ANIMAL, PRODUCTION. 167 



detailed study fails to show a strong correlation between any age of sire and 

 maturity or production of tlie offspring. The premises may not be correctly 

 taken, but it seems to the writer tliey are nearly enough so to assure him of 

 the lack of age as a factor iu the conditions studied." 



The cattle trade of western Canada, J. G. Rutherford (Rpf. Vet. Dir. Gen. 

 Canada, 1910, pp. 106-113). — A brief history of the Canadian range and methods 

 of raising and finishing market cattle in the Northwest. 



The maintenance ration of cattle, H. P. Akmsby {Pennsylvania Sta. Bui. 

 Ill, pp. 3-20). — An outline of the present state of knowledge on this subject in 

 continuation of work previously noted (E. S. R., 10, p. 1079). The maintenance 

 ration is defined and its significance to the farmer and for scientific investiga- 

 tion is pointed out. On the basis of recent work by different investigators the 

 author believes that 0.5 lb. of digestible crude protein and an energy value of 

 6.2 therms per day is a reasonably accurate estimate for the average mainte- 

 nance ration for thin cattle per 1,000 lbs. live weight. The factors affecting the 

 maintenance requirement are discussed. 



What cooperation has done for sheep breeding in Tennessee, J. E. Hite 

 (Amer. Breeders Asso. [Proc], 6 (1910), pp. 330-333). — An account of a move- 

 ment which began 30 years ago among the sheep breeders of Tennessee to 

 improve their flocks by better breeding and to bring the producer and consumer 

 of wool and mutton nearer together. 



The searing iron v. the knife for detailing lambs, J. W. Mathews (Agr. 

 Oaz. N. S. Wales, 22 {1911), No. 7, pp. 566^568).— Results obtained at 4 

 experimental farms showed but little difference between the 2 methods of 

 castrating lambs except in the nature of the wounds. Those which were seared 

 showed comparatively a much greater inflammation and took much longer to 

 heal. 



Shepherds of Britain: Scenes from shepherd life past and present, Adelaide 

 L. J. GossET {London, 1911, pp. XXIV+331, pi. 1, figs. 60).— This book con- 

 sists of pastoral folklore gathered from various sources, which record the life 

 and customs of the British shepherd and his dog from the earliest times. 

 There is considerable information concerning old breeds of sheep, habits of 

 sheep and sheep dogs, customs and pastimes of shepherds, the famous sheep 

 shearings of Holkham, and other events connected with the sheep industry and 

 the wool harvest. 



Investigations on sterility in goats, J. Eggees (Untersuchungen ilher in den 

 letzten Jahren zahlreich Tjeohachtete Falle von Befruchtungsunfdhigkeif bei 

 Ziegenbocken. Inaug. Diss., Univ. Leipsic, 1910, pp. 19, pis. 3). — In an histo- 

 logical examination of 6 bucks of the Saanen breed that wei*e unable to 

 reproduce offspring no spermatozoa were found. Spermatozoa were formed, 

 but lost their power to fertilize and in some cases their motility because of the 

 abnormal condition of the testicular secretions. 



Potato flakes prepared from pressed potatoes (papka) in swine fattening 

 experiments, Richaedsen {Deut. Landw. Presse, 38 {1911), Nos. 7.}, pp. 849, 

 850; 75, p. 866; 76, pp. 873, 874, figs. 2).— In this test with 6 swine potato flakes 

 were compared with pressed potatoes as a supplement to a basal ration con- 

 sisting of ground barley and meat meal. Both rations were deficient in lime 

 and phosphoric acid. Neither lot produced carcasses of the first class. 



Prenatal growth of the pig, L. G. Lowkey {Amer. Jour. Anat., 12 {1911), 

 No. 2, pp. 107-138, figs. 5). — The prenatal growth of the body and the relative 

 growth of the various organs were studied in 22 litters of pigs. 



From the results obtained and comparative figures for man, rabbits, rats, and 

 chicks the author concludes that " all these forms agree with the general law 

 that the rate of growth is by far most rapid at the beginning of prenatal life. 



