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The Journal
OF THE
BOARD OF AGRICULTURE
UsEUY Dp aM ne ae AN Go A V4 r se
VOL: XI.
(APRIL 1904 To Marcu 1905.)
ASIN ‘Spy
or OAR eb NET a10N_ YF
ies LONDON: PRINTED AND PUBLISHED FOR HIS MAJESTY’S STATIONERY OFFICE By LAUGHTON & CO., Limited, 1, Essex Street, Strand, W.C.
PE TO, VOLe Xt. (Aprit, 1904, to Marcu, 1905.)
Page Abattoirs : Committee, Report oy sta bes Ae ie Aly 298 Abnormalities in dairy produce _... nae Ae ee ae oe 364 Adulteration : Cotton seed cake... i as A a ..< 289, 438 Prosecutions : a6 ake she ae 180 Sale of Food and Drugs Acts, Report oe ii oe a 429 United States... “ay Eas er .. Sl, 431 Aecidium elatinum, ‘* W itches’ brooms ” ... Ae te ath Be 249 Afforestation of catchment areas... te se 468 Africa, South: Cape Colony, Importation of plants, &e. , into... an, 437 “ Lime and sulphur dip for sheep Hise 423 Live stock import regulations ... ia 680 Natal, Admission of pigs into... =o on = 424 » Market for potatoes in ... * as te 15) fthodesia, Importation of plants, &c., into... men 437 Transvaal, British cattle for Be ‘ ee 500 41 ne Importation of Plans, Se. , into Pe SA 437. O97 Agents, commercial, ‘abroad , : - os, sia he 53 Aggregated consignments by railway a aa ane te ee OnEeolls Agricultural correspondents cer ie: ... 182, 566 Acricultural Organisation Society, ‘Annual Report sigs oe ot 117 Trish ay aye ee 80 Agricultural population, United Kingdom, 1901. ne ts 403 271 Ac ricultural returns, area, United Kingdom, 1904... A. ... 338, 004 i produce, Great Britain, 1904 ass ae nin 519 Acricultural statistics, Annual Report, Great Britain, 1903 ... Nea 246 Aericultural Students’ Association.. 3 ; aes ae 306 Agricultural wages in 1903 and 1904 a “ee Bs ot nt 502 >, .m United States ae oe Bs ihe Ae 98
Alfalfa, see Lucerne. Aleohol, preparation from potatoes in Germany # sd be OOO Aleyrodes (Snow flies)... a via we ssh oe ree a 7h Allotments, model nae : ae a: ie te: ae ue 351 Anthrax, notice to stock owners... oe a Be ane Ae 159 Aphides ... ; ap nee ate oe bn xa ee 3. ot, 647 55 on mangolds de ua ue wh ie ae sy, 288 Aphodius fimetari 4Us, ON mushrooms. ae Bie its Reo 7uke 302 Apoplexy, parturient (milk fever) . rh eh nes ae ae 616 Apples: Apple culture As Si + i ae 581 », 1eaf miner (ZL yonetia ‘elerchella) a Wee wae 49 5 seab (Lusicladium dendriticum) ... cae Nae ... 803, 684 » sucker (Psylla mali) i ss nae ae an ie Cider apples for cattle feeding a we Nee ree ae 549 Cider-making investigations ... ie en a ee ae 46 Cold storage. om aR se ie ae oak ah ee 174 Green colouration ae Be ste eh ce he oe 433 Imports... be ae sue ee Exe se cee 5 BOS, OOF
Manuring .., a es a 5 us ee . 987, 626
iv INDEX.
oe es
Apples (Continued) : - Page M Packing and grading... ee Be wie aa one a 589 Planting ... s06 596 Oe 300 St: ... 449, 581 Prospects in Kent in 1S04 ye ues ele * ase ay oe he 239 Spraying ... : 50 © eae Nes .. 803, 588, 641 Training and pruning Ac 55 ee HA se 35) --- 022, 585 Varieties 5 aa oe it ae oe ee ee ... 404, 584 Apricots, pulping = Py ae es a 621 Argentina : Importation of walveat from ... aie Be wie a 539 Live stock import regulations ee ee mo a es 615 Quebracho wood .. ve wie ao: on ae ee 562 Wheat and linseed crops ste ae a ane aie sae 149 Wheat growing ... ae oe ee n2 Bt a. Me 342 Arthritis of lambs Nae en ae, cue Ee 110, 493, 678 Asparagus fly (Platypurea poccilopter anes ue ae Bs he 498 Australasia: Wheat harvest, 1902-3 < me oe sat sat 149 Wheat imports from... anh ree oar ae “a aes 539 Australia : Export of fowls ... sa si — 746 Government stud bulls in New ‘South Wales pe poe Re 996 Austria, weather and crops in 1904.. oF a. 480 Aynsome Seed Testing Station, perennial and Italian rye grass ae 418 Babcock method of milk testing... ae sat oe Be ae 370 Bacon : Imports iS sit “oh vi ie ... 403, 603 Production and consumption... ne ae tee Me ah, Vee Denmark, co-operative curing . bays ot “ah a Fie 120
cost of transport from fee Sa ee oie we 96
Bacteria, injurious, in dairy produce _... “a tes sel ai 364 Bacteriology, soil ee a ie ...- B48) 669;,725 Banded pine weevil (Pissodes ‘notatus) —... ist 686 Bangor, University College of North Wales, for estry education... 5S TDL Barley : Area, Great Britain and Ireland, 1904. , it sak 339 Formalin for smut sit : oon as eae ae 214 Imports... iS: she che a he She 583 ... 402, 606 Manuring ... A ee a Sep 39, 104, 211 Production, Great. Britain, 1904 ae Le oF, ae e 51y Sowing, experiments in Bh si at a set Jn0 te peay elo O Varieties ... : ae ee ae AG 39 Canada: Area and production, 1903 ae a oi cae 108 France: Area, 1904 _.... i Beat wine. mer ie Bn 210 Importation from Tunis ... Sedans thee es WF He one 148 Germany : Area and Se ae 1903 uh sie nd fs 107 Grecce: Yield, 1900-1 ... fe oe Rae ode . 542 Hunoary : Yield, 1904 . nee ea ee ats ie hs 278 Roumania: Yield, 1904... Ses an ae ue dh se 482 Russia: Yield, 1904... oe ao a ey ie ra 484 Basic slag for poor "pastur es, i Ae a aie ... 414, 608 Bath and West of England Society : Cider-making investigations ... 46 Experiments w ith basic slaots des ia Ee ae is 414 Bavaria : Agriculture .. see ee Fe me 5 MBE ae 5l Co-operative cranaries . oF ee er x ae Be 476 Insurance of live stock _ ae ma Soc Pee Ora) Beans: Area, Great Britain and Ireland, 1904 ae ae Hr — 339 imports) je ees Nae nae oa ae Ha ae sat 606 Manuring... sist a ae ads ies 104
le roduction, Great Britain, 1904 a rs BRA ae op 519 Bear, W. E : Planting fruit trees and bushes -... tas ate ae 449 ae ing fruit trees and bushes a5 a5 peas 641 Training and pruning fruit trees anal Bushes a, cee Bic 522 seaven, EK. — Barley experiments wee Be: COUP aad en, Bola) dee par asite (Meloe violaceus) an io s, OD iss sh 245 Beef: Imports ... a, 2 St ae AEM, oi... ae eet Production and consumption .. xe see “a an bi 233 Bee-keeping, preparation of nes at hei aie hs A 72] Beet: Growth of sugar PE coms Col 577
Not (Sphaerella “tabifica) al . st dis 8 ca 4 488
INDEX. Vv Page Belgium : Breeding of live stock 21 Butter legislation 494. Chicory industry... oe a : che 271 Corn prices ... 58, 124, 188, 259, SG: 379, 444, 508, 572. 636, 701, 766 Department of Agriculture, or canisation ¥ ne 18 Big joint or Navel Ill .. i ace 110, 493, 678: Birds: Blue tit ve 500 Crows and rooks 544, 630: Green woodpecker i 693 Prevention of bud picking 643 Black currant gall-mite 435, 500: Black quarter 492 Blight (Aphides) E 34 Blue tit (Parus coeruleus) ‘ 500: Board of Agriculture : Acricultural ‘returns, 1904 338, 504, 519: Agricultural statisties, 1903 4 246. Cider-making investigations, Report 46 Chicory industry, Keport oe ae ah es sss 268 . Committees, Departmental: Fertilisers and Feeding Stufts 760 Railway rates ae aah fee 79, 180: Sheep dipping, Report 358 Correspondents, agricultural ... 182, 566. Diseases of animals, Report, 1903 157 Diseases of forest trees, diagrams... 761 Education, agricultural, Report, 1903-4 566: Edneation in forestr Niece 1 Epizootic Lymphangitis Order. he 42 Fertilisers and Feeding Stuffs Act, cireular me 438. “f ie Committee ... 760 Foot-rot experiments 553: Inclosure awards, Return a 632 Intelligence Division, Report, 1903 . ae uae a mo 429; Leaflets and publications es Ae i .. 181, 305, 504, 632, 696 Liver rot in sheep ne is boa eee bee Ae cet 18] Markets and Fairs (Weighing of Cattle) Returns Order of 1905 695 Market prices, weekly return of ae oH sls ; 114 Railway rates for agricultural pr oduce : Correspondence 65, 293, 513 Sale of Food and Drugs Acts, Report ae : 429 Sheep dips, approval aa 602, 742 Sheep scab, circular to Local Authorities 658. Swine, movement from Ireland, Order a 619 Tithe, Copyhold, &c., Acts, eno 1903) 2. 115 Welsh translations cf leaflets : 696: Board of Trade: Agricultural wages 502 Commercial agents abroad... 53: Bolam, W. J. : Improvement of stock in Northumberland 356 Bordeaux mixture See te bb aie an 285, 641 Botrytis cinerea 242: Bounties : /’rance 108, 564 Germany, agricultur al produce | Ae 100 Brandsby Dairy and Trading Association .. 118 Bread, quality and strength of flour 321 Use of macaroni wheat for 543 Breeding : Improvement of stock in Northumberland . 356 Belgium, breeding of live stock in... 21 New South Wales, “Government stud bulls ... 226 Russia, British stock in , a is 292 Sweden, improvement of stock 1 ine 421 United States, importation of br eeding stock in 419 Brown, E.: Day- -old chickens aes be 590 Dry feeding of chickens ee on 683 Housing of “poultry on farms ... 9 Renting of farm land by Py keepers 404. Bruchus pisi (Pea beetle) 225 Bryobia (Red spider) . a: 173 Bulb mite (Rhizoglyphus echinovus) .. 748
al INDEX.
Bulgaria, weather and crops in 1904 Butter : Abnormalities Adulteration : bi Analyses at Government. Laboratory Canned, keeping quality of 30 Fishy Food and Dr ugs Acts, sampling Imports Production and consumption ee Transport from Ireland... Water in Belgium, legislation ee Denmark: Butter quotations ... Transport rates from Sweden, dairy farming ... United States: Factories Production Bed Standard... Buttermilk standard in United States
Cabbages: Area, Great Britain and Ireland, 1903 Cabbage moth (Mamestra brassicae) . ~« Cabbage root-fly (Phorbia brassicae) ... Cake : Egyptian and Indian cottonseed Rubber seed aes ‘ ‘Calf rearing
Cambridge “University : Improvement of poor pastures 2
anal “Crop reports... : Experiments by farmers Seed Growers’ Association Shows, judging at Tuberculin test Wheat, imports from », testing varieties 36 Cape Colony : Impor tation of plants into . Lime and sulphur dip for sheep Live stock import regulations .. Cartage charges, inclusion in railway rates of Catchment ar eas, afforestation of Soc Cattle : Anthrax, notice to stock owners ... Calves : Husk or hoose... Rearing Railway rates for Cider apples for feeding - Conveyance in horse boxes, charges .. Diseases in 1903, Report on Imports Improvement of stock in Northumberland .. Mange he oe Milk fever (par turient apoplexy) Muscular development of the jaw... 5 Number, Great Britain and Ireland, 1904 Prices, live w eight Ws ne Sugar ‘beet for Tuberculosis ; Weighing (Markets and Fairs Returt ns Or der) Ary gentina, import regulations... 50 Bavaria, insurance of Belgium, breeding in .. Canada, tuber eulin test in Import regulations... : Cap2 Colony, import regulations Denmark; Construction of cowsheds Tuberculosis law “i
. 403,
39,
.. 108,
39,
".. 298,
.. 403,
-.. 309, . 580,
INDEX, vil
Cattle ( Continue a): Page France, insurance in... ans BOC See ee BH 547 Greece, British pedigree cattlein ... 6a ve i 165 New South Wales, Government stud bulls i in. eis ax Gas 226 New Zealand, number... sts ie aes ae ean 164 Russia, British breeding stock in ... bas sat bee a 292 Sweden, dairy industry .. si es. Ba ia ves sie 426
Improv ement of stock a sic a os as SBE 421 Transvaal, cattle for... ate a ie ah to sa 4] United States : Diseases 1d be He eats ae BAB 163
Import regulations... os 586 Noe sep eee ik 419
Number sree ie ar 23, oe Miss sae a 41
Caustic alkali wash ... ; ic ss an a3 ... 088, 645
Cecidomyia destructor (Hessian fly) .. is se na ee WS 282
Census, agricultural, of United Kingdom iss Eat ek i eis Paria
Charloek spraying : BA aes a8 Si oy as EE 155
Cheese : Abnormalities in... a, a see a Or an 364 Coating with paraffin wax... Pac AF ee a 6H 169 Edam wt vis ue ASS mee a 28 a ee 237 Imports... Ade Ba ae: sea ay ... 403, 604 Production and consumption sae es Acc aes Boe er 233 United States: Factories es BH ae as oa Bae 367
Production... a ooh nas oe A ae oa, 370
Standard... ot ah) ake an om. os me 34.
Cherries: Imports __... mi, oe BA Fe ve des aa 607 Planting AGO ae Sc sae S03 500 a an 449 Pruning ~... oon se stn et aie ses S00 aire 522 Pulping 2 2..% on a eae 500 a3 whe ar ans 621 Spraying ... me uae ab ae an oe bo as 641
Varieties ... he rae ae ais nae a 455
Chickens: Artificial hatehing Mee ans a Me Seis ae 135 Day-old_... So Ae aaa aes an ee 590 Dry feeding a a ast 683
Chicory industry i in Great Britain and Belgium... ae ne As 268
Cider apples for cattle feeding =P ce AG ie i; 549
Cider-making investigations .. get 46
Cirencester, Royal Agricultur al College, forestry ‘instruction... nis 7
Clover : Area, Great Britain and Treland, 1904 ... ae fe as 340 Imports of seed. ... : Phe sa Bae abe 607 Manurial experiments . ee a4 eet 104, 205, 414, 608 Production of hay, Great Britain, 1902 (2. ee No ie 519 Seed mixtures... wi oa es 5H 105 Germany, area and pr oduction, 1903. ie bai he one 107
- Coekchafer (Melolontha es) ue #3: aL i oe fee, 558
Cold storage of fruit... nes ie bane Sah ae ... 174, 624
Colorado beetle in Hereford . me ae ey om ee re 435
Commercial agents abroad... ae ie ws oe es 53
Commission, Royal, on Tuberculosis. at) ae re we 161
Committees : Fertilisers and Feeding Stuffs Act e ie es uN 760 Humane Slaughtering of Animals... ws ae wn a 298 Meteorological Office... fc u ae ae oe 248 Physical Deterioration Committee a a ve ee ee 307 Railway Rates... Ace ee ies aos a 1319.7 180 Sheep Dipping, experiments oy es bas es as er 361
report ... ee 50 shi, eZ aoe 358 Tuberculosis (Animals) Compensation ‘Bil -.. ee ses a 297 Workmen’s Compensation Act am ah Ae a Pe 373
Gonimiens Act, report on proceedings under ah ae a ae 116
Compensation : Tuberculosis a, ae a ee cn ee 297 Workmen’s i ee ae os sae ae oon 373
Coniferous trees, diseases of . he on vise w» 242, 501
Coniothyrium diplodiella (w hite rot of vines) te Bs te: ue; 434
Construction of cowsheds in Denmark _... ae ate ae oe 146
pigsties wes ‘, aa, Sot bd 129
Co- operation : Aevricultural Organisation Society le ie jess 117
Breeding of stock in Northumberland ee Sle te a 356
Insurance of poultry... ee a ie se ‘ee cor 44
Vili INDEX,
Co-operation (Continued) : Page Poultry societies in Ireland ee 80, 257 Denmark, co-operative agriculture in 120 France, insurance of cattle : 547 Germany, co-operative granaries 473 United States, dairy factories ... 367
Copper sulphate solutions... 285, 641
Copyhold Act, proceedings under, 1903 116
Coral-spot disease (Nectria cinnabarina) . 202
Corn (see also Wheat, Barley, Oats, &e.).
Area, Great Britain and Ir eland, 1904 : 338 Imports wie ; 402. 606 Injurious insects.. a 215, 219, 282 Prices oe 57, 193, 187, “951, ‘315, 378, 443, 507, ail ages 700, 765 Production, Great Britain, 1904 os 519 Seeds, vitality of Le ON eS, Smut, formalin for bes vies we at vi 214 Canada, cereal breeding ee Os, ae oa 206 France : Area, 1904 210
Crops, 1904 278 Germany : Bounties 100
Co-operative granaries 473 Greece, production 542 Hurgary, crops, 1904 278 Russia, crops, 1904 be 277 United States : Area, 1904 210
Crops, 1904 ... 279
Freight rates ‘ ne 147
Correspondents, agricultural . 182, 566
Cottonseed cake : Adulteration 438 Egyptian and Indian 289 Feeding to cows .. 716 Imports... 607 Substitute for... 5]
Coward, T, A. : Abnormalities in dairy pr -oduce... 364
Crawford, R. F.: Chicory jadtstny, Hepa sf 268
Cream, Babcock test... ae ni ae ia 370 United States, standard in 33
Creameries in United States .. ae 367
Cransley, experiment on poor pasture aib pees a 608
Crops: Agricultural returns, Great Britain and Treland, 1904 a2 338
1 Great Britain ee 3 . 504, 519 Weather and er Ors in pureP ee in 1904 479 Argentina .. sae 149 Australasia sel ie ae oe 149 Canada, North- West Territories aie Hie ee 108 France oe Pe ic be 210, 278 Germany ... an ee ioe 106, 411 Hungary ... nad Pe aap 278 India : ie ne 37, 209 New Zealand 107, 149 Russia - - Ati 506 as 200 277 United States... ie iS 210, 279
Cross-breeding of wheats in Canada 206
Crows: Food of 630 Protection of seed. against ie 544
Crowther, Dr. C. : Investigations into milk 166
Cryptococcus fagi (Felted beech coccus) ‘ 755
Currants: Fungi on ee ribis) 303 Imports ae cae sO 1 eel eet 6 Bm se 607 Injurious insects . ai ot a on sky 170, 485, 500, 557 Manuring, experiments in i he tt 625 Planting ae 6 449 Pulping 62] Spraying ... Ae 641 Training and pruning 522 Varieties ... st = 455
INDEX.
1x
Page
Dairying (see also Butter, ies ee Abnormalities in dairy
produce . A Co-operative dairying ... Imports of dairy produce Milk tests for farmers ...
403.
oo4, Prices of gaiy uredtee 59, 125, 189, : 253, Size 381, 445, 509, 573, 638, 702,
Production and consumption of dairy produce Denmark, dairy farms 550 ae Wee Sweden, dairy farming . sles United ‘States, dairy factori ies .
Damsons: Planting ; vee Training and Bens Varieties
Danysz, Dr. : Rat poison 5
Dasyscypha calycina (Larch canker).
Day-old chickens
De Courcy, H.: Co- operative | poultry societies in Ireland
Experiments in fattening turkeys Poultry rearing and fattening i in Ireland Raising and fattening geese for market Winter ege production ... os ee Denmark : Butter quotations Co-operative agriculture Farms in ... Transport to Gr eat Britain Tuberculosis law.. Dervock Poultry Society By Dipping of Sheep: Committee, report Composition of approved ‘dips Experiments an Lime and sulphur dip Diseases of live stock : Anthrax, notice to stockowners Diseases of Animals Acts, report Diseases of Animals Acts, prosecutions Epizootie Lymphangitis Order Foot-rot experiments : Husk or hoose in calves Liver rot of sheep Mange in cattle ... Milk fever.. Navel ill or specific arthritis of lambs
ral 493,
Returns of outbreaks 60, 126, 190, 254, 4, 318.5 382, 446, 6, 510, 574. 6 63), 703, 7
Rheumatism, acute, in lambs... Sheep Dipping Committee, Report . ae Experiments ve
Sheep diseases in Great Britain
Sturdy or gid in sheep ..
Tuberculosis sie
White scour in calves ..
United States, annual report on diseases Diseases of forest trees, diagrams ... s Diseases of plants, see also Fungi.
Germany, investigation of plant diseases m Dry feeding of chickens te ve : Durham College of Science :
Agricultural Students’ Association ...
Eeyptian and Indian cottonseed cake
Forestry education 56 sa
Rye grass in seed mixtures ...
“Durum” or macaroni wheat in the United States ; 4
Edam. cheese
Edinburgh College of ‘Agriculture : ‘Charlock = spraying
Rye grass in seed mixtures ...
161, 296,
208, !
364 118 604 743 767
232
x INDEX,
Education : Agricultural, in England and Wales, 1903-4 F orestry, - in Great Britain o Model allotments :
Ordnance Survey maps for schools . sa Physical Deterioration Committee, Report... Students’ Association, Durham College of Science France, practical schools of agriculture 45 Cost of agricultural education in 1905 Germany, course for migratory teachers ... Forestry education in _...
Eggs: Co-operative Societies in Ireland .. Grading : ah ace Hatching .
Imports
Packing
Winter production
Denmark, transport rates from
Egyptian and "Indian cottonseed cake
Employers’ lability, Report of Committee
Epizootic Lymphangitis Order
Essex Education Committee : Manuring of leguminous crops _
Exhibitions : Royal Agricultural Society, f forestr vy St. Louis, insect pests at : Ezxoascus deformans (Peach leaf- curl) Experiments : Barley, manuring at sowing re Basic slag for poor pastures of Butter, keeping analy of canned v3 water in ... Calf rearing Cheese, coating with paraffin 4 Wax Cider -making ‘investigations pe Codling moth, spraying for Cold storage of fruit Cottonseed cake, Egyptian and Indian Dried sugar beet for fodder Foot-rot ... Fruit growing at ‘Woburn Geese, fattening ... Hay, heating or fermentation of : ; - Hop growing, importance of pollination i in Lime and sulphur dip for sheep Macaroni wheat for bread-making Manurial experiments by farmers Manuring of leguminous crops Milk testing by the Babcock method _ Milk investigations : Oats, sowing of . Be Or chards, exper imental Pastures, improvement of poor Potatoes, sprouting seed an rotting of Poultry feeding Rye grass in seed mixtures Seed, protection of, against crows a Sheep dipping... ae ae "hs Semple isa Smut, use of formalin ... Soil inoculation... Swedes, manuring Turkeys, fattening Vitality of seeds.. Wheat, quality of English Dive Belgium, action by Department of Agriculture Canada, crop tests by farmers.. 45 sc Manurial trials os Varieties of wheat in
39,
Page 566
1, 751 351 375 308 306 52 564 696 178 80
86 135 403, 604 45, 89
174, 624
INDEX,
Xl
Fallow, area, Great Britain and Ireland, 1964 Farey, see Glanders. Farm labour in United States i Farms in Denmark Feeding : Calves Cattle - Co-operative pur chase of ‘feeding stuffs Dried sugar beet . Egyptian and Indian cottonseed cake Fertilisers and Feeding Stuffs Act
Page 338
98 144 39, 705
167, 285, 549
118 739 289
259, 435, 760
Fowls 257, 532 Geese 458 Turkeys ... 335, 495: Rubber seed cake : 51
Felted beech coccus (Cr Bere occus fay) 75D
Fermentation of hay .. : i 416
Fertilisers, see Manures.
Fertilisers and Feeding Stuffs Act ... 289, 438, 760
Finger and toe in turnips 400
Finland, forestry in... o 752
Fire, insurance of agricultur al produce against re 565
Fishy butter... 235
Flax : Area, Great Britain and Ireland, 1904 340 Imports ea, 607 Canada, area and ‘production, 19003 108 France, bounties.. a ee 108, 564
Flour beetle (Lriboli um confusum) 109)
Flour and meal:
Imports. 402, 534, 605: Quality and strenoth ee 321 Germany, bounties 100
Flowers, imports of 607
Fluke in sheep .. 491
Fodder, see Hay, Grass, Clover.
Food : Foods and Drugs Acts, Prosecutions 180
+ ‘Report 429
United States, inspection of imported 431 Standards ee ace ae sto 31 Foot-rot . 492, 553 Forestry : “Afforestation of catchment areas 468 i Banded pine weevil (Pissodes notatus) 686 Coniferous trees, diseases of ... 501 Cockchafer (Meélolontha vulgaris) 558 Diseases of forest trees, diagrams 761 Edueation in Great Britain. 1, 751 Felted beech coccus ( Cryptococcus ‘fas gi) 755 Imports of timber ih 607 Large brown pine weevil (Hylobius abie es): 690 Royal Agricultural Show 179 Witches’ broom (Aecidium elatinum) .. 242, Woodpecker, injury to trees by 693 Argentina, Quebracho wood in 562 Belgium, Administration in 18 Finland, forestry in 752 France, State forests in.. 564 Germany, forestry in... 176 Investigation of plant diseases . 629
Sweden, forestry legislation in 49)
Formalin for smut ae 214
Fowls, see Poultry.
France: Admission of Tunisian wheat 148 Bounties on flax and hemp 108, 564 Budget, agricultural... 564
Corn prices , 58, 124, 188, 252, SG. 379, 444, 508, ‘572, 636, oe 766 Crop reports 2 .. 210, 278 Fruit pulp, prepar ation of 621
xil INDEX,
France (Continued) : Importation of British hams ... Insurance of cattle Rats in Roadside eee of fruit trees Schools of agriculture, practicak Tuber, a new ( Solanum commersonii)... Weather and crops in 1904 Freights : Denmark to Great Britain United States, on grain.. Fruit (see also Apples, &e. Vs Area under small ‘fruit, 1904 Blue tit, protection of fruit trees against ... cae Cold storage ae bei Experiments at Woburn | Imports Injury to, see Insects and Fungi. Kent, fruit prospects in, 1904 .. Packing and grading Planting fruit trees and bushes Pulp, preparation of fruit Spraying ... Training and pr uning fruit trees and bushes Winter washing .. France, roadside planting of fruit trees in. German, y, investigation of plant diseases i in. Fungi: Appie scab (Fusicladium dendriticum) ” Botrytis cinerea Coral-spot disease (Neetria cinnabarina) Diseases of forest trees, diagrams Gleosporium ribis Ks Larch canker (Dasysc ypha cali ycina) ae Parasitism in, origin of.. : Peach leaf- curl (Excoascus deformans) Pear scab (Lusicladium pirinum) Phoma dura Potato disease (Phytophthora inf: stans) Potato scab (Oospora scabies) ... Powdery mildew of the vine (Unc inula spiralis) Sclerotium disease Sleepy disease of tomatoes (Fusarium lycoper sici).. Turnip rot (Sphaerella tabifica) ‘ rae Wheat fungus (Ophiobolus graminis).. White rot of vines (Coniothyriwn diplodiella) Winter rot of potatoes (Nectria solani) Witches’ broom (Aecidium elatinum)... Fusicladium dendriticwm (Apple scab) Fusicladium pirinum (Pear scab)
Geese, raising and fattening ... ee
Germany : Alcohol, prepar ation from potatoes Vo Agriculture i in Bavaria... : Bounties on agricultur al products Co-operative granaries .
Corn prices _ 58, 124, 188, » 252, 5 316, 379, 444, 508, 572
Crop reports Forestry ne: Insurance of live stock in Bavaria ... Method of judging stock Plant diseases, muyeseaton of Potatoes Rooks and cr ows, ‘food of : Roadside planting of fruit trees Teachers, a course for migratory Weather and crops in 1904 Germination of seeds ... Gid or sturdy in sheep
“3, 508.
29,
636, 701, 7
pone
-.. 107,
217, 279,
INDEX.
Gilchrist, Professor : Indian and Egyptian cottonseed cake ...
Glanders .. sia Glaospori ium ribis Goaring, W. : Apple culture. ; Goats : Argentina, import regulations Canada, Gooseberries : Botrytis cinerea Imports Manuring .. Planting Spraying Sse eae Training and pruning + Varieties Government Laborator y, analyses of dairy pr oduce Grain (see also Corn, Wheat, Barley, &c. ) Umited States, fr eight rates Grains, weighing of w ret Granaries, co-operative in Germany ‘Grants for agricultural education Grass, see also Hay and Clover. Area, Great Britain and Ireland, 1904 Iinports of clover and grass seeds Pastures, muuroreluent of poor Rye grass . me $2 France, area, 1904. New Zealand, area, 1904 “Greece : Cereal production i in British pedigree cattle in “Green colouration of apples ...
neha: OS:
‘Green fly Ste 34, 288, 647 ‘Green manuring i in Canada tae 205 Green woodpecker —... 693 ‘Greig, R. B: Effect of weather on vitality ‘of seeds 217 Hall, A. D. : Growth of sugar beet, the ... 577 Quality of English wheat, the 321 Winter and the wheat crop ae 716 ‘Hams : Imports Len . 403, 603 France, importation of British hams into... 554 Hardie, W.: Destruction of weeds by surface cultivation 193 Harrowing Sa rs 23 ae 193 ‘Harvest returns, see Cr ops. Harvest wages in 1904.. 502 Harvesting, employment of soldiers for ae 307 ‘Matching: Chickens ... cs Bon . 135, 590 Geese 458 Hay, (see also Gr ass) : “Area, ‘Great Britain and Ireland, 1904. 340 Hay collector or sweep- -rake Ae 485 Heating or fermentation : ay We aes ae we 416 Prices... sen (DO, Leo; 189, 253, 317, 381, 445, 509, 573, 638, 702, 767 Production, Great Britain, 1904 ee sb te) een eb as 519 Germany, area and production, 1903... 107 New Zealand, area, 1904 107 Norway, importation into 348 Helophorus rugosus (Turnip mud beetle) Be 489 Helicide (snails) sa . 594, 650 Hemp, bounties on in France . 108, 564 Hessian fly (Cecidomyia destructor) .. aa 282 Hides, imports . . 403, 605 Hiltner, Dr.: Soil inoculation ... 348, 669 Holdings, Great Britain 246 Denmark 144 ‘Honey, preparation for market 716 Hoose or husk in calves 61s
xiv INDEX.
Hops: Area, Great Britain and Ireland, 1904 Imports... ae Bes a ets Pollination, importance of _... Production, Great Britain, 1904 as eS
Horses : Co-operative breeding in Northumberland Dried sugar beet for fodder... nal ae Epizootic Lymphangitis Order Glanders a ae be Imports... rs Bie Saf Number of agricultural, 1904 ...
Argentina, import regulations...
Bavaria, insurance of
Belgiwm, breeding in
Canada, import regulations
Cape Colony, import regulations
Jersey, import regulations
New Zealand, number ... ae
United States, import regulations Number ae ae Nie ors
Howard, A.: Pollination in hop growing ...
Hungary : Crop reports en aie ai Weather and crops in 1904 _ ...
Husk or hoose in calves Se Pouce:
Hylobius abietis (Large brown pine weevil)
Implements, see Machinery. Import regulations : Chicory
Argentina, live stock
France, British hams
Canada, live stock age
Cape Colony, live stock ...
a plants
Jersey, horses
Natal, pigs ee
New Zealand, plants... a
Norway, importation of fodder
fthodesia, plants . . a
Transvaal, plants
Tunis, plants ; AS ee
Umted States, breeding stock
Food Si =a os 300 Imports : Agricultural produce, cereal year 39 59
Maize from Roumania. ...
Wheat, twenty years’ Improvement of poor pastures ie is Improvement of stock in Northumberland Inclosure Acts, Report on proceedings under Incubators 0
Incurvaria capiteila (Shoot and fruit moth of currants)...
India : Crop reports a 28 2s Egyptian and Indian cottonseed cake Importation of wheat from nate
Indian corn, see Maize.
Injurious and beneficial slugs and snails ...
Inoculation, soil 3
Insects : Aphides se aN see Apple leaf miner (Zyonetia clerckella) Apple sucker (Psylla mali)... te Asparagus fly (Platyparea poeciloptera) Bee parasite ‘Meloe violaceus) ... es Black currant gall-mite i cube Brown currant scale (Lecanium persice) Bulb mite (Ahizoglyphus echinepus) ... Cabbage moth (Mamestra brassicae)
... O94, ... 348, 34, 288,
AS
INDEX. XV Insects (Continued) : Page Cabbage-root fly (Phorbia brassice) ... 352 Cockchafer (Melolontha vulgaris) 558 Codling moth .. aa 303 Colorado beetle in Her eford 435 Exhibition at St. Louis as 436 Felted beech coccus (C7; yptococcus ta gi) "55 Flour beetle (Zribolium confusum) 109 Hessian fly (Ce Cea destructor) ... 282 Leather jacket 215 Mushrooms, beetles on “(Staph ylinide and. Aphadins fimetarius) 202 Pea beetle (Bruchus pisi) “4 a :. ee 995 Pine weevil, banded (Pissodes notatus) ay Be 68 large brown (Hylobius abietis) 690 Pith moth (Laverna alva) he 649 Plant lice on mangolds . ae 288 Red spider; (Tetran ychus and Bryobia) ... 173, 649 Sheep maggot fly (Lucilia sericata) : 551 Sheep nostril fly (Oestrus ovis)... ae Ps. a 227 Sheep, parasites of ea ae 308, 361. 422, 423 Shoot and fruit moth (Incurvaria eapitelta) et 170 Snow flies (Adeyrodes) + : 171 Sprays and spraying... 641 Stem eelworm ( 7ylenchus ; devastatr in) 219 Tulip mite.. 509 Turnip mud beetle (Helophorus TU gosus) 489 Inspection of meat and animals in United States 163 Insurance: Agricultural produce against fire 565 Poultry ae 44. Bavaria, insur ance of live stock in 26, 620 France, insurance of cattle in.. : 547 Subventions to mutual insurance societies 564 Iowa Experiment Station : Water in butter 424. Ireland : Area under crops, 1904 ; 338 Butter, transport of : 43 Calf-rearing experiments : 39 Co-oper ative poultry societies.. sit ioe ee. a oa Os ZOU Diseases of animals, returns ... - 60, 126, 190, 254, 318, 382, 446, 510, 574, 639, 703, 768 Population, agricultural BE oe ans 271 Sprouting seed potatoes, exper iments. 673 Swine, movement to Great Britain 619 Jersey, import regulations for horses ee 165 Joint ill 110, 493, 678 Judging at shows in Canada... ae Bee er oa 164 Judging stock in Germany ... os ie ae His 736 Kent, fruit prospects in 1904.. BAe 238 Kew Gardens: Diseases of forest trees, diagrams 761 New gallery ae a BY 52 Orchids cultivated at, list of... : 117 Kohl-rabi, area, Great Britain and Ireland, "1904 340 Labergerie, M. : New tuber in France 412 Labour : Creameries, Sunday work... 119 Employment of soldiers for harvesting 307 Number of agricultural labourers _... 271 Wages, agricultural, in 1903, and harvest, in 1904 502 Workmen's Compensation Act, 1900.. : Bre 373 United States, farm labour and wages 98 Lamb, see Mutton, Lambs, see Sheep. Land division, Report on proceedings under Tithe, &c., Acts... 115
XV1 INDEX,
; Page Land tenure: Farms in Denmark .. 144 Holdings in Great Britain 246 Larch canker (Dasyscypha can ) es Bae aia : 501 Lard : Imports ... i ac aoe sae of . 403, 605 United States, standard a aise BP sae 32 Large brown pine weevil (Hylobius abietis) see 690 Lawrence, W.T: Calitearing ~<.. re on ies one BO ReeOD Leaflets . a Sef ae ae ee 181, ae 504, 632 Welsh translations ... oy a 696 Lecaniwm persice (Brown currant scale) 557 Leeds, Yorkshire College : Abnormalities in dairy pr oduce 364 Manuri ing barley with salt, experiments 39 Milk investigations at Garforth 166 Rotting of potatoes 676 Sowing barley and oats, experiments | 38 Leguminous crops, manuring of _... =e De ee ie ae 104 », soilinoculation for... 2 at .» 048, 669, 725 Limacide (slugs) wer acy ni ... 594, 650 Lincolnshire, navel ill, joint ill, or big joint anges ale Bde ie aoe Lindsey County Council, sampling of fertilisers 438 Linseed : Cake, adulteration of e ne 438 Imports 607 Argentina, area, and production, 1903-4 149 Lister-Gerber milk test oe ae 370 Live stock (see also Cattle, &c.) Diseases of, see Diseases. Import regulations, Jersey ba ise 5 oe ne 165 Imports... Bias ‘et ae oe ... 403, 603 Improvement in Northumberland cen es 356 Jaw, muscular development of the ... oe 165 Number, Great Britain and Ireland, 1904 ... 341 Prices ee 59, 121, 185, 249, 313, 376, 441, 505, "569, 633, 698, 763 Prices and numbers weighed at markets... ss BOD, J 20) Argentina, import regulations... Bi iN fi 615 Bavaria, insurancein ... ... Wy oe ae K ... 26, 620 Belgium, breeding in... 21 British Hast Africa, breeding in 737 Cape Colony, import regulations 680 Canada, up or regulations 738 » judging at shows 164 Germany, method ef judging live stock 736 Greece, British breeding stock in... oa 165 New South Wales, Government stud bulls |. 226 New Zealand, number so8 5 164 Russia, British breeding stock in 292 Sweden : Improvement of stock 421 Transvaal, British cattle for 41 United States : Pa regulations 419 Number Sis wae ‘ie ae sion = wes 41 Liver rot. a aa ... 181, 491 Lloyd, F. lee Report 0 on cider- -making investigations ee vee 46 Louping-ill te : ae 492 Lucerne: Area, Great Britain and Ireland, "1904 : 340 Germany, area and production, 1903 ‘ 107 Lucilia sericata (Sheep maggot fly) 551 Lymphangitis of the horse, epizootic 42 Lyonetia clerchella (Apple leaf miner) 49 Macaroni wheat.in United States... — 22.) 9 2 e208) 548 Machinery : American weeder Me aoe oa ee 197 Hay collector or sweep-rake 485 Poppy killer ah Ar, Se Su ast ae es 196 Maize: Imports Ba mi he see as Be on ... 402, 606 i from Roumania ‘€p 277 Greece, production 542
Maggots in sheep ee 3 si ue ie oe ip ao 423,
551
INDEX. Xvll Page Mallein test for glanders te 157 Malting barley, effect of thin seeding on.. 150 Varieties : 5a we 39 Manuring .. 39, 211 Mamestra brassicae (Cabbage moth) .. 223 Mange in cattle.. 741 Mangolds : Area, Great Britain and Ireland, 1904 340 Plant: lice on 288 Production, Great Britain, 1904 519 Rot (Sphaer ella tabifica)... 488 Manures: Apples, manuring... :.. ) 087, 626 Barley, manuring 39, 104, 211 Beans ‘ 104- Co-operative purchase pe 118 Experiments by farmers 762: Fertilisers and Feeding Stuffs Act 438 Fruit, manuring ... 587, 625: Impor ts = oto 607 Leguminous crops, manur Ineo 104 Mutton experiments As 608: Pasture, improvement of poor 414, 608 Sugar beet, manuring os 579: Swedes, manurial experiments 219 Canada, manurial ent erunents 205 Denmark, storage 146: United States, a Sy stem of cropping and manuring 203 Maps, Ordnance Survey, for schools ie a #56 375: _ Margarine : Imports ... : 403, 604 Market prices, weekly return Vor ec. 114 Markets and Fairs (Weighing of Cattle) Retur ns “Order of 1905 695. ee Act: Prices returned under ; 309, 729 Massee, George: Parasitism in fungi, origin of . 152. McAlpine, D.: Use of formalin for smut : 214 Meat (see also ‘Beef, Mutton, &e.) : Imports : ... 403, 603: Prices a . 56, 122, 186, 250, 314, 377, 442 , 506, 570, 634, 699, 764 Production and consumption Rep 232: United States, standard 32: Meloe violaceus (Bee parasite) 245 Melolontha vulgaris (Cockchafer) 558- Melophagus ovinus, experiments in dipping sheep for 361 Meteorological Office, Departmental Committee on the 248: Meteorolocy : Weather and crops in Europe 479 Winter and the wheat crop 716: Midland Dairy Institute: Manuring of barley .. 211 swedes .. 221 Mildew of vine (Uncinula spiralis) : 497 Milk : Co-operative societies.. 118 Imports... 403, 604- Investigations at Garforth 166. Milk fever (parturient apoplexy) __... 616. Physical Deterioration Committee, Report... 307 Production and consumption ... oo aa 233: Sampling ... 429 Testing by the Babcock method 370: Tests for farmers 054, 743 United States, standard... 32: Model allotments 351 Moore, Dr. G. T. : Soil inoculation... 671, 725 Mushr« ooms, beetles on (Staph plinide and Aphodius. fimetar ius) 302° Mutton : Imports : ie ae a 403, 603: Production and consumption yee 233 Natal, market for potatoes in 151 Swine, admission of ... aes 424 National Physical Laboratory, milk testing ee 370
XV1ll INDEX,
Navel ill or specific arthritis of lambs Nectria cinnabarina (Coral-spot disease) Nectria solani (Winter rot of potatoes) Newark Dairy, Limited i New South Wales : Crop Sia
Fishy butter
Government stud bulls . ape Newstead, R.: Felted beech coceus New Zealand : eee reports . 3
Live stock..
Legislation : Produets Exports ‘Act, 1903...
Orchard Pests Act, 1903
23
Nitragin ...
Northumberland ‘Agricultural Society : Impr ovement of stock North Wales, University College of, Bangor: Forestry education ...
North-West Territories, crop reports Norway : Fodder, importation of Potatoes me 2
Oatmeal, imports Oats : Area, Great Britain and Ireland, 1904 Grubs on ... sc Imports Production, Gr eat ‘Britain, 1904 Seed, effect of bad weather on.. Smut, use of formalin Sowing, experiments in.. Canada, area and production, 1903 France, area 1904 Germany, area and production, 1903 Greece, production 3 New Zealand, area, 1904. United States, area, 1904 Oestrus ovis (Sheep nostril fly) Oidium tuckert (Mildew of vine) Oilseeds, imports eS Onions, imports.. Oospora scabies (Potato scab)... Ophiobolus graminis (Wheat fungus) TE: Orchards: Method of planting fruit trees.. Orchids cultivated at Kew Gardens, list of Ordnance Survey maps for schools . Ortalis fulminans (Asparagus fly) ... Owners’ risk, carriage of produce at
Packing eges aS Paraffin wax, coating cheese with ie Para rubber, “cake from seed of Parasitism in fungi, origin of
Parcels, collection. of, in Y rural districts Parturient apoplexy (milk fever)
Pasture: Area, Great Britain and ! freland, 1904.
Improvement of poor France, area, 1904 Peach leaf-curl (Hroascus deformans) Pears : Scab (usicladium pirinum) Imports ae Pe Planting Spraying Training and pr uning Nee Peas: Area, Great Britain and Ireland, 1904 Imports ea one Pea beetle (Bruchus pisi) ot Production, Great Britain, 1904
Page
110, 493, 678 ve 202 676
118
149
235
226
755
107, i49
164
306
306
348, 669, 725 bp 356 5 108 348 614
606
48, 449, 581 oa 117 375 498 68
Page Phoma dura on firs... : Ace aa na in Ee 501 Phorbia brassice (Cabbage- -root fly) e wae a San a 352 Physical Deterioration Committee, Report. Soe se Sp a: 307 Phytophthora infestans (Potato disease)... sae Bee 00 ... 284, 676 Pigs, see Srwvine. Pigsties, construction of Bs ~ ie om His ah 129 Pine weevil, banded (Pissodes ‘notatus) ws ey - Se aan 686 large brown (Hylodius abictis) ae ee on ne 690 Pissodes notatus (Banded pine weevil) a Sa i al Bi 686 Planting fruit trees and bushes ae Sa: iy: Ae ne 48, 449, 581 Plant-lice art : 4k nh We ie A 34, 288, 647 Plants : Diseases, see Fungi. Cape Colony, import regulations se re “i wise ee 437 New Zealand, import reg culations ae ane bhp aa wae 306 Rhodesia, import regulations . i a os a? eS 437 Transvaal, import reculations.. a3 a ae ... 184, 437, 697 Platyparea poecilopter a (Aspar peue fly) ne ot: ae Sat Ae 498 Plums : Imports ae Ws inh Re i. 607 Planting ... sa SH 3. ae Hid as ssa Be 449 Pulping ae le eS <a: ee 621 Scale insect (Lecanium per sice) ae ee rer ts hs 557 Spraying ... are Ba a ce a2 itt ali 641 Training and pruning Pe oe aA Ae sia oe 522 Varieties ... sia sh a sh La a Aa coe 454 Poison for rats ... ae ie she $63 50 Pollination in hop gr owing, importance of ts ae oa nt 545 Population, agricultural, in United Kingdom _... a3 Fs se 271 Pork : Imports .. : sls ee de ts 1 ... 403, 603 Production and consumption 1 eis shee Pe 233 Potatoes: Area, Great Britain and Ireland, 1904 an oa sid 340 Disease (Phytophthora infestans) ie ; ja ae ... 284, 676 Imports... vise 403, 607 Prices ; w2- 09, 125, 189, 253, sun 381, 445, 509, 573, 638, 702, 767 Pr oduction, Great Britain, 1904. an ‘ 519 Rotting of.. be wos hae ae tne ae 676 Scab ( Oospora scabies) ae Be ats ee ate me ait 734 Sprouting seed... ta a ie ee re 673 Weighing at railway stations .. a a Os Pe a 409 Winter rot ee solami) —... is ue sue 44 5 676 France, area, 1904 <a re xa Rt As 210 New tuber (Solanum commersonii) uN ee a ne 412 Germany, area and production oe 3 fe fs Oia 41 Preparation of alcohol _... fe AL it We yn 29 ado Natal, market in aie ie ie wu oie iy ap 151 Norway, importation... at Be vis he ay At 614 Poultry, see also Lyqs. Co-operative societies in Ireland oh a we a beh 80 _ Day-old chickens sic ws on he ay: ae ne 590 Dry feeding 300 ae ie oF a te iS 683 Geese, raising and fattening ir ie “ae Me Se wes 458 Hatching of chickens, artificial oe be tee os ans 135 Housing < on farms ws Me ie oe wie eels 9 Imports, poultry and game ee ae aes BES oe ... 403, 605 Insurance aide he as A gina aee 44 Rearing and fattening i in Ireland... oe set We ae 257 Renting of farm land ... ns ae Bel ato ub 404. Turkeys, experiments in fattening pe ene ae es ... 385, 495 Winter egg production .. ose se nae a se ae 529 Australia, export... ne ee site 746 ‘Powdery mildew of the vine (Uneinula spiralis) . ws fi ss at
Preparation of honey for market... Prices: Agricultural produce 55, 121, te? 249, 313, 376, 441, 505, 569, 633, 698, 763
Live weight, of cattle ... Sg 309, 729 Weekly return of market prices Loe Nap aa Ac ta 114 Produce, conveyance of A a i re es S00 65
Imports , se eek ie oe es ne , 401, 602
XX INDEX.
Page Provisions, prices 59, 125, 189, 253, one 381, ao 509, 573, Be 702, 767 Pruning fruit trees and bushes a5 ‘ » 522, 585 Psylla mali (Apple sucker) 172 Pulp, preparation of fruit 621 Quarter-evil .. 492 Quebracho wood in Argentina 562 Queensland, crop repor “ts 149 Rabbits, imports ee . 403, 603 Railways : Cartage charges, inclusion in railway rates... 305 Departmental Committee on raliway rates.. 79, 180 Potato weighing at railway stations 409 _ Rates for agricultural produce, correspondence 65, 513 Rates for calves ... e Se mae a 293 Denmark, railway rates in 95 Rape: Area, Great Britain and Ir eland, 1904 340 Imports of seed 607 Raspberries : Manuring 626 Pulping 621 Spraying ... 642 Training and pruning oa 522 Rats in France ... ae eS bbe 50 Reading College : Experiments with swedes 219 Cost of rearing chickens 592 Feeding of chickens... se 684 * Red spider (Zetranychus and Bri yobia) .. 173, 649 Refrigeration, fruit . 174, 624 Renting farm land by poultry- Keepers. 404 Rhizoglyphus echinopus (Bulb mite) . 748 Roadside planting of fruit trees 497 Rooks, food of, in Germany... 630 Protection of seed against ee 544 Roots (see also Turnips, &e. ): Area, Great Britain and Ireland, 1904 340 Production, Great Britain, 1904 ” 521 Rothamsted Experi iment Station: Rainfall 716 Roumania: Imports of maize from ... 277 Weather and crops in 1904 482 Wheat imports from 539 Rowbotham, F, J.: Basic slag for poor pasture .. 414 Royal Aerieultur al Show, for estry . 179 Royal Statistical Society, production of meat and milk 232 Rubber seed cake... ... - 51 Rural depopulation, Physical Deterioration Committee. 308 Russia : British breeding stock in ... a 292, Crop reports a 277 Weather and cr ops in 1904 483 Wheat, imports from... 536 Rye : Area, Great Britain and Ireland, 1904 339 France, area, 1904 210 German Ys area and production, 1903. 107 Greece, production aie 542 Rye-grass, use in seed mixtures 105 ‘Perennial and Italian 418 St. Louis Exhibition : Insect pests .. 436 Sale of Food and Drugs Acts : Report 429 Prosecutiors under, 1902 Ste 180 Salt for barley, experiments with a 39 Schleh, Dr.: Food of rooks in Germany .. 639 Schools, see Education. Schribaux, M. : Protection of seed against erows 544
INDEX,
Sclerotium disease
Seeds : Potatoes
, Sprouting
Protection against crows Purity of ... Rye grass in seed mixtures
ae perennial and Italian Vitality of seeds
Canada: Se
ed Growers’ WO Neeneiatione
Servia, weather and crops in 1904
Sheep : Dipping
nA Report of Committee Dips, prescriptions for approved Diseases in Great Britain
Foot-rot Imports
Lime and sulphur | dip
Liver-rot
Maggot fly (Lie ilia sericata)
Navel ill. joint ill, or big joint of lambs
Nostril fly (Oestrus or is)
Number, Great Britain and Ireland: 1904 Ex
Pastures, experiments with sheep on poor ..
Rheumatism, acute, of lambs... t
Seab, circular to Local Authorities
Skins, imports of
Stur dy or gid
Argentina, “import reoulations..
Canada, import regulations
New Zealand, number
Russia, British breeding stock in
United States, import regulations Prevention of diseases in ...
Shoot and fruit moth of currants (Jrcurvaria capitella)
Shows : Forestry Canada, jud
at the Royal Agricultural Show ging in
Slaughtering of animals, Report of Committee ...
Sleepy disease of Slingerland, M. V.
tomatoes (Lusarium lycopersici) : Cabbage root na) ee bia brassice)
Slues, injur ious aa beneficial Smut, use of formalin for Snails, injurious and beneficial Snow flies (Aleyrodes) ..
Soil inoeulation..
Solanum commersonii in France Soldiers, employment of, for harvesting
Somer ville, Dre:
Report on agricultural education
South Austr alia, crop reports
South-Eastern ‘Acricultural College, Wye,
SF ow ing Specific arthritis
of lambs
Spelt, area and production in Ger many, 1903
Sphaerclla tabifica Spraying: Aphid
(Turnip rot) es ioe
Apple sucker 54 ; Black eurrant gall- mite Brown currant “scale
Charloek
Codling mot
h
Fruit trees and bushes is Peach leaf-curl
Potato disea red spider Shoot and fr Snow flies .. Slaphylinidae on 1
Stem eelworm (Lylenchus devastatria)
se ult moth
ermal ooms.
experiments
03)
. 423, 110, 493,
348, 669, 72
in hop
110, 493,
36,
Xx INDEX,
Storing : Apples Turnips “<.. 50 Strawberries : en ts Manuring .. Planting ... Spraying ... : Strongylus micrurus (husk or hoose) Students’ Association, Durham College of Science Sturdy or gid in sheep nes ae Sugar beet : Dried, for fodder. Growth of ‘a Surface cultivation, destruction of weeds by Surveyor’s Institution : Forestry education Sweden : Dairy farming eh i Yorestry legislation Improvement of stock ... Swedes : Area, Great Britain and Ireland, 1904... Experiments in manuring Production, Great Britain. 1904 as Swine: Movement from Ireland to Great Britain Number, Great Britain and Ireland, 1904 ... Pigsties, construction of ; Tuberculosis Argentina, import regulations. Bavaria, insurance Belgium, improvement of breeds Cape Colony, import regulations Natal, import reculations New Zealand, number... Russia, British breeding stock in
Tallow and stearine, imports Tasmania, crop reports Testing milk and cream by Babcock method Testing milk for farmers os My Tetranychus (Red spider) ses Theobald, F. V.: Slugs and snails .. Timber, see also Forest Y. Imports a : (Juebracho wood in Argentina. Tithe Acts, proceedings under, 1903 Tomatoes : Imports Sleepy disease (Lusarium ican ‘sici) Training and pruning fruit trees and bushes Transport : Collection of parcels in rural districts Conveyance of agricultural produce.. Denmark to Great Britain, cost Grain freights in United States Inclusion of car tage charges in railw ay rates Trish butter : ee Transvaal : British cattle for. : Import regulations for plants ... Trees, see For estrry. Tribolium confusum (Flour beetle) .. Triticum durun, macaroni wheat Tuber in France, a new ae, Tuberculosis : Compensation Bill... Pigs.. see Report of Royal Commission 8 Canada, tuberculin test in Denmark, law in. Tulip mite Tunis, export of 9 grain ‘to inane Impor tation of plants into ... Turkeys, experiments in fattening ...
i 4] 184, 437, 697
109
208, 543 412
297
296
161
162
42
500
148
184
. 385, 495
INDEX,
Turnips: Area, Great Britain and Ireland, 1904
Mud beetle (Helophorus rugosus)
Production, Great Britain, 1904
Rot (Sphaerella tabifica a)
Storing
Swedes, exper iments in manuring Twenty years’ wheat imports Tylenchus devastatri« (Stem eelw orm)
Uncinula spiralis (Powdery mildew of the pe a
United States: Crop reports... Cropping and manuring, a sy stem of Dairy factories Depar tment of Acriculture, budeet . Diseases of animals, 1903-4 Farm labour and wages Food standards Grain freights Import regulations, breeding stock ... Inspection of imported food Inspection of meat and live stock Macaroni wheat in Number of farm animals Smut, use of formalin ... Soil inoculation ... Vitality of seeds.. Wheat, imports from
Utility Poultry Club, insurance of ‘poultr: y
Veal, production and consumption of Vegetables : Imports ...
Vercier, M. : Preparation of fruit pulp Vermin: Rats in France
Vetches : Area, Great, Britain and Trel: und, “1904
Vicars Farm, Limited, Report Victoria : Crop reports Spraying tor codling moth crs Vines : Powdery mildew (Uncinula spiralis) ‘* White rot”’ Ce vm ee) Vitality of seeds
Wages, agricultural, 1903 and 1904 United States Water in butter, Lowa Experimental Station
Water supply, afforestation of catthment areas ...
Weather : Effect on the vitality of seeds .. Weather and crops in Europe in 1904 Winter and the wheat crop
Weeds, destruction of, by surface cultivation
Weig hing of Cattle Ordér of 1905
Welsh translations of leaflets
Wenlock Farmers’ Club records
Western Australia, crop reports
Weston, T. J.: Preparation of honey for market
Wet grains, weiching of
Wheat : Area, Great Britain and Treland, "1904. c
Fungus ee graminis) .. Imports... : ats Sor
Be twenty years’ a Production, Great Britain, 1904 Quality and str ength Smut, use of formalin for Weather and crops in Europe in 1904
210, 27
208, 5
671,
403, 6
.. 401,
XXIV INDEX.
Wheat (Continued) : Winter and the wheat crop... Argentina: Area and production, 1903-4 Wheat growing in ... Australasia, avea and production, 1902-3 Canada, area and production, 1903 Varieties of wheat, testing 7 France, admission of Tunisian into... Area and condition. Germany, area and production, 1903. Greece, production ; India, erop reports New Zealand, area and production United States: Area and condition, 1904 Macaroni wheas in ... Whitehead, G, : Fruit prospects in ‘Kent .. “ White rot” of vines (Coniothyrinim diplodiella) Winter ege production Winter, Professor : Experiments in ‘dipping sheep Winter rot of potatoes (Nectria solani) Witches’ broom of the silver fir Wood, see Zimber. Woodpecker, injury to trees by the green Woods, Office of, forestry education Woods, see Lorestry. Wool, imports Workmen's Compensation Act, 1900, “Report of Committee Wurtemberg, co-operative granaries 000 se Wye College, pollination in hop growing ..
Yorkshire College : Abnormalities in ay produce Manuring barley... ; a Milk investigations at Garforth Rotting of potatoes Sowing barley and oats, experiments i in Swedes, manuring a
.. 208, 543
149 108 206 148 210, 278 107 542 37, 209 107, 149 210, 279
238 434 529 361 676 242
693 1, 752
. 403, 605 373 478 545
364
39, 212 166
677
38
223
THE JOURNAL “eratiorgss/ OF THE
BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.
Vol. XI. No. 1.
APRIL, 1904. [NEW SERIES.]
FORESTRY EDUCATION IN GREAT BRITAIN.
The Departmental Committee appointed in 1902 to inquire into and report upon the condition of forestry in Great Britain, and upon the measures which could be taken for its promotion, placed in the forefront of their recommendations* the provision of systematised instruction, which should be within the reach of all classes concerned with woodlands. The present time appears opportune to notice what the Board have done to give effect to this recommendation, and the instruction which will shortly be available in this country. On the 15th March last, Lord Barnard called attention in the House of Lords to the Report of the Committee, and asked whether His Majesty’s Govern- ment proposed to take any, and if so what, steps to give effect to the recommendations as regards education, instruction, and training in forestry. The following extracts from the reply by Lord Onslow indicate the action that has been taken by the Board in this direction :—
fee. ' the noble Lord asks me whether: His Majesty’s Government intend to take any steps, and if so, what steps, to carry out the recommendations of the Departmental Committee which was appointed to enquire into this subject. Well,my Lords, Committees and Commissions are appointed for different pur- poses. It has been said that many Commissions are appointed with a view to shelving a question. That is not the practice of the Department over which I have the honour to preside. When the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries appoints a
3 * Cd. 1319, pare 13.
2 FORESTRY EDUCATION. [ APRIL,
Departmental Committee, it is in order that it may get its advice, and having got its advice, that it may act upon it; and the Committee to which the noble Lord has called attention is no exception to the rule. I am happy to think that that Com- mittee had the advantage of being presided over by a Member of the other House of Parliament who has always taken a very sreat interest in this question, and that upon this Committee was also one of the Commissioners of His Majesty’s Woods and Forests, Mr. E. Stafford Howard, who also takes a very deep interest in the question of afforestation; and it is to his exertions and initiative that we owe the first steps which have already been taken in this matter.
“There are many areas of land belonging to the Crown which lend themselves to these purposes. There are the extensive Alice Holt Woods in Hampshire, which cover a large area of ground, but which I believe have not in time past been planted and worked on the most scientific principles ; and although it was proposed by the Committee that the first experiment in this direction should be tried in these woods, it was found, on further consideration, that a more promising sphere of operations offered tself in the Highmeadow Woods of the Forest of Dean. With- out any assistance from the Treasury—an assistance which we always welcome, but do not always receive—the Com- missioners of Woods and Forests have already established a school of forestry in the Forest of Dean. That school will be primarily for the purpose of educating men of the class of wood- men. They will pass through a course of instruction there which it is believed will fit them to become foremen on the large estates of those landowners who are prepared to devote time and money to this object. . . . We fully hope that the experiment which Mr. Stafford Howard is trying in the Forest of Dean will result in training young woodmen in the same wav that we are training young gardeners at Kew.
“The Department over which I have the honour to preside has no responsibility in regard to Scotland, but the Scottish Office has not been any more supine in this matter than has the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries, and I am informed that, again through the agency and assistance of the Office of Woods and forests, communications have been entered into with.
1904. | FORESTRY EDUCATION. 3
certain Scottish landowners with a view to securing a suitable area of forest land for the purpose of planting in the manner suggested by the Departmental Committee.
“We have also been. successful in obtaining from the Treasury the promise of assistance in the foundation of at least two schools of forestry in England. Where those schools shall be established I am not yet able to inform vour Lord- ships; but we have had applications from the University College of Bangor, with which my noble friend Lord Powis is intimately connected, from the South Eastern College at Wye, from the University College of Wales at Aberystwyth, from them Durham. Collegeof Science, and the Royal Agricultural College at Cirencester, and the matter is also under the con- sideration of the Yorkshire College at Leeds, the University College at Reading, and the University. of Cambridge. With regard to the University of Cambridge, I have been considering whether that University would not be one of the first at which such a school of forestry should be established ; but, as your Lordships are probably aware, a Committee has been sitting for some time past to enquire into the condition of Coopers Hill College, which up to now has. existed asa school for the training of those who go out to assist in forestry in India. J am not in a position to say what may be the final decision of the Secretary of State with regard to, the continued existence of Coopers Hill College, but it is, I think, a matter of common knowledge, among those interested, that in recent years suggestions have been more than once made for the removal of the Indian forestry students from Coopers Full,
“T should like, naturally, to establish these schools in two localities, one of which would be devoted more particularly to the training of young woodmen, and the other to the training of young men who are likely either to become themselves land- owners or to embrace the career of land agents ; and I think that those two would be well found in a combination which should include either the school to which my noble friend Lord Barnard referred*® or the University College of Bangor. Either of those would provide the requisite materials for the education of young woodmen, but I do not think they would to the same extent
* The Durham College of Science. Be2
4 FORESTRY EDUCATION. [ APRIL,
provide for the education of the young men who are themselves likely to become landowners. For that reason I should prefer that the second school of forestry should be attached to one of the great Universities. But that is a matter which still remains open, and until the decision of the Secretary of State for India has been arrived at as to the future of Coopers Hill College, | am not in a position to say where the second of those schools of forestry will be established. ‘
The Forest of Dean, with the Highmeadow Woods, will thus form a State demonstration area; and, so far as regards Eng- land, the recommendations contained in paragraphs 17-19 of the Committee’s Report are carried out in their entirety. The nature of the instruction now provided at the Forest of Dean is shown in the following memorandum, which was prepared by His Majesty’s Commissioners of Woods and Forests :—
“With a view to giving effect to the recommendation con- tained in paragraph 25 of the Report of the recent Depart- ‘ mental Committee on British Forestry, the Commissioner of Woods in charge of Dean Forest and the Highmeadow Woods adjoining has arranged, with the sanction of the Treasury, to start an experimental course of instruction for student-woodmen, who will be employed in these Crown woods during the time of their training.
“Mr. C. O. Hanson, of the Indian Forest Service, has been appointed Instructor, under the supervision of Mr. Philip Baylis, the Deputy Surveyor of Dean Forest.
“The classes are held in the Crown Office, Coleford, and began in the middle of January last.
“The course will be spread over two years, and will include instruction in forest botany, sylviculture, forest mensuration, and protection of woods.
“ Eight young men have applied to become students, six from the Forest of Dean, where they are already employed, and two from Windsor.
“This is as many as employment can be found for at present. It is hoped that next year, when these eight will have completed. the first part of the course and will go on to the second part, eight more may take up the first part in succession.
“At the end of the first two years and every year after-
1904. | FORESTRY EDUCATION. 5
wards an examination will he held, and those student-woodmen who pass satisfactorily will receive a certificate signed by the Commissioner of Woods and the Deputy Surveyor of Dean Forest.”
Reference is made in the President’s reply, quoted above, to the assistance promised by the Treasury towards the foundation of schools of forestry in England and Wales. This amounts to a sum of 4500, which has been placed on the Estimates for 1904-5 as a grant in aid of forestry instruction. After mature consideration, and subsequently to the reply by the President in the House of Lords, the Board have come to the conclusion that this sum would be of most use if divided equally between the Agricultural Departments of the University College of North Wales, Bangor, and of the Durham College of Science, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
The nature of the instruction which it is proposed to provide at these two centres will be gathered from the following par- ticulars furnished to the Board by the Governing Bodies of the two Colleges named :—
The University College of North Wales proposes “to meet the recommendations of the Departmental Committee by the appointment of an expert in forestry who should :—
“(a) Give a course of lectures in forestry at the College to
the agricultural students ;
“(6) Give special courses to young foresters and woodmen
employed in demonstration forests in the district ;
“(¢) Give practical professional advice in connection with
woods the owners of which desire an expert’s opinion.”
“This scheme has been drawn up after consultation both with some of the leading landowners and agents of North Wales, who are giving it their warm support (about 450 a year having already been promised in subscriptions), and also with Mr. Stafford Howard, a Commissioner of the Woods and Forests Department, and Mr. J. Parry, the Water Engineer of the Liverpool Corporation, who is in charge of the catchment area for the Vyrnwy Waterworks. Mr. Stafford Howard said that the Commissioners of Woods and Forests would con- sider proposals for the purchase of suitable land in the neigh- bourhood for planting, and allow it to be used in connection
6 FORESTRY EDUCATION. [ APRIL,
with the College for demonstration purposes. The same Department already possesses farms well within reach of Bangor which are partially planted.
“The Liverpool Corporation, it is understood, would allow the plantations it is carrying out at Vyrnwy to be utilised for demonstration purposes ; though, having already appointed its own expert, it could not (for the present at least) put the management in the hands of the College Lecturer.
“In addition to these demonstration forests, there are in the neighbourhood of Bangor several large private plantations which the students will be permitted to visit for the purposes of observation.”
The Agricultural’ Committee--of “the” Durhanr -C@ollese “of Science “have come to the conclusion that educational work of this character would be of very great importance and value in the north of England, and that the College would be able to organise and develop a satisfactory scheme of education in . forestry for the four counties of Northumberland, Durham, Cumberland, and Westmorland. This would include the appointment of an expert in Forestry, whose first duty would be to give lectures to the agricultural students of the College, many of whom intend to adopt the profession either of land agent or of teacher of agricultural science; he would also conduct short courses of lectures for young foresters at suitable centres, such as Alnwick, Hexham, Barnard Castle, Carlisle, &c., and on the following day conduct the members of the class to adjacent woods for demonstration purposes. In addition-.to forestry, he would be required to give instruction in such subjects as the planting, cultivation and layering of hedges, on the con-. struction of other fences and of gates, on the treatment of timber in the timber yard, on methods of preserving timber, &c.
“The Committee are of opinion that, in addition to the more essentially educational functions of such an expert, his services as a practical adviser (for which a charge might be made) would be of the greatest possible value to the landowners and land agents of the district.
“The College recognises the importance of appointing an expert who has a thorough knowledge of practical forestry, as well as good scientific attainments.
1904. | FORESTRY EDUCATION. ai
Park, which is under the supervision of the College, over ten acres have already been laid out as experimental plantations : two tree nurseries have been formed, and an arboretum and shelter belts have been planted. The farm, which is 400 acres _ in extent, is held by the County Council under a lease from the Duke of Portland, which includes a provision for the develop- ment of forestry.
“This work at Cockle Park was initiated by Dr. Somerville when he was Head of the Agricultural Department of this College. He also gave courses of instruction to young foresters at Hexham, and conducted an evening class in the College for young foresters from the counties of Durham and Northum- berland. These were most successful, and indicate that classes of this character would be of great service to forestry in the north of England.
“The fact of the English Arboricultural Society having its origin in, and still a very intimate connection with, Tyneside, is a proof of the great interest taken in this subject in the district.
“The proposed scheme has the support of many landowners in the district and their agents. The representative and appro- priate woodlands of the Duke of Northumberland and the Duke of Portland would be at the disposal of the College for demonstrations to students and for experimental purposes ; and Lord Barnard would gladly give similar facilities on the ex- tensive Raby Estates in South Durham. Tyneside is excep- tionally well wooded, and, speaking generally, the north of England is very suitable for educational work of this character. A special advantage lies in the fact that between Tynemouth and West Cumberland all conditions of British climate are experienced, varying from the colder east coast to the milder and more humid west, while in the four counties great varieties of altitude are to be found.”
Apart from the institutions aided by the Board, the Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester, has recently arranged to provide instruction in forestry, and Dr. W. Schlich, C.LE., F.R.S., Principal Professor of Forestry at Coopers Hill, has been appointed Honorary Professor of Forestry at Cirencester,
As regards Scotland, Edinburgh University has for several
8 FORESTRY EDUCATION. [APRIL, 1904. |
years past maintained a Lecturer on Forestry (Lieut.-Colonel F. Bailey, R.E.). Education in forestry, as in other agricultural subjects, in Scotland falls within the purview of the Scotch Education Department ; but the Board understand that the Edin- burgh and East of Scotland Agricultural College have appointed Mr. Fraser Story as Lecturer on Forestry ; and that local classes have already been, or are being, arranged by the County Councils of Berwickshire, Fifeshire, and Perthshire. At the West of Scotland Agricultural College, also, a class in forestry has been established during the past session, under the direction of an experienced Forester. It is expected that in connection with this College, also, subsidiary courses of instruction in ~ forestry will be organised in several of the counties which
combine to support the College.
HOUSING OF POULTRY “ON: FARMS.
Increase of production in connection with any branch of live stock necessitates changes in method. Where one or two animals or a few fowls are kept, we can, without much risk, deal with them in a very simple manner; and, although the profit is small, if there be any at all, the work is un- important, and will not repay much thought and labour. Under such circumstances, where a few fowls are maintained around the homestead, they may be accommodated in one of the farm buildings, permitted to wander where they will, finding a considerable portion of their food, and without much danger of disease resulting from tainted soil. But with increased numbers the primary necessity is that the fowls shall be distributed about the farm, not only to give them fresh ground—thus avoiding disease—but that their numbers shall bear a proper relationship to the acreage. With larger stock the importance of maintaining such a_ relationship is recognised, and we must realise that the principles under- lying the management of cattle or sheep are equally applicable to poultry. Overstocking must be avoided, otherwise loss will ensue. Moreover, in extending the poultry industry our object should be to do so without displacement of other animals or of crops. Upon farms fowls are an accessory to the other branches. Experience has shown that if a farmer keeps, say, thirty hens about the homestead, he may do so profitably ; but if he increases the number, without change of method, to one hundred, his returns will be proportionately lessened, and the loss from disease be vastly increased.
Within recent years the portable house system has largely come into vogue, more especially in the northern, eastern, and midland counties. By means of these houses poultry-keeping can be adapted to the regular rotation of farm crops, and the
10 H@USING OF POULTRY. [ APRIL,
number of fowls increased to a considerable extent, without danger to crop or pasture; whilst the manure produced is distributed without labour, and at periods of the year when it will prove of the greatest benefit to the land. These houses are only intended for fowls which are given full liberty. The capital expenditure is small, as the use of fencing is entirely avoided, and they can be moved at will. In summer it is de- sirable to give them “the shelter of trees, or to seleewea position least exposed to the sunshine; in winter it is well to protect them from wind and driving rain by placing them under the lea of a copse or hedge, and where they can get as much sunshine as possible.
Houses which are intended to be moved frequently must be of a small size, to accommodate from fifteen to twenty-five birds. It has been proved by the experience of poultry-keepers, both at home and abroad, that a flock of twenty-five hens will give a higher average of returns in egg production than when they are massed together in larger numbers, even though the same care in selection be exercised in the greater as in the smaller flock. ‘The explanation appears to be that in the latter case the birds do not get sufficient fresh air at roost. Where one hundred fowls are herded together the greater proportion must breathe air which has already been vitiated, but in a smaller house practically every inmate can obtain an abundant supply of fresh air. Hence it is more advantageous to keep down the size than might otherwise be expected, and the slightly increased capital expenditure is fully compensated by enhanced productiveness of | the hens.
The simpler forms of houses or “huts,” as they are called in the North of England, are wooden erections standing upon the ground, and built in sections. To move these it is necessary to take them to pieces, and, as a consequence, the ground cannot be changed frequently, or the labour becomes too heavy- Upon waste land no injury would result, but on pastures the grass within and for a few yards around the house ts killed or injured, and the manure produced in the house has to be removed regularly. Where the land is arable, either the site of the house must be changed more frequently or the building must be left unoccupied for several months of each year.
1604. | HOUSING OF POULTRY. 11
With the object of facilitating regular removal, and thus pre- venting injury to the grass and securing fresh soil for the fowls, wheels should be added to the houses, so that the position can be easily changed with horse or hand traction. With fixed wheels the walls are thus raised six to eight inches from the ground. In such a case a wooden floor becomes _ necessary, for a strong draught would be created, and the birds could be attacked when at roost by their enemies. Sometimes the Hoor is raised sufficiently to allow space for shelter below ; this has advantages, though not so great as may be thought. It is found, however, that a house with a wooden floor is colder in winter than one without. In cold weather the bank of air below the floor reduces the temperature considerably, making a demand upon the birds to counteract its influence, which has the effect of decreasing their productiveness at a time when eggs are specially valuable. At that season there is a considerable amount of heat from the earth, which is entirely lost when a wooden floor is used. Moreover, labour is required for cleaning out houses of this class. In not a few cases peat-moss litter is employed to cover the floor; but though this has the effect of making them warmer, it is objected to, on some land as it shakes out during removal, and also causes additional expense.
Whenever possible, therefore, it is better to dispense with a wooden floor, and thus to obtain the benefit of ground warmth, _ besides of economising labour. To secure such a result, various forms of wheels have been introduced, so that by levers the house can be raised and fixed upon the wheels for removal, and, after being shifted, dropped upon the ground again in the new position. By this method the work is simplified ; under-draughts are avoided; the heat from the earth is conserved ; the manure falis directly upon the ground; and the grass is uninjured. Figs. 1 and 2 represent ‘the latest form, the. former showing the house at rest and the latter when raised. The raising is accomplished by means of a powerful lever bar (A), which, when the house is on the ground, is entirely turned over and lies upon the earth by the side of the wall, so that it cannot be injured by, or hurt, cattle or horses. Attached to this lever is a strong axle, passing under the two side walls, connecting the two back wheels (B), and fixed bya
12 HOUSING OF POULTRY. [ APRIL,
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1904. | HOUSING OF POULTRY. 13
rod to the front axle and wheel (C). When the house is resting the front wheel remains between the iron framework (D) by which it is protected. In operation the lever bar is raised, and by the time it has reached the upright position the wheel in front has been turned over, and that end of the house lifted up ; then by pressing it down until level, the back wheels are reversed, and the entire house elevated, when it is held firmly by the clutch (E). Two strong bars in front (F), attached to the iron framework, are placed to facilitate removal. To these a horse can be yoked by means of chains, if that is desired. A strong man can move unaided the house a few yards, and a youth or girl can raise and lower it. The advantage of using three wheels rather than four is that turning is more easily ac- complished.
In districts where foxes are troublesome great care must be given to the closing in of birds at night, and not allowing them out too early in the morning. Hence the labour of going round several fields may be considerable, and this must tend to limit the extent of the operations. Fig. 3 illustrates a form of house designed effectively to protect the inmates and to mini- mise work, Attached to this house, as part of the structure, is a run consisting of stout framework, to which is fitted at the sides, end, and top, wire netting, with a gate at one side. A. couple of wheels are provided, and as the house is slightly cut away at the back, the entire structure can be removed by lifting up the run in front by means of a bar which acts asa handle. The advantage of attaching the run is that the fowls are fed in it, and readily enter at the afternoon time of feeding, when the gate is closed and they are effectively secured. It would be a decided improvement if raising wheels were fitted to this house, as the “cut away” at the back would be avoided. The fowls are still in the open air, and can go to roost just when they think fit, without needing any more attention. Further- more, they can come out in the morning, as soon as it is daylight, and “the early bird catches the worm,” without risk of attack by a fox, at a time when these marauders are most dangerous.
Breeding stock can be kept in portable houses, and they will be found to mix very seldom, provided that a male bird be placed with each group of hens. ‘It is better, however, to keep
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them within a run attached to the house for a few days before
liberty, in order that they may become properly
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1904. | HOUSING OF POULTRY. ic
until recently without the measure of success desired. The reason, as has already been indicated, is the impregnation of the land with manure, frequently resulting not only in reduc- tion of productiveness, but also in loss through disease en- gendered by these conditions. Further, fowls in confinement can, aS a rule, obtain very little in the way of exercise, and unless they are very carefully fed internal fat is induced, and they become less prolific. Moreover, fowls kept under these conditions require a greater amount of protection against un- favourable weather, as they are unable to find the natural shelter available to birds in the open. The building which has to a considerable extent met these difficulties is known under the term “scratching shed.” In such places besides the roost- ing place, a covered yard or run is to be found, which is usually littered with straw or cut chaff. Corn is thrown into this yard, and the fowls are compelled to work for their food, just as they do under more natural conditions. There can be no question that where poultry are kept in confinement such a method is most desirable. Butthe system needs to be carried out com- pletely, and it entails a much greater capital expenditure than where portable houses are employed. On the other hand, more can be accomplished within limited areas.
In Fig. 4 is shown one form of fowl-house with a scratching shed. This is divided into two sections by a partition boarded up to 6 ft. with wire netting above ; first, the roosting place (shown with a window in the illustration); and, second, the scratching shed. For twenty-five fowls the following are the dimensions recommended : eneth ss it depth .1O, ft. height, 8 ft. at front, and 6 ft. at back; divided into roosting compartment, 8 ft. by 10 ft., scratching shed, 10 ft. by ro: ft. Hemandozen fowls: Wength,.12 ft. ; depth, 6 ft.; height, 74 ft. at front, 6 ft. at back ; divided into roosting compartment, 5 ft. by 6 ft., scratching shed, 7 ft. by 6ft. Another form is: Length, Olt mwaepth. 10 ft; height, 8 ft. at: front, 6 {t. at back ; divided into three portions, roosting compartment, 6 ft. by 4 ft.; laying compartment, 3 ft. by 4 ft. ; scratching compartment, 9 ft. by 6 ft. This is suitable for ten or a dozen fowls, and the separate laying compartment is of great advantage, as the laying of individual hens can be registered if the entrance is fitted with
16 HOUSING OF POULTRY. APRIL,
trap wires. The roosting and laying compartments are at the back, and the scratching shed in front.
Roosting compartments in scratching shed houses are bedded out with earth or peat-moss litter, but the scratching sheds should have a thick bed of gravel or sand, well beaten down and levelled. During very unfavourable weather the fowls can be kept entirely under cover. In North America oiled muslin curtains are fitted to frames, which are hung up against the roof when not in use, and suspended in front during snow
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FIG. 4.—ROOSTING PLACE WITH SCRATCHING SHED.
storms, but such an arrangement is seldom necessary in this country. In front of the house is an open yard, 20 ft. long, and as many feet wide as the house is long, that is, 18 ft., 12 ft. or 9 ft. respectively. It is entirely enclosed, and if there is a range of houses the fences should be boarded up 2 ft. The ground in the run is covered with gravel or ashes or sand, the first named preferred, and it is swept out daily to remove all manure. Beyond this is a grass run, which may be used by two or three of the houses in common, allowing each lot of fowls access to it in rotation. The stretch of crass should be too ft. in length, and 36 ft. in width for two of the larger or three of the second-sized houses, while 27 ft. is sufficient for the third size. Under such arrangements it will be found that the bulk of manure produced will fall in the house or open yard, whence it can be removed, and that the grass in outer runs can be kept in good heart, even though
1904. | HOUSING OF POULTRY. iy,
a couple of hundred fowls be maintained to the acre. But it is desirable to allow the grass runs to rest once in every two or three years and crop them for hay.
Principles of Houstng—The following principles may be laid down as applicable to all forms of poultry houses :—
Size : For fowls and ducks, in sleeping compartment, 2 square ft. of floor space ; for geese, 6 square ft.; for turkeys, 12 square ft.
Materials: Wood should be well seasoned, and be ¢ in. or I in. in thickness, and the house must be well put together. The roof must be more substantial than the walls ; if of wood, it should be covered with tar felting ; but the best roof is made with corrugated iron lined with 2 in. match-boarding. For permanent structures, such as scratching sheds, felting may with advantage be placed between the corrugated iron and match- boarding. )
Ventilation: Fresh air is a necessity. In Fig. 1 is shown a shutter, behind which is wire netting. ‘The shutter may be lcitehalf- open during ‘the. greater part of the. year,..-.The scratching sheds are usually well ventilated. In _ portable houses which have no shutter, louvre boards are placed in the gables at either end.
Light: A large window placed in the south or south-east side will make the house warmer in winter and keep the air sweet. Dark roosting places are objectionable.
Perches: These should be all on the same level, not more than 2 ft. above the ground, and facing the windows. They ought to be easily moved.
Nest Boxes: These, if made loose, will be more easily kept @eany and. ought. to: be: on. the dark. side. of the’ house. One nest box is required for every three hens,
Cleanliness is most important. Houses should be swept down regularly, and limewashed inside three or four times a year.
EDWARD Brown, F.LS.
BELGIAN DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
The Belgian Department of Agriculture has recently issued, in connection with the International Exhibition of St. Louis, a publication containing some interesting particulars respecting the Organisation of the Department, together with some account of the Staff of State Agriculturists in Belgium.
The Department of Agriculture, of Industry and Public Works was instituted by a Royal Decree in 1884, by which all matters relative to agriculture, industry, bridges, roads, &c., were detached from the Department of the Interior and trans- ferred to the new Department. Subsequent Decrees have somewhat modified the matters which it controls, and at the present time the Department is divided into three sections in addition to the Secretariat. The first division has charge of all necessary measures relating to the improvement of domestic animals, the veterinary service, sanitary police laws, &c.; the second division deals with agricultural instruction, the State Botanic Garden, and the Service of State Agriculturists ; while the third division embraces matters relating to Agri- cultural Associations, Agricultural Statistics, the Chemical and Bacteriological Institute and the Analytical Laboratories. It also has charge of the work connected with the Agricultural Insignia, and publishes the Awdleten de 2 Agriculture, which is the official journal of the Department.
The administration of forestry is dealt with by a bureau having a central administration in Brussels and_ provincial branches. It is charged with the preservation and management of the forests belonging to the State, Communes and _ public establishments, and arranges for prosecutions in cases of injury. to ‘forests. The improvement of waste lands, which are still extensive in Belgium, is also carried out by the Bureau of forestry. It also superintends fishing in the canals and rivers, the services of inland and sea fisheries and the execution of measures destined to favour the increase of fresh and salt water
[APRIL, 1904.] BELGIAN DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 19
fish ; and also all matters concerning forests, waste lands, fishing and shooting.
A special branch is charged with the organisation of experi- mental fields on rational and uniform lines, and with the collection of statistics of research work carried out in Belgium and other countries. The inspector who has to see that these researches and experiments are duly carried out, is also always at the disposal of any persons wishing to consult him on the treatment of forests or the improvement of waste lands.
The Department is assisted by Boards dealing with agri- culture, with forestry and with public health ; and by committees on sea fisheries, pisciculture and oyster fisheries.
Work in the provinces is carried out by Veterinary Inspec- tors, Agricultural Inspectors, State Agriculturists (Agricultural Engineers), Inspectors and general keepers of rivers and forests, and by dairy Experts. :
The agricultural section of the State Commercial Museum the Analytical Laboratories, and the Bacteriological and Chemical Institute at Gembloux, with its Dairy Station, are also under the control of the Department.
The service of State Agriculturists forms an important part of the work of the Department by enabling it to keep directly in touch with, and to afford practical assistance to, farmers in Belgium. It was instituted in 1885, and only holders of a diploma of Agricultural Engineer are eligible.
The principal duties of the State Agriculturists are :—
(a) To popularise the facts of agricultural science, by written or oral consultations, lectures, experiment fields and demonstra- tions ; to put themselves in direct communication with farmers, and give them free advice ; and to fulfil the functions of technical advisers and agricultural lecturers.
(6) To teach farmers the advantages of co-operation, and to give precise information on the organisation and operations of these agricultural associations.
(c) To inform the Central Administration as to the work done by these agricultural societies, and to advise as to the financial assistance to be afforded.
(d) To organise and direct courses of agricultural lectures for adults, travelling agricultural Schools of Domestic Economy, Cr2
20 BELGIAN DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. [APRIL, 1904.|
courses of Horticulture, Arboriculture, and Market gardening, etc., instituted by the Department of Agriculture.
The staff of State Agriculturists numbers twenty-three, who have to send to the Central Administration reports relating to their lectures, the state of crops and experiment fields, the associations of farmers, and as to markets and shows, agri- cultural implements, rural industries, and on the sanitary con- dition of Cattle. The Agricultural Inspectors superintend the service of State Agriculturists, and the Central Administration is able to follow the work done by the latter by the general journey table annexed to their annual report.
The honorary . functions of a “Correspondent of the Ad- ministration of Agriculture” are fulfilled by specialists who give the State Agriculturists precise information on various subjects.
Advice to farmers is published in the form of leaflets. The State Agriculturists distribute these leaflets, when they give ‘their lectures or through their correspondents, or through the professors of public courses.
Experiment and Demonstration Fields are also arranged under their supervision. They are established on land easily accessible to the public and representing the average conditions of a widely extended zone, “The experiment heldsare established, as far as possible, on plots of land belonging to intelligent farmers who possess good implements, close to the places in which courses of lectures for adults are given, and to establishments in which courses in agriculture are provided. In this way they are a useful adjunct to the theoretical in- struction. Whatever land is chosen, the soil must be uniform, and not close to tree plantations, enclosures, or buildings ; and the whole plot chosen must have been submitted to the same rotation and had the same application of manures. The experi- menter must prepare and keep the soil in good cultivation and condition, and supply the necessary farm manure. The crops belong to him, but the State Agriculturist may take samples for experimental purposes. Seeds, roots, and chemical manures are provided by the Department of Agriculture, and the results obtained are published in the Bulletin de l Agriculture.
21
Pee OEING: OF LIVE STOCK IN’ BELGIUM.
The publication of the Belgian Department of Agriculture referred to above contains some particulars respecting the assistance afforded directly or indirectly by the Department to horse and cattle breeding in Belgium.
In regard to horse breeding, it is observed that the provinces of Belgium have for a long time possessed regulations relative to the improvement of the native draught horse, some of which date as far back as the eighteenth century. Attempts were first made about 1840 to establish in the provinces a scheme of regulations, the main principles of which have varied very little. Under the influence of the Soczétés d’Elevage, this system has, however, gradually become more uniform, and in Igor all the provincial councils of the country, without exception, adopted a scheme of regulations drawn up by the Minister of Agriculture with the aid of the Comité Supérieur Hippique.
The provincial regulations have a double aim: (1) to eliminate from breeding the stallions which do not possess the qualities desired to improve the breed to which they belong ; and (2) to encourage, by means of money bounties, the pre- servation of the animals, both male and female, of native breed.
In the months of October and November each’ year an examination is made of all the stallions of native breed _ intended for service in the course of the year. For this pur- pose each province is divided into a certain number of dis- tricts, which the committees of examination visit. It is owing to this selection of the breeding sires, which had been in operation for several years earlier in some provinces, that Belgium is possessed of a breed of high-class draught horses.
The committees are formed of five members, of whom four
22 LIVE STOCK IN BELGIUM. [ APRIL,
are elected by the permanent deputation of the provincial council, the fifth is selected by the Minister of Agriculture.
Since 1902 the Minister has also appointed, in accordance with the provincial regulations and the recommendation of the Belgian Jockey Club, a committee of examination, composed of three members and a veterinary surgeon, who are charged with the examination of animals intended for public breeding purposes. In the month of February this committee visits the residences of owners of thoroughbred stallions.
A committee, elected by the Minister of Agriculture, on the recommendation of the Svczété Royale Hippique de Belgique acts under the same conditions for the examination of half-bred stal- lions and of thoroughbred stallions which habitually serve half- bred mares. This is the scheme adopted for the examination of stallions of all breeds. The examination is valid for one year.
Neither the Government nor the provinces grant financial ‘assistance for the breeding of the thoroughbred horses. The Société Royale Hippique de Belgique receives from the State an annual subsidy of 10,000 francs (4400) for the purpose of encouraging the breeding of half-breeds. The Belgian Jockey Club and the Société Royale Hippique publish stud-books of the breeds which they desire to encourage.
The encouragement afforded by the provincial regulations relative to the improvement of horses affects exclusively the breeding of the native horse (Belgian draught horse). The cost of the execution of these regulations, money bounties and committee expenses, are borne to the amount of 40 per cent. by the provinces and of 60 per cent. by the State. The total annual expenses amount to about £14,000. These expenses serve to meet the cost of the shows of foals, fillies, mares, and brood- mares which are fixed by the provincial regulations. In the forty-four places of meeting, all the examinations of stallions are immediately followed by a show of stallions three years old, and a show of stallions four years old and over. .
In each of these shows, there may be awarded to the owners : (2) for the two best stallions a first prize of 400 francs (£16) and a second of 300 francs (412); and (0) for the two best stallions four years old and over, a first prize of 550 francs (422
1904. | LIVE STOCK IN BELGIUM. 23
and a second of 400 francs (416). There may. be awarded further extra prizes for stallions of three years, and four years and over, according to each group of five stallions approved of by the committee, in each of these two classes.
In order to retain in the country the stallions passed as the best by the committees of examination, there may be awarded a maintenance bounty of 700 francs (428) to the owner of every stallion to which has been awarded, at at least one previous annual show, a first competition prize in the class of stallions of not less than four years old. This prize is increased by 44 for stallions to which a provincial prize has been awarded. A maintenance prize of 420 may also be given to the owner of the stallion to which has been awarded, during two years, a second competition prize, in the class of stallions of four years and over.
When the committees of examination consider a stallion to which a maintenance prize has been awarded to be of exceptional value, they can nominate it to compete for a bounty of £240 payable by five annual instalments so long as the horse remains approved by the committee of examination, and retains its value. In the event of a stallion, to which a bounty of £240 has been awarded, being sold out of the country, the instal- ments already paid must in every case be returned to the Department, either by the present owner, or by the original possessor, At the end of the five years, the owner of a stallion which has obtained a bounty of 4240, if it remains approved, can continue to enjoy an annual maintenance prize, the amount of which may vary from 424 to 432.
Finally, there is arranged in each province an annual pro- vincial competition for the stallions which have obtained a prize in the class of four years and over, or a second prize in one of the shows of the year or of the preceding year; there are two prizes of £36 and £28.
The examination of stallions is followed, sometimes in the same year, but generally in the succeeding year, by shows of foals and of fillies of two and three years, and by shows of brood mares. Considerable prizes are awarded at these different shows. Maintenance bounties may also be awarded to the owners of the best brood mares.
24 LIVE STOCK IN BELGIUM. [AP Rie
By these means the provincial regulations encourage the maintenance of good breeding stock from the age of eighteen months, and encouragement is continued during a long period if the condition of the horses justify it. As regards stallions of merit, the maintenance bounties are paid to the owners so long as the committees pass the horses as fit for service.
In 1886 the Belgian Draught Horse Society was established, with the object of encouraging the breed by shows, and by keeping a stud-book. An annual subsidy of £1,200 is now granted to the Society.
In addition the Government have offered since 1890 premiums for the best stallions. These rewards number eighteen, and amount to 460 each; they are awarded in four district shows to the three year old stallions which have gained. a first prize at the provincial shows.
The Belgian Government encouraged by grants the impor- tation of the Shorthorn breeds of cattle by the provincial - authorities. These animals were bought in England by a Committee appointed for the purpose, and were publicly sold in Belgium. The difference between the cost price and the sale price was paid one half by the State and the other half by the provinces.
The want of judgment, however, shown by farmers in using the English bull, the bad choice of the animals purchased in England, the difficulty of crossing Belgian breeds with the Shorthorn, and the difference in the living conditions and feed- ing of the two races, were the principal reasons for the poor results obtained by the infusion of English blood, and Belgian farmers have consequently given up breeding Shorthorns.
A great many Dutch cattle are imported into Belgium, as a number of farmers find it advantageous to buy certain classes of these Dutch animals rather than to breed them at home.
Regulations are in force in all the provinces for cattle breeding similar to those relative to the improvement of horses. The examination of bulls intended for service is prescribed, and prizes are awarded to encourage the preservation of the best animals, both male and female.
1904. | LIVE STOCK IN BELGIUM. 25
These regulations encourage the keeping of first-class male and female animals, and are a means of preserving the bulls capable of maintaining the stock. The cost of providing the money prizes is borne in certain cases entirely by the Govern- ment ; in others the Government bears up to 75 per cent. of the expenses. The total annual cost amounts to about 48,000 for the State and 46,000 for the provinces. Since 1896 several breeding syndicates and herd-book societies have been formed in Belgium, having as their principal object the improvement of breeds by selection.
All these efforts are evidence of the strong desire to improve the native cattle, but it will take some time before the beneficial effects of these attempts will be felt. It is nevertheless un- deniable that in certain parts of the country great progress has been obtained by the operations of these provincial regulations and breeding syndicates.
The Government encourages the syndicates and the federa- tions of syndicates by grants for first establishment, and by grants for the keeping of stud-books of the breeding stock. A few syndicates have been formed with the object of buying breeding bulls.
The National Society for the Improvement of Cattle in Belgium was instituted in 1899. This Society held several shows in April 1900, 1902, and 1904, which were very suc- cessful, and contributed in a large measure to spread amongst the rural populations the ideas of uniform and definite races. This Society also published an album showing the types of the different Belgian races. The Government encourages this association by granting important subsidies in aid of the biennial shows.
In 1899 the Government instituted a Commission for the improvement of the breeds of pigs in Belgium. This Com- mission set to work immediately, and tried to show the advantages of increasing the Yorkshire breed, yielding bacon of excellent quality. They held several shows, open to all Belgian breeders, which have greatly contributed to the promotion of pig breeding in Belgium.
26
INSURANCE OF LIVE STOCK IN BAVARIA
The Board have received through the Foreign Office a copy of a memorandum prepared by Mr. L. Buchmann, H.M. Consul at Munich, upon the insurance of cattle and horses in Bavaria.
Mr. Buchmann states that there are four kinds of cattle insurance in Bavaria: (1) government insurance (Law of May 11, 1896), (2) private insurance companies, (3) local insurance associations, and (4) municipal insurance of cattle for slaughter (in some of the larger towns only).
I. Government I[nsurance-—The German Imperial Law of June 23, 1880, amended by that of May 1, 1894, concerning the suppression and prevention of diseases in cattle, provides for the payment of compensation in certain circumstances to owners of animals which are slaughtered by order of the police, but only on condition that the regulations have been previously carried out by the owner. The State, however, does not compensate in the case of loss through ordinary illness or accident.
The first attempts at cattle insurance in Germany date from as far back as 1799, when in Holstein, and somewhat later in Hanover, the so-called “Cow Guilds” were founded. These were local associations involving the joint responsibility of the several members. Parochial and municipal associations, founded subsequently, were not able to cope with heavy losses, and the aid of Government was called in. After 3aden, Belgium, Alsace-Lorraine and Switzerland had shown the way, Bavaria followed in 1899. ,
In 1892, there were 3,337,978 head of cattle in Bavaria, having a saleable value about 433,000,000, or on an average #10 per head. It was ascertained that nearly half of the total number of cattle in Bavaria belonged to the smaller farmers, z.e. those possessing not more than 25 acres of arable
[APRIL, 1904.] INSURANCE OF LIVE STOCK IN BAVARIA. 27
land. These small farmers form about 80 per cent. of the whole agricultural population of Bavaria; consequently, the loss of a single animal is keenly felt. It is true that the State helps in case of epidemics, and special laws have been enacted with this object: e¢g., the pleuro-pneumonia and glanders law of -1881; the anthrax law of 1892; and the rinderpest law of 1896.
2. Private Cattle Insurance Companzes.—In 1896 there were nine large private cattle insurance companies in Bavaria, insuring over 10,000 horses, or 2°8 per cent. of the total number, and 3,644 head of cattle, or O'I1 per cent. of the total; the whole insured for £905,800. The high premiums charged by these private companies were the cause of the small percentage of cattle, being insured. In 1902 only o'15 per cent., vzz., 5,118 head of cattle, were thus insured, for a total sum of 476,387.
3. Local lnsurance Assoctations—On the other hand, local insurance associations have been far more successful. These are affiliated to a State Cattle Insurance Department, which has been in existence since November 1, 1896, and conform to its regulations. In the year 1896, 355 such local insurance associa- tions were enrolled. In 1902-03, there were 2,304 cattle insurance associations of all kinds, with 119,805 members.
The State Insurance Department pays annually a sum of £5,000, besides a special grant of 41,250 in order to assist the local associations, which only work at a loss, in paying the premiums. The State Department insures only cattle and goats, and undertakes to make good half of the losses, the other half being paid by those local insurance associations in whose districts the losses occur. Each cattle-owner must insure the whole of his cattle, single animals not being admitted. The animals must be over three years, and less than twelve years old, when first insured. Professional cattle-dealers are not admitted as members of the associations. Inspections take place in spring and in autumn. Cattle may not be insured in several associations simultaneously. In case of war, revolution, fire, lightning, bad feeding, or ill-treatment, the insurance is void.
The rates of compensation are, in the event of death from natural causes and obligatory slaughter: seven-tenths and eight-tenths of the value in the case of cattle, and 15 shillings
28 INSURANCE OF LIVE STOCK IN BAVARIA. [APRIL, 1904.}
for goats. Compensation is also paid if after slaughter it is discovered that the meat is unfit for human food on account of tuberculosis, &c. ; in this case the owner receives eight-tenths of the value of those parts of the meat which are declared unfit for food. This latter compensation is in fact an insurance against the meat being ultimately found unfit for food after having been first passed by the sanitary inspectors as sound.
Since November I, 1900, there exists in Bavaria also a State insurance department for horses alone (Law of April 15, 1900). The principles followed are the same as those for cattle insurance : local associations form the basis and they pay half of the compensation, the other half being paid by the Department. The horses to be insured must be over eight months and under fifteen years of age. The compensation amounts to seven-tenths of the value. In 1902-3 there were 401 local associations for the insurance of horses in Bavaria» numbering 24,366 members, 60,021 horses being insured for the sum of 41,271,632.
In many places, the insurance systems above described meet with some opposition, on the ground that the small farmers are called upon to contribute towards the compensation granted to the owners of large numbers of cattle.
4. Municipal Insurance of Cattle for slaughter—The municipal insurance of cattle for slaughter was instituted in Munich on June 1, 1903. The premium is 11d. for cattle anda little over 1d. for sheep, swine, &c. The first six months yielded a surplus of £500, which was used to form a reserve- fund. Other Bavarian towns (Nuremberg, Bamberg, &c.) have also started this special kind of insurance with similar results. The idea is to compensate cattle-owners whose animals have been found sound by the sanitary inspector, in the event of the meat, or portions of it, being subsequently discovered to be unfit for human food.
Hive wk A TION OF ALCOHOL’ FROM POTATOES IN GERMANY.
The Board have received through the Foreign Office the following particulars, prepared by Dr. Rose, H.M. Consul at Stuttgart, concerning the manufacture of alcohol from potatoes :—
Alcohol from potatoes was manufactured in Germany during the eighteenth century, but it was only during the nineteenth that the industry attained any importance for agriculture. Its progress has been latterly most rapid, and it was greatly accelerated by the intensive cultivation of potatoes, which has been brought about by the spread of scientific agricultural instruction.
The foundations of this agricultural instruction were laid by Liebig. In his “Chemical Letters,” issued in 1859, he showed that soils are comparatively poor in salts of potassium and how much is taken from them by cultivation ; for example, a crop of one acre of potatoes takes 90 lb. of potassium salts from the soil. He showed further how insufficient the manures then used (wood-ash, beet, and wool refuse) were to replace this loss, and advocated the application of mineral manures. The result of his investigations was the commencement of the working of the Stassfurt and Anhalt salt strata.
The following figures show the increase in the productivity of the soil of the German Empire as regards potatoes: The average yield was, in 1879-88, 32°8 cwt. per acre ; in 1888-96, 36:2 cwt. ; and in 1899, 49'8 cwt.
During the eighteenth century alcohol was _ principally derived from grain, and the centres of its preparation were fairly evenly distributed throughout Germany. During the nineteenth century it was almost exclusively prepared from
30 PREPARATION OF ALCOHOL FROM POTATOES. [APRIL,
potatoes, and the production was confined to the eastern district. The west of Germany buys potatoes for food, both of man and beast ; the east of Germany, less thickly populated, produces a surplus, and sells part of this to the west, the principal amount of the surplus being, however, converted into alcohol, although it is also used for making starch. In some districts 50 per cent. of the potato harvest is devoted to the preparation of alcohol. Roughly speaking, about 4 per cent. of the total cultivated area of the empire is under potatoes. The amount srown on the different holdings and the distribution of these holdings vary, of course, greatly ; the proportions range from o'5 per cent. to 85 per cent., and about three-fourths of the whole German production of alcohol is produced in the country east of the Elbe.
In 1831, 492,000 tons of potatoes and 6,400,000 bushels of grain were converted into alcohol, yielding about 26,400,000 gallons of alcohol. These figures remained stationary until about 1855. By 1885 the production had risen to about 88,000,000 gallons, of which about a quarter was exported. This is the period when Liebig’s discoveries were disseminated. This amount fell to 60,500,000 gallons in 1889 owing to foreign competition, the loss of several foreign markets, and internal taxation. This last difficulty was overcome by new fiscal regulations, placing heavy duties on alcohol for consumption and reducing the duties on alcohol for technical purposes. The consumption of alcohol for technical purposes consequently rose from almost nothing in 1860 to nearly 22,000,000 gallons in- 1898. The total production of alcohol in 1898 was 72,600,000 gallons.
The manufacture of alcohol from potatces is mainly an agricultural industry, that is to say, the greater part of the spirit is made in distilleries situated on the farms; there are only a few industrial distilleries situated in towns.
Of the total amount produced in 1898, 49,720,000 gallons were consumed in Germany (about 92 gallons per head of population), 19,800,000 gallons were used for industrial pur- poses, and only 836,000 gallons were exported. The total amount was derived principally from 2,260,000 tons of potatoes which yielded about 57,200,000 gallons.
1904. | UNITED STATES FOOD STANDARDS. a
The arrangement of the distilleries, whether for potatoes or ¢rain, consists in almost all cases of a conical steamer. In this the raw material is submitted to the action of compressed steam in order to convert the starchy meal intoa pulp. It is then treated in the first mash-tun, which must be well cooled and provided with an effective stirring apparatus. Here malt iseadded and sugar is formed. /[he acid process is. not much used in Germany, as it renders the residue worthless as food for cattle. “Langmalz” (long or strong malt), mostly prepared from barley, is generally used. The next step is fermentation in large vats containing 440 to 1,100 gallons. Pure culture yeast is yenerally used for fermentation. The alcohol formed by fermentation is obtained from the mash by distilling. This distilling process in Germany is generally a continuous one with the aid of a “column apparatus”; the old stills are almost completely abandoned. ‘The raw spirit thus obtained is rectified in special refineries. By the use of Ilge’s apparatus a good spirit can be obtained directly from the mash.
The residue from the whole process is much used as a food for cattle, and is, perhaps, as valuable as the spirit itself.
Alcohol is beginning to be used in Germany for motor purposes, and small motors up to 25 b.p. are already at work. [t is, of course, difficult to say to what exact extent they have already been adopted, as this would require careful and numerous inquiries in many directions. There is no doubt that the French are ahead of the Germans with regard to the application of alcohol to motive purposes. A large exhibition was held at the beginning of the year at Paris, where many machines for
}
_ driving with alcohol were shewn by different firms.
UNITED STATES Foop STANDARDS.
The Agricultural Appropriations Act, passed by the United States Senate on the 25th February last, contains provision for the examination at the ports of entry of any imported food Suspected to contain substances injurious to health, or which are falsely labelled or branded.
32 UNITED STATES FOOD STANDARDS. [APRIL,
= =o)
By an Act approved on March 3rd, 1903, the Government appointed a committee to collaborate with the Secretary of Agriculture to establish standards of purity for food products, and to determine what are regarded as adulterations. As a result of this inquiry the Secretary of Agriculture, in Circular No. 10, dated 20th November, 1903, proclaimed certain standards for various products, and also laid down definitions of these. substances. The following relate to agricultural products of most interest to farmers or consumers in this country :— |
Meat is defined any sound, dressed, and properly prepared edible part of animals in good health at the time of slaughter. The term “animals” includes not only mammals, but fish, fowl], crustaceans, molluscs, and all other animals used as food. fresh meat is meat from animals recently slaughtered or pre- served only by refrigeration. Salted, pickled and smoked meats are unmixed meats preserved by salt, sugar, vinegar, spices, or smoke, singly or in combination, whether in bulk or in packages.
‘Manufactured meats are meats not included in the above, whether simple or mixed, whole or comminuted, in bulk or packages, with or without the addition of salt, sugar, vinegar, spices, smoke, oils, or rendered fat.
Lard is the rendered fresh fat from slaughtered healthy hogs, Leaf lard is the lard rendered at moderately high temperatures from the internal fat of the abdomen of the hog, excluding that adherent to the intestines. Standard lard, and standard leaf Javad, are \ard and leaf lard respectively, free from rancidity containing not more than 1 per cent. of substances, other than fatty acids, not fat, necessarily incorporated therewith in the process of rendering, and standard leaf lard has an iodine number not greater than 60. Veutral lard is lard rendered at low temperatures.
Wilk (whole milk) is the lacteal secretion obtained by the -complete milking of one or more healthy cows, properly fed and kept, excluding that obtained within fifteen days before and five -days after calving. Standard mk is milk containing not less than 12 per cent. of total solids, and not less than 8°5 per cent. of solids not fat, nor less than 3°25 per cent. of milk fat.
Blended milk is milk modified in its composition so as to have a definite and stated percentage of one or more of its constituents.
1904. | UNITED STATES FOOD STANDARDS. 33
Skint milk is milk from which a part or all of the cream has been removed. Standard skim milk is skim milk containing not less than 9°25 per cent. of miik solids.
Buttermilk is the product that remains when butter is removed from milk or cream in the process of churning.
Pasteurized milk is standard milk that has been heated below boiling, but sufficiently to kill most of the active organisms present, and immediately cooled to 50° Fahr., or lower, to retard the development of their spores.
Sterilized m/e is standard milk that has been heated at the temperature of boiling water or higher for a length of time sufficient to kill all organisms present.
Condensed milk is milk from which a considerable portion of water has been evaporated. Sweetened condensed mtk is milk from which a considerable portion of water has been evaporated and to which sugar (sucrose) has been added. Standard condensed milk and standard sweetened condensed mutlk are condensed milk and sweetened condensed milk, respectively, containing not less than 28 per cent. of milk solids, of which not less than one-fourth is milk fat.
Condensed skim milk is skim milk from which a considerable portion of water has been evaporated.
Milk fat or butter fat is the fat of milk. Standard milk fat or butter fat has a Reichert-Meissl number not less than 24, and a specific gravity not less than o'905 (40° C./40° C.).
Cream is that portion of milk, rich in butter fat, which rises to the surface of milk on standing, or is separated from it by centrifugal force. Standard cream is cream containing not less than 18 per cent. of milk fat. Hvaporated cream is cream from which a considerable portion of water has been evaporated.
Butter is the product obtained by gathering in any manner the fat of fresh or ripened milk or cream into a mass, which also contains a small portion of the other milk constituents, with or without salt. By Acts of Congress, approved August 2nd, 1886, and May oth, 1902, butter may also contain additional colouring matter. Standard butter is butter containing not less than 82°5 per cent. of butter fat.
Renovated or process butter is the product obtained by melting butter and reworking, without the addition or use of chemicals
D
34 APHIDES OR PLANT-LICE. [APRIL,
or any substances except milk, cream, or salt. Standard reno- vated or process butter is renovated or process butter containing not more than 16 per cent. of water, and at least $2°5 per cent. Of utter tat: on
Cheese is the solid and ripened product obtained by coagulating the casein of milk by means of rennet or acids, with or without the addition of ripening ferments and seasoning. By Act of Congress, approved June 6th, 1896, cheese may also contain additional colouring matter. Whole milk or full cream cheese is cheese made from milk from which no portion of the fat has been removed. Sz mzlk cheese is cheese made from milk from which any portion of the fat has been removed. Cream cheese is cheese made from milk and cream, or milk containing not less than 6 per cent. of fat. Standard whole milk cheese or full cream cheese is whole milk or full-cream cheese, containing in the water-free substance not less than 50 per cent. of butter fat.
Whey is the product remaining after the removal of fat and casein from milk in the process of cheese making.
APHIDES OR- PLANT-LICE.*
Nearly all plants, in garden and field, and under glass, suffer from the ravages of Aphides. These universal pests are most common in temperate climates, but even in the tropics whole crops are ruined by them. The Aphis enemies of many crop and ornamental plants are very numerous in species. The Aphides themselves are known by a great variety of names, such as Green and Black Fly, Smotherers, and Dolphins, while the disease they produce is sometimes termed “ Blight.”
They belons’ toa »group ‘ot msects; called” Hemiptera, which are provided with a mouth used for sucking and capable of piercing the structures of plants, upon the sap of which they feed. They undergo what is termed an incom- plete metamorphosis, that is, there is no quiescent chrysalis (pupal) stage, and they feed throughout their whole existence.
* The following species of Aphis are dealt with separately, viz.: Woolly Aphis (Leaflet 34), Currant Aphides (Leaflet 68), and tfop Aphis (Leaflet 88).
1904. | APHIDES OR PLANT-LICE. 35
They damage plants in a twofold manner, first by sucking out the sap and so weakening the vitality of the plant, and secondly by stopping the respiration of the plant by blocking up the stomata (or breathing pores) of the leaves with their excreta) anis excreta’ is not only of the ordinary kind, but also consists of a sweet gummy substance that stops the “breathing” of the plant, and is called “honey-dew.” This substance is passed out through two tubes, called “cornicles,” situated on the back of the Aphides. A few Aphides, such as the Woolly Aphis (Leaflet No. 34), have no cornicles and produce no honey-dew. The skin of the plant-lice is provided with numerous glands which secrete either a waxy substance that covers the skin (Rose Aphis, Bean Aphis, &c.) or dense woolly masses (Beech Aphis, Woolly Aphis, &c.). In both cases the excreted substances have the power of throwing off water and so of keeping the insects dry.
Life Ffestory.
Aphides may be winged or they may be wingless; as a rule winged and wingless generations occur in each species.
The reproduction in Aphides is very rapid. They not only
breed in the ordinary way, but they can also breed without any males being present. Some Aphides live only on one kind of plant, the Rose Aphis (Szphonophora rose) for instance ; others live on two plants, migrating from one to the other, as the Hop Aphis (Phorodon humulz) which migrates between the hops and the prunes (vzde Leaflet No. 88); others live on several plants, as the Bean Aphis (Apfzs rumeczs), which may be found on Beans, Peas, Docks, and Furze. _ Some kinds, as the Rose Aphis, attack leafage and shoots alike; others, as the Bean Aphis, may even attack the fruit (pods); others the stem and twigs (Woolly Aphis). Not only do plant-lice migrate from plant to plant, but some can live both above and below ground, and may migrate from root to trunk or root to foliage (as the Phylloxera of the Vine and the Woolly Aphis of the Apple).
The typical life-history of the Aphis is as follows :—The adult female or “Mother Queen” is wingless, and produces, without the agency of a male, not eggs, but livine young ; these
D 2
36 APHIDES OR PLANT-LICE. [ APRIL,
young are called “lice,” and in a short time they resemble the wingless parent, and can themselves produce living young. This viviparous reproduction, where only females are present, can go on for many generations. Should a plant be covered with these Aphides, their food becomes scarce, and then they have the power of producing winged females, which fly off to other plants, and these deposit living young. Towards the end of the year most Aphides produce males as well as females ; these may be either winged or wingless. These females, after being fertilised, deposit eggs at the base of buds and on the stems, leaves, &c., of plants. These eggs remain over winter, and hatch into the larve that become the “ Mother Queens” with which this account of the life-history started. Some plant- lice live entirely during the winter in the egg state (Bean, Pea, Plum Aphis, &c.), others mostly as insects, a few eggs only occurring (Wool!y Aphis).
The effect of weather on Aphides is very great. Dry, hot and sultry weather 1s favourable to them; the same conditions check the growth of the plant, and so the plant-lice soon overcome it. An excessive quantity of manure, especially nitrogenous manure, also predisposes the plant to Aphis attack.
Remedies.
Aphides can easily be destroyed by spraying the affected plants with a soft soap wash. This is made by dissolving from 6 to 10 lb. of soft soap in 100 gallons of soft water. The soft soap blocks up the breathing pores of the plant-lice, and so kills them. Quassia is sometimes added; this acts as an astringent to the leafage, and cleans it of the honey-dew and excreta formed by the Aphides. For black-fly on Cherry, and for all those that produce a copious flow of honey-dew, it is a most useful ingredient. The quassia chips are boiled and the extract added to the soft soap wash; 6 to 8 lb. of chips are required to every 100 gallons of wash. Paraffin emulsion is necessary for some kinds, as Woolly Aphis; which may also be attacked in winter by caustic alkali wash (Leaflet No. 70). For those which attack the root it is best to use bisulphide of carbon injected into the soil, a quarter of an ounce to every four square yards. Care must be taken with this substance,
1904. | THE INDIAN WHEAT CROP. 37
which is both poisonous and inflammable. The vapour of bisul- phide of carbon liquid, used in the bee-keepers’ “smoker,” is said to be a very good remedy for green fly, and does not injure the most delicate flowers.
In all cases the Aphides must be attacked as soon as an invasion shows itself, especially when the species of Aphis has the habit, like the Plum Aphis, of curling up the leaves and so of protecting itself.
Natural Checks.
Several insects prey upon Aphides, and should be encour- agedueesihe chief of these are Ladybirds and their larve (Coccinellide) ; Hover-fly maggots, which are the larve of the Syuphide ; the larve of the Lace-wing or Golden-eye flies ; and various minute hymenopterous parasites (Chalcidid@), which lay their eggs in the bodies of the Aphides, and whose maggots destroy them.
Man cannot, however, rely solely on the services of these beneficial creatures, but must check the increase of the Aphides by washes as soon as they appear upon his cultivated plants.
The second general memorandum of the season 1903-4, issued on the 5th March, indicated a considerable addition in the acreage under wheat in India. Com-
: The pared with last year, the percentages of Indian Wheat
Crop. increase are; about 6:in’ Bengal, 8: in the
North-West Frontier, 11 in the Punjab, 20 in the Central Provinces, 104 in Berar, 69 in Hyderabad, 9 in the Bombay Presidency (43 in Sind alone), and probably to in the United Provinces. / As regards the yield, the reports from the United Provinces _ were the least favourable,—75 to go per cent. of the average,— with the possibility of deterioration from rust. The Bengal report was good, and indicated 94 per cent.of the normal. The anxiety regarding the prospects of the crop in the Punjab and the North-West Frontier was allayed by the rain which fell early in March over the whole of North-Western and Central India. The crop in the Central Provinces suffered somewhat
38 SOWING OF BARLEY AND OATS. [APRIL,
from want of rain, and 107 per cent. is the revised estimate in lieu of the anticipated bumper crop. The injury from the same cause reduced the Berar estimate to go per cent. The out-turn in Hyderabad is expected to be 87 per cent. as compared with 85 per cent. last year, and a fairly good yield is anticipated in Sind and Bombay, except in parts of North Gujarat and the East Deccan, where moisture was deficient, and the Karnatak, where the crop suffered from rust.
The Yorkshire College have continued their investigations at Garforth with a view to testing the best amount of seed to sow in the case of barley and oats; and the Experiments in results of the 1903 experiments are given Sowing of Barley . a : and Oats. in Nos. 38 and 39 of their reports. Barley was sown on plots at the rate of 5, 3, and 2 bushels per acre; and the resultant yields were, of saleable grain, 34#, 35,and 35% bushels per acre respectively, while the total yields were 39, 39, and 381 bushels. In 1902 there was also little difference between the plots; and it is concluded that from 24 to 3 bushels is a sufficient quantity of seed, both for yield and quality of sample. . The quantities of oats sown were 5 and 4 bushels per acre ; two varieties (Storm King and Tartar King) being used. Here the extra bushel of seed was followed by 3? bushels more of saleable corn with Storm King and 54 bushels more with Tartar King. With Tartar King there was a much higher proportion of seconds corn with the smaller sowing, so that the total crop of grain was the higher in their case. The total yields were :— Storm King (5 bushels), 58% bushels per acre; Storm King (4 bushels), 564 bushels per acre; Tartar King (5 bushels), 601 bushels per acre ; and Tartar King (4 bushels), 654 bushels per acre. The results thus indicate that with large-grained oats an extra bushel of seed is followed by about 3 to 4 bushels more of saleable corn.
1904. | VARIETIES OF BARLEY. 39
Report No. 39 of the Yorkshire College, Leeds, contains a note on experiments carried out in 1903, in continuation of previous trials, to determine the effect of a
Experiments dressing of 5 cwt. per acre of salt on the Salt for Barley. Parley crop.* The trial in 1902 failed owing to the crops being badly “laid,” but
1901 (a very dry season) and 1903 (an extremely wet year) showed in both cases an increase of 6 to 8 bushels of saleable corn, and also an increase in total corn from the use of salt; while there were 8? cwt. of straw more in 1901 and 14 cwt more in 1903 on the plots receiving a dressing of salt. On a medium loam or light soil, therefore, a dressing of 5 cwt. of salt may be expected to prove profitable. The grain was also sub- mitted to an expert, who reported that, for malting purposes, the barley from the plot dressed with salt was the best of all the
samples submitted.
A paper of considerable importance, from the botanical and chemical point of view, on “ Varieties of Barley,” by Mr. E. S. Beaven, is contained in the Journal of the Varieties Federated Institutes of Brewing, Vol. VIII,
of Barley. Ane Now 5.0 miter,.classityine the. different varieties of barley known, Mr. Beaven records the results of experiments undertaken with a view of ascertaining the characteristics as malting material of some well-known varieties grown under different conditions. These experiments, Mr. Beaven states, are only preliminary, and not sufficiently advanced to allow of reliable conclusions being drawn as regards farm
practice.
The experiments in rearing calves, conducted in 1901 by the Irish Department of Agriculture, were repeated in 1902, but with a slight modification suggested by
Calf Rearing ihe previous year’s experience, one lot Experiments. : being given a calf meal composed of one part ground flax seed, two parts oatmeal and two parts Indian
meal, instead of Indian meal only, with separated milk. The
* Journal, Vol. IX., June 1902, p. 70.
40 CALF REARING EXPERIMENTS. [ APRIL,
calves were again divided into four lots, which thus received :-— Lot 1, whole milk ; Lot 2, five parts separated milk and one part whole milk ; Lot 3, separated milk and cod liver oil ; Lot 4, separated milk and the calf meal described above. The com- position of the ration given to Lot 2 approximates fairly to that of hand-skimmed milk. Each lot also received an allowance of linseed cake.
The experiments, begun in May, 1902, were carried out in the grounds of the Cork Exhibition, which offered exceptional opportunities for a public demonstration. The previous year’s trials were conducted in county Sligo, where the calf mortality was less than in many districts ; the 1902 experiments were thus at a certain disadvantage in this respect, and duplicate calves had to be substituted in cases of sickness. These are not, however, thought to have any effect upon the conclusions drawn.
At the end of the first twenty weeks the calves reared in the Cork Exhibition had all made considerably larger increases than those reared during the corresponding period of 1901. This 13 ascribed to the effect of the housing, this being the only condi- tion which differed materially in 1902 ; still, the Department do not, upon one season’s trial, recommend the system of summer housing calves.
After the weaning period, the calves were all placed on uni- form rations, and treated alike. The following rations were fed throughout the winter, until May, 1903 :—1 lb. linseed cake and 1 lb. crushed oats per head per day, with meadow and rye grass hay ad fb.,and a feed of straw once or twice a week. From May to October, 1903, the cattle were out at grass. Towards the end of this latter period the grazing became somewhat bare, and cotton cake was fed ; nevertheless they were only in thin condi- tion when sold, at the end of October, at 23s. tod. per cwt. live weight.
Taking into account the prices realised and the cost of the food, it appeared that the greater gain made by the calves fed on whole milk—the most expensive of the rations—did not compensate the increased cost of feeding, and the calves which gave the best results were those fed on separated milk and cod liver oil.
Considering the results of both years’ trials, the Department
1904.| FARM ANIMALS IN THE UNITED STATES. AI
of Agriculture concludes (i) although calves fed for a long period on whole milk will show a high rate of increase when compared with the gain in weight made by animals reared on other foods, the increase is not proportional to the cost incurred ; and that (ii) it is more economical to use a cream substitute, such as linseed cake with cod liver oil, Indian meal, or a mixture of meals, along with separated milk, than to use whole milk and linseed cake.
It should be noted that the cod liver oil in 1901 cost 4s. 6d. per gallon and 5s. 6d. in 1902, and that its use is no longer profitable if the price is too high.*
The Board are informed that the Government of the Transvaal has no intention of importing breeding cattle m any
quantity at the present time. It is possible British Cattle for
Pee ancysal. that small numbers of pure bred animals
may be purchased for the purpose of improving the existing stock of the Colony, but it is not anticipated that more than that will be done. A great many breeding cattle were imported in order to re-stock the Colony after the war, but it is now considered that as much has been done as would be justifiable at present, and that any further
importations of breeding cattle may well be left to private enterprise.
The Crop Reporter for February last gives the number of
farm animals in the United States on Farm Animals
in the United States.
Ist January, 1904, as follows :—Horses, 16,736,059 ; mules, 2,757,916; milch cows, 17ATG O17 4) other Cieattle, 43,620,408. ; sheep, 51,630,144; and swine, 47,009,367.
* Journal of the Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction jor Lreland, Vol. IV., No.3, March 19046
42 DANISH TUBERCULOSIS LAW. [ APRIL,
The Board have issued an Order, to come into force on the 18th April, providing for the isolation of horses affected with epizootic lymphangitis. Suspected cases Epizootic — of this disease must be reported to the ie police, who must notify the Local Authority, and allhorses affected with, or suspected of, this disease are to be kept separate from others. If the Local Authority is satisfied of the existence of epizootic lymphangitis, the horses must be isolated on some specified premises from which they may not be moved, they may not come into contact with other horses,.and their litter, dung, &c., may not be removed without permission from the inspector of the Local Authority. The place where the horses have been kept must subsequently be cleansed and disinfected as directed in the Order ; and carcases must be buried in their skin with quicklime or other disinfectant, or burned. A short account of the symptoms of this disease was given in the last number of the Journal, Vol. X., March, 1904, p. 521.
The Board have received information through the Foreign Office that the Danish Law relating to tuberculosis in cattle has been slightly amended. By the oid Danish Tubereu- jaw no milk or butter-milk could be taken losis Law. from a dairy and used as food for domestic animals which had not previously been warmed up to a temperature of at least 85 degrees Centigrade (185 degrees Fahrenheit), By the new law the temperature is reduced to so degrees Centigrade (760 deerees Hahrenheit)) “and the regulation is extended to all cream from which butter for export is churned. A new regulation is introduced, dealing with the isolation of animals undergoing the test for tuberculosis. The old law is described in detail in Vol. V. of this Journal, PP- 74-75 (1898, June), and another reference is made in Vol. VI.,
Pp» 234 (1800, Sept.).
1904. ] TRANSPORT OF IRISH BUTTER. A3
The recently published Report of the Irish Department of Agriculture for the year 1902-3 contains some useful informa- tion regarding the condition in which Irish
The Transport — butter is placed on the English market, and
Irish eat: the facilities which are provided by the
carrying companies for its conveyance.
It is stated that a steady improvement has taken place in the construction of the boxes used, and that consignors are more careful than formerly in seeing that the packages present a clean appearance. In many cases, however, exporters do not realise the advantages that accrue from the employment of strongly constructed and neatly finished boxes, and from the adequate protection of consignments from rain and from the heat of the sun. The use of unseasoned wood in the manu- facture of boxes is one of the factors which have injured the [rish butter industry, and an inferior description of parchment paper is not infrequently used as a wrapper for the butter. When enclosed in such packages it is liable to become tainted and to lose its colour. Beneficial results have, how- ever, already followed the official representations which have been made to consignors, and it is admitted by several ex- tensive dealers in Irish butter that a marked improvement has taken place—boxes of a substantial character are now more frequently employed, canvas covers are more extensively used, and the butter itself is more carefully packed.
The treatment of consignments of produce during their trans- fer to steamers at the Irish ports has received special atten- tion. «A definite improvement has, it appears, taken place in the methods of handling, and comparatively few cases of care- lessness in the transfer of the packages have come under notice. Some instances have, however, occurred of butter being placed in close proximity to foul-smelling articles while awaiting ship- ment, and in all such cases representations were made to the companies concerned. A few of the vessels engaged in this traffic possess refrigerating plant, and, in other instances, ice in tubs is used in the ships’ compartments; but in the large majority of cases no such means have been adopted for keeping the holds of the vessels at a suitable temperature,
The Report contains the results of enquiries made early in
44 INSURANCE OF POULTRY. [APRIL,
1903 regarding the methods employed in the packing of foreign butter intended for the British market, and the facilities for the conveyance of this produce to its destination. Two inspectors were afforded an opportunity of observing the arrangements for the carriage of butter from the Continent to one of the principal northern English ports, and of witnessing the actual unloading of the produce. One steamer, which carried a large quantity of Danish butter, was fitted with refrigerating apparatus, and the butter, which was stowed in compartments at 40° Fahr., was packed in every instance in clean white casks. The care exercised in handling the produce discharged from the ships was a very noticeable feature. At Liverpool and Manchester the inspectors were enabled to institute a comparison between the receptacles used respectively for the conveyance of Irish and foreign butter. The foreign casks and boxes examined were constructed of well-seasoned white wood, and had a neat and inviting appearance. The absence of this neatness in the case of many packages of Irish butter gave foreign produce a considerable advantage in commanding a ready sale in the markets. Merchants in Manchester who were consulted on this matter concurred in the view that the uncleanly state of many packages of Irish butter on arrival at their destination largely contributed towards a reduction in the price of the article.
The insurance of live stock against accidental death, &c.,
is now a common feature among co-operative associations upon
the Continent, although it has not yet made
pate of much progress in this country, Of late
; years, however, the Utility Poultry Club
has adopted a scheme for insuring the poultry and the appli-
ances of members of the club, of which the following are the main features :— ;
The risks covered by this form of insurance embrace losses
1904. | PACKING OF EGGS. 45
by fire, theft, burglary, storms, floods, seizure by foxes, and accidental death. The rates are inclusive of all kinds of stock (fowls, ducks, geese, turkeys, pheasants, partridges), and also all the plant necessary for poultry keeping (bins, brooders, -coops, incubators, fattening sheds, machines, &c.). The poultry must be in enclosed runs, or reasonable care taken to guard against loss by theft or foxes.
The rates of premium charged to members of the club are 43 per cent. if the total value does not exceed £500, 24 per cent. if the value does not exceed £800, and 2 per cent. for higher sums. Stock may be insured without plant, but in this case an additional rate of 25 per cent. of the premium is charged. Chicks under six weeks old can only be insured as part of the plant. The insurance covers fresh additions to the stock made from time to time in substitution of those disposed of.
No bird will be considered as worth more than 41, unless specified.
The Utility Poultry Club, in order to place this enterprise upon a sound commercial basis, have made arrangements with a firm of underwriters of Lloyds’ for the payment of com- pensation in case of losses from the causes enumerated above.
The Board have received through the Foreign Office a trans- lation of a notice issued by the Commercial Intelligence Branch of the Norwegian Department of Trade, Shipping, and Industry, in which it is stated that Mr. Alb. L. Barstad, of Stavanger, has the intention in the near future of placing on the market a new patented packing for eggs, called the “ Ideal.”
Invention for Packing of Eggs.
This packing consists of thin cardboard in which oval depres- sions, each taking one egg, have been impressed.
By turning every other sheet half round a completely self- supporting tier of cells is formed. Each tier can contain 750
eggs (25 trays of 30 eggs).
40 CIDER-MAKING INVESTIGATIONS. [ APRIL,
The weight of the upper trays of eggs is borne by the card- board sheets and distributed by them alone. Thus absolutely | no weight rests on the eggs, not even on those of the lower trays. The eggs are surrounded by elastic walls and have only a few millimetres play,a plan which ensures a maximum of safety during transport. The eggs cannot fall out of thei; hollows, and the protection is the same even if the whole case is turned round or placed on its side.
This system of packing allows of the quickest arrangement as the place for each egg is ready and the elasticity protects the eggs from blows. Mistakes in counting are impossible, since each tray holds the same number of eggs. They can be rapidly unpacked, as eggs and trays can be removed as they are.
Breakage is avoided ; all handling and touching of the-eggs is unnecessary. The less the eggs are touched the longer they keep fresh.
Warehousing takes up a minimum of space, as the trays can be built up to a great height without danger to the eggs. The trays are cheap and made to stow away inside each other, and are thus easy to return when empty.
The Board of Agriculture have lately published a Report* prepared by Mr -E. .J; Wloyd. {8 Cis) FC. one themsesailts
obtained in the investigations on the Cider-making’
; : manufacture of cider, which have been Investigations.
carried out since 1893 under the direction of the Bath and West and Southern Counties’ Society. The work was conducted at the Home Farm of Mr. Neville-Grenville, who kindly furnished the necessary accommodation, and to whom those interested in the development of the cider industry are much indebted. : The experiments have aroused much interest in the west and south-west of England, and the volume in question was issued in
* (Cd, 1868.] Price 8d.
1904. | CIDER-MAKING INVESTIGATIONS. Ay
order to place the results before a larger public. The ten years of pioneer work covered by the Report have strikingly revealed the possibilities of further improvements in English cider and other orchard products, and have led to the formation of the National Fruit and Cider Institute, which has now started work with a large measure of local support, and with the hearty co-operation of many public bodies.
In an introduction to the Report it is mentioned that there are two varieties of cider, viz., sweet cider, in which fermentation has proceeded only to a slight extent, and much of the natura! sugar of the juice is left in the liquid; and dry cider, in which fermentation kas proceeded so far that but little of the original sugar remains.
Mr. Lloyd’s experiments indicate that the successful manu- facture of good cider depends upon three factors: (1) the composition of the apples and the juice obtained from them ; (2) the methods of manipulation and apparatus employed in making the cider ; and (3) the fermentation which takes place in the juice.
The Report deals very fully with the various subjects connected with cider making, and the author is of opinion that by careful attention to the information which is given, the kind of cider which the public desire can be made. Mr. Lloyd makes the following observations on this subject :—
“The great want of cider drinkers, especially of those who ate takine it) under medical: advice, is .a-‘dry cider. Some would appear to desire an ‘extra dry’ cider. This can be obtained by paying a higher price for it than they seem willing to do at present. If consumers would recognise this and be willing to pay a fair price for the skill required in its production, there are many cider manufacturers who could, and would, make it.
“Some cider merchants say that the majority of cider drinkers want sweet cider. This being comparatively easy to produce, is therefore likely to remain the chief product of cider makers. But other merchants state that the growing demand is for a dry cider”—and this is also Mr. Lloyd’s opinion—‘“ hence, it seems certain that the introduction of good dry cider would well repay any maker who would put it upon the market. By careful
48 PLANTING OF FRUIT TREES. [ APRIL,
attention to the information contained in this Report, such dry cider can be made, though necessarily with more trouble than is requisite for the production of a sweeter liquid.
“In the future three brands of cider ought to be made, viz., “A, extra dry, that is containing not more than 2 per cent. of sugar; ‘B,’ dry, containing under 4 pert ‘cent..sugar; andi7G;, sweet, containing over 4 per cent. sugar. But it is worth bearing in mind, that 5 per cent. of sugar represents one ounce of solid sugar in every pint of cider, and those who like ‘ sweet’ cider should realise this fact. It may account for much of the evil effects sometimes attributed to cider drinking. There is this advantage about dry cider. It contains more alcohol and less sugar than ordinary cider, and is, therefore, far less liable to ‘go wrong. The alcohol acts as a natural preservative, and the smal! proportion of sugar renders other changes improbable. The great difficulty is to prevent ‘acetification, and this can only be done by keeping the cider so that the air cannot gain access to it.
“Landlords and tenants in cider-making counties should combine to develop the capabilities of this industry, and strive to retain for English agriculturists at least one source of income which the foreigner has not yet taken from them.”
The Weuts. Land. Presse of March 30 calls attention to the very favourable results that have attended the planting of _ fruit trees on a system that is somewhat
P AOUIRE, ote PUL novel, On good soil, where the con- Heavy Land. ditions of growth are satisfactory, it is not considered necessary to adopt the system,
but on poor, heavy soil it is said to furnish results very superior to those yielded under ordinary practice... A hole 3 feet deep and of the same width is first prepared, and, as the soil is filled in, it is interstratified by several layers of hedge brush- ings, or small brushwood. When within about 9 inches of the top the tree is planted in the usual way. The benefits of the
I 904. | FORESTRY LEGISLATION IN SWEDEN. 49
s7stem are said to be due to the aeration that it secures to tie soil. It would be interesting to have the method put to tie test in this country.
The Apple Leaf Miner (Lyonetia clerckella) was very abundant in 1903. It seldom occurs on large trees, but usually on trees from eight to fifteen years old, and on low- growing trees. The damage caused is due to the larve, which make long sinuous tunnels in the leaves ; this, when they are abundant, causes the leaves to shrivel up. Hand-picking the leaves is all that can be done, as the larve only feed inside the leaves. They spin small silken cocoons on the under surface of the leaves, which can easily be seen on small trees, and these should be collected and burnt. No wash is likely to affect them, and nothing can be done to prevent egg-laying.
Apple Leaf Miner.
_ The Foreign Office recently issued a series of Reports upon the forestry laws in force in Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Russia, Sweden and Norway, and the
Forestry _ United States.* Since then the Foreign Legislation in Sweden. Office have received, and forwarded to the
Board of Agriculture and _ Fisheries, a despatch from H.M. Minister at Stockholm, containing further particulars regarding forestry legislation enacted in 1903 in Sweden,
With the view of maintaining forests in the vicinity of shifting sands, trees on the verge of the limit of vegetation may not be cut down, as otherwise land where growth is possible when protected might be rendered barren by the encroachments of such sand, &c. In such districts, accordingly, timber may only be felled with the sanction of the local inspectors.
Forestry Boards are established in each district, their functions
ie Gdesrso5- |) Brice 7k
50 RATS IN FRANCE. [APRIL,
being to improve forests by the diffusion of information and knowledge, by rendering assistance, and by supplying seeds, &c.; also to exercise supervision and ensure the due observance of the laws. The funds for the maintenance of these Boards are provided from Customs duties collected upon the exportation of timber.
The rates of export duty will be as follows :—Round, hewn, sawn or planed timber, and staves, 13d. per cubic metre (or $d. if split or corded, for fuel). :
Wood pulp, dry, chemically prepared, 63d. per ton ; mechani- cally prepared, 4d. per ton. Wet wood pulp, half meee rates.
These duties will come into force on Ist January, 1905.
The Departments of Charente, Charente-Inferieure, Vendée, Deux Sévres, Vienne, Cher, Marne and Calvados, have suffered severely from a plague of rats, voles and
Rats in France. field mice, while the loss to the whole
country from this cause has been estimated at 200 million francs (48,000,000) per annum.. Local efforts having proved insufficient, the French Government instituted a series of experiments, with the aid of the Pasteur Institute, and have now succeeded in making a poison, known by the name of the discoverer, Dr. Danysz, which, it is claimed, is fatal to rats and voles, but not injurious to mankind or domestic animals. The cost of application is estimated at 4 francs 50 centimes per hectare (about Is. 6d. per acre) exclu- sive of labour, which is expected to cost about 5 to 7 francs per hectare (Is. 8d. to 2s. 3d. per acre) more, according to the local rate of pay. With the object of encouraging the use ot this method of destroying the pest, the French Government have voted the sum of 350,000 francs (414,000), which is calculated to be a third of the amount necessary for treating the infested districts.
1904. | RUBBER SEED-CAKE, 51
The Board are informed by the Foreign Office that the Bavarian Ministry of the Interior have recently issued an account of the administrative measures
Agriculture in taken between 1897 and 1903 in that
Bavaria.
| country... tov, further: the. «interests. ‘of agriculture. Among other information it is stated that in 1898 inquiries were instituted concerning the profits on farms, with the result that the average interest yielded in Bavaria proper amounted to I'9 per cent., while in the Bavarian Palatinate it was only 1°5 per cent.
The Government makes large grants in aid of agriculture, the total now approximating to £300,000 per annum, in addition to which special grants have from time to time been made, besides loans partly bearing no interest and partly at 3 percent. It is estimated that the total outlay including loans in aid of agricultural interests during the years 1896 to 1903 amounted to 42,377,000,
Of late years considerable areas have been planted with the Para rubber (/levea brasiliensis) in the tropics, and especially | in the Federated Malay States. No use Peer Seed has, however, been found for the seeds, and a a consignment of these is being investi- gated by the Imperial Institute with a view to the possible commercial utilisation of what has hitherto been a waste- product, These seeds contain a large quantity of oil, and it appears possible that it could be used as a substitute for linseed oil, The Imperial Institute also received a sample of about seven pounds of finely ground meal prepared from the seeds. This was subjected to examination to ascertain if it could be used as a food for cattle. It is said that animals readily eat the kernels in the Straits Settlements. The meal, as sent from the Straits, was found to be unsuitable for this pur- pose, owing to the presence of large quantities of free fatty acids ; but it is thought that if the oil were expressed from the E: ‘2
52 NEW GALLERY AT KEW GARDENS. [ APRIL,
decorticated seeds, the residual cake could be utilised as a feed- ing material. The sample sent contained the whole of the oil in a decomposed state. It was calculated that the proteids would after extraction of the oil be about 10 per cent. lower than in linseed and cottonseed cakes (new process), but only about 2 per cent. less than in linseed cake (old process) ; there would be less fat, but more carbohydrates, and also less fibre. The nutrient value was thus estimated as nearly identical with that of cottonseed cake (new process). The investigations will be continued.*
By an Act of 19th January last the French Practical Schools of Agriculture, which occupy an intermediate position between the. Farm Schools (and) the National Practical Schools Acricultural Schools, are to be brought of Agriculture in France. more under the direct control of the State. Such schools may in future only be estab- lished on land belonging to or leased to the State ; the hygienic conditions of the locality must be satisfactory ; the soil must cor- respond to the average conditions of the neighbourhood ; and the plans must be approved by the Ministry of Agriculture. The farm must be managed so as to serve as an example for the neighbourhood, and experimental plots should also be maintained.
Some considerable rearrangements have recently been made in the Museums at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. A new
New Gallery at gallery, 130ft. long by 16ft. wide, at the
Kew Gardens. back of Museum No. III., was opened on
_ February 1st. To this the entire collection of gymnosperms (conifers, cycads, and Gwetaccae) has been transferred. The space thus set free in Museum No. I. has been utilised in making a more effective display of its
Bul etin of the Imperial Instiiute, No. 4, p. 156, Vol. U., No. 1, p. 22.
1904. | WENLOCK FARMERS’ CLUB. RECORDS. 53
contents, which had become very crowded. The well-lighted wall space in the new gallery has enabled the collection of maps and plans of the establishment at various periods to be brought together. Several of these were contributed by H.M. the late Queen and by H.M.’s Office of Works, and are of considerable historic interest. A set of the fine photographs of Kew in its various aspects, which were sent by the Government to the Paris Exhibition of 1900, is also shown, as well as an extensive series of photographs of coniferous trees in their native countries.
The Board of Trade Journal for 3rd March last gives a list of officers, commercial attachés, and commercial agents in the . Colonies and in foreign countries desig- Werte cou nated to undertake the duties of receiving and answering commercial enquiries which may be addressed to them either by the Board of Trade or by merchants and British traders who may seek advice. It is sug- cested, however, that British manufacturers and traders should apply to the Commercial Intelligence Branch of the Board of Trade, 50, Parliament Street, London, S.W., for any special information relating to trade in the Colonies or in foreign countries which they may desire; and if the Branch is not already in possession of the required information steps will at once be taken to forward the questions to the proper quarter.
The Wenlock Farmers’ Club, which was founded in 1842, and is therefore among the oldest of the Farmers’ Clubs in the wen country, has published a summary of its
enlock Farmers’ ae
Club) Records. records in the form of a pamphlet. The
discussions which were held monthly in the earlier years of the association generally dealt with questions
54- WENLOCK FARMERS’ CLUB RECORDS, [APRIL, 1904.|
of practical agriculture, and concluded with a resolution in the following way :—
“1842, July.—The best mode of harvesting wheat, brought forward by Mr. Richard Davis. Resolved, that mowing expe- dites and economises the expense of harvest, but that reaping and hackling best preserves the quality of the grain.”
“1845, December.—Subject: The best mode of preserving potatoes. The frightful disease among the potatoes caused this meeting to be looked forward to with more than ordinary interest. Resolved, that every exertion should be made to keep the potatoes dry, and asmuch as possible separate from each other. It was also recommended that a portion of the potatoes should be planted in autumn.”
Discussions on the relations between Landlord and Tenant took place in 1845, 1846, 1848, 1849, 1873, 1879, 1884, 1895, on Agricultural Statistics, in 1855 and 1856, on Agricultural Weights and Measures, in 1849, 1857, 1882, 1883.
In 1897, there were various references to the introduction of cattle disease from abroad, the incidence of local taxation, the malt tax, and the prosperity or depression of agriculture owing to climatic disturbances.
Prizes have been offered by the Society on many occasions.
55
PRichs ,Or AGRICULTURAL: PRODUCE.
AVERAGE PRICES of LIVE STOCK in ENGLAND and SCOTLAND in the Month of March, 1904.
(Compiled from Reports received from the Board’s Market
Description.
Fat STock :—
Reporters. )
ENGLAND.
First Quality.
per stone.”
Second Quality.
per stone.*
SCOTLAND.
Second Quality.
First Quality.
per cwt.t | per cwt.t
5 WKGh s. d. 34 10 32 6
nN °
Cattle :-— Polled Scots... Heretords Shorthorns ... Devons
SJ a &
33 10 per lb.* Savud: OMS
a Oe RCTS SES]
OaT OAR *
Veal Calves
Sheep :— Downs Longwools . Cheviots : Blackfaced ... Cross-breds ...
Oo 0 © ome)
DOP RIE pele IF Hele
*| per stone.*| Some
5 6 6
Lar o Ann oo n > m~I 22 G0 00% 60 00
Pigs :— Bacon Pigs ... Porkers
oO 3k. ro OQ mmn»r™*Qqoo
LEAN STOCK :— per head. | per head, | per head. | per head Milking Cows -— Lows. S. S. Ler Ss In Milk 4 ef, Bs 20 O 17 5 Ig 2 15 15 Calvers . 207-0 16 14 2011 16 I Calves for Rearing ... Bo I 19 1ieyee 2 4 I 12 Store Cattle :— Shorthorns—Yearlings 8. -4 6 17 IO 14 8 5 a6 Two-year-olds 12 8 IO 14 14> oI II II 55 Three-year-olds I5 oO 12 15 — Store Sheep :— Downs or Longwools—| s. d. sid s- d. s. d Shearlings ... | 42 Oo 37" 20 33.6 32 O Scotch Half-breds_,, Set Mt 34s 70 270.0 33 0 28 O Store Pigs :— Under 3 months 18 6 14 6 26 Oo 16 0 Over 3 months 2540 28 O 317 0 21 oO
* Estimated carcase weight. + Live weight.
56
PRICES OF MEAT.
[ APRIL,
AVERAGE PRICES of DEAD MEAT at certain MARKETS in ENGLAND and SCOTLAND in the Month of March,
1904.
(Compiled from Reports received from the Board's Market
Description.
BEEF :— English eee
Cow and Bull U.S.A:
dian :—
Birkenhead killed
‘Argentine
and Cana-
Frozen
Quality.
London.
Reporters.)
Birming—
Man- chester.
Liver- pool,
Glas- gow.
Edin- burgh.
———— | qe — ) q—qKaKy | —— ——— a eee
Hind Quarters... American Hind Quarters...
Chilled
VEAL :— British
MUTTON :— Scotch wks
English ose
Argéntine Frozen
LAMB :— British
New Zealand
Australian ...
PORK :-— British
Ist {107
2nd Ist 2nd Ist 2nd
85 54 49 44 39
* Scotch,
. | per cwt.
Se 49 44 42 37
46 39
32
S. 46 42 39 BZ
44 42 30 46
per cwt.
0 COs CO
oO’ (on a
1904. |
AVERAGE PRICES of British Corn per Quarter of 8 Imperial Bushels, computed from the Returns received under the Corn Returns Act, 1882, in each of the under-mentioned Weeks in 1904, and in the corresponding Weeks in 1903
and 1902. Wheat. Weeks a ended (2 1904). _ || 1902. | 1903.
iS} a. 25-0 QNe VE
“4 Q
~) | ON N N m BNI OO CONT N tS Ll
Ls) Oo i) Or _
N iS) io al a]
.
~~) bd —
iS) e) h—
S Oo fe) — =
N Co al
tN —
— i) =} o aw Go O\O NWINN C01 OO OOM DH ADHOOONUW NAH Os t
.
4 — 2) N =
Loom]
N
Wn
= i) oat ~
ad w N N Ny al NS wn al
2
we Ll
\O NO ol
i) om UONM CHO OL OO COW OM QW OO +W
oe.
O-«
SS
Wm
N COOHOROHONHNO OH
\ to
[ny
w — N re) a — —
Q
— rm UTO SINT ENN?
NNNNNDN &
OV ON ON ON ON ODN
—
N NNN
ND OON NW WWW BBB SOS
N
NNHNNNNNNNNNDND S& NN y
NN me N
i)
~) Si!
— FO 0 COOMWU CW HRW OMMHNUUNBR QO
WWwWN est
NNNNDN
s+ NNNN OONOH
N N MNO FO DNODMOOO DOH ABRWNHHOWAK AD
ol —
LAMAN OW)
bt
SE NOB ROH WONAR HN
—
NNNONNKNDNE +E — boyd
NY GoW
Barley.
1903.
| | | -—— S| Oo | —rour | -—-— ——— OO ——
d, II
i
=
| — EPNONWMONNWOHODO ORO Ow NRO} HHH
—
—
MONO HW AWNNO OO ONBUDWBRW HO OWN
PRICES OF CORN,
1904.
S. ZZ 22
x — es Lon fo)
al 61 0 COM DARN NBRO BRO QH Lo OO Rh = & me
NNN E ol
|
COMODO OHO ANDO AHO QU QAauUsww NW OO
—
— Ne O
— O NP OWN DO OOUNW AOWNARUU A DV OCOWNOO
BE NNNNNNNNWNNNNDND
NNNNNNNNNNNWN
= —
Leal Of NOOO
| OMIOO FH OUWWMW COON OA
ocO000NW NWO OONM
58 PRICES OF CORN. [APRIL,
AVERAGE PRICES of British Wheat, Barley, and Oats per Imperial Quarter as returned under the Corn Returns Act, 1882, for ENGLAND AND WALES and at certain towns, in the Month of March, 1903 and 1904.
WHEAT. BARLEY. OATS.
| 1903. 1904. 1903. 1904. 1903. 1904. ENGLAND & WALES... |
d.
9
London “<.. ve | C | 9 Norwich fe) 6
(incoln: 72.5
Peterborough
Doncaster ...
Salisbury ...
* Section 8 of the Corn Returns Act, 1882, provides that where returns of pur- chases of British Corn are made to the local inspector of Corn Returns in any other measure than the imperial bushel or by weight or by a weighed measure that officer shall convert such returns into the imperial bushel, and in the case of weight or weighed measure the conversion is to be made at the rate of 60 imperial pounds for every bushel of wheat, 50 imperial pounds for every bushel of barley, and 39 imperial pounds for every bushel of oats.
AVERAGE PRICES of Wheat, Barley, and Oats per Imperial Quarter in FRANCE and BELGIUM, and at PARIS, BERLIN and BRESLAU.
WHEAT. | BARLEY.
1903. | 1904. 1903. 1904.
France: January February ... January February ...
Belgium : January February ...
Berlin: January
February ...
Breslau: January
February ...
1904. | PRICES OF DAIRY PRODUCE. 59
——
AVERAGE PRICES of PROVISIONS, POTATOES, and HAY at certain MARKETS in ENGLAND and SCOTLAND in the Month of March,
1904.
(Compiled from Reports received from the Board's Market Reporters.)
London. Bristol. Liverpool. Glasgow. Description. First | Second| First | Second | First | Second | First | Second Quality. | Quality. | Quality. | Quality. | Quality. | Quality. | Quality. | Quality. Qe Glo Saeed S31 Gs Sud. Ssaud. Ss) di S<vde Saude BUTTER :— per 12 lb. |per 12 1b.|per 12 lb.|}per 12 1b.} per cwt.| per cwt. | per cwt. | per cwt. British... She 14 O 12) 49 13-6 12) 34, — — — — per cwt. | per cwt. | percwt. | per cwt. Tnisivg aie — — Oy 64 O1 6 —_ — — — Danish Paleo. o}| 1097.6 | 1136 |,108 6 |} 114 43 |. tO) 9112.6 -_— French Crocks, ete... PAGELO ©} | 105 oO — — = = — — AUStiUNan eee Ose 0} 93> 6 | 96 ,6;| 93 6). 98.0 | .94- 6+ '99 9] 96 3 INewsZealandevanl ©5060) 95;.0-|, 102 9] 99° 6 | TOT’ '3.|- 98) 3) | 102% 9°|.-97;. 0 CHEESE :— Britishe@heddars|j725 6%) 67 61° 72-0), 65° 9 | +76 0 | Jo. 0}, 64.6 53 «6
m2©) Ubi E20 "lb:
», Cheshire _ — _ — FO. 10) lea. 9 oe — per cwt. | per cwt.
Canadian ees eOne son 2 53 ON hO5r Woe 51.6) | 48) -6 | §4)0;| 51 20 BACON :—
Wiltshire oy eleai2ee Only 0S) -614)2+67-561| 64-0 — — = —
Irish... er OMe Oml5OC6O 4 258270: |. 54) On 50.6 1 54) O14 55 52 6
Canadian ees OM eUAAa ess SAS: 241 46-10! 1 AG 2g) 42. 0 | '45.°-3..] 42 09 HAMS :— ©
Cumberland..." |.2*a6, 4.0) ||. 90: 50>| ° 947.6 | 89 “o _— — —_ ==
Drishss 2 soe OSeOn(62).O.4) Ole 5.3 1:80 10 — — $6270%. |: 76%: ©
American, "sc 51101149 3 — — 49 9 — 48 9:3} “46 3 Eccs :— per 120, | per 12c. | per 120. | per 120. | per 120. | per 120. | per 120. | per 120.
British... <cs) Ie LOU LO ONO.) ET © O-|. 10 ~.0 = — a om
Trish’... a 9 0 Sut 93 8 4 8i/.0 7.6 3 t 756
Danish ccd Ol ao 8 4 (10 © 9 0 — = 8 5 1, POTATOES :— per ton | per ton | per ton | per ton | per ton | per ton | per ten | per ton
MaingCrop =~...) 105270706) #3.) 1076 | 103. -0:| 105 “| 95: © | 105, “0’|, 90° ©
Wipe Wate |. htOSs. On lO5 - 777), 105) O7- 100), 0}, “O18... 85.0 |. G0" 0 |- So O HAy :—
Clover... ea | OOn len onige AOla| 1 GO)-O |< 715° 0) ISO) -— SF Or oan O
Meadow San | Oe eee Tl U5 e iO fe On Si 10) an 152 _— =
60 DISEASES OF ANIMALS. [APRIL, 1904.]
DISEASES OF ANIMALS ACTS, 1894 to 1903.
——
NUMBER of OUTBREAKS, and of ANIMALS Attacked or Slaughtered.
GREAT BRITAIN. (From the Returns of the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries.)
3 MonrTus ENDED
| ae MaRcH. DISEASE. | “ane | | 1904 1903. 1904. 1903. Swine-Fever :— Outbreaks... 83 105 | 320 353 Swine Slaughtered as . diseased | or exposed to infection .. 412 562 1,870 1,634 Anthrax :— Outbreaks... be ven 83 56 271 204 Animals attacked... sa | 113 85 369 323 pe Eee ne ee ee aA ae Lo ea ee Glanders (including ieee — | Outbreaks Ef son |f 130 105 368 303 * Animals attacked | 282 160 719 538 Sheep-Scab :— | Outbreaks 129 146 831 953 Animals attacked | a 1934 * 10,064
* Returns not yet fully available.
IRELAND.
(From the Returns of the Department of Agriculture and Lechnical Instruction for Ireland.)
MARCH. MARGE
DISEASE.
| | 3 MontHs ENDED | |
1904. 1903. 1904. 1903.
=.=
Swine-Fever :— Outbreaks oy, | 9 6 20 13 Swine Slaughtered as , diseased |
or exposed to infection 202 156 671 407 Anthrax :— : Outbreaks) 3 Abe Aap I = . 2 a Animals attacked... te I _— 2 _ Glanders (including Farcy) :— i | Outbreaks. a... Be sh La —- 2 I Animals attacked... Fil | 9 — 18 2 SS S| NS ee aes ee: | | eee meet eeaeeeaaes | aioe Sheep-Scab :— Outbreaks.) ses eel + 76 t 331
7 Returns not yet received.
61
LIST OF LEAFLETS ISSUED BY THE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES.
(a.) Leaflets dealing with Insects and Fungt injurious to Crops.
No.| Title. | No. Title. T | Black Currant Mite. | 47 | Asparagus Beetle. 2 | Vine, Plum, Hop and Raspberry | 48 | Pea and Bean Thrips, or Black Fly, Weevils. | 49 | Fruit Tree Beetle. Bile bilea a Beetles. | 52 | Gooseberry Mildew. 4 | Winter Moths. | 53 | Pear Midge. 5 | Mangold Fly. | 56 | Canker Fungus. 10 | Wireworms. | 60 | Goat Moth & Wood Leopard Moth. 11 | Daddy Longlegs or Crane Fly. | 62 | Pear and Cherry Saw Fly. 12 | Gooseberry Saw Fly. | 64 | White Root Rot. 14 | Raspberry Moth. 65 | Small Ermine Moths. a5 | Apple Blossom Weevil. | 68 | Currant Aphides. 16 | Apple Sucker. 69 | Tent Caterpillars, 19 | Pea and Bean Weevils. 70 | Winter Washing of Fruit Trees. 20 | The Magpie Moth. 75 | Root-knot Disease in Cucumbers 22 | Diamond-back Moth. and Tomatoes. 23 | Potato Disease. 76 | Cucumber and Melon Leaf Blotch. 24 | Ribbon Footed Corn Fly. 77 | Finger-and-Toe in Turnips. 25 | Chafer-beetles or White-Grubs. 86 | Brown Rot of Fruit. 30 | Codling Moth. | 87 | Fungus Disease of Young Fruit Trees. 31 | Onion Fly, 88 | Hop Aphis. 33 | Surface Caterpillars. 90 | Pith Moth. 34 | Woolly Aphis or Apple Root Louse. | 91 | Pine Beetle. 35 | Celery Fly. g2 | Bunt and Smut. 38 | Carrot Fly. 94 | Millipedes and Centipedes. 41 | Red Spiders. : 103 | Pine Saw Fly.
46 | Stem Eelworm. (6.) Leaflets dealing with Wild Biras.
40 | Kestrel or Wind-hover. 50 , Water Wagtails or “ Dishwashers.”’ 42 | Short-Eared Owl. 51 | White or Barn Owl. 43 | Titmice. 54. Spotted Flycatcher. 44 | Lapwing, Green Plover, or Peewit. | 55 | Swallow. 45 | Starling. 84 | House Sparrow. (c.) Leaflets dealing with Animals, including Poultry. 13 ; Acorn Poisoning. 82 ; Preparation of Wool for Market, 21 | Warble Flies. 83 | Preservation of Eggs. 28 | Anthrax. 89 | Fluke, or Liver Rot in Sheep. 29 | Swine Fever. 95 | Ringworm in Calves. 57 | External Parasites of Poultry. 96 | Parturient Apoplexy. 58 | Internal Parasites of Poultry. 100 | Pig Breeding and Feeding. ‘61 | Sheep Scab. tor | Prevention of White Scour in Calves. ‘67 | Favus in Poultry. 102 | Quarter Ill, Quarter Evil, or Black 78 | Liver Disease of Poultry. Leg. ‘$1 | A Substitute for Dishorning. (@.) Leaflets relating to Acts of Parliament. 8 | Farmers and Assessments to Local] 26 | Farmers and the Income Tax. Rates. 27 | Remission of Tithe Rentcharge. 18 | Fertilisers and Feeding Stuffs 39 | Assessment to Land Tax. Regulations, 1897. 66 | Workmen’s Compensation Act, 1900. (e.) Leaflets dealing with Miscellaneous Subjects. 6 | Voles and their Enemies. 80 | Use of Artificial Manures. 9 | Ensilage. 85 | Haymaking. 32 | Foul Brood or Bee Pest. 93 | Farmyard Manure. 36 | Cultivation of Osiers. 97 | Farmers’ Co-operative Societies. 63 | Destruction of Charlock. 98 | Grading and Packing Fruit and 72 | Purchase of Artificial Manures. Vegetables. 73 | Cultivation of Maize for Fodder. 99 | Relationship of Woods to Domestic 74 | Purchase of Feeding Stuffs. Water Supplies.
79 | Rations for Farm Stock.
Lhe issote of Leaflets 7, 17, 37, 59 and 71 ts suspended.
_ Copies of these Leaflets may be obtained free of charge and post free on applica- tion to the Secretary, Board of Agriculture and Fisheries, 4, Whitehall Place, London, S.\W. Letters of application so addressed necd not be stamped.
62 ORDNANCE SURVEY MAPS OF GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND.
The chief Maps published by the Ordnance Survey are on the following scales :—
Price per Sheet,
Uncoloured. r about Io feet to one mile... as : } For towns only 2s. 6d. iss or five feet to one mile
BSe Ode uts0 OF 25°344 inches to a mile complete for i With Areas. Britain. (Jz progress in Trelan 2s. 6d.
( p 8 a Without Areas. 2Se Gd.
rvées Or six inches to a mile complete for Great Per Full Sheet. Britain and Ireland ... ae Ise Od.
: Per Quarter Sheet.
sséev OFr one inch to the mile :— Ise Od. Per Sheet for England. Wales and Ireland.
Is. 9d. Per Sheet for Scotland. (Double Size. )
I. Outline with contours ... aaa
2. With Hills in black wee oon
3. With Hills in brown. (/# Pon
4. In colours, with Hills and contours.*
sa drits or 2 miles to one inch sale areas
progress) Is. Od. England and Wales.* (lz Drogress) 7 Is. 6d. Per Sheet for England aesizy Or 4 miles to one inch—General Map. and Wales. Ireland. (lu progress) 500 Ine Od. Per Sheet for Scotland and Ireland. County Maps for Great Britain® ... Is. Od. esss0o Or 10 miles to one inch—General Map ... Is. Od.
These Maps are periodically revised, except the Town Maps, which are only revised at the expense of the Town. The Series marked thus * are issued folded for the pocket.
There are agents for the sale of Ordnance Survey Maps in most of the chief towns, and maps can be ordered, and indexes, &c., seen at many Head Post Offices in places where there are no Agents. They can also be ordered through any book- seller, or from the Director-General, Ordnance Survey Office, Southampton, or—in the case of Ireland—from the Director- General, Ordnance Survey, Dublin.
GEOLOGICAL SURVEY PUBLICATIONS OF GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND.
The Agents for the sale of Ordnance Survey Maps are also Agents for the sale of Geological Publications.
63
abe BOARD: OF TRADE JOURNAL,’
_ The “ Board of Trade Journal,” now published weekly at the cost of one penny, is the principal medium through which intelligence collected by the Commercial Intelligence Branch of the Board of Trade and intended for general information is conveyed to the public. It contains notices of contracts for tender and other openings for trade abroad; particulars of changes affecting British trade in foreign and colonial customs tariffs ; special articles on the trade and industries of foreign countries and British possessions ; items of interest under such sectional headings as “ Proposed Tariff Change,” “ Shipping and Transport” (containing port charges and changes, new steam- ship-lines, trade and rates, &c.); “Minerals, Metals and Machinery,” &c., and other information likely to be useful to manufacturers and traders. Various statistical tables and reviews of recent Government publications are also included in the contents.
The “Board of Trade Journal” is issued every Thursday morning, and single copies may be obtained direct from the publishers, Messrs. Eyre & Spottiswoode, East Harding Street, Fleet Street, E.C., at a cost of 1d., or it may be subscribed for (post free) at the rate of 6s. 6d. per annum for the United Kingdom.
PEE “TABOUR, GAZETTE”
The“ Labour Gazette,’ the Journal of the Labour Depart- ment of the Board of Trade, contains an article each month on the state of employment among agricultural labourers in the various parts of the United Kingdom. Special articles also appear therein from time to time on the rates of wages paid to agricultural labourers, the Hiring Fairs in Great Britain, and on migratory Irish agricultural labourers. The “ Labour Gazette” is issued on the 15th of each month, and may be obtained direct from the publishers, Messrs. Horace Marshall and\Son, temple tiouse, Temple: Avenue, London; E.C., at the rate of 2s. per annum, post free. Copies may also be ordered through any newsagent, price 1d. each.
64
POST OFFICE SAVINGS “BANKS, WITH GOVERN- MENG SECURITY:
ADVANTAGES OFFERED FOR LIFE INSURANCE.
LIFE INSURANCES from 45 to £100 can be granted to persons between fourteen and sixty-five years of age. Children between eight and fourteen years of age can be insured for 45.
GOVERNMENT SECURITY.—Persons insured have direct Government security.
PROPOSAL FORMS can be obtained at any Post Office Savings Bank, where the charges can also be ascertained.
EVIDENCE OF AGE.—A statement of age is sufficient if the Controller of the Savings Bank Department can verify it from the records of the Registrar-General, London, and thus the cost of a certificate of birth is saved. A simple form for the purpose can be obtained at any Post Office Savings Bank.
MEDICAL CERTIFICATES can be dispensed with for Insurances ‘up to 425 inclusive.
PREMIUMS are payable by transfers from Savings Bank deposit accounts, and deposits can be made for the purpose at any Post Office Savings Bank. When the balance in the account is insufficient, the depositor will be informed accordingly in time to make a deposit. By means of the Penny Stamp Slips the provision can be made in sums of one penny at a time.
FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.—Members can pay their premiums through their Society, if the Society is willing to undertake the collection.
RESIDENCE ABROAD.—Permission is granted to persons over thirty years of age, who have been insured five years, to reside in any part of the world without the pay uent of any extra premium.
LAPSED INSURANCES.—MONEY NOT LostT.—lIf after paying two annual premiums the Insurance is discontinued, a surrender value is payable, or a “paid up” policy is issued for such an amount of Insurance as the premiums already paid may justify.
NOMINATIONS.—Any insured person over sixteen years of age can, without any expense, nominate a person to receive the amount of Insurance money at death.
PAYMENT AT DEATH.—The amount insured is paid imme- diately evidence of death is furnished. A form for obtaining a cheap certificate of death, at the reduced charge of one shilling, can be obtained from the Controller cf the Savings Bank Department.
ravi!
= RA Nt 9 AFD Nyt. BY et
OF THE
BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.
Vol: XI." No. 25
MAY, 1904. [NEW SERIES,]
RAILWAY RATES FOR AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE.
The Board of Agriculture and Fisheries consider it desirable to give publicity to the following correspondence which has passed between them and the Railway Companies in Great Britain, as to the carriage by rail of agricultural produce and requisites, together with a copy of the minute appointing a Departmental Committee to enquire into Railway Rates for foreign and Colonial agricultural produce.*
iE Board of Agriculture and Fisheries to Railway Compantes in Great Britain. Board of Agriculture, 4, Whitehall Place, London, S.W., 28th September, 1903.
SIR,—I am directed by the President of the Board of Agri- culture to inform you that since his appointment to office he has been giving his attention to the general subject of the existing facilities and charges for the conveyance of agricultural requisites and agricultural produce. The necessity of improve- ment in these respects has been pressed upon Lord Onslow in many directions, and the question is undoubtedly-regarded as being one of great importance to the prosperity of the rural districts at the present time.
In these circumstances Lord Onslow felt that it would probably be of advantage both to those in whose service he is engaged, and to the Railway Companies, if he could have an opportunity of personal conference with the General Managers of the leading lines, in order that he might learn, in the first
* This correspondence, with appendices showing the facilities at present offered by Railway Companies for the conveyance of agricultural produce at reduced rates, has now been published as a Parliamentary Paper. [Cd. 2045.] Price tod.
e
66 RAILWAY RATES. [MAY,
place, their views with regard to the principal complaints and suggestions which have been made by agriculturists, and, in the second place, to ascertain what can be done by consignors of agricultural produce, either individually or in combination, to obtain for themselves the best possible terms and _ facilities for the carriage of their goods.
Sir Frederick Harrison, the General Manager of the London and North-Western Railway, to whom Lord Onslow addressed himself in the first instance, was good enough to bring Lord Onslow’s desire under the notice of his colleagues, with the result that the General and Traffic Managers of the leading lines of railway very courteously responded to the invitation thus ad- dressed to them, and attended, either personally or by their repre- sentatives, at a Conference which met at this office on the 29th July last, a representative of the Board of Trade being also present.
The following Companies took part in the Conference, viz. :— _London and North-Western Railway, London and South- Western Railway, Great Western Railway, Great Northern Railway, Great Eastern Railway, Midland Railway, Great Central Railway, Caledonian Railway, Cambrian Railway.
The Conference was of a somewhat informal character, and it was not possible for the subjects which were presented for con- sideration to be discussed in any detail. But the exchange of views which then took place made it abundantly clear that the Companies represented were very ready to consider, in a fair and reasonable spirit, any representations which might be made to them by agriculturists, either directly or through the agency of the Board themselves.
At the termination of the Conference it was agreed that it would be desirable that the Board should bring under the notice of individual Railway Companies the various topics which had been discussed in general terms, and in pursuance of this under- standing Lord Onslow now desires me to submit the following observations, and to ask that they may receive the consideration of your Directors, and of the various officials concerned :—
1. Conveyance of Small Parcels of Farm and Dairy Produce.
It has been suggested to Lord Onslow that many of the smaller class of farmers would be assisted in the marketing of
1904. | RAILWAY RATES. 67
their produce if special rates, on a mileage scale, were charged. for small consignments of butter, cream, cheese, eggs, honey
flowers, seeds (garden and agricultural), fruit, vegetables, mush- rooms, fresh meat, game, rabbits, and poultry, sent by passenger train. Some of the Companies have already made concessions of importance in this direction, and Lord Onslow would be glad if your own Company would take the matter into their favour- able consideration, with a view to giving to farmers on their lines. the best possible facilities of the kind. In any case he would be obliged if you would supply him with a copy of the scale of charges at present made by your Company for the carriage of parcels of the character of those in question.
2. Aggregation of Mixed Consignments.
The information in the possession of the Board points to the great importance of the aggregation of produce in such a way as to secure for consignors the benefit of the lower rates charged. for the carriage of large consignments.
Lord Onslow’s attention has been called to the fact that certain Companies have been good enough to give special
attention to this matter, and to promise lower rates for lots of
one ton, two tons, and three tons and upwards as compared with smaller lots, and that where mixed consignments are forwarded. from one station to another station by one consignor or to one consignee (one of whom will pay the carriage), the charge will be upon the gross weight of the consignment, so that traders. obtain the benefit of lower rates if the minimum quantity is. made up by a combination of various articles, or a number of senders entrust the duty of consigning to one of their body or to an independent agent.
It is understood that the local representatives of many of the Companies have been instructed to confer with. intending senders, when desired, and to afford. such information and advice in regard to the matter as will enable them to take full advantage of the lower rates for large quantities.
Arrangements such as these should be of considerable service to agriculturists, and Lord Onslow would be glad to learn that your Company would be prepared to afford similar facilities, He would also be obliged by any suggestions which you may be:
Re 2
68 RAILWAY RATES. _[MAY,
able to make as to the practical steps which might be taken by those for whose advantage arrangements such as those referred to are devised.
3. Loss and Damage of Produce conveyed at Owner's Risk.
Kepresentations have from time to time been received by the Board as to the hardship which arises in cases in which consign- ments of agricultural produce are lost or damaged, in con- sequence of the negligence or misconduct of the servants of a Railway Company, but in which no compensation is recoverable by the consignor owing to the fact that the goods were carried at less than the normal rate and at his own risk. It is of course to be remembered that the consignor in such a case has con- tracted himself out of any right to look to the Company for redress, but at the same time it is easy to understand that a considerable sense of hardship is excited if this view of the ‘ matter is adhered to, whatever may be the fault of the servants of the Company.
The Board understand that the Companies have decided that they will consider claims in respect of the total loss in transit, and that they will not refuse to make reasonable compensation in such cases, contributory negligence on the part of the senders or consignees being of course taken into. consideration.
It is also understood that the Companies will consider favourably cases where partial loss or damage arises from cir- cumstances which indicate extreme negligence on the part of their servants.
There can be no doubt that concessions of this character, administered in a reasonable spirit, would remove a painful cause of controversy and friction. Lord Onslow desires to bring the matter under the notice of your Company, and to express the hope that it may receive careful consideration if it has not already done so. |
4. Provision of Spectal Waggons, or Waggons suitable for Particular Classes of Traffic. The Board have received several complaints with regard to
the failure of Companies to provide special waggons for stock, in cases in which a higher charge for carriage has been payable,
1904. | RAILWAY RATES. 69
by reason of such failure, than would otherwise have been the case. Lord Onslow recognises that the Companies are under no legal obligation to provide any particular kind of waggon in order to enable consignors to take advantage of any special or reduced rate, and it is obvious that they could hardly carry on their business if they did not generally maintain this prin- ciple. But friction would be avoided and consignors would feel that they were being equitably treated, if the Companies would make a general rule that where reasonable and sufficient notice has been given they will carry at the lower rate if they fail to provide the special waggon required.
The same course might be adopted where there is a special rate for a minimum load per truck (¢,g., special rates for 30 cwt. of hay tothe truck), and small trucks only are provided, with the result that two trucks are required to carry the minimum load, and are charged for at the higher rate.
Lord Onslow believes that some Companies already adopt this rule, at any rate in cases in which the consignor presses for a teduction, if (the practice could: be’ made a _ general one, it would certainly conduce to a more friendly feeling between
carriers and consignors.
5. Local Conferences.
It was suggested at the meeting which took place at this Office on the 29th July last, that it would be of advantage that iocal conferences should be held from time to time at which representatives of the Companies might attend in order to discuss with agriculturists any questions as to rates or facilities which presented themselves for settlement. At such conferences it might be of service that a representative of the Department should be present. The result might be, on the one hand, to enable the Companies to ascertain what were the requirements of their customer, and, on the other hand, to clear away miscon- ceptions which sometimes exist with regard to the charges and arrangements of the Companies themselves.
The suggestion met with very general approval on the part of those who were present at the meeting, it being pointed out that many Companies already endeavoured through their agents thus to get into touch with agriculturists in their respective districts.
jo RAILWAY RATES. [MAY,
=—
In these circumstances Lord Onslow desires me to enquire whether the proposal commends itself to your Company, and whether they would be prepared to afford facilities for the purpose. If so the Board would propose to arrange Con- ferences of the kind between such persons and at such places and times as might be found to be mutually ccnvenient. At these Conferences complaints and suggestions made by indi- vidual agriculturists could, amongst other things, be taken into consideration, |
6. Lssue of Information and Advice.
It is of considerable importance that the arrangements made by the various Companies for the carriage of agricultural pro- duce and requisites should be brought to the knowledge of farmers in a clear and simple form, and that assistance and advice should from time to time be given by the Companies ‘in order that consignments may reach their destination cheaply, expeditiously, and in good marketable condition. Useful work has recently been done in this direction by the issue of special pamphlets and notices cn the subject. Lord Onslow would be glad if this matter might also be considered, and to learn whether you think that the Board themselves could be of any assistance with regard to it; for example, by - the issue) of information in a convenient form to County Councils, Chambers of Agriculture, Farmers’ Clubs, Agricultural Societies, and other bodies likely to be able to give publicity to it in their respective districts. The Board would be very glad to co-operate with your Company in the issue of any information as to the packing and consignment of produce which would be likely to be of service to those concerned.
7. foreign and Colonial Produce.
An impression undoubtedly exists in agricultural circles that foreign and Colonial agricultural produce is conveyed from the ports to the great centres of consumption at rates which compare favourably with those charged for the carriage of British produce from inland stations. The evidence which has, from time to time, been adduced in support of this belief is not of a
1904. | RAILWAY RATES. ya
satisfactory character, and Lord Onslow is of course well aware that if undue preference could be proved a remedy is provided by Statute. At the same time Lord Onslow is of opinion that better relations between consignors and carriers would be established if the Companies would place him ina position to issue such information to agriculturists as would enable them to see clearly that, taking into consideration the circumstances of the traffic, as regards its quantity, its packing, its regularity, and all other matters affecting its cost to the Company, except so far as they may be matters special to the foreign origin of the goods, the home traffic is placed in a position of strict equality with the foreign traffic.
Lord Onslow would therefore be glad to receive information which might be placed before agriculturists as to the rates and conditions specified for the carriage of the principal items of foreign and Colonial agricultural produce from the ports of arrival to the great urban centres, with similar information as to sea freights where the Companies are also the owners of lines of steamships. Some indication of the principles which guide the Companies in the settlement of these rates and conditions might at the same time be given. By this means greater con- fidence in their propriety would, in Lord Onslow’s opinion, be established, and difficulty and friction avoided.
8. Rates and Charges from Rural Stations.
Complaint is not infrequently made that in certain cases the rates for particular descriptions of produce from stations serving agricultural districts to large towns are higher than the rates charged for longer distances to the same towns from other centres of population.
Lord Onslow is aware that such anomalies cannot be altogether avoided, especially in the face of competition with carriage by water, but he is of opinion that something might be done in the direction of the equalisation of the rates for the carriage of goods from the rura! districts with those enjoyed by traders in urban districts. In view of the great importance from every point of view of encouraging all who carry on their industries in rural districts, Lord Onslow trusts that the Com-
i i \\ : t 4 i a
72 RAILWAY RATES. [MAY,
panies will be willing to examine carefully this branch of the subject.
In submitting these observations for the consideration of your Company, Lord Onslow desires again to acknowledge the very friendly and reasonable spirit in which the General Managers have met him in the matter, and to express the hope that the results of the action which with their assistance he is now taking may be of practical benefit to all concerned. He would propose at a later date to publish, for the information of Parliament and of agriculturists, this letter and any reply to it with which you may favour him,
I am, Sir, your obedient servant, (Signed) V. H. Error, The General Manager, Secretary. Railway Company.
Ie
Reply on behalf of the Railway Compantes to the preceding Circular Letter. ;
Railway Clearing House, Seymour Street, Euston Square, London, 19th January, 1904.
SIR,—The circular letter dated 28th September, 1903, addressed by the Board of Agriculture to the Railway Companies in Great Britain, having reference to the carriage of Agricultural Produce and Requisites by railway, has received the careful consideration of the various Railway Companies, and at a meeting of the General Managers held here on the 15th instant I was desired, as a matter of convenience, to reply on behalf of the Companies generally, to the observations of the Board, as
follows :—
1. Conveyance of Small Parcels of Farm and Datry Produce.
There are already specially low rates in operation on all railways for farm and dairy produce in small quantities, as well as still lower exceptional rates for larger quantities, and the, Companies are of opinion that these rates, generally speaking |
19045), RAILWAY RATES. 3
sufficiently meet the case. The rates are published by many of the
Companies in their passenger time tables as well as by promi- nent posters at their stations, and by the issue of handbills and pamphlets, and for the larger quantities in the public rate-books at the stations..
2. Aggregation of Mixed Consignments.
The principle of charging aggregated consignments is already provided for by the Railway Companies, and they are quite ready to afford such information and advice to intending senders as will enable them to take full advantage of the lower rates for large quantities, and of the arrangements that already exist for the aggregation of mixed consignments.
No doubt this information could be disseminated at the local comienencesiereterred’ to in .paragraph .5 hereof, and’ the opportunity would be then afforded of discussing with the railway representatives any suggested modification of the rates to enable the produce to be sent to suitable markets. The Railway Companies feel that in very many cases it is not their charges, but other charges and circumstances that are the real impediment.
3. Loss and Damage of Produce conveyed at Owner's Risk.
Whilst the Railway Companies must maintain their legal position in respect to traffic conveyed at the owner’s risk, it is their practice, in a friendly way, to consider on their merits any cases of total loss, proved pilferage, or mis-delivery.
4. Provision of Special Waggons, or Waggons suitable for
particular Classes of Traffic.
It is understood that this refers to prize and other valuable animals, and the Companies have already had, and still have, this question under their consideration. The real difficulty is the very fluctuating character of the traffic.
The Companies are unaware of any difficulties in respect to loading of the kind referred to, as they are able without difficulty to load hay up to 30 cwt. per truck.
74 RAILWAY RATES. [MAY,
5. Local Conferences.
Whilst it has been the frequent practice of the Railway Companies to meet traders and others by deputation or other- wise on such matters, the Railway Companies cordially acquiesce in the suggestion that there should be local con- ferences held between the agriculturists, the Agricultural Department, and the Railway Companies, and they would be willing to arrange for the representatives to attend such conferences, believing it would be the means of removing a great deal of misconception. It would, however, be desirable that the Railway Companies should be furnished with particu- lars as to any complaints of rates and facilities,so that exact information may be obtained before any meeting takes place. It should be borne in mind that at the present time the Railway Companies, through their agents and representatives, are in touch not only daily at their stations with the senders of traffic, but more especially at the periodical corn markets and live stock sales.
6. Lssue of Information and Advice.
The Companies generally have for a long time past taken steps to disseminate amongst the agricultural community all information as to their rates and arrangements, but they would be glad if the Board of Agriculture could inculcate the desira- bility amongst farmers and others of co-operation, combination, and the better packing of their traffic, in any way most suitable.
The Companies would be willing to distribute pamphlets issued by the Board of Agriculture, to the station agents for circulation in the neighbourhood to those to whom the informa- tion would be of service.
7. Foretgn and Colonial Produce.
The railway rates from ports to inland stations are not _ applicable exclusively to foreign produce, the rates being on the contrary applied indiscriminately to home-grown, foreign, or Colonial produce, solong as the conditions attaching to them are complied with.
1904 |. RAILWAY RATES. Ws
‘The request for information as to rates and conditions is of so general a character that it is felt that any information which the Companies would be in a position to furnish would not be of any practical value.
8. Rates and Charges from Rural Stations.
The Companies are unable to admit that this complaint has any general application.
In conclusion, I am desired to say that in any instance where it is shown that apparent disparity in rates exists, the Com- panies are always prepared to consider such cases, having regard, of course, to the varying circumstances; and I am to assure you that the Companies are fully sensible of the im- portance of fostering and encouraging this great industry, and will gladly continue to do all they legitimately can in this direction.
I am, Sir, your obedient servant, (Szgned ) H. SMART, Sipulwele erott. IK .C:B:. Secretary. Secretary, Board of Agriculture, A, Whitehall Place, London, S.W.
Ill
Board of Agriculture and Fisheries to the Secretary of the ; Radway Clearing Flouse.
Board of Agriculture and Fisheries, 4, Whitehall Place, London, S.W., 16th April, 1904.
SIk,—I am directed by the President of the Board of Agri- culture and Fisheries to advert to your letter of the 19th January last as to the carriage of agricultural produce and requisites by railway, and to express his thanks for the attention which the various Railway Companies have been good enough to give to the circular letter addressed to them on the 28th September last. |
70 RAILWAY RATES. [MAY,
1. Conveyance of Small Parcels of Farm and Dairy Produce. 2. Aggregation of Mixed Consignments.
Lord Onslow is glad to take note of the assurances given by the Companies as to their general policy in these matters, but he desires me to observe that the information before him goes to show that the practice of the various lines is by no means uni- form, either as regards the rates charged in respect of the carriage of small parcels or in cases in which consignments are aggregated, ¢.¢., when two or more farmers make up a truck load of sheep between them, or a number of horses are con- signed at one and the same time. Lord Onslow trusts that these matters will receive further attention at the hands of in- dividual Companies, in order that, so far as is practicable, agriculturists may have no reason to complain that they are receiving less favourable treatment from one Company to that which would be accoraea to them elsewhere.
3. Lossand Damage of Produce conveyed.
Lord Onslow believes that the decision of the Companies that