Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), Wednesday 26 May 1909, page 7


ITEMS.

Eucumbene estate, iii the Adaminaby district, comprising 2200 acres of freehold, cp., and c, lands, has been sold on behalf of Mr. K. V. Quin, by Messrs. Hain and Searight, Sydney, to Mr. B. H. Litchfield, Woodstock,

Cooma.

The Victorian Chief Inspector of Fruit suggests that the growers and the Government

combine, and offer a bonus for the discovery of the originating cause of bitter pit, and also for devising means by which it may be checked.

Mr." Sydney Kidman, the cattle king, has added to his Queensland properties by buy-ing Durham Downs station, on the Cooper; Tilbaroo, on the Paroo; and Burrawinna, on

the border.

Professor Babcock, of milk-test fame, in ex-perimenting regarding the effect of salt upon dairy cows, found that if salt were absolutely withheld, the effect was seen on some cows in from two to three weeks, while some went longer without giving the show away." They sooner or later developed a state of low vitality, ending in a complete breakdown.

In an ordinary daily ration for a cow, Babcock reckons there should be about threequarters of an ounce of salt, and even this, though sufficient for dry stock per head, is hardly enough for a cow in milk. The milk drains away a lot of salt out of the system, and therefore an additional amount per head

should be added.

From experiments made by the French Government to test the amount of salt required by the different kinds of farm stock, it was found that a milch cow required a total of 2oz daily, which corresponds with Professor Babcock's figures, allowing for a difference in the size of the different breeds. In the paddock the best way to administer salt is to let the animals have ready access to a lick, but indoors the salt must be given with

the food.

From 25 to SO per cent, of the cases now used by Victorian fruit exporters are made of Australian hard woods, whereas a year ago the proportion was just the reverse in favour of imported soft woods, mostly pine. Apparently the hard wood had no detrimental effect upon the quality of the apples, as the prices obtained for apples packed in hardwood cases brought equally as good prices as those packed In softwood cases in the first ship-

ment.

It is calculated by a Temora wheatgrower that farmers within a radius of 40 miles of that centre lose annually £250,000 through forward and early selling of wheat. Very little of the next season's crop, as a result of this enlightenment, will be sold until harvested. Offers of 3s 3d have already been

refused.

Batches of farmers In Otago, N.Z., are being prosecuted for failing to cut Californian thistles on their land before the plants have seeded. Many farmers hold that cutting in December, and January, as provided by the Act, promotes a stronger growth of the plants, which flower and seed later on, whereas if the thistles were cut in February and in the early part of March in many districts more practical good would be accomplished.