FARM AND GARDEN.

King Country Chronicle, Volume V, Issue 317, 3 December 1910, Page 6

FARM AND GARDEN.

THE BEST KIND OF SILO

If the different kinds of silos are properly built, there will be no difference between them so far as the quality of the ensilaga is concerned. They will all keep silage equally well. The difference between a stone, brick, or concrete silo is entirely one of cost and convenience of building. A stone silo needs a mason to lay the stone properly, a brick one calls for some skill in the laying, while a cement silo can be built by unskilled labour. The only advantage a cement silo has over a wooden one is its lasting qualities. Properly built, a cement silo will last indefinitely, while a wooden silo is good for fifteen or twenty years, depending on the kind and quality of the wood used.

COW PEAS. Some years ago the Colonial Sugar Company distributed amongst the farmers under contract to them parcels of cow peas to raise crops for green manuring. The idea succeeded admirably, and since then this plant has been extensively cultivated for that purpose in many branches of farming other than sugar production. Where the soil lacks humus the peas are hard to beat. Besides that, as in the case of all leguminous plants, the peas fix nitrogen in the soil while growing. The crop is also an excellent fodder, and makes splendid hay or ensilage. At the Tovvri experimental farm this year some interesting research work was carrcd out. Four varieties —New Era, black, white, and caly-coloured—-were sown under varying conditions. Four rows, 2ft 4in apart, were drilled, the first without manure, the second

mixed with soil from Bathurst, the third manured with superphosphates at the rate of 341bs per acre, and the fourth with equal proportions of super and Bathurst soil. This introduction of soil from another district is an American plan. The idea is to introduce soil which has already contained a leguminous plant and has thus had nitrogen fixed from the root nodules. Splendid crops were got at Towri as a result, fully justifying the advanced methods employed.

NEW GRASS. An English authority says:—Newly laid-down grass should be either mown for hay the first year or not stocked until the herbage is about to flower. Sor far as mowing is concerned, the only disadvantage as that it entails manuring after the hay crop has been removed, either by applying farmyard manure or by a judicious dressing of artificial fertilisers. This method is quite in accordance with good management, but much may be said for the alternative of "soiling" the first growth on,the land. It is done by simply waiting until the crop is approaching the stage for cutting, and then turning out bullocks or cows into the field. The keep is well adapted for either fattening oxen or for milk production, and the effect is excellent on the young grasses, which spread rapidly and make a thick sole to the herbage. The system involves some apparent waste, but later in the season, and especially after autumn frosts, store stock will eat down the grass level. There is nothing, it is true, to show in the form of hay; but, on the other hand, the ground is benefited, and the. of manuring is saved. Young pastures so treated will never look behind them, but quickly develop into useful grass land. The loss of the hay crop is repaid by the better establishment of the grasses in perpetuity. The case is different to that of ordinary seeds,* as has been pointed out, but it bears a strong resemblance to that of sainfoin, upon which a simiar course may be advised. Young sainfoin should be left untouched after harvest, and also in early spring. It also, like permanent pasture, is better mown during the first summer, but best of all is the method of allowing it to grow to the stage for close-folding with sheep, and then consuming it upon the land. If this is done it will last for a great number of years.

POULTRY NOTES. The busy chick is the thriving chick, and "little and often" should be the motto adopted in feeding. Feed on the very soundest grain procurable, irrespective of price, and the gain will be yours in the end. Exercise creates a heathly appetite, develops bone and muscle, stimulates proper circulation, and saves food. Pay due attention to the subject of ventilation. All chicken coops and houses should be properly ventilated. A very large percentage of the mortality obtaining amongst chicks is due to mismanagement on the owner's part. All chickens intended for stud duty should be allowed the maximum degree of liberty that it is possible to accord them.

The drinking water should be constantly renewed, and finely-cut grass, or other green food, supplied in liberal measure. It is quite possible to raise every chick from shell to maturity if they are properly hatched, and the progeny of healthy stud birds. Sun is an excellent tonic for chicks on cold days, but during hot weather they should be furnished with adequate protection from it. Providing chicks with a snug box or coop with a dry floor into which they can resort to escape wet or cold weather is an important detail in their raising. Divide up the various broods according to size and age, and see that the sexes are not allowed to mingle after the birds have attained the age of ten weeks.