The Winter of 1885-86. 
427 
as it saved lives, and much economised the consumption of 
food." Mr. A. F. Parbury describes it as a most trying time, 
and states that, during its continuance, sheep were put under 
shelter and fed artificially. In Mr. Heasman's case, the sheep 
were yarded and put into a dead fold formed with hurdles. 
Mr. R. W. Langdon states : 
" I Lad a lot of sheep chilled at that time ; and should we have another such 
spell of arctic weather, I should provide them with straw for bedding." 
Mr. Teasdale Hutchinson put on extra hands to look after 
his sheep, and had them well provided with food. 
Mr. John Coleman is emphatic in declaring that the lessons 
of the storm were that more shelter was required. 
On a summary of the Avhole of the replies, it is impossible to 
avoid the conclusion that in many of our best farmed districts 
shelter is provided now to a great extent, and has been provided 
largely by our leading landowners. Still, in many districts, 
and notably on farms unconnected with large estates, further 
shelter would be very welcome. Dry food should always be 
kept in reserve for sheep in case of snow-blasts of severe cha- 
racter. 
CONCLUSIOK. 
In the replies given we have a series of practical experiences 
that cannot fail to be of great service should another such 
season overtake us. The reports all point, in the first place, to 
the overrated position of the turnip crop, and show us how 
disastrous at times it is to those who place entire trust in it. 
In the winter of 1885-6, all sorts of auxiliaries had to be called 
in to supply its place, and the details of how successfully they 
did supply that place is recorded in experience after experience. 
Another great lesson is taught us — that of economy on the 
farm. Several correspondents call attention boldly to the 
necessity of farmers keeping in hand a good portion of their 
farm produce, so as to be independent of fluctuating markets. 
Earl Powis and Messrs. Beauchamp and Stead both put forward 
this as essential to good farming, and those who had last 
autumn a good stock of old hay, and who tell us how they used 
it, do but emphasise their remarks. Another economy strongly 
brought out is that in feeding. The chaff-cutter is probably as 
great an aid to economy on the farm as any investment the 
tenant can go in for. With it all sorts of mixtures of food — all 
economic — are possible. The great value of green crops is 
also insisted upon — cabbage, thousand-headed kale, kohl rabi, 
and prickly comfrey standing out boldly in the many reports 1 
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