THE VIRTUE OF THE BLUE GUM.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1769, 28 July 1888, Page 3

THE VIRTUE OF THE BLUE GUM.

A correspondent of a Wanganui paper writes : —“ I have been informed that there is considerable mortality in the lamb flocks up the coast, and that some of the settlers are heavy losers thereby, It may surprise them to know that a very simple and effectual remedy lies at their very doors, possibly unheeded by most of them. Perhaps its simplicity will in some cases prove a barrier to its use. The plan, or remedy, is to cut down one or more blue gum trees, according to the sire of the flock. Lop off some of the boughs, and cart them into the fields where lambs are running, strew them about in the most frequented parts; when the result will surprise, as wellas delight, the flock-owners. I have during the present season practically realised the benefit of this simple and most effectual remedy, and would not be afraid with its use to run lambs on the most polluted of pasture. I was induced to try this novel way of treating my young flock by seeing in the newspaper during the last year or two that a well-known sheep-farmer down Rangitikei way had turned some wretched-looking lambs into a young gum tree plantation, and, to his surprise, they commenced eating the gum tops, with the result that they were cured and throve wonderfully. I feel certain that the same happy results will attend those persons trying the above plan as was the case with the writer,”