G. Moore

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

A successful motorised expedition to collect information on the breeding areas and migratory movements of wild dogs was completed in March of this year. This was the second expedition of this nature organised by the Agriculture Protection Board and much valuable information was obtained which should simplify the work of the Board's doggers in the guarding of the sheep-breeding areas.

White Cabbage Butterfly

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

During January a consignment of small wasp which parasite the white Cabbage Butterfly were received in this State from the C.S.I.R.O., Canberra, and were released on cabbages in the Coogee area.

More Beef From The Kimberleys, Part 2, Grant A. Smith

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

Low phosphorus content and low protein content of pastures usually go hand in hand and as most dry feed is deficient in both of these important nutritional needs, it is easy to understand why our Kimberley cattle do well in the "wet" when ample green feed is available, but fall away rapidly in condition as the feed dries out. Increasing the protein content is essentially a long-term project, but I feel that the remedying of phosphorus deficiency is an economic possibility, which could be put into effect fairly rapidly.

*Ongoing serial, publication reviews. Original title: "More beef from the Kimberleys". …

Snails And Slugs, C F.H Jenkins

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

Before giving any details concerning these pests, it will be well to explain that slugs and snails are, of course, not insects. They have been included in this series of articles, however, because the damage they do resembles very much that done by various insects and because the lot of recommending control measures usually falls to an entomologist. The snail could more correctly be called a shellfish than an insect as it is a true mollusc, but one which has become adapted to a life on land instead of in the water.

Cultivation Of The Cape Gooseberry, Roy L. Cailes

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

The Cape Gooseberry (Physalis peruviana) is a member of the large family Solanaceae, which includes the potato, the tomato and the capsicum. The plant is a native of Peru and Chile, where the species is known to have been cultivated for over two centuries. Records show that by 1807 it had been introduced into the settlement at the Cape of Good Hope, and shortly afterwards found its way to New South Wales, where it became known as the "Cape Gooseberry," and was the chief fruit that the colonists cultivated at that time. Cape Gooseberries have been grown for many years …

Here's The Answer

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

Tobacco growing. What are the main conditions suitable for growing tobacco in Western Australia? All the tobacco produced in Western Australia at the present time is grown in the lower South-West of the State, in areas around Manjimup, Northcliffe and Karridale.

Cattle-Working Yards, Grant A. Smith

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

The diagram accompanying this article shows a set of yards with an overall size of 50 yds. x 40 yds. through which about 300 cattle may be worked with a minimum of effort. It will be noted that corners have been eliminated wherever possible, and cattle may be worked right round the outer fences with all gates closing behind them as block gates irrespective of whether they are worked in a clockwise or anticlockwise direction.

Control Of Swarming, R S. Coleman

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

It has often been said that the secret of getting a high yield of honey is to have a large field force of young bees in every hive at the beginning of the nectar flow. The colonies should not have to build up numerical strength when they should be collecting nectar. It is just as important for the apiarist to have a large proportion of field bees compared with hive bees as it is to have well-bred queens, efficient equipment and all the other factors which make for success in beekeeping.

Strainer Posts And Fence Patterns, J A. Mallett

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

Good fences have long been regarded as the sign-manual of the good farmer. A VF taut, well-constructed and well-maintained fence does more than merely add to the appearance—and cash value—of a farming property; it makes a priceless contribution towards the owner's peace of mind. He knows that his stock will "stay put" instead of disporting themselves in his own or his neighbours' crops—and the fence which keeps his own animals in will keep straying stock out, and so save both time and temper.

Plant Your Roses Carefully, C C. Hillary

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

While the planting of roses is a comparatively simple business, there are certain rules which must be followed if losses are to be avoided. Most of the roses sold by nurserymen in this State are raised on what is known as Fortuniana stock. The origin of this stock is somewhat obscure, but it is thought to be the result of a cross between Rosa banksia and Rosa laevigata. Whatever its origin, however, it is certainly a very vigorous stock and one which thrives better in the soils and climate of this State than any other. A further advantage is its …

New Cereal Varieties In Australia, I Thomas, J Reeves

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

In 1927 a conference of the State Ministers of Agriculture resolved that to avoid X duplication, the names of new cereal varieties be circulated among the States and subsequently confirmed at a meeting of Ministers. Particulars of new varieties as submitted to the Registrar are as follows—

Seasonal Reminders For July-August

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

Recently, mortalities from tetanus involving the loss of a large number of sheep have occurred as a sequel to the inoculation of flocks with entero-toxaemia vaccine and other biological products.

Planning Boosts Poultry Profits, K D. Giles

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

Amazing as it may seem, the time and labour expended in the ordinary everyday chores on a poultry farm carrying 1,000 birds can be reduced five times by adopting modern efficiency methods. This will appeal to poultry farmers in this State who know that low labour costs are closely linked to high profits.

Departmental Leaflets And Bulletins

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

Departmental publications listed here under may be obtained free of charge (except where a price is indicated) on application to the Officer in Charge of Departmental Publications, Department of Agriculture, St. George's Terrace, Perth.

A Hospital Paddock

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

Wherever many head of stock are kept on a farm there are two things that will always pay very handsome dividends— a loose box and a small hospital paddock.

Oriental Fruit Moth, C F.H Jenkins

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

In recent weeks a new insect pest for Western Australia has been recorded. This -•- is the Oriental fruit moth, sometimes known as the Oriental peach moth and the peach tip moth, both names indicating that peaches are the most susceptible of a wide variety of host fruits.

Wheat Crop Competitions, I Thomas, H G. Cariss

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

For many years prior to the last war, 50-acre crop competitions were sponsored and conducted by the Royal Agricultural Society and judged by officers of the Department of Agriculture. These competitions always proved successful and without doubt contributed in no small way to the development of the cereal-growing areas, particularly as far as wheat farming is concerned. The conducting of these crop competitions lapsed during the war but, in 1946 a new series, sponsored by the W.A. Flour Millowners' Association, was inaugurated and conducted under the auspices of the Royal Agricultural Society with the field judging again being carried out …

Cape Tulip Control

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

Strong measures will be taken this season to control the spread of Cape Tulip in Western Australia.

Potato-Harvesting Machines

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

Less than 15% of Australian potato-growers own mechanical diggers stated the Director General of Agriculture (Mr. Frank W. Bulcock) in replying to inquiries addressed to him by the West Australian Minister for Agriculture (Sir Charles Latham).

[Article not present in contents page but present in index and in text]

Hydrocyanic Acid (Hcn) Poisoning

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

When newly developed country is to be stocked with sheep or cattle it is important to make sure that it is free of poison plants. A large proportion of the native poison plants belong to the genera Oxylobium and Gastrolobium, typical examples being Box and York Road poisons, but the cyanogenetic plants form an important group.

[Article not present in contents page but present in index and in text]

Drill Spacing And Rate Of Seeding, I Thomas, H G. Carris

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

During the war, when superphosphate was in exceptionally short supply,a wheatbelt farmer experimented with a method of sowing a crop in which he had blocked each alternate drill run and in effect halved the rates of seed and super used on each acre. He expressed himself satisfied with the results and has since continued to plant the major portion of his crop in this manner.

Argentine Ants

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

Specimens of ants submitted in February by the Rockingham Health Inspector were identified as Argentine ants, these being the first recorded from this area. Two areas of infestation are present in the Rockingham townsite—one adjacent to the hotel and the other near the Fisher Street jetty. Active steps were taken by the local authorities to bring the infestation under control.

Cobalt, L C. Snook

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

Cobalt is one of the most interesting of the so-called "trace" elements. Particularly is this so to West Australians as the use of cobalt has permitted farmers to rear healthy sheep and cattle where previously this was impossible. Also, it was in this State that Filmer and Underwood carried out much of the fundamental work which led to the discovery of the vital importance of cobalt.

The Farm Bookshelf

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

Some reviews of current publications of rural interest.

[One in a series of ongoing article series, publication reviews]