THE DAIRY, FARM, AND FIELD.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXII, Issue 98, 19 May 1900, Page 4

THE DAIRY, FARM, AND FIELD.

"The Farmers are the Founders o£ civilisation."—Webster. "Drawn In." ' After a careful perusal of the letter signed " Drawn Out," in which the writer attempts to answer the "Agricultural College Question" submitted in my last notes, I feel better. When one is kindly and humourously taken by the hand and lifted out of the mire, certain symptons of improvement are noticeable, and, to use the cant phraseology of the politician, convalesence is within measurable distance. That is my present condition, and I am now hopeful. It is probably useless to discuss at length the letter under consideration. Suffice it, however, to point out this fact, whilst it is per-' fectly legitimate in agreements to assume certain conditions, which are called "premises," and then on this foundation, logically erect a superstructure (which may be convincing or otherwise), it is not allowable in demonstrating a mathematical or scientific fact -to assume anything, for the simple reason that two persons may attempt it, their assumptions being at variance, it naturally follows that the results will inevitably be diverse. By what right in attempting to solve such a question, should one be called upon to assume what is the average quality of milk, whether tlie cream is sour or sweet, the temperature at which churned, or its specific thickness etc.?

" Drawn Out" aifirms tha&ths iixaminer was fishing in tne first portion of the question," that may be so, it wouUt perhaps have been nearer the truth to say that he -was " skimming." The question is ought an " Examiner " to fish? It is not the paramount duty or function of an Examiner to discover what a student does not know, but to find out all he really knows. Referring again to the question, it is only necessary to indicate that" Drawn Out" is son ewhat mixed and probably in the mud. His reply is that it would take 2|lbs of cream to yield lib of butter, and 2| gallons of whole milk would be required to obtain this. Any " Examiner " he says would give full marks for this reply. If so the Examiner is to be pitied. What constitutes a gallon of milk ? Is it 10,10| or 1 libs % In the answer we have Uvo distinct terms applied to the same thing. If it is correct, and in accordance with recognised practice to designate cream by the pound, it is incorrect to specify milk by tie gallon, jf the latter term is right then the quantity of cream should be not so many pounds but fraction or part of a gallon. As to the kind remark that my ignorance being so palpable, I would be benefitted by a course of study at the Canterbury Agricultural College, my reply to that is simple " Once I •jvas young but now am old." When the hair becomes tinged with grey, the face marred and furrowed with care, and the body has lost the elasticity of youth, however kind_the -wish, it is a bit too severe to relegate the aged to compete with those in the vigorous life, even if they do occasionally appear to be afflicted with ignorance, and wanting in that mental capacity so eminent characteristic of others. Butter and Cheese at Home. I am indebted to the New Zealand Loan k Mercantile Agency, Stratford for the following report under date April the sth, 1900 from their produce brokers, Messrs Matliio and McWilliam:— Butter. .Since our last report we have experienced an exceptionally quiet demand in all our markets for Colonial, and prices have again been lowered. Owing to heavy stocks in all hands the pressure to sell has resulted in a low range of prices, but even at jthe reduced figures the demand has not increased as was anticipated, and buyers meantime seem to favour the Continental Butters, which are fresh and cau be obtained at prices which permit of their free sale at Is. per pound in the retail shops. The weather, which continued dry and cold during the latter half of March, lias now broken and there has been a considerable rain fall over the country during the past few days. This Weeks Pbices— Choicest Danish, ... 100s. to 102s. Dutch, ... 965. to 98s. Finest „ ... 90s. to 945. Choicest Colonial, ... !)2s. to 935. Finest „ ... SGs. to 90s, CHEESE. Owing to the present high prices the demand is somewhat curtailed. Buyers ■while l>elieving in the firmness of the market prefer however to pursue the Land to mouth policy and take only what they actually require from week to week to satisfy passing wants. Stocks in all hands are light and prices are well maintained. This Week's Prices— Finest Canadians, ... 635. to 645. „ New Zealand... 625. to 645. Agbicola.