482 



Journal op the Department op Agriculture. 



joints and bulbs, also prickly pear leaves, were found to have started 

 growing again. 



Of the two methods Rademeyer's exterminator proved to be more 

 effective and less costly ; in addition, handling was not dangerous, 

 and no fencing was required. 



The hand-spray pumps used for the test, it may be added, were 

 not satisfactory, but improved hand-pumps are now obtainable, which 

 will ensure a wider spray. 



All applications for the Rademeyer exterminator should be made 

 to the Provincial Secretary, Capetown. It is supplied in 3-gallon 

 drums at a charge of twopence per gallon (plus 5s. per drum, which 

 will be refunded, less 10 per cent., on return of empty drums). 

 Directions for mixing and use are supplied with each consignment. 



Butter and Cheese. 



The dairy industry in the Union has assumed a position of 

 considerable importance, and whereas only a few years ago it was 

 necessary to import large quantities of butter and cheese to supple- 

 ment local requirements, such strides have been made in recent years 

 that the Union, under normal conditions, is now able to export a 

 considerable surplus of butter, while in cheese it is self-supporting. 



The following statistics illustrate the extent to which South 

 Africa in past years has been dependent on overseas supplies of butter 

 and cheese, and how materially the position has improved. The 

 marked decrease in the large quantities of condensed milk formerly 

 imported will also be observed. 



Net. imports (i.e. gross total, less quantity re-exjjorted both as 

 merchandise and ships' stores) : — 



Year. 



1911 ... 



1912 ... 



1913 ... 



1914 ... 



1915 ... 



1916 ... 



1917 .. 



1918 ... 



1919 .. 



It will be seen that up to the date of the war, the importations 

 of the above-mentioned commodities remained at a high and fairly 

 constant level. But the outbreak of war and derangement of normal 

 trade conditions, combined with the necessity and opportunity foi- 

 increased local production, caused importations to fall considerably 

 year by year. 



* Imported, 26,891 ft. ; exported, 58,641 ft. : balance over imports, 31,750 ft. 

 t Imported, 20,334 ft. ; exported, 25,088 ft. ; balance over imports. 4754 ft. 

 X Included in first column. 



