Page 11 Advertisements Column 3

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXIII, Issue 11955, 27 May 1933, Page 11

FARM •menace of ragwort. Farmers! throughout North Taranaki are very concerned about the spr&fd of ragwort; arid are of the opinion that if some firm steps are nob taken, at once to keep it in check, farmers in many districts will bo driven put of ..dairying, says the “Taranaki Daily, News.” During the last few years its • growth has been very rapid, owing to the 'Spread of tho.wood by seed.blown from neglected farms, and throughout Taranaki there are numbers of these, the majority being Native land and abandoned Crown, properties. It is only a few years aince. the idea of ragwort taking possession of the rich dairying lands, was scorned. Now it is realised from experience that the best dairying land in Taranaki is in danger of being ruined, as each, year sees the menace spreading and the weed? becoming more difficult to check. The man whose farm is dear today realises that at any time, the ragwort will take charge of his property. NOT A DIRTY ANIMAL. THE PIG MISJUDGED The Pig is perhaps the most misjudged of all our domestic animals. Because for reasons of health h*? likes to “wallow in the mire,’’ very rmich on the same principle that a fowl takes a dust hath, large numbers of people scram to think that he really likes to be continually in a state of filth. Because he is Omni verous, and will eat of everything, be lias all sorts o: ill-smelling and unsuitable rqfusei giyom. ko him—hogswash has indeed become a- synonym lor food that is not appetising in appearance. Though naturally a roafer in the forest, be is generally confined in a small and poky sty, which is badly lighted and affords little comfort; and while he is by nature a lovtr of warmth, he is kept shivering through the cold weather, and suffers to an extent which few people probably .realise. The pig is not a dirty animal. is true that, the pigsty offends the nose, but this is because the open court, which is often a perfect abomination, is not frequently and properly cleaned out. It is indeed often so made that it cannot be kept- clean and the animal sinks deep into the muck that is allowed to gather around the feeding trough. If we want proof of the cleanliness of the pig, any experienced keeper will tell us that, in proper conditions, the pig will never soil bis bedding, as so many other animals will do. He will always go as far away from it and from bis feeding trough as possible, and even little pins at an early age are not great offenders in this respect. The pig. given natural conditions, would not be found standing hock deep in refuse or lying on a cold, damp floor. On the contrary, he is a lover of warmth and comfort. Lexanyone give his pig a good bed of clean stray, and note how he gets into it. covering himself up a s far as possible with the litter. Unlike the cow or horse, lie is not content to lie on his bed merely, but gets into it for warmth's sake, and if several pigs are lying together they will he found huddled close to each other for the same reason. Is it to he wondered at that, kept in the conditions which are so common, they suffer much from troubles caused bv dampness, foul air, and want of warmth and sunlight TEN GOLDEN RULES. 1. Select thrifty, vigorous, purebred breeding stock. 2. —Do not give the brood sow too much far-producing foods. Lucerne is amongst the. best foods, as it is cheap, bulky, laxative, and muscleproducing. 3. Brood sows should have, ample exercise. Fat lazy sows will not give good results. They should be fed light enough so that their appetites are keen at meal times. 4. Provide good shelter sheds at farrowing time. The pig bouse should h e dry, well lighted, and free from draughts. One pig. or at most two, will pay for a nice lit tie house tor each sow. 5 Do not overfeed tho sow at farrowing time. Water is all a sow needs tli.e day she farrows. The second dav she can have, a little light food, and the third day add a little more, the rate of increase of supply depending on the size of the litter and the milk-producing capacity of the sow. G. —Keep the pigs growing from tho day they are born. 7.—Provide green pasture from carlv spring till late in the autumn. The cheapest gains are made, on pasture. g. Provide pure clean drinking water at all times. Do not. allow pigs to drink out of mud holes. 9. Keep the herd-heal thy. To get rid of lice, use a mixture of benzine half a pint; paraffin, half a pint; and fish oil, seven pints. Mix all together, and apply with the band to Hre infested animals. To get rid of worms, provide plenty of wood ashes, burnt maize cobs, burnt bones, old liino, and a few pieces ol rock salt. Keep the building and yards disinfected and tidy. 10. —You must love your pigs, and strive to take a little bettor care oi them to-morrow than you did. today. The last rule may well be call|ed the, golden rule of the pig busi- ! ness. Information has been received by the Wellington Wrestling Associatioii that George Walker has been incapacitated after last Monday’s match at Auckland, and will not be alffo to fulfil His. engagement with Dr. Hall at Wellington this coming Monday. • .