THE MAN ON THE LAND.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIX, Issue 81, 27 July 1914, Page 7

THE MAN ON THE LAND.

"MOUNT PLEASANT." Near the junction of the Pembroke and Monmouth lloads, and with the frontage to the latter, is situated "Mount Pleasant," the property of Mr J. Gibson, whose particular hobby is purebred Berkshire pigs. While on /t walking expedition the other day, a representative of the "Stratford Evening Post" passed over the farm, and in a chat with the owner learned something of his methods of farming and of his keen interest in Berkshires—interest which, it may be stated here, was worth well up to half a century in real coin of the realm last year, and which amount he lives in hopes of abating this year. Following the arrival on the preceding day of an importation in the shape of a sow from the famous Porirua Mental Hospital styes, the conversation naturally drifted along the lines of "Denis at Homo!" A visit of inspection to the piggery showed that all care and attention is bestowed upon the pigs, the site of the styes being wqli selected, high and dry, with plenty of drainage, and as clean and sweet as these places are anywhere. "Empress," which is the name of the new arrival, is eleven months old, and her breeding lines are interesting. She is by John Bull 11. (John Bull I.—Topper Heiress II), back to Shirley (imported), and on the dam's side is Windsor Lass 111, back to Dennis (imported)—Windsor Lass. Breeders will recognise the value of the new strain that has been purchased for the district. Another fine sow which was bred by Mr Gibson, and is only a couple of months older than Empress, is "Monmouth Lassie." <>y Byscot Prince, bred by C. Briee (Ghnstchureh), dam Fancy May, bred

by Mr S. R. Lancaster (Palmarston North). Buscot Lad, the sire of Buscot Brice, was the winner of eight champion prizes, while the dam Melrose Peerless won eight firsts. The line runs back through imported animals on botli sides—Buscot ' Madam Dairy (imp.) and Chamberlain (imp). The dam's lines are also aristocratic, claiming descent from English Inith and Champion. Then there are two of Mr J. R. McMillan's breed, Bessie and Lady, which are by Star, out of Fancy May, and claim Cooper (imp.) blood. From Melrose Farm, Shirley, Chrisfcchurch, Mr Gibson secured Dominion Champion, a fine-looking boar. His sire was Pahiko Chancellor, hred in Feilding from two animals bred ny Lord Carnarvon, England, while the dam was a champion sow belonging to Mr Brice,, of Christchurch. Besides these, there is one litter of six, and one, the only survivor of nine which Bessie farrowed and which bad luck attended. The other two sows are due in September. In a subsequent stroll over the farm, which looked to be in good heart notwithstanding the worst season of the year, it was noted that all the animals are well cared for. In a field of twelve acres, mostly in turnips, there was kale and an acre of ''boomers" of cabbage. Such a fine crop of cabbage is not often seen, indeed not many farmers g« in for the crop at all. Altogether, the farm consists of 120 acres, most of which is cleared and looking well, while back from the road some acres of hard work in stumping has yet to be tackled. Judging from the amount of progress Mr Gibson has made since he took up the land two years ago, it will not be long till the farm will present an air of comfort and be an object lesson in energy and pcrWerance to all around.