I909-] 



Export of Live Stock to Brazil. 



39 



reversible disc plough is in very great demand, not only on the 

 model farms, but all over the State. Every farm of any conse- 

 quence possesses one or more of these ploughs, and in some 

 cases a considerable number. The fixed disc plough is not 

 found suitable except in the larger sizes, such as those 

 having three, four, or six discs. During 1907, 799 agricul- 

 tural machines and implements were acquired by farmers 

 from the stock held in connection with the farms. The 

 machines and implements are usually purchased through 

 agents at Rio de Janeiro or Sao Paulo, whose names can 

 be ascertained on application at the offices of the Board, 

 4 Whitehall Place, S.W. 



Live Stock. — The favourite cattle in the State of Minas 

 for breeding purposes have been the Indian zebus, on 

 account of their robustness, easy acclimatisation, and size 

 and strength for draught purposes, but a strong reaction 

 has now set in in favour of milking strains, chiefly Dutch, 

 Swiss, and other Continental breeds, though a demand is 

 growing for some English breeds, such as Guernsey, Jersey, 

 Lincoln Red Shorthorn, Devon, and Hereford. These 

 European breeds are now being introduced by the Govern- 

 ment and by the model farms, as well as by a few of the 

 more advanced farmers of foreign extraction. The Swiss 

 and Dutch cattle and the Devons are said to have become 

 acclimatised well. 



Sheep have so far received little or no attention. Goats of 

 the Nubian and Alpine varieties are in demand. 



Florses are being more looked after in the State farms, 

 the favourite breeds for crossing with the existing animals 

 being Arabs and English thoroughbreds. It is suggested 

 that experiments should be tried with the Shire, Suffolk, 

 Hunter, and Hackney breeds, and specimens of the three 

 latter breeds have been ordered by the State Government. 



As regards pigs, the most successful crosses have been 

 obtained by introducing the Large Black, Large White, Berk- 

 shire, and Poland China breeds. The production of bacon 

 and ham is not aimed at, but merely the heaviest possible 

 weight in the shortest time. 



There is a very well equipped Agricultural College at 

 Lavias, which receives a grant from the State on condition 



