ON THE LAND

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 30 March 1916, Page 3

ON THE LAND

ANSWERS TO

CORRESPONDENTS

(From the Journal of Agriculture)

Wakts ox Calves

J. Story, Mangawaora, Russell : — We liav6 some four or five calves with warts on their necks : one is warts from cheeks to dewlap on both sides, find so thick that they are one nrnss. How the calves developed them is a mystery to tis. We have heard that cabtor-oil is good against warts, and change of pasture, also caustic soda and oil of cinnamon ; but should be glad of advice.

The Live-stock Division :—lt is not uncommon to have a lot of calves affected one year, and other years not to have any. In many instances the warts disappear in time without treatment, especially if the animals are given a change of pasture. The best treatment is undoubtedly removal with the knife. Evidently, howevpv, in one case you would, practically nave to skin half the calf. Ihe operation is painful, and chloroform would have to be given. For treatment, put about three liandfuls of ordinary washing soda into a gallon of hot water, and with a stiff brush, scrub the warts and get them as clean as possible. When dry, dress the mass thoroughly with oliveoil, repeating: the dressing each day. If possible give the calves a change of pasture, and also a course of arsenic. Give each calf each day for ten days a tablespoon of Eowler's solution of arsenic (dose tor six months old calf); then leave off, and if they are no better at the end of three weeks you cau give them another course. If the olive-oil does not suc2eed,. you can then try castor oil. The oil of cinnamon is mvcm:so\) expensive to be used in suol|jKses. even if it had any value.

JftefeTYLTENE REFUSE dS Soil- &,|/ DRESSING "mmateur," Birkenhead :—Would youinndly let me know ".vhether the refuse from an acetylene-gas generator would be of any use in a clay soil. If so, what would be the best way to apply it ?

The Fields Division: —The refuse frem an acetylene-gas generator, is useful material for application to a clay soil, inasmuch as it is mainly composed of slaked lime, which, as you are no doubt aware, has a marked effect in improving the texture of clay soils. It should be broadcasted on the surface early in winter, preferably on grass land which has to be broken up. In the case of good strong, clay soil the application of two tons per acre would not be too much, but any lesser quantity would have a proportionate effect.

Cross-fertilising of Plum-vtbees

" Inquirer,'1 Albany :—I have two varieties of plums growing near each othei', "both of which need crossfertilising. Unfortunately, one variety blooms much earlier than the others . and so they do not get properly fertilised. If I spray the early variety with red oil, will that make it bloom later. If not, can you tell me anything I can do to make it bloom a Jittle later ?

The Horticultural Division :—A late and heavy application of oil will delay the blossoming of fruit trees, but such treatment is risky, Early pruning invariably induces early blossoming. Combined, this treatment might even^up the blossoming period of your trees sufficiently. The satisfactory method,, no doubt, would "be to work over some of yonr, trees with varieties that bloom at the time required.

Control of Cabbage Pests

'< J. K." Hastings : — Will you please inform me what is a good spray for cabbage-fly ?

The Horticulture Division :—lt is not clear if it is the cabbage-moth or the aphis that is referred to. The former is controlled by spraying with tar-water; tho latter by ;tke application of kerosane emulsion, or Sunlight soap, 1 cake dissolved, in 3 gallons of water. Spray well the under-sides of leaves.

BUTTJSK FOX WINTKII USE •• W.N.G," Onaaio : — Will ,yon kindly let mo know the befct way to keep butter for winter use ? The Dairy Division • —In order to ensure that butter will maintain its keeping quality to a reasonable degree when hold over for winter use, it is necessary to take special care in the process of production, right from the milking of the cows up to the point when the butter is packed for storage. All vessels should be thoroughly washed before use, and scalded with boiling water. The cream should be cooled, and, where possible, churned at a teraperatuie not higher r,han 54deg P. If a well is available, the cream can be lowered i;i a closed • vessel, and thus reduced in temperature. The butter should he churned in the granular form, and all traces of buttermilk removed hy washing with, cjld watee. The salting should km a little heavier than in the case of butter for immediate usesay, to loz of salt to lib of butter. The addition of a little butter-pre-servative, not exceeding 35 grains Tier lb of butter, is an advantage. Butter Keeps best when frozen, and tliorot'ore the coolest place in the dairy is recommenfAdl fqr storage.