FARM and DAIRY

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 23 August 1924, Page 11

FARM and DAIRY

NOTES BY THE WAY. At the ordinary meeting of the Winter Show Committee, a letter of appreciation was received from the Dairy Factory Managers’ Association, noting that suggestions made by them for the dairy schedule 'were being followed. The committee are always most anxious to receive and consider hints that may he for improvement. Speaking at a farmers’ gathering at Maxwelltown on Friday evening, Mr. J. W. Deem of Moumahaki State Farm, expressed the opinion that unless a new method or new varieties of swedes were introduced farmers would have to depend more on mangolds and carrots to provide food for stock. In some districts carrots had become almost the’ staple food. The dairying season began fairly early in the Auckland province, the butter received for grading during July amounting to 14,299 boxes as compared with 13,306 for the corresponding month last year. The cheese received during July totalled 883 crates as compared with 1007 in July, 1923. The majority of the herds in the province will he coming into profit this

month. The directors of the Northern Wai-

roa Dairy Company, .Ltd., have purchased for the coming season their boxes from Europe, a Baltic white wood. After making a thorough inspection they found the timber tasteless and odourless, and are satisfied that if the Baltic people can supply all the timber wanted when the New Zealand white pine is done, their anxiety as to package will cease. Mr. Thornton, the chief grader at Auckland, placed butter in a box made from this timber in the cold store for three months, after Avhich it turned out perfectly sweet and good. The directors estimate that their saving on the next year’s boxes will amount to £IOOO. Another article from the pen of Mr. Fenton Macpherson—his fourth—appears in The Daily Chronicle. In it he quotes the advice of a “young, welleducated New Zealander of to-day, who believes in scientific specialised farming.” He was convinced that the road to prosperity for newcomers now runs through the dairy-farm. “No slackers .wanted, hard work and study,” are two of the points ivhich the New Zealander emphasises. Mr. Macpherson goes on to describe the system of share milking. The interest of these articles for New Zealanders is the great publicity that is bejng given to conditions in the Dominion through these influential London newspapers. No longer fyan the general public plead ignorance of the overseas., countries, or complain that their information is from prejudiced sources. The articles are writ-, ten by English visitors for the English 1 people. This type of information is what, after all, really counts. ‘There is nothing new* under the sun,' says of the greatest of philosophers! and one is therefore not surprised to learn that in ancient Egypt, bitumen was apparently known, though perhaps not as a road-making material. It is said that one of the richest and finest of brow r n paints is manufactured from mummies. The paint is made by grinding the bones of the mummies with the bitumen with which they were embalmed.

grading op dairy The following resolution, which had been adopted by the Waikouiti branch of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union was discussed by the Otago Provincial , Executive recently: “That in view of the ever-increasing amount of dairy % produce • being placed on the English market by countries other than British the Farmers Union, be urged to support proposed methods of raising the standard of New Zealand dairy produce by means of lower grading of cheese and universal and equitable grading of home-separated cream ” Mr Waite said it seemed obvious that there was a mistake in the wording of the resolution. He thought higher grading of cheese was meant. He went on to say that cream grading was going to he an established fact in the South Island this season. Sometimes suppliers rvould get one penny less according to the quality. By pay- ’ ment-of a higher price for good cream and a lower for bad cream he thought bad would be eliminated. He thought all the action suggested by the resolution had already been taken. GREAT CLYDESDALE STALLION. FRESH BLOOD IMPORTED TO SOUTH TARANAKI. A valuable addition to the stud draughts of the district has been made by Air. Jerry Kerrisk, of Ohangai,, who has just imported from Messrs O’Brien and Mitchell, of Oamaru, the fine stallion “Prince Premier.'’ This

great sire is by the imported horse lienuer Pride,” out of a well-known mare “Nancy Lee.” This mare’s sire is lord Kelvin ’ Tracing back the second dam is “Fanny II,” bv “Lord Gran lev ; third, “Fanny,” bv“Strathmore ; and fourth, “Polly,” by “Sir Cohn Campbell. ’ “Prince Premier is installed at bis new owner’s farm, and looked a picture when a. Star representative saw him this week. He is a beautiful black horse, standing 16.3 hands, with great bone and extra good feet His breeding shows his' great quality. It may be added that the purchase was made through the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile, and that .just fcerore the sale was effected arrangements had been made tentatively to send the horse over to Sydney. This would have been carried out had not the iaranaki man secured him. Mr. Kernsk is to be congratulated on his enterprise. The importation of ’such good stock to the district will have a distinct value to farmers wanting to improve the quality of their draught stock, and will serve to maintain the reputation made by Taranaki breeders in the past on the standard of Clydesdales held in this province.

POTATO CULTURE. SOME INTERESTING PROVISIONS. * MR L- B. WEBSTER’S ADDRESS. Before a largely-attended meeting convened‘on Monday evening at Atangatoki by the local branch of the Farmers’ Union, Air L. B. Webster, of New Plymouth, delivered an interesting lecture dealing with potato planting, during the course of which he placed before- the meeting a great deal uf useful information regarding the initial measures advisable to secure the best results from this root crop. The chairman (Mr W. E. Carter) formally introduced Air A\ ebster, and extended a fitting welcome to him on behalf of the meeting. In his opening remarks Air AVebster intimated that it was possible-, provided diligent study were given to the subject, to identify with accuracy the different varieties of potatoes. He did not, however, intend to attempt explaining the different varieties in detail, but would endeavour principally to indicate the two main classes into which all varieties could he .divided. He took it for granted that most of the farmers present grew' certain quantities of potatoes for their own use. The vegetable was not grown as a rule for commercial purposes in Taranaki. He would like, however, to see the vegetable grown more extensively in the province, so that there would not he the same need to depend on outside sources for extra supplies. Though it would not perhaps be. possible to fulfil all requirements locally, it should be possible by paying a little attention to seed selection and planting to meet the greater proportion. It was understood that before nlanting growth must be visible. By giving a little intelligent attention to the seed a difference in shooting, or growth, habits could be easily discernible, and, though it was not generally known, this attention was vitally essential to. successful culture. By ’ carefully observing various varieties of seed’when shooting commenced it would be noticed that- they belonged to one of two classes. It would be seen that the parent seed either sent out clusters or single shoots from each eye. Discrimination l>etween these classes was a most important point—one which could not be stressed too strongly. Seed could lie so divided, irrespective of shape, colour or variety. In common practice among the greater number of growers the two classes, principally through ignorance of the results, were treated alike, but this, as he would endeavour to demonstrate, was entirely wrong. Eirst.lv, he desired bis hearers to assimilate the principle that the number of shoots or “haulms” starting from any given point or eye must he limited, as if they were crowded the crop would be less than the land was capable of producing. Failure to observe this principle would almost invariaby explain the presence in a crop of a large percentage of small tubers. In exemplification Air'Webster sketched illustrations of the parent seed showing the branching or clustered “haulms” and the single “haulm.” and pointed out the impossibility of securing similar results from both classes if planted in tlie same area of ground, as was commonly done. The parent seed would usually he found to have at least four eyes, or starting points, for the shoots. Supposing it had four eyes, it would be readily understood that, whereas in the branching class the ground would have to nourish sixteen shoots, four being a moderate estimate of the number of shoots from each eye, in the single class the ground would- only have to nourish four shoots, or one from each eye. Consequently such a planting would

result in an infinitely greater cron of edible potatoes from’ the latter. * To secure good results, however, it was not necessary to select only those seeds showing the single shoots. Bv carefully cutting'the “cluster” variety aud separately planting the clusters they would be given an equal opportunity with the single shoot seed for development. If this practice were adhered to by growers much better crops and finer potatoes for table purposes would be realised. A further advantage to lie obtained was convenience in spraying or treating for disease. The cluster, if planted without cutting. invariably grew excessively large tops, rendering effective spraying almost impossible. ’ °

In answer to a question. Air AVebster said the decay which would result upon cutting the parent seed was both necessary and advisable. It was undoubtedly a great advantage to slice the base of the parent seed, which failed to provide nourishment for the growth when once the haulms had sprouted, and consequently the quicker it decaved the better. It was possible when waiting for the signs of growth before planting to leave the seed too long above ground. The shoots should not be allowed to grow more than approximately an inch before being put in the ground. If planting were delayed longer a stunted, blunted growth would usually be noticed, this being the result of the haulm’s unsuccessful search for nourishment, and in a long experience of growing the speaker had never known such stale growths to yield satisfactory results. Replying to a further enquiry, he said that the time held after cutting did not affect the seed unless planting were delayed too long. Seed could be planted " immediately after cutting if clesirel.

Discussing the system of planting, Mi 1 AVebster called attention to surface sowing. This, as lie explained, was done by planting the seed on top of the prepared soil and covering it with the soil from the sides to a depth of about four inches. It humus manures were used they should be placed,, underneath the seed, but if an artificial kind were used it should be sprinkled on top of the mound,l so that it would sift down to the seed. By means of sketches he gave an illustrated comparison of this method with the trench .or drill method of planting, and showed how, whereas the former ensured the seed receiving the maximum of heat and sunshine and a minimum of moisture, the opposite conditions obtained under the latter method. Further recommendations in favour of the former system were that hanking was done at the time of planting, and an added convenience was afforded when digging. In climates having a fairly plentiful rainfall it would secure improve dresults, but would not be so successful under dry climatic conditions. Its one. drawback, which was not a very serious one, was that the rows had to be spaced a little farther apart than when trenched. He had adopted surface planting, which was his own idea, with great success in North Taranaki, and would like to see the experiment tried in the southern part of the province. Jn moving a vote of thanks to Air AVebster, the chairman stated that the lecture had been very interesting and very practical. He had personally followed out. with excellent results, some of the methods advocated, and was sure that if Mr AV ebster’s advice were adopted a big improvement would be manifested in the potato crops in the district. Air AA'ebster had shown great courtesy in coming from New Plymouth and affording the meeting the benefit of his expert knowledge of the subject, which the chairman felt sure had been greatly appreciated by all present. The motion was canned by acclamation. DEHORNING CATTLE. TWO METHODS DESCRIBED. An enquiry from Masterton as to the methods employed in Argentina in dehorning cattfe is answered as follows by the Consul-General for Argentina (Sonor H. Bidone): “Two systems are known—(l) by means of caustic : (2) by means of clippers or pincers. The caustic system is simple and easy, and is applied to the unformed horn when the calves arc a few days (from three to four) old. Caustic soda can he used, or caustic potash, both of which are sold in the shops in pencil form. In cases where the horns of the calves have reached a certain stage it. is necessary to cut them, and then a saw or shears are used. The saw does not damage the horn as occurs with the shears, especially when the animals are old. The shears cause less pain. AYhen caustic is used the hair must he cut away where it surrounds the horn, and from the parts surrounding it. Vaseline is then applied on the parts where the hair has been cut away, in order to prevent the caustic from spreading and making a’scar on the skin around the horn. One end of the caustic stick is moistened slightly, and it is applied and lightly rubbed first on one and then the other of the budding} horns three or four times, allowing it each time to dry before applying it again. Care must be taken to wrap the stick of caustic in naper to safeguard the hands. The operation should not be undertaken when there is a probability of rain in a few hours, as rain will dilute the caustic and make it spread over the animal’s hair and possibly roach its eyes, which might cause loss of sight. If prooerly applied a scab is formed above* the butt°n of the horn, and this falls off in a few days’ time.”

FAIRBRIDGE FARM SCHOOL. (By S. R. Musgrave). According to telegraphic advices from W esc-ern Australia death has removed a man vho was carrying out a splendid humanitarian work, and at the same time helping to build up the population oi the Commonwealth. I refer to the kite Mr Fail-bridge, of the Fail-bridge harm School, Pinjarra, Western Australia. Pinjarra is situated about .>0 miles south of Perth, in a rich binning district, where mixed farming is s.uoeesslully carried on. Some miles from the town. Mr. Fairhridge secured ;i2(!(> acres of virgin land, and working in conjunction with the Child immigration Society in Ungland, with which Lord Novar. Colonel Amery, and Sir Arthur Lawlov are associated, lie founded a farm school for children, who are secured at an early age from the charitable schools and homes in Great Britain, avid sent out to the farm school in Western Australia, where until they reach the age of 14 years they go to school under regular Australian conditions. The children a.re brought from overseas at ages ranging Irom six to 10 vears. The school has all the appearance of a hush village, as the children are housed in cottages, which are ut in the bush at a distance from each other of several hundred yards. Each cot rag? is the homo of from 12 to 14 voung children, who arc under the control of a “mother.” She sloops in n. room adjacent to the dormitory in which the children sleep. They have their breakfast and tea at the home, nut all the children meet for dinner in a large

central building.' The ’ diildron ..o thiough tin? bush to a State school, and I had the privilege ol seeing liitm at school, and was impressed with their healthy appearance. They ;uo •irawn from all parts of Great Britain. 1 and when spoKen to said they Avould not like to return to tlie places from whence they came. AA’heu they reach the age of 14 years, the hoys are instructed iu farm work at the school, and the girls in domestic work, and then, when they reach the age of maturity, they are allowed to seek employment outside the school, and almost ' imoiriablv go to work in the bush.

AA hen spoken to in regard to the idea of establishing the school m the bush away from human habitations of any kind, the late Air Fairbridge said that by doing so the chiluren were brought up in the atmosphere of the bush, and were not ion*..miniated ty the lure of picture shows and (’her amusements which are . uriiaii art'action to children in and near the big towns, and thus, when they reach the age of maturity, ttiey do not mind going to work in the bush, where such attractions are not to be found. Tire boys are eagerly sought after in Western Australia as farm hands, and already four ex-pupils have gone; on’the land on their own account, holding areas ranging from 600 to 1900' acres. I spoke to one ex-pupil who was on tile land, and in answer to the question. “Would you like to leave Australia ami go to England?” his reply was, “Not unless I had a return ticket in my pocket.” The late Air Fnirbridge was a South African Rhodes scholar, and whilst in England conceived the idea that- to make successful colonists the children should be taken to the land where it was intended they should make their homes, when they are at a tender age, in order that they may grow up under local conditions and environments. He did not go to nis native colony of South Africa to carry,out his scheme, because, he realised that, the colouied population would be too great a competitor with the children that were being trained to take the place of farm labourers and domestics iu the country, hence his reason for seeking the shores of Australia. In one respect, however, he had given a certain South African atmosphere to his surroundings, as the home in which ho resided with List wife prior to his death was built in the South African colonial style, with a “stoop.’’

VALUE OF CLOVERS. AIDS TO FERTILITY. The various stages in the evolution of agricultural practice have been very largely influenced by the fact that leguminous plants are capable of enhancing soil fertility (wrote Professor R. Ch Stapledon in the London Daily Telegraph). The old Roman writer Columella has shown us that the value of lucerne as a soil improver was appreciated in Italy in the first century A.D., while the part played by pea's and other pulses with reference to soil fertility was fully realised in India and elsewhere long before the precise significance was dimly guessed at of the nitrogen-fixing organisms associated with the root nodules of leguminous plants. In modern times tlie value of such crops as vetches, peas, and beans to the rotation as a whole is well understood. It is, however, doubtful if the herbage legumes, as represented by the clovers and their allies, have received their proper recognition for their dominating influence, alike on in. numerable bygone and modern practices

Red clover, it should be remembered, has always been the staunch and inseparable ally of the turnip, and it is almost inconceivable that the turnip alone could have brought about the revolution in practice associated with the introduction of the four-course rotations, with the various modifications of that rotation. The case of white clover, yellow suckling clover, bird’sfoot trefoil, the vctchlings, and other leguminous herbs naturally associated with old grasslands is even more interesting, as for generations, unnoticed as they frequently are, those plants have exercised their influence on fertility, and therefore on practice. It is chiefly on account of the comparative rapidity Avith ivhich white clover, suckling clover, and the other wild leguminous herbs are capable of selfestablishment and colonisation that land, which has been continuously cropped on an exhausting rotation, gradually recovers fertility when allowed to revert to something approaching its original condition. Practices based on this fact are age-long and world-wide. In remote times, when land AAjas everywhere plentiful the question of the rapidity of the recovery of out-cropped areas Avas of no significance, and Avas not the concern of the cultivator. To-day, in almost all parts of the Avorld, it is necessary to hasten the recovery of out-cropped areas, and this is a problem to Avhich agriculturists in America and other countries of vast expanse, equallv with • ourseLes, baA r e seriously to address theinseh-es. In America, Avhite cloA'er, although originally introduced from Europe, and Japan ckn T er, also an introduction, have become tantamount to Avikl plants over very extensive areas, and undoubtedly are capable of exercising a dominating influence on the return to fertility of land which has been cropped out.

CONCERNING CHEESE. A propaganda is being' started in Victoria with the cry, “Eat more cheese!” The idea is to increase domestic consumption to the benefit of producers and the dietetic advantage of consumers. A correspondent apiopos of this movement directs attention to the high position occupied by New Zealand cheese in Australia, it is said that Victorian cheese is “wretched stuff,” that it is better to nay 4s per lb in Australia for New Zealand Stilton and 2s 4d per lb for New Zealand Cheddar than to buy the locally-made article. The correspondent wonders why New Zealand cheese .is so dear in Australia, as above quoted, when it is retailed hero at ]s to Is 2d per lb. The answer is that New Zealand cheese lias to hear a heavy burden when entering Australia, wi 1 h handling, freight, insurance and. duty. Now Zealand Stilton is essentially a luxury, and 4s per Jb tor it in Victoria would not lie excessive, bui. 2s 4d for Cheddar seems very high. Latest wholesale Melbourne prices for Victorian cheese are fid to fi.Ll for new, Khl to lid for semimatured. Is to Is Id for fully matured. An “Eat 1 more cheese” eampaign in New Zealand might du-oct. ineroasing attention to Ibis valuable article of loud, lint at Is to Is 2d for new and sometimes poor-grading cheese is not likely to popularise it. Taste in cheese differs, and all can lie gratified in Wellington. where are obtainable Kurdish, Canadian, and Continental cheeses, as well as New Zealand Cheddar and some lanev linos. Cheese .is eaten much more at Home because it is handy, nutritious. and an excellent accompaniment of a glass of boor, whereas tea and cocoa arc more popular in the homo in Now Zealand. Between them there is a loss friendly gastronomic relationship than exists between cheese and beer.

COLD STORES AT MANCHESTER. AA riting of the storage accommodation in tne \\est of England oorts, a Home correspondent-, anxious tor firstnand information, took tlie opportunity or inspecting some of tne stores, tie writes as tonows:— the buildings that closely concern tlie .Dominions, however, are tne coin stores and the wool stores. Both these ue had an apportuiuty or visiting', om liatto-rd Dans Cold Stoi cs have "a- reputation.. They were designed, oy cut way, by a .\ew Zealander— ,Ur Moorhead, formerly or Christchurch—who remains a. 4 consulting engineer to tne company. The first tilings that strike the casual visitor on entering these stores are the particularly dry atmosphere and the aeshness and miritv ol tnat atmosphere. Un-e feels "that Min conditions are such as to. warrant long storage under ideal conditions. As a matter of tact there was meaL iu ihi building that had been there for six months.. Before the stores were bum there, was a complete network of stem gantries, which were used for the transport oi timber. I hose aie now used for the transport of meat from the retrigeraled , trucks to the hatchways on the root of tlie- building, and servo as the tracks tor high-speed tra\ ? eiling electric cranes. Railway linos flank eaeii side, cl me building, and one sot is used for incoming produce, the other lor outgoing —an arrangement which makes tor very speedy acceptance and despatch til' stores.

One building of I,C(K),<;():) cubic feet capacity is divided into four .sections, each forming a complete unit, but the whole is under a single system of air cooling and circulation. ft is found that the disadvantages of having such a large chamber to keen always cooled whatever the amount ui produce; stored is compensated lor by the freshness and purity of the atmosphere. Formerly there was only one floor, but since the war, and noiv that there, is greater need for differentiating the various lots, a second wooden grill floor has been added, through which tlie cold air freely circulates.

Three Lightfcot machines of GOrton icesinaking capacity supply the cold air. This enters the building at a temperature of about odcg Fah.. and is discharged, through a system of ducts at low velocity to secure perfect percolation. of the stacked carcases of meat. Within the stove, it is said, the temperature never varies more than 2deg. during the 24 hours, the average temperature being 16'deg. Fall. The slowly circulating cool air is continuously drawn off, to he passed over the batteries of brine-covered cooling pipes. Although the building is lirc-proof, a lire extinction system in installed of the sprinkler type. Water is held in reserve underground, but if the rise of temperature is such as to alfect the takes, the air nisi ms out of the pipes, sets free the water, and the sprinkling system come sinto play.

Carcases are unloaded from vessels in the canal to insulated trucks to the company. They are then moved over the Tra/tord Park railway system to the stores, and picked up in balloon strings by the electric overhead cranes, borne along the gantries, and lowered through the hatches. All this movement from the vessel to the inside of the stores is carried out for an inclusive charge of (id per ton. Under normal conditions oOf) tons of 1 produce can be moved in and nut of the stores every day. Inside'the stores, in a chamber kept at MGdeg. Fall., is a power-driven saw for cutting up meat. A retailer is thus able to cut off as much of a beef carcase as he requires, ami leave the remainder of the carcase in stoic. At the time of our inspection the stores were well filled with Argentine. Patagonian and New Zealand meat. The last-named had been brought 'by the Essex and the Suffolk, and included the Taratalii and Wairoa brands. Incidentally. it was mentioned that the people of the north ‘‘swear by Patagonian lamb’’ because of its leanness. It is evident, therefore, that a system of education is required before the people are led to prefer Ihe liner Now Zealand eommodity. An insulated motor lorry was being loaded at, the time we were there. This is evidently one of the regular trades

from the .sc ce u t,r a 1 ly-si t u'i tc d stores, bet in the midst of a. teeming population, it is easy to see the advantages of the Trafford Park system. The Port of Manchester Koau /service (Ltd.) lias a fleet of such insulated motors, and provides quien transport within a radius of 30 miles, especially in the thickly congested area of Manchester and its environs.

An opportunity was provided of going over the Union Cold Storage uompany’s store at rdexamler Dock. This has a total capacity 'hit 2,777,000 cubic feet, and is the largest co/d storage .building in Europe. The building consists of tliree separate sections, each divided into six Hours. 'The capacity of the building under freezing temperature is 1,200,000 carcases of lamb, or 800,000 carcases of mutton, or 260,000 quarters of beef. The store is also suitable for keeping butter, cheese, eggs, bacon and fruit at suitable temperature, special rooms being available.

The meat is lifted from the holds of the snips, passed on to electricallydriven escalators which carry the meat on to endless travelling bands running parallel with the quay, and at a central point the meat passes on to otheir bands which travel right into the cold storage building. The entire operation is carried out under cover. Another interesting feature of thei building is that the whole of the roof is covered in ior use as a sorting iioor. It is on this floor that the endless conveyor bands from the ship’s side deposit the meat. Here it is sorted, and immediately moved away to the chambers. On the root, too, are electric cranes which discharge the contents of the company’s refrigerator barges, which have received their cargoes from steamers unloading in other docks. .Railway lines are laid along the outside of the building, and a double track is taken right inside the premises. The total berthage for trucks enables 150 refrigerator trucks to be dealt with every day, in addition to numerous motor transport and horse vehicles. The buildings are cooled by electricallydriven ammonia compressors in triplicate. Each machine is capable of maintaining the whole of the buildings at suitable temperatures, so that a very big margih of safety is thereby provided. MANCHESTER. PORT. It is interesting to recall that a large area on the banks of the Manchester Ship Canal was until about the time of the completion of the canal a bit of farm land owned by -the Trafford family. A correspondent of the Otago Daily Times, writing on the subject of the canal, says:—“in 1882 the people of Manchester realised that if their city was to grow and prosper they must have access to the sea, so they built the Manchester Ship Canal, one of the engineering wonders of the world, and on January 1, 1894, ocean carriers with cargoes for Manchester and beyond have sailed past the port of Liverpool, traversed tlie canal," and discharged their freights within the city’s gates. On the bank of the canal opposite to where the docks were constructed was an ancient park belonging to the de Trafford family from the time of King Canute. It was a diamond shaped piece of flat land three miles in length and one in breadth, and for hundreds of years deer and cattle and sheep had grazed on its green pastures. It was simply impossible that this part of England should remain as a humble pasture land. It was required by a company. Mr Marshall Stevens, one of the founders, and the first manager of the Ship Canal, became its managing director. The Trafford Park Estates Company linked itself by rail with the canal, and all thei main railway lines of England. How many of the great firms bought up sites on the park and built new works is a matter of history.” FACTORS IN MILK SUPPLY. POINTS OF IMPORTANCE. It has been recognised for some time now that the percentage of fat decreases slightly as tlie cow advances in age. It would appear that there is a gradual increase in yield up to the fourth calf the maximum yield will be may be assumed that, in the case of heifers calving at two and threequarters to three years old, the milk with the first calf will be 66 to 70 per cent, of that of a mature cow, after the second calf 80 per cent., after the third 90 per cent., and . after the foutrh calf the. maximum yield will be produced. For the next two or three years, if the cow remains a regular breeder and sound in health,: there will be little variation in the yield, but after the sixth or eighth calf a decrease is to be expected. The quality of the milk will be at its best after the first and second calves, but afterwards there will be a slight decrease as the cow ages.

There are some exceptions to this general rule, as in the case of cows having great inherent capacity of milk production, and provided they are in charge of dairymen keen to “do” the cow exceptionally well. Weather conditions play their part in the milk yield, but only temporarily. A high or low temperature tends to reduce the yield of milk, but the fat percentage remains unchanged, or possibly may be a shade higher. Then, too, good showery weather during the summer time invariably increases the yield, hut whether it is due to less trying climatic conditions or to the fact , that more water is obtained along with the ordinary feed. it would be unwise to assert. Certainly dairy cows kept under pleasant conditions in respect to ventilation and warmth milk better than if exposed to rigorous climatic happenings, lows “off their feed” or indisposed for the time being will go “off their mill:,” although the fat percentage mav be nd\ er-ely 1 affected, but rather increased.

The method of feeding the cow is of vast importance. A well-contained herd receiving an adequate rat : on should not. if transferred, to very dissimilar foodstuffs, yaiy in the milk yield or in its quality. If the herd is" on ‘'short commons,” naturally enough better feeding means an increased output. The spring season provides an ample supply of succulent feed, and it is only reasonable that dairy farmers should "see that some provision is made for feeding out some succulent foodstuff to take the place of the juicy grasses which are ‘‘going off” about Christmas time. It is well to bear in mind as times push up or lower the percentage of buttertat, it is only a temporary change, as the cow is inherently a 31. 41, or o per cent, butter-fat- cow or thereabouts, and will in due time approximate her average test. There is. as far as we know. o°- rne;lns of making a well-conditioned 3.0 per cent, lnitter-fat cow into a 5 per cent. cow. DAIRY FARMING. THE INTENSIVE METHOD. ONE OR TWO COWS TO ACRE. RESULTS AT HORSHAM DOWNS. A new method of farming which it is cla’med will cause an evolution in the 'nd’’st’-y is heino- advocated bv the organiser of the "Waikato sub-Rrovincial. Branch of the New Zealand Farmers’

Union (Mr. -W. A. Porter). In tlie course of an interview with a Waikato limes representative the other day, Mr. Porter stated that, while not claiming to be a prophet, he claimed that this new method of dairying was the herald of a great forward move, a general progressive step. It would usher in the dawn of a new era in the life of the dairy farmer, for it meant nothing less than a cow or more to the acre, and this without any ploughing and without any root crops. Surelv this was intensified dairying—farming made ideal, farming up-to-date, farming simplified.

It was only a year or two ago since the sub-provincial executive had the honour of launching a scheme for the testing of our dairy herds, which at one and tlie same time was effective, simple and'inexpensive, a- scheme that not only made every farmer in New Zealand a debtor to the New Zealand Farmers’- Union, but proud of his union. The scheme was evolutionising our dairy herds, and in a few years would raise the average returns of butter-fat per cow from 1681 b to 3001 b. The scheme had already spread almost all over New Zealand, and would with compulsory branding, compulsory registering, and compulsory certificates, very soon eliminate the cull. The union lias now launched another scheme that would be one of the greatest forward moves ever taken in the historv of New Zealand It was a new method of farming, whereby farms with a minimum of labour could be brought to carry from one to two milking cows to the acre, and this, when once the land is grassed, could be accomplished ’ without ploughing and without the tedious routine of root crops—with nought but grass and hay. Surelv this was farming up-to-date.

Four years ago a returned soldier bought 50 acres of land at Horsham Downs that would carry 15 cows, while to-day it was carrying 57 head of stock, including only two calves. The season before last this returned man took 93001 b of butter-fat from 36 cows, this season over 10,5001 b from 40 cows’ whilst in March of this year he took 10481 b _of butter-fat. Next season he will, milk 50 cows, and all this without ploughing and root crops. The secret of this new method of farming is in systematic top-dressing, chain-harrow--IUS» etc., on an altogether new scale. The total quantities of manures as used by this farmer annually on the 50 acres were as follow: Eight tons guano, 8 tons super (44-46), 8 tons slag (best), 24 tons lime; with 56 tons lime this year to counter any possible bad effect from such top-dressing. A nearby tanner, also milks on 50 acres of land told Mr. Porter that after paying foi the extra top-dressing Mr. Hodgins norn farmer referred to above) took vu more t^ian he himself had done whilst another farmer said, “I posiively believe that Les. Hodgins will yet milk 50 cows on that 50 acres.,” Our informant pointed out that the advantages of this intensive method of farming were that a much smaller capital outlay was required for 50 than tor 100 acres. The interest and rate* would be one-third, while the workinoand fencing would he much less than on a larger place. The quantity of implements required would not heifeari ahbits would be more easily exterminFurther, it was a much simpler Proposition to provide adequate shelter SL u*° - o0 acres than on one three times that size, and .'mother point to ie remembered was that 50 acres would in proportion be treated with fan- more 1

I!,!,,?, " 1 M , r ' Poi 'ter stated that tion ® s^ st 1 m Provided the solut ® f s °, me °f th e greatest problems at piesent confronting the industry ** “f distreS til would T H&”l proposin K the sch eme he \- Id i .J° su Sg es t to mortgagees that where ,t was practicable and sible, the man on the land who was en deavourmg to make good should bo a chance. He therefore offered ment° of W m g su Sf estions: The adjustbasis fn. a l r e n+ t °- a more equitable Jasis for a lighter interest charge or r e r ™ l ab 7 ance the -terj ; £ part or whole, for a year or two o„ the distinct understanding and on an Arten thafTlf 7 °p guarantee being fpent on a top-dreS h g . m ° neyS )» ■ Porter wa « satisfied that if m - 1 g ? gees could see their way to do mer ° f th * distressecrfaic +u ° Uld he done away with in two tL hl m i years ? and thafc the securiless would i ta " day w f re alm °st worthless uould become absolute Lastly b™rt arme f W ° Uld bllckle to 'with anew heart and i-enewcd vigour and this laund 6 forth Dominion °f ours would foit h upon a new era of prospeiity second only to that whirl <v,i lowed the introduction of the refriger" ato r into New Zealand. * L

WILLIAM SOLTAU DAVIDSON. PIONEERING WORK FOR NFW ZEALAND. (Australasian). Australians generally have, but little U ! e late iVlr William ac-i. Lau Davidsou.wliose deatii is announced j.v cable to jmve occurred in Scotland 0/1 July 18 last, for he was a man who 11 tJl( i Jlmeli ght. Neverthess. thete is probably no one who has Jmiue a deeper mark on the economic- , . , the .southern lands—a mark, too. nmeli must become ever detoer with passing ot time, tie was one "of those less spirits who are never satisfied .nth one blade ol grass where there ic a chance of growing two—much the same type as the late Mr E. H. Laseelles, with whom indeed lie was for many pears associated in supervising V‘ L 1; r '“ g V -Australian properties of tlie ‘.V V ' 11 " d Australian Land Coini'ci.y. tic c-aine into tins company’s -v.-vue -.uic-n a purchased the New Zealand estates of the Canterbury and Otago Association, and his new employment, gave him wider scone for patting his progressive ideas into practice. He was entrusted with the purchasing of large areas of valuable Land, cf which he soon had 100,000 acres laid down with English trasses thereby increasing the carrying capacity to a marvellous extent. * Owing to tlie footrot, merino sheep proved unsuhed to this rich pasture, so in l'-74 he svt about establishing a new breed of sheep, mating 1000 highlvbred merino ewes with pure coln rams, which his company were the first to import from England. By constant in-breeding and heavy culling lie thus established the . Corrieclale, which has since been exported to Australia. U.S.A., Japan and other countries, and is more and more coming to be regarded as the farmer’s sheen. In isfg ] K became general manager of his com-' pany, a position which he held until his death.

Another pioneering work of his was the introduction in New Zealand of modern methods of dairying. How much wealth has flowed into Australia and New Zealand as the result of this? The improvements maHe by the company having fitted its land for closer settlement, he was anxious to attract farmers to occupy it, and after studying in Canada the methods in vogue there he established a daily factory on model lines at F.denhope hi 1881—the first butter factory built in Australasia.

The disposal of the surplus butter, cheese and live stock resulting from these developments next engaged his attention. Ulcl sheep had become unsaleable, and used to be driven in thousands to yards erected on the top oi the cl iris, Knocked on the head and tin-own over the precipice. Meat-pre-serving and boiling-down works gave seme slight relief, but were unprofitable. He set himself the task of exporting surplus sheep to England in a irozen state! Two smaLl experimental shipments had been successfully made to England from Port Philip in 16E; in the steamships Strathleven and Protos, but in these days there were no steamships trading direct from New Zealand. Chilled beef used to be shipped by steamer from America to London, the quarters hung on hooks, each swinging free of the others, but ii sheep were given the same space the cost ol shipping would be prohibitive. If a sailing ship were used the journey would take at least three months, ano there would be a constant risk of sparks from the refrigerating boiler funnel setting fire to the sails. There were no: refrigerating works on shore to freeze the carcases prior to shipment-. These -were some of the difficulties that had to be faced, and which lend an element of romance! to the story of how they were overcome. Mr Davidson, with the cordial support of his company, chartered the fast sailing ship Dunedin, of about 1200 tons, had it fitted with a- refrigerating chamber and machinery, arranged for specially selected sheep to* be killed at the slaughter-house specially erected on the company's Totara estate, and then conveyed to the ship and frozen on board. He himself supervised the work, and witli Mr Brydone. the company’s New Zealand superintendent, personally stowed in the cold chamber the very first of the six million carcases per annum of frozen mutton and lamb which are nowadays loaded into ships from New Zealand alone. With tlie leading half completed, the: engine crank shaft broKe, and the frozen meat had to be unshipped, and was eaten in New Zealand. The engine was repaired, other sheep slaughtered, a.t- last the loading was completed, and the ship sailed on February 15, 1882, arriving in London 98 days later. In spite of all precautions, the sails caught fire on several occasions during the voyage. Captains of passing steamships, sighting the steam of the refrigerating boiler, mistook the Dunedin for a broken-down steamship, and ran out of their courses to offer succour. In the tropics the ship was for a long time on one tack, and Captain Whitson, fearing that the cold air was not being “tumbled about” enough crawled down the main airtrunk to cyt additional vents for tlie flow of air. In dong so he became half frozen-himself. Incidents like this will show the determination of character of the man, and serve to emphasise the great debt that the industry owes to liis pioneering work. i