The Brecon County Times Neath Gazette and General Advertiser for the Counties of Brecon Carmarthen Radnor Monmouth Glamorgan Cardigan Montgomery Hereford

AGRICULTURAL NOTE& BY A PRACTICAL FARMER. IMPROVEMENT OF STOCK. One of the best things the Board of Agri- has done in recent years is the estab- of the scheme for the encouragement improvement of the live stock breeding d,us.try. The first annual report of the work- ^8 of the scheme shows that it has been well Reived, and that the year's progress has very satisfactory. Four hundred and jT^ety-3even bulls and 115 boars have been f^ocated for service, grants have been made respect of 72 stallions, and 16 milk-record- g societies have been formed and started JNrations. The service fee of the bulls varied 5s. to 2s. 6d. It is explained that these v^"e-bred bulls, costing on an average over in many cases took the place of mongrel ^inaals costing anything from £ 10 to £ 20. .As the report says, the importance of main- *flljing the high standard of the pedigree ?°ck of the country cannot be over-rated, there isr equally important work to be iji grading up and improving the quality J the far more numerous unregistered stock. large proportion of these unregistered are of such an inferior description that J^e.V are often a source of little, if any, profit the owners. The main object of the scheme is to afford 1neans of demonstrating to groups of farmers, Specially the smaller farmers, that it is good "^oiioiny and of pecuniary advantage to use r'\V sound and high-class sires, and to keep rords of the milk yield of their dairy cows, "lth a view to getting rid of poor milkers and improving, by judicious selection and Seeding, the productiveness of their herds. he assistance given takes the form of finau- :?aj help for the provision of high-class bulls, ^llions, and boars, to be available at the ^'Qe low fees as are usually paid for the use inferior sires; and for the encouragement associations of farmers formed for the pur- P°s<? of taking and checking the milking re- of the herds of their members. TJie total amount of financial assistance hieh was allocated during the past year was follows: (1) To societies or individuals for provision of bulls, £ 13,700; (2) to societies ,°1- the provision of boars, £ 1,200; (3) to «avy horse societies, £ 9,100; (4) to milk-re- ^rdmg societies, £ 4,600; (5) to the selected ^cultural institutions for the employment live stock officers, £ 8,400; total. £ 37,000. SMITHFIELD SHOW SCHEDULE. Unless anything unexpected turns up to "fcv.vcnt it, the Smithfield Show is to be held jji the Royal Agricultural Hall, Islington, on t Monday, December 6th, and the four follow- ing days. According to the prize schedules ju-st issued, the total amount offered for com- p.eition in ordinary prizes, cups, champion Ples, &c., is this year X4,439, as compared V1 £ 4,450 lis. lOd. last year. catrl CoinParis<>n of the figures shows that m and sheep have slight increases, whilst ere is apparently a big decrease for pigs, ?ut actually there are only three alterations J1 these sections, and the fatting off in the gnount for pigs is du* solely to the fact that c cha-lenge cup *ith its accompanying fj medal were won outright by Mr. Arthur iscock foist year and have not been renewed, la <'rW!e t-he pig classes ax*? prizes are as "friti as are those for cattle and sheep, ha-1 '1° ^'0^<>win§ exceptions: Welsh heifers ■thVe t.i!s year two classes instead of one, ose not exceeding two years old having a parate alass, whi'le Welsh lamb.s are given i on their own instead of only one class both lambs and sheep. It is to be sincerely hoped that feeders will to it that the entry is one that will fully retain the reputation of this, the premier stock show of the world. Entries of Live and table poultry close as follows: ^"tfinary entries at usual fees, up to 10 p.m. e 1 Monday, November 1st. Post entries at §5/rri fees up to 4 p.m. on Friday, November 'll;e entries for implements, roots, seeds, *■> close at 10 p.<m. oil- October 1st, and' post g^tries at extra fees at 4 p.m. on October lZ1- Prize schedules, entry forms, &c., can had*of the secretary, Mr. E. J. Powell, 12, aflover-ffquare, London, W. it it THREE MTLKINGS DAILY. P THREE MILKING8 DAILY. r It is commonly supposed' that the milking of 8 three times a day as against twice causes cows to give a greater quantity of milk per la some caeca cows are even milked four a day, bat in these days of labour short- 's? there is naturally gieat advantage in only rj^kiag twioe in the twenty-four hours pro* other things are equal. the relative merits of milking twice thrioe dally, some experiments were "fried omt by the Armstrong College. In the it has been found that tbe.re is no legible advantage in three mil Icings in •^eiityfouT hours, unless the demand for 5j*rm milk may be considered to justify it. *'he milk is poorer in the morning as a result three Previous exp-erimerate have shown that milk- lug at equal intervals and' twice a day does -a.y with the great difficulty of the morning's falling below the 3 per cent. limit. If euh a system could be universally adopted it ^ouid be well. A tremendous amount of Prejudice ora the part of consumers would however, to be overcome. Such a cfhange, too, on the part of the J*fcniers can-not by any means be easily bought about. So far as milking three times a day is con- rted, the results obtained in these experi- ments no ad<vantajje "whatever. On the .^ntra-ry, the extra driving and other undue erence with the treatment of the cows produced results of a negative character. ^;Pii«idering the difficulties in: connection, labour, at tsbe present time especially, extra trouble and expense of a third irsilk- seems, theref<we, to be in no way justified. • Itilk producers new towns, who are more than further away, P-IM that one of the advantages they especi- appreciate as enabling them to meet com- ^itioin from far-away farmers is the demand1 the part of the consumers for warm milfe. tftie question of producing milk of am n quality is of the utmost importance, and 2?ftaiaiy seems to be worth more seriously Joking about by all concerned, especially as 2^ benefit seems -to be got from thrice milk- ae compared with twice. The milk, too, ? the morning from thrice milking often falls eW the 3 per cent. fat limit. g, practice of milikin^ a- heavy miltker times a day for a short while after calv- g for her relief is, of course, another matter together. < DEALING WITH RICK FIRES. &ick fire« are caused either by spontaneous ^bustion, or the ricks are set on fire in Various ways from outside. In the former 5^* the fire generally breaks out inside the and the judicious use of the hay-cutting is the only way to locate the position of fires; water must then be applied as the break out. •J* "'hen a rick is set on fire from the outside, ^ater is applied quickly it will generally *^v«nt the fire from penetrating the lick. farmers' fire warning, issued by the {J^ish Fire Prevention Committee, advises *iovas'e of rick 6x6 to °°TOT 411 adjoimng "with cloths, blankets, &c. Remove all sQr6 inflammable material, and especially *i<W ground, then place round on the exposed to the fire some protection in shape of doors, sheets of galvanised iron, '0., Pour water on the top of the ricks Prote ted, and keep the coverings well n the fire from either cause gets be- Control, the quickest way of dealing with to place a wire rope about 18in. from of the rick and then attach horses to of the rope, pulling the rick to pieces, the operation as often as necessary. Biust be taken to have water at hand to thupQfrt any burning material when it is down, quickly to remove it away from and to deposit it in small heaps so Of ■ujj*1 will only endanger a limited quantity ,s&lvage. Buckets of water should available, and where spirit is used* of eand. L

DRESSMAKING AT HOME. By SYLVIA. "Combis" for the Matronly. As holidays have had to be taken more quietly and simply and not so far afield this year, there is a certain amount of time on one's hands, which with the need for economy has caused most mothers and wives to turn their attention to the making of their undergarments. And no better way could be devised of occupying both time and thoughts than in useful work, whether for oneself or others. As matronly underwear patterns are always in request, and combis are about the first article to be thought of, I have selected a pat- tern this week, in No. 1,915, which is not only of the useful order but has a fancy touch given to it by the scalloping at the edges and the little embroidery finish in the corners. This makes it suitable for holiday "catch- up" work, as well as quite in keeping with the taste of the moment-in underwear. The combinations can be realised either in longcloth, flannel, wincey, or flannelette, ac- cording to taste and means, whilst the lace, PATTERN NO. 1,915. which gives a dunilv touch to the neck and knee-edges, is, of course, quite an optional finish; but I might add. that fine crochet edging could be used with excellent effect. T Cut Out and Make Up. Fold your marc-rial selvedges, to selvedges, place the pattern on it, smoothing it out well, then mark round carefully and cut out. The darts in front and under the arms, which give the necessary fitting, should, however, not be cut till the garment has been fitted on, as they may require a little alteration to make it quite comfortable. The scallops may be marked, but should not be cut till the garment is joined together, as they may stretch somewhat. When ready, first of all face—or hem—the fronts, make the buttonholes, and sew on the buttons, then join together by the seams as indicated by the notches, which should be done hy monns of a run and fell or run and herring-boned seam, the latter in the case of flannel or flannelette. Next tack up the d'arts and fit on, and take these in or let out as required, but you must remember that an easy, or rather loose, fit is aaecessary, not only for comfort, but for pos- sible shrinkage when lauaidered. Having finished these darts and stitched down the wrap neatly at back, proceed to mark the scallops, for which a penny and a halfpenny can be utilised, unless you prefer to use tracing papers. When marked, run round the outline with coarse thread to strengthen the edges, then buttonhole with silk, mercerised or flourishing thread, accord- ing to material. Do the corners to correspond, then run on the lace and finish off. About 31 yards of 36-inch material will be required, with 2 yards of wide and 1 yard of narrow lace. A Very Useful Shirt. A shirt pattern, is indluded, in this week's sk,etches--not only because so many women will be economising by making the winter underwear for the menfolk at home, but so many will want to make them for the men at the front, who will needl them so badly during the coming autumn and winter. The pattern illustriated, in No. 1,916 is in- tended for either or both purposes, and to be I PATTERN NO. 1,916. 1 made up in any of the materials that may be preferred or designated for such undergar- ments, for home or service wear, either in grey or khaki, so far as colour is concerned. T Cut Out and Make Up.

When cutting out and making men's shirts there are one or two points which the home- worker or amateur should carefully bear in mind. The first is, place the centre of back to the fold. The fronts may be closed or open below wrap, but well folded over, as is, done I in many of the newest patterns. If intended for invalid wear, the front should be made to fasten all the way down, but of course be well wrapped over. The yoke, cuffs, and I collar, which are all double, must be placed selvedgeways of the material, and care must be taken not to slope cut the neck of the yoke too much, or it will draj and be uncom- fortable. i Another important point for the maker to rememfber is that the sleeves should only just fit the armhole easily, and on no account must any superfluous fulness be gathered in, as might possibly be done with a. feminine garment. Therefore, when cutting out, measure the sileeve-tops and armholes care- fully to see that they fiit; but be sure it is an easy one, as allowance must be made, for what is taken in by the seams. And, again, before joining up the sleeves, after the shirt is done, to see that they .are right. I draw particular attention to this detail, as it is so important, .and is one where so many I home shirt-makers go wrong. When making, finish off the front with mitred wrap and button-stand facing, and fasten off well at lower edge; then arrange and stitch back and fronts to the yoke, join up the side-seams with narrow run and herring-boned seams, and strengthen the cor- ners with gussets or tapes. Hem lower edge, make and stitch the collar, and secure to neck by means of a narrow collar-band, make holes for studs, and fasten off. Next make and sew in the sleeves to fit the armhole comfortably, and finish off neatly. .¡ About 3A yards of 36-inch material will be required.

HOW TO OBTAIN THE PATTERN. lOur paper patterns are specially cut for us from l designs expressly prepared for this column, and the cost of each complete pattern is 6Jd. post free. Address all letters, enclosing stamps for patterns, to Sylvia," Whitrtriars House, Carmelite- street, London, E.C. Be sure and mention the number of the pattern required when ordering. i Patterns will be despatched within three days ol the application being noeinc" keohtbbxd RA 7RAD. MAtI, RADIUM BATH SALT added to your ordinary Bath gives you a RADIO-ACTIVE BATH at Home. Both Nervous and Muscular Complaints, such as Nerve Exhaustion, Depression, Insomnia, Rheu- matism, Gout, Neuritis, &c., yield to a course of RA-BA-SA Baths where medicines fail to give relief. 1/- per packet or box of 7 for 5/9. Of all EXTRACT FROM "THE LANCIET." I Stores and leading Chemists, or, if unable tested a solution of the Salt to obtain, post free on receipt of P.O., from with the electroscope, and it certainly Radium Salt Co., Ltd., 21, Farringdon-ave., shows ionising properties. The method London, E.C. Booklet, "A Bathful of appears to be an ingenious one of preser- Health," free on receipt of name and ving the radio-activity of the salt, and address affords a means of observing the thera- peutic effects of a radio-active Bath." peutic effects of a radio-active Bath." RA-BA-SA BATHS GIVE SOUND, REFRESHING SLEEP. Looal Agent: W. GWILLIM, Medleal H»U, Brecon.

THE HARVEST IN MID-WALES. Tons of Hay Cast on Manure Heaps The unfavourable weather experienced during the latter end of July and the early days of August has been the result of heavy losses to several farmers in Mid Wales with their hay crops, as a large quantity of bay cut four or five weeks ago has not been cleared off the ground until this week. In fact, some tons have been cast on the manure heap, whilst others have stored it for litter for the coming winter. In some places the hay was left untouched, and due attention was paid the corn which is quite ripe, especially on light soil, aud with a very few days of favourable weather the production of some hundreds of acres wili bo brought into the barns, and the farmers will have an opportunity of turnicg up the land for catch crops with which they can make up to a great extent for the loss they have sustained. In most places the oats are rather light and the straw very short, but the ear is well filled, especially on farms where sewing operations took place early but the farmers who went in fcr wheat have in most cases been well rewarded for their labour. A few days ago I bad the pleasure of inspecting some fields of wheat in the parishes of Llanelwedd, Llanddewi'r-Cwm and Llanganten, in the vicinity of Builth Wells, and these crops are not only heavy and clear from weeds, but the grains are well filled and can be taken as an object lesson to the Mid Wales farmer who holds sway over lands more suitable than those referred to, but are to day only used for grazing purposes. It is now over twelve months since a special appeal was made by the Government to the farmers to double the production of the land, and if the farmers of Mid-Wales acted upon that wise suggestion and followed the advice of the Agricultural Organiser, Breconshire and Radnorshire would now be in a position of having sufficient home grown wheat to supply the requirements of the rural population of the two counties. It is regrettable to think that after such an earnest appeal from the Government that twelve months have been allowed to pass before a material response is made. There are several farmers in the district who possess land suitable for wheat and other grain, who have given a deaf ear to the appeal. They fail to appreciate the seriousness of the situation, and it is feared that their whole attention has been concentrated on the best means of making the highest possible profits. It would be unfair and unjust on my part to place all the Welsh farmers in this unpatriotic category, as there are specific cases where farmers have nearly doubled the acreage of land under cultivation since the outbreak of the war, and they have also spared two or three farm hant,, for the service of King acd Country. Moreover, they have refused to fill their places with men of military age. but the farmer, his wife, daughters as well as boys, too young for the fighting line, have done extra work in the field, abandoning their usual pleasures and enjoyment with the object of maintaining British freedom and liberty. This is a noble spirit, the true offspring of patriotism deeply rooted in the Celtic heart and saturated by deep love of country, and its old famous institutions and traditions. R. W.

Soldiers All. Trne soldier of the King is he Who, when the call came loud and clear, Did gird his loins and go prepared To give his life for country dear Out at the front be bears the brunt Of fights severe. With courage fine, He stands supreme against our foes- The hero in the firing line. Smart soldier of the King is be Who, with the transport work contends Upon whose ceaseless energy Supply to all our troops depends The Service Corps connects the store With its brave comrades in the van A link in that great army chain Which over half the world doth span. Real soldier of the King is he Who, tho' be does not firearms bear, Yet works upon the battle ground And makes the wounded man his care. Our soldiers know how much they owe To Red Cross workers in the field. Their's is a duty nobly planned To which we highest honour yield. And soldiers of the King there are Who do not any khaki wear But making war munitions, they Do in our country's battles share. They must not shirk in this great work, But labour on thro1 day and night; For without powder, shot and shell, The bravest soldier cannot fight. To all ye soldiers of the King Our country looks uor'll look in vain That in this monumental strife An Empire's place ye will maintain, To right the wrong, your battle song Shall lead you on unflinchingly And Britain's name, as in the past, Shall stand for Truth and Liberty. E. C. JAMES, Hornchurch,

WELSH COBS FOR ARMY. Great Opening for Breeders. The annual meeting of the Welsh Pony and Cob Society was held at Llacdrindod Wells ou Saturday. when Mr Marshall Dogdale (Llanfyllin) preHided Mr J. R. Bacbe (secretary) reported that the Council recommended the ehotion of Lord Howard da Walden as president for the ensoictg year, but as his lordship was in the Mediterra- nean it was di-ei d for klih present to re-el, at the retiring president, Lieut.-C I. David Davie-, M.P. Mr Ffitcb Mas n, the Faaram, Glam., and Mr W. A. Pogh. GwyDdwy, Llat>- w^re elected vice prenidentB. The live stock officers tor Wales (Professors D. D. Williams aud Joues) were co-opted as members of the Council, ami the followiug new members- were appointed :—Sir Marfceiue Lloyd, Bron- wydd Mr J. Edgar Herbert, Nactfimellan House, Bryoaman; aud Mr J. L. Davies, iTiioirfechan, Merthyr Cynog Border counties, Mr. G. B. Millward, Newingion House, Criv-O Arms Merionethshire, Mr J. Jones, Cwiumere. The unprecedented circumstances of the last twelve months have greatly interfered with the success of the Society. The annual report stated that the shows being dropped in so many instances all over the country bad told against them, and the competition in show yards showed the neoee- sity of registering their animals. COUNTRY CLEARED OF HORSES, The war has cleared the country of horses, especially of saoh classes as good Welsh ridiog cobs, which, it was urged, should be an induce ment for breeders to take op this section of breeding more f-trennously. The same advice applied equally to other classes of horees, whiles a special effort sbot.i be made to produce good weight-carrying Wd,b cobs of a riding type, In tbia matter every conoty in Wales should bestir itself snd try to indace the Government to concede grants such as for purchasing the best boood mares of various classes, in accord- ance with the adaptability of the land. The report went on to state that the Welsh Board premium stallion grants bad been better supported than in the past. Great difficulty was being experienced in finding good cob stallions, though there were plenty of nonde- script Welsh oobs aboat. The only way to remedy this was for breeders to be more osrefal. IMPORTANCE OF REGISTRATION The Chairman, in movin the adoption of the report, said the Government buyers bad virt- aally cleared the country of good valuable Welsh cobs, but it was a great satisfaction to know that in almost every instance the Welsh cobs taken for army service bad done extra- ordinary good work and were very bipbly spoken of. He believfd they would find that gradually there would be more and more good Wflsb cob stallions about, but as they bad bad to begin almost at the beginning again, it would take a few years to work them up. There would be a greater demand than ever for Welsh cobs and ponies after the war. and for that reason be regretted that dealers sometimes discouraged breeders from entering their ani trials in the stud hook. Mr J Hamer (Penybont) in seconding, said it bad been proved that Welsh cobs had great staying power, and that they were well adapt- ed to stand the wear and tear of Army service. In his opinion there was a great future for this society. Alderman C. C. Rogers (Stanage Park) ex- pressed great disappointment that dealers were not giving farmers more encouragement to register their animate, pointing out that it was of the greatest advantage to buyers to know something of the pedigree of the animals they were baying. The report was adopted. The Chairman said be was sorry there bad been delay in the supply of the stud books, but it was entirely doe to the shortage of binders. but the firm which bad the contract bad secured some men now and they hoped to complete the contract this week.

DERS AND NEURALGIA VP* TT The QUfCKEST and MOST CERTAIN CUBE R& £ \] A 2'mch. Vf> do* at aU Chemists & Store I scnd i' ^osrACe roe samihj. J.MOBCAN JOME8 » Co, ILANEU-Y^J^ PURITAN SOAP MANUFACTURERS Coping with Increased Demand. The ever-growing demaud by the pnblio for that popnlar household necessity—Patiiau Soap, has Ciiused Messrs Christr. Tbomaa and Bros., Ltd., the old established makers of this soap, to erect at Broad Plain, Bristol, a fine new factory, with every modern device for improved soap making is being installed in this new factory which in spite of the war is being pushed ahead with all possible speed. Puritan Soap indeed deserves the saocess it I has achieved. Puritan Soap has been proved by the pablic to be what the makers claim for it: a soap II quite differrnt from all others. It is the olive oil in Puritan Soap which makes the difference. The virtues of olive oil have been known for centuries. But it is an expensive oil and in the demand for cheap raw materials quality often comes last. Not so with Paritan soap, every tablot of which is guaranteed to contain olive oil which saves the clothes and makes Puritan Soap far and away the most rtsonomical of all cleansers. M ][A A ID I IE ;s IV" Send no money We will forward you post free a sample 01 GAUTiERS' FAMOUS PILLS which are without doubt the most certain remedy eve discovered for all female irregularities. They are un equalled for Women and are safe, sure, ana speedy. Als(, our valuable 50-page Booklet and Guide to Health on receipt of a Post-oard or a letter. BALDWIN A CO., Herb & Drug Stores Only Addresa-ELECTRIC PARADE, H0LL0WAY, LONDON, N Sold in Boxes, 7id., ft/3. Extra Strong «/8.

POULTRY KEEPING A PROFITABLE HOBBY. BY "UTILITY." NEW IDEAS IN LAYING CONTESTS. There are to be 'several new and important features in the twelve months' laying compe- tition which the Northern! Utility Poultry Society is starting on October 27th. One of these is to be a contest consisting of eight peais of three hens each. all of which will be takeu from the birds competing in the present test. The object of this test is to ascertain the stamiina of the birds that have done well during the first year, though the promoters will not necessarily take all the best hens for this experiment, but will probably choose some which have laid indifferently during the year, and see what they will do in the second year. There will be no entrance fee for this contest. The general practice in laying competi- tions is to allow owners to send a .reserve bird so as to replace one of the pen if it died, but no such conaession will be allowed by the society next year. Should any bird die during the competition its score wil'l be de- leted entirely, an,d thus the records at the com- pletion of the test will only represent the egg production of birds which have gone through the twelve months. The prizes will be given for the best average of the birds completing the contest, but should more tha.n one-thjrd of the in any pen die the owner will be disqualified from participating in the awards. THE OLD REDCAP. Never a year without some new' breed or variety being originated or intro- duced'; but still, we cannot afford to let old ones die out, and it is satisfactory to find that the Redcap of the north midland' counties is becoming better known. Not only has it a handsome, richly-coloured, and uncommon appearance; it is hardy and highly prolific, producing a fair-sized white egg, and, when well bred for egg production, attaining the 200-egg average which marks the best layers. The hen has also a reputation for laying up to a great age, but this qual,iry will not com- mend itself to many poultry-keepers nowadays who make a practice of getting rid of birds as soon as or before they have reached the two'- year-cld state. With ii, however, this practice is likely to load to disappointment; hens make better layers than pullets, and only from the fo'-mer can strong, healthy chicks be expected. Redcaps in several features show evidence of game ancestry, and one of these is the re- semblance of the beautifully white and deli- ciously flavoured flesh of the cockerels. Red caps are of a very active disposition, and that means that good results must not be expected when they are kept in confinement. But when BEDCAP COCK. they can have unlimited range on grase, such as farmers and other country dwellers can afford them, they will look well and do well. The chief feature of the Redcap's appear- ance is its large symmetrical rose comb with straight leader and full of fine spikes, measuring about five by four inches. It should be set straight on the head, not hang- ing too much in front, and carried well off the eyes. The following is the standard of colour: Beak: horn colour; eye: red; comb, face, ear lobes, and wattle: bright red; shanks and toes: slate colour; plumage: head, red; hackle, red, each feather marked down the centre with a stripe of Mack; back of cock, red, spangled with black; saddle: red, each feather striped with black; wing-bow: rich red; coverts: rich red, having each separate father ending with a black spangle forming a black bar across the wing; primary and secondary wing flights: red, heavily tipped at the ends with black; breast, underparts, tail, and hangers: black. The hen differs only in the body colour, which has the ground colour deep, rich, reddish-brown, free from smutti- ness, each feather tipped with a half-moon black spangle. CAPONS. These are usually kept till Christmas, and by then they should be fully one-third heavier than untreated males of the same age and breed, while the flesh will remain as delicate, tender, and juicy as that of a young bird. Re- markably few capons are produced in this country, those that have reached our markets at ordinary times having come principally from France, where large numbers of surplus cockerels are disposed of in this form. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. Careful."—USING SUNFLOWER SEED.— This is best. fed to poultry in the morning soft food. It is first thoroughly crushed, then, mixed with sueh iiagredi-ents as are available for the soft food. Or, tf only dry food is supplied, ounflower seed will prove a valuable addition to wheat or barley. Sunflower seed is one of the best-balanced food?, and it is put to the best account by the:w l' s digestive system. It is used in the preparation of foodstuffs for farm stock. But it is chiefly employed as an ingredient of proprietary foods. "T. A., H.—DISTINGUISHING THE SBX OF GBBSE. The gander has a shorter and thicker neck than the goose. The bag between his legs is single, while that of the goose is double. The voice of the gander is thin, clear, and silvery, that of the goose is a deep bass. The beak is much thicker. The under man- dible of the gander is also more full than that of the goose, which appears to be shrunken around the nostril. T. R. S."—HEN "DOWN BEHIND."—You are either over-feeding or using food that is too forcing, though occasionally the effort to expel a very large egg is the cause. After washing well and ap-pilying a weak solution of alum, gently press the protruding organs back, and by feeding scantily on grain food only check or top laying for a time until she recovers, though there will always be a danger of the trouble recurring. "I. D. D."—To ExcorRAGE EXERCISE in small runs and houses you can suspend a cab- bage from the roof just out of reach of the birds' beaks, but easily reached with a slight spring. It must not be put up too high, or the hens may damage their egg-laving organs. A simple way of fixing up a. sing'le cabbage is to pass a string through two holes in a piece of wood and loop it round the stump, which is held secure, yet can be easily removed. cc F. N."—COCKERELS WITH LEG WEAK- NESS.—Cramp is usually caused by keeping them on hard or damp runs, though lack of exercise is also frequently responsible. The sufferers must be rem^ rl to a dry place and given a bedding of warm material. The lege and feet must be rubbed with turpentine, and encouraged to Itake as much exercise as possible. As a rule, this trouble shows that the. diet wants altering. The growth has been two rapid. Arrange for a good supply of strictiy-nourishing food, sucb as worms, ground raw bones, and chopped meat, with plenty of green food. Have a dozen pills made up as follows, and administer one daily: Phosphate of lime 5gr., Sulphate of Iron lgr., Sulpbalbe of quinine tgr., Strych- nine 1-16g¡r.

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UNION IS STRENGTH. In connection with these weekly note. on the German peril in our uiid:>t, and as to the best way to be rid of it, on the present occa- sion a little plain speaki: is called for. How the Anti-German Union was formed, what are its objects, how in a matter of a few short months it has grown from nothing- ness to be a power in the Land, and how in power and membership it continues to expand and increase amazingly—all this has been told, and will continue to be told as the organisation develops. In passing, it may be noted, as a sure token of the expansion and in- crease aforesaid, that twice already since the Union wa.s formed it has been obliged to move into roomier premises in order to cope with the ever-increasing pressure of work. At the first remove it was deemed that the new premises were big enough for officss and staff for a twelvemonth or so, and already it has been found necessary to find more elbow room. So much for the growth of the Union from its bantling state to the present day. Amongst patriotic organisations, of which some say—and they may be right-there are far too many already, the Union has fairly earned the title of the Prize Baby. Now, in the minds of a number of people, a natural confusion has arisen between the Anti-German Union and another association, which goes by the name of the Anti-German League. This League has embarked upon 6 very extensive system of self-advertisement as to the great things it was out to perTorm, whereas the Union has, so far, mainly been content to leave the question of widespread advertisement (which costs a great deal 9t money) in abeyance, and to let its perform- ances in the way of ousting the German from his badelllincnce speak for themselves. This preference "fur spade-work to advertise- ment may have been a mistake but there it is. Any public organisation that meets with popular support becomes at once the trustee of public money; and it is "up" to the organisa- tion to use that money iu such maimer as it may consider to be most to the public advan- tage. There is no denying that, in some cases, to call upon the services of the advertising expert and the publicity artist would seem to be the best thing to do in order to attract more money—which mepns mere power, how- soever the power may be used. In the case of a ierve tonic, now, or a weirdiy-named per- fume or cigarette, or the Litest thing in cor- sage or millinery, the expert advertiser may, and often does, bring great riches to his client —and himself. But in the matter pf the alien enemy among-t us. plotting our destruc- tion. here was a t-itse of taking up weapons against him. The Anti-German Union, after due deliberation, concluded that these weapons for the overcoming of the common enemy had best not be made of paper— printed at heavy cost and blazoned in the newspapers. "TRUTH" GENERALLY PREVAILS. It is not our business to criticise the methods and tactics of the Anti-German League. But, by way of helping the Anti- German public to form its own opinion, it is fair to mention that Truth, as a general thing the shrewdest and fairest of critics, has found cause to comment upon this extensively (and expensively) advertised organisation. On May 26th and August 4th this paper made various criticisms, giving some interesting in- formation about the League. Those in doubt may think it worth while to look up these and other references in the sa-me journal. In the light of these opinions, it is also worth mentioning that the Business Commit- tee of the Anti-German Union (not League) is made up of business men, traders, and manufacturers, each one of them pre-eminent and powerful in his own line. Their aim is to do the vital work that lies ready to their hand without any ostentatious advertisement. A FINE LEAD. Speaking of action as compared with ad- vertisement, one is reminded of a, letter which appeared this week in a newspaper, and wae quoted and commented upon in ma-ny more. Where the original hailed from was not men- tioned, but it was evidently from some big southern sea-coast town where there are many wounded soldiers-a convenient place, also, for signalling to the raider by sea and air upon his way. The writer of the letter, a well-known man, saw and heard onu wounded men jeered at by the numerous enemy aliens at large in the town; heard the enemy alien boast of German barbari- ties in the field; knew them to be carry- ing on the usual devilry of spying, signalling, and the rest. The vile business went on practically unchecked, despite inmnrterablt protests and the Laying of information. Then the writer played the bold, stroke of refusing to pay his rates andi taxes while a single alien enemy -remained at large in the place. Right or wrong, here is a. oase of direct action against a deadly evil which all of us may well lay to heart. THE PACIFIST POISON. Attention has already been drawn im these notes to the Union of Democratic Control, the No-Coiiscription League, and various other anti-British and, :pro-Gennan associa- tions. Either a great deal more attention is being paid to them than they deserve, or else they are gaining such a hold on public opinion as to constitute them a national danger; for of late the newspapers fairly bristle with denunciation, argument, contro- troversy, of, with, and about these, anti-pairi- etie busy-bodies, lovers, and champions of every country but their own. Whether they are merely a public nuisance' or as great a danger as the enemy alien himiself-very like him, in fact, but infinitely more contemptible —enough is being printed about them just now to drive the ordinary, sensible man into a delirious confusion. For the comfort of the plain man, the average Briton, who, what- soever may befall, is a patriot by inherited instinct—and a plague on hair-splitting argu- ment—we would suggest just this. When he encounters one of these professional pacifists let him say aloud just what is in his heart concerning all enemies of our land. It is not for us to suggest the wording, which would certainly not pass the Censor. Mr. Ben Tillett the other day put it mi-ldly, and called our enemies skunks. For these men are enemies of the State, let them split hairs, twist, turn, and double as they please. Inoi- dentally, quite a nsuraber of them are in the pay of the State, as Members of the House of Commons. But they are enemies of the State and1 the nation. On the pledge of the King and the Prime Minister. given to the world, we went to war to Break the German military power and vindicate the liberties and rights of nations; and we would sign no peace until these ends were accom- plished. The same pledge was given by our Allies. Let the plain man, dazed and bewil- dered by the torrent of printed and spoken words that gushes forth from these pacifists. set side by side the terms on which they would now make peace, and the national pledge that was given when we went to war. Have we and our Allies as yet redeemed our pledge, broken the enemy's strength, given security and in- dependence to the nations? If we have. then let our pacifists (M.P.'s and the rest, all very clever men) show us that it is so. If we have not. and yet come to peace ferms with the enemy, we break the pledged word of oui Sovereign, his Ministers, and ourselves his people, and stand before the world for all tim-c a nation dishonoured. The Anti-German Union (not League), ar organised and increasing body, exists t. counter, suppress, uproot, and cast out fron amongst us all enemy influence and power. Its central offices, hon. secretary, and staff aft established at 346, Strand, London, W.C.

BRYNMAWR. LIEUT. R. P. ADAMS.—His. namerona friends at Bryumawr will be glad to bear that Lieut. R. P. Adams is reported by the Territorials who have returned from active service to be in the pink of condition. Lieut. Adams is said to be one of the most popular officers in the battalion. He is a schoolmaster by profeesion, and reoeived his commission shortly. before the war, after long service with the ranks.