The Alexandra and Yea Standard, Gobur, Thornton and Acheron Express at KellyGang 4/1/1879
AGRICULTURAL NOTES
FARM WORK FOR JANUARY
ABRAHAM LINCOLNE'S MONTHLY REPORT
Rust.- The all-absorbing topic of the day in many localities is "rust," its causes and remedy, or prevention. It is impossible to decide upon a point where so many practical men have as many varied practical opinions. The subject is one of great importance to all wheat-growing farmers, as well as to the bread-eating public, and it is hoped, at the forthcoming lecture that Mr M'Ivor will be able to throw more light upon the matter than I can. I have looked lately over many memoranda bearing upon the question, and which I have collected for very many years, and some are very exhaustive.
The following are a few of the decided opinions given in evidence before various commissions appointed to collect such:-That rust is essentially a vegetable fungus, attacking the plant externally, and brought into active operation by certain atmospheric and climatic conditions, chiefly heat and humidity-that rust prevailed upon all kinds of land; upon land long cropped, upon fallow lands, upon grazed lands, upon virgin soils, manured land, plains, and hills; that the richest land, as a rule, suffered most from rust the more juicy and succulent the plant, the more predisposed is it to the inroads of the rust; the more dense and heavy the crop, the less possible is it for the wind to circulate and the stems and lower limbs to dry that great care should be taken in the selection of seed; that White Tuscan withstood the disease better than the White Velvet or Prolific (evidence taken in South Australia); that although Purple Straws was a good yielder, It was more susceptible than the White Tuscan, and neither was so hardy as the Framptom variety... (Leader).
That early ploughing is very important, and a stale furrow strongly recommended; this means that it is better for the land to lie “on the furrow" a month or six weeks after ploughing and before sowing; that drilled wheat in rows twelve inches apart has a chance for better circulation of air and a quicker "dry" than when it is irregularly sown broadcast. In the majority of opinions, drainage, deep and good culture, change of seed, and thin sowing or drilling are recommended.
Grass Seeds with Grain Crops.- At the trial of "reapers and binders" this year I was more than ever convinced that one crop at a time is the most advantageous. Three months since, the crops of wheat and oats cut by the machines looked as promising as any crops could possibly do, and the rye-grass, growing also with the cereals, looked rich and green t but this strong undergrowth proved the most productive nursery for fungi, and at the trial a cloud of rust-dust almost enveloped the machines. The wheat cut was worthless either for grain or hay, and the cost of seed, labour and time; I consider, was quite thrown away.
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