280 QUEENSLAND AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL. [1 Ave., 1901. 
TO CURE SELF-SUCKING COWS. 
Shape a piece of hardwood, 8 inches long and 2 inch thick, the sides: 
being levelled and the ends pointed, cut the groove $ inch deep. Throw the 
cow, and when perfectly motionless pierce the grizzle of the nose with a sharp 
narrow bladed knife and insert the stick. The stick must fit close or it will 
not stay, hence the need of making the hole small; once in, it will not distress 
the cow. There are many devices having the same object, but this seems to 
answer the purpose best.—dAwstralasian. 
THE WORK OF LEAVES. 
Under the belief that the sun has a great deal to do with ripening fruit,, 
many people remove the leaves of grape-vines and tomatoes to allow the 
sunlight to reach the fruit. Meehan’s Monthly says— 
Sunlight does usually add to the sweetness and general good character of 
the fruit; but ripening is a vital process, in which an abundance of good, 
healthy foliage is the prominent agent in the work. In short, a bunch of grapes 
ripening in comparative darkness would be far preferable to one grown in the 
full light with most of the vine leaves taken off. But the leaves themselves 
must be vigorous and healthy. They are not healthy when crowded. 
For this reason, the good gardener thins out the weak branches in the 
early stage, so as to have plenty of room for the development of larger ones. 
later on. 
TO WASH SILK. 
We learn, on the authority of the Scottish Farmer, that a new soap called 
“Silk Soap” has been placed on the home market which is excellent for 
washing silk blouses or handerchiefs, or ties, coloured muslins, or any other 
delicately coloured washing material. Make a warm lather and wash with the 
usual care. Do not hang outside to dry, but wrap the article in a clean dry 
cloth; put aside for an hour or two, then iron on the wrong side while still 
damp. 
AGRICULTURAL AND HORTICULTURAL SHOWS. 
The Editor will be glad if the secretaries of Agricultural and other Societies. 
will, as early as possible after the fixture of their respective shows, notify him 
of the date, and also of any change in date which may have been decided on- 
