ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. 



Lucerne Growing. — Some particulars relative to lucerne growing are to be found in 

 issues of the Journal of the following dates: — August, 1907, p. 454; January, 1908, p. 31; 

 February, 1908, p. no; and May, 1908, p. 257. 



Potatoes Succeeding Fodder. — Potatoes may be grown on land which has been used for 

 some years for growing fodder, provided that it has been prepared by cultivation. The varieties 

 suitable would be : Early Rose, Carman No. i, or Bismark. They should be sown as soon as 

 possible. 



Manuring Vegetables. — (W. H.). — An application of lime should be used to break up 

 the clay in the autumn, and afterwards an application of superphosphate, 2 cwt., and sulphate 

 of amrnonia, i cwt. per acre ; to be dusted along the rows of vegetables prior to watering. 



Fodder-growing in Merrigum District. — (J. V. M.) — Of sorghum and maize the latter 

 would be the best to grow. The Department has no seed of Hickory King for distribution, 

 but it may be procured from seed merchants. Several varieties should be sown, and the period 

 of maturity and general growth carefully noted before deciding which is the most suitable 

 variety for the Merrigum district. For a half-acre plot 20 lbs. of seed, if sown by hand, will 

 be sufficient. The seed should be sown at a depth of 3 inchas. 



Rape Fertilizer. — A mixture of 60 lbs. superphosphate and 20 lbs. sulphate of ammonia 

 per acre is ample for rape. The seed is generally broadcasted at the rate of 4 lbs. per acre. If 

 sown in drills mix the same quantity with the manure, and sow through the manure box of the 

 drill in rows 18 inches to 2 feet apart. 



Manure for Amber Caxe. — The best manure is i cwt. superphosphate and 5 cwt. sulphate 

 of ammonia. 



Manure for Pumpkins. — A small quantity of superphosphate, ^ lb., placed in each hill 

 would be beneficial. 



Cincturing of Zante Currant Vines. — The question raised is whether the cincturing of 

 Zante currant vines by passing the knife several times around the butt (corkscrew) is as effecti\«e 

 in making them set as taking a ring of bark (3 of an inch) off? The spiral cut referred to, 

 without removal of a strip of bark, would probably prove less effective than the ordinary 

 method. Such a cut would callus more rapidly, and therefore present an obstruction to the 

 flow of sap of shorter duration. It is a less drastic form of cincturing which may in certain 

 case prove sufficient. Comparative experiments can decide this for any given locality. 



Post-mortem Symptoms found in Cow. — (W.C.). — It is impossible to say what should 

 have been given in the case mentioned without a knowledge of the symptoms exhibited during 

 the course of the disease. 



Swollen and Hard Udder in Cow. — (S. J. and W. H. S.) — Foment the inflamed gland 

 two or three times a day with hot water, dry thoroughly, and rub in camphorated oil. Keep 

 the bowels loose, and give succulent food. 



Qualities indicating a Good Goat. — The Angora is chiefly valuable for its fleece. When 

 crossed with the common goat the jirogeny will have some of the good qualities of both parents. 

 In selecting a goat, choose one with fine head, neck, and shoulders; a well-developed abdomen 

 and udder indicate good milking qualities. The average quantity of milk produced is about 

 three quarts ; but the yield may go as high as five quarts or as low as one quart. The 

 average milking period is about seven months. 



Ailment of Bull. — In the case of a bull whose sheath and genital organs are extremely 

 swollen it is advisable, in all cases where inflammation has been localised, to keep the bowels 

 loose and control the fever. In the case in question, 1 lb. of Epsom salts with i lb. treacle, 

 and I oz. of ginger would form a useful drench. Local treatment should comprise fomentations 

 frequently repeated and followed each time by the application of a soothing lotion, such as 

 the ordinary lead lotion, with laudanum added in the proportion of i part to 20. 



"Hoven" or "Bloat" in Sheep or Cattle when fed on Peas or Rape. — Whenever 

 stock are turned on to succulent green fodder, there is a risk of loss from " Hoven " or 

 " Bloat." To minimize this danger never turn them on to such until the sun has evaporated 

 the dew or when they are hungry, or allow them to stay on too long during the first few 

 days. If possible, arrange for them to have a run at grass, and provide hay or good oaten 

 straw to counteract the purging effect of the green stuff. 



Tumors in Houses' Stomachs. — The large tumors found were in all probability due to 

 irritation caused by the presence of worms (spiroptera). 



Mare's Urinary Trouble. — (G. M. E.) — Give ^ oz. saltpetre in the food or drinking 

 water daily for a week, and if this fails, have the mare examined by a veterinary surgeon. 



Serious Condition of Mare. — (G. B.). — As the case mentioned is too complicated to deal 

 with in the absence of a clinical e-xamination, professional advice should be procured at once. 



Horses Eating the Bark of Box Trees. — At Arcadia horses, not only those low in condition, 

 but also working horses having access to salt, have acquired the habit of eating the bark of box 

 trees. "It is a common thing," says 'J.H.,' "to see horses go, immediately after feeding, 

 to the nearest green trees, and commence to gnaw them." This may be " habit," but is more 

 probably an indication of a depraved appetite. In either case the providing of a lime and 

 salt lick in the paddock will be advantageous. 



Absence of Perspiration' in a well-worked Horse. — The condition may be brought about 

 by general ill-health, and is probably accompanied by a hide-bound condition of the skin. 

 Give a 7-drachm ball of aloes, after preparing the horse with bran mashes for a day 

 previously, and put two or three packets of Epsom salts in the drinking water. 



Urinary Ailment of Horse. — The symptoms described — the passing of blood-coloured 

 water, the existence of irritation, and a bad coat, are unusual, and require the close attention 

 of a qualified veterinary surgeon. 



