SHAG VALLEY.

Otago Witness, Issue 1892, 15 May 1890, Page 19

SHAG VALLEY.

Mat 12.— During the past few weeks we have had very warm, growing weather, and as a consequence feed for stock is more abundant than was expected after such a severe drought. Turnips have also grown wonderfully since the rain last mouth, and are fast making up for the time lost during summer. Tho raising of potatoes is being carried on, but in general they are not up to the average, owing no doubt to the drought, want of changing s u ed, aqd also the fact of a great many planting them on lea ground which, in a dry district like this, lies too open. Let the farmers put what work they like on it, it cannot take the place of Nature, and make a nice smooth mould like what is to be had after stubble. This is the experience of a colonist of 40 years standing, and I would advise trying the experiment. The same remarks also apply to all other root crops. Thre»hing is all but finished. The results generally are not up to expectations. Wheat averaged.about 30 bushels, while in one or two cases, owing to rabbits, &c, it fell as low as four bushels. Oats, on. the other hand, turned out very satisfactorily ; but generally these are cut too green, which spoils the eampleß for milling. Barley is almost entirelyneglected. I observe great care Is being taken to secure the straw stacks by thatching, &Oi. Sickness.— lnfluenza is still in our midst, and the majority of the residents here have had to consider the beauties of Nature in the four comers of the bedroom ; and what with grips and pains we have had more than we bargained for. In ono or two oases 'la grippe haß proved fatal. Another medical man iia now residing in Palmers ton. His services were much required, as the district extendq north to Hampden, and Green Valley, and Macraes, and south to Hawksbury, which is too much for one man to undertake.

On Dit, — Humour haa it that two well-known residents who have been "keeping company" with matrimonial intent for some years back are going to give the Supreme Court some work at next B'tting. Should this prove true we may expect some fun. As breach of promise cases are a novelty here, this one is awaited with interest by many.