SHEEP-DIPPING POINTS.

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume XVIII, Issue 2, 20 February 1919, Page 102

SHEEP-DIPPING POINTS.

Sheep-dipping, properly carried out, repays its cost many times over. Dipping not only improves the condition of the wool, but it stimulates a healthy action of the skin, and consequently increases the rise of yolk and the weight of the fleece. Whatever dip is used, carefully follow the directions accompanying it. These directions are arrived at after years of careful study by the manufacturers, and are not given to be improved upon at the discretion; of the users.

Dip . at least twice a year. Ewes and lambs may be dipped with a non-poisonous dip after the ewes are shorn. Another dipping with a poisonous dip about two months after shearing may be sufficient for the ewes ; but the lambs (hoggets) should be dipped twice in the autumn,, first with a non-poisonous dip, and then with a poisonous dip, and not less than fourteen days nor more than a month should intervene between the . dippings. The whole flock should be, dipped twice similarly, with: the exception of the ewes dipped off the shears, for which one autumn dipping- with a poisonous dip may be found sufficient. Care should be taken to immerse thoroughly. ' Keep the crutch going. The time in the bath should be one minute. Do not dip ewes immediately before putting to the ram. Several weeks should intervene. - ■

Dip when the sheep . are in a normal condition, the wool dry, and the weather mild. . ..* .

Dip rams early. On no account should they be dipped after they are in condition for the season.—/. L. Bruce, Assistant Director, Livestock Division. ■ ■' '

French Mission, at Ruakura. — A very interesting visit was paid to the Ruakura Farm of Instruction by the Mission while in the Waikato district. After entertainment at the homestead the visit was permanently recorded by . the planting, of a kahikatea tree by General Pau, at the. top of the drive.. Conducted by Mr. Green, Farm Manager, the party was then driven round the principal points of interest on the farm, which made a very fine showing in crops, pastures, stock, &c. The round concluded at the apiary, where the charming rural , scene drew exclamations of delight from the visitors. Opportunity was given M. Henri Corbiere, agricultural representative on the Mission, to inspect a good. deal of the purebred, live-stock on the place. . M. Corbiere, who is a keen authority, expressed himself as extremely pleased with the stock and farm in. general..

Quarantine of Dogs. — The regulation concerning the quarantine of dogs imported into New Zealand from the United Kingdom has been amended by increasing the quarantine period from sixty days , to six months, such time to include the period from the date of embarkation of the animal in Britain to its removal into quarantine in the Dominion. The amendment came into force on 6th February.