FARMING-ITEMS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5255, 26 January 1878, Page 3

FARMING-ITEMS.

i It is not wise to let any kind of oats become quite ripe before, they are reaped. Even if cut a week or more before being ‘ ripe, the grain will ripen in the sheaves. It is the best time to reap when the green and yellow colors are' about equally the same. Oaten hay Is of course ranch superior when cut green than when left to be ripe ; and if caterpillars are making havoc of the crop, it is better to cut it down at once, and make hay of it. It can still he tied up in sheaves, which will be handy to stack, and much better to put through the chaffeutter than if all loose. It is significant of the size to which the eucalyptus, which is doing so much for Algeria, "rows, that when an Australian wished to send a fine specimen to the London Exhibition of 1372, he could not find a ship long enough to carry it. In six or seven years its dimensions are those of an oak in twenty, and in its twentieth year it furnishes such timber as an oak could not under one hundred. The untiring devotion of Dr. Mierguos of Algeria to the development of the properties of this invaluable tree, has greatly enlarged the sphere of its usefulness. ' It would be a great saving of time and labor if the wheat could be thrashed as soon as it has stood long enough in the field. In some countries this can be done, but here it is dangerous to risk too long a spell of fine weather. Hence it is usual either to stack the wheat or put it into a barn. Stacking is considered preferable to a close barn. A well-built stack properly thatched should keep out any rain that may fall. Oue writer writes on this subject : “There is no doubt that there is infinitely more loss sustained in Britain from allowing wheat to become dead ripe before being cut, than from cutting it when too raw ; indeed, unless wheat be cut before the sap has set in the pickle, there is a very decided gain, both in quantity and quality, by quick reaping.” It requires good soil to grow cocksfoot seed as a payable crop. In localities where it is mostly grown, the settlers shut up their paddocks year after year, and some get very good returns. As it is being reaped it should be tied into small bundles, and put into stocks. After remaining exposed sufficiently long, it may be thrashed the first time, when it yields, of course, ■ the best seed. Once thrashed, it does not matter how much weather it is exposed to, the more the better, previous to the final thrashing. To have the seed pure, it has to be reaped with hook. Some growers of cocksfoot are in the habit of allowing the straw to go to waste ; not a commendable practice, as if it is not required for fodder, it can be used for bedding for stock in winter. The yield of cocksfoot is not ,n.ear so much' as rye grass, ‘and it consequently invariably sells at a higher price. Pigeons are subject to five unpleasant and troublesome insects, which will infest their houses and breed among their plumage unless' the ’most scrupulous cleanliness - is observed. 'A little snuff sprinkled over the birds and into their nests will give temporary relief, but the nuisance can oulybe thoroughly eradicated by .burning the infested nests, lime-washing the inside of the loft; and washing the nesting places with limewash or tobacco water. These vermin are fleas, lice, feather lice, mites, and ticks. Tlie parasites are a peculiar species, which do not fix themselves on the human skin. The fleas are smaller and blacker than the common flea. They may be got rid of by brushing out the nests and corners, and prevented by not allowing dirt, dust, and feathers to accumulate. AVhat Fowls Require.—Cracked or ground oyster shells (says an American paper), or lime rubbish ; also put gravel within their reach, if there is none in the soil where they are kept. You. cannot.expect them to produce eggs in abundance unless you supply them the material for their manufacture. Cracked bones are also good for them. Take the old bones left from the table, pound them up with a hammer, and don’t forgot some green food at least twice a week—three or four times would be the better. Chop up cabbages, turnips, carrots, and onions for them. They will return thanks in a most substantial and satisfactory manner.