642 Journal of t^e DeparI^menT op Agricult^urU. 



Conclusion. 



While the writer is aware that much has been left unsaid, it is 

 hoped that this article will be of use to those breedino" either pure 

 karakuls or g'rades. 



Where merino sheep thrive it would be a great pity to displace 

 them with karakuls or any other breed of sheep, but for the large areas 

 which at present support only '' bastard " sheep, or which have much 

 '■' stekgras," or are areas liable to outbreaks of " bloedpens " or to 

 prolonged droughts, there is no sheep equal to the karakul, and 

 farmers would do well to give this magnificent breed a trial. 



Peanut Growing. 



Many inquiries on peanut growing are received and the following 

 few points are given as a guide to those who contemplate going in 

 for the crop. 



One of the most important points is the selection of seed. Farmers 

 should see that the seed is imiform, as it often happens that the 

 planting of a miscellaneous collection of seed means an indifferent 

 stand and results in a poor yield. It is the general practice to use 

 shelled nuts for planting, although equally good results have been 

 obtained by planting imshelled seed 8 to 3^ feet apart. Peanuts 

 can be grown on almost any soil containing a fair proportion of lime, 

 but is is advisable to plant, if possible, on a sandy loam soil ; about 

 28 to 30 lb. per acre is required. It is very necessary to plant the 

 seed early in the summer, as it takes fully five months to mature, 

 and is rather sensitive to frost. As a soil renovator the peanut is 

 rich in nitrogen and contains a considerable amount of phosphoric 

 acid and potash, comparing favourably with the constituents of 

 cotton seed, and as a fertilizer the vines are nearly as valuable as the 

 cowpea itself. 



The peanut is fast becoming a staple commodity. Already large 

 quantities are being used as roasted nuts for eating and other pur- 

 poses. Peanut butter is being recognized as an excellent substitute 

 for ordinary butter. It is also used largely in the manufacture of 

 soap, and contains a most valuable oil, for which there is a large 

 demand. 



Fencing Materials. 



The Department has no fencing materials for disposal, but 

 owners of farms or lessees or allotees from the Government with the 

 option of purchase, can obtain loans from the 'Land Bank, in terms of 

 Section 3 of the Fencing Act, No. 17 of 1912, for the purpose of 

 purchasing materials to fence the outside boundary lines of their 

 holdings and to cover the other costs incidental thereto. Such loans 

 are repayable by annual instalments over a period of 10 years, bearing 

 interest at the rate of 4 per cent. Further particulars and applica- 

 tion forms are obtainable from every magistrate or direct from the 

 General Manager of the Land Bank, Pretoria. 



