Weekly Mail

Poultr y Post-Mortems. 4 SPECIAL OFFER TO "WEEKLY MAIL" READERS. We have arranged with Mr. Freeman, M.P.S.. 110, Icknield-street. Birmingham, to make a general exami- nation of dead poultry, pigeons, C61id other birds, also rabbits, at the nominal charge of one shilling for each. subject to the report appearing in the "Tsekly Mail." I)-ea,d bodies must be pent, carriage paid. direct to Mr. Freeman, accompanied by the fee of one shilling, and not to our office; and should re.-)-ii him not later than the Saturday before date of publica- tion. Full particulars should be given as to the symptoms previous to death. also how the birda have been fed, and any other information likely to be of use in adv' how to prevent further losses. Letters should be sent sepa- rately.

Cheddar was 65s to 74s, Canadian 558 to 59s, and Dutch 62s to 67s. At Carmarthen new Welsh cheese was 36s per cwt., at Haverfordwest 4d to 7d per lb., at Llandilo 6d to 8d, at Brecon 4d to 6Jd, and at Mon- mouth 6d per lb. POULTRY. Poultry markets have been moderately attended, and trade has been steady. Quota- tionsNarberth, live fowls 38 6d to 4s 6d per couple, ducks 4s 6d to 5s 6d; Monmouth, dressed chickens 46 6d to 56 6d per couple, dressed fowls 8d to 9d per lb., or 4a 6d to 5s 6d per couple, ducks lOd to lid per lb., or 69 6d to 6s 6d per couple, geese 10d to lid per lb.; Whitland, live fowls 4s to 5s per couple, dreesed 8id to 9d per tb., ducks 8 £ d to 9d, geese 9Jd per lb.; Llandilo, chickena trussed lOd per lb., live 4s 6d to 58 6d per couple; ducks trussed 3a to 3a 3d each, alive 5a 6d to 6s per couple, small turkeys trussed lid per lb., live 7s 6d to 8s 6d each, geese 6s 6d to 8s each, trussed 10d to lid per lb.; Carmarthen, dressed fowls 4s 6d to 513 6d per couple; dressed ducks 313 to 38 6d each, geese 5s 6d to 8s each, turkeys lOd to lid per b., Builth Wells, live fowls 4s to 48 6d per couple, trussed 4s 6d to 5s 6d, live duclc- 4a 6d to 5s 6d, trussed 58 to 613; Rhayader. ducks 4s 6d to 5s 6d per couple, fowls live 3a 6d to 5s 6d per couple, trussed 4s 6d to 5s 6d per couple, geese 81d per lb.; Hay. live fowls 4s to 5s, trussed 48 6d to 5s 6d per couple, ducks live 5s to 6s per couple, trussed 5s 6d to 6s 6d. geese aid to 9Jd; Talgftrth, live fowls 3a 6d to 4s 6d per couple, trussed 4s to 5s, ducks 5s to 6s 6q per couple, geese 8d to 9d per lb.; Newcastle- Emlyn, young dressed fowls 3s 6d to 5s per couple, old fowls 2s 6d to 3s 6d, ducks 4s 6d to 6s per couple; Lampeter, ducks 5s to 6s, and young poultry 4s to 5B per couple; Hereford, fowls 3a 9d to 5s 6d per couple, and ducks 4s 9d to 6s 6d per couple, geese 8d to 9d per lb.; Llandyssul, young fowls 3s 6d to 5s per couple alive, old 2s 6d to 3s 6d per couple, young ducks 4s to 5s 6a per couple, dressed chickens 9d to nd per lb., and dressed ducks 9;d to lOd per lb., dressed turkeys Hid to is per lb. EGGS. The demand for eggs has been good, with supplies scarcer. Cardiff wholesale quota- tions are from 15s to 166 per 120 for Irish hen. Country market prices were steady—Monmouth 7 for la, Whitland 8. Nar- berth 8, Llandilo 7, Haverfordwest 8. Carmar- then 7, Rhayader 8, Hereford 7. Hay 8, Builth Wells 8, Talgarth 8, Roes 8. Abergavenny 7, Newcastle-Emlyn 8. Lampeter 8, and Llan. dyssul 8. —-

BATH AND WEST SHOW. JUDGES FOR NEXT YEAR'S MEET- ING AT CARDIFF. For the Bath and West and Southern Counties Society's show, to be held at Car- diff from May 31 to June 5 next, the follow- ing gentleman have accepted invitations to act a-i judges:- HORSES. Agricultural, Thomas Ewart, Rugby; hunters, G. Gordon, Sherborne; hackneys, T. M. Bentley. Driffield; ponies, J. Hill, Church Stretton; harness, T. M. Bentley, Driffield; jumping, G. Gordon, Sherborne. CATTLE.—Devon. W. Tuckett, Crediton: South Devon, W. H. Pain. Kingsbridge; Short- horn, R. W. Hobbs, Lechlade; Hereford, H. W. Taylor, Ledbury; Sussex, A. Stanford. Partridge Green, Sussex; Aberdeen Angus, I P. M. Mitchell, Powis Castle; Welsh Black, W. Jones, Llanbedr, Merioneth; Jersey. Hon. A. E. Parker, Norton Curlieu, Warwick; Guernsey, J. D. Toogood Parsons. Rusthall, Tunbridge Wells; Kerry and Dexter, H. D. D. Betteridge, Summertown, Oxford. SHEEP.—Cotswold. T. S. Tayler, Shriven- ham, Berks; Devon Longwoolled, J. G. Pedler, Tiverton; Kent or Romney Marsh, H. M. Cobb. Rochester; Southdown, James Toop, Chichester; Hampshire Down, C. Coles, Win- terbourne Stoke, Salisbury; Shropshire, A. S. Berry. Lichfield; Oxford Down, W. D. Little, Cirencester; Dorset Down, T. C. Saunders, Dorchester; Exmoor Horn, D. N. Purchase, Molland, North Devon. PIGS. Berkshire, R. B. Vincent, Dorchester; I Large Black, H. J. Kjngwell, South Brent, Devon; Large and Middle White, and Tam- worth, A. S. Gibson, Elm Wisbech; any breed, J. M. Hams, Calne, Wilts. POULTRY.-G. Doble, Bridgwater (Classes 1 to 27 and 56 to 71); John Frayn. St. Stephen's, Launceston, Cornwall (Classes 1, 28 to 55, and 56 to 71). PRODUCE Cider, J. H. Wootton, Byford Hereford; cheese, W. Cary, Shepton Mallet; cream cheese, butter, and cream, Prof. T. Carroll, 1, Rostrevor-terrace, Rathgar, Dublin. COMPETITIONS.—Butter-making, Prof. T. Carroll, Rathgar, Dublin, and B. Read, Hereford; cheese, W. Cary, Sbepton Mallet; cream cheese, butter, and cream, Prof. T. Carroll, 1, Eostrevor-terrace, Rathgar, Dublin. COMPETITIONS.—Butter-making, Prof. T. fa i-roll Rathgar, Dublin, and B. Read, TVnrsley Gloucestershire; milking, W. J. H. Wedmore, Somerset; shoeing, F. Key. M.B.C.V.S.. Devise,. -=

4 IFLLIMAN'S ill NJI-^RaVAL fop AN I f II Seethe Elliman B.F.A.Booklet f UNIVERSAL, for HUMAN USE I See the Elliman R.E.P. Booklet I found enclosed with bottles of Elllman's^* j I '■ '"■^VrrntT 1 ELLIMAN. SONBACO.. SLOUGH. ENGLAND.

VETERINARY ADVICE. r THE CARE OF rHE HORSE AND SCOUR IN CALVES. [By "FARM VET."] Hints on Grooming. It would be difficult to over-estimate the importance of careful and regular grooming. What applies to human beings with regard to skin applies almost as much to horsee. The functions of a horse's skin are essential to the animal's well-being, and if these functions are interfered with the result can only be that a loss of vigour will accompany the lack of cleanliness. I speak more of light horses than of draught animals, for the latter, owing to their heavy work and exposure to wet should not be groomed so much as the former. Some horse-keepers maintain that a certain amount of natural grease left in the skin of a cart-horse serves to protect it from cold and wet. This, I daresay, ie quite cor- rect. but moderation must be exercised, and all dandruff and actual dust should, of course, be removed. Rough use of the iron curry-comb is often responsible for a good cleal of discomfiture to animals. This instru- ment is regarded in various lights by autho- rities on horses. Some men swear by it; others swear at it. Without going so far as that, however, I think we may safely say that the use of the curry- comb should in most casee be avoided. A good strong brush used regularly will be found to have a cleansing effect, quite suffi- cient to meet ordinary caes. Grooming, to impart the most of its advantage, should be performed after exertion, although it is com- mon to see horses receive more attention pre- vious to going out than they receive on their return. The subject of grooming cannot pos- sibly be dismissed with these few words. I shall, therefore, go more into detail in my remarks next week. Over-Reaches." Over-reaches"-I)robably known by a variety of names—are wounds at the heels of the forefeet which have been caused by the sharp edge of the hind shoes. Owners having horses liable to injure themselves in this way should see that the front edge of the shoe is well rounded by the shoeing-smith. The effect of these injuries usually takes the form of II a. lip of horn being cut down, with some soft- parts attached. The first thing to do is to cut off this piece of horn. The sore should then be carefully washed, and afterwards dreesed with tar or some simflar medicament. The affected part. of course, should afterwards be well bandaged. The cure is enhanced if the horn below the sore is pared a little, as this lessens the pain which would naturally accompany a. tightly-confined swelling. Coiic. This painful disease is generally due to a form of indigestion brought on by sudden change of diet or by a careless allowance of water. It is always advisable to water a horse before and not after feeding. The I water has to pass through the stomach, and, should there be much food in it, a quantity of this may be washed into the water-gut." I Colic is often divided into two clasees-spas- modic and windy. In spasmodic colic the pain only comes at intervals, and is very severe while it lasts. The horse strikes at its belly and lies down, while its eyes stare wildly, its breathing becomes distressed, and sweat rolls off in plenty. Suddenly this all passes away, and for the time being the animal is free from pain. In windy colic the pain is continual, but not so severe. The bowels are blown up. and the animal seems dull or drowsy, but there is no relief at inter- vals. The best methods to use with a horse suffering from colic are the following:—Give a purgative, and keep the horse moving. Apply hot rugs to the belly, and after finish- ing with the hot rugs rub the belly with soap liniments. Scour or "Gurr." This trouble is the earliest malady cattle are heir to, and is liable to attack calves very soon after birth. It generally takes the form of a weakening scourge, but, as many farmers know to their sorrow, it often has fatal results. Improper feeding is in many II cases the cause of SCOll, while damp, draughty, and badly ventilated calf-houses are responsible for a large number of casee. This again brings notice to my oft-quoted cure by prevention," and points to the cure by prevention," and points to the necessity of having clean, dry calf-house6, 'I well ventilated and free from draughts. It will generally be noticed that calves running with their mothers are remarkably free from scour. This is due to the fact that the cow will not allow the little one too much milk at one time. No doubt, slightly sore teats really prompt the cow to "move on," but a law of Nature is being upheld, nevertheless. It appears from this that frequent feeding- in less quantities-is the best method that can be employed with young calves. The treatment of scour is of more than one kind. It is a good plan to give two or three doses at intervals of six or eight hours of aromatic balsam oil, in each of which has been mixed a well-beaten egg. The dosee should vary in size from one to two wineglasefuls, according to the age and size of the calf. Another remedy is a dose of castor oil to which has been added thirty drops of laudanum. This can be repeated if in about six hours' time the pain and flatulence are still present. Braxy. The late Professor Gamgee estimated that at least one hundred and fifty thousand sheep die annually from braxy in Scotland alone. I am not prepared to estimate the annual loss occasioned by this disease in the remain- der of the United Kingdom, but it is certainly very large. The causes of braxy differ accord- ing to various authorities. It is specially noted to result from a sudden change from poor to rich pasture. Some maintain that the disease is more likely to strike animals when there is a. full moon, for then the animals feed at night instead of spending the time in rest and rumination. On the other hand, it has been noticed to follow dark, cold nights when the sheep would rarely be feeding. Then comes Hogg, the Ettrick shepherd, who attributes braxy to changes from fi-e-sh to frosty weather. Then. again, we have another opinion from Sir George Mackenzie, who refers it to costive- ness. from eating, hard, dry food, drinking cold water when the body is overheated, or suddenly drenched by rain or chilled by snow. If all these causes are valid the poor sheep must live a careful life if it wishes to escape braxy! The symptoms, like the causes. are numerous. The animal afflicted ceases to feed, and at once becomes dazed, prostrate, and stupid. The head is convulsively raised and the eyes are retracted. In a short time consciousness disappears, and after a few con- vulsions the sheep expires. Great care should be taken in disposing of the carcase. It is best to treat the, malady as a contagious disease, and bury dead animals in an out-of- the-way spot. All the farmer can do with regard to braxy is to take due care to pre- vent it. It is well to give each sheep now and then a gentle aperient, such as a mild dose of salts* with a little ginger. Also give plenty of salt with the food, and occasionally give doses of saltpetre. Frequent change. both of pasture and artificial food, cannot be too well recommended. Remarks In Season. Broken knees are prevalent at thia time in spite of the care that should be exercised when driving on slippery roads. If the acci- dent is slight, resulting in only a small abra. sion of the skin, thorough sponging with warm water should be all that is needed. Where the knee is more deeply cut, however, the parts should be gently fomented with Canada balsam, which should be applied on lint and left until it drops off. Of course, the seriousness of a case of broken kneee can best be judged by the horse-owner. At his discretion he should send for a profeesional man. It is certainly worth a little expense to save a horse's appearance. Do not forget that now is the dangerous time for calves varying in age from five to twelve months. Black-leg (Speed or Hyant) is rampant among animals not thriving rapidly, and is known to carry off many such calvee in November and December. Avoid giving decorticated cotton-cake. Saddle and collar galla are always a nui- sance. For hardening the backs and shoulders of colts commencing work or of horses with tender skins, a plentiful application of salt will, no doubt, be effective. WHAT IS YOUR TROUBLE THIS WEEK! NOTE.—"Farm Vet." will answer reasonable questions if the matter has not already been professionally treated. If nom do plume is given it must be accompanied by name and address (not necessarily for publica- tion). Replies cannot be sent by post.

I UNITED COUNTIES SHOW CARDIGAN SELECTED FOR NEXT I I YEAR'S MEETING. The council of the United Counties Agricul- tural Society of Carmarthen on Wednesday Lieutenant-general Sir James Hills-Johnea G.C.B., V.C., presiding, decided to hold next year's show at Cardigan on August 15. Cardigan had offered to guarantee 9250 in gate-money and subscriptions, besides setting up all the plant required, whilst Newcastle Emlyn had offered £ 220.

HURLED OVER CLIFF. TEAM OF HORSES ENGULFED AT RAMSEY ISLAND. A team of horses belonging to Mr. David Morris, Ramsey Island, St. David's, fell over the cliff on Friday. The man in charge was in the act of getting them to pull the cart from the edge of the cliff, but the ebaft horse refused to pull, with the result that they were hurled over the precipice, and no trace of them could be found. j

QUESTIONS ASKED AND ANSWERED. By J. MUIR. 30, Bonverie-street, Fleet-street, London. --=-- Colour of Dorothy Perkins Rose.—"Begin ner.A lovely pink, with a charming habit. Name of A pple.—" W. S.The Blenheim j Orange, but on!y about 1 alf the usual size. Many potatoes are very earthy flavoured and waxy tnis winter, in cooking tnem the cmp styife removes all bad flavours and rnaKee tlie worst most tootnsome. In Southern Rhodesia.—" W. S. in a letter dated October il. observes" 1 rea<l your remarks weekly with great interest, and nave BUtxBonoed to the paper tor many years." Indian Runner Uuoks as Layers.—Mrs. T. B. Wrimths (Kacinorsiiire) reports her Indian itunner uucks as having laia 1M egg" eacn in twelve mont-ns. Tnis 1.. not bad laying, hue not a record. Passing through many Hands in South Africa..—Writing from '111e Snetlanus, isoutn Airica, a corit^ponUent sa.v»:—" lour paper ¡ is anxiously awaited lor weekly aim passes tnrougn many Hands. Hyacinths in Glasses of Water.—" G. W. M." -I)u not renew tfit; water wnolly, out as it evaporates fill up wiui fresn. uo not ust liquid manure, but a rew IHtle bus 01 char- coal Kept in the water is acceptaole. Planting Wallflowers.—J. H. Cooper—If you lilt tnem wnn gOOrl bans ot eartn to tne roots and plant carefully, they will still be a, success, out uo not neiay any ionger. inere are Ooth douoie and single wallflowers. More Than in Bookti.-A Soutn Stafford reauer writes:—"Let me thank you for advice given me in the past, whicn uat; always oeen to tfie point and successful, lour notes con- tain lliLlHy valuable detans wnicu are not to oe found in books." Leaves for Hot-bed in Spring.—" T. C."—You should collect them into any odd corner, and let tnem remain in a heap till wanted. II you couid put tnem unuer cover it would be all tne better. Give preference to oaK or I be^cn leaves. They are excellent for hot-oeus along witn stable manure. Crossing Fowls for Laying and Table—" D. I. me Langsnan breeu ol fowls is no favourite oI mine. They are poor layers, and too lanKy as meal table iowis. if you put a good w tiite uipington cock or cockerel with jour HlacK Miiioica, hens, [he result will De a urst-datis strain of layeis and very superior biras lor tne taole. Tms is one of me iKxst oi all crosses. Planting Hardy Flowers.—" S. 8.1 am gla.(1 to Know Oll are now in possession 01 fallen a line garden, it is evidently m the ngnt nands, Out do not attempt to plant trie tieroaceous plants till Marcn. au vacant tieroaceous plants till Marcn. All vacant ground in a vegetable garden should be uug over now deepiy and rougniy. Tne soil is then mellowed and in first-rate trim to deal witn in tile spring. Applying lvaimt to Garden.—T. Jones.— Kaiiut, is a very useful manure m garden soil. Its chief ingredient potasn. and tlie majo- rity of crops require this in plenty, It is also a salt, aiiu acts in that capacity in cliecking worms, &-e. lou shouid apply from one to two pounds to tne square vard, and the most appropriate time to give it is in lharch or April. It is a cheap fertiliser. Pullets Laying Small Eggs. For Profit."— You do not say what oret-u your pullets are, but at the start all kinds lay much smaller I eggs than later or wnen tney become nens. rule is for them to lav eignt, ten. or a dosed or more eggs as a start, then stop foi I a while, and go on again, after whicn the I eggf are full-siaed. Eggs weigumg one ounce and a half are very small. Ttiose weighing I two ounces and over are saleable at the best figures. Bramley's Seedling Apple not Bearizig. C. S." (Kirkburton).—In probability the roots have penetrated away down in tne sandy sub- soil. This is a fertile source 01 non-bearing, i urge you to root Prune them as a corrective. Dig a trencii rounu ea.t;h tree at a distance of two feet from the stem and three feet deep. Cut all roots you find outside this circle and burrow well under at the bottom to sever every root that is going down. Look out for a big tap root and saw it through, Fill up again at once, and make the son very firm, but do not give any manure. Chickens with Swollen Heads.—W. S. Suvall- man (Southern Rhodesia).—They are suffer- ing from coup—a nasty, infectious disease which kills thousands. Isolate all diseased birds and thoroughly disinfect all parts. Sponge their heads with a solution of hot water and Jeyes fluid. Give half a teaspoon- ful of Lpsom salts to each on several alter- nate mornings and a pill each evening com- posed of sulphate of copper s grain, sulphate of iron J grain, oil of copaiba 3 drops. liquorice powder 1 grain. Dissolve a little sul- phate of iron in their drinking water. Destroying Tree Stumps in South Africa.— J. W. Puckine.—There l'e several ways of destroying tree stumps, if in a position to burn put a shovelfut of burning coals on, with a sheet-iron chimney over to get the requisite draught, and it will soon be all con- sumed. Another way is to bore a hole two inches in diameter and one foot deep. Put two ounces of saltpetre in this, fill with water, and plug np. The liquid will saturate the roots. In two or three months henoe fill up the hole w ith paraffin oil, and set it on Are. when tlie roots will smoulder to fine ashee. Saturating the stumps with kerosene or para- ffln and lighting a rubbish fire on the top will aiso consume them without digging out or hard labour. Propagating Mistletoe. — "Mistletoe." It does not grow so freely as you have been told. but all may succeed in propagating it. It is impossible to root it from cuttings. It is a parasite plant, and only exists on others. It grows on various trees: but the apple is its favourite, and it often does well on the white thorn. Get some good plump berries. Take a slice of the bark off the lower side of a healthy young branch on the tree it is desired to attach it. Burst the berry slightly to cauee the juice to come out; then rub gently on to the cut part, when the berry will adhere and in time root. You must pro- tect from the birds with a. little bit of net. Put a berry on here and there on many trees, and some will be sure to succeed. February or March is the best month for the operation. Young trees may be bought with the mistle- toe growing on them.

RURAL JOTTINGS. I VALUABLE HINTS AND IN. FORMATION. The Aspidistra Plant In Winter. I' Judging from what I hear and see. the aspi- distra plants are generally in exceptionally good order. Some years ago I heard almost every day of its being sickly, and now I hear often of ite delighting success and good health. It is bad management when they fall ill in the summer, but it requires more care to keep them well in the winter. Once they become sickly in the short days it 's difficult to get them to recover till the sum- mer comes again. it is. therefore, all impor- tant to be on the alert, and, if possible, keep them going on robustly. The one cause of 95 per cent. of their sickening is over-wet roots and a swampy, sour state of the soil. They like anything but this, and not one of them I can etand it. It is like poison to them. The first step to take to assure their good health ia to examine and have the drainage at the bottom of every pot in good order. This is I the mainspring to success. The soil cannot be made too firm. Spongy material is ruinous. On no account attempt to re-pot or divide the plants now. Wait till March or April. Keep the soil in a half moist state. It should never be so wet that if a handful of it was pressed together it would stick like dough. Watering ought to be studied to a nicety. Clean water only should be given in the winter. Do not give frequently, but once in every eight, ten, or a dozen days. Give a considerable quantity; then wait till there is a demand for more. If the plants are kept in warm, dry rooms or halls they will require more water than if kept in cool places. It ;a here they are eo very apt to go wrong from over-watering, and it is such plants that require the most care. As a. matter of fact, plants in cool rooms or glass-houses will often go for many weeks without water, and they actually thrive on dryness. Remember this, please. So long as the leaves stand up freeh, no harm is being done. but if they droop from drought give water. I would much rather have this occur than that they should receive too much water. There is safety in dryness and danger in humidity. The plants may all be submitted to more or leBS frosh air in the winter. In mild weather this may occur every day, but do not let them stand in draughts of cold or hot air. Keep them in the full light all day long, air or no air. When kept in a, too close atmosphere the leaves become thin; then they split or fall into little holes. I am often asked as to the cause of this, when it is only a. lack of robust- ness brought on by the absence of light and air. On no account keep them in saucers of water. Sponge the foliage when dirt appears, but avoid too frequent applications. A Never Failing Winter Shrub. Fortunately, the Lauruetinus is a very fre- quently-met-with shrub. It is of a bushy, graceful habit, free in growth, and without fault-finding with its position, but its exoep- tional merits are a. persistency in flowering all the winter and being a sucoees in thie way in. spite of all weathers. There are two good varieties—Tinus a'nd Hirtum. The flowers are produced in numerous verbena- like heads all over the plants, and are of a creamy white colour. All who grow them will never be void of winter flowers in the open. Agricultural Returns of Ctreat Britain: Produce of Root Crops, 1910. The Board of Agriculture and Fisheries have issned their annual statement, which U1 alwaye of a highly instructive character, as so many are interested in root crops. In 1910 there were 376,834 acres of potatoes grown in England against 405.529 acres in 1909. The weight of yield was 6.55 tons per acre, and the total yield 2.467.179 tons. Wales had 26.013 acres under potatoes, with a, yield of 5.11 tone per acre and a total return of 132,810 tone. Scotland grew 878,300 tons on 136,837 acres, with an acre return of 6.42 tons. Great Britain's total potato yield in 1910 was 3,478,289 tone. Turnips and swedee are much grown crope. England had 1,064,404 acres of them. with a yield of 15.53 tons to the acre. and a total of 16,531,832 tons. Walee had a much heavier crop that reached 17.11 tons per acre. The acreage here was 58,494 and the total yield 1,000.613 tons. Scotland, always great in turnips, and ewedee more particu- larly, had 442.447 acres, giving the top return of 18.26 tons per acre, and with a total of 8.061,008 tons. Mangolds, the greatest of all the oow and stock feeding crops in England, have a total return of 9,105,471 tone from 429,457 acres, giving an average yield of 21.20 tons per acre. Wales had 11,057 aocre6. with 18.58 tone to the acre, and a total of 205.468 tons, while Scotland shows only 2,265 acres, with a return equalling Wales per are and a total of 42,056 tona. Next eeason we shall expect to find sugar beet figuring in the Eng- lish and Welsh returns. Chrysanthemums After Flowering. I never like to come to this part. It implies that unacceptable vacancies are occurring in the floral displays which are difficult—indeed, impoesible-to re-fill at this season, but decay occurs, do as we may, and a clearing out is necessary. In many cases the glass-houses a,re crammed full of chrysanthemums when taken in from the open in October. It is almost a relief when some of the bloome have decayed or are removed to thin the plants, and all such should be weeded out as soon as ever the flowers are gone. Do not wait till they all decay, but pick them out as this occurs. Those still fresh will enjoy and benefit by the increased space and admission of more air. Make a list out of all the kind,, that are to be kept to supply cuttings for further culture, and promptly throw away all the surplus ones. Many stick to them all and make a mess of the lot. It is the select only that should be retained. Cut the stems over at six inche-s above the pot, and place them in a frame to be kept cool. but protected from severe frost. They are better here than in the greenhouse, and more out of the way of other useful subjects. The late flowering kinds may retain their blooms till Christmas or later, and giving them more light and air now will improve their condition. Poultry for Christmas MarketSi Breeders and feeders of poultry for the Christmas markets are always glad when that festive season arrives, as it induces a great reduction in stock, reduces labour and food bills, and brings in exceeding compensations. Prices reach maximum heights, and *he demand for good and superior birds is un-1 limited. The value of beef, mutton, and pork may rise and fall, but, fortunately for poul- try-keepers. many of whom are small-holders, a down market is almost unheard of in sell- ing off Christmas fowls. The demand for all sorts—turkeys, geese, ducks, and cocks and hene, too—is all brisk and profit-making. The very fir ft and most important step to take in the matter is to select the birds to be retained for breeding stock. Let theee be the most perfect specimens. Make no mistake in this. Those who pick out all the best birds to meet Christmas demands and fall back on second and third rate specimens as their breeding stock are killing the gocee that lays the golden egg, and repentance will soon be experienced. Make sure of the highest clase as bteeding stock; then sell as freely all i. consistent. They may be sold off in various ways-all alive just as they stand or killed and dressed. As a. rule. the latter way is the best. particularly if the owner is well up in dressing. If not, eell by live weight, and let the poulterer do the trussing. 1 have known many who have got up their poultry into excellent condition who made a perfect meee in plucking and trussing, and efficiency in these operations should be one of the quali- fications of poultry-keeping. Well-dreysed birds will make pennies per pound more than the badly displayed. Keen and economical poultry-sellers look out before Christmas fo private customers who will buy a. turkey. goose, or couple of fow1; They book them forward, and this is the most profitable way of disposal. There is no middleman to have a finger in the pie then, and the prices secured are the highest. 1 know of more than one farmer's wife with great flocks of turkeys and geese who have them all bespoke for Christmas almost before they are hatched, and it is a most satisfactory position for seller and buyer and a certificate to the excel- lency of the produce. So birds can be too ripe for Christmas, and all ought to be fed up to bursting point till thirty hours before killing; then starve. Old birds do not sell well at Christmas. The very beet are in demand, and the aged are not money-making. They should be left till the markets are less crowded. Superior turkeys are worth ls., geese I 10d.. and fowls 9d. per pound, but the over- aged will not make more than half. Do not be tempted to market those not quite ready. Money is often lost here, and profits would be greater later on. Guinea fowls do not sell so I well now as in February or March. Stored Roots. These are not keeping very well this win- ter. Many of them were very deficiently matured, and that is again3t them. They shrink and decay, and some are beginning to sprout, which is all against their keeping. Turn over and examine. Remove every defaulter and re-store in a cool atmosphere where there is nothing to induce growth or decay. A stitch in time saves nine. Midwinter Primulas. The winter-flowering primulas are now becoming attractive, and no plants in the greenhouse come on more naturally now. This is their time of flowering, and with care they will continue till April. Keep them well up in the light. Do not put water on the flowers or foliage, and only keep the roots moderately moist. When saturated they are apt to suffer from rot in the stems, and once this begins it is a worry. The remedy is to sprinkle the damping parts with charcoal powder or powdered lime. Give soot water once a week. Pick the flowers off on the first day they show decay. This does not mean -the whole truss, but the individual blooms. Owing to primulas blooming up and up the stems the latter can never be removed a6 cut flowers. They are, therefore, left on the plants to go on and- on, and this is why they are so much valued in their continuous flowering. Spray and Buttonhole Roses. Ardent lovers of roses who have no great variety to select from gather their button- hole and spray roses from all varieties. They may be huge and and rather uncouth, but the colour and fragrance are hugged, and I have not a word to say against such deco- rations; but there are some varieties of special spray and buttonhole adaptation that the constant pauona of sdeh embellishments should grow. Amongst the best of these may be named.-Ed,i Meyer, coppery yellow, with red and orange shading; Gustave Regie, nan- keen yellow, long and pointed, continuous; Lady Battereea, cherry crimson; Mrs. Harvev Thomas, carmine; Isabella. Sprunt, lemon yellow; Mme. Chedane Guinoiseeau, yellow;! Marquise de Vivens, bright carmine; Peace, pale lemon; Sunrise, reddish carmine; Niphe- tos, pure white; Lady Rossmore, crimson; The Dandy, glowing crimson. Hardy Fuchsias in Winter. Hardy fuchsias are old-time plants of a charming decorative habit. There are very few subjects more generally pleasing, but, I they ae unattractive in the winter, and many are subjected to a fashion of cutting down that does not allow them fairpiay. As I a rule, they are cut down to near the ground and some ashes or dung put round them as protectors. Unless in very severe winters, this is enough to keep them alive, but the advantage of cutting them down is doubtful. It prevents the plants from ever becoming huge, handsome specimens. What progress they make in summer are shorn of in winter. This is surely wrong, and the dis- play would be far greater and the plants moro enjoyable if cutting down were avoided and the heads of the plants protected by being rolled up with canvass mats or such- like. Do this at once. Put some manure round the collars, and they will all be lively next spring and form such gorgeous bushes that regret will be much felt that cutting down was not discontinued long ago. Some tie them up in a bundle of straw, and any- thing does that excludes hard frost and keeps them snug. Do not cut any parts off now. but do the trimming in the spring, when the dead ends can be removed and the live wood allowed to go higher and higher. New Apples Like all other crops in the garden, applee are frequently added to in the form of new varieties. Some are improvements; others no gain, although pretending to be such. Good seedlings rarely occur by chance, and I am glad to see those who rarae new apples by design are working on the best blood so far ae flavour goes, meet of the new kinds. including close connection with Coxe's Orange Pippin in the dessert section. In new ones here we have Charles Ross, now well tried and acoepted generally. It is ripe now, a medium-sized fruit of brilliant colour and perfect form. It is a cross between Coxe's and Peasgood. James Grieve is one of the older Aew varieties. This apple is noto- rious in being a more heavy and sure bearer and a superior-lfavoured fruit to Coxe's. It is the best recommendation any apple could have. It is of handsome size and a beautiful colour. William Crump is a seedling from Coxe's. with all its good properties. It is of capital flavour, and ripens in November. Coronation is a, flat, well-coloured Coxe. King's Acre Pippin is of Ribeton flavour of medium size, and in season from December till March. In new kitchen varieties the best of all is Edward VII. It is a seedling between Golden Noble and Blenheim Orange—two capital parents. It is a vigorous grower, with large fruit of the Bramley's Seedling type, and keeps fresh till June. It is a capital addition to late apples. Early Victoria, has a different habit. It ripens in Aurti-st, and is a capital grower and reliable fruiter of the Lord Grosvenor stamp. Hector Macdonald is an early ripening form of Lane's Prince Albert, The Rev. W. Wilka is the largest early ripening apple, with a deep yellow skin and handsome appearance. It was sent out by Veitch in 1909. which is a certificate a« to merit. gigs, S/SSS" —

WELL-KNOWN CATTLE BREEDER DEAD. The death occurred suddenly at Shrub Hill Railway Station, Worcester, on Wednesday of Mr. Richard Phipps. of Buckenhill, Brom- yard, a magistrate for the county of Here- ford and a well-known breeder and exhibitor of cattle. >

A WELSH BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. ♦ GLAMORGAN FARMERS' VIEWS. The Earl of Chichester presided on Wednee- day at the annual meeting of the Central Chamber of Agriculture, held at the Sur- veyors Institution, Westminster. As the result of a referendum upon the question of epizootic abortion. Colonel Le Roy-Lewis withdrew the report of the cattle diseases odmmittee, which recom- mended acceptance of certain proposals of a Departmental Committee of the Board of Agricultural, the chief of which was that the disease should be made notifiable. Mr. L. C. Wrigley (Monmouthshire) moved, "That this council is opposed to the creation of separate Boards of Agriculture for Scot- land and Wales." The two main objections. he contended, were (1) that the Board of Agri- culture, which was beginning to be of use to agriculturists, would be weakened by the proposal; (2) that there were quite sufficient Government offices as it was. His belief was that an alteration of existing conditions would severely impede the prevention of con- tagions disease. Under a central authority the ports were the boundaries at which infection could be stopped, but with a fron- tier which could be crossed by foot or rail the danger of contagion was increased enor- mously. Mr. Phillips (Monmouth) seconded, and claimed that Monmouth was part of England. Mr. W. Meyler Thomas (Glamorgan) read a re-soliition which had been passed by the chamber of that county, to the effect that it was desirable that a Welsh Board or Depart- ment of Agriculture similar to the Irish Board of Agriculture should be established in Walee. He said the Cowbridge Farmers' Club were greatly interested in the question. and had supported the resolution already referred to. He could quite understand Mr. Phillips saying that Monmouth did not belong to Wales—that was his own opinion; but he had always considered it as a kind of appendix to the main body of the Princi pality. (Cries of "Oh," and "Do you want to cut it out?") Proceeding, he referred to the very large number of small holders in Wales, where the acreage of the farms was invariably small. The Welsh felt that every encouragement should be given to these holders, which was more likely to be done under a separate department than under existing conditions. In Wales there was a serious endeavour to keep the people on the land, and it was a sig- nificant fact in this connection that within the last few years a large propor- j tion of land purchasers were the tenants of their own farms. For tha.t reason he was heartily in sympathy with Mr. Jesse Collings' Land Purchase Bill. He admitted that there were strong, practical arguments against the aspirations of the Welsh. yet he maintained that the great success erf the Irish Department of Agriculture was some justification for the; claim of Walee. Only a few months ago a large body of Glamorgan farmers saw for themselves what benefits had accrued to Irish agriculturists from their separate department. and they were deeply impressed by the work it had accomplished. They did hope that some I kind of department devoted inclusively tc agriculture, a real, live departn &:t, in touch I and sympathy with every aspect, feature, and phase of the great agricultural industry, would be set up. Whether English, Scott, or Welsh, the agricultural industry was the very blood, sinew, a.nd life of the nation to-day. 'Applause.) Mr. Phillips claimed he was an Englishman, and said he looked upon Wales as a very useful appendix to England. (laughter.) The motion was carried, and the chamber afterwards adjourned until January 24.

WELSH EXHIBITORS TAKE PRIZES. The most Christmassy scene in London just now is at the Agricultural-hall, Islington, where the annual Smithfield Club Cattle Show opened on Monday Cattle so fat and pampered that they will not walk were driven up on Sunday evening in special trucks to compete for prizes, to the value of £ 4,500, which are open to the various classes. There are nearly a hundred more entries this year than last, and the King. who has consented to succeed his father as patron, will probably exhibit his champion bullock "Mystery," which won dis- tinction at the Birmingham Show recently. The entries total 1,025, including the fol- lowing Head of cattle 289 Pens of sheep 170 Pens of two pigs 117 Single pigs 36 Table poultry 265

LOCAL PRIZE-WINNERS. Welsh breed steer, net exceeding two years ¡ old: 1st, R. M. Greaves. Wern, Portmadoc, Cawr"; 2nd, F. G. Vynn, Glynllivon Park Carnarvon. Cyfoeth "r Hon"; 3rd and 4tb, Robert Hughes. Bron-y-maen, Llanfair- fechan; r, R. M. Greaves; h.c.. Richard Newell, Bachellyn. Pwllheli; c, Wm. Hughes, Vron Park. Llanfairfechan. Steers between two and three years old: 1st, the Hon. F. G. Wynn. Bodvean Hall. Pwllhcli: 2nd, Lord Harlech; 3rd. the Coed Coch Trustees of Llawes-y-Coed Farm, Aber- gele; 4th. William Jones. Berth Ddu. Lla-i- rwst; 5th, the Hon. F. G. Wynn, Glynllivon Park; r. Robert Gardner. Cleigiog Fawr: he. R. J. Gardner, Kirkland; c, R. M. Greaves. Wern Heifers, not exceeding three years old; 1st, Robert Hughes. Bron-v-maen, Llanfairfechay, I 2nd. R. J. Gardner, Kirkland Valley; 3rd. R. M. Greaves. Wern: 4th and he. J. W. Rey- nolds, Yuys-y-Berrv Letterston; c, William Jones. Berth Ddu. Llanwrst. Herefords-Steer. not exceeding two years old 1st. the Hon. F. G. Wynn, Bodvean Hall. Pwllheli, "Buan." Heifer, not exceeding three years old: R. the Hon. F. G. Wynn. "Brittle." Sheep, Welsh Mountain breed.—Pen ol three fat wether sheep of the Welsh Moun- tain breed of any age: 1st and 3rd, Robert Hughes, Bron-y-maen, Llanfairfechan; 2nd. E. and W Howells, Gwaelod-y-Waun, Bar goed; r, William Hughes, Vron Park, Llan fairfechan. Byeland breed.—Pen of three fat wether sheep of the Ryeland breed, between twelve and twenty-four months old: 2nd and 3rd. H. A. Christy, Llangoed Castle, Llyswen, Brecon.

ALLOTMENTS SCHEME. I ASSISTANCE DESIRED BY THE LAND AGENT. The quarterly meeting of the small hold- ing committee of the Glamorgan County Council was held at the County Offices, Car- diff, on Monday, Mr. J. N. Randall presiding. It was reported by the land agent (Mr. F. H. Osmond-Smith) that a visit to the Sguborwen Estate with a view to sub-dividing this property into allotments had been postponed by the sub-commissioners, owing to the present unrest in the Khondda Valley. Mr. Treharne (Aberdare) stated that it was perfectly safe to go about in Aberdare- (laughter)-and that such a reason for delay- ing the visit was hardly satisfactory, con- sidering that the matter must be settled before February 2, 1911. The Land Agent reported that. owing to stress of work, he needed a junior clerk to do typing, shorthand.. and tracing. After much discussion, the sum of JE1 per week was fixed as a commencing salary, rising in accordance with the scale now in existence. The matter was referred to the finance com- mittee. A clerk of works was further requisitioned at a salary of £ 2 15s. and expenses. Mr. J. R. Llewellyn (Barry) remarked, apropos of small holdings, that from a business point of view they could have bought up the whole county while the usual lega: dragging course was proceed- ing about a small allotment. (Laughter.) PROGRESS IN BEE-KEEPING. It was reported by Mr. Hedger Wallace, agricultural lecturer to the council, that bee-keeping was making remarkable pro- gress in the county, about 15,6001b. of honey having been harvested during 1910, to the value of X780 5s.; 7421b. of beeswax was also produced, valued at L92 88" and ten qualified bee-keepers had been registered as experts.

FAIRS FOR DECEMBER. The following list of markets and fairs is supplied by local correspondents, and every care has been taken to ensure accuracy. No responsibility can, however, be accepted for errors. Readers are invited to send addi- tions or corrections, so as to make the list an useful as poesible. Praateiffn 10 Emlyn 1» 3 Hi.verfordw«»t 13 Newcastle Emlyn 21 PrestaiCI] 13 CMrpbilljr 22 Kennybridg* (ahe«W S T*)ybont 2 I UnvnuD lo U Narberth 14 Cardigan (christya" PmUifii (Christmas Market) 22 Market) 14 KnigSton (Christmu Hereford 1* Market) 22 Trecastl* 1* Pembroke 26 Trecastl* *5 Ltaodebie t$ Knighton 16 Uandtto 21 Boat 1S Ilmnytj?idge (she") V Llandovery 15 Crrmtnyeh Arms 27 Usk lu Pwntardulais 27 Ltandtlo BrHffo 19 New Radnor 2B Llandilo 18 New Radnor

LADDHIS.—Lwldere for BnOden, falAten, Pfeaterw* I bl 1luutuW7. Ban -rtmt, BiMaL I > ■*1 't. of oPj court3 JI TBE i 1 „ld TT SH°U >V°UR 11 <CNTATY S.H.B. i For Winter Evenings æ YOU CAN GET THE • 11 PURITAN Square j j Puzzle quite FREE | Simply send a wrapper from ■ Puritan Soap—the household soap j Z with the cannot harm guarantee S fa i CHRISTR. THOMAS & BROS. æ Ltd. Bristol i S =' TO FARM I LABOURERS, I If you want to hear of reduced steamship passages to Australia, and employ- ment at good wages, with excellent prospects of soon having a farm of your own, Send a post card to- The HIGH COMMISSIONER for the COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA, 72, Victoria Street, London, S.W. will pay your passageiffjs to WESTERN ( AUSTRALIA DOMESTIC SERVANTS (U f, are one red assisted passages to ^$*^5 WESTERN AUSTRALIA FARE iC2. The £2 paid towards fare will be refunded upon acceptance of..n engagement in domestic cn'1ce upon arrival in WESTERN AUSTRALIA. For Illustrated Pamghlets and further pa.rticui.irs apply to th Aeut.n;"a lor Western Austra.h&. 15, Victoria treet, I-anrion, S.W. (f rn -='PiI!! f m is -=-= -==-n_ "I = ::e. ID, 'tt: i>( '7' SPORTSMEN- BUY GUNS A XT) CARTRIDGES OF 3,3 YEARS' REPUTATION FROM T. PAGE WOSD, Ltd., Gun Makers & Cartridge Experts, BRISTOL. 12 Bore Hammer Gun. Steel Barrels. Choke Bore. £ 5 55. 12 Bore Ha.-mmerlese. as above. £ 6 6s. {;I.l"fi.1\:B1i for Thro? Y:1.rs. Top-lever Hammer Guns from 30s. CARTRIDGES! CARTRIDGES!! Smokeless, from 6s. per 100. Carriage Paid. ppnd for Lists, Post Free. REPAIRS SPECIALITY. iBORWlSrS^fl BAKINri PCWDER1 Wfi IMk makes the lightest & most delicious 1 crusts to APPLE TARTS and PIES. |

SMALL HOLDINGS AGENT. DIFFICULTY OF ADMINISTRATION IX CARDIGANSHIRE. A special meeting of the Cardiganshire Small Holdings Committee was held at Lam- peter. Alderman E. J. Davies, New Quay, presiding. A letter was read from the Board if Agriculture, declining to confirm the order made by the county council for the comi pulsory acquisition of Felingyffin Farm, on the Gogerddan Estate, on the ground that it was a separate holding and not part of another farm, a was contended by the Small Holdings Committee. The board, however, confirmed the order for the compulsory acquisition of a, field on Tynyrabbey Farm, on the same estate. The report of a special sub-committee appointed to inquire into the financial aspect of the administration of the Small Holdings Act in the county and to consider other means of facilitating the administra^ tion of the Act in future was received and adopted. Mr. M. T. Baines, a commissioner of the Board of Agriculture, was also present, and conferred with the committee at grea.t length as to certain difficulties tncountered in carrying out the provisions of t.he Act. Mr. Baines suggested that Mr. Perry, the county land agent, should reside in a nice central part of the. county than he did at present, as then his time would not be bo much taken up in travelling; that the admini- stration of the Act should be delegated to & small committee, and not, as at present, to committee consisting of all the r-jembers of the county council, which was too unwieldy. and that in future applications for com- pulsory orders the council should be legally represented at the inquiries of the Board of Agriculture.

MATTRESS AS COW'S DIET. Mr. Anderson, of I/orne (Victoria), has been fined £ 10 for damage done by his cow to the residence of a neighbour, Mrs. Rook. Mrs. Rook, licensee of the Ijorne Hotel, said that the cow was an incorrigible beast. On different occasions it entered her bedroom*, and altogether, says the British Australa- sian," ate several mattresses. It went oat on the balcony, upsetting and injuring furni- ture on its way it also ate a hag of potatoes and a case of apples. The aniarwl was well- known all over Lorne. and bNf¡lo'eholdeNl to keep their doors shut for its siona.