The Montgomeryshire Express and Radnor Times

flit Jammers' ffimifi. CONTRIBUTIONS ORIGINAL AND SELM:TEli. SIZE IN POULTRY. To the egg producer, the size of his poul- try. apart from any other recommendation, is not of great importance. The biggest birds in the flock (writes "K.B." in the 'Poultry World') are nearly always sur- passed as layers by those of more moder- ate size indeed, the exceptional layers are frequently almost diminutive. This is no doubt in some measure due to the fact that the heaviest layers usually begin their work at a very early age, consequently growth is retarded, and, what is of more importance, the constitution is often considerably im- paired. WEBB'S SEED CATALOGUE. Messrs Edward Webb and Sons, the Royal Seed Establishment, Wordsley, Stour- bridge, have issued their annual catalogue of vegetable and flower seeds, etc. The produce of their vegetable and flower seeds has achieved highest distinctions at the principal shows of the kingdom, seventeen gold medals and silver cups having been awarded to them in 1910. In addition to these honours, first and champion prizes for vegetables and flowers, open to the kingdom, were won by their customers dur- ing the past season. The firm continue to bestow the greatest possible care- in the growth and selection of vegetable and flower seeds, seed potatoes, etc. Experi- ments in cross.fertilisation are annually "conducted at their Kinver trial grounds, and they also test different kinds side by side, with a view to discarding any that may not be worthy of recommendation. The germination of all their seeds is in- variably tested before they are sent out. Webb's seeds can only be obtained direct from Wordsley. Express' readers should bear in mind that all statements that Webb's seeds can be supplied by other seedsmen, dealers, etc., are absolutely er- roneous. Copies of the catalogue have been posted to regular customers, but the pub- lished price is Is post free. PROPOSED WELSH DEPARTURE OF AGRICULTURE. At the last meeting of the Council of the Central Chamber of Agriculture, Mr L. C. Wrigley proposed, That this Council is opposed to the creation of separate Boards of Agriculture for Scotland and Wales." The Board of Agriculture, which was just becoming of use to farmers, might be weakened by separation, and the fight against contagious diseases would have far less chance of success with a border over which one might walk than if the boun- dary were formed by the ports, which would be under the jurisdiction of one cen- tral authority.—Mr Phillips seconded the motion.—Mr Isaac Connell, representing the Scottish Chamber of Agriculture, said the agriculturists of Scotland attached great importance to this question. From an agricultural point of view, it was not c^bsirable that there should be separate Boards. But there was in Scotland a great desire that the existing condition of things should be changed. They were fairly re- mote from London, and felt that a good deal of the administration could be done en the spot. Without in any way impairing the usefulness of the present Board, it should be possible to have a certain amount of devolution in matters of local administration, which might be beneficial to agriculturists in Scotland, and in no way prejudicial to the interests of the farm- ers in England.—Mr W. Meyler Thomas said agriculturists in Wales desired the es- tablishment of a separate Welsh Board, similar to the body which had been such a great success in Ireland.—The motion was carried. WINTER CALF FEEDING. The first essential to calf-raising in the winter is to separate the young animals from the older and stronger stock. They should be trained to the halter. Teach them to stand tied in their stalls and to lead anywhere desired. Curry them, brush them well, handle their feet clear down to the hoofs. Pet them and show them that you are their friend and protector, but at the same time teach them that they are to be curried and handled from all sides. There is no sense in having a heifer that will not allow you to milk her from any other side except the right" one nor is it sensible or profitable to have a big, strong heifer buck round and jerk you endwise the first time she is milked after calving. Do not guess at the amount fed each calf, but measure it accuately, lest any variation in the quantity given at the different feed- ing cause bowel trouble. Also keep close watch on the condition of the bowels, and promptly apply a remedy the very moment any irregularity is discovered. Bedding the calves is another important item that demands special attention. Keep their sleeping quarters well cleaned out and ventilated, then see to it that they have fresh, clean bedding every night. It will mean greater comfort to them, better health and less feed.

Have you Friends Over in Montgomery. Those ot our readers who have friends over in Montgomery will r^id the following if em v,,i!h ifrcatlnfoWst. T< forma one of the topics amongst our Montgomery neighbours Mrs E. Williams, who lives at Princes-street, Montgomeiy, is well-known and respected 81H says I am very grateful for the b<n,Jfit; I have derived from the USH of Down's backache kidney pills. Some two years ago I was a great sufferer with pains in the back and loins; I was tired and languid, and felt quite run down. I had no energy for anything. I tried various remedies in the hope of obtaining a cure, but in vain. Then a friend of mine who knew my condition recommended me to try Doan's backache kidney pills; I did se, and aimost immediately found relief. The weary tired feeling disappeared, the pains in my back grew less, and I began to feel vigorous and fit for work again. Since that time I have strongly recommended the medicine to others, and with the best results. Signed (Mra) E. Williams." Doan'a backache kidney pills are two shillings and ninepence per box, or six boxes for thirteen shillings and ninepence. Of all chemists and stores, or post free direct from the Foster- McClelii n Co., 8, Wells-street, Oxford-street, London, 'V. Be sure you get the same kind of pills as Mrs Williams had.

No fc&Ji BAKING POWDER M MHTT^K Genuine only in packets and tins bearing the well-known Label.

0 IFF, 2 To any person who can supply the correct names, of these 3 two well-known English TOWH81 and fulfils conditions below 3 we offer our IOS. Lady's 80LZD GOLD WATCXSs 3 English Government stanped, iuJly jewelled, as a FREr fl GIFT. (Olver Watches are presented to Gents.) f Send your attempt on a sheet of paper, together with a stamped addressed envelope for reply, to FELLOWS & CO- 0 Wholesale Watch Merchants, Birmingham. The Winner is » required to purchase a Chain from us to wear with watch. el Omar

The Question of Health. The questio a of health is a matter which is sure to concern us at one time or another, especially when Influenza is so prevalent as it is just now so it is well to know what to take to ward off an attack of this most weakening disease, this epi- demic catarrh or cold of an aggravating kind, to combat it whilst under its baneful influence, and particularly after an attack, for then the system is so lowered as to be liable to the most dangerous of complaints. Gwilym Evans* Quinine Bitters is acknowl- edged by all who have given it a fair trial to be the most specific remedy dealing with Influenza in all its various stages, being a preparation skilfully prepared with Quinine and accompanied with other blood purify- ing and enriching agents, suitable for the liver ,digestion, and all those ailments re- quiring tonic strengthening and nerve in- creasing properties. It is invaluable for those suffering from colds, pneumonia, or any serious illness, or prostration caused by sleeplessness or worry of any kind, when the body has a general feeling of weakness and lassitude. Send for a copy of the pamphlet of testimonials, which carefully read and consider well, then buy a bottle (sold in two sizes, 2s. 9d. and 4s. 6d) at your nearest Chemist or Stores. But when purchasing see that the name Gwilym Evans is on the label, stamp, and bottle, for without which none are genuine. Sole Proprietors:—Quinine Bitters Manufactur- ing Company, Limited, Llanelly, South Wales.

BROWNS: E bronchial! I TROCHES! Ill FOR COUGHS & COLDS £ 1 Esk FOR THROAT AFFECTIONS JB1 Iggk FOR^ BiROiNCHITIS. FOR ASTHMA. ETC. here perlbox

RURAL JOKES. Not long ago a country squire solicited the support of a notorious poacher whom he had previously sent to gaol. The man declined to give it. But," urged the magistrate-candidate, that little poaching affair was years ago you should let bygones be bygones." It wasn't for locking me up," replied the man it's the reason why you did it that puts me against you." What was the reason ? "Why, you said I had stolen a rabbit, and it was a hare and the man who don't know the difference ain't fit for a member of Parliament." Aye, Jack, where have ye been lately ? I've been doing six months." Six months What's that for ? For taking a halter." They wouldn't gi'e thee six months for taking a halter." "No but they wor a horse tied on end of it."

FATHER CHRISTMAS GOOD AND BAD. The associatioli- of Santa Clans with bad children as well as good ones is easily ex- plained. When he came with presents he travelled in all the pomp of his reindeer flleigh-just as our Father Christmas is sup- posed to do—"but when on t?ae look out i'or bad children he wore a black robe, and was attended by a demon called Klaubauf, who gathered the naughty, little ones together and took them off to be punished. Thus thre came to be two St. Nicholases--St. Nicholas the Good, and St. Nicholas the Bad; and nurses began to frighten their charges by in- voking the latter fearsome gentleman. In course of time his very name was changed, and the ogre who carried eff unruly children at the end of the year was not St. Nicholas at all, but "Old Nick." But how did St. Nicholas become trans- formed into Santa Claus? We owe the change to the Dutch, and thank them for it heartily. When they emigrated to America, and settled in New Amsterdam (tlie modern New York), what more natural than that they should take with them the beautiful old-world legend of the kindly saint who ap- peared every Christmas Eve with gifts for the little children? They did not call him St. Nicholas, as we used to do, but Sankt IOHus, which has been gradually changed to its present spelling. Why he comes down the chimney is obvious—the doors and windows are barred. So it came about that in Devon and Cornwall it was customary to sweep the chimney clean against his coming, and, more than that, that the stockings, instead of being hung on the bed-posts, were huUlg uear the fireplace.

ou R TERM5 tf GOODS TO THE V ALUE OF y H £5 deposit 15/ nekl, payment, 1/6 I 9 30/ 216 316 115 451. 920 SOt-, 4/- 925 15/ ,,4/8 ,50/ I ASTON'S MANGLES | H WICKER CHAIR ■ tig amount pro rata last Item. ■ 24.M.ROLLERS, BRASS H CAPPED. WEIGtiT P-ir-VVTS lj|,WI7H REVERSIBLE CUSHIONDISCOUNT TERMS. ^^APPED- 2iCWT5 JB u^cisTERE^^ 10 per cent, for^ssttlement withia 7 days 71 per cent, for settlement within 8 weeks I from delivery. -ait 5 per cent, for settlement within IS weeks ■ 2 i per cent, for settlement ^ithin 6 months I NETT AFTERWARDS. AW '0* XV And 6 per cent. interest on overdue .t < £ >' M accounts charged M FOR PATIEIT IT 9017ILY U STMEN INSULKITS 10 per ceDt. OD deposit &lId 6 per GD t. on reculinde, If settled in to gar cent. on 2 1 percent. romikluder if ..ODU- 01 Mr 7 i per eenl- on wbote _Dta It aetUeIt III per teat. 011. whole It "cued I D ,8 IIIOIItIls llent. OD wbole If 1. 12 monUls nt I owed sic No Di'rtaSettLItement T BLACK LOUIS CAbiliET. WITH 4 N*G -fLE HMtVk4t L L 33r, 511APED "IRRORB TIAE IN FUNEDOAK AMD (-H,.A cupBOARD, .12.17.6 FA -1 -0 MET i ?IAT E5 F RI -S T H A fVi' S'T 'L-OP VVO;L%' 4,PT,O- N IH E,,W.SEI LA, R Y N.EM ■'■••■v g T R OW N III MONEY. DEAR SIR or MADAM,-Are you requiring a prompt and Private Cash advance? If so, you cannot do better than write for my terms, free of charge. I lend X10 and upwards at Lowest Interest and Payments, upon Note-of-Hand, or on Policies, Deeds, etc. You can rely upon straight dealings and strict privacy. Write at once (in strict confidence) to F. W. HUGHES, "Silver- dale," 63, Kingswood-road, Moseley, Birmingham money LENT PRIVATELY In large or small Suma (not less than £ 10) NO PRELIMINARY FEES. On Borrower's Own Promissory Note. ESTABLISHED FORTY YEARS, and now lending UPWARDS OF ASO,000 AN ALLY For Prospectus and Terms apply personally or by letter to- GEORGE PAYNE & SONS, 5, Town Walls, SHREWSBURY N.B.—The above Firm have received unsolicited letters of thanks from hundreds of borrowers. Ex- tracts (without writers' names) from more than 1,600 of such letters have been printed in parnphlets issued annually for the last ten years. Specimen copies of frese may be had, post free, on application. CAMBRIAN RAILWAYS COMPANY. rO BE SOLD BY PRIVATE TREATY, the several stacks of HAY, of the growth of 1910, standing at the undermentioned Stations on the Cambrian Railways, and estimated to contain the respective quantities, more or less, also ndermentioned, viz.:— Estimated Estimated STATIONS. Weight, STATIONS. Weight Tons. Tons. ",enn'sBank,No. 1 5^ St. Harmons 2f „ No. 2 6 .Rhayader 6 £ Bettisfield. 7t Doldowlod, 5 Llansaintffraid 8 Trefeinion 5k Pool Quay, No. 1. 8-1- Caerews 5t „ ,No.2. 4 Ynyslas 7 Welshpool. No. 1. 4 Towyn 5! No. 2. 6 Barmouth Junction 6 Forden 2t Pensarn 4 Montgomery 3 Harlech 8 Abermule, No. 1 3 Talearnau 7!i: No. 2 3 £ Criccieth 5 Kerry 3 Afonwen 9! Llanidloes, No. 2 4j- Abererch 91 For further particulars, and to treat, apply to S. WILLIAMSON, Secretary, Oswestry. November, 1910. TO AIL IS TO FAIL Health is the mainspring o £ action. g Without it you {alter and fail and make poor success oi things generally. "With' out health you are at a disadvantage com' mercially, socially and intellectually. Health establishes purpose, energy, concentration, and accomplishment. Be healthy. Remember that loss of energy means loss of business acumen. To ail means to faiL The surest means of warding off ailments and of providing against any loss of vigour is to take an occasional dose of Reborns fill* They are famous the world over for their excellent effect upon the stomach, liver, and other organs of digestion. If you are suffering in any way from digestive trouble you will be well advised to give them a trial. They will quickly and surely give tone to the system, restore the appetite, bring back Health, Strength, and Energy, and in the battle of life will j[ HELP YOU TO PREVAIL. Prepared only by Thomas Beecbam, St. Helens, Lancashire. I' ™ Sold everywhere in boxes, price I/li (56 pills) & 2/9 (168 pills). ^— — STYLISH, UP-TO-DATE, AND ATTRAC- S TIVE PRESENTS, for either sex. Leather Goods in newest shades. Photo- graph Frames and Mounted Coloured Prints. See them !-PHILLIPS & SON, 19, Broad Street, Newtown. mm—M ■nnni——mww111—111 111 ii ii ii ;m¡ "'1. r TO SUFFERERS FROM mmmh tg il SKIN AND BLOOD DISEASES. I I The specialists will tell you that all such com- by thoroughly purifying' the blood. For cleansing ■ plaintsas Eczema, Scrofula, Scurvy, the blood of all impurities, from whatever cause • 0} ■ Bad Legs, Ulcers, Abscesses, arising-, there is BO other medicine just as good j||| I Tumours, Glandular Swellings, as "Clarke's Blood Mixture," that's why in I Bolls, Pimples, Sores and Eruo- thousands of cases it has effected truly remark- tfpjj I tlons Of all kinds, Blood able cures where all other treatments have failed. „ < |g Poison, Rheumatism, Gout, etc., Start taking Clarke's Blood Mixture to-day, and are entirely due to a diseased state of the you will soon have the same experience. blood, and can only be permanently cured The Editoi^>f the "Family Doctor," London's Popular Medical Weekly, writes:—"We have « J as* f seen.hosts of letters bearing testimony to the v Is9 1 T ij truly wonderful cures effected by Clarke's Blood ""Jsl ,1 V N. >■ I ■ A J Mixture. It is the finest Blood Purifier that (Vjfel raH | Science and Medical Skill have brought to light, 2 jp, yffiX if and we can with the utmost confidence recommend > gljjyjj it to our subscribers and the public generally." il J J "Clarke's Blood Mixture Stores, 2/9 per bottle, is entirely free from any and in cases contain- 'Af HK poison or metallic im'* ing Six times» the /jv WR j y pregnation, does not quantity 11/ or post •/< IA J I H ■ I' torn contain any injurious free on receipt of price HR I M B bv. I ■ BJH ingredient, and is a direct front the Pro- t *»' BI good, safe, and useful ■prietors, the Lincoln 4. H medicine."—Health. and Midland Counties M Of all Chemists and Drug Co., Lincoln. fci Ha* Oared Thousands, X REFUSE SUBSTITUTES. 'jf WILL CURE YOU. ■■■■■

CROSSING WELSH EWES. The experimental farm at the University College of North Wales, Bangor, has been carrying on experiments in sheep breeding with Welsh mountain ewes for the produc- tion of fat lambs for the last ten years. In 1909 four lots of twenty-five ewes were mated with Southdown, Dorset Horned, Ryeland, and Kerry Hill rams. The lambs were sold to the butcher as they became fat. Particulars are given of the number of lambs of each cross dropped, the .dates at which they were sold fat, and their live weight at that time. No very marked differ- ences are shown. It is considered that in 1909 the Southdown cross were the best in point of quality and fatness. The lambs of this cross have not been at the top each each year, but they have always given good results. Whatever the season, few have failed to get fat. Other crosses in some cir- cumstances reach higher weights, but for those who desire to have fat lambs of the highest quality, this cross would appear to give all that is desired. The Dorset Horned cross has done well on each of the occasions on which it has been tried at Madryn. The lambs are larg&r in frame than those of the South- down cross, but do not equal them in quality. On really goo I land they would probably show to greater advantage than at Madryn. The Ryeland cross are perhaps better suited for slaughtering in the late summer or early autumn than as fat lambs. They have good frames, and would proba- bly do better than* some of the other crosses for keeping till the following spring. The Kerry Hill cross did well, but were not so good as in the previous year. THRESHING AND AFTER. The greater portion of the corn grown

in this country is now threshed by means of machinery (says the 'Smallholder'), although for some crops, notably peas and beans, some very strong reasons might be adduced for a return to the more primitive implement, the flail.. One objection to threshing pulse by steam power is that there is a tendency to split the seeds, which for seed or sale pur- poses is 9 great disadvantage. Half a century ago it was the custom on most farms to put a good deal of corn into the barn at harvest time, and then as soon as the wet autumn weather set in to put one or two men on the floor threshing until the land was fit for working on in the spring. Sometimes these men worked by the day, at other times they were paid by the quar- ter of 8 bushels. The barn door often opened out upon the stock yards, and the freshly threshed straw was day by day fed out to animals confined in these yards. AN OLD PLAK. Pea straw would be taken out and fed to sheep, being placed either in racks or between hurdles, and bean haulm was welcomed both in the stables and cow-

sheds, the animals picking jff the empty pods and the tips of the bruised stalks with evident enjoyment. The harder portions came down for litter, and the chaff mixed with bran or meal was fed out after every winnowing time. Under this system very little was wasted, as the food came to the animals dry, fresh, and sweet, quite a contrast to what too often now takes place at threshing time when the varied heaps make the farmyard look most untidy. It is not likely that many would wel- come a return to flail threshing, but it would be well for those who employ steam power for this operation to make such pre- parations beforehand that the whole of the produce may be preserved and made use of. SAVING THE CHAFF. Sometimes very great waste occurs owing to scarcity of labour. The chaff and cavings, instead of being put away pro- perly for future use, are hurriedly scraped away from the machine into a heap, and at night they have to be left there. Then when the fine threshing day is followed by two or three very wet days, as is often the case in winter, this part of the fodder is ptterly spoiled, and what might well have been fed, instead of buying a ton or two of hay, now goes direct into the yard to make manure. Another point is, the place where this is to be kept must be cleaned out beforehand. Even if carried under cover, the horsemeat as it is sometimes called, will not be sweet enough for food if it is put into a wet, filthy receptacle. A WASTEFUL PRACTICE. Another mistake is often made with re- gard to the straw. To leave valuable straw to the mercy of the elements, when it is worth £2 10s or £3 per ton, instead of thatching it at once, is very wasteful, yet it is very frequently done. Most machines sift and winnow out from the corn the bulk of the weed seeds that have been carried into the rick with the straw. It is the height of folly to allow this rubbish to the be carted into the yards, and then with the dung replant the field with vile weeds. The best plan is to reduce the stuff to ashes if this is impracticable, put it into the deepest handy hole, where it will rot undisturbed. Wherever possible, at threshing time it is better to have one man too many than to be one short, for sometimes the waste thus occasioned may be equal to the whole cost of the threshing. Corn costs about 2d per bushel to thresh, but ft the quantity is. small, 3d per bushel is paid. A day's work for a steam tractor is about 70 qrs., or 560 bushels. For engine, straw elevators, and two men, the cost per day is £ 1 17s 6d or £ 2, or by the quarter, average Is 2d per quarter. Such an engine will use ton coal per day nine men beside the two machine men will be required. In addition, the corn sacks must be removed, and it is the custom in England to allow beer twice a

day, the horse labour and incidentals cost- ing about 14s per day. PIGISMS. Over-feeding and under-exercising will ruin the best of brood sows. A great many, breeders seem to think that, if they pos?ess a pure-bred boar, the quality of the sows does not count for much. That is a sad mistake indeed, and farmers cannot be too careful in the selec- tion of well-bred sows. It is a fact that the pigs of large litters are usually more uniform in size and fatten more quickly than those of small litters. Here is where the good breeding of the sow comes in. Many a likely animal has been ruined when bred under a year of age. Even though a gilt may look strong and vigorous, it should never be bred before fourteen or fifteen months, if the best class of pigs are expected. If the sow is observed to jump up fre- quently while suckling her pigs, or to lie on her belly to prevent them from sucking, better examine the pigs' teeth. You may find them so sharp as to wound the sow's teats, causing her great pain and annoy- ance. The needlelike points of the pig's teeth may be pinched off with a pair of pincers. The sow can be kept at very little ex- pense in the spring for the first few months I after her pigs are weaned, provided she has good pasture. But during the time she is suckling her pigs, she should be fed very rich milk-producing food, else she will run down to low condition, and not be fit to breed for a long time. During the farrowing hour, the sow must be kept quiet, and should seldom be ap- proached by any person. She will not need the attention of man, and as she is ex- tremely nervous and irritable at this time, all causes of excitement should be removed as far as possible. A chill from sleeping in a draught is a prolific source of loss of condition among the sows. The man who breeds his sows for May pigs improves his chances for a full crop of pigs, because outdoor exercise and a variety of feeds have toned up the health of the sows. It means stronger pigs and a more wholesome supply of nourishment. FARMING IN MID-CARDIGANSHIRE. Concerning the above, a correspondent to the Agricultural Gazette' writes as fol- lows :— Stubble ploughing is fairly forward, though not yet completed. More wheat has been planted in October this year than for many years, and most of it is fairly above ground, and looking strong. Having re- cently travelled through some of the south and south-western counties of England and Wales, I am pleased to say that our wheat plants here are looking as vigorous as any- where I visited. Mangels are all secured, but swedes have not been pulled. A week of dry weather would be much appreciated by all farmers. Cattle are, in the yards, and are having dry food. Owing to these heavy rains, we have been obliged to supply our store cat- tle with some fodder earlier than usual. The trade for store cattle has been rather disappointing this autumn. Dealers and farmers had an idea that there Would be a very keen demand for store cattle this autumn, but the trade has been all along very slow. Years ago Welsh steers were very mueh sought after in the South of England-hundreds of them were disposed of in the month of November in Surrey, Berks, and Essex. The mode of farming in these counties, as well as other counties, has changed. They depend at present upon selling milk for meeting their landlord, etc. Wintering stores at present is quite an auxiliary busi- ness. Store steers are fully one pound per head lower now than they were at the end of September. Beef cannot be sjld over 6Id per lb. Sheep are selling with very little anima- tion-best mutton can be obtained for 71d per lb. Baconers are making 9s per score, a drop of Is per score since October. Porkers 9s 6d per score. Horses with plenty of bone, afid of type, are selling well. Cobs are cheap, and the demand is poor. Eggs are scarce, with plenty of demand- 15s per 120 is the price given now.