Inquiries and Replies. 283 



Earthen Dam Wall. 



Bloeinfontein. — What is the best metliod to compact a dam wall 

 thoroug-hly? 



Glen^ School of Agriculture replies : Select the best soil which 

 can be procured near the site of the dam wall, if possible a mixed 

 clay and sand soil which will not require material of another type 

 added to it to make it efficient, labour and expense thereby being 

 reduced. Use wet soil, if possible, and place it on the wall in concave 

 layers about six inches thick, thoroughly wetting the top of the layer 

 and puddling well. 



A good method to puddle or compact the layer is to drive animals 

 over it, say a flock of sheep, the feet of the animals puddling the 

 earth in a very efficient manner. Repeat this operation with every 

 layer of earth added. 



Plant the top and slopes of the wall with grass, the roots of 

 which bind the soil together, thus preventing channels being washed 

 in the wall by the rain. 



Scaly Leg. 



Bloemfonteiii. — How can 1 cure scaly leg in fowls? 



Glen School of Agriculture replies : Many oils and (jintments have 

 been advocated for scaly leg in fowls. As the result of careful 

 experiments in Germany, Haiduk recommends oil of caraway, because 

 of its penetrating" power, and because it is less irritating than some 

 of the treatments usually advised. It is best applied as an ointment 

 consisting of : Oil of caraway, 1 part; vaseline or lard, 5 parts. When 

 there is no need to hasten, this ointment is applied to the diseased 

 parts every few days until a cure is effected. If a quick cure is 

 necessary, the scales and crusts are first removed by soaking the feet 

 and legs in "warm soapy water for a few minutes, and then brushing 

 them with a stiif toothbrush or other small brush ; care must be 

 exercised not to cause too much irritation and bleeding. When the 

 diseased surface is dry, the ointment is rubbed in thoroughly; repeat 

 about twice a week till cured. 



Weights of Pure-bred Berkshires and Large Blacks. 



Darling, Cape Province. — What are the minimum weights at 

 each monthly stage of pure-bred Berkshires and pure-bred Large 

 Blacks? I want to be able to decide whether or not my pigs are up 

 to standard in so far as size for age is concerned. 



Elsenhurg School of Agriculture replies : The following are 

 minimum weights of pure-bred Berkshires and pure-bred Large Blacks 

 respectively:- — At 1 month of age, 12 lb. and 15 lb.; at 2 months, 

 25 lb. and 30 lb. ; at 3 months, 38 lb. and 45 lb. ; at 4 months, 50 lb. 

 and 60 lb. ; at 5 months, 68 lb. and 75 lb. ; at 6 months, 82 lb. and 

 95 lb. ; at 7 months, 100 lb. and 115 lb. ; at 8 months, 122 lb. and 140 

 lb. ; at 9 months, 145 lb. and 165 lb. ; at 10 months, 168 lb. and 190 

 lb.; at 11 months, 190 lb. and 220 lb.; at 12 months, 220 lb. and 

 250 lb. 



