we” ie FF o4 » ef a
ea ae ‘Sr af fea aK <
ow Ae sndh) 3 :
Nes co ie |
ei

ot EXO, "PUBLISHED MONTHLY. No.1

pas es at ye tre ee ere en ee ye ee ne a eee int

I — , trie Journal a

OF THE

“Ministry of Agriculture

:

:
APRIL, 1922. |

“PRINCIPAL. CONTENTS. |

(For Complete List of Contents see page xi.) PAGE |
; = ti oe SShenid of 12 Years’ Development on a1 500- Acre Farm. |
te Wilfrid S. Mansjield and D. Boyes. - |
SR as _ How to Produce Clean Milk. -/. Mackintosh. O.B.E., N.D.A. 17 if
|) Cultivation of the Ho Crop. IV.—Commercial Varieties /
ae, fh Copa of Hops. Arthur Amos, M.A. and i. S. Salmon. b 30

a “so for Milk Production: A Comparison with Roots
eb. and Hay. pet Gi. White, M.Se., and E. J. Roberts,

ERA BBCi Oe Sina RE ae ke ad
; Ritway Rates and Azeovtare SER IR Cam ay fd RR a
_ Shropshire Sheep. Alfred Mansell. - 9 - -- «+ 44
The Large Black Pig. Sanders Spencer - = 5 i . 50
"Depth of Sowing Grass and Clover Seeds.» R. D. Williams, |

B.Se. - - . 93... |
The Worthing Fruit Growing Suibidive: A. G. ‘tue it Gaya
- Sugar, Beet Growing in Holland and Belgium. R. G.

idling == . - 65 |f
- Improvement of feaualaka in Cornwall Age ie a lie To eae anes
- Manures for April. FE. J. Russell, DSc, PRS. - = = 4
- Feeding Stuffs for Sopa _E. T. Halnan, M.A., Dip. Agric.

‘(Cantad erihs | 40 aleve poe Sle Pee a a &

- Lonpon:
: e: "PRINTED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF HIS MAJESTY'S STATIONERY OFFICK.
AND PUBLISHED uy THE MINISTRY OF AGRIOULTURR AND FISHERIRS,

af To be obtained from the Ministry's Offices, 10, Whitehall Place, London, 8. W.1.)

| EDITORIAL AxtD MONTHLY, AGENTS FOR ADVIRTISEMINTS :
PUBLISRING OFFICRS : [PRICE SINPENCE.] © VERNON & SONS, Ltd., —

. 98, Holborn Viadoct, £.0.1; |

LeMmow. ei. Past tras. S682, Routh Castle Strest, Liverporl

THE JOURNAL oF THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE. —Aavortsements, ba

}o Sar caeeseutts Nad Vn yar ThNWi Aye

BUY ONLY THE BEST.

Th BUXTON LIME. FIRMS at li,

ROYAL EXCHANGE, BUXTON.

Ces ‘Telegrams—BUXTON ‘LIME, BUXTON. ‘Phone sik cee 1

THE PUREST LIME. KNOWN IND

COMMERCE AND THE LARGEST

OUTPUT OF LIME AND LIMESTONE
IN THE WORLD. :

| LIME BURNT IN SPECIAL KILNS FOR R|
SPECIAL TRADES. .
Agriculturists, Florists and Fruit Growers . A :
catered for specially. |

oF AGENTS ‘THROUGHOUT GREAT - BRITAIN. 1

| Lime in ret Form, in aR. ‘rarity to suit ‘Users.

Advertisements. }

THE JOURNAL OF THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE.
tacts ll i ale in. ty al i ai

i i niet TH QT
veer erro e

DOD OOO EGA ATA ONO AAO OA OOOO OOO A IOI OO OOO OOOO OOOO OA OOOO OOOO OOOO OOOO OOOO

POTASH means
Insist Weight and Quality

on getting + :
FRENCH POTASH. , 2% Resistance

It makes
RECORD

SPRING
SOWN CROPS

WHEAT Will make good
OATS even in dry sea-
son when dressed
BARLEY with a complete
CLOVER manure
BEANS containing
PEAS Sylvinite

14°/,
FRENCH KAINIT

Excellent for MANGOLDS
and ALL ROOT CROPS.

For Supplies and Quotations apply to POTASH MANURE SALTS | 39 °

your Manure Merchant. y (K,0)

3 Free copies of publications from MURIATE OF POTASH ! & f i
: The Alsace-Lorraine Development & Trading Co., Ltd. 90 Z Purity =
| Pinners Hall, Old Broad St., London, E.C.2. SULPHATE QF POTASH | 96% , '

TAMLIN’S

incubators and
Poultry Houses

FOSTER-MOTHER.

P “NONPAREIL.”

The Nonpareil Incubator. OVER 50 ae
Fitted with Patent Copper Tank, Patent GOLD AND | |

Insulated Capsule Regulator.

THE PROVED CHAMPION INCUBATOR SILVER
OF THE WORLD. MEDALS

3

PRICES : =
30 Eggs... £8 5 O| 100 Kegs £10 18 6 AWARDED
a oe «8 OT Oye, 21 5 6

If with our Patent Self-Supp!y Lamp. which
requires no attention the whole time of é
hatching, price extra. ==

POULTRY HOUSES A SPECIALITY. _. Peete
Over Ship sizes Mel to choose aaa They are made THE ONLY REARER IN THE WORLD*

from the best yellow (not white) tongued, grooved and Y-j.inted AWARDED GOLD MEDAL.

matoehing on stout yellow framing. Calalogue, post free. i = :
hick size, 7ft. long, 2it. 6in. high, 2ft. wide,

60-Chic Z
W TAMLIN 8 St Margarets Works Fitted with Best Copper Tanks, absolutely
Stormproof. PRICES, packed :
‘ tage . J sie

60-Chick size.. es +e .» &10 5 O

TWICKENHAM. at 2a PRR ERS Se Abbe

ii THE JOURNAL OF THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE.—Advertisements.

Farm Lands in Canada

THE CANADIAN PACIFIC RAILWAY
(Colonisation Department)
MAKE IT EASY
for the British farmer and farm worker

TO SETTLE IN CANADA.

Fasy terms of payment spread over 20 years if desired.
Loans to settlers towards the cost of permanent improvements.

Excellent land within easy distance of
schools, churehes, markets, towns, etc.

Farms can be selected in the best agricultural districts.
CONDUCTED PARTIES TO VIEW THE LAND AT FREQUENT INTERVALS.
Regular steamship sailings from Liverpool, Glasgow and Southampton.
Money transferred at lowest rates.

For full particulars and Illustrated Pamphlets apply to:—
THE CANADIAN PACIFIC RAILWAY,
Colonisation and Development Department,
62-65, Charing Cross, London, S.W.1; or Local Agvenis.

HG ee

382
Phosphates of Lime

427

Phosphates of Lime

ENGLISH
MAKE

Manufactured by SD

ae LEEDS PHO SPHATE WORKS Be
LEEDS — =

THE JOURNAL OF THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE.—Advertisements. ill

LIGHTWEIGHT
TRACTOR

will enable you to make more profit
per acre than any other Tractor,
because it works quickly, is econo-
mical in running costs and upkeep,
and can be used for a multitude of
purposes.

It never need be idle, because it can
plough, harrow, cultivate, mow, cut
and bind, and be used for stationary
work or haulage. It is light, easy
to handle, cheap to buy, and will

PRICE

£ 3S O O soon pay for its original outlay.

at Works. : a
R THE AUSTIN AAOTOR CS, 11

Bs ie LONDON PAARNCHESTER,

iv THE JOURNAL OF THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE.—Advertisements.

British Manufactured.

Minimum 20°, Pure Potash :
99 147, 9 99 i
‘9 127 | y.

Fiue Dust

CONTAINING 18/25°/, SULPHATE.

SULPHATE OF POTASH.
Immediate Delivery from Stock.

Muriate
or
Potash
60% and 60%
PURE POTASH.

For Prices and Particulars of Potash and other Fertilisers

London Office—
Appiy THE BRITISH CYANIDES CC,, LTD., 49, Queen Vietoria Street,
Oldbury, near Birmingham. E.C.4.

VIVIAN—Best and Cheapest Always

The chase char of Poultry Keeping is
often lost through the use of
inferior appliances.

VIVIAN'S METHOD-—

QUALITY AND CHEAPNESS
ENSURES SUCCESS.

Prices from—

£2 to £50

lilustrated List

ON APPLICATION.

Manufacturer also of Garden

Huts, Garages, Greenhouses, Summer
Sheliers, Dog Kennels, Bungalows,
and all kinds of Portable Woodwork,

z”. Pi. VEVWVEARY,

Timber Merchant and Poultry Appliance Manufaeturer,
254, North End Road, Fulham, London.
Established at this address 25 years.

THE JOURNAL OF THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE.—Adveriisements.

Buy Compound Fertilisers——

|

-———With a guaranteed analysis.

@ The large and ever-growing demand for high-grade
Compound Fertilisers is evidence that farmers
realise more and more each year the many important

points in their favour.

@ Complete Compound Fertilisers are fertilisers
mixed ready for application. ‘They comprise varying
proportions of the three elements of plant food, viz. :
Phosphates, Nitrogen, and Potash, according

to the crop or the soil for which they are intended.

@ High-grade Complete Compound Fertilisers
are mixtures, sold on the basis of the phosphates,
nitrogen, and potash which they contain, and of

which the analysis is guaranteed by the manufacturer.

q All High-grade Compound Fertilisers contain
a high percentage of WATER-SOLUBLE
PHOSPHATE.

Important !

Order your Fertilisers at once and

take delivery as soon as you can.

Delays are dangerous !

Write immediately to your Fertiliser Manufacturer or Dealer for latest prices of
high-grade Compound Fertilisers.

ee

Cae nH

P SULPHATE.

mua) ae

fine, BUMPER
HORVEST

It is Dry - It does not ae
Rone 2 It is Acid-free -
It Gale not absorb Atmospheric
- Moisture - -
It can be readily Drilied into
- - - the Soil - -
{t is guaranteed to contain
5 255% Ammonia.

For prices and all details apply to:
(Department M.A.)
South Metropolitan Gas Company,

709, OLD KENT ROAD, LONDON, S.B.15.

|
Be

=

Bo any of these Pamphlets interest you

CoO

1. Introductory

2. How it is made

Tanks & Cisterns

Paths & Pavements
Fences, Gateposts & Walls
Floors & Footpaths
Poultry-houses & Piggeries

“IG OF WR G0

If so, write to the

CRETE

S. Farm Buildings

9. Troughs & Wells

10. Greenhouses, &c.

11. In the Home

12. Blocks

13. General
14. Its Artistic Possibilities

CONCRETE UTILITIES BUREAU,

Dept. 1 B,
35, Great St. Helens, London, E.C.3,

when any ofthe series will he forwarded post free.

THE JOURNAL OF THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE.—Advertisements. vii

SEMI-ROTARY WING
LIFTand FORCE PUMPS
for Water Carts, Farm and Estate
Work, and general purposes, All

sizes § in, to 3 in. connection

Lee ee
Specialities
for

HI
A

Sa wae ; j c It | i mm

=f iminmninmi

LUBRICATING _ A SPICULLUPAL (| Se
GREASES. as

For all Types of

a meme
Enginesand Machines. Eng meers : Best English

Tanned
LEATHER

ACNIMISUS,QUC. GantSeye. ase
th hy ‘Balatite’ (regis-

tered trade mark)
}

Balata Belting, &c.

“PENBERTHY” INJECTORS
Automatic (as illustrated), and Autoposi-
tive. For high pressures on Traction
Engines, &c.; “MANZEL” AUTO-
MATIC OIL PUMP LUBRI- 39S Y
CATORS; “JOINTITE” High SS Tet

Pressure Sheeting; Asbestos and India = Sh (non-rubber)

WATER LIFTER
SE

Rubber Goods; Joints; Rings; and
Will not kink

Packings of every description,

perish or
collapse.

LET US QUOTE FOR YOUR
REQUIREMENTS.

\ (Sich
W. H. WILLCOX & CO. Lid.,

32-38, Southwark Street, London, S.E.1.

vii ‘THE JOURNAL OF THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE.—Advertisements.

Why build expensively ?

The Cyclops way ts the economical
way. Its efficiency is unquestioned.

With Cyclops blocks one can build a house from cellar to roof with raw materials
frequently found on the site.. Cyclops blocks made on Cyclops machines have been
wsed for the building of houses, picture palaces, libraries, garages, silos, farm buildings
and many others. One Cyclops block is equal to 124 bricks.

They are now being used for the construction of Railway Stations in Nigeria. Whether
made with semi or complete cavity blocks, the building built the Cyclops way will be
eool in summer and dry in winter. The rich face down mixture concrete renders the
locks impervious to moisture and obviates the use of waterproofing compounds or
rough cast work. Any man can iearn how to operate Cyclops machines and to build with
rhe blocks by using the Cyclops patented mortar gauge. This enables an even quantity
ef mortar to be placed on each block and ensures alignment, and enables unskilled men
t6 build both in blocks or slabs after a week’s tuition. Concrete work can be carried out
m frosty or inclement weather by the use of the Cyclops Patent Indurating Process.

Porous Drain Pipes quickly drain agricultural land. Moulds for same can be made up to
4 ft. 6in. diameter.

Fence Posts, Building Blocks, Slabs or any other form of Concrete made to order.

Send for our new 32 page catalogue.

The Cyclops Concrete Company,
HILBRE STREET, LIVERPOOL.

Telephone: ROYAL 1195. ESTAB. 1882. Telegrams: ‘“* ASSESSOR.”

é ete eS aay fe aL POd Te eer So 3 go} J Pee he

CN OSS | SS RA he A IN BAS rd pe et

|A Bit Startling at First |

until you begin to think about it.

But if 1 cwt. of

will give you an extra 4: bushels of
Wheat and 5 cwt. of Straw per acre,
it is worth your while to buy it.

Ef you wish to learn how to use it to the fullest advantage, write for special pamphlets,

entitled :—‘‘ Farmer's Handbook on the Use of Nitrate of Soda,’’ ‘‘ The Improvement

of Pastures and Meadows,” ‘‘ Catch Crops—The Farmer’s Stand-by,’’ supplied gratis
and post free by

THE CHILEAN NITRATE COMMITTEE, Friars House, New Broad St., London, E.C. 2.

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES

Sectional Volumes of Collected Leafiets.

Weil Illustrated, Recently Revised, in stiff
paper covers.

Ist Edition.

Voluine. Title. eg Free).
No. 1. Fungus Pests of Fruit Trees... rae is Sd.
No. 2 Insect Pests of Fruit Trees aa ape au oe Ee:
No. 3. Cultivation and Diseases of Potatoes ... a 8d.
No, 4 Fruit: Its Cultivation, Marketing and Preser-
vation ofl a th - a Se OM.
No. 5. Diseases of Animals ant aS ba ee BS: OG:
No. 6. Weeds (Jn preparation) ... ae ae ... Not fixed.

(Order direct from the Ministry, 10, Whitehall Place, London, S.W.1.

be

Agricultural Warket Beport
Prepared and Edited by
THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES.

is a weekly publication, the object of which is to provide farmers
with accurate reports on the trade in agricultural produce and
requisites at various representative markets in England and Wales.

Average prices week by week at selected markets are furnished
by Market Reporters specially appointed by the Ministry, and in
addition special articles on agricultural conditions at home and
abroad, likely to affect the demand for and prices of British
proauce, are included each week. *

Subscription Rates.—One year 10s.; six months 5s.; three
months 2s. 6d. (post free). Single copies may be obtained upon
application, price 3d. (post free). Orders should be sent direct
to HM. STATIONERY OFFICE, IMPERIAL HOUSE,
KINGSWAY, LONDON, W.C.2.

x THE JOURNAL OF THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE.—A dvertisements.

GROW THE MANGEL

That Fattens Your Pocketbook.

tis everywhere admitted now-a-days that our MASTERPIECE MANGEL
produces muck larger crops per acre than any other variety in cultivation.
Hundreds of Farmers grow from 80 to over 100 tons per acre yearly, as a matter
of course; but there is a reason for growing our MASTERPIECE MANGEL
which appeals even more to 40,000 pleased customers. Weight for weight it is
very MUCH MORE NOURISHING. We could not further increase its already
immense cropping powers, so we have further improved its quality. H.M. THE
KINGS ROOT CROP CUP FOR 1921 was won by Mr. Edmund Wilson
exclusively with the produce of our ‘“ Better Crops” Root Seeds. Ask for our
FREE 80-page Farm Seed Book, containing full particulars,

MORE MONEY FROM YOUR GRASS-LANDS.

Let us quote you also for “ Better Crops”? Pasture and Ley Seeds. Our Grass
and Clover Seeds were again ehosen by the Government experts for sowing in the
Royal Parks in 1922. Cost no more to buy, yet double your profits, Write to-day.
No obligation of any sort: but address us personally :

TOOGOOD & SONS, LTD.,

Seedsmen to H.M. Tue Kine, and Growers of ‘“‘ Better Crops” Seeds only,

SOUTHAMPTON. Est, 1815.

CHAS. | N H:
PACE |p. o.

66 CO dons

47-51,King Willlam St, | 1K,
LONDON, E.C.4.

Ml

TELEGRAMS: : | TELEPHONE:

Iniand: “ Paganini, Cannon, | | Avenuec72o
London.’’ |

Foreign: ‘‘ Paganini, London.’’ (3 lines).

xi

CONTENTS.

NoTeEs FOR THE Monru—

Expenditure on Agricultural Education and Improvement of Live Stock

—Young Farmers’ Clubs—Beneficial Insects—The Agricultural

Index Number—Agricultural Shows and the Entertainments

Duty—Hedge and Stump Clearing—Payment of Claims under

the Corn Production Acts— Meeting of the International

Agricultural Institute—Thoroughbred Stallion Show—Conciliation

Committees ee ai #2 I ay ae,

A Reoorp oF 12 YEARS’ DEVELOPMENT ON A 1,500-ACRE FARM,
Wilfrid S. Mansfield and D. Boyes He 5 a
How To Propuck CLEAN MILK. J. JMackintosh, O.BLE., N.D.A.

CULTIVATION OF TtHzeE Hor Crorv. IV.—ComMMenrciaL VARIETIES OF
Hors. <Arthui Amos, W.A., and E. S. Salmon
SILAGE FoR MILK Propuctrion: A CoMPARISON WITH Roots AND Hay.
Professor R. G. White, M.Se., and E. J. Roberts, B.A., B.Se.

RAILWAY RATES AND AGRICULTURE ... 7 a i sate
SHROPSHIRE SHEED. A//red Mansell oes a a ae =
THE LARGE Buack Pic. Sanders Speier ... Pars ae

DEPTH OF SOWING GRASS AND CLOVER SEEDs. Lt. L. Williams, B.Se.
THE WORTHING Fruit GrowinG INpustry. 4. G. Leeney .. om
Sucar Beer Growine 1N HoLLANpd AND Bencium, RG. Ridling
IMPROVEMENT OF GRASSLAND IN CoRNWALL

Notes oN MANvunes For ApriL. £. J. Russell, D.Se,, PRS. oz
Notres ON FEEDING Srurrs For ArniLt. £. 7. Halnan, M.A... Dip. Agric.
(Cantab.) Ee

Ants and Ant-Hills

Goat Keeping

Tarring Posts Infected with Silver Leaf Disease -. tas 5 e:
A Metal Plant Bucket...

Appointment of Guide Demonstrator to the Rothamsted Experimental
Station

Care in Purchase of Copper Sulphate ...

Royal Patronage for Poultry Keepers ...
Blindness in Strawberries i ve Sie
Wart Disease: Immunity Trials of Potatoes, 1922
AGRICULTURE ABROAD :—

Agricultural Plots jor Rural Schools in Spauin—Plant Limprovement
Law in Czecho-Slovakia

Foot-and-Mouth Disease ay. wt = us aa ‘a =

Conciliation Conimittees

PAGE

Any of the Articles in this Journal may be reproduced tn any registered

wewspaper or public pertod ical withoul special PETINESSION, provided that the sowres

is acknowledged in euch case.

The Ministry does not accept responsibility jer the views expressed and the

statements made by contrilutors, nor for anu statements made in the advertisement

columns of this Jouriuad.

xii THE JOURNAL OF THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE.—Advertisements.

| certain | |Reinforced Concrete Silos

E oC eeeee | SAVE MONEY.
Is assured by the tion to The Scott Reinforced Silos are better and
well-known RATS : cheaper than Timber.
; and OU can feed
preparations— MICE your stock

with Ensilage at
half the cost of
Roots and get
double the results.
This is proved by
our friends whom
in many cases
have placed re-
peat orders. :
No upkeep re-
quired with our
Silos, your initial
outlay is the last
and you can pay
off the expense in
two years.
We are Silo spe-
cialists with expe-
‘ience behind us
- and we invite you
to write to us for
We've got no Full particulars.
work to do. Scott Silos are found all over the British Isles.
JAMES SCOTT & SON,
(ABERDEEN) LIMITED,

483-485, Union St., Aberdeen.

Danysz Virus
Haller’s Extract of Squill
Danzo Rat Killer

Write for particulars to the proprietors— | i

Haller Laboratories, Limited | &

(formerly Danysz Virus, Limited), | is
325,BoroughHighSt., |
London, S.E.1. | :

SPRAYING
LIME WASHING

will PREVENT disease in

Fruit Trees and Animals.

_ y '
ily
i
FH
> \

VERMOREL “ECLAIR” SPRAYERS to carry out this work efficiently anf
economically ae ALWAYS READY TO BE DESPATCHED AT ONCEH#

Various types have been illustrated and described in past numbers of the Journal.
They include :

34 pint Hand Sprayer. 6, 11 & 22 gallon Wheeled Sprayers
3} gallon Knapsack. Dry Sprayers. |
4 gallon Bucket. 66 gallon Horse Drawn Potato an

Charlock Sprayer.

Catalogue and full particulars from

COOPER, PEGLER & CO., Ltd., 24b, Christopher St., E.C.4

THE JOURNAL

OF THE

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE

Vol, ZX. No. 1:

APRIL, 1922.

NOTES FOR THE MONTH.

In a speech at Wells on 8rd March Lt.-Col. Rt. Hon. Sir
Arthur G. Boscawen (Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries)
referred to the recommendations of the
Geddes Committee with regard to the

aniation ani annual expenditure of the ae

Improvement of Before the appointment of the Committee

aire Stock he said, the Ministry made a cut of
£1,161,000 and the Committee proposed a
further reduction of £285,171. The Cabinet had agreed,
however, to a reduction of £215,000 in place of the £285,171,
the chief differences being the following :—The Committee had
suggested the discontinuance of the live stock schemes, and
especially milk recording, but in Sir A. G. Boscawen’s opinion
milk recording was one of the best things that the Ministry did,
and had splendid results. He was glad to say that he had been
able to save it, and also the rest of the live stock schemes,
except the heavy horse-breeding scheme.

With regard to agricultural education and research, he said it
would be remembered that at the time of the repeal of the Corn
Production Acts, an extra million pounds had been given for
education and research as part of the arrangement made with the
National Farmers’ Union, and it was understood that this was in
addition to what was being spent on these objects before. The
Geddes Committee, while leaving the million (which is a single
sum, not annual expenditure) had suggested a big reduction
on the previous sum, but this would amount to the breach of
a definite undertaking. The Cabinet had decided that the
agreement with the farmers must stand, and the million would
be retained in addition to what was being spent before.

Of this million. £850.000 had been allocated to England and
Wales. and a scheme for the application of this sum for the de-

(42387) P.14/35. 11,250. 4/22. M.&S. A

Expenditure on
Agricultural

4 Tue AGRICULTURAL INDEX NUMBER. [ APR.,

destroyed. It is hoped that the brief descriptions of them and
of their life histories, together with the excellent coloured
plates, may help towards their wider recognition and
protection.

THE average of the market prices of all descriptions of agri-
cultural produce during February showed a slight rise as com-
pared with the previous month, this being
the first break that has occurred in the
downward movement of prices since
August, 1921. Prices in February were on the whole 83 per
cent. in advance of the average of the three years 1911-13,
as against an increase of 77 per cent. in January.

The following table shows the percentage increase during
each month from 1919 to the present time :—

The Agricultural
Index Number.

Month. 1919. 1920. 1921. LoD.
Per cent. Per cent. Per cent. Per cent.
January ... ey 148 ba 213 tes 186 “as vd
February ... er 150 Be 205 ae 172 a 83
March es ae 150 oe 199 es 158 ite —
April ate ae 153 ie 199 see 141 ae —
May oe as 132 se 169 aoa 112 wee —
June Beg Be. 128 a 164 me 102 Je. =
July a eee. Welds bie 174 ae 100 ee —
August ~...: me 138 sks LEG ae 116 bee —
September... = 148 ae 181 Ae 105 i —
October... Fac 166 ae 191 fie 90 See —
November... aS 182 : 197 ce 84 xen —
December ... ae 207 es 194 e: 82 oe —-

Owing to the changes since 1911-18 in the varieties of potatoes
principally grown, it has been necessary to revise the basis of
the calculations for this description of produce, and to base
figures on the most representative varieties. It will be observed
that the alteration to the general index number is only 2 points.

Practically all commodities shared in the upward movement
experienced during February, the chief exceptions being
barley, which was practically unchanged, milk and butter,
which fell 8 points and 7 points respectively, and hay, which
declined a further 8 points. The greatest increase was in the
case of fat sheep, which rose from 60 per cent. above the pre-
war level in January to 88 per cent. in February. During
February fat cattle were about 65 per cent. and pigs 80 per
cent. above the prices in 1911-13.

Prices of cereals showed a somewhat smaller increase com-
pared with pre-war davs, wheat being about 45 per cent.;

1922. ] AGRICULTURAL SHOWS AND ENTERTAINMENTS Duty. 5

barley 51 per cent. and oats 47 per cent. above the average
for 1911-13. Feeding stuffs on the whole were also rather
dearer in February than in January. Milling offals and cotton
cakes were cheaper, but the decline in these feeding stuffs was
more than counterbalanced by the increased prices of linseed
cakes, maize and maize meal and brewers’ grains. The average
declared value of imported barley during February was about
£9 14s. per ton as compared with £10 8s. in January, while
oats averaged about £9 6s. per ton.

The reduction in fertiliser prices was continued during the
month, basic slag being considerably cheaper than in January
while nitrate of soda and superphosphate also showed shght
reductions. Sulphate of ammonia for February delivery was
10s. per ton dearer than for delivery during the previous
month.

THe Ministry frequently receives communications relative to
the exemption of agricultural shows from entertainments duty.
It may be poimted out that exemption from
this duty rests, not with the Ministry of
Agriculture, but with the Commissioners of
Customs and Excise. The legal position
and the proper method of applying for a grant of exemption are
explained below.

All such Shows are “‘ entertainments ’’ within the meaning
of the Finance ‘‘ New Duties ’’ Act, 1916, and therefore Enter-
tainments Duty must be paid unless the Commissioners of
Customs and Excise have granted a Certificate of Exemption.

The conditions of exemption are contained in Section 7 of the
Finance Act, 1921, and are as follows, viz. :—

(a) That the entertainment is provided by a society (including a
company, institution or other association of persons by whatever
name called) which is established solely for the purpose of pro-
moting the interests of the industry of agriculture (including

horticulture and the breeding of animals of any description) and
which is not conducted for profit.

Agricultural Shows
and the Entertain-
ments Duty.

b]

(b) That the entertainment consists solely of an exhibition of the
products of the industry of agriculture (incuding horticulture and
the breeding of animals of any description), or materials, machinery,
appliances or food stuffs used in the production of those products.

If any extraneous attraction, such as a band, sports, fireworks.
ete., is included in the proceedings, the Show does not satisfy
condition (b).

6 HEDGE AND Stump CLEARING. [ Apr.,

Where it is desired to claim exemption, an application must
be made to the Commissioners of Customs and Excise, Custom
House, London, E.C.8., not less than 14 days before the Show,
accompanied by copies of the Rules and last Balance Sheet of the
Society and Programme of the Show. If a certificate of exemp-
tion is not received before the show, entertainments duty must
be paid.

* * * * * *

Since the widespread adoption of tractor cultivation the
problem of uprooting tree stumps and removing hedges has
become one of considerable importance.
Representative methods of doing this work
were therefore tested by the Ministry of
Agriculture in the early part of 1921, and the results
systematically recorded and tabulated. A report* on the trials
prepared by the Research Branch of the Ministry was pub-
lished recently. The results have all been worked out on a
cost basis and, throughout, the economic standpoint. has been
primarily considered. While tractor cultivation has been
principally kept in view, the information contained in the
report should be of value to those engaged in clearing land for
gravel digeing and other purposes, or in removing trees for
landscape and market gardening.

Included in the test were hand tools, timber jacks, the
De Jersey stump extractor (a machine from Finland operated by
hand), the Hercules Triple Puller (an American machine on
the windlass principle operated by horses), a ploughing engine,
and steam and motor tractors, as well as explosives. Details
of the tests and figures of cost are given in the publication
referred to, and a summary of the conclusions arrived at is as
follows :—

Where only a short length of hedge or a few stumps are to
be extracted, there appears to be no advantage in going beyond
the existing resources of the farm, especially if the work is
done in a slack period of the year when it is a question of find-
ing work for the men retained. Hand tools will suffice, but
a tractor fitted with a winding drum will be useful, particularly
in dealing with light stumps, which it should be able to
remove without grubbing.

Hedge and Stump
Clearing.

* Miscellaneous Publication, No. 35, 53 pp., 1 map and 13 ficures.
Price 2s. 6d. net, post free, from the Ministry, 10, Whitehall Place,
London, 8.W.1.

1922. ] HepcEe anp Stump CLEARING. T

Where any considerable amount of work is involved hand-
methods would prove too expensive and protracted, and a
mechanical device or explosives should be used. The
advantages of explosives are low cost, clean extraction and
shattering of the timber, and unlimited capacity. Their use
is, however, restricted by the proximity of buildings, roads,
and railways, and there must always be a certain amount of
danger to the operator. This last, however, can be almost
entirely eliminated by proper precautions. ‘There can be no
doubt that for operations upon a large scale, explosives provide
the most rapid and economical means of removing stumps.

If time is not an important factor, and the plan is to clear
a large area gradually, mechanical appliances will compete in
efficiency and economy with explosives. Where heavy timber
is present, machines of the tvpes of the De Jersev and Hercules
should prove suitable, although neither type is hkely to remove
hight hedge growth economically as compared with a tractor
(steam or motor) provided with a winding drum. The
necessity for anchoring, the restricted capacity of the grab
attachments in dealing with a number of small stumps, the
amount of winding necessary, whatever the resistance offered,
are all factors, which by increasing cost in proportion to the
volume of timber lifted limit the economic use of the former
ypes of machine. The choice of methods is therefore largely
dependent upon the relative proportions of light, medium, and
heavy timber. Where all is light, the tractor may be recom-
mended; where all is heavy, a machine of the De Jersey or
Hercules type; where there is a mixture, it is a matter for the
judgement of the person undertaking the work.

Without capital, it is impossible to clear any large area of
land quickly, and in most instances economy and convenience
dictate that the work of clearing should be restricted to a few
chains a year. Where more than this is attempted, it is
necessary to weigh up very carefully the cost and the increased
revenue that will be obtained. This is a problem that can only
be decided in each individual case.

The full report should be read by anyone who contemplates
a substantial amount of hedge clearing or stump extracting.
Methods are explained in detail and costs worked out minutely.
With this information before him, it should be possible for the
reader to determine the most economical method to be adopted
in any given circumstances.

This report is the first of a series which the Ministry proposes
to publish on specific agricultural operations, A report on

8 INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURAL INSTITUTE. [ APR.,

drainage machinery, based upon extensive tests, is already at
an advanced stage.

THe Ministry has now completed the work of paying
out the sums due under the Corn Prices Guarantee. The
Payment of Claims te of the payne Men made on

nniderthe Gon st eau last. ie all sore a

2 separate payments have been made,

STORCH OD ACS. totalling approximately £14,000,000.

The Ministry desires to make it known to occupiers of land
who have received Orders of Payment on H.M. Paymaster
General in this connection, that such orders are lable to be
cancelled if not presented for payment within a reasonable
time after issue. Any farmer who has not yet cashed his
order therefore should do so at once. ‘The orders must be
presented for payment through a bank.

THE sixth Session of the General Assembly of the Interna-
tional Agricultural Institute will open in Rome on 8th May
: ext, and the Minister of Agriculture and

M le aneeeoae S
eouing otute Fisheries has appointed the following

International
ecu Eal delegates to attend on behalf of this
ene country :—Sir Thomas H. Elliott, Bart.,

K.C.B. (British Delegate on the _ Per-
manent Committee of the Institute), Sir Francis Floud,
K.C.B. (Permanent Secretary of the Ministry) and Mr. R. J.
‘Thompson (an Assistant Secretary of the Mhunistry).

The programme to be dealt with by the Assembly is
extensive, including the consideration of a number of reports
on the organisation of the Institute and the work carried out
by its various branches, and also reports on such subjects as
the increase of agricultural production, agricultural meteo-
rology, agricultural book-keeping, and a proposal for the
establishment of an International Institute for Research into
Plant Diseases.

In addition, the United States Government will submit a
number of proposals for action by the Institute with the object
of improving the collection and publication of agricultural
statistics in the adhering countries. Though the work which
the Institute endeavours to do in connection with agricultural
statistics may seldom come directly to the notice of farmers,
nevertheless the publication of full and prompt information

1922. | ConCILIATION COMMITTEES IN AGRICULTURE. 9

as to crop prospects, harvests, and numbers of live stock in
all the countries of the world is of considerable importance to
them, as prices in this country are dependent upon world
prices, which are greatly influenced by such reports.

* * * * * *

THE Annual Show of Thoroughbred Stallions arranged by
the Ministry in conjunction with the Hunters’ Improvement
and National Light Horse Breeding

Thoroughbred ae 2 ne

Stallion Show. Society, was held at the Royal Agri-
cultural Hall, Islington, from 28th
February to 2nd March. The principal purpose of the show
is the selection of stallions for the King’s Premiums which
are awarded by the Ministry under its scheme for the en-
couragement of Light Horse Breeding. The premium stallions
are required to serve mares at low fees, which are prescribed
by the Ministry. The routes to be travelled by the premium
stallions are arranged at the close of the show.

This year 88 stallions were entered, as compared with 97
last year, and 57 King’s Premiums, including 12 Super
Premiums, were awarded. The King’s Champion Challenge
Cup for the best Premium Stallion was awarded to ‘‘ Gay
Lally,’’ the property of the Compton Stud, the reserve horse
being ‘‘ Scarlet Rambier,’’ belonging to Captain T. L.
Wickham-Boynton and Mr. H. A. Cholmondeley. These two
horses obtained the same distinctions last vear and in 1920.
The principal winners were the Compton Stud, who obtained
four Super Premiums (including the King’s Cup) and three
King’s Premiums.

Arrangements are being made for the award of a limited
number of Ministrv’s Premiums to Stallions which will travel
approved routes.

* * * * * *
Tue Conciliation Committees continue to work satisfactorily,
and there are now 42 agreements of which 24 are for periods
including the corn harvest. <A gratifying

Conciliation
: : feature of the past month is the fact that
Committees in “ s ie os aah:
3 agreements have now been reached in
Agriculture. z cae
several areas where negotiations between

the two sides had been somewhat protracted, notably in Norfolk,
Suffolk, Lincolnshire, West Riding, Bedfordshire, Huntingdon-
shire and Oxfordshire. Details of the current agreements appear
on pp. 93-96.

10 DEVELOPMENT ON A 1,500-AcRE Farm. [ApR.,

A’ RECORD™OF
]2 YEARS’ DEVELOPMENT ON A. 1506
ACRE FARM.

Wiurrip §. Mansrreup and D. Bovyss.

THe Shippea Hill Estate of Messrs. Chivers and Sons is
situated 7 miles from Ely, at the junction of the Cambridge,
Norfolk and Suffolk borders. It hes in the fen country, and has
on the north the Little Ouse (or Brandon River) and on the east
the Lakenheath Lode, while on the west it touches the main
road from Littleport to Mildenhall. The Great Eastern Railway
Company’s line to Norwich runs through the centre of the estate,
and the railway station of Shippea Hill is on its western edge.

Like most of the fen country, the district is very thinly popu-
lated, and though there is a railway station there is no village of
Shippea Hill. The parish is large and extends as far as Laken-
heath, a distance of 3} miles.

The estate lies in two drainage areas, Burnt Fen and Sedge
Fen, and it was after the first of these that the railway station was
originally named. At the request of the local farmers, who
feared the effects of the prejudice against potatoes grown on fen
soil, the name was, however, changed; the justification for this
procedure being the fact that the soi! on the estate is not black
fen soil at all, and that potatoes grown on it are of good quality.
Indeed, the “‘ once grown ’’ seed it produces is eagerly sought
after by the neighbouring black land farmers.

As is usual with land in the fen districts, the estate lies at a
lower level than the river which drains it, and all drainage water
has therefore to be lifted by pumps. As might be expected, the
water table is high, and a system of open drainage by means of
ditrhes (“* dvkes ’’) is necessary. Naturally the expense of such
a drainage system is heavy, but, on the other hand, there are cer-
tain advantages, one of these being that the height of the water
table can, to some extent, be controlled. In a season such as
that of 1921 this ability to keep up the water table has been of
great value; particularly was this demonstrated last season in the
case of one field of strawberries which yielded at the rate of 3 tons
17 cwt. per acre, a fact that emphasises once more the value of
irrigation for this crop in a dry season.

The estate is about 8 miles long and, at its centre, about 2
milec wide. It is contained in a ring fence, and its area is about
1.570 acres, of which 102 acres are “‘ washes ’’ (land bordering
on a river and liable to flooding) and 226 acres grass land.

1922. | DEVELOPMENT ON A 1,500-AcrE Farm. 11

The soil is of a very unusual character, consisting of from 2 to
6 feet of ‘‘ shell marl ’’ overlying 7 to 10 feet of peat, beneath
which lie sand and gravel. This layer of shell marl is known
locally as ‘‘ White Land,’’ and forms a soil which is easy to
work, though in places too open and spongy. It is also deficient
in humus, and some years ago an attempt was made to remedy
this defect by the application of large dressings of peat. The
experiment was a failure. Not only was no benefit derived from
the dressings, but actual harm was done to the soil, which, after
the lapse of several years, has not yet fully recovered.

Wheat, oats, mangolds, potatoes and green vegetables are the
crops naturally suited to the soil. The grass land provides an
abundance of keep, and, though this is not of the highest quality,
it is excellent for milk production.

Condition of the Estate before 1909.—Before its purchase by
Messrs. Chivers the land was in the hands of many owners.
There were three farms, of some 300 acres each, two of which
were owned and farmed by one individual. In addition, there
were two smaller holdings of 155 and 119 acres respectively, the
larger of the two having no buildings on it at all. The remainder
of the land was cut up into small detached portions which were
in the hands of different owners and were farmed “‘ off-hand.’’

For the most part the land was in a very low state of cultiva-
tion ; fields were choked with couch and other rubbish, and were
poverty-stricken to a degree. Yields were poor and the general
level of farming was extremely low. In fact, it was asserted that
wheat could not be grown on this soil unless there was a mass of
couch and twitch growing with it! With the exception of the
two farms already mentioned as being farmed by the landlord,
where a higher state of cultivation prevailed, very little dung
ever reached the land. and the use of artificial manures was
almost unknown. The principal crops were wheat, oats, and
barley, but a few potatoes and mangolds were also grown.

There were three reasons for the state of affairs which has
just been described: lack of labour, lack of transport facilities,
and lack of farm buildings. The first of these was due to the
shortage of accommodation. On the whole of the estate there
were only 13 cottages, and there was only one building which
conld be really described as a ‘‘ house.’’ The cottages were of
wood, one storey high, and were very small. T.abour, other than
that resident on the estate, was difficult to procure, and had to
be drawn from the village of Lakenheath, 3} miles distant.

In 1909 this estate of 1.570 acres gave recular employment to
29 men only, or not quite 2 men per 100 acres.

12 DEVELOPMENT ON A 1,500-AcRE Farm. [ APR.,

Even if a plentiful supply of labour had been available it would
still have been impossible for the original occupiers of the estate
to grow the bulky crops for which the land is most suitable.
Apart from the main road from Littleport to Mildenhall, which
touches the estate on one side, there was no made road of any
description; and, although the railway station was not far from
any of the farms as the crow flies, yet to reach it a journey of
from four to five miles over fen ‘‘

b

droves '’ was necessary.

Only those who have seen a fen drove in winter can realise
the significance of this assertion. It is, however, sufficient to
remark that such droves rapidly become quite impassable if any-
thing in the nature of heavy traffic is attempted.

Obviously, then, all carting had to be done in the autumn or
during spells of frosty weather; and therefore it was out of the
question to contemplate growing large acreages of potatoes and
vegetables.

As regards the shortage of farm buildings, it is hardly neces-
sary to remind practical men of the impossibility of farming
arable land without a proper equipment of these. Successful
arable farming implies the use of dung; and to have ample sup-
plies of dung buildings are essential. In the case of the Shippea
Hill estate the buildings were quite inadequate for the acreage
they had to serve and, moreover, were of a very poor description,
being as often as not mere ramshackle wooden sheds.

Tt will be easily seen from the foregoing that for the develop-
ment and improvement of such an estate a large amount of
capital was needed. Moreover, even if one of the farms had by
chance come into the possession of an enterprising and wealthy
man he would have been unable to develop the land without the
co-operation of neighbours.: The only possible solution of the
problem was the purchase of the whole estate by some person
who was able and willing to spend the large sum of money neces-
sary for its development.

Development of the Estate —In 1909 Messrs. Chivers pur-
chased 900 acres of land lying in the centre of the estate. This
portion included land which now forms part of Railway
Lodge Farm, Adventurer’s Farm, Lea Farm and Albion
arm. In order to ease the transport problem it was proposed
to obtain communication with the main road by making up
Farthing Drove and by running a siding from the rail-
way line at a point opposite Railway Lodge Farm. ‘These plans
turned out to be impracticable. The work of making up Farthing
Drove was begun, but it soon became apparent that the task

.
r
Wi end: Ye be ele Tai)
. ome yl
- Sp rbep nna ays cuans Une han yps¥p> SP AHRAANEA ITY memes

‘ s pbb FFD pa PPP HAT

Bee) 1). lo cdceeussennadt

Above, Chicory and Herb Drying Factory
Centre, Old Cottage. ip re
Below, New Cottages,

1922. | DEVELOPMENT ON A 1,500-AcRE Farm. 13

would be far too great to be accomplished with the means then
available. In addition, it was found that the proposed siding
would necessitate the erection of a signal-box and the permanent
employment of two signalmen.

A solution of these difficulties was discovered in the purchase
of Station Farm. This ran right up to the main road and,
moreover, adjoined Shippea Hill station. It was therefore
possible to run a siding from the station to Railway Lodge Farm
without having the expense of maintaining a special signal-box.
This siding was constructed, and the work of developing the
estate proceeded rapidly.

The next purchase was that of Decoy Farm, which lies on the
opposite side of the railway line. The disused duck decoy, after
which the farm was named, occupied a tract of about 17 acres,
covered thickly with brushwood and small trees. The work of
clearing the disused decoy was begun at once, and the faggots
thus obtained were used in the construction of a road running
along the new siding from the station to Railway Lodge. The
foundation of this road was of faggots overlaid with clinkers, the
whole being topped with a granite facing.

From the point where the full gauge siding ended a system of
light railways began to radiate to the surrounding farms, no less
than 9 miles of railway being laid down. ‘Thus it became pos-
sible to continue road-making in every direction, a task which
previously could not be undertaken.

The most important and urgent problem was obviously that of
transport; when that had been solved the work of development
could be carried out in other directions. It will be easily seen
that the construction of so many roads and railways required a
large amount of labour, and since further development of the
estate would also involve the erection of a large number of
buildings, it became necessary to have labour resident on the
spot. In 1910, therefore, a dormitory with accommodation for
100 men was erected at Railway Lodge, together with mess
rooms and a central kitchen. In these buildings the extra labour
required for road-making, building, and work on the land was
housed.

Great difficulties were encountered when the work of putting
up farm buildings and cottages was begun. It will be remem-
bered that the surface soil of the estate consists of a layer of
shell marl resting on peat; the erection of any heavy building
in such circumstances obviously demands great care in order to
avoid subsidence. The procedure adopted in this case was to

14 DEVELOPMENT oN A 1,500-AcrE Farm. [ APR.,

drive in piles'through the layer of peat to the gravel below, and
on these piles to make a concrete platform on which the building
was erected.

Hand in hand with these developments went the work of
bringing the land into a profitable state of cultivation. As new
buildings were erected the head of stock on the farms was
increased and more dung became available. In addition, large
quantities of London dung were imported, as well as hundreds
of tons of artificials. Early potatoes were at first grown on a
large scale, but owing to the late frosts, which are a characteris-
tic of this part of the fen country, their culture was abandoned in
favour of main crop varieties for which conditions are particularly
suitable, about 1,500 tons having been produced during the
season of 1921.

When the estate was first taken over in 1909 there were three
orchards, 80 acres in all, one having been recently planted.
This last showed such promise that it was decided to plant others,
each with top and soft fruit. These have proved very successful,
and fruit growing is now a feature of the estate.

Even the “‘ washes ’’ which are under water during the winter
for weeks at a time have been utilised. Three varieties of
willows are grown on them, and these supply more than enough
osiers for the manufacture of all the baskets needed by Messrs.
Chivers, and a large surplus is available for sale. In the season
1920-1921 nearly 150 tons of osiers were produced.

Present Condition of the Estate —There are now nine farms
on the estate, each with its own staff under a foreman, the whole
nine being under the control of a resident manager whose office
is in telephonic connection with each farm. ‘Two of the farms
are devoted entirely to fruit, four are fruit and arable farming
combined (one of these has in addition a herd of dairy cows),
two are ordinary arable farms, and one is a poultry farm.

The number of cottages has been increased from 18 to 42, and
there are two houses; 800 people can be housed and fed in the
present dormitories and mess rooms, and an electric laundry, a
bakery and a co-operative store render this colony of workers
to a large extent independent of the outside world. This inde-
pendence of the estate is also emphasised in another direction by
the presence of a carpenter’s shop and a blacksmith’s shop, where
all repairs necessary to implements and buildings can be carried

out.
The idea of growing chicory on the estate had been entertained

from the first, and a factory for chicory roasting was one of the

1922. | DEVELOPMENT ON A 1,500-AcRE FARM. 15

first buildings to be erected. ‘This has now been increased in
size, and plants for the distillation of peppermint and the drying
of herbs, such as parsley, spearmint and sage have been added
to it.

Some idea of the extent of these “‘ side-lines ’’ will be given
by the following figures. The total weight of chicory handled
by the factory during the 1920-1921 season was 1,036 tons, and
about 50 tons of green herbs have been dealt with.

Since 1909 the range of crops has been greatly increased. ‘To
the limited list grown by the former occupants of the estate have
been added market garden crops, top and soft fruit, and herbs.
There are now 212 acres under fruit, the principal crops being
plums, apples, gooseberries, strawberries and raspberries. A
very large acreage of potatoes is grown every year, and large
quantities of cabbage, cauliflower, and celery are sent to the
London markets. ,

During the last season some 500 tons of fruit were grown.
Among the market garden crops celery and cabbages were most
important, 4,507 rolls of the former and 4,725 tallies (a tally is
5 dozen) of the latter being sent away. There were also 972
tallies of cauliflowers. Wheat (1,292 qr.) and oats (1,219 qr.)
were the chief cereals, and among the various “* oddments
were 42 qr. of rye, 21 of mustard, 40 tons of swedes, and 200
tons of seeds hay.

Pigs and poultry are now important features of the estate.
The pigs are Large Whites, some 45 sows being kept. The whole
of the stock bred are fed off for bacon, their food consisting mainly
of home-grown corn and chat potatoes. There is a_ central
poultry farm, under the control of a lady manager, where incuba-
tion and rearing are carried on. The aim here is to obtain about
1,500 pullets annually, of which 500 are kept under the intensive
system at the central farm, while the remaining 1.000 are dis-
tributed over the other farms (on each of which the manager
has an assistant) and kept on the colony system. The breed is
White Leghorn and the total number of eggs laid on the estate
last year was 207,500.

Numbers of bullocks are fed annually and a pedigree herd of
Lincoln Red Shorthorns is kept for milk production. In order
to provide feed for these animals mangolds are grown in quantity
(2.876 tons this season), and do extraordinarily well on this soil.
The past season was particularly favourable for this crop, and
four fields on the estate yielded over 60 tons per acre of cleaned
roots, hot sunny weather combined with a high water table
having much to do with this result.

‘

be]

16 DEVELOPMENT ON A 1,500-AcrE Farm. [ ApPR.,

The head of stock on the estate is a large one. In addition
to the pigs previously mentioned there are 72 horses and usually
about 200 head of cattle, but in spite of this a vast quantity of
London dung has to be imported every year, this importation
being necessitated by the presence of so large an acreage of
strawberries and market garden crops in the scheme of cultiva-
tion.

In its present condition the estate offers a remarkable demon-
stration of the results that can be achieved by enterprise and
organisation when these are backed by capital. ‘To an undiscern-
ing eye no material could have appeared less promising than this
tract of country as it stood previous to 1909: water-logged and
weed-ridden, without roads, isolated, and altogether poverty-
stricken. The task of developing such land might well have
seemed not only insuperably difficult, but hardly worth while.
Yet at the present time one finds that, instead of the 29 men
permanently employed on it in 1909, there are no less than 150
men and 50 women (1.e., 9 men and 3 women per 100 acres),
and, moreover, that at certain periods of the year, such as the
fruit-picking season, 200 extra men and women are required.
In addition to this, the amount of produce taken from the land
annually has enormously increased.

It is hardly necessary to emphasise the value to the community
of the work which has been briefly outlined in the preceding
pages: the increase in the resident population of this area and
the increase in its productivity are facts which have an unmistak-
able significance. But it is, perhaps, worth while pointing out
the violent contrast between the use made of capital at Shippea
Hill and its misuse in certain other parts of these islands. In
the one case we see a low state of cultivation turned into a high
one, and a great increase taking place in the resident population ;
while, in the other, we have the spectacle of a low state of culti-
vation becoming a state of no cultivation at all, and a population
being literally driven into towns or overseas to earn its livelihood.
There can be no question as to which of these courses is designed
to benefit the nation.

1922. | How to Propuce CLEAN MILK. 17

HOW TO PRODUCE’CLEAN MILK.

J. Macxintosy, 0.B.E., N.D.A.,
National Institute for Research in Dairying, University College,

Reading.

- Tre production and handling of milk on the farm consists of
a long chain of operations which differ materially in nature and
in the conditions under which they are carried out. Milk pro-
duction may be said to begin with the selection of the cows, and
handling, in so far as the average farmer is concerned, to end
with the delivery of the churn of milk at the railway platform or
the wholesalers’ or retailers’ premises.

Attention to detail at all stages in the chain is desirable, but
it must be helpful to those engaged in the work to know the
relative importance of the different operations. It cannot yet be
said that all stages in this chain have been sufficiently inves-
tigated, but it is nevertheless possible to summarise the conclu-
sions arrived at by different workers; fortunately, these con-
clusions are more or less in complete agreement as to the factors
which are of prime importance in the production of clean milk.
These factors are as follows :—

(a) The animals producing the milk, and the workers at all
stages, should be in good health and free from any
disease which may be carried by milk.

(b) The utensils used should be thoroughly cleaned and
sterilised.

(c) The cows, and particularly their udders and teats, should
be thoroughly cleansed before milking.

(d) The milking pail should have a small opening, thus lessen-
ing the space whereby dust and dirt may fall into the
milk.

(e) The milk should be cooled soon after milking to a tem-
perature of 50° F. or lower, and maintained at a low
temperature afterwards.

The steps which may be taken by farmers to bring these

factors, and particularly the last four, into active operation on
their own farms will now be considered in detail.

Health of the Cows and of Workers in Cowshed and Dairy.—
The importance of guarding against milk conveying infection
either from the cows or from the dairy workers has been realised
for many years, and the subject has been dealt with in several
Acts of Parliament and Orders made under certain Acts.

B

18 How to Propucr CLEAN MILK. [ APR.,

The chief of these are the Dairies, Cowsheds and Milk Shops
Orders. 1885, 1886 and 1889; the Infectious Diseases Prevention
Act, 1890, and certain Orders of local application, such as are
in force in Liverpool and Manchester. Copies of these can be
obtained from His Majesty’s Stationery Office, or from the
offices of different local authorities, and as the duties of the
farmer or dairyman are plainly stated further reference to these
Orders is unnecessary here.

On Ist September, 1922, unless Parliament otherwise deter-
mines, the Milk and Dairies (Consolidation) Act, 1915, will come
into force, and thereafter this Act will be the chief legal enact-
ment relating to the handling of milk. Copies of the above
Orders and Acts should be procured and studied by all dairy
farmers.

Cleanliness of Utensils.—There is a wealth of evidence to
prove that one of the most frequent and fertile sources of con-
tamination is the utensils used in the handling of milk. It is
therefore of fundamental importance that they should be
thoroughly washed and sterilised.

Methods of Washing.—TYo attain this end they should be
rinsed with cold water immediately after use. It is often cus-
tomary after the morning milking to leave the milking pails,
cooler, etc., unwashed until after breakfast; during the interval
a thin film of milk tends to dry on to the sides, especially in
warm weather, and the utensils are then more difficult to cleanse.
If they are rinsed with cold water immediately after use the
washing will be made more easy. Hot water should not be used
for the first rinsing of milk vessels, because the heat causes some
of the milk to dry on the sides, and in a short time the tinned
surface becomes covered with a thin layer of dried milk, which
can only be removed by repeated scouring with sand or other
scouring substance.

The utensils should then be thoroughly washed in hot water
containing some soda or other cleansing agent, and afterwards
rinsed in clean hot water. The final process is the scalding or
steaming. If steam is not available the utensils should be
immersed in boiling water for, say, three minutes, or in the case
of utensils such as a cooler or churn, which cannot be placed in
an ordinary copper, boiling water should be poured over or into
them until they are too hot to be touched by the hand. If
steam is available all utensils should be steamed for at least
three minutes over a steam jet or in a sterilising tank. After
scalding or steaming they should be inverted on a rack in a

1922. ] How to Propucr CLEAN MILK. 19

clean place to drain and dry; they must not be dried by means
of a cloth-—this would tend to reintroduce germs into the newly
sterilised vessels. The heat which has been imparted to the
metal by the boiling water or steam should be sufficient to dry
the utensils almost at once. They should remain on the rack
until required for further use. Where there are ample build-
ings, this rack should be in a clean room, but on many farms
stands or racks for dairy utensils are out of doors in the sun.
This is not a drawback provided they are well protected from
dust or other contamination.

The equipment required for thorough washing and sterilising
of milk utensils is not expensive. On small farms there is often
a copper for boiling water, and even where the supply has to be
obtained from the kitchen it is still easily possible to ensure
that the utensils are properly cleaned. <A simple steaming outtit
without a boiler has also been recently introduced* which will
give excellent results at a low cost. It has been designed for
small farms. On larger farms the installation of a boiler is not
a very expensive item, and the steam may be used for cooking
pigs’ food as well as for heating water and sterilising dairy
utensils.

Construction of Utensils.—Thorough cleaning will be made
easier by using only well tinned utensils with the seams flushed
smooth with solder and without corners and crevices. Many
farmers, for the sake of economy, use galvanised iron pails for
milking, but pails of this material are very much more difficult
to clean and are seldom found in a satisfactory condition. It is
much truer economy to have the best make of utensils and avoid
loss of milk by souring. ‘The milking and carrying pails and
measures are easy to wash, and special attention should be given
to corners and crevices at the seams and spouts. The cooler
presents greater difficulties; it should be detached from its stand
and placed in a tub, on its own feet, for washinge—if allowed to
rest on the edge of a tub the bottom becomes dented and uneven.
and is made much more difficult to clean and dry. The weakness
of the bottom is one of the greatest defects of the ordinary farm
cooler, and makers might with advantage consider the
strengthening of this part. The folds should be sufficiently wide
to be easily cleaned, and no strainer should be included as part
of the cooler; such strainers are usually of wire gauze, and are
quite ineffective.

* Particulars may be obtained from the National Clean Milk Society, 3,
Bedford Square, W.C.1. or from the National Institute for Research in
Dairying, University College, Reading.

B 2

20 How to Propuck CuEAN MInK. [ APR.,

The receiver or pan of the cooler is easy to clean, but special
attention should be given to the tap. Old-fashioned taps with a
cavity above the inlet hole are very difficult to clean and should
have this cavity filled up. Most new taps have no such cavity
and no crevices.

Strainers and Straining.—Strainers should consist of as few
pieces as possible. Those made of wire gauze only are not
merely useless, but do much more harm than good.

Where cloths are used for straining, whether as part of a
metal strainer or simply tied over the mouth of a cooler pan,
several should be provided so that a clean one may be available
for each milking. Such cloths should be of very fine mesh, and
must be most carefully washed and boiled, following the method
already described for utensils. Strainers containing a layer of
cotton wool are also very effective, particularly those where the
milk falls on a metal plate first, instead of directly on to the
straining material. The latter does not have to bear the weight
of the falling milk, hence there is less chance of the particles of
dirt being forced through the strainer. The amount of brownish
sediment retained by the strainer is a good indication of the
degree of cleanliness of the cows, and of the care taken in milk-
ing; in fact, the strainer has a greater value for this purpose
than for any other; the passing of milk through a strainer may
take out small pieces of straw and hairs, but the soluble matter
and the numerous germs are simply washed through and even
more completely distributed throughout the milk than was the
case before straining. On the modern dairy farm the true use of
a cloth or cotton wool strainer is to enable the milker to detect
evidence of udder trouble before it cou!d be found by handling
the udder or the act of milking.

Churns.—The churns used for the conveyance of milk from
the farm are often a fertile source of contamination, but in this
case the purchaser of the milk often has a greater share of the
responsibility than the farmer. Many large firms supply churns
and undertake to send them to the farmer in a clean condition.
If they should arrive at the farm in an unsatisfactory condition
it is scarcely to be expected that the farmer will cleanse them as
they ought to be cleansed. He may not have the time, labour
or equipment required to cleanse and sterilise the large 17-gallon
churn in common use. There is an overwhelming case in favour
of the use of a smaller churn, in so far as ease of cleansing and
handling are concerned. When churns arrive at the farm in an
unclean condition they should be washed and scalded or steamed

1922. ] How to Propuck CLEAN MILK. 21

in the manner already described, so far as time and equipment
permit.

Farmers who are also retailers of milk have the additional
responsibility of ensuring the cleanliness of the cans or bottles
used in distribution. The method of washing previously
described is likewise applicable here, and care should be taken
in the purchase of delivery cans and churns to see that their
internal construction as to seams, angles and taps is such as to
make thorough washing as easy as possible.

Milking Machines.—Where milking machines are used the
question of thorough cleansing is of even greater importance than
where only hand milking is practised. All parts of the machine
which come in contact with the milk must be thoroughly cleansed
at least once daily, and the time required for this work neces-
sarily varies according to the construction of the machine. Those
with simply-made teat-cups, the minimum amount of rubber or
celluloid tubing, the fewest joints, and with milk receivers with-
out crevices and easily washed by hand, will be most advanta-
geous in this respect, whatever may be their merits or demerits
in others.

The mode of washing recommended by successful operators
and careful students of this subject is as follows: Immediately
after milking clean cold water should be drawn through the teat-
cups, milk tubes and receivers, and all parts thoroughly rinsed.
They should next be taken to pieces and washed in hot water
containing soda or washing powder, the teat-cups, claws and
tubes being well brushed inside and out. The teat-cups and
tubes should then be fitted together and clean hot water drawn
through followed by scalding water or steam. They may then
be hung up to drain and dry and left thus until next milking.
Another effective method of treatment is to immerse the cups and
tubes between milkings in clean cold water containing a disinfec-
tant-—lime water, brine, and a mixture of brine and lime water
have been found most satisfactory in America. When the teat-
cups and tubes have been properly washed and steamed after the
morning milking, it is sufficient to rinse them thoroughly with
cold water in the evening. It is also necessary to guard against
contamination of the milk by entrance of water from the vacuum
pipes or oil from the pulsator, and to see that badly worn rubber
parts are renewed when necessary.

Cleanliness of Cows.—In the cleansing of the cows, attention
must be given to the hind quarters, flanks, udder, teats and the
part of the belly immediately in front of the udder. When the

22 How To Propuce Cuean MILK. [ApR.,

cows are at pasture day and night it is easy to keep these parts
clean but when they are in the cowshed during the night it
may be very difficult indeed. Much depends on the construc-
tion of the floor of the stall. Where the cowshed has single
or double stalls of such a length that the manure falls into a
fairly deep gutter, or where some other method is adopted to
prevent the cow fouling the rear part of the stall, the cows will
be much cleaner than where the cowshed has neither stall parti-

tions (travises), raised standings nor gutters. On the other ©

hand, if the removal of the manure be attended to frequently,
ample litter provided and the cows groomed daily or before each
milking if necessary, exceptionally clean milk can be produced
in a very badly constructed cowshed.

The cleaning of the hind quarters, flanks, etce., will be made
much easier if these parts are clipped by means of horse clippers
when the cows begin to lie in overnight. The udder may also
be clipped, but the objection is often raised that this will lead
to cold in the udder, bad quarters and other troubles. In several
herds well known to the writer, the udders have been clipped
every winter for from two to eight years and there have been
no bad results. In any case, the long locks of hair often found
on the udders of newly calved cows should be removed when
milkine is recommenced. These long locks often get very dirty
and, when included in the hands in the grasping of the teats,
cause contamination of the milk and kicking or restlessness on
the part of the cow.

Immediately preceding milking, the flanks, if dirty, should be
washed clean by means of a brush and water; the udder and teats
should always be washed and, when necessary, the loose moisture
dried off afterwards by a clean cloth. Clean water should be
obtained from time to time as required. It is most important
that the sole of the udder and adjacent parts should be made
clean, because it is from these parts that hairs, dust and dirt
fall downwards into the milking pail. The writer has often
found cows which appeared to have been thoroughly cleaned,
vet close examination showed that the slight hollows between
the teats and sometimes the left flanks and sides of the udder
were dirty. It is not sufficient occasionally to wipe the udder
and teats with a moist cloth when sitting down to milk; this
may at first moisten the hair of the udder and prevent the
loosening of particles of dust, but the udder soon becomes
filled with hot milk. both skin and hair are quickly dried, and
when the udder is shaken during the process of stripping, loose

1922. ] How vo Propucre CLEAN MILK. 23

hairs and dust are detached and fall on the top of the mulk.
Observant milkers have often noticed that a pailful of milk
which appeared clean has, after stripping, received a thin cover-
ing of brownish particles. The cleaning previous to milking
should be so thorough that this cannot happen.

Milking.—-After cleaning the cows, the milkers should wash
their hands and proceed to milk. If overalls are provided for
wearing during milking, so much the better, but they are not
essential. A pail or basin of water, with soap and towel, should
be provided at a convenient place, so that the milkers may wash
their hands before commencing to milk each cow. The opening
at the end of the teat may contain particles of dirt and a con-
siderable number of germs, hence it is desirable that the first
two or three streams of milk from each teat should be drawn on
to the floor of the stall or gutter or into a small pail used only
for this purpose. If drawn on to the floor of the stall, this milk
should be washed away after milking so that the litter or floor
of the stall may be sweet and clean—otherwise harmful germs
may grow and ultimately find their way into the teats and thence
to the udder when the cow hes down. Where the rear part of
the stall has a porous floor which cannot be properly washed, it
it 1s advisable always to collect the first few streams into a pail;
this milk may be used for calves and pigs. When a large herd
of cows has to be cleaned and milked, it may be found most
economical in labour to make one boy or man responsible for
all the washing and drawing of the fore milk.

It is necessary here to discuss briefly the question of wet or
dry milking. The custom, so prevalent in the South of England,
of moistening the hands with milk occasionally to make teats
and hands more pliable, is always objectionable, especially so
when the teats and udders have not been cleaned. At the same
time, it must be recognised that where one or more of the teats
are small or do not deliver the milk in an even stream, it is
well-nigh impossible to preyent some milk getting on tothe hands ;
also, milkers who at other times are engaged in hard manual
labour undoubtedly feel the need of some lubricant to make the
hands more flexible for the operation of milking. This need is
still greater in the case of cows which have thick-skinned teats or
are hard to milk for other reasons.

Much of the criticism of dry-hand milking comes from those
who have never tried this method in conjunction with systematic
washing of the udder and teats. Where the method of cleaning
described above is practised, it will be found that both milkers’

24 How to Propucre CLEAN MILK. [ APR.,

hands and cows’ teats become more flexible, and wet-milking
with milk as the lubricant becomes unnecessary and is soon
recognised as a dirty habit. When a cow has sore teats, it is
permissible to use vaseline during milking, but in such cases
great care must be taken that the milk never touches the hands.
In severe cases the milk thus obtained should not be mixed with
that offered for sale.

From personal experience the writer has found that the adop-
tion of dry milking, combined with careful cleaning, has resulted
in the skin of the teats becoming of a soft yet tough texture,
with a greater freedom from sores, and the whole operation of
milking has become much more easy and pleasant.

Attention should also be paid to the cleanliness of the milking
stools, especially the upper parts of the legs. Where the hands
are allowed to become wet with milk, this part of the leg, unless
regularly washed, gradually acquires a layer of dried milk. This
accumulation is not merely an evidence of carelessness and dirty
habits; it is also a ready means of carrying infection from a
cow with a bad teat or quarter to another cow, because the leg
of the stool is the first thing touched on rising from a cow, and
the last thing touched on sitting down to milk again. A dirty
stool leg may easily nullify all washing of the hands between
the milking of individual cows.

Milking Pails with small Openings.—The common type of
milking pail is widest at the mouth, so that it may be easy to
milk into, but this advantage has the corresponding disadvantage
that all the pieces of litter, hairs and dust which fall from the
udder cannot but drop into the milk. Numerous types of pails
have been designed to lessen this defect, and the use of the
best of them has been found to lessen considerably the amount
of dirt and germs gaining entrance to the milk. Some types
have the opening so reduced in size that milking becomes much
more a matter of good aim than usual, and such pails also require
more careful washing than ordinary pails. If properly washed
and sterilised, however, they are of great assistance in the pro-
duction of clean milk, particularly so where the cleaning of the
cows has not been very carefully done. When the udders and
adjacent parts are washed clean, there is not the same advantage
to be gained from the use of such pails. It is worthy of note
that those who have used pails of this type find that the slightly
increased loss of milk at milking times from part of streams of
milk failing to enter the pail is balanced by the reduced loss
when a fractious cow or heifer upsets the pail. Because of the

1922. | How to Propuck CLEAN MILK. 25

small opening, little or none of the milk is spilt on these
occasions. ;

When a milking machine of the suction type is used, all the
advantages accruing from the use of a milking pail with a small
opening are obtained. The amount of visible dirt gaining
entrance to the milk is undoubtedly lessened in cases of mechani-
cal milking, at least so far as the milk drawn by the machine
is concerned, but the germ content may be increased and the
keeping quality and flavour of the milk depreciated if the parts
with which the milk comes in contact are not kept scrupulously
clean. Where stripping is done by hand after the removal
of the machine, it is desirable that all the precautions already
described should be taken as to cleanliness of udder and teats.
otherwise the strippings will contain exceptionally large amounts
of dust, hair and dirt and increase the germ content of the milk
while at the same time raising the percentage of butter fat.

Cooling of the Milk.—Where milk is sold for direct use as a
food, it should be cooled at the farm as soon as possible after
milking. The use of coolers on farms has become increasingly
common in recent years, and in spite of the additional risk of
contamination by the passing of the milk through and over the
different parts of the cooler, there is no doubt that effective
cooling greatly lessens the loss of milk by souring and prevents
the growth of the germs which may have gained entrance to the
milk. Effective cooling, however, depends primarily on a supply
of cold water, and there are many farms which are very badly
off in this respect. They may be in a district where the supply
is limited in extent and the use of a cooler is impossible. Under
these circumstances something may be accomplished by placing
the pails of warm milk in a trough of water. Where the water
can be kept running through the trough good results may be
obtained, but where the trough has to be filled from a pond or
well itis doubtful ifthe results obtained warrant the expenditure
of the necessary labour. These conditions are most often found
on small farms and may be aggravated by the existing supply
being badly contaminated, especially in summer, thus making
it more difficult to clean the utensils. The production of whole-
some and good keeping milk on such farms is a difficult matter.
and probably the best that can be done is to keep the cows clean,
wash the milking pails carefully, and have the milk as soon as
possible after milking collected and transported to a depot where
it can be cooled to a low temperature by means of a brine plant.
The cleaning of the churns in which the milk is transported

26 How to Propuce CuEAN Mix. [ ApR.,

should be carried out at the depot and they should be returned
to the farm in a clean, dry condition.

On large farms the difficulty of water for cooling has often
been overcome by the introduction of a supply from a county
or district main or by pumping from a well to a storage tank
located in the roof of the milk cooling room or adjacent building.
Under these conditions the problem is merely one of making the
best use of available supply. Every farmer who cools milk
should have a thermometer in use to find out the temperature
to which the milk is cooled. With a fair volume of water and
sufficient time it is easily possible to cool the milk to within two
degrees of the temperature of the water entering the cooler; e.g.,
With water at 58° F. the milk should be cooled to 60° F.

When the cowshed and milk cooling room are situated near
each other, the best results will be obtained by each milker
carrying the milk from each cow in turn to the cooler; this gives
ample time for efficient cooling. When the situation is not so
convenient, the milk may be collected in carrying pails and con-
veyed to the cooler from time to time. These carrying pails
usually stand in the cowshed and should be provided with lids to
prevent dust and splashes of manure falling into the milk. On
many farms it has been found of great assistance to have a milk
receiving pan fitted up on the other side of the wall from the
cooler, and a short wide pipe Jeading through the wall and
emptving into the pan of the cooler. By this device much
carrying of milk may be saved and the risk of contamination
by dust when each milker enters the cooling room with milk
is very greatly lessened. Where the milkers must pass in front
ef the cooler to empty milk into the pan, or where there is the
risk of dust blowing on to the falling stream of milk, a sheet of
tin (tinned sheet iron) may be hung in front of the cooler as a
protection.

After the milk has been cooled the churns should be closed
and kept in a cool clean place until despatched from the farm.
Where the milk leaves the farm once daily, special care must
be. given to the storage of that milk which has to be kept for
the day or night; in this case the mouths of the churns should
he covered by the lids or by clean cloths.

Relative Importance of Methods and Equipment.—In the
preceding pages special emphasis has been laid on the methods
which should be adopted in the production of clean milk and
comparatively little has been said about the equipment. The
reasons for this concentration on how the work should be done

1922. | How to Propucr CLEAN MILK. 27

rather than on the provision of buildings and apparatus are two
in number. Firstly, the amount of actual * hand work ’’ in
milk production and management is very great, hence almost
everything depends on the individuals doing the work. If the
person doing the work is taught the best way and does it, a very
creat improvement can be brought about with little or no expen-
diture. Secondly, the cost of improving existing buildings or
erecting new cowsheds and dairies is sure to be heavy, and if
the production of clean milk were primarily a matter of new
buildings and high expenditure, little or nothing would be done
for many years.

It is desirable, however, to study this question from different
points of view and to maintain a due sense of proportion. It is
quite correct to say that clean milk of the highest standard can
be produced under very primitive conditions, provided attention
is given to the cleanliness of the utensils, the cow and the milker,
but it may not be a practical proposition to attempt to maintain
such a standard of cleanliness, day after day, summer and
winter, without taking steps to improve the cowshed or the water
supply and thus lessen the expenditure of time and labour. The
point of view of the cowman or milkers must also be appreciated ;
if nothing is done by the master to prevent cows wading in filthy
mud or lying down amongst manure, one must not be surprised
‘+f exhortations to greater cleanliness meet with little response
from the men. On the other hand, through carelessness or
ignorance as to proper methods an ideal cowshed and dairy with
a complete plant may turn out milk which soon goes sour.

The variation in the construction and internal arrangement of
cowsheds in this country is extreme—some are so bad that no
description can be attempted, and others are very good indeed—
snd. in this article, it is unnecessary to attempt to lay down any
ceneral rules beyond stating that there should be good light and
ventilation, and stalls and floors so constructed that they will
assist in keeping the cows clean. Regulations as to ventilation,
airspace and superficial area have little to do with clean milk
production apart from their bearing on the health of the cows.

With regard to the milk room, in the past too little attention
has been given to its situation and construction. Broadly speak-
ing, each farm from which milk is sold should have a clean cool
room in which the cooling is done, the full churns stored until
despatched and the clean utensils and churns kept after washing
until again required. The washing of the utensils should be

done in another place—a lean-to open shed would do for this

28 How to PRropuce CLEAN MILK. [ Apr.,

purpose so long as they were properly washed and kept free from
contamination.

One point in the equipment of a farm for milk production is
supremely important, namely, the water supply for cooling and
cleansing purposes. Where this is defective the tenant farmer
can hardly be held responsible. Suggestions have been made
in the preceding pages as to the means likely to give the best
results, but it should be clearly recognised that in some districts
the lack of an ample supply of water constitutes a handicap
in clean milk production which can only be overcome by con-
siderable capital expenditure and fair arrangement between land-
lords, tenants and any others interested.

The relative importance of equipment and methods must there-
fore vary from farm to farm according to local conditions, and
each farmer should study the problem as it presents itself on his
own farm. On general grounds it is interesting to note that in
the Inspection Report Card for Dairy Farms issued by the
Ministry of Health, 100 points are allotted to Equipment and
400 points to Methods.

Financial Aspect of Clean Milk Production.—The practical
farmer would consider this article very incomplete if some
reference were not made to the financial aspect of the subject.

The greatest hindrance to greater cleanliness in the past has
been the difficulty, if not the impossibility, of obtaining a higher
price for a cleaner and better keeping product. There has at the
same time been a lack of recognition of the importance of cleanli-
ness in lessening the losses which occur through the souring of
milk and cream; through the production of butter and cheese of
bad flavour and low market value and through ill-health and
depreciation in dairy herds.

The first point from the financial side, therefore, is that the
loss which each dairy farmer suffers from sour milk or similar
causes in the course of the year could be greatly lessened by
giving a little more attention to the cleanliness of the utensils,
the cow and the manner of milking. It is impossible to estimate
the value of this loss so far as each farmer is concerned and it
is equally impossible to estimate the cost of the extra time and
labour required to bring about an improvement. In many cases
no extra time is necessary—all that is required is to make better
use of the time at present spent in washing of utensils.

The second point is that cows kept under clean conditions are
healthier and able to make a more productive use of their food
than those housed and milked without any regard to cleanliness.

1922. | How to Propucr CLEAN MILK. 29

Dirt brings disease and loss. All-round cleanliness helps to make
a healthy herd and increase the milk yield.

The problem of obtaining a better price for a better article is
a difficult one, but the prospects for the future are brightening.

The initiation of Clean Milk Competitions amongst farmers
is a movement of great promise. ‘he awards in these competi-
tions are made on the basis of a bacteriological and chemical
examination of the milk and an inspection of the equipment and
methods in use at the farm. Diplomas are awarded to those
competitors attaining a sufficiently high standard and money
prizes provided for the milkers—-a welcome recognition of the
fact that success in this work, as in so many others, is dependent
on the co-operation of all grades of workers. Successful com-
petitors in these competitions have every right to expect, and in
some instances have already obtained, a higher price for their
milk; further, the result of the efforts made by the others
cannot but be beneficial, particularly as a concise report on his
own conditions of production is sent to each competitor.

Competitions of this nature, if introduced into other counties
by Farmers’ Societies, by large wholesale dairy companies or by
city councils may well become general and popular, and they
will certainly be exceedingly helpful in improving the milk
supply at its source in the manner which is least controversial
and most successful, namely, by the action of the farmers them-
selves.

With regard to the production of milk under the strictest con-
ditions of cleanliness, the Ministry of Health has taken over and
is carrying on the scheme initiated by the Ministry of Food
whereby licences were issued to producers and distributors com-
plying with certain conditions permitting them, and them only,
to describe milk produced under such licence, as Grade A and
Grade A (Certified) milk.* The demand for and the supply of
milk of this high quality at a corresponding price is gradually
increasing throughout the country, and though rapid progress
cannot be expected, it is a great advance to have a high, but
nevertheless attainable standard set up and recognised by the
producer, the distributor, the consumer and the Government.

Re See H.M.L. 6 and H.M.L. 7 = Licences permitting the use of the
designations “Grade A (Certified) Milk” and “Grade A Milk '—obtainable
from the Ministry of Health, Whitehall, London, S.W.1.

30 CULTIVATION OF THE Hop CRop. | ApRr.,

CULTIVATION; OR THE HOP GRor
IV.—COMMERCIAL VARIETIES OF HOPS.

ARTHUR Amos, M.A.,
School of Agriculture, Cambridge,
and
E. 8. SaLmMon,
South-astern Agricultural College, Wye.

In the description which follows no attempt has been made to
enumerate all the varieties of hops grown in England, but the
best commercial varieties which are commonly grown in England
have been selected and their more important characteristics
given.

Characters of Commercial Importance.—The characters ot
commercial importance in a hop are the following :—

Order of Ripening.—In the list given below the varieties have
been arranged approximately in the order in which they ripen.
but it will readily be understood that this will vary with season.
district and treatment of the hop-garden. A knowledge of the
order of ripening may be of use in helping a beginner in planting
to arrange his gardens so that the late hops may not be exposed
by the picking of the earlies. It is of course necessary with any
considerable acreage that the hops grown comprise early and late
sorts, so that they can be picked as they successively become
ripe, without overtaxing the drying capacity of the oasts, as
well as providing a reasonably long hop-picking season for the
pickers.

Vigour of Growth.—This character 1s of importance since it
largely determines the width of planting and the height of wire
work which should be adopted. It is also to be taken into account
in connection with resistance to disease—Aphis (*“* greenfly ’’).
hop mould and red mould, canker and nettlehead—a very impor-
tant factor in successful commercial hop-growing, and a subject
of which unfortunately there is little scientific knowledge.

Suitability to Soil and District.—For reasons which are little
known, varieties are greatly influenced by these two factors.
and beginners should only introduce a new variety to a district
after a thorough preliminary test.

Ease of Picking.—This factor is important in the cost of pro-
duction; some varieties can be picked much more cheaply than
others, e.g., Fuggle’s than the true Golding varieties.

Keeping Properties.—A knowledge of this character gives a
‘onide to the beginner in deciding the sequence of picking—

1922. | CULTIVATION OF THE Hop Crop. 31

some varieties will “‘ hang’ or ** keep’? much better than
others. It should, however, be remembered that variety
is not the only factor; other factors concerned are (1) absence oi
disease (Aphis or ** mould ’’), and (2) character of soil.

Quality. —This is a peculiarly elusive factor, yet very impor-
tant; it is likely to be particularly promiment in coming years.
Owing largely to ignorance in the brewing trade, the commoner
or ‘‘ flat-catcher ’’ hops have in recent years been more profitable
to produce than the better varieties. ‘The tide is now turning in
the other direction.

There are two methods by which quality may be judged:
firstly, by the senses—the eye, the nose, and the hand (°° rub ”’
—which give a good idea of the brewing value, and secondly.
by chemical analysis, a method which has not been largely em-
ployed because the brewing chemist has not yet decided the
relative importance of the various resins and other constituents
of the hop. Not until these points are settled, can the plant-
breeder proceed to build up new commercial varieties of hops
which will be truly economic.

Yield.—This character, while affected within certain limits by
various factors, is yet distinctive of the variety.

Male Hops.—It is now generally well recognised that the
planting of male hops at the rate of one male to every 200 female
‘hills ’’ throughout the hop-garden is of fundamental import-
ance. In addition, it is a good plan to plant a number of male
hops in the lew row on the $8. and W. sides of the garden.
because the S.W. wind is the prevailing one at the time
of year when the hops are in “ burr’’ and the male hop is
scattering its pollen. It has been shown* that the effect of
adequate fertilisation of the female flowers (the hop-burr) is to
increase the crop by several hundredweights per acre. This has
been definitely ascertained with respect not only to such
“* Golding ’’ varieties as Canterbury Whitebine, Bramling. and
Amos’s Early Bird, but also to Fuggle’s. Another important
advantage that is secured by the planting of male hops is that
the burr period (during which attacks of mould are most to be
feared) is appreciably shortened, since as soon as this is fertilised
by the pollen-dust from the male hop it sets into hop.

* Howard, A.: Hop Experiments (Bulletin I, S.E. Agric. Coll., Wve (1904-
1905).

Salmon, E. S.and Amos, A.: On the Value of the Male Hop (Leaflet S.F.
Agric. Coll., Wye (1908), and in Journ. Inst. Brewing, XTV, 309-331
(1908).

Salmon, &.8.: The Pollination and Fertilisation of Hops (Journ. Board of

-Agric., Vol. XX, 953-966 (1914); Vol. XXI, 22-31, 123-133, 213-220
(1914).)

32 CULTIVATION OF THE Hop Crop. [ APR.,

- It should be remembered, however, that the planting of too
many male hops in the hop garden will! result in the production
of too much seed in the hop-cones, and an appearance of seedi-
ness in the *‘ side ’’ of the dried hop sample, which is legiti-
mately regarded by the brewer as depreciating the market value
of dried hops.

The mere indiscriminate planting of male hops in a hop garden
is not, however, sufficient to ensure adequate fertilisation. Other
points need attention :—the male hops to be effective, must set
free their pollen at the time of the appearance of the ‘‘ burr ”’
of the particular variety of hop among which they are planted.
The male hops therefore need to be distinguished according to
the period at which they produce pollen, viz., earlies, mid-season
and late, so that one or other of these may be selected for plant-
ing with the female variety of similar character. There are,
however, some males which flower either so early or so late
that their period of pollen-production does not coincide with
the burr periods of commercial varieties of hops; these are, of
course, quite useless. Again, some varieties of male hops are
very susceptible to mould or to the nettlehead disease and such
if planted may become the centres of infection of the whole
gvarden; these also should be eliminated.

It is, of course, impossible to prepare a classification of male
hops; the fact that the hop plant is dioecious, 7.e., the male and
female flowers are produced on separate plants, makes it impos-
sible to identify any male hop as being of the same variety as
any given female hop.

In the list of the (female) varieties of hops given below, only
those have been included which possess the characters necessary
for a good commercial variety, viz., a sufficiently vigorous con-
stitution to withstand from time to time unfavourable climatic
conditions ; the yielding power necessary to produce a remunera-
tive crop; and a crop reasonably easy to pick, which ‘‘ hangs ’”’
well and is of fair quality. Where any variety is superior, or
inferior, to this standard, the fact is mentioned under the par-
ticular variety.

It may be pointed out that the stock of most varieties on the
market is far from pure and contains individuals which are
obviously not “‘ true ’’ or of weak stamina. This is particularly
the case with Fuggle’s, Bramlings and Mathons. It is worth the
while of any grower to breed up pure stocks from a single robust
plant of many of the older varieties. A reputation once gained
for pure stock would lead to profitable business with hop-sets.

>

1922. | CULTIVATION OF THE Hop Crop. 38

For information as to the suitability of some of the varieties
to certain districts, and on other points, the writers wish to
express their thanks to the following gentlemen :—Viscount
Wolmer, Mr. H. Lillywhite, Mr. J.C. Messenger, Mr. E.G. Shew,
Mr. W. L. Pritchett and Mr. J. Moore.

Early Varieties.—Prolific_—The earliest hop, with very large
cones which are easily picked; crops heavily. Little grown on
account ot its poor quality. |

Amos’s Early Bird.—Ripens a few days before the Bramling.
Suitable for the best loams and Greensands; grown in parts of
Kent and Hampshire and considerably in Herefordshire and
Worcestershire. ‘This variety, like the Bramling, is liable to be
adversely affected by a cold or wet summer, when the cones
may be small and difficult to pick. Tighest quality.

Bramling.—This variety is universally grown on the best soils
throughout the hop growing districts but its acreage is unfor-
tunately declining. Highest quality.

Mid-season Varieties.—T'olhurst.—_Largely grown in certain
districts ; grows vigorously on nearly all soils, crops very heavily
and is easily picked. Quality poor. This is a favourite variety
on account of its cropping powers, but is coming into disfavour
on the market on account of its lack of good brewing properties.

Mathon.—Grown only in Herefordshire and Worcestershire on
the best loamy soils; in some seasons inelined to make too much
bine, which is not fruitful and consequently difficult to pick;
keeps well when healthy. Highest quality.

Cobb’s.—Grown largely, especially in Kent, on loam and the
lighter soils; grows vigorously and crops heavily; easy to pick,
but does not keep well. Medium quality. This is a good com-
mercial variety.

Tutsham.—Very similar to the above; with better keeping
powers. In order to counteract the tendency of this variety to
produce, on strong soils, too much bine, it is the practice in
some districts to pull the hills very hard and to train up only
the latest bines. This is a good commercial variety.

Farnham Whitebine.—Grown only in Hampshire and Surrey,
on good loams. Highest quality.

Fuggle’s.—Most suitable for heavy clay soils; grown almost
to the exclusion of other varieties in the Weald of Kent and
Sussex. Has a vigorous constitution, but is inclined to produce
little bine unless stimulated by heavy nitrogenous manuring;
crops very heavily in average seasons and does well in wet
seasons, but suffers in dry summers; easy to pick; keeps well.

c

34 SILAGE FOR MitK PRopucTION. [ APR.,

Is a very good ‘‘ copper ’’ hop, and an excellent commercial
variety for heavy soils.

Rodmersham Golding.—Not grown except in a few districts in
Kent on good loams. Has a weak constitution and the hills are
liable to die away from “‘ canker.’’ Easy to pick. Highest
quality.

Late Varieties.—Petham Golding and Canterbury Whitebine.
—Only grown on the best loams, chiefly in Kent. Frequently
grow too much bine, and in wet summers develops only a small
crop. Highest quality. Although the quality is second to none,
the area devoted to the cultivation of these two varieties is now
small.

Colgates.—The latest hop; grown on heavy land, chiefly in
the Sussex Weald and in Herefordshire. Crops heavily, but the
cones are small. <A ‘* copper ”’ hop.

* * * * * *

SILAGE FOR MILK PRODUCTAOGN:
A COMPARISON WITH ROOTS AND HAY.
Proressor R. G. Wurst, M.Se., and EK. J. Rorerts, B.A., B.Se.,

Department of Agriculture,
University College of North Wales.

In March, 1921, it was decided to discontinue the Ministry’s
Arable Dairy Demonstration Farm near Denbigh, and the
Ministry offered a quantity of silage, then in a clamp on the
farm, for the purpose of a feeding experiment.

Owing to the shortness of notice and the rapid approach of
the grass season, nothing in the way of an elaborate experiment
could be arranged, and as most farmers in the district had large
root surpluses, it was not easy to secure a suitable farm for the
experiment. Ultimately, Messrs. Hooson, of Brookhouse and
Colomendy farms, near Denbigh, kindly consented to carry out
the experiment, and grateful acknowledgment is due to them
for the ready and willing help they rendered throughout. Milk
recording was immediately commenced on their farms to
facilitate the selection of two uniform lots of cows.

It was decided that each experimental lot must include at
least eight animals, and it soon became obvious that it would
be impossible to get two such comparable lots on one farm. Ags
the best arrangement possible under the circumstances, eight
cows were selected at Colomendy and eight at Brookhouse.

1922. | SILAGE ror Mitk PrRopuction. 85

The following were the two experimental rations fixed upon,
the two being estimated to supply similar quantities of starch
equivalent (about 12.6 lb.) and digestible protein (2.72 Ib.) a day.

Silage Ration. Roots Ration.

40 ib. Silage. 40 lb. Mangolds.
6 lb. Seed Hay. 15 lb. Seed Hay.
4 Ib. Oat Straw. 4 lb, Oat Straw.
8 lb. Mangolds. 2 Ib. Earth Nut Cake.
2 lb. Earth Nut Cake. 3 lb. Soya Bean Cake.
3 lb. Soya Bean Cake. 141b. Oats.
13 lb. Oats. 1 lb. Barley.

1 lb. Barley.

It will be seen that in the silage ration 40 lb. of silage was
substituted for 82 lb. mangolds and 9 |b. seeds hay. 40 lb. of
silage was expected to contain 4.64 lb. starch equivalent and
0.41 lb. of digestible pure protein. 32 lb. mangolds and 9 Ib.
seeds hay were taken as containing 4.58 lb. starch equivalent
and 0.42 lb. digestible pure protein. In making these calcula-
tions at the commencement of the experiment it was assumed
that the composition of the silage would be similar to that given
in Wood and Halnan’s Tables for Oat and Vetch Silage. As
stated below, it was subsequently found that the silage used
did not come up to these figures, and therefore it is probably
safe to assume that in the experiment, silage suffered from a
slight handicap. The silage was made in 1920 from spring-sown
oats and peas, which produced an excellent crop. A shallow pit
was excavated in the field and filled with the green oats and
peas, the clamp ultimately being carried up to a considerable
height, and compressed by drawing the loaded carts over it. The
soil thrown out from the pit was then placed on the sides and
top of the clamp. When the heap was opened in the following
March it was seen that the material had rotted to a depth of
about nine inches on both the top and sides of the clamp.
Mr. Hooson estimated that the amount of waste was 25 per cent.
of the whole, but, unfortunately, there was no means of weigh-
ing the material to check this. It is doubtful, however, whether
the proportion of weight was really so high. The waste material
seemed large in bulk, but owing to the greater solidity of the
main mass of the heap as compared with the outside, the weight
would probably be much less than the volume of the waste
material would suggest. Except for the waste at the outside,
the silage taken out in March, April and early May was in
excellent condition and very much relished by the stock.

c 2

36 SInacE FoR Mrix Propuction. [ APR.,

The following is the average analysis of several samples
tested by Mr. McLean, Lecturer in Agricultural Chemistry :—

per cent.
Moisture... : ater 76.60
Crude protein enelnuins 2 10 aor “oan anne propel 3°50’
Fibre rey oy: ae, ce sie a ee 9°15
Ash : obs bes he set ah 2°30
Soluble Carbone dries * 740

It will be noticed that these fre ‘Shows a bioher content of
moisture and a lower percentage of carbohydrates than many
other published figures. This may be due to the exceptional
nature of the season of 1920, which was extremely wet and cold,
or it may be that silage produced in a west country district is
normally lower in feeding value than that produced in the drier
and more sunny eastern counties from which most of the avail-
able analyses have been obtained.

Pian of Experiment.—The first step consisted in placing all
the cows at both farms on the same ration in order to enable
the selection for the experiment to be made. This preliminary
ration included a small amount of silage so as to accustom the
animals to it. Eight cows at each farm with approximately the
same total milk yield and comparable as regards age, date of
calving, etc., were then chosen. This was done after inspection
of the milk records for the 20th, 21st and 22nd of March. This
preliminary recording period of three days is admittedly short,
but it was found necessary to curtail it ag much as possible so
as to make it possible to complete the experiment by the end of
April.

At the end of the preliminary period the rations of both lots
were gradually adjusted so that on the 27th March the Brook-
house cattle were on the full silage ration, and the Colomendy
cattle on the roots ration. This was continued for 14 days,
records of the milk yields being taken twice daily at both farms.
The rations were then gradually reversed so that in the second
period Colomendy cows received silage and the other lot had the
full root and hay ration. Seven days were allowed for the
eradual reversal of the rations.

The following shows the plan of the experiment :—

Brookhouse. Colomendy.

Preliminary period up to March 22nd_ ... Same rations.
23rd to 26th March or ae Transition.
27th March to 9th April (14 fees Sad Silage ... Roots.
10th April to 16th April (7 days) oe Transition.

17th April to 30th April (14 days) bc Roots... Silage.

1922. | SmaGE FoR Mixx Propvuction. 37

Results.—Yield of Milk for Kight Cows.

Period. Brookhouse. Colomendy. Remarks.

lb. lb.

March 20th, 3 days 5554 Preliminary 5584

21st, 22nd :
March 23rd —s 4 days 7104 Transition (7703

to 26th .
March 27th,
April 2nd ...

ae aie 224 |b. in favour
) 1,221 12433 of roots.

14 days Silage Roots
April 3rd, ( ; r \ i Ib: in favour
April 9th’... ek mre of silage.
April 10th,
April 16th ..
April 17th,
April 23rd ay

7days 1,074 Transition 1,178
143 lb. in favour

of silage.

1,045 1,188 ©

14 days Roots Silage
seat gat 206) 1 ee oa

Taking the weekly yield of milk there is very litle difference
between the silage and the roots-fed cows during the first period
of the experiment, but during the second period the results are
decidedly in favour of the silage ration, there being a difference
of 3138 lb. of milk in favour of the silage during the last fourteen
days.

Average Daily Milk Yield at each Centre.

Brookhouse. Colomendy.
Period, | Average Daily Yield, Average Daily Yield,

| (8 Cows). (8 Cows).
Mar. 20-26 (7 days) Preliminary | Ib. Preliminary | Ib.
period BSI period 190
Mar. 27—Apr. 9 (14 days) | Silage 172 | Rootsand Hay | 173
Apr. 10-16 (7 days)| Transition | 153 Transition 168
Apr. 17-30 (14 days) | Roots and Hay | 146 | Silage | 168

As the experiment proceeded there was a tendency for the
yield to drop in both cases, but, during the last fourteen days,
while the yield at Brookhouse (on roots and hay) went on decreas-
ing, the yield at Colomendy (on silage) was on the whole well
maintained, and it is not unreasonable to suppose that the silage
was responsible for this “‘ stiffening ’’ in the yield.

We are indebted to Mr. Arthur Amos of the School of Agri-
culture, Cambridge, for information regarding similar expen-
ments, the lines of which were followed so far as circumstances
allowed.

* * * » +.

38 Ramway KATES AND AGRICULTURE. [ APR.,

RAILWAY RATES AND AGRICULTURE.

As there seems to be some misapprehension with regard to
the rights and opportunities of agriculiurists to secure a reduc-
tion in the present burden of railway rates, the Ministry has
prepared the following memorandum setting out the situation
created by recent administration and legislation.

1. By Section 3 (1) (c) and (e) of the Ministry of Transport
Act, 1919, Railway Companies whose undertakings were in
possession of the Crown were required to follow any directions
the Minister of Transport might give as to the rates, fares, tolls,
dues and charges to be charged, and such Railway Companies
were authorised to charge the rates, ete., directed by the Minister
notwithstanding any agreement or statutory provisions then
limiting their charging powers.

2. By Section 21 of the Ministry of Transport Act, 1919,
a Committee was established called the Rates Advisory Com-
mittee, consisting of five persons, two being representatives of
the interests of trade and agriculture nominated by the Board
of Trade after consultation with the Central Chamber of Agri-
culture among other bodies, one representing transportation
and one labour, with a Chairman experienced in law. An addi-
tional member was afterwards appointed by the Minister under
a discretionary power conferred by the same section. This
Committee was set up for the purpose of giving advice and
assistance to the Minister and for safeguarding any interests
affected by any directions the Minister of Transport might give
as to the charges to be made by the railways, and when con-
sidering any question of increase the Committee was to advise
the Minister how any increased revenue found to be necessary
could best be raised from the various branches of railway traffic.

8. In October, 1919, the Minister of Transport requested
the Rates Advisory Committee to advise him as to the best way
of raising additional revenue to the extent of £45.000,000 per
annum. This sum was subsequently increased by £5,000,000.
The Rates Advisory Committee reported to the Minister on
16th December, 1919, and the Minister, in the latter part of
December, 1919. adopting the recommendations of the Com-
mittee, directed the Railway Companies to increase the tolls,
rates and charges published in their rate books by certain per-
centages and flat rate additions on and from 15th January, 1920.

4. Under the Minister of Transport’s direction, and in
accordance with the advice of the Committee, agriculture received

1922. | RAILWAY RATES AND AGRICULTURE. 89

preferential treatment, for while rates on coal and coke traffic
were increased 25 per cent., Class A 80 per cent., Class B 40 per
cent., Class C 50 per cent., and Classes 1 to 5 60 per cent., plus
in each ease a flat rate addition varying from 3d. to 1s. per ton,
such articles as fruit, vegetables, hay and straw were only in-
creased 25 per cent. plus the appropriate flat rate addition.
The rates on fresh milk, manure in bulk or packed, basic slag,
and lime for agricultural purposes were not increased at all.

5. On 7th July, 1920, the Minister of Transport informed the
Rates Advisory Committee that it was estimated the Railways
would show a deficiency of £54,500,000 per annum as from
Ist April, 1920. As the Government had decided that the
Railways were to be on a self-supporting basis. and not to be
subsidized by the taxpayer, the Committee were instructed to
advise what increase was necessary in rates, tolls, fares, dues
and charges to yield by the end of June, 1921 (subsequently
extended to 31st July, 1921), the total deficit which had begun
to accrue from Ist April, 1920. .

6. As the result of the Committee’s findings, the increased
rates dating from 15th January, 1920, were rescinded and
altered tolls, rates and charges on and after Ist September, 1920.
were authorised. With the sole considerable exception of manure
in bulk, packed manure, basic slag and lime in 2-ton loads for
use as agricultural manure in the United Kingdom, which were
increased 50 per cent. plus certain flat rate additions, the rates
on all traffic in Classes A to C and 1 to 5 (including coal and coke)
were increased by 100 per cent. over the rates in existence on
14th January, 1920, plus flat rate additions varying from 6d.
to Ils. per ton.

7. On 19th August last the Railways Act, 1921, received the
Royal Assent, and by Section 60 of that Act the Railway Com-
panies are empowered until the ‘‘ appointed day,’’ when
standard charges come into force, to make such charges as were
in force on 15th August, 1921, which charges are (as respects
merchandise) the increased charges mentioned in paragraph 6
which came into operation on 1st September, 1920, subject to
the proviso that any representative body of traders may apply
to the Rates Tribunal set up under Part TIT of the Railways
Act to reduce the charges now in operation or any of them, and
any trader interested in any particular charge may apply to
reduce that charge.

8. The Rates Tribunal is a permanent court, consisting of 8
members appointed for a term not exceeding 7 years and in

’

40 RatLway RATES AND AGRICULTURE. [ APR.,

accordance with Section 20 of the Railways Act, has been con-
stituted as follows :—

Sir F. Gore-Browne, K.C., an experienced lawyer, President ;
Mr. G. C. Locket, of Messrs. Gardner, Locket and Hinton, a
person experienced in commercial affairs; and Mr. W. A. Jepson,
late Assistant to the General Manager of the London and North
Western Railway, a person experienced in railway business.

9. The Act further provides for the constitution of two panels
to be called the General Panel and the Railway Panel respec-
tively. The General Panel is to consist of 86 representatives of
Trade and Labour, two of whom are to be nominated by the
Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries to represent agricultural
interests. The Railway Panel is to consist of eleven persons
nominated by the Railway Companies’ Association, and one
person nominated by the Minister of Transport to represent
those railways and light railways not parties to the Railway
Companies’ Association. The members of the General Panel
nominated by the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries are
Sir Walter W. Berry, K.B.E., and Mr. A. E. K. Wherry, O.B.E.

10. When the Rates Tribunal comes to consider any
particular agricultural case, two members may be added to the
Tribunal, one from the General Panel! and one from the Railway
Panel, either at the instance of the Tribunal or the Minister of
Transport or upon the application of any of the parties to the
case, and it 1s provided that the person to be selected from
the General Panel shall, as nearly as may be, be a person with
knowledge of the technicalities that may arise in the particular
case.

11. The Rates Tribunal is ready to deal with any application
that may be made to it under Section 60 of the Act. Information
as to the procedure to be adopted, until the permanent rules
of the Tribunal are issued, may be obtained from the Secretary
at 2, Clement’s Inn, Strand, W.C.2. Temporary. directions
have been issued as a Stationery Office publication.

12. It is probable that the present railway rates will remain in
operation for some time, and it is possible that they may con-
tinue until the “‘ appointed day ”’ (which is not likely to be
before 1st January, 1924), unless the Railway Managers can
be induced to reduce them or unless a successful appeal is made
to the Rates Tribunal.

As a result of negotiation between the Railway Companies
and the organisations representing the interests concerned,
the rates between stations in England and Wales on coal, coke

ee

1922. | Ramway RATES AND AGRICULTURE. 41

and patent fuel, limestone for chemical works, lime in Class
‘“B”’ of the General Railway Classification for iron and steel
making purposes, and iron and steel in Class *‘ B’’ have been
reduced to the rates in operation on the 14th January, 1920,
plus 75 per cent. with a flat addition of 4d. per ton. ‘The
Caledonian, Glasgow and South Western, and North British
Railway Companies have granted similar concessions, with the
exception that the reduced rates on coal, coke and patent fuel
apply only when the traffic is forwarded to blast furnaces and
steel works. Reductions in the rates for iron-ore, ironstone and
limestone for blast furnaces and steel works have also been
granted. ‘These reductions apply experimentally for a period of
12 months. It is for Farmers’ Organisations to consider there-
fore what useful action they can take on these lines, or by
appealing to the Rates Tribunal, to protect their own industry.

13. With regard to Railway Rates for the future—Part III
of the Railways Act, 1921,. gives effect to the main recommen-
dations of the Rates Advisory Committee set out in its report
to the Minister of Transport dated 22nd December, 1920 (Cmd.
1098), and so far as it relates to the settlement of standard rates
may be summarised briefly as follows :—-

(1) The Railway Companies will submit to the Rates Tribunal not
later than 31st December, 1922 (unless the Minister of Transport extends
the time) schedules of rates in the form set out in the Fourth Schedule to
the Act based on the classification upon the settlement of which the Rates
Advisory Committee are now engaged. Except for the purpose of settling
this classification this Committee have now no functions with regard to
charges or other matters relating to railways.

(2) The Schedules will be published, and after hearing all parties
interested and desirous of being heard, the Rates Tribunal will fix the
rates and name a day (in the Act called “ the appointed day’) when the
new rates are to come into operation. These new rates will be called the
Standard Rates and Railway Companies will be bound to charge all traffic
at these rates unless an exceptional rate has been granted or continued in
conformity with the provisions of the Act. The Act provides for the
modification of the Standard Rates or any particular Standard Rate at any
time after the appointed day upon application to the Rates Tribunal by
the Railway Companies or by Traders.

14. The provisions of the Railways Act with regard to excep-
tional rates are most important, and may be summarised briefly
as follows :—

(i) All exceptional rates in operation immediately before the day
when the Standard Rates come into force (i.e., the appointed day) will
cease to operate, but if a trader interested in any such exceptional rate
agrees in writing with the Railway Company before the appointed day
for the continuation of his exceptional rate, with or without an increase

42 Rartway Rates AND AGRICULTURE. [ APR.,

of the rate, his traffic will continue to be charged at such rate, provided
that such rate is not less than 5 per cent. below the Standard Rate;
provided also that if such rate is more than 40 per cent. below the
Standard Rate the rate shall, before the appointed day, be referred to the
Rates Tribunal, and, if so referred, shall continue until the Tribunal bave
determined the matter. Ii the Railway Company refuse to agree, the
Secretary of the Railway Company should be notified in writing by the
trader that he desires his exceptional rate to be continued and that he
requires that the matter be referred to the Rates Tribunal. If this course
is taken the exceptional rate will continue until determined by the Rates
Tribunal and the onus of proving that it ought to be altered or ought not
to continue will be upon the Railway Company.

Gi) No rate which has not been applied to the charging of
merchandise actually forwarded within two years preceding the Ist day
of January, 1923, shall be continued unless the trader can prove to the
satisfaction of the Railway Company or Tribunal that its non-application
is due to abnormal condition of trade, or that arate of equal amount to
the same station is in operation from some other place in the same group.

(iii) After the appointed day new exceptional rates may be granted by
a Railway Company provided they are not less than 5 per cent. and not
more than 40 per cent. below the Standard Rate chargeable and subject
to the Railway Company reporting the rate to the Minister of Transport.

(iv) After the appointed day no new exceptional rate may be granted
by a Railway Company which is less than 5 per cent. or more than 40 per
cent. below the Standard Charge applicable uniess the sanction of the
Rates Tribunal is first obtained.

(v) If a Railway Company refuses to grant a new exceptional rate
any trader may at any time apply to the Tribunal and the Tribunal may
grant whatever rate it thinks fit.

15. (i) It will thus be seen that those interested in agri-
cultural rates should examine the schedules of Standard Rates
referred to in paragraph 138 hereof with the greatest care as
soon as they are published and lay any objections they may have
before the Rates Tribunal in the manner and within the time
that will be specified when such schedules are published, and
take steps to appear before the Rates Tribunal when the
schedules are considered so that their rates may be fixed on an
equitable basis.

(1) The Standard Rates as finally settled will be published
and notice given of the day when they will come into force.
The Rates so settled will have to be carefully examined, and in
cases where the existing exceptional Rate applicable to any
particular traffic is 5 per cent. or more below the appropriate
Standard Rate, and where any hardship would result from the
cancellation of such exceptional rate, the Railway Company
should be approached with a view to continuing such excep-
tional rate under the provisions referred to in paragraph 14 (1).

1922. ] Ramway RATEes AND AGRICULTURE. 43,

16. The Railways Act further provides that the standard
charges and all exceptional charges shal! be reviewed at the
end of the first complete financial year after the appointed day
and at the end of each succeeding year, but the Minister of
Transport may direct that no review shall take place as respects
any year after the second annual review unless requested by
the Railway Company or by the Board of Trade at the instance
of any representative body of traders.

17. Conditions of Carriage—Before 31st March, 1922, or
within such further time as the Rates Tribunal may permit, the
Railway Companies are required to submit to and publish in
such a manner as may be prescribed by the Rates Tribunal the
terms and conditions on which :—

(a) Merchandise other than live stock;

(b) Live stock:

(c) Damageable goods not properly protected by packing;
will be carried by rail.

The terms and conditions so submitted will be considered
and settled by the Rates Tribunal after hearing any represen-
tative body of traders who may desire to be heard, or any
person who may obtain a certificate from the Board of Trade that
he is in their opinion a proper person to be heard, or any other
party whom they consider entitled to be heard.

The Rates Tribunal will publish in the London and Edinburgh
Gazettes the terms and conditions which they consider just
and reasonable, and fix a date, not earlier than two months after
such publication, when they shall come into operation.

The terms and conditions so settled shall be the standard
terms and conditions of carriage for all Companies and shall be
deemed to be reasonable.

18. The jurisdiction of the Rates Tribunal with regard to stan-
dard rates and terms and conditions of carriage extends to mer-
chandise traffic by passenger as well as goods trains, but a
Railway Company is not under obligation to carry by passenger
train any merchandise other than perishable.

44 SHROPSHIRE SHEEP. [ ApR.,

SHROPSHIRE SHEEP:

ALFRED MANSELL.

- At the latter end of 1882 the breeders of Shropshire sheep
established the first Sheep Breeders’ Association of the world,
and in 1888 its first Flock Book was published.

The formation of the Association was hastened to some extent
by the great demand which had sprung up during the years
1880 to 1882 for Shropshire sheep for export, mainly to the
United States and Canada, and buyers were asking for certifi-
cates of purity and origin.

The publishing of a flock book and the issue of export certifi-
cates gave a great impetus to the export trade, and it is estimated
that no fewer than 20,000 Shropshire sheep were exported during
the first decade of the Flock Book’s existence, and a steady and
remunerative foreign trade has been maintained ever since,
either for crossing with Merino or native breeds of sheep, or to
found pure bred flocks, which would hereafter furnish rams for
a similar purpose.

The position the breed occupies in the United States is shown
by the following official statement :—

The total number of pure-bred sheep in the United States on
1st January, 1920, was 463,504. Shropshires come first with
124,453, equal to 264 per cent., Rambouillets next with 106,819,
Merinos follow with 59,876, etc., ete.

History.—The antiquity of the breed is beyond doubt, for
Anderson in his ‘‘ Origin of Commerce ’’ gives the price of
Shropshire wool in 1848 as £9 fs. 8d. per sack, and Smith in
his History of Wool and Woollen Manufacturers (Chron.
Rusticum, 1641) quotes the price of Salop (Shropshire) wool as
£6 6s. 4d. per sack for home use and £9 6s. 4d. for exportation.
Smith further says that the wool of Shropshire was the choicest
and dearest in England.

The Shropshire sheep is descended from a breed which has
been known to exist from time immemorial on Morfe Common,
near Bridgnorth, the Longmynd Fiills, near Church Stretton,
and Cannock Chase in Staffordshire, though the latter were
somewhat heavier sheep and darker in feature than those bred
in Salop. It is a down breed of beautiful symmetry on short
legs, with lean fleshy back and deep full legs of mutton, with
dense wool of best staple and of high quality.

1922. | SHROPSHIRE SHEEP. 45

By careful selection and judicious mating of its own variety
this popular breed has been brought to the leading position it
now occupies. It has been by developing the strongly inherited
characteristics of the native breed of the district that all the
best flocks have been built up, and when in 1858 at the
Gloucester Royal Show the breed was recognised a great en-
couragement was given to breeders to place their breed in the
front rank.

In the work of improvement the breeders were careful to
preserve the well-known reputation for hardihood, fecundity,
early maturity, and excellence of wool and mutton.

Value for Crossing.—Abundant testimony could be given as
to the value of the Shropshire ram for crossing purposes, but the
following experiences, selected out of many, are convincing :—

Mr. John Gregg, of New Zealand, in‘an article on “‘ The best
Mutton Sheep ’’ about 20 years ago, says: ‘‘ I use nothing but
Shropshire rams on my crossbred ewes. I find that my Shrop-
shire wool or a strong dash of that blood gives about 13d. per lb.
more than any coarse crossbred.’’

Mr. G. 8. Kempe, writing on the Midland Association’s Show
at Campbeltown, Tasmania, in 1900, says Shropshires in
Tasmania have secured a very strong foothold. Lambs for the
export trade need to be ‘‘ thick in flesh, light in offal, solid,
square, well coupled behind, and early maturing,’ and these
qualities may be looked for from the Shropshire cross with either
the Merino or Lincoln ewe on almost any pasture or in any
climate which can keep sheep profitably.

In New Zealand equally good results are obtained, vide the
following remarks from an eminent firm of London Meat
Salesmen, in February, 1896 :—

“In answer to your enquiry the most popular sheep and lambs from
North Canterbury (New Zealand) are Shropshire crosses, and pure Merinos
have simply no chance against them from a butcher’s point of view. The

New Zealand Shropshire cross lambs are especially acceptable amongst bhigh-
class frozen meat butchers.”

In an able Paper on crossbred sheep read at Buffalo, U.S.A.,
Professor Shaw, of the Ontario Agricultural College, after
referring to the improvement of the Merino without lessening
the value of the wool, and the breed or breeds best adapted for
that purpose, says it is a fact that some breeds do not answer as
well as others. He further says that the only sure evidence that
we can have that one breed will be able to effect improvement in
another is that furnished by actual demonstration. Tried by
this test the Shropshire ram has been found eminently adapted
for the purpose of improving the average foundation stocks

46 SHROPSHIRE SHEEP. [ APR.,

(Merimos and Merino Grades) in the United States. Continuing,
he says the Shropshire ram blends admirably with the Grade
Merino Stock, covering the bony framework with lean and juicy
meat, widening the body and maxing it deeper and thicker
throughout. It also blends well with the grade Leicester sheep
by increasing their hardihood and improving the quality of the
meat by intermingling fat and lean.

As recently as 1912 four of the largest firms in Australia (W.
Ancliss & Co., John Cooke & Co., T. Borthwick & Sons, Ltd.,
and Sims, Cooper & Co.) operating in the export trade, addressed
a letter stating that, as the largest exporters in the trade in
Victoria end also doing extensive business in South Australia
and New South Wales, they felt it only right and their duty to
sound a note of warning and at the same time give advice to
breeders. They state that—

‘Tn the early years of the export lamb trade in Australia it was largely
built up and made successful by breeders using pure Shropshire tams, the
crosses from which we have proved by experience are eminently fitted for
the best English trade. Maturing quicker than most other crosses, the
Shropshire lamb at the earliest possible age is good in the most valuable
joints, back, loin and leg, and running to meat rather than fat, gives better
results in dressed dead weight in proportion to live weight than any other
cross we know of.

“ For some years the majority of breeders followed the right track and
bred the Shropshire cross, but the last two or three seasons, owing largely,
we believe, to the rise in cross bred wool, the majority have swung the other
way and tried to breed an export lamb got by sues of other breeds, with
very varying results, trending, however, in the wrong direction. The
consequence is that we now find it impossible to get as big a proportion of
lambs fit for the best home trade as formerly, these other crosses compelling
a larger number of rejects than is usual from the Shropshire, and_ those
accepted not being equal for our purposes to that cross.

“ And as regards seasons, our experience is that the Shropshire cross in a bad
or indifferent season will come out even better in proportion than in a good
one, when compared with other breeds, as regards percentage fit for export.
So we must warn breeders that they are on the wrong track in dropping the
Shropshire, and onr advice to them, if they want to help us to expand this
trade and. make Australian Jamb more popular and a better price in the old
country, and therefore more payable to ‘he breeder, is to go in again largely
for the Shropshire. Not for a moment do we want to disparage other brecds,
All have their good points for their own special purposes, but we say
unhesitatingly that throughout Australia for the export la nb trade we have
found the Shropshire cross the best. Breeders must remember that the
export trade can never be fostered and developed as it should be by their
trying to make the home trade a dumping ground for simply unsuitable
surplus stock bred for wool as the first and main consideration, and that if
they value this trade and desire to increase it to the immensity we believe
possible, then they must cater for the trade and breed a lamb suituble for the

best English customer.”

F1e@. 1.—Shropshire Ram.

1922. | SHROPSHIRE SHEEP. 47

v/voi.—The quality of Shropshire wool can be classed as 50
to 56, with a staple of nice length, dense, fine in texture, and
always readily saleable. Mr. S. B. Hollings, the Bradford Wool
Expert, reporting on wool from a Shropshire-Merino cross, the
property of Mr. W. A. Hart, of South Africa, writes as follows :—
‘* 1t was sound in staple, very shafty, nice combing length, very
clear, and free from wasty matters, though in the grease, and a
good colour. The quality, as can only be expected, was hardly
of a 60's count, it being classed as a 56’s wool, but for all that, —
in a blend of wool for ‘ tops’ of our average 60's, such as is
largely consumed in Bradford (England) it would have been
used most readily.”’

This good opinion of the wool was subsequently confirmed by
wool experts on Bradford Exchange, and also by two noted wool
brokers, Messrs. H. P. Hughes & Son and Messrs. Buxton,
Ronald & Co.

Then again, at the Royal Show at Darlington in 1920 Mr.
E. Craig Tanner’s Shropshire Wool exhibit won the Champion
Prize offered by the British Wool Federation for the best exhibit
of wool in all the classes, a unique and Inghly prized distinction.
Sixteen pure breeds of sheep were represented, in addition to
four classes for crossbreds.

Showyard.—The establishment of the Shropshire Sheep
Breeders’ Association in 1882, combined with the great export
demand, induced breeders to enter the Showyard, with the
result that at the Royal Agricultural Show held at Shrewsbury
in 1884 no fewer than 875 Shropshire sheep were exhibited,
against 420 of all other breeds added together. At this Show
60 breeders exhibited, hailing from many counties, including
Treland.

In the United States and Canada Shropshires are far more
largely represented than any other breed. At the Chicago
(U.S.A.) Show of 1921, the Grand Champion Wether, beating
all breeds in open competition, was a Shropshire, exhibited by
Mr. Jesse Andrews.

Prices.—Shronshire Sheep have for many years (fully 40)
commanded high prices, rams ranging up to 400 guineas, ram
lambs to 180 guineas, ewes up to 70 guineas and ewe lambs to
40 guineas. These are of course for exceptional specimens, but
at the same time good Shropshire Sheep have always found a
ready market at very remunerative prices to the breeders. Prices
naturally vary according to the reputation of the flock and the
auality, but at the present time the best class of rams can
be bought at from 80 guineas to 150 guineas, and useful sorts

48 SHROPSHIRE SHEEP. [Apr.,

from 20 guineas to 40 guineas. The best class of ewe will now
cost from 12 guineas to 15 guineas, and a very useful class of
ewe from 7 guineas to 8 guineas.

Type.—The best type of Shropshire should possess (particu-
larly in the male) a well-developed head, with clean and striking
expression of countenance, a muscular neck well set on good
shoulders, the body symmetrical and deep, placed as squarely
as possible on short strong legs, due regard being paid to
grandeur of style, the face and legs should be a nice soft black
(not sooty) the head should be nicely covered, and the wool
generally should be fine, of great density and length of staple.

The skin should be nice cherry colour and the belly and
scrotum (in the males) should be well woolled.

Objections.—Horrs in ram; speckled face, ears or legs; long
heavy ears; thin open wool.

In all breeds there are more or less two types, and it is to
a certain extent the case with Shropshire Sheep. Some favour
the short-legged, symmetrical, deep, !ean-fleshed sheep, covered
with a dense heavy fleece, while others prefer the longer-legged
animal with more size, and possibly a little more bone. Per-
sonally I have always considered the Shropshire Sheep as a
medium-sized sheep of good quality with a robust constitution,
maturing early at small cost, admirably adapted as a general
purpose sheep. What I wrote some years ago I again repeat,
and it fully expresses my views on medium versus large sheep.
Some farmers prefer a big, coarse sheep on long legs, but I am
quite convinced of this, that the best rent-paying class is the
moderate-sized sheep of good quality, because the butchers can
sell them the more readily and at better prices, and a greater
weight per acre can be raised than where the larger and coarser
sheep is resorted to, for 100 ewes in the former instance require
as much land for their support as 180-140 well-bred moderate-
sized ewes.

Fecundity.—150 to 175 lambs per 100 ewes is the usual
average. A census which the writer took some years ago from
11,666 ewes gave a return of 168 lambs per 100 ewes, and in
addition to this Shropshire ewes are excellent mothers and great
milk yielders.

Adaptability and Hardihood.-—The breed flourishes in every
county in England, the humid climate of Ireland, the Highlands
of Scotland and the mountainous districts of Wales, at altitudes
up to 1,000 feet above sea level, and it is equally at home in
every country in the world.

1922. | SHROPSHIRE SHEEP. 49

Descended originally from a semi-mountain breed, it is
notoriously strong in constitution, and capable of withstanding
extreme variations of heat and cold and is one of the most hardy
breeds in existence. During the prolonged droughts which
periodically visit Australia the hardihood of the Shropshire Sheep
has been strikingly exemplified. Mr. Ralh, of Balaclava, South
Australia. on his return home, wrote as follows :—

‘“T arrived home all right, and found that 32 per cent. of my flock sheep
had perished during the 1906 drought, although the run was 23 per cent.
understocked, and that, instead of marking several thousand lambs, some
500 were all my share for the year’s increase. I must tell you 68 per cent. of
my Merino ewes died, and that those left only gave 8 per cent. of lambs,
whilst the Lincoln cross-bred dry sheep lost 48 per cent. of their numbers.
And now for a Shropshire comparison with these breeds. I lost one ewe of
my stud flock, and this by a dog, and the sheep, Mr. Kempe tells me, had by
no means the best of the country to live on, and were wholly unfed by artifi-
cial means ; but the best test of their hardihood comes from the grade flocks.
These numbered one-fifth of the sheep ; their loss has been but 8 per cent.,
and their increase 55 per cent. Mr. Kempe also tells me these grades had
more to withstand than the others, as they were thought to be hardier, and so
were given worse country to run on. This evidence of the Shropshire’s
value to this country of uncertain rainfall is to me overwhelming.”

Management.—A iew words about management of Shropshire
Sheep. These sheep in their native counties are not kept all
the year round between hurdles like some breeds, but are run on
the pastures a good deal. When requiréd they are good folding
sheep, and do very well on roots, kale, cabbage, ete.

Shropshires do not require a large amount of corn, in fact
they do better on moderate allowances of artificial food and are
really very economical feeders. The secret of management is
to keep the lambs going from birth and arrange for a steady
supply of suitable green foods.

A great point with lambs is to keep them on land which has
not previously been heavily sheeped, and the more often the
land is turned over by the plough the less the danger of para-
sitic disease. The usual custom is to mate the ewes to drop
their lambs from the end of January to mid-March, and great
care is taken in the mating both as regards conformation and
pedigree. It is the usual practice to put them on fresh pastures
at this period (rutting season). It is considered that it usually
results in an early and prolific fall of lambs.

After the mating season is finished the ewes run on old pas-
tures without any artificial assistance except in inclement
weather, and as the season advances trough food is usually given,
but great care must be taken to have a good supply of troughs,

dD

50 THe Larce Buack Pic. ‘Xe re.,

and so avoid crushing. ‘This artificial help usually consists of
a mixture of oats, bran, and linseed cake, or boiled linseed
mixed with a small amount of pulp and cut stuff. Feeding
pregnant ewes entirely upon a dry ration is not recommended,
but at the same time roots should be used vary sparingly.

it is considered of great importance to get the ewes and lambs
from the lambing fold as early as possible, and for this purpose
the young seeds supply all that is wanted, and in the case of
twin lambs the ewes are put on a generous diet and when possible
the lambs are allowed to run forward. The pasture is often
supplemented with roots, kale and cabbage.

Weaning usually takes place at the end of May or early in
June according to circumstances, but it is found in practice that
the food supphed at weaning time should be of a highly nutri-
tious character and such as can be easily assimilated. Fresh
seeds, supplemented with artificial food, with vetches, kale, or
cabbage, provide all that is required. This carries the lambs
to early autumn, when they are folded on roots, kale, ete.

It is the usual custom to keep the breeding ewes during the
summer on the poorest pastures that the farm affords, otherwise
thev are apt to lay on more flesh than is desirable in a breeding
flock.

To provide the young sheep with a regular rotation of green
crops and other suitable foods the breeder must exercise con-
siderable forethought. This can easily be done by planting so
much winter tares and rye in the autumn: following up with
spring tares, early Enfield Market cabbage, planted in February
or March, according to the weather: the drilling of the early
Enfield cabbage, early sheep fold and ocx cabbage at intervals
during the spring and summer months; assisted with white
turnips, rape, kale, kohl rabi, in suitable quantities. <A large
flock can be kept in this manner.

THE LARGE BLACK Sere

SANDERS SPENCER.

THIs is another of those breeds of pigs which have increased
enormously in popularity since a society was formed to register
the pedigrees of the pigs of the breed and to protect the interests
of its breeders. Unlike the Cumberland and the Gloucester Oid
Spots the Large Black appears to have had a dual origin, as
large pigs of @ black colour were bred to a considerable extent
in the Gounties of Essex, Suffoik and a portion of Cambridge

nn

1922. | THe Larce Buack Pic, 51

and also in the South-West of England lone before the first
pig society was formed. ‘The black pig of the Fastern Coun-
ties was a long pig square in the quarters, with light fore end,
rather flat ribs, fine in the hair, skin and bone, and somewhat
long in the face and on the leg. ‘lhe sows were prolific, and
very good milkers; the young pigs were hardy and quick
growers. These pigs were eminently suited to the outdoor life
they led as most of the sows and the store pigs had the run of
the pastures near the homestead during the winter and in many
instances were folded or ran loose over the temporary grasses,
mainly clovers sown on the arable lands, alternately with peas
or beans each four vears. A considerable number of these
black pigs were also fattened on “‘ seeds,’’ the additional food
usually being the beans or peas grown on the farm. This feeding
off the clovers and annual grasses with pigs was considered to
be a splendid preparation for the following wheat crop.

The large black pig common in the south-western coun-
ties was of a somewhat different character, being shorter
in the head, body and legs. heavier in the jowl and shoulder
and not so square in the hind quarters nor so good in the hams.
The variation in substance and the amount of fat carried might
have been due in part to the climate and to the varying food
requirements of the miner with his very severe toil and the
less arduous employment of the Eastern Counties’ residents.
The Cornish large black shared with the Essex type those very
valuable characteristics, prolificacy, free milking, hardihood
and quick growth when young.

The south-western large black pig was not generally known
bevond its borders until the bacon factory was built at Redruth.
For some time neariv the whole of the fat pigs killed thereat
were of the large black type common within the district.
Although the factory was well equipped and managed on scien-
tific principles the bacon failed to command the best prices on
the markets beyond the district. The sides of bacon were
declared to be too heavy in the fore-end, too short and with
hams of a shape not suitable for the best markets. Some of
the bacon was also said to be too fat and the bone too heavy.
Boars of another colour were introduced but the local prejudice
in favour of the black colour was great.

A few years earlier, consumers of pork and manufacturers of
bacon had become dissatisfied with the short, thick and compact
pig with an excessive proportion of fat which had become
general in the Eastern Counties. One of the results of the

D2

52 THe Larcr Buack Pic. [ ApR.,

objections raised and of the discussion in the Press was the
rehabilitation in public favour of the long-backed lean-fleshed
large black which furnished long sides of lean bacon but was
not so well suited for the fresh pork trade. A happy idea was
acted upon by some Kastern Counties’ pig breeders who pro-
ceeded into Cornwall for the purpose of inspecting the Cornish
type of large black pig. it resulted in the purchase of a num-
ber of the thick compact and heavy-fleshed pigs which when
crossed with the boars of the Eastern Counties large black
produced a far more suitable pig for bacon curers than could
possibly be bred from a pure South-Western or Kastern Coun-
ties bred pig. The interchange of breeding pigs between the
two distant districts resulted in the evolution of a black which
can fairly claim to be the equal of any breed of pig for the
production of large litters of quick-growing and early-maturing
pigs. There is much to be said in favour of the claim that no
breed of sow when crossed with a suitable white boar is
superior, if equal, to a Large Black sow in the production of
pigs for the highest price bacon.

The Large Black pig has extended to all parts of England
and Wales and has actually invaded Scotland, where until quite
recent years the breeding of pigs was by no means general or
popular. Many Large Black pigs are also found in Ireland
where the sows are very successful in producing pigs for the
bacon factories when crossed with the thick type of Large
White or Large White Ulster boars . It is also claimed that
no breed of imported pig can withstand the climate of South
Africa so well as the Large Black. For some reason, not
explained, pigs of nearly all other pure breeds degenerate
quickly in South Africa. where the dairying and bacon
industries are fast becoming very important, so that it 1s
possible that the export trade in Large Black pigs to tropical
or semi-tropical countries is likely to become of considerable
extent. No further proof of the great popularity of the Large
Black pig in the British Isles is required than the fact that
the members of the Society number about 1,700.

The revised scale of points is as follows :——

Head.—Medium length and wide between the ears... 5
Ears.—long, thin, inclined well over the face, with
nose of medium length 4
Jowl.-—Medium size 3
Neck.-—Fairly long and muscular 3
Chert.—Wide and deep ... 3:

°

Fie. 1.—Large Black Sow.

1922.] Depra or Sowrne Grass AND CLOVER SEEDS. 53

Shoulders.—Well developed, in line with the ribs... 8
Back.—Long and level ... neo sea at, a. 25
Ribs.—Well sprung bs ie pectic). baa) te
Loin.—Broad ne si as ssi one
Sides.—Very deep ba #3 pai 6
Belly and Flank.—T'hick and w ell dev slepece es |
Quarters.—Long, wide and not drooping _... ye ale
Hams.—Large and well filled to hocks a inst 20
Tail.-—Set high, of moderate size s af ee me
Legs.—Short, aan, flat and strong 4 Baa

Skin and Coat.—-Fine and soft, with pieene quan-
tity of straight silky hair acs oie A iS
100

Objections.

Head.—Narrow forehead or “‘ dished ’’ nose
Ears.—Thick, coarse or pricked.
Coat.—-Coarse or curly, with rose; bristly mane.
Skin.-—Wrinkled.

Disqualification.
Colour.—Any other than black.

* * * * * cd

DEPTH OF SOWING GRASS AND
CLOVER SEEDS.

R. D. Wiiuiams, B.Sc.,
Plant Breeding Station, Aberysiwyt

Te cultural operations connected with the covering ot grasses
and clover seeds vary considerably, not only in different parts
of the country but very often on different farms in the same dis-
trict. The underlying principles of many of these operations
are diametrically opposite: for instance, some authorities hold
the view that the best results are obtained by merely sowing the
seeds on the surface during a wet spell, while others advocate
drilling the larger seeds, such as rye grasses, tall fescue and
cocksfoot along with the seeds of the nurse crop, thus covering
the seeds to relatively great depths.*

The covering operations commonly practised bury the seeds
to var ‘ying depths intermediate between these two extremes. It

* “A better way to lay down |: and to pasture. ” By Professor T, W ibberley.
Hunter’s Annual Price List, 1920.

54 Depra or SowInG Grass AND Clover Sreps. [APr.,

is the practice of some to cover the seeds lightly by merely roll-
ing them in; others aim at covering the seeds more deeply by
using various kinds of harrows—chain, bush, and peg harrows,
or a special seed harrow. Moreover, the depth at which the
seeds are buried not only depends on the kind of harrow used
but also on the number of times the operations are repeated.
A coulter drill or the Cambridge roller fitted with a special seed
box is not infrequently employed.

As a general rule the nature of the soil and the depth require-
ments of the different seeds are not taken into consideration when
deciding on the method to employ ; this is generally based on the
custom of the district.

In view of the general tendency to increase the acreage under
grass and the losses which frequently occur as a direct result of
poor take, which are the more serious in the case of leys intended
to be left down for a number of years, greater attention should be
paid to field problems connected with laying down land to grasses
and clovers.

The best depths for sowing seeds of different cereals have been
investigated by Perkins and Spafford in Australia,* while the
best depths for sowing red clover seeds have been investigated at
Wisconsin and Michigan Experiment Stations, U.S.A.+ As far
as the writer is aware, but few experiments dealing with grasses
and clovers have been previously carried out in this country.t

Aims and Description of the Experiment.—The investiga-
tions here discussed were carried out during 1919 and 1920 with
the following species :—

Clovers.—Red Clover.
White Clover.
Grasses.—Perennial Rye Grass.
Cocksfoot.
Meadow Foxtail.
Rough Stalked Meadow Grass.

Pot Gultures.—A preliminary experiment was conducted at
the laboratories with numerous pot cultures.

All pots used were cf uniform size. The soil had been air
dried. ‘The seeds were sown on the surface and at depths of

“ Experiments Relating to the Depths of Sowing of some Agricultural
Seeds. By Perkins and Spafford. Journal of Dept. of Agriculture, South
Australia, Vol. XV, Nos. 3-6, 1910.

+ Forage Plants and their Culture. By Charles V. Piper, 1914.

+ Findlay has conducted experiments with Red Clover, but does not give
detailed results : see Red Clover, Bull. No. 24, The North of Scotland College
of Agriculture, by Wm. M. Findlay, N.D.A.

Or

1922. | DeptuH oF SOWING GRASS AND CLOVER SEEDS.

1, 1, 2, 4, 2, 3, 1, and 1} in.; these eight depths constituted
a series.

The method of procedure adopted in preparing the pois for
germination was as follows: Each pot was first filled to the
required depth—marked on the pot——with a definite amount of
soil in accordance with the volume of the pot below the depth
mark. After the soil had been carefully levelled to the depth
mark 100 seeds were sown at 1 cm. apart. The seeds were
covered to the appropriate depth by filling the pot with a caleu-
lated weight of soil, which was then compressed and levelled to
the ‘‘ surface mark.’’ By this method all the pots received
equal weights of soil, which occupied equal volumes and which
was compressed to the same degree of compactness, while the
seeds were buried to the exact depths required. The pots
received the same initial amount of water, and were afterwards
watered every two or three days as required. Hach series was
allowed to germinate at room temperature and was treated alike
in all respects. The number of surface seedlings was counted
every seven days. For the purpose of these experiments the
term ‘‘ surface seedlings ’’ is applied, in the case of surface
sowings, to seedlings with radicles properly fixed in the soil,
and in the case of covered sowings only to seedlings which had
reached the surface.

Box Cultures.—During May, June and July, 1920, a similar
experiment was carried out in boxes in the open, but protected
from birds by means of a wire cage. Seeds were sown on the
surface and at eight depths from } in. to 3 in., 500 seeds being
sown in each box in rows 1 in. apart and i in. between the
seeds in the rows. The ordinary soil, which had been freed of
stones. was used for this purpose. The method of procedure
adopted in preparing the boxes for germination was similar to fl
method described under pot cultures; the surface seedlings were
counted every 14 days.

Bed Cultures.—This experiment was carried out on duplicated
beds 42 in. by 18 in. on one of the Station’s experimental
grounds. 500 seeds were sown in each bed in rows 2 in.
apart and 3 in. between the seeds in the rows. The different
depths were gauged by means of a graduated wooden frame of
the same dimensions as the beds. The frame was pressed into
the soil until the required depth was reached. The soil was then
removed and the floor of the frame carefully levelled. The seeds
were covered by replacing the removed soil, which was pressed
down to the original surface mark.

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1922.] DrEpTH oF SowInGa GRASS AND CLOVER SEEDS. 5

Owing to the abnormally wet weather experienced during the
summer of 1920, the sowing of this experiment was postponed
until the latter half of August: unfortunately the season proved
to be too late for sowing white clover, meadow foxtail and rough
stalked meadow grass, and as the germination was too poor the
seedlings of these species were not counted.

The numbers of surface seedlings of the other three species
were counted four weeks after sowing, while the produce from
the duplicate beds was cut and weighed about eight months
after sowing (Sth April, 1921). At the same date the number
of tillers per plant was counted on 50 typical plants from each
bed.

The number of seeds employed in these three experiments
was :—

Pot Cultures ane “~ + 5% oe 26,800 seeds.

Box 4 yee a iis ov ee BT-000: t3

Bed < ae ae ai << she 54,000,
Total ss. + *£O7;G00" ;,

Soil.—The soil used in the pot and box experiments was taken
from the plot on which the beds were sown. It was a light loam,
which is the typical soil of the district.

Seeds.—The seeds used in the three experiments were care-
fully selected from the same bulks. All light and imperfect seeds
were discarded, while the clover seeds were rubbed between sand-
paper so as to reduce the number of hard seeds present; the
rubbing had the effect of increasing the percentage germination
of red clover from 81 to 94. The selected seeds were tested for
germination before commencing the investigations.

Red Clover.—A glance at the Table will show that the number
of surface seedlings at depths of 3 in. and over was very consider-
ably lower in the pot cuitures than at corresponding depths in
the box and bed cultures. The poor results given by the pot
cultures can be explained by the fact that the seeds were sown
much too thickly in the pots—about 10 times as thickly as
normal field seeding. As a result, the layers of soil overlying the
seeds were completely raised by the pressure exerted by the very
broad cotyledons of the seedlings, so that practically the only
seedlings that reached the surface were those which were for-
tunate enough to work their way up through the cracks in the
soil.

A comparison of the results given by the different depths in
the box and bed experiments proves very conclusively that red
clover seeds should never be left uncovered. Covering the seeds

58 DEPTH OF SowInc Grass anp CLover Seeps. [APR.,

to the very shallow depth of } in. had the effect of increasing
the number of surface seedlings by more than 100 per cent.
Tt is also equally clear that only failures in ‘‘ take ’’ may be
expected when the seeds are covered to depths of 2 or 8 in.
since at 2 in. only 58 per cent. reached the surface while the
& in. depth gave only 6 per cent. of surface seedlings.

Thes e experiments show that the best results are obtained when
the seeds are buried to a depth of not greater than 1 in. To
ensure that the seeds are properly covered a method of covering
by which the seeds are buried to average depths of 3 in. to 2 in.
should be adopted. Moreover, the young seedlings will se run
so much risk of being killed off as a result of a sudden spell of
dry weather at these dept ths as they would if covered too lightly.
Although } 4 in. to + in. beds an heavier yields than the 3 in.
and # in. beds in a very wet season, it is highly probable that
ieee yields would be reversed in a normally dry year.

it appears from the following figures, which give the average
number of stems per plant at oe: ont months after sowing,
that surface and deep sowings (e.g., 1 in. and 2 in.) have a
iemee ntal effect on stem formation during the early stages in
the life of the plants :-—
Depths nS sat Surface. fan. “Pins any (gians., 2
Number of stems per plant 22 3-0 2°8 a2 2°6 2°4
The Causes of Failure of Surface Sowings.—When the red
clover seeds are left uncovered the thick radicles of the seedlings
are unable to enter the soil immediately germination takes place.
This is partly due to the very blunt nature of the root tips
and partly to the fact that the root hairs are too short and matted
to act as such efficient organs of anchorage as in the case of
certain of the grasses. As the radicles and hypocotyls increase
in length the seeds are pushed back often to a distance of 14 in.
Hee any of the seedlings become fixed, but if the daddies are
held in position by a light covering of soil the radicles are able
to force their way into the soil at once. That this is the case
was proved by the following experiment. Seeds were sown on
the surface in four pots. The seeds in two of the pots were
lightly pegged down by means of notched matchsticks, the other
two pots were kept as controls. The results 10 days after sowing
are given below :—

Percentage Percentage seedlings with
Germination. radicles fixed in the soil.
Pegged cea 95 84

Unpegeged ... Be 4

1922. ] Deptu oF Sowrnc GRASS AND CLOVER SHEDS. 59

A rough surface very materially assists the seedlings to become
attached to the soil. Two series of tests were put up: in one
case the seeds were sown on the surface cn soil previously pressed
and in the other on a non-pressed surface ; in the former case 35
per cent. and in the latter 68 per cent. of the seedlings became
fixed to the soil. It would thus appear obvious that the soil
should not be rolled prior to sowing when it is not intended to
cover the seeds.

Germination is slower from surface than from covered seeds ;
and especially so if the soil is inclined to be fairly dry. The
following figures giving the percentage of germination fourteen
days after sowing show the extent of the difference :—

Surface. At Ath in.
Pot Cultures a3 ue bys 52 a fe aa 88
Box = ete oe has 36 pee aoa 90

Effect of Light on Germination.—That light has not the same
detrimental (or even any retarding) effect on the germination
of red clover seeds as it has on the germination of certain grass
seeds* was shown by the following experiment. In order to
equalise evaporation a number of surface sown pots were covered
with large petrie dishes. half of which had been made imperme-
able to light by covering them with thick, brown paper. Both
series were allowed to germinate under normal room conditions.
The average results after 10 days’ germination were:

Germination.
Exposed to light ig < “ts ue «:« 95 per cent.
Kept in the dark a <8 ae i <= 90 percent.

The Behaviour of Red Clover Seeds when Covered at different
Depths.—The seeds were sown at 12 depths varying from 4 in.
to § in. round the sides of large glass tubes in order to keep the
seeds and seedlings under observation. The tubes were covered
with brown paper and kept in a dark room at ordinary tempera-
ture (maximum about 12° C.).

It was found that the seeds germinated equally well and at
about the same rate at all depths down to 4 in.—the percentage
germination at these depths only varied from 75 per cent. to
85 per cent., but at 5 in. only 10 per cent. of the seeds germi-
nated, while at 6 in. not a single seed germinated although
water was imbibed by the seeds. The failure of the seeds to
germinate at depths of 5 and 6 in. was no doubt due to lack of

* Contributions regarding the germination of unhulled and naked ‘Timothy
seeds. By M. Heinrich, Landw. Versuchst. 93 ; Botanical Abstracts, Vol. VIJ,
No. 3, 1921.

60 DrptrH oF SOWING GRASS AND CLOVER SEEDS. [ APR.,

sufficient air at these depths, since the other factors controlling
germination were constant for all the tubes.

The percentage number of seedlings that had reached the
surface in 22 days after sowing is given below :—

Percentage Surface

Depth. Seedlings *
4 in. Se a et sm ros ste Sea 65
z and 2 in. ane an wae Be hie aes 75
4 in. ag: ae see BAD aie iar 5 6 55
1—6 in. AB oe ait sir ses sted Ae 0

This experiment shows that red clover seedlings are unable to
reach the surface when sown too deeply, and this mainly on
account of the large surface which the broad cotyledons offer to
the resistance of the soil. When buried at depths of 1 to 4 in.
the pressure was so great that the hypocotyls of many seedlings
were forced to assume a horizontal position, some being bent
right back and forced to grow in the same direction as the
radicles. Even at the fairly shallow depths of 2 to 1 in. the
seedlings experienced considerable difficulty in working their
way through, as was shown by the very tortuous course followed
by the much thickened hypocotyls.

Conclusions.—(1) The best depth at which to sow red clover
seeds in light loamy soils appears to be 4 to ? in.t

(2) Only a very small percentage of the seedlings may be
expected to establish themselves if the seeds are left uncovered.

(8) Many of the seedlings are unable to reach the surface if
the seeds are buried to depths of over an inch.

(To be concluded.)

* The soil in the tubes was presse’ very hard, hence the reason for the
percentage of surface seedlings being lower than in tbe pot experiments.

+ cf. Findlay (loc. cit.) who states that he obtained the best results when
the seeds were covered by about % in. of soil; he also states that it is
necessary to sow the seeds deeper on a dry than on a wet soil,

1922. ] Tue Wortuina Fruir GrRowinc INDUSTRY. 61

THE WORTHING FRUIT GROWING
Petts LY
A. G. LEENEY.

In that part of Sussex which is bounded by the river Adur on
the east and the Arun on the west there lies, between the South
Downs and the sea, a tract of land some fifteen miles by four
miles, whereon has been developed the Worthing fruit growing
industry.

The natural advantages are many: the soil for the most part
is rich and deep, the hills to the north are of sufficient height to
keep off the cold north and north-east winds, while the L.B. and
S.C.R. line from London to Brighton and Portsmouth, with
stations every two or three miles, runs through the centre of it,
providing an efficient service to London and the northern mar-
kets. There is an unfailing water supply, ample sunshine and
an average rainfall.

Worthing’s fruit fame goes back some 600 years, when the
great Archbishop, Thomas-ai-Becket, had a country residence at
West Tarring, now a part of the borough of Worthing, in the gar-
den of which he grew the luscious figs which for many centuries
constituted Worthing’s chief claim to fame in the fruit world.
Figs are still grown, although Worthing has now to give the
palm for quality to Guernsey. In the Worthing district there
are now some 250 fruit growe1$, who between them employ
somewhere between 1,500 and 2,000 men, and if the individual
successes have not been so striking as in some other districts, at
least it can be claimed that the ‘industry has afforded to those
engaged in it a comfortable living in one of the most favoured
climates in the world.

It is difficult to realise in these days, when the consumption
of tomatoes in this country exceeds 100,000 tons per annum,
that it is less than fifty years since the first glass-house for grow-
ing tomatoes for market, was put up in Worthing, while the
tomato itself was regarded by the retailer as somewhat of a
curiosity and was labelled by him ‘‘ Love Apple ’’: indeed the
fruit trade itself is of comparative modern development, as men
who are still engaged in the business well remember.

Although mere names will not mean much to the majority of
readers, it will interest many growers still living to mention that
O’Bryrne, George Purser, and George Beer were among the
pioneers of the glasshouse industry, and that parts of their

‘62 THE WortHinc Fruir Growine Inpustry. [ APR.,

original houses are still in existence, although probably rather
like the boy’s pocket knife, which had had four new blades and
two new handies. It was quickly realised that tomatoes, cucum-
bers and grapes could be grown to perfection under glass, and
the pioneers were followed by the men who had gained a little
experience as foremen and “* hands ”’ of the earlier growers.

The growth of the industry was rapid for twenty-five years.
The houses most in favour for cucumbers were 16 ft. wide with
10 ft. rafters, and for tomatoes and grapes 20 ft. wide with 14 it.
raiters. | While probably these sizes are most suitable for
ctiicumber and grape growing, the Guernsey and [ea Valley
growers consider the Worthing tomato houses to be much too
small.

The popular south coast resorts have developed greatly during
the past twenty years. and one would think that the fruit-growing
industry would have expanded to a commensurate degree. The
demand for tomatoes, cucumbers and grapes has enormously
increased all over the country during the same period, but the
demand has been supplied by the Lea Valley, the Channel
Islands, and by Holland and Belgium, while the development
of the Worthing district has been slow. At one time an easy
first, Worthing now has to take third place to Guernsey and
the Lea Valley.

t is worth while to compare the conditions ruling in the three
districts in order to ascertain, if possibie, the reason for Worth-
ing’s failure to advance as rapidly as other districts. The chief
factors are cost of land, quality of land, climate and transport.

Tn the matter of cost, land in the Channel Islands costs more
than in the Worthing district, which in its turn is much more
expensive than the Lea Valley; for quality, land at Worthing
is at least the equal of either of the other districts, and is almost
certainly superior to the Lea Valley. So far as climate is con-
cerned, Guernsey has an advantage over Worthing for earliness,
while in this respect the Lea Valley is a very bad third. LEarli-
ness, however, is not the only factor: the Channel Islands are
exposed to the full force of the Atlantic south-westerly gales, and
crowers are compelled to erect much heavier, stronger, and
therefore more expensive, structures than their competitors on
the mainland. Worthing is also exposed to the wind, and, while
erowers can build much cheaper than Guernseymen, they are
compelled to build considerably heavier than the Lea Valley men.

Transport.—It is when transport is considered that one
realises the advantages the Lea Valley growers have over those

1922. | Ture WorruHina Fruit GROWING /JNDUSTRY. 63

of Worthing and the Channel Islands. The North London men
gather their crop in the morning, load if on motor lorries at the
packing sheds, whence it is taken by road to Covent Garden in
jess than two hours. Worthing is sixty miles from Covent
Garden, and, although three attempts have been made to estab-
lish a motor-lorry service, they have all failed to compete success-
fully with the railway. The Worthing men do, however, pack
in the morning and load the fruit train which leaves Worthing
station at 12.80 mid-day, the produce arriving at Covent Garden
between 4 and 5 in the afternoon. in the matter of trans-
port the Guernseymen are at an even greater disadvantage ; the
G.W.R. and the L. and S8.W.R. give an excellent service of both
passenger and cargo boats, but, even so, the produce does not
reach Covent Garden until the morning of the second day after
despatch.

The difficulty of transport is a real one, but it is not sufficient
to explain Worthing’s recent slow progress.

The Worthing Glass-Houses.—The lay-out of the Worthing
nurseries 1s faulty and uneconomical. For the most part the
houses are small, and they are scattered and heated by a multi-
plicity of small boilers set in an equally large number of stoke-
holds, awkwardly placed and difficult of access. The Worthing
pioneer, and, unfortunately, his successor of to-day, thought in
terms of houses; the Lea Valley man. on the other hand, has had
the experience of earlier growers to build upon, and has always
thought in terms of acres. While the Worthing grower has
thought of putting up houses in which to foree stuff, the Lea
Valley man has conceived the idea of covering in acres of ground
with glass, in order to grow produce under artificial conditions.
His lighter and therefore cheaper structures, involving less
capital outlay, and the large saving effected in transport. have
enabled him to produce at a lower cost than either of his principal
competitors.

Crops.—In the matter of packing great strides have been
made. It seems almost incredible in these “days, when
‘ trunks ’’ are chiefly used for packing chrysanthemums, that at
one time the favourite package for cut bloom was the 1s. cross-
handle basket. There are men still engaged in packing at
Worthing who used to pack chrysanthemums in the cross-handles
The cultivation of the chrysanthemum is carried on extensively
in the district, the mid-season and late varieties being “* lifted ”’
to follow cucumbers, tomatoes. and erapes. which with the
chrysanthemums form the leading crops grown locally. Mush-

64 Tae Wortsinc Fruir Growine Inpustry. [ APR.,

rooms and carnations are also specialised in by a few firms with
much more than a local reputation. Early beans and forced
strawberries are also important crops, although Worthing no.
longer maintains its reputation for the latter.

Worthing tomatoes have a great reputation, but Covent Garden
regards Worthing grapes as of more importance, and the early
Hambros, which have long been a speciality of the district, are
eagerly sought after by the commission salesmen for distribution
all over the country. In this domain Worthing has advantages
which even now are not fully realised; climatic conditions rule
the Lea Valley right out, while both the Guernsey and Belgian
growers have transport difficulties to contend with, which in the
case of grapes are greater than with tomatoes. While it is true
that lightness of crop in the very early houses makes their pro-
duction a doubtful economic success, it is nevertheless a fact that
both Hambros and Musecats grown for marketing before the out-
door strawberry crop, come less into competition with supplies
from other centres, and therefore realise more satisfactory returns
than produce marketed later in the year. It is by taking advan-
tage of their favourable climate that the Worthing men can con-
tinue to achieve success. Karly tomatoes, beans, Hambros,
Museats and cucumbers will enable them to compete with other
sources of supply, and, fortunately, nothing can take away from
them their climatic advantage.

Cucumbers for Export.—Before the war Worthing did a con-
siderable export business with Germany in winter cucumbers, and,
practically had a monopoly of the business, as the cost of carriage
beat the Guernseymen, who had to give up growing cucumbers,
while the Lea Valley is too cold to compete with Worthing during
the winter.

Recent Developments.—In 1921 there has been a develop-
ment of building in the district, and, as the construction of the
new places is on the lines of the most successful Lea Valley
establishments, it will be interesting to watch the progress made
in these up-to-date nurseries.

1922. | Sucar Breer GRowina. 65

SUGAR BEET GROWING
IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM.
R. G. RIpuine,

School of Agriculture, Cambridge.

Tue writer has spent several weeks in the Low Countries
making a close study of the methods adopted there in the culti-
vation of sugar beet, and an attempt has been made in the
following article to deal with some of the points that may be ot
service to British growers.

Soil.—Though the sugar beet will grow well in most soils, it
does best on the medium and more friable soils. In Belgium
and Holland it is grown on soils which have the texture of fine
and coarse silts. In the province of Zeeland, e.g., the soil is
alluvial and contains a high percentage of calcium carbonate,
while in North Brabant the soil is of a distinctly sandy character.
Land which produces good crops of mangolds does not necessarily
produce good crops of beet, so that farmers should choose the site
for cultivation with care, and preference should be given to the
lighter portions of the farm.

Careful consideration should be given to the drainage of the
land, for land which “ lies wet’’ is in every sense unsatis-
factory. In Holland great stress is laid upon the advantages of
‘thorough *’ drainage, but many farmers adopt a system of
open surface drains. These are 18 inches deep, and are placed
from 9 to 25 feet apart according to the texture of the soil, with
outlets into a main drain 2 feet 6 mches in depth. Examination
of lands so drained during the wet months of the year showed
that all surplus water was effectively removed.

Rainfall.tThis is an important factor in the cultivation of
the beet crop. In Holland it is stated that the best results are
obtained when there is plenty of rain during the late spring and
early summer to enable the seeds to germinate, and the young
plants to make quick. growth, followed. when the roots are well
formed, by dry conditions for the maturing of the plants and the
formation of a high sugar content. This fact has been estab-
lished also in the laboratories of the sugar factories. Not only
is the sugar content higher in a dry summer, but when once the
plants have come well away in the spring a dry period does not
have an adverse effect on the weight of the crop. In the dry
season of 1921, where the beet was planted early, as in Zeeland,
the weight of the crop was 20 per cent. above the average, but
late planting in parts of Belgium resulted in many cases in great

E

66 Sucar Breer GROWING. [ APR.,

loss. ‘This emphasises the importance of rainfall during
germination and until the plants have formed a well-developed
root system.

Place in Rotation.—The beet crop is normally taken after a
straw crop, and would in England occupy the place now taken
by roots in the rotation. For long there has been dissatisfaction
among farmers with the root crop on account of the high cost of
production and the relatively low return. Whether sugar beet
will assist the farmer in this matter is still a subject for experi-
ment, but it can conceivably take the place of part of the roots
now grown, with some financial benefit. The cleaning of the
land is as easy under a crop of beet as under swedes or mangolds,
and is of just as much importance, so that its introduction would
cause no disturbance of present practice.

Tillage.—The land requires very thorough tillage for this
crop, and farmers are particularly careful that the operations are
carried out so that drilling may be commenced as early in April
as the weather will pemit. The sequence of operations adopted
in Holland and Belgium is :—

Autumn. 2 ploughings and thorough cleaning.
Spring. Manuring.

Cultivation.

tolling.

2 harrowings.

Manuring.

Drilling.

Light harrowing.

Rolling.

The two ploughings are carried out with an interval of at least
a month between, and the land hes in furrow during the winter.
The sub-soiling plough is used once during the rotation, usually
when the clover land is being ploughed up.

Manuring.—It is ireely recognised that different types of land
have different manurial needs, so that hard and fast rules for
manuring the beet crop cannot be laid down, but the matter is
so important that it should be the subject of careful thought. It
must be remembered that the beet responds well to heavy
manuring.

The application of farmyard manure to beet land is not
favoured in Holland, but a dressing of 10 tons to the acre is
frequently given in Belgium. Dutch farmers prefer to give 20
tons of farmyard manure per acre to the land at such a place in
the rotation that one or preferably two crops have been removed
before the beet crop is planted. They affirm that the highest
sugar percentages follow such a practice, and that maturing of
the crop is more regular.

1922. ] Sucar Breer GRowING. 67

Mineral manures are very freely used, and successful growers
of beet in the Low Countries give the following applications as
suitable for the production of good returns in their respective

districts :— Superphosphate Kainit Lmmonium sulphate
or or or
Basie slag. Sylvinit. Nitrate of Soda.
cwt. per acre. cwt. per acre. cwt. per acre.
Holland: Zeeland ... 5 — 2—4
Belgium: Velm_... 8 8 4

The applications used in Zeeland have been established as
the result of controlled experimental work. In these experi-
ments, kainit, at the rate of 3 cwt. per acre, was added to the
manures given above, but since this application did not in any
way improve the crop, and since the alluvial soil contains
sufficient available potash, the practice of using kainit was dis-
continued in that part of the country. In North Brabant,
however, and in Belgium, applications of potash manures are
necessary.

The amounts of mineral manures applied in the Belgian
district quoted above illustrate the variation of manurial needs
according to the type of soil. The applications are higher than
those given by farmers in other parts of the country, but it must
be admitted that during this dry year such heavy manuring
proved advantageous, for the crops there were both early and
heavy. A much more general Belgian manuring is :—

10 tons of farmyard manure, applied early in autumn.

5 ewt. superphosphate or basic slag.

3 cwt. kainit or sylvinit.

3 cwt. ammonium sulphate or nitrate of soda.
When the dressings given above are compared with those adopted
in England, the outstanding differences are in the amounts of
superphosphate and nitrogenous manures. The large dressing
of nitrate of soda or of sulphate of ammonia has proved its useful-
ness. The nitrogen forces the plant into early growth and
prevents any check throughout the growing season, but this
continued growth does not, as one might expect, delay the time
of harvesting. From the results observed in the Low Countries,
if appears that an increase in the amount of quick acting nitro-
genous manures might be of advantage in England.

The farmyard manure should be applied and spread before the
second ploughing in the autumn. ‘The superphosphate or slag,
and the kainit, are sown at the end of December or during the
early part of January whenever the weather is favourable. The
nitrogenous manure is sown in doses, the first just before

E 2

_

68 Sucar Brrr Growinac. [ Apr.,

drilling and the second immediately after singling. The applica-
tion of the manures in this way should give the best results, for.
it allows time for the necessary chemical actions in the soil, and
by the time the seeds have germinated the plant food has become
available. Continental farmers consider that the early sowing
cf mineral manures is not associated with loss.

Seeds and Sowing.—Many varieties of sugar beet are avail-
able to the. grower, but, as a rule, seed that is foreign to the
district 1s planted. Before 1911 most of the seed that was used
in both Holland and Belgium was obtained from French growers,
but important factors sent the trade into German hands. The
German merchants sold their seed with guarantees of minimum
germinating capacity, true variety, and minimum sugar per-
centage, and these guarantees served to capture the trade.

Formerly each farmer cultivated that variety which he fancied
most, but recently a different system has been instituted. The
farmer purchases his seed from the factory that buys his roots,
and this ensures that each factory is dealing with only those
varieties which it can most satisfactorily handle, as well as
assuring it of a definite supply of roots of uniform character and
variety. At the moment great care is needed in the importation
of Continental seed, for there is a general complaint among the
farmers of the Low Countries of seed adulteration.

Before sowing; the Dutch farmers of Zeeland treat the seed
with a 2 per cent. solution of copper sulphate. It is thoroughly
wetted on a stone floor, piled in heaps, and covered with a cloth
soaked in the solution. It is allowed to remain for 12 or 15 hours,
and then spread and air dried. ‘This treatment, it is considered,
reduces the loss of seed through attacks by the wireworm.

The drilling of the seed begins as early in April as weather
permits, and is usually completed about the middle of May.
About 18 or 20 lb. of seed per acre is sown in rows from 14 to
16 inches apart. It is never sown more than 3 inch in depth,
and if the ground be damp 3 inch deep is quite sufficient.

Intertillage.—The intertillage of the beet crop differs in
iowise from that given to the root crop.in Britain. Too much
stress cannot be laid upon the necessity of keeping the crop
clean, for on this its success is largely dependent. When four
leaves appear the singling is commenced, and the plants are
left 14 inches apart in the rows. Immediately singling is com-
pleted the second dose of nitrogenous manure is applied, and
this serves to prevent that check to the growth of the plant
which often follows rough usage.

1922. | Sucar Breet GROWING. 69

Harvesting.—This begins at the end of September and con-
tinues till mid-November. ‘Slight frosts will not harm the roots,
and it is better to delay the lifting til! the ground is really needed
for preparation for the next crop. ‘The late lifting allows the
action that follows the application of large dressings of potash

(Oy. ete ae ~
. oer ea oe eee | ets
as a rs Les. peererer ies htt bt bbant Aye De
Key,

> Fig 6. o-LiIf ting Fork e

Pe Rey VS as Se it hays We sm win em Op

~eesceewrer*> *

hs se come eee:

phe LST
; i EY a Ly a eM Se Oe a AY

fendeatgns

«com ews Cee

tf
LILANSOLILOLIIALID IE NL Lee,
~

ME Ec and
90 Tee eee Oraet ‘Took

breeches Bim o22D

Figede-Topping Knife.

manures to become completed, and larger quantities of sugar
are formed and stored in the roots. ‘The crop can
be ploughed out with a special light plough, or a satisfactory
substitute for this can be made by removing the mould
boards from a common single furrow plough and so adjusting
the wheels that the chisel-pointed share cuts to a depth of 9 or
10 inches. This method is not recommended except where the
farmer can personally supervise the work, for it increases the
possibility of damage to the roots.

The practice usually adopted in Holland and Belgium is lifting
by hand. When the soil is dry and friable, the labourer uses
a short, stout two-pronged fork as shown in Fig. 1. This fork
is about 7 inches long, with the prongs not more than 4 inches

a

70 Sucar Beet GRowING. [ Apr.,

apart. Should the conditions be wet, the fork is replaced by a
light graft-like tool illustrated in Fig. 2. Hither of these tools
will enable the workman to dig or lever the beet from the soil
with ease. As the beets are lifted they are placed in rows, with
leaves all pointing in one direction. This is important, since it
saves labour in topping.

Topping.—EHach labourer carries in his belt a topping knife
similar to a butcher’s chopper weighing about 1 lb. (Fig. 3.).

Having lifted a row of beet, he returns, and, picking up each
beet by means of the curved point of his knife, he tops it by a
quick straight cut, the cut being made at the level of the lowest
leaf scar. The roots are then thrown into heaps.

The topping of the beet in the correct position is a matter that
requires strict supervision. If it is topped too near the leaves,
the farmer loses part of the crown, which contains valuable
cattle food, yet for the extra weight in the roots he receives no
credit from the factory manager, for the crown is of little value
for sugar extraction. When returning for his lifting tool, the
labourer covers the heaps of roots with leaves to prevent drying,
or damage by severe frosts before carting is possible.

The lifting, topping, and loading into carts, is usually done by
piecework, and gangs of men go from farm to farm for this
alone. In loading the beets into the carts, they use a concave
five-pronged fork, the points of each prong being enlarged and
rounded to prevent the penetration of the roots.

Mechanical Harvesting.—Mechanical lifting is carried out
only where the beets are grown on a large scale. Various
machines have been devised to do the work quickly and simply.
At a demonstration at Gembloux, in Belgium, in September, two
machines carried out the work of topping and lifting expeditiously
and efficiently. A Belgian machine did the work in two opera-
tions. Several rows were first topped by a separate machine
drawn by horses, the tops and crowns being mechanically raked
into heaps for carting. This machine was followed by a digger
drawn by a light tractor. A machine sold by M. Guichard, of
Lieusaint, France, is a combined topper and lifter ight enough
tc be drawn by three horses, which wi!! top and lift 24 acres of
beet in a day of 8 hours.

The topper consists of a drum capable of vertical movement,
and directly in the rear of this a knife which beheads the beet.
When the drum comes into contact with the beet tops, these are
drawn in and the knife is forced against the crown of the plant.
The severed tops are deposited in rows on one side of the

1922. | SucarR Beer GRowING. 71

machine. With this machine the tops are macerated, and will
serve best as green manure. Behind the topper is the share
which lifts the beets from the soil without damaging them in
any way. A set of forks, similar to those in the Martin potato
digger, turns at some speed behind the share, and catching the
roots, throws them into a large drum, where the adhering earth
is removed. ‘The beets are carried by cross bars to the top of
the drum and dropped into a hopper which will hold about 440 lb.
This hopper can be emptied by the machine mechanic quickly
and easily, and it leaves, every 40 or 80 yards, a heap of beets
that can be readily removed by the following carts. Harvesting
of beets with machines of this type is similar to, but much less
expensive than, harvesting potatoes on a large scale.

Use of Tops.—The farmer must decide for himself what will
be done with the leaves and crowns, but there are several pos-
sibilities. They make excellent green manure and can be profit-
ably ploughed in. They can be fed green to cattle, folded with
sheep, or used for silage. They are always marketable, though
to sell them is inadvisable, for they seldom fetch a price at all
equivalent to their value; for instance the price last season has
been as low as £1 10s. Od. per hectare, 7.e., about 12s. 6d. per
acre. Leaves recently analysed in Holland were found to con-
tain :—Nitrogen 0.56 per cent., Phosphates 0.24 per cent.,
Potash 0.8 per cent. This will show that they contain a large
percentage of the elements necessary for plant food, and if the
. Unit Values are taken at, nitrogen 17s., potash 4s. 10d., and
phosphoric acid 3s., the value of a ton of tops and crowns as
green manure would be approximately 14s.

As a cattle food, Kellner, in the ‘“* Scientific Feeding of
Animals,’’ gives the following figures :—

Tops and Crowns of Beet,
Wet. Siloed. Dry.
Starch equivalent... ( &: 9°5 27°0

A Dutch Commission of experts placed their feeding value
somewhat higher than this.* It can be concluded that when
fresh these products have a higher feeding value than mangolds,
and when dry the feeding value is about equal to that of clover
hay. Therefore the preservation of these by-products is a matter
of great importance to the farmer. Continental farmers praise
the tops as a food for milch cows, but care should be taken to
see that they are fed clean and fresh, for without judicious
watching they are liable to cause ‘“‘ scour’ in the early part
of the season.

¥ See this Journal, Vol. xxii, p. 750, November, 1915.

~]
i)

GRASSLAND IN CORNWALL. [| APR.,

IMPROVEMENT OF GRASSLAND
IN CORNWALL.

HOME interesting results have been obtained from a series
of grassland experiments conducted by the Agricultural Com-
mittee of the Cornwall County Council. At one centre at
Meudon, Mawnan, two fields of temporary pasture were placed
at the disposal of the Committee. In Tield A., the herbage of
which was very thin and poor, five one-acre plots were set
out on one half of the field and treated in the winter of 1920-21

as follows :— Pane,
3 war

Plot 1—Control. No manure.
»9' 21,120 Ib. 20 per cent. Basie: slac:
,, 3.—448 lb. 30 per cent. Superphosphate.
>, 4.—448 lb. 30 per cent. Superphosphate and 168 Ib.
Sulphate of Ammonia.
,, ds—As No. 4, with 112 Ib. Muriate of Potash.

The plots were cross-dressed with lime as follows (per acre) :—
(a) 4 tons Sea Shell Sand (containing 4 cwt. Lime per ton).
(b) 2 tons Ground Limestone.

(c) 10 ewt. Ground Lime.
(d) No Lime.

At inspections in November, 1921, and March, 1922, the
basic slag plot proved to be the best of the series. There was
a close bottom of White Clover, and the whole was closely grazed, |
while there was an absence of inferior grasses. The herbage on
the sulphate of ammonia plot (No. 4) was rougher and coarser,
with less White Clover, and was not closely grazed. The com-
plete manure plot (No. 5) was almost equal to the slag plot.
There was a great contrast between the above plots and the other
half of the field which had received farmyard manure only.
When the hay crop was weighed green in June, the best results
were obtained from slag after lime (8% tons per acre), slag
after sand (85 tons per acre), superphosphate after sand
(24 tons), superphosphate and sulphate of ammonia after lime-
stone (5 tons per acre). These should be compared with the
yield of 12 tons per acre from the control plot. It is interesting
to note that the sea shell sand as a dressing for grassland was
at least equal to other forms of lime. Farmers living within a
few miles of the coast might well consider the aévisability of
using lime in this form.

On Field B. the pasture had been laid down two years before
the experiment commenced (spring, 1921), and it was then in a

~I
wo

1922. | GRASSLAND IN CORNWALL.

poor condition. The treatment was designed to ascertain
whether such a pasture could be so improved as to obviate the
necessity of breaking it up for a few years. The field was
divided into six one-acre plots and treated with (1) Superphos-
phate, (2) Superphosphate, Sulphate of Ammonia and Muriate
of Potash, (3) Superphosphate and Muriate of Potash, (4) No
manure, (5) 33 per cent. solution of Sulphate of Ammonia, and
(6) Farmyard Manure.

On 21 acres across the plots, one half of which had received
lime and the other half had not, a renovating mixture consisting
of 2 lb. Single-cut Cowgrass, 1 lb. White Clover, 1 lb. Alsike
Clover, 1 lb. Timothy, 1 lb. Rough-stalked Meadow-grass, 8 Ib.
Perennial Rye-grass per acre, was sown in April, 1921, after
the surface had been thoroughly harrowed. The field was in-
spected in November, and the following report made: ‘‘ The
limed portion showed great improvement and was more evenly
grazed. The effect of the renovating mixture was excellent,
there was a good ‘ take’ of clover, and such weeds as Prunella
and silver leaf, which were very conspicuous before treatment,
were only to be seen in isolated patches. The plots to which
superphosphate and potash were applied were all greatly im-
proved, particularly the potash ones.’’

The success of this experiment in renovating a very poor thin
pasture is striking, and should encourage other farmers to try
the effect of a good harrowing with a toothed harrow, followed by
the application of a few pounds of suitable mixture per acre,
rolled in and dressed with superphosphate and potash.

At another centre at Trebileock, Roche, three experiments
were conducted. In Field A. liming was followed by a “* seeds ”’
mixture for temporary pasture. The lime applied was at the
same rate as in Field A. of the Mawnan centre (ground lime,
cround limestone and sea sand). The field was “* seeded ont ”’
on dredge corn in 1921, four separate mixtures being sown on
one-acre plots. A great difference was seen in October, 1921,
between the Jimed and unlimed portion of the field, the sea
sand plot especially showing up remarkably well.

Field B., an old rough and coarse pasture, was divided into
four one-acre plots and treated with artificials. The plots were
then cross-dressed with lime in the three previously mentioned
forms. In October, 1921, and again in March, 1922. a great
improvement on all the manured plots could be seen, but the
most noticeable was on Plot 4, which had received Superphos-
phate, Sulphate of Ammonia and Muriate of Potash.

V4 Notes oN Manures For APRIL. [ APR.,

Since these notes were written, Mr. W. Borlase, the Agricul-
tural Organiser, has paid a visit to the plots, and states that the
improvement noticed at Meudon and also at Roche continues.
At the latter centre the quality of the pasture on the part of the
field devoted to the experiment is much snperior to that on the
part seeded and manured by the farmer.

The results of all these experiments are very striking, in spite
of the unfavourable season, and they eannot but be useful to
the farmers of the district. They seem to emphasise the fact
that much pasture is starving for want of either lime or phos-
phates, in many cases both.

NOTES ON MANURES FOR DAPRIL:
EH. d.: Russeun: Dse Wh se.

Rothamsted Experimental Station, Harpenden.

Can Lime be mixed with Sulphate of Ammonia*—Several
correspondents have asked whether it would be safe to mix
lime or calcium carbonate with sulphate of ammonia and super-
phosphate in order to counteract the tendency of these sub-
stances to induce acidity in the soil. This plan cannot be
recommended; it might answer if every condition were
favourable, but under ordinary circumstances it is attended
with too much risk. Serious loss of ammonia would arise if the
mixture became damp or if it were not speedily and sufficiently
covered with soil, and there would be danger of serious reversion
of the phosphates. It is far better to put on the two substances
separately—the lime or calcium carbonate in the autumn or early
winter ; or, at the present time, to land which is due to come into
roots or clover leys; and the sulphate of ammonia for potatoes,
barley, etc.,.and as top dressing for winter corn crops.

Potassic Fertilisers on Pastures: Under what conditions
should they be used?--it has been shown that potassic fer-
tilisers give good results on pastures only on certain peaty soils.
Professor Somerville quotes an instance in the county of Dum-
fries of a pasture on 10 ft. of peat where the addition of 8 ewt.
of kainit per acre to 10 ewt. slag markedly increased the yield
of mutton during the next 7 years and left a substantial profit.
Apart from these peat soils it is not usually found that potash is
an advantage; neither in the English nor in the Scottish trials.
did it give more than slight increases and usually not profitable

—

1922. | Norges on MANurRES ror APRIL. 75

ones. ‘his remark of course does not apply to hay land,
where potash frequently gives good results.

Lime on Pastures: Is it any use?—Considerable diversity of
opinion was expressed at the meeting of the Farmers’ Club,
where Professor Somerville read his paper on the Improvement
of Poor Pasture, as to whether lime is of value for this purpose.
There is much evidence that lime alone will not effect a pro-
fitable improvement of such land, but this is only in accordance
with old farming experience.

“Lime, and lime without manure,
Will make both land and farmer poor.’

’

It is not surprising therefore that neither at Cockle Park,
nor in Northamptonshire and Hampshire, did lime alone give
any useful result. Indeed, at Cockle Park the continued use
of a small dressing of lime at three years intervals appears now
tc be doing positive harm.

The case, however, is different when lime is used in con-
junction with slag or cake, and cases were quoted in the dis-
cussion where this combination had given useful results.

It is often stated that lime in the slag should suffice for the
purpose of pasture Jand, but as a matter of fact only about 2
per cent. of free lime is usually present, so that a dressing of
10 ewt. of slag per acre would supply only 22} Ib. of lime.
While this small quantity would do something, one could not
expect it te do much. There is, however, often 35 per cent. or
more of combined lime, which might prove useful.

In a number of the Royal Agricultural Society’s trials lime
proved of value on pasture land, but it is not as certain in its
effects as slag, and farmers should try a small scale experiment
before embarking on any large expenditure. On hay land lime
may be more effective.

Organic Manures v. Artificials.—This question was discussed
at some length in a paper in this Journal (Vol. XXVI, p. 228,
1920), where it was shown that the experiments up to that date
indicated no superiority of organic manures (guano, rape dust,
etc.) over a cheaper mixture of artificials, and recent experiments
confirm this conclusion. The system of manuring on the Little
Hoos field at Rothamsted was somewhat altered in 1919 so as to
allow of a strict comparison between artificials and organic
manures without detracting from the original scheme of the
experiment, and the result has been to show the value of the
artificials.

76 Notes oN MANuRES For APRIL. | Apr.,

The crop yields are :—
Barley, 1919. Swedes, 1920. Barley, 1921.

Grain Straw Roots Grain Straw
bush, cwt. tons. bush. cwt.

Complete artificials only :—
including Basic Slag ... 31:2 Ia i DOSE: Sale 201
" Superphosphate 23°9 Gone ec Owe ies) a 17°8
Guano one as pee LO! age td Bae eh > 278 V1
Rape dust {5.6 dee oe as ae eo OS DA oa, We ee. 36
Shoddy aa ne Oe 14D. Mow, ED eet cola 16°0
Bone meal ... ees BS 4a PAGS ree: 8°6 24-1 1471

Tm each case the dressing contains 40 Ib. of nitrogen, 100 |b.
of calcium phosphate and 50 |b. of potash per acre. Each plot
was supphed with as much of its particular manure as possible
(shoddy, guano, etc.) without exceeding the receipt in any of
the three rationed ingredients. Any deficit in any one of these
three was made good by adding the necessary quantity of
sulphate of ammonia, superphosphate or sulphate of potash.

Manuring for a Rotation: How long will it last?—The
manures ordinarily in use do not deteriorate in the soil but
they suffer loss in two ways: (a) all fertilisers are taken up by
the erop and bodily removed from the soil; (b) the nitrogenous
manures are liable to be washed out from the soil, but the
potash and phosphate are not. It has been shown on an earlier
occasion that a moderate sized cereal crop removes from the soil
the equivalent of 8 ewt. of sulphate of ammonia, 13 cwt. of
superphosphate and 2 ewt. of sulphate of potash per acre; a
12-ton crop of potatoes removes the equivalent of 4 ewt. sulphate
of ammonia, 8 cwt. of superphosphate and 23 cwt. of sulphate of
potash; and a 80-ton mangold crop the equivalent of 5 cwt. of
sulphate of ammonia, 3 ewt. of superphosphate and 5 ewt. of
sulphate of potash. It is only when the: total dressing of dung
and artificials exceeds these amounts that any effect can be
expected in the second year.

Bone Meal and Dissolved Bones: Are they useful on Grass
Land?—In the past great results were obtained by the use of
bone manures on grass land in Cheshire. and a considerable
reputation was gained for these substances. It is, however,
doubtful whether they really deserve to stand very high in
esteem for this purpose. In the Cockle Park experiments they
certainly were not as useful as slag on grazing land, as they
did not encourage the white clover to anything like the same
extent. A number of trials organised by the Royal Agricultural
Society and reported by Dr. J. A. Voelcker and Professor
Carruthers in 1900 (Journ. Royal Agric. Soc., 1900,
Vol. LXI. 116) were quite unfavourable.

1922. | Nores on FEEDING Sturrs For APRIL.

“1
~)

NOTES ON FEEDING STUFFS FOR
APRIL.

E, T. Haunan, M.A., Dip. Agric. (Cantab.),
Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.

Vitamines in Feeding Stuffs.—Several correspondents have
written within the last few weeks asking for information
regarding certain proprietary feeding stuffs which are sold
expressly on the guarantee that they are peculiarly rich in vita-
mines. It appears evident from these inquiries that the farm-
ing community would welcome a few notes as to the value of
these ‘‘ vitamines ’’ and the extent to which they are normally
present in ordinary farm foods.

‘© Vitamines ’’ are substances which, although present in
‘small amount in feeding stuffs, exercise a profound effect on
the health and well-being of growing and adult animals. Thew
composition is at present unknown, and their presence in any
food or liquid can at present only be detected by the effect they
produce on animals when included in a diet known to be free
from vitamines.

The origin of the discovery of these mysterious “‘ accessory
food factors’ forms an interesting story. Some years ago
Prof. F. Gowland Hopkins was conducting feeding experiments
on rats, in which the substances used consisted of chemically
pure protein, fat and carbohydrate, together with ash consti-
tuents necessary for normal growth. This constituted in our
then state of knowledge a complete diet, but the curious fact
was established that, although these rats digested their food
satisfactorily, not one of them grew, and if kept on this diet
for a sufficiently long time the rats collapsed and died.

On establishing this fact, it was decided to ascertain the
result of adding a few drops of raw milk in the diet, with the
astonishing result that the rats grew normally. There was
evidently some substance present in the raw milk which was
essential to normal growth, and without which srowth could
not take place. This growth-promoting substance was called a
‘‘ vitamine.’’ . Contemporaneous research on the diseases of
scurvy and beri-beri showed that these disease conditions were
caused by the absefice in the diet of some substances present in
sthall amounts in certain fresh foods. All these substances are
grouped under the term “ vitamines,’’ of which three are
recognised, called respectively Fat Soluble A, Water Soluble B,

78 NoTEs oN FEEDING STUFFS FoR APRIL. Apr &

and Water Soluble C. Most of the common foods have been
tested for the presence or absence of these factors and a list
compiled which has been published by the Medical Research
Committee, and extracts from which appeared in a_ recent
number of this Journal.* The chief broad statements that can
be safely made are :—(1) Foods in which accessory food-factors

ee Price | :
Price Price Seanad “Food sh Uni nie
DESCRIPTION. per ae: ti). Sper Value per mee Istarch Starch
Qr. econ: Tor 100 Ib. Equiv. | Hquiv.
ee tals lb. Listy | eS sel Gel aase asset d.
| | | 4
Wheat, British - 57/- 504 | M2 AS.) Oe) AAS SABO a ate
Barley, English Feeding| 37/-|, 4004) 10° °7 |) 0.184 29-9 a7 S28 1°43
Canadian ,, -| 33/6' 400]. 9 8| 018] 810] 71 | 2/6 1°34
Oats, English White ,,- -| 36;-| 336>| 12 0] 019] 41 1 59°5| 3/9 2°01
, Black & Grey; 32/6; 336 | 1017} 019] 9 18) 59°5 | 3/4 1°78
Canadian - =|..38/6)' 320°) 1114 | (0°19 a) 10: 159)°59%5 5 | 3/7 1°92
,» Argentine - - 31/3) 3202) LOCL9 |) 20.194 Op On e50 bio /4 ae) ole rS
Maize, - - -| 45/6 480 | 10 12; O17 | 916); 81 | 2/5 | 1:30
‘, South African? & +| .38/6.-4801509, 90.) OVA 8) oa Sk 2a Oe
Beans, English Winter -| 65/-}, 532.| 13 147| 1 15 | 11-19 | 67 | 3/7 1°92
. Rangoon : -| — | — 9 20 TAD S| O25 Cle 122 1°16
Buck wheat, Manchurian} 59/-, 392 | 16 17 126/36 AD 9) (5374) 6/2 jl aodao0
Millers’ offals— | | | | |
Bran - = eer cas 9101) (16 °F eae B12 E70
Broad Bran = 5 =) —= fe = |, OS) A 6) TOs Ab S/O aay
Fine middlings = 0 | a aS So ea oe rete
Coarse middlings. -- — | — | 9 5 | Wi On oR Par ey Chey en be
Pollards (Imported) } — | — 8: -O4- dbo) 26 bel GOS 212 Aaeho
Barley Meal - . aft S| SID 20a) ALG) Eas mel soy anole
Maizes1. 1 - ah ee el ST te OT | OR Oa) Sta 2a} Or
., Germ Meal - =| 2 lie YO Tbe) Labs 28, TON 85731 27S sale DOF
,, Gluten-feed =| EP Pee TOTO! AR SS: TO S756 174 al aes
Locust Bean Meal abet ol as OEE LS AG e 9) Pir me aaa ee tale ee made
Bean Meal - : -| — | — |14 0/] 115) 12 5 | 67 3/8) dl S106
Wish StU Gag Se) Beet 5 S10) Cap ameneyoe geaees
Linseed - - - — | — | 2015 | 1 16) 18 19 1119 | 3/2 1:70
3 Cake, English, : | | | |
(9°/coil)) Lee] as) Ge 20.) Aa eoT Ha ey rea a ora eo
Cottonseed,, English) | |
(5° J. oily) a Oe TS Ga ee a oye 1°78
, Hgyptian | | | |
(B°/. ail) is 1 Eh BY D5..B ul 6164s ales 18 aa aaliege
decorti- | |
cated (7°/, oil) — | — | 14 OF, 311/10 9 | 71 | 2/11) 1°56
Coconut Cake (6°/,-oil)| —— | =) 99°40°Jv.1 19 57 Wl eon alate
Groundnut,, (6°/, )
(undecorticated) ee CLOMIO YS 1b 15 47 2/VO4. a2
Palm kernel Cake | |
(6°/, oil}} — | — | 8 OF 1 9] G11] 7 {1/9 | 0°94
Mea | | | | |
(2°/ oil)) | LON) 1 9) a Ce Gee kaw
Feeding Treacle - | eile Giga Vd 1) be) Coa ee Oe
Brewers’ grains, dried,ale| —}—/10 5; 111 ro a est a rs YA Ale ied et 2
* > 3;porter) — | — | 9 2 1 11 FAA RAO doy i) AsGe
a wet, ale) — | — ZOO) AAO 8 @ 2/15 |2/10) 1°52
», wet, porter — | "2 8 08) 1 18.) 1 S276 | 1°34
Malt ulus: 3) Oa pO) Ce | Sb aes 16° 22 | 43 38/1 | 1°65
|

* Vol. XXVII, October, 1920, p. 666. Tt Prices at Liverpool.

%

1922. | Notes oN FEEDING Srurrs ror APRIL. 79

ae per aco) ace Food S.E. | Value| Market
- on on Value per e pe ver | per |Value pe
FABM VALUES. 0) a Mee a Farm. | Ton, Pane | 100 as ‘Db. S.E.

Sie Ba. au. Be £ os. Ibs. | s d,
Dect see ee ae 05 | 2 64.198) ise) aD
Swedes 4 - fie | — | Pee, O53) O17 |. 7. bos 1°30
Mangolds”~ - - ee eat ered, Wn 2 | 013} 6 | 2/5 1°30
Good Meadow Hay .| — | — | 6 9} 018| 5111] 31. |3/7 | 1°92
Good Oat Straw - 5 eta gee | Sees OAD B.D 27 b8/7 1°92
Good Clover Hay ton enero ee eG AB | 32 Se | 1°92
} Vetch and Oat Silage -/ — | — 2.10 | 0 8 | 2 2)14 |3/0 | 1°61

Novre.—The prices quoted above represent the average prices at which actual wholesale
transactions have taken place in London, unless otherwise stated, and refer to the price ex mill or
store. The prices were current at the end of ;February and are, as a rule, considerably lower than
the prices at local country markets, the difference being due to carriage and dealers’ commission.
Buyers can, however, easily compare the relative prices of the feeding stuffs on offer at their local
market by the method of calculation used in these notes. Thus, suppose palm kernel cake is offere:
locally at £10 per ton. Its manurial value is £1 9s. per ton. The food valine per ton is therefore
£8-.l1ls. per ton. Dividing this figure by 75, the starch equivalent of palm kernel cake as given in
the.table, the cost per unit of starch equivalent is 2s. 8d. Dividing this again by 22°4, the number
of pounds of starch equivalent in 1 unit, the cost per lb. of starch equivalent is 121d. A similar
calculation will show the relative cost per lb. of starch equivalent of other feeding stuffs on the same
local market. From the results of such calculations a buyer can determine which feeding stuff gives
him the best value’at the prices quoted on his own market.
are absent are all fats and oils of vegetable or plant origin,
polished rice, tinned meats, and kilned oatmeal and peameal,
(2) Fresh animal meat, green foods (particularly cabbage), milk,
and root vegetables contain all three ‘‘ vitamines.’’ Peas,
beans, and cereal grains, after germination, also contain these
vitamines.

Oils of animal origin, particularly butter and codliver oil, are
rich in Fat Soluble A (the absence of which causes rickets).
Kiggs, dried yeast, wheat germ, linseed and millet, are all rich
in Water Soluble B (the absence of which causes diseases such
as pellagra and beri-beri). Raw cabbage and fresh fruit juices are
especially rich in the Water Soluble C vitamine (absence of
which causes scurvy).

What is the bearing of these facts on the normal practice of
feeding farm animals? In most cases farm animals get at
some time or other fresh green foods, which are fairly rich in
vitamines. In such cases the inference is obvious: there is no
need to provide specially for the animal by supplying proprie-
tary foods guaranteed rich in vitamines. The only case where
there is perhaps a possibility of deficiency of vitamines is in the
case of stv-fed pigs receiving cereal offals without any addition
of green food. In such cases the writer always advocates the
addition of a small amount of codliver oil to the diet.

One final point: the amount of vitamine needed is extremely
small, and is likely to be provided in excess by any normal
dietary.

80 GOAT-KEEPING. | APR.,

ANT-HILLS in grass land are not only unsightly but they
prevent the use of the mowing machine. To level and distribute
‘Ants and ant-hills by hand labour is a tedious and

Ant hills. costly proceeding. Ordinary zig-zag and
chain harrows make little or no impression

on them but a drag harrow behind a tractor does quite efficient
work, levelling and distributing the soil evenly in one operation.

On sloping or uneven ground, where the use of a tractor would
be difficult, a tractor paring-skim pulled by two horses will cut
the hills flush with the ground, but a considerable amount of
harrowing is afterwards necessary to disentangle the soil from
the turf.

It must be remembered that the levelling of the ant-hill does
not destroy the nest underground and there is always the risk
of the ants getting to work again. T'o obviate this, it is advisable
to apply some form of manure which will have the effect: of
encouraging a rapid growth of the grass. If it is possible to
row instead of grazing for two or three years, so much the
better, as the ant does not seem to ficurish in a heavy growth of
erass and is not much met with in fields continually mown for
hay.

How far ants may be considered to benefit the soil is a question
which still awaits final solution. It is possible that some grati-
tude is owed to them for more than their proverbial example of
industry. It is conceivable that they may serve a good purpose
in promoting the aeration and drainage of the soil by their sub-
terranean activities, and in bringing up the lower soi! for dis-
tribution as a top-dressing. In a chalk country, the surface soil
long denuded of lime may be benefited by the addition of the
lime thrown up from their workings. At any rate, there is no
doubt that the soil from ant-hills is sought after by gardeners for
potting and for spreading round transplanted trees and shrubs.

x * * % * *

Tue Ministry of Agriculture has recently issued two leaflets
on goat-keeping—Leaflet No. 306, The Goat as a Source of Milk,
; and No. 388, Hints on Goat-keeping.

Gag HeSpine: The Ministry attaches importance to the
development of goat-keeping in this country for economic reasons.
There is undoubtedly a considerable quantity of waste vegetable
material in rural and urban districts which could with very little
trouble be converted into valuable human food by means of the
eoat. Moreover, there are many people living in more or less
remote districts who find difficulty in obtaining adequate supphes

1922. | SirveR Lear DIskRAse. 81
of fresh milk for domestic purposes, especially for feeding young
children, for whom goat’s milk is particularly suitable.

In several foreign countries where agriculture is a prosperous
industry, goat-keeping is practised on a very considerable seale.
In Holland, for instance, which is a highly cultivated country
possessing large herds of valuable mi!ch cows, there were in
1910, according to the official census figures, 224,231 goats.
Similar conditions exist in Belgium, and it may be said that
goat-keeping is considerably more common in most European
countries than in this country, where, however, climatic and
economic conditions are by no means unfavourable for goat-
keeping.

The goat is, in fact, a hardy animal which thrives well in all
European countries. <A fairly good nanny goat should produce
dn one year from 70 to i00 gall. of rich milk at a very low
cost, while a first-class milch goat will yield double as much and
will probably cost no more to keep than one of poor quality.

It is not essential that goats should have access to grazing.
They may be fed largely on cheap or waste greenstuff from the
garden or allotment, and on hedge clippings and weeds such as
dandelions, sow thistles, docks, young nettles, etc. They are
therefore particularly suitable for farm labourers, small holders,
allotment holders and cottagers. It is true that goats in milk
require a little concentrated food and in the winter some hay,
but for the rural dweller who is not able to keep a cow a good
milking goat is a most valuable and economical animal, whose
merits are at present not sufficiently appreciated.

THe following experiment has been carried out by Mr. C. H.
Oldham, one of the Ministry’s inspectors :——

Most growers of fruit, both commercial
and private, have during the past few years
taken an interest in the methods of
prevention of the Silver Leaf Disease,
and to many the life-history of the causal
fungus (Stereum purpureum) is now known.

At present it is an undoubted fact that the plum is more
susceptible to attack than other types of fruit trees, and in com-
mercial orchards, the varieties Victoria and Czar appear much
-more lable than others to infection.

While experiments in many directions are being conducted to
find some practical method of prevention or cure. up till now it
appears that the best method to prevent the spread of the disease
is to remove infected wood as early as possible after the appear-

F

Tarring Posts
Infected with
Silver Leaf
Disease.

82 SILVER Lear Disease. [ Apr.,

ance of silvered foliage. By this means it is possible to save
the life of the tree, providing that the silvered branches are cut
back to clean wood.

The fungus causing Silver Leaf spreads in the wood by
means of mycelium, which may be traced by the dark stains in
the wood. If infected wood—even though in a living condition
—-is not removed beyond these dark stains the fungus is capable
of spreading to other portions of the tree, and if allowed to go
on unchecked will ultimately kill the host.

A dead plum or other fruit tree killed by Silver Leaf Disease
is a source of danger to any other specimens in the orchard, for
the fungus then produces fructifications bearing spores
which are capable, after being distributed by wind or other
agencies, of infecting healthy trees, providing suitable weather
conditions prevail, entrance being afforded by means of cracks
in the bark, wounds, or unprotected pruned surfaces.

Since the introduction of the Silver Leaf Order of 1919
especially the cutting out of infected wood has been practised by
fruit growers, and there has been a tendency occasionally to use
the infected wood for posts, either to stop gaps in the fence
around the orchard itself, or elsewhere on the holding or farm.
Unfortunately, however, many growers are under the impres-
sion that if such wood is painted with tar the fungus will
be rendered incapable of producing the incrustations or bracket
shaped bodies bearing the spores.

The Ministry therefore conducted experiments to ascertain
whether tar really had the power toprevent the fructifications of
Stereum purpureum from appearing on infected wood. A
preliminary trial was made in an _ orchard formerly
severely attacked by Silver Leaf, belonging to Mr. YT.
Hatley, J.P., of West End, near Southampton. It was particu-
larly desirable that the experiment should be conducted in the
district, since the amount of disease present in the area was
considerable, and many growers had suffered heavy losses owing
to the spread of the disease.

On 11th November, 1920, three posts were selected for the
experiment, which were known to be infected and had been sawn
from plum trees of the Victoria variety.

The posts were placed in the following order :—

Post No. 1, Bark removed.
Post No. 2, Bark not removed.
Post No. 8, Control.
Owing to bad weather it was impractical to paint with tar until

1922. | A Merat Puant Bucker. 83
18th November, 1920, but on this date posts Nos. 1 and 2 were
given a good coating. On 20th December, 1920, the site was
again visited, and it was observed that on post No. 8, which was
used for control purposes the fructifications of S. purpureum
were appearing, but on the tarred posts, Nos. 1 and 2, none was
present. ‘Tar, when in possession of its antiseptic properties,
has, therefore, apparently the power to retard the development
of the fructification.

The posts have been kept under observation at various intervals
and a visit was again paid on 27th January, 1922, when it was
noticed that on post No. 2 the fructifications of the disease had
developed. It is clear therefore that if growers tar over wood
cut from Silver Leaf diseased trees without removing the bark it
does not prevent the production of the reproductive bodies of
stereum.

It is worth noting that the fructifications did not appear
until fifteen months after the post was painted. There is,
however, some ground for believing that but for the continued
dry period experienced last season these reproductive bodies
would have appeared earlier.

Further observations are needed to prove whether tarring
atter removal of the bark will prevent the production of the
fungus. Some authorities are doubtful if it will have a lasting
effect, but since for the commercial grower it is hardly practic-
able to remove bark when any quantity of posts are required,
this point is not of much economic value.

The result of this experiment illustrates the importance of the
destruction of wood infected with the disease. Such material
should not be used for posts under any circumstances, but could
be used as fuel for domestic purposes, immediately after pruning,
or collected in a heap and burned together with other prunings
from the orchard.

* * * * * *

A pEsoRIPTION has been received from one of the Ministry’s
Inspectors of a metal plant bucket intended for use in place of
A Metal Plant the ordinary flower pot. The inventor con-
stantly noticed that certain plants appeared

Bucket. :
to give better results when grown in old
pails and buckets. After experiments extending over several
vears he produced a bucket which has now been tested in the
production of crops on a commercial basis for over six years with
apparently satisfactory results. The bucket, which is approxi-
mately 12 in. in height and 9 in. in diameter, is constructed
F 2

84 A Mevan Puanr Bucket. [ APR.,

of pure zinc and is practically indestructible. A special feature
is a false or moveable bottom with a single hole underneath
for drainage.

The chief reason for the superiority of the bucket over clay
pots is that considerably less watering is required. ‘This makes
for the maintenance of a more equable root temperature espe-
cially during periods of rapid evaporation. The saving of labour
in watering is also considerable. Its advantage over clay pots
in the matter of breakage is obvious.

The disadvantage of the appliance is its cost. If is patented
and at the moment is manufactured in a spasmodic way without
special plant at a cost of 2s. 10d. each. The patentee has found,
however, that while it is extremely desirable to cheapen the
bucket, the present cost is not prohibitive for the purpose for
which it is used.

One of the most striking purposes for which the plant bucket
is employed at Hassocks is the cultivation of high quality dessert
pears under glass. The method followed is very simple. Cordon
pear trees of choice dessert varieties are propagated on the
premises and permitted to attain a bearing age outside. They
are then lifted, planted in the plant bucket and brought into
the houses. At the conclusion of the fruiting period the trees
are taken outside again, the culture, once the trees are in the
buckets, being that usually accorded to orchard house trees.
The writer inspected a house of pears grown in this manner
and was considerably impressed with their appearance. A crop
of from one dozen to two dozen fruits is allowed to each tree
and these are matured without any trouble. No artificial heat
is emploved and pests are not severe, the few caterpillars which
appear in the spring being removed by hand-picking.

Tomatoes are also successfully grown in the bucket and this
crop affords a satisfactory basis for comparison with flower pot
culture. In every case the buckets give much better results, the
plants being healthier generally and vielding heavier crops of
fruit. The tomato plants are obviously supplied with a steadier
supply of water in the buckets, a factor in the development of
fruit which all growers will appreciate. .

Chrysanthemums also exhibit a marked difference in the
general growth and quality of the bloom when grown in the
bucket as compared with pots.

1922. | ’ Gare In PurRcHASE or Copper SULPHATE. 85

For many years past parties of farmers have visited the
experimental fields at Rothamsted and every season since the
Armistice the numbers of visitors have
further increased. ‘The authorities at
Rothamsted desire to encourage these visits
and they endeavour -by all means in their
power to make them useful and interesting
to farmers.

The generosity of the Fertiliser Manufacturers’ Association
and of the British Sulphate of Ammonia Federation has enabled
a great step forward to be made. Funds have been placed
at the disposal of the Rothamsted Committee which have per-
mitted them to appoint a special member of the staff for the
purpose of explaining the plots to farmers and others. Mr. H. V.
Garner, B.A., of the School of Agriculture, Cambridge, has
accepted the post, and it now becomes possible, therefore,
to accommodate more parties, and, it is hoped, with
even better results, than could be done before. Dr. Russell
will be happy to arrange with the Secretaries of Farmers’
Clubs, Chambers of Agriculture, and other bodies interested,
for visits to the plots. Among other important items of
interest are: experiments on the manuring of arable crops,
especially wheat, barley, mangolds, and potatoes; manuring of
meadow hay; effect of modern slags and mineral phosphates on
grazing land, hay land, and arable crops; crop diseases and
pests; demonstration of good types of tillage implements, trac-
tors, ete. At any convenient time between Ist May and 1st
October there is sufficient to occupy a full day, and alternative
arrangements are being completed; even if the weather turns
out too bad to allow for close inspection of the fields, which will
ensure that the time will not be lost.

Appointment of
Guide Demonstrator
to the Rothamsted

Experimental
Station.

Ix September, 1921, the Ministry’s Inspectors were instructed
to obtain some samples of Blue Vitriol (Sulphate of Copper)
as sold for wheat dressing. The Inspectors
were instructed to ask for ‘“‘a pound of
Blue Vitriol for wheat dressing.’’ Sixty-
nine samples were purchased and submitted
to thé Government Laboratory.

Fifty-five of these contained 98 per cent. or more of Copper
Sulphate, and 7 contained 96 per cent. or more of Copper Sul-
phate, together with small proportions of impurities, mainly
Green Vitriol (Sulphate of Iron). The remaining samples con-

Care in Purchase
of
Copper Sulphate.

86 Royat ParronaGe ror Poutrry Krupers. — [ APR.,

tained a low percentage of Copper Sulphate and gave the fol-
lowing results :—

Cupper Tron Insoluble
Sulphate. Sulphate. in Water. Lime. Tar Acids.
per cent. per cent. per cent. per cent. per cent.
15°58 ae 81:0 ace ez ace a <=
13°] she 84:8 ee 0-9 Fs — ne =
42°3 ae 49-2 Bee 0-8 Sas O'8 se 0-18
23°0 os (25 male 1-3 or 0-5 fee ODOT
26°5 ee 69-0 Be 12 aos pe ULRaGe sauce 0-12
28°8 fs 10°3 Ae 0-2 sith y * URACEP ty eee O17
51-2 see 0°6 cae = ==

In these 7 cases the article would be quite valueless for wheat
dressing, potato spraying, or any other agricultural or horti-
cultural purpose for which Blue Vitriol is generally employed,
and the result of the inquiry shows that farmers and gardeners
should exercise care in the purchase of Copper Sulphate. The
following points are of value :—

(1) The deep blue colour of unadulterated Blue Vitriol is quite
distinctive, and when it has once been seen no mixture is likely
to be mistaken for it.

(2) The label on the package should be noticed. If it is
labelled ‘‘ Blue Vitriol’’ or ‘‘ Copper Sulphate ’’ and_ this
description is incorrect the seller is liable to a prosecution under
the Merchandise Marks Act. If, however, the package is
labelled “* Powdered Vitriol ’’ or by a fancy name the contents
mav not be Blue Vitriol.

THE fact that His Majesty the King has consented to become
Patron of the National Utility Poultry Society will be noted
Royal Patronage for) satisfaction by all who fe pe

Poultry Keepers. in t e development of the poultry industry
in this country. ‘This mark of Roval

approval may be read as a sien that poultry farming, which has
hitherto been regarded as the ‘‘ Cinderella of Agriculture,’’ is
now beginning to emerge from its lowly estate, and to claim a
more prominent position. | Progressive farmers all over the
country are paving more attention to poultry than ever before.
They realise that, in view of the huge imports of eggs and
poultry from abroad, there must be a strong and steady demand
for the home-produced article. They also know that the
ordinary farmer, whose normal cultivations produce a variety
of food suitable for poultry feeding, can engage in poultry
farming more economically and on a larger scale than anyone

1922. | BLINDNESS IN STRAWBERRIES. 87

else. Nevertheless it should not be forgotten that the great
progress which has been made in improving the productivity of
British breeds of poultry is almost entirely due to the efforts
of specialist poultry breeders, the majority of whom are not
farmers at all in the ordinary sense of the word, and are usually
quite ‘‘ small men.”’

The term ‘‘ blindness *’ has been somewhat loosely applied
by growers, and has been wrongly used to describe failure of
plants to produce fruit from causes such as
frost, eelworm, red-plant, and other forms
of insect attack and fungoid disease. ‘There
is, however, a well-known form of blindness in strawberries,
and it is to be found to a greater or less extent in all varieties.
It is easily recognisable to those who carefully examine
their crops, by the presence of strong growing luxuriant
foliage-producing plants which do not flower. These plants
in turn produce strong healthy runners, which are, as a rule,
more robust than those produced by plants bearing a normal
crop of fruit. The runners of such blind or barren plants seldom
produce fruitful stools, but show a marked tendency in turn to
produce abnormal foliage and no flower. A small percentage
of blind plants in a large area does not seriously affect the crop,
but when they appear in a small plot they materially decrease it.

The small grower, cottager and allotment holder are very apt
to select strong runners from these barren plants to renew the
strawberry patch, and in cases where only a few rows are grown
for home consumption, it is a very easy matter under such a
process of selection for the patch to become quite barren in a
few years. This often occurs in small gardens, and the only
safe course is to mark barren plants during the fruiting season
and exercise the greatest care that runners are not taken from
them later to extend the plantation.

Where strawberries are specially selected for forcing purposes,
it is best to isolate stock plants which have been observed to be
healthy and heavy bearers and only propagate from such. Stock
plants should be selected the first season as soon as they have
bloomed and the fruit set; they should receive special cultural
attention to enable them to throw strong healthy runners, which
should produce strong crowns before any attempt is made to force
them in pots or frames. The larger growers should mark blind
plants and after the fruiting season destroy them.

Blindness in
Strawberries.

88 Wart DisEASE oF POTATOES. [ APR.,

It is generally agreed that certain varieties of strawberries
have a tendency to throw more barren plants than others, and
although they appear under the best soil and manurial condi-
tions, it is also possible that poor cultural conditions have some
effect in their production.

Blindness in strawberries is apparently on the increase and
therefore only runners from fruitful plants, no matter what the
variety, should be selected.

* * * * * * =

Tne Ministry has arranged to continue the testing of new
varieties of potatoes during the coming season at the Testing
Station of the National Institute of Agri-
cultural Botany, with a view to the estab-
Ses lishment or otherwise of their immunit
of Potatoes, 1922. ae mi 2 ei

rom wart disease. Fintries for the trials
closed on 15th February.

Thirty-five seed-size tubers are required of any stock which has
not before been tested at the Station; in other cases, 70 seed-
size tubers are required. The Ministry accepts no responsi-
bility for the failure of the growth of any stock. All reason-
able precautions are taken to secure that none of the potatoes
on the trial plots. shall leave the Station except for exhibition
or scientific purposes authorised by the Ministry. At the close
of the season a report on each stock forwarded will be furnished
to the grower.

When the Ministry has decided, as a result of the trial, that
a variety is immune from wart disease, 1t will formally approve
the variety and issue an official certificate of immunity. A
certificate will not be issued for any variety until it has passed
at least two consecutive years’ tests without contracting the
disease, nor will a certificate be issued for a variety which is
declared by theSynonym Committee of the National Institute
of Agricultural Botany to be synonvmous with an existing
variety.

With regard to the testing of seedlings, the Ministry desires
to encourage the breeding of new varieties of potatoes, and is
prepared to accept from 5 to 10 tubers of any seedling for
erowing for one season on the trial plots, and to furnish a
report on the results. These tests, however, will not be
reckoned in the minimtim period of two years required for a
variety to pass the full test before approval.

Wart Disease :

i:

AGRICULTURE ABROAD. 89

—
OD
"n
bo

Eel |

AGRICULTURE ABROAD.

AGRICULTURAL PLOTS FOR RURAL SCHOOLS IN SPAIN-——PLANT
IMPROVEMENT LAW IN CZECHO-SLOVAKIA,

Wrrs the object of checking the growing exodus of population
from country to town, and reducing the emigration of land-
Agricultural Plots workers whose means and eae os instruction
Sees: tek acti do not allow them successfully to compete
ii: Seales with other countries under modern condi-
oe tions, a Spanish Royal Order has been made
establishing a scheme of agricultural instruction in rural schools.
Provision is made for plots of land to be obtained by schools to
enable teachers to instil into their pupils a love of nature and of
country life and to develop their powers of observation. As there
are insufficient teachers having the necessary knowledge and
training, not more than a trial of the scheme can be made at
present. The subjects to be taught are :—use of fertilisers, espe-
cially chemical manures; influence of selected seed on the har-
vest; rotation of crops; preparation of the land and the use of
machinery, especially the type of plough most suitable for local
soils ; use of insecticides ; study of local climate as it affects crops ;
and the use of a simple system of book-keeping.

A request for the addition of a plot to a school may be made by
municipalities, teachers, agricultural syndicates, or associations
of experts, with the concurrence of the master of the school con-
cerned, provided that they can obtain land to the extent of
1 hectare (nearly 23 acres) which can be devoted to the objects
of the scheme for at least six years. Various specified instru-
ments must be kept for obtaining records of local climatic
occurrences, and the books will be open to the public for the
better training of the latter. One day each week the school
children wiil be taken to the plot to see the work being performed
and to have it explained to them; and the teacher is recommended
to arrange similar lessons for adults on public holidays.

After paying all expenses of the plot, the net profit will be
disposed of as follows:—50 per cent. to improvements of the
plot, 25 per cent. to the School Mutual Benefit Society. or. failing
that, to the canteen, wardrobe, holiday fund. or other special
institution connected with the school, and the remaining 25 per
cent. to the manager or foreman of the plot. Each plot will
have a national subsidy of 1.000 pesetas (nominally about £40)
annually to defray rent and other necessary expenses. This

90 AGRICULTURE ABROAD. | APR.,

subsidy may be doubled if the plot comprises 2 hectares of land.
The Director General of Elementary Schools is to draw up rules
for conducting and inspecting the school plots, and for holding
competitions to award prizes to teachers who obtain the bess
results.

* * * * * *

Wirxu the object of improving plant cultivation, the new
State of Czecho-Slovakia has introduced a law providing for
the registration of varieties of plants as
‘‘ original ’’ varieties, and, after protracted
trials, as ‘‘ guaranteed ’’ varieties, and for
the examination of seeds and plants for

Plant Improve-
ment Law in
Czecho-Slovakia.

variety.

The administration of the Act is vested in the Czecho-Slovakian
Ministry of Agriculture, who have delegated their powers of
inspection to Commissioners. In applying for a certificate to
register a variety as an “ original *’ variety, the grower must
prove, to the satisfaction of the Commissioners, that the variety
in question has been obtained by means of a systematic process.
He must agree to an inspection of his tria! grounds and labora-
tories, but the Commissions are bound to observe strict secrecy
with regard to any special methods or installations.

A register is maintained at the Ministry of Agriculture of all
‘‘ original ’’ varieties recognised by the Commissions, showing
the name of the producer, a short description and essential
qualities of the variety, the method of production, the terms of
the label issued to the grower for the purposes of sale, etc. A
certificate of ‘* original ’’ variety holds good only for three vears,
unless renewed.

‘“‘ Original ’’ varieties, which prove satisfactory during com-
parative tests made over a period of years on selected areas by
the Institutes and Stations set up for controlling the trade in
seeds and plants, may be recognised as ‘‘ euaranteed ”’ varieties.
a register of which is also maintained at the Ministry of Agri-
culture. With both registers are kept samples of the seeds,
ears, or fruit of the “‘ original ’’ or ‘‘ guaranteed ’’ varieties.
The registers and samples are open to public inspection.

99

1922. | Foor-anp-Moutn DISEASE. 91

Sinck 19th February, the date referred to in the Note coutained in the

Journal for March, 1922, 242 further outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease

have been confirmed in Great Britain, making a total

Foot-and- up to Sunday, 19th March, of 1,029. This number is

Mouth Disease. distributed throughout England, Scotland and Wales
as follows :—England, 936 ; Scotland, 91 ; Wales, 2.

The counties which have been the most heavily infected are Cheshire,
Durham, Lancashire, Lindsey (Lines), Norfolk, Northumberland, Nottingham.
Westmorland and York. Those in Scotland are Forfarshire and Nenfrew-
shire. Out of the 936 outbreaks in England, 533 occurred in Yorkshire. The
number of animals slaughtered by the Ministry in connection with all cut-
breaks up to 19th March is 21,510 cattle ; 17,971 sheep ; 8,575 pigs and 41
goats ; totalling 48,097 animals. The percentage of the animals slaughtered
to the total livestock population is shown in the following table :—

Infected Counties only. Whole of Great Britain.
an Percentage me Percentage
No. stock g Tis) ah Tpawtiel |
oe eeetels slaughtered. No, of Livestoel slaughtered.
Cattle 3,392,030 O64 6,659,859 0°32
Sheep 9,859.53: 0-18 20,490,024 0-09
Pigs 1,568,041 0°55 2,650,064 0:33

The estimated net cost of compensation for animals so slaughtered will
amount approximately to £65,000 after deducting the estimated receipts for
the salvage of carcasses passed as fit for human consumption.

In each outbreak the local circumstances are considered by the Ministry
with a view to determining whether they are specially favourable to the
adoption of isolation in lieu of slaughter. The policy of slaughter, however,
has not been superseded, and isolation is only decided upon where the
situation of the farm and arrangements for housing the stock are peculiarly
suited to such a course. The question of isolation assumes more importance
where valuable pedigree herds are concerned. Moreover, the expenditure of
a large amount of public money ou slaughtering is not justified in cases in
which proper arrangements can be made for isolating affected animals with
practically no risk of the spread of infection. This course had been followed
with respect to 43 outbreaks in England and 8 in Scotland up to 19th March.

An important Order was issued on 9th March revising the rules to be
observed on foot-and-mouth disease infected places, with the principal object
of securing a moré thorough disinfection both of the premises and also of the
clothing of persons entering or leaving infected places.

Restrictions on Movement. The restrictions on the movement of
animals which, as stated in the Journal for March, 1922, were applied on
5th Febrnary to the whole of Great Britain, were imoditied on 27th February
by releasing altogethor the whole of the Northern counties of Scotland down
to, but not including, Forfarshire, Perthshire, Dumbartonshire and the portion
of Argyllshire south-east of Loch Fine; the Isle of Arran was also included
in the released district. The effect of this Order was to allow the free
movement, and the holding of markets and sales, of all classes of stock
within the released part of Scotland, and the movement of animals out of
such part into any other part of Great Britain subject to obtaining the
necessary licences from the Local Authority of the place of destination. No
movement, however, into the released area from any other part of the country
was allowed.

Ne)
bo

Foor-anp-MoutuH DiskAsE. [ APR. ,.

On 6th March a new Order came into operation revising the restrictions
generally. This Order released from restrictions altogether the South-western
counties of England and South Wales, as well as the Northern half of
Scotland. The remainder of Great Britain was divided into 4 scheduled
districts within which movement was allowed for all necessary purposes with
a licence of the Local Authority of the place of destination, which licence was
required to be endorsed by the Local Authority of the place from which the
animals were moved. Within these 4 scheduled districts certain infected
areas surrounding outbreaks or groups of outbreaks were declared. Out of
these infected areas no movement was allowed to take place except direct to
a slaughterhouse in one of the 4 scheduled districts for slaughter within
48 hours of arrival thereat, and no farm dispersal sales were allowed to be
held within those infected areas. Throughout the scheduled districts store
stock sales continued to be prohibited, but fat stock markets could be held by
licence of the Local Authorities subject to veterinary inspection. No animals.
could be moved from the scheduled districts to any of the released areas for
any purpose whatever.

On 17th March the last-mentioned Order was amended so as to add the
whole of North Wales and Berkshire, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to the
released areas and also for the purpose of empowering Local Authorities to-
license the holding of farm dispersal sales in infected areas, subject to the
conditions that («@) no such sale was to be held within two miles of an
infected place ; and (b) that licences should be obtained for movements from
such sales to the places of destination, but that no movements should be
allowed from such sales to premises within a radius of two miles from an
infected place. |

The following is an extract from a circular letter sent by the Ministry on
15th March to Local Authorities when issuing this Order :—

‘The Ministry considers that the risk of the spread of disease by the
holding of dispersal sales on any premises within a radius of 2 miles
from any existing infected place renders it inadvisable to allow such.
sales on premises so situated at the present time, and has accordingly
provided that no licences shall be issued in these cases. It may also:
happen that although a licence for the holding of a sale has been issued
by the Local Authority, the removal of all or some of the animals
therefrom to the intended places of destination by their purchasers may
be prevented by prohibitive regulations of Local Authorities of the
receiving districts. In all such cases both the incoming and outgoing
tenants will be placed in a position of considerable difficulty as regards
the keep of the animals on the premises where they are detained.
With a view to minimising these difficulties as far as practicable, the
Minister made the Order entitled the ‘ Foot-and-Mouth Disease (Change
of Occupation) Order of 1922,’ dated the 13th instant. This Order
provides that where, owing to the termination of his right of occupation
of any land, the owner of livestock kept thereon is unable to remove the
same by reason of the foot-and-mouth disease restrictions, the incoming
occupier shall afford the owner of the livestock all such facilities for
tending, feeding or using the stock, or for the sale of the stock (where
the sale is licensed) as he may reasonably require; and that where the
owner is unable to avail himself of such facilities the incoming occupier

1922. ] CoNnCILIATION COMMITTEES. 98

shall take reasonable steps for the proper feeding, tending or otherwise
using of the stock, the owner of the stock being liable to pay to the
person affording such facilities or services such remuneration or expenses
as may be reasonable and just, the amount of which, in default of
agreement, is to be determined by arbitration in accordance with the
provisions of the Second Schedule to the Agricultural Holdings Act, 1908."
Up to 19th March the restrictions which prevented the landing of animals
from Ireland otherwise than for the purpose of immediate slaughter continued
in operation, but the Ministry has under consideration certain proposals for
the landing of store stock subject to conditions which would prevent the
aggregation of such stock in markets in this country.

* : * * * *

THE division of the Lincoln Interim Conciliation Committee into two
‘Committees, one for Holland and the other for Lindsey and Kesteven, and the
separation of Loughborough from Leicester and the

Conciliation ‘ i :
: : subsequent formation of separate Committees for those
Committees in ; : ai ie ok TR
; areas, has increased the total number of Conciliation
Agriculture.

Comunittees to 61. This number will be further increased
-on the sub-division of the West Sussex area into three separate districts, which
it is understood will take place on the Ist April.

+ Details of the 42 agreements in operation on the 20th March are given
below. In many areas where the current agreements are due to expire at an
early date, the Committees have already arrived at further agreements,
Particulars of these additional agreements are not included in the subjoined
table, but detailed information as to the rates applicable in any area will be
furnished on application to the Ministry.

Current Agreements.

Are. Period. Wages. Hours per week,
Beds and Hunts Upto 22nd July, 1922 32/-. Overtime, 52
8d. per hour,
‘Cambridge - - Until such time that 8d. per h. for week
one side gives no- of 50 bh. Qver-
tice of alteration. time 8d, per h. up

to 54 h. ; 10d. on
. Sundays.
‘Cheshire - - Upto 380th April, 1922 36/-. Guaranteed
week of 54 hours.
Overtime, 9d. per
hour on weekdays,
10d. per hour on

Sundays.
‘Cumberland and ,, 3rd June, . 02/6. Overtime, lOd. 54 in Summer,
Westmorland per hour. Skilled 48 in Winter,
workers, 45/- 63
Derby — - - » 31st March, ,, 36/-. Overtime, 8d. D4

per hour on week-
days, L1d.per hour
on Sundays.

Devon - - » 20th March, ,, 3j4/- 50
va - - » 29th Sep. 9 32/- HO
.Dorset - - » 29th April, ,, 32/-. Carters, cow- D1

men and shep-
herds, 74d. per h,
up to 60 h. 94d, ‘
per h. over 60 h,

94 CONCILIATION COMMITTEES. [ Apr.,
Area. Period, Wages. Hours per week.
Durham — - - Up to 13th May, 1922 42/-. 50
*Ely, Isle of - » lst May, ,, 31/-. Overtime, 83d. 51
per hour. Horse-
menandinilkmen, Customary
40/6.
Hampshire - » olst March, ,, 32/- guaranteed 48
week of 48 hours.
Overtime, 8d. per
hour.
Hereford - - 30th Sep., ,, 30/-. Proportionate DO
rate per honr for
all weekday over-
time. Sundays,
Jd. per hour.
Hertford - - bth Oct., 73d. per hour. Gua-
ranteed week of
50 hours.
Lincoln :—
Holland - ,, 80th Jnne. 8d. per hour for all
hours worked.
Kesteven and a okstiOct. “3d. per __—ihour.
Lindsey (ruaranteed week
of 50 hours.
Lancashire :—

Southern area

Northern area
Eastern area
Leicester :—
Ashby _ Bos-
worth, Hinck-
ley and
Atherstone
Market Har-
borough and
Lutterworth

Middlesex S.

Northants -

Northumberland, 8.

Nottingham

31st March,

P) 31st ’
ost —
31st

30th Sep.,

>, 2nd Sep.,

- 6th Oct ,

9

13th May,

z= ,, 30th Sep.,

45/- Tramsmen
and stockmen.
Rates for other
workers in pro-
portion.

42/6
50,-

35/-. Overtime, 10d.
per hour on week-
days, 1/- Sundays.

31/-. Overtime, 8d.
per hour on week-
days, 10d. per

» hour on Sundays.

30/5. Guaranteed
week of 48 hours.
Weekday over-
time,10d.per hour.
Sunday employ-
ment, lLld. per
hour. Carters,
stockmen, &c.,
83d. per hour up
to60 hours. Week-
day overtime, 10d,
Sunday employ-
ment, 11d. per h.

3d1/-. Overtime, 8d.
per hour.

44/6. Overtime,
1jigd. per hour
on weekdays.
Sundays, 1/4d.
per hour.

o4'-

Customary,

Customary.
Customary.

50

51

50

50 in Summer
48 in Winter.

53

1922.] ' ConcILIATION COMMITTEES. Q5

A red. Period. Wages, Hous per meek
Norfolk — - - Until beginning of 50]- 5O4
Harvest.
Oxford — - - Up to 29th Sep., 1922 30/-. Overtime, 8d. DU
per hour on week-
days. Sundays,
LOd, per hour.
Peterborough, » 6th Oct., ,, 31/-. Overtime up 51
Soke of to 54 hours, &d,
° perhour; over 54

hours,9d.per hour.
Sunday employ-
ment, LOd.perhour.
Horsekeepers and
milkmen, 7/- plus
cottage,andstock-
men 5/- per week
extra for perform-
ance of their cus-
toumary duties.

Rutland - : | 2etn,Octs ,, “d2/-- Rates to vary 5Q
I/- for every
change of 6 points
in cost of living.
Overtime 8d. per

: hour week days,
10d. Sundays.
74d. per hour. Guar-
anteed week of 50
h. Sunday employ
ment, 10d. per h.

Somerset - - », Oth April, ,, 32/- ov”

Stafford = - Sg 29th: +,? , 8d. per hour. Guar-
anteed week of 50
h. Sunday employ
ment, 10d. per h.

Surrey* = - - , 2dthMarch, ,, 33/4. Overtime, 9d. 50

(Male workers of 21 to perhour. Carters,
65 years). cowmen and shep-
herds, all time
worked between
50 and 60 hours
per week 8d. per
hour, and all time
worked by these
classes in excess
of 60 hours, 9d.
per hour.

Sussex, E. - - Upto 3ist March, 1922 31/-. Overtime, 8d. 52

per hour.

Seffolk = - - ,,. dist Oct., 4, Td. per hour up to
50 hours per week,

Between 50 and
54 hours, 8d. per
hour. In excess
of 54 hours, 9d,
Sunday employ-
ment, 10d. per h.

Shropshire - , 90th Sep.,

“

Warwick* - - » 57 6th Oct. ,, 31/-. Guaranteed
(able-bodied adult week of 50 hours.
male workers). Overtime, 8d. per

hour.

* Confirmed agreement.

96 CONCILIATION COMMITTEES. [ Apr., 1922.

_ tn meen i eee
Area. Period. Wages. Hoursper week,
Wight, Isle of - Date of next meeting, 32]- Ordinary.
or such other date ;
aus may be agreed.
Worcester - Up to 6th Oct., 1922 7d. up to 60 h.
Guaranteed week
of 50 h. Over-
time beyond 60
h. 9d. per h.

Yorkshire, North » olst Oct., ,, 3d/-. Overtime at O24
Riding proportionate i
rates
West Riding : < m , ob/-. Overtime at 5A
Jd. on weekdays
and l0Od. on
Sundays.
Brecon and », 280th April, 34/-. Overtime, pro- 52
Radnor portionate rates
up to 60 hours. In
excess of 60 hours,
at time and a
quarter.
Camarvon - - » 13th May ,, 35/]-. Special classes 50
workers, 38/-. G1
Overtime, all
classes 10d. per
. hour.
Cardigan - = -StSt Oct. - 3b /- 54
Merioneth and » 80th April ,, 33]- a0
Montgomery 36 /- 56
Monmouth - - a co eh , 35]- 54
Pembroke - ;,° tth ‘Oct. » o4/-. Overtime at D4

equivalent rate
up to 60 hours. In
excess of 60 hours,
time anda quarter.

The North Northumberland Committee, which was delayed in its initial
negotiations pending the division of the original Northumberland Interim
Committee, decided that as the November hirings had already taken place it
was unnecessary to deal with the wages question for the period up to May
next. An agreement has now been arrived at by that Committee over the
period 12th May, 1922, to the 12th May, 1923, for the payment of adult male
workers at the rate of 32/- for a week of 50 hours in summer and 48 hours in
winter.

The Surrey Conciliation Committee has agreed to extend their present
agreement, which would otherwise expire on the 25th March. In accordance
with the Committee’s application, this agreement has been confirmed by the
Minister and provides as follows :—

(a) A wage rate for all male wor kers between the ages of 21 and
65 years of 33/4 for a working week of 50 hours.

(b) All time worked between 50 and 60 hours per week by carters,
cowmen and shepherds between 21 and 65 years of age to be paid for at
the rate of 9d. per hour ; in the case of all other male workers between
the ages of 21 and 65 years any time worked in excess of 50 hours per
week to be paid for at the rate of 9d. per hour.

(c) All the rates specified to apply only to workers whose employ-
ment is terminable by a week or longer notice, and to operate until one
calendar month after notice of any proposal to cancel is received by the
Minister from either section of the Conciliation Cominittee,

I pinted ander the won. Gi His MASESTY’ S STATIONERY Orr ICE,
By Metchim & Son, Princes Street, Westminster, 8.W. 1.

| THE JOURNAL OF THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE.—Advertisements. xii

The FARMERS’ z WARDEN :

FOR INSURANCE oF
HORSES and CATTLE.

STALLIONS, BROOD MARES,
FOALS.
EMPLOYERS’ LIABILITY.
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and GENERAL !INDEMNITIES.

For Best Rates and Terms apply—

WARDEN

INSURANCE COMPANY, LTD.

ESTABLISHED 1875.
Honoured with the Patronage of H.M. THE KING.

Chief Office—21, IRONMONGER LANE, LONDON, E.C. 2.
MANAGER AND SECRETARY: R. R. WILSON.

LS SS ee

|For All Crops

Special Quotations for Truck Loads.

Kadward Cook &Co., Ltd. Bow, London,

xiv THE JOURNAL OF THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE.—Advertisements.

BREEDERS’ ANNOUNCENENTS.

CATELE:

ABERDEEN—ANGUS.

MACAINSH, JOHN, Congash, Grantown-on-Spey, N.B. —Pure-bred Aberdeen-Angus Cattle,—Particulars on application.

DEVONS.

STANTON, HARWICH.—REGISTERED HERD RED DEVON DAIRY CATTLE. Devons are the best English Dairy
Cattle under ali conditions and in any climate.

FRIESIANS.
GILSTON PARK HERD OF PEDIGREE BRITISH FRIESIANS, property of A.S. BOWLBY, Esg. Bulls and Bull Calves

generally for sale, by imported and other leading sires—Apply Captain S. E. BUCKLEY, M.C., Gilston Park Istate Office,
Harlow, Essex.

ROUGH HERD OF BRITISH FRIKESIANS is the herd for production, colour, size, milk and butter-iat. The herd to buy your
next bull calf sired by Routh Victory. third prize Dairy Show, 1920, weighing 133 cwt. at 20 months old, whose dam gaye
2.268 gallons, butter-fat 4°66 ; the only cow in the kingdom to produce 1,200 1b. of butter in #65 days. Inspection invited.—
P. FORD, Molescroft, Beverley.

SHORTHORNS.

WELBECK HERD OF PEDIGREE SHORTHORNS, the property of the Duke of PORTLAND, K.G. Young Bulls and Heifers
for sale, from the best strains.—Apply, ALEX. GALBRAITH, Norton, Cuckney, Mansfield.

DAIRY SHORTHORNS.
GHIVERS & SONS, LTD., HIStON, CAMBS.—Pedigree Dairy Shorthorns, Over 100 head, mainly fashionably bred Bates

Families. Milk recorded daily and checked by Ministry of Agriculture recorder. Champion Cow, reserve champion Bull, 100
Guinea Challenge Cup, R.A.S.E., Derby, 1921, etc. Bulls and Bull calves always for sale.

LINCOLN RED SHORTHORNS.

CORER, CHARLES E., BRACEBRIDGE HEATH, LINCGLN.—Lincoln Red Dairy Shorthorns. Prizes won in 1921; 2ud Breed
Milking Trials, 3rd Open Butter Test (open to all breeds) Royal. Average yield 1907 to 1914. 805 galls.; 1920-21, 821 galls.
Official records kept. Young bulls from proved dairy cows on sale.

THE STAPLEFORD PARK HERD. A few young Bulls from Royal Prize Winners always for sale from carefully tested
milking strains only. Apply C. S. Harvey, Wymondham, Oakham.

KERRY AND DEXTERS.
PALMER, R. E. Pure Pedigree Kerry Cattle, Oaklands Park, Newdigate, Surrey.

HEREFORDS.
WHITE, W. J. S., ZEALS, WILTS.—Old-established Herd of Milking Herefords, Bulls and Calves, for Sale.

SHEEP.

OXFORD DOWN.

AKERS & CO., BLACK BOURTON, OXON.— Registered Oxford Downs, Rams and Ewe Lambs on Sale; inspection invited. ~

~LINCOLN LONGWOOL.

HOYLES, GEO., SKIDBY MANOR, near HULL.—Pure Lincoln Longwooi Sheep; true type, sound conditions, lustrous long
wool, give satisfaction at home und abroad.

SUFFOLKS.

SHERWOOD, S. R, PLAYFORD, IPSWICH.—Registered Flock 105. Holder of Bristol! Champion Challenge Cup for? Best {Flock
of the Breed, 1899 and 1919. Highest awards, Carcase Competition, Smithfield Club Show. Large winner at Royal and.
€ounty Shows. Also Breeder of Pedigree Dairy Shorthorns.

THE JOURNAL OF THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE.—Advertisements. xv

TOTTENHAM -N-15 (ept.a.M)

Tomato Houses, Cucumber Houses, Potato Chitting Houses, &c.

ERECTED COMPLETE, OR MATERIALS ONLY SUPPLIED.

: Cay ‘A iu" D

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View of 3 Tomato Houses, each 160 ft. long by 20 ft. wide, erected by us near Newcastle-on-Tyne.

Clients waited upon and advice given as to the best method of building.

WRITE AT ONCE for our large new Illustrated Catalogue—It will interest you. |
l

Telephone:
Tottenham 2 & 1672. Prompt Deliveries. Telegrams ; Horticole, Toteross, London

|LARGE BLACK PIGs.

SEVENTEEN HUNDRED BREEDERS
with more joining daily
TESTIFY TO POPULARITY of the Champion Bacon Breed.
Try them for their following qualities:
Length and Size — Prolificacy

GREAT
GRAZERS

INCOMPARABLE
‘BOERS ”’

Splendid Constitutions
CHAMPION BACON PIGS, LONDON DAIRY SHOW, 1921.

Champion over all Breeds, Bath and West Show, 1921. Champion over all Breeds, Tunbridge Wells Show, 1921.

India, Brazil, Peru, Abyssinia, Spain, Switzerland, Belgium, Holland, Italy, Portugal,
South Africa, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, and other countries are buying Large Blacks.

QUARTERLY JOURNAL, 5s. Per Annum. No. 6 just published, 1s. 2d. post free.
Free Descriptive Pamphlet and all Information from

LARGE BLACK PIG SOCIETY, 12, Hanover Square, London, W.1.

e+ ee ee ane 8 8 eee

xvi THE JOURNAL OF THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE.—A dveriisements.

PiG.sS,

LARGE WHITE.

OHIVEKS & SONS, LTD., HIsTON, CAMBS.—Over 1,000 pigs bred annually. Breeding Stock live out in Large Grass Orchards.
Stock Boars include Histon Thor, Champion Peterborough and Suffolk 1920, Histon Lion Heart, Champion Royal Norfolk
1919, Dalmeny Macbeth, lst Highland and Edinburgh 1920, and own brother to 720-guinea Sow. Young Stock always for Sale.

COLSTON & BORROWFIELD HERDS OF LARGE WHITE PIGS, the property of R. Millington Knowles, Esq., The Hall,

Colston Bassett, Notts.—Numbers and quality equal to pre-war standard.—Particulars from AGENT, Estate Office, Colston
Bassett, Notts,

GREENALE, SIR GILBERT, BART., C.V.0., WALTON HALL, WARRINGTON. The Walton and Worsley Herd of Pedigree
Large White Pigs. Selections of all ages for sale at moderate prices. Apply to the Manager, The Office, Bridge House, Higher-
Walton, Warrington. Station: Warrington. Trains met by appointment.

THE WARREN HERD OF PEDIGREE LARGE WHITE PIGS, the property of H. T. Williams, Esq.—Young Stock of the best
strains for Sale, including a fine selection of in-pig Gilts—Apply to RAYMOND KEER, Warren Home Farm, Broughton, Ohester.

MIDDLE WRITE.
CHIVERS, JOHN, HIsvon, CAMBRIDGE.—Select Herd of Pedigree Middle Whites. Champion Cup for Best Middle White Pig
at Royal Show, 1919 and 1920 (won outright) Champion Boar, Ist and reserve Champion Sow, Royal Show, Derby, 1921.
Young Stock always for sale.

EDGE, 8. F., GALLOPS HOMESTEAD, DI'rCHLING, SUSSEX.—Albany Herd of Pedigree Middle Whites. Bred on open air system,
Wenderful doers and breeders. Will thrive anywhere.

STAPLEFORD HERD OF MIDDLE WHITE PIGS. A few choice gilts and boars Sired by Royal Winners always for sale at
reasonable prices. C. S. HARVEY, Wymondham, Oakham.

SKIPWITH, Oaptain O., LOVERSAL HALL, DONCASTER.—Loversal herd of Pedigree Middle Whites. Bred on open air system,
Moderate Prices.
LARGE BLACK.

PIOKWELL HERD, Pedigree Large Blacks. Young stock from best strains at reasonable prices.—CAPTAIN CLAUDE W. HEMP;
Stainbridge Farm, Bolney, Sussex.

NEWHOUSE HERD of Pedigree Large Biack Pigs. Boars and Gilts from best strains —ROBERT FORTUNE, Newhouse,
Oranleigh, Surrey.

DUNSTALL HERD of Pedigree Large Blacks, bred from prize strains under natural conditions. Prolific, hardy, grand doers
and of choice type. Young Bears and Gilts. Prices Moderate.—LIONEL E. HORNE. Moreton-in-Marsh, Glos.

EDGE, S. F., GALLOPS HOMESTEAD, DITCHLING, SUSSEX.—Pedigree Large Blacks, marvellous open air strain.

PO OAR
BOOTHROYD, F.—Breeder and Exhibitor of Pedigree Utility Rhode Island Reds S.C. White Wyandottes, Light Sussex,
Black Leghorn. Eggs, Day old Chicks, Stock Birds. Catalogue Free. F. BOOTHROYD, Shustoke, Nr. Coleshill, Warwickshire.

MAJOR, ARTHUR C.—Breeder and Exhibitor thirty years. Champion Dark and Silver Grey Dorkings, “England’s best
fowl.” Prizes at all Shows, and exported all over the world. Prices moderate. Eggs, ls. each.—ARTHUR O. MAJOR, Ditton,
Langley, Bucks.

White Leghorns, White Wyandottes, Light Sussex. Stock bred from Laying Competition Winners. Eggs, Day-old Chicks and
Stock birds for sale. Illustrated List free— JOHN CHIVERS, Estate Office, Histon, Cambridge.

MISCELLANEOUS ADVERTISEMENTS —(Cheop Prepaid).

Advertiser having complete knowledge of tractors, farm machinery, including Marchell’s Thresher, milk recording,
book-keeping. usual routine duties of farm, desires position as assistant to large farmer; free middle March, excellent
references, security if required. . Write Box 1495, SELLS, Fleet Street, E.C.4.

fne Rural Information Weekly Service (issues August 27th to Oct. 8th) contains the REPRINTS FROM
HANSARD 7#e NAURU PHOSPHATES, and also affords considerable enlightenment to farmers upon other agricultural topics,
Complete set price 1s. 9d. post free—LANCASTER SMI'r'H, Sidmouth.

Farmers Tax. If you are tired of paying on double rent assessment write me at once.—HEATON, Ashton Keynes.

Profitable Poultry. Everyone interested in Poultry should have a copy of this Work. 36 4to. pages profusely
illustrated. Describes various breeds, methods of feeding, hints on incubation, together with working plans for building
houses, &¢., and explains how to make poultry pay. Post free on request. E. BosTock SMITH, “ Heaselands,”’
Haywards Heath.

Send Miole, Rabbit, Hare Skins, &c., Poultry Feathers and Horsehair to WALLIS, 10-11, Lawrence Lane, London, E.C.
Proprietor, an ex-Officer, gives good prices, return post.

All applications for Advertisements in “The Journal of the Ministry of Agriculture” should be addressed to C. VERNON &
SONS, LTD., 38, Holborn Viaduct, London, E.C. 1.

’ THE JOURNAL OF THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE.—Advertisements. xvii
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£6:17:6

Operated by ONE man, woman or child, even in heavy
ground, and ploughs up to NINE inches deep and TEN

inches wide, at a rate of from 10 to 15 feet per minute.

SAVES THE LABOUR OF DIGGING.

Invaluable for Ploughing between Fruit Trees, ~m—_

MORE EFFICIENT THAN A SPADE & DOES

THE WORK IN A FRACTION OF THE TIME.
FULL PARTICULARS FROM

MOTE’S, LIMITED,
, PALACE CHAMBERS, WESTMINSTER, S.W.

New Paraffin Light

~ — + — <7 “4S e. ) Fr Fs ry. )
5 ee LF Ae DB Rob. “bk LAE
BCA TS GAS OR viel, £2 Cae
+200 Reward
ae Mantle Lamp
person showing us an oil
lampequal to this Aladdi: ) . . : ; .
regen. (leis ok Radiates a cheerful pure white light. It burns common
offer given in our cir- | paraffin and costs only jd. per hour. The Aladdin is clean
Osa ana asta Ae ee and simple to use. It burns without noise or smoke. It
there were any doubt of cannot explode. Can be carried about the house with
the merits of the Aladdin? absolute safety. Fully guaranteed. Do not be misled by
We want one person in her inc lest = k sk “he: burner contr: , bef o
each locality tow hom we other incanc escent amps OF € leap IUTHet contraptions yerore
can refer enquiries. Write trying the Aladdin at our expense.
for ‘len Days’ Free Trial :
proposition, Distributors’ A TR L
Wholesale Prices, and
| ee fe oo LADDIN INDUS IES, td.,
) FREE. é 2a
‘Seen se 871, Aladdin Buildings, 132, Southwark Street, London, S.E.{

XVili

Kingsway Reinforced
en hans Block Silos

| It pays to feed silage

and the less your silo

costs, the more it

pays, this is why you
should have

A KINGSWAY SILO

with its new labour-
saving features and
sound construction, to
last for centuries
together, with reduced
prices for 1922.

fe
|
|
t

PRE RO RIL LIP AED Non ge

&
Mets <
ee r

Neplat eeatace pacopeneatae gen Becace eitea

Lf desired Yow Carn hire

my moulds, with full
wstructions and erect
your own Silo by direct

eee ae abour. Yr.
MOULDS ALSO SUITABLE FOR TANKS,
CISTERNS, RESERVOIRS, MANURE PITS, &c.

ALSO ON HIRE.

Further particulars

oe KING,

Concrete Silo Contractor,

HARROW, MIDDLESEX.

OMe

AX .

The Netting
you will have
eventually —

BECAUSEit lies dead flat
without curves or bulges
and gives no trouble.
ti is made to stand heavy
strains too, being of
ce grade wire, galva- 3
nized after manufacture. &

i]
High quality and low price is |
auctor combination that makes
“Faultless” the Netting you
should test NOW.
Send us particulars of your require-
ments ana we will gladly quote carriage

paid prices for large or small quantities,
direct from works.

i VALE TRONWORAS
CARDIFF

THE JOURNAL OF THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTUR

COMPOUND FERTILISERS
For All Crops.

SUPERPHOSPHATES.
STEAMED BONE MEAL.
SULPHATE OF AMMONIA.
BASIC SLAG.
SULPHATE OF COPPER.

THOMAS VICKERS & SONS, Ltd.
WIDNES, LANCS.

Telegrams : “ Vickers, Widnes.”
Telephone 115 (2 lines).

E.—Advertisements.

HALL & CO.,

’Phone: Purley 10. LTD.

Lime ori
COULSDON, L.B. & ‘5.C. Rly

GROUND

CARBONATE OF LIME

(For Agricultural Purposes)
17/6 per Ton loaded in Bulk F.O.R. Coulsdon.
Orders should be booked at once to
secure prompt delivery.

WHITE LUMP & GROUND LIME

For Agricultural Purposes,

All kinds of CHALK supplicd from Lump
Chalk for road making down to extremely
Fine Powdered Chalk for

Pharmaceutical purposes.
Head Office

Victoria Wharf, E. Croydon.

‘Phone:

Telegrams : }
‘Croypon, 1104.

“ CEMENT, CROYDON.”

LL LT OG LLL LE CTE EO EE TT ST TE TT

, 1 — Oe ae ae

Sharpes Express, Eclipse, Epicure, Sir
J. Llewellyn, Arran Comrade, King
George V., Majestic, M’Pherson Early,
Dargil Early, Arran Rose, Edzell Blue,

Queen,

Kerrs

Pink, Tinwald

Perfection, Ally, Myatt’s Ashleaf Kid-

May

ney, K. of K. (Immune King Edward

=} vir),

Bloomtield

(New

Immune),

The Dean (New hnmune), &c. Prices

| on apphcation.

FARM

SEEDS.

(;rasses, Clovers, Turnips, Seed Corn.
Samples and prices on application.

. 2 ie

(George IV. Bridge).

| A SILO ON EVERY FARM

: Pfyou want to know all
: about Silos and Silage.
: write for our 20 page

book, which will be sent
: post free on ntentioning
this paper.

TILLIE, WHYTE & CO.,

SEED GROWERS,

12, MELBOURNE PLACE, EDINBURGH.

[ Estab. 1837,

is the Farmer’s insur-

ance against shortage

of food and drought.

Prepare for next sea-

son’s drought and erect
one of our

Creosoted Wood Stave Silos

The quality and sound
construction of our Silos
are the best and cheap-
est obtainable. The
advantages in our make
are :—

Extra Strong con-
struction,

_Secure Anchorage.

Hinged Doors.

Convenience in Filling
and Emptying.

Durability & Stability.

Eng lish Brothers Ltd
INCORPORATED with GABRIEL .WADE « ENGLISH F°

WISBECH.

| THE JOURNAL OF THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE.—Advertisements. xix

SCOTCH SEED POTATOES.

(Hand Picked).
Duke of York, Midlothian Early,

FERTILISERS

FOR SEASON 1922.

ALONG WITH PHOSPHATES OR PHOSPHATES
AND NITROGEN.

Potash is Wanted for

CEREALS (on light and chalky soils)
2 cwt. Kainit or 4 cwt. Sulphate ef Potash,
before sowing.
MANGOLDS (in all cases)
+ cwts. Kainit, supplies Potash and also commor
salt.
TURNIPS ANDSWEDES
3 cwts. Kaimit or $ cwts. Sulphat
where little or no dung is supplied.
PO'TATOES
r to 2 cwts. Sulphate of Potash. acc
amount of dung.
MEADOW HAY AND “SEEDS'’
3 cwts. Kainit in winter or early spring.
Write for free booklets «

aud root crops «
eee & t t

2 manuring of grassland, potatoe
nu modern scientific lines.

For information and literature on use of Potash as
supplied by the Potash Syndicate :

G. A. COWIE, M.A., B.Se., A.I.C.,
39, VICTORIA STREET, WESTMINSTER, S.W.1.

For names of Merchants who can supply all Potash
Fertilisers write to :

F. W. BERK & Co., Ltd.,
1, Fenchurch Avenue, E.C.3.

DRY FERTILISERS

in fine condition are essential for economical

distribution.
is to buy

GUANGGEN FLOUR

AND MIX YOUR OWN.

‘**Guanogen Flour”? is an entirely
organic Fertiliser in a dry, loamy and
superfine condition, containing 44 per cent.
amm. and less than 5 per cent. moisture.

** Guanogen Flour ”’ when mixed with
Superphosphate, eliminates all the objec-
tionable stickiness of the latter, which
causes so much annoyance with tlre
Distributor.

**Guanogen Flour”? is admirably
suited to mix with any phosphatic or
potassic materials, and enormously in-
creases the area over which they may be
effectively distributed.

**Guanogen Flour ”’ is, in itself, an
ideal Nitrogenous Fertiliser.

The cheapest way to obtain them

J. A. KNIGHT & CoO.,

Fertiliser Manufacturers,
Importers, Exporters and Merchants,
5, Richmond Street, LIVERPOOL.

Registered Trade Marks: ‘Seagull’? ‘* Guanogen.”
Tel. : 3540 Royal. Telegrams : ‘‘ Penelope, Liverpedl,

XxX

THE

“CLAYTON”

a

aN SS yp

GA SSING MA CHINE

for DESTRUCTION GF RATS, RASBITS, &c.

producing sulphurous gas cf high
strength without danger to operator
or domestic Animais.

Unlike Poisons, Virus and Trapping, it
Destroys not only Aduit Yermin, but
aiso the Young in the Nests.

Used by PUBLIC BODIES, ESTATE
CWNERS, FARMERS, &c.

Full Particulars from—
CLAYTON FIRE EXTINGUISHING & DISINFECTING CS. coe
22, Craven Street, Strand, London, W.C.2
Agent RESSICH & CAMPBELL, |118, Queen BL ciniaow:
ah fy. O. DAY, Church House, Lord Street, Liverpool.

Have You a Lawn
or Tennis Court ?

If your Lawn is poor or marred by
unsightly Weeds, a dressing of
“Minerva” Lawn Sand
will quickly eradicate all surface
weeds and moss, and encourage
growth of the finest trans-
forming it into a

Lawn Like Veivet.

Especially suitable for Golf Greens
and ‘Tees, Bowling Lawns,
Tennis Courts, ete.
1 ib. to every 4 square
Sirst dressing and half after a fortnight.

orasses,

Gareens,

yards, half given as

PRICES:
28 ibs., 8/6; S56 1lbs., 15/-; Lewt., 24/-

CARRIAGE PAID TO NEAREST STATION.
Special Quotations for large quantities,

RENED RAY & CQ.,,
3, OLD MILLS, HOUNSLOW.

*Phone—Vic

The “EC-onom-IC” STEEL SILO

Is the ONLY SILO which is really

1. AIRTIGHT—Perfect Silage.
2. FIREPROOF—Ensured Food Supply.
38. WEHATHERPROOF-— Cannot Shrink,
Varp or Crack.
4. EKC-onom-ICAL—Holds more than any
other the Same Size, and
5. REMOVABLE-Put up and taken

down in a week by two men.
Write for all particulars to—

. THE GEO. H. GASCOIGNE CO. (A.0.),
3, Central Buildings, Westminster, S.W.1
zt. 7048.
DEFERRED PAYMENTS IF DESIRED.

“2 Minute”
Harness

Making harness repairs with BIFURCATED
RIVETS is simplicity itself. Whenever a
strap goes, just slip in a rivet and you have
a strong, neat job. Every carter should carry
them.

Biturcated
iveis

are stocked by most ironmongers. If you
cannot buy them locally. we will send you a
good-sized box of assorted sizes for a special
price of 2/-.

Bifurcated and Tubular
Rivet Co., Ltd.
AYLESBURY BUCKS

’Grams—Phyrghen, Phone, London.

4
Mp
{ Fy:
—— eet ATF Ak
=a o '
a= i 2] “1
Soa — j /
Sot A | | '
—— 1
Ee RS CS EO ED AE LL Oe NEE ET RS I LY LT TT A LT

THE JOURNAL OF THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE.—A dvertisements.

LL LOL LE TLE OID GS TEE LY TO ES GE CES AS Le OE OL OE SE SE POE 2 SS EN SRS

THE JOURNAL OF THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE.—Advertisements. xxi

COTTON | (@
WOOL | £2260} oun
FILTER = | kam BUTTER

MEDIUMS |. | _ |incrzase

MADE IN Ys ceuale TO

ENGLAND. v reciean., Tae we

All Sizes up to Ve ;

16 in. in Diameter. 4 This Butter Churn
roo Cotton Wool Discs is ma de in England.

packed in a Sealed Box.
Sizes, 1 fo 4 quarts.

J. J. BLOW, |
10-12, Phenix Place, London, W.C.1. J. J. BLow, 10-12, Phoenix Place, London, W.C.1.

The Journal of the Ministry of Agriculture. THE

Net Sale Certificate. bs O R K S HIR =
I hereby certify that the average INSURANCE COMPANY Limited.

monthly net sales of The Journal LIVE-STOCK INSURANCE

of the Ministry of Agriculture, all A SPECIALITY.

editions carrying advertisements, SHOW AND TRANSIT RISKS

after deducting all free vouchers, PROMPTLY ARRANGED,

complimentary and advertising eqn a ee

copies, and all returns, for the half eee?

year ending 30th September, 1921, York: ST. HELEN'S SQUARE.

were 9,687 copies per issue. London: BANK BUILDINGS, PRINCES ST., E.C.2.
In addition to sales, the average Branches and Agencies throughout the Kingdom.

number of copies distributed to

Officials of the Ministry, County
Inspectors, Agricultural Com | (EAA TES TWE TINT G
mittees, Agricultural Societies, and

agricultural experts and writers, was

1,187 monthly, which, while not LEARN BY POST
being a sale circulation, is never- TO make farming pay really well. We have trained
theless effective and guaranteed. hundreds to succeed. Why not you?
oo WE have courses of instruction in every branch of
(Signed) F. L. C. Froup, Mixed, Stock, Arable and Dairy Farming, Veterinary
Secretary and Accounting Officer. Science, Farm Accounts, &c.
7th November, 1921. ALSO a special course in Land Agency for those going
ras in for the management of landed estates.
Sole Agents for Advertisements: THE College has been established 18 years. Send
C. VERNON & SONS, LIMITED, postcard for a free prospectus to The Agricultural
38, Holborn Viaduct, London, E.C.1 Correspondence College (Sec. N), Ripon.

FARMIN G

xxii THE JOURNAL OF THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE.—Advertisements.

EARNERS !

Stop that Leaky Roof.

A covering of Cuirass No. 6 Liquid
Proofing will make it absolutely water-
tight, not merely for this winter, but
for winter after winter. It will save
you the cost of renewals and the far
greater cost of the labour involved.

Applied cold with a brush.

Manufactured by

Cuirass Products, Ltd.,

69, Victoria Street,
Westminster, S.W.1.

Telephone : Telegrams:
Victoria ‘* K werasspro
5419. London.”

Lancashire, Cheshire, Shropshire & North Wales.
Feed You r Land Messrs. BOULT, SON & MAPLES,

with VALUERS, SURVEYORS, ESTATE AGENTS, AND

K.C.C. NITROGENOUS MEAL Ofices: 5, COOK STREET, LIVERPOOL.

oe ial pgs le
‘elephones—187 Bank—2 lines.
and get better results. Estates, Farms, Residential and Business Properties only.

Periodical Sales of Property at Liverpool, Chester and Preston.
ES TS RE RE ES EE

A purely animal product, containing approxi-

mately 8°30°/, Ammonia, of which 85°/, is soluble, ee
The most efficient Fertilizer for Wheat and all SEED POTATOES FOR SAL?”
Cereals, supplies humus to the soil and stimulates Sharpe’s Express, Eclipse, Queen Mary, British
growth, Queen, Arran Chief, Arran Comrade, Ally,
Prices and Samples to be had on application. Majestic, Great Scot, Evergood, King Edward

THE KENT CHEMICAL CO., LTD., and other leading varieties.
7. King Street, West Smithfield, E.C.1, iene Thompson, Spalding, Lincolnshire

The Advice Given by every Farmer who uses.Trump’s Tested Seeds.
A reputation of 50 years’ standing is behind every bag of seed that leaves our warehouses. TRUMP’S TESTED SEEDS
are ‘‘THOROUGH-BRED” SEEDS OF HIGHEST PURITY AND GERMINATION, OFFERED AT PRICES WHICH ARE
STRICTLY MODERATE.

¢ Licensed Private Seed Testing Station under the Seeds Act, 1920.
Specialists in Tested Grass, Clover and Root Seeds.
: IN Western Counties Seed Warehouses, BARNSTAPLE.

Branch Offices —24, Rood Lane, London, 5.C.3, and 6, Oxford Chambers, Bristol.

. ae bate 4

‘THE z JOURNAL oF THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, ~Adoartioomeite.:

*

ae

A a4 ae he - ~~.
ee ee fF ee oe oe
m a pres ia Pa La Oe 2 etry ‘wt G

. Paine us ;
™ > Xo va’: mt veak Rs

Lo 5 be! SO eS eter ee 7 af tm meee

~ ene re 4" ne oar has |

ee ; le ' aaa 2 .

Se one dy ro
- 5 “>
S i = 5
* oe
, ee ?

is ba piihalht phosphatic fertiliser,
containing ©=60-65% Phosphates.

4%

HIGHLY SOLUBLE.

a | For grain anal roots “ EPHOS” will give “a i
comparable to superphosphate and basic slag, while

a excels both in the promotion of leaf and stem.

als.

ae “ EPHOS"” counteracts soil act

5%

or #
- ee
om Fe .
oes wf< ee
wigs ee AF Ga
a . m4,
? ; aire
7, + she
a

EPHOS' "18 s particularly well adapted for mixing
on ee in n compound manures.

ROOKSTON BROS.,

as Ee

ven LC sy Gardens, London, S.W.1. arate

_—«
2 been
f

ey ; Clovers, or Leguminous Ftants. , aay

PH JOURNAL OF He MaN 4 IT TT

‘LumP_ OR GROUND. ms ie

To Al Cultivators a Land: °.

GROUND. LIME is a FERTILISER, pralhs secures”
Eee CROPS with a MINIMUM of EXPENSE |

: GROUND. LIME, if applied to the fen in staple’ 4 of abet 10 rN ‘or more
per acre Laas sontim, will produce greatly augmented CROPS, whether. of nag

THIS LIME is a SOIL FOOD, an INSECTICIDE, a PUNGICIDE,
Pe and the BEST REMEDY for se FINGER-AND-TOE ‘i DISEASE i in
{ ; | a as TURNIPS, &e. | | ele okie
The Works are favourably situated for prompt. delivery": in
EASTERN, SOUTH MIDLAND and SOUT EE TY, COUNTIES. a |

For Prices of

AGRICU LTUR RAL uN

- GROUND
CARBONATE OF |

Write to—

THE CEMENT MARKETING COMPANY, ae
LIME ‘DEPARTMENT,

8, LLOYDS — AVENUE, LONDON, BC3,

Telegraphic Address:—** PORTLAND, FEN, 7 LONDON.’ ee se gs
Telephone No. 5690 AVENUE rene Exchange), CS ae