ON THE- LAND.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2113, 12 February 1908, Page 6 (Supplement)

ON THE- LAND.

EEP-MAGGOT. a word oV’Warning to BREEDERS.

One of the most recent bulletins issued by the Government Agricultural Department contains an article on the above subject by Mr J. A. Giliutli, M.R.C.V.iS., E.R.S.E., Chief Ye.teninariaii. Air Gilruth says: During the past summer this pest to the llockowner was proved to exist in New Zealand, and though, as yet, definitely recognised only in North Otago, in view of the fact that it is in many parts of the world a veritable scourge, sheepowners a.re cautioned to be on the outlook lor its appearance among their flocks, and to take all possible precautions *o prevent its spread, as well as its ravages. If in older countries with tonall flocks, under constant supervision, the maggot in certain seasons is a constant source of worry ami loss io farmers, how much more serious might it not become in tho Dominion, where flocks ,aro larger, and are not,, and could only with difficulty be, subject to the same watchful care ) ' This is well seen in certain parts cf New South Wales and Victoria, where of recent years a species of maggotfly (the nature of which is apparently not yet definitely determined) has been playing havoc with sheep, and to such an extent that some reports, mention 10 per cent, of cases as having occurred amongst certain flocks of owes. DESCRIPTION. The fly which we have demonstrated to bo present hero by hatching it from the larvae (maggots) is termed Lucilia serieata. Smaller than the ordinary “bluebottle,” it is of a greenish-blue tint, but is otherwise similar tin appearance, and is frequently confounded with that flv. In most countries where the sheepmaggot is plentiful the parent is popularly considered to be the common “blue-bottle” (Calliphora \ omitor in). but this is •erroneous. The “blue-bottle” lays its eggs on carrion and like material, on which the larvae feed after hatching, but there is no evidence that they are capable of existing and developing on the'live animal: at least, they are not capable of penetrating the healthy skill. If they were, it is obvious that sheepbreeding would have become almost an impossibility in New Zealand long ago. Tho sheep-fly lays uts eggs in the wool of the sheep, particularly those whoso wool is dirty, lambs and hoggets suffering from diarrhoea- and consequent soiling of the hind qmaiters being especially prone to attacks. Sheep and lambs which are free from soiled wool are not, however, exempt from attack when tho fly is prevalent during the -summer month’s, particularly towards the latter end of the season. Showery weather, and long grass on dewy mornings, rendering tho wool moist, scorn to exert an influence in attracting the fly. Naturally, wounds and abrasions of tho skin are also likely nlaces of attack.

Although the sheep is generally considered to be a- necessary host for the maggot, it is difficult to see -liow this can he so, and it is most- probable that any carrion in warm weatlior may offer a suitable place for the growth of the larvae or maggots. Dead -sheep, especially those left uuskinnod, in any case afford an excellent breeding-ground for the parasites, so that one of the first lines of defence -is -burial of all -dead sheep so 111 a comparatively short time after the eggs are laid and the young maggots are hatched out and immediately travel (towards the -skin, where they intiuce irritation and inflammation, which is only aggravated by the attempts-of .the animal >to obtain relief. Soon- 'the -maggots burrow through 'the -skin and pass between that and the muscles, and if not observed early they will ultimately burrow very deeply, cases having been seen by .the writer in which they have eaten their way -right into -the abdominal cavity beforo -death of the (animal occurred. SYMPTOMS.

The symptoms consist, as may be expected, of attempts to -remove the cause of the irritation by biting the part .affected, frequent rubbing, rapid agitation of the -tail, eit-c.; but this can generally only he observed if the animal is undisturbed, and in the early stages before the skin becomes insensible. If the skin lias become partially destroyed before the affected sheep is seen, listlossnss may be the only readily discerned evidence, but a careful observer -may—especially if .the animal is attacked in the side, as lambs frequently .are —detect a damp, dir-ty-looking patch of wool due to discoloration by exudation from the skin. So rapid is the whole course of events that, even in a -carefully watched flock, cases of extensive damage are not rare and sometimes even death is impossible to prevent. PREVENTIVE MEASURES. In addition to the burial of dead sheep—which, by -removal of a breed-ing-ground, provents the increase of flies ,to a great extent —cleanliness of wounds and their propel' antiseptic treatment, the maintenance of cleanliness of the hind-quarters’ wool by crutching, dagging, etc.., where necessary, will go far to prevent the flv “striking.” Diarrhoea should be treated by removal to a different pasture, and, if necessary, the -provision of dry food. la addition to all this, dipping by means of an effective lasting dip as a preventive is strongly recommended for any flock in which the trouble has appeared, or is likely to appear. CURATIVE TREATMENT. This -should be adopted immediately a sheep is observed .to bo “blown.” All dirty or -matted -wool, should be removed by the shears, am! a strong solution of non-poisonous f-lieop-drp or other si miliar antiseptic applied to the part where the maggots'aro -located. A good mixture for the- purpose is one pant of oil of turpentine to three parts of olive-oil, the whole being well shaken up before applying. The greatest- cares is necessary in order to destroy all the maggots, as whenever the wool sis disturbed, -and especially when. it is being clipped, t-liey immediately endeavor to bury amongst ilie sur--1»A»i rl I - twi/vl .’_ T.+... lal oIIVQTT^I,,

Farm and Station.

THE WOOL SALES

to ascertain if any maggots have escaped, uukl especially to be contain thnit it has not—evs frequently happens —been again “struck.”

LATEST EXPERIENCE OE CH RISTOIbURG.iI FARMERS

Tho -I a sit of the current season’s wool sales was hold in Christchurch on Wednesday and the course of the market is particularly Interesting in view of the sale to be held hero tomorrow week. According to the “Lyttelton Times” report the wool on tho whole was offered in fair condition, conipfiring favorably with that H-üb--niitted during previous seasons. Ero-m the outset the demand was unexpectedly -weak, and as the sate progressed it was made clearly -iuainfest that the improved nates obtained -a t tho January ftvlo were only transient. There was in generallmpression among growers that the Aunerican financial crisis having in a measure passed away, and the British money market Giving become nmieh easier during itlio last few* weeks, the improved prices ruling at the. January sales would be fully maintained. Not oven the most pessimistic in the community ventured to predict that the fourth sale of the season would bo -the lowest of the series, and that some S 5 per cent of tho wool submitted would bo passed. lAn examination of the tables given will show- that merino .wools suffered as compared with the January sale, a decline of from id -to 1-Jd per lb, super half-ibreds Id to I*!,d, medium balf-breds id to lid, three-quarter-bred Id to lid, faulty crossbred Id, pieces Id to lid, locks Id and bellies Id to llld. The Ridding throughout was languid, and it was elu.i-r that owners had fixed their reserves considerably above jbuyors’ ideas of values. None of the buyers showed much anxiety to secure supplies, and quite a number of lots offered during the day failed to elicit an offer.

The highest price obtained at auction was lid for a line of Down wool, but -after tho close of the sale Messrs Pyno and -Co. made a private sale of a line of qnarter-breil from Longbeac-li at 12.1<L

management of THE MOST FAMOUS LONG-WOOL FLOCK IN THE WORLD. AUTUMN DIPPING AT RIBY GROVE. Advices to hand from England state that Air. Henry Dudding concluded tho autumn dipping of his famous Lincoln flock on "Wednesday, December 4. In England, where sheep scab has not yet been eradicated from tho country, stud-breeders are always fully on tho alert to prevent the introduction of this dread malady into their flocks, consequently only a dip possessing the greatest possible protective powers is used. All the ltiby Grove sheep, numbering perhaps from 1200 to 1500 head, and of a gross value of anything from £50,000 to £60,000, were dipped in Quibell’s Powder Dip, of which preparation Air. Dudding states that lie cannot speak too highly for killing all parasitic filth, preventing roinfestation, and improving the growing fleece. Mr. Dudding’s verdict as to tho sterling qualities of Quibell’s Patent Powder Dip- -is fully endorsed by mViny of tho largest anil most successful sheep-breeders in this"' Dominion, a fact which should commend it to tho notice of every progressive ilockmast-

RURAL TOPICS. Thirty-two South Devons were exported from Britain to New Zealand last year. Thor© is no turnip, declares a iSoutli Island lamb fat-tenor, which will take -the place of Sutton’s Imperial Green GJobe. -It is not too hard, and —<a most important consideration —any two-tooth can .eat it. Then in -a wet season it (is out of the mud and in a dry season it is out. of the dust.

A. large ila.mb f-attenor -recently purchased .a turnip crop- in Southland which lie describes -as the finest field of roots lie has ever soon. On six acres, he informed u writer, he -fattened GOO sheep. The crop was grown on virgin bush soil, a rich chocolate 'loam, and fewt of manure was applied. j

“Ovis,” writing in the Canterbury A. and P- Association’s journal, deplores the falling-off in crossbred wool in New Zealand, owing to want of attention to breeding, and the disinclination to give a decent price for stud sheep. This tendency has been increased by the increase of small flocks. So many pastoralists do not keep a fixed stock but buy and sell every year, and when the average farmer buys he does not trouble about the wool, and looks at the carcase and teeth only, and if lie is -buying owes, the percentage of lambs they aro likely to give.

Tlie Japanese arc turning their attention -to wiool manufacture, reports Mr V. .B. Buttor, the N.S.AV. Commercial Agent in the East, and will in the near -future look to Australia for (their supplies. lam already advised that certain students are visiting Sydney wiiitli a view -to lira king a special study of the whole of the wool business, and to reporting 1-110 results of their observations ito the Government and to different mills, -in Japan. Mr Suitor (further reports complaints of hemp- in wool, similar to those (from -Bradford, and especiulIv mentions cases of string ends or tag ends being allowed to -fall into the bales when cut at -the coinois to place them in the press.

There is no doubt that the macaroni. or as they are termed in America, the durum wheats thrive much better ill the dry districts than do the soft varieties. The fact mentioned is demonstrated in New South Wales and Coolaba'h districts. At Moree thirty varieties of the ordinary broad wheats have been so burnt up by the severity of the drought that they are failures oven for hay. In marked contrast to t-lcs, Medeah and Cretan, the only two macaroni wheats growing there, present afresh, green, and vigorous appearance. At Coolabah there were practically the same results. Experiments in America have shown tlia-t the durum wheats are as good for bread as the jU.vnoriniont.s. with

The price being paid for shorn fiat lambs oil farms in the Eeilding district is Dfo (ill a head. Messrs John Cooke and Go., of Melbour no, pTobably the most important shippers of lat slock in Auslrakisio, intend establishing themselves [permanently in this island. Tho Mnmnvwtu is not so dry as some other pants of tho country, but its pastures presen t a parched-up a-p----]KSi ranee. Rape crops are doing fairly well mm tier the ei l'Cttni stall eesp aml stock generally is looking in good condition, .. At tho Addington Saloyarils tho other’'day about twenty pigs in tho fat and store pons died in consequenco of the extremo heat. Tho pigs woro enclosed in uncovered pens, and had no opportunity to got shelter. In some cases owners sprayed the animals with hater, and this appeared to affl'oril them considerable relief. Tho cocksfoot harvest in Banks’ Peninsula is now finished. In most parts of tho Peninsula tho yield has been very disappointing,and it is probable that the crop will bo nearer onehalf than onc-tliird less than last year’s T’lio price, however, is much better, sjd being freely offered for 121 b seed, and it is stated that for some good parcels as high as sjd has been given.

An authority on pig-breeding told tho “Dominion’s Munawatu correspondent that oven with pork at 4d per pound, considering tho high price of land, rents, feed, etc., the profit was nearly so good to tho farmer as it was ten years ago, when pigs woro sold at 2pi per pound. A farmer has written to tho Ilawcra “Star“ that Taranaki farmers aro turning out as good a class of bacon ipig as can bo obtained anywhere in tho Dominion, “and yet,” lie writes, “wo are only paid a paltry 4cl per pound for tho same. AVo are assured that tho Addington market rules the price on this coa6t. Well, if it does, it is to fatten the bacon buyers, for by latest press reports and for some time back bacon pigs have been netting at tho Addington yards from sld to 6d per pound. If I buy a few pounds of bacon 1 have to pay lOd per pound. Brother pig-raisers, how long more are you going to present those bacon companies with your hard toil and cash. 1 am going to sell to the first buyer who offers mo oil per pound, and that leaves a good margin for their risks.”

“Tho difficulty of securing sufficient labor to run the farm is now becoming something cruel,” said an agriculturist an tihe .Manawatu district the other diiy. "Tho men are remarkably hard to get, and even when they have been secured it is no light task to keep them.” As an 'illustration of what ho meant, he mentioned a ease that had come within Iris own observation, where a farmer hud a fine crop of cocksfoot to harvest, and which ho was particularly •anxious to save. First- of all, he offered a third of the proceeds of the crop to any men who would undertake to get the seed in, hut no .espouse was made. Then he went the length of increasing the offer to onehalf, but still no men could he -found to take the job. At last, becoming desperate, he Slid lie would give twothirds of the crop in order to get it harvested, but-, even then the labor-' was not to be had. On the two-thirds basis a good mpm could have made from £2 to £3 a day and yet, even at that wage, no one seemed to want job. The fact of tho matter is,” added the agriculturalist, “that the pun do not care about doing anything in the shape of hard work, even when splendid money is to be made. The result is, as in the instance under notice, that farmers often lose Valuable- crops, while the general work on the -Sarins 'at this time of year is always heavily handicapped.”'

A Timaru merchant, when questional by a “Herald” reporter on tho subject of tho London “Times” article, inclined to tho opinion that wheat would not be dearer this year than last, at least not in New Zealand. Ho based his arguments on several reasons. The one of most importance to South Canterbury farmers was the fact that whereas last year Timaru was practically feeding Oaniaru, this year the yields around the White Stone City were not only good, but excellent. Then ho believed that the Southland crops were going to be very heavy. Taking tho colony as a whole' lie considered that the decreased acreago under wheat would bo more than compensated by tho increased yields. Although early wheat had oponed in Christchurch at 4s 3d lio thought 4s would bo the price In Timaru, but ho was not aware of sales having -.been affected yet. Tho reports of the harvest from all over the district were exceptionally good in spite of tho dry weather, and this, of course, would tend to equalise the supply and demand, with a natural weakening in prices. Then tho prices of wheat in America were weakening and the Argentine reported good harvests, so lie felt compelled to think that wheat would not be so dear this year as in 1907. As for oats thislnerchant said that to buy at 2s 2d or 2s 3d was simply buying in the dark, for he expected that when the Southland crops were harvested Is 9d would be the ruling price there, and prices at T.imaru would probably recede to at least 2s. But as tho local market for new cereals was not by any means in full swing yet he thought .it idle to prophesy—the vagaries of tho grain markets had taught merchants tho futility of attempting to look too far ahead, soon as found.

A NOTABLE ORDER FOR SHEEP DIP. “Itiby Grove, Lincohislxire, England, “May 27, 1907. “Messrs Quibell Bros. (Ltd.), Newark. “Dear Sirs,—l shall be much obliged if you will send me the same quantity ot your l’owder Dip as you sent- last wear. • “(Sigued for Henry Duddiug), „ “T. B. TORRY.” Note—Three times within the last decade has .Mr. Budding sold Bams lor 1000 guineas and over. Last year his Royal Champion two-tooth, which had been dipped in Quibell’s Dip, realised tho handsome sum of 1450 guineas—the highest price ever paid for a Longwool Sheep. The fact that Quibell’s Dips have been used on the Riby Grove flock more or less extensively for the past quarter of a century is conclusive evidence of the superior qualities of these famous preparations.

T„ At. T i XT 3VE A TIC ASSTB GOUTY AVrUCTI'ONG. (By “ Origin.”) Thu unnatural retention of uric and biliary poisons in the blood produces a group of complaints which inflict- upon Immunity long continued suffering and inLiMi.se pain. The most common of tiler..*) complaints are i*bcuiaatisi!i. gout, lumbago, sciatica, and neuralgia, 'i lie kidneys and liver are the organs upon which nature has imposed the task of extracting from the 1 flood certain matter which is being continuously manufactured in the holly, owing to the wasting of the tissues. It is as necessary to life that tho wasting, of the •^dssnes-^m'nsfr—proceed-"unfnte?nijiL>dly as it is that the substance of the body must be regularly renewed by the food wo eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe. It is equally necessary to health that the waste matter should be expelled from the body continuously, for its presence in the blood entails disease or death. The treatment of rheumatic and gouty affections by tho outward application of liniments, ointments, and embrocations is seldom productive of much lasting benefit. They may afford temporary relief in some crises, but they do not reach the scat of the disorder. The only way in which health can he permanently restored and pain peinianently removed, is to strike at the root of the evil by taking measures to ensure tho regular action of the kidneys anil the fiver. When these organs are performing their allotted task naturally and freely, uric and biliary poisons pass through the ordinary channels from the system as rapidly as they are secreted, and any suffering caused by the presence of such poisons in the blood necessarily ceases. This is the reason that treatment of rheumatism and gouty affections by Warner’s Safe Cure is so successful Warner’s Safe Cure is a specific remedy for disorders of the kidneys and liver and act 3 immediately upon those or guns. Not only is its remarkable curative effect directly demonstrated* in cases of Bright’s disease and other kidney and liver derangements, but its curative action is exhibited also in rheumatism, gout, lumbago, sciatica, neuralgia, gravel, stone, bladder troubles, indigestion, biliousness, impure blood, anaemia, and all disorders caused by the retention of uric and biliary poisons in the system, simply because those disorders are overcome when the kidneys and iiver are restored to health and natural activity. Many sufferers will be glad to learn that Warner’s Safe Cure is now issued in a concentrated form. Warner’s Safe Cure (Concentrated) is non-alcoholic, and is sold at 2/6 per bottle, containing the same number of doses as the 5/- bottle of Warner’s Safe Cure.