14(; Journal of the Department op Agriculture. 



Tlie effects of tlie drought are epitomized in the statement of 

 percentag'es given hereunder, revealing tlie areas of the TTnion from 

 which the heaviest toll was exacted. 



An examination of the percentage deficiency in rainfall as com- 

 pared with the mortality of cattle and stock and decreased agricultural 

 production discloses some apparently disproportionate features, the 

 solution of which would have to he sought for and found in a variety 

 of factors such as 



(1) the relative extent of the various areas and the feeding 



capacity of the natural vehl thereof; 



(2) the facilities of producing and providing artificial feeding; 



(3) the ratio of evaporation as api)lied to each area, having 



regard to topographical conditions; 



(4) the locality of the various areas in relation to what are 



known to be the arid or semi-arid regions of the Union. 



Conclusion. 



Tu addition to the actual losses of stock and crops, the natural 

 increase of live stock has been adversely affected through losses 

 actually sustained in breeding- stock, and also the reduced capacity 

 of breeding stock, which survived the adverse conditions, to produce 

 offspring. Owing to the impoverished condition of tlie surviving 

 stock, it was (juite impossible in some districts to ])ut rams to the 

 ilocks. 



That the drought has most adversely affected a number of farmers, 

 paiticnlarly those with slender resources, is, unhai)pily true, but it 

 came at a time of uuprecedently high prices for wool, skins, hides, 

 and produce generally, and this has been of great assistance to the 

 l)ulk of our farmers in mitigating its effects. Although conditions 

 in the native territories did at one time threaten disastrous results 

 as far as foodstuffs, particularly maize, were concerned, the tension 

 lias since materially been lelieved, and any cause for alarm which 

 may have existed has practically disap])eared. 



