654 Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [11 Sept., 1911. 



The first four months of the Competition, known as tlie Winter Test, 

 closed on 31st July. All pens qualified as far as the rule regarding weight 

 of eggs was concerned. The minimum (24 ozs. per doz.) was far exceeded 

 in many instances, many of the pens giving as high as 28 oz., notably 

 those belonging to Messrs. Brebner, Brundrett, Campbell, Coto, 

 O'Loughlin, and Seymour, all White Leghorns (white eggs). Amongst the 

 heavier breeds, the pens of Messrs. Fisher, Goodisson, Rogers and Wood 

 (Black Orpingtons), and Mrs. Jones (Silver Wyandottes) deserve mention 

 (brown eggs). During the period under review, 62 double-yoked, 18 ,soft- 

 .shelled, and 8 under- weight eggs (under i| oz.) were laid. Total eggs 

 laid, 15,121; market value, ;^io4 17s. 6d. 



The prizes offered by the Department of Agriculture for the greatest 

 number of eggs laid during the winter months were won by Mr. W. G. 

 Swift, (Victoria), (First Prize, ^4 4s.) and Mr. A. J. Cosh, South Aus- 

 tralia, (Second Prize, ^2 2s.), their pens laying 479 and 470 eggs respec- 

 tively. Messrs. R. W. Pope and Wooldridge Bros, were third and fourth 

 with the creditable scores of 450 and 403 eggs. Tt will thus be seen that 

 Victoria was first and third, South Australia second, and Queensland 

 fourth. 



Visitors are reminded that the visiting days are Wednesdays and Satur- 

 days from 2 to 4 p.m. Cards of admission may be obtained on application 

 to the Director of Agriculture. On no account will visitors be admitted on 

 Sundays. Hawthorn is th«- most convenient railway station. 



ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. 



The Staff of the Department has been organized to a large extent for the purpose of giving information 

 to farmers. Questions in every branch of agriculture are gladly answered. Write a short letter, giving as 

 full particulars as possible, of your local conditions, and state precisely what it is that you want to know. 

 All inquiries fonmrded to the Editor muxt he arcoinpnuied, hxi the, name ant nddreux of the writer. 

 Tills is very necessary, as sometimes insulficient information is furnislied by the inquirer. 



Repairing " W.viti.e .and Dab" Outbuildings. — F.B.L. states that some if 

 his outbuildings with walls of " wattle and dab " are, owing to the recent wet 

 weather, falling into disrepair. He asks whether lime and sand mortar (4 parts 

 of the latter to i of the former) would serve to remedy matters. 



Answer. — The mixture referred to depends upon the sand. If very clean 

 and fine, use 3 to i ; if a little loamy, the lime proportion may be diminished. 

 All addition of a little cement is desirable. 



Painting Farmyard Fences. — A.S.O'K. asks for name of cheap paint fjr 

 outside yard fences, &c. He states that his horses have eaten all the gates painted 

 with white lead. 



Atisiver. — " Tndeliblo " or other cold water paint. Smearing the woodwork 

 after the paint is dry with a strong solution of Aloes is recommended. The solu- 

 tion may be washed off when the habit is broken. 



Castration of Horses. — C.P.K. asks what is the correct age for castration 

 of horses. Also asks for reasons. 



Answer. — There is no correct age, but is usually performed at one year old. 

 The reasons are — because it is convenient ; entire colts frequently become a nuisance ; 

 and the operation is probably less severe than when the animal gets up in years. 

 It is advantageous to backward colts to leave them until two years. 



Death of Wethers. — C.C. McC. states that on several mornings he has found 

 one or two well conditioned wethers lying dead. They seem to die without a struggle 

 and are very much blown ; in fact, a few hours after death it is impossible to skin 

 them. The skin is a dark greenish colour. 



Ajiswer. — The symptoms noted are not sufficient to n ake a diagnosis. It 

 would be advisable to consult a veterinar\' surgeon or to report to the local stock 

 inspector. Name and address shouhl have been furnished. See instructions. 



