THE FARM.

Digger (Invercargill RSA), Issue 9, 14 May 1920, Page 13

THE FARM.

KEW PROCESS FOR MANUFACTURE ARTIFICIAli MILK. A wide range of nature's products ha,ve recently been reproduced in an effort to combat the relative scarcity and high prices of coromodities known as the necessaries of life (says the "Scientific American"). A careful analysis of the article to be imitated has often revealed the fact that its constituent elements may be as8embled from the vegetable and mineral worlds. Synthetic processes formulated in the laboratory are demonstrating their practical utility in the factory, and the science of gubstitution is becoming a great factor in English industry. A recent patent application in iFigland is based upon a process from the manufacture of artificial milk for human consumption. It is claimed that a wholesome and inexpensive substitute can be made frorn peanuts, soya beans, water, sugar, water and the mineral salts found in milk. In commenting on this new process the "Yorkshire Observer" gives this synopsis : — "In 200 pints of pure water at 80 deg. C. (176 deg. F.) are dissolved 400 grains of potassium phosphate, or the equivalent amount of sodium phosphate ; sufficient sugar is added to give 4.5 per cent. to the fmished milk. and 40 pounds of meal prepared from nuts, blanched. The solution is hoiled in a steam-jacketted pan, then subjectcd to tho operation of a vacuum pan, and finally ueated with a culture of lactic bacteria until the required acidity is obtained. It is afterwards pasteurised at 60 deg. to 70 deg. C. (140 deg. to 158 deg. F.) for at least 20 minutes, cooled and stirred, while 0.05 to 0.11 per cent. of citric acid is added. "The milk so produced, it is stated, may be condensed and sold in tins in the usual way or dried to a powder and sold in bottles. It may be given a certain percentage of cream by the addition of cocoanut or one of the other tastless nut fats, the fat being added when the substance is in the vacuum pan. It may be cultured by the aid of lactic becteria to give a table cream or a sourcd mass for making into cheese. The residual meals, rejected after the special factors required have been taken from them, are mixed, dried until they contain only 10 per cent. of water, and used as food for cattle." THE TRACTOR IN CREAT BRITAIN. Tho British farmer has been converted, body and soul, to the tractor. Its economic advantages liave proved too many for his conversatism. The horse drawn plough must go, writes the "Daily Chronicle." Tliis peaceful revolution of the countryside is a remarkable event. The old plough has been our mute, trusty servant for many centuries. Horse has dragged him and man has directed him up and downthe field from time immemorial. Will the old race of ploughmen, "the bold peasantry, their country's pride," of Goldsmitk die out and he succeeded hy generations of rustic mechanics? Their har.ds will no longer guide tlre willin.g four-horse team, and the rough music of their voices will cease to echo across the brown pastures. Instead, they will clasp the wheel of the tractor, wliose busy hum will succeed the familiar crh-s ; and blue petrol vapour will rise over ihe field as did before the steam from i te smoking horses. The tractor means tho salvation of agricculture. It means cheaper bread ; so only poets— who need only food for thought — will lament the loss of romance to the country fields. THE SHORTAGE OF PIGS. In 1890 there was 207.000 pigs in tliis country. In 1910 they had increased to 348,700. Last year, 1919, there were only 235,300. Ihe Government AJastract of Statistics for December quotes the price of heavy pigs at £8, and that of porkers at £5. Bacon is quoted as up to Is 8d a lh, hani at ls lOd, fresh pork up to ls 4d. These statistics show on the one hand the decreasing number of pigs in the country, and on the olher, the renmnerativo price that the producer receivcs for the live anitnal as well as the cost of bacon, hani and pork to the customer. These statistics are decidedly significant. It may well appeal to the fanner that to brecd and faten the pig is profitablo, and the whole communit.y will support the well warranted address of Mr J. G. W. Aitken, M.L.C., who, when speaking at the N.Z. Meat Packing and Bacon Company's annual meeting in Wellington, pointed out that the manufacture I

of dried milk in many districts reduccd the supply of pigs. "Until such times,'' said Mr Aitken, "as the producer takes up pig fattening in a systematic manner, and looks to pther than the dairy for food supplies, we cannot hope for much improvement in the supplv of pork. It is to be regretted that more attention is not given to this important industry. For some time past importation of lianis and bacon have been mad.e in order to try to meet New Zealand's requirement. Tlre highest rates ever paid in New Zealand were given for pigs last season. In comparing the number oi pigs availahle in New Zcaland I find that 40 years ago the total was 207,000, as compared with 235,347 for 1919, while 28 years ago the total was 308,812. So that, in comparing the number availahle to-da-y, I find we aro approximately 73,465 short of the quantity availahle as far back as 1891 — 28 years ago — while the increase in the number of sheep for the sarae period was 7,700,368, and cattle increased by 2,203,647. In other words, the pig supply in New Zealand has increased to the extent of 23 per cent., while tho increase of cattle is 265 per cent., and the increase in sheep is 42 per cent. But, seeing New Zealand's pork products are practically sold in the Dominion, the decrease in the pig supply if relation to the population is very much greater, for in 1891 the number of pigs available per head of population was G.49 ; in 1919 this had decreased to 0.21 per head of population." PAINT TO KEEP BUILDINGS COOL. The followmg mixture may be used on rough timber, brickwork, or corrugated iron, and will reduce the temperature of liouses when applied to the roof, equally as well as the best refrigerating paint sold rlOlb of fresh unslaked stone lime ; 11b glue. 11b powdered alum. Slake the lime with hot water, keeping it well covered during the slaking. Dissolve the glue also the alum, in boiling water, and add to the already slaked lime, taking carc not to mix too thin. Strain the whole as for paint, and cover for two days or more, when it is ready for use. Apply with an ordinary white-wash brush, giving the work two coats, the first to be thoroughly set before the next is applied ; and if on roofs or tanks apply in cool weather. Colouring matter (ochres) may be added, if necessary. A little blue improves at all times.