HOLLAND’S METHODS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 19 July 1938, Page 4

HOLLAND’S METHODS

MILKING IN THE FIELDS. The greater part of Holland is lower than sea level and is covered with a vast network of canals. These are for drainage purposes, and from them the excess water is pumped into larger canals on higher levels and eventually finds its way into the sea. The picturesque windmills are still to be seen performing this work, but they are giving way to modern pumping stations. The larger canals are used for transportation and barges may be seen moving the country’s freight to and from the sea. The smaller canals take the place of fences for dividing the fields, and, at the same time, provide water for the stock. The milking is all done in the fields during the summer and the cows seem to stand quietly while they are milked. In some cases, the hind legs are tied for extra security. Even in the heaviest rain the milking goes on outside, which must be disastrous to butterfat tests, since there is no provision to keep the rain out of the pail. Since the stables are not in use during the pasture season they are cleaned and scrubbed and quite often carpeted and used for a summer sitting room or playroom. They are cool and comfortable and it is not surprising that some families move from upstairs down to the stables for the summer. One must see the cleanliness of these barns to realise their possibilities. The majority of the houses and barns are built as one unit, and in the newer ones the house is on the front with a back door opening into the barn. They are built ( of brick with tile roofs and either tile or concrete inside. The barn is usually one storey with the stable running around one side and one end, the haymow and implement shed taking up the rest of the space. Everything is bright and attractive and each front yard has its flowers and lily pond or brightly col- | cured bridge over the canal.