The property of Harvey I. Bayly Esyre Erunnstowe Horse, Ollerton. London Pubished by Rogerson luxford 265. Strand. 1877. THE FARMER'S MAGAZINE. SEPTEMBER, 1877. PLATE. ROSSINGTON, THE PROPERTY OF T. HARVEY D. BAYLY, Esq., EDWINSTOWE HOUSE, OLLERTON. Rossington is a light bay gelding by Cain, out of a Canute mare, and a very nice looking fifteen stone hunter showing plenty of breed on good short limbs, which he brings well under him when galloping. He is one of the best looking of the many Edwinstowe nags which have been exhibited, a hobby which must cost his worthy owner a good round sum annually in purchasing horses of that form which, in his judgment, will win the approba tion of the triumvirate in a show-ring. Rossington has only appeared in the arena seven times, and has won the following hunter's prizes:-The second at Alexandrapark, and at the Royal Agricultural Show at Birmingham, in 1876; the first at Manchester; the third at Islington; the first light weight, and the first heavy weight at Alexandra-park; and the first at Peterborough, in 1877. OUR FOOD In accordance with an Order of the House of Commons in March last, the British Consular Representatives in Europe, North Africa, the United States, Brazil, and the River Plate have forwarded statistical information as to the number of cattle and sheep in their several consulates, and their views on the capabilities of these localities to supplement the food supplies of Great Britain. On the whole it cannot be said that we are in the possession of much information fron this Government return. All the facts were pretty well known before, though this is the first time public attention has been officially called to them. Yet there are some interesting features in the reports to which we shall call especial attention. Taking Europe first, and beginning nearest home, we find that France is, at present, scarcely able to supply herself with animal food, and that we certainly cannot look to her for any appreciable addition to our own meat supplies. Prior to the Franco-German war we received a considerable number of very excellent animals from France, coming chiefly to the port of Southampton; but the trade has almost entirely fallen off. At the present time the price of meat is higher in Paris and the other principal towns in France than in London and corresponding country districts in England. Although the several accounts show that the number of live stock is now as great as it was before the war, there does not appear to be an excess of supply over demand which would enable any considerable exportation to be carried on. In the Bordeaux SUPPLIES. district the statistics show that the number of live stock does not sensibly increase, although there is abundant room for greater production. The farm holdings are small, averaging under 24 acres of arable and meadow land throughout France, and, even with the uncultivated land, they would not average 30 acres ; whilst in the Bordeaux district they are smaller still, averaging under 18 acres, or about 25 acres, including waste lands. From this circumstance the Consul fairly argues that these small farmers are deficient both in the capital and the enterprise necessary for the creation of an export cattle trade, and that their energies are even now taxed to supply local wants. The annual consumption of animal food in France is estimated to be equal to about 38 per cent. of the home stock, and 24 per cent. of the sheep. In 1875 France imported 1,428,537 head of stock, and exported 190,519 head, and in the Bordeaux district the importation was six times as great as the exportation in respect of cattle, and twenty times as great in respect of sheep and lambs. From Cherbourg we receive eggs, butter, and pigs, but few cattle. From Havre we get a few cattle, but, as the Consul remarks, considering the high price of meat in that town it is strange that any cattle should be exported. From Calais there are only occasionally a few animals exported. Marseilles is an importing district, cattle being sent to that market from Sardinia and Algeria. The Consul reports that a ship is being fitted up with a refrigerating apparatus to trade between the VOL. LXXXIII,-No. 3. River Plate and Marseilles with dead meat. In Brittany there appears to be a considerable production of stock, which is in excess of the local consumption. Part of this might become available for the English market in the shape of dead meat, if English capital and English industry be directed to it, but not unless. The last official returns showed the total number of horned cattle of all ages in France to be 11,721,459, sheep 25,935,114, pigs 5,755,656, and goats 1,791,837. Taking France as a whole, then, she must be regarded as an importing rather than an exportsing country in the matter of animal food. Meat is dearer in France than in England, and although the climate is favourable to agricultural improvement, and, notwithstanding there are undevoloped resources, there is a want of the capital and enterprise which are requisite for an export cattle trade. slaughter, and 10,653 draught oxen, together 1,469,077 head of horned stock. In the same year the sheep numbered 936,429, and the pigs 352,369. The exports of live stock to Great Britain in 1875 were 42,520 bulls, cows, and oxen, 38,935 calves, 406,881 sheep, 1,698 lambs, and 39,844 pigs. Germany is the chief cattle-exporting country of Europe. The breeding and rearing of cattle is carried on principally in Baden, Wurtemburg, Bavaria, and Hesse. In 1873 the total number of horned cattle of all ages was 15,776,702; sheep and lambs, 24,999,406; pigs, 7,124,088; and goats, 2,320,000. On the whole, it appears that Germany is increasing her production of animal food, and the quality of her cattle especially is being improved by the use of English sires. The sheep-breeding industry is not so satisfactory throughout the country; but in certain districts great attention is paid to the breeding of animals The returns from Denmark show that the suitable to the English market. There is no cattle on the mainland (Jutland) are principally doubt that Germany possesses resources from reared for consumption as meat, whereas those which a large supply of meat could be sent to on the islands are chiefly dairy stock. The Great Britain; and whilst, as is the case with Consul gives prominence to the efforts made both Denmark, the whole export trade is in the shape publicly and privately, to conform to the con- of living cattle (with the exception of a small ditions of the English market, the harbour of quantity of fresh meat from Hamburg), there is no Esbjerg having been built at a great expense reason but that of the cost and inconvenience of with the sole view of developing the cattle trade altering existing arrangements why we should not between that port and England. He points out take all the beef and mutton Germany has to that the restrictions imposed from time to time spare. Mr. Ward, the British Consul at Breby the English Government have a prejudicial merhaven, alludes to the great dissatisfaction effect on the cattle trade of Denmark, and that, expressed by the cattle-owners in his district at as a result, dairying is becoming more prevalent the restrictions placed on the export trade by on the mainland, and so far displacing the cattle- the Privy Council, which are, they say, "prejurearing industry; he tells us, too, that the dicial to their interests." No doubt they are ; export of fresh meat has at no period shown they were not made in the interests of the itself to be a paying speculation, and no trade German cattle trade, but ostensibly in the in the article is now carried on; thus all the interests of the British public. To solicit the public and private arrangements and regulations British Privy Council to relax or remove these made have only had the live cattle trade in view." | restrictions because they do not conduce to the This is significant. The Consul appears to have prosperity of German cattle breeders and in his mind the welfare of Denmark, and between exporters is an utter absurdity. But Mr. Ward the lines one may read, "What will become of very justly points out that, notwithstanding the aus if you prohibit live stock importation to utmost caution, diseases do come to England, England?" That is not our business; England via Germany, and therefore the interests of must take care of herself, and Denmark will have British cattle-owners will still be exposed to risk to do the same. If the export of fresh meat has so long as the traffic in living animals continues; not been made profitable there, it has elsewhere. and not only the British cattle-owners but the Danish exports are chiefly to Germany British public as well will be sufferers. Mr. Schleswig-Holstein) and Great Britain. In 1875 Ward calls attention to the fact of Russian and ve took 50,200 horned stock, and 55,200 sheep, Hungarian cattle being mixed up with the ind there were also exported to Schleswig-German stock exported to Great Britain. He Holstein 45,400 horned cattle and 14,500 sheep. The trade with Great Britain has been steadily increasing, whilst that with Germany has remained nearly stationary. The number of horned stock in the country is said to have doubled itself every second year since 1869, and in 1875 the number of sheep was four times greater than in the preceding year. In 1871 the total number of horned stock, including calves, was 1,238,898, and of sheep and lambs 1,842,481. The export trade of the Netherlands is carried on chiefly from the ports of Rotterdam, Harlingen, and Nieuwediep, in British steamers. In 1874 there were 16,570 bulls, 926,788 milch cows, 449,965 calves, 65,101 oxen and cows for says:-"The very short time which, owing to improved railway communication, is, as a rule, now occupied in the transit journey of such animals through Germany from their native districts (frequently mere hot-beds for Cattle Plague and minor diseases) renders it impossible for even the most experienced veterinary authorities to discover at all times, with infallible certainty, traces of disease amongst such beasts." In like manner Consul Herstlet, speaking of the cattle-trade of the Konigsberg district of Prussia, says "In Russia the Rinderpest is always in existence in some part or other of these extensive dominions. Formerly, before the existence of railways, it was naturally impossible to get infected cattle to walk the enormous distance; but now cattle can be brought by unscrupulous persons near to the borders, and then smuggled into Germany." Thus it will be seen that Germany, in spite of her utmost precautions, constantly receives cattle diseases from Russia, and becomes a source of infection to other European countries. A glance at the map of Europe will show the narrow seaboard along which the German cattle must be concentrated before export to Great Britain, and when it is considered that cattle from all parts of Germany go not only to the Weser portsBremerhaven, Geestemunde, and Nordenhamm -but also to Hamburg, it is not difficult to see the danger to which we are exposed from the importation of German cattle. It has previously been shown that a very large proportion of the Danish beasts go to Schleswig-Holstein, and these no doubt come to us via Tonning, as Schleswig-Holstein is a cattle exporting country, and Tonning is the chief port from which the trade is carried on. Schleswig-Holstein is, therefore, reckoned as safe as Denmark; but there is nothing to show that German cattle from all sources do not find their way to Tonning as well as to Hamburg, and in that case the proposed exemption of Schleswig-Holstein from the general prohibition to be put on Germany would simply result in making Tonning the outlet for all Germany. It is very clear that slaughter at the ports of debarkation will not suffice to keep infection from our shores; and as we have had painful experience of the impossibility of keeping imported diseases within the defined parts of ports, such a half-measure will probably soon show its inefficacy. Consul Annesley states that the exports from Schleswig (Tonning and Husum) consist almost entirely of cattle reared in the province; but he does not tell us what becomes of the large importations from Denmark. On the other hand, he admits that those exported from Hamburg are derived from some of the most remote parts of Germany." Notwithstanding the restrictions, the exports of sheep from Germany are largely increasing. Austria is constantly infected with Cattle Plague from Russia and Poland. In the absence of statistical information of any kind since 1869, Consul Nathan can do little more than point out the fact of Austria not possessing sufficient cattle for its own consumption; nevertheless there does actually exist a small export trade consist ing of richly-fed oxen which are bought by dealers from the breweries of Silesia, Moravia, and Bohemia, and sent to England, via Hamburg and Geestemunde. From this will be seen the danger lurking in these German ports. Austria appears to have undeveloped resources; but she cannot, at present, be reckoned on to contribute any appreciable supply to Great Britain. Southern Russia may utilise her cattle production in the next generation perhaps. Turkey has enough to do to feed herself, and the quality of her cattle is not such as would ensure them a market in England. With the finest climate and most productive soil, perhaps, in the world, Turkey is little better than a wilderness. The cattle of Norway and Sweden are too small for English markets. Spain has every facility for sending us cattle. All she wants is capital, energy, and a few such enthusiasts as Vice-Consul March, who is anxious to go into the trade at once. He thinks he knows how to go to work nowhaving made a little mistake some time ago and respectfully suggests that he should be empowered to make a little purchase straight off, say to the extent of 5,000 or 10,000 head of cattle, as a commencement. As for dead meat, it could be sent, he says, in any quantities, without refrigeration, if the ships were only fast enough! If this gentleman remains at Santander, and receives the encouragement he deserves, the hungry may soon expect to be filled with good things. Spain has to thank her natural boundary of mountains for her immunity from cattle diseases of the more virulent type. We may look to Spain for future supplies. Italy consumes her own produce, with the exception of a small export trade with France. North Africa may come into the field some day. Her resources are good; but the semibarbarism of many of the States-Morocco to wit-does not admit of cattle traffic, and at present exports are prohibited. Brazil, being in its infancy, has not yet begun to grow cattle beyond its own wants; and these have to be supplemented with "charque," or jerked beef, from the Argentine Republic. The future of the cattle or meat traffic of the Argentine Republic no one can foresee. The recent importation of fresh meat from Buenos Ayres in the Frigorifique, opens up a wide field of speculative industry. The resources of the La Plata States are vast and undeveloped ; and, now that we can get supplies from beyond the tropics, the meat-producing capabilities of Europe fade into insignificance. The United States of America have almost inexhaustible resources, which are now being turned to account in the English market. Last week we gave an extract from this Report in especial reference to the development of the export trade in fresh meat from the States, showing the success of the industry, and the prospects of the supplies being largely increased. With 28,074,582 head of horned stock and 28,477,951 sheep at the last census (1870), a spirit of enterprise which finds the world almost too small for its scope, plenty of capital, and an undeveloped country, our American cousins are not likely to let us want meat so long as we have money to pay for it. In recapitulation, we find that Spain (and Portugal, although not mentioned in the Report), Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands have cattle to send us. They have been in the habit of sending them alive, and are loud in their protest against a change of custom. But there is nothing, except the want of capital and enterprise, to prevent them sending us their surplus produce in the shape of dead meat; and it will be better for them to be put to the inconvenience of finding such capital and energy as may be requisite than for us to be exposed to losses from their cattle diseases. With the United States and Canada on the one hand, and South America on the other, not forgetting Australia in the background, it will probably soon be a matter of comparative indifference to us whether Europe can send us cattle or not; and certainly we need take no notice of threats to divert the existing supplies to other channels. As long as we are the best customers of European meat-producers, they are not likely to let an alteration in the system of traffic prevent them from sending us what we require, and can pay for. THE TRIAL OF SELF-BINDING REAPERS. The work of these novel machines was so satisfactory- | considering it was the first public experiment of the kind that has been tried in this country-that we believe it will soon be shown that the cost of it will be the best laid out money the Royal Agricultural Society of England has ever expended. The cutting took place on the farm of Mr. Scotson, near Liverpool, on August 16th and 17th. Previous to the recent Show of the Royal Agricultural Society, held in Liverpool, the gold medal of the Society was offered for an efficient sheaf-binding machine, either attached to a reaper or otherwise," and out of this offer arose the present trial. Originally there were entered for competition machines belonging to eight exhibitors at the Liverpool meeting, viz:-Messrs. Burgess and Key, of London; Messrs. J. and F. Howard, of Bedford; Messrs. Phillips and Co., of Grantham; Mr. M. F. Neale, of London; Mr. Walter A. Wood, of London; Messrs. D. M. Osborne and Co., of Liverpool; Mr. H. J. H. King, of Stroud; and Mr. Chyms 11. M'Cormick, of Chicago, U.S.A. The first three of these firms did not send their machines for exhibition to Liverpool; and the only two machines shown here by which the binding process is performed with string or yarn were withdrawn from competition, leaving but three machines, all of which are constructed for binding with wire, to be submitted to trial. We cannot enter at length on this occasion into the -mechanical details of these machines. Indeed, it is next to an impossibility to write an intelligible description of them unless illustrative diagrams be at the same time given. But with regard to the work done we may say that we were agreeably surprised at the near approach to really good practical cutting and tying which was turned off. Here, too, we cannot enter minutely into details to-day, as the wet prevented more than half-a-days' work being done on Thursday, and therefore the judges could not be expected to get through their final trials and settle their awards till late on Friday. While, however, we prefer to defer our full description and discussion of the several points that arose during the meeting, we are pleased that we can give our readers the official announcement of the Judge's and the Secretary's statement, that the recommendation of the Judges has been adopted by the Stewards. The work was begun and continued under the following regulations: 1. The Exhibitors will draw lots for the half-acre plots. 2. They will set their machines at such height and make such sheaves as they consider will enable them to work at the best advantage. 3. They will be allowed one leader for the horses and one man to attend the machine besides the driver, that is to say, three men in all. As a summary of the work done, we may say Mr. Mc.Cormick, who drew lot 1, cut his corn well, but as the wheat was too green it was difficult to get it on to the platform, particularly as the proportions of the machine were more adapted for light American crops, and where the stubble is cut nine inches to 8 foot high, than for English crops, the stubble of which is required to be cut close. The divider was too short in front, and too high behind; therefore when the ears lay across the divider, as they did going down the hill, the straw bent, and the heads hung over the divider till they were driven to a full-sized sheaf, when this excessive accumulation was thrust upon the endless webbing for carrying it to the binder, the result being a frequent block. The binder proper, therefore, did not have a fair chance here. But, considering all things, the work was well done, and the causes of the defects on this occasion may be easily obviated in the future. From the numerous blocks it took 59 min. to do the half-acre. Mr. Wood cut his half-acre in an excellent manner in forty-five minutes. His machine was, however, stopped four times at a loss of eight and a half minutes, from the straw being too green and harsh to work properly; there was no fault of the divider in this case, however, as Mr. Wood has had too much experience of English creps to make a mistake of this kind. Mr. Osborne's machine is defective in the binding and clearing arrangements, so the sheaves were mixed together at the heads and butts, and hung one to the other till four or five were being dragged, when the weight of them pulled the two nearer the platform apart. In the standing oats Mr. McCormick and Mr. Wood did as good work as could possibly have been done by hand; Mr. Osborne's machine, however, failed entirely here in the binding, as we have explained it did in the wheat. But these points we will further explain next week. The following is the official announcement to which we have referred above: Royal Agricultural Society of England. Trial of Automatic Sheaf-binding Machinery, Liverpool, August 17, 1877. The Judges report that having made a careful and thorough examination of the American sheaf-binding machines, which were tried on wheat and oats on Mr. Sootson's farm at Aigburth, they are of opinion that whilst great credit is due to the three inventions, viz., those of Walter A. Wood, D. M. Osborne and Co., and C. M. M'Cormick, for the considerable efficiency attained, neither of them have, as regards the requirements of English farmers, attained that perfection which would justify them in awarding the Gold Medal of the Society. They, however, strongly recommend that a Silver Medal be awarded to Walter A. Wood as a recognition of progress, and that High Commendation be bestowed on the binding mechanism employed by D. M. Osborne and Co. Believing in the great importance of this invention, when made practically efficient, they were glad to know that the Society proposes to continue their offer of a Gold Medal for an efficient self-binder. (Signed) HENRY CANTRELL. JOHN COLEMAN. The recommendation of the Judges has been adopted by the Stewards. H. M. JENKINS, Secretary. "SCIENTIFIC" EXPERIMENTS.-The absurdities of the scientific world are rather beyond a joke. One enthusiast for acclimatisation introduced rabbits into Australia, where they have since become a nuisance of the gravest kind. Another threw a plant of the Anacharis into a Cambridge watercourse, from which it has spread half over England, and entails the necessity of spending many thousands of pounds every year for its extirpation. But the wickedest thing of this kind has been done by an enterprising Yankee from Texas, named Snowie, and an English friend who lives near Manchester. Mr. Snowie provided himself with a hundred Colorado beetles, whose habits he carefully observed. Theses he presented to his friend, who has put them into his garden, and intends making observations on their feeding, mode of life, and so forth. I do not think the word "atrocity" is in this case at all too strong.- Tatler. |