Live Stock and The Farm.

Southland Times, Issue 19389, 1 November 1924, Page 12 (Supplement)

Live Stock and The Farm.

THE COMING SOUTHLAND SHOWS.

Hill Country Pastures.

THE COMING SHOWS.

THE SOUTHLAND EXHIBITIONS. NEEDFUL PREPARATIONS. The show season in Southland brings with it a formidable array of problems for the breeder who intends to exhibit his stock. Not the least of these is the preparation of the animals so that they will appear at their best in the ring. To the inexperienced showman, or the novice in the purebred business, it may not appear exactly fair that animats not of the best conformation should occasionally win in competition because of a superior preparation or a more skilful conditioning. The thought immediately suggests itself that the mere presence of flesh on the animal is by no means a guarantee that the individual is either a reliable breeder or an efficient producer ; and that condition should not be allowed, to influence the judge in the ring. As a matter of fact, the best judges who officiate in the show ring are very careful not to give more consideration than in their judgment is due to the animal that has been highly fed, and it does not often happen as frequently as one might suppose that an inferior animal secures a higher rating than one of greater breeding or producing merit that is shown in poorer form. Showing has both an advertising and an educational effect, the former being exerted upon the general public, including those who see the judging done and those who read of the results, and the latter upon the breeders themselves and those who are prospective breeders. From a strictly educational standpoint, it is open to argument whether all animals of breeding age should not be shown in nothing more than prime breeding condition, leaving the way open for a little higher degree of preparation for younger stock. On the other hand, extra care does not hurt the animal, and certainly makes it more attractive to the public, provided the process is not carried to excess. The real object of the breeder in preparation for exhibition should be to bring out the very best in the individual and not merely to pile on flesh. We have seen individuals in the ring which were, in our judgment at least, much too fat to receive the most favourable consideration. Successful preparation cannot be brought about by commencing a week or two before starting for the shows. Old showmen state with emphasis that the time to begin for the show is immediately after the shows of the previous year are over. They mean that the animale must be handled throughout the year with the thought of the next shows in mind, and not that show form should be maintained constantly. The preparation can easily be overdone as regards the health and usefulness of the animals, because no animal can stand being forced constantly and at the same time carry on either as a breeder or a satisfactory producer. Success for the show-ring is an art that requires the greatest nicety of judgment and considerable experience, if the stock is to be brought out so as to make the greatest possible impression on the judge and the ringside observers. STOCK BREEDING. THE AGE TO PUT STOCK TO BREED. The most suitable time at which animals should be put to breed is more discussed in connection with cattle than any other class of stock. There are some disposed to the view that the earlier stock of any kind which are intended to be bred from are put to breed, the larger is the ultimate profit, seeing that the cost of keep has to be considered. On the other side there are those who hold that much harm can be done in stinting the growth of animals if they are put to the strain of carrying young while fhe frame is not developed to full size. It has been pointed out that it is for breeders to consider whether it is even profitable to breed sows to farrow before they are twelve months’ old, to breed mares to foal at three years of age, to breed ewes to lamb at so young an age as 13 or 14 months, and to breed dairy heifers to calve down at 24 months of age. The result of this hazardous practice is that in many cases the breeding animals suffer in development, else the offspring are not normal in some respect. On the other hand, it is claimed if this mischance is escaped, the number of offspring from each female will be increased, and the profitableness of breeding operations will be greater. This is rather like begging the question. Notwithstanding the claim of American authorities that the earlier a heifer is put to breed, the better milker she is likely to make, it is a mistake to have a heifer coming with her first calf till she is fully 2| years old all out. A young sow, too, may be profitably allowed to reach fully eight months old, or even more, before being mated. The practice of early breeding is unsafe owing to the evils which may follow. Nature refuses to be trifled with, and, if liberties are taken, retribution may appear in one or other of the following effects: The growth of the young dam may be retarded, and har ultimate size reduced; the vigour and thriftiness of the offspring may be below that of the offspring of more mature animals; there may be a possible decrease in the size of the breed, and the young sow, in the case of pigs, while exposed to danger at farrowing, may also be weakened in fecundity. The balance of argument is in favour of allowing young animals to finish growth. If this is not done, there is always a risk of loss in one form or another. FEEDING THE PIG. NEED OF MINERAL MATTER. The availability of mineral matter for the proper nutrition of hogs is of vital importance, and the normal demand for such in the development of frame and also in the functioning of the vital processes is strikingly apparent when such is lacking, more particularly with young growing pigs and brood sows. The lack of an adequate lime and phosphorus supply is not immediately apparent, but after a more or less prolonged period such a deficiency will be manifested by a general debility and lack of tone in the animal, and this followed by decreased production. Of all classes of livestock hogs suffer more frequently because of their inability to utilise bulky roughages, these roughages being a fruitful source from which to draw sufficient mineral constituents to maintain

the body requirements. The cereal grains are low in lime, and unless this constituent is supplied from another source such a ration may be found unsatisfactory, if used exclusively. The addition of succulent feeds, such as roots, beet pulp, molasses, etc., and also leguminous roughages such as clover or lucerne hay is necessary, because of the mineral content advocated for winter feeding and when pasture crops are not available. Milk by-products rank high as sources of mineral matter and are a valuable supplement to the grain ration. Other sources of mineral matter, such as bone meal, meat meal tankage; grornd limestone, rock phosphate, fish meal,, charcoal, etc., are more expensive but valuable sources upon which to draw.

COWS AND MINERALS.

VALUABLE CHEMICAL ACTION ' ASSISTANCE TO DIGESTION. Covering a period of over quarter of a century numerous tests and continual observation have well established the fact that minerals are of great importance in the metabolism of the dairy cow. The chemical action of the mineral salts assists in the digestion and assimilation of the proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and crude fibres. A cow producing only an average amount of milk requires no minerals except those in her feed, unless the quality of the food is very poor. Grains, grosses, hays, beets or beet pulp, and by-products of grain, such as bran, linseed meal, vac-uum-dried distillers’ grains and peanut meal are usually high in mineral constituents and form a food of highly digestible character. Hays cut when quite young or just before blooming, as a rule contain the greatest amount of minerals. Hays not properly cured lose many of their mineral salts. For-ty-five per cent, of the mineral salts can be washed out of alfalfa hay by heavy rains, and twenty-five per cent, can be washed out of clover hay. The variety of the beet has much to do with the percentage of minerals which it contains, is the opinion of Oscar Erf, Professor of Dairying, Ohio State University. The little red beet is higher in ash than the larger beets, and is better for milk production than the sugar beet. Carrota fed in limited quantities are of benefit in supplying minerals.

As a rule concentrates are low in minerals, and, owing to this high producing cows are not able to obtain a sufficient amount of minerals from their feed without overbalancing the other constituents. The higher production the greater the amount of mineral salts that must be added to the ration.

Care must be taken in determining the proper minerals, the amount to be fed to each cow and the method of feeding. Minerals should not be fed in a concentrated form, but should be sprinkled over moist hays, silage or grain feeds. Mr Monroe has found that a small quantity of lime sprinkled over the silage forms calcium lactate, which is desirable for milk production. Even the salt, to be of greatest benefit, should be mixed with the feed. The following minerals have been used to the greatest extent with the best results: Calcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, magnesium'sulphate, sodium phosphate, iodide of potassium, sulphur praecipitatum, black sulphide of antimony, arsenates, iron sulphates, bromides, jand sodium chloride. Bone meal and hardwood ashes have been found to give the best results of any minerals, with the exception, of course, of salt. As the production increases it is often advisable to reinforce these with sulphur, potassium iodide, and other minerals. The effect of minerals in the dairy ration is not directly evident in the increased flow of milk. The improvement in the physical condition of the animal is more apparent, and due to this the milk flow is eventually increased. HILL COUNTRY PASTURES. EXPERIMENTS WITH GRASSES. The Board of Agriculture at a recent meeting gave some consideration to the problem of endeavouring to prevent the deterioration of hill country through the weakening of imported grasses. The following remit was referred to the board by the New Zealand Council of Agriculture : “That when back country grasses have weakened and gone out, and ground covered with fern and second growth, some practical method of instruction be given to occupiers that will assist to re-establish the pasture by the introduction of suitable grasses.” The grave seriousness of the 'position in regard to the deterioration of hill country pastures in some parts of the North Island was fully realised by the board. Inquiries made from the Department of Agriculture elicited the fact that a professional officer of the Department was wholly engaged in conducting experiments and investigations in this deteriorating country. It was also learned that the Lands Department, acting in conjunction with the Agriculture Department, was setting up a committee to investigate the matter thoroughly. The board was promised some definite pronouncement at the conclusion of the sittings of the committee. CHARACTER IN SHEEP. POINTS TO BE REMEMBERED. In an article on “Raising Sheep for Mutton,” the Director of the lowa Agricultural Experiment Station, points out that not all the animals belonging to any of the improved breeds are possessed of a high degree of excellence, and that no graver error can be made than the assumption of uniform excellence in the stock constituting any breed, no matter how much prominence it may have attained. Individual animals always differ more than breeds, and there are relatively few really good animals in any breed. This seems to be strikingly true of the mutton sheep, and the following brief observation by the professor on what constitutes a good mutton sheep may, therefore, be of interest. “First, let there be pronounced masculinity in the male and feminity in the female. Sheep should be neither sexless nor characterless. They should bear the stamp and character of the breed they represent. This breed character is a mark of good blood, and it should be manifest in an unmistakable manner. The sire should be impressive, resolute and of noble bearing. He should be distinctly the head of the flock in every sense of the word. To meet these requirements he must have good constitutional and vital powers. Without these no animal is fit to head a herd or flock. In selecting a sire, look first at the head. If deficient there, look no further, but reject at onoe. Insist upon a head that faces you boldly with a wide face, a clear, prominent eye, and a robust character throughout. The head should be joined to a well-filled, round, muscular neck, wide at the poll and back of the ears and gradually enlarging in all lines to a strong, full junction at the shoulder, as seen from top, sides and bottom. This should be accompanied by a wide pbest, a prominent, well-filled brisket, and a full heart girth, giving straight, even lines from the shoulders back. A depression either in front of or behind the shoulder, whether at the top, side or bottom line, is an indication of weakness. The back should be strong, wide and well-meated from shoulder point to tail. The hlnd-quartera should be full and well let down in the leg and flank. The legs should be placed wide apart and stand straight. Sickle-shaped hocks and weak, sloping pasterns afford sufficient reason for condemning an otherwise good sheep.”

HAND-FEEDING LAMBS.

USE OF THE BOTTLK AN OLD-FASHIONED REMEDY. In attempting to raise lambs on the bottle the aim should be to follow the natural method as far as possible, says a writer in the Irish Farmers’ Gazette. Ewe’s milk is comparatively high in butter-fat, running on an average between 8 and 9 per cent., as compared with from 3 to 5 in the case of cow’s milk. This being true, the milk used for rearing young lambs should be from a cow testing high in fat, and for the first few weeks the same cow’s milk should be used at every feed. Regular feeding every three or four hours, both day and night, and a little at a time, from two to three tablespoonfuls is absolutely necessary for best results. The addition of a little brown sugar to the milk has a beneficial, laxative effect.

After three or four weeks, when the lamb’s digestive system has become accustomed to the milk, the amount may oe increased and the length of time between feeds lengthened until at a month or six weeks a few feeds a day will be sufficient. At no time should the lamb get an overdose of milk, just what it will take each time with a relish. The temperature of the milk is important and during the early stages should not vary above or below 92 deg. Fahrenheit.

An ordinary-sized bottle with a rubber nipple attached is the most satisfactory method of feeding, and care should be taken to keep the bottle and nipple scrupulously clean at all times. Over feeding the use of a dirty bottle and nipple and feeding at the wrong temperature is the cause of much of the difficulty met with in hand-raising lambs.

It not infrequently happens that a ewe may refuse to mother her lamb, or in the case of twins she may disown one. This is particularly the case with young ewra with their first lambs. The ewe should be confined in a small pen or tied so that she canot move about, and if the lamb is strong it will often get an opportunity to nurse. In other cases it may be necessary to hold the ewe several times a day to allow the lamb to nurse. With a little time and patience the mother instinct will usually prevail, and she will give little future trouble. A dog tied in or near the pen is claimed by some to give good results in persuading the mother to own her lambs. In the case of a ewe having only a single lamb and it dies, it is often desirable to have her raise another belonging to a ewe with two lambs, especially if the motherless ewe has a liberal supply of milk and the mother af the other lambs is not raising her pair any too well. This can be accomplished by taking the skin of the dead lamb and placing it over the lamb that is to be adopted. Another method is to smear some of the milk of the foster mother over the lamb she is to take. At the same time it will be necessary to keep the ewe with her adopted lamb in a small enclosure for a few days until she becomes satisfied to own her charge. It is only advisable to hold the ewe for a few times each day to make sure the lamb is nursing. SUPERPHOSPHATES. VALUABLE FOR ROOTS. A type of manuring that always pays for itself is the use of superphosphate for the root crop. This manure has a marked effect on the rate of root development; it causes the young plant to push ahead, and goes far to ensure a good growth in difficult seasons. Indeed, so successful has superphosphate proved in promoting root growth, that it is in general use on all those crops, including mangels and potatoes. Superphosphate has another effect. Besides increasing root development, it promotes earlier seed formation. This property is of great value when cereals are grown in backward districts; but it is not wanted for the root crop, where, indeed, it would have the disadvantage of checking growth before the plant had really finished for the season, PHOSPHATES ON GRASS LAND.

The most striking example of profitable use of phosphates is the use of slag, or superphosphate, or even of ground mineral phosphates, on grass land. It has repeatedly been shown that great improvement can be effected at small cost, especially on poor, heavy land. Light land presents a more difficult problem. The real trouble here is not so much need of phosphates as need of water, and nothing but more water will satisfy the plant. There have been so many demonstrations on the value of slag that it almost seems superfluous to emphasise its value. Valuable trials have

been made on the heavy clays and on the thin Idam. The improvement is best seen on poor land or on second-class land, in a bad season. Thus, in a poor field, slag has -raised the level of the yield from llcwt of hay to 18cwt per acre, though in a better season, when the uumanured land gave two tons of hay, the slagged plot did no better. Good second-class land is usually less responsive. Chemists cannot yet entirely assess slag, snd differences in fertiliser value have been found which would not have been expected from the analysis. This matter is being studied in full detail. It is certain, however, that the applicaton of slag or superphosphate to grass is one of the best insurances a farmer can make. At certain trials, the finely- ground mineral phosphate has proved distinctly effective. CREAM TESTS. 1 • CAUSE OF VARIATION. SEVERAL FACTORS EXPLAINED. Because of the frequent variaXion of the test, many dairy farmers sometimes think that they are not getting a “fair deal” from their factories. These men ask why the test should vary when the conditions under which the cream is produced remain the same from day to day. The same cows are milked, the feed is the same, and the cream screw of the separator remains unaltered. Actually, if the test remains the same from week to week, it should arouse suspicion as to the accuracy of the testing. Cream does vary in richness and fat, and because many dairy farmers do not quite understand the causes of this variation misunderstandings arise between suppliers and their factories. The variations do not indicate faulty testing; they are due to causes over which the factory tester has no control. THE SEPARATION. There are several factors in the separation of milk that cause variation of the cream test, and dairy farmers should examine these before doubting the authen • ticity of. factory returns. In the first place, the separator should be placed on a firm and solid foundation, and set perfectly level. If this is not done, the working parts get thrown out of balance, as the machine revolves during the skimming process. Smooth running ensures the skim milk and cream flowing freely to their respective outlets. If there be any vibration, the milk and cream get shaken together, and imperfect separation is the result. MANIPULATION OF SEPARATOR. In the manipulation of the separator, it is important that the crank should be turned the correct number of times per minute. Instructions are given with every machine as to the speed at which the handle should be turned to obtain the best results, and these instructions should be closely followed. Any change of speed alters the percentage of butter-fat in the cream. If the machine be run at a greater speed than that set by the manufacturer, there is a greater quantity of skim milk thrown out, resulting in a smaller quantity of high-testing cream. On the other hand, a slower speed of the bowl throws out less skim milk, and a larger amount of thinner cream. If the speed of the bowl is much below the normal rate, the cream will be imperfectly separated from the milk serum, as some of the fat will pass into the skim milk. These are important factors in causing a variation in the cream test. UNIFORM FLOW OF MILK. The rate of inflow of milk into the bowl may also cause a varying test. Every machine is set to a certain capacity per hour, and it is assumed that the milk flows at the same rate because of the float regulating the inflow into the bowl, but sometimes the tank is allowed to get low, or the faucet may not be opened to its full capacity, with the result that the amount of milk flowing into the bowl is decreased. If the flow of milk into the bowl be decreased, a richer cream will be thrown out. Variation in the richness of the milk of the herd also causes a variation of the cream test. At certain times of the * year, particularly in the autumn, the milk is richer, and if there be no alteration of the cream screw of the separator the test

should be higher than at other times of the year. The milk test of the herd is inflveneed by other factors soch as sexual disturbances, sudden changes in rhe weather, a complete change of feed, or excitement of any kind. TEMPERATURE OF MILK. The temperature of milk when separated abo affects the cream test. Wann milk will flow more readily and separate easier than cold milk, and, m consequence, milk should not be separated when below a temperature of 80 deg. Fahr. The heat at which it is drawn from the cow, Le., 90 deg. Fahr, is the most suitable temperature at which to separate. Cold milk does not separate readily, as the cold cream clogs the separator, and there is a consequent loss of fat in the skim milk. Flushing the bow! is a common cause of varying cream tests, because variation of the amount of water or skim milk may appreciably alter the yield of cream. It is easy enough to vary a point or bo in the amount used, and this may vary the test from 2 to 5 per cent, according to the quantity of cream separated. The identical amount of flushing water should be used on each occasion to get even results. Cleanliness in every detail of the separator is also essential if even results are desired. The richness of eream is readily governed by the cream screw, but, as dairy farmers do not tinker frequently with that portion of the machine, this factor may be regarded as a negligible cause in the varying test. The cream screw should be operated to produce the test of the cream between 40 and <5O per cent. Skim milk left in the cream causes quick souring. Mr McKenzie has had many discussions with dairymen regarding the varying cream teste, and he states it is really surprising the small number, even of experienced dairymen, who are acquainted with the many causes of test variation. It remains, then, for all dairymeat to carefully consider the reasons set out above. Ibey will find in most cases that the trouble lies not in inaccurate or dishonest tests at the factory, but in conditons over which the factory tester has no control.—Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. WOOL COMPETITORS. SOUTH AFRICA AND THE ARGENTINE. AN AUSTRALIAN’S SURVEY. (Sun Special). SYDNEY, October 26. Fresh from an extensive tour of the Argentine and South Africa, Mr Duncan Carson, chairman of Winchcombe, Carson, Ltd., reached Sydney by the White Star liner Ceramic and gave an interesting talk about his trip. “Australia will have to recognise that South Africa is a serious competitor in wool,” continued Mr Carson. 'Though the country is light, it carries the karoo and other edible bushes, which enables growers to carry sheep through periods of drought without much loss. “Diseases certainly are prevalent, and the vast swarms of locusts are a heavy menace. But there is no land rax, and labour costs are excessively low. “Shearing costs from Id to lid per head in the Cape Province, where the studs cost up to 15s a hundred, but the general run is lbs to 12s. Stud sheep are shorn in the Orange River Colony at Id per head. Shed hands receive 10s to 15s a month, and boys from 3s a month, with their keep. This last-mentioned wage rises to as high as £2 10s a month in the Cape Province. “In the Orange River Colony men receive 10s to 15s a month, but wall engage at £1 to £1 10s and feed themselves. “Blade shearing is practically universal, and the hours of work are from 4.30 a.m. to 7 with half an hour for breakfast and lunch. No cuts are allow’ed, but sheep are not as closely shorn as with our machines, and the work is very slow. Working expenses all round on grazing properties are not a tenth of our Australian costs. SHEEP FROM AUSTRALIA. “Sheep have greatly improved of late years in South Africa through the introduction of high-grade Australian studs.” went on Mr Carson. “The descendants of these sheep are very taking stock, cutting for stud rams up to 301 b of deep stapled, stylish wool The wool is mostly of excellent length in the good flocks, and commands high figures. "The country generally in the Cape Province is not as suitable as in Australia for closer settlement. While ordinary land is cheap, irrigated land is dear, and the market for crops uncertain. The more enterprising pastoralists are fencing in t-heir areas with jackal-proof fencing. One grower has 60 miles of 19 strands of barbed wire fencing, and 30 odd miles of fencing with 4ft 6in wallaby netting, and a 9in verandah on top. “With this .and with new country to be broken in, I anticipate seeing the South African clip doubled in 20 years.” RICH ARGENTINA. “One cannot help being greatly impressed by the great richness of such provinces as Buenos Aires, Sante Fe, Cordoba, and Entre Rios,” said Mr Carson. "The vast area under Alfalfa (lucerne), is said to be 20,000,000 acres. The splendid pasturage in the leading provinces, the country's heavy carrying capacity, the high grade of most of the cattle, the excellent railway systems (a veritable network of them), the main ones sft 6in gauge, the cheapness of running a grazing property—shearing under 15s a hundred, shed hands 15s a week, and abundance of labour offering—all these strike the Australian pastoralist strongly.’’* “The Argentine owes a great deal of its prosperity to the British capitalist who has invested such large sums in the railway systems, and also to the alfalfa (lucerne) that has enabled the country to be so heavily stocked,” continued Mr Carson. “The eleven British company railways, mainly sft 6in gauge, are well run, and with the seven Government lines, mostly metre gauge, provide over 22,200 miles of track. BIG CATTLE FIGURES. “In addition to the railways there is a large amount of British and American money invested in the 14 or more freezing establishments. These require over 5,000,000 cattle for their annual output. During the first six months of this year in the Northern Argentine and Uruguay alone 3,000,000 cattle were slaughtered. “Of course there is always ‘a nigger in the wood pile,’ and the Argentine has foot and mouth disease, which is increasing with the dense stocking. Scab in both sheep and cattle is increasing, and in the northern areas ticks and vast swarms of locusts are prevalent. “It appeared to me that Buenos Aires ’rovince, except in the south, is getting too rich for sheep. But the war started a denand frjr butter, and, though not suitable ?or Australian palates, over 1,000,000 cases are exported every year to Europe. “During the first six months of this year 748,918 esses of butter were exported, 3,381,000 tons of wheat, 1,620,000 tons of maize, 943,539 tons of linseed, nad 1,277,628 calfskins. “Australia is easily top with her s wool and sheep, and it is up to us to maintain .his supremacy. Now here in the world is wool so well and cheaply marketed as in Australia, and in my view, the Argentine pastoralist loses a good deal in the way the average wool is dealt with,” concluded Mr laraon.

ANIMAL DISEASES. TREATMENT OF WORMS. A FREQUENT TYPE OF AILMENT. Parasitic diseases are very frequently encountered in every species cf domestic animals, and not rarely occasion serious losses among young or growing animals. They are found in the horse, pig, calf, goat, puppy, cat, rabbit, poultry, pigeon, and game birds. Ascarides are frequently responsible for lung troubles in pigs and other animals, and are endowed with a greater capacity for harm than has hitherto been supposed. The commonest species of worms in domestic animals are acarides, which inhabit the first portion of the small intestine running from the stomach, and named the duodenum. They may, however, be found in the stomach and other portions of the intestine, but in these situations they are wanderers, or forced by the effort of vomiting or the violent spasm of the bowel from their normal seat. They are taken into the system in their larval stage with food and water, and after undergoing certain migrations complete their development in the intestine where they pass their eggs, which are evacuated from the system of their host or bearer with the faeces or dung. Should, however, the egg-bearing female become expelled by natural or medicinal means from the system, she dies, and undergoes putrefactive changes, when myriads of eggs in the oviduct become scattered here and there, to undergo a certain development, and then become picked up with the food and water, and thus gain an entrance to the system of their host. ' PREFER YOUNG ANIMALS. These worms thrive much better in young animals living on their mother’s milk or soon after weaning, especially when the mother is not well or suitably fed, or the young animals during the weaning period are not given food having sufficient quantity of vitamins, or no vitamins at all, in it. In such cases the worms‘‘become so numerous that they often run together in a large mass or bunch and cause obstruction of the bowel, which frequently ends in the death of the victim. Bearers of large numbers of these worms become emaciated, as shown by the absence of fat and the thinness and weakness of the muscles. The emaciation is often so extreme that the-animal becomes a “vertable bag of bones,” with pallid muccus membranes, a pot-belly, with perhaps diarrhoea, and in those species, such as the dog, cat, and pig, which vomit readily, the vomiting of food and worms. While the larval forms of these worms are migrating through the system before they take up residence in the intestine, there may also be stiffness or lameness resembling that of rheumatism, and net infrequently symptoms of bronchopneumonia, such as frequent fits of coughing and wheeziness, especially when the animal begins to move. Frequent fits of convulsions are observed in young pigs, puppies and kittens. The coat is generally dull and open, and may contain a quantity of scurf. Veal from calves suffering from acarides is unfit for human food in consequence of its disagreeable flavour. The larval forms during these migrations through the system frequently cause symptoms whieh are not usually attributed to these worms, which are in consequence generally overlooked as the source of the manifestation. TREATMENT. of such conditions is to remove the cause and feed the animal well with nutritious fcod that will build up the body. If the dam is known to be suffering from worms she should be freed from them long before she is going to give birth to offspring, and her surroundings should be changed to fresh ground so that she should

net be able to pick up fresh larval worms and become reinfested. She should also be fed on food that maintains her system in* good health and also assist to build up the foetus- in-utero. First of all, the worms should be expelled from the system, and then burnt to prevent the eggs being scattered all over the place and gaining an entrance to the system. This can be done by fasting the adult animal for 24 hours or longer, so that in the case of the foal and adult horse, calf, puppy, kitten, pig or fowl, the stomach is free of food for the medicine to act directly on the worms in their normal situation in the first portion of the intestine. In the case of the horse, the vermicide or vermifuge, or the worm-kill-ing or worm-expelling medicinal agent, should be given in a bolus or ball. This would dissolve in the stomach, and gradually pass into the intestine and keep in longer contact with the worms, which it would stupefy or kill, and thus make them loose their hold on the intestinal walls and become expelled by the peristalic or the worm-tike movement of the bowel. If given in liquid form the medicine would not be retained in the stomach nor be kept in contact with the worms in the first portion of the intestine to gain the caecum or blindgut portion of the large intestine, where it would have very little effect, if any, on the worms. In the foal, however, the vermifuge or vermicide may be given in castor oil, as the function of the stomach differs from that of the adult animal. In other species it may be given in liquid form, especially in adult ruminants, as cattle, sheep. and goats. In the dog, cat, fowl and pig it may also be given in pill form; or, again, in the dog and cat as a powder dropped on the tongue. SANTONIN AS A SPECIFIC. The best agent fcr acarides and some other species of worms which commonly infest domestic animals is santonin. This agent has been used for nearly 100 years for the destruction or expulsion of round worms in man and domestic animals, and the plant from which it is obtained has been vaunted for the same purpose for almost time immemorial. It has, therefore, stood the test of time not only in treating worm diseases in man, but also in domestic animals. It is highly recommended by Kuchenmeister, and also by the late Dr. T. Spencer Cobbold, for many years, and almost up to the time cf his death, professor of helminthology in the Royal Veterinary College, Camden Town, London, N.W. 1, who was considered the leading authority of parasitic worms of the last century. DOSES. For adult animals, perhaps it is as well, before administering santonin, to clear out the alimentary canal with a saline purge. For the adult horse, 60 to 120 grains of santonin, with four drams of Barbadoes aloes.<and one dram of sulphate of iron, made into a ball, forms a suitable dose, to be repeated once a week. During the intervals of these dosings, sulphate of iron and arsenic may be given in the form of a powder, along with dampened food morning and night. Fcr suckling foals and calves, ten to thirty grains may be given in two or three ounces of castor oil, repeated at intervals of four or five days. Suckling lambs and kids may be given five grains in an ounce of castor oil. It may also be made into a pill with Venice turpentine and given in that form. For adult ruminants, as the ox, sheep and goats, it is net advisable to give it ip a bolus, as by doing so it would go into the rumen or paunch, and there become lost in the great mass of ingesta and rendered inert. The dose for the ox or cow is similar to that for an adult horse, ahd fcr the adult sheep and goat the same as for calves. For pigs, the dose is two grains for piglets one month old, and increased at he