BATTLEFIELDS AS GRAZING GROUNDS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 282, 25 August 1919, Page 5

BATTLEFIELDS AS GRAZING GROUNDS

Tho question of - the extent to which sheep could expedite tho agricultural recovery of the devastated districts of Franco and 'Belgium has been closely, considered by the Agriculturai Relief of Allies Committee, who recently sent two expert sheep-breeders t<<_ inquire into the conditions prevailing i()i the war zone.^ Over a large area of the battlefield there is now & rich growth of herbage which could be profitably grazed' by sheep; but this area is so vast that such an experiment could only be attempted on an adequate scale by the Government in each country and then only if sufficient sheep could be procured. Hero and there, however; farmers are returning, and to those who have had experience of sheep the Agricultural Relief of Allies Committee contemplate a gift of British animals. Conditions favourable. to the introduction of such sheep exhit on mauy parts of tho frcff.l, and with the co-operation of the breed societies flocks are being- obtained which will eventually be sent to those districts where they can bo properly lroked after And where they will bo of the greatest benefit under present conditions. • The Department of the Sonime has undertaken to' place a (lock of British sheep at tho Departmental Farm near Boyes, and to dispose of a portion of tho progeny to sheep farmers as they return .to their holdings on the Belgian Ministry of Agriculture is'also prepared to make special arrangements that .the committee may assist the stricken farmers in the Yser Valley as far as- possible by gifts of British, sheep.

"With the approval of the Duko of Con-. > naught, presufent of tlio Royal Sooiety of Arts, fhc council, have awarded the; / ■' society's Albert Medal for 191 Dto ~Sir. ' ; Oliver Lodge, "in recognition of •Kirfrork'.j us the pioneer of wireless telegraphy." Tlio medal was instituted in ISM to reward "distinguished eorvico in promoting arts, manufactures, and commerce."