FARM GOSSIP.

Waikato Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1554, 20 June 1882, Page 2

FARM GOSSIP.

Breeding flocks are rapidly' diminishing in Berkshire, which may be considered a sad sign of agricultural depression. A Caliifornian paper states that Chinese capitalists have purchased four thousand acres of land in San Mateo county, California, aud that three hundred coolies will be employod to cultivate it. A writer reputed to be proficient in pig-raising says that' both " for its effect upon fattening and upon health, a small amount of wood ashes should be given to swine. The food without this is rich in phosphoric acid, but has little lime, and the equivalent should be thus supplied." Too liberal doses of: wood ashes and free access to water might convert^ the animals into soft soap. ' The travelling dairy, accompanied by a - lecturer upon butter making in Ireland, is a 1 success, .as is also the Miinster Dairy school where pupils" arc trained in' the latest and most 1 improved process 'connected with dairy management. ' l / Intimation has been received 'by "the agents of theP. & 0. S. S. Compto jr. that < the' committee of the Australian and'lf ew "i Zealand Association has agreed to accept t reports of Australian steamers at Gibrai- ' tar. The effect of this is, .that .. ateamera .'wh^h^reach^braltar,; sr iday- .before the^ •^dp^ninlfjofjthe London^bpl B^[es ; -yfillj be» 7 ;c(eemea to Have arrived iii r ,tiine ior suci^ « sales, " '"._ .""'^ x ""