396 JouitNAL OF THE Depaktment or Agkiculture. — Nov., 1922. 



of pedigree stock to South Africa, as it ii light result in h)ss to ilie 

 importer and perhaps bring discredit to the herd of the seller. 



Much of what Sir Henry Hall says is applicable to existing 

 conditions in the Union, though there are notable exceptions. It 

 must be remembered, hoAvever, as a general rule, that the pig is still 

 looked u])on merely as a side-line of little account, and consequently 

 left largely to fend for itself, receiving such treatment as the farmer 

 may be able to spare after the main activities of the farm have been 

 attended to. Yet were the importance of the industry and the 

 advantages of proper treatment fully realized, there would follow 

 a great advance in the development of pig breeding in South Africa. 

 But even amongst breeders there is doubtless much more knowledge to 

 be acquired regarding breeds and their characteristics, proper selection 

 and culling, and housing and feeding generally. The Hepartment has 

 been considerably handicapped through shortage of stafi: and lack of 

 funds in developing and encouraging the industry, but its ofHcers 

 have always given advice and assistance whenever able. I^ast year 

 also, Mr. 1). C. Laver, the President of the Pig Breeders' Association 

 of South Africa, was granted free railway facilities to visit certain 

 centres in the Union, and carry out extension work; the long absences 

 which such work necessitates from his own business have, unfor- 

 tunately, prevented him from continuing these activities. 



Sir Henry Hall, as a result of his visit, has certainly directed 

 greater attention to the suitability of South Africa as a pig-raising 

 country, and though his criticisms have been severe it is hoped that 

 they will be received in the spirit in which they were offered. He is 

 sending out a Large Black gelt to Elsenburg, and hopes to inspect her 

 progeny on the occasion of his next visit to South Africa sometime 

 in the beginning of next year. In a recent letter to Elsenburg, 

 furnishing particulars of the gelt, Sir Henry concludes by remarking 

 that in England bacon pigs are fetching 24s. per 20 lb., which leaves 

 a good margin, and that if South African farmers would breed for 

 the English market, and the curers supply tlie liacon required, there 

 exists a lucrative trade for all concerned. 



Single Testing Pens for Poultry at Glen School of Agriculture. 



