HOKONUI.

Otago Witness, Issue 2086, 15 February 1894, Page 22

HOKONUI.

February 9.— On Sunday, the 4th, we had a fine fall of rain, which will no doubt do an immense amount of good throughout the whole district. It has freshened up everything. 1 notice that even the old grey horse goes tearing round and round the paddock. ■ Agriculture. — The crops are looking remarkably well, and everybody looks pleased at the prospect of an extra good harvest. A paddock of oats alongside the road, and belonging to Mr Pateraon, is much admired by every passer-by. Harvesting has commenced, but will not be general for about another week. The turnip crop is expected to be above the aveiage. This makes one's mind easy so far as winter feed is concerned. Grass is plentiful. Angling.— Trout in the Makarewa seem quite scarce. The river has not been in trim for fly lißhing for several weeks, owing to floating weed. Poachers, however, have no doubt had a glorious time of it lately.

The Bot Fly. — A horse belonging to Mr Milne was recently struck by a bpt fly. The horse when struck played up, shook its head about wildly, stamped its foot, and them« shuddered. The eggs of the fly, which are not unlike grass seed, were deposited on the hair under the upper part of the jaw, and much trouble was experienced in getting them off. The bot flies have in all probability been brought to Southland with the Canterbury horses. I suppose they have come to stay.