ANSWER TO CORRESPONDENTS

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume VI, Issue 4, 15 April 1913, Page 445

ANSWER TO CORRESPONDENTS

Correspondents are requested, when desiring information through the Journal, in regard to disease in animals and plants, to forward, where possible, affected specimens, in order to facilitate a correct diagnosis of the trouble, and to ensure the best advice, in stating a question the most. complete descriptive details should be furnished..

Eradication op Californian Thistle. Mr. C. McGuinness, Mangatoki, writes as follows : Will you kindly let me know through your correspondence column whether any experiments have been made to kill Californian thistle with common coal-tar by the Agricultural Department ? I have noticed that wherever tar has been spilt all herbage dies, and am of opinion that if a coat of tar was put over the thistle, with holes driven here and there with a bar[andffilled with tar, it might have the desired effect. The Fields and Experimental Farms Division replies,— While it is well recognized that the application of coal-tar has the effect of destroying weeds, it has to be remembered that it would be impracticable of application on an extensive area.

Fertilizers. Mr. W. B. Fitchett, •“ Tiritiri,” Kawhia, writes,— Can you inform me whether the following manures may be safely mixed together without any harmful results: (1) Basic superphosphate and kainit; (2) basic superphosphate and nitrate of soda ; (3) basic slag and kainit ? The Agricultural Chemist replies,— ■ These may be mixed if sown immediately after mixing.

Phalaris Bulbosa. , - •• " Subscriber,” Riverlea, Taranaki, writes, — Would the Department answer through the Journal the following : 1. Would Phalaris bulbosa be a good grass to introduce in a patch of raupo swamp that is gradually drying up ? 1 2. Do cattle eat it readily, or would it become coarse like tall fescue and become a- nuisance; if so, would it be difficult to eradicate ? The Fields and Experimental Farms Division replies,— Phalaris bulbosa is spreading in many swamps. It is readily eaten by . cattle It may not be a particularly valuable grass, but gives more winter feed than many of the other grasses. If sown with cocksfoot and rye-grass much more feed, would - probably be obtained. It is of a different character to tall fescue, and would not be likely to become a nuisance..

Clovers. ■ Mr. G. A. Reade, Pukerangi, Central Otago, writes,— I forward under separate cover two forage plants of the trefoil family, which I have found growing together in masses on sunny banks at.an Otago seaside. resort, and it occurs to me they might be useful for surface-sowing on sheep-country in Central Otago

occupied by me. One of the specimens (the larger-leaved) produces a small spiral burr, which I feel would be sure to adhere to the sheep’s wool, and it would therefore probably be inadvisable to introduce-the plant on sheep-country. I shall feel obliged if you will kindly in the Journal give me the names of the two plants, and any information at your disposal as to the full value of each variety ; also whether you agree with me as to the risk of introducing, the burr-producing plant among sheep. .. The Fields and Experimental Farms Division replies,The names of the specimen clovers sent by you are—No. 1, Spotted burr ■ clover (Medicago maculata). An account of this clover will be found in the May, 191-1, number of the Journal. N0.,2, English clover (Medicago lupulina). This is an annual or biennial clover that is often sown on sheep-country. It is decidedly useful on light soils, especially those of a sandy nature. It is common throughout Hawke’s Bay, though not regarded as of very much value, but it certainly yields a good deal of highly nutritious fodder. •

- Branding Sheep. ~ C. E. 8., Nelson, writes, 1 - - Would you oblige by letting me know through your paper (1) if oxide paint is harmful to the wool if used for branding sheep, and (2) if haematite used for same is harmful. The Live-stock and Meat Division replies, — Although neither oxide paint nor haematite is regarded^s harmful to the wool, ■ both are very difficult to remove, and are therefore objectionable; consequently one of the several recognized branding-fluids is recommended.

Veterinary Science... . Mr. G. C. Neville, Opotiki writes',.—! I should be very much obliged if you could tell me if there is a course one can take in veterinary surgery so as to qualify as a veterinary surgeon, and where could one take this course, and what length would it be, and how much would it cost. The Live-stock and Meat Division replies,— The nearest colleges where such a course could be taken are in Australia— Sydney and Melbourne they are in connection with the Universities. We have only the Melbourne prospectus. There are two courses open to students one. of four years and a half, leading to the degree of Bachelor of Veterinary Science and ultimately Doctor; the other, of four years, leading to the License in Veterinary Science. The candidate for the degree is required to pass a preliminary ' examination similar to that required for the medical profession and for all the veterinary schools in the United Kingdom—viz., Latin, English, arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and one of the following optional subjects: Greek, French, or German. A candidate for the licentiate is required to pass a preliminary examination of a lower standard in those subjects'which 'are indispensable for an understanding of the work of the course— English, arithmetic, algebra, and geometry, and . two other optional subjects.' Examinations are held each year, and the student must pass these before he undertakes further work. If he fails he must come up again. We do not know exactly when the examinations are held, probably twice a year, as in the English schools. This means, should a student fail, say, in'his ' first professional examination, he would have to study for another half-year before presenting himself again. The fees payable for the courses are as follows: Bachelor of Veterinary Science For matriculation, £1 Is.; for first year, £22; for second year, £25 ; for third year, £25 ; for fourth year, £25; for fifth year, £2O ;1 for license and degree, £7 7s. License in Veterinary Science For the first " year, £lB ; for the second year, £25 ; for the third year, £25 ; for the fourth year, £25; for . the license, £5 ss. To these fees must be added cost of books, micro- . scope, instruments, and living-expenses.. The Sydney course is practically the same . -. as that of Melbourne. •.

Miscellaneous Queries.

Mr. J. E. LuckenSj Lawson’s Creek, Auckland Harbour, writes as follows : 1. Where can I get the spineless cactus which Luther Burbank has evolved from the prickly pear and which produced 200 tons of fodder per acre ? 2. Which is the right name for Boyd’s clover”— Lotus hispidus or L. angustissimus ? Neighbours praise it highly ; but I think Lotus major the best for this poor gum land. , 3. Has sea-water any wholesale manurial properties ? I watered some plants with it, but it killed them finally. 4. What is the best kind of goat to keep for milk ; and do you think a goat dairy would pay, as some of my land is too rough for cows 5. What would you recommend as food for milch-goats ? 6. Which is the best butter-fat cow? Jersey, I believe; but, judging by some Holstein records, the latter is as good, and has the advantage of being a beef cow as well. I suppose Jerseys would eat less fodder, though ? The Fields and Experimental Farms Division replies,1. I would refer you to Luther Burbank himself, whose address is Los Angeles, California. ’ 2. Lotus angustissimus is the correct name for Boyd’s clover. This clover and Lotus hispidus, which is a closely allied species, are being very highly praised; but in localities where Lotus major thrives well the last-named is probably preferable to sow. Lotus major seed is, however, considerably dearer than Lotus angustissimus, and there seems no reason to think that the price will ever be low enough to sow it in any great quantity in a mixture.

The Agricultural Chemist replies,— 3. It is not advisable to water any crops with sea-water. Salt drilled in with the manure may prove useful for some crops, such as turnips, kale, rape, mangels, sugar-beet (grown for stock-food), asparagus, and plants whose ancestors inhabited marine or salty situations. . The Live-stock and Meat Division replies, , 4. Probably the best milch-goat of the British breeds is the English one, which has had a society for the improvement of the breed since 1879. The Scottish Lowlands goat is perhaps the next-best milker. Welsh and Irish goats are poor milkers, and are only in profit for a short period. The two best milking breeds are foreign' and both have been crossed with the English goat, greatly to the improvement of the latter. The one first imported was the Nubian. Pure specimens, however, cannot be obtained now. The other and much the best is the Swiss breed called the Toggenburg. It is rather a tall goat, measuring about 30 in. high at the shoulder. Neither sex has horns. The udder is well developed, with the teats far enough apart. It is stated that as much as 158 gallons in a season of over three hundred days has been obtained from them. Ido not think there are any of the breed in this country, and they could not be imported from Switzerland owing to our regulations prohibiting live-stock from Continental countries. Specimens, however, could be obtained from Great Britain. We could not advise you as to whether a goat dairy would pay. It would depend on the demand you got for the milk. You would hardly make a success of it with the goats here, without crossing, as they would not give enough milk to be profitable. 5. Goats are-browsing animals mainly, but will practically eat anything—all sorts of vegetables, potatoes, carrots, &c. A Swiss authority considers that in summer a goat will consume on an average 3 lb. of hay, 3 lb. of clover, and 10 lb. of green food per diem ; and, in the winter, 6 lb. of roots, 2 lb. of hay, 3 lb. of clover, and lb. to l ib. of crushed oats. The crushed oats may also be given during the time the animal is in milk. The Dairy-produce Division replies,— . ■ . - . 6. It may be said that there is no “ best ” breed of dairy cattle amongst the various breeds of that class of stock, for there are unprofitable as well as profitable cows amongst all breeds of dairy cattle. As a breed the Jerseys are noted for a

high percentage of butter-fat in their milk, but it does not follow that these cows give a higher aggregate quantity of fat in a given period than other well-known breeds, and, after, all, it is a total quantity given that counts. There are first-class cows among all breeds, including Jerseys, Guernseys, Holsteins, Ayr shires, &c., and the only true test of value is to produce a record of the quantity of both milk and butter-fat given by a cow for her whole period of lactation, by weighing and testing the milk. In choosing a special breed of dairy cattle the class of land to be used has to be taken into consideration. For instance, it would be unwise to select one of the heavier breeds, such as the Holstein, for lightish land or that which is too hilly. On such country one of the lighter breeds would be more serviceable. Then again, a farmer when making his selection is wise in being guided to some extent by the class of cattle in which he may have a special interest. Heavy animals, of course, usually require more food to maintain their bodies than do those of lighter breed, but just what that amount may be is not definitely known, so far as we are aware. A Jersey cow giving 6,000 lb. of milk testing 5 per cent, in a season would produce 300 lb. of fat, while a Holstein giving 8,600 lb. of milk testing 3-5 per cent, would do equally well and produce 301 lb. in a season. When considering the extra food required by the larger cow, however, allowance should be made for the value of the extra quantity of by-product that would be available from her milk.

Clover-hay. Mr. J. W. Bowe, Marotiri, Wellington, writes,— I have a crop of cow grass and alsike clover which I cut for hay about two months ago and .which is almost ready to cut again. Please let me know whether you think it would be advisable to cut it again, or do you think it would impoverish the land too much ? The soil is a good, deep, clayey loam, which has only been broken up about eighteen months. ' - The Fields and Experimental Faims Division replies, — On fertile lands it is not unusual to take two crops of clover hay in the same season. . It must, of course, be accepted that with each crop removed the soil is impoverished to a certain extent. A top-dressing with some phosphatic fertilizer, such as basic slag, will, however, have a good effect. -

Farm Book-keeping. “Learner,” Woodville, writes as follows: — Will you kindly inform me through the columns of the Agricultural Journal of : a simple method of book-keeping for everything in connection with mixed farming; also necessary books required ; if convenient, kindly give me a few examples. The Fields and Experimental Farms Division replies, Leaflets on farm book-keeping can be procured from almost any stationer. These provide forms for the different items of the farm, as stock, crops, milking, &c. Greasy Heels in Horses. “ Greenwood,” Maungatua, West Taieri, writes, — Could you advise me of a cure for “ grease ”, (greasy heels) in horses ? The Live-stock and Meat Division replies,— “ Grease ” is an eczematous condition of the skin about the heels of heavy hairy-legged horses, and in some strains of blood there is undoubtedly a hereditary tendency to it. It is also seen, although less frequently, in lighter-legged horses. The general cause in these cases is irritation of the skin by dirt and wet. ' The hair-follicles and sebaceous glands of the skin are first irritated and then inflamed. This condition causes an excessive discharge from the glands, and often an enlargement of the parts; in some cases this is so excessive as to form grape-like bunches. Treatment will depend on the stage the disease has reached. Usually in the early

stages a lotion composed of chloride of zinc, 40 grains to the pint of rain-water, applied twice a day, will be sufficient to arrest the condition. The best way to apply it is to sop a piece of cotton-wool in the lotion and apply to the part, securing this by a bandage, which should be applied fairly tight so as to exert a little pressure. If the disease has got to the “ grape ’’.stage, these can only be removed by excision or the hot iron. During the treatment the legs should as far as possible be kept clean and dry. Any cracks may be dressed with carbolized vaseline.

Lucerne. Mr. F. W. Gorban, Hastings, writes, — I sowed about three-quarters of an acre of lucerne in the spring. It came away fairly well at the start, but the dry weather and the weeds have been against it. Would it be advisable to harrow it and top-dress it when the ground gets w, t; and, if so, when should it be done, and what manure should be used ? Clover grows well in this locality. , The Fields and Experimental Farms Division replies,— The harrowing of your lucerne, giving it one stroke with fairly heavy harrows, would probably have a most beneficial effect. Without a more definite description or knowledge of the land, proper advice cannot well be given of the manure most suitable to use for top-dressing. In your district it would perhaps be advisable to use phospha tic manures with the addition of potash in some form.

Calves’-foot Jelly. . Mr. J. Parsons, “ Sarnia,” Whenuakura, Patea, writes,— Where do the manufacturers of “ genuine calves’-foot jelly ” get their raw material from, assuming that it is made from the feet of young calves ? Also, is there a market for same ; or could it be made on a dairy farm as a profitable concern ? If so, could you tell me where I could get the necessary information, &c., for making it, as we kill something like 100 to 120 newborn calves during the season, and could also get other supplies if it could be made into a business. ■ The Live-stock and Meat Division replies,— Genuine calves’-foot jelly' is manufactured from gelatine, and not directly from the feet of young calves; therefore it is not likely that the feet of calves slaughtered upon the farms can be utilized for this purpose. .

Grass-grub. Mr. J. T. Bicknell, Kahntara Road, Featherston, writes, — I have read the article in your March issue on the grass-grub with interest, and per parcel-post herewith send you a tin containing samples of a grub which causes great damage in this locality. This grub, I believe, develops into what is known as the “ manuka-beetle,” being brown when it first takes wing, and then gradually turning green. In damp seasons the grubs come to the . surface in February and March, in dry seasons later, and then they remain in the ground until they take wing. In a cold season the time of flight is generally later than in a warm one. About the end of November and in December the beetle is formed, and they rise then thickest, although a few take wing in January and February. So thick sometimes are these beetles that they resemble a swarm of bees. I have a plantation of mixed treesgums, pines, wattles, &c.—in which the beetles are very thick, but they have not affected these trees, although I have had the roots of azaleas and other shrubs eaten, and the shrubs so killed. A paddock of grass lately sown down by me and just coming up is now attacked by these grubs, which are in it in hundreds, and quite spoiling it. I shall be very much obliged if you can tell me what to do to get rid of this pest. The Biologist replies,— There is really no.practical method of dealing with the grass-grub over extended pastures. ...

Orchard Diseases.

Mr. Edwin Ashby, Mangatainoka, writes, —- I had several peach-trees this last season that blossomed well, but just as the fruit formed the. leaves and twigs turned dark, the leaves and fruit fell off, and some of the young wood died. On several apple-trees also the leaves had brown spots, and the apples were very small and cracked across. If you could advise me what to spray with, and when, I should be obliged. I used Vacuum red oil on apple-trees last winter, but did not spray peach-trees at all. The Orchards, Gardens, and Apiaries Division replies, — . The peach-trees are evidently attacked by peach dieback (Clasterosporium carpophihim). To control this disease the trees should be sprayed in the late autumn, when the leaves have just fallen, with the 10-10-40 formula of the Bordeaux mixture, and again in the early spring, when the buds are beginning to swell, with the same mixture. The apple- are apparently attacked by a fungus disease known as apple-scab ( Fusicladium dendriticum). Spraying the trees in the early spring, when the buds are beginning to swell, with the 10-10-40 formula of the Bordeaux mixture, and later, if the disease appears, with the 4-5-50 formula of the same mixture, should prove effective. Red-oil spray is purely an insecticide for the control of scale, red spider, &c., and must only be used in the winter when the trees are quite dormant.

Lupin on Sand-areas

“ Rettan,” “ Orongohura,” Kawhia, writes, — I propose endeavouring to stop drifting sand further encroaching on my property, and would be pleased if you would inform me the best time to sow lupin-seeds, and treatment of seeds previous to planting ? ' . The Fields and Experimental Farms Division replies, — Lupin is ordinarily sown in the spring, but for the purpose you intend it will be better to sow in the autumn, as there is less chance of wind blowing the sand over the young plants. The seed requires no special treatment previous to planting, but germination could be hastened by soaking in cold water for twelve hours.

Pig-rearing.

Mr. T. Osborne, Ponsonby, Auckland, writes, — Wilk you be kind enough to enlighten me on the following : 1. Is pig-rearing a profitable business ? - 2. Which are the best pigs to breed, either for bacon or pork ? 3. How many litters a year does a sow have, and what is the best time of the year for her to have them ? 4. What is a fair average per litter ? 5. If well fed, and well cared for in every way, what is an approximate time before they are ready for market ? 6. Do you agree with me that pigs should be fed on root crops ; if so, what kind of crops do you suggest ? (I might suggest that I believe pigs should be fed on all kinds of crops, and that they should be given to them in various ways, such as a few mangels and carrots one day, turnips and potatoes another day, and a mixture of all the above chopped up small and cooked another day, with an occasional pick at the grass.) 7. If the above food is given, and no milk is available, what would you suggest by way of a drink ? 8. What kind of land do you think is suitable, if. run on the lines stated.

The Live-stock and Meat Division replies, —- 1. Pig rearing and feeding is a profitable business provided the person engaged in the same has some knowledge of the management of pigs, also he must have sufficient land of good quality to grow some of the food required for the pigs. Pig rearing and feeding is the same as any other branch of farming: to be successfully

undertaken a person must have a knowledge of agriculture in general whereby he can grow the food required at the lowest cost possible combined with efficient production. - 2. The best pigs would be pigs of a pure breed ; thereby the sale of purebred boars and sows would materially assist the returns. The breed chosen should be one quick in reaching maturity, and one in which the laying-on of flesh and fat is rapid. Berkshires are no doubt one of the best breeds, both for bacon and pork ; however, if they are allowed to mature before being fattened they are prone to lay on fat at the expense of the flesh. Berkshires cross exceedingly well with other pure breeds (especially the Tam worth and Large Black), and the produce when skilfully managed will weigh at four months old dead-weight 84 lb. and upwards. Therefore the herd should be partly composed of purebreds and crossbreds to obtain the best results, but in no case should the breeder go beyond crossing with two pure breeds, as thereby a mongrel is bred, which is unprofitable. 3. A sow comes in season for the first time after breeding (according to condition) about three days to a week after the little pigs are weaned. The period of gestation is sixteen weeks. A sow may be made to have five litters in two years in place of two in one year; this is brought about by commencing to feed the young pigs on milk at two or three weeks old and gradually thickening with oatmeal porridge, and after a few days turning the sow out during the day and feeding her liberally. She would then come into season again before the young are weaned. (Young pigs should be weaned at about six weeks old.) Spring and early autumn are the best times of the year for sows to bring forth litters. 4. For a young sow on her first litter a fair average would be six to eight, and each litter afterwards ten to twelve. 5. If for bacon, between six and seven months old; they should then dress to a weight of 168 lb. to 196 lb. Porkers from three to four months old should dress from 56 lb. to 75 lb. . 6. Pigs can be fed on root crops such as mangels, carrots,, turnips, potatoes, and cabbages. Roots are best given uncooked, but raw potatoes should never be given to pigs. The best results are obtained by mixing meal (dry) with pulped roots, allowing the meal and roots to lie from one meal-time to another. The meal suggested may be a mixture of pollard, maize, crushed peas, or barley-meal. Pasteurized skim-milk and whey, fortified with an effective substitute for the extracted butter-fat or casein, is, however, a diet on which very good pigs can be raised. When pigs are grazing there is a danger of their being made to take too , much moisture if the food is given wet. The pig is an animal with an exceedingly small stomach. The best results have been obtained by not giving too much 'bulk of food. In some of the large pig-feeding districts of America excellent results are obtained by feeding with concentrated food, such as ground oats, and, as stated above, given in a dry state. If too much moisture or liquid food is given it is washed into the intestines before it is thoroughly digested. 7. If the above principle of feeding is carried out, unless the weather is exceedingly dry, very little drink is required if the pigs are on grass. Swill with a little meal added would be the best drink. 8. The land should be of good quality capable of growing good crops. The paddocks on which pigs are running should be well drained so that they can have dry camps. No animal is more injuriously affected by damp than the pig.

The Government of India has passed an Act for the promotion-of thrift and self-help among agriculturists, artisans, and persons of limited means. It will generally affect the co-operative credit societies, which so far in India have usually, been based on the principle of unlimited liability of the members for the debts of the societies ; indeed, of the 7,562 rural societies of India, 7,239 are formed on this principle. • It is said the members greatly value the audit, inspection, and advice of the official staff, which is entirely composed of Indians, who travel about the country examining the affairs of existing societies, and aiding in the establishment of new ones.