Aug. 2, 1920.] Agricultural Gazette of N.S.W. 607 



The eye trouble so prevalent in stock at present could be recognised and treated in 

 cows in three stages, viz. : — 



(1) The weeping condition ; syringe with a solution of boracic acid. 



(2) Opacity (so-called " film ") ; syringe with solution of zinc sulphate. 



(3) Ulceration ; touch with solution of silver nitrate. 



In the case of sheep, a solution consisting of 1 oz. tincture of iodine, 12 grains iodide 

 of potassium and JO oz. water, was recommended, to be injected into the eye once a 

 week. 



Questions were asked by members as to the treatment of bloat in cows, it being 

 stated that clover had been responsible for the trouble. Tlie treatment advised was to 

 give 1 pint of raw linseed oil, followed by baking soda and 2 oz. sweet spirits of nitre. 

 The use of the puncture method was deprecated, except as a last recourse. 



In the case of cows not getting in calf, syringing with a solution of 1 part tincture of 

 iodine, 12 grains iodide of potassium and 20 parts water was recommended ; the 

 syringing should take place prior to service of the bull. 



Red scour in calves was mentioned, and Mr. Whitehouse explained that it was often 

 caused by the failure of the fourth stomach to properly digest the milk, the undigested 

 milk then causing irritation, and leading to the passage of blood. The treatment 

 recommended was to give a dose of castor oil, reduce the amount ^of milk, give flour 

 gruel, and an antiseptic (preferably formalin) in the milk. 



Numerous other questions were valuably answered. 



At the meeting held on 26th May, a lecture was given by Mr. R. N. 

 Makin, Inspector of Agriculture, on vegetable growing. 



Dealing with the vegetables most suitable to the district, Mr. Makin mentioned that 

 the onion was one of the most profitable crops to grow, provided the soil was free from 

 the eelworm, which was a great pest in some onion-growing districts, and for which 

 there seemed to be no preventive. The onions should be planted in a well-prepared bed, 

 lightly covered and well rolled, so as to make the ground firm and compact. 



The cabbage was also referred to, and it was recommended that growers should have 

 their own seed plot, which, in addition to being a saving, would always ensure that the 

 seed used could be relied upon. 



As regards potatoes, Mr. Makin recommended planting about 6 inches deep, and the 

 use of blood and bone with superphosphates. This mixture was said to be vahiable for 

 nearly all vegetable crops.- A. number of questions were asked and satisfactorily 

 answered. 



Beekeepeks' Prospects eor 1920-21. 



The prospects for the beekeeper, as far as the flora is concerned, are generally 

 good for this season. It appears that given anything like seasonable 

 conditions, the inlana apiarists in most localities will be enabled to make up 

 at least some of the losses caused by the abnormal drought conditions 

 expei'ienced in the past few months. It seems to me that where the severe 

 conditions have affected the colonies, it will ensure future improvement in 

 the stamina of the bees if the queen selected for breeding in the building up 

 work is selected for the qualities of her progeny in resisting the dry conditions. 

 There is a good deal in breeding and selecting to obtain bees that will come 

 through adverse conditions. In practically every case noticed, the Italian 

 bees or good first-cross strains have more than held their own against 

 hybrid and black bees in the test for stamina dui'ing the recent drought. — 

 W, A. GooDACRE, Senior Apiary Inspector. 



