6)6 Journal of Agriculture. [lo Oct., 1910. 



Maize for Heywood District. — O.A.R. inquires as to varieties suitable for 

 Heywood district. Rainfall, heavy ; but district subject to long dry spells in 

 summer. Frosts, fairly prevalent. He also asks quantity of seed required per 

 acre and where it may be obtained. He proposes to plant in "checks" 3 feet 

 apart, allowing three or four seeds to each hole. 



Answer. — (i) Hickory King or Eclipse. (2) 15 lbs. of sound seed. (3) From 

 any of the leading seedsmen. Messrs F. H. Brunning Pty. Ltd., Elizabeth-street, 

 Melbourne, and Messrs. Law, Somner & Co., Swanston-street, Melbourne, have each 

 recently issued a special maize pamphlet. 



Relative Values of Fodder Grown on Rich and Poor Land. — J.F. writes 

 — " I have noticed that stock eat hay and chaff grown on rich land better than that 

 off poor land. What is the reason?" 



Answer. — The greatest difference between both oats and straw grown on rich 

 land as compared with poor land is of course in quantity, but variation in quality 

 has also been found on analysis as well as in feeding results. Oats grown on land 

 deficient in phosphoric acid will contain a less than average percentage of phos- 

 phoric acid, although the sample in appearance will give no indication of the defi- 

 ciency. The same difference in quality has been observed in grasses grown on 

 different soils, but identical in other respects. 



Stiffness in Lambs' Hindquarters. — J. McI. writes, " Some of my lambs are 

 showing signs of stiffness of hindquarters and legs. None have died but they are 

 falling off quickly." 



Answer. — The changing of them to dissimilar pastures, if possible, and the 

 providing of a lick composed of sheep salt and sterilized bone meal equal parts, 

 is recommended. 



Ruptured Penis. — F.J. A. states that his draught horse has a ruptured penis. 

 There is a swelling on the organ which prevents it going back into the sheath. The 

 horse, which was gelded when a foal, is aged and has been bad for two years. 



Answer. — Amputation above the affected part is the only remedy, and this would 

 require to be done by a veterinary surgeon. 



Impaction. — J. P. writes : " I have a cow that appears to be suffering from 

 impaction. She has been feeding on oaten hay and has also had access to a grass 

 paddock. The symptoms are — she lies down, throws head back to flank occasionally, 

 moans, drinks a great deal, has poor appetite. I have been treating her with bi- 

 carbonate of soda and Epsom salts but without any beneficial result. She is due to 

 calve in about five weeks." 



Answer. — From the description of the case it is difficult to say exactly what the 

 trouble is. If it be Impaction it has reached a stage where it is beyond treatment. 

 On the other hand, it may be that there is some parturient trouble, seeing that the 

 cow is far advanced in pregnancy. Under the circumstances, the giving of drugs is 

 attended with some risk. 



Death of Mares. — S.M.D. writes relative to the death of two mares which 

 occurred suddenly during the same week. In the first case, when first noticed, there 

 was severe swelling on both sides of the throat, the breathing was heavy, but appar- 

 ently not much pain. The following morning she was found dead in the box, and 

 on opening the throat it was very much inflamed and of a yellow jelly colour. 

 The second death occurred under practically similar circumstances. 



Answer. — The deaths were apparently due to a malignant sore throat, a 

 variety of anthrax, which is decidedly contagious. At all events, it would be a wise 

 precaution to thoroughly scald the manger and feed boxes with boiling water and 

 soda; also to thoroughly cleanse and lime-wash the stall and stable. If there is an)' 

 further trouble of the same character notify the Chief Veterinary Officer at once. 



Lameness.- — H.G. writes — " Two months ago a draught horse of mine became 

 suddenly lame in the hind leg. The leg immediately became swollen and very hot. 

 It was bathed well with hot water and turpentine; poultices of bran with a little 

 turpentine added were then applied and brought away a little pus from around the 

 top of the hoof, breaking out in small holes. Further treatment has been given but 

 the trouble still continues." 



Answer. — This is probably a case of lymphangitis commonly called " Weed," 

 " Shot of grease," or " Monday morning disease." It usually affects draught horses 

 on full feed after a day's rest . Treatment should comprise almost continuous fomenta- 

 tions with very warm water and the giving internally of a dose of Epsom salts, 

 followed by dram d.oses of potassium iodide in soft bran mashes three times a day. 

 The swelling usually becomes chronic and incapable of being reduced. Horses are 

 liable to further attacks, with increase of the thickening each time until the condition 

 known as "Elephantiasis" is brought about. H.G.'s letter was received too late to 

 answer in the September issue. If name anfl address had been furnished reply would 

 have been sent by post as soon as available. 



