FARM & GARDEN NOTES

Waikato Argus, Volume IX, Issue 767, 29 September 1900, Page 1 (Supplement)

FARM & GARDEN NOTES

With a continuance of the present genial weather, grass will soun be abundant, ami as the day 3 grow longer the herbage will contain more solids, and less of the watery matter characteristic of early spring growth. The balance of the grain cop is now beinggotin, andonceoutof the livid, seed potatoes for the main crop should be attended to. During the early half of October is a very suitable time for potato planting, the land being' then generally dry enough to handle well,'and yet contain sufficient warmth aud moisture to start the crop. With the approach .of shearing and increasing, length of flocks will require more attention in the way of (lagging and gkeepiug clean. Neglect cf this is responsible for considerable (lanugo by dirt and discolouring of the wool, the ill effects of which, bad enough, at any-time, are accentuated.in a season of low prices, wool buyers being extra careful to purchase only clean and well got up clips. The late advance in sheep is very marked in the face of such a heavy drop in the stapie, and is, unquestionably due to the improved prices ruling at Hoire for frozen meat, together' with a general scarcity of sheep throughout the colony. A striking instance of the latter is given in the present quotations for Napier sheep. Ewes, that two years ago were obtainable off the shears ut from 5s 6\l to 7a, are now quoted at from 9s to lis 3d, and are being freely brought at these prices, a good many lines going to Canterbury, where graziers arc short of sheep. The markets have been fairly active during the week, stock of all classes being in good demand. The late horse sale 9 have again demonstrated the suitability of tlie district for producing horses of the best class, and also that such animals are in as brisk demand as ever. It is, however, a matter for some concern when we observe that our best draught mares, when placed on sale, are almost wholly secured by Southern buyers, and their services thus lost to Waikato for the future. In the face of the introduction, by enterprising settlers, of- high-class stallions it seems a pity to allow our best mares to be exported in uch numbers, but unless Waikato breeders are prepared to advance their prices for choice animals, the Southerners, who are evidently well informed as to the future of horse-breeding, will certainly outbid them. The produce markets are unchanged, potatoes being firm at £3 per tOD, best Canterbury selling, locally, at £4 10s per ton. Grain and chaff are about the same with a slightly better demand for wheat. Butter is plentiful, prices being unchanged, best dairy making 8d to 9d petlb. Young pigs are selling better, also, dressed pork, but the latter, at Jtyd to 3£d per lb, - is still below its value in view of the big rise in beef and mutton.

Devon Cattle.—lt is surprising that more Devon cattle aro not bred in this colony, as for primo quality beef of nice haudy weight they cannot bo boatcn. When any fat cattle of this brood como into the market they are certain of commanding the highest prices.—Christchurch Press.

Hhmi-pbicbd Shorthokn. —The sale of MIBB Alice de Rothschild's shorthorns at Waddesdou Mduoi tu July wis well attended uud fruitful of remunerative prices. Without; notable' exception tho individual prices wero not remarkable, but they wero sufficiently uuiform to attain thy substantial average of £39 7s 6d for the 41 head. The one notable price was realised for the thick-fleshed roan bull, Bashful Youth, which has figured prominently at the Reading shows of the seasou, Mr Miller (Claiming him for South America for tha'handsome sum of 455 guineas. *>