902 Agricultural Gazette of N.S.W. [Dec. 2, 1920. 



In a lengthy discussion that followed, several members favoured the con- 

 struction of siios. iK>inting out that the^ district was well adapted for it, having 

 any quantity of sand, &c.. for the purpose. Others considered the silo too 

 expensive for the small farmer. 



It was contended that the growing of oats for hay was no longer profitable, 

 owing to the depredations of rats and mice; it was stated, however, that pro- 

 viding the barn had a good hard\vood floor, and the hay w-as tightly pressed, 

 very little damage would result. Several members spoke in favour of bush 

 hay, which, if made when the grass was just out in head, made good fodder for 

 stock. 



Others contended that the paddocks were not well enough cleared for this 

 purpose, and many breakages of niow'ing machines wn)uld occur. Maize stalks, 

 chaffe<l and mixed with molasses and bran, found favour with some. Sorghum, 

 Sudan grass, lucerne, &c., were also spoken of favourably. 



Borenore. 



On 19th October, Mr. A. E. Shierlaw, Assistant Sheep and Wool Expert, 

 gave a lecture and practical demonstration at Borenore. The attendance 

 was good and much interest was evinced in the subject, the desire being 

 expressed that Mr. Shierlaw should repeat his visit. 



The subject of the lecture was the cross-breeding of sheep, the suitability of 

 the crossbre<l for the farm and the manner in which wheat-growing and sheep- 

 raising could be combined being dwelt upon. The conditions most suitable for 

 the Merino and for the British breeds were pointed out, and also the type of 

 sheep that could be most profitably used for cross-breetling. The necessity for 

 using i»ure-bred rams of the British In-eeds and large-frametl, plain-bodieil 

 Merino ewes was pointed out. 



The types of wool produced from the various crosses were also touched upon, 

 and the results of the Department's experiments indicated. 



The methods of breeding for wool were dealt with first and then for the 

 raising of mutton and fat lamb. 



After the lecture, the sheep yards of Mr. J. Carr's farm were visited, and 

 the different qualities of wool grown on the different parts of the sheep pointed 

 out. Certain types of ewes that could not be mateil with the British rams were 

 indicated. For the raising of both wool and mutton, the Border Leicester ram 

 was recommended for most conditions. 



On 22nd October a moving- picture demonstration was given for 

 members, and more especially for their children. About sixty people were 

 present, and an enjoyable musical programme was also given. The pictures 

 included industrial subjects such as herring fishing, mussel fishing, iron 

 works, &c. 



At a meeting of sixteen members on 23rd October a useful general dis- 

 cussion took place on diseases of horses and treatment therefor. 



Castlereagh. 



On 29th October, Principal H. W. Potts, of Hawkesbury Agricul- 

 tural College, delivered a lecture on the cow and her milk, forty-two 

 members being present. 



The lecture and the subsequent discussion were directed to the breed, 

 typo, feed, and treatment of the cow and calf to produce the most profitable 

 results in supplying milk to a concentrated milk factory. All local condi- 

 tions and points of practical value were dealt with and discussed. The 

 members were keenly interested. 



The lecturer subsequently distributed a quantity of bulletins, leaflets, 

 &c., of local interest. 



