H.—29

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pastures are not allowed to get away and thus provide shelter for the eggs and young ticks, and all roughage burned, these measures will go a long way towards freeing this country from ticks. In the interests of all concerned I would ask all farmers in infected areas to do all they possibly can in this direction. Ragwort Poisoning.—Although the deaths on any given farm from this cause have not been alarming, nevertheless if taken as a whole over the Dominion the total figures would no doubt be considerable. The mortality from this source will in all probability increase among all classes of stock unless individual farmers make a serious effort to keep this weed from spreading and to eradicate it where possible. In many districts this could easily be accomplished. It is not uncommon in many of our dairying districts to see a few plants on various farms, of which no notice is taken until the weed becomes a serious menace, not only to the individual but, to the surrounding neighbourhood. Under such conditions farmers have only themselves to blame for the consequences, as the weed could easily have been controlled at that stage. It becomes a difficult matter, however, when the plant is allowed to gain possession. It can then only be controlled by the laborious process of mowing, and much of the owner's time is taken up which could have been more profitably spent on other work. Again, when ragwort is allowed to gain possession in rough country, or among stumps, its control is still more difficult. Its destruction has then to be undertaken by manual labour or by grazing sheep thereon, with possible detrimental effects to these animals. Although this method of control is liable to be detrimental to the sheep and a number may succumb in the process, I am of opinion that it is the most economical method of ragwort-control in rough country. The best results will be obtained by placing the animals on the ragwort country in the late winter and early spring months. I again take this opportunity of impressing upon farmers in those districts where ragwort is not plentiful the necessity of keeping the weed in check when it first makes its appearance. A few hours will accomplish this if taken in time. If neglected, however, it will be an endless source of labour and worry in the years to come. Dietetic Troubles. —• A considerable amount of worry was experienced in various districts throughout the country on account of dietetic troubles such as redwater, Waihi disease, and skindiseases. In all cases reported the field officers of the Division attended and gave such advice as was necessary in regard to treatment and better management of the stock generally, and this assistance was appreciated by settlers. Foul-in-the-Foot. —A considerable amount of this trouble was seen in many districts where dairying is carried on. An animal suffering from a severe attack of this complaint is of little further use as a dairy cow for that season. On this account, although fatal results do not follow, the total loss sustained therefrom is considerable when taken over the whole Dominion. This disease in the majority of cases can be prevented, and from this point of view is worthy of serious consideration. The complaint, although it is caused by an organism, is for the most part seen in those herds which are compelled to walk over rough surfaces when going to and from the milking-shed. These rough surfaces injure the tissues between and around the claws, at which points the organism enters and sets up necrosis (foul-in-the-foot). In those districts where scoria is used the complaint assumes almost epidemic propensities after a fresh dressing of this material has been put on the yards. Dairyfarmers should see that an even surface is maintained on their yards, and the approaches thereto. If this were carried out I venture to say that very few cases of this complaint would be seen among our dairy herds. Bush Sickness or Soil Deficiency. —In my annual reports for the preceding two seasons I discussed fcnis subject very freely from a farming point of view. In the meantime the experimental work carried out in the affected region has not yielded any important new knowledge regarding simple methods of soil-treatment which will render the pastures in themselves in every way fit to maintain cattle and sheep in full health and vigour. Sheep. Parasitic Gastritis.—A considerable mortality from this complaint occurred among lambs, more particularly in the Wellington Province, some flocks suffering rather heavily. Owing to the damp eason experienced this was to be expected, and under such circumstances owners should see that their lambs are well cared for, particularly at weaning-time. At this time, if lambs are allowed to fend for themselves without suitable feed being provided, a check in their growth is unavoidable, thus weakening the resisting-power of the young animals, with the result that they become a prey to parasites. Once such a condition becomes established it is almost impossible to avoid heavy mortality, as only those with strong constitutions will be able to survive. In such cases the lambs eat but sparingly, and cannot be induced to take artificial food. At this stage medicinal treatment frequently does more harm than good, for even if the parasites are destroyed the animals have not sufficient recuperative powers to enable them to recover. In those flocks where suitable feedingconditions are available to enable them to get over the weaning and carry them into the winter without going back in condition, the loss is infinitestimal compared with that in those flocks for which little or no provision is made. Many sheep-farmers now realize that it pays to give their lambs proper attention, and it is to be hoped that the remainder will follow their example. When this condition is general the heavy death-rate among hoggets during the winter months will be reduced considerably. Liver-fluke. —I have to report a considerable improvement in the Hawke's Bay district in this respect. Much good work in eradicating the water-snail host has been undertaken by the settlers, with satisfactory results. During the year investigations showed that liver-fluke is more prevalent in the Gisborne district than was supposed. Whenever fluke is found, instruction and advice, with a view to prevention, is given in all cases, and by this method it is hoped that the incidence of fluke will be reduced to a minimum,