TO Jan., 1911-] Geese on the Farm. 45 



over it. Again, very fat ram lambs, when castrated and tail-seared at 

 the same time, are most likely to develop tetanus. Lambs that bleed 

 freely at the tail have the least congealed blood in and about the purse. 



Wherever possible castrate ram lambs whilst they are young, and leave 

 the tails to be seared off later, when the ewe lambs are being tailed. Early 

 maturity will be still further developed by adopting these methods. 



We will have sufficient freezing works in this State by next season to 

 deal with a total of 200,000 lambs per week. Farmers hold the preven- 

 tion of glutted markets to a great extent in their own hands. It is possible. 

 by studying better shape in the sheep used, by evenly bred ewe flocks, 

 wise crossing, and good feeding, together wdth early castration and tail 

 searing (which are the chief evils to be corrected), to have lambs, in suffi- 

 cient numbers, ready two or three weeks earlier than hitherto. This, pro- 

 vided the season is favourable, will allow of 600,000 lambs being out of 

 the way before the usual rush through grass seed and harvest work comes 

 on. 



Any relief from crowded markets must come from the general adoption 

 of better methods by lamb-raisers in the northern districts. The late rains 

 relieved the usual rush this season, as well as causing greater numbers to 

 be of exportable quality. The first lambs, shipped by Borthwick's Port- 

 land Works, were in London before the middle of September, and pro- 

 nounced "nice quality." This is a step in the proper direction — holding 

 lambs over in any numl)ers at the end of the season is not possible in 

 average years. 



The season just closing has been exceptional, and it was possible for 

 .second-rate stock, and rough antl ready methods, to show fair returns. 

 Some of our seasons will be .short and moderate, and it is in those years 

 particularly that careful management and early selling of lambs at reason- 

 able prices will show most to advantage. 



CtEese on the farm. 



//. V. Hawkins, Poultry Expert. 



High land is not always available to the small farmer, but those who 

 have low-lying or marshy soil not suited to poultry generally may with 

 advantage keep a few geese. Although a large number of geese are 

 raised each year, there is much room for expansion. 



The Warrnambool district provides the greatest number of gee.se for 

 the C^hristmas markets. At the time of writing one may see hundreds 

 of l)ir(ls grazing on the flats between the railway and the ocean at 

 Warrnamlxx)!. I'ishermen have informed me that their wives do re- 

 markably well with their Christmas geese. 



While there are differences of opinion as to whirh is the f)est breed. 

 I prefer the Toulouse. At the same time, there are some very fine 

 specimens of the Rmbden and African to be .seen. The Toulou.se goose 

 does well in this climate and is profitable when conditions are suitable. 



Toulouse ge<'.se mature rapidly and attain great size. When fattened, 

 they bring gocnl prices — last Christmas goslings brought from los. to 12s. 

 per pair, whilst grass-fed birds were sold at 7s. 6d. per pair. 



The I'.mbden (white goose) may with great advantage be cros.sed witli 

 the grey Toulouse. a<Iding size and stamina. 



The breeding and management of geeso nuist be carried out on alto- 

 gether different lines to those n^'cessary in deck f.irining. \\ !iile ducks 



