LIVE STOCK AT HOME

New Zealand Mail, 29 January 1902, Page 58

LIVE STOCK AT HOME

The "Live Stock journal Almanac” for 1902 contains a largo number of special articles and many illustrations, in addition to the breeders' tables, lists of societies, fairs, statistics, etc., well known features of this popular book of referenoe, which has become almost indispensable to the rapidly increasing constituency of breeders of live stock throughout the world. This year tho articles number forty-five. The frontispiece is a reproduction of the painting by -benjamin Marshall, representing the’ hackney horse of a hundred years ago, and there is a brief article dealing with the origin and early characteristics of the breed. Sir Walter Gil bey contributes an important study on the subject of "Size in Horses,” in which he traces the gradual increase in height from the sixteenth century to the present day, diagrams being given to indicate tho increase of the thoroughbred from 14 hands in 1700 to 15 hands 2J inches in 1900. The question of height and utility is discussed and many useful hints are thrown out. Under the heading "Shire Horse

Breeding as an Industry for Farmers," several leading authorities, including Mr. P. A. Muntz, M.P., Mr. Sutton Nelthorpe, Mr. Walter Crosland, Mr. Edward Green and Mr. A. W. Rickman give their views on a very important branch of stock breeding and it is satisfactory to find that the general opinion is that the prospects for the breed are most encouraging. Professor Wortley Axe supplies good advice on "Some Habits and Vices of Horses. 1 ' Sir Richard D. Green Price treats of "The Influence of Royal Patronage on Agriculture," and alludes to the personal interest which His Majesty the King has manifested in the industry. Mr. J. S. Smith makes a plea for "Irish Hunters," and Mr. Vero Shaw describes the "Saleable Horse." Notices of the various breeds of horses follow tlie writers, including Mr. C. B. Pitman, Mr. Wm. Scarth Dixon, Mr. Henrv F. Euren, Mr. John Hill, Mr. W. C. A. Blew, Mr. A. C. Beck, Mr. Wm. King and Mr. R. Mclntyre. The paper on Shire horses states that the average price realised at public sales in 1901 has been .£ll2 per head as compared with £lO9 in 1900. Mr. Robeit Bruce discusses tho importance of maintaining calf-flesh in young cattle, and Professor Sheldon has a very good article on "Cows and their Milk,” in which he refers to the new milk standard and the controversy regarding tuberculosis. The papers on breeds of cattle commence with a comprehensive one by Mr. John Thornton on Shorthorns. There are many suggestive notes on the various other breeds of cattle in the articles from the pens of the Rev. Dr. Gillespie, Mr. H. Euren, Mr. Hordern, Mr. R. Henderson, Mr. T. H. Weetman, Mr. James Cameron, Mr. G. E. Collins, Mr. E. G. F. Walker and others. Sheep are similarly treated by Mr. E. Prentice, Mr. A. Mansell, Mr. Druce, Mr. J. O. Trotter, Mr. Jonas M. Webb, Mr. W. A. Brown, etc. There is a paper on "Pigs in 1901." Mr. F. Gresham writes on "Spaniels at Work," while Mr. C. Stein and Mr. E. Brown contribute articles on "Poultry.” The Breeders' Directory and the section entitled "Studs, Herds and Flocks Illustrated'' add to the value of tho book for purpose of reference. Th; price remains one shilling. Messrs Vinton and Co., Ltd., 9. New Bridge street, London, E.C., are the publishers.