lo Nov., 1908.] 



Victorian Cattle for India. 



665 



washed down to the roots. This " dragging " as it is termed, becomes an 

 even more important matter when the stock are receiving hay, chaff, bran, 

 or other concentrated fodder in addition, as the manure is thereby made 

 richer in its fertilizing elements. The "dragging" of the pasture also 

 tends to break the soil surface and to let the air into the roots. 



Alwavs avoid over-stocking, especially in the wet months of the year, 

 as heavy stock can do an incalculable amount of harm in a very short 

 time, both by continuous treading and by feeding the crowns so bare that 

 they are destroyed by the frosts. 



The question of manuring has already been dealt with at some length 

 and it remains only to say that no pasture can ever be self-supporting. 

 When properly treated it is true that the fertility of the surface soil 

 increases from year to year, but this can never be the case in heavily 

 stocked pastures which are never manured. 



Finally I would emphasize the importance of a good lime dressing 

 as a means of sweetening the soil, destroying the moss, and hastening the 

 decay of the accumulating humus that is steadily breaking down into 

 available plant food. 



VICTORIAN CATTLE FOR INDIA. 



The Army Department of the Government of India recently decided 

 to establish dairy herds in the hill country of India to replace the indi- 

 genous breeds of cattle that are of very poor quality for milking pur- 

 poses. Communication was opened up with the Minister for Agriculture 



THE CONSIGNMENT FROM THE OAKBANK HERD (McNAK BROS.). 



of this State, with a view of having the selection and purchase of the 

 cattle required made by the Department of Agriculture. After consider- 

 able correspondence, the Indian Government decided for Ayrshire cattle 

 as the breed most likelv to suit their country and requirements. Ar- 

 rangements for the inspection, selection, and purchase of the stock were 

 placed in the hands of the Chief Veterinary Officer (:Mr. S. S. Cameron, 



