FARMING FACTS AND FANCIES.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1756, 1 November 1905, Page 57

FARMING FACTS AND FANCIES.

(Compiled by “Gijeaner.”) [ltems of interest to our country readers will be welcome. Communications to be addressed to “Gleaner,” “New Zealand Mail,” Wellington.] Every dairy farmer should commence this season to pay more attention to the milking quality of his cows, with a view to “weeding out.” A cow that gives a low yield is worse than no cow at all. It takes a full share of the feed without making an adequate return in milk. Such cows help to reduce the average of the herd below the margin of profit, and were better dried off at once and fattened for the butcher.

For grass and vegetation generally, weather has been favourable, a splendid growth being observable during the week. Grass is now plentiful, the first result of which is a general improvement in the condition of stock and rapidly increasing milk yield. Butterfat percentages are keeping up well, considering the heavy milk supply, which is not usually conducive to that end, and this may be attributed, in grea,t measure, to the mild nights and absence of bleak winds.

Mr G. D. Greenwood, who was adviser to the British-New Zealand Meat Company, says that on comparing the account sales it was found that lambs about 361 b realise more per head than those over 421 b. This was more marked during the present season than previous ones, owing to' so many heavy lambs being shipped, .and no doubt buyers in the future will note this. They can afford to give more for light ones in proportion to heavies, and farmers are advised under the changed circumstances to> dispose of them before they exceed, say 381 b. It will pay them better not only on account' of the higher price received for light lambs ; but- they will save their feed and contingent' expenses. Hitherto- buyers picked the heaviest when drafting in preference to light ones, but under the experience of the past season they will not' fail to keep in remembrance their losses through buying the heaviest at too- high a- price. The company may assert tl at the number of heavy lambs shipped in 1905 lias had, and is still having, a most prejudicial effect upon the lamb trade.

Some red Devon beeves, which went through the abattoirs at Gore the other clay attracted considerable attention. They were three-vear-old heifers, bred by Mr Carswell, Pine Bush, Southland —fine-boned, splendidly topped animals that averaged 6751 b dressed. The carcases were a beautiful colour, -and models of shape.

Frequent complaints have, been made regarding the high price householders have to pay for meat, and a correspondent says that for a considerable time the highest price for prime bullocks has been £9, and that for beasts which would turn the scale at eleven hundredweights. He points out that on deducting 30s for the hide, the price paid by butchers is reduced to 14s per cwt, yet householders have to pay 7d for steak and od for roasts, which means 100 per cent, on the cost. Mutton is just a© dear in proportion, 5s per pound being paid for legs.

The Taranaki .Poultry Society balancesheet. for the past year showed the total receipts as £3OO 8s 4d, including £37 8s 4d brought, forward, £64 19s 3d the proceed© of the art. union, admission charge© to show £4O, prize cake £l3 6s 9d, entry fees £SO 7s 6d, members’ subscriptions £l4 10s, birds sold £ls Os 6d, pen hire £22 19© 6d, donations £5 4s 6d. The expenditure amounted to £283 9s 2d, leaving a credit balance of £l6 19s 2d. The assets were set down at £9B 3s Bd, including plant valued at. £Bl 4s 6d. There were no outstanding liabilities.

The Pihama Co-operative Dairy Company now hold property and plant valued at £5,221, while their liabilities amount to £2,171, which debt the surplus from last year i© more than sufficient to wipe out. Nearly 11 million lb of milk were supplied, and over 212 tons of butter were manufactured during the season, the average test being 3.884, and the overrun 12.3 per cent. The present season’s output to 31st March, 1906, has been sold to Messrs Joseph Nathan and Co. at 10|d per lb.

In that interesting volume, “The Farmer’© Notebook,” seventh edition of which has just been issued, a table shows the length of life enjoyed by animals and birds. One wonders why the sheep—which is given ten years—should be shorter lived than any other farm creature. Even the dog and cat are credited with thirteen and twelve years respectively. Other creatures have the following ages assigned to them: Hen, 14; goat, 15; cow, 20 to 25; and horse, 35. The goose is reputed to be an octogenarian. *• * * It is complained in Auckland that the market is being glutted by a flood of eggs from Sar Francisco.

The Secretary of the New Zealand Sheep-breeders’ Association (South Island branch) has just published the breeding returns and register of new flocks. About 60 new flocks are included, principally English Leicester, Border Leicester, and Shropshire, and in an appendix are given particulars of ten Corriedale (or inbred half-bred) flocks, of various origin. Mi* M. Murphy, Secretary and compiler, has exercised g> eat care, and gone to much trouble to obtain complete records.

Australian farmers are abandoning formalin as a smut-preventive in disgust, and are reverting to “Milestone.” The Victorian Agricultural Department blundered badly in issuing a. pamphlet which stated that “formalin is less injurious tot the grain than Milestone.” This statement was very important, and had the effect of deciding many farmers to use formalin, and discard bluestone, whicli was well known to have a slightly destructive effect upon the wheat grain. The same article recommended lib of chemical to 40 gallon's of water, but also quoted approvingly a Swedish professor of agriculture, who recommended for wheat, “21b of formalin to 45 gallons of water.” The result was much loss of grain, which mildewed or malted. One pound of formalin to 100 gallons of water was found to. be as strong as could safely be used. This was powerless to- destroy smut, but distributed the spores so effectively as to infect the entire crops.

Forty Flaxbourne settlers, recently formed an association for mutual protection. The speakers complained bitterly of the administration of the Roads Department, thousands of pounds being expended on useless works, while some cannot gain .access to their holdings. Complaint was also made of the unsatisfactory mail service, and there being no' schools. A strong executive "was elected'.

In the course of an article on the proposed conference between spoilers and despoilers the “Wairarapa Daily Times” says : —“Eighteen employers, eighteen employees, and eighteen farmers are to meet in council in Dunedin. In the case of a menaced industry employers and employees may be expected to pull together, and say to the eighteen farmers: ‘Dilly, Dilly, come and be plucked.’ But the farmers are unlikely to be responsive.”

The roads in the Whareama and along the East Coast are in a frightful state this spring; the result of the unusually heavy rains which have fallen all along the coastal district. The Eparaima deviation. as per usual, is completely blocked.

Mr Munroi Ferguson (Novnr), who. h” the way, is a brother-in-law of Lortf Plunket, writing to. the “Times” on country depopulation, says: “The main source cf British rural depopulation is that land is not enough worked upon a commercial footing. Its equipment oscillates between extravagance and inappropriateness. An English farm labourer’s bouse., costing £250 to £3OO, for a wage earner at 13s a week is an anchorism. So is an up-to-date Scots’ ©Leading, • built for eternity, with fencing to match, in an environment of change. As for agricultural training, it is generally inadequate, and often inappropriate, for all classes. In sylviculture, it is non-exist-ent. Once land is managed so as to pay, people will be paid or pay themselves tot stay on it. In some Soots counties, where those conditions are most nearly attained, wages are now over 20s a week.”

At a meeting of the Committee appointed by Whangarei farmers, to look into the proposal to form a Co-opera-tive Dairy Company, the original decision of the settlers to fall in with the proposal was confirmed, and complete satisfaction was expressed with Auckland Fresh Food and Ice Company and its affairs. The committee appointed by farmers at Mr Smith’s suggestion to make a valuation of the properties will begin their work this week. Maungatapere settlers also expressed their approval of the scheme and pledged themselves to assist in establishing the new company.

Bees are funny creatures, and not one of the least of their anatomical propensities is their stubbornness. An evidence of the fact, is the following:— Seven years ago a swarm of bees took up its abode between the weatherboards in the upper story at- Palace Hotel, Morrinsville, and all efforts to dislodge them seemed unavailing. For nine months they remained there, every conceivable idea, being applied to bring about their exit. At last Keating’s insect, powder was temporarily effective, in that it had the effect, of removing them from their rendezvous, but only to shift *to the corner of the building, where they have remained ever since, despite all ejectment demonstrations. The licensee states he removed the weatherboards opposite their former lodging place, and obtained a kerosene tin full of honey, and guesses that on a time basis, if in nine months the bee© had produced the above amount of honey, then there should now be several cwt in their present location.

A Farmers’ Union is about to be formed m the Old Country. A conference is being held this month, and the following list of questions has been drawn up to be submitted to ail Parliamentary candidates:—(l) The continuation of Agricultural Rating Act until the whole system of rating is dealt with. (2) Absolutely prohibiting preferential railway rates for foreign duce. (3) Better regulations for - motor - car traffic, with a view to safety of public and prevention of dust. (4) The whole cost of secondary education under Education Act being borne by the Imperial Exchequer. (5) A Bill to prevent adulteration of butter by fats, milk, water, or other substances. (6) Railway companies being made responsible for damage by sparks from engines. The question of returning tenant farmers to Parliament is also being considered, *• , * * The success claimed for the muciilauded Irish Land Bill is scarcely reflected in the figures for farm live stock, just come to' hand. Cattle have decreased by 31,495. sheep 78,606, and pigs (tlie fellows that “paid the rint”), by 150,804! Mules and goats have also seriously decreased, but asses have inei eased.

The rent® collected, last year from estates purchased under the Land for Settlement® Act, amounted to £149,606, and the interest received for that portion of the loan invested by the Treasury was £12,875, making a total of £162,481. There were also recoveries for lands disposed of otherwise than by lease amounting to £670. The interest paid! for the money obtained under tne Act was £134,703, showing a profit for the year of £27,776. The total profit realised from the out.set up to March 31 last was £194,035, all of which had been expended on the construction of roads and other works.

The New Zealand Wool Buyers’ Association circular to' the effect that sellers detected in falsely packing bales v>ith inferior wool in the centre will! be dealt with for obtaining money under false pretence® conies none too soon. There has been too much of this, and not only do buyers suffer but the whole industry also. Cheats of this class will bring the reputation of our wool to about the same level as they have our flax fibre. It is hoped the Association will carry out its threat should they bel successful in detecting any bales SO packed.

The Stock Department (per Inspector Munro) obtained a decision against a Pahiatua dealer for having lioe-mfecfed sheep in his possession. The inspector admitted that the infection was slight, and that defendant, had only (according to his statement) had the sheep three days and had dipped them. The case not being a serious one, a fine of £1 and costs was imposed.

The percentage of foals in Waimate district promises to be very large this year. Already many beautiful and valuable animals have been dropped. When one sees the excellent quality of horseflesh utilised for breeding, it is little wonder that South Taranaki can andl does more than hold its own in the show rings, and it is not hard to understand why horse-dealers are always so eager to ©nap up any surplus horses that may be available and pay top prices for them.

Agriculturist (to season ticket-holder in the train.): “You don’t have no ticket.” Season Ticket-holder: “No, I travel on my good looks.” Agriculturist (after critically looking him over): “Then, probably you ain’t going very far.”

* “ The late fine weather- has been exceedingly welcome, and farmers are very busy attempting to make up arrears of work. Spring sowing and . the pre»paring of ground for rape and turnips are going on apace; hut it is now evident that there wall not. be nearly as much land in crop this summer as farmers had intended before the very wet season upset their calculations. The grass and winter crops are very backward, and warm weather is much desired.

A Hawke's Bay correspondent writes: —There appears to be an extra large area going into oats this season, a good deal of which is not in yet, which is, perhaps, fortunate, as it has been found necessary to. resow some of the earlier sown land owing to the wet having rotted the seed, and from appearances at present it seems quite possible that the low-lying part© that were resown might have to be sown a third time. The favourite oat is the Algerian. There is a general demand for these oats, and consequently a difficulty in obtaining a good sample of seed. Most of the teams are busy getting the land turned over for rape, of which the majority of farmers are putting in more oi* lee©. The almost daily rain still continues, but for the most part it is a fairly warn rain, and the grass is showing up well, but i© very soft. Queensland has now adopted a grading system for dairy produce on the line© 'of tlio practice pursued in this c-olcnv. \j

At> amendment of the blackleg regulations has been gazetted, the interpretation of “young cattle” in clause 1 and the first schedule being altered to mean cattle between the ages of fourteen days and eighteen months. The boundaries of the infected area are as follows: — The land contained in the Auckland and Taranaki Land Districts, bounded towards the north by the left bank of the Mokau Hirer, from the sea to its intersection by the Main Trunk Railway, by the railway to the right hank of Wanganui River to> the south-east-ern boundary of Taranaki Land District, thence towards the south to the intersection of Patea River with south-east-ern boundary line of Hawera County, from there by the right bank of Patea River to the sea, and by the searto the Mokau River.

In laying out a road (says “Rural World”), as much attention should be paid to the grade as to the distance. It is better to add 10 per cent, to the distance than 5 per cent, to the steepness of ascent. The unnecessary exhaust'ng of the team is not only an inhuman but wasteful process. It is 'better to take a large load easily for a distance of three miles than to exhaust the team in hauling the same load over a rough two-mile “cut-off.” No> intelligent effort should be spared in. laying out a road properly, so as to diminish the wear and tear of team, harness and waggon, to say nothing of subsequent pleasure and profit that will be sure to follow the conservation of a first-class road.

Only two Taranaki factories exported cheese last season. Auckland’s contribution was also very small, and present prospects do not indicate any increase, settlers in most districts devoting their attention almost entirely to butter. An increased production, however, has taken place in. the principal cheese districts (Wairarapa, Wellington, and JMendale, Southland), and the quality it is said showed a marked advance over that of previous years.

A grass that is highly spoken of as drought resistant in the Western plains of America and the drier parts of South Africa is known as “Teff,” or Eragrostis abyssinica. It is a quick growing grass, often maturing seed in from seven to eight weeks after planting.. It is much relished by stock and makes excellenthay. The seed is extremely fine, and in sowing should be mixed with about twenty times its bulk of sand. One pound -per acre is sufficient.

Too many farmers are under the impression that any class of sheep is good enough to use for cross-breeding.; in fact, this idea has prevailed to such an extent that it has in the past influenced the selection of both rams and ewes for crossing on State farms, where' •the. object is to show farmers which are the .most profitable crosses. It is of as much importance to select merino ewes of good type as it is to use only well-bred, stout oonstitutioned Shropehire, Lincoln, or other rams of the British breeds. If large-framed, wellgrown merino ’ewes not over six-tooth are selected the balance between a large breed and a small breed is well preserved. and lambs will show a distinctive feven character compared with those from weedy aged merino ewes. Lambs from good stock grow faster, fatten more quickly, and give a smaller percentage of culls, and if. the crossbred ewes are again crossed the vigour of the foundation stock will be evident in the character of the progeny of the second cross.

Poultry-keepers who have to keep their fowls in confinement in towns or suburbs should keep a heap of cinders and ashes in the run. The birds will find in them much that is beneficial, and it wul help to keep down the grit bill a little.

_ . * . * * The Taien ana Peninsula Dairy Company made a profit of £7,572 last season. They received 113 million lb milk and made 2,194 tons of butter. By erecting their own refrigerating store the company saved £6,901, besides the charges they would have had to pay for haulage, handling, etc. They also erected a complete plant- for making butter boxes, at a cost of £6OO, by this means expct-’> ing to save about £BOO per annum. They have decided to pay an 8 per cent, dividend and a bonus of per lb on fcutter-fat supplied.

sfc * * The Wakapuaka Farmers’ Union has [unanimously resolved “That in view of the fact that the price of the New Zealand farmers products are ruled by the markets of the world, where low wages and long hours obtain, this branch considers that it would be highly injudicious on the part of the Government, and detrimental to the interests of the colony, to impose a duty on any agricultural implements now admitted free.”

'Some two years ago the dairy factory on Glenham estate, now a State settlement, was closed down, and in the interim no use had been made of it. However, with a view to encourage .r the dairying industry the Government recently decided to. rtlnce the building at the service of settlers free of charge for two years. It is the intention of the latter to form a co-operative company ■Sf

for the manufacture of cheese, and it is expected that at the end of the period for which they have the gratuitous use of the building they will have attained to a position that will enable them’ to carry on independent of the favour extended by the Government.

An electric whip, the invention of J. A. Giles, Elberon, Ga., was given a successful test at the stock yards, Chicago, recently. The device consists essentially of a small battery, placed in the waggon, from which wires run along the shafts to small copper plates fixed in the harness. When it is desired to spur the animals to greater effort it 'is only necessary to touch a button and every horse feels the shock at the same instant-. # # * A Toko' farmer, has obtained a return of 200 per cent, of lambs. The average over the whole of North Island is put at about 130 per cent.. This speaks volumes for the mild weather. The contrast reminds one of the station-manager who on sending Home his monthly report to his directors stated that snow was interfering with the lambing, and received the following reply by cable : “Stop lambing at once.”

During last winter a Dunedin firm purchased a line of stored butter from Rongotea Dairy Company. The butter • —though stored for two months and then shipped to Dunedin as ordinary cargo—gave such satisfaction that Dunedin retailers have now arranged for a regular supply of 40 boxes a week from the Rongotea factory. In view of the great reputation held by some South Island factories, this is highly complimentary to Mr Tobeck, manager and butter-maker of Rongotea Company.

* * * Edendale farmers are much exercised concerning the excessive county rates and have decided to petition the Minister of Lands. At ;a recent meeting Mr D. R. Hunter, said there was a strong feeling throughout the district that an excessive rate had been imposed —arising from the inflated assessment placed on the unimproved value. Not nearly enough was allowed for the improvements effected. He instanced a case in which the lessee of one of the 10-acre blocks had been rated .at 2s 7d an acre. An Ota Creek farmer had been rated at Is an acre, and another at Is lOd. Again, on a rental value of 10s 6d per acre, the rate was Is 3td per acre.

% Jfc The annual report of Gisborne Sheep Farmers’ Frozen Meat Company shows a net profit of £9,081. There is a sum of £17,917 to be dealt with, which directors’ propose to allocate as follows : Reserve fund £5,000, mortgage reduction £2500, depreciation £1412, leasehold sinking fund £SOO, dividend £894, bonus £897, balance of £6,713 carried forward. The report notes that the olant has been increased and business premises _ enlarged, and the lighterage business in which the company has embarked promises good financial results.

False packing, it would appear, is not confined to wool, for complaint has recently been made in Timaru of the fraudulent filling of fat sold at fortnightly auction sales. It is alleged that sometimevs a buyer finds on opening up his purchase of fat, that the tins have in them a good deal besides fat, rotten potatoes, and apples, lumps of iron, parts of entrails of and other objectionable mixtures being added to fill up space and make up weight. ’ff #

Hardships anent mode of transit that have to be endured by our backblock settlers is sometimes wearisome. A number of 1 large settlement holders live beyond towering hills where communication with railway is only attainable per means of horse, which is often called upon to surmount hills of pretentious dimensions. The other day a rather unique scene was witnessed in Taikape. Upon the back of a .horse were seated the mother and her three children —one in front and two behind the saddle—and by this means the journey from th,e back-blocks to the settlers’ city was essayed under somewhat trying circumstances.

A feature of considerable interest to those connected with the dairying is the introduction of electricity as a motive power in manufacture of butter. Messrs J. Adams and Co., Auckland, have. just completed the erection of a milled butter plant which is driven by electric power, the first instance, it is said, of its kind in. the Australasian colonies. Mr Hill, who is in charge of the butter-working machinery, states that the power., is beautifully even and very easily regulated. . The motor, which is about two-horse power, is supplied with electricity by a dynamo situated some distance away, the current being carried by wires. The installation of the electric plant was undertaken by McLaughlin and Co., under the superintendence- of Captain Brain, and is acknowledged to be a complete success. It is highly probable that electricity in the near future may be very largely used in connection with dairying, for where water-power is available it can be economically used to drive separators, churns, butterworkers, and other machinery where either high speed or regular speed is rectuir-ed.