232 Journal of Agriculture , Victoria. [10 April, 1912, 



for cheapness at waterfalls. During the past year it is estimated that 

 from 170,000 to 180,000 horse-power was used in this way to manufacture 

 nitrates and 20,000 horse-power in the manufacture of cyanamid. The 

 new manures have been tested against the old at a number of experiment 

 stations in Europe and America with most satisfactory results. At 

 Rothamsted the old manures, nitrate of soda and sulphate of ammonia, 

 were tested alongside the new manures — nitrate of lime and cyanamid of 

 lime; and it is reported that " if there is any difference as regards effec- 

 tiveness on the Rothamsted soil between these sources of nitrogen it does 

 not exceed 10 per cent." From experiments elsewhere it would seem 

 that with the cyanamid certain precautions should be observed as to harrow- 

 ing or otherwise covering the material after it is applied, and also as to 

 not applying too much, but nitrate of lime has an action absolutely similar 

 to nitrate of soda, and is probably superior to it on soils poor in lime. 

 So far no bulk samples have reached Australia, but they are sure to 

 come. 



SWAN HILL HOME-MILKING COMPETITION, 1911. 



5. /. Keys, Dairy Supervisor. 



The above competition was successfully carried out under the auspice?, 

 of the Swan Hill Agricultural Society, the following cond't'ons being 

 observed by competitors : — ■ 



1. The cows to be milked at their homes under the supervision of officers of 

 the Department of Agriculture for a period of 24 hours during the two weeks 

 previous to the show, the day's butter production to be taken as the basis in deciding; 

 the cow's yield. 



2. In the event of two cows obtaining the same highest yield of butter, the 

 prize to go to the cow that gave the most milk. 



3. All cows entered to be shown on the day of show. 



4 Nc test or butter returns to be made available un^il cows are in pens in 

 show yard on the day of show. 



Greatest Butter Production. 



In the section for cows giving the greatest butter production 10 cow.s 

 were entered. Last year's high returns were easily eclipsed, notwith- 

 standing that, during the trial, a heavy wind prevailed, which no doubt 

 affected the yields. 



The first prize fell to a beautiful Ayrshire cow, " Pearl," owned by 

 Mr. Robert Hastings, and purchased from Mrs. Smith at her dispersal sale 

 two years ago. Pearl is blood-red in colour, showing strong constitution, 

 beautiful conformation, and splendid condition; she had jui: come into 

 profit from a somewhat lengthy spell, was full of vigor, and in splendid 

 heart for making an ideal milker. In general appearance and in colour 



