46 Agricultural Gazette of N.S.W. [Jari. 2, 1920. 



In order to arrive at the average of the whole of the samples analysed 

 during the twelve months, it was necessary to work out each month the 

 pounds of fat and the pounds of water approximately contained in the amount 

 of choicest butter for each individual factory for every month of the year, 

 basing the calculations on the percentage of fat and water as disclosed by the 

 analyses of the samples submitted. The total quantity of choicest quality 

 butter represented by these analyses for the whole twelve months was 

 24,975,845 lb. The average fat and water content, ascertained on the above 

 lines, was 83"32 fer cent, fat and 14" 14 fer cent, ivater. 



This is the most comprehensive series of analyses for fat and water under- 

 taken by the Department. The amount of clerical labour involved in arriving 

 at the true averages, based on the actual output for each month of every 

 factory whose butter was analysed, was very great. The clerical work was 

 carried out in the office of the Dairy Branch, and the analy.^es by Mr. A. A. 

 Ranisa}', Principal Assistant Chemist, at the Chemist Branch. The managers 

 of all the factories whose butters were analysed have been supplied with 

 details showing th** analyses of their own butter for each month of the period 

 during which the investigations took place. 



It will be seen that, as the result of these analyses, the standard adopted 

 for estimating butter in connection with the yields of dair}' cattle is 

 approximately correct. It will also be seen that the average moisture content 

 is well within the standard laid down in the Dairy Industry Act (16 percent.) 

 and that the variation of both fat and water averages from month to month 

 was very small. 



Poison Baits fok White Ants. 



There is still much to be learned regarding the resistant properties of 

 different Australian timbers in relation to white ants. A poison bait 

 generally considered effective may be made by the admixture of an ounce of 

 arsenic to a pound of treacle, but I would recommend tliat arsenite of soda 

 (a similar quantity), i-oughly one-third of which is arsenic, should be 

 substituted for that ingredient This should be dissolved in hot water and 

 then mixed with the treacle. 



The bait is poured into the woodwork of floors or joists which are not 

 going to be removed, but which may be harbouring the ants ; it percolates 

 through any damaged wood and coats it with poison. A mixture of 1 oz. 

 Paris green and 1 lb. pollard, brought to tlie consistency of putty by the 

 addition of a little sweetened water, has also been found useful. This 

 should be forced into the wood it is not desired to remove. — W. W. 

 Fkoggvtt, Government Entomologist. 



The chief factor in the fert'-liser position is that farmers cannot afford 

 .small crops on their arable land. — Journal of the Board of Agriculture, 

 England. 



