ON THE LAND

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 15 February 1917, Page 3

ON THE LAND

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS

(From tUe Journal of Agriculture), PRESERVING GREEN PEAS L.J.A., Waihema :—Kindly inform whether green peas can be bottled in water in the same way as gooseberries. If not, what is the best method ? The Horticulture Division : — The following is a reliable method for preserving green peas : The peas must be young— i.c,, not starting to make; growth. Scald and partly cook the peas in a sieve, wire basket, colander. Wash thoroughly in cold water, .two or three changes. Fill the bottles, and complete the filling with very light brine (just to taste the salt only). Preserve as fruit, but count the time from when the water reaches 180° F ; bring up to 200° to 205° F., and preserve for fifteen minutes or longer if the peas will stand the process, which they should do if correct in variety and condition. Twenty five minutes and upwards is preferable. Screw down and allow to cool as usual.

MANURING TOMATOES A.T., Frimley :—Please let me know the best kind of manures, for filling out tomatoes in a glass-house, and the right proportions to use as a liquid manure ? The Horticulture Division: — The tomato is a plant that is naturally very vigorous in growth. The wise cultivator endeavours to check grossness of growth, as iftends to long-jointed plants, and also provokes attack of disease. If the plants are vigorous, or have been given manure previously, it is • likely that applying more would do harm. The best plan"would most likely be to ease off on the watersupply somewhat. The plants do not require much feeding to enable them to swell the fruit. On the other hand, if growth has not been good some feeding would not do harm. The best liquid manure is made from cowdung ; it is. mild in action, and does not excite the plants in the manner that artificial fertilisers are apt to do. The liquid may be given a little darker thau ale. Apply after watering with clean watev, not while the soil is dry. Give it not more than once a week. Blood manure is also good; apply loz per gallon of water.

POULTRY-FEED N.N.W., Hikurangi.—Will you kindly inform me whether linseed and sucrosine as sold for qalffood have an,y value as poultryfeed, an.d whether either would be suitable to mix with mash. I experience a difficulty away "North here in securing any article to supplement the bran and pollard in mash. The Ljive-.stock Division : — ' Ljinseed is very rich in oil, and a small quantity mixed in the mash is beneficial to poultry during the moulting season. Sucrosine is*suitable for inclusion in the mash. Being a fattening food, it can be used more liberally for birds that are being prepared for table purposes than with the laying flock. The use oilucerne, either ch,af£ed and steamed overnight and mixed in the mash or in the form of meal, is Strongly recommended as the best means of effe.c J tin,g economy in feeding. Maize-meal and crushed oats (spaiTowhUls) provide a valuable addition to bran and pollard, making the mash crumbly and palatable. Pea-meal and b^eymealare also useful feed's, the former be&gj m , e suitable fo : i V\s\r^| in poid weather. A Variety i °r fxx)ds is recommended throughout the year, but the proportions require to be also varied, accord ing to the weather conditions.

BRUSHING IN" HORSE ' "Anxious," Hopelands:—l have a young mare (three years old) which has just been broken in. She brushes badly on the off hind fetlock, Is there any cure or preventive of this ? The Live-stock Division : — Brushing is a common complaint in young horses, especially when in low condition. Alteration in gait whilst being broken in is another factor. Boots or pads should be used until these conditions are overcome. In older horses, when brushing is due to a malformation, an alteration in shoeing usually overcomes the defect, Thickening the outside heels of the shoes may be tried, and if not successful try thickening- the inside heel. A calkin I should not be used.