FARM AND DAIRY.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 December 1922, Page 12

FARM AND DAIRY.

THE JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURE. The problem of the breaking-in of the northern gum lands occupies first place in th? December issue of the New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, an interesting account of recent operations at the Agriculture Department’s experimental areas at Puwera and Albany being given. The investigation in progress. by the biological laboratory, on apple flesh-collapse (or “brown-heart’’ as the trouble is known in Australia) is reported on, the data indicating con-

siderable advance towards a solution of this handicap on our fruit trade. An illustrated article on the olearia budgall midge will be of interest to large numbers of people whose olearia hedges have suffered from the operations of tJliis insect. A useful record of his experience in private forestry on the Waiotapu-Taupo Plains is contributed by Mr. E. Earle Vaile. The series on th? fungous diseases of fruit trees is continued with an article on coral spot, a wound-parasite. One of the latest plants scheduled under the Noxious Weeds Act—Japanese winqberry—is described and illustrated. The subject of vine-culture under glass is further treated. Among other miscellaneous matter ia a statement of the lambing percentages for the current season; special seasonal notes for the various branches of rural activity, weather records, the November list of finrebred dairy cows qualifying for certificate under the semi-official testing system, and the full text of the Rural Credit Associations Act passed in the recent session.

Shearing is in full swing and many of the farmers are pushing to get their wool in for next sale (states the Napier Telegraph). Harvesting operations have also been started by a few farmers with early oats and these early crops look as if they will be the best this year, as the dry spell has stunted the growth of the later crops. The present dairying season at Morrinsville has been remarkably successful, and all the factories in the district are running to full capacity (says an exchange). The cows have done well, and there has been a welcome freedom from disease among the stock. The season is now at the flush, and the quantity of milk and cream being received at the cheese and butter factories is greatly in excess of that of previous years. The weather has been very favorable, although rain is now needed, and there has been a good growth of succulent feed throughout the season. The hay crops have been exceptionally heavy, and cereals promise well. Many of the early crops of soft turnips did not “take,’’ and the areas had to be sown again. Except for the market prices, which have allowed for advances on a conservative basis only, the dairy farmers of the Morrinsville district have every reason to be pleased with the season and j its prospects.