NOTES ON RURAL TOPICS.

Otago Witness, Issue 4041, 25 August 1931, Page 12

NOTES ON RURAL TOPICS.

Sprouting Seed Potatoes.

Experience teaches that results from sprouted potatoes compare favourably with unsprouted sets, a heavier yield on an average by 20 to 25 per cent, being common. The size of the boxes or trays is immaterial so long as they can be conveniently handled. In selecting the sets uniformity in size is an advantage, for then one can estimate with fair accuracy the planting capacity of each tray. But, whilst medium-sized tubers are best, varieties differ enormously, and one can only advise in a general way the choice of sets that weigh between IJoz to 3Aoz apiece. Larger sizes of most second

earlies and main crops may, of course, be cut at planting time. Boxing consists merely of sorting out these sets and spreading them on end, with the eyed ends uppermost, in the trays. Any specimens showing signs of disease must be rejected, and if one has any doubt as

to the soundness of the sets selected it is wise to dust them over with some airslaked lime, or, better still, powdered sulphur. When the trays are filled they must be placed one upon the other in an airy room in full light. The place must, of course, be frost-proof; but, on the other hand, too high a temperature will force the tubers, with the result that they will make a week and spindly growth instead of short, sturdy buds. A very low temperature,, again, ig undesirable, for this appears to have a deteriorating effect upon the vitality of the potatoes. What we want to achieve is a slow and gradual process of budding, and this may be attained fairly easily, not only by regulating the temperature, but by regulating the daylight also, darkness tending to promote development, while light retards it. Some varieties, of potatoes, being more vigorous than others, require more light than is usually given; and there are kinds again which have need to be hastened by almost total darkness until they have made a start. Apart from the effect of light i n retarding development, air is essential, especially as planting time approaches, for the toughening of the sprouts, but a few days’ exposure is usually sufficient so to strengthen the growths that the fear of breakages in planting may be reduced to a minimum. Origin of Foot-and-Mouth.

The Farmer and Stockbreeder has the following note in regard to the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in the North of Ireland:— “ Rumours were current in London at the beginning of June that the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease which rapidly'

spread from Northern Ireland to the North of England has been traced to an importation of Russian oats into Ulster. The rumour was discussed by the Conservative Parliamentary Agricultural Committee at its meeting at the House of Commons recently. An inquiry was made of tlie Ministry of Agriculture, who communicated with the Northern Ireland Government. It is understood that normal trade conditions between Ulster and Russia have continued, and the most stringent investigation is being made into the suggestion. Up to the present, however, the Ulster Government has not definitely traced the source of the outbreak.”

The Mare at Foaling Time. Experienced horse breeders have their own methods of dealing with mares at foaling time. One believes in one procedure and another follows a different line with equally satisfactory’ results. Much depends upon the man. ’ A writer in the Live Stock Journal (England) advocates the following treatment: — “ Half a n hour after foaling give the mare barely half a pailful of water and then a feed of crushed oats, followed with an armful of hay alxmt an hour later.

I Unless the water is icy, never add hot water to it, beca'use horses do not relish lukewarm water. Even bran mashes should be given cold, not warm. It is a safe rule to give the mare, after foaling. a little at a time and often.lf the ' foal appears to be constipated, let it have a dose of castor oil. The same

remedy may be prescribed for diarrheea. Troubles are apt to arise if the feeding of the mare is at fault. A mare that has been regularly at work in the fields before foaling, and has been well fed and carefully handled, will invariably produce a healthy’ foal. But she must not return to the team work for several weeks at least after foaling. An occasional hour in harness at fight work would not matter, but a mare nursing her foal should not be separated for long from her foal, nor be hard driven. The foal feeds many times a day. Consequently, if the mare is taken away for two or three hours her udder becomes overstocked by the time she returns to the presence of her youngster. To relieve the udder of a portion of its contents by means of hand-milking is a wise precaution before allowing the foal to suck. Even such measures, however, cannot prevent the ill-effects upon the foal suckled by’ an overheated mare with a heated udder. Mare and foal should be turned afield i n fine weather every day, but never expose them to cold, wet weather. Dry’ cold will be less injurious, and drenching showers the worst. Exercise in the open air is necessary to the maintenance of health in the foal. The next best thing to that when the weather is bad is to house mare and foal in a well-lighted, roomy’, airy lopsebox or shed.”

Rearing Orphan Lambs. At a recent meeting of the Women's Branch of the Agricultural Bureau (Australia) Mrs J. English, in a paper on the rearing of orphan lambs, said : “If cow’s milk is used for rearing orphan lambs it should, wherever possible, be rich in cream, for ewe’s milk contains

a high percentage of fat. Separator milk should not be used for rearing lambs. Young lambs should be brought inside and put in a box by the stove for the first few nights until they’ get strong. In the day time they should be kept in a sheltered pen where the sun can shine on them. During the first few days the lamb shoyild be fed from two to three tablespoonfuls of milk every’ two hours. Young lambs should be fed six times daily, but as they grow the quantities fed should be gradually’ increased and the number of feeds gradually lessened until they’ are being fed three times daily. They should be fed last thing at night until about three weeks or a month old. If left too long at night between the feeds their mouths get cold; this gives them a check from which they’ often do not recover. When they are old enough to eat grass a little skim milk may be added with linseed meal. The method is as follows:— Mix about two tablespoonfuls of the meal with boiling water and add boiled water to make two pints; add about one tablespoonful to each breakfastcupful of milk. • a a hours old that is chilled, dip it in warm water, a little warmer than body heat, then wrap it in a woollen cloth until it dries, and keep it , ln a heated room for a few days. If drinking utensils are kept clean and the milk allowance limited fewer lambs will suffer from bowel trouble. For diarrheea give the lamb a small dose of castor oil or sweet oil with a teaspoonful of whisky or brandy. For constipation give a small teaspoonful of olive oil as a dose two or three times .a day until the bowels move easily. Treat an ailment of this kind in lambs just as if treating children, and you will be successful in relieving them. I For lambs with swollen joints and unable to walk 'it is a good plan to rub the [ joints with methylated spirits and put i the lambs in a sling so that the feet I can just touch the ground. They will then work their legs or joints in an endeavour to stand. This exercise will strengthen the legs and tend to reduce the swelling. Leave them in the sling about half an hour two or three times a day. Later the time may be increased to about two hours two or three times a dav.”

AGRICOLA.