The Monticellonian., 1915-08-05

HleHt oI ABf1Cultufe.J
 Fifty head of Shorthorn bulls to be used in improving native stock were recently sold at public auction at Ashe- vile. N. C., bringing an average of S125 each The sale was held by the American Shorthorn Breedars' asso- ciation, as a result Of the effort of the bureau of animal industry of the United States department of agricuf- ture in cooperation with the office of farmers cooperative demonstration work and the North Carolina experi- ment station. The prices received for the bulls were satisfactory both to those holding the sale and to the farmers purchasing the animals About one-half of the bulls were purchased comparatively.
 A representative of the Shorthorn association selected the bulls in Mis- souri, the animals ranging in age from ten months to two years. Each bull was guaranteed by the associa- tion to be breeder and as represent ed. The entire lot of animals was on exhibition to the public two days previous to the sale. Hun dreds of farmers at this time looked the animals over. and discussed them with the representatives of the federal department of agriculture and demonstration agents.
 In one case six farmers purchased one bull for their joint use. Each of them was farmer who did not feel he could afford to purchase high or even moderate priced bull for the few COWS he owned tut securing the use of good bull for one-sixth of the purchase price appealed as an excellent investment. In other cases fewer farmers clubbed together to purchase a bull which suited them. Other bulls were purchased by indi- vidual farmers who intend standing them at public service.
 In most cases where communities purchased sire comparatively the bull is to be cared for and managed by one of the purchasers. The cost of keeping the bull will be prorated among the joint owners. In other ia- stances the .eeper of the sire is to retain part of all of the service fee, depending upon the amount of service rendered. Where bulls are owned by an individual and stood at public sery. ice in the community straight sery- ice fee will be charged.
 Since January 1, 1915, several of the counties of the state have organ ized beef cattle breeders associations In other counties local clubs and as ] sociations have been formed, advoeat ing the exclusive Use of purebred bulls of one Of the beef breeds Where the capital was lacking to purchase the necessary sires for a community, by advancing the necessary money the lo cal banks rendered invaluable service to their people.
 The adoption of one breed of cattle by county or section of state ane the cooperative purchasing and own ership of bulls are two of the principa factors which are being urged upon the people by the United States de partment of agriculture in the beef cattle extension work which is being conducted In cooperation with the va rious state agricultural colleges. This sale was result of such work and proved to be realization of the plar which was outlined.
 Everything considered. the sale was successful It enabled the farmers f to inspect and purchase the cattle al their own price without the additiona expense of travelling to the breeders herd The sale had a tendency tC standardize and advertise the breeds i in the sectio1. where it was held, and three times as many purebred bulls l are now owned as there would have been if the farmers had been forced te i go to the breeders herds to purchase i the animals. Other public sales are contemplated in the near future.
 Grasses for Permanent Southern Pas lures.
 The best summer grGss for pastures in the South is unquestionably Bermu da grass. and this should be made the basis for pasture mixtures on all soils except the very light sands. On rich loans the yield of four tons to the acre is sometimes obtained. and al though in the uplands the yield is nol so high, it is nevertheless sufficient for grazing purposes. Bermuda grass is, however, better suited than any other known plant for remedying the effects of erosion.
 Lands may be set with Bermuda grass either by seeding or by planting