Farm and Garden.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 361, 11 January 1879, Page 23

Farm and Garden.

To Prevent Hens Sitting. —Differences of opinion (says the London Farmei') sometimes arise between hens and their owners on the all-important question of sitting, the bird desiring to brood while tbe master prefers that she should continue to lay eggs. Many are the wonderful plans adopted to reconcile such differences in favor of the master’s view, but probably none is more curious than that described by Herr Volschaw in the Algemeine Hopfcn-Zcitung as having recently come under his notice in the neighborhood of Cuxhaven. This consists in tying a wisp of straw, about half tbe size of a wine bottle, upon this would-be brooder's back: Directly the hen feels this incumbrance she gets off the nest and runs wildly about the fields, striving in every way to free herself from it. After two or three days’ useless struggles she resigns herself to her fate and apparently makes up her mind to submit to the inevitable. The wisp of straw may then be removed, and it will be found that recent exertions have so changed the current of her thoughts that she thenceforth gives up all idea of sitting, and seeks consolation for her wounded feelings diligently laying eggs. Drying Hardy Fruit. —This is a question of some importance to all who have gardens. Quantities of fruit are wasted in this country for the want of some simple system of preserving it. The Americans have of late years made great progress in various kinds of drying machines, by which their common hardy fruits are dried very successfully, both for home use and for export. These drying machines, however, are most adapted for drying fruit in quantity for commercial purposes. The Field of October sth says : “We have lately been interested to see the extensive way in which all ordinary fruit, now so abundant (pears, apples, and plums), were being dried in a Swiss house. Single layers were packed in shallow trays with sieve-like wire bottoms and these were placed one over the other in a large oven reserved for the purpose in. a cooking range, and in it thoroughly dried. Such quantities were preserved as supplied a very large family till the hardy fruits come in again. Of course, fresh fruit is better than dried fruit, and in the case referred to it is used in preference as long r.s possible. But an immense quantity of fruit perishes before it can possibly be used fresh, and therefore other means

of preserving it than are common with us .are desirable. Of course the process does not supplant various excellent ways of preserving frnit in bottles and jars. It is mainly useful when the great harvest of the orchard is gathered in autumn and by its use the products of this harvest are saved for food. Fruit dried in this way has advantage over any other mode of preserving, in the facility of carriage if it be marketed, and it would probably be more agreeble to most consumers than fruit preserved in any other manner ; and it is the way by which fruit can be preserved so that it may be sold at reasonable prices to the working classes in towns.” HOW TO IvEEB MILK SWEET. Milk sours much sooner in warm than in cold weather. To keep milk sweet, therefore, in warm weather it should be cooled as soon as possible after it is taken from the cow. This is important to those who are making butter, for the reason that when milk begins to sour or thicken the cream ceases to rise. To get the most cream from milk it should be kept sweet at least thirty-six hours. But heat is not the only cause of milk souring. There is a sort of ethereal essence or animal ether in milk that should be taken away as soon as possible after it is milked. The best way to get rid of this ingredient is to shake the milk up well in open vessels while cooling. This is very important to those who are engaged in furnishing milk to city customers. The carrying in waggons is just the thing to drive off this animal ether, but the close cans in use prevent its escape, and consequently render the shaking up of no avail. Milk cans for the conveyance of sweet milk to city or town customers, or to cheese factory or creamery, should be made with special reference to this peculiarity in milk. The cover of the cans, instead of being tight, should have a projecting tube to let out this ether or essence as it is separated from the milk by the motion, and at the base or connection of this tube with the cover, there should be a piece of fine wire cloth to prevent dirt or dust from falling through the tube into the milk. If city dairymen would take the trouble to have all their cans provided with this escape-valve they would experience less complaints from customers about their milk being sour. —Sacramento Record Union. SAND LYME GRASS. (.From the Melbourne Leadei'.) The binding of our coast sands is a matter of much importance to us in Melbourne, and we are glad to be able to report that the tall sand-lyme grass of Britain is now fully established at Queenscliff. This most important grass was introduced by the Government twd or three years ago, on the suggestion of Baron Von Mueller, together with several other plants recommendable for fixing the drift sand of the coast. The seeds were distributed in masses to the municipal or shire authorities of those parts of the coast where the sand was denuded of vegetation, and drifting on arable land. It is pleasing to observe that the municipal gentlemen of Queenscliff have talceu such good care of the seeds, as now a local supply can soon be obtained from this lyme-gnss (the Elymus arenarius), which is the most valuable of all the coast grasses of Europe for binding sand on the most exposed places. The Elymus has flowered at Queenscliff this year it seems, for the first time in Australia, and as the roots run in long lines through even the worst of sand-drift at the edge of the sea, the authorities at Queenscliff can have this large and powerful grass set out over wide areas by planting during the cool season portions of the roots or shoots of the established plants. The bluish-gray broad leaves of the Elymus give quite a peculiar tint to the new sand vegetation there. One single plant of the sand-lyme grass will cover an area of many hundred square feet, and form shoots sometimes twenty feet long. RABBITS IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA. (From the Sydney Mail.) The Surveyor-General, South Australia, has nearly completed his arrangements for effectively combating the furry pests who have so long dealt destruction to the grass and crops of our northern sheep farmers and agriculturists. According to the Chronicle he expects in a few days to be able to produce a supply of bisulphide of carbon for the use both of his own destruction parties and for private persons who wish to employ this powerful agent in clearing their land. Mr. Goyder has already sent out seven parties, who are distributed through the districts most affected, and in a few weeks hence will have many others in the field. Those now at work are under the superintendence of Mr. G. Dean, and are stationed in the following Hundreds : Eudunda, Bright, Boldina, Hanson, Hallett, Ulooloo, and an extra one at Reserve 693, Mount Bryant Flat, Hundred of Hal.'ef, where the grey-coated army are assembled in force. Each party consists of two men and a boy. Their equipment includes two horses and a spring dray, a tent, cooking utensils, tools, &c., and the appliances mentioned hereafter for using the bisulphide. Notices have been forwarded to all extensive holders of land, drawing their attention to the provisions of the Act, and requesting them at once to take steps for the destruction of the rabbits on their holdings, particularly near farmers’ crops. Small bills have also been distributed about the country warning persons against setting rabbits at liberty under a penalty of £lO. The following is a digest of the instructions issued to those in charge of the destruction parties, and the information thus conveyed will probably be read with interest by persons who intend to use the bisulphide process <m their own land:—“ Each party is supplied with the following articles: —Two five-gallon drums of bisulphide of carbon, two syphons, two glass tubes, one funnel, 2001bs. cotton waste, 24 flags, six canes pointed with needles, one gallon can with patent tap. The five-gallon drums are filled with bisulphide to within an inch of the top ; the remainder of the space is filled

with water, which from its lesser density floats upon the bisulphide and prevents loss by evaporation. The syphons have a tap at the end, and will be used for filling the one-gallon can from the five-gallon drum. In using the svphon hold it with the ends upwards and level with each other, pour at one end until it runs out at the other ; then close the tap, and put the tapless end into the fivegallon drum to the bottom ; taking care not to allow the water to run out ; place the gallon can under the tap and fill it to within about an inch of the top with the bisulphide, then fill it to the top with water as directed above. It will not be necessary to put fresh water in the can every time it is filled, as the water will rise to the surface when fresh bisulphide is put in. It will be easy to see when all the bisulphide has been drawn off, as the water is less readily absorbed by the cotton waste than the bisulphide. If in doubt as to the quantity of water in the one-gallon can, insert the glass tube slowly into the hole at the top, then place your finger tightly on the top of the tube, and raise the,tube till you see the fluid in it, you will then see the water resting over the bisulphide in the tube. If there is more than an inch of water, put the syphon, fill as directed, half an inch below the surface of the water in the can, and draw off the superfluous water without disturbing the bisulphide. Before starting for work the cotton waste should be made into loose balls, about an inch in diameter, in sufficient number to last the day. The burrows should be marked out by the boy attached to the party, who will indicate their position by a flag placed at each, thus avoiding the probability of overlooking any of the burrows. On the following day the burrows are to be visited the first thing ; any that have been opened by the rabbits, from within or without, are to be again dealt with. The flags are then to be removed and proceedings recommenced on fresh ground as before. In using the bisulphide a ball of cotton waste is to be fixed on the needle at the end of the cane and held below the tap of the one-gallon can. The tap is then to be turned on, when a dessert spoonful of the bisulphide will be liberated and absorbed by the waste, which should be at once placed as far in the burrow as possible, the cane withdrawn and the burrow closed. The bisulphide is to be inserted in all the principal holes in the warren, and these and' all other holes are to be securely closed. After the discharge of the dessert spoonful of bisulphide, and before again using the fluid, the tap must be turned to the left to refill the tap reservoir. This reservoir only holds the required quantity of fluid, which may be heard running into the reservoir when the tap is turned. After placing the bisulphide in the holes fill the mouth with earth, and well ram the same. If when digging earth to close one hole another is exposed this hole must be dealt with in a similar manner as if a distinct burrow.” The method by which the bisulphide is manufactured is as follows:—In a huge galvanised iron retort a quantity of redhot coke is placed, and kept at a great heat by an adjoining-brick furnace. Over the door of the furnace is an iron pan containing sulphur which is admitted into the retort by an adjusting top. When there the heat causes it to vaporise and mix with the carbon of the coke. The bisulphide of carbon gas thus formed passes through a pipe into a tank of water, when it is freed from the uncombined sulphur by its consequent contact with hydrogen. It is then in a purified state, and only needs condensing. For this purpose a cylindrical tank is connected with the purifier by a pipe about eight feet in length, which is filled with water and kept at the necessary low temperature by a surrounding of ice. The gas passes through the water, where it condenses, and is carried to its final reeepticle, another tank, from whence it is run into five-gallon jars for transit. DAIRY FARMING. The first consideration of establishing a dairy must be the class of land and the number and quality of animals it was calculated to carry. It was advisable to have them rather under than over the capabilities of the soil. In the former case, the animals would improve and the land have a better chance. This would apply to all breeds of animals, and its recognition in purchasing breeding stock would not fail to bring about a successful result. A man having a large capital might purchase a large framed animal, and endeavor to bring his land up in condition to be able to feed it ; whatever the outlay might be, he could not so easily alter the character of the soil in a short time. In fact, some men would never be able to keep animals with advantage. It was, therefore, important to keep the land and the stock in about the same ratio in improving condition. If the dairy was to be the principal source of profit on the farm, then apart from other considerations, the breed of the stock ought to be selected for its large milk-giving capacity. On the other hand, when milk, butter, and cheese were only a consideration, the breeding and rearing of cattle as a source of profit, then a more valuable breed would not be desirable—one which would reach maturity at an early age, so that in whatever condition it was sold off, it would bring remunerative prices. For their quality of milk, and for keeping in good condition the Ayrshire breed conld scarcely be excelled. The breed were characterised by constitution, the cows keeping themselves in good condition, whilst giving a large quantity of milk in proportion to the food they consumed. There was great objection to keeping large framed cattle on light land as mu3t be seen, and the loss was little more than covered by the year’s produce. The Ayrshire cows had a compact frame and were easily kept up, and at the close of the season- they would invariably find the cows in good condition. A better cross could not be tried than one between a pure shorthorn bull and a pure Ayrshire cow. A stock thus brought up would be very valuable, inheriting, as it would, the large milking capabilities of the one and the fattening qualities of the other. In every case where the objects are twofold, the stock should be sufficiently well bred to be fattened and cleared

off in two years, so that the permanent stock of milkers should be as little interfered with as possible. Pure breeding tended largely to economise food, and the quality of arriving at early maturity materially hastened the return of capital. A well bred bullock will bring as much at two years old as another would bring at a year later, if its parents are coarser bred. The possession of well bred animals afforded a certain amount of pleasure and honor. Nothing can be more unsatisfactory than putting good food into a bad skin, and no amount of care could make up for bad breed. If the animals had to be kept as stores, they are always remunerative in proportion to their quality. At some dairy farms very good results were obtained by rearing only the heifer calves, keeping them till after the second calving, and disposing of them toward their third calving time, when they would generally be sold for high price. By adopting this plan, the produce of the dairy is lessened to some extent ; but, on the other hand, there were never any old cows to be weeded out, which must be sold for less value, and thus make an inroad on the profits of the season. Besides, the milk of aged cows was not so pure in quality and therefore not so productive as that of the younger cows ; whilst taking into account the greater amount of food they required, a consideration which could not be overlooked, there was inducement to part with then as quickly as possible. A good name should be sought for turning out thriving animals and good specimens of their respective breeds in order to ensure success. It was of the greatest consequence that no pains should be spared to procure pure-bred bulls. No cross-bred animals, no matter on what pretence, should be used for breeding purposes. However hardy the constitution, or however good looking, the stock w 7 ould go down. A most inestimable boon had been conferred on farming by those gentlemen who, with the most untiring perseverance devoted their time and their capital to the selection and improvement of the different breeds of cattle, and especially in shorthorns. Such praiseworthy examples were by no means scarce, and many had now the good sense neither to pamper nor overfeed them. At the present time it was an easy matter to procure shorthorned bulls of good quality at prices within the reach of men of moderate means. The extra price of such an animal now is not worth consideration, as it would be covered by the impx-ovement of the young stock, and by the time they were two years old the bull might be considered out of debt, and his influence would be felt for a long time afterwards. Some people were too impatient of results on this point, because they did not see the full benefit of their outlay all at once and would go from year to year using the best animals they or their next neighbor happened to possess. —North British Agriculturist. RUST IN WHEAT. Having observed the increased tendency to rust in the wheats of the neighboring colonies, I am induced to give you such facts concerning it as are within my own experience, gained from an acquaintance with agricultural pursuits at home in early life and in Tasmania for many years. Beyond the fact that rust is a fungus floating in the atmosphere attaching itself to wheat, mangold, and other plants, little, I believe, is known about it; what we do know is th§ condition of the plant, and the soil in which it is grown that causes its favorable development. It is, therefore, to this I must confine my remarks. In the wheat plant are two marked varieties. The one has a coarse growing, soft and sappy straw, with a large full head, and abundant chaff ; the other a fine, clean, hard straw, lighter head, and less chaff. There are, of course, the two extremes, and each of the varieties are also greatly modified by the character of the soil on which they are grown. The two extremes of soil are soft, rich, alluvial, naturally and highly enriched; artificially and volcanic soils, or those which are formed from decomposed rock. I believe it is a wellascertained fact that the soft strawed wheat can with difficulty be grown on the rich alluvial soils, but the fine clean straw wheats may be grown with success, whereas the former may be grown to advantage in those soils containing from their origin more mineral matter. The first thing then we have to attend to is the selection of that kind of wheat best adapted to the soil in which we have to produce it. But this does not settle all the matter, for in certain seasons such as we often have in these colonies, viz., mild, open, growing winter, followed by continuous rain in early spring, forcing the wheat plant in its early stage or what farmers call ‘ in the grass,’ and predisposing it to the attacks of rust. Thus arises the second question, how are we to provide to the best of our ability against the enemy. Now it is another well known fact that there are certain plants that will only attain perfect development in soils, which by proper cultivation are rendered close and compact; you will rarely grow a full well developed head of wheat, however gross the plant may be, or a good keeping thin necked onion on a soft, open soil, and there are numerous vegetables and flowering shrubs of the same nature, as any horticulturists can testify. This brings me back to the question—the prevalence of rust, its cause and prevention. Nearly all the soils under wheat I saw in Victoria were virgin, either alluvial or formed of the decomposed ploughed-down turf, abounding in humous, generally ploughed in dry weather, and sown in a friable state, the very condition most favorable to a forced early growth and to the attack of rust. The very opposite of this will be seen in the volcanic soils of Tasmania, such as prevail in the Richmond, Brighton, and other parts on these soils. Rust is almost unknown, and the quality of the wheat grown is scarcely to be surpassed, but we must take the soil we have, and make the best of it. I come to the last part of the subject, what to do under unfavorable conditions of soil or climate. Eirst, select such wheat as I have said is best adapted to your soil.

Secondly, spare no pains in adapting your soil to its growth, and ultimate development—that is if your soil is of the nature I have described above, free, loose and naturally rich—make it as far as in your power lies, firm, hard, and compact, either with the roller or better still—if sown early, which it ought to be—feeding off, and well treading with sheep. The gentleman with whom I lived at home —one of England’s first-class men—upon wheat sowing (always either drilled or dibbled) walked over it, and if when finished off, he found his foot left a deep impressiou, ordered the roller over again. This was rich alluvial land with a tendency to grow too much straw. I trust these points may be useful. S. H. G. FRUIT-CULTURE IN THE UNITED STATES. According to recent official statements the land in the United States appropriated to the fruit industry is 4,500,000 acres. Upon this grow and flourish 112,000,000 apple trees, 28,000,000 pear trees, 112,270,000 peach trees, and 141,260,000 grape vines. The total value of the fruit-crop throughout the United States is set down at 138,216,700 dol., an amount equal to half the value of the average wheat crop of the country. Towards that large sum apples are held to contribute 50,400,000, dolpears 14,130,000 dol., peaches 46,135,000 dol., grapes 2,118,000 dol., strawberries 5,000,000 dob, and other fruit 10,432,000 dol. In the meantime the home and foreign demand for canned fruits and vegetables is yearly on the increase. Every successive season brings forth some new “ happpy thought.” Last years a Delaware establishment undertook to put up a small quantity of preserved blackberries and huckleberries as an experiment. The venture proved a success, and it is anticipated that these fruits will henceforth occupy a prominent position in the ranks of canned goods. Nearly every kind of fruit is, now preserved by the “ canning” process. So also are asparagus, peas, corn, and tomatoes in the vegetable line. The consumption of what are termed “ fruit butters” is largely on the increase. The trade, it is stated, is nearly doubling itself every year. This sort of butter is now made out of peaches, plums, apples, quinces, and pears. The consumers are mostly to be found among the poorer classes, who find the prices—from 15 to 20 cents per pound—very much more advantageous than that charged for milk butter. This class of goods has not made much way in England, nor is there much expectation of the development of a large foreign trade at present, but the home demand is increasing at an enormous rate. FARMERS’ SHEEP. It would prove more profitable to the small sheepfarmer if he paid more attention to his first sheep—the sheep on which his future stock is to be built, and, it need not be stated, on which his future success, depends. Truthfully speaking, the small sheepfarmer at the outset aims at too much. He wants fine wool, long staple, and a big carcase, the last being his main desire. To get all these great ends he employs various means in the way of crossing, doing all sorts of wild things in this line, which, defeating one another, make matters perplexing to the owner of a flock which under proper management might have proved a valuable source of income. Repetitions of this system have only led to what may have been expected, and what a number of selectors, particularly those in the southern districts, have got, and that is a bad, useless lot of neither fine, coarse, short, nor lorg wool, with small bodies, long legs, and flat sides, and however well looked after, and wherever placed, always poor and restless ; consequently never thriving. Success with sheep means breed, good feed, plenty of water, and less dogs—important items towards condition, although we must not forget that well-bred sheep are those which keep their condition best. It seems that the majority of farmers who have gone in for a few sheep have all, with few exceptions, been most anxious to at once set about increasing the carcase, and in following out this course have been led astray a good deal by the advice of others and their own ideas ; and in following either of these out they may have committed many blunders, and have done much damage to that which might, under other circumstances, have been good stock. Attempts to increase the carease with little or no detriment to the wool are no new features in sheepfarming, and much capital has been embarked in favorable sheep-breeding localities, in the hope of securing so desirable an end, without any corresponding advantage. The ideas of the farmer to be a gainer both ways, carcase and wool, have not in the southern districts been very profitable ones, but probably the contrary ; and the series of errors which havebeen made, apparently as experiments, on some few farms south cannot but result in disappointment and loss. There are many instances to be met with on a travel through a good sheep country, in the county of Goulburn, for example, where different varieties of coarse-woolled sheep have been made use of in one flock to achieve the wished-for ends, when much loss of time would have been saved and more pounds sterling would have been gained had the good old merino (the stock sheep everywhere on these farms) been kept pure, and, instead of risky crossing being gone into, had pains been bestowed to increase the value of the wool. By judicious culling and the use of good rams, a very superior sheep would have been met with, far more profitable to raise, and less expensive to maintain, than the heterogeneous lot which is becoming so universally plentiful amongst selectors. As a general rule, the indifference to quality is the mistake common enough amongst the class which has been termed here “small sheepfarmers.” Appearances are in favor of one holding the opinion of the selector being content with anything in the shape of sheep as long as he gets some sort to start with ; and it may be mentioned that this is the great error. It would be found eventually far more economical if the selector going in for sheep were to procure a few really superior than a

lot of indifferent or bad. A few good sheep have before now formed the nucleus of splendid flocks. It takes many years to wipe out bad blood from a flock or herd, and an excessively slow process when quality exists on one side only. The use of good rams, another selector’s omission, is the key to good stock. Would it not pay better to get the best rams procurable, rather them continue the use of a description which is bought by the selector because it is cheap ? What is to prevent two or three farmers, neighbors if possible, from clubbing together and procuring a Well-bred animal for the use of all ? They would obtain a much better start than if each were to act separately. One first-class ram would be found of far greater benefit than three inferior ones, and it is a proved fact that those who pay high figures for their rams obtain as a rule full value for their money. The rock the small sheepfarmer splits upon is evidently carcase. He does not seem to be content with breeding for wool, and contenting himself with a smaller figure for his fat stock, but to the destruction of his whole wool returns, he endeavors to breed his sheep so that his surplus stock Bhall command higher figures—singularly enough losing sight of the facts that a sheep can be made mutton only once, and that its fleece is taken every year. Mutton again is often low in price, whilst wool is valuable correspondingly so to quality or weight, or partly in both. The small sheepfarmer must place faith in good blood, to expect success. His wool returns should yearly increase in value per lb., not resting content at a standstill price, generally the forerunner to a decrease ; but strive to maintain and improve prices. This only can be done by constant attention to one all-im-portant item—namely, the use of good rams. The opportunities for acquiring well-bred animals of all descriptions are not wanting. In the great sheep-breeding districts of the colony rams may be procured suitable for the most fastidious buyer ; and securing rams from the acknowledged good .breeder will prove far more serviceable, and in the long run, far more economical, than attempting their breeding at home. With rams, so with ewes ; and at this time there is nothing to prevent any farmer who is commencing sheep-farming from laying the foundation of a future superior flock, if he will only go about it in the proper way, and bear in mind that a few good sheep are preferable to a greater quantity of an inferior sort. Whatever number of ewes, to make a start with, are procured, let them be good, and by using nothing but superior rams the basis of a valuable flock is laid, which will pay better than double their number of a poor quality. BLINDNESS AND BLINKERS. It might be well if the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals would turn their attention to the blinkers of farmhorses. They are often of enormous size, and so close-fitting as to touch and on a windy day to. flap against the outstanding pupil of the eye. Any one who has ever had a switch of a bough, or even an accidental touch upon the eye-ball can imagine the misery of being in constant dread of a blow which a farm-horse often suffers. But independently of the actual suffering and injury thus experienced, we may protest against the blinkers as mischievous. In this we quote the argument of a correspondent who writes against them on the ground that they actually weaken the eyes they professedly protect : The weakening and final destruction of faculties and organs by disuse is no new doctrine or experience. Tie up a limb and it withers away. But such an experiment is only a example of what is done every day, and constantly, by the use of blinkers. The vision of the horse being thus, as far as possible, put in to a mere line in front of him by an opaque leather wall to left of him and right of him —he has little choice and little inducement to use his eyes, and may thus very well be expected to suffer from diminished eyesight. The difference in the appearance of the eyes is often very great between those of the farm horse and those of the farmers hack or hunter. The one is constantly called upon, aud the other as constantly forbidden to use the faculty of sight. Remove tbe blinkers and one would show as much intelligence as the other. Abolish blinkers and you will animate and strengthen the eyesight, which otherwise is weakened and may be lost. No doubt powders, and condition balls and other artificial interference with the healthful processes of ordinary nutrition are injurious and dangerous in the hands of ignorant men, and sheuld not be allowed in the stable ; but blinkers worn every day are even worse, so far as defective vision is concerned. Let us call them relics of a barbarous age, when men as well as horses were whipped and forced to work in ignorance and misery. The greater humanity of the present era and the higher education of the horse as well as man demand that each should be shown his work and taught how to do it with the most ease and pleasure to himself and with the greatest amount of profit and satisfaction to both employer and employed. The passionate cruelty of the ploughman who hit his horse,* as Mr. Mechi tells us, on the head with a heavy stick no one thinks of tolerating. But many unconscious cruelties of habitual treatment are suffered without thought, though they often lead to more injurious consequences. —Agricultural (London) Gazette.