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results on two farms were as follows : Of 812 vaccinated ewes the pulpy kidney losses among their lambs were 2 (0-24 per cent.), whilst among 840 unvaccinatcd control ewes the losses among their lambs were 59 (7-02 per cent.). The indications are that a degree of immunity is conferred on the lamb through the colostrum of the vaccinated ewe. These initial trials, although on a small scale, can be regarded as most promising. Mr. Dayus, District Superintendent, Dunedin, who organized the trials, is of opinion that the results warrant an extension of the work next season. Lymphadenitis. —It is again necessary to refer to the economic importance of this disease in sheep, and to impress upon sheepowners the necessity of adopting precautionary measures to remove or lessen its occurrence in their flocks. Its presence in the carcass on inspection at freezing-works necessitates rejection for export, and therefore economic loss. Practical methods of control consist of the precautions recommended at shearing-time. Manual palpation of live sheep to detect the enlarged glands should be carried out annually on all properties where the incidence of the disease is high. Previously published records of this procedure on sheep-farms indicated the very valuable results obtained, and the practice is being carried on with continued decrease of lymphadenitis in the flocks. Its adoption on a large scale is desirable, yet it is discouraging to find that the majority of sheep-farmers treat the matter apathetically. Lymphadenitis in the carcass is viewed seriously by the inspecting authorities in Britain, and the interests of our export trade in mutton and lamb demand full recognition of its elimination from our flocks. Mycotic Dermatitis. —This disease, which is characterized by the formation of hard scabs which grow with the wool, has been further observed in Canterbury. Its presence is usually detected at shearing-time. A method of treatment by spraying with antiseptic solution has given good results. Sheepowners are again advised to report any suspicious cases to the Department for investigation. Pregnancy Toxamia of Ewes (Ante-partum Paralysis).—The season was not marked by any undue occurrence of this trouble. Contagious Ecthyma (Sore Mouth). —On farms on which this disease occurs in sheep a method of preventive vaccination of lambs has been tried. Reporting on the results of this in his district, Mr. Dayus, District Superintendent, Dunedin, states that encouraging results have followed the vaccination. A continuation of the work will be carried on next season. Sheep Blow-fly has been fairly prevalent in most sheep districts, dissemination of information relating to the best means of control being called for. The glycerine-boric-acid dressing recommended by Australian research workers has been tried in some districts. Further extended trials must be made, however, before an opinion as to its benefits over other dressings can be expressed. The more extensive use of blow-fly traps has been noted. Liver-fluke. —The presence of this parasite in sheep bred on a farm in the Bay of Plenty district has been noted, this being the first time it has been recorded in that particular area. Preventive measures have been put into operation on the farm. Foot-rot. —The incidence of this disease during the year was reported as being somewhat above the average. More individual effort by sheep-farmers by way of proper treatment of affected sheep would go a long way in reducing loss through this trouble. It is a disease which calls for extensive research. Lice and Ticks. —Increased activity on the part of the stock inspection staff has been directed during the year against lice and tick infestation in sheep. An increased number of prosecutions were instituted against sheepowners for exposure of lousy sheep in saleyards. It is questionable, however, whether this policy in itself can ever achieve satisfactory eradication results. A development in inspectional policy inaugurated in the Poverty Bay district during the year is worthy of mention. Mr. Gill, District Superintendent, Wellington, reports on this as follows : "In view of the numerous prosecutions in past years in the Gisborne district for exposure of lousy sheep, and that in spite of them no headway seemed to be made in controlling the parasites, a change of policy was decided upon. Farms from which lousy sheep had been detected in sales were visited for the purpose of giving the owner notice to dip if lice were found. This action in itself drew attention to the position and would probably induce more care in dipping. In addition, travelling mobs of sheep were inspected on the roadside, and if lice were found notice to dip at the nearest reasonably available dip was served on the drover. Notice of the intention to carry out these two methods of control was published in the local papers in advance. It has involved a great deal of extra work for Inspectors Bould and French, and they deserve considerable credit for the able way in which it has been carried out. No undue hardship has been caused, and the Department's action has brought favourable comment from the farmers themselves." PIGS. A further development in the pig-breeding industry has to be recorded. Reference to the number of pigs slaughtered during the year indicates the increasing tendency of dairy-farmers to develop pig-breeding as a valuable adjunct to dairying, and it must be pleasing to all those interested in swine husbandry to see that the one million killing figure has been reached. This is a very substantial increase on last year, the number killed in 1934-35 being 924,979, as against 1,024,990 this year, an increase of 100,011. The season's killings are made up as follows : Export slaughterhouses, 768,976 ; abattoirs, 143,527 ; bacon factories, 55,772 ; ordinary slaughterhouses, 26,564 ; shop pigs, 30,151. In addition 20,000 pigs are returned as slaughtered by farmers for their own consumption. It cannot be stated, however, that in keeping with the developing trend of the industry, the general methods of pig-management have improved correspondingly. There is still enormous room for development in this direction. This becomes very evident from the large numbers of pigs which have to be rejected at the works on account of defects which could be obviated by better management. It is the Department's intention to extend its instructional service to farmers in the direction of promulgating improved standards of swine husbandry generally. The work done by Pig Recording Clubs in the Waikato and Manawatu districts is worthy of every support.

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