FARM JOTTINGS

Waikato Independent, Volume XXII, Issue 2587, 22 August 1922, Page 6

FARM JOTTINGS

Iu a comprehensive pamphlet on the top-dressing of pastures, published by Mr J. J. Pascoe, of Heidelberg, Victoria, instances arc given of a large number of landholders in various parts of Victoria who are top-dressing their pastures with profitable results. In some cases the carrying capacity of the land has been doubled, and hi all cases not only has a luxuriant growth ensued, but the pasture is sweeter, and the stock prefer the top-dressed herbage. Where phosphates have been applied to the pastures a disappearance of disease like cripples generally follows.

At the sale of Pied Poll cattle from the Grcssenhall herd of the late Mr J. E. Hill, in Norfolk (England), Mr T. H. Payne and Colonel A. Caddy, of Victoria, were present, and the former purchased a 3-year-old heifer, Gressonhall Petal, one of the best and highest with her first calf, which, though only priced animals in rhe sale. She was giving nearly 401 b of (5.2 per cent milk two months old, was sold for 120gns. The average price for 3S head from this stud was £1.34- .14/2. The amount of com that can be allowed to horses differs with the character of the work they-, are performing. If they are doing no work at all, lib to 31b is -all that is necessary; but when in full ration, up to 121 b of oats may be given. Town horses are usually fed larger quantities of grain than those in the country, and the 121 b limit does not apply to them. Farmers, too, sometimes exceed this, and as much as 181 b of crushed oats given with a little linseed cake have been known to be fed, although this is rather costly feeding, with an unlimited quantity of hay. Eggs laid on a farm near London were, by the new air service via Paris, delivered at a poultry farm in the neighbourhood of Lausanne, Lake Geneva (4f>o miles from London), the same afternoon, and placed under a lien ready for sitting. It pays to sell when animals are ready for market. Holding back for better prices comes off sometimes, but more often it results in disappointment.

It is better for the farmer not to sowlucerne unless ho is willing to place his land in. proper condition for growing the crop.

One shilling in the ycar..l32S had the purchasing power of 20/ to-day. A live cow was then 7/(\, a large pig cost 4/, and milk Id a gallon. Heifers, in order to have good udder development, must be fed heavy rations during their first lactation periods.