NOTES AND QUERIES.

Otago Witness, Issue 1947, 18 June 1891, Page 22

NOTES AND QUERIES.

INFORMATION WANTED.

Information i* wanted on the following points by Mr 'Q. M. Thomson, science master at the Otago Boys' High School. We shall be glad to Insert any answers which may oome to hand ; — 1. Dates on which humble bees are seen, with names (or specimens) oi (plants on which they are seen.

_2. Occurrence of [white or abnormally coloured plumage in introduced birds. 3. Food of introduced birds, particularly finches, sparrows, skylarks, and starlings, duriDgjwinter.

B. H. (New v. Old Fattures) —We presume that the term •• old pastures " in your query is intended to apply to grass lands that have been for some years under the varieties oi grasse*— ryegrassee mainly— and clovers, usually sown in the colony, for it is doubtful it there are here any grazlDg lands that could be inoluded in the category of old pastures as* tbe phrase is understood in the Home Country. There they are on land* that have not been under cultivation for many years, if within the memory of man. and they are nearly always valued in proportion to the varieties and nutritive qualities of the permanent grasses and clovers with other herbage that they bear. The relative feeding qualified for the production of dairy products and beef of old and new pastures in the colony will vary according to the variety and vigour of growth of Hie grasses and olovers on each. For example, a one or two-year-old pasture having a thick and vigorous herbage comprising, say, perennial and Italian rjegrastes, with cocksfoot, (timothy, and clovers, ii grazed by dairy or fattening cattle, would be more productive of dairy products and beef than would an older pasturage with a weakly herbage, however choice the permanent grasses comprised in it. Of course the reverse would be the case when the varieties in the older pasture have a stroDg and thick growth as againit a thin, tufty, and weakly growth on a new pasture. It is not age, but the variety and luxuriance of tbe feed that determines the value of pasturage, although old grass lands are said to impart a better flavour to butter. J. 8., Ahuriri.— The name Ithuriel 1* Hebrew, meaning the discovery of God. Ithuriel is in Milton'a "Paradise Lost" an angel commissioned by Gabriel to search through Paradise in oompany with Zephon to find Satan, who had eluded the vigilance of the angelic guard, and effected an entranoe into the garden— " Him. . . .they found Squat like a toad, close at the ear of Eve, Assaying by his devilish art to reach The organ* of her fancy, and with them forge Illusions a* he list, phantasms and dreams ; Or if, inspiring venom, he might taint The animal spirit*. . . . Him thus intent, Ithuriel with his spear Touohed lightly; for no falsehood can endure Touch of celeitial temper, but returns, Of force, to its own likeness. Up he starts, Discovered and surprised." — " Paradise Lost," B. IV. BUBBCBIBEB, Walmate.- We are not aware that any provision is made in the act for dealing with such conduct. A requisition to him to resign, in which the reason it plainly stated, would probably be the most effective means to adopt. Inquirer.— Under the circumstance* your neighbour acquire* no right*. The answer previously given applies. O. M. X., Hokonui.— The Irish Church Disestablishment Bill was introduced into the House of Commons on March 1, 1889, and finally passed on July 26 of the same year. (J. D. F.— (l) Glue, two -"part*,-; soak in an equal quantity of cold water ; melt, and add four parts common glycerine, and sufficient whiting to make opaque. Four tbe mixture in a shallow zino dish, when it will be ready to use in about 12 hour*. Sponge the surface before using. You me anallne ink of course. (2) The old committee remain in office till the new one is elected. J. 0.— (1) Babbltikln* are softened by being pulled to and fro through a ring — such as a curtain ring. .(2) Very thin paste, with a little alum in it ii used for fixing engravings, water-colour drawings,' Ac, on cardboards for framing. Strain while hot, to avoid knots, Ac. Lovbb op Songs.— (I) Yes, a child can be preiented In any standard higher than the one he last passed. It is not necessary to go up for the First Standard, t iHe can go up for the Second if sufficiently advanced to pas* it. (2) We cannot undertake to print the words of euoh well-known songs. You can get a book containing them at any bookseller's. J. G.— Only householders resident within a lohool district are eligible for e'ectiou a* members of school committees, J. J.— Mr Bobert Hay, 0.8., supplies the following answer to your question : — " Ordinary high water spring tides rise to about the same level a* the lower portion* of the Flat, but heavy tides would rise an additional 12in. The flooding of the Flat ha* not yet been affected by the aotual level of the tide, but owing to the run of the wave over the eaud bank at high water mark into the depression on the seaside of the sandhills, actually forming a lagoon some 12in to'24in higher on water level than the tide, and it has been t-hiß body of water breaking through a narrow neck In tbe sandhills tbat has partially flooded the Flat." BUBSCBIBBB, Makerewa.— (l) The English Mechanic is still published, and i* obtainable of any bookseller at 20s per annum. (2) Your letter will appear in next week* farm pages. T. G-, Hyde.— Flax fibre varies according to quality, say from £15 to £23 per ton. Messrs Donagby and Co. manufacture harvest twine from flax fibre and also from manlla.