CLASS 11.-MR JAMES JOHNS' FARM, AT THE STYX. (Awarded First Prize.)

Otago Witness, Issue 1901, 17 July 1890, Page 7

CLASS 11.-MR JAMES JOHNS' FARM, AT THE STYX. (Awarded First Prize.)

With the exception of 36 acres under wheat, 33 under potatoes, and 13 of oats, and a few acres under mangels and bay, this farm is entirely devoted to the fattening of sheep. The farm contains 350 aores, and it divided into 17 paddocks securely fenced, with neatly cut gorse hedges, ltaoh paddock is watered either by natural watercourses, or by artesian wells, 17 having been sunk on several parts of the farm. The paddocks are entered by substantial gates, all numbered ; a great convenience. The land is of exceptional? good quality, consisting of rich loam with a day loam subsoil, The judges regret that mora farms were not entered in this class, in which the growing of cereal and pulse crops are rande more of the farmer's business.

The farm is, however, exceptionally well situated for grazing purposes, being close to the Belfast Freezing Works and sufficiently near the Addington saleyards. So sheep are bred on the farm. At the time of our first visit there were 1600 sheep on the pastures, then luxuriant. A large proportion of these sheep were ready for the freezing works. As the flock on this farm is necessarily a floating one it isdifficult to estimate the actual carrying capacity of the land. Grazing is the chief industry. No regular system of rotation is pursued. The farm is famous for its splendid crops of potatoesof high quality ; the yield this season, notwithstanding the protracted drought, has turned out 10 tons peraore. In favourable seasons ns much as 15 nnd 18 torn per acre me grown. No manure hns ever been naed on this farm except that deposited by the large flock ot sheep. da a rule a orop of wheat is taken after potatoes ; the yield of this season's orop was 72 bushels. In favourable seasons stubble- turnips are sown immediately the wheat is cut and carted, to be fed off by sheep, and again sown down again with oats and seed. Owing to the continued drought no proviiion of this kind could be made this autumn to meet the requirements of next spring. Mr Johnt>' aim is to Keep his land in the highet* state of fertility for the production of grass. Tlv only fixed stock oh th 6 farm are five milch cows, five heiferß, six working horses, and 16 backs and youngsters,? making a total of 32. With the exception of the stables the outbuildings are far from being complete; they are, however, sufficient for the system carried on. The sheepyards are extensive, well constructed, and substantial.

As a result of the continued drought, and what has proved to be overstocking, the grasses show a tendency to die out, and the natural weeds to take their place, proving that overstocked pastures, however good the land may be, will soon revert to weeds. In favourable seasons the quantity of grass whioh the farm furnishes is almost incredible.

The fences on this farm are out every year. The gates are kept well painted and numbered. The cereal crops were remarkably free from weeds. The potatoes are grown each year from selected seeds. The farm, as one of its class, it a credit to its owner, the present occupier, Mr J. Johns. No farm accounts are kept.

do be continued.)