Notes for Farmers.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5278, 7 June 1895, Page 3

Notes for Farmers.

j (Canterbury Times.) i t The I " m P roveme nt in the wheat market { haß put new spirit into the farmers, and ; ploughing and sowing are going on vigorously in all parts of the district. Mnoh of the land has had a fair rest, owing to farmera abandoning grain growing for sheep, and with anything like a favourable season the ensuing wheat crop should be a paying one. Most of the small grain farmers, unfortunately, sold all their wheat at very low prices, and now have to buy seed at a very much higher price. It jis to be hoped it will be a long time before they have to Bell their corn as cheaply again. Messrs W. Blackwood and Sons, Edinburgh and London, have issued a new editipnof " Stephens' Catechism of Practical Agriculture," revised and largely rewritten by Mr James Macdonald, F.R.S.E., secretary of the Highland and Agricultural Society, and one of the best living authorities on agriculture. Almost every farming operation and term is explained, and numerous illustrations are given; and I the work, which is published at ono j shilling, contains more practioal informai tion than any other of the size that we have Been. Every farmer should poßßess a copy.

We have received from Messrs Adams and Sons, Nurserymen, Chrißtchurch, a pamphlet issued by Messrs A. Blano and C 0.,. Philadelphia, giving particulars of "thenew forage plant," Saoaline (Polygonum Sachalinense), and a maBS of testimonials relating to it. Two American syndicates intend to establish large meat works in the vicinity of Townßville. Queensland. Out of 210 sheep on the Woolloomooloo, fifty-eight died on the voyage from Adelaide to London. The food was too dry, and three parts of it was refused by the animals, which suffered from stoppage of the intestines. The American Agriculturist of April 27, attributes to the operations of speculators whatever of Btrength haß appeared in the wheat market in tho United Stateß. Stocks of wheat are decreasing rapidly, as is bnt natural at this time of year, and the shipping and export demand is fair. Irrespective of immediate market conditions, the general tone of confidence in the business world is having its effect on nearly everything, inducing many people to entertain higher views, regarding present prices unnaturally depressed. This oan scarcely be said of corn (maize), however, which is selling at fairly good prices, yet lacks activity. The general rains throughout large portions of tbe winter wheat belt in the central States have had their influence on the Pacifio coast^ market and support is indifferent, especially with the California crop prospect so promising. It looks now as though about 400,000 tons wheat will be carried I into the new season, this in itself proving a depressing factor. Good to choice mili ling wheat is selling in San Francisco around 90 to 94 cents per cental and shipping 83 to 88 cents. Flour shipments from the Pacifio coast show a little gain i compared with last year. Barley ia i depressed through the bright agricultural outlook. San Francisco is exporting fair quantities but nothing ia moving from i Atlantic ports. While choice brewing is around 90 cents in California, fjjir to good feed barley sells all the way down to 70 to 75 cents. I Orchard grass, says an American writer ' of standing, does not get tbe notice from farmers that its real value deserves. It is a more, nntritious fodder than timothy, having fully one-fourth more proteine.and it has the advantage of maturing with the , red clover and of being really perma--1 nent, remaining in excellent condition for a great many years. It may be mow% in , May, and, quickly recovering, makes a ! good pasture for tho reat of the season. ; By good feeding it yields 50 _er cent more than timothy, and the hay., is qoite as palatable to all animals. As the seed is light it needs twice as much to.,. the aore as of timothy, or even more, to counteract ita tendency to grow in stools.. The experience of farmers who have grown it iB greatly in favour of it toz d permanent meadowß or pastures. The movement of sheep Sydney-wards is setting in, the vessels leaving northern j ports this week having lvd\ deck cargoes j booked. It is to be hoped that: operations j wiU be conducted in fine weather, j Mr W. A. Benn, of; the Aberdeen j Freezing Workß, K_*y Sonth Wales, J informs the Sydney.. Stock and Station • Journal that 2600 crosa-bred lambs, frozen | at Aberdeen and aold-in London by Kelson i Bros., ' netted the- owner 12s 3d at the j works, besides abwat-2s each, value of the skins.