FARM AND DAIRY.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 142, 13 July 1909, Page 1

FARM AND DAIRY.

THE DAIRY" BREED. What breed gives the ideal milch cow? If one mere to attempt to answer such an important question oll'hand and without due regard to climatic conditions, one would most likely be led into serirous error. Nearly all the more popular I breeds can claim some wonderful individual records, but the dairyman should not be in a great hurry to get any particular breed until he has first considered all the local conditions. One cannot with any certainty lay down a list Of 'binding rules to work upon whereby each and every possessor of a little or big bit of land may become a prosperous dairy-farmer in comparison with the size of his holding, for circumatauces, situations, and surroundings differ so much. There is a considerable number of different breeds of cows, some recognised mainly as' milkers, some for the production of progeny specially qualified for butchers' carcases, and there are some with both these points well blended in them. .The safest course is to make enquiries, if possible, of older' daiiy-fanners of the district, get the benefit of their experience, and then with a pure sire and a few good cow*' as a Ibasis to build up one's own herd. PERFECTION OF UDDERS.

In different breeds the udder varies somewhat in shape and size, but as its function is the same in each case, there are general points upon which the power and capacity of any udder can be judged. The udder of the Ayrshire cow is often taken to be the inos't perfect. It is very much like a half-cheese in form, or somewhat flatly semi-circular, broad, and when well developed will extend well forward under the cow's belly and well up between the legs behind. The teats have the disadvantage of being rather small. The udder of the Jersey cow, no doubt, comes next in perfection of form to that of the Ayrshire—in many cases it is truly semi-circular, not being flattened to the same extent as the Ayrshire cow's udder. Speaking generally, the best type of udder combines the points above named with a thin, soft, and silky skin and general elasticity of the ilesh. The teat 6 should be set on at about the same level, and lie wide apart, and should he of a decent size, say 3in or 3Vain in length, for the greatest convenience in milking. FEEDING HORSES.

According to the military reports the ration of co.ncontratcd food in most, European armies consists of oats, and barley is used if oats are not availa'ole, especially during war. Barley is the best substitute for oats among the various cereal groins, and oats ca-n lie replaced by it for any length of time. For hard-working liorses a diet of 1311), find 111b for those doing light work, is a common standard. If this is' exceeded digestive disturbance? and colic are apt to set in. In Turkey the horses in the cavalry and artillery are fed on barley, 1011) to 141b being a common ration. Other armies in Europe all use oats and peas besides, «s concentrated foods, receiving in addition a good allowance of hay and straw chaff. A great deal depends on horses being gradually accustomed to barley if they have not previously been fed on it. By giving small quantities at first, and later on increasing the amount, the ill-effects which might result from larger quantities to horses unaccustomed to this kind of are obviated. BREVITIES.

When the cow is not comfortable she will not produce milk profitably. Dairy cows should not : oc too fat. Thev should not rob the milkpail to put on flesh. fioats are losing their reputation. According to the latest investigation, they have been found to suffer from tuberculosis. Dairy cows are like sound land—if they arc well and wisely fed they will feed their owner's pocket with what ho work,- for. Tire metal screws on churns should be rubbed with ail oilv rag. after cleansing t lie churn, to keep in good trim and prevent rust. Xeglect and 111 is'manageiiK-Tit of the foal at its early stages lead to serious loss during the first year, as well as in years after raiding. Of all mistakes in driving horses, rushing a horse downhill is worst. It weakens the tendons and nerves, jars the shoulders, and springs the knees. Sows will gain exercise in winter, when the weather is not too severe, if turned in to sheltered yards where horses and cattle will not annoy tlicr.i. Half the pleasure of country'life lies in the ownership of a good, quiet, gentle horse, and every farmer should have one that his wife or daughter can drive. If only one of the necessary ingredients of the food of the plant be wanting, or be present an insufficient quantity, the plant cannot develop and thrive !o perfection. When a pair of liorees become accustomed to working together do not keep changing them around and breaking up the team, as it is hard on both the team and the driver.