ON THE LAND.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3119, 16 January 1911, Page 2

ON THE LAND.

A Promicing Milker.

The University of California to all accounts has the University of Missouri “cowed.” Not long ago a despatch received from Missouri State Agricultural College of the Universitv of Missouri stated that their prize Holstein cow, “Josephine,’ has been giving thirty-two quarts of milk a day. But California, as usual, comes up with a trump card and goes even the' “show-me” State one better.

In a letter from Victor Henderson, secretary of the University of California Regents, written to the students through their daily, lie says, “Lest a prophet be without honor in her own country, let me tell you that Take Leon at the Universitv Farm at Davis, a week or so ago was averaging fortynine quarts a. day.” sVSi:rt the Horse Go?

The prophets who have been prophesying so lustily lately that the liorso as a motive power in the United States would soon lie annihilated by the automobile will find it hard to explain the most recent statistics on the matter. In no other country have automobiles come into more general use among the well-to-do classes or half as commonly among farmers particularly. Yet the number of horses on farms and ranges was 21,040,000 at the beginning of the current year, as compared with 13.537,500 at the beginning of 1900, showing an increase of 7,502,500, or over 55 per cent, in ten years. The increase in estimated value is even more striking. For 1910 the horses were valued at 2,276,383,000 dollars, as compared with 603,969,400 for 1900. showing an increase of 1.672,393,600 dollars, or 277 per cent. A New Slight Theory.

M’h ile there appears some difference of opinion amongst growers as to the cause of blight in districts which for years have produced only clean potatoes, there is no doubt in the minds of experts. They pronounce clearly and with emphasis; to the effect that blight is one of the most easily-communicat-ed disease of the tuber, and may*be conveyed to clean and healthy ones hv the mere handling of those which are affected. Mr. Massee, of the Royal Gardens at Ivew (England), and one of the accepted authorities on plant ailments and posts, says: — “Potato disease is present in every part of the world where the potato is grown, and I have no hesitation in saying blight is conveyed by means of hibernating mycelium in the seed, and not by means of spores.” If this opinion is accepted generally the spore theory must go, and instead of treating the ground for what may be in it in the wav of sickness, the seed potato will have to bo treated for what is on it in the way of pest. Imported Chaff ar.d Weodc.

A contributor writes to the “Auckland Herald” to the effect that the Australian chaff now being imported into Auckland contain seeds of the Californian thistle. If this is the case then the officials of the Agricultural Department should take immediate action. Hie fruit imported into this country-' is subjected to rigid inspection in order to prevent the introduction of insect and fungoid pests, and it is just as necessary that chaff and other produce should receive the same attention. AYe have enough weeds of our own to combat without introducing others, and nothing would he so likely to spread new ones as chaff, for the stock eating it would distribute the seed under the most favorable conditions. and naturally over a. wide area. There seems to he no actual reason why Auckland should import chaff from Australia, or anywhere else, for oats and other cereals suitable for chaffing grow remarkably well in the northern province, if "nroperlv cultivated, and the oil engine puts the power of chaffcutting into every farmer’s hands, to say nothing of the travelling plants which do the work at a very reasonable price. If the Auckland farmer docs not wish to be troubled with either imported chaff or imported weeds he must grow oats and supply the local ‘markets. Those interested are reminded that nominations for the Danhovirke Racing Club’s Autumn Meeting, which will take place at Tamaki on March S and 9, will close on February 11, whilst the.acceptances arc due on the 21st.