376 



Miscellaneous Notes. 



[SEPT., 



Horse-breeding in Japan. — With reference to the notice in this 

 Journal* on the subject of horse-breeding in Japan, H.M. Am- 

 bassador at Tokio (Sir C. M. MacDonald, G.C.M.G.) reports 

 that a sum of 5,000 has been voted for the purpose of estab- 

 Hshing a central bureau, and a number of Government stud-farms 

 throughout the country. The new system, which was to super- 

 sede all existing arrangements for Government horse breeding, 

 was to come into force this year. Sir C. M. MacDonald is 

 informed that the scheme provides for the eventual purchase of 

 1,500 stallions abroad. 



Bacon Jor Germany. — H.M. Consul at Stettin (Mr. R. Bernal) 

 states in his report for 1905, that no Irish bacon or hams are 

 imported direct to Stettin, nor are any sold here as such. . . . 

 A small quantity of (English) bacon is sold, the price being 

 2s. per lb. retail. American bacon is imported, and a market 

 might be found for Irish bacon. 



Iniportation oj Fodder into Spain. — Mr. Keyser, H.M. Consul at 

 Cadiz, remarks on the opportunity afforded by the prolonged 

 drought in Spain for importers of hay and other food for horses 

 and cattle in 1905. Some cargoes from France and Canada 

 found ready sale. The hay from the United Kingdom was con- 

 sidered high in price. Possibly it was of too good quality, since 

 farmers are accustomed to feed stock on straw and are unable to 

 afford more expensive fodder. There is no hay made or used in 

 Spain. Straw is universally used for all horses and cattle. 

 What is really required, says Mr. Keyser, is the importation of 

 some cheap food which will keep animals alive when there is a 

 shortage of local fodder through drought. Such food should be 

 sent in pressed trusses of a size and weight for convenient trans- 

 port by rail or cart. The duty need be of no concern to the 

 shippers, since it would be chargeable to the purchasers, who in 

 times of drought can usually arrange that it be reduced or 

 waived by the Government. 



Sulphide of Calcinm as an Insecticide. — In several of their 

 leaflets dealing with insect and fungous pests of farm and 

 garden crops, the Board have recommended the use of such 

 remedial or preventive agents as carbon bisulphide, potassium 

 sulphide (liver of sulphur), and flowers of sulphur. In this 



* Jotirtial, March, 1 906, p. 760. 



