Breeding Sheep for the Export Trade. 



841 



The above experiment has not yet been concluded, but lias ^-jne 

 far enough to prove without a doubt that its application ns a cini- 

 mercial proposition assures success. 



Other experiments have still to be conducted with some of the 

 Eno'lish breeds of sheep on our native stock to ascertain which cross 

 will give the best results. There are large areas where millions of 

 more or less nondescript native sheep are being depastured, and the 

 result of crossing them with a desirable mutton sheep will have a far- 

 reaching eifecr on the lamb and mutton export trade of South Africa. 



Elsenburg School of Agriculture. 



Winning Friesland Group, Rosebank Show, 1919. 



Lucerne Seed. 



There are no regulations in force providing for the examination 

 of lucerne seed prior to shipment, but when requested to do so by 

 shippers the Department undertakes the inspection of such seed to 

 ascertain its freedom from dodder, and carries out a germination 

 test, the charge for the service being 3d. per bag. Each bag is 

 stamped with the Government's mark to show that it has been 

 examined, and a certificate is issued to the effect that the seed is 

 free from dodder and stating the percentage of its germinal power. 

 Capetown is the only port at present where such tests are carried out. 



It may be mentioned that the requirement of the Cominonwealth 

 Government that 5 per cent, of the total bulk of lucerne seed imported 

 into Australia must be stained with saffarin has been withdrawn for 

 the present. 



