Farm and Garden.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 221, 4 December 1875, Page 22

Farm and Garden.

GREYTOWN HORTICULTURAL SHOW. (FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.) Masteuton, Tuesday. 'Phc first show held in Grey town came off today in the Hall with great success. The exhibits were, as a whole, numerous and most creditable, and the specimens of local industry, in the shape of jams and pickles, were excellent. Cut flowers and bouquets were of a class that would not have disgraced Wellington, and the vegetables were better than those usually shown in the Empire City. Strawberries were simply magnificent, and made one wonder why those on sale in Wellington should be imported from Auckland, sold so dear, and be such tasteless fruit.

Two or three exhibitors absorbed the prizes. Mr. Barnet took first prizes for the best general collection of vegetables, for turnips, lettuces, cauliflowers, cherries, gooseberries, twelve cut flowers in bloom, and kidney potatoes ; and second prizes for cabbage and brown potatoes. The Messrs. Kemptous, senior and junior, hail first prizes for rhubarb, cucumbers, round potatoes, bacon, peas, and strawberries ; second prizes for strawberries, beans, turnips, and radishes, besides special prizes for apples and radishes ; also first prize for salt butter. Mr. Brookes had first prizes for cabbages, carrots, and asparagus, and a prize for cut bouquets. Mr. Barnet had a special prize for potatoes, as had also Mr. Candy. Mr. Shaw took first prize for fresh butter ; Mr. Barnet second. Mr. Pharazyn got a special prize for pot plants; Mr. Brookes first for flower stands, and Mr. Halliday first for cactus. The judges were Messrs. H. H. Jackson, W. W. Macardle, and W. Booth, senior. Mr. J. Peyton acted as lion, sec., and to his courtesy are due these particulars of prizes, kindly given during the quarter of an hour that the coach waited at Greytown. The weather, which was very wet in the early part of the day, has quite cleared up, and promises to be fine to-morrow. WAIRARAPA AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION. (special telegram from our own correspondent.) Masterton, Wednesday. The annual show of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association was held to-day, under the most favorable auspices. The weather was magnificent; the exhibits on the whole were very creditable, in some cases marked by great superiority, and the attendance of the public was large. This was shown by the money taken at the gates, coming to double that of any previous year. The show was held in the reserve leased from the Defence Office, and a singular illustration of the change of times these latter days have seen in New Zealand was found in the circumstance that the secretary’s office was located in an old ditched and loop-holed redoubt, formerly put up for refuge and defence in troublous days. The candidates for the district at the next election, Messrs. Andrews, Bunny, and Pharazyn, were on the ground, and though not entered for exhibition were quite as much on show as were the stock. Their courtesy and attention to all was conspicuous, and formed the subject of no small comment in connection with the near approach of the polling-day. The feature of the show this year was found in the horses, which were really first-class. The Stud Company’s well-known stallion Kakapo, which took first prize, deserved all the enconiums his shape and appearance obtained. In diaught entries, the first and second prizes, as well as the highly commended, were taken by Canterbury bred animals. Young Lofty, a four-year-old, which took first prize, is a splendid specimen of a draught horse. The brood mares Jess and Damsel, the property of Mr. A. Cockburn, respectively first and second in their class, were as fine animals as could lie seen on any show ground. Owing to its distance from the centre of the Valley, the show did not obtain as many entries in cattle and sheep as that held last year at Tauherenikau, there being, in fact, only three exhibitors from the Lower Yallev— Messrs. McMasters, Bidwcll, and Mitchell. Mr. George Hunter, of Wellington, however, set a good example to those at a distance by forwarding two bull calves, twenty sheep, and a couple of Berkshire pigs. His energy was rewarded by his stock going to the top of the list in these classes. In calves, Perfection, by Father Christmas, dam Snowdrop, calved 16th July, 1875, and Enchanter, by the same bull, dam Fairy, calved 19th June, 1875, show all the marks of high breeding, and promise to develope into very handsome animals. An index of the direction which the opinions of farmers and squatters is taking in the way of sheep may be found when it is known that this year there was a remarkable increase in the entries of Lincolns, and an equally remarkable falling off in Romney Marsh. In Leicesters and Cotswold the prizes, with one exception, fell to Mr. G. Hunter. In Lincolns the Messrs. Beetham, Buchanan, Bros., and McMaster divided . the honors with Mr. Hunter; the first named taking prizes for sheep 4-tooth or over, Mr. Hunter for young sheep 2-tooth or under. Messrs. Bidwell and McMaster took the places in Romney Marsh. In merinos Mr. Vallauce had all the prizes, beating sheep imported by himself with those bred by him. A smooth-skinned Berkshire boar, and a smooth-skinned Berkshire sow of Mr. Hunter’s, were amongst the exhibits that drew the

attention of those present who considered themselves judges, and got first prizes. For the first time there was a formal entry of implements. With one exception, those forwarded by Mr. E. W. Mills, of Wellington, were ticketed for first places. That exception was in single-furrow ploughs, where the prize fell to Jas. Blythe, of Christchurch. Amongst the implements, the Wood international reaper commanded much attention. The first prize for a set of harness was carried off by Mr. W. Lowes, and in reference to this the judge made the following notes : “ I consider this exhibit worthy of special mention, it being manufactured of very superior material, and the workmanship being excellent.” The judges were, of cattle—J. Morrison, D. Buchanan, J. Sumo. Horses—J. Stillborn, J. Drummond, D. McMaster, J. Morrison. Sheep—J. Alexander, W. Buchanan, W. Mitchell, C. Pharazyn, J. G. Rockel. Implements—J. Harding, W. Buchanan. Harness—W. R. Hastwell. The secretary, Mr. Frethey, managed the details connected with the show so well that there was not the slightest hitch, and was most obliging in affording all possible information to the representatives of the Press. The stewards were Messrs. 11. McMaster, W. Buchanan, E. Wylie, H. Bannister, H. Beetham, C. Beetham, and W. Beetham. At half-past two o’clock the judges, stewards, and others sat down to an excellent dinner prepared by Mr. Bannister, of the Club Hotel, and disposed of it in a fashion that testified to its good qualities. The following is a detailed list of the prizes : HORSES. Thoroughbred Entire—Kakapo, bred by Redwood, of Nelson, exhibited by Walter Morrison, Ist. Draught Entire Horses—Young Lofty, 4 years, A. Cockburn, Ist: Dainty Davie, 7 years (W. Boag, Canterbury), A. Cockburn, 2nd. Draught Brood Mares, any age—Jess, 7 years, A. Cockburn, Ist; Damsel, A. Cockburn, 2nd. Draught 3 year old Filly or Colt. —Prince Charlie, foaled November 2, 1572 (\V. Boag), R. Cockburn, Ist; Darling, A. Cockburn, 2nd. Two .rear old Draught Filly or Colt.—Filly, foaled 6th October, 1573 (J. McKenzie), Messrs. Beetham. Yearling, Draught Filly, or Colt.—Filly, exhibited and bred by A. Cockburn, Ist. Hack Marc or Gelding.—" Warrior (C. Miller), G. Drummond, Ist: Deceiver, J. Bidwell, 2nd. Pair of Plough Horses.—Farmer, 4 years (W. Speedy). "Wainui (J. Livingston), Ist; pair horses, A. Cockburn, 2nd. Pony under 14 hands. —Bantam, C. A. Vallance, Ist; pony, owned by Mr. lorns, 2nd. Extra exhibit, Roadster.—Mr. Lowe's Quicksilver, Ist. Best Pony Stallion.—General Spec (-T. Walker, Wanganui), Mr. iorns, Ist. SHORTHORN CATTLE. Roan Bull.—Eclipse, 5 years (.J. T. Peacock, Canterbury), D. McMaster, Ist: white bull. 5 years (J. Ladbrook, Canterbury'), A. Cockburn, 2nd. Two year old Bull—Roan Bull, Manetlio (R. Donehal, Victoria), D. McMaster. Yearling Bull. —Enchanter, by Father Christmas, dam Fairy', calved June 19, 1875, G. Hunter, Ist; Perfection, by Father Christmas, dam Snowdrow, calved July 16, 1875, G. Hunter. 2nd. Cow, any age.—Candour or Charmer (J. Gamble, Shouldham, Thorpe, England), D. McMaster, Ist; Royal Princess, 5 years (J. Page, Canterbury), .V. Vallance. 2nd. Cow, any age, cross-bred.—Exhibited by Messrs. Beetham, Ist and 2nd. Two year old Heifer—Heifer bred and exhibited byMessrs. Beetham, Ist. Fat Heifer. —C. R. Bid will, Ist; do, C. R. Bidwill, 2nd. Fat Bullocks. —Bred and exhibited bv Messrs. Beetham, Ist and 2nd. SHEEP. Merino Breed. Three Rams, 2-tooth or under.—Three rams, lambed September-October, 1574, (C. A. Vallance), C. A. Vallance, Ist; 3do do, (Wilson, Tasmania), C. A. Vallance, 2nd. Best Ram, 2-tooth or under. —One ram, SeptemberOctober, 1574, (C. A. Vallance), 0. A. Valance, Ist ; 1 do do, (Wilson, Tasmania), C. A. Vallance, 2nd. Three Rams, 4-tooth or over.— I Three rams, shorn January 28, 1875 (2 by Wilson. Tasmania ; 1 by Tolmie, Canterbury), C. A. Vallance, Ist. Ram, 4-tooth or over.—One ram, shorn January 28, 1875 (Tolmie, Canterbury), C. A. Vallance, Ist. Three Ewes, 2-tooth or under. —Three ewes, C. A. Vallance, Ist ; 3 do do, 2nd. .Ewe, 2-tooth or under. —One ewe, C. A. Vallance, Ist; do do, 2nd. Leicester Breed. Ram, 2-tooth or under.—One ram, G. Hunter, Ist. Throe Ewes, 2-tooth or under.—Three ewes, G. Hunter, Ist. Ewe, 2-tooth or under.—One owe, G. Hunter, Ist. Cotswold, Breed.. Three Rams, 2-tooth or under. —Three rams (.T. D. Canning), D. Donald, Ist. Ram, 2-tootli or under.—One rani, D. Donald, Ist. Ram, 4-tooth or over.—One ram, .J. Bennett, Ist. Three Ewes, 2-tooth or under.—Three ewes, G. Hunter, Ist. Ewe, 2-tooth or under.—One owe, G. Hunter, Ist. Lincoln Breed. Three Rams, 2-tooth or under.—Three rams, G. Hunter, Ist ; 3 do, Messrs. Beetham, 2nd. Ram, 2-tooth or under. —One ram, G. Hunter, Ist ; 1 rain (J. G. Rockel), A. W. C'abe, 2nd. Three Rams, 4-tooth or over.—Three rams, shorn November, 1874, Messrs. Beetham, Ist. Bam, 4-tooth or over.—Ram, shorn November, 1871, Messrs. Beetham, Ist; ram, shorn November, 1874, Messrs. Beetham, 2nd. Three Ewes, 2-tooth or under.—Three ewes, G. Hunter, Ist: 3 ewes, Messrs. Beetham, 2nd. Ewe, 2-tooth or under. —One ewe (Hay Bros., Canterbury), I). McMaster, Ist ; ewe, G. Hunter, 2nd. Three Ewes, 4-tooth or over.—Three owes, shorn December 14, 1874, Messrs. Beetham, Ist; 3 ewes, shorn January, 1875 (11. Welch, Opaki), J. Morrison 2nd. Ewe, 4-tooth or over.—One ewe, shorn November 27, IS7-1. Messrs, Beetham, Ist ; 1 ewe, J. Gilligan 2nd. b ’ Ram, 2-tooth or under.—Ram, W. Lowes, Ist; ram, W. Lowes, 2nd. Ram, 4-tooth or over.—Ram, W. Lowes, Ist. Romney Marsh Breed. Three Ewes, 2 tooth or under.- Three ewes, C R Bidwill, Ist; 3 ewes, C. R. Bidwill, 2nd. One Ewe, 2-tooth or under. —One ewe, C. R. Bidwill Ist. Fat Sheep, Any Aye or Breed. Ten Sheep.—D. McMasters, Ist; It) sheep, D. McMasters, 2nd. BEKKSmUE PICS. Best Berkshire Pigs.--One .smooth-skinned boar farrowed in Wellington, July !), 1875. G. Hunter, Ist ; 1 hoar (Hay, Bros., Canterbury), 1). McMaster, 2nd. Best Berkshire Sow.—One smooth-skinned sow, farrowed in Wellington, 9th Julv, 1875, G. Hunter Ist. Best Sow.—One sow (J. Tune, Canterbury), I). McMaster, Ist; one sow, aged 15 months (J. Corbett, Taita), F. G. F. Wilford, 2nd. POULTRY. Three Fowls, one male and two females.—Three bantams,_ If. Bannister, Ist; three silver Hamlmrgs, H. Bannister. Ist; three Spanish, W. Stuart Forbes, Ist; throe white bantams, W. Stuart Forbes, Ist. IMPLEMENTS. Single Furrow Ploughs.—One single furrow plough (James Blythe, Christchurch), D. Donald, Ist.

Pair Light Harrows.—Set No. 11 Hoyvard’s harrows, E. W. Mills, highly commended. ChafTcutter.- Bonthall’s C. D. C. chaffcutter, E. W , Mills.

Extra exhibits.—Smith and Grace’s chaffcutter, Ist horse power, complete (2 horse) Ist; Wood’s International reaper, Ist. At an auction Hale held after the show Mr. Hunter’s calves were purchased by Messrs. Beetham and Rockel for 50 guineas and £SO respectively ; Mr. Gear bought a pen of fat bullocks at £l6 a head ; Mr. Pollock a pen of heifers at £l3 a head.

AMATEUR’S GARDEN. (Written for the New Zealand Mail.) Vines grown in cool greenhouses will not have commenced swelling their berries, and the necessary thinning out should he commenced as soon as possible, as any delay in this matter is ruinous to the vigor of the vine. In almost every house the berries swell off quicker at one end than at the other. This allows time to carry on this particular work without greatly taking the operator’s time, which, in the case of amateurs, cannot always he spared at long intervals together. I always like to commence thinning when the young berries are about the size of duck shot. In thinning, he careful not to rub the berries, hut snip off neatly and with care such as are to he removed by inserting the long-pointed scissors carefixlly amongst them. If the hunches are large and “ shouldered,” then the shoulders should he neatly tied up to the rafters, and he subsequently thinned in that position. Great judgment is needed in deciding upon how thin the bunches slioxxld be left at this stage. Indeed it is only by long experience and an intimate acquaintance with the strength and fruit-producing capabilities of individual vines that the happy medium can be hit with nicety. Of two faults, perhaps that of leaving the berries too thick is the greater. If you thin out well the chances are you get much larger berries, and those better flavored, even though you risk having the bunches somewhat loosely formed. Thin out freely at the lower end or point of each bunch, but be careful not to remove the top berries, which go to support and form a more extended and handsome shoulder at the finish. Stop such sublateral shoots as form at the end of each spur, or young shoots carrying a bunch, at one or two leaves in length. If young rods or canes are desirable, and they are placed where room for their growth exists, encourage them to grow from the bottom of the rafter upward. If the I’oots of the vine are indooi's he sure to water them well. Do not syringe the branches after they have been finally thinned out.

AGRICULTURAL NEWS BY THE MAIL. (Prom the Australasian.) Near the close of September bright summer weather, which had been universally protracted, gave way in Great Britain to abundant rain and a lower temperature, causing the grass to spring again, and giving proixxise of fair bite of grass throughout the winter. The soil was softened for the plough, and work was being got well forward. The weather, which favored the pastures, proved hostile to the hop harvest. Under date September 23, the most gloomy accounts were published of the condition of the crop. Mould and lice had become general, and though a few bright samples had been secured early in the season, the bulk of the crop would be inferior ; any that were worth picking would soon be picked, but many acres in each plantation would never have a bin put into them ; the crop, black and brown as it was, would be left to be blown away. By a late telegram our readers were informed that the crop would not suffice for home requirements, and that it would be short fully a fifth. The German and Belgian crops were good and the quality satisfactory ; a large surplus would he available for export. The state report for 1874 on the disease in cattle dining that year was published in .September—somewhat after date. From month to month we have republished extracts from the reports on foot-and-mouth disease supplied by the correspondents of the Veterinarian, but in the report before us we find something new in relation to pleuropneumonia and inoculation. In an appendix Professor Brown treats on pleuro-pneumonia and foot-and-mouth disease. The report itself regrets “ that inoculation has not yet been satisfactorily proved to have a px’otective influence in checking pleuro-pneumonia,” and Mr. Brown lias made a series of experiments, from which he makes this deduction :—“The disease advanced among tlxe inoculated cows with remarkable rapidity ; and it may he fairly stated that the course of tlxe malady in each case was characterised by all the indications which are ordinarily seen when xiuinoculated animals are attacked. Whatever influence inoculation had in protecting the animals which escaped the disease, it certainly did not moderate the virulence of the affection in those which suffered. Of the eight cows which were fatally attacked, out of a total of thirty-five four had been inoculated recently and four some months previously to tlxe introduction of the disease.” Professor Brown’s experience thus strongly corroborates that of many unprejudiced Australian stockowners, hut it tells directly against the principle of inoculation. His recipe is rather the isolation of infected animals as soon as a rise of temperature is detected, of the efficacy of which lie offers abundant proof. Foot-and-mouth disease may he kept down by isolation and cured by careful treatment ; preventive measures, it is said, may easily he carried out by the owners, hut tlxo local authorities arc almost poweiless to enforce them against tlie will of the owners, who may readily evade them if they choose to run the very slight risk of detection. There is, indeed, observes a coutemporary, too much reason to believe that with many farmers the sin is on their own heads ; for, as they have said before now in public, they would sooner run the chance of disease than be hampered with measures for its prevention. The Cattle Defence Association has at length been persuaded that more foot-and-mouth disease comes from Ireland than from the continent of Europe ; and it asserts that some stringent system of inspection of the

Irish cattle vessels is imperatively demanded for the safety of English herds. The Agricultural Gazette would he disposed to let the disease alone, as it is too generally diffused to be stamped out as the rinderpest has been, and it is perfectly amenable to treatment. How fortunate is Australia that her stockowners have not now to contend with a disease which can be cured only by the most careful and attentive nursing. The report draws attention to the fact of Lew Zealand declining to prohibit the importation of stock, and being thus isolated from the Australian colonies as far as trading is concerned. The regulations affecting the importation of stock from the continent of Europe was the subject of dispute between the Government and the importers. The latter objected to the enforced slaughter at the port of entry of a whole cargo of say 700 to 1500 fine sheep, because of the presence of foot-and-mouth disease in a few of them, especially when in Irish stock the diseased ones only are required to be slaughtered. Under the regulations the number of cattle imported had dwindled down to some 30 or 40 per week, or less than a tenth of the numbers arriving a few weeks previously. Unless the importation was increased, the price of meat would be certain to rise again to the immoderate height prevailing two years ago. Greater attention is now being drawn to the South American States as producers of 'wool, hides and meat. It is suggested that the countries on the Elver Plate might, with a little labor and closer attention on the part of Hockowners, soon multiply their sheep so as to outstrip the wool production of Australia. South America, it is said, is already in this matter running Australia very hard, but it is admitted that “ the quality is far inferior, and that the complaints of the continental woolbrokers (most of the wool goes to Antwerp and Havre) are strong on the points of false-pack-ing, burrs, and thistle-seeds.” The export of wool from the River Plate in 1873 amounted to 160,357,7371b5j: the quantity shipped in 1872 was larger, but it was the return for eighteen months. On the 7th of September, the sale took place of a draft from Lord Skelinersdale s shorthorns. The herd was commenced in 1884 with some private purchases from Towneley’s herd, to which drafts from several Rates herds were added, Bates bulls having been used solely from the first. The first Duchess of Oneida was purchased at the Lew York Hills sale in 1873, and she has since bred twice. The first Duke of Oneida was also purchased on that occasion, and has been since used with Cherry Grand Duke 2nd, Baron Oxford 4th, and others. The prices varied greatly, according to pedigree ; two or three of the cows realised 520 guineas apiece, but the thirty-five averaged only LI 60 15s. 5d., five bulls making £66 19s. lOd. each. A far more important sale was Mr. George Moore’s, at Whitehall, Wigton, on the 9th September. The farm being re-let the whole herd was disposed of. The Whitehall herd has been bred from the stock of the Duke of Devonshire, Messrs. Bowly, Harward, Leuey, Foster, Howard, Tracey, and others. The sires have been bulls of approved pedigree. Seventeenth Duke of Oxford (25,994), and 22nd Duke of Oxford (31,000) have both been in service ; as also Sir Wilfrid Lawson’s 6th Baron Oxford ; the late Mr. Fawcett’s Stli Duke of York (28,480), and at present Colonel Kingscote’s Duke of Hillhurst (28,401), the sire of Duke of Connaught, sold at Dunmore the other day to Lord Fitzhardinge for 4500 guineas. The sale commenced with one or two sterile and aged cows, which realised low prices. Grand Duchess of Oxford lltli, a red cow, was bought by Mr. Moore last year, from the Duke of Devonshire, for 1000 guineas : but here Sir Curtis Lampson secured her for 2000 guineas, and her calf, two month;-and a half old, was bought for the Duke of Devonshire for 1000 guineas. The sale was a very good one, almost throughout, and the Wild Eyes and Kirklevington tribes made more money even than at Dunmore ; twenty-seven cows averaged £3BO 9s. 9d., seven bulls, £33 95., giving an average of £307 Os. 9d. for the whole.