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

-0, 1"" POULTRY KEEPING. A PROFITABLE HOBBY. BY "UTILITY." I GREEN FOOD FOR CHICKS. Chickens need green food as much as the adult birds, for if this is lacking they fail to grow as well as they should, and their health becomes seriously impaired. They should have a grass run whenever possible, but the grass should not be long. Besides this, ihev I should be fed with ft. oenA.il> amount of gri-e'l food, and two of the very best plants that can be given them are the onion and the <iandelion. The dandelion acts as a mild tonic, being rich in mineral ealt,s, and the onion is useful for lungs and throat, and is especially ben uncial when ailments of these parts make their appearance. If onion is fed regularly to chicks, it acts as a preventive against gapes. The g.reen tops and stems of onions and the young juicy leaves of the dandelion she ukl be finely chopped, and be given mixed with the soft food. GOOD ALL ROUND. Plymouth Rocks are now so generally ac. cepted as a fine all-round breed, that it is strands to think that forty-five or so years ago they were looked upon with as much curiosity as n..ian Orloffs or Sicilian But- (e-T-nps nr3 rnw. But the breed gained a which it hAs kept all these years because of fon^rril usefulness and rcliabilitv. Othpr iM'-r-o b>-eerls have appeared from time to hut the Plymouth Rock still remains one of the first favcuritej. It is believed that the Plymouth Rocks owe their origin partly to the Black Java, a breed now practically unknown on this side of the Atlantic, and the nearest approach to it is the black Plymouth Rook. Though this variety is not so well known as the barred, it is fast increasing in favour, for it has been steadily improved in reecnt years. There is no breed- more hardy than the Rocks, and tlwv are the equal of any breed for being prolific, good foragers, and making the best use of their food. Although they have not had the marvellous successes of the White Wyandotte and the Leghorns, they are splendid layers. Their hardiness and heavy feathering are all in favour of their laying during the winter if they are fed and housed well, so as to get into laying condition in good time. When they are 'in full lay, they should be carefully watched and their food properly adjusted, or their strong sitting pro* pensities will cause them to waste time in broodiness that would be better employed in egg production. In appearance they are chiefly noted for their bigness; they can scarcely err on the side of too much size-in the male birds n any raio. C:1 vith tftll, less !'( 1%;?- ness must be a fine commanding dignity. They may be described as rather high-shouldered, 13 with long full neck, long meaty thighs, and •trong straight shanks. The jegs and beak BLACK PLYMOUTH ROOK COCK. I should be a clear yellow, without speck or smoky hue, if the birds are for exhibition. But in these strictly pr&etical days, such points as these may have to be waived in cer- tain cases, for the black in particular are not always easy to breed with these bright yellow legs. The comb is firmly set upright with five or six rather broad spikes. When table birds had to be of the first-class quality, Rocks were not considered to be very good, as the breast is not so deep and full as it should be. But otherwise they are nice and meaty and well flavoured, and no one in these days of meat scarcity will have any grumble to raise when asked to eat a Plymouth Rock. "DEAD IN SHELL." One of the most serious troubles of hatch- ing is when chicks die in the egg-shell and do I In -1 not hatch out. There are very many sug- gestions constantly being put forward as to the reason for this happening, but it is gener- ally considered that lack of moisture is the chief reason. A hen, if left to herself, makes her nest in the hedge and lays and hatches her eggs on the damp grass. In such cases it is very rare for chickens to be "dead in shell." If this arrangement of nature is fol- lowed as closely as possible, there is less likely to be this serious loss. A hen should, for choice, be put out of doors in her sitting- box on short turf, with a piece of wire netting on the bottom of the box to keep away rats and other vermin. If this cannot be done, a turf should he placed under her, and this must constantly be moistened, so that the membrane within the sliells is kept soft, and when hatching time conies, if the nest has been kept moist, the membrane inside the shells should be like tissue paper soaked in water. Through this the little chick has no difficulty in making a 'ay. If it is tough as parchment the bird must sooner or later be suffocated. When a hen is hatching her eggs she turns them constantly, so that they are warmed and cooled at regular intervals, and: so that the germs are constantly kept moving, and thus the yolks are prevented from be; coming fixed. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. "Miss V. B. L.DAY-OLD CHICKS.—A large number of poultry-keepers supply day- old chicks, and you can generally rely on them being quite in good condition on arrivals I should suggest, though, that you order them from some poultry-keeper who lives near you, a, goods take so much time on rail in these days. The price is generally double that of sittings of eggs, but of course you are saved a great deal of trouble and time in hatching. Some poultry-keepers pay carriage, though c-ttiers charge this extra on the bill, for all goods have to be carriage paid now if sent by passanger train. Chicks vary from 14s. up to 42s. or dozen. "W. -T.As EARTH FLOOR.—'This is un-

!HH¡Ht; jftu .illjiyjtfl, KM# V ins Sam Garratl's I I STUDIO, 1 |jf HIGH ST., BRECON, fjt M !r-OOAL PICTURES mey be eeen "iA-r by appointment. i F m Signed Reproductions, m i, 7/6 each— jfe ## m- f "Coursing," K.A., 1914. ff? wk m J, Charles I at the Priory, j|,i } Brecon." I, :t-V ">V (Eisteddfod Prize, 1913). T7" | "Rest and Refreshment, l|[ iff Three Cocks." fff birthplace of Mrs. Siddon, 4,. Brecon." ilk f jtr "Brecon Town from Dinas." ijf j "Christ College from the ijf Captains' Walk." n? ~"K- A WELL CUT AND MADE BREECHES IS A NECESSITY. Write for Patterns Post Free. I MODERATE CHARGER. 0 BREECHES MAKING IS AN ART We Make a Speciality of These. GARMENTS all Cut and Made on the Premises. Only:Experienced Workmen Kept. o J("» MORGAN &lEWIS, Tailors, Brecon.

CRICKHOWELL RURAL DISTRICT. Public Health Statistics tor 1917. Dr. P. E. Hill, medical officer of health to the Crickhowell Rural District Council, in his annual report states that there were 154 births registered during 1917-62 boys and 92 girls, the rate per 1,000 of the population being 20, as against 24'4 in 1916 and 20'8, the previous five years' average. There were seven births of illegitimate children, all of girls. The deaths numbered 87, as against 108 in 1916, giving the low death rate of 11'2 per 1,000 inhabitants The chief catiscs of death in- j cluded-bronchitis 19, heart disease 1G, accident 9, cancer 7, There were eleven deaths of infants under twelve months old. On the question of infantile mortality Dr. Hill remarks "At a time like the present, when the wastage of human life is so enormous, there is nothing so important for parents to recognise as that the foundations of a good bodily constitution are laid in infancy and early childhood. Neglect, carelessness, bad feeding, insufficient clothing and bad habits during the first years of life are but too fre- quently followed by premature death, or what is worse, much suffering and disease in after life. The proper care of young children is well worth careful study, and, quite apart from the benefit to the child itself, it will reward the mother by saving her much trouble, instead of the child being a constant source of worry and anxiety. A large proportion of the disease of early life, some of the most fatal and the most lasting in influence, has its origin in errors of diet. Milk contains everything necessary to nourish the growing body of a baby, but cow's milk should never be given to infants or very young children pure it should be diluted with barley water." Two deaths from diphtheria were the total mortality in the district from all the seven principal zymotic diseases. Only 24 cases of successful vaccination were registered in the Crickhowell division during the year, and on this point Dr. Hill gives a warning-" At the close of the war the popula- tion of this country, being in a largely unpro- tected state, will be more than ever exposed' to the virulent infection of small-pox, as little is now being done to strengthen cur defences in respect of an epidemic of this disease." There were nine notifications of scarlet fever cases during the year, against 34 in 191G, the localities affected being Llanelly, Cwmdu and Llangynidr. There were eight cases of diphtheria notified, five in Crickhowell and three lin Llanelly There was one caoe of puerperal fever. Of typhoid, formerly fre- quent in one part of the district, there was no outbreak. There were 12 cases of measles, but no epidemic. Seven new notifications of tuberculosis were received. The executive work performed by the Sanitary Inspector (the report concludes) has been very efficient, and as a result of his efficiency, competence and supervision, the standard of public health of the district has been maintained."

PARA- OU KILLS K\

GLASCOMBE. Entertainment.—A most enjoyable entertain- ment in aid of "Our Boys' Comforts" Fund was held in Glascombe Schoolroom on Wed- nesday evening in Easter week. The room was filled to overflowing, and for patriotic occasions like this we would that the room was four times as large. The Vicar presided and the following is the programme :-Piaftoforte duett, Mrs. and Miss MacNish song. Let the hills resound," the School Children recitation, ''The mountain and the squirrel, Miss Margaret Morris song, Miss Marjorie Penton song and chorus, Maggie's dolly," Miss Mar- garet Morris and party song, The sunshine of your smile," Miss MacNish song, The white squall," Mr. John Lloyd song, Miss Vaughan farce, Ill-used toys," the School children duett, Master Richard and Miss Muriel Rees song, Mrs. H. J. Evans recita- tion, Shut the door," Miss Eva Price part song, Umbrella town," the School Children duett, Our night out," the Misses Penton recitation, Big steamers," the School Chil- 'ta 1 dren song, Idle words," Mrs. Lerigo farce, Made in Germany," the School Children song. Mr. Rees song, My treasure," Mrs. H. J. Evans song, Will you buy my pretty flowers," Miss M. Penton song, Miss Vaughan; ofai-ce, Advertising for a wife," the Glascombe Party song, Mrs. H. J Evans song, Some- where a voice is calling," Mrs. Rees song, Thora," Mr. John Lloyd recitation, The twins," Mr. W. Jones song. Mr. Rees finale." England wants them," the Misses Probert (3). The characters in the farce, Advertising for a wife were taken by Mr. Hugh Lloyd, Mr. John Price, Private Edward Bowen, Miss Ada Morris, Mr. Ernest Phillips. Miss Beatrice Phillips and Miss Jessie Price. The play caused roars of laughter and each part was taken in fine form. "England wants them was beautifully acted and vf-y much appreciated. The children also did splendidly and reflected very great credit on their tencher (Miss Rees), who must, have taken great pains in their training.

PARISH COUNCIL CLERKS.—The forreB and coticeB required by Clerks to Parish Councils and Parish Meetings may ba obtained at the County Times" Offices, Brecon. I

POTATO DISEASE. Black Scab, Wart, or Cauliflower Disease. To THE EDITOR OF THE COUNTY TIMES." Sir,—I wish this season again to call the attention of growers of potatoes to the serious result of neglecting to report the presence of this disease, and I should like to give timely warning and advice, that where there was the slightest trace oi this disease last season, people should make sure of getting seed potatoes that arc immune to the disease to plant in their. gardens this season. Although it may have only appeared lightly last season, the germs or spores affect the potatoes and remain in the soil, and agaio attack the crop the following season to such a. serious extent that the whole become unfit for human food. and it spreads so rapidly that it destroys large areas of potatoes in one season. Glamorganshire and many other districts were very seriously affected last season and many people lost their crops, and consequently have been prevented by the authorities from planting any potatoes other than those recog' nised as being immune to the disease. And as the Horticultural representative for the Devynock district. I am anxions to ward off the destructive effect of tljis the greatest enemy of the potato in this district. Should any of your readers have noticed anything unusual on their potatoes last seasoll and are in doubt as to the disease, if they will communicate with me I shall be pleased to do what I can to help them. It is too serious matter to neglect where there was the slightest trace of it existing last season. And for the information of those who require immune seed, two varieties, namely, King George" and Templar" can be obtained at Sennybridge with the approved agents of the War Agricul' tural Committee. Yours faithfully, D. W. HAVARD. The Lion, Devynock. April 8th, 1918.

HOW TO TAKE CORNS OUT SO THEY NEVERjCQMF BACK. "You simply use saltrated water, which does the trick for us soldiers every time, and also cures bunions, aching, tenderness, blisterS, chilblains, or even rheumatic and gouty __7. 1" --J: Sergt. C. S. TURNER, R.A.M.C. Cutting the top of a corn off with a razor ot burning it off with caustic lotions, plasters, etc-t doesn't do any good. The root just right up again, and soon your corn has a bran j new top on it, bigger than ever. The top I only dead skin anyway, 'f'he business end of j corn is the little pointed part, or core, tb^ extends down into the toe. That is what huf^ when it presses on sensitive nerves, and it' the part you have to get out. Cutting Lbo to off an aching tooth wouldn't stop the aC Same way with a corn. Don't worry about the top. Get the roof out permanently.iqf usin» a y usill,, good big handful of Reudel bath Raltilttes (y0^ can get a half-pound at slight cost from atiy chemist) dissolved in a gallon or so of ho1 I water. Just soak your feet in this for fifteen or tw-enty minutes, then take hold of the cor1* with your fingers, and out she'll come, root and all. like the hull comes out of a strawberry' Only a little hole or depression is left in the toe, and that soon closes, so there is nothing le*j| in there to sprout a new corn again. It doesD affect the surrounding flesh at all, but sooo softens the whole of the corn. No burning or soreness, no pain, no danger, no trouble, and 0° days of waiting to sec whether that old corn 15 going to leave for good or come back to stfly with you a while longer. Soften callouses same way, then scrape off, and I don't dare tel' you how quick this medicated water, made witP Reudel Bath Saltrates, will always drive ache3, chafes, blisters, etc., away, and even cure rhe^' matic or gouty pains. It would sound too g°°.t to be true, but thousands of soldiers can what wonderful stuff saltrated water is. C. S. T.

BRECON POLICE COURT. Monday.—Before the Mayor (Mr W. Parry de Winton), and Messrs J. C. B. Morn and H. C. Rich. LEAVE OTHER PEOPLE'S QUAERE^ ALONE. Emily Jenkins, 3, Maeudu court, was suJXli moned by Annie O'Shea, a soldier's wife. 0 Maendu street, for assaulting her.-CoJ1l' plainant said that on the 8th inst.,« hearing 11 j awful row outside her house, she went out all found defendant rowing with Jos. Willia#13' She interfered and asked defendant what all the row she was making." Defeiida0t afterwards followed her into the house and her, and pulled a bunch of hair from her he&^ —Rosina Marsh, 3, London row, gave c VI denca in support of Mrs O'Shea's story.—Ve fendant denied that she assaulted complain^11' and the Bench dismissed the case, the May" adding that the whole trouble arose as tP result of complainant interfering in a thi that did not concern her. They strongly:) vised her to stay in her house and not interfe" with other people's business. ALLEGED FAILURE TO MAINTAIN*. -Oa M aryPritchard, 21, Pendre, Brecon, summoll I her husband, James Pritchard, 14, Wesley Maes teg, Glam., for failing to maintain her- Defendant did not appear.—Complainant the marriage took place 11 years ago, and th last lived together in November, 1914, her band then leaving for the army. She drew separation allowance from that time till J.ue(j 1917, when he was discharged. She recelLj0 various amounts from him since his discha till Febuary 17th, averaging about G/- a vve He was now working as a collier.—The ^Gl^e adjourned the case to get information as to 1 husband's wages, aud issued a warraut f°r m arrest. ■ I

doubtedlv the 'best for poultry runs. TO ensure that it keeps dry, it is best to raise that part which is under cover 2in. or 3in. above the surface of the ground outside, and ram it as hard as possible. From time to time this layer can be removed, and put on the garden, providing sufficient fresh earth to toke its place. Of course, the floor keeps fresher all the longer if there are dropping- boards under the perches, and if littered with old leaves or peat moss. "W. J, "-HEX LAYING SHELL-LESS EGGS. -This trouble is a common one among hens, especially during this time of the year, when most birds make their maximum output of eggs. You do not say how your birds are fed, or whether you provide them with plenty of shell-forming material. Oyster grit or flint grit are indispensable if tjie birds are con- fined. I should say that your bird is over- worked, and requires a rest from egg-produc- tion for n time. You say she laid very well last year. and got through the moult quickly and then started again. Put her by herself and feed sparingly on grain and greenstuff. Avoid all forcing foods, such as meat meal. When she begins to lay again, watch her care- fully, so that you may be able to regulate her c'nd. Ileus that lay so well are valuable in days, and are worth a little extra care. All conpsoonfifnfo affecting this column should be U-fssfd to Utility," care of the Editor. Requests -p^cta! inform.it'inn must be accompanied by a ..n!Jl)d addrc £ sed envelope.