WAIWERA.

Otago Witness, Issue 2045, 4 May 1893, Page 22

WAIWERA.

May 2.— We have been experiencing very peculiar weather during the past two weeks— heavy fogs day after day, continuing nearly the whole day as well as through the night. It has, however, been very mild, so that stock are so far looking well. Some few have commenced to feed their sheep on turnips, though this is rather earlier than usual. Farming at Glenomaru. — I have lately been a trip down to Catlins, and on my way I had an opportunity of having a look over a portion of Mr Jackman's farm at Glenomaru. Some few years ago this district was a dense forest, but is now, with a considerable area cleared and laid down with good grasses, carrying a large amount of stock, principally cattle. Sir Jackman had at first a sawmill, and he thus cut and utilised all the large and valuable timber, and this was a source of considerable profit. The timber being done, the bush was cleared and the land sown down, leaving the property a most desirable grazing farm. Mr Jackman and his eldest son still continue the sawmilling business, the farm being now carried on by Fred Jackman, who takes a very keen interest in his work. In cattle the shorthorn has been found to give the best results for fattening and dairy purposes combined. From 40 to 50 bullocks are sold off the place yearly. Every year more clearing is effected, and consequently this number will be gradually increased. The property is a good grazing- farm, and will eventually become a profitable concern. The house_ is iv a very pleasant spot, surrounded by a nice garden and orchard, the steadings being of the usual kind— stable, byres, piggeries, sheds, &c. I was shown a very peculiar freak of Nature, if I may so style it— viz., the head of a rabbit that had been caught on the place, which had the four front teeth growing like the tusks of a boar, the top teeth forming more than half a circle downwards, the bottom ones upwards, being each an inch and a half in length. The head is to be sent to the museum as a curiosity, which it most certainly is.