FARM AND DAIRY.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 219, 21 October 1909, Page 4

FARM AND DAIRY.

A great weakness in developing da-uy herds is mentioned by Mr. J. W. Deem, inspector in charge of West Coast districts, in his annual report He says; "Some very tine herds arc being got together by means of careful selection and breeding) and the use of the Babcock tester; but, unfortunately, there is such a spirit of speculation among the dairy community that no sooner does a farmer get a good herd together and show a big return than he has a tempting offer, sells his farm, and the herd is dispersed. This is very unfortunate, as these productive herds are stimulating to others." Already caterpillars have been seen in North Canterbury in the grass and sheltered spots from which the frosts and the birds have not dislodged them (says a correspondent of the Christchurch Press). .Some of the farmers are inclined to think that the destruction of the 6mall birds has been too drastic, and that the country can receive no ]o=s from the small birds in July, August, and September. They, however, must not overlook the fact that larks and some other birds pull up the young grain. In no season is there an entire immunity from this class of grubs, but they never made such headway till the mildness of the winters and early spring favored their propagation.

In vieiv of the general scarcity of farm laborers (writes- the Canadian correspondent of the Pastoralists' Review), probably the most interesting and no\ej exhibit at any of this year's fairs was the agricultural motor test at the industrial exhibition at Winnipeg. It attracted widespread attention, experts coming from as far away as Australia and the Argentine to study the machines in operation. The United States Government was also represented by an official of the Agricultural Department. English manufacturers, who are really the pioneers of the industry, were not successful in the competition, as they were not aware of the conditions of the soil and climate. Their agents have gone back prepared to profit by their experience. Some of the machines entered did excellent work.

A peculiar chapter of accidents is reported by the Hawcra Star. A settler of Opcke Downs had a dray and threehorse team precipitated over a deep declivity into the Mangi-Mangi stream. At the spot the stream was a narrow gorge, and the vehicle and animals were piled it a struggling mass. The assistance of the countryside was quickly available. In the -work of rescue, how-1 ever, further casualties occurred. Mr. W. A. Duckworth had his chest crushed. He is now making good progress towards recovery in a private hospital. Besides rthat Mr. Willis received a badly rickcit back, which laid him aside for a, couple of days, and Mr. H. Edgar had the top of a finger taken off through getting it caught in a chain that was being used. Mr, Willis, though still bandaged, is practically all right now, and Mr. Edgar's digit top, which was stitched on again, is reported to be healing 6plcn. didly. These casualties did not complete the list. An eight-year-old mare (the youngest in the team) was drowned and the dray was badly smashed. [ BREVITES.

A gentleman who has been in the Gore district for over a-quarter of a century informs the Standard that so far (is he can remember grass has never before been so advanced at this season as it is this year. The dairy industry is progressing by leaps and bounds in the Pahiatua district. Last month the large amount of 1,<107,91811> of milk was delivered to the butter factories and creameries of the Ballance Dairy Company. The yield of butter-fat from this amount was 62,703 lb, with an average lest of 3.70. This is a large increase on the amount supplied during September, 11)08, the figures then being 1,240,8011b of milk, equalling 15,0041b of butter-fat. The increase equals between nine and ten tons of butter manufactured.

It must be home in mind that breed counts more than food in the production uf milk.

N.i up-to-date dairyman will be found guilty of maintaining a graded sire hi his herd.

The weather has to be entirely favourable during the making if hay is to retain its colour and sweetness. Neglect will not only be reflected in the cliiirn, but disastrous and costly deterioration will quickly follow. In choosing a sire for your dairy herd select one with the longest list of producing ancestry in his pedigree. Almost every green crop may be eonverted into good milk-producing food as ensilage- The methods of Tutting the crops and filling the silo are simple. The special purpose cow does not necessarily mean a pure-bred cow, but she must be a descendant of a pure-bred sire of the special purpose type.

When it is intended to rear any calves the calf pens should he thoroughly cleaned and made snug and warm, and at the same time plenty of ventilation jriven. futile must be fed, and, if possible, with loud thai will favour milk production. Such a ration is costly when it ha»' to be purchased and difficult to procure.

It is contended th%t it would be easily possible to overdo the cultivation' uf lucerne. The same has been said at one time of every new industry.

Eucalyptus is said to be an excellent cure for influenza in horses. . The method of application is to saturate a strip of soft cloth with the oil and tie it around the bit. Men in most business lines organis and work together. Farmers are beginning to see the need of concerted action, but as a rule they still work single-handed, in America and Canada practically every dairyman and stockowner has his sild or solos, and could not get along without them. Stress of circumstances account for this fact.