460 



Journal of Agriculture. 



[11 July, 1910. 



litter; they believe in good machinery because it saves time ; yet many still 

 allow themselves to be kept poor by the 300-gallon cow. 



Another Lilydale Instance. 



In connexion with the subdivision of the St. Hubert's Estate at Yering 

 early in 1907, mention was made in the March Journal of Mr. J. Gilbert'.s 

 farm. This block of 164 acres, without improvement, was then purchased 

 by him for ^20 per acre, and good progress has since been made in turn- 

 ing it into a profitable dairy farm. 



Dwelling, shedding, silo, milk-room, barn, &c., have been erected, 

 and over 50 acres brought under cultivation. About 30 acres are sown 

 with oats and 20 acres with maize. As previously mentioned, the oat crop- 

 is put in as early as possible, and is kept fed off by the dairy stock till 

 .September. It is then allowed to make its full growth, to be used for hay^ 

 or silage as required. 



ON THE YARRA FLAT.S AT KEW. 



As will be seen from the photograph on page 459, the cattle are big- 

 framed stock of Shorthorn-Ayrshire breeding, and they do well on the 

 Engli.sh grasses and clover that grow profusely in the spring and summer on 

 these rich river flats. Throughout the winter months this pasture is sup- 

 ported by hand-feeding the stock with silage, hay chaff, and bran at each 

 milking. 



Thirty-five cows are kept on the farm, and of these 25 is the usual 

 number in profit. During the year 1908 this herd produced rather more 

 than 17,980 gallons of milk, the bulk of which was sold for the Melbourne 

 retail trade at an average price of 8|d. per gallon. This allows for a 

 yield of 513 gallons per cow for the year, and a gross return of 

 ;^i8 3s. 4d. per head. 



In 1909, the average yield increa.sed to 536 gallons per cow, and during; 

 the latter portion of the year the milk was sold to the St. Hubert's cheese- 



