354 



Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [lo June. 191 2. 



2. Experiments in different countries indicate that this ratio is increased 

 in drier climates. 



3. In Victoria the ratio for crops of moderate development possibly 

 lies somewhere about 700. 



4. Suitable manures, by rendering the plants more vigorous, reduce the 

 ■transpiration ratio, and enable them to make a better use of available 

 moisture. 



5. Local conditions indicate that about 600 tons of water (_ 6" 

 rain) must pass through a 13-bushel crop of wheat during its period of 

 growth. 



BUNYIP AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



By B. A. Barr, Dairy Sufervisor. 



This society merits the keen appreciation of all progressive dairymen 

 in having introduced and conducted a dairy cow test in the district. From 

 such test much benefit must result. It has a very wide-spreading educa- 

 tional influence. It amply demonstrates that the key to payable dairying 

 is sufficient fodder of the proper kind, and careful attention, so that the 

 activities of milk secretion may be maintained to the highest capacity 

 'dependent upon individual development ; also it shows a record of each 

 cow's yield, and the earnings of the lactation period are known. The only 

 way to determine the cash return of each cow is by the continued use of 

 the scales and the Babcock tester. 



Such a contest as this acts as an incentive to others to emulate the 

 achievements of the winner, and, consequently, is of great influence in 

 improving the productivity of district herds. It aLso brushes aside the 

 so-called records of incredible yields. The results of the competition are 

 such as one would find in any ordinary herd. The tests for morning's milk 

 — which is usually somewhat lower than evening's milk — are good. The 

 deductions to be drawn from the results are consistent with known local 

 dairying conditions. More feed and weigh the milk, so that the exact 

 amount can be scheduled, are the lines to follow. 



The Bunyip Agricultural Society is to be congratulated for undertaking 

 this dairy cow test, and it is hoped will continue to hold one yearly, when 

 it is suggested that the milk of tw^o consecutive milkings be taken. 

 The number of entries for a first occasion is encouraging. 



Results. 



The winner is'a'cowllS years old. 



