\\ HEAT CULTURE. 26*3 



While in tlii- part of the Stair a large pari <>t the annual rainfall occurs 

 during the summer, it is not. excepting in one 01 two districts, sufficient 

 for the production of summer crops for sale off the farm, such as maize, 

 but it is sufficient for Sudan grass and for grazing lucerne. As the wheat 

 crop is risky, it is evident thai to stabilise the returns greater attention 

 1,1 be given to sheep, particularly the raising of fal lambs. Where 

 rainfall is so heavy as in the north-west aboul "Jo inches per annum the 

 carrying capacity of the farm is fairly heavy when fodder crops are grown. 

 These latter are essential, for, as indicated previous!) . much of the land is not 

 of good grazing quality in its natural condition, although when allowed to 

 run to grass after cropping it improves very considerably. 



Fodder Crops Essential to Best Results. 



Fanners who have not had experience in raising fat Iambs on crops look 

 askance at suggestions of growing foddei crops, but those who have had 

 "experience and who have a good class of ewe, joining them with good rams, 

 find the returns compare very favourably with those from wheat. It must 

 be remembered that risks are avoided, and that the expenses of sacks and 

 of harvesting are not incurred. 



In the first districts mentioned, namely, those in the l'iverina and the 

 southern portion of the west, about 150 to 200 ewes can be kept on farms of 

 about 600 acres. These could be carried principally on the stubble and fallows, 

 with a little grass land. It would be necessary to provide some fodder to 

 supplement the small amount of herbage on the fallow r s in the spring and 

 early summer. For this purpose, a few acres, say, 20 or 30, of early- 

 sown oats, would be sufficient. In some places in these districts summer 

 crops cannot be successfully grown ; but in some, Sudan grass grows reasonably 

 well, and a small acreage should be sown. 



la the northern districts the farmer should, on account of the somewhat 

 risky nature of wheat-growing, definitely make lamb-raising an important 

 part of his operations. On a 600-aere farm about 300 or 400 good ewes 

 should be kept and fat lambs raised. This may appear a large number, 

 and it would only be possible to keep so many by growing fairly large areas 

 of fodder crops : but the climate is suitable for the production of these, and 

 in the winter months oats and barley can be provided, while during the summer 

 Sudan grass gives good feed and lucerne will also provide valuable grazing. 



On every farm where sheep are kept a good reserve of pit silage should 

 be held. Silage can be made easily and cheaply in the pit, and keeps 

 indefinitely. It should be regarded as a reserve for dry year* only, and 

 therefore need not be made every year. Indeed, it would probably be found 

 that the silage would remain in the pit for years, but the possession of it 

 enables a farmer to keep up his carrying capacity, as he is not confronted 

 with the danger of shortage of feed. 



The Class of Sheep to Keep. 



The fines along which the farmer. shall work in the handling of his flock- 

 require a little consideration. Mr. F. B. Hinton, Sheep and Wool Expert, 

 has pointed out that three avenues of direct profit from sheep are open to 

 the farmer :— (1) He may confine himself to wool production, or (2) he may 

 produce both wool and mutton, or (3) he may devote special attention to 

 the production of lambs. 



