ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume VI, Issue 5, 15 May 1913, Page 557

ANSWERS 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 c - details should be furnished. Wood-borer. 8. H., Takapuna, Auckland, writes, — Enclosed herewith, please find specimens of the work of the wood-borer. . The creature especially attacks willow and kahikatea. Can you kindly tell me, through your Journal, how sheds, tool-handles, baskets, &c., can be preserved from attack, and how, when once attacked, they can be saved ? The Director of the Orchards, Gardens, and Apiaries Division replies,'— Wood-boring Beetle.— have tried various experiments in connection with the above, and will give briefly the results : -■ When the backs of pieces of furniture, such as cupboards, were attacked I painted them with kerosene or corrosive sublimate, or any of the arsenic sprays. If the timber needing treatment is large, I take a common garden knapsack , spraypump, with cyclone nozzle, and spray the article or wall well with one of the arsenic sprays, preferably the, arsenic and soda. This should be done in the early summer, ■ before or during the emergence of the beetles. My first experiments were commenced years ago, and were conducted as follows : Large glass jars were obtained, and a piece of wood containing numerous “ grubs ” placed in each. To these were added two pieces of white-pine of equal sizes, one of which had been treated with one of the specifics mentioned, the other perfectly fresh. The result was that in . every case the untreated piece was badly attacked before two years were over, while the poisoned piece was sound. Either the female realized that the treated wood was not a suitable place for the depositing of eggs, or the tiny “ grubs ” were poisoned before they had eaten into the timber. I have for many years recommended this treatment to persons communicating with me. I recognize that in affected dwellings it means removing the paper and spraying the walls thoroughly, possibly in some cases removing portions of the lining. I have been hoping to /..• get the use for a couple of years of some old building so as to test the matter on a large scale, but up to the present have not been successful. However, the course ....' above advocated has proved effectual as-(a) laboratory experiment, (6) on pack-ing-cases and furniture, (c) on a fowlhouse. I also treated with arsenic, six years' ago, some white-pine timber of which I built a stable, and so far can find no trace of attack, although a piece of board not sprayed and loosely nailed in one corner for the purposes of comparison has numerous holes. The following are directions for mixing the arsenic-and-soda spray: Proportions—l lb. white arsenic, 2 lb. washing-soda, 70 gallons lime-water. Preparation ' —Place the arsenic in 2 gallons of water in which 2 lb. washing-soda has been dissolved, and boil until arsenic is thoroughly dissolved. As this will produce a liquid almost like clear water, and is, of course, extremely poisonous, it is advisable to use some simple colouring-matter to prevent mistakes. Fungus Disease. “ Subscriber,” Port Chalmers, writes,— ' I am forwarding under separate cover four varieties of plants attacked by, . 1 believe, a fungoid disease. Can I be informed, through your Journal, of the name of the disease, and of any means of preventing it ? No. 1, Gaillardia: The balls of fungi have formed inside the stalk, and are attached still. When attacked in this form the

whole plant dies quickly; but I have noticed the same balls formed on the outside of the stalk, much smaller, but in greater numbers. In this case the plant usually dies off stalk by stalk. Nos. 2, Gaillardia ; 3, sweet pea; and 4, dahlia : The disease on each of these seems to be much the same. . 7 ' The Biologist replies,The specimens of diseased gaillardia, sweet pea,‘and’dahlia are. attacked by stalk sclerotium. 7 This disease is probably parasitic on a greater number of different kinds of plants than any other fungus, members of all the families of cultivated plants . . being , attacked,: white .and swede turnips, cabbages, carrots, broad and haricot : beans, potatoes, cucumbers, -melons, hemp, petunias, -zinnias,- pelargoniums, chryc.7 santhemums, dahlias, sweet peas, &c., being among the number of 7 its victims. ’The disease ; commonly attacks the ‘ stem, commencing as a white - mould ! at- the ground-line and working upwards. When the parasite has been at work for some time the leaves turn yellow and wilt, and finally the stem collapses, death being due to lack of food and water, owing- to the mycelium of the fungus having chocked up the vessels, and thus retarded the passage of water up the stem. When the stem is hollow the mycelium is produced in considerable quantity' in the cavity, and forms . large, numbers of sclerotia, varying in size from turnip-seed to that of a..pea, white, I'.’ 7.then’ Flack externally. 77 When the stem is solid the sclerotia are formed in its substance, and visible on the surface. If diseased stems are allowed to lie and ” ’ 'decay on the ground, or even if they are placed on a heap in some out-of-the-way. corner, the sclerotia remain on the ground when the stems decay, and the follow,.™ing spring give origin to several brown funnel-shaped ascophores borne, on long, "slender stems. The spores from these fungi affect plants on the spot, or are ‘-blown about by wind and start the disease in a new locality. ' ‘ . In the case of plants producing tubers or fleshy roots, as mangels, turnips, 7.7 pot".toes, &c., the mycelium also passes downward into these parts, and. eventually 7 forms sclerotia, more especially if sweating occurs after storing. If such infected , . ’7tubers, &c., are planted, disease follows. c Diseased stems should .be burned, and not allowed to lie about,- for the reasons . . . given , above. In flower-beds, &c., where this disease has previously existed,- 2 in. . of. the surface soil should .be removed, and replaced by fresh soil mixed with a little .... quicklime. Green stable manure favours the disease. / ,7v. .. Woolly Aphis. ■ -- Mr. G. H. Bonnington, 14-2 Ferry Road, Christchurch., writes,— . „•.■ ■ ..i :. Can you suggest a check for the blight on apple-treeswoolly aphis. - This blight is very severe in the Canterbury District this . season. My Ribston Pippins and Cox’s Orange ; Pippins suffer severely. I have tried kerosene emulsion and McDougall’s insecticide,- but they only partly destroy the pest. I understand the Orchard Expert at Weraro a-Experimental Farm discovered'a cure for. this blight.; if so, it-will be a big benefit'to orchardists, and I feel sure would be eagerly sought after by Canterbury fruitgrowers. - ..." - ' . - ‘ .i--;-- • The Orchards, Gardens, and Apiaries Division replies,—— - -7 - - The following is the treatment recommended for the control of woolly aphis: ; Spray the trees in the winter, when quite dormant, with red-oil emulsion, using one part of the emulsion to fifteen parts of water.’ -Paint any colonies that escape ?.77 the. winter spray with red-oil emulsion undiluted. . 777 .. Cow Trouble. Aquatica. Mr. G. 8. Thomson, Otautu, Rawene, Hokianga, writes, — , 1. When bringing in my cows this morning, one stopped suddenly, turned round two or three times, and then fell down in convulsions. The legs were kicked out violently, and the breathing was short and rapid, occasionally stopping altogether for about-ten seconds. After some fifteen minutes the animal struggled to 'her. feet, staggered about for some time, and finally appeared to recover. She remained standing

or-walking- about slowly-for -ah/hour or more' without attempting to eat, when another attack came 'on similar to the first, but rather longer. Again she seemed to recover completely, but- a third and final attack came on which lasted over two hours, and ended- in death about six hours after the first symptoms appeared.- During the three attacks r the eyeballs were strongly distorted, appearing to shrink inwards, -and turning downwards until only the whites were visible. Towards the end breathing, was very difficult, the head being thrown back as far as possible, while the legs were still-jerked about spasmodically. A little froth appeared at the mouth, which was firmly- closed all the time. During this very dry weather my cows have spent most of-their-time on a swampy flat, covered for the most part with rushes and-raupo,/and a little tutu in places. There are also several species of buttercup ’ present. ■ Would wadriki (R. rivularis) or other species of Ranunculus produce the symptoms-described;?. - What treatment, if any, do 'advise ? . '•■/' 2. Part of my land is on the banks of the Waima River. The upper stretches of the Waima as far as Taheke are bordered with willows, the lower as far as Rawene with mangroves. My place is between the two, too fresh for mangroves and too salt for willows. A large area of flat is just above ordinary high water, but is covered in places by an occasional high spring tide. Drainage would be”difficult and costly. .. I ■ intend Ito try Poa aquatica on it this winter.. Will it stand an occasional dose of.salt or brackish water ; and, if not, can you recommend any other grass suitable for such a situation ? The Live-stock and Meat Division replies,— ■ .. -; From the. description you give of the symptoms it would appear that some poisonous agent was the cause of death. What this was is doubtful. Animals poisoned by the different species of the Ranunculaceae generally show symptoms of colic, salivation, diarrhoea, often spasms, grinding of the teeth, &c.—in fact, act as gastro-enteric irritants. Tutu, on the other hand, seems to have a specific action on the brain, paralysing the nervous functions. One result of this is the accumulation of gas in the rumen or first compartment of the stomach. This “ hoven ” condition, by pressing on the lungs and heart in the thoracic cavity, soon causes death of the animal unless relief is afforded by puncturing the rumen, and other remedies, such as preparations of ammonia or other stimulants. An answer to a correspondent on tutu-poisoning will be found in the. November Journal, 1.9.11, page 234. You do not appear to have made a post-mx)rtem examination?-- If- this . - had been done it-would- have been more satisfactory. . - The Fields and Experimental Farms Division replies,— • Poa aquatica is riot very tolerant of sea-water, but it will endure occasional periods of submersion, provided, they do not last more than a day. It will not, however, ~ endure being covered a short time by each tide.- The best grass for actual salt ground /.is the American wild rice (Rizania aquatica). This grass is naturalized on the banks ’'.-/’’of the Northern Wairoa, It is not of much value for feed, but is mainly a soilprotection. grass. ... ... / ■/?". Manures. “ Puhi Puhi,” Hapuku, Kaikoura, writes as follows : Would a dressing of the advertised potato-manures, and likewise mangel-manures, do .for .land, that I think is a bit worked out, instead of using new ground ? It is only a small area, turned over with the spade, and this year my potatoes and mangels are .a poor crop. If so, how much manure would you suggest ? Can too much be put on, and what'time in the spring is the best to apply the same ? Also, how do you account, for a. few sets of potatoes doing well, whilst most of the sets in the same rows were poor, the seed being all well sprouted before planting. /' The Fields and Experimental Farms Division replies,— The proprietary manures advertised by many merchants in New Zealand ■ - may be accepted as decidedly valuable for the various crops which they are designed ' to fertilize. On land such as you describe (somewhat worked out) they would undoubtedly be beneficial. As the area you mention is but small and is cultivated owith the spade, the condition of the soil could be greatly improved by the application of manure from the stable, yards, or cow-shed. It is impossible to advise you

authoritatively as to the amount of manure' to be applied ; 3 cwt. to 5 cwt. is the .. usual quantity availed of. An excessive quantity of manure would undoubtedly ■ result in increasing the foliage of the crop as against the tubers of the potato or the roots- of the mangel. This the correspondent has no doubt observed during his farming experience. There can be no specified time during the spring at which to apply manure. In field practice, for the purpose of economy, it is applied at the time of sowing the seed. On garden plots it is desirable to well work in and incorporate the fertilizer some time before planting. The time must depend on the season and conditions. Without a close acquaintance with the soil, the previous crops grown, and the season, it is undesirable to venture an opinion as to why some sets of potatoes were satisfactory and others were not. There may have been a • variation of the soil that affected this. This you yourself would be in the best position to judge. . Sorrel. Mr. Hector M. J. Nicolson, Otaki, writes, — • ; . Will you please tell me the best way to eradicate sorrel ? The Fields and Experimental Farms Division replies,— Sorrel can be controlled, and ultimately brought to a condition in which it is no longer injurious, by repeated cultivation, particularly during summer. Lime is claimed to assist in destroying this weed. Probably the action of lime is that it renders the soil more alkaline, and provides a condition in which other plants flourish. At the same time, the withdrawal of acid reduces the vigour of the sorrel, as it is a plant which is accepted as thriving where the soil is acid. Buda Kale. “Waiau” writes as follows: I note a report of an experiment at Moumahaki Experimental Farm with Buda kale in your Journal of the 15th March. Will you tell me if the kale was a transplanted crop, or just ordinary drilled-in seed ? ' The Fields and Experimental Farms Division replies,— The Buda kale seed was obtained from an ordinary crop drilled in December, 1911. The produce was cut and carted to cattle during March, 1912, after which the plants were allowed to grow during winter. In early spring the cultivator was used between the rows, and the plants allowed to grow and produce seed. . . Paspalum Dilatatum. ■ . Mr. Chris. M. Hansen, Opotiki, Bay of Plenty, writes, . Would you kindly, through the issue of your valuable Journal, verify whether I am correct in condemning the use of paspalum. This grass was introduced only a few years ago on account-of its readiness to strike on poor fern lands where other grasses had failed, and I think in that respect it has proved itself a success with a vengeance. It is also said that it is credited with power to wipe out Canadian thistle ; if that is true, it is the only virtue that I know of in its favour for infested localities. But odds are greatly against it, and yet people are sowing it in the Bay of Plenty.district on flats. and swamps regardless of consequences. Surely it is bad enough as it is. - The stock is rapidly carrying it from the hills to low-lying parts, or, for that matter, to any vicinity. The greatest objection against it is that it is not adapted for haymaking, as the blades only grow short and lie close to the ground ; it. grows outwards and spreads. It does not provide winter’ eed as well as cocksfoot. All haymaking plants will have short lives in paspalum areas; and if it makes cultivation difficult I should like to know if it has any other virtues above other grasses than to kill. . ..

The Fields and Experimental Farms Division replies,— The experience of the Department is that south of Auckland paspalum should be availed of with the greatest discretion. It appears undesirable to introduce • this grass on to fertile lands. It there has the effect of dominating other and more useful plants. It is also to be doubted if its average nutritive qualities are developed in comparatively cool districts. It is a semi-tropical grass, and it requires warmth to develop its most desirable properties. It is probable that it is most useful on ■? poor soils. It flourishes under all conditions, provides a large quantity of feed, and is eaten by stock where the other grasses are but poorly developed. : In the more northern districts, and in Australia, paspalum is esteemed. The . general recommendation is to avoid its use on fertile lands, and to use it with discretion on poor lands. .It undoubtedly grows very closely, and may have some effect in destroying Canadian thistle in certain localities. . : Soil Chemistry. . ' Mb. A. R. Bartlett, Oak Farm, Silverdale, writes, — "I wish to study the chemistry of the soil, and would be very grateful if you could inform me of text-books and apparatus necessary. The Agricultural Chemist replies,— The following works are suggested : ' Title. Author. Publisher. Agricultural Chemistry. . . . Adie and Wood ' Kegan Paul. The Soil . . ..... A. D. Hall . . John Murray. Soils.. .. .. .. Hilgard .. Macmillan and Co. ’ • ' Agriculture in Some of its Relations • i . with Chemistry .. .; Storer .. Sampson, Low, and Co. You will learn from the books the apparatus required. Extermination of Rats. —Cider. Mb. John Rich, Karoola Orchard, Havelock North, writes, . Have you anything giving information. as to the best way to clear a lot of farm buildings of rats ? Have you .anything dealing with the making of cider ? The Live-stock and Meat Division replies, Phosphorized pollard as is generally used for rabbit-poison is most effective, provided the rats are allowed to steal it. \ ‘ Procedure : Prepare a quantity of pollard, as if intended for rabbit-poison adding sugar and a little salt, but without phosphorus. Put the dough into a number of soup-plates or shallow dishes, putting as much fat on the top as will, when dissolved, cover the dough a quarter of an inch thick all over. Put the plates in an oven until this is accomplished, and let stand until cool, when the fat will have become hard. Distribute the plates in the most suitable places about the buildings. The rats will soon discover the bait, cut through the fat, and eat the dough from underneath, usually through a single opening, leaving the fat practically undisturbed. - In two or three nights the dough will be all taken. Lift the plates, and after cleaning them thoroughly, refill with phosphorized pollard about the same consistency as the previous bait; cover up with fat as before; allow one night to elapse, and replace the plates in their former positions, when a heavy slaughter may be expected. By this process there is practically no danger of poison being . dropped by the rats, who have a tendency to carry food, &c. .' The Orchards, Gardens, and Apiaries Division replies, .■ Full particulars on cider-malting appeared in the April Journal, 1911 page 249

, J’ ■ Celery Aphis.A. Mr. James Ward, Esk Street, Invercargill, writes, — ’■■■-■ We have had a specimen of celery sent us. It has blight, and our- correspondent has lost two crops in the same way. I suggested that you might be able to tell- us what to do with it. As the crop is going the same this year as last, an early reply would oblige so that some of the crop may be saved. We would be much obliged if you could tell us what to do with it. It is grown on a sandy soil, but there are no trees or -shrubs near the plants. ■ The Orchards, Gardens, and Apiaries Division replies,— The • celery specimens/forwarded are attacked by celery aphis. The plants should be sprayed with either tobacco-wash (using lib. strong- tobacco or . 3 lb. waste tobacco, 3 lb. soft soap, and 30 gallons water), or use kerosene emulsion at the rate of lof the emulsion to 15 water. Directions for making the above sprays are given on the Department’s spray leaflet, which may be obtained on application to the Department. A sprayer throwing a fine forcible spray is most suitable, and care should be taken to see that the under-sides of the plants are well covered. Work on Farming. Mr. J. G. Wilson, Clonbern Road, Remuera, Auckland, writes, — I should be glad if you could suggest me a good work on general farming, mainly with sheep, suitable for any one thinking of going in for the work as a beginner. The Live-stock and Meat Division replies, - : Probably Morton’s Handbooks of the. Farm,” cost about a sovereign, and live-stock handbooks, for similar price, published by Vinton and Co., Chancery Lane, London E.C., would suit. Should advise you, if seriously thinking of taking up sheep-farming, to go for a year or so on a station. T -> - Grasses.-Rams. “Farmer,” Kawhia, writes,- .: .7 ... . I shall be much obliged if you will answer the following questions through the medium of the Journal:— : - ■ 7 •7.7.,. • - 1. Which of all the grasses of the couch variety is most nutritious ? . 2. Which makes the best growth ? . . . . . ... .. . . . : 3. Which is it that is sometimes-called Kentucky blue-grass T- - 4. Is the most nutritious as nutritious as Danthonia pilosa ? . : 'A -5. Are -Romney rams which have been used for three seasons, commencing as twotooths, good for .any further seasons ; and, if so, for how many ewes ? ~; The Biologist replies,— The name “couch” is often applied to any grass that spreads by means of underground rhizomes, but the following species are the ones that are most frequently . termed couch-grass : (1) Smooth-stalked meadow grass or Kentucky bluegrass (Poet pratensis); (2) florin (Agroslis stolonifera); (3) twitch (A gropyron repens'); (4) Indian doob-grass (Cynodon dactylon) ; (5) buffalo-grass (Steno- .' taphrum glabrum). As the term “couch-grass” is a general one, it is better not : ’ to apply it to any single species. ' . The ea of determining the value of grasses from the viewpoint alone of- nutritiousness is by no means satisfactory; as the feeding-quality of grasses is likely to vary very much indeed on different soils and under varying climatic conditions. I place the following characters as of prime importance in determining what grasses 7>< .are particularly stated- to be used i > - . - » • A

(1.) Pdlatabihty. This is most important as the value of any grass and its capacity for carrying stock depends almost entirely on whether or not the herbage . produced is consumed readily. In many cases, again, palatability depends on the age of the herbage many grasses that are well liked when young may be more or less rejected when the herbage is old, although, so far as nutriment is concerned, they may be superior when in a comparatively unpalatable condition. '(2.) Ability to grow well under the required conditions.— This, coupled with a consideration of (1), will in most cases determine what grasses should be used. (3.) Ability to produce feed during the winter.— This is, of course, a very important consideration with all grasses that are used in the formation of pastures that are grazed on throughout the year. Probably the best of the couch-grasses is Poa pratensis, and in permanent pastures that are not too dry in summer it is highly recommended, although it has the bad character of not combining well with other grasses that are of a tufted nature and often suppresses them, a character that is, however, not unusual in undergroundstemmed grasses.. On dry soils and ones of low fertility the yield of herbage is unsatisfactory, and in many instances under such conditions Danthonia pilosa is far preferable. On land that may be used for cropping, Poa pratensis is looked upon with great disfavour, as it is very difficult to kill, ploughing under being quite useless unless followed by extensive cultivation during the summer. The florins and bent-grasses (Agrostis spp.) are very important grasses in secondand third-class country where the rainfall is fairly high. They are, however, apt to get away in the autumn, and when this occurs cattle should be utilized to feed them down. I, of course,-would not advise their use in good rye-grass and cocksfoot country, as they are apt to overrun the ground to the detriment of the better grasses. Danthonia pilosa and crested dogstail combine fairly well with the bent-grasses. Twitch (Agropyron repens'), which on arable land is one of the most pernicious of weeds, is probably of value on certain soils, such as grassed sandhills, depleted dry soils, &c. The herbage is well liked by stock. Danthonia pilosa is, without doubt, the most valuable of any of our grasses for poor land, but up to the present the seed is not sown in sufficient quantities to at once form a sward. There is a mistaken idea that the individual seeds of Danthonia pilosa are very light, and that there are an enormous number per pound. In point of fact, the number is not more than that of cocksfoot, and averages about 550,000. From this it is apparent that it is as necessary to use as much danthonia on land where it is to be the dominant grass as one would use of cocksfoot on land where that grass is intended to provide the main bulk of the feed. Danthonia pilosa is well liked by stock, and grows readily during the winter, and certainly in this respect is improved by burning off in the early autumn, but the temporary gain is probably more than counterbalanced by the permanent injury that resultsjfrom excessive firing of the grass land.' ' . .The Live-stock and Meat Division replies,— 5. Yes; but it is not policy to use. old rams as] flock rams. A ram is sexually at his best from about fifteen months to four years. After this his powers decline, this depending a good deal on how he has been used in previous seasons and his natural constitution. Old rams, too, often have a deposit of lime salts in the worm-like appendage of the penis, rendering them useless for breeding purposes. Milk-fever. Messrs. Pardons Bros., Whenuakura, write, — Could you advise in your answers to correspondents(l) The best treatment to be given to a cow with milk-fever ; (2) whether it is necessary to give drench, if using sterilized pump ; (3) symptoms of cow with milk-fever.? The Live-stock and Meat Division replies,— There is no better treatment than inflation of the udder. Preferably this should be done with oxygen gas. If atmospheric air, however, is forced through sterilized cotton-wool into the udder, in most cases it acts efficiently.

No ; it is not necessary to give a drench when using pump. _ At this period the animal is generally comatose, and has lost the power of swallowing. There is great danger of the drench going down “ the wrong way ” and choking the animal straight away, or else setting up inflammation of the lungs. It often happens that animals recover from the milk-fever only to die from this cause. If a drench is given, it is . best to give it a day or two prior to calving. Symptoms vary in different cases. Generally the first sign is the animal hanging back in the bail, with the head drooping. She may be uneasy, whisking her tail, “ paddling ” with her hind legs, or kicking at the belly. If the calf is with her she ceases to take notice of it. In some cases, where she can do it, the head is pressed against the wall or post, in a sleepy attitude. At other times there is excitement, bellowing, &c. She becomes unsteady in her gait, and either lies or falls down. She may rise again, but gradually goes down, and is unable to get up. This is the • stage where attention is generally called to them. The animal may be found lying flat on her side,, or more often on her breast, with her head turned round into the flank, Sensation is lost, and the front of the eyeball may be touched with the finger without any response. Tears run down, the face, and saliva dribbles from the mouth, owing to loss of the. power of swallowing. In a word, the cow is unconscious, or nearly so. The breathing is usually slower and deeper than normal, and is often stertorous in character. The temperature is usually below normal, not higher, as the term “ milk-fever ” would lead us to believe. Regarding the secretion of milk, this may stop suddenly or diminish gradually ; at other times it does not appear to be interfered with. The above are the usual symptoms shown, varying in degree in different cases. The most useful sign from a diagnostic point of view is the loss of sensibility of the eye, and its gradual return is also your best guide in determining if recovery is taking place. Miscellaneous Queries. R. C., Taneatua, Whakatane, writes, — 1. I would like to know what is the value of 100 gallons of both liquid and solid manure from pigs fed on skim-milk, and would you recommend using lime with it befor j carting out in the paddock ? If so, what quantity to 100 gallons, what kind of lime, and when should it be mixed, whether as soon as emptied or just before it is carted out ? lam getting a 100-gallon tank with a large tap for the purpose. What would you recommend for the cow-shed ? Any remarks about the latter will be very acceptable. 2. Would storing mangels in heaps out in the paddocks without any covering do for one, two, or three weeks before carting to the cattle in the winter, or is it absolutely necessary to store them in a house or cave ; and what effect would the iron have on the mangels through the frosty weather ? Would old sacks prevent any harm to them? ■ 3. Could you tell me the difference in value of mangels when fed without storing, and when stored, say, three months ? 4. Is it advisable to graze down rye-corn or let it stool out ? If so, at what height should it be grazed ? I require the rye for early-spring feed for dairy cows. 5. Would you recommend using basic slag on a green crop to be ploughed in for manure, or after it is ploughed ? 6. What is the best time to use kainit— winter or in early spring grass land ? The Agricultural Chemist replies,— 1. Both the liquid and solid portions of the pig-manure are valuable, but no information is available as to the relative values. The Fields and Experimental Farms Division replies, — .1. Lime should not be used. The tank described should be suitable. More even distribution would result if the liquid were received from the tank into a perforated trough.

2. It is unnecessary to cover mangels. If you desire to use some covering, sacks would be preferable. Iron is a rapid conductive medium, and would be harmful. 3. This has not been tabulated. In practice it is recognized that mangels do not exercise so laxative an effect after storage as when consumed direct from the field. 4. Corn and grass are fed down to encourage stooling. No definite height can be stated, but when the greater part of the crop is exhibiting vigour— 6 in. to 8 in. 5. If the land requires a green crop to be ploughed in, it is most probable that a fertilizer will be necessary to enable it to produce a bulky crop for effective green manuring. A light crop would be useless. It is also likely that on such lands a fertilizer would be valuable for the crop that follows after the ploughing in. 6. Fertilizers, except those of nitrogenous elements, can be applied in autumn. Therefore kainit may be used now. Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare). “ Country ” writes, Would you please tell me the name of the plant a piece of which I enclose. If it is a bad weed, would you tell me the best way to get rid of it. The Biologist replies,— The plant sent is tansy (Tanacetum vulgare). This is a European plant found in various localities throughout New Zealand. It is not a serious weed. Plantation and Shelter Trees. Mr. Leslie O’Callaghan, “ Leslie Downs,” Sherwood, Pairlie, writes, — Could you kindly let me know next issue what are the best plantation and livehedge trees to plant in this district. lam - getting good results in Pinus insignis, but would like some other varieties of plantation and shelter trees. Our altitude is 1,750 ft. to 2,000 ft., about'thirty miles from the coast. The Orchards, Gardens, and Apiaries Division replies,— The following trees should prove very suitable for plantation and shelter planting in your district: Pinus muricata (Bishop’s pine), a dense-growing tree, and one of the best for shelter planting; Pinus austriaca (Austrian pine), splendid shelter tree, timber suitable for posts; Abies douglasii (Douglas fir), timber valuable ; Pinus ponderosa (Bull pine), produces valuable timber. Holstein Cow Domino 111. “ Argument,” Kaupokonui, writes,Would you kindly inform me if Mr. Kyle, the Ayrshire breeder, ever owned the Weraroa Holstein cow Domino 111. I . have been told that on the day Domino 111 made 113 lb. of milk it cost the value of the milk to feed her. Is that so ? The Director of the Fields and’Experimental Farms Division replies,— This anima] was bred by Mr. J. C. N. Grigg, Longbeach, and was purchased from him by the Department of Agriculture in 1910. On the day that Domino 111 gave 113|lb. milk she received, besides grass, 10 lb. chaff and 21b. pollard, costing 6d. The value of the milk and progeny produced by Domino 111 since her purchase three years ago is £578 ss. lOd. As far as lam aware, Mr. Kyle, the Ayrshire breeder, never owned this animal.

Improving Neglected Orchard. Mr. T. Keane, Ararimu, via Drury, writes,— '. Would, you let me know through your Journal, — 1. The best method of improving a neglected orchard, where the trees have been allowed to grow without pruning or spraying and the grass to grow around them ? What is the best manure ; and ought they to be pruned now ? 2. What would be the best spray for the checking of the disease on the leaves and stalks that I am sending you ? The Orchards, Gardens, and Apiaries Division replies,— 1. It is difficult to give detailed advice without seeing the trees. They may not be worth treatment. The Orchard Instructor for the district will visit you, and advise as to the cultivation, pruning, and spraying necessary, provided the trees have not been too much neglected tojender treatment profitable. 2. The specimens sent indicate that the trees should be sprayed with Bordeaux mixture to control the fungus diseases present. A leaflet giving directions for mixing will be posted. . ' - Cow-grass attacked by Dodder. Mr. T. H. Pilbrow, “ Thornington,” Glenpark, Otago, writes,— The enclosed is a root of cow-grass with a growth of some kind. Will you please answer through your Journal, telling me what the growth is, or any other useful information ? I had sown a paddock of about 80 acres mostly in cow-grass. It was cut for hay this summer, and I noticed a few patches like the enclosed —some of them 2 to 3 yards round. Where it appears it kills the clover completely. Should you require further information, I will be only too pleased to give it. The Biologist replies, — The cow-grass specimen sent is attacked by a South American species of dodder (Cuscuta racemosa). The dodders spread solely by means of their seeds, which are difficult to separate from those of the various clovers in which they are found. The presence of dodder in clover fields is generally indicated by the appearance of yellow-coloured patches. These patches should be immediately cut out close to the ground and the cuttings burned. This, if undertaken before the dodder flowers, will generally be found effective. ' ' ’ Pullets Moulting. Mr. T. Horton, Christchurch, writes, — I have a dozen in one pen of White Leghorns about six months old. Some of them laid for about three weeks, and then they have all gone into moult. They are well housed, well fed, and have proper -attention. Would you kindly let me know what might be the cause, through the Journal? The Live-stock and Meat Division replies,— The birds have probably been subjected to a sudden change of food or quarters. The steamer Rotorua,” which sailed from Wellington to London on the Ist instant, had on board 6,054 cases of apples for Montevideo, 5,656 cases being from the Nelson district, and the remainder from the Hastings district. The steamer “ Tainui,” which sailed from Wellington toJLondon on the 17th’ultimo, took from the Dominion 5,017 cases of apples for Montevideo, 4,750 cases being from the Nelson district and 267 cases from Hawke’s Bay. The vessel, also shipped at Dunedin 504 sacks of potatoes for Rio de Janeiro.