I'ft^^: «:«:!t!-^JJ)^^f .>,-(;Wli!7'J!''^V.'^..:LK-.. J> iWi TmnWilH .A- ''a ■■ .:,^ '^^^r' '%.;' lii :-^*liiil III ill lilli ilij-jiliiliiiiii^':-'" IiTiiiii'''''^"'' "" ipiiji ' 'li|'liiIiiS,i:iii!ijip;.ui!iii:ij'!;iu!Ji;i!iii!u E-i B C3 O O ^'! ■»■■ I O as 3 3 a LIBRARY APPENDIX ^^^ YORK BOTANICAL QAROGN TO THE REPORT OF THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE ON EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. Ottawa, 1st December, 1897. Sib, — I have the honour herewith to submit to you the eleventh annual report of work done and in progress at the Central Experimental Farm and also at the several Branch Experimental Farms. Since the resignation of the late Agriculturist Mr. Jas. W. Robertson — in January, 1896 — I have carried on the work of the Agriculturist in addition to the duties devolving on me as Director, and in this report as in that of 1896, full particulars of the results of all the experiments conducted with farm crops and stock, are presented in that part written by myself. You will also find appended reports from the following officers of the Central Experimental Farm : From the Horticulturist, Mr. John Craig ; from the Chemist, Mr. Frank T. Shutt, and from the Entomologist and Botanist, Dr. James Fletcher. Reports are also submitted from the Poultry Manager, Mr. A G. GUbert, and from the Foreman of Forestry, Mr. W. T. Macoun. From the Branch Experimental Farms there are reports from Mr. Geo. W. Forrest, Superintendent, and from Mr. W. S. Blair, Horticulturist of the Experimental Farm for the Maritime Provinces, at Nappan, Nova Scotia ; from Mr. S. A. Bedford, Superin- tendent of the Experimental Farm for Manitoba, at Brandon ; from Mr. Angus Mack ay, Superintendent of the Experimental Farm for the North-west Territories, at Indian Head ; and from Mr. Thos. A Sharpe, Superintendent of the Experimental Farm for British Columbia, at Agassiz. In these reports particulars are given of the results of many important and carefully conducted experiments in agriculture, horticulture and arboriculture, the outcome of practical work in the fields, barns, dairy and poultry buildings, orchards and plantations at the several experimental farms ; also of scientific investigations in the chemical laboratory and the information gained from the careful study of the life histories and 8a— li EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. habits of injurious insects and noxious weeds, and of the most practical and economical measures for their destruction. In the report of the Entomologist and Botanist there will also be found particulars of the experiments and observations made during the past year in connection with the Apiary. The large and constantly increasing demand by the farmers of the Dominion for the publications issued from the experimental farms is a gratifying evidence of the desire for information among this class of the community, also of the high esteem in which these records of the work of the farms are held. It is hoped that the facts brought together in the present issue will be found of much practical value to the Canadian farmer and fruit grower and that they may assist in advancing these industries in this country. I have the honour to be, air, Your obedient servant, WM. SAUNDERS, Director Experimental Farms. To the Honourable The Minister of Agriculture, Ottawa. ANNUAL REPORT ON THE EXPERIMENTAL FARMS REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR AND ACTING AGRICULTURIST. (WM. SAUNDERS, LL.D., F.B.S.C, F.L.S,) In tb« eleventh annual report of the Experimental Farms herewith submitted there will be found much information on agricultural topics, also on subjects bearing on agriciilture ; the results of a large number of experiments which have been conducted during the season of 1897 at each of the Experimental Farms with all the more impor- tant farm crops. These experiments have been planned to gain further information as to the most productive varieties to sow, also to find out which are the earliest to ripen. Additional information has also been sought as to the best time for sowing, the proper depth to sow, and the quantity of seed that should be used to produce the best results. The advantages arising from the selection of plump, well matured seed of the best sorts, have been frequently urged and the good results arising from such a course demonstrated. New sorts are obtained by careful selection and cultivation, by the preservation and culture of occasional sports ; also by cross-fertilizing. The farmer who tries to make the best of his opportunities may do much to improve both the character and quality of the grain he grows, and may with judicious care often raise crops of such quality as will command high prices for seed from his less thoughtful neighbours. The judicious use of fertilizers to maintain the fertility of the land and to restore in the most economical manner those important elements of plant food which have been taken from the soil by frequent cropping, is a question of much importance ; so also is that of the relative value of natural and artificial fertilizers for this purpose. Many interesting facts are given in this connection in that part of the report where the results obtained from the tests made with different fertilizers and combinations of fertilizers are noted on the special trial plots which have been devoted to that purpose for the past nine or ten years. Further information has been gained regarding the value of green crops for ploughing under to enrich the land, especially such leguminous crops as clover. The fact has been demonstrated that such crops can be put in with spring-sown grain without reducing the yield of such cereals, and that after the grain has been harvested the clover will grow vigorously during the summer, act as a catch crop all the season, by appropriating the elements of fertility which are brought down by the rain, and at the same time gather and lay up in its roots and leaves a large store of nitrogen for the use of subsequent crops. The tests, which have now been continued for several years, have shown such convincing results that during the last season nearly all the grain fields on the Central Experimental Farm have been sown with clover in this way. The quantities of fertilizing constituents which may thus be added to the soil at a small cost, are shown by the analyses which have been made and reported on by the Chemist of the Experi- mental Farms. 6 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. While it must be admitted that conditions of climate and the general character of the season — which are beyond the control of the farmer — are most important factors bearing on crop production, still there are many things which the farmer may do which will greatly increase the chances for abundant returns, provided the season is favourable. It is gratifying to know that during recent years more thought and attention has been given by farmers to their calling, that improvements have been manifest in the prepara- tion of the soil, and the general management of the crops ; the stores of fertility in the land have been more carefully husbanded, by a judicious rotation of crops ; more atten- tion has also been paid to the care of barn-yard manure, and greater efforts made to replace those elements in the soil, which repeated cropping has removed. The progress which has been made is encouraging ; it has given Canadian farmers a reputation which it is most desirable should be maintained, and has, at the same time, aroused a spirit of inquiry in reference to agricultural affairs which promises well for the future. The enterprise and efforts towards improvement shown by our people have resulted in a greatly enlarged export trade to the mother country, particularly in animals and their products. Along these lines of farm work, co-operation and skill finds a large and remunerative field, and such exports can be carried on to an almost unlimited extent without depleting the soil in any material degree. The scientific investigations which have been conducted at Ottawa have been of much value. Much work has been done in connection with injurious weeds in ascertain- ing the extent of their distribution and the best methods of checking the inroads of these vigorous invaders. Information has been given in response to many inquiries concerning injurious insects, and practical remedies for their subjugation suggested. Much interesting work ha3 also been done in connection with bee-keeping. Use- ful work has also been accomplished in the chemical branch in determining the constituents of soils, and in giving suggestions as to the best methods by which they may be made more fertile. Further information has also been gained in reference to the results of the rotting of barn-yard manure under different conditions also in regard to the feeding value of forage crops, and on other kindred subjects. Additional experience has been gained in connection with the feeding of poultry and their profitable management. Particulars of the results obtained will be found in the report of the Poultry Manager. Records of the rapid progress which has been made in connection with the Arboretum and Botanic Garden with particulars of the growth of the different species of timber trees comprising the forest belts are reported on by the Foreman of Forestry. The experiments in cross-fertilizing have been successfully continued and a large number of new varieties produced, particularly of fruits which are likely to prove hardy on the North-west plains. The collection of fruits at Ottawa has also been enriched by the addition of many promising sorts. The results of the practical tests which have been made in the feeding of steers, mUch cows and swine at the Central Experimental Farm have been widely disseminated, and the information thus given has served a useful purpose in advancing these important branches of agricultural industry. The experiments conducted at the Branch Experi- mental Farms in Manitoba and the North-west Territories, along similar lines, have been most useful to those engaged in stock raising in that country, and the introduction of the Awnless Brome Grass and the demonstrations which have been made of its hardiness and value for hay and pasture have laid the foundation for a great extension of the trade in cattle and dairy products in the North-west country. The many tests which have been made with a very large number of varieties of fruit at the Branch Experimental Farm at Agassiz, British Columbia, have been the means of bringing out much practical information in reference to fruit growing, and has materially aided that branch of industry, so important in the Pacific province. The results of the tests undertaken in all these different lines of agricultural and horticultural work will be found in the subsequent pages. They have all been planntid with the special object of furnishing reliable data for the use of those engaged in agricultural or horticultural pursuits in Canada. REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR AND ACTING AGRICULTURIST. EXPERIMENTS WITH OATS. During the season of 1897, sixty-five varieties of oats have been tested under fairly uniform conditions, in order to gain information regarding their relative yield, earliness and other characteristics. They were all sown on the 5th and 6th of May on plpts of ^ih acre each. The soil was a sandy loam of fair quality which received a light dress- ing of manure, about 12 tons per acre, in the autumn of 1895, when it was ploughed under. The land was ploughed in the autumn of 1896 about 8 inches deep, and disc- harrowed twice in the spring of 1897, and harrowed three times with the smoothing harrow before sowing. In the following table full particulars are given of the results obtained, and in the accompanying figure a view is given of a portion of these experi- mental plots at the time of harvest. OATS TEST OP VARIETIES. a Name of Variety. I 1 2 3 4 6 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 SI 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 Holland , Golden Giant Mennonite Improved American.. Eariy Etampes White Schonen Early Golden Prolific White Russian Columbus WalUs Joanette American Triumph . . Wide Awake .... ... Banner , Golden Beauty Lincoln Bonanza Abundance American Beauty. . . . Thousand Dollar . . . . Buckbee's Illinois. . . . Medal . .. Siberian O. A. C Miller Scottish Chief Holstein Prolific Victoria Prize Improved Ligowo .... Master Hazlett's Seizure. . . . Welcome White Wonder Early Gothland Siberian Bavarian Russell Olive , Brandon , Prize Cluster , King Pense , Early Maine Rosedale Oxford... , Early Blossom Abyssinia Cromwell Rennie's Prize White Date of Ripen- ing. Aug. 18 17 5 7 8 7 6 5 6 7 7 6 7 9 6 rr I 3 6 6 6 9 8 9 9 3 8 3 5 7 9 3 3 6 17 9 8 8 9 3 9 9 8 9 9 9 9 9 5 105 103 91 93 94 93 93 92 93 93 92 94 96 92 94 90 93 92 93 96 94 96 96 90 94 90 91 93 96 90 90 92 103 96 94 94 96 90 96 95 95 95 96 95 95 96 92 Length of Straw. Inches. 92 142 48 36 40 42 44 42 42 48 42 42 43 44 48 44 42 46 40 54 45 48 42 48 48 42 48 48 to 48 to 48 to 48 to 50 to 41 to 48 to 48 to 48 to 48 to 53 to 42 to 48 to 48 to 50 to 48 to 48 to 54 to 48 to 48 to 48 to 48 to 55 to 50 to 48 to 53 to 48 to 60 to 52 to 56 to 52 to 54 to 54 to 52 to 54 44 to 58 40 to 43 to 43 to 42 to 48 to 44 to 36 to 48 to 36 to 36 to 46 to Length of Head. Inches. 9 to 8 to 8 to 8 to 8 to 8 to 8 to 9 to 8 to 8 to 9 to 8 to 10 to 9 to 8 to 8 to 8 to 10 to 9 to 8 to 11 to 9 to 11 to 8 to 10 to 9 to 9 to 10 to 8 to 9 to 8 to 10 to 9 to 10 to 10 to 9 to 9 to 8 to 8 to 10 to 8 to 8 to 10 to Kind of Head. Sided It .... Branching 11 10 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 10 9 9 9 10 9 9 11 10 9 9 9 12 Half-sided 10 Branching 10 12 10 12 9 12 10 11 11 9 10 Half -sided Branching Half-sided Sided 91Branchinsr 12 Half branch I ing 10 Half-sided 12 Branching 48 10 to 11 Branching Half-sided Branching Half-sided Bush. lbs. Yield per Acre. 70 57 56 53 53 53 50 50 49 49 49 49 48 47 47 46 45 45 45 45 44 44 44 43 43 43 43 42 42 42 41 40 40 40 39 39 38 38 37 37 37 36 36 36 36 35 35 34 25 12 11 28 23 8 30 30 29 9 4 3 23 7 7 6 30 15 10 10 24 14 14 33 28 28 18 17 12 12 16 25 10 5 9 4 23 13 7 2 2 31 6 6 1 3 25 24 u (O OD 3 Lbs. 271 26i 30^ 31i 33 33i 30 26i 31| 32| 34i 28^ 29 35 38i 28;i 29^ 36 31i 32 30 324 32| 3li 32 33 31J Z'i} 34 33:i 3fii 24i 28| 32 30 34 38 30i 28i 29 34 33 29 33 34 34i Proportion Rusted. Considerably. Badly. Considerably. Badly. Considerably. Badly. Considerably. Badly. It Considerably. Badly. Considerably. Badly. Considerably. Badly. EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. OATS — TEST OF VARIETIES — Concluded. 49 50 61 52 63 64 56 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 Name of Variety. Imported Irish. .... Oderbruch , Cream Ep^ptian. . . , Winter Grey Early Archangel . . . Golden Tartarian . . California Prolific Black Black Beauty Newmarket Flying Scotchman . Coulommiers White Monarch... . Mortgage Lifter ... Prolific Black Tartarian Doncaster Prize.. . . Poland Sootch Hopetonn. . . OD • Date of Ripen- ing. Length Straw. Length of Head. Inches. Ang. 2 89 36 to 48 9 to 10 9 95 44 to 51 8 to 9 9 95 42 to 51 8 to 9 3 90 48 to 68 11 to 12 5 92 42 to 64 9 to 10 .. 17 103 44 to 60 10 to 11 .. 13 99 38 to 48 8 to 10 6 92 45 to 60 10 to 12 4 90 45 to 48 8 to 9 6 93 42 to 45 9 to 11 .. 18 104 42 to 45 9 to 10 „ 16 102 38 to 50 8 to 9 2 89 36 to 48 10 to 11 .. 13 99 42 to 48 8 to 10 n 16 102 39 to ■') 8 to 9 7 93 43 to 51 8 to 9 ., 15 102 44 to 48 8 to 10 Kind of Head. Branching Half -sided Branching Sided. .... II .... Branching Sided..... Branching Yield per Acre. Bush. lbs. 34 33 33 31 31 31 30 30 28 28 28 27 27 23 23 21 18 4 4 3 26 26 8 20 7 32 23 13 32 17 11 8 11 3 -^ 00 ^ 39 34, 34 3(> 38 24 26| 33 30:' 36, 29; 29m 35 22 31 36 26i Proportion Rusted. Badly. In the foregoing list are included eleven of the new cross-bred sorts which have been produced at the experimental farms. The names and parentage of ten of these were given in the Annual Report of the Experimental Farms for 1896, the 11th named Holland, was produced at the experimental farm at Brandon in 1892. It is a cross between Giant Cluster male and Prize Cluster female and was included in the test plots of varieties for the first time this year. It stands at the head of the list this season having exceeded in yield all the other sorts experimented with. Owing to the almost continued wet weather which prevailed at Ottawa for a short time before and during harvest, aU the varieties of oats were much injured by rust, their yield and weight was thus much reduced and some of the sorts which have for several years past given the largest crops have on this account fallen behind and hence occupy places lower down in the list. TESTS FOB THE PEEVEWTION OF BMUT IN OATS. Further experiments have been made during the past season in th& treatment of seed grain to prevent this troublesome disease. In the Annual Report of the Experi- mental Farms for 1896, page 12, details are given of tests made with three varieties of oats which were soaked in a solution of potassium sulphide for 24 hours, and in every instance where the grain was so treated, although the seed used was very smutty the crop was practically free from smut. During the past season one variety only was used the Doncaster Prize oats and this was the worst afiected with smut of any variety we had. The seed used in this test was from the untreated crop of last year of which about one-fourth of the heads were diseased. Dififerent portions of the seed were soaked for varying periods in a solution of potassium sulphide made by dissolving 1^ pound in 25 gallons of cold water while others were treated with the Bordeaux Mixture made by dis- solving 4 pounds of copper sulphate with 4 pounds of lime in 40 gallons imperial measure of water. HOW TO MAKE BORDEAUX MIXTURE. This may be conveniently made by taking an ordinary coal oil barrel which holds about 40 gallons imperial measure or 50 gallons wine measure. Fill this about two- thirds full of cold water and suspend the 4 pounds of copper sulphate (blue stone) in a L REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR AND ACTING AGRICULTURIST. 9 cotton bag so that it will be entirely immersed just under the surface of the water. In this way it dissolves rapidly. In another vessel slake 4 pounds of fresh lime with 4 gallons of water. After the lime is slaked the creamy mixture should be strained through a fine sieve or a piece of coarse sacking into the barrel containing the copper sulphate in solution when the barrel should be filled with water. After the mixture hz thoroughly stirred it will be fit for use. The oata were treated as follows with the results given. The size of the plots on which the oats were sown was about ^th of an acre each and the beads were counted on 33 by 3 feet (99 square feet). Material used. Bordeaux Mixture Potassium Sulphide Solution. , Bordeaux Mixture . Potassium Sulphide Solution . , Bordeaux Mixture. . .... Potassium Sulphide Solution.. Bordeaux Mixture Potassium Sulphide Solution., Untreated Number of hours soaked. 4 4 8 8 12 12 24 24 Total Number of heads. 2,502 2,711 3,013 3,366 3,058 2,740 2,817 2, .592 2,730 Number of good heads. 2,500 2,575 3,011 3,2(i4 3,055 2,713 2,815 2,590 1,720 Number of smutty heads. 3 136 2 102 S 27 2 2 1,010 From the above experiment it would appear that smutty oats soaked in Bordeaux Mixture for 4 hours are rendered as free from smut as if soaked for 8, 12 or 24 hours. But where potassium sulphide is used it appears to be necessary to steep the grain in the solution for 24 hours in order to entirely free it from smut. While the solution of potassium sulphide seems to be a reliable remedy for smut in oats provided the grain is steeped in it for 24 hours, the Bordeaux Mixture is a cheaper remedy, more easily obtainable, and appears to be quite as efiective with only 4 hours soaking. It is pro- posed to test this remedy on a more extensive scale during the coming season. FIELD CROPS OP OATS. Golden Giant. — 3^ acres. Soil a light sandy loam. The land was manured in 1895 with about 12 tons of barn-yard manure per acre. The previous crop was pease. It was ploughed in the autumn of 1896, about 8 inches deep, and in the following spring it was disc-harrowed once, and harrowed twice with the smoothing harrow before sowing. Sown 29th April, two bushels per acre, came up 9th and 10th May, and was ripe 17th August. The time to mature was 110 days. The yield per acre was 53 bushels 25 pounds, weight per bushel 31 pounds. Length of head, 9 to 11 inches, sided, length of straw, 48 to 51 inches. Made a strong and even growth, only a few spots lodged, there was some smut, and the leaves and stems were badly rusted. Improved Ligowo. — 4 J acres. Soil a clay loam of good quality, which was manured in the autumn of 1894, with about 18 tons of barn-yard manure per acre. The previous crop was barley. The land was ploughed very shallow in 1896, immediately after harvest, to start shed grain and weed seeds, and again later in the autumn about 8 inches deep. In the spring of 1897, it was disc-harrowed twice, and harrowed twice with the smoothing harrow before sowing. Sown 30th April, two bushels per acre, came up 10th May; and was ripe 2nd August. The time to mature was 94 days, and the yield per acre was 44 bushels 10 pounds ; weight per bushel, 37 pounds. Length of head, 8 to 10 inches, branching, length of straw, 44 to 48 inches. Made a strong and even growth ; a few spots lodged. There was some smut, and the leaves and stems were considerably rusted. 10 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. Siberian, O.A.G. — If acre. The soil, preparation and treatment, was the same a» that for the Improved Ligowo. The previous crop was barley. Sown 30th April, If bushel per acre, came up 10th May; and was ripe 5th August. The time to mature was 97 days. The yield per acre, 48 bushels 9 pounds ; weight per bushel, 34 pounds. Length of head, 9 to 11 inches, branching, length of straw, 42 to 46 inches. Made a medium to strong growth, fairly even, and all stood well. There was a considerable quantity of smut, and the leaves and stems were badly rusted. American Beauty. — 2 J acres. The soil and treatment was the same as in the case of the Improved Ligowo. The previous crop was barley. Sown 3Uth April, two bushels per acre, came up 10th May, and was ripe 1st August. The time to mature was 93 days. Yield per acre, 50 bushels 12 pounds ; weight per bushel, 35|^ pounds. Length of head, 7 to 9 inches, branching, length of straw, 42 to 47 inches. Made a medium but even growth ; all standing well. There was some smut and the leaves and stems were badly rusted. Mortgage Lifter. — 1| acre. The soil where this plot was located was scarcely so heavy or so good, but the treatment was the same, as that for the Improved Ligowo. Sown 30th April; two bushels per acre, came up 10th May; and was ripe 30th July. The time to mature was 91 days. Yield per acre, 39 bushels 15 pounds ; weight per bushel, 41^ pounds. Length of head, 7 to 9 inches; branching, length of straw, 38 to 44 inches ; the straw was soft and weak. The growth was uneven, and lodged in spots. This variety was very badly affected with smut and the leaves and stems were very much rusted. Joanette. — If acre. Soil a sandy loam of fair quality. The preparation and treat- ment was the same as that for the Improved Ligowo. The previous crop was barley. Sown 30th April; \^ bushel per acre, came up 10th May ; and was ripe 9th August. The time to mature was 101 days. Yield per acre, 33 bushels 3 pounds, weight per bushel, 35 pounds. Length of head, 7 to 9 inches, branching ; length of straw, 24 to 32 inches. Growth rather weak, but even, and all standing well. There was some smut and the leaves and stems were badly rusted. Holstein Frolific. — \\ acre. Soil a sandy loam of fair quality, the preparation and treatment was the same as that for the Improved Ligowo. The previous crop was barley. Sown 30th April ; If bushel per acre, came up 11th May ; and was ripe 6th August. The time to mature was 98 days, Yield per acre, 46 bushels 2 pounds ; weight per bushel, 33^ pounds. Length of head, 9 to 11 inches, branching ; length of straw, 36 to 44 inches. Made a medium and even growth ; all standing well. There was some smut and the leaves and stems were badly rusted. Wallis. — 2^ acres. Soil a sandy loam of fair quality. The preparation and treat- ment was the same as that for the Improved Ligowo. The previous crop was partly mangels, and partly sunflowers. Sown 1st May ; 2 bushels per acre, came up 11th May, and was ripe 6th August. The time to mature was 97 days. Yield per acre, 46 bushels 32 pounds ; weight per bushel, 33 pounds. Length of head, 9 to 11 inches, branching, length of straw, 40 to 48 inches. Growth medium to strong and fairly even, only a few spots lodged. There was some smut, and the leaves and stems were badly rusted. Early Gothland. — 2 acres. Soil partly clay loam, partly sandy loam, and part peaty. This land was manured in the spring of 1896, with about 12 tons of barn-yard manure per acre. The previous crop was corn. It was ploughed late in the autumn of 1896, from 7 to 8 inches deep, and in the following spring, it was disc-harrowed twice, and harrowed twice with the smoothing harrow before sowing. Sown 4th May ; If bushel per acre ; came up 14th May; and was ripe 3rd August. The time to mature «ras 91 days. Yield per acre, 40 bushels 20 pounds ; weight per bushel, 34|^ pounds. Length of head, 8 to 9 inches ; half sided ; length of straw, 38 to 44 inches. Made a medium growth ; all standing well. There was some smut, and the leaves and stems were slightly rusted. Golden Beauty. — 2 acres. This was sown adjoining the Early Gothland, and the preparation and treatment of the land was the same. Sown 4th May ; If bushel per acre ; REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR AND ACTING AGRICULTURIST. H came up 14th May ; and was ripe 4th August. The time to mature was 92 days. Yield per acre, 41 bushels 11 pounds; weight per bushel, 35 pounds. Length of head, 9 to 11 inches; branching; length of straw, 38 to 46 inches. Made a strong and even growth, but there were a few spots lodged. There was some smut, and the leaves and stems were badly rusted. Columbus. — 1 acre. This also was adjoining the Early Gothland, and the character of the land and the treatment were the same; sown 4th May ; 1£ bushel per acre ; came up 14th May ; and was ripe 7th August. The time to mature was 95 days. Yield per acre, 36 bushels 8 pounds ; weight per bushel, 30 pounds ; length of head, 9 to 11 inches, branching ; length of straw, 40 to 47 inches. Made a strong and even growth, but some spots were lodged. There was some smut, and the leaves and stems were badly rusted. Flying Scotchman. — 1 acre. This was sown near the Early Gothland ; the soil was similar, and the preparation and treatment of the land the same. Sown 4th May ; 1| bushel per acre ; came up 14th May ; and was ripe 30th July. The time to mature was 87 days. Yield per acre, 35 bushels 22 pounds ; weight per bushel, 38 pounds. Length of head, 7 to 10 inches, branching; length of straw, 38 to 42 inches. Made a medium and even growth ; all standing well. There was some smut, and the leaves and stems were badly rusted. White Schonen. — 1 acre. The soil and its treatment and preparation were the same as for Early Gothland. Sown 4th May; 1| bushel per acre; came up 14tb May ; and was ripe 7th August. The time to mature was 95 days. Yield per acre, 38 bushels 23 pounds ; weight per bushel, 33;^ pounds. Length of head, 8 to 9 inches, branching ; length of straw, 38 to 44 inches. Made a medium but even growth ; aU standing well. There was some smut, and the leaves and stems were badly rusted. Early Golden Prolific. — 1 acre. The soil was part sandy loam and part peaty. The land was manured in the spring of 1896 with about 12 tons of barn-yard manure per acre. It was ploughed late in the autumn of 1896 from 7 to 8 inches deep, and in the following spring it was disc-harrowed twice and harrowed twice with the smoothing harrow before sowing. The previous crop -was Indian corn. Sown 4th May; 1| bushel per acre; came up 14th May; and was ripe 7th August. The time to mature was 95 days. Yield per acre, 37 bushels 6 pounds; weight per bushel, 31 pounds. Length of head, 7 to 9 inches, branching ; length of straw, 33 to 41 inches. Growth medium and even ; all standing well. There was some smut, and the leaves and stems were considerably rusted. Early Archangel. — 1 acre. The soil was similar and the preparation and treatment the same as for the Early Golden Prolific. Sown 4th May; 1^ bushel per acre; came up 14th May; and was ripe 2nd August. The time to mature was 90 days. Yield per acre, 34 bushels 23 pounds ; weight per bushel, 33^ pounds. Length of head, 7 to 9 inches, branching ; length of straw, 38 to 44 inches. Medium to strong growth ; all standing weU excepting in one spot, which was lodged. There was some smut, and the leaves and stems were badly rusted. Hazletis Seizure. — 1 acre. The soil was sandy loam of a poor quality ; its prepara^ tion and treatment the same as for the Early Golden Prolific. Sown 4th May; If bushel per acre; came up 14th May; and was ripe 6th August. The time to mature was 94 days. Yield per acre, 26 bushels 26 pounds ; weight per bushel, 30 pounds. Length of head, 9 to 11 inches, branching; length of straw, 38 to 46 inches. Growth medium ; all standing well. There was some smut, and the leaves and stems were very badly rusted. Mennonite. — 1 acre. The soil was sandy loam of a poor quality ; its preparation and treatment the same as for the Early Golden Prolific. Sown 4th May; If bushel per acre; came up 14th May; and was ripe 3rd August. The time to mature was 91 12 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. days. Yield per acre, 30 bushels 18 pounds ; weight per bushel, 29 pounds. Length of head, 7 to 10 inches, branching ; length of straw, 36 to 41 inches. Growth medium; all standing well. There was some smut, and the leaves and stems were badly rusted. Wallis. — 1^ acre The soil was sandy loam of poor quality ; its preparation and treatment the same as for the Early Golden Prolific. Sown 4th May ; 2 bushels per acre; came up 15th May ; and was ripe 7th August. The time to mature was 95 days. Yield per acre, 26 bushels 26 pounds ; weight per bushel, 33 pounds. Length of head, 8 to 10 inches, branching ; length of straw, 41 to 46 inches. Growth medium and even ; some spots lodged. There was some smut, and the leaves and stems were badly rusted. Bavarian. — 6| acres. Soil sandy loam of variable character ; part of it of fair quality, and part of poor quality. This land was manured in the autumn of 1896 with about 12 tons of barn-yard manure per acre, and then ploughed under about 8 inches deep. The previous crop was Indian corn. In the spring of 1897, the land was disc- harrowed twice, and harrowed with the smoothing harrow twice before sowing. Sown 6th May ; 2 bushels per acre ; came up 15th May ; and was ripe 12th August. The time to mature was 98 days. Yield per acre, 35 bushels 17 pounds ; weight per bushel, 32 pounds. Length of head, 8 to 10 inches, branching ; length of straw, 38 to 44 inches. Growth medium and even ; all standing well. There was some smut, and the leaves and stems were considerably rusted. Banner. — 5^ acres. Soil sandy loam of poor quality, a part of it peaty. The pre- paration and treatment was the same as that for the Bavarian. Sown 6th May ; 2 bushels per acre ; came up 15th May, and was ripe 12th August. The time to mature was 98 days. Yield per acre, 29 bushels 12 pounds ; weight per bushel, 31 pounds. Length of head, 8 to 10 inches, branching ; length of straw, 38 to 44 inches. Growth medium, rather weak in the lower spots ; all standing well. There were a few heads of smut, and the leaves and stems were considerably rusted. Abundance — 4^ acres. The soil was a sandy loam of fair quality, which was manured in the spring of 1896 with about 10 tons of barn-yard manure per acre. The previous crop was barley. This was not ploughed in the autumn, but was ploughed about 6 inches deep in the spring of 1897, and harrowed three times with the smoothing harrow before sowing. Sown 8th May ; 2 bushels per acre ; came up 16th May ; and was ripe 10th August. The time to mature was 94 days. Yield per acre, 49 bushels 14 pounds ; weight per bushel, SA^ pounds. Length of head, 8 to 11 inches ; branching, length of straw, 44 to 49 inches. Growth strong and even, but badly lodged. There was some smut, and the leaves and stems were badly rusted. EXPERIMENTS WITH BARLEY. Experiments have been conducted during 1897 with 52 varieties of barley, 23 of which were 2-rowed sorts, and 29 were 6-rowed. These were all sown in plots of -^^th acre each. The soil was a sandy loam of good quality, which received a dressing of barn- yard manure during the winter of 1895-96, the manure being placed on the land during the winter in small piles of about half a cart load each and spread in the spring. The previous crop was part flax and part oats. The land was ploughed in the autumn of 1896 from 7 to 8 inches deep, disc-harrowed once in the spring of 1897 and harrowed 3 times with the smoothing harrow before sowing. The 2-rowed varieties were sown from the 1st to 3rd of May, and the 6-rowed on 30th April and 1st May. REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR AND ACTING AGRICULTURIST. 13 TWO-ROWED BARLEY — TEST OF VARIETIES. Namb or Vabebtt. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Newton Lopran Canadian Thorpe. Kirby Dunham Sidney Leslie ... 8 Danish Chevalier. 9 Victor 10 Beaver 11 Warren 12 Pacer. 13 Nepean. 14 Bolton. 15 Jarvis 16 Harvey 17 Gordon 18 French Chevalier. 19 Prize Prolific, . . . 20 Thanet 21 Kin ver Chevalier. , 22 Monck , 23 Rigid- , >,bb a fl Date Q'H of Ripen- ^^ ing. Aug. 2 91 2 93 1 92 July 30 90 ,. 30 90 Aug. 1 92 H 1 93 H 2 91 1 92 1 90 1 92 1 92 1 92 1 92 July 30 90 » 30 90 Aug. 1 92 2 93 .1 3 94 1 90 . 2 91 7 98 8 97 Length of Straw. Inches. 30 to 40 to 33 to 36 to Length of Head. Inches. 39 2i 5113 43i2i 36 to 43 to 31 to 33 to 36 to 36 to 30 to 36 to Yield per Acre. Bush. Lbs 41 7 38 31 38 26 38 21 37 18 35 41 35 30 34 38 34 28 34 8 33 6 32 41 31 27 31 23 31 9 29 28 29 18 24 28 22 24 21 17 19 28 18 26 14 8 be 3 Lbs 45i 47 46f 45i 47 46 48 45i 48 48i 47 49 48 48^ 48^ 47 47 44 44 47 42 47 46i Proportion Rusted. Slightly. Considerably. Slightly. II Considerably. Slightly. II Considerably. SUghtly. Badly, Considerably. Included in the foregoing list are 14 new hybrid sorts of two-rowed barley which have been produced at the experimental farms. The names and parentage of 13 of these were given in the Annual Report of the Experimental Farms for 1896, the 14th named Warren was originated from Baxter's six-rowed fertilized with the pollen of a two-rowed variety, the Duck-bill, in 1892 by Mr. W. T. Macoun at Ottawa. nXLD CHOPS OP TWO-ROWED BARLEY. Canadian Thorpe — IJ acre. Soil a sandy loam of fair quality, which received a dressing of about 12 tons of barn-yard manure, per acre, in the spring of 1895. No fertilizer has been applied since. The previous crop was oats. The land was ploughed late in the autum of 1896 about 8 inches deep and disc-harrowed twice the following spring and harrowed twice with the smoothing harrow before sowing. Sown 7th May ; 2 bushels per acre ; came up 15th May ; and was ripe 2nd August. The time to mature was 87 days. Yield per acre, 35 bushels 27 pounds ; weight per bushel, 49| pounds. Length of head, 3 to 3^ inches ; length of straw, 36 to 44 inches ; growth uneven, medium to weak ; all standing well. There was some smut, and the leaves and stems were badly rusted. 14 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. SIX-ROWED BARLEY TEST OP VARIETIES. Name of Variety. 1 Odessa ... , . . . . 2 Pioneer 3 Mansfield 4 Mensury 5 Trooper 6 Royal 7 Oderbruch 8 Argyle 9 Empire 10 Rennie's Improved 11 SteUa 12 Success 13 Vanguard 14 Petschora 15 Nugent , . . . 16 Albert 17 Blue Barley 18 Summit 19 Phoenix 20 Excelsior 21 Champion 22 Common 23 Surprise 24 Claude 25 Monde (hulless) . . . 26 Baxters 27 Brome. 28 Yale 29 Garfield. Date of Ripen- ing. July o ca 12; 27 26 27 30 26 25 26 27 27 25 24 22 24 24 30 30 24 26 25 25 26 25 27 26 24 27 30 30 27 87 86 88 90 86 85 86 87 87 85 84 82 84 84 90 91 84 86 85 85 86 85 87 87 84 87 90 90 87 Length of Straw. Inches. Length of Head. Inches. 36 to 41 to 44 to 45 to 52 to 33 to 39 to 36 to 39 to 38 to 36 to 40 to 36 to Yield per Acre. u Bush. Lbs. 54 3 50 40 49 24 49 18 48 41 48 6 48 6 47 34 47 9 46 26 45 25 44 15 44 13 43 36 43 6 43 1 42 34 41 37 41 11 40 40 40 10 40 38 12 37 36 35 33 32 26 30 45 Lbs Proportion Rusted. Considerably. Slightly. Considerably. Slightly. Considerably. Slightly. Considerably. Slightly. Considerably. Slightly. Included in this list of varieties of six-rowed barley there are seventeen new hybrid sorts which have been produced at the experimental farms. The names and parentage of 15 of these were given in the annual report for 1896, the two now added are 16 Vanguard and 17 Surprise. These were originated in 1889, at the Central Experi- mental Farm at Ottawa, by the Director and are both hybrids between Swedish (two-rowed) female with Baxter's (six-rowed) male. FIELD CROPS OP SIX-ROWED BARLEY. Royal. — 2 1 acres. Soil a sandy loam, rather light in character, which received a coating of barn -yard manure of about 12 tons per acre in the spring of 1895. No fertilizer has been applied since. The previous crop was oats. The land was ploughed very lightly after harvest to start weed seeds and shed grain, and again later in the autumn, about 8 inches deep. In the spring it was disc-harrowed twice, and harrowed twice with the smoothing harrow before sowing. Sown 1st May ; If bushel per acre ; came up 10th May ; and was ripe 26th July. The time to mature was 86 days. Yield per acre, 29 bushels 42 pounds ; weight per bushel, 48 pounds. Length of head, about 3 inches ; length of straw, 42 to 46 inches. Growth medium to strong and even ; all standing well, and the grain ripened very evenly. There was some smut but no rust. Trooper. — 2-J- acres. This was adjoining the field of Royal barley ; the soil was similar and the preparation and treatment of the land the same. Sown 1st May; 1| bushel per acre ; came up 10th May ; and was ripe 27th July. The time to mature was 87 days. Yield per acre, 26 bushels 15 pounds; weight per bushel, 49 J pounds. Length REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR AND ACTING AGRICULTURIST. 15 of head, 2i to 3 ii ^s ; length of straw, 40 to 42 inches ; growth medium to weak ; all standing well. There was some smut but no rust. Mensury. — 2f acres. This and the three following plots were adjoining that of Trooper ; the soil was similar and the preparation and treatment of the land the same throughout. Sown 3rd May ; If bushel per acre ; came up 10th May ; and was ripe 25th July. The time to mature was 83 days. Yield per acre, 36 bushels 47 pounds ; weight per bushel, 48J pounds. Length of head, 3 to 3^ inches ; length of straw, 44 to 48 inches. Growth strong and even ; all standing well. There was some smut but no rust. Champion. — \ acre. Sown 3rd May ; 1| bushel per acre ; came up 11th May, and was ripe 25th July. The time to mature was 83 days. Yield per acre, 43 bushels 46 pounds ; weight per bushel, 44 pounds. Length of head, 3 to 3^ inches ; beardless ; length of straw, 42 to 44 inches. Growth medium to strong ; standing fairly well. There was some smut, and the leaves and stems were somewhat rusted. Success. — I" acre. Sown 3rd May; If bushel per acre ; came up 11th May, and was ripe 22nd July. The time to mature was 81 days. Yield per acre, 43 bushels 29 pounds ; weight per bushel, 45;^ pounds. Length of head, 2 to 2 J inches ; beardless ; length of straw, 36 to 40 inches. Growth medium and even ; all standing well. No smut or rust. Odessa. — facte. Sown 3rd May; If bushel per acre; came up 11th May, and was ripe 26th July. The time to mature was 84 days. Yield per acre, 37 bushels 10 pounds ; weight per bushel, 48 pounds. Length of head 2f to 3 inches ; length of straw, 32 to 4l inches. Growth strong and even ; standing fairly well, only one spot lodged. There was some smut, and the leaves and stems were slightly rusted. EXPERIMENTS WITH SPRING WHEAT. grown Fifty-six varieties of spring wheat were tested during the season of 1897, on plots of ^th acre each. The land selected for the wheat plots was adjoining that used for the test of varieties of barley, the soil was similar and the preparation and treatment of the land the same. The previous crop was barley. The plots were all sown on the 29th and 30th April at the rate of one and a half bushel per acre. SPRING WHEAT TEST OF VARIETIES. Name of Variety. Date of ■Ripen- ing. Length of Straw. Length Head. Kind of Head. Yield per Acre. Proportion Rusted. 1 Plumper Aug. ti II It II July Aug. II II 11 II II II •1 II II 3 9 9 2 2 8 27 4 9 8 9 10 9 2 3 3 9 95 102 102 94 94 100 89 94 102 101 101 102 102 94 96 96 101 Inches. 46 to 50 48 to 52 52 to 5(5 42 to 48 42 to 47 39 to 48 43 to 52 44 to 51 48 to 52 36 to 54 42 to 54 44 to 51 42 to 48 42 to 50 42 to 50 42 to 51 42 to 55 Inches. 2i to 3i 2| to 2| 4 to 4* 2ito3 2^ to 3i 3 to3| 2 to 3 2|to3i 4 to5 4 to 5 3ito4 .3J to4 3^ to 4 2| to .Si 3 to 3l 3 to 3$ 3J to 4| Bearded . . II Beardless. n II II Bearded . . II Beardless. Bearded . . Beardless. II . . II II Bearded . . II Beardless . 4 pq 26 26 24 24 23 23 22 22 22 22 22 21 21 21 21 20 20 3 1-^ 42 30 55 10 20 5 50 15 7 30 27 20 40 35 Lbs. 59 571 53 58 59i 54| 56 54 58 61 52J 52 55i 55 55 52 CJonsiderably. Slightly. II II Considerably. SUghtly. Considerably. 2 Roumanian 3 Wellman's Fife 4 Blair 5 Mason 6 White Fife 7 Harold 8 Coloi'ado 9 Monarch 10 Rio Grande Slightly. Considerably. SHghtly. 11 Laurel 12 White Connell 13 Old Red River 14 Crawford 15 Huron Considerably. Slightly. II II 16 Advance 17 White Russian 16 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. SPRINQ WHEAT — TEST OP VARIETIES — Concluded. Name of Variety. 18 Cartier 19 Hungarian 20 Blenheim 21 Preston 22 Pride of Baropa 23 Dufiferin 24 Countess 25 Dawn 26 Kideau 27 Crown. 28 Bishop 29 Goose 80 Red Fife 81 Pringle'a Champlain 82 Progress 33 Essex 84 Ebert 36 Stanley 36 Angus 37 Admiral 38 Dawson 39 Alpha 40 Vernon 41 Captor, Red Chaff 42 Percy 43 Fraser. 44 Campbell's Wiiite Chaff".! 45 Black Sea 46 Jordan 47 Golden Drop 48 Ladoga 49 Beauty 50 Captor 61 Beaudry , 52 Herisson Bearded , 53 Percy, White Chaff , 54 Red Fern 56 Dions 66 Emporium , Date of Ripen- ing. St SI 0 Length Straw. Length Head. Kind of Head. Yield per Acre. Liches. Inches. S i Iba. Aug. 2 94 36 to 46 2ito3 Bearded. . 20 25 59i 64i II 5 98 48 3 to3i n 20 20 11 5 98 42 to 48 3 to 4 II • • 20 17 56 H 5 98 42 to 48 3 to4 n 20 10 65 II 5 97 42 to 48 2#to3i Beardless . 20 10 56i II 2 95 43 to 52 2? to 3 Bearded . 19 55 57 II 3 95 42 to 46 2| to 3^ Beardless . 19 55 58i II 2 95 42 to 46 2| to3i II . . 19 55 56 It 2 95 42 to 52 2ito3 11 19 55 53 II 8 96 42 to 48 3 to3i Bearded . . 19 45 55 It 2 95 42 to 50 2ito3| Beardless . 19 30 58 II 6 99 42 to 48 2 to2| Bearded . . 19 15 58i II 9 102 40 to 48 3i to4 Beardless. 19 15 62 « 4 97 40 to 48 3|to4^ Bearded . . 19 56 11 6 99 48 to 51 3 to4 Beardless. 18 55 54J^ n 8 100 42 to 48 3i to 4 II 18 55 52 II 3 95 39 to 48 2ito3 n 18 45 53| 11 6 98 48 3 to4 M 18 10 II 2 94 40 to 48 2ito3 II 17 50 68 II 8 100 48 to 52 H 17 30 62 „ 6 98 42 to 48 3ito4 II 17 25 64 II 6 99 48 to 52 3 to4 1. 17 10 63 H 8 101 42 to 48 25to3i Bearded . . 16 50 53 II 5 98 44 to 51 3 to 4 Beardless . 15 50 62 II 5 98 42 to 51 3 to 3i >i 16 39 54 n 1 93 36 to 44 2ito3 Bearded, . 16 10 59i II 7 100 48 tool 3 to3i Beardless. 16 51 n 3 96 42 to 48 3 to3| Bearded . . 15 56 62 II 6 98 46 to 50 3 to4 Beardless. 15 37 61 11 4 96 43 to 48 2ito3 11 15 51 II 3 96 48 to 53 3 to3i Bearded . . 14 55 53 n 8 101 48 to 52 3i to4| Beardless . 14 35 50 II 3 96 36 to 48 2|to3| M . • 14 13 52 II 8 96 48 to 53 3 to3| Bearded. . 14 54A 52i H 5 98 45 to 51 lito2 n . . 13 50 II 6 98 42 to 61 3 to4 Beardless. 13 37 50 11 8 101 36 to 48 3i to 4i Bearded . . 12 59 62^ II 8 101 48 to 62 3i to4| 11 12 60 62 n 8 101 50 to 54 3ito4 II 10 21 61i Proportion Rusted. Considerably. SUghtly. II Considerably. Slightly. Considerably. Slightly. Considerably. Badly. SUghtly. Considerably. Slightly. Considerably. Slightly. Considerably. Badly. Considerably. Slight: Considerably. n H In the foregoing list there are included thirty-one of the new cross-bred sorts which have been originated at the experimental farms. A list of the names and parentage of fifteen of these was given in the annual report for 1896, a continuation of this list will be found below : — 16. Angus — Early Sonora Female with Red Fife Male. 1 7. Dawson — Whit© Connell. 18. Fraser — Alpha 19. Crawford — Alpha.. . 20. Jordan— Red Fife . . 21. Laurel— Red Fife . . 22. Plumper — Colorado. 23. Blair — Colorado.. . 24. Mason — Colorado. . . 25. Cartier — Colorado. . 26. Bishop — Ladoga. . . . 27. Ebert^Gehun 28. Harold— Gehun do do do Hard Red Calcutta. . , . Hard Red Calcutta. . . . Gehun . do . do do do do do Anglo Canadian Gehun Gehun . do do do do Gehun do do Gehun do do Gehun do do Gehun do do do Ladoga Onega . do . do REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR AND ACTING AGRICULTURIST. 17 29. Essex — White Fife Female with Stewart Male. 30. Countess — Early Sonora .... do Red Fife do 31. Rideau — Spiti Valley do Red Fife do Of these results in cross-fertilizing six were originated at the Central Experimental Farm by the Director, three in 1889, Nos. 16, 30 and 31, two in 1890, Nos. 20 and 29, and one in 1891, No. 23. Seven were the results of the work of Mr. W. T. Macoun also at the Central Farm; six were produced in 1891, Nos. 22, 24, 25, 26, 27 and 28, and one in 1892, No. 19. Three were originated by Dr. A. P. Saunders, in 1892, two of thein Nos. 17 and 21 at the branch experimental farm at Brandon, Manitoba and one No. 18 at the branch farm at Agassiz, British Columbia. FIELD PLOTS OP WHEAT. Preston. — \ acre. Soil a sandy loam of fair quality, which received a dressing of barn-yard manure in the spring of 1896, of about 12 tons per acre. The previous crop was potatoes. The land was ploughed in the autumn of 1896, about 8 inches deep, and in the following spring disc-harrowed twice and harrowed twice with the smoothing harrow before sowing. Sown 1st May; IJ bushel per acre; came up 11th May; and was ripe 7th August. The time to mature was 98 days. Yield per acre, 28 bushels 42 pounds; weight per bushel, 56 J pounds. Length of head, 3 to 3^ inches; length of straw, 36 to 40 inches. Growth medium to strong and even ; all standing well. There was no smut, but the leaves and stems were badly rusted. Advance. — | acre. This and the next plot referred to were both adjoining the Preston ; the soil was similar and the preparation and treatment of the land the same Sown 1st May; 1-| bushel per acre; came up 11th May; and was ripe 7th August. The time to mature was 98 days. Yield per acre, 25 bushels 1 pound ; weight per bushel, 55 pounds. Length of head, 3f to 4 inches ; length of straw, 36 to 41 inches. Growth tolerably even ; standing fairly well ; some of the straw was broken about a foot from the ground. There was no smut, but the leaves and stems were badly rusted. Herisson Bearded. — ^ acre. Sown 1st May; 1^ bushel per acre; came up 11th May ; and was ripe 9th August. The time to mature was 100 days. Yield per acre, 25 bushels 58 pounds ; weight per bushel, 57^ pounds. Length of head, 2 to 2^ inches ; length of straw, 36 to 40 inches. Growth medium to strong and even ; all standing well. There was no smut, but the leaves and stems were badly rusted. EXPERIMENTS WITH PEASE. During the season of 1897, seventy-nine varieties of pease have been tested on uniform plots of ^th acre each, and the results are given in the appended table. The land on which these pease were sown was adjoining that used for the plots of barley, the soil however was a lighter sandy loam and not so good in quality. The preparation and treatment of the land was the same as that used for the barley plots. The land was occupied in 1896 with experimental plots of wheat, oats and barley. The plots of pease were all sown on the 3rd and 4th of May with the following results : — 8a— 2 18 EXPEIUMENTA L FA BMS. PEASE — TEST OF VARIETIES. Name of Variety. 1 Canadwn Beauty 2 Oddfellow 3 Arthur 4 Creeper 5 King 6 Cooper 7 Picton 8 Macoun 9 Fergus 10 Prussian Blue. 11 Gregory 12 ] iauark 13 Fenton 14 Prince Albert . 15 Pearl 16 Crown 17 Harrison's Glory 18 Forbes 19 Early Britain 20 Dixon 21 Perth , 22 Victoria 23 Lisgar 24 Vincent 25 Weston 26 Carleton 27 New Potter 28 Dover 29 Alma 30 Agnes 31 Prospect 32 Derby 33 Elephant Blue 34 Kent 35 Duke 30 Black Eyed Marrowfat. 37 Elliott. . 3S De.xter 3y Chelsea - 40 Mummy .... 41 Kerry 42 Nelson 43 Elder... .. 44 German White 45 Clarke 46 Ogden 47 Herald 48 Hazen 49 Dover 50 Giant 51 Paragon .52 Bedford .53 Tracey 54 .Tackson 55 Leader 56 Chancellor 57 Comet 58 Surrey 59 Bruce 60 Multiplier 61 Golden Vine 62 Nixon 63 Large White Marrowfat 64 Bright.. 65 Centennial Date of Ripening O - Aug. 24.. 6.. 7.. M 21.. .. 20.. .1 14.. .1 12.. .. 31.. .. 20.. .. 12. . M 17.. 9.. .. 12.. .. 28.. .. 30. . n 14.. .. 9., n 14.. 7.. .. 19.. 9.. .. 30. . II 18.. .. 10.. II 28.. I. 19., I. 27.. I. 24.. ■I 20.. 9.. M 17.. M 28.. 9.. ., 26.. n 23.. u 19.. „ 12.. 11 14.. ,1 18.. 7.. 11 27.. 7.. ,1 27.. II 6. . „ 18. . .. 29.. I, 17.. I. 12. , I, 24.. .- 16.. » 29.. „ 30.. I, 17.. .■ 15.. M 18.. II 5. . M 23.. M 28.. M 20.. .. 18.. .1 IS.. .. 18.. I. 12.. II 29.. I 21.. Character of Growth. 112 95 95 Strong. 109 109 103 101 119 109 100 106 98 100 117 119 103 98 Medium.. . 103 Strong 95 108 97 118 107 98 117 107 115 113 109 98 106 117 97 114 111 108 101 103 107 95 Medium . . . 116 Strong 95 116 94 107 118 106 101 113 105 117 118 105 104 II ... 106 II ... 93 II ... 112 II ... 116 II ... lOS II 100 M ... 100 Medium ... 107 Strong 100 II ... 117 II ... 109 II ... Length of Straw. Length of Pod. Inches. 60 to 96 36 to 48 '48'to'72 60 to 84 36 to 00 60 to 84 72 to 90 72 to 84 72 to 96 48 to 60 48 to 72 60 to 72 84 to 96 72 60 to 72 SO to SO 72 to 84 48 72 to 84 48 to 60 72 to 96 00 to 84 42 to 48 72 to 84 60 to 72 72 to 90 00 to 72 00 to 84 48 to 00 00 to 72 60 to 72 36 to 48 48 to 72 48 to 72 00 to 84 to 72 to CO 60 to 72 36 to 48 84 to 96 to 42 to 72 to 48 48 to 72 84 to !)0 60 72 to 84 60 to 72 60 to 84 72 to 84 84 to 108 60 to 72 72 72 to 84 48 to 72 72 to 84 72 to 84 60 60 30 60 48 48 48 36 48 42 to 54 to 72 to 60 60 to 84 00 Inches. if 2 n 2.1 2 2i 2 2.V 2| 2 2i 2 2i to 3i to 2 to '.si' to 2:} to 2i to 3 to 3 to 2^ to 2i to 2| to 3 to 3i to 2i to 3 to 2i to 3 li to 2i 2| to 2.^ to 2| Yield per Acre. Bush. Lbs. 31 50 30 30 30 20 29 40 29 35 29 28 9 27 40 27 40 27 20 27 20 27 15 27 10 27 5 27 26 50 20 40 26 40 26 30 20 20 20 20 20 25 50 25 50 25 40 25 40 25 20 25 25 24 45 24 40 24 40 24 40 24 30 24 30 24 20 24 5 24 3 23 50 23 50 23 50 23 45 23 45 23 40 23 30 23 20 23 10 23 10 23 10 23 10 22 50 22 50 22 50 22 45 22 30 O.) 21 50 21 30 21 20 50 20 40 20 30 20 20 20 20 Lbs. 03 06 63 63^ 62 62 63. 01 61^ 63i 01 001 ooi 03i 02 03j ooj 02 59 62^ 61 Oli 62| 61i 62i 63 02 C2i 03 Oli 00 61 02 62 63 62i 61 6U 63 64i 6U 64i 62| 61 64 62i 64 63 63 61* 61| 62i 62" 63 CO oi:? COi 02i 60} 63^ 63 62i 02.} REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR AND ACTING AGRICULTURIST. 19 PEASE — TEST OP VARIETIES — Continued. Name of Variety. 66 Moore 67 Archer 68 Vasey 69 Albion 70 Mackay. , 71 Elva.. . 72 Trilby 73 Prince 74 Kingsf ord. 75 Luther 76 Excelsior . . 77 Daniel O'Rourke, 78 White Wonder. . 79 Pride •.. Date of IS o2 Ripening. Aug. 7.. M 18.. 96 106 .. 26.. 114 .. 20 . 108 .. 14., 102 ,. 23. . 111 .. oO.. 118 .. 18.. 106 9.. 98 .. 23.. 111 .. 24.. 112 5.. 93 5.. 93 6.. 94 Character of Growth. Strong. Medium Length of Straw. Inche3. 48 60 to 72 60 to 72 60 to 72 36 to 60 72 60 to 72 60 to 72 36 to 48 60 to 84 60 to 72 36 to 42 18 to 30 24 to 30 The Pease, White Wonder and Pride, are both low growers and happened to be eown on a rather low spot, on which weeds grew unusually rank, and hence the vines were partly smothered, and the yields very small. Hitherto both these varieties have given good crops. Mackay also which was near the head of the list last year has not given a satisfactory return. The vines were very thin on the plot, due either to faulty germination of the seed, or to the ravages of cut worms. The following new varieties included in the above list have been tested for the first time, Oddfellow, Harrison's Glory, Elephant Blue and German White. FIELD CROPS OP PEASE. Creeper. — \ acre. Soil sandy loam of medium quality, which received a dressing of barnyard manure of about 12 tons per acre in the spring of 1895. No fertilizer has been applied since. The previous crop was hay. The land was ploughed in the spring of 1897 about 6 inches deep, disc-harrowed once and harrowed twice with the smoothing harrow before sowing. Sown 13th May ; 2 bushels per acre ; came up 22nd May, and was ripe 23rd August. The time to mature was 102 days. Yield per acre, 38 bushels 9 pounds; weight per bushel, 63^ pounds. Growth medium and even; pods small, fairly abundant. Length of straw, 46 to 52 inches. Agnes. — ^ acre. This plot and that of Arthur, which follows, were sown adjoining Creeper ; the soil was similar and the preparation and treatment of the land the same. Sown 13th May ; 2^ bushels per acre ; came up 22nd May and was ripe 25th August. The time to mature was 104 days. Yield per acre, 33 bushels 24 pounds ; weight per bushel, 62 pounds. Growth medium and even ; pods large. Length of straw, 41 to 52 inches. Arthur. — | acre. Sown 13th May; 2 bushels per acre; came up 22nd May, and was ripe 19th August. The time to mature was 98 days. Yield per acre, 38 bushels 14 pounds; weight per bushel, 64 pounds. Well podded ; pods small and in clusters, like the Mummy ; the straw also resembles the Mummy in thickness and in its upright growth. Length of straw, 39 to 48 inches. 8a— 2^ to EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. RESULTS OF EARLY, MEDIUM AND LATE SOWINGS. These experiments have all been conducted on similar land on j\ih. acre plots, the plots adjoining each other. OATS SOWN AT DIFFERENT DATES. Name of Variety. Date of Sowing. Date of Ripening Banner. Abundance. April 13 II 21 II 28 May 5 II 12 II 19 April 13 II 21 II 28 May 5 II 12 " 19 Aug. 2 3 9 11 14 14 1 2 7 9 12 14 Wo. of Days Matur- ing. Ill 104 103 98 94 87 110 103 101 96 92 87 Length of Straw. Inches. 44 44 4G 38 36 38 44 48 46 34 46 36 to 48 to 51 to 51 to 48 to 48 to 42 to 46 to 51 to 49 to 44 to 49 to 41 Weight of Straw per acre. Lbs. 3,220 2,350 2,330 2,350 2,790 3,050 3,100 3,720 3,850 3,350 3,890 3,190 Yield of grain per acre. 70 77 69 66 54 42 44 58 53 50 40 37 Bush. lbs. 22 24 6 24 22 14 8 8 10 10 12 Weight per bushel. 34| 34| 29 29i 24 37 34 342 33 35 24 Rusted. Slightly. Considerably. Badly. Slightly. Considerably. Badly. BARLEY SOWN AT DIFFERENT DATES. CJanadian Thorpe Odessa April 13 -Tuly 26 104 „ 21 II 26 96 ., 28 M 30 93 May 5 Aug. 2 89 ., 12 tl 6 86 ,. 19 II 11 84 April 13 July 23 101 .1 21 II 23 93 11 28 II 26 89 May 5 II 27 83 11 12 Aug. 2 82 1. 19 II 5 78 42 46 32 46 44 40 40 40 42 28 26 to 46 to 49 to 38 to 47 to 47 to 46 to 42 to 42 to 48 to 36 to 31 3,200 3,610 2,S.'?0 2,630 2,245 1,880 3,720 3,2.S0 2,S30 2,910 2,340 2,270 35 46 35 36 19 21 40 53 41 36 31 27 40 49 42 44 10 48^ 2 4Si 32 44 12 42 20 47 36 47 22 47 42 47 32 47 34 42^ No rust. Considerably. Badly." . No nist. Considerably. Badly. SPRING WHEAT SOWN AT DIFFERENT DATES. Red Fife. Stanley . 11 II H M m April 13 Aug. 4 113 1. 21 7 108 1. 28 9 103 May 5 II 12 99 • .1 12 14 94 1. 19 16 89 April 13 2 111 .1 21 C 107 II 28 7 101 May 5 9 96 .. 12 12 92 .. 19 14 87 38 38 38 35 35 24 36 38 36 34 36 24 to 43 to 44 to 45 to 39 to 39 to 36 to 38 to 44 to 44 to 38 to 42 to 36 1,900 4,120 3,640 3,370 2,430 1,6S0 1,200 3,770 3,2()0 2,6(i0 2,2.30 2,480 19 20 5U 55* 20 40 18 50 50j 16 50 54; 10 50 52:: 7 54: 16 50 51; 20 30 54 17 20 525 12 40 51 7 30 51 6 20 54^ Considerably. Badly." M Very badly. Badly. Considerably. Badly. Very badly. Badly. Very badly. REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR AND ACTING AGRICULTURIST. 21 PEASE SOWN AT DIFFERENT DATES. yame of Variety. Miunmy. Golden Vine. Date of Sowing. April 13 „ 21 ,. 28 May 6 „ 12 .. 19 April 13 ,. 21 „ 28 May 5 .. 12 ,. 19 Date of Ripening Aug. 2 4 6 7 8 14 4 7 9 13 14 18 No. of Days Matur- ing. Ill 105 100 94 88 87 113 108 103 100 94 91 Length of Straw. Inches. 48 48 48 48 42 40 55 50 50 50 50 50 to 52 to 54 to 54 to 54 to 48 to 48 to 60 to 58 to 54 to 56 to 55 to 55 Weight of Yield Weight Straw of grain per per acre. bushel. per acre. Lbs. Bush. lbs. 2,220 23 40 63i 1,680 28 20 63 1,340 27 , 64 1,530 24 40 65 1,335 23 25 64i 930 22 50 61 2,330 25 50 63 1,680 29 40 63i 1,360 24 50 63 1,270 28 20 63f 1.230 23 20 64 1,570 19 10 63i SUMMARY OP RESULTS OF EARLY, MEDIUM, AND LATE SOWINGS FOR THE WHOLE PERIOD. The following are the average crops which have been obtained, during the full period these testa have been continued — that is eight years with the oats, barley and spring wheat, and three years with the pease : — Tests continubd fob Eight Years. Tests continued for Thbkk Years. OatB. Average Yield per acre. Barley. Average Yield per acre. Spring Wheat. Average Yield per acre. Pease. Average Yield per acre. Ist Sowing 2nd " .... 3rd " .... 4th " .... 6th " .... 6th " .... Bush. lbs. 54 31 59 8 50 2 44 14 39 17 29 23 1st Sowing. . . . 2nd " .... 3rd " .... 4th " .... 5th " .... 6th " .... Bush. lbs. 39 43 41 30 32 29 29 10 25 3 22 33 1st Sowing 2nd " .... 3rd " .... 4th " .... 5th " .... 6th " .... Bush. lbs. 18 23 19 23 14 19 12 28 10 34 8 56 1st Sowing 2nd " .... 3rd " .... 4th " .... 5th " .... 6th " .... Bush. lbs. 29 21 32 45 33 25 29 14 26 19 24 6 EXPERIMENTS WITH INDIAN CORN. During the season of 1897, twenty-eight varieties of Indian corn have been tested side by side on fairly uniform land. The soil was a sandy loam of fair quality which received in the spring of 1894, an application of about 12 tons of barn-yard manure per acre. No fertilizer has been applied since. The previous crop was pease. The land was ploughed in the autumn of 1896, about 8 inches deep and again in the spring of 1897, about 6 inches deep and harrowed twice with the smoothing harrow before planting. The varieties were all planted 25th May, and were cut for ensilage 17th September. The yield per acre has been calculated from the weight of the crop cut from two rows each 66 feet long. 22 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. H O H Eh Oi o o ■< Q ©N«ooocoeoTi<;etoooooc 1 ■* • ^ ■■ CDCO?-IC^i-IOOl00500>~. t-OCSCitDI-t^OOOi-IOOO'^eONO 5 »1 p 1 •Bqrr l^l.O.'*' <^,"\0° t^ lO (N t- Oi >0 O0^00_r-I C^^^ C:__C>_O_C1_00_rH 05 CO t^ t~ •* ^ o.'^.a rHrJ" iHiH i-Tr-T r-Ti-J r-ri-Hi-Ti-ri-r rH •BUO J^ t050C^.-iOCOtD>OlO'050000t^t-0«« c^5col^5«col^l<^^<^l(^^l^I(^5(^^(^^(^^l^^l^l<^l'Nl^l(^^1-lt--lrHr-l,-H,-^,H.--( ■0 • -d :i • • s • ; a ' . I • ■ u ; ; > • • 1 • • 01- ^ i^ *;^ \ ■ ® •O ^ tx-oS^a 'ca 13 S'O as "o i=->a 1 g b-," '*2*^»T^ aj"E>.^**'* /vj'-'n-w— l ■N(M •t-1 ■*' rH b- lO t- la • • (M eO(N •eq w «(M rHrH !N ^i 1 I bb 3 : bb 3- • bb • bb • 3 5 ■ ^ . . -15 -D..-- 3- - 1 •*" » »o e<5 OS 00 i-i t>I •<«< eo o o 05 i-i t--I r-i e^ • to o cj t>^ -^ <»< lo" S:=3 r-( CON iM C<5 IM CO IM CO (M • (M M (M (M IM IM N 5 S ti >> tab >> tib>> ■ >> t> s P- » » - - - . "a- p. "g. - « » - D's ■'g. - , - » . H ■ • • .' ' ; .' >>:>.■■ 2 r^" ^? : . ^^ c3 . e3 fl • a eS . c« (U . b-S". b- %' ^- ^^^'^ ' ea - » - - . t-. cj » , . » t- c5 - - - » - !-j c3 - ." cS.S 0) .^ t>tJ t> >-:i bH^fe ■*'"*i!MTt<->*iTf<(r-tOOt--C500 .f ffl ,_|,_(rtr-lr-lr^r-(i-Ji-li-li-li-I^T-lr-lt-,.-lrHT-(r-lr-li-H^r-li-l ^ 43-t3+3+3-U.*J.*3+3.*J+343-4J-*3-M-U>-*J-4J4J-4J-*J-+->-*-^*^4-3-fc3+J^J-*J llMC0050ii-IC^OC<1050505OC50;C'5mO050050l-?0 ^^ l-l i-l T-( i-l >-( rH rH 1-1 iH rH i-H rH tH rH H 43 4^ -«^ 4^' 43 '. +3 ! 4a ' I ] ! • a a ;:: o- CI • la • :-s :^ : • o o o O o o ."t: c , ® 4S ® +3 0)^ -(J C 4^ c li TS'S'a 'OT5ig'c"£°^-d '^'^^TJ^-aJnT:''^ ^iS'o ''^tS • Sii9 B ^" ^nS ^a>^ bb :::::: : . bo . . bo . . . ■ . bo • OJ J c • C . (3 . . . . • a • *^ -q o . O . o • • • • ■ o • o -w h .1., .:.,•••• • a • • Chara of Grow 00 bbtcbo^bb DQbJD 3 1 til c ® : '61 '.S III .g o bo . 43 a Q ® : & "5 "a a o Si ' 43 . a . ® \bC^fl< CO;!) ■4-3 g Q "3 43 0] a .T) : > • n ;p£ u o o 4i : ® 43 s 525 -SPh.x i,1^ ^1^ i7.c=5 o'^m-Hwl °^i« S«s-®=S g== III 1^1 § B^ |f8-|.§| -|||t|| 8 .|| i| rH eq « *»0 tOb. oc o: o rH rH rH rH to t^ooo: ?H rH iH S5 S Sg 5585 I REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR AND ACTING AGRICULTURIST. 23 FIELD CROPS OF INDIAN CORN. The following varieties were sown in larger field plots : — Mammoth Eight-rowed Flint. — 2 acres. Soil, sandy loam of fair quality, with patches of heavier soil which were partly clay. The land was ploughed in the autumn of 1896 about 8 inches deep and received an application of barn-yard manure of about 15 tons per acre, distributed in small piles of about one- third of a cart-load each, during the winter, and spread in the spring, after which it was ploughed under about 6 inches deep and harrowed twice with the smoothing harrow before sowing. The previous crop consisted partly of pease and partly of buckwheat. Planted 27th May, in hills 3 feet apart each way, 4 to 5 kernels in each hill; came up 10th June; and was cut for ensilage 22nd September. The growth was strong and even, leafy from top to bottom, and 7 to 8 feet high ; the ears "were well advanced in the glazed condition, some beginning to harden. Yield per acre, 19 tons 38 pounds. Com,pton's Early. — 2J acres. This and the three following field plots were adjoining the Mammoth Eight-rowed Flint ; the soil was similar, excepting that on which the Angel of Midnight was planted, and the preparation and treatment of the land in each case the same.' Planted 27th May, in hills; came up 10th June; and was cut for ensilage on 21st September. Growth, strong and even ; leafy from top to bottom ; 7 to 8 feet high ; stalks extra well eared ; and the ears well advanced in the glazed condition, some beginning to harden. Yield, 15 tons 1,190 pounds per acre. Angel of Midnight. — 2 acres. Part of the land in this field was low and clayey, and hence less suitable for this crop. Planted 26th May, in hills ; came up 10th June ; and was cut for ensilage 22nd September. Growth, strong and even ; leafy from top to bottom ; height, 7 to 8 feet ; stalks extra well eared, and the ears well advanced in the glazed condition. Yield per acre, 12 tons 1,877 pounds. White Cap Yellow Dent. — 2 acres. Planted 26th May, in hills; came up 10th June; and was cut for ensilage 24th September. Growth, strong and even; leafy, especially towards the top; height, 10 to 12 feet; stalks well eared, and the ears in the late milk. Yield per acre, 17 tons 1,797 pounds. Extra Early Huron. — J acre. Soil sandy loam of good quality ; treatment and preparation the same as that for Mammoth Eight-rowed Flint. Planted 26th May, in hills; came up 9th June; and was cut for ensilage 24th September. Growth strong and even; leafy at top and fairly leafy below; height, 9 to 10 feet; stalks well eared, and ears in the late milk. Yield per acre, 18 tons 730 pounds. Canada White Flint. — J acre. This and the thirteen following one-half acre plots, were all in the same field as Extra Early Huron ; the soil was similar, and the prepara- tion and treatment of the land the same as for that variety. Planted 22nd May, in hills ; came up 9th June ; and was cut for ensilage 24th September. Growth strong and even ; leafy from top to bottom ; height, 7| to 8J feet ; stalks well eared, ears begin- ning to ripen. Yield per acre, 16 tons 1,460 pounds. Sanford Flint. — | acre. Planted 22nd May, in hills ; came up 9th June ; and was cut for ensilage 24th September. Growth very strong and even ; leafy throughout ; height 7^ to 8 feet ; stalks well eared, ears in late milk. Yield per acre, 18 tons 930 [)()unds. Rural Thoroughbred White Flint. — h acre. Planted 22nd May, in hills ; came up I 1th June; and was cut for ensilage 27th September. Growth very strong and even; leafy from top to bottom ; height 9 to 10 feet; stalks well eared, ears in the early milk -^tage. Yield per acre, 23 tons 1,934 pounds Pride of the North. — J acre. Planted 22nd May, in hills ; came up 9th June; and was cut for ensilage 24th September. Growth, strong and even ; leafy from top to bottom ; height, 9 to 10 feet ; stalks well eared, grain beginning to harden. Yield per Hci-e, 16 tons 320 pounds. 24 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. Bed Cob Ensilage. — ^ acre. Planted 22nd May, in hills ; came up 9th June ; and was cut for ensilage 27th September. Growth strong and even ; fairly leafy at top, with few leaves at bottom ; height, 12 to 14 feet ; ears not plentiful, in early milk. This rariety is too late in ripening here to make ensilage of best quality. Yield per acre, 24 tons 134 pounds. Selected Learning. — |^ acre. Planted 22nd May, in hills; came up 9th June ; and was cut for ensilage 27th September. Growth strong and even ; leafy at top, few leaves at bottom ; stalks well eared, ears in late milk. Yield per acre, 23 tons 910 pounds. Early Butler. — \ acre. Planted 22nd May, in hills; came up 9th June; and was cut for ensilage 24th September. Growth stron'j and even; leafy at top, fewer leaves at bottom ; stalks well eared, ears beginning to harden. Yield per acre, 17 tons 1,970 pounds. North Dakota White. — ^ acre. Planted 22nd May, in hills; came up 10th June ; and was cut for ensilage 27th September. Growth strong and even ; leafy throughout; height, 8 to 10 feet; stalks well eared, ears in the glazing stage, beginning to harden. Yield per acre, 19 tons 1,600 pounds. Ninety-day Corn. — | acre. Planted 22nd May, in hills ; came up 9th June ; and was cut for ensilage 28th September. Growth strong and even ; leafy throughout ; height, 10 to 12 feet; stalks well eared, ears in late milk. Yield per acre, 17 tons 590 pounds. Cloud's Early Yellow Dent. — \ acre. Planted 22nd May, in hills ; came up 9th June ; and was cut for ensilage 28th September. Growth strong and even ; leafy above, with very few leaves below; height 10 to 12 feet; stalks well eared, ears in late milk. Yield per acre, 23 tons 1,520 pounds. Mammoth Cuban. — ^ acre. Planted 22nd May, in hills ; came up 9th June ; and was cut for ensilage 28th September. Growth strong and even ; leafy above, very few leaves below ; stalks well eared, ears in late milk. Yield per acre, 21 tons 434 pounds. Mammoth Giant Fodder. — ^ acre. Planted 22nd May, in hills; came up 9th June; and was cut for ensilage 28th September. Growth medium and even; very leafy throughout ; stalks well eared, ears in early milk. This variety is rather too late in ripening to be useful in this district. Yield per acre, 14 tons 1,236 pounds. Giant Prolific Ensilage. — ^ acre. Planted 22nd May, in hills; came up 9th June ; and was cut for ensilage 28th September. Growth very strong and even ; leafy above, with few leaves below; height, 12 to 14 feet; stalks well eared, ears in early milk. This variety is too late in ripening here to make ensilage of the best quality. Yield per acre, 1 8 tons 870 pounds. Champion White Pearl. — 1| acre. The soil was a light sandy loam, which was manured in the spring of 1893 with about 18 tons of barn-yard manure per acre. No fer- tilizer has been applied since. The previous crop was oats. The land was ploughed in the spring of 1897, disc-harrowed once, and harrowed with the smoothing harrow twice before planting. Planted 18th May, in hills 3 feet apart each way, 4 or 5 kernels to the hill ; came up 4th June ; and was cut for ensilage 30th September. Growth strong and even; leafy above, with few leaves below; height, 12 to 13 feet; stalks well eared, ears in the glazed condition. Yield per acre, 16 tons 938 pounds. King of tlie Earliest. — 2 acres. Soil a sandy loam of poor quality, which received an application of barn-yard manure in the spring of 1897, of about 10 tons per acre. After the manure was spread the land was ploughed about 6 inches deep, disc-harrowed once, and harrowed with the smoothing harrow twice before planting ; planted 27th May, in rows 3 feet apart ; came up 11th June ; and was cut for ensilage i7th Septem- ber. Growth medium to weak ; leafy from top to bottom ; height, 8 to 9 feet ; stalks well eared, ears in the late milk. Yield per acre, 11 tons 105 pounds. In this and the REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR AND ACTING AGRICULTURIST. 25 following plot (Longfellow) the soil was not as good nor as suitable for the crop, and for this reason the yield was less than it would have been under more favourable con- ditions. Longfellow. — 2 acres. This was planted adjoining the King of the Earliest, on similar soil, which had the same preparation and treatment. Planted 27th May, in rows 3 feet apart; came up 11th June; and was cut for ensilage 17th September. Growth medium to weak ; leafy throughout ; height, 7 to 8 feet; stalks well eared, ears ift glazing stage. Yield per acre, 13 tons 945 pounds. EXPERIMENTS WITH TURNIPS. Nineteen varieties of turnips were tested during the past season in plots, side by side, all having the same treatment. The soil was a heavy sandy loam of good quality, more or less mixed with clay. The previous crop was hay. The land was manured in the spring of 1893, with about 18 tons of barn-yard manure per acre ; no fertilizer has feeen applied since. It was ploughed very shallow after the hay crop was taken off, and again later in the autumn about 8 inches deep. In the spring of 1897, it was ploughed again about 8 inches deep and harrowed tvice with the smoothing harrow. The land was then made up in drills two feet apart and subsequently rolled with a heavy land roller which flattened the drills nearly one-half leaving a firm seed bed. Three sowings of turnip.^ were made at the rate of about 3 pounds of seed per acre. The first sowing was on the 8th of May, the second on 21st May, and the third on 13th of June. The roots from the first two sets were pulled on the 13th and 14th October, and those from the third set on the 14th October. The yield per acre in each case has been calculated from the weight of roots pulled from two rows each 99 feet long. TURNIPS — TEST OF VARIETIES. Name of Variety. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Shamrock Purple Top.. . Purple Top Swede. Great Mogul Perfection Swede Giant King Marquis of Lome Jumbo or Monarch Prize Winner Mammoth Clyde 10 Carter's Elephant 11 East Lothian 12 Prize Purple Top , 13 Hall's Westbury 14 Hartley's Bronze 15 Skirving's 16 Sutton's Champion 17 Halewood's Bronze Top. 18 Bangholm Selected 19 Selected Champion Yield per Acre. 1st Plot. Tons . Lbs. 44 1,100 44 770 43 130 42 1,965 41 5 40 1,510 40 905 40 850 39 1,915 38 1,220 38 230 36 1,975 36 1,590 36 765 36 600 35 1,280 35 345 34 1,300 32 1,395 Yield per Acre. 2nd Plot. Tons Lba. 27 1,770 26 965 33 1,650 25 1,315 30 885 26 1,845 28 925 26 855 28 815 34 1,300 30 445 24 510 26 910 27 780 28 1,915 22 55 24 235 27 890 27 1,110 Yield per Acre. 3rd Plot. Tons. Lbs. 29 18 245 465 21 75 20 59C 25 1,920 29 115 21 1,835 27 1,110 31 260 26 470 14 1,040 27 1,880 32 717 21 240 23 282 17 1,.337 23 1,300 22 385 These turnips were all sown in rows varying from 200 to 400 feet in length, which gave opportunity for further experiments, after the two rows of 99 feet each, used to ascertain the yield in the first place, had been pulled. A portion of the roots in this 26 EXPERIMEXTAL FARMS. area, were left in the ground until the 3rd of November, to gain infcmation as to the advantage, if any, which arises from the leaving of the roots in the ground, after the middle of October. Nineteen plots were so left untr the 3rd of November, which allowed 20 and 21 days for additional growth for the roots, from the first and second sowings, and 20 days for those of the third sowing. Results of leaving Turnips in the ground as long as practicable after the usual time of pulling : YIELD OP ROOTS PER ACRE FROM EARLY AND LATE PULLING. Name of Variety. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7; 8 9| 10 11 12 13, 14 15 IG 17 i 18 19 Shamrock Purple Top. . Purple Top Swede Great Mogul Perfection Swede Giant King Marquis of Lome Jumbo or Monarch .... Prize Winner ... Mammoth Clyde Carter's Elephant. . . , . . East Lothian Prize Purple Top Hall's Westbury....... Hartley's Bronze . ... Skirvings , ._ Sutton's Champion Halewood's Bronze Top Bangholm Selected .... Selected Champion.... DO p Si CO be 00 •Hf* Tons. Lbs. 44 44 43 42 41 40 40 40 39 38 38 36 36 36 36 35 35 34 32 1,100 770 130 1,965 5 1,510 905 850 1,915 1,220 230 1,975 1,590 765 600 1,280 345 1,300 1,395 -He s: « ^ CO bo - bo C.*" s S & 3 ^U £^ .5 bo , sjf S 3 s o-^ -d^ -^Z CS|« 2 c .S-3 o 3 _^ h^ iM CO c Tons. Lbs. 32 707 22 522 31 1,177 30 555 29 300 30 280 31 370 27 1,137 32 350 35 1,940 31 480 17 650 29 557 32 277 30 1,710 30 307 32 1,862 28 320 26 1,487 Tons. Pounds. 38 1,782 40 807 Average yield per acre from 1st sowing 1st pulling. " " 1st sowing 2nd pulling. An average gain in 20 to 21 days of 1 ton 1,025 pounds per acre. Tons. Pounds. Average yield per acre from 2nd sowing 1st pulling. . 27 1,537 « " 2nd sowing 2nd pulling. 30 182 An average gain in 20 to 21 days of 2 tons 646 pounds per acre. Ton* Pounds. Average yield per acre 3rd sowing 1st pulling 24 673 «' " " 3rd sowing 2nd pulling 30 182 An average gain in 20 days of 5 tons 432 pounds per acre. The results of these experiments show that growth in turnips late in the seasoii proceeds rapidly as long as the weather remains open, and point to the importance of allowing these roots to remain in the ground as long as is practicable, especially if the seed has been sown late ; on the other hand a farmer who leaves a large area of roots in the ground to a very late date is liable to be caught by severe frost when the pulling of such a crop is disagreeable, difficult and expensive. REPOBT OF THE DIRECTOR AND ACTING AGRICULTURIST. 27 EXPERIMENTS WITH MANGELS. The number of varieties of mangels under test during 1897 was twenty. Theie were all sown side by side adjoining the turnips, the land was similar and the treatment and preparation the same. The drills were made up two feet 8,part and rolled with a heavy land roller to make a firm bed before the seed was sown. Two sowings were made, the first on the 8th May, the second on the 21st May, and the roots from both were pulled on the 13th October. MANGELS — TEST OP VARIETIES. Name of Variety. 1 Giant Yellow Intermediate (Steele) , 2 Gate Post... 3 Canadian Giant , 4 Golden Tankard 6 Mammoth Long Red 6 Champion Yellow Globe 7 Selected Mammoth Long Red, 8 Yellow Intermediate 9 Red Fleshed Tankard 10 Red Fleshed Globe 11 Giant Yellow Globe 12 Prize Mam. Long Red 13 Golden Fleshed Tankard 14 Warden Orange Globe ... 15 Selected Mammoth Long Red Extra 16 Giant Yellow Half Long . . . 17 Ward's Large Oval-shaped... 18 Giant Yellow Intermediate (Pearce) 19 Giant Yellow Globe Special. . . 20 Norbitan Giant Ist Plot 2nd Plot 1st Plot Sown. Sown. Pulled. 1 May 8 May 21 Oct. 11 ti 8 •1 21 It 11 « 8 H 21 It 11 n 8 M 21 It 11 H 8 1, 21 It 11 M 8 1, 21 It 11 t( 8 It 21 It 11 It 8 H 21 It 11 n S « 21 It 11 > n 8 It 21 II 11 II 8 II 21 It 11 n 8 H 21 It 11 H 8 It 21 II 11 H 8 n 21 II 11 H 8 u 21 II 11 H 8 •1 21 II 11 n 8 It 21 It 11 M 8 M 21 M 11 n 8 11 21 n 11 n 8 n 21 ,1 11 2nd Plot ^'^'^^ Oct. 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 O 5 o .a Eh h1 46 1060 44 1815 40 1345 35 950 34 1960 34 1630 34 845 33 715 32 1010 32 405 31 1855 31 1690 30 1050 29 1730 29 850 29 740 28 155 25 1535 24 840 19 1325 Yield Yield per acre, per acre, 1st plot. 2nd plot ^ B ta B a s 3 -Q o J^ m Hi &H a 1551 ■ 37 305 1496 55 35 1335 1355 45 28 1420 1182 30 22 605 1166 28 485 1160 30 22 605 1080 45 23 1850 1111 55 21 1560 1083 30 28 815 1073 25 23 365 1064 15 26 1790 1061 30 25 655 1017 30 21 240 995 30 27 835 980 50 18 1950 979 19 1765 935 55 19 280 858 55 16 395 814 17 980 655 25 10 130 Yield per acre, 2nd plot 3 ^ 1238 26 1188 56 957 743 25 941 25 743 26 797 30 726 946 55 772 45 896 30 844 15 704 913 55 632 30 662 45 638 539 56 583 335 30 FIELD PLOTS OP MANGELS. The following four half-acre plots were all sown in the same field with the smaller plots reported on. The soil was similar and its preparation and treatment the same. Giant Yellow Intermediate. — |^ acre. Sown 7th May; came up 16th May; and the roots were pulled 12th October. Yield per acre, 18 tons 1,100 pounds. Mammoth Long Red. — ^ acre. Sown 7th May; came up 17th May; and the roots were pulled 12th October. Yield per acre, 17 tons 600 pounds. Gate Post. — 5 acre. Sown 7th May ; came up 17th May; and the roots were pulled 12th October. Yield per acre, 21 tons 80 pounds. Champion Yellow Globe. — | acre. Sown 8th May; came up 17th May; and the roots were pulled, 13th October. Yield per acre, 23 tons 550 pounds. EXPERIMENTS WITH CARROTS. Sixteen varieties of carrots were sown side by side on land adjoining that used for the turnips, the soil was similar and the treatment of the land the same. The seed was sown on ridges 2 feet apart, at the rate of 3 to 4 pounds per acre. Two sowings were 28 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. made of each sort — the first on 8th May ; the second on 21st May ; and the roots from both were pulled on the 11th October. After the drills were made, they were rolled with a heavy hand roller at the time of the first sowing, and before the second set of plots was sown, the surface of the drills was worked with a hand wheel hoe to destroy any weeds which had germinated. The yield per acre has been calculated from the weight of roots gathered from two rows each 99 feet long. CARROTS — TEST OP VARIETIES. Name of Variety. 1 Mammoth White Intermediate 2 Green Top White Orthe . . , 3 Giant White Vosges , 4 Iverson's Champion , 5 Improved Short White 6 Half Long White 7 Half Long Chantenay .... 8 Guerande or Oxheart , 9 Early Gem 10 White Belgian , 11 Yellow Intermediate 12 Cooper's Yellow Intermediate. 13 Carter's Orange Giant 14 Long Orange or Surrey . . , 15 Scarlet Intermediate 16 Long Scarlet Altringham . 1st Plot 2nd Plot 1st Plot 2nd Plot Sown. Sown. Pulled. Pulled. May 8 May 21 Oct. 11 Oct. 11 8 M 21 11 11 8 ., 21 It 11 8 ., 21 II 11 8 .. 21 II 11 8 M 21 II 11 8 M 21 II 11 8 ,. 21 II 11 8 ,. 21 II 11 8 .. 21 II 11 8 „ 21 II 11 8 .. 21 II 11 8 M 21 It 11 .. 8 „ 21 II 11 8 ,. 21 II 11 8 ,. 21 II 11 .. 11 Yield per acre, 1st plot. ^ 24 23 23 21 21 20 19 19 18 18 17 14 13 11 9 8 n 180 1850 200 1230 570 1305 1270 5 1345 740 45 490 400 1595 1140 1490 Yield Yield per acre, per acre, 1st plot. 2nd plot JZ 05 a n 3 Xi O Xi P3 tJ H h3 803 19 445 795 30 20 95 770 19 940] 720 30 16 1000 709 30 21 240 688 25 17 980 654 30 14 1810 633 25 12 475 622 25 14 1755 612 20 15 1680 567 25 15 195 474 50 11 14.30 440 10 1505 393 15 10 625 319 7 1510 29130 8 1380 Yield 'per acre, 2nd plot .a 1-3 •s 3 pq 640 45 668 15 649 550 704 583 496 50 407 55 495 55 528 503 15 890 30 358 25 343 45 258 30 289 40 As in the case of the turnips a part of the carrot crop was allowed to remain in the ground until the 3rd November, to ascertain what advantage would accrue to the weight of the crop by adopting such a course. YIELD OP ROOTS PER ACRE PROM EARLY AND LATE PULLING. Name of Variety. Mammoth White Intermediate Green Top White Orthe Giant White Vosges Iverson's Champion Imijroved Short White. Half Long White Half Long Chantenay Guerande or Ox-heart Karly Gem Wliite Belgian Yellow Intermediate Carter's Orange Giant hong Orange or Surrey .Scarlet Intermediate Long Scarlet Altringham 1st Pulling 11th October from Ist Sowing 8th May. Tons . Lbs. 24 180 23 1850 23 200 21 12.S0 21 570 20 1305 19 1270 19 5 18 1345 18 740 17 45 13 400 11 1595 9 1140 8 1490 2nd Pulling 3rd Nov. from 1st Sowing Sth May. Tom . Lbs. 31 1140 24 510 28 1420 28 265 26 360 26 1955 19 1380 22 1210 19 280 16 670 17 980 16 1990 18 1785 10 790 10 1450 1st Pulling 11th October from 2nd. Sowing 2l8t May. Tons . Lbs. 19 445 20 95 19 940 16 1000 21 240 17 980 14 1810 12 475 14 1755 15 1680 15 95 10 1505 10 625 7 1510 8 1380 2nd Pulling 3rd Nov. from 2nd Sowing 21st May. Tons. Lbs. 25 490 22 605 23 530 21 570 20 1580 20 1635 17 600 19 280 19 1765 14 1370 15 1405 13 1720 14 1260 8 60 7 1015 REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR AND ACTING AQRIGULTURIST. 29 YIELD OF ROOTS PER ACRE, FROM EARLY AND LATE PULLING Concluded. Arernge yield per acre from ... An average gain in 23 days of 3 ton* SSllbs. per acre. Average yield per acre from An average gain in 23 dayi of 2 tons 1,361 lbs. per acre. 1st Sowing Ist Pulling. Ton. Lbs. 18 91 1st Sowing 2nd Pulling. Tons Lbs. 21 412 2nd Sowing 1st Pulling Tons Lbs. 14 1,902 2nd Sowing 2nd Pulling. Tons Lbs. 17 1,263 The results of these experiments point to the advantage of leaving carrots in the ground as long as it is safe to do so before they are pulled . FIELD PLOTS OP CARROTS, The following six half-acre plots, were all sown in the same field, with the smaller plots of carrots. The soil was similar, and the preparation and treatment of the land the same. Mammoth White Intermediate. — | acre. Sown 8th May; came up 19th May; and the roots were pulled on the 19th October. Yield per acre, 19 tons 200 pounds. Improved Short White. — ^ acre. Sown 8th May ; came up 19th May ; and the roots were pulled 20th October. Yield per acre, 19 tons 1,762 pounds. White Belgian. — ^ acre. Sown 8th May ; came up 1 9th May ; and the roots were pulled 21st October. Yield per acre, 15 tons 1,580 pounds, Guerande or Ox-heart. — ^ acre. Sown 8th May; came up 19th May; and the roots were pulled 22nd October. Yield per acre, 17 tons 170 pounds. ffalf Long White. — ^ acre. Sown 8th May; came up 19th May; and the roots were .pulled 2c5rd October, Yield per acre, 20 tons 220 pounds. Iverson's Champion. — J acre. Sown 8th May; came up 19th May; and the roots were pulled 25th October, Yield per acre, 22 tons 232 pounds. EXPERIMENTS WITH SUGAR BEETS. Twelve varieties of sugar beets were tested in 1897. The land was adjoining that of the test plots of carrots and mangels, the soil was similar, and the preparation and treatment of the land the same. SUGAR BEETS TEST OP VARIETIES. Name of Variety. Danish Improved, Private Stock Rennie's No. 98 Rennie's No. 96 Red Top.. ..... Improved Imperial Rennie's No. 95 Rennie's No. 97 Danish Red Top Danish Improved, Red Top Sugar Wanzleben Rennie's No. 99 Green Top V^ilmorin's Improved 1st Plot 2nd Plot 1st Plot 2nd Plot Sown. Sown. Pulled. Pulled. May 8 May 21 Oct. 11 Oct. 11 8 , 21 8 , 21 8 . 21 8 . 21 8 . 21 If i 1 ' 8 ■ 21 8 . 21 8 . 21 8 , 21 8 . 21 8 . 21 Yield per Acre. 1st Plot. Yield per Acre. Ist Plot. I Yield per Acre. 2nd Plot Yield per Acre. 2ik1 Plot O Xi H J 25 820 25 IGO 23 200 23 90 21 1S90 21 570 20 1745 19 5 18 1020 18 1015 15 1790 15 1680 3 js ^ 847 836 770 768 -iX) 731 30 709 30 695 45 633 25 627 616 55 529 50 528 o -^ 18 850 614 10 16 1220 5.53 40 IS 960 616 15 30 500 30 20 1690 694 50 12 1960 432 40 14 1755 495 55 13 1000 451 16 1110 551 50 11 1205 486 45 12 750 412 30 15 745 512 25 so EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. EXPERIMENTS WITH POTATOES. One hundred and ten varieties of potatoes have been under test during 1897, grown side by side, in similar soil, for the purpose of gaining information, as to their relative productiveness, and earliness of maturing. The soil in which they were planted, was a sandy loam of fair quality, which received in the spring of 1894, an application of about 12 tons of barn-yard manure per acre. No fertilizer has been applied since. The previous crop was pease. The land was ploughed in the autumn of 1896, about 8 inches deep, and again in the spring of 1897, about 6 inches deep, and harrowed twice with the smoothing harrow before planting. The potatoes for seed were cut into pieces of from two to three eyes in each, and planted in rows 2^ feet apart, with the sets about a foot apart in the rows. They were all planted on the 21st and 22nd of May and were dug from the 4th, to the 7th of October. The yield per acre has been calculated from the weight of tubers obtained from one row 132 feet long. POTATOES — TEST OP VARIETIES. Name of Variety. Total Yield per Acre. Holbom Abvmdanoe. . . . Seedling No. 230 French Red From N. Bergeron Seedling No. 7 Irish Daisy Chicago iVIarket Dreer's Standard Earliest of AIL Northern Spy From S. Sjabean Early Thorburn Rose No. 9 Reeve's Rose Vanier Daisy Irish Cobbler Flemish Beauty Seedling London Everett Early Sunrise Reading Giant. Sharpe's Seedling Blue Cup Troy Seedling Delaware Charles Downing Late Puritan Wonder of the World . . . New V.iriety No. 1 State of Maine Crown Jewel Early Six Weeka Seattle Clarke's Na 1 Early Ohio Seedling No. 2, Edwards Vick's Extra Early . . . White Beauty Lightning Expresa. . . . McKenxie Great Divide Green Mountain. . American Wonder. . . . Bush. Lbs. 402 36 400 24 392 42 389 24 381 42 372 54 356 24 346 38 346 30 346 30 343 12 341 33S 48 336 36 333 18 332 37 321 12 315 42 315 42 31 1 18 309 47 .302 30 300 18 298 6 297 44 296 38 292 36 287 22 287 6 284 21 283 15 280 8 280 22 278 34 278 18 277 53 270 19 269 30 268 24 268 24 267 18 266 12 266 12 266 12 Yield per Acre of Sound. Bush. Lbs. 400 400 382 386 380 369 333 346 331 346 336 325 334 308 333 32S 321 301 304 302 298 302 292 298 297 295 292 282 277 284 283 265 268 278 275 273 270 267 268 266 266 258 261 258 24 24 48 6 36 36 18 38 6 30 36 36 24 18 13 12 24 42 30 47 30 36 6 44 54 36 58 12 21 15 50 16 34 29 19 18 24 12 12 .30 48 30 Yield per Acre of Rotten. Bush. Lbs. 9 3 1 3 23 15 6 15 4 28 14 11 8 11 4 9 14 12 3 4 12 54 18 6 18 6 24 36 24 24 36 24 18 48 42 44 24 54 18 6 18 24 12 12 6 42 24 42 Yield per Acre of Marketable. Bush. Lbs. 356 380 317 349 343 341 284 324 257 306 319 258 246 256 285 259 218 255 239 244 221 213 254 266 282 226 234 213 227 254 217 204 216 237 242 248 210 160 248 243 206 246 242 24 36 54 48 12 54 38 24 54 30 24 18 19 36 54 12 48 53 6 24 6 56 42 36 34 24 9 39 26 28 58 36 41 19 6 36 36 6 48 24 Yield per Acre of Un- marketable. Colour. Bush. Lbs. 44 19 64 36 37 28 48 22 73 39 17 67 61 77 42 61 82 49 62 53 81 79 44 30 13 66 48 63 57 28 48 63 61 37 30 22 57 107 17 23 51 15 16 48 54 18 24 36 24 42 36 36 6 36 54 36 30 30 42 54 24 12 48 12 24 48 12 36 24 48 36 24 48 12 48 36 6 42 24 30 White. Red. Light pink. Bright pink. White. Pink. White. Pink and white. Bright pink. White. Pink and white. Pink. 4< Red. Pink and white. White. Blight pink. Pink. Red and white. Pink and wliite. Blue and white. White. Pink and white. White. Pink and white. Pink. White. Pink. White. Pink and white. White. Pink. White. REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR AND ACTING AGRICULTURIST. 31 POTATOES — TEST OF VARIETIES — Concluded. Nam* of Variety. Total Yield per Acre. Yield per acre of Sound. Yield per acre of Rotten. Yield per Acre of Marketable. Yield per Acre of Un- marketable. Colour. Earlv Rose Bush. 265 265 264 264 264 261 261 260 260 259 258 255 254 253 251 250 248 248 244 244 243 243 242 240 233 237 237 237 235 234 233 233 232 231 224 223 218 218 21S 218 217 216 216 216 216 214 213 211 211 209 209 206 202 202 187 184 182 179 176 161 159 151 149 139 106 29 Lbs. 31 22 48 31 42 42 36 22 12 89 54 48 36 36 12 12 6 6 54 42 36 36 3 40 1 45 12 6 24 18 54 46 37 21 48 50 42 1 25 55 49 53 12 48 24 24 48 36 18 16 42 30 48 3 42 42 42 Bush, 261 265 264 264 260 261 256 254 260 254 252 222 252 253 245 247 248 242 244 217 243 214 236 237 236 237 237 235 225 226 233 233 227 211 224 221 210 213 214 215 215 216 216 211 212 214 208 211 210 209 202 204 202 202 183 •184 89 179 176 161 158 151 149 139 106 29 Lbs. 7 22 42 48 1 6 42 6 52 12 27 18 30 36 12 48 6 30 SO 36 30 36 36 57 46 19 45 12 42 12 24 6 6 16 13 3 36 50 42 37 1 55 19 53 6 24 ■36 24 24 42 48 6 18 16 42 24 48 3 42 42 42 Bush. 4 3 5 6 5 5 33 2 6 3 6 26 28 5 3 2 1 9 7 4 19 2 8 5 4 3 2 4 4 5 I 6 2 3 93 1 Lbs. 24 18 30 36 30 30 12 36 18 36 24 36 30 18 12 6 54 42 24 48 12 48 30 24 18 12 24 24 30 6 36 12 18 30 6 Bush. 228 249 243 234 204 220 225 207 204 206 212 213 48 216 201 182 216 213 204 209 177 205 173 207 206 220 212 196 187 173 181 184 189 168 179 192 204 197 204 153 202 165 203 181 198 148 167 143 151 184 179 147 159 64 166 119 117 143 112 146 134 58 25 Lbs. 7 58 6 18 36 49 30 54 36 40 18 57 24 42 18 36 42 24 36 6 42 48 54 48 33 34 37 33 48 30 48 12 18 18 22 19 27 36 2 24 25 13 55 25 5 12 48 48 18 24 30 54 6 4 42 12 51 12 18 18 Bush. 33 15 20 26 57 35 28 52 49 46 9 38 204 28 46 66 25 30 13 34 37 30 63 28 30 15 13 29 46 59 46 26 35 52 30 20 9 17 11 63 14 46 8 33 9 63 42 66 50 19 23 55 24 24 13 57 44 15 39 2 5 48 4 Lbs. 24 54 24 12 12 36 48 30 12 54 30 36 36 12 18 48 12 6 24 48 48 36 48 24 12 42 12 24 12 24 12 48 48 54 54 36 48 18 12 48 54 48 54 36 48 6 12 12 12 12 24 36 12 30 24 24 Pink. Carman No. 1 Dakota Red White. Red. Hale's Champion Money Maker Earlv Gem White. (( Pink American Giant Liizzie's Pride White. Pink, red eye. \yhite. Pink and white. Pink Freeman Burpee's Extra Early. . . Algoma No. 1 Ideal (( Early White Prize , Russell's Seedling Thorbum Early Harvest White. Pink and white. White. Lee's Favourite. Polaris Pink. White. Columbus King of the Rosea From E. Lorti& Record. Light pink. White Rochester Rose Pink Early Norther * CI (< (( Preston, * (( « Barley — Royal, 6-rowed, 2* (( (i Trooper '• n (( .( Mensury " n a i< Champion " i (< (( Success " (( CI Odessa " 1 <( (( hels. Pounda. 40 20 41 11 35 22 36 8 37 6 38 23 34 23 48 9 50 12 39 15 33 3 46 2 46 32 25 1 25 58 28 42 29 42 26 15 36 47 43 46 43 29 37 10 This makes a total of 35^ acres of field plots of grain which were sown with clover for ploughing under, in addition to 16^ acres seeded for meadow. In every case the clover made a strong and even growth, and formed a good mat of foliage, which filled the soil well with fibrous roots. The clover, with one or two exceptions, was all ploughed under about the end of October. WEIGHT OP OLOVEE LEAVES, STEMS AND ROOTS PER ACRE. In the field of Improved Ligowo oats — on clay loam — a small area, 4 feet by 4 (16 square feet), was dug to the depth of 9 inches and all the roots and tops of the clover carefully gathered and weighed. The same was done with nine of the smaller plots, and the weight of the material thus gathered estimated per acre. From field sown 30th April with Ligowo oats, with 10 pounds Mammoth Red clover per acre : — Tons. Pounds. Dug 20th Oct — Weight of clover leaves and stems per acre . . 5 209 " roots per acre 3 2y6 Total 8 505 REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR AND ACTING AGRICULTURIST. 87 From the following plots, all on sandy loam, the appended results were obtained : — Plot 5. Sown with Odessa barley, 6th May, with 4 pounds Mammoth Red clover per acre : — Tons. Pounds. Dug 20th Oct. — Weight of clover leaves and stem^per acre. 2 1,445 " roots per acre 2 1,105 Total 5 550 Plot 7. Sown with Odessa barley, 6th May, with 6 pounds Mammoth Red clover per acre : — Tons. Pounds. Dug 20th Oct. — Weight of clover leaves and stems per acre. 3 849 " roots per acre 2 1,147 Total 5 1,996 Plot 8. Sown with Odessa barley, 6th May, with 8 pounds Mammoth Red clover per acre : — Tons. Pounds. Dug 20th Oct. — Weight of clover leaves and stems per acre. 3 934 roots per acre 3 40 « Total 6 974 Plot 9. Sown with Odessa barley, 6th May, with 10 pounds Mammoth Red clover per acre : — Tons. Pounds, Dug 20th Oct. — Weight of clover leaves and stems per acre. 4 508 roots per acre 2 1,785 C( Total 7 293 Plot 10. Sown with Odessa barley, 6th May, with 12 pounds Mammoth Red clover per acre. Tons. Pounds. Dug20thOct. — Weight of clover leaves and stems per acre. 3 1,997 roots per acre 2 1,615 <( Total 6 1,612 Plot 11. Sown with Odessa barley, 6th May, with 14 pounds Mammoth Red clover per acre. Tons. Pounds. Dug20thOct. — Weight of clover leaves and stems per acre. 3 1,657 roots per acre. 2 849 (( Total 6 506 Plot 12, Sown with Odessa barley, 6th May, with 10 pounds Common Red clover per acre. Tons. Pounds. Dug 20th Oct. — Weight of clover leaves and stems per acre. 5 209 roots per acre 3 296 (( Total 8 505 I 38 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. Plot 14. Sown with Odessa barley, 6th May, with 14 pounds Alfalfa per acre. Tons. Pounds. Dug 20th Oct. — Weight of Alfalfa leaves and stems per acre 1 1,745 " roots per acre 1 1,572 Total 3 1,317 Plot 17. Sown with Odessa barley, 6th May, with 6 pounds Alsike clover per acre. Tons. Pounds. Dug 20th Oct. — Weight of clover leaves and steins per acre 2 847 " roots per acre 2 1,360 Total 5 207 Some idea may be formed of the value of this crop turned under when we consider that each ton of the mixed leaves, stems and roots will add as much nitrogen to the soil as 2 tons of average barn-yard manure, while the essential mineral fertilizing con- stituents gathered from depths to which the roots of many other plants do not reach, make the clover plant an important enricher of the soil in these ingredients also. EXPERIMENTS WITH HORSE BEANS. Two field plots were sown with horse beans during 1897. The soU was a sandy loam of fair quality, rather heavy, which was manured during the winter of 1896-97 with about 15 tons of barn-yard manure per acre. The manure was put out in small heaps of about one-third of a cart load each and spread in the spring and ploughed under about 6 inches deep, then harrowed with the smoothing harrow twice before planting. The beans were planted with the seed drill in rows three feet apart, using about 50 pounds of seed per acre. Plot 1. One acre. Tick Beans, imported seed. Sown 14th May, came up 31st May, and was cut for ensilage 18th September, when the plants were still green. The growth was medium to strong, vines well podded, a few beginning to ripen. Height 4 to 5 feet. Blight was first noticed on the vines on 7th July but afterwards almost disappeared. Yield per acre, 9 tons 320 pounds. Plot 2. 1^ acres. This was adjoining plot 1, on similar soil and the land had similar preparation and treatment. The seed was also of the variety known as " Tick," but Canadian grown. Sown 14th May, came up 31st May, and was cut for ensilage 20th and 21st September. The growth was medium to strong and even. Height 4 to 4| feet, vines well podded and a larger proportion ripe than on the vines grown from the imported seed. Yield per acre, 7 tons 525 pounds. Horse beans were grown on the Central Experimental Farm first in 1892, but that year they were sown mixed with corn. None were sown separately, and no estimate was made that season as to the weight of fodder produced per acre by the horse beans. The -y^^^ acre plot mentioned on page 80, Report 1892, were Broad Windsor beans. In 1893 horse beans were again sown with Indian corn to the extent of 12 acres, and the average weight of the fodder produced by the beans was 1 ton 765 pounds per acre. Two acres were also sown as a separate field crop that year with much better returns, and since then horse beans ha^^ been grown each year as a separate field crop*. The average returns have been as follows : — Tons. Pounds. 1893, average yield per acre 8 927 1894 « 12 896 1895 " 7 276 1896 " 2 1,918 1897 " 8 423 The very light crop in 1896 was mainly due to the prevalence of blight REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR AND ACTING AGRICULTURIST. 38 EXPERIMENTS WITH SOJA BEANS. (Soja hispida.) * The Soja or Soya bean is an annual leguminous plant, somewhat resembling the upright varieties of the cow pea. These beans are extensively used in Japan as food, both ior men and animals. They may also be utilized as a soiling crop, as hay, and as ensilage. There are several varieties of these beans, some of which are much earlier than others, one late variety was tried which appears to be of little or no value, and one early variety which gave a large crop and promises to be exceedingly useful. The soil on which the late variety was sown was adjoining the horse beans, the land was of similar character, and had the same treatment, the early variety was sown on a light sandy loam, which was manured in the autumn of 1895 with about 12 tons of barn-yard manure per acre. The previous crop was pease. This land was ploughed late in the autumn of 1896, about 9 inches deep, and disc-harrowed in the spring, and harrowed with smoothing harrow before sowing. Soja beans, late variety, sown 14th May, came up 3rd June, and was cut for ensilage 24:th September. The growth was strong and even, but the plants had been slightly injured by frost. There were no pods on the vines. Height 42 to 48 inches. Yield per acre, 1 ton 1,957 pounds. This variety is too late to be of value here. Early Soja beans. These were received from Peter Henderson hosphate, untreated, finely gTnund, 500 lbs. per acre Mineral phosphate, untreated, finely ground, 500 lbs.; nitrate of soda, 200 lbs. pMF acre Barn-yard manure, partly rotted, and actively fermenting, 6 tons per acre : mineral phosphate, untreated, finely ground, 500 lbs. per acre, composted together, intimately mixed and allowed to heat for several days before using Mineral phosi)hate, untreated, finely ground, 500 lbs,; nitrate of soda, 200 lbs.; wood ashes, unleached, 1,000 lbs. per acre. Mineral phosphate, untreated, finely ground, 500 lbs.; wood ashes, unleached, l,.5O0 lbs, per acre Mineral superphosphate No. 1, 500 lbs. per aiTe .... Mineral supterphosphate No. 1, 350 lbs.; nitrate of soda, 200 lbs. per acre Mineral superphosphate No. 1, 350 lbs.; nitrate of soda, 200 lbs.; wood ashes, un- leached, 1,500 lbs. per acre Uiuuanured Hone, finely ground, 500 lbs. per acre Bone, finely ground, 500 lbs.; wood ashes, unleached, l,.o00 lbs. per acre Nitrate of soda, 200 lbs. per acre Muriate of potash, 150 lbs. per acre Sulphate of ammonia, 300 lbs. per acre Siilphate of iron, GO lbs. per acre Common salt (Sodium chloride) 300 lbs. per acre Land plaster or gypsum(Calcium sulphate), 300 lbs. per acre Mineral superphosphate No. 2, 500 lbs. per acre AVKRAGB YuLD FOR Eight Years. Yield of Grain. Per acre. Bush. lbs. 32 36J 33 43 14 81 14 15i 19 15^ 26 29| 22 6§ 18 25f 21 7 25 215 24 12g 13 20f 14 8 21 Ifif 21 40| 22 4 17 m 18 20g 27 15| 20 18J 20 31| Yield of Straw. Per acre Lbs. 2,954 3,252 1,592 1,446 2,191 2,468 2,472 1,725 2,023 2,428 2,521 1,233 1,340 2,012 2,508 1,994 2,144 1,842 2,071 1,786 1,711 9th Skason, 1897 Variety, Canadian Thorpb. Yield of Grain. Per acre. Bush . lbs. 42 43 15 44 21 10 16 12 23 16 41 2 SO • * 29 18 27 24 37 4 42 16 13 24 22 46 28 30 25 19 21 16 10 40 8 2 39 8 23 26 29 28 Yield of Straw. Per acre Lbs. 3,840 3,725 1,590 1,600 2,490 2,450 1,860 1,520 2,020 2,645 2,940 1,310 1,660 2,080 2,150 1,570 1,400 1,410 2,720 1,610 1,800 Avbraob Yield for Ninb Yeabs. Yield of Grain. Per acre. Bush, lbs 33 42f 34 45| 14 14J 14 26J 19 36g 28 lOJ 22 47S 19 358 21 36J 26 353 26 13| 13 36| 14 6| 22 58 22 375 22 24 18 4g 18 34 1 28 30J 20 35 21 302 Yield of Straw. Per acre Lbs. 3,052 3,305 1,592 1,463 2,224 2,466 2,404 1,702 2,023 2,452 2,568 1,242 1,376 2,020 2,468 1,947 2,068 1,794 2,143 1,766 1,721 46 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. OAT PLOTS. The quantity of seed sown per acre on the oat plots was 2 bushels in 1889 and 1890 ; 1| bushel in 1891, 1892 and 1893, and 2 bushels in 1894, 1895, 1896 and 1897. The varieties used were as follows: In 1889, Early English; 1890, 1891, 1892, 1893, Prize Cluster; and in 1894, 1895, 1896 and 1897, Banner. In 1897 the Banner was sown 5th May, came up the 13th May, and was harvested 9th August, requiring from the date of sowing to maturity a period of 96 days. In every instance this year, excepting that of plots Nos. 4 and 12, the yield of oats has been considerably above the average of the previous eight years. The crop of plot 2 fertilized with fresh barn-yard manure has again exceeded that of plot 1, treated with rotted manure and the average of the former for nine years now stands 6 bushels 26 pounds higher than that of the latter. EXPERIMENTS WITH FERTILIZERS ON PLOTS OF OATS, A™ ACRE. o o 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Fertilizers applied each Year. Barn-yard manure, well rotted, 15 tons per acre. Barn-yard manure, fresh, 15 tons per acre. Unmanured Mineral phosphate, untreated, finely ground, 500 lbs. per acre Mineral phosphate, untreated, finely ground ; 500 lbs., nitrate of soda, 200 lbs. per acre Barn-yard manure, partly rotted and ac- tively fermenting, 6 tons per acre; mineral phosphate, untreated, finely ground, 500 lbs. per acre, composted to gether, intimately mixed and allowed to heat for several days before using Mineral phosphate, untreated, finely ground, 500 lbs. ; nitrate of soda, 200 lbs. ; wood ashes, unleached, 1,000 lbs per acre , Mineral phosphate, imtreated, finely ground, 500 lbs. ; wood ashes, unleached, 1,500 lbs. per acre Mineral superphosphate, No. 1, 500 lbs. per acre Mineral superphosphate. No. 1, 350 lbs. ; nitrate of soda, 200 lbs. per acre Mineral superphosphate. No. 1, 350 lbs. ; nitrate of soda, 200 lbs. ; wood ashes, unleached, 1,500 lbs. per acre .... Unmanured Bone, finely ground, 500 lbs. per acre Bone, finely groimd, 500 lbs. ; wood ashes, unleached, 1,500 lbs. per acre Nitrate of soda, 200 lbs. per acre Muriate of potash, 150 lbs. per acre Sulphate of ammonia, 300 lbs. per acre Sulphate of iron, 60 lbs. per acre Common salt (Sodium chloride) 300 lbs. per acre Land plaster or gypsum (Calcium sulphate) 300 lbs. per acre Mineral superphosphate. No. 2, 500 lbs. per acre AVERAGK YlKLD FOR Eight Years. Yield of Grain. Per acre. Bush. lbs. 43 50 30 30 46 37 33 43 35 22 31 35 43 33 41 34 33 31 30 23 81 24f 81 40 28f 42 23i % llf 5* 19| 26 log 3l| 23 30f 15s m 71 3i Yield of Straw. Per acre Lbs 3,039 .S,318 1,608 1,843 2,837 2,670 3,316 2,442 2,022 2,941 2,373 1,632 2,023 2,237 2,725 2,265 .3,165 2,210 2,025 2,137 1,924 9th Season, 1897. Variety Banner. Yield of Grain. Per acre. Bush. lbs. 70 30 80 37 32 28 33 58 8 68 18 57 22 64 14 52 2 65 30 43 8 18 18 45 30 57 12 60 51 16 5(; 16 54 29 53 18 49 4 57 22 Yield of Straw. Per acre Lbs. 4,410 4,520 1,170 1,545 2,240 2,590 2,705 1,850 2,010 2,460 3,210 1,310 1,890 2,470 2,840 2,180 2,740 2,335 2,300 2,010 2,060 AvEBAOK Yield FOR Nine Years. Yield of Straw. Per acre Yield of Grain. Per acre. Bush . lbs. 46 53 30 23J 19i 32i 30 18i 48 55 43 315 44 12f 40 US ,35 125 45 28| 36 22 33 1! 118 37 45 35 43 36 2.'H 23| 22? 17J 24f 35 24^ 33 H 33 5J Lbd. 3,191 3,452 1,559 1,810 2,771 2,661 3,348 2,376 2,021 2,888 2,466 1,596 2,008 2,263 2,738 2,256 3,118 2,224 2,056 2,123 1,939 REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR AND ACTING AGRICULTURIST. 47 CORN PLOTS. The experiments with the plots of Indian corn have been conducted with the object of obtaining the largest weight of well matured green fodder for the silo, and to have the corn so far advanced when cut, that the ears shall be in the late milk, or glazed condition. Each plot has been divided from the outset into two equal parts, on one of which — known as No. 1 — one of the stronger growing and somewhat later ripening sorts has been tried, and on the other, marked No. 2, one of the earlier maturing varieties. During the first four years one of the dent varieties was tested under No. 1. The Mammoth Southern Sweet was tried in 1888, 1889 and 1890. In 1891 the Red Cob Ensilage was used, and in 1892, 1893, 1894, 1895, 1896 and 1897 a free growing flint variety, the Rural Thoroughbred White Flint, was tested. On the other half of the plot (No. 2) the Canada YelJow Flint was used in 1888, 1889 and 1890, the Thorough- bred White Flint in 1891, Pearce's Prolific in 1892, 1893 and 1894, and the Mammoth Eight Rowed Flint in 1895, 1896 and 1897. For the first four years the No. 1 series was planted in drills three feet apart, using about 24 pounds of seed to the acre and thinning the plants, when up, to 6 or 8 inches, and the No. 2 in hills 3 feet apart each way and 4 or 5 kernels in a hill. During the past six years both sorts have been grown in hills. The corn in both series of plots was planted in 1897 on 19th May, and cut 16th September. In most instances the yield of fodder on these plots during the past season has been below the average of past years. With Indian corn the rotted manure has given in both plots a larger return this year than the fresh manure, but the average of ten years tests still shows the fresh manure in advance of the rotted in plot 1 by 1 ton 787 pounds per acre, while in plot 2 the advantage is with the rotted manure by 1,965 pounds per acre. EXPERIMENTS WITH FERTILIZERS, ON PLOTS OF INDIAN CORN, ^^th ACRE EACH, CUT GREEN FOR ENSILAGE. o Fertilizers applied each year. Barn-yard manure, well rotted, 12 tons per acre Barn-yard manure, fresh, 12 tons per acre. Unmanured . . Mineral phosphate untreated, finely ground, 500 lbs. per acre in 1888 — 800 lbs. per acre each year since . . Mineral phosphate untreated, finely ground, 500 lbs. per acre in 1888—800 lbs. per acre each year since ; nitrate of soda, 200 lbs. per acre Barn-yard manure, partly rotted and act- ively fermenting, 6 tons per acre ; mineral phosphate, untreated, finely ground, 500 lbs. per acre ; composted together, inti mately mixed and allowed to heat for several days before using Mineral phosphateuntreated, finely ground, 500 lbs. ; nitrate of soda, 200 lbs. ; wood ashes, unleached, 1,000 lbs. per acre Average Yield FOR Nine Years. o ® o S ^ So Per acre . Tons. lbs. 15 1,172 17 1,739 8 1,356 647 11 467 16 1,095 15 56010 1,389 I C O) o ^ o bDrt Sh^^ SCSI'S Per acre Tons lbs 12 107 11 1,175 5 1,866 5 190 8 1,074 11 1,293 10th Season, 1897. O CD I "„ "S ^ '" I I SO® ►5ao.Sf>2 *= S ^ g o cs - a> u be Per acre . Tons. lbs. 21 440 14 1,210 3 860 605 540 15 810 14 1,805 Per acre Tons lbs 15 900 9 1,640 4 1,040 3 1,190 8 1,610 10 1,500 Average Yield FOR Ten Years. I O 1) <, so- o a> CD Per acre . Tons. lbs. 16 299 17 1,086 8 306 6 1,843 10 1,474 16 866 13 800 15 484 "A bOj3 "S"^ a; o o o Ph ^ S) Per acre Tons lbs 12 786 11 821 5 1,583 4 1,890 8 1,128 11 1,114 10 1,930 48 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. EXPERIMENTS WITH FERTILIZERS, ON PLOTS OF INDIAN COmH—Ctmduded. 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Fertilizers applied each year. Mineral phosphate untreated, finely ground, 500 lbs. ; wood ashes, unleached, 1,500 lbs. per acre Mineral superphosphate No, 1, 500 lbs. per acre Mineral superphosphate No. 1, 350 lbs. per acre ; nitrate of soda, 200 lbs. per acre. . Mineraj superphosphate No. 1, 350 lbs. ; nitrate of soda, 200 lbs ; wood ashes, un- leached, 1,500 lbs, per acre Unmanured Bone, finely ground, 500 lbs. per acre Bone, finely ground, 500 lbs. ; wood ashes, unleached, 1,600 lbs. per acre Nitrate of soda, 200 lbs. per acre Sulphate of ammonia, 300 lbs. per acre Mineral superphosjihate No. 1, 600 lbs. ; muriate of potash, 200 lbs. ; sulphate of ammonia, 150 lb«. per acre. Muriate of potash, 300 lbs. per acre Double sulphate of potash and magnesia, 300 lbs. peracre in 1889 and '90 ; (muriate of potash, 200 lbs., substituted each year since) ; dried blood, 300 lbs. ; mineral superphosphate No. 1, 500 lbs. per acre. . Wood ashes, unleached, 1,900 lbs. p>er acre. Bone, finely ground, 600 lbs. ; sulphate of ammonia, 200 lbs. ; muriate of potash, 200 lbs. per acre. AVERAOB TlXLD FOR NiNB Ykars. I o a> iH no Oj3 O O 9) Per acre. Tons. lbs. 11 10 13 16 11 11 12 13 13 13 9 11 10 IS 1,747 1,947 1,762 165 291 1,634 284 3(13 1,024 3 618 1,244 401 SS4 N O <£ Oj3 O ^•- (C O 3> !• Per acre Tons lbs 8 982 8 206 10 1,040 12 746 9 368 9 8 8 1,592 10 132 10 136 9 703 5 1,992 7 1,800 7 83 9 266 IOthSkason, 1897. Per acre. Tons. lbs. 11 700 8 1,010 10 960 17 1,440 8 1,370 11 210 14 9 10 14 8 205 . 1,640 1,490 600 1,310 12 660 8 1,650 11 700 '•a ? a -=•'■-''0 H Per acre AviRAOB Yield KOR Ten Years. I O V Per acre. Tons lbs 10 380 8 300 9 1,380 14 7 9 810 ijoio 10 1,405 8 700 8 800 12 1,250 6 300 7 1,400 7 1,060 7 1,910 Tons. lbs. 11 1,642 10 1,453 13 1,082 16 10 11 12 12 13 13 9 11 10 13 I O 0) .*"T3 0J3.0 ^< C ® g Per »cre Tons lbs 8 1,322 8 215 10 874 49212 1.152 1,799 1,402 676 1,627 471 263 487 1,386 126 241 1,931 108 8 1,973 9 1,789 9 1,802 9 1,358 6 23 7 1,760 7 181 9 31 PLOTS OF MAJSTGELS AND TURNIPS, In conducting these experiments the roots only hare been taken from the land, the tof)s have always been cut ofiF and left on the ground to be ploughed under so that the plant food they have taken from the soil may be returned to it. One-half of each one- tenth acre plot in the series has been devoted to the growth of mangels, and the other half to turnips. The preparation of the land has been the same for both these roots. It ha.s been ploughed in the autumn after the crop is gathered, disc-harrowed or gang- ploughed once in the spring, harrowed with smoothing harrow once, then ridged, rolled and sown. In 1889, the variety of mangel used was the Mammoth Long Red. In 1890, three varieties were sown : 15 rows of Mammoth I.i<)ng Red, 6 of Mammoth Long Yellow, and 6 of Golden Intermediate on each plot. In 1891, each plot again had three varieties : 18 rows of Mammoth Long Red, 3 of Yellow Fleshed Tankard, and 6 of Golden Tankard. In 1892, 1893, 1894, 1895, 1896 and 1897 one variety only has been used, namely, the Mammoth Ix)ng Red. From 4 to 6 pounds of seed have been sown per acre, each year, in rows 2^ feet apart. In 1897 the mangels were sown 5th May, came up 17th May, and were pulled 11th October. HEPORT OF THE DIRECTOR AND ACTING AGRICULTURIST. 49 Two varieties of turnips were sown on the half plots devoted to these roots in 1889 : 25 rows of Carter's Prize Winner, and 2 rows of Carter's Queen of Swedes ; and in 1890, a single variety. Carter's Elephant Swede. In 1891, six varieties were sown; 6 rows of Lord Derby Swede, 4 of New Giant King, 3 of Imperial Swede, 6 of Champion Swede, 4 of Purple Top Swede, and 4 of East Lothian Swede. In 1892, the Improved Purple Top Swede only was sown, in 1893 and 1894 the Prize Purple Top Swede, in 1895 the Imperial Swede, and in 1896 and 1897 the Prize Purple Top Swede. The land used for the turnips, which are usually sown later than the mangels, is allowed to stand after disc-harrowing or gang-ploughing, then cultivated once and ridged and rolled im- mediately before sowing. In 1897, the turnips were sown 10th June, came up 15th June, and were pulled 16th October. The crops of turnips have been larger during the past season on aU the plots excepting 17 and 21 than the average of previous years, while in the case of the mangels all of the plots excepting 1, 2, 5, 6, 7 and 18 have given a smaller yield than the average of the past eight years. The rotted manure has averaged better results than the fresh manure with the mangels, but the turnips have given better results with the fresh manure. EXPERIMENTS WITH FERTILIZERS ON ROOTS ; PLOTS OF MANGELS AND TURNIPS f^TH ACRE EACH. o 6 8 9 Fertilizers applied each Year. Barn-yard manure, well rotted, 20 tons per acre Barn-yard manure, fresh,20 tons p. ac. Unmanured Mineral phosphate, untreated, finely ground, 1,000 lbs. per acre. .... Mmeral phosphate, untreated, finely ground, 1,000 lbs.; nitrate of soda, 250 lbs. ; wood ashes, unleached, 1,000 lbs. per acre Barn-yard manure, partly rotted and actively fermenting, 12 tons per acre ; mineral phosphate, untreat ed, finely ground, 1,000 lbs per acre, composted together, in timately mixed and allowed to heat for several days before using Mineral phosphate, untreated, finely ground, 1,000 lbs.; sulphate of pot ash, 200 lbs. in 1889 and 1890, (sub stituted by muriate of potash, 250 lbs. in 1891 and subsequent years); nitrate of soda, 200 lbs. per acre. . Mineral superphosphate. No. 1, 500 lbs. ; sulphate of potash, 200 lbs. in 1889 and 1890, (substituted by muriate of potash, 250 lbs. in 1891 and subsequent years) ; nitrate of soda, 200 lbs. per acre Mineral superphosphate. No. 1, 500 lbs. per acre AvEBAGB Yield FOR Eight Years. West Half Plot. Mangels, Weight of Roots. Per Acre. Tons. Lbs. 22 800 21 1,594 9 933 8 1,419 13 632 18 196 9 1,668 14 1,628 9 1,594 Turnips, Weight of Roots. Mangels, Mammoth Long Red: Weight of Roots. Per Acre Tons. Lbs. 13 1,285 14 864 7 422 7 704 8 1,244 12 632 8 1,497 11 1,271 8 1,558 9th Season, 1897. Varieties. Per Acre. Tons. Lbs. 27 1,180 25 1,030 7 1,260 8 810 16 870 20 1,800 14 170 11 480 7 370 East Half Plot. Turnips, Purple Top Swede : Weight of Roots. Per Acre. Tons. Lbs. 24 1,020 23 140 9 1,860 10 310 13 1,350 20 1,590 12 1,520 15 280 12 740 AvsBAOB Yield FOB Nine Years. Mangels, Weight of Roots. Per Acre. Tons. Lbs. 22 1,953 22 420 9 525 8 1,351 13 1,325 18 819 10 613 14 834 9 1,014 Turnips, Weight of Roots. Per Acre. Tons. Lbs. 14 1,700 15 784 7 1,026 7 1,327 g 367 13 516 9 S89 12 50 9 356 8a— 4 50 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. EXPERIMENTS WITH FERTILIZERS ON ROOTS ; PLOTS OF MANGELS AND TURNIPS- Concluded. o o 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Fertilizers applied each Year. Nitrate of soda, 300 lbs. per acre.. . . Sulphate of ammonia, 300 lbs. per ac. Unmanured Bone, finely ground, 500 lbs. ; wood ashes, unleached, 1,000 lbs. per acre Wood ashes, unleaclied, 2,000 lbs. p.ac Common salt (Sodium chloride), 400 lbs. per acre Mineral superphosphate. No. 1, 500 lbs.; nitrate of soda, 200 lbs. per ac. Mineral superphosphate. No. 1, 500 lbs. ; wood ashes, unleached, 1,500 lbs. per acre Mineral superphosphate, No. 1, .500 lbs. ; muriate of potash, 200 lbs. p. ac. Double sulphate of potash and mag- nesia, 300 lbs. per acre in 1889 and 1890 (muriate of potash, 200 lbs., substituted each year since) ; dried blood, 250 lbs. ; mineral superphos- phate. No. 1, 1,500 lbs. per acre. . . Wood ashes, unleached, 1,500 lbs. ; common salt (Sodium chloride), 300 lbs. per acre ..... Mineral superphosphate, No. 2, 500 lbs. per acre Average Yield FOR Eight Years. Mangels, Weight of Roots. Per Acre. Tons. Lbs. 14 1,209 11 1,181 7 1,377 10 1,041 11 1,096 10 95 13 1,589 12 1,415 12 657 14 493 14 1,440 15 898 Turnips, Weight of Roots. Per Acre. Tons. Lbs. 8 1,305 10 62 6 1,908 8 165 7 1,916 7 1,011 10 1,226 9 1,243 10 1,033 11 816 10 1,052 10 1,808 9th Season, 1897. Varieties. West Half Plot. Mangels, Mammoth Long Red: Weight of Roots. Per Acre. Tons. Lbs. 14 470 11 620 4 1,470 9 840 8 1,680 8 1,790 12 670 12 120 12 1,550 12 1,190 13 690 13 910 East Half Plot. Turnips, PurpleTop Swede : Weight of Roots. Per Acre. Tons. Lbs. 12 590 14 1,950 8 1,860 12 8 300 420 7 1,750 11 950 8 670 10 1,410 13 1,290 10 1,470 10 1,500 Average Yield FOR Nine Years. Mangels, Weight of Roots. Per Acre. Tona. Lbs. 14 1,127 11 1,119 7 721 10 11 796 494 9 1,839 13 1,265 I 12 1,271 12 756 14 126 14 1,134 15 455 Turnips, Weight of Roots. Per Acre. Tona. Lbs. 9 114 10 1,161 7 400 8 1,069 7 1,972 7 1,093 10 1,418 9 957 10 1,075 11 1,313 10 1,098 10 1,774 CARROT PLOTS. Carrots have been sown on alternate halves of the oat plots for the past seven years, for the purpose of cleaning the land from weeds. This work was begun in 1891, and the plots have been sown each year with the variety known as the Improved Short White. In 1897, carrots occupied the east half of the plots. The seed was sown 5th May, came up 18th May, and the roots were pulled 18th October. The crop this year on plots 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 were above the average of the preceding years. The other plots were all below the average. REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR AND ACTING AGRICULTURIST. 51 EXPERIMENTS WITH FERTILIZERS ON HALF PLOTS (^^th ACRE) OF CARROTS (IMPROVED SHORT WHITE), AFTER OATS. -•3 o 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Fertilizers applied each Year. Bam-yard manure, well rotted, 15 tons per acre. ............ Barn-yard manure, freah, 15 tons per acre Unmanured Mineral phosphate, untreated, finely ground, 500 lbs. per acre Mineral phosphate, untreated, finely ground, 500 lbs. ; nitrate of soda, 200 lbs. per acre Barn-yard manure, partly rotted and actively fermenting, 6 tons per acre ; mineral phosphate, untreated^ finely groimd, 500 lbs. per acre, composted together, intunately mixed, and allowed to heat for several days before using Mineral phosphate, untreated, finely jrround, 500 Iba. ; nitrate of soda, 200 lbs. ; wood ashes, unleached, 1,000 lbs. per acre Mineral phosphate, untreated, finely ground, 500 lbs. ; wood ashes, unleached, 1,500 lbs. f)er acre. Mineral superphosphate, No. 1, 500 lbs. per acre Mineral superphosphate. No. 1, 350 lbs. ; nitrate of coda, 200 lbs. per acre Mineral superphosphate. No. 1, 350 lbs. ; nitrate of soda, 200 lbs. : wood ashes, unleached, 1,500 lbs. per acre Unmanured Bone, finely ground, 500 lbs. per acre Bone, finely ground, 500 lbs. ; wood ashes, imleached, 1,500 lbs. per acre Nitrate of soda, 200 lbs. per acre ........ Muriate of potash, 150 lbs. per acre Sulphate of aamaonia, 300 lbs. per acre Sulphate of iron, 60 lbs. per acre Common salt (Sodium chloride), 300 lbs. per acre Land plaster or gypsum (Calcium sulphate) 300 lbs. per acre.. Mineral superphosphate. No. 2, 500 lbs. per acre Average Yield for six years. Weight of roots per acre. Tons. Lbs. 18 1,875 20 1,003 12 1,990 13 511 15 1,633 19 15 61 305 12 345 9 1,798 12 81 15 1,160 11 541 12 183 17 15 16 11 12 14 14 11 1,630 359 1,093 331 173 68 738 1,525 7th Season, 1897. Improved Short White. Weight of roots per acre. Tons. Lbs. 25 24 10 990 120 1,870 9 1,890 12 60 19 330 18 1,470 14 10 370 360 13 1,570 15 1,840 ♦4 790 •7 800 *9 13 15 9 10 11 9 8 850 1,240 190 1,530 1,480 1,340 1,060 1,670 Average Yield for seven years. Weight of roots per acre. Tons. Lbs. 19 1,749 21 20 12 1,401 12 1,565 15 551 19 99 15 1,329 12 9 920 1,878 12 579 15 10 11 16 14 16 10 11 13 13 11 1,257 577 843 1,233 1,913 678 1,931 1,788 1,393 1,355 689 * Plots 12, 13 and 14 were on a piece of rising ground on light boQ and were injured by wind ; plot 12 suffered more than the others. POTATO PLOTS. The alternate halves of the wheat and barley plots which were occupied by carrots and sugar beets in 1891, 1892 and 1893 were planted with potatoes in 1894, 1895, 1896 and 1897. These were planted in rows 2J feet apart, with the sets about one foot apart in the rows. Those grown in 1897 after wheat were planted 14th May, came up 9th June and were dug 10th October. On each of these plots there were nine rows each of Empire State, Early Sunrise and Clarke's No. 1. Those grown after barley were planted 14th May, came up 9th June, and were dug 29th September. On these plots there were nine rows each of Yanier, Lee's Favorite and Northern Spy. In the tables following, the yield of each variety for each plot is given, also the crop, in bushels, per acre. 8a-4i 52 EXPERIMBHTAL FARMS. EXPERIMENTS WITH FERTILIZERS ON HALF PLOTS (5>5TH ACRE) OF POTATOES AFTER WHEAT, o s o d 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 16 16 17 18 19 20 21 Fertilizers applied each Year. Barn-yard manure (mixed horse and cow manure) well rotted, 12 tons per acre in 1888 ; 15 tons per acre each year since .... Barn-yard manure (mixed horse and cow manure) fresh, 12 tons per acre in 1888 ; 15 tons per acre each year since Unmanured Mineral phosphate, untreated, finely ground, 500 lbs. per acre.. Mineral phosphate, untreated, finely g^oimd, 500 lbs.; nitrate of soda, 200 lbs. per acre Bam-yard manure, partly rotted and actively fermenting, 6 tons per acre ; mineral phosphate, untreated, finely ground, 500 lbs. per acre, composted together, intimately mixed and allowed to heat for several days before using Mineral phosphate, untreated, finely ground, 500 lbs.; nitrate of soda, 200 lbs.; wood ashes, unleached, 1,000 lbs. per acre. . Mineral phosphate, untreated, finely ground, 500 lbs.; wood ashes, unleached, 1,500 lbs. per acre Mineral superphosphate. No. 1, 500 lbs. per acre. Mineral superphosphate, No. 1, 350 lbs.; nitrate of soda, 200 lbs. per acre .... Mineral superphosphate. No. 1, 350 lbs.; nitrate of soda, 200 lbs. ; wood ashes, unleached, 1,500 lbs. per acre Unmanured Bone, finely ground, 500 lbs. per acre Bone, finely ground, 500 lbs.; wood ashes, unleached, 1,500 lbs. per acre ... Nitrate of soda, 200 lbs. per acre Muriate of potash, 150 lbs. per acre Sulphate of ammonia, 300 lbs. per acre Sulphate of iron, 60 lbs. per acre Common salt (Sodium chloride), 300 lbs. per acre Land plaster or gypsum (Calcium sulphate), 300 lbs. per acre.. . Unmanured in 1889, mineral superphosphate, No. 2, 500 lbs. per acre each year since West Half of Plots. Yield of Yield of Yield of 9 rows Empire State. 9 rows Early Sunrise. 9 rows Clarke's No. 1. Lba. Lbs Lbs. 196^ 251 285 207i lOSi 108^ 258 1031 losi 280 100 73i 116^ 113^ llOi 194i 223^ 229i 153 178 160^ 124^ 112 127 74| 131 127 143i 137^ 155 184 120i 133i 222i 86| 103 223 89 90 162| ll^i 13«i 109 117 127i 152j 153 108^ 135 84i 105| 103 98 136 IIU 11 4| 82 924 72^ 88. 135^ 117i 103^ Total Yield per Acre. Bush. Lbs. 244 10 248 30 102 20 96 50 113 30 215 50 163 50 127 30 104 30 145 20 209 50 98 40 108 50 150 30 111 10 128 40 81 50 105 00 101 00 112 50 118 50 REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR AND ACTING AGRICULTURIST. 53 EXPERIMENTS WITH FERTILIZERS ON HALF PLOTS {^tk ACRE) OF POTATOES AFTER BARLEY. o Ah o 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Fertilizers applied each Year. lbs. Bam-yard manure, well rotted, 15 tons per acre. , Barn-yard manure, fresh, 15 tons per acre Unnianured Mineral phosphate, untreated, finely ground, 500 per acre Mineral phosphate, unti-eated, finely ground, 600 lbs. ; nitrate of soda, 200 lbs. per acre Barn-yard manure, partly rotted and actively ferment- ing, 6 tons per acre ; mineral phosphate, untreated, finely ground, 500 lbs. per acre, composted to- gether, intimately mixed and allowed to heat for several days before using Mineral phosphate, untreated, finely ground, 500 lbs.; nitrate of soda, 200 lbs.; wood ashes, unleached, 1,000 lbs. per acre Mineral phosphate, untreated, finely ground, 500 lbs.; wood ashes, unleached, 1,500 lbs. per acre Mineral superphosphate. No. 1, 500 lbs. per acre. . Mineral superphosphate. No. 1, 350 lbs.; nitrate of soda, 200 lbs. per acre Mineral superphosphate. No. 1, 350 lbs. ; nitrate of soda, 200 lbs.; wood ashes, unleached, 1,500 lbs. per acre Unmanured Bone, finely ground, 500 lbs. per acre Bone, finely ground, 500 lbs.; wood ashes, unleached, 1,500 lbs. per acre Nitrate of soda, 200 lbs. per acre Muriate of potash, 150 lbs. per acre Sulphate of ammonia, 300 lbs. per acre Sulphate of iron, 60 lbs. per acre Common salt (Sodium chloride), 300 lbs. per acre Land plaster or gypsum (Calcium sulphate), 300 lbs. per acre Mineral superphosphate, No. 2, 500 lbs. per acre East Half of Plots. Yield of 9 rows Vanier. Lbs. 317 273i 134| 84i 112i 235i 179 195i 162 178i 215 r21i 122i 232^ 96 147 98 150 133^ 142i 154* Yield of 9 rows Lee's Favourite. Lbs. 230 217 95 73 60i 142^ 94 93 124 137 130i ml 7l| 122i 72| 79 74 88^ 63 76i 114* Yield of 9 rows Northern Spy. Lbs. 329 293^ 141 154 143i 266 203^ 2021 183i 202 198i 104i 154| 233i 134| 142| 162 150i 121 191^ 195 Total Yield per Acre. Bush. Lbs. 292 261 20 123 30 103 105 181 95 116 196 101 122 111 129 105 50 30 214 40 158 50 163 31 156 30 172 30 20 10 10 10 50 20 40 50 136 50 154 40 In the following table particulars are given of the crops of potatoes obtained each year from 1894 to 1897, inclusive, from each of the plots devoted to experiments with fertilizers, also the average results of these tests for four years. It will be seen that plot 1, to which well rotted barn-yard manure has been applied, has given the best results in the plots after barley, while in those after wheat plot 2 on which fresh manure was used, has a very slight advantage. None of the artificial fertilizers or mixtures of these fertilizers have given results as good as those obtained from barn-yard manure. Of the single fertilizers tried, the best crops have been had from the Mineral Superphos- phate of lime, and tliie next best from Muriate of Potash. 54 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. Table showing Crops of Potatoes obtained during four years from Fertilized Plots. 1894. 1895. 1806. 1897. Average for four years. No. of Plot. After After After After After After After After After After Wheat. Barley. Wheat. Barley. Wheat. Barley. Wheat Barley. Wheat. Barley. Bus. lbs. Bus. lbs. Bus. lbs. Bus. lbs. Bus. lbs. Bus. lbs. Bus. lbs. Bus. lbs. Bus. lbs. Bus. lbs. Plot No. 1.... 264 50 247 20 306 20 241 40 302 60 253 50 244 10 292 279 32 258 42 . ,. 2.... 234 20 265 40 366 , , 249 50 270 10 233 40 248 30 261 20 279 45 252 37 . .. 3..., 141 10 123 50 144 40 101 30 90 , , 99 50 102 20 123 30 119 32 112 10 . M 4.... 142 50 128 10 127 50 93 40 84 40 98 10 96 50 103 50 113 2 105 57 . .. 5.... 150 , , 104 40 157 40 98 30 94 , 98 50 113 30 105 30 128 47 101 52 , .. 6.... 218 10 180 10 317 20 243 50 256 20 196 40 215 50 214 40 251 55 208 40 , „ 7.... 172 , , 156 30 213 , , 151 20 165 135 20 103 50 158 50 178 27 150 30 . .. 8.... 155 50 162 30 174 20 150 40 133 50 128 20 127 30 163 31 147 52 151 15 . .. 9.... 178 50 197 10 169 10 152 10 130 . 147 40 104 30 156 30 145 37 163 22 . M 10.... 174 50 172 50 169 30 123 40 119 50 99 50 145 20 172 30 152 22 142 12 . .. 11.... 175 20 232 40 274 30 163 , 182 30 193 30 209 50 181 20 210 32 192 37 . M 12.... 102 30 118 30 119 50 71 20 77 40 80 .. 98 40 95 10 99 40 91 15 , .. 13.... 109 10 97 50 102 50 82 30 85 50 64 .. 108 50 116 10 101 40 90 7 , M 14.... 180 40 172 204 20 181 20 176 115 .. 150 30 196 10 177 52 166 7 . .. 15.... 174 , , 114 40 99 50 81 20 105 30 88 60 111 10 101 122 37 96 27 , 1. 16.... 146 20 141 40 148 133 ^ , 131 40 119 10 128 40 122 50 138 40 129 10 ■ „ 17.... 98 50 93 10 95 50 94 , . 69 50 54 60 81 50 111 20 86 35 88 20 . .. 18.... 89 40 97 40 103 20 97 10 69 10 71 60 105 129 40 91 47 99 5 . .. 19.... 64 10 156 , , 73 , 59 52 50 109 .. 101 105 50 72 45 107 27 , M 20.... 85 , , 171 10 60 40 49 40 83 10 107 .. 112 60 136 50 85 25 116 10 , .. 21 ... 105 155 10 90 20 119 10 95 50 119 16 118 50 154 40 102 30 137 4 The varieties which have been tested during the four years named and the weights obtained of each sort in pounds per row are here given. These rows have in each case run through the whole series of fertilized plots, and as the conditions under which the differ- ent varieties have been grown may be considered as very similar, if not identical, the results may fairly be regarded as indicating the relative productiveness of the different sorts under trial. Name of Variety. 1894. 1895. 1896. 1897. Average. Northern Spy Lbs. Lbs. Lbs. 358 367 351 247 Lbs. 434 "387" 321 Lbs. 434 Queen of the Valley 462 410 Vanier 387 Early Sunrise 407 329 344 365 Thorbum 357 406 • 346 Wonder of the World 332 Empire State 328 328 Beauty of Hebron 406 235" 257 376 426 308 268 294 323 Daisy .322 Early Rose Clarke's No. 1 317' 247 318 317 Lee's Favourite Burpee's Extra Early 333 284 ■'■ " 269' 295 276 259 290 276 May Queen Early 264 REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR AND ACTING AGRICULTURIST. 55 DISTRIBUTION OF SEED GRAIN. A further distribution of seed grain was made in the spring of 1897, chiefly of samples of the most promising sorts which had been grown at the several experimental farms. These have been sent out to farmers on application, one sample only to each applicant, with the object of placing within their reach pure samples and true to name of the best and most productive sorts in cultivation. By the careful handling of these samples the farmer can soon obtain sufficient seed for a large area and may thus be provided with the best sorts without any further cost than that of his own labour. The appreciation of this part of the experimental farm work is shown by the increasing demand for samples. Preparations have been made for another distribution in 1898 which will consist as heretofore of promising sorts of oats, barley, wheat, pease, Indian corn and potatoes. The several branch farms will also again distribute samples to farmers residing in the provinces and territories where these farms have been established. The samples sent out from the Central Experimental Farm at Ottawa during the early months of 1897 were distributed as follows : — i e8 o '% 1 -o o 15 Kind of Grain. 8 m 6 6 C3 ■g » aj S 3 .20 4^ •El-I o aj s fl cS o Pm ^ "^ 6 d 4J '2 QO '.5 •S'-' 01 O 3 C 0-5 •c Ph :? ^ O' O ;^ ^ PQ Cross-bred wheats 8 52 20 97 14 127 63 216 80 267 21 23 19 24 1 Cross-bred pease 18 Total 60 117 141 279 347 44 43 19 Making 1,050 samples in all, which, added to the distribution of the Central Farm, makes the total number of samples sent out 38,423. Testing the vitality and germinating^ power of seed grain and other agricultural seeds, at the Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa. Distribution of samples r)f seed grain at the Central Experimental Farm. Getting ready for the mail. REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR AND ACTING AGRICULTURIST. 57 DISTRIBUTION OF SAMPLES FROM BRANCH EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. Samples of 3 pounds each were also distributed from the branch experimental farms as follows : — Experimental Farm, Nappan, N.S. Oats Barley. . . Wheat.. Pease . , . . Rye Potatoes . 345 183 91 83 6 302 1,010 No. of applicants supplied Expervmental Farm, Indian Head, N. W. 543 Experimental Farm, Brandon, Mem. Grain of all sorts . Potatoes 357 210 567 T. Oats. . . . . Barley. . . Wheat... Pease.. .. Rye Flax Potatoes . 401 259 253 233 18 2 372 1,538 Experimental Farm, Agassiz, B, G. Oats 57 Barley 29 Wheat 51 Pease 49 Potatoes 68 254 This makes a total of 3,369 samples sent out by the branch experimental farms which, added to the number distributed by the Central Farm, makes a total of 41,792. Much interest is taken by farmers generally in this branch of the work, and by this means some of the better varieties are rapidly finding their way into general cultivation. TESTS OF THE VITALITY OF GRAIN AND OTHER SEEDS FOR 1897. The number of samples of seed grain and other seeds which were tested for their germinating power during the season of 1897 was 2,174. The following figures show the variations in the average vitality of the more important cereals during the past five years : — 1893. 1894. 1895. 1896. 1897. Average for the five Years. Wheat Barley Oats 81-8 84-9 93 90-5 89 95-5 88 85-7 93-3 87-7 901 89-8 83-5 90 93 6 86-3 87-9 93 Many of the samples sent for test are much below the average in vitality, hence the figures given above do not fairly represent the vitality of grain of average quality grown in difi"erent parts of the Dominion. One of the chief objects in continuing these tests from year to year, is to give farmers the opportunity of having any samples which may be of doubtful vitality, through injury in harvesting or storing, thoroughly tested, so that their value for seed purposes may be known. Samples may be sent free through the mail, and this work is done and reported on free of charge. Samples can usually be reported on within a fortnight after they are received. 58 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. Results of Tests of Seeds for vitality, 1896-97. Kind of Seed. Number of Tests. Highest Per- centage. Lowest Per- centage. Per- centage of Strong Growth. Per- centage of Weak Growth. Average Vitality. Wheat Barley Oats - . - 482 465 662 2 241 23 13 10 13 5 4 10 3 17 18 6 20 29 2 4 13 4 11 11 7 9 11 7 6 2 2 3 3 4 3 6 3 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 2 100- 100- 100- 75- 100- 100 87- 98 84 68 78 98 98 95 100 75 90 98 79 83 80 55 82 100 96 82 100 59 77 28 84 93 94 49 71 79 84 96 24 22 10 86 31 98 19 30 81 49 24 89 97 30 43 43 88 1 8 13 80 71 59 75 36 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ■0 ■0 •0 0 •0 •0 ■n "iro 77-5 81-8 88-7 64-5 60 8-2 4-9 6 5 83-5 900 936 Hye 67 0 710 Pease ... 772 Com 280 2G0 170 280 23 0 18 0 420 920 20 420 270 160 330 430 50 0 300 310 340 48-0 240 85-8 Clover 726 Grass . 749 Turnips Carrots 724 420 Mangels . Beets . 430 76- 6 Sunflowers Lettuce 95-3 580 Onions 681 lieeks 515 Tomatoes 67 0 Cabbage Cauliflowers 69-8 610 69 -2 48-4 Spinach . . . Sweet Peas 43-5 •• • 62-5 830 Musk Melon 665 Water Melon . . 50 0 40 8 0 280 90 320 84 0 79-0 70 550 120 58 0 93-0 10 0 13 0 7-0 860 310 98-0 190 300 81 0 490 5 0 530 59 0 70 43-0 43 0 88-0 10 8-0 13 0 800 710 59 0 750 360 30 669 Peppers 27-7 Chervil ... ..... 550 18-5 580 Mustard 896 88 0 Parsley 292 650 Asparagus 45 8 723 Buckwheat 945 17 0 Summer Savory 17"6 Tares 85 800 310 Horse Beans 98-0 19 0 Endive 300 Kale 81 0 Salsify 490 173 PoDDV 710 Candytuft 840 Mignonette 21-5 430 Salpiglossis ■ 430 Zinnia 880 Stocks 10 80 Hesperis 130 800 Pansy 710 Pink 590 Sweet William 750 360 Berberis 3 0 30 Caragana 86 0 86 0 860 Total number of samples tested, highest and lowest percent^e. 2,174 1000 000 REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR AND ACTING AGRICULTURIST. 59 Table showing the number of Grain Testa for each Province. ONTARIO. Kind of Seed, Number of Tests. Highest Per- centage. Lowest Per- centage. Per- centage of Strong Growth. Per- centage of Weak Growth. Average VitaUty. Wheat 140 176 190 1000 100 0 100 0 00 600 00 72-9 78-5 93-6 69 100 3-5 79-8 Barley 88-5 Oats 971 QUEBEC. Wheat 61 51 54 100 0 100 0 100 0 160 560 790 84-7 84-3 92-2 4-5 6-7 4-2 892 Barley Oats 91-0 96-4 MANITOBA. Wheat 57 43 103 100 0 980 1000 36 0 170 390 82-5 75-3 85-4 4-9 9-6 71 87-4 Barley •. . 84-9 Oats 925 NOI ITH-WEST TERRITORIES. 83 66 104 990 100 0 1000 230 640 220 77-5 83-6 800 6-7 8-6 8-2 84-2 Barley . Oats 92-2 882 NOVA SCOTIA. Wheat 74 65 100 99 0 100-0 100 0 250 690 33 0 71-7 86-1 87-2 6 8 5-9 3-8 78-5 Barley Oats 920 91 0 - NEW BRUNSWICK. Barley 21 15 31 100 0 100 0 100 0 660 490 770 88-3 78-8 90-5 3-8 7-5 3-7 921 86 3 Oats 94 2 PR INCE EDWARD ISLAND. Wheat 9 6 15 930 990 100 0 66 0 67 0 780 75-9 74-5 93-5 6-3 14 3 2-4 822 Barley Oats 88-8 959 BRITISH COLUMBIA. Wheat 37 43 65 990 100 0 100 0 710 720 680 81-2 91-6 91-5 51 3 9 3-4 86 3 Barley Oats 95-5 94 9 60 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS. Table of Meteorological Observations taken at the Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa, 1897 ; maximum, minimum and mean temperature for each month, with date of occurrence, also rainfall and snowfall. Months. Maximum. Date. Minimum. Date. Mean. Rain- faU. Snow- fall. Number of days Preci- pitation. January o 45 40 49 77 76 84 97 85 92 85 54 44 5 0 9 0 0 0 2 2 0 0 0 9 3rd 21st 30th 23rd 9th 23rd 8th 8th 9th 15th 26th 11th o —25-7 — 12 0 — 18 0 13-2 33-5 36-8 55 2 42 -2 32-3 22-2 6-8 -15 6 25th 26th 1st 20th 8th 2nd 27th 24th 28th 10th 30th 25th e 12 15 23 40 53 60 71 62 69 48 29 17 2 7 4 8 0 7 2 6 4 2 8 3 in. 0-38 0-35 1-53 1 72 3-29 301 519 3-40 C-45 0 69 219 1-98 in. 15-50 16-75 28-60 100 "'h'-ih' 22-50 16 February March 13 16 April . May 13 14 June July Au^st 16 15 14 September October November 6 8 18 December ■ 16 24 18 89 00 165 Rain or snow fell on 165 days during the 12 months. Heaviest rainfall in 24 hours, 1 - 18 inches on July 12th. Heaviest snowfall in 24 hours, 7 inches on March 26th. It ^vill be seen the highest temperature during the 12 months was 97* '2, on July 8th. The lowest temperature during the 12 months was — 25° ' 7, on January 25th. During the growing season rain fell on 13 days in April, 14 days in May, 16 days in June, 15 days in July, and 14 days in August. September shows the lowest number of days on which rain fell, viz., 6. Rain or snow fell on 18 days diu-ing November, WILLIAM T. ELLIS, Observer. RESULTS OF EXPERIMENTS IN THE CROSS-FERTILIZING OF PLANTS, SHRUBS AND TREES.* In the spring of 1868 the writer began a series of experiments in cross-fertilizing and hybridizing which have been continued at intervals ever since.** This work has included experiments -with varieties of the gooseberry, red and white currant, black currant, raspberry, blackberry, grape, apple, pear, plum, cherry and peach ; also with different sorts of wheat, barley, oats, pease and rye, and with several species of wild flowers and ornamental shrubs. The Gooseberry and Currant. The first crosses attempted in 1868 were with the gooseberry. These were made with the object of improving the size and quality of what are known as the American gooseberries, by introducing strains of some of the best English sorts, and at the same time to obtain varieties free from the gooseberry, mildew, Sphcerotheca mors-uvce, which has in the past affected nearly all the English gooseberries grown here, so badly both in foliage and fruit as to discourage their culti- • Read before the Botanical Section of the British Association for the Advancement of Science at Toronto, Ont., August, 1897. ** The term " cross-bred " is used when referring to crosses produced between different varieties of the same species, and the word "hybrid," when referring to forms produced by crossing plants which are recognixed as distinct species. , REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR AND ACTING AGRICULTURIST. 61 vatioru Those which are known as American or native sorts are believed to have resulted from crosses between the wild species and European forms, and are noted iar their hardiness, productiveness, and freedom from mildew. Several hundred seedlings resulted from these efforts, some of which are still in cultivation. Two of them — one named Pearl (a cross between Downing and Aston's Seedling, or Broom Girl) and Red Jacket (a cross between Houghton and Warrington) — are both popular sorts, on account of their size, productiveness, and freedom from mildew, and are now extensively grown both in Canada and the United States. Among the early experiments some trials were made with the wild sorts — the small, smooth gooseberry, Ribes oxyacanthoides, and the prickly gooseberry, Ribes Gynosbati. No success attended the efforts with the former ; but among the crosses obtained on the prickly gooseberry R. Gynosbati with Warring- ton were several interesting sorts, one of which was quite smooth, another sparingly hairy, and a third somewhat more hairy. This latter is still under cultivation at the Central Experimental Farm at Ottawa. In growth and habit the bushes resemble the female parent, but the fruit is considerably larger and much improved in quality, and the berries when ripe are tinged with red. Efforts were also made during these early years to cross the black, red and white currants with the gooseberry, but without success. After five or six years the new seedlings had increased to such an extent that their number was embarrassing, and no more work was undertaken on this line until 1890, after the establishment of the Canadian Experimental Farms, when a larger field for such work was opened. On my arrival from London, Ontario, at Ottawa, in 1887, all the surviving seedlings of all sorts of any promise — more than 800 in all — were taken to the Central Experimental Farm, and since then, with the help of assistants, many new forms have been produced. Among others, hybrids have been obtained between the cultivated black currant, Ribes nigrum, and a cultivated variety of the gooseberry, Ribes Grossularia ; also between the black currant and white currant, a variety of Ribes rubrum. In each instance the black currant was chosen as the female. Three of the hybrids between the black currant and the white currant, and twenty- eight of those between the black currant and gooseberry, are still under trial. There are in this instance some well marked points of difference between the female and the male, and the hybrids, in many respects, are intermediate in their character. The branches of the black currant are without thorns, whereas those of the gooseberry are thorny; the hy- brids have the branches thornless as in the female. The leaves of the black cur- rant (Fig. 1) are large, three lobed, with the points of inter- section between the lobes slightly notched, and the margins are ser- rated ; the teeth coarse, some- what irregular and pointed. (See figure.) The leaves are also sup- plied with a large number of oil cells, so that when bruised they exhale a strong and characteristic odour. The leaf stalks are very slightly hairy towards the base. In the gooseberry the points of intersection between the lobes of the leaves are deeply notched (Fig. 2), and the marginal serra- tions are more irregular and Fig. 1.— Leaf of Black currant. ' rounded, with short, blunt points. 62 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. The leaves when bruised are odourless, and the leaf stalks are shorter and more decidedly hairy with the hairs extending further up the stalk. In the hybrids the leaves are intermediate in form (Fig. 3), and almost a« deeply cleft at the junction of the lobes as are those of the gooseberry. The serrations are also of an intermediate character, being less pointed than in the black currant and less rounded than in the gooseberry. The leaves of most of the hybrids have no odour when bruised, except in two instance* where the black currant odour is faintly perceptible. The leaf stalks are more hairy than those of the black currant, but less hairy than those of the gooseberry. Fig. 2.— Leaf of Gooseberry. Fig. 3. — Leaf of Hybrid : Black currant with Gooseberry. The flowers of the black currant are borne on long bunches of seven to twelve (See figure 4), whereas in the gooseberry they are usually in pairs and occasionally there are three in a cluster. (Fig. 5.) In the hybrids they are borne in clusters of from four to seven. (Fig. 6.) In the structure of the pistil of the flower there is also a notable difference. In the black currant the pistil is single, smooth throughout, and somewhat thickened and robust towards the tip, which is flat and blunt (See figure lb.) In the gooseberry it is longer and divided to the base, both branches being slender and very hairy for nearly half their length, the slender divisions diverging towards the tip. (See figure 7c.) In the hybrids the pistil is single for about half its length or more, but divided towards the tip, and the divisions divergent. (See figure 7a.) There are also Fig. 4.— Flowers of Black currant. diSerences in the time of blooming. The flowers of the gooseberry are open some days before those of the black currant ; while those of the hybrids are intermediate in that respect. REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR AND ACTING AGRICULTURIST. 63 Fig. 5. — Flowers of Gooseberry. but of a dull reddish colour Flowers of Hybrid. All the hybrids have floM-ered freely every season for several years past, and although no imperfection can be detected in the floral organs, no fruit could be found on any of them until last year, when two berries were found on one bush and one on another. These were borne singly, like the goose- berry, and were about the size of a large black currant, The seeds these contained were carefully saved and sown, but none of them have yet germinated. This season only one specimen of fruit was found and this dropped before it was fully matured. With the view of inducing the fruit to set more freely, clusters of the flowers have been artificially fertilized with pollen from adjacent flowers on the same bush, also from flowers of the black currant and the gooseberry ; but none of these experiments have been successful. The several differences and resemblances noticed seem to establish the true hybrid character of the progeny, a point further confirmed by the fact that the gooseberry and white currant characteristics in these hybrids are recognized by insects and par- sitic plants The gooseberry saw-fly {Neirva- tus ribesii), which is not known to touch the foliage of the black currant, consumes, with great avidity, the leaves of the goose- berry and white currant ; it also feeds freely on the hybrids, which, although raised from seed of the black currant, are thus recognized by this insect as partaking of the nature of the male parent. The gooseberry mildew, also Sphaerotheca mors-uvae, B. & C, which is not known to affect the black currant, attacks the hybrids freely, showing that the gooseberry characteristics which they possess are recognized also by this fungus enemy of the gooseberry. Another group of experiments with shrubs in this genus has been the crossing of the cultivated black currant, Rihes nigrum, with the wild black currant of the western plains, Rihes Jioridum. From this cross a number of seedlings have been produced, partaking more or less of the characteristics of both parents, some of which promise to be worthy of cultivation for their fruit. During the past season a number of additional crosses in this genus have been successfully made, from which some further results of interest are looked for. (a.) (b.) (c Fig. 7. a. ^-Pistil of hybrid enlarged to three diameters. b. — " blackcurrant " e. — " gooseberry The Grape. From 1868 to 1875 a large number of hybrids were produced by fertilizing prepared flowers of the native or improved native grapes with pollen of the European varieties. During this time more than 3,000 grape flowers were operated on, from which about 400 seedlings were obtained. No winter protection was given to any of these young seedlings, and a large proportion of the new introductions from year to year perished during the winter following. Many others were discarded for the reason that they produced staminate flowers only, and some on account of lack of vigour in the vines or the poor quality of the fruit. Only a few of these seedlings have survived to the present time, and of these two only are specially worthy of mention, viz.. Emerald and Kensing- ton. These are both yellowish green grapes and Kensington is specially productive. 64 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. In the case of the latter, the female was the Clinton, which is an improved form of the native frost grape, Vitis cordifolia ; the male was Buckland's Sweetwater, a variety of Vitis vini/era, a large greenish white grape grown under glass. The Clinton is a vigorous grower, and very hardy, and in fruiting produces a bunch which is small to medium in size, long, narrow and very compact, s nnewhat lightly shouldered. The berry is small, round, ar.d black and quite acid. The Buckland's Sweetwater is a less vigorous grower, is tender ; the berries are large, pale yellowish green and oval in form ; while the bunch is large and loose. The resulting hybrid resembles the Clinton in vigour of growth and hardiness of vine, also in the character of the foliage ; the fruit, however, is of a pale yellowish green colour, the berries are oval, the bunch large and shouldered and moderately loose. The fruit is intermediate in size and quality, between the parents. In the fruit of the Clinton the seeds are short and plump, whereas in that of the Buckland's Sweetwater they are longer and less plump ; in the hybrid the seeds resemble in form those of the Buckland's Sweetwater. A considerable number of other crosses were made between one of the cultivated forms know as Concord, which is believed to have been derived from the fox grape, Vitis labrusca, and varieties of Vitis vini/era. The leaves of the Concord vine are thick and leathery, and downy on the under side, while the leaves of the derivatives of Vitis vini/era are smooth below and comparatively thin in texture. All the seedlings resem- bled the Concord in the character of their foliage, but there was much variation in the appearance and quality of the fruit. The Raspberry and Blackberry. The first crosses were made with raspberries in 1869, and the work has been con- tinued at intervals up to the present time. In 1869 a red variety, known as the Phila- delphia, a form of Rubus strigosiis, which was very productive but lacking in flavour, was crossed with a high-flavoured yellow sort known as Brinckle's Orange, but the progeny in this case was tender and unhealthy in character and none of them have survived. In 1870 a cultivated form of the black cap raspberry, Rubus occidentalis, was fertilized with pollen of the Philadelphia. This latter experiment was undertaken mainly for the purpose of gaining some information as to the influence of sex on the character and habit of the ofi^spring. The black raspberry, Rubus occidentalis, which was chosen as the female, propagates by rooting from the pendulous tips of the branches, which, late in the season, touch the ground ; while the male, the red raspberry, Rubus strigosus, sends up suckers from the buds developed on the roots, and these roots extend under the sur- face to a considerable distance from the base. Twenty-four plants were raised from this cross, all of which fruited in 1873, and some of them were very prolific. In every instance the seedlings rooted from the tips, but not freely, and in two or three instances an occasional sucker was thrown up from the roots, a few inches from the crown. Sub- sequently these plants were propagated more freely by layering in spring the canes, the growth of the previous summer, when they rooted at almost every joint. The fruit of the best of these hybrids was larger than that of either of the parents ; it was interme- diate in colour, being dark purple with a whitish bloom, while the flavour was a striking combination of the characteristics of both. During the following four or five years many additional crosses were made with raspberries, and many attempts were made to cross the raspberry Rubu^ strigosv^ with the blackberry Rubus tnllosus, but without much success. Most of the efibrts failed, but seeds were produced on several occasio.ns. Sometimes these did not germinate, and several times, when one or two seeds did start, the young plants were weakly and died before much growth was made. Large Fruits. Many crosses were also made with the larger fruits, from 1889 to 1895, some of which have since borne well ; but they were not sufficiently promising to justify their propagation. Many attempts have been made to cross the apple with the pear, and vice REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR AND ACTING AGRICULTURIST. 65 versa, but without success. Similar experiments have also been tried with the different varieties of cherries, notably those belonging to the Bigarreau class with the Duke and Morello types. Seedlings of these were grown for a time, the foliage of which was intermediate in character, but none of them lived long enough to produce fruit. Efforts were made to cross the plum with the peach, also the plum with the cherry, both without success. After the work of cross-fertilizing fruits had been continued for eight or nine years, the number of seedlings accumulated to such an extent as to be burdensome to look after, and further efforts, which would have added to their number, were for a time suspended. Flowering Plants. In the meantime some experiments were made with flowers. Attempts were made for several seasons to cross the wild geraniums. Geranium maculatum and G. robertianum, with several of the best cultivated pelargoniums, with the hope of obtaining improved forms of hardy perennial geraniums, but without success. A wild perennial species of verbena, V. hastata, was poUenized with some of the finest forms of the cultivated verbena, with a similar object ; and in this instance a number of crosses were obtained, but these were planted out in an open border without protection, where they all died during the following winter. Crosses were also made with Aquilegias, and very distinct intermediate forms obtained. Experiments were also tried to see if evidence could be had of superfoetation in this flower, the varieties of which are so easily cross-fertilized. The sorts selected for this work were a red-flowering form, Aquilegia Canadensis, and the double blue and white forms of Aquilegia vulgaris. The red was crossed with the white and the pistils touched the following day with pollen from the blue flowers ; the white with the blue, and retouched with the red ; and the blue with the red, and retouched with white. A large number of seedlings were raised, most of which showed two colours quite distinctly, but no trace of the influence of the third colour could be detected in any instance. Wild Crab Apples. In the spring of 1 887, among other seeds received from the Royal Botanic Gardens at St. Petersburg there was a package of the seeds of a small wild Siberian crab, known as the berried crab, Pyrus haccata. From these a number of young trees were raised, some of which have now been tested at the branch experimental farm at Brandon, Manitoba, for six years, and at Indian Head, N.W.T., for five years, and in every instance these trees have been found quite hardy, and during the last two seasons some of them have borne good crops of fruit. This crab, although it bears abundantly, has very small fruit, not much larger than a cherry. Another variety, known as Pyrus haccata pruni/olia, is more than double the size of P. haccata, and this also, although tested for a shorter time, appears to be equally hardy. These trees are dwarf in habit, with branches extending close to the ground ; they are also very sturdy and thickly branched and from their build are well adapted to resist the winds and other climatic difiiculties from which many trees suffer on the North-west plains. Having tried during the past nine years, under many different conditions as to shelter, about 200 varieties of the hardiest sorts of cultivated apples and crab apples obtainable from Northern Europe and elsewhere, at both these North-west farms without success, efforts are now being made to improve the two wild crabs referred to, in size and quality of fruit, by cross-fertilizing them with many of the hardiest sorts of apples grown at Ottawa, also with the larger crabs. The first crosses were obtained in 1894 and the young trees, which came up in 1895, were transplanted from the seed bed to a small experimental orchard on the Central Farm, in 1896, where they are now growing to the number of 175, and some of these will probably fruit within two years. The foliage of these seedlings varies much in character, some resembling that of the varieties of cultivated apples used as the male, while others are more like that of the wild type of the female. During 1896 and 1897 this work has been continued on a much larger 8a ~ 5 «6 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. Bcale and orchard plots suitably protected are being provided at each of the branch experimental farms in the North-west, large enough to admit of the testing of all the young seedlings as fast as they can be produced, and it is confidently expected that within A very few years, as a result of this work, varieties of apples will be available for cultivation in the North-west, of a hardy character and such as will be valuable to the settlers on the plains. Cherry and Plum. Fig. 8. Fig. 9. Fig. 10. The Sand Cherry, Prunus pumila, a native fruit, which is very hardy and has a wide distribution, was chosen as the starting point for another line of experimental work. The usual wild form of this fruit is a small black cherry with a disproportionately large stone covered with a thin coating of juicy but astringent flesh. Specimens are, however, occasionally found having fruit fully twice the usual size, with a much larger REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR AND ACTING AGRICULTURIST. 67 proportion of pulp and of very fair quality. All attempts to cross this with different vaiieties of cherry liave failed, but in 1896 a single cross was effected with a variety of cultivated plum known as Col. Wilder, an improved form of Prunus americana. The seed from this cross was planted in the autumn of 1896 and germinated in the spring of this year. The young tree has made a strong and vigorous growth, and at the present time is nearly 2 feet high, with leaves much wider than those of the Sand Cherry, and closely resembling those of the plum. Figure 8 represents the leaf of the Sand Cherry and 9 the leaf of the plum, while 10 shows that of the hybrid. Fruit of this interesting cross will be watched for with interest. The wild plum, Prunus americana, which is found native in the river valleys in Manitoba, has been crossed during the present season with several of the improved forms of the cultivated plum, from which som„ good re'^ults are expected. Spring Wheat. In most parts of Canada the summer season is comparatively short, and hence it is very important to secure as far as is practicable, early ripening varieties of grain. In 1888 some crosses were ei?ected with spring wheat, using a Russian variety known as the Ladoga, as female, and both the Red and White Fife varieties as male. The Ladoga was obtained from Northern Russia and ripens about a week earlier than the Fife wheats ; it is, however, lacking in vigour and does not average as heavy a yield as the Red or White Fife and the grain is not so fine in quality. The object in attempting this cross was to obtain, if possible, a wheat equal in quality, vigour and productiveness to the l^'d Fife, and at the same time, earlier in ripening, and thus to combine the good qualities of both parents. JMost of these crosses are intermediate in earliness and ripen at least three or four days earlier than the Red Fife. Some promising sorts have sprung from this source, which are rapidly growing in favour, notably Preston and Stanley from Ladoga and Red Fife, and Alpha and Percy from Ladoga and White Fife. Another source whence early ripening grain has been obtained, is India, where, in 1889, through the kindness of Lord Dufferin, then Viceroy, a number of different sorts were collected and forwarded to Canada for test on the experimental farms. These were obtained at different altitudes in the Himalaya Mountains, of from 420 to 11,000 feet. All the Indian varieties tested have been early in ripening, and two of the earliest and most promising of the wheats — Hard Red Calcutta and Gehun — ripen as early as the Ladoga, but, in common with all the varieties tested from India, they have lacked vigour and productiveness. These have also been crossed with Red Fife and the crosses have derived earliness of ripening from the Indian blood, with increased vigour and product- iveness from that of the Red Fife. Where a bearded wheat has been used as the female and a beardless type as male, a large proportion of the progeny has at first been bearded. With the second sowing, both the bearded and beardless sorts sport, the beardless varieties frequently producing bearded heads, while the bearded ones more rarely produce those which are beardless. The bearded varieties will vary in the length and stiffness of the beards, and many of them vary in the colour of the chaff, some in the same cross having white chaff, others red ; the chaff also varies as to its smooth or downy character. Any of these varieties may be maHe permanent by persistent selection. In a cross between Red Fife, male, and an Indian variety of wheat named Spiti Valley, female, both of which were beardless, several bearded sorts were produced in the second generation. Some winter wheats have been crossed with spring wheats, using the spring varieties as female. These have all ripened when sown as spring wheats, but, although the plants have had vigorous foliage, they have been slow in heading and later in ripening than most of the spring wheats, and as they have not proved specially productive, most of them have been discarded. 8a— 5^ 68 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. This work has been continued from year to year and gradually extended so as to include barley, oats and pease, and during the past nine years more than 700 new varie- ties have been produced among these important farm crops. All those which show a lack of vigour, or are unpromising for other reasons, are promptly discarded ; but there are still under test at the Central Experimental Farm more than two hundred new varieties, all of which are of more or less promise. In a test of the comparative yield of 39 vari- eties of spring wheat, including all the named ones, with the cross-bred sorts, carried on last year at all the experimental farms, the Preston, one of the crosses referred to between Ladoga and Red Fife — a bearded sort — headed the list, with an average of 35 bushels 37 pounds per acre ; while Stanley, a cross of the same parentage, but beardless, stood fifth in order of yield, with 31 bushels 50 pounds per acre. Barley. Some very distinct hybrids have been produced between the two-rowed barley (Hordeum distichon) and the six-rowed ( Hordeum hexastichon). These are ancient types and have long been regarded as distinct species. The six-rowed type has been found, according to DeCandoUe, in the earlier Egyptian monuments and in the remains of the lake dwellings of Switzerland. The two-rowed barley is said to have been found wild in Western Asia, and is also of ancient origin. In the two-rowed barley, the additional rows found on the six-rowed form are represented by chafiy scales lying flat on the face of the head. In the hybrids produced by using the six-rowed form as male, these chaffy scales in some instances are all filled ; in others, only a part of them are filled and the kernels at first are usually smaller and thinner than those which occupy the normal position on either side of the head. With subsequent cultivation the relative size of the kernels is more equalized and, in some cases, they become very even in size throughout. The two-rowed barley stools much more freely than the six-rowed sorts, the heads are also longer, and the objects in mind in effecting these crosses have been to produce varieties of six-rowed barley with longer heads and with an increased tendency to stooling. Several have manifested a prolific character. One produced from a single grain 4,529 grains, and the next year the crop was 28 pounds. In another instance 2,274 grains were grown from a single grain, and the crop the second year was 15^ pounds. A considerable number of these hybrid barleys are now being tested in field culture, and some of them have made promisingf records. Wheat with Rye. Many attempts have been made at the Experimental Farm to cross wheat and rye, but without success until 1892, when one of my assistants in this work, Mr. W. T. Macoun, succeeded in effecting a cross, using a variety of winter wheat as female and winter rye as the male. The one resulting kernel was sown in September, 1892, and, although to all appearance it was a wheat kernel which was sown, the plant which grew from it had the purplish appearance of rye, and the heads at the time of spearing had stripes of purple on the spikelets, as in rye, and in other respects closely resembled rye. Nineteen heads in all were produced on the plant, but there was not a single kernel found in any of them. Oats. Some experiments have also been made in the crossing of oats and crosses have been effected between those with branching and those with sided heads ; also with white and black oats, white and yellow, and with thin hulled and thick hulled sorts. Many strik- ing instances of intermediate forms have been secured and some of the new varieties have given excellent crops. REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR AND ACTING AGRICULTURIST. 69 Pease. About 175 crosses have been made in this group and some promising and prolific forms originated. By rigid selection and rejecting of all the less promising sorts, the varieties under test have been reduced to less than one-third of the original number, and further testing is now limited to 56 varieties. The Barberbt. The last group of hybrids to which I propose to refer is one between Berberis Thunbergii, female, a Japanese species, and the common purple barberry of Europe, Berberis vulgaris purpurea, male. The differences between these two species are very marked and the evidences of the hybrids of which there are four partaking of the char- acteristics of both parents seem to be clearly shown. In Berberis Thunbergii the branches are armed with thorns which are about §ths of an inch in length, with a short branch on either side, near the base, the branches being about one-fourth the length of the central spine. In B. vulgaris purpurea the thorns are long, being about ^ths of an inch, with the side branches near the base varying from half to two-thirds the length of the centre spine. Whereas, in the hybrid the two branches which springf rom thebase are about equal in length with the centre, showing in this respect a departure from both parents, but more nearly resembling the male. Fig. 11. The leaves of Berberis Thunbergii are small, obo- vate, tapering towards the base, a leaf of this species is shown in figure 11, with the surface smooth on both sides and the margin entire ; colour, deep green above, paler beneath. In B. vulgaris purpurea the leaves are larger and nearly oval, with the margin fringed with sharp spines (see figure 12). The upper surface is of a dull brownish purple colour ; below it is green, with more or less Fig. 12. of a purplish hue. In the hybrids the leaves are longer and broader than in B. Thunbergii with five or six short spines at wide intervals along the margin on each side and another short spine at the tip (see figure 13). The upper surface of the leaves is dark green, more or less tinged with purple, the purple shading being quite decided in the young growth. The lower surface is of a paler shade of green. In Berberis Thunbergii the flowers are borne singly on the under side of the branches and are loose and open, with both calyx and corolla of a very pale yellowish colour (figure 14). The outer surface of the calyx is tinged with red and the stamens are yellow. In B. vulgaris purpurea the flowers are in long clus- ters, from 17 to 21 in a cluster (figure 15); they are of a bright yellow colour, with the outer surface of the calyx bright red and the stamens yellowish green. The flowers are smaller and more compact than in B. Thun- bergii and are nearly a week later in time of Fig. 14. blooming. In the hybrids the flowers are borne in clusters of from five to nine in each (figure 16) ; they are loose and open and a little larger than those of B. Thunbergii and B. vulgaris purpurea. Fig. 13. 70 EX PERIMENTA L FA RMS. The young fruit of B. Thunbergii when first formed, is of a pale green colour ; that of the purple barberry is of a briijht red hue; vvhile the fruit of the hybrids is of a dull reddish shade. Fig. 15. FiR. 16. From these particulars it will be seen that the hybrid barberries, of which there are four, are intermediate in character between the parents, in leaf, flower and fruit, also in the time of blossoming. Very eflicient help has been rendered me in carrying on this work during the past nine years, by my assistant, Mr. W. T. Macoun; also by Dr. C E. Saunders, who has done much of the recent work on the fruits, and Dr. A. P. Saunders, who made some of the earlier crosses in wheat and who rendered special assistance in the cross-fertilizing of cereals at the branch experimental farms during the summer of 1892. TUBERCULOSIS. It is much to be regretted that further trouble has developed from this disease, more particularly among the cattle at the Central Farm. When Bulletin No. 20 was published, in February, 1894, and the subsequent report issued on the branch farms in the annual report of the experimental farms for that year, giving full particulars of the discovery of tuberculosis and the means applied for its eradication, with the very thorough after precautions taken in disinfecting the premises, it was hoped that immunity from this disease would be had in future. At that time, however, the insidious nature of tubercular disease, the extent to which it prevails and the difficulty of completely eradicating it, were not so fully understood as now, and with the reliability of tuberculine thoroughly established and the process of testing officially recognized, there will probably be no difficulty in future in the way of using the tuber- culine test from time to time, and thus preventing any lurking germs of this disease from further spreading in the herd. After the number of cattle had been reduct d at the Central Farm by the slaughter necessary to get rid of this disease in 1893, additional cows were required to carry on some experiments in dairying. These could not be bought at that time subject to the tuberculine test, the use of tuberculine as a test for the disease had been but very recently introduced, and many skilled veterinarians did not believe in its reliability, and REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR AND ACTING AGRICULTURIST. 71 it was generally disbelieved in by those engaged in the cattle trade. Negotiations were also then in progress with the British Government looking to th« removal of the embargo on Canadian cattle, and it was held to be most unwise, by those interested in the export of cattle, that any further attention should be drawn to this disease, which had in several instances been referred to in the press, either ignorantly or with an object, as pleuro-pneumonia. Under these circumstances, it was decided that any animals required for the use of the farms should be selected with care from healthy herds, and subjected only to the test of physical examination. Thus a number of grade cows were selected in Quebec and Ontario and placed in the barn, every one of which appeared to be perfectly healthy. No pure-bred animals were purchased. From the experience recently had it is probable that some incipient germs of the disease must have existed in one of the young animals (a Jersey bull), which was tested in 1893 and did not then react, and that these subsequently developed. It also seems clear, from the post mortem examinations, that in the case of two of the grade cows which were purchased in Ontario the disease had developed to that extent to justify the belief that these animals were more or less diseased when they were purchased. It was in all probability from these two sources that the disease spread in the herd, and in confirma- tion of the correctness of this view it may be said that most of the other animals which reacted when the tuberculine test was used showed the disease but slightly developed, as if the infection had been recent. "While there is no doubt that a diseased animal in the herd is the most common cause of the spread of the disease, there are other possible sources of infection. This is undoubtedly an infectious disease, which can only be produced by the introduction into the system of those minute organisms known as the bacilli of tuberculosis. As this disease is identical with consumption in the human family, and may be communicated from man to animals, as well as from animals to man, it is evident that in a public institution which is visited annually by many thousands of people, this additional source of danger to the cattle is always present. In September last some purchases were made of pure-bred animals for the improve- ment of the herds at Nappan and Ottawa. Since animals had been bought and exchanged several times at ^Nappan since 1893 without submitting them to the tubercu- line test, it was decided that this test should be again applied to all the herd there. It was also the intention that similar precautions should be taken at each of the other experimental farms as soon as they could be conveniently arranged for. During a visit made to the Nappan farm by the writer early in October all the animals were tested with tuberculine by Dr. Jakeman, of Halifax, and Dr. F. G. Hall, of Amherst, and no reaction occurred in any case, showing that this herd was free from tuberculosis. Up to this time there had not been the slightest suspicion that there was anything wrong with the herd in Ottawa. No symptoms had at any time occurred to awaken such suspicion, and the animals appeared to be in excellent health. Before arrangements had been made for the testing of the herd in Ottawa, on the 21st of October the Jersey bull already referred to, which had not fed well for a day or two and was supposed to be suffering from a slight attack of indigestion, died from tljie effects of an overdose of saltpetre, which, through the misunderstanding of an order, was bought in place of salts. On post mortem examination of this bull one lung was found to be badly affected with tuberculosis. Arrangements were at once made to test the entire herd, and the tests were conducted by Drs. James and Perley, of Ottawa. Particulars of the temperatures observed are given in the appended chart. The normal temperatures were taken 23rd October, the tuberculine was injected that evening and the reactions noted 24th October. 72 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. TUBERCULINE TeSTS. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 Name of AnimaL of Beauty, grade cow. Devon Bull (Earl Salcomb) . Canadian Bull Ayrshire Bull Holstein Bull Ayrshire Cow Maggie Forest Girl, grade Nancy, grade Mayflower, grade Geranium Clara . Gladiolus Oriole Spot . Rosemary. Jewel Lady Cornelia. Annie Rooney Pauline Topsy Florence Clenna Rex Lily Rex Nancj' Rex Louette Therese Verbena Dolly Hazel Linda Rosella Primrose Madame. Tulip Margaret Noretti Lady Olga Neptune Florence Saudie Julia Empress Olive Dairy Maid 45| Black Beauty. 46 Butterfly . . . . 47 Maude 48 May Belle.... 49 Polly 50 Sylvia 5l|Queenie 52 Clenna May. . . 53 Lily Belle 54 Gem 65 Myrtle 11 6 7 9 5 14 12 10 9 11 7 12 3 3 3 6 6 6 12 6 9 9 4 3 7 9 9 6 9 10 7 10 3 10 6 Normal Temperature. 8 11 1 a.m. a.m. p.m. 101 101-6 101 4 1006 100-6 101-4 100-8 101-4 iOl-4 100 101 100-6 101-6 102 101-4 101-3 101-4 101 101-4 101-2 101-2 101-4 101-6 101-2 101-2 101-4 101-6 101-2 101-4 101-4 101-4 101-4 102 102 102 101-6 101-6 101-4 101-4 102 101-4 102-2 101-4 101-6 102 101 101-4 102 101-4 101-8 102 101-6 102 102-4 101-8 103 103 2 101-2 101-7 101-9 100-2 101-4 101-4 100-4 100 4 100-4 102 102 102 ]01 4 101-2 102-8 100-8 101-2 101-4 100-6 100-8 101-8 101-4 100-8 101-4 101-2 101 101-4 100-6 101-4 101-6 101-2 101 101-2 102 101-8 101-8 101-6 102 102-3 101-4 101 101-2 101-6 101-8 102 101 101-4 101-6 100-4 101-4 101-8 102 102-2 102 102 102-2 101-8 101 5 101-6 101 100-6 101 3 101-2 101 101-2 101 2 103 103 102-4 102 102-2 101-8 102 101-2 102-2 101-4 101-1 101 101-8 102 102 102 102 102 101-2 101 102-2 101-4 101-2 101 102 101-6 101-6 202 101-6 101-6 101-2 101-8 101 100-2 101 102-2 101-4 100-8 100 8 101-4 102-8 101 1 5 p.m. 101 101 101-6 101-2 100-8 100-2 101 100 100 100 101 101 101 100 100 100 101 101 103 101 100 100 101 101 100 100 100 100 100 100 101 101 100 100 101 100 102 101 101 102 100 103 101 101 100 102 101 101 101 101 101 100 102 101 101 Temperature after injecting Tuber- culine. -1 •3 -8 -2 -2 2 4 -6 6 2 -2 6 9 12 3 6 a.m. a.m. p.m. p.m. p m. 101-7 101 101-4 101 100-2 102 1 104-4 106-6 103 102-4 100-6 100-8 102-4 102-8 102-2 100 101 104 102-3 102 101-4 100-7 102 103 103-6 101 102 106 105-6 106-4 101 102 100-7 102 100 102-2 105-6 105-1 104-5 104-5 102-3 105-5 106-3 106 1 105-8 101-4 103-6 105-4 103-6 102 102-6 105 107 106 105-6 101-4 105-6 106-6 106 3 107 101-4 103-6 105-9 105 105-2 103 105-8 106-2 105-2 103-8 106 107-4 106 105-2 104 103-4 106-6 107-2 104 104-2 103-5 106 106-2 105-2 104 101-6 102 104-2 104 104 102-6 103-2 104-8 104 105 103-4 107-4 107 106 106 101-6 101-6 101-8 102-2 100 101-7 102 104 103-6 104-8 102-7 107 106-6 106-2 103-2 101-6 101 101-6 101-8 101-2 103 106-6 106-9 103-2 105-6 101 100 102 102-8 100-2 101-6 101-4 101-6 101-2 100 101-3 104 103-9 103 100-4 102 102 101-4 101-2 101 101-4 101-4 101 102 101-2 105-6 107 107-2 105-6 105 102-2 104 106-2 104 103 102-6 105-6 106-9 104-8 103-8 102 101-4 102-2 100-6 101-2 101-6 101 5 102 101 101 101-4 101-4 100 101-2 100 102 102 102-4 102 102 102-2 100-8 102-6 102 102-2 101-4 100-7 102 101-8 101-4 151-5 103-2 105-2 105 104-8 100 100-6 101-3 102 3 101-4 103 102-6 101-3 103 102-2 101-2 101-6 102-6 102-2 102 100-4 100-5 102-5 102 101-4 101-2 101-3 101-4 101-2 101 100-9 100-6 101-2 102 102 101-6 101-6 101 S 101-4 101-2 100-6 100-7 100-9 101 101 101-6 101 8 102-2 102 102-2 100-6 100-7 102-2 102 101-4 103 8 105-6 106-2 105-4 104-9 100-8 100-6 101-6 101 101 153-2 105-1 106-9 106 104-2 100-9 101-8 102-1 101-6 101 100-2 100-5 101-8 102-4 101 9 p.m 102 162' 105 104 105 101 104 103 104 103 103 101 103 102 104 104 103 6 102 106-2 101 103-9 103 104-8 102 102 101 103-8 101-4 102 1 102 101-5 100-6 101-8 101 101 102-1 101 1 104 100 7 103-2 100-5 101 — 9 - -2 + 5-2 + 1-2 + 2-8 + 1-6 + 5 + -8 + 4-6 + 4-7 +4 +6 +5 + 4-3 + 4 + 5-4 + 5-2 + 4-2 + 1-8 + 1-8 + 5-2 + -2 + 4-2 + 5 -1 + 5-5 + 1 + -2 + 2-5 + -4 + -2 + 5-2 + 3-9 + 5 5 + -2 + -6 - -4 + -4 + -4 + -4 + 3-2 + 11 + -4 + -3 -2 -2 3 -8 -2 + + + 4-2 - -2 + 4-7 + -7 + -6 As soon as possible after the tests were completed all the animals which were free from disease were removed to another building where no animals had been previously kept. Of those which had reacted, ten of the milking cows were reserved for experimental testa, and these were forwarded to Montreal for that purpose. They are Nos. 6, 10, 12, REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR AND ACTING AGRICULTURIST. 73 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 22 and 32. The remainder were killed and post mortem examinations made. Dr. D. McEachran, Chief Veterinary Inspector, of Montreal, was present and superintended this work and was assisted by Drs. James and Perley, of Ottawa. Physical examinations were made of several of the animals before they were slaughtered, but the results only confirmed the opinion now generally held by the best veterinary authorities that it is practically impossible to detect the presence of this disease by the most careful examination, except in advanced caaes and where the more important organs are considerably involved. No. 2. Devon Bull. — Earl of Salcomb, age 5 years ; bred at the Experimental Farm ; was tested in 1893 and did not then react. Post mortem — Lungs full of masses of soft tubercle, some cheesy. The liver and mediastinal and bronchial glands all contained tubercle in a soft condition, most of it indicating comparatively recent formation. No. 3. Canadian Bull. — Quintal, age 7 years. Was tested in 1893, but did not then react. Both lungs somewhat diseased, containing nodules of tuberculous matter. A small quantity of tubercle was found at the apex of one lobe of the liver. Bronchial and mediastinal glands diseased and partly filled with tubercle. No. 4. Ayrshire Bull. — MacDuff, 9 years. This bull was tested in 1893, but gave no reaction then. In one lung there were several small masses of tubercle in different parts of its substance. Mesenteric glands, liver and peritoneum all slightly affected. No. 5. Holstein Bull. — Netherland Chief, age 5 years; bred at the Experimental Farm ; was tested in 1893, but did not then react. A careful examination of all the organs and glands was made and no evidence of disease discovered. In this instance the reaction after the injection of tuberculine was comparatively slight. No. 8. Nancy. — Grade cow, age 10 years; bought in 1894. In the lungs there were some small patches of tubercle, the mediastinal glands were considerably diseased and the bronchial glands slightly affected. No. 9. Mayflower. — Grade cow, age 9 years : bought in 1894. In this animal both the lungs and mediastinal glands were considerably diseased. No. 11. Clara. — Grade cow, age 7 years; bought in 1895. Lungs grown to the ribs and diseased in spots. Bronchial and mediastinal glands considerably affected with soft tubercle. No. 18. Annie Rooney. — Grade cow, age 6 years : bred at the Central Experimental Farm; was tested in 1893, but did not then react. One of the mediastinal glands -was slightly affected. Diligent search failed to reveal any diseased condition in any of the other glands or organs. No. 19. Pauline. — Grade cow, age 12 years ; bought in 1893. In this cow the spleen was very much enlarged and thickened and the interior was filled with masses of tubercle, and one end of this organ was much decayed, of a dark colour, almost black, and gave a very offensive odour. The left lung was very badly diseased. The bronchial and mesenteric glands were also much affected. The indications in this case were that the disease had existed in the animal for a long time. No. 20. Topay. — A grade cow, age 6 years ; bred at the Experimental Farm ; was tested in 1893, did not then react. In this animal the retropharyngeal, mediastinal and bronchial glands were all slightly affected, but no disease was found in any of the large organs. No. 23. Lily Rex. — A Jersey cow, age 4 years ; bred at the Experimental Farm ; was tested when a calf in 1893, but did not then react. Small quantities of tubercle were found in several parts of the lungs. The mediastinal glands were also considerably affected. No. 25. Louette. — A grade cow, age 7 years; bought in 1893. The mesenteric glands, mediastinal glands and peritoneum were all slightly affected. Disease was also found to a slight extent in the udder. No. 28. Dolly. — A grade cow, age 6 years ; bought in 1893. The liver, mesenteric and mediastinal glands were all slightly tuberculous. No. 31. Rosella. — A grade heifer, age 2^ years; bred at the Experimental Farm. Anterior lobe of left lung considerably diseased ; mediastinal glands also tuberculous. 74 • EXPERIMENTAL FAR US. Ko. 33. Madame. — A grade cow, age 10 years; bought in 1893. Lungs slightly diseased. Broncliial glands considerably affected ; mediastinal glands also slightly tuberculous. No. 40. Saudie. — A grade cow, age 9 years; bought in 1893. One lobe of the lungs was considerably diseased. Liver also diseased at tip of one lobe. The latter, however, was not clearly tuberculous. The posterior mediastinal glands were much enlarged and badly diseased. This cow had probably been affected for some years. No. 51. Queenie. — A grade heifer, age 1-|- year; bred at the Experimental Farm. The peritoneum was very slightly affected with small pustules, which appeared to be tuberculous. The disease was not clearly demonstrated in. this case. All the organs and glands were carefully examined, but no tubercle was detected in any of them. No. 53. Lily Belle. — A Jersey heifer, age l^ year; bred at the Experimental Farm. A small mass of tubercle was found in one of the lungs ; liver very slightly affected. Small tuberculous patches were found distributed over the peritoneum. After the animals were all removed the barn was thoroughly disinfected as follows: It was first well swept, scraped and cleaned, when the entire surface, including Moors, walls, ceiling, stalls and other woodwork, was carefully sprayed with a solution of corrosive sublimato (mercuric chloride) of the strength of 1 in 640, made by dissolving half an ounce of coirosive sublimate, mixed with an equal weight of muriate of ammonia (ammonium chloride) in 2 gallons (20 pounds) of water. Sulphur was next used — burned in three iron pans placed on the floor in different parts of the building, with the doors and windows all closed, and this fumigation was maintained for about 12 hours. The day following, about 3 p.m., a second fumigation was begun with muriatic acid gas, prepared as follows: Twelve open glazed earthenware dishes were procured, each capable of holding about six pints, which were elevated on ordinary flour barrels equally distributed throughout the building, and all openings carefully closed. In each of these dishes was put 2^ pounds of common salt (sodium chloride) and on this was poured one pint, fluid measure, of strong sulphuric acid. Muriatic acid gas was rapidly disengaged from each generator, and in a short time the fumes were so dense as to saturate the air in the barn with a thick cloud of vapour. Gas was cotistantly given off all night and every nook and corner penetrated, and exhalations from the vessels had not ceased when the building was opened the following morning. •Subsequently the walls and woodwork were swept, and a second spraying made similar to the first with the corrosive sublimate solution. Tlien the floors, stalls and passages were all thoroughly soaked witli the corrosive sublimate solution by means of mops and afterwards scraped with sharp hoes, so as to remove all coating from the wood- work, then mopped again with the corrosive sublimate solution freely used and subse- quently allowed to dry. After this the walls, ceiling and stalls received three coats of lime whitewash, when the cattle which were free from disease were returned to the barn. Twenty-two steers were subsequently bought for feeding experiments. These were isolated until tested with tub' rculine, but no reaction took place in any case, showing that thoy were free from disease. These have since been placed in the barn with the other cattle. The instructions sent to the branch expei-imental farms in the west to have the tuberculine test applied to all the animals have since been carried out. EXPERIMENTAL FARM, BR.\NDON, MANITOBA. At this f irm the herd consisted of 20 animals, all of which were tested by Dr. Cox, V.S., of Branilon, from 6th to 8th of December, and found free from disease. Twelve steers, which were purchased for experimental feeding tests and kept isolated until the tuberculine could be used, have also been tested and one of these reacted, the highest temperature being two degrees above the highest normal. This animal was slaughtered and a careful examination made, but no evidence of the disease was found. REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR AND ACTING AGRICULTURIST. 75 EXPERIMENTAL FARM, INDIAN HEAD, N.W.T. The herd at this farm consisted of 51 animals, all of which were subjected to th© tuberculine test by Inspector Burnett, V.S., of the Mounted Police, early in December, and only two reacted. In one case a Durham cow, Prairie Wildflower, six years old, the highest reaction was 2|^ degrees above the highest normal ; in the other, a Holstein cow, Abi 2nd of Assa., five years old, the reaction was greater, the temperature reaching 3^ degrees above the highest normal. Both these animals were tested in 1894 and did not then react. On examination after killing the disease was found in the Durham cow in several of the organs, and in the Holstein the lungs were both slightly affected. Evidence of the disease was also said to have been detected in connection with the heart. EXPERIMENTAL FARM, AGASSIZ, B.O. At this farm the herd numbered 19 animals. These were all tested with tubercu- line by Dr. J. Gibbins, of Vancouver, on December 14 and 15, and no reaction occurred in any case, showing that no tuberculous disease existed there. EXPERIMENTS IN THE FEEDING OF STEERS, 1896-97. During the past season three groups of steers, four animals in each group were fed for 16 weeks, with the object of ascertaining how far it is economical for farmers to withhold grain during the first part of the feeding period. All were fed on the same bulky fodder mixture, consisting of 50 lbs. of Indian corn ensilage, 25 pounds of roots, 5 pounds of cut hay and 5 pounds of cut straw. This ration was also used at the outset, for the preparatory feeding from 15th November to 15th December, 1897. No meal was given during this period, and the food consumed was not weighed. Before the feeding tests began the twelve steers were divided into three very even groups. The meal which was used in these experiments was made of equal parts by weight of pease, barley, oats and bran, and in estimating the cost of the rations, this mixture has been valued at the uniform rate of one cent per pound. In estimating the cost of the rations the ingredients composing the bulky fodder portion have been valued at the following prices : — Corn ensilage at $2 per ton, roots at $2 per ton, hay at $8 per ton and straw at $4 per ton. The value of these ingredients will vary in different localities, but they have been fixed at about the cost of production at Ottawa and will afford a basis for comparison in all parts of the Dominion. The feeding period was divided into three portions, one of 8 weeks and two following of 4 weeks each. To group No. 1 no meal was given for the first eight weeks, 2 pounds of meal were given to each animal per day for the next four weeks, and 6 pounds to each animal per day for the last period of four weeks. To group No. 2 two pounds of meal were given to each animal per day for the first period of eight weeks, four pounds to each per day for the next four weeks, and six pounds each per day for the last period of four weeks. To group No. 3 four pounds of meal were given to each steer per day for the first period of eight weeks, and six pounds to each per day for the two remaining periods of four weeks each. These rations are not as rich in digestible protein (flesh forming material) as are usually recommended in standard rations. They have a wider nutritive ratio that is a larger proportion of digestible carbohydrates (starch, sugar, gum, (fee.,) and fat to the protein than the standard rations usually contain. The standard feeding rations for 76 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. steers vary from 1 of protein to 6 to 8 of carbohydrates and fat -whereaa the nutritive ratio in the rations used in these experiments were about as follows : — Group 1. — 1st 8 weeks I'll, next 4 weeks 1-10, last 4 weeks 1-8-5. Group 2. — 1st 8 weeks 1*10, next 4 weeks 1*9'4, last 4 weeks 1*8'5. Group 3. — 1st 8 weeks l*9-4, remaining 8 weeks 1*8.5. During the course of these tests the steers had all of the bulky fodder mixture they -would eat up clean, they had access to water in a trough in front of their stalls and were supplied also with salt in a small box at the side of the manger. The steers were weighed when purchased and were weighed again three times on 17th December at the close of the preparatory feeding. The first weights taken and the average of the three last weighings were as follows, the weights being given in the order in which the animals were finally grouped : — Group 1. 15th Nov. 15th Dec. Group 2. 15th Nov. 15th Dec. Group 3. 15th Nov. 15th Deo. No. 1 " 2 " 3 » 4 1.050 1,010 1,085 1,130 1,070 1,020 1,120 1,170 No. 5 " 6 " 7 » 8 1,140 1,070 1,075 1,050 f 1,150 1,095 1,090 1,075 No. 9 " 10 " 11 " 12 1,170 1,095 Raised at C. E. F. Raised at C. E. F. 1,205 1,115 1,060 1,035 Totals.. 4,380 4,410 4,415 From the figures given it will be seen that the heaviest of the three groups as arranged for the test was only 35 lbs. heavier than the lightest of the groups. Group No. 1, Results for the first eight weeks, during which time no meal was given. Steer. Fodder consumed per day. Meal per day. Total increase in weight. Increase in weight per day. Cost per day. Cost per 100 lbs. of increase. No 1 Lbs. 65-55 65-55 65-37 69 16 Lbs. Lbs. 110 SO 80 115 Lbs. 1-96 1-43 1-43 2-05 Cts. 7-87 7-87 7-84 8 .30 $ cts. 4 02 Xo. 2 5 50 Vo 3 5 48 No. 4 4 05 Average 66-41 96i 1-72 7-97 Cost of producing each 100 pounds of increase for the group, $4.64 REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR AND ACTING AGRICULTURIST. 77 Results for the next four weeks, during which time each animal received two pounds of meal per day. Steer. Fodder consumed per day. Meal per day. Total increase in weight. Increase in weight per day. Cost per day. Cost per 100 lbs. of increase. No. 1 No. 2 No. 3 Lbs. 63-75 64-92 64-92 68-39 Lba. 2 2 2 2 Lba. 70 60 30 35 Lbs. 2-50 2-14 107 1-25 CtB. 9-65 9-79 9-79 10-20 $ cts. 3 86 4 57 9 15 No. 4 8 16 Averaare 65-49 2 481 1-74 9-86 Cost of producing each 100 pounds of increase for the group, $5.66. Results for the remaining four weeks, during which time each animal received six pounds of meal per day. Steer. Fodder consumed per day. Meal per day. Total increase in weight. Increase in weight per day. Cost per day. Cost per 100 lbs. of increase. No. 2 Lha. 60-68 60-68 60-68 64-57 Lbs. 6 6 6 6 Lbs. 48* 64 64 56 Lbs. 1-71 1-93 2-29 200 Cts. 13-28 13-28 13-28 13-74 $ cts. 7 77 6 88 No. 3 5 80 No. 4 6 87 Average 61-65 6 55i 1-98 13-39 Cost of producing each 100 pounds of increase for the group, |6.76. Group No. 2. Results for the first eight weeks, during which time each animal received two pounds of meal per day. Steer. Fodder consumed per day. Meal per day. Total increase in weight. Increase in weight per day. Cost per day. Cost per 100 lbs. of increase. No. 5 No. 6 Lbs. 63-70 65-46 65-55 65-55 Lbs. 2 2 2 2 Lbs. 70 115 110 110 Lbs. 1-25 2-05 1-96 1-96 Cts. 9-64 9-86 9-87 9-87 $ cts. 7 71 4 81 No. 7 5 04 No. 8. Averaere 5 04 65 06 2 lOli 1-SO 9-81 Cost of producing each 100 pounds of increase for the group, $5.42. 78 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. Results for tlie next four weeks, during which time each animal received four pounds of meal per day. Steer. Fodder consumed per day. Meal per day. Total increase in weight. Increase in weight per day. Cost per day. Cost per 100 lbs. of increase. N©. 5 Lbs. 60-79 64-79 64-79 64-79 Lbs. 4 4 4 4 Lbs. 80 48 55 45 Lbs. 2-86 1-71 1 96 1-61 Cts. 11-29 11-77 11-77 11-77 $ cts. 3 95 No. 6 No. 7 688 6 01 No. 8 7 31 Average 63-79 4 57 2 03 11-65 Cost of producing each 100 pounds of increase for the group, $5.72. Results for the remaining four weeks, during which time each animal received six pounds of meal per day. Steer. Fodder consumed per day. No. 5 No. 6. Lbs. 58-36 60-54 No. 7. No. 8. Average 60-29 58-86 59 51 Meal per day. Lbs. 6 6 6 6 Total increase in weight. Lbs. 66 31 34 14 36| Increase in weight per day. Lbs. 2-36 1-11 1-21 -.50 1 30 Cost per day. Cts. 13 00 13 26 13 23 13 06 13 14 Cost per 100 lbs. of increase. $ cts. 5 51 11 95 10 93 26 12 Cost of producing each 100 pounds of increase for the group, $10.15. Group No. 3. Results for the first eight weeks, during which time each animal received four pounds of meal per day. Steer. Fodder consumed per day. Meal per day. Total increase in weight. Increase in weight per day. Cost per day. Cost per 100 lbs. of increase. No. 9 No. 10 No. 11... No. 12 Lbs. 65-61 64-52 64-84 59-12 Lbs. 4 4 4 4 Lbs. 60 125 115 120 Lbs. 107 2-23 2 05 2 14 Cts. 11-87 11-74 11-88 11 09 $ cts. 11 09 5 26 5 79 5 18 Average 63-52 4 105 1 87 11-64 Cost of producing each 100 pounds of increase for the group, $G.21. REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR AM) ACTING AGRICULTURIST. 79 Results for the next four weeks, during which time each animal received six pounds of meal per day. Steer. Fodder consumed per day. Meal per day. Total increase in weight. Increase in weight per day. Cost per day. Cost per 100 lbs. of increase. No. 9. No. 10 Lbs. 42-96 55-82 58-29 58 29 Lbs. 6 6 6 6 Lbs. 40 25 60 80 Lbs. 1-43 •89 214 2-86 Cts. 11 -15 12-69 12-99 12-99 $ ct«. 7 80 13 13 No. 11 No. 12 6 07 4 54 Average 53-84 6 51i 1-83 12-43 Cost of producing each 100 pounds of increase for the group, $6.79. Results for the remaining four weeks, during which time each animal received six pounds of meal per day. Steer. Fodder consumed per day. Meal per day. Total increase in weight. Increase in weight per day. Cost per day. Cost per 100 lbs. of increase. No. 9 No. 10 No. 11 ... No. 12 Lbs. 57-46 54 36 58 14 58 14 Lbs. 6 6 6 6 Lbs. 37 56 59 32 Lbs. 1-32 200 2-11 1-14 Cts. 12-90 12-52 12-98 12-98 $ cts. 9 77 6 26 6 15 11 39 Average 57 02 6 46 1-64 12-84 Cost of producing each 100 pounds of increase for the group, $7.82. The results of the foregoing experiments appear to show that it is economical to withhold the feeding of grain, or to feed but little of it, during the first portion of the feeding period. The steers in group No. 1 fed without grain for the first 8 weeks cost on an average 9-80 cents per day for the whole period of 111 d;iys ; group No. 2 11*10 cents and group No, 3 12'14 cents per day. This shows an average cost of 1"30 cents per day more for each animal in the second group than for those in the first group, and 2-34 cents per day more for each steer in the third group than for those in the first group. This makes the average cost of feeding each animal in the second group for the 111 days during which these tests were continued $1.44 more than for those in the first group, whil- the average gain in weight at the close of the experiment was six pounds more per head in the first group than it was in the second. The steers comprising the third group cost on an average $2.60 per animal more than those in the first group, while the advantage in gain was only 1| pounds per head. Lbs. Group No. 1 — Total gain per steer for full feeding period 16 weeks .... 200^^ " No. 2 " " " « 194| No. 3 " " . " " 202^ «( 80 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. EXPERIMENTS IN THE FATTENING OF SWINE. Experiments in the fattening of swine have been continued since 1890, using dif- ferent rations from year to year with the object of gaining information as to the best methods of producing pork of the best quality and at the lowest cost. In all cases par- ticulars have been given rega iQg the diflferent sorts of feed, used and the quantities consumed, also the increase in live weight of the animals under experiment. THE FEEDING OP SWINB WITH SHORTS. Lot 11. — This pen contained four cross-bred swine, one Yorkshire sire with Berk- shire dam, farrowed 7th June, 1896, and three Berkshire sire and Tamworth dam, far- rowed 26th May, 1896, and were fed entirely on shorts soaked in cold water for 30 hours, and were given all they would eat up clean. This feeding test was begun on 25th September, 1896, and continued for sixteen weeks, or until 6th January, 1897. The pigs were weighed every two weeks, and the increase in weight and the quantity of food consumed, are given in the accompanying table for each four weeks : — No. of Swine, Four. Total live weight Increase in weight Feed consumed, shorts " per lb. of increase Sept. 23. Lbs. 287 Oct. 21. Lbs. 408 121 452 3 73 Nov. 18. Lbs. 500 92 413 4-48 Dec. 16. Lbs. 586 86 382 4-44 Jan. 6, 1897 Lbs. 624 38 241 6 34 Totals. Lbs. '337"" 1,488 4-41 The average live weight of each pig when this feeding test was begun was 71f pounds; average weight of each at the conclusion of the experiment, 156 pounds. Sold 6th January, 1897. Shrinkage in weight — Live weight, fasted 14 hours 624 lbs. Dressed weight, 24 hours after killing 457 " Percentage of shrinkage from weight after fasting 22*27 THE FEEDING OF SWINE WITH GROUND BARLEY. Lot 12. — This pen contained four cross-bred swine, one Yorkshire sire and Tam- worth dam, farrowed 7th June, 1896, and three Berkshire sire and Tamworth dam, far- rowed 26th May, 1896. These were fed for the whole period of sixteen weeks entirely on barley ground and soaked for 30 hours in cold water; they were given all they would eat up clean. No. of Swine, Four. Total live weight Increase in weight Feed oonsumed, ground barley " per lb. of increase Sept. 23. Lbs. 291 Oct. 21. Lbs. 435 144 531 3-68 Nov. 18. Lbs. 546 111 550 4-95 Dec. 16. Lbs. 694 148 552 372 Jan. 6. Lbs. 735 41 299 7 29 Totals. Lbs. 444 1,932 4-35 REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR AND ACTING AGRICULTURIST. 81 The average live weight of each pig when this feeding test was begun was 72| lbs. ; average weight of each at the conclusion of the experiment, 183| lbs. Sold 6th January, 1897. Shrinkage in weight — Live weight, fasted 14 hours 735 lbs. Dressed weight, 24 hours after killing 548 " Percentage of shrinkage, from weight after fasting 25 '44 " THE FEEDING OP SWINB WITH GROUND INDIAN CORN. Lot 13. — This pen contained four cross-bred swine, one Yorkshire sire and Berkshire dam, farrowed 7th June, 1896, and three Berkshire sire and Tam worth dam, farrowed 26th May, 1896. These were fed for the whole period of sixteen weeks entirely on Indian corn ground and soaked for 30 hours in cold water ; they were given all they would eat up clean. No. of Swine, Four. Total live weight Increase in weight Feed consumed, ground Indian corn, do per lb. of increase. Sept. 23. Lbs. 296 Oct. 21. Lbs. 460 164 585 3 56 Nov. 18. Lbs. 558 98 457 4 66 Dec. 16. Lbs. 665 107 413 3 85 Jan. 6. Lbs. 688 23 178 7 73 Totals. Lbs. 392 1,633 416 The average live weight of each pig when this feeding test was begun was 74 pounds ; average weight of each at the conclusion of the experiment 172 pounds. Sold 6th January, 1897. Shrinkage in weight — Live weight, fasted l4 hours 688 lbs. Dressed weight, 24 hours after killing 529 " Percentage of shrinkage from weight after fasting 23-11 THE DEEDING OF SWINE ON A MIXTURE OF SHORTS, BARLEY AND INDIAN CORN. Lot 14. — This pen contained three crosss-bred swine, one Yorkshire sire and Berk- shire dam, farrowed 7th June, 1896, and two Berkshire sire and Tam worth dam, farrowed 26th May, 1896. These were fed for the whole period of sixteen weeks with a mixture of equal parts by weight of shorts, ground barley and ground Indian com, soaked in cold water for 30 hours ; they were given all they would eat up clean. No. of Swine, Three. Total live weight Increase in weight Feed consumed, equal weights of shorts, barley and corn Feed consumed, per lb. of increase. . . . Sept. 23. Lbs. 228 Oct. 21. Lbs. 363 135 463 3 42 Nov. 18. Lbs. 448 85 420 4-94 Dec. 16. Lbs. 557 109 398 3-65 Jan. 6. Lbs. 596 39 189 4-84 Totals. Lbs. 368 ^,470 3-99 The average live weight of each pig when this feeding test was begun was 76 pounds ; average weight of each at the conclusion of the experiment 198^ pounds. Sold 6th January, 1897. Shrinkage in weight — Live weight, fasted 14 hours 596 lbs. Dressed weight, 24 hours after killing 447 " Percentage of shrinkage, from weight after fasting 25-00 8a— 6 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. -THE FEEDING OP SWINE WITH PEASE, BARLEY, OATS AND SHORTS ADDING SIX POUNDS SKIM MILK PER PIG PER DAY. Lots 15, 16, 17 and 18. — These pens contained twelve cross-bred swine in all, which ^ere fed for twelve weeks on all they would eat up clean of a mixture of equal parts by weight of ground pease, barley, oats and shorts, soaked in cold water for 30 hours with 6 pounds of skim milk per day to each pig. These feeding tests were begun on the 10th March, 1897, and continued for twelve weeks or until 19th May, 1897. Lot 15. — Consisted of two cross-bred swine Essex sire with Yorkshire dam, farrowed 10th September, 1896. No. of Swine, Two. Total live weight Increase in weight Feed consumed, meal .... milk " per lb. of increase, meal " " milk... Mar. 10. Lbs. 210 April 7. Lbs. 255 45 130 336 2-88 744 May 5. Lbs. 309 54 154 336 2-85 6-22 May 19. Lbs. 333 24 75 168 3 12 Totals. Lbs. 123 359 840 2 91 6-82 Lot 16. — Consisted of three cross-bred swine, two Essex sire and Yorkshire dam — farrowed 10th September, 1896, and one Tamworth sire and Berkshire dam, farrowed 10th October, 1896. No. of Swine, Three. March 10. • April 7. May 5. May 19. Totals. Total live weight Increase in weight Lbs. 282 Lbs. 345 63 178 504 2-82 8 Lbs. 418 73 188 504 2-57 6-90 Lbs. 458 40 103 252 2-57 6-30 Lbs. i76 Feed consumed, meal 469 II milk 1,260 2-66 7-15 .1 per lb. of increase, meal II II milk Lot 17. — Consisted of four cross-bred swine, one Essex sire and Yorkshire dam, far- rowed 10th September, 1896, two Tamworth sire and Berkshire dam, farrowed 10th October, 1896, and one pure Berkshire. No. of Swine, Four. Total live weight Increase in weight Feed consumed, meal II milk II per lb. of increase, meal . II II milk. March 10. Lbs. 378 April 7. Lbs. 479 101 221 672 2-18 6-65 May 5. Lbs. 585 106 257 672 2' 6 42 33 May 19. Lbs. 632 47 143 336 304 7- 14 Totals. Lbs. 254 621 1,680 2-44 6 21 REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR AND ACTING AGRICULTURIST. 83 Lot 18. — Consisted of three cross-bred swine, two Essex sire and Yorkshire dam, far- rowed 10th September, 1896, and one Tarn worth sire and Berkshire dam, farrowed 10th October, 1896. No. of Swine, Three. Total live weight Increase in weight .... Feed consumed, meal . . ■I milk . , ■I per lb. of increase, meal, milk. March 10. Lbs. 284 April 7. Lbs. 340 56 155 504 276 9 May 5. Lbs. 424 84 218 504 2' 6 59 May 19. Lbs. 460 36 105 252 2-91 7 Totals. Lbs. 176 478 1,260 2-71 715 The avei-age live weight of each of the pigs in these groups, when these feeding tests were begun, was 96^ pounds; average weight of each at the conclusion of the experiment, 157 pounds. THE FEEDING OP SWINE WITH UNGROUND OATS. Lot 19. — This pen contained four cross-bred swine — two Berkshire sire and Tam- worth dam, farrowed 1st May, 1897 ; and two Yorkshire sire and Berkshire dam, farrowed 6th May, 1897. These were fed for the whole period of twelve weeks with unground oats, soaked in cold water for 54 hours, all they would eat up clean, with 3 pounds of skim milk per day to each pig. This feeding test was begun on the 1st September, 1897, and continued until the 24th November, 1897. No. of Swine, Four. Total live weight Increase in weight Feed consumed, oats II .1 milk II II per lb. of increase, oats . milk. Sept. Ist. Lbs. 389 Sept. 29th. Lbs. 448 54 299 33S 5-53 6 22 Oct. 27th. Lbs. 546 103 421 336 4' 3' 08 26 Nov. 24th. Lbs. 681 135 510 336 3-77 2-48 Totals. Lbs. "292"" 1,230 1,008 4-21 3-45 To gain information as to how much of this unground grain passed through the swine undigested, the excrement was carefully collected for one day (24 hours) and washed, when, from about 14 pounds of oats fed, 2 pounds 6 ounces of undigested grain was separated, which when dried weighed 22^ pounds per bushel. When tested as to its germinating power, eleven per cent of this grain sprouted. The average live weight of each pig, when this feeding test was begun, was 97^ pounds ; average weight of each at the conclusion of the experiment, 170|^ pounds. Sold 25th November, 1897. Shrinkage in weight: — Pounds, Live weight, fasted 14 hours 659 Dressed weight, 24 hours after killing 492 Percentage of shrinkage from weight after fasting 25 • 33 8a— 6^ 84 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. THE FEEDING OF SWINE WITH UNGROUND BARLEY. Lot 20. — This lot consisted of four cross-bred swine — three, Berkshire sire with Tamworth dam, farrowed 1st May, 1897 ; and one, Yorkshire sire with Berkshire dam, farrowed 6th May, 1897. These were fed for the whole period of twelve weeks with unuround barley, soaked in cold water for 54 hours, all they would eat up clean, with 3 pounds of skim milk per day to each pig. No. of Swine, Four. Total live weight , Increase in weight Feed consumed, barley II II milk ..... . . . II II per lb. of increase, barley. . . II II II It milk Sept. 1st. Lbs. 397 Sept. 29th, Lbs. 477 SO 354 336 4' 4' 42 20 Oct. 27th. Nov. 24th. Lbs. 619 142 511 336 3' 3 59 36 Lbs. 797 178 591 336 3-32 1-88 Totals. Lbs. 400 1,456 1,008 3 2' 64 52 To gain information as to the proportion of this unground barley which passed through the swine undigested, the excrement was carefully collected for one day (24 hours) and washed, when, from about 17 pounds of barley consumed, 2 pounds 2 ounces of undigested grain was separated, which when dried weighed 35 pounds per bushel. This was tested as to its germinating power, but not one of the kernels sprouted. The average live weight of each pig, when this feeding test was begun, was 99^ pounds; average weight of each at the conclusion of the experiment, 199^ pounds. Sold 25th November, 1897. Shrinkage in weight: — Pounds. Live weight, fasted 14 hours 798 Dressed weight, 24 hours after killing 592 Percentage of shrinkage from weight after fasting 25-81 THE FEEDING OP SWINE WITH UNGROUND PEASE. Lot 21. — This pen contained four cross-bred swine, three Berkshire sire and Tam- worth dam, farrowed 1st May, 1897, and one Yorkshire sire and Berkshire dam, farrowed 6th May, 1897. These were fed for the whole period of twelve wseks with unground pease soaked, in cold water for 54 hours, all they would eat up clean, with 3 pounds of skim milk per day to each pig. No. of Swine, Four. Sept. 1. Sept. 27. Oct. 27. Nov. 24. Totals. Total live weight Increase in weight Lbs. 402 Lbs. 498 96 349 336 3-63 3-50 Lbs. 660 162 505 336 3 11 207 Lbs. 830 170 572 336 3-3d 1-97 Lbs. 428 Feed consumed, oease 1,426 II II milk II II per lb of increase, pease II II II milk 1,008 3 33 2-35 To gain information as to the proportion of the unground pease which passed through the swine undigested, the excrement was carefully collected for one day (24 hours) and washed, when from about 17 pounds of pease fed, only 2 ounces of undigested grain REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR AND ACTING AGRICULTURIST, 85 was separated. This quantity was too small to admit of the weight per bushel beuig ascertained, and when tested as to germinating power none of these pease sprouted. The average live weight of each pig when this feeding test was begun was 100 J pounds ; average weight of each at the conclusion of the experiment 207^ pounds. Sold 25th November, 1897. Shrinkage in weight : — Founds. Live weight, fasted 14 hours 830 Dressed weight 24 hours after killing 626 Percentage of shrinkage from weight after fasting 24 • 57 THE PEEDINQ OP SWINE WITH UNGROUND INDIAN CORN. Lot 22. — This lot consisted of three cross-bred swine, Poland China sire and York- shire dam, farrowed 25th June, 1897. These were fed for the whole period of thirteen weeks with unground Indian corn soaked in cold water for 54 hours, all they would eat up clean, with 3 pounds of skim milk per day to each pig. This feeding test was begun on the 29th September, 1897, and continued until the 29th December, 1897. No. of Swino, Three. Sept. 29. Oct. 27. Nov. 24. Dec 22. Dec. 29. Totals. Total live w eierht Lbs. 216 Lbs. 320 104 272 252 2-61 2-42 Lbs. 430 110 319 252 2-90 2-29 Lbs. 537 107 388 252 3-62 2-35 Lbs. 670 33 49 63 1-47 1-90 Lbs. Increase in weight 354 Feed consumed, Indian com 1,028 II II < milk 819 •1 II per lb. of increase, In- dian com 290 Feed consumed, per lb. of increase, milk 2 31 To gain information as to the proportion of the unground Indian corn which passed through the swine undigested, the excrement was carefully collected for one day (24 hours) and washed, when, from about 11 pounds of corn consumed, 8 ounces of undigested grain was separated, which when dried weighed 40J pounds per bushel and germinated in the proportion of 8 per cent. The average live weight of each pig when this feeding test was begun was 72 pounds ; average weight of each at the conclusion of the experiment 190 pounds. Sold 31st December, 1897. Shrinkage in weight : — Pounds. Live weight, fasted 14 hours 564 Dressed weight, 24 hours after killing 461 Percentage of shrinkage from weight after fasting 18 '26 THE FEEDING OF SWINE WITH MIXED OATS, BARLEY AND PEASE, ALL UNGROUND. Lot 23. This lot consisted of three cross-bred swine, Poland China sire with York- shire dam, farrowed 25th June, 1897. These were fed for the whole period of thirteen weeks on a mixture of equal parts by weight of oats, barley and pease all unground and 86 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. soaked in cold water for 54 hours. The pigs were given of this mixture all they would eat up clean and each one received in addition 3 pounds of skim milk per day. Niimber of Swine, Three. Sept. 29th. Oct. 27th. Nov. 24th. Dec. 22nd, Dec. 29th. Total h. Total live weight Lbs. 212 Lbs. 302 90 245 252 2-72 2-80 Lbs. 407 105 314 252 2.99 2-40 Lbs. 600 93 401 252 4-31 270 Lbs. 527 27 49 63 1-81 2-33 Lbs. Increase in weight 315 Feed consumed, mixed grain 1,009 " " milk 819 " " perlb.of increase, mixed grain 3-20 " " per lb. of increase, milk 2-60 To gain information as to the proportion of the unground mixed grain which passed through the swine undigested, the ercrement was carefully ooJlectRd fo*" one day (24 hours), and washed, when from about 11 pounds of grain consumed 10 ounces of undigested material wa.s separated. Of 100 kernels tested as to germinating power, two of the oats only sprouted. The average live weight of each pig when this feeding test was begun was 70f pounds ; average weight of each at the conclusion of the experiment, i75|^ pounds. Sold 31st December, 1897. Shrinkage in weight : Lbs. Live weight, fasted 14 hours 521 Dressed weight, 24 hours after killing. . . 412 Percentage of shrinkage from weight after fasting 20 • 92 VISIT TO THE BRANCH EXPERIMENTAL FARM, NAPPAN, N.S. A visit was paid to the Experimental Farm at Nappan, N.S., in October. Notwith- standing the unfavourable wet weather in the early part of the season, the crops on this farm turned out well, as will be seen from the particulars given in the report of Mr. Geo. W. Forrest appended. The great advantage resulting from the under-draining of land was very clearly demonstrated this year. A large proportion of the land under cultivation on this farm has been tile-drained, and thus outlets have been provided for the prompt discharge of surplus water, which has permitted early and thorough cultiva- tion and given conditions favourable for the growing crops. Early in October the superintendent, Mr. Geo. W. Forrest, resigned his position, and Mr. R. Robertson was appointed his successor. During the year some of the less useful animals in the herd of cattle were disposed of for beef, and late in the season a number of choice dairy cows were purchased, including some pure bred Guernseys, and these additions have much improved the character of the herd. In the horticultural division of the work many new varieties of large fruits have been added to the orchards and the plantations of small fruits have been similarly increased. Many varieties of vegetables have also been tested. The ornamental trees and shrubs and sample hedges have all made fair progress, and the flowers in the beds and borders have given a constant suqcession of bloom throughout the summer. REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR AND ACTING AGRICULTURIST. 87 VISIT TO THE WESTERN BRANCH FARMS. At the request of the committee of arrangements for the entertaining of the members of the British Association, I left Toronto on August 24th in charge of a party of these distinguished visitors from Europe and accompanied them to the Pacific coast. We were favoured with fine weather during the whole journey and every facility was aflforded the party by the officers of the Canadian Pacific Railway for seeing the more interesting portions of the country by day. In this way an excellent idea was formed regarding the extent and resources of the country and unusual opportunities given for seeing its great natural beauties. The extensive wheat areas between Winnipeg and Regina were all seen by daylight when the harvest was in progress, and opportunity was also afforded for seeing the experimental farms at Brandon and Indian Head and of examining specimens of the more important cereals and other products grown there, also of seeing similar crops at Agassiz and of testing some of the many excellent varieties of fruits produced there. The cities and towns, along the route vied with each other in the hospi- talities shown to the members of this distinguished party, and special entertainments were given at Winnipeg, Vancouver and Victoria. The visitors eic pressed their surprise at the wonderful extent of the country and of its agricultural and mineral resources, and their admiration of the great beauty and diversity of the mouutiin sconery along the route of travel On the return journey, the usual annual inspection of the Experimental Farms was made. AGASSIZ, B.C. Several days were spent here in inquiring into the progress of the work and arrang- ing the details of future experimental operations. The season had been favourable and the crops of grain and roots were good and well above the average. The fruit crops also had given satisfactory returns. Apples and pears were fruiting well, the plum crop also had been an excellent one, and considerable quantities of fruit had been shipped to the mining districts in British Columbia and to the towns and cities in Manitoba and the North-west Territories. An additional area of land has been cleared at the experimen- tal farm during the year and brought under cultivation, the fruit orchards have also been further extended and many new varieties of fruit added. The orchards which were planted at different heights on the bench lands on the mountain side are all making good progress, and some of the young trees were heavily laden with fruit. The plan- tations of forest and ornamental trees are also doing well, and the flower beds and borders have been brilliant and attractive with bloom throughout the season. Excellent pro- gress has been made in all branches of the work and much evidence was afforded of careful and judicious management. INDIAN HEAD, N. W. T. The grain crops at this branch farm were very good the past season and the yield of grain has been considerably above the average over a large part of the Indian Head district. Where the land was summer- fallowed many farmers realized thirty bushels or more per acre of first class wheat. At the price which grain now commands such crops are very encouraging and very profitable to the farmer and should bring about rapid settlement of this fertile portion of the great plains. In the early part of the season the weather was very dry and the outlook on the experimental farm was unpromising, but timely rains in June produced a luxuriant growth and an abundant harvest of grain. Through lack of rainfall in the autumn the crop of roots was very light. The beneficial effects of the shelter provided by forest plantations on the Indian Head experimental farm were clearly shown during the past season. Plots of several varieties of grain sown within the influence of shelter compared with plots of the same sorts sown beyond such influence, gave a difference of from 25 to 50 per cent in the 88 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. yield in favour of the sheltered locations. Further experiments have been carried on with the Awnless Brome Grass, Bromus inermis, with very satisfactory results. This grass has now become well known and is much appreciated by the farmers in the terri- tories, who find it to be hardy and reliable, and a most useful grass both for hay and meadow in the North-west country. The farm generally was in excellent order, the buildings and stock were also inspected and found to be in a satisfactory condition. BRANDON, MANITORA. Most of the grain crops on this farm turned out fairly well and some of them were good, but they were not so heavy as those at Indian Head. The Brandon district suffered considerably from drought in the spring and also from the prevalence of unusually severe winds and spring frosts. Oats suffered most and in some instances where the land was exposed a large proportion of the young plants were destroyed. Notwithstand- ing these drawbacks the crops of grain obtained at the experimental farm were much larger than the average crops of the province and most of the grain was of good quality. The corn crop was lighter than usual owing to very dry weather in the autumn ; for this cause also the yield of roots was below the average. Experiments have been continued with many grasses for hay and pasture but the Awnless Brome grass takes the lead here as at Indian Head as the most successful in its growth and generally useful in its character of all the varieties thus far tested. The forest belts, avenues and hedges have made good growth and the general collection of trees and shrubs in the Arboretum surrounding the house of the Superintendent is increasing in interest every year. Many promising additions have recently been made to this collection. The general condition of all branches of the work in progress here was very satisfactory. CHANGES IN THE STAFF. During the year two changes have occurred in the staff. The Superintendent of the branch experimental farm at Nappan, Mr. Geo. W. Forrest, resigned and Mr. R. Robertson was appointed in his place. Mr. John Craig also resigned his position as Horticulturist of the Central Experimental Farm. CORRESPONDENCE. The following is a summary of the letters received and sent out at the Central Experimental Farm from November 30, 1896, to November 30, 1897, also of the number of reports, bulletins and circulars sent out by mail during the same period. Director.. Horticiilturifit Chemist Entomolopcist and Botanist. Poultry Manager Accountant • Letters sent. 19,408 2,49.5 1,410 2,110 1,159 1,539 28,121 Circular letters sent, including circulars sent with samples of seed grain. ... . 41,85i Number of Reports and Bulletins mailed 256,730 REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR AND ACTING AGRICULTURIST. 89 The large increase in the correspondence and in the volume of farm literature distributed during the past year is an index of the increasing interest taken in the •work of the experimental farms. The figures given show that the letters received during the year have averaged 130 per day and the number sent out has averaged 90 j>er day. The total distribution of reports, bulletins and circulars has reached a daily average for the whole year of 953. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS. I acknowledge most gratefully my indebtedness to the Director of the Royal Garden*, Kew, England, for another valuable collection of the seeds of trees, shrubs and plants, also a large collection of willows. Many packages of the seeds of rare and interest- ing species have also been received from the Director of the Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plains, Mass. Further contributions have also come from the Royal Botanic Gardens at Sapporo, Japan. A coU-.'ction f White. Red. Green. Yellow. Red. White. Yellow. VARIETIES RECOMMENDED, Red Jacket. — American but of English parentage ; originated at London, Ont., by Dr. Wm. Saunders; received from George S. Josselyn, Fredonia, N.Y. ; plant, fairly mildew free ; berry, reddish-green, sometimes brightly tinged with red ; size, l| x | inches; smooth, roundish oval ; fair quality ; ripe, Aug. 5, 1897. King of Trumps. — English ; from Wm. Fell & Son, Hexham, Eng. ; mildews ■considerably, but is a vigorous grower; berry light red, spined ; size l| x 1 inch; slightly pyriform, sometimes oblique ; firm, meaty, not high flavoured. This variety od ; a fair variety. ' Foliage slightly rusted : pods yellow ; flat ; smooth and good. Foliage and f)ods considerably rusted ; pods long ; yellow ; flat. Foliage slightly rusted ; pods clean at first ; rusted late in the season ; dwarf grower ; a fair bean. Foliage and pods slightly rusted ; pods long, green, flat and narrow. Foliage slightly ru.sted ; txids clean ; later : — Foliage considerably rusted ; pods slight ; pod green ; 4 to 6 inches long. Foliage and pods slightly rusted ; a strong grower ; inclined to run ; pod ; flat ; green. Foliage very slightly rusted ; pods green ; a strong grower. Foliage and pods very slightly rusted ; pods yellow, long, flat and smooth ; a good bean. Pods badly rusted late in season ; pods yellow ; large ; near roimd ; has a ten- dency to curl. REPORT OF THE HORTICULTURIST. 123 POLE BEANS. The following 19 varieties were sown at the same time as the bush beans. The season proved too short to allow of the maturation of the latest kinds. Leaving out the scarlet runner type, the yields do not approximate with those secured from the ** bush " section : — BEST VARIETIES. EaRLT VABIETrES. Southern Crease. Holborn Masterpiece. Golden Champion. Flageolet Wax. Late VABimBS. Black Algerian Wax. Dutch Case Knife. Speckled Cranberry. Speckled or Cut Short. Experiments with Beans all sown 18th May. — Table II. — Polk Beans. Total Ready Weight Length Pole Beans. for of of Remarks. Table. Green Row. Pods. Variety. Lbs. Oz. Feet. Black Algerian Wax . . . Aug. 16 15 12 30 Foliage very slightly rusted ; pods medium size yel- low, flat. Dutch Case Knife II 18 21 0 30 Foliage and pods slightly rusted ; pods very long, flat and green. French Asparagus It 30 1 12 30 Foliage and pods slightly rusted ; pod green, round, from 6 to 8 inches long. Flageolet Wax H 6 9 14 30 Foliage and pods considerably rusted ; pods yellow. long, narrow and flat. French Yard Long. . . . 25 30 Tiate ; no pods when frost came, Sept. 26. Golden Andalusia Aug. "ie ■'17' •'Y' Foliage and pods slightly rusted : pod yellow of medium size, flat. German Wax 11 16 16 12 16 Foliage and pods very slightly rusted ; pods yellow, from 4 to 6 inches long, flat. Golden Champion. . July .31 8 4 15 Foliage and pods slightly rusted ; a yellow round pod. Holborn Masterpeice. . . II 31 11 11 30 Foliage badly rusted, pods clean; pods slightly rusted, from 6 to 10 inches long, green. Horticultural Speckled Cranberry Aug. 18 34 G 30 Healthy ; pods about 4 inches long, green, flat. Jubilee Runner 30 Foliage slightly rusted ; only 4 pods on row at date ^nf U* ■i.'i *V*/*-^ .M. V/ 1.4 & A ■■ A ^h' ^ ■«**«■•« of first frost ; pod green, 8 to 10 inches long. Kentucky Wonder Aug. 6 15 5 30 Foliage and pods considerably rusted ; pods green, narrow to round, medium length ; a poor variety. Mont d'Or July 25 17 0 30 Foliage slightly and pods badly rusted ; pods long. yellow and flat. Southern Prolific Aug. 14 50 12 30 Healthy ; pods green, long, flat and narrow. Healthy ; large flat green pod. Scarlet Runner II 14 49 1 30 Speckled, or Cut Short. ir 18 23 14 30 Healthy ; pods green about 3 inches long, flat. Southern Crease, black . July 21 8 3 30 Foliage and pods badly rusted ; a short green pod. White Algerian Wax . . Aug. 8 17 10 30 Foliage and pods slightly rusted; a yellow medium size pod. White Dutch Running. 11 14 39 I 30 Healthy ; pods about 8 inches long, green and flat. LIMA AND BROAD WINDSOR BEANS. Of the 1 1 varieties of Limas tested only one of them produced a paying crop. This failure was principally due to their lateness. There seemed to be insufficient summer heat to bring them to maturity. A notable exception is that of Thorburn's Horticul- tural Lima. The same variety from other seedsmen did not do as well. The yield of this variety approximated the best of the " pole " or "bush" varieties. Of the Broad Windsor type the best podding variety was Leviathan. 124 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. Experiments with Lima Beans all sown 17th and 18th May — Table III. Beans Lima. Ready for Table. Total Weight Green Pods. Length Row. Remarks. Variety. Burpee's Bush Lima Lba. Oz. Feet. 26 30 18 Foliage slightly rusted, late. Healthy. Foliage and pods slightly rusted. Healthy ; only 4 plants germinated. Healthy ; too late. Healthy ; pods green, short and flat. Healthy ; too late. Foliage slightly rusted, pods short, green and flat. Healthy ; strong grower, with a large, broad, green pod. Foliage very slightly rusted, pods flat, of medium size. Healthy ; late. Healthy ; pods green, flat. Slightly rusted. Foliage and pods slightly rusted. Foliage and podsconsiderably rusted. Healthy. Healthy. Foliage slightly rusted, August 22, 1894. Foliage and pods consider- ably rusted. Slightly rusted, a tall grower, pods small. do Challen^r Lima. Dreer Lima. Aug. 28.. 8 4 Dreer Bush Lima Dwarf Lima, Kumerle Strain Aug. 24. . Sept. 15.. Aug. 21.. July 20.. ,. 25.. Aug. 28.. .- 21.. 6.. 1. 28.. 1. 24.. 6.. M 18.. 6.. n 20.. 6 5 0 2 2 8 35 1 10 6 1 5 5 14 7 8 4 0 3 3 3 10 15 12 4 14 0 6 26 10 30 30 16 17 15 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 King of the Garden Lima Henderson's Bush Lima or Dwarf Sieva Horticultural Lima do Large White Lima. New Dwarf Lima, Jackson's Wonder. Broad Windsor Early Mazagan Green Nonpareil Harlington Green Windsor Leviathan Sword Long-pod Small Horse Bean SOAKING SEED PEASE AND BEANS IN DISSOLVED CHEMICAL FERTILIZERS. Some experiments were tried last year in soaking the seed of pease and beans in nitrate of soda in solution with the object of ascertaining the eflPect upon germination and yield. Nitrate of soda was used in three strengths — one, two and three ounces to the gallon of water. The seed was soaked for one hour then planted, one hundred seeds occupying a space of thirty feet in the row. RESULTS. Pease. — The percentage of germination did not vary to a marked extent, but there was a regular increase of yield of each variety with the strength of the fertilizer used : — Heroine excepted, the yield of this remained practically the same in each case. Beans. — The results here were so variable sis to preclude safe generalization. CELERY. A VARIETAL TEST. The following table gives particulars of information gained in growing thirty varieties of celery including five of celeriac. It was arranged that 24 plants should compose the number of each variety tested. In a few instances owing to bad seed or accident it was impossible to obtain the requisite number. The plants were grown under the trench system in single rows. Rust and spot caused serious damage in early REPORT OF THE HORTICULTURIST. 125 summer (see note on leaf spot). This attack I attributed largely to the effect of spent hot-bed manure used in the bottom of the trenches. Market gardeners do not now follow the trenching system, but plant on the level and hill up. The plants should be " handled " twice before the final earthing up takes place. This means that the leaves should be drawn together by hand and sufficient soil packed about the base of the plants as will hold them compactly in an upright position. When the plants are " hilled " or " earthed " care should be taken to prevent the soil from sifting in between the leaves. If this occurs, it destroys the quality of the " heart " and causes rusting. Among the best early varieties are the following : — Golden Self Blanching, Paris Golden Yellow and Golden Dwarf. Medium Early : — Improved White Plume, White Walnut, Pascal, Boston Market, Late : — London Red, Covent Garden, Golden Heart, Schum,acker, Fin de siecle. Cklbry I. June. These were all sown on 9th April, transplanted on 19th May and planted out 26tb Celery grown in Trenches. Variety . Giant Pascal Covent Garden Rose Large Ribbed Kalamazoo. . . . Large Red Self Blanching. . . Pink Plume Schumacker Cooper's Half Dwarf Giant White . Cooper's Improved Cutting. . Golden Rose Rose Ribbed Paris Improved White Plume London Red Dwarf White Triumph Fin De Siecle Paris Golden Yellow Sandringham Dwarf White. . Carter's Dwarf Crimson Golden Self Blanching . M (No Manure.) White Walnut Perfection HeartweU. Boston Market Half Dwarf Golden Dwarf Parson's Russian Princess . . . Golden Heart Celeriac, Thorb. Gj^iant Celeriac New Apple Celeriac Turnip-Rooted Thorburn Seedsman. Henderson. Simmers. . . Ewing Thorburn . Henderson. . Thorburn . . Henderson. . Breck Thorburn . . Henderson . . »i Ewing Thorburn . , Ewing Thorburn . . Farquhar . . . Thorburn . . Number Weight Planted. wiien Lifted. Lbs. Oz. 24 30 0 24 33 8 24 29 0 24 30 12 24 44 12 24 51 12 24 44 4 24 53 0 24 70 4 24 37 0 24 31 12 21 30 12 21 34 12 23 29 8 23 38 0 24 44 12 24 32 12 24 47 9 24 32 2 24 51 8 24 24 0 24 48 3 24 28 3 11 19 11 3 10 0 2 4 9 24 26 9 18 60 12 22 30 0 23 22 0 24 31 12 Condition when Taken up 30th October. Green ; solid ; slight amount of rot ; slightly rusted. Solid ; not blanched ; slightly rusted. Small heads ; tirm ; not well blanched. Dwarf ; thick ; solid ; clean ; not well blanched Solid ; clean heads ; not well blanched ; tall. Short and stout ; quite green ; clear of rust. Green ; medium height ; slightly rusted. Tall ; green ; slightly blanched ; suckers freely. Suckers freely ; green and slightly rusted. Thick ; dwarf ; solid ; not well blanched. Same as the last. Not well blanched ; slightly rusted. Small ; not blanched ; late. Dwarf ; not well blanched. Short ; solid ; not well blanched. Very green ; none fit for table. Short ; not well blanched ; slightly rusted. Medium ; dwarf ; very green ; solid heads. Dwarf ; not well blanched ; slightly rusted. Fairly blanched ; solid ; very good. Stout ; green ; slightly rusted ; not fit for table. Medium size ; green ; slightly rusted. Medium size ; slender ; fairly solid ; green ; slightly rusted. "Very stout ; solid ; not all blanched ; ten- dency to sucker. Short ; thick ; green ; solid ; slightly rusted. Medium height ; blanched ; clean ; solid ; good for market. Uniform, but not well blanched ; slightly rusted. Medium height ; \ery green ; clean ; suckers freely. Large roots ; clear of rust. Good size ; not quite so large as the last. Fair size ; roots and foliage clean. 126 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. The following varieties were tested in 1896. They are chiefly from English and French seedsmen : — Carter^s Solid Ivory. — Short and stocky ; considerably rusted ; well blanched ; rather bitter ; flavour not as good as Standard Bearer. Carter's Incomparable Crimson. — Tall; late; red; free from rust; blanches moderately well ; crisp and of good quality. De Candolle. — White ; medium grower, but late ; fairly solid ; very nutty and good flavour. Evan's New Triumph. — Dwarf variety ; free from rust ; stalks stout ; lacks crispness and flavour. New Perle Le Grand. — Tall ; strong ; white : rather coarse ; watery ; somewhat lacking in flavour. Perle Le Grand. — -About the same as New Perle Le Grand, but rather smaller stalks ; quality, medium to poor. Rennie's Giant White. — Medium grower ; rather uneven ; fair sized stalks ; quality fair, solid, but not high flavoured. Standard Bearer. — Red, large, coarse stalks ; fairly well blanched ; brittle, very tender ; good quality ; late. Vauglian's Giant Golden Dwarf. — Large ; not self -blanching ; fair size, but of poor quality. White Triumph. — Medium grower; fair sized stalks; some rust; firm, brittle, good quality, nutty. Growing Celery in "Spent" Hot-beds vs. Cold Frames. After growing the annual supply of cabbage, cauliflowers and tomato plants, the farmer's hot-bed usually stands idle till the next season comes round. It is true that its phases of usefulness during this period are not numerous but there is at least one purpose which it will serve with great satisfaction to the housewife, viz. : the growing of a supply of celery for winter use. This may be done without removing the manure, by adding an inch or two of soil to the surface — setting the plants 7x7 inches apart and watering frequently during the fore part of the season. Of course the bed of manure beneath the covering of soil facilitates drainage so much that the plants require close watching at first in order to prevent injury from drying out. If the manure is thoroughly soaked before the plants are set less difficulty will be experienced. I have found that cold frames give better results in growing celery on the bed plan than do hot-beds. The following table gives the results of tests of growing celery in cold frame and in hot-bed, both beds being sub-irrigated. The beds were 6 feet wide and 24 feet long. Two lines of three-inch tile were laid three feet apart the full length of the bed and 9 inches below the surface. An upturned tile at each end gave opportunity for introducing water which was done once and sometimes twice each week. In growing celery after this intensive method the labour of cultivating and earthing is largely obviated ; but it must be remembered that the drain upon the moisture and fertility of the soil is very great and must be adequately met if healthy and vigorous plants are to be secured. It will be seen by the yields set forth in the subjoined table that the gross weight of 16 plants grown in the "cold frame" — that is a frame in which no manure had been used to give bottom heat — was greater in almost every instance than 18 plants of the same variety grown in the hot-bed. With regard to quality there was little to choose. This result is probably due to the fact that the conditions of moisture in the cold frame REPORT OF THE HORTICULTURIST. 127. were more uniform throughout the season than those obtaining in the hot-bed. The results are very marked, the average weight per stalk of the "hot-bed" grown plants being 11 ounces each, while that of "cold frame" plants was over a pound each. CELERY II. SUB-IRRIGATION EXPERIMENTS. Seed sown, April 9 ; pricked out, May 1 9 ; planted, June 30 ; distance apart, 7x7 inches ; sub-irrigated as needed. Variety. Crawford's Half Dwarf. , Cooper's Imp. Cutting. . . Turnip-rooted Celeriac. . . Covent Garden Rose Giant Celeriac (Thorb.). , New Apple Celeriac Dwarf Crimson (Carter) , White. Fin de Siecle Giant Pascal Golden Rose Giant White Triumph ... Rose Ribbed Self Blanch- ing London Red Paris Golden Yellow Imp. White Plume Golden Self Blanching. . Sandringham , Total weights. Sub- Irrigated in Hot-bed. o . I- s -3 18 18 18 18 18 18 IS 18 18 18 18 18 18. 18 18 18 18 18 324 Remarks. 16 14 Unblanched ; fair sized heads ; slightly rusted 10 11 Unblanched ; slightly rusted 16 9 Roots medium size firm 14 14|Unb!anched ; large; rusted. 8 12 Med. height ; roots smalL . . 5 4 Heads small ; rusted 14 14 Unblanched ; solid ; slightly rusted 12 Unblanched ; solid ; slightly rusted Fairly blanched ; healthy. . 14 15 6 17 12 8 14 8 11 10 Small; rusted Unblanched rusted 217 12 Med. size ; blanched ; rusted Unblanched ; rusted Small heads ; blanched Slender stalks ; rusted Small II blanched. . . Av'ge weight of stalks,ll oz. Sub- Irrigated in Cold Frame. o . 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 288 O 17 16 12 16 13 8 18 12 Remarks. 13 21 23 16 10 15 12 19 16 25 298 6 Unblanched ; slightly rusted II pithy II Good size ; tall ; rusted. It II t( Med. size ; n healthy. Small ; pithy ; rusted. Unblanched m Med. sized; blanched; rusted Well blanched ; healthy. Unblanched ; crisp ; rusted. Small ; farly blanched n Dwarf ; late ; crisp ; slightly rusted. Small ; blanched ; slightly rusted. Unblanched; spindling; rust- ed. Small ; blanched ; slightly rusted. Fair sized heads ; blanched ; slightly rusted. Blanched ; solid ; slightly rusted. Unblanched ; crisp ; firm ; slightly rusted. A V 'ge weight of stalks, 16^ oz. CUCUMBERS. The number of varieties of this vegetable now offered to the public by seedsmen, is much greater than is generally supposed. In the accompanying table the behaviour of 24 kinds, including pickling sorts, all grown under the same circumstances, is described. Important points in connection with the cultivation of the cucumber are health of vine, earliness, desirable form and productiveness. By comparing the number of fruits pro- duced, with the yield in pounds, an idea of the individual size of the cucumber (fruit) 128 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. may be obtained, e.g., Cool and Crisp produced 204 fruits weighing 229J pounds ; in other ■words the average weight of each cucumber would be something over a pound, while Extra Early Seedling produced 79 fruits weighing only 35 pounds, giving less than half a pound to each cucumber. It should be stated that the seed was sown in pots in a hot-bed and the plants turned out of these when removed to the field. VARIETIES RECOMMENDED. Early. — Extra Early Seedling, Evergreen, Early Russian, Nichol's Medium Green. Medium Early. — Giant Pera, Peerless, White Spine, Long Green. Late. — Jap. Climbing, Cool and Crisp. Pickling. — Commercial, Boston. Cucumbers — Test of Varieties. These were all sown on 21st April and planted out 11th June, three hills being planted of each variety. Name of Variety. Seedsman. Ready for use. Number of Fruits Produced. Yield in lbs. Remarks. Cool and Crisp Everereen Simmers. . Thorburn . II . . II II II II Steele Thorburn. •1 Dreer Thorburn . II n II II II II . • II . . It n Currie . . . Simmers. . July 20 .. 10 4 II 14 II 12 .1 18 M 18 M 16 n 16 .1 16 11 21 .. 17 M 18 M 12 .. 18 H 16 ., 18 4 6 8 8 4 4 204 125 79 41 76 76 77 29 48 86 69 61 136 113 69 51 62 229-8 103-4 34-13 28-6 28-12 65-12 82-2 34-7 66-0 59 11 65-0 68-12 110 12 84-12 64-12 60-9 46-11 34-2 67 13 7-2 18-4 20-14 20-4 Medium grower ; fruit medium size ; green ; few spines ; prolific ; late. Vine fairly healthy ; fruit large, green, moderately smooth. Very much like Nichol's Medium Green. Practically the same as Early Russian, with fewer spines. Very weak grower; cucumbers small, oval or oblong. Same as Peerless. Later and larger than the type. Weak grower ; troubled with mildew. More prolific than last ; larger. Medium grower ; fair size. Fair grower ; medium size ; bronzy-green colour; spineless. Fair grower ; large ; oval ; orange ; smooth. More productive than White Spine; larger and longer. Moderate grower ; fairly early; medium size ; smooth ; oblong. Fair grower ; very prolific ; medium to large ; green, spined. Good grower ; an early variety. Fair grower ; white ; medivim size ; oval or oblong ; spines very gmalL A standard variety. Strong grower ; fair bearer ; late. Very weak growth ; unproductire. Vine weak, subject to mildew. Extra Early Seedling. . . . Early Short Green Early Russian Early White Spine Extra Long White Spine Giant Pera (New) ti Improved White Spine . . Japanese Climbing. .... Long Green Turkey Lone Green Nichol's Medium Green.. Peerless Tilbv's Hybrid White Pearl Boston Pickling Commercial Pickling Everbearing Green Probfic Pickling. Milwaukee Pickling .... Siberian Golden Fair grower ; small size. • • • • r • • Weak grower ; no fruit. Small ; uniform in size ; rather a poor bearer. REPORT OF THE HORTIGULTURIST. 129 EXPERIMENTS WITH ONIONS. In growing onions this season, the percentage of *' thick necks " was remarkably large. This characterized the crop from transplanted as well as untransplanted plots. The soil was well drained, sandy loam, top-dressed in the spring with rotted barn-yard manure. The following table gives the yield of 23 varieties. The yields of good onions are phenomenally small, and that of " thick necks " astonishingly heavy. This term " thick necks " is a mai-ket gardeners' name applied to onions that form an unmer- chantable product with thick fleshy necks and small bulbs, I know of no satisfactory explanation of this peculiarity of the onion to revert to original types, unless it be faulty seed selection. Strasburg (yellow) was one of the best. Paris Silver Skin, Large Portugal, and Early Red Globe were a few of those most satisfactory. Onions. — Test of "Varieties. — All sown in rows 20 feet long. Varieties. Seedsman. White. Early Barletta .... Paris Silver Skin . . . Victoria, Italian. ... Large Portugal .... II Globe Bermuda The Queen Oxonian Prize English Pickling Excelsior n Welsh Red, Creole Early Globe Globe Maderia Giant Rocca red . . . Flat Maderia Large Globe Yellow, Globe Dan vers Globe Danvers Strasburg Globe Spanish Giant Rocca yellow Thorbum, Ewing... . II . . . . Thorbum , Date of Sowing Seed. May 13. M 13. .. 13. I. 13. II 13. ,1 13. ,1 13. I, 13. M 15. 11 15. M 15. 13. 13. 13. 13. 13. 13. 15. 15. 15. 15. 15. 15. Yield of Good Onions. Lbs. Oz. 2 7 io 6 1 2 7 3 '4 1 8 8 8 8 3 8 '6 '.'. 12 8 Yield of Thicknecks. Lbs. Oz. 28 20 18 10 9 18 11 7 20 14 1 6 34 10 16 1 13 8 17 .. 14 8 13 .. 18 8 14 8 8 8 8 8 8 Remarks. Rough and very poor. Large, flat, coarse. All thicknecks. Large, flat, solid. Large, sinooth. Flat, medium to small, rough ; germinated poorly. Flat, rough ; not a good onion in the row. All thicknecks. Grew too large for pickling. ti 11 Of the leek type. Bad seed. A standard. Resembled leeks. Rough, pink and white, poor. Large round dark red, uniform in size, quite solid. Very small, round,rather irregular. Smooth, globe shaped, good. Very large but all neck. TRANSPLANTING ONIONS. Some interesting data appears in the following tables upon this subject. It may be seen (1) that three sowings were made in the hotbed at intervals of 12 days apart ; (2) the plants were all set in the field on the same day ; (3) that the total yield of merchantable onions is much greater for the third sowing than either of the other two — in fact more than the product of the two combined ; (4) the yield of good and bad onions is larger for the third sowing than either of the other two series ; (5) the first 8a— 9 130 EX PERI MENTAL FARMS. ■sowing gave the most regular returns for each variety, White Victoria being the only one which failed to produce any merchantable bulbs — this result was the same throughout. ONIONS— TABLE II. t Seed sown in Hot-bed. Transplaxtkd to the Field 9tii June. Varieties. Large Red Wethersfield. . Red Victoria White Large Tripoli Red ^tiia White Victoria Red Mammoth Garganus. White 1. Prizetaker Seedsman. Thoiburn Total weight Hend. 1st Sowing, Sth A PHIL. We ^'ht of ( lood Onions. Lbs. Oz. 19 8 4 0 4 0 IG 0 0 0 6 8 ( 8 5 0 62 8 Woip-ht of Tlii^k. necks. Lbs. Oz. Lbs. Oz. 2n'ii Sowing, 20th A PHIL. Wei^jl) l>f ( I nod Onions. 3 0 9 8 55 0 0 0 4 0 1 0 8 0 0 0 34 0 0 0 28 0 5 0 15 0 8 8 19 0 0 0 116 8 30 0 Weight of Tliick- necks. Lbs. Oz. Lbs. Oz 3rd Sowing, 30th April. Weight of (iood Onions. 13 8 26 O 14 8 20 S 34 0 13 8 8 8 13 0 143 8 32 0 0 0 12 0 8 8 0 0 13 8 15 8 18 8 100 0 Weight of Thick- necks. Lbs. Oz. 0 0 45 8 5 8 12 8 35 0 21 8 11 0 10 0 05 to c Feet, 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 141 0 ONION SEED SOWN IN THE OPEN EARLY AND LATE. The following table gives yields for the same varieties of onions grown by sowing the seed in the field on 13th May, 25th May and 4th June. When the plants reached the proper size they were thinned the usual distances according to size, viz., 2 to 4 inches. Results : — It will be seen (1) that the total yields of the same varieties, are much smaller than where they have been transplanted, (2) that the yield from the first sow- ing of seed is larger than either of the others, (3) that there is a much larger proportion of " thick necks " to the total product of merchantable onions in all the sowings here than there is when the same varieties were transplanted. Transplanting them in- creases the total yield and decreases the quantity of "thick necks" or unmerchantable onions. ONIONS— TABLE III. Seed Sown in Field. Vakikties. Seedsman. 1st Sowing, 13th May. 2nd Sowing, 25th Mat. 3rd Sowing, 4th Jdne. 00 (4-1 o Weight of Good Onions. Weight of Thick- necks. Weight of Good Onions. Weight of Thick- necks. Weight of Good Onions. Weight of Thick- necks. *^ be B Large Red Wethersfield. . . . White Giant Tripoli.. Red ^tna Thorburn . Hend. . . ; ; Lbs. Oz. 8 8 3 8 1 8 0 0 1 0 0 0 8 0 4 0 Lbs. Oz. 14 0 9 8 15 8 13 0 21 8 15 0 15 0 30 0 Lbs. Oz. 5 8 5 8 4 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 4 0 0 0 Lbs. Oz. 13 8 9 8 18 0 22 0 27 8 14 8 16 8 28 0 Lbs. Oz. 2 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 Lbs. Oz. 20 8 15 8 14 0 14 8 20 0 11 0 9 0 15 0 Feet. 20 20 20 White Victoria Red H Red Mammoth Garganus. . . White 1. Prizetaker 20 20 20 20 20 Total Weight. 26 8 133 8 22 0 149 8 3 0 119 8 REPORT OF THE HORTICULTURIST. 131 TOBACCO. The experiments of the year with this crop covered the following features (1) cul- tural tests ; (2) trials of fertilizers ; (3) " topping," the best time to do it ; (4) the proper number of leaves to allow each plant. (1.) CULTURAL TRANSPLANTING EXPERIMENTS. Three years ago strikingly beneficial results in growing tobacco plants were obtained by transplanting from the hot-bed to a cold frame before setting them in the field. The object of the following experiments was mainly to determine the relative advantages of cold frame and hot- beds in receiving the small plants at the first pricking out. The spring season was very unfavourable for either hot-bed or cold frame grown plants. At the time of setting out in the field, the hot-bed grown plants were stronger and larger than those from the cold frame. Both sets of plants, however, did well in the field, and at harvesting time, as shown by the yields of green leaf, the differences were not sufficiently constant to allow of reliable conclusions being drawn. It is a safe practice, however, in Eastern Ontario and the province of Quebec to prick the young plants into a second hot-bed before setting them in the field. This gives them stockiness and vigour at transplanting time. The number of plants lost in setting them in the field is much less if they have been treated in this way. TOBACCO— TABLE I. EXPERIMENTS IN GROWING THE PLANTS. Variety. Yellow Pryor. H II ....... Connecticut Seed Leaf Pennsylvania Persian Rose. White Burley Date of Sowing. April Plants— How Treated. Not transplanted Transplanted to cold frame. 11 hot-bed Not transplanted. . Transplanted to cold frame. It hot bed Not transplanted Transplanted to hot bed Not transplanted Transplanted to hot bed Not transplanted Transplanted to cold frame. Date of Harvest- Weight Planted Number of in Field . of Plants. 1st Grade. ing. Green, Lbs. June 7 113 Sept. 18 271 7 111 .. 18 319 7 113 1. 16 234 7 113 8 540 7 113 H 8 465 7 112 8 494 7 113 11 18 481 7 113 ,. 18 425 7 112 .. 13 243 7 113 „ 13 223 7 91 Aug. 31 404 7 331 „ 31 1,565 Weight of 2nd Grade. Green. Lbs. 29 26 38 22 32 27 31 30 41 64 69 191 FERTILIZERS. The results of the fertilizer trials set forth in table II. Each plot contained 24 plants made up of an equal number of 6 varieties. The plants were set out on 8th June, and the fertilizers applied a few days afterwards, the results are not striking. The largest yield of green leaf was obtained from superphosphate, wood ashes and nitrate of soda (No. 4). The former two with sulphate of ammonia, also gave the second heaviest yield. Barn-yard manure applied in excessively heavy dressings gave the third largest yield. Muriate of potash, wood ashes and nitrate of soda did not give satisfactory returns as compared with the others when applied separately. 8a— 9^ 132 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. TOBACCO— TABLE 11. EXPERIMENTS WITH FERTILIZERS. All these varieties were sown on the 9th of April, were planted out on 8th of June, and were gathered on 14th September, twenty -four plants were used of each sort. Fertilizer, No. I. .. n..., .. III.., .. IV..., ., V ..., „ VI... „ VII.., „ VEIL, ,. IX..., u O 0-1 *' O 1) 11 0 15 8 14 8 17 0 14 8 15 0 13 0 12 8 15 8 o p o fe.SP o a> %^ I-? 15 13 8 15 0 15 8 14 13 15 13 12 -c . P4 m 22 8 17 0 22 0 18 8 26 26 20 13 16 r 1-3 O 21 0 20 0 20 8 19 8 19 8 19 8 19 8 19 8 21 0 (V ■-5 CQbp O 13 8 15 17 8 19 0 17 16 17 17 13 ID CO O h) O 12 8 13 8 16 8 12 0 0,11 11 0 10 0 8 8 w a ., ® o ft E-i (-; o 94 8 104 8 106 8 100 8 101 8 95 0 95 0 85 0 96 0 Fertilizers used. f Superphosphate, 10 lbs "1 ia iv,= *-, oa I Muriate of potash „ y^ f^' *° ^ t Sulphate of ammonia, 10 lbs, j P^°ts. r Superphosphate, 15 lbs. "j < Wood ashes, 10 lbs V n (.Sulphate of ammonia, 10 lbs. . J r Superphosphate, 15 Iba. .... "j < Wood ashes, 15 lbs V u (.Nitrate of soda 5 lbs J r Superphosphate 15 lbs "j < Muriate of pota.sh, 10 lbs. V » (.Nitrate of soda, 5 lbs ....... J Bam yard manure (green) 200 lbs. to 24 plants. Wood ashes, 24 lbs. to 24 plants. Nitrate of soda, 6 lbs. to 24 plants. Muriate of potash, 6 lbs. to 24 plants. Check plot ; no fertilizer. TOPPING AND PRIMING. " Topping " is the operation of removing the flower stalk, with one or more of the upper and smaller leaves. The energies of the plant are thus diverted from the natural channel — the production of seed — to the artificial — the more perfect development of its leafy tissue. After the first topping, numerous suckers usually appear in the axils of the leaves ; these should be promptly removed. " Priming " is the term used to designate the removal of one or two of the lower or primary leaves, which are usually inferior in size and quality, frequently becoming torn and injured by the cultivator. I have noted the fact in past years that early " topping " usually meant an abundant and persistent growth of suckers. To test this, a block containing 108 plants including 7 varieties was taken and divided into 6 equal portions. Series I contained two plots. Plants in plot 1 were cut back to 9 leaves on July 20, those in plot 2 were cut back to 11 leaves on the same date. The number of plants in series II and III were divided and cut back respectively on July 26th and August 2nd. RESULTS. Reld notes show that it was necessary to " sucker " plants in series I twice after topping them. This work of removing the suckers is laborious and rather expensive. REPORT OF THE HORTICULTURIST. 133 Plants in series II were " suckered " twice after " tipping " but the amount of work was much leas than that required in series I. Plants in series III were '* suckered " once. This with the removal of occasional sprouts kept them in order. Yields. — (1.) Larger yields were obtained from the later " topping " than the earlier. (2). The greater number of leaves gave uniformly the heaviest yields. TOBACCO— TABLE IIL EXPERIMENTS IN TOPPINa. Seed sown 9th April, planted out 7th June; 18 plants were used in each case. Variety. Cut back to 9 Leaves. Weight of Green Leaf. Cut back to 11 Leaves. Weight of Green Leaf. Date of Gathering Series L— White Bin-ley 1897. July 20.. II 20. . .. 20.. II 20.. 1. 20.. 11 20.. .. 20. . Lbs. 62 41 47 15 61 32 42 1897. July 20.. 11 20. . II 20. . .. 20. . II 20.. .1 20.. 1. 20.. Lbs. 102 53 53 17 78 33 53 1897. Sept. 3.. 11 15 Yellow Oronoko M Pryor II 15 Oannelle Connecticut Seed Leaf .1 15.. II 15 Persian Rose II 15 Pennsylvania Seed Ijeaf II 15 Total weight 300 389 July 26.. H 26.. •• 26. . July 26.. .1 26.. .. 26.. ti 26.. 1. 26.. 1. 26.. 1. 26.. Senes II.— White Burley Yellow Oronoko 78 43 46 14 66 32 70 71 53 52 14 69 30 74 Sept. 3.. II 15 . II Pryor . Oannelle. 1. 15.. u 15 Connecticut Seed Leaf .... II 15 Persian Rose II 15 Pennsylvania Seed Leaf .1 15 Total weight 349 363 Aug. 2.. 2.. 2.. 2.. 2.. 2.. 2.. Aug. 2.. 2.. 2.. 1, 2.. 2.. .. 2.. 2.. Series IIL- Wbite Burley Yellow Oronoko 71 53 50 16 69 25 63 104 55 53 20 72 27 80 Sept. 3. . II 16 II Pryor Cannelle H 15.. II 15 . Connecticut Seed Leaf H 16.. Persian Rosa. II 15 . Pennsylvania Seed Leaf II 15.. Total weight 347 411 REPORT OF THE CHEMIST. (Frank T. Shutt, M.A., F.I.C., F.C.S.) Ottawa, 30th November, 1897. Dr. Wm. Saunders, Director, Dominion Experimental Farms, Ottawa. Sir, — I have the honour to submit herewith the eleventh annual report of the Chemical Division of the Dominion Experimental Farms. Though much of the scientific work commenced during the past year is not yet com- pleted— notably, the investigations in the matter of the preservation of barn-yard manure, and in the feeding value of certain grasses — we are able to present for the information of our readers in the present report some new and important results bearing directly upon the practice of Canadian agriculture. As in the past, it has been our endeavour to make the Chemical Division one of practical value to the farmer, dairyman and fruit grower, and it is believed that the experiments undertaken and now reported upon are such as to commend themselves as important to those who are following agriculture in one or other of its branches. While every investigation has been undertaken from this point of view, scientific accuracy and thoroughness have not been sacrificed, believing -that all true progress and material development can only come from work marked by these qualities. The work of the Chemical Division in all its branches continues to increase. As the objects of the Experimental Farm system and the value of chemical science as applied to agriculture become better known, the requests for analyses and for information, naturally, become more and more numerous. This fact, though exceedingly encouraging as pointing to an increasing appreciation on the part of our farmers, makes it highly desirable, and indeed necessary, to add to the chemical staff and enlarge our facilities, if we are to keep pace with these demands, more especially when we remember that original investigation should have the first call on our time. A brief resumd of the more important subjects treated of in the present report may be given as follows : — Clovers and green manures. — This investigation, begun in 1895, to ascertain the amounts of fertilizing materials that under different conditions could be supplied to the soil by various clovers, has been during the past season further pursued. We are able to place before our readers in the present report some very interesting and important data regarding the value of soil enrichment by growing clover with the cereal crop. Soil inoculation for the legumes with nitragin. — Our results in this new department of agricultural research will be found of special interest. They indicate the possibility of economically treating land with germ cultures to stimulate the growth of clover and assist in assimilation of free (atmospheric) nitrogen. An illustration, taken from a photograph of the pots under experiment is given. The luxuriance of the foliage in the inoculated soils, in comparison with that in the untreated pots, is apparent. The che- mical data, showing the amounts of nitrogen, organic mattei", and ash in khe (a) roots, and (6) stems and leaves of the clovers and horse beans experimented with, are presented in tabular form. 135 136 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. Forage plants and fodder. — These include Awnless Brome grass, of which analyses have been made of the hay grown at the Experimental Farm, Indian Head, N.W.T., and cut at different stages of growth ; Alfilaria or Cranebill, a forage lant found in British Columbia ; and a number of milling products, e.g.^ buckwheat bran and provender. Soils, — For lack of the necessary time, we have been obliged to postpone our investi- gation upon the virgin soils of the Dominion. We have, however, continued, as far as opportunity permitted, to examine samples sent in by farmers. Such work usually consisted in a determination of the humus, nitrogen and lime and the relative propor- tions of clay and sand. These data do not allow us to state the amounts of available plant food present, but they have enabled us to arrive at the general character of the soils and to indicate methods for their economical improvement. A certain number of reports upon such samples are here inserted, in order to shovv the practical character of the information thus afforded farmers, and also in the hope that the deductions and advice thus given will be of value to our agricultural readers. The results of analyses of virgin soils, obtained in our laboratories during the past nine years have been collated and made strictly comparable. They were presented in the form of a paper to the Chemical Section of the British Association at their conven- tion in Toronto in August last. Since the information this paper contains will be found useful for reference by those interested in Canadian soils, it is herewith appended. Naturally-occurring fertilizers. — Mucks, muds and marls. We have found it quite impossible to analyse all the samples of these materials sent in during the past year. Those samples, however, as far as time allowed, have been examined which, beintr from new localities, tkc, appeared to merit special attention. The composition of these is here given, together with deductions as to their use and fertilizing value. Miscellaneous fertilizing materials. — In this chapter we report upon the amount of plant food, as found by analysis, in various bye-products and weeds, e.g., lobster refuse from the canning factories ; ashes from lime kilns, and that difficult-to -eradicate weed, purslane or pusley. Moss litter. The examination of two samples of moss litter from Nova Scotia has been made. The results are confirmatory of those published in the report of this Division for 1895, obtained from moss collected in New Brunswick. Both samples were of excellent quality and specially adapted for bedding purposes, possessing high absorptive capacity. A new use for this material has been found. It is said to be most satisfac- tory as a packing material for fruit, fish and other perishable substances. Its elasticity makes it desirable for such purposes from a mechanical standpoint, and its power to absorb moisture and noxious gases renders it valuable as a preservative. Well waters frorn farm homesteads. — We append in tabular form the data obtained from the examination of 63 samples, together with a brief report as to their quality. It should be distinctly understood that the samples from farm, homesteads only can be examined. The printed instructions issued by the Farm should be obtained before sending a water for analysis, since the probability is that otherwise a mistake will be made respecting the quantity required or in the matter of collection and shipment. Tuberculin, — During the twelve months ending November 30, 1897, 214,018 minims of diluted tuberculin, a quantity sufficient to test 3,567 adult cattle, have been prepared and forwarded. The greater part of this has been sent out within the past three months, interest in the question of tuberculosis in cattle, more especially in those furnishing milk for town supply, having of late been very keen. This tuberculin is furnished to veterinarians by order of the Department of Agriculture. The labour involved in this work has been very considerable and necessarily has encroached largely on the time of this Division. We have in consequence not been able to accomplish as much purely chemical work as otherwise it would have been possible to overtake. Sam.ples received Jor Analysis, — The following table gives the details of the samples received from farmers during the past year. REPORT OF THE CHEMIST. 137 Samples received from Farmers for Examination and Report, November 30, 1896, to November 30, 1897. C3 i ■o O :l pq u o 1 6 1 8 1 i en G 3 ;2; c8 o 02 > O 3 o Eh Soils. Naturally-occnrring fertilizers (mucks, mud, and marls) Manures and fertilizers 7 2 4 1 4 3 ""s 7 4 1 12 5 5 5 33 31 23 4 2 "is' l;» 5 3 1 2 7 4 8 4 1 "9 20 5 ""i9 6 47 43 21 Forage plants and fodders 17 Well waters Miscellaneous, including dairy products. . . . 85 76 21 19 1 91 63 22 22 60 289 It has been quite impossible with the present staff to submit all these to analysis, but as far as time allowed such as were deemed most important have been reported upon, as follows : Soils, 28 ; naturally-occurring fertilizers, 29 ; manures, 5 ; forage plants and fodders, 13 ; well waters, 68 ; miscellaneous, including dairy products, 41. The rest await an opportunity for examination. This branch of our work is evidently one that is much appreciated by farmers, and further expert assistance in the laboratory will be necessary if the privileges in this direction are to be extended in the future. Mineral Specimens. — A very large number of mineral specimens have been received for identification and assay during the past year. The chemical work of the farms is necessarily restricted to matters relating to agriculture and we would, therefore, advise our readers that we cannot undertake to report on such samples. Correspondence. — For the twelve months past the letters received by this Division number 1,248 ; those sent out, 1,402. The correspondence is principally from farmers, dairymen and fruit growers, and relates to soils, fodders, fertilizers and other matters of agricultural importance. As it becomes more widely known that questions may be sent, this branch of our work naturally increases. Meetings attended. — Since November 30, 1896, the more important conventions attended and meetings addressed, include the following : — The Association of Official Agricultural Chemists, at Washington, D.C. The Farmers' and Dairymen's Association of New Brunswick, at Fredericton, N.B. Farmers' Institute Meetings at Jeffries and Penobsquis, N.B. The British Association for the Advancement of Science, at Toronto. The Central Canada Agricultural Association, at Montreal. The Fruit Growers' Association of Quebec, at Howick, Que. Farmers' Institute Meetings at Summerside, Charlottetown, Georgetown and Alberton, P.E.I. Two lectures, entitled " The principles of Plant feeding " and " The principles of Animal feeding," were delivered before the students of the Normal School, Ottawa, Mr. Henry S. Marsh, Associate of the Institute of Chemistry, has continued to efficiently discharge the duties of Assistant Chemist, and to him my thanks are due for much careful work and many of the analytical data contained in this report. I have the honour to be, sir. Your obedient servant, FRANK T. SHUTT, Chemist, Dominion Exjjerimental Farms. 138 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. CLOVERS AS GREEN MANURKS. ■ THE FACTORS OP SOIL FERTILITY. A high degree of soil fertility or crop-producing power is one of the fundamental factors in profitable farming. It, therefore, becomes of the greatest, indeed of paramount, importance to understand the nature of what constitutes fertility in a soil. First, the soil must contain at least certain minimum amounts of mineral matter, such as potash, phosphoric acid and lime, and these constituents, or rather a certain percentage of them, must be in a more or less readily assimilable condition ; for in this connection it is well to point out that by far the larger proportion of the fertilizing elements present in a soil is in locked-up or insoluble combinations. Plant food from the soil is absorbed and appropriated by crops in the form of a solution, and conse- quently such compounds as are insoluble, or are not capable of solution by the soil water or the exudations of plant rootlets, are valueless from an agricultural standpoint. Secondly, a soil to be fertile must be possessed of nitrogen and humus. The latter term is applied to semi-decomposed organic matter, arising from the partial decay of roots and vegetable tissues generally. The nitrogen is in combination with this organic matter and is converted into forms useful to plants (nitrates) by a process known as nitrification. This conversion is the work of certain microbes, or microscopic plants which live on humus. Their development is in a large measure regulated by the amount of humus present, the degree of soil moisture, the soil's temperature, and the percentage of salifiable bases, such as lime and potash, present to combine with the nitric acid as formed. Permeability of the soil to air is also necessary. Thirdly, fertility depends upon a right mechanical condition of the soil. This is sometimes known as tilth. It should be such that air may readily permeate and rain easily penetrate the soil. Roots and rootlets should be able to find an easy passage in foraging for food. Drainage and good cultural methods are essential in bringing about good tilth. Fourth, certain conditions of climate are necessary for the best results. Warmth, sunshine and rainfall are all potent influences on crop production. GREEN MANURING FOR INCREASING SOIL FERTILITY. The system of green manuring, as practised by turning under a green crop of clover, increases fertility in a greater or less degree by the means named in the first three counts. While it does not add to the total amount of mineral plant food in the soil, the growth of the clover converts a large portion of such into compounds which, upon decay or rotting of the crop, are more readily assimilable for future use. This is certainly of no small value. The feature of special importance, however, is that the decay of the clover enriches the soil in nitrogen and organic matter — a distinct gain, since all the elements of the latter, and the greater portion of the former, have been appropriated by the clover plant from the atmosphere. This organic nitrogen, as it may be termed, is readily transformed, in the presence of lime or potash and under favourable conditions of climate, into nitrates, the compounds which ordinary farm crops draw upon for their supply of nitrogen. As much nitrogen can be furnished per acre by ploughing down a crop of clover as would be furnished by an application of 10 to 15 tons of barn-yard manure. Again, the addition of the large amount of humus by a crop of clover vastly improves the texture of the soil, opening up and making warmer a clay loam and rendering a sandy soil more absorptive. There are other benefits accruing from this system of manuring, but, in addition to those just discussed, attention need now only be directed to the following : — During the hot months of summer the process of nitrification goes on rapidly. The nitrates so REPORT OF THE CHEMIST. 139 formed are extremely soluble and consequently may in a large measure be lost by the leaching of autumn rains, when the crop grown has matured and been harvested early. The cereals are comparatively short-lived crops, and, therefore, the value of sowing clover with them and thus having the ground covered, after the former have been cut, with vegetation that can utilize these nitrates is apparent. The late summer and autumn rains then assist in the storing up of these valuable nitrogenous compounds rather than in their dissipation. A further advantage in sowing the clover with the cereals is in keeping down weeds after the grain is harvested. SOWING CLOVER WITH BARLEY. It will be remembered that in the report for 1896 we recorded the results of an experiment carried on with various clovers as " cover " crops for orchards, stating their relative merits for this purpose and giving their analyses in detail. The figures showed that large quantities of fertilizing materials and humus can be furnished the soil by ploughing under the crop in the autumn. In the present report we give the results of a further investigation, the clovers having been sown at various rates per acre with barley, and the roots and dead stems and leaves of the clovers being collected for analysis in the following spring. The barley employed was that known as Odessa, which was sown on all the plots under experiment at the uniform rate of If bushel per acre. The barley and clover were sown together on all the plots on 5th, May 1896, and the barley cut on 27th July. The clover residues (that is, the roots, dead stems and leaves) were collected on May 1st, 1897. The results, therefore, indicate the amounts of organic and mineral matter and certain fertilizing constituents contained in the roots to a depth of 9 inches, and in the dead or dried stems and leaves, immediately before spring ploughing. The data are presented in tabular form, as follows : — Analyses of clover residues (roots, dead stems and leaves), 1897. All the clovers were sown, at the re- spective rates mentioned below, on 5th May, 1896, with Ckiessa bar'ey at the rate of 1| bushel per acre. The barley on all the plots was cut 27th July, 1896. The clover residues (roots, dead steins and leaves), were collected 1st May, 1897, Composition. Nitrogen. 3 .'2 "5 > be ^ Amount of certain constituents, PEK Acre. 1 u -2 o A m < o .si o < p. c. Tons. Lbs. Lbs. Lbs. Lbs. Mammoth red clover, sown 14 lbs. per 71-51 24-45 4-04 •903 3 636 1,622 268 59 II II 1 acre. . 12 M 69-73 25-28 4-99 1-109 3 976 1,762 349 77 II It 1 , 10 ,. 59-43 33-19 7 38 1-417 2 1,955 1,978 439 81 II II 1 , 8 ., 70-00 26-18 3-82 1-123 3 976 1,783 258 76 II II 1 , 6 .. 72-00 24-00 400 1-041 3 806 1,634 272 70 II II 1 . 4 ., 63-34 31-74 4-92 1-260 2 694 1,458 226 58 Common red clover i . 10 .. 72-50 23-61 3-89 1-016 3 125 1,446 238 62 Alsike clover i . 6 „ 71-58 22 63 5-79 1-020 1 1,233 732 187 33 Alfalfa . 14 1, 61-54 34-79 3-67 1-075 1 212 772 79 26 Crimson clover i . 24 „ 62 82 33-01 4-17 -827 1,322 478 60 12 140 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. Field notes regarding the growth and appearance of the clovers at certain stages of growth, are to be found on pages 37 and 38 of the Annual Report of the Farms for 1896. MAMMOTH RED CLOVER. Considering briefly the data of the foregoing table, we notice fii'st that as regards nitrogen, the greatest amount was found in the residue of the Mammoth Red clover, sown at the rate of 10 pounds per acre. Above and below this rate of seeding, the quantity of nitrogen decreased. Allowing for the unavoidable errors of experiment, the trials with clover sown at the rate of 12, 8 and 6 pounds, respectively, per acre, gave approximately the same amount of this element, averaging from 5 to 10 pounds less than in the residue from 10 pounds of clover seed per acre. That sown very thickly, 14 pounds, and that very thinly, 4 pounds, are seen to contain, practically, the same amounts. The greatest weights of organic matter and ash constituents were also contained in the residue from 10 pounds of seed per acre. The reason that it appeared to yield a smaller total weight than that of the others of this series (save that sown at 4 pounds per acre) was that on analysis, it was found to contain from 10 to 13 per cent less water than they. On all three counts, therefore, we may conclude that the maximum benefit as a green manure was obtained by seeding this clover at the rate of 10 pounds per acre. The fertilizing value of the residues from 14 pounds and 4 pounds are, somewhat strangely, almost identical. Of the other clovers experimented with, the Common Red clover makes the best showing, and the Crimson clover the poorest, with Alsike and Alfalfa intermediate in the order named. If we leave out of consideration all the advantages accruing from this system of manuring, save the accumulation of nitrogen, and suppose that Mammoth Red clover sown at the rate of 8 to 10 pounds per acre can appropriate from the atmosphere, say 50 pounds of this element (the rest being obtained from the soil), the economy and profit of this method of supplying nitrogen by sowing clover with a grain crop for increasing the fertility of soils become apparent. In this connection it may be well to remark that the growth of the clover did not, on any of the plots, diminish the yield of grain. The question arises as to whether the clover crop, when grown solely for the pur- poses of enriching the soil, should be ploughed under in the autumn or the spring. Comparing the results given in last year's report with those now recorded, the conclu- sion must be drawn that greater benefit is derived by ploughing under in the autumn. The investigations were not on parallel lines, so that a close comparison can- not be made, but nevertheless there is such a large difierence between the weights of essential constituents in the crop in the autumn and the spring — the difference being in favour of the former — that little room is left for doubt on this point. Moreover, the crop in the autumn is green and succulent, and we have, therefore, every reason to suppose that its decomposition and the subsequent setting free of its elements of plant food would proceed more rapidly than the decay of the organic matter in the dead and dried residue which is to be found the following spring. The work so far, then, makes evident the advantage of growing a nitrogen-collector (one of the legumes) with the grain crop. The results of the past season show that the greatest benefit was obtained from sowing 8 to 10 pounds of Mammoth Red clover per acre, and favour the ploughing under of the crop at the close of the growing season — ^in most localities about the middle of October. REPORT OF THE CHEMIST. 141 SOIL INOCULATION FOR THE GROWTH OF THE LEGUMES. THE USE OF NITRAGIN IN AGRICULTURE. Though not generally practised as a means of soil enrichment, it has been known for many centuries that the growth of clovers and other members of the Pulse family, now commonly termed legumes, increased rather than diminished the fertility of the soil, so that the yield of grain after a crop of clover was greater than it would have been without a previous seeding of clover. The theory generally accepted was that the clover being a deep rooted plant brought up from the sub-soil mineral matter that was out of the reach of other farm crops. This, however, appears to be but one of the causes — and that a minor one — for the fact above mentioned. The chief reason, as revealed by a recent scientific discovery, lies in the fact that the legumes can appropriate the free nitrogen of the atmosphere, assimilating and building it up into their tissues. This nitrogen, by the decay of the roots (and foliage, if the crop is ploughed under) may be utilized, after the process of nitrification, by subsequent crops. As far as we are at present aware the legumes only have this power, hence they are known as nitrogen-col- lectors in contradistinction to all other crops, which are known as nitrogen-consumers. The demonstration that the free, that is uncombined, nitrogen of the atmosphere can be so utilized by the legumes is due to Hellriegel, a celebrated German scientist. He, with his equally renowned colleague Wilfarth, made this announcement to the world in 1886, at the same time giving overwhelming proof of the correctness of the assertion and explaining the way in which this appropriation and assimilation takes place. The discovery was not only a brilliant scientific achievement, but one of the greatest im- portance to the agricultural world. In explaining the fact of this discovery and the application to practical agriculture, it may first be pointed out that the legumes have not in themselves the power of free nitrogen assimilation ; in this respect all plants are alike. They can, however, utilize atmospheric nitrogen through the agency of certain micro-organisms present in the soil. These micro-organisms, microbes or bacteria attach themselves to the roots of the legumes upon which nodules or tubercles then form. These contain the microbes. In some way, at present not well understood, the latter can absorb the nitrogen of the air occupying the instertices between the soil particles, converting it into certain nitrogen- ous compounds that enter the sap circulation of the host plant and finally are stored up in the tissues. When the nodules and their inhabitants are not present in the soil, clover, pease and all other legumes must, like the rest of vegetation, obtain all their nitrogen from the supply in the soU existing there as nitrates. Now, it is to be noted that these micro-organisms, though very widely distributed, are not found in all soils. The question, therefore, of the possibility of introducing them where absent, or present only in small numbers, becomes one of agricultural im- portance. Further, if soil inoculation (as such a process may be well called) is possible, can it be made an economical method for enriching the soil with nitrogen 1 These are questions that come well within the scope of scientific agriculture to investigate, ques- tions well worthy of careful research, for the answers must be of the greatest importance to farmers. It might, at the outset, be supposed that the soil of a field growing a luxuriant crop of clover, the roots of which possess nodules, would in all probability contain large numbers of these organisms. Naturally, therefore, we find the first experiments con- sisted in taking soil from a field upon which a legume possessing an abundance of nodules had been grown and scattering it on the field to be impregnated. This was practically soil inoculation, and though the plan in many instances proved eminently satisfactory, the carrying out of it was frequently costly and cumbersome. Dr. Nobbe, of Tharand, Saxony, was the one who first made this practical application of Hellriegal's discovery. 142 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. The next step, also taken by Dr. Nobbe, was in the isolation of the nitrogen-con- verting microbes from such soil and the preparation, by certain well known bacteriological methods of "pure cultures." These cultures consist of colonies of the organisms and the preparation has been named Nit7-agin. It would appear that the members of the leguminosse have each their own peculiar bacterium or micro-organism, for it seems that those influencing the assimilation of nitrogen in the clover plant are of no value for the pea crop, and vice versa. Hence, the necessity for the preparation of clover " nitragin," pea "nitragin," &c. These cul- tures or bacterial preparations, to the number of 17, are now manufactured on a commercial scale in Germany, and a quantity of each said to be sufficient to inoculate an acre can be procured for about $1.25. The practical application of Nitragin has been made in two ways ; first, by diluting the preparation with sufiicient water and sprinkling the seed with the fluid, and, secondly, by treating a quantity of soil with a dilute solution of the preparation, allowing the soil to dry, and then spreading it evenly over the field to be inoculated, which is then deeply harrowed. Following these methods, experiments have been made in Germany, England and on this continent. The results so far obtained, as gathered from the reports of these investigations, scarcely admit of any more emphatic statement than that the indications are that on soils that have not previously grown legumes, or for other reasons do not contain the nitrogen-assimilating bacteria, the practice of inoculation will be attended with profit. Some soils contain such an abundance of these microbes that a further supply is unnecessary. European field experiments seem to show that even when the growth of the foliage is not increased by Nitragin there is frequently a greater root development and a larger number of nodules. No great difference could be noted, in these reports, between the results of soil inoculation and seed inoculation, though such differences as there are appear to be in favour of the former. EXPERIMENTS WITH NITRAGIN. In the spring of the present year we obtained from Messrs. Meister, Lucius and Bruning, Hochst am Main, manufacturers of bacterial cultures, Nitragins, for alfalfa or lucerne, clover, horse beans and vetch. The soil used in our experiments was made from clay, sand and swamp muck and would be termed a loam of medium fertility. It was not sterilized, in order that the conditions might be comparable, as far as possible, to those on the farm. The experiments were conducted in duplicate in galvanized iron pots and the methods of inoculation above described were employed, check, or uninoc- ulated, pots being sown at the same time. After the plants had reached the height of a few inches they were thinned out to the same number in each pot. The seed in all the trials was sown on May 20th, 1897, the plants of the clover, alfalfa and vetch showing above ground in all the pots on May 25th, and the horse beans on May 31st. The soil and seed of the inoculated tests were treated with the respective Nitragins on the day of sowing, May 20th. Unfortunately, the growth of the alfalfa and vetch was very meagre and it was, therefore, deemed inadvisable to weigh and analyse their crop, as the results might be misleading. INOCULATION EXPERIMENTS WITH HORSE BEANS (PABA VULGARIS, var. EQUINA). (Sown 20th May, collected 4th August, 1897.) The plants were thinned out to five (5) in each pot. On August 4th, the plants being then in pod, the experiment was brought to a close. The difference in foliage in the various pots was not very marked, though the plants in the pots containing thr- inoculated soil (H.H.) were decidedly larger and more robust than the others. In all the pots the plants appeared healthy. REPORT OF TEE CHEMIST. 143 In the check, or uninoculated pots, the root systems were meagre and supplied with a few small nodules only. In the " soil inoculated " pots there were extensive root systems, the fibres being possessed of numerous nodules of a much larger size than in the preceding series. In the pots containing the plants grown from "inoculated seed" the root systems, though larger than in the uninoculated pots, were not equal to those in the soil inoculated pots, nor were the nodules quite so numerous. The results showed that the Nitragin had a decided effect in the development of the roots, a feature that has been remarked upon by Dr. Voelcher, an English agricul- tural chemist, who has carried on a series of investigations with Nitragin. The weight of the roots, stems and leaves on August 4th were as follows : — i Grams. Pots G.G., uninoculated, 10 plants, including roots, , 127 Pots H.H., soil inoculated, 10 plants, " 227 Pots I.L, seed inoculated, 10 plants, " 157 The following table presents the analytical data, including the amounts of certain constituents contained in the plants under experiment : — TABLE I. AMOUNTS OP NITROGEN, ASH CONSTITUENTS AND ORGANIC MATTER. Pots G.G. 10 Plants = 127 Grams. Not Inoculated. Pots H. H. 10 Plants = 227 Grams. Soil Inoculated. Pots I. I. 10 Plants = 157 Grams. Seed Inoculated. Stems and Leaves. Roots. Total. Stems and Leaves. Roots. Total. Stems and Leaves. Roots. Total. Weight of nitrogen Grams. •611 Grams. •145 Grams. •756 Grams. •822 Grams. •281 Grams. 1-103 Grams. -569 Grams. •267 Gramfl. •836 II ash or mineral matter II organic matter 2-56 16-49 264 367 520 20 16 2-94 22-57 4-44 7-66 7-38 30-23 2 35 14-53 4-14 7-56 649 22 09 Total dry matter . . 19 05 6^31 25-36 25-51 12 10 37-61 16-88 11-70 28^58 Deductions. — (A.) The largest yield of crop was obtained from the soil inoculated pots H.H., chiefly due to the greater weight of roots. (B.) The amounts of nitrogen, ash or mineral matter and organic matter in the plants from pots H.H., soil inoculated, were, in most instances, considerably greater than those from the inoculated seed pots I.I. (C.) The plants from pots 1. 1., " seed inoculated," furnished nitrogen, ash con- stituent and organic matter in amounts intermediate between those from G.G., not inoc- ulated, and H.H., seed inoculated. We may, therefore, conclude that in this experiment there has been a decided advantage accruing from the use oi Nitragin, especially when employed for "soil inocula- tion," and that " seed inoculation," while not giving such marked results, has neverthe- less been beneficial in increasing the growth. I further think we may fairly conclude that the additional nitrogen in the plants of the pots H.H. and I.T. has been obtained through the agency of the Nitragin. 144 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. TABLE II. THE PERCENTAGE COMPOSITION OF THE "DRY MATTER" OF THE (a) STEMS AND LEAVES, AND {h) ROOTS OP THE PLANTS. Nitrogen Ash or mineral matter. Organic matter From Pots Ox.G. Not inoculated. Stems and Leaves. 3-212 1.^-46 86-54 Roots. 2-321 41-91 58-09 From Pods H.H. Soil inoculated. Stems and Leaves. 3-223 11-52 88-48 Roots. 2-324 36-76 63-24 From Pots LI. Seed inoculated. Stems and Leaves. 2-936 12-33 87 -67 Roots. 2-478 40-49 59-51 The data do not allow of the deduction that the plants from inoculated soil or seed are relatively richer in nitrogen than those -without Nitragin. The larger amount of nitrogen in the treated crop is rather due to a greater development of root or foliage, or both, under the stimulating effect of the micro-organisms furnished by the preparation. The percentages of ash or mineral matter are not to be compared too closely, as by the method employed it was found extremely difficult to separate the last traces of sand upon the roots. The presence of a small amount of sand would materially increase the percentage of " ash." MAMMOTH RED CLOVER. Culture used, " Trifolium pratense." The plants were thinned to 10 plants in each pot. The experiment was closed on October 22nd, when a few of the plants were in flower. Previous to the weighing of the plants a photograph of the series was taken, a reproduction of which is here given. Pots D.D., Not inoculated, weight of plants, including roots. . Pots E.E., Soil inoculated, do Pots F.F., Seed inoculated, do Grams. 147-6 163-2 189-0 These data show that considerable increase in weight of crop has resulted from the action of the Nitragin, though it is to be remarked that, unlike the results with the horse beans, the greater yield is obtained from the experiment in which the seed was inoculated. The nodules or tubercles were much smaller than those on the roots of the horse beans. From mere inspection of the roots it was extremely difficult to decide which series was the richest in nodules. The root systems, as regards development, were ap- proximately in the ratio represented by the total weight of the crops. ■■*;», .,^ i*::^ »J*L ' /^ ' 'AT .-'•/»< m^HmP ■If'* ^^^^^5li^dk " 7 _•- . >^ ■ - . ■ ^db^T^l ■^-•*<-? H^HHlMk ^^^^^^^ .•■"-.0-^' ^'^B^BliWIW ' "'.'-:^ *-«*^-^; •;•',.■-.. - *:- ; -'->^- ^. *<£-,.. ■ -■'.■ ■-<■ •' V ■ ^ - -7 ^•.. Illustration showing the method of collecti<3n of the roots, dead stems and leaves of clover for analysis. May 1st, 1897. Inoculation experimeiils with Nitrwjiv for Mammoth Red Clover, Sei)t. 17th, 189". Pots D. D., not inoculated ; Pots E. E., soil inoculated ; Pots F. F. seed inoculated. REPORT OF THE CHEMIST. 145 The analytical data of this series are given as follows :— TABLE IIL AMOUNTS OF NITROaKI?, ASH CONSTITUKNTS KYTD OROAKIO MATTER. Pots D.D. 20 plant8=147 ' 6 grams. Not inooulated- Pots E.E. 20 plants =163 2 grams. Soil inoculated. Pots F.F. 20 plants = 189 • 0 grams. Seed inoculated. Stems and Leaves. Boote. Total Stems and Tjnaves. Roots. Total. Stems and Leaves. Roots. Total. Weight of nitrogen Grams. -602 Grams, •469 Grams. 1071 Grams. •740 Grams. •495 Grams. 1-235 Grams. •800 Grams. •745 Grams. 1.645 II ash or mineral matter 5-18 21-42 9-76 10-24 14-94 31-66 4-98 26-22 514 14-36 10-12 40-68 4-66 27 04 6-84 20 06 11-50 Weight, organic matter.. 47 10 .f " dry matter " 26 6 20-00 46-60 81 20 19-50 60-70 31-70 26-90 58 60 Again, it is to be noticed that the amounts of nitrogen increase with the total weight of the crop ; the same is also true of the organic matter. In these important constituents, larger quantities were obtained from the treated pots than from the untreated or check pots, and thus we have further testimony to the favourable action of the bacterial culture. It is worthy of note that the roots contained amounts of fertilizing constituents to the extent of at least two-thirds of those present in the foliage. The percentage composition of the " dry matter " of the clovers under experiment is presented as follows : — TABLE IV. PERCENTAGE COMPOSITION OP " DRY MATTEK." From Pots D.D. Not inoculated. From Pots E.E. Soil inoculated. From Pots F.F. Seed inoculated. Stems and Leaves. Roots. Stems and Leaves. Roots. Stems and Leaves. Roots. Nitrogen Ash or mineral matter 2-26 19-46 80-54 2-31 25-40 74 60 2-37 15-91 84-09 2-54 26 39 73 61 2-53 14-71 85-29 2-77 25-47 Organic matter 74-53 Slightly larger percentages of nitrogen were found in the inoculated plants, and more especially in their roots, than in those untreated, in this respect differing from the results obtained with the horse beans. The percentages of the other constituents are practically the same throughout the series. Further experiments with Nitragin -will be made next season. With increased data at our command we shall probably be in a position to speak more decisively m to the value of this preparation. The indications of the present investigation, however, point 8a— 10 146 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS strongly to its usefulness in encouraging the growth of the legumes, clover and horse beans ; and it is probable that where such will not grow luxuriantly, owing to the absence of the necessary microbes in the soil, inoculation with Nitragin will prove effective and economical. FORAGE PUNTS AND FODDERS. AWNLESS BROME GRASS {Bromus inermis.) In bulletin No. 19, Grasses; their uses and composition (Experimental Farm series), written by Dr. Fletcher and myself in 1893, the following statement regarding Awnless Brome Grass is to be found : " We consider this to be one of the most valuable of the introduced grasses, both from its feeding qualities, as evinced by analysis, and from its free, luxuriant habit of growth. An analysis made from grass grown on the Central Experimental Farm, afforded the following data : — Analysis of Awnless Brome Grass, taken when the seed was fully formed, the right period at which to cut for hay. Water Ash Protein (albuminoids) Fat (Ether Extract) Carbohydrates (Nitr(jgen-free extract) Fibre Fresh or Green Grass. 100 00 Calculated to Water- free Substance. 65 07 1-32 3-78 4-14 1] S8 •84 2 41 16-90 4S03 11-73 33-90 100-00 These results denote that it is a grass rich in flesh-forming substances (protein) and low in fibre — the least valuable, from a feeding standpoint, of a fodder's constituents. In the Annual Report of the Experimental Farms for 1893, on page 189, Dr. Fletcher, Botanist of the Experimental Farms, speaks very higlily of this grass from trials made under his care on the Central Farm, stating that it is early and hardy, and that it is a heavy cropper, and one which produces an excellent aftermath of succulent, leafy shoots. He also quotes many favourable opinions from those who have grown it in the North-west Territories and the United States. For several years it has been extensively sown on the Experimental Farms at Brandon and Indian Head, and reference to the reports from these farms for last j'ear will show that great succcs has attended the trials on both farms (see pages 337 and 396, Report Expl. Farms, 1896). Both for hay and pasture it has already proved a most valuable grass for the North-western provinces. A feature of particular import- ance is the heavy aftermath of succulent grass it affords. Since the native gras'ses do not produce this secondary growth to any extent, Brome grass is extremely valuable in furnishing for the fanner and dairyman of these districts, during the late summer months, palatable, whole.sonie and nutritious feed for keeping up the milk flow. In order to give the grass an extensive introduction, it was considered desirable to distribute seed among farmers. To obtain this, portions of the crop on the Experi- mental Farms at Brandon and Indian Head have been allowed to ripen, and the hay thrashed. Many farmers have also followed this practice to procure seed for themselves and their neighbours and thus, frequently, farmers have a quantity of fully ripe, thrashed hay to feed to stock. To ascertain the value of this latter, or in other words to learn what deterioration in feeding value has taken place between the period at which the grass is in prime condition for cutting and that at which the seed is fully ripe, the REPORT OF THE CHEMIST. 147 following investigation was carried out, the samples being furnished from the Experi- mental Farm at Indian Head, N.W.T., by Mr. Mackay, the superintendent : — The samples consisted of (1) hay cut when the seed was formed (July, 13, 1896) and considered in prime condition, (2) hay cut when seed was fully ripe (July, 24, 1896) and containing seed, (3) ripened, thrashed hay (practically straw), and (4) chaff from the thrasher, containing some seed. Samples 1, 2 and 3 were of good colour, not having been bleached in the curing, a change usually accompanied by a lessening of food value, the fibre becoming hard and indigestible. The appearance of all was that of nutritious, palatable hay. Analyses of Hay and Chaff of Awnless Brome Grass. a s Stage of growth, &c. Seed just formed ; in prime condition for hay ; cut 13th July, 1896 Seed ripe ; unthrashed ; cut 24th July, 1896 Ripened ; thrashed ; hay (straw) ChaflF from thrasher, containing some seed Hat. « 3 6-47 8-28 7-62 8-63 7-87 7-39 7 -23 9 01 7-54 5-76 605 10-70 ft,- 414 315 3-80 4-86 '^ a . S 2 g o 42-56 43-16 38-75 42-88 31-42 32-26 36-55 23-92 Calculated to Watbb- FREK Substance. 8-42 805 783 9-86 > p PL| 810 6-28 6-35 11-21 4-42 3-43 4-11 5-32 S 2 2 «« fl £ 45-46 47-07 42-15 47-42 Xi 33-60 35-17 39-56 26 19 In the first place we notice that of the three samples of hay. No. 1 (that cut when " the seed was just formed ") is the most nutritious, since it contains most protein and fat and the least fibre. This result is in accord with those already obtained from a study of other grasses (see bulletin No. 19, page 22) and emphasizes the importance of cutting for hay as soon as the seed has formed. A loss of valuable and digestible food material always occurs when a grass is allowed to fully mature before it is cut for hay. Thus, on. comparing the analysis of Nos. 1 and 2, it is evident that a certain deterioration in food value has taken place by the ripening of the grass. This depre- ciation in nutritive qualities, made apparent by contrasting the figures in the columns representing the composition of the water-free substances — is not, howevei', in this instance a very serious one ; at aU events, it is not so great as to prevent the farmers from allowing the grass to mature when a supply of seed is wished. Though the ripened, thrashed hay (No. 3) contains more fibre and somewhat less starch, &c. (carbohydrates) than the unthrashed hay (No. 2) our data do not show that there is any great difference in feeding value between these samples. Indeed it would appear that in certain respects the former is the better of the two. This is contrary to our expectation and is perhaps caused by the loss in thrashing of certain of the least valuable portions of the plant. Sample No. 4, labelled " chaff from'the thrasher," evidently contained a consider- able amount of seed. Its presence in the chaff is most probably unavoidable, and may be accounted for by the extreme lightness of the seed. Our analysis shows this sample to be the richest in protein and fat and lowest in fibre of all those examined. This ig undoubtedly good fodder and one that could be used to advantage as part of the daily ration. 8T0RKSBILL OR ALFILARIA ( Erodium cicutarium.) At the request of Mr. J. R. Anderson, Deputy Minister of Agriculture for British Columbia, a chemical examination of the feeding qualities of this forage plant has been made. Concerning its occurrence in that province, Mr. Anderson writes as follows : — " Erodium cicutarium is common in the vicinity of Victoria and on the Gulf Islands, 8a— 10| 148 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. but I am not prepared to state its prevalence in other parts of the province. It is generally found on rocks thinly covered with soil, as a small plant, but it readily accom- modates itself to more congenial localities, where it assumes the large form I send you. It thrives best in a rich black loam. It has not been grown as a crop and its weight per acre is, therefore, unknown ; from what I have seen of it however, I should think the yield would be about the same as that of red clover. Cattle, according to Mr. Munro, eat it with avidity, at any rate, during the winter months when green food is scarce." Our analysis of the sample sent furnished the following data : — COMPOSITION OP STORKSBILL OR ALFILARIA. Constituents. Water ... Albuminoids (protein) , £ther extract (fat) Nitrogen-free extract (carbo-hydrates). Fibre Ash or mineral constituents 100 00 Green Hay Material. (A ir-dried. ) 89 02 10-32 2-81 23 12 •55 4-53 3-79 30-70 VM 10-97 2-49 20-36 100 00 These results show that this plant has nutritive qualities of a high order. The percentage of albuminoids (flesh formers) closely approximate that found in good grasses, though it must be remembered that in the young plant a part of the nitrogen (the essential element of albuminoids) exists in the form of amides — compounds which have not quite the same feeding value as the true albuminoids. Another feature in its favour is the particularly small amount of fibre it contains. Provided the plant is palatable to cattle, which upon good testimony it appears to be, it should prove a nutritious, wholesome fodder. Storksbill or alfilaria e-vidently makes a large draft upon the mineral resources of the soil, for the ash content is high. This should not be considered as a disadvantage, if the manure from its feeding is carefully preserved and returned to the soil, for provided these precautions are observed this and similar plants may be used as agents for converting locked-up plant food into available forma for future crops. Regarding the value of this plant, it will be of interest to make the following quotations from "The Agricultural Grasses and Forage Plants of the United States," by Dr. Geo. Vasey : — " This annual, supposed to have been introduced from Europe, does not seem to be mentioned in any work on forage plants. It occurs abundantly and is of much value for pasture over a h^rge extent of territory in Northern California and adjoining regions; elsewhere in the United States it is sparingly introduced and usually regarded only as a weed, though it is not very troublesome. Besides the above name it is known as Storksbill, pin clover, pin grass, and filaree ; it is neither a clover nor a grass, but belongs to the geranium family ; it starts very early and grows rapidly, furnishing good, early pasture and ripens seed before the hottest weather. It is of little value as hay and is not worth introducing where the ordinary forage plants can be grown. The seed is seldom sown, but the plant comes spontaneously each year from self-sown seed." Prof. K W. Hilgard, of the Experiment Station at Berkeley, California, says respecting this plant : — •' Two species of cranesbill {Erodium ciciitarium and moschatum) are even more common here than in Southern Europe, and the first named is esteemed as one of the most important natural pasture plants, being about the only green thing available to stock throughout the dry season, and eagerly cropped by them at all times." REPORT OF THE CHEMIST. 149 Though not suitable for hay— r^ince when dry it easily breaks into fine bits and dust — it appears, both from the above testimony and our analysis, to have a distinct value as a pasture plant, more especially for high lands and in districts subject to seasons of drought. COMPAEATIVB TALUBS OF " HKAVT JKBD " ASD BUCKWHEAT BRAN. These feed stuffii were examined at the request of the editor of the Cooperative Farmer, who states that tiiese materials are being largely fed by the farmers and dairy- men of New Brunswick, and that there is a widespread desire to learn their comparative feeding values. As received, the former had much the appearance of fine bran, and under the microscope was found to ccmsist chiefly of ground wheat and oats ; the bran, as separated by sifting, being approximately 26 per cent of the whole. The buckwheat bran was somewhat coarsely ground and showed the appearance of a considerable quantity of hull. The sample is rather one of buckwheat middlings than of buckwheat bran. The analytical data obtained are as follows : — COMPOSITION OF " HEAVY FBED " AND BUCKWHEAT BRAN. Heavy feed. — K Buckwheat bran. Moistare Albuminoids . . . 9-80 16 12 5-95 58-56 6-50 3-57 9-21 18 -62 Fat 6-45 Carbo-hydrates. 57 92 Fibre ..'. 3"51 Ash 4'29 100-00 100 00 The most important constituents «£ a fodder are the albuminoids, commonly known as flesh formers, and the fat. Other things being equal, we can assign relative values to fodders by taking into account the percentages of these nutrients, according to the following plan. We may assume for the purpose of comparison, the relative values of albuminoids, fat and carbo-hydrates (starch, (fee.,) to be 2*5: 2-5:1, The method of ascertaining the feeding value is then to add together the amounts of albuminoids and fat and multiply the sum by 2-5. To the result, the percentage of carbo-hydrates Is added. This final amount represents the number of called " food units," which indicate the relative food values of the fodders under comparison. HBAVY FEED. BUCKWHEAT BBAN. Albuminoids . Fat 16-12 5-95 22-07 2-5 11 035 44-14 55 175 Carbo-hydrates 58-56 Food units 113-73 18-62 6-45 25-07 2-5 12-535 50 -U 62-675 57-92 120-60 150 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. In other words, presuming the digestibility of these products to be equal, one ton of the buckwheat middlings is equal in food value to 1 ton 120 pounds of the "heavy feed." To assign comparative money values, if buckwheat middlings were worth $16 per ton, the heavy feed would be worth $14.11 per ton. It must not be supposed from the foregoing that the exclusive use of buckwheat bran is recommended ; a mixed grain diet will always be found not only more palatable to the animals, but as resulting in more profitable returns. This investigation, however, shows that weight for weight the buckwheat product is the more nutritious of the two. " GROUND PEED " USED FOR CATTLE IN TRANSPORTATION. The comparative value of two samples of " ground feed " used for cattle on board ship, examined at the request of the Department of Marine and Fisheries, is reported upon as follows : General Appearance — Both samples consisted largely of crushed or coarsely ground oats and Indian corn (maize). No. 1 contained a large quantity of the thin chaffy membrane of the maize kernel. No. 2 possessed a very considerable proportion of oat chaff — consisting of the palets and glumes of the seed. Judging from a general, as well as a microscopical examination, sample No. 1 would be considered, on the grounds of apparent richness in composition and mechanical condition, the better of the two feeds. Chemical Composition. — The samples were submitted to the usual analysis of feed stuffs, with the following results : — ANALYSIS OF GROUND CATTLE FEEDS. No. 1. No. 2. Moisture Albuminoids 10 63 12 08 5-27 63-72 5-25 305 9 58 917 Fat 442 Carbo-hvdrates. . 62 -86 Fibre Aeh 10-65 3-32 100 00 100 00 As already stated, the most valuable constituents of a fodder are the albuminoids (or flesh formers) and the fat ; the least valuable, the fibre. Hence, by reason of the greater percentage of the albuminoids, fat and carbo-hydrates in sample No. 1, and the larger amount of fibrous material in sample No. 2, the former must be considered the more nutritious of the two. In order to make a comparison between these feed stuffs, or in other words to assign the relative values, it may be assumed as in the preceding chapter, that the feeding values of albuminoids, fat and carbo-hydrates are in the following proportion: — 2-5: 2-5 : 1. REPORT OF THE CHEMIST. 151 If it then be further assumed that the digestibility of tlie two samples be equal — an assumption that gives a slight benefit to the poorer and more fibrous of the feeds — the following calculations will show their relative values as foods : — No. 1. No. 2. Albuminoids 12-08 9 17 Fat 5-27 4-42 17-35 13-59 2-5 2-5 86-75 6-795 347-0 27-18 43-375 33-975 Carbo-hydrates 63-72 62-86 Food units 107-09 96-83 This shows that 1 ton of No. 1 is equal in food value to 1 ton 212 pounds of No. 2. Supposing the value of No. 1 to be $20 per ton of 2,000 pounds, the value of 1 ton of sample No. 2 would be $18.08. CANADIAN SOILS. As explained in the letter of transmittal to this report, we here present the results obtained on certain samples sent by farmers for examination during the past year and a paper containing complete data on the virgin soils of the Dominion examined by us during the past nine years. The following extracts, from reports furnished the farmers forwarding the soils, are here inserted for the purpose of informing our readers respecting the nature of the examination we make of cultivated soils and of the suggestions oflered for the econo- mical treatment of such lands : — BRITISH COLUMBIA. SoUs from Enderby and Bear Valley, B.C., forwarded by the Department of Agriculture, Victoria, B.C. Sample from the farm of John Bacon, near Enderby. This soil is rather of the nature of a deposit for it is reported by Mr. Palmer, Inspector of Fruit Pests for British Columbia, as issuing from a hillside. It subsequently hardens by simple exposure. From the vigorous growth of the vegetation in the immediate vicinity of the deposit, Mr. Palmer considered that it might be of importance as a fertilizer. This sample was received in two parts, one representing the moist, fresh material ; the other, indicative of its character af cer exposure. Both were similar in their com- position, save for the larger percentage of water in the former. A quantitative examination of the air-dried portion furnished the following data : — Insoluble mineral matter 09 Carbonate of lime 94 • 08 Moisture, oxide of iron, alumina, &c 5-83 100-00 152 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. It is, therefore, evident that this is a marl of excellent quality, being practically free from sand, clay and other inert matter. Judging of this sample, both from its mechanical condition and chemical composition, I am of the opinion that it would be an excellent source of lime for use in agriculture, A brief review of the more important agricultural purposes of marl or rather, of the functions of lime, is given on pages 161-2 of our report for 1894. Sample of sub-soil from the farm of Godfrey Rogers, Bear Valley, British Columbia. Its overlying surface soil was of a peaty character, from four to five feet in depth, and extending over some 600 acres. On account of its location and appearance, this sample was supposed to be marl, or at least to contain a considerable quantity of lime. As received, it was somewhat grayish, quite flocculent and loose ai to texture, and very light in weight. The air-dried sample, on treatment with hot dilute hydrochloric acid, did not effervesce, showing the absence of carbonate of lime. The insoluble residue from this digestion amounted to 80*57 per cent. This material may be considered as inert and practically useless from an agricultural standpoint. Further analysis showed that this substance yielded only a trace of lime, even to strong acids. It cannot be used, therefore as a source of lime and cannot, as far as our work goes, be considered as of any value agriculturally. Muck Soil from Chilliwack. This soil furnished on examination the following data: — ANALYSIS OP sou, (aIR-DEIED). Moisture 10-55 Organic and volatile matter. 70 • 31 Insoluble matter (clay and sand) 11*24 Mineral matter, soluble in acid , 7 * 90 100*00 Nitrogen • 946 This soil is in reality a muck of excellent quality, though, as received, rather sour, undoubtedly due to want of drainage and lack of lime. It is especially rich in humus and nitrogen. The small quantity of clay and sand present would, of course, render it unsuitable for certain crops, more especially cereals, but if this could be remedied by a judicious admixture with the sub-soil or a heavy dressing of similar materials, a very good soil should be the result. The sub-soil proved to contain 75*84 per cent of clay and sand and 1*04 per cent of lime, which shows that it would be valuable for the purpose suggested. Since, however, it is not rich in lime, its addition to the soU could scarcely be regarded as a substitute for this amendment. The fertilizers to which this soil would respond are potash, lime and phosphoric acid. To furnish these, wood ashes are of special value, since they not only supply potash, but also lime and phosphoric acid in notable amounts. If potash is applied as kainit or as muriate of potash it would be advisable to add lime, either as such or as marl or gypsum. Phosphoric acids may be furnished as superphosphate or, still better for land of this character, as basic slag. The soil is rich in nitrogen, so that with the favourable climatic conditions for nitrification largely prevalent in British Columbia it is very doubtful whether the application of nitrogenous fertilizers would be profitable. REPORT OF THE CHEMIST. 153 ONTARIO. Soils from Lefaivre, Alfred Tovjnship, Prescott Co., forwarded for examination by Hon. Senator Owens. ANALYSES OF SOILS (aIR DRIED). No. 1. No. 2. No. 3. No. 4. Moisture Organic and volatile matter 5-31 7-26 20-91 86-52 8-35 61-69 14-51 25-45 8-20 36-47 17 02 38-31 2-67 8*09 Mineral matter, soIuDxe in acid Mineral matter, insoluble in acid 20-46 68-79 100 00 100 00 100 00 100-00 Nitrogen Lime •185 1-32 1-47 lis •174 •82 No. 1. — A light gray loam, full of root fibres and containing very little sand. The percentage of humus (decomposed vegetable matter) is small. The soil is strong and retentive, but needs organic manures and lime to improve it. Of the former, barn-yard manure and clover suggest themselves as the best. A composted muck would also be found of great value in lightening the soU and adding to its store of humus and nitrogen. The method of enrichment by means of clover or some other of the legumes is usually the most economical to follow. The best time to plough under such a crop is when it is in full bloom. Useful sources of lime are : lime, slaked or unslaked, marl (carbonate of lime), and gypsum (sulphate of lime). On this kind of soil lime or marl would be the best to use. Briefly, the most economical treatment may be outlined as follows : First, thoroughly drain, then dress with lime or marl ; say one ton per acre of the former cr twice the quantity of the latter, to which may be added with advantage 10 to 20 bushels of wood ashes. If the seed bed has been well prepared, seed with clover, sowing buckwheat or rye as a nurse crop. The first crop might be cut and fed, the aftermath, when it had attained a good growth, should be turned under. No. 2. — This is a muck soil containing much of its vegetable matter in an unde- composed condition. Thorough drainage, in order that it may become compact and at the same time rendered sweet, is to be recommended. This should be followed by an admixture, if possible, of the underlying subsoil. Lime, potash and phosphoric acid are the chief essentials in which the soil is lacking. Wood ashes and super- phosphate supply these in available forms. When sourness is corrected and tilth improved by such a treatment as is now suggested, soils like this may be made very fertile, though they are not best suited to grain crops. A small dressing of barn-yard manure, to supply immediately available nitrogen, would undoubtedly be beneficial. No. S. — A good muck soU. Drainage, as in No. 2 is here to be strongly advised, in order to correct sourness and aid in improving the tilth. Lime alone, or, still better, with a certain quantity of wood ashes or some other form of potash, would undoubtedly prove of value. Oats, buckwheat, potatoes and roots generally are, perhaps, the crops best suited to this soil. No. Jf.. — A stiff clay loam, containing very little sand, and in general character similar to No. 1. It, however, has not the same amount of root fibres, nor is it as rich as No. 1 in humus and nitrogen. In lime also it is very low, the amount being less than the lowest limit allowed by agricultural chemists for obtaining good returns. It is of poor tilth and very hard when dry. Like No. 1, it should never be worked when wet. In general treatment, the course suggested for No. 1 soil is here strictly applicable. 154 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. Note. — In the report of this Division for 1894 will be found on page 159 some remarks on the improvement of muck soils ; in the report for 1895 there is a chapter on green manures, from which may be learned the value and chief features of green manuring with the legumes. Much Soil from near London, Ontario. In general features, this soil is similar to that from Chilliwack, B.C., previously discussed ; the treatment suggested for that soil might, therefore, be followed in this case. ANALYSIS OP AIR-DRIED SOIL. Moisture 12 77 Organic and volatile matter 71 • 64 Insoluble matter (clay and sand) ... 5 • 76 Mineral matter, soluble in acid 9 • 83 100 00 Nitrogen -933 The correspondent forwarding this sample asked for information respecting the rates of application of commercial fertilizers. As doubtless there are many desirous of obtaining similar information, the following brief note is appended. The most economical amounts to use can only be ascertained by direct trial of the soil with the crop that it is desired to feed, but much time and money can be saved by making an intelligent study of general soil characters and the special requirements of the farm crops. The subjoined table gives the limits of application between which it is usual to employ the commercial fertilizers. Febtilizer. Application Per Acbk. ■Nr;*,.^,-.,,^.,. /Nitrate of soda 100- 200 Lba. ^^°^®°°"'--tSulphate of ammonia 75- 200 " r Superphosphate 200- 400 " Phosphatic. . . \ Bone meal ■ 500-1,000 " i. Thomas or Basic Slag 400- 500 " r Wood Ashes 25- 100 Bush. •p„*.»==;« JKainit 300- 700 Lbs. rotassic .... ^ Muriate of Potash 100- 300 " ISulphate of Potash 150-300 " Note. — Farmers, market gardeners and fruit growers are invited to correspond with this Division if wishful for information respecting fertilizers, their composition and application. The examination, however, of all brands of commercial fertilizers upon the market is made by the Inland Revenue Department, Ottawa. QUEBEC. Soils forwarded for Examination by L. Morin, St. Ours. No. 1. — Farm soil under cultivation, of light gray colour, in friable lumps and powder. No. 2. — Garden soil, somewhat darker than No. 1, but otherwise very similar to it. REPORT OF THE CHEMIST. 155 ANALYSES OP SOILS (air-dried). Moisture Organic and volatile matter. ... Insoluble mineral matter (clay and sand) Mineral matter soluble in acid. Nitrogen Lime .... No. 1. 3-96 4-23 74 10 17 -71 100 00 •099 traces only No. 2. 2-85 9-52 75 15 12-48 100 00 •409 Soil No. 1, is very poor, particularly in humus (semi-decomposed vegetable matter) and in nitrogen. To furnish these constituents, barn-yard manure, a compost made with swamp muck or a green crop (preferably clover or some other legume) turned under, are to be recommended. Lime, in which this soil is deficient, may be applied as such in the form of marl or gypsum. Wood ashes, supplying potash, lime and certain other constituents of plant food, would undoubtedly give good returns on this soil. Superphosphate is perhaps the best form for this soil in which to furnish phosphoric acid. Soil No. 2, is much better, as shown by the higher percentages of organic matter and nitrogen. In general characteristics, however, it is similar to No. 1, and the treat- ment above suggested would apply for this soil equally well. Lime may be applied every 5th year, or somewhat more frequently, at the rate of 40 bushels per acre. The usual dressing of gypsum is from 200 to 400 pounds per acre. Wood ashes give good returns in applications of 40 to 80 bushels per acre. Other forms of potash are, kainit and muriate of potash ; of the former, 400 pounds and of the latter, 100 pounds constitute the average amounts for an acre. Superphosphate at the rate of from 200 to 400 pounds per acre will be found useful for the cereals, grass and turnips. Considerable experience, together with the knowledge of the special requirements of the various farm crops, is necessary before the most economical amounts of these con- centrated fertilizers can be applied. The above quantities are to be considered only as suggesting the limits between which in ordinary farm practice most profitable returns will be obtained. Soil forwarded for examination by J. 0. E. Forest, St. Jacques, Montcalm. A sandy soil, analysis showing but a small percentage of clay. In appearance, it is a loam of fair quality. ANALYSIS OP SOIL (air-dried). Moisture 2 • 60 Organic and volatile matter 8 92 Sand and clay 74 • 26 Mineral matter, soluble in acid 14 22 100 00 Nitrogen '323 Lime Very small quantity. 156 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. Our results do not indicate that the soil is exhausted of those elements required by plants, but without doubt its fertility is capable of improvement. Containing, as it does, sand, clay and humus in fair proportions, it may be termed a soil of average quality, but, nevertheless, by judicious culture and the employment of fertilizers, its crop-producing powers may be increased. The first care should be towards adding to its store of humus, that is, semi-decom- posed vegetable matter. This naturally can be done by heavy applications of barn-yard manure. If such a course, however, is impossible, the practice of " green manuring " should be adopted. This is best and most economically effected by growing clovers, either as a crop or with the cereals, and turning under the aftermath. By such means both nitrogen and readily decomposable vegetable matter are furnished, supplying plant food for future crops, and permanently improving the tilth or texture of the soil. To facilitate the growth of clover and for the purpose of increasing the soil's store of potash and lime, we would advise an application of wood ashes. These supply both potash and lime, element* required by clover in fairly large amounts, and also contain in notable quantities other plant constituents. Gypsum or land plaster is also a fer- tilizer of much value for clover, but, it should be remembered, does not contain any potash. In the place of wood ashes, muriate of potash, at the rate of 100 pounds per acre, may be used. Superphosphate for supplying soluble phosporic acid may also be em- ployed at the rate of 200-300 pounds per acre. For wheat and grass a top dressing of 100 pounds of nitrate of soda in the spring, after growth has commenced, will prove of value in encouraging the young plants. Soil forwarded for examination by Messrs. Gervais 7 Sackville Marsh, N.B Restigouche, N.B Cumberland, N.S S. W. Mabou, N.S... Kings Co., P.E.I.... Surface, Clay loam 1 16 02 16 37 47 16 10 09 09 09 131 113 090 212 lOfi 13 23 06 05 08 5 5 3 6 5 83 58 59 60 H II • ' Yellow sandy soil . . . Sandy loam 46 37 97 R1 10 NEW BRUNSWICK. Soil No. 57. — From the Sackville Marsh, at the head of the Bay of Fundy. A clay loam ; of interest as an example of a soU area very uniform in character — a fact no doubt due to the origin of the soil, which is practically a tidal deposit. When thoroughly drained, an operation which frees them from salt and improves their texture, these reclaimed marsh soils are found to be exceedingly fertile. A glance at the analytical data shows that this is not altogether to be ascribed to large percentages of plant food ; it is more than probable that the fine state of division and the intimate incorporation of the soil particles — due to the manner of the soil's formation and deposit — render the elements of fertility more easily obtained and assimilated by the plant. Soil No. 58. — Balmoral settlement, Restigouche. A yellow loam, derived principally from the decomposition of felspar, through showing some quartz fragments. The percentage of potash is considerably above that found in average fertile soils — a fact undoubtedly due to the felspathic origin of the soil. With the exception of potash, however, the soil cannot be considered one equal to Canadian soils of average fertility. REPORT OF THE CHEMIST. 169 NOVA SCOTIA. Soil No. 59. — A reddish, sandy soil, from Hansford, Cumberland county. It is below the average in the more important elements, and to be regarded as a poor soil. It would probably, however, respond well to judicious culture and manuring. Soil No. 60. — A soil from South-west Mabou, Inverness county ; very similar in appearance to No. 59, but analysis shows it to be much richer. The small percentage of lime is particularly noticeable in both these soils ; the knowledge of this fact has assisted towards the economical treatment of them with fertilizers. PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND. Soil No. 61, — This soil partakes of the same colour as the light red Triassic sandstone from which it has been derived, and in this respect at least this sample is representative of the characteristic soil of the province. It differs from the preceding specimens in that it is not a truly virgin soil. Some difficulty was experienced in procuring a sample which had not been cropped or manured ; indeed, no guarantee of such could be obtained. The soil, however, is said to fairly represent the unmanured but cultivated soil that extends over a large area in the eastern portion of the island. It is a light sandy loam, the texture of which is fairly good. Though containing more than the average amount of potash, this soil could not be ranked, from a chemical standpoint, with our richer Canadian soils — possessing but small percentages of nitrogen, phosphoric acid and lime. This agricultural province is justly known as a fertile one ; and we therefore presume, judging from such data as we have, that this fertility is due rather to good soil texture and favourable climatic influences than to richness of its land in plant food constituents. The last table (Table VII) that is presented for consideration, showing the average amounts of fertilizing ingredients in the surface soils that have been examined, taken province by province, has been prepared with no little diffidence. If it were to be interpreted as placing before you data from which deductions could be made as to the average soil fertility of the yet untilled areas of the respective provinces, it must be regarded as misleading. It is not my intention that such a conclusion should be drawn. A hundred or so samples, though they are typical, and, as far as possible, thoroughly representative of large areas, taken from the thousands of square miles of uncultivated soil in the Dominion, do not afford sufficient basis for such generalizations. They are not provincial averages, they are rather averages from large untilled areas in the several provinces, and may therefore serve to indicate the general character of much of the yet unoccupied lands of Canada. TABLE VIL ANALYSES OP SURFACE SOILS — AVERAGES. i 02 o 2; 21 7 6 6 5 46 Province. British Columbia . . North-west Territories and Manitoba Ontario (Muskoka only) Quebec Maritime provinces Average of all o •42 •44 •22 •44 •44 •39 '2 'S < a •^ O -a m O J3 P4 •27 •19 ■15 •20 •11 18 a ea bo o •262 •537 •1.S5 •226 •130 •268 117 108 ■44 ■52 •11 ■66 170 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. When we remember that care and judgment were exercised in the selection and collection of these samples, that the analyses were carefully conducted according to modern and approved methods, that very few of the samples fall below the standards or limits fixed by agricultural chemists, and that many contained such ample stores of plant food as to warrant them in being classed among the most fertile soils, we may, I think, safely conclude that the data here set forth clearly indicate that while there are many types of soils represented in Canada, there are in all her provinces large tracts of land that, as far as plant food is concerned, compare favourably with the most productive of other countries. Canada is fast becoming known in the markets of the world as a food-producing country. Soil rich in plant food and favourable climatic influences are the chief factors that have assisted the Canadian agriculturist in building up this reputation. These are the factors, together with intelligent, rational methods of farming, and safe and cheap means of transportation, that will continue to make agriculture here a prosperous industry. It is therefore gratifying to know that ample scientific proof is now on record to show that in our virgin soils there is such an abundance of those crude materials which crops draw upon directly, and farm animals indirectly, for their sustenance and growth. NATURALLY-OCCURRING FERTILIZERS. SWAMP MUCK. "We have so fully discussed in previous reports the agricultural u^es of this naturally-occurring fertilizer that it wUl only be necessary on the present occasion to record the analytical data obtained on the samples examined during the past year, and briefly indicate their quality. Analyses of Swamp Muck (air dried) 1897. ^ Locality. ChiUiwaok, B. C Albemi, Vancouver I'd, B.C. Loch Garry, Ont Near London, Ont St. Williams, Ont Aitken's Ferry, P.E.I Egmont Bay, P.E.I Sender. G. M. Stuart.... Albert E. Reeve, J. Fraser G. P. CoUyer. . . . Andrew McCall. D. J. Stewart. . . E. Arsenault . . . . Nitrogen. n o •946 2-470 1027 1-767 •933 1-010 2-54 1-45 1-515 0) ' O cSo o -^^ 18 49 20 35 IS 2 50 29 30 •9 ■4 5 -3 •6 -0 -8 0 -30 o > S =« u o 70 71 32 67 71 31 67 43 71 -31 -77 -24 •04 •64 -93 -89 ■30 •43 ^ a c3 03 02 11 36 13 5 55 9 40 12 •24 -43 15 18 -76 ■90 ■91 -50 -61 e * U 9 S3 7 10 21 9 9 6 10 9 12 90 21 25 07 83 65 36 78 61 Water. 10 17 10 10 12 5 11 6 15 ■56 ■59 -36 ■71 •77 •52 •84 ■42 •96 No. 1. A sample representative of an area of considerable size near Chilliwack, covered with peat or muck. It is of excellent quality, but at present rather sour, due to lack of lime and want of drainage. Owing to the small quantities of clay and sand REPORT OF THE CHEMIST. 171 present this soil is unsuitable for certain crops, but if this could be remedied by a judi- cious admixture with the subsoil or surface dressings, a very good soil would result. With good drainage and the addition of mineral fertilizers, nitrification would pro- ceed satisfactorily and there would be no necessity to apply nitrogenous fertilizers. Wood ashes would be of especial value, as supplying potash and notable quantities of lime and phosphoric acid. If potash is applied as kainit or muriate of potash, it will be necessary to add lime, as such or as marl or gypsum, and to furnish phosphoric acid as superphosphate or, better still for such soils, as basic slag. No. 2. From an area of 2,500 acres covered by swamp muck in section 7, township Alberni. The depth of muck in the centre of the swamp, it is stated, exceeds ten feet ; at the edges, the subsoil of clay outcrops. It is practically aU vegetable matter. No. 3. From a swamp in section 8, Alberni township. " In times of high water it is frequently covered." As regards nitrogen. No. 2 is much the better of the two, but both may be classed as excellent. They are, however, distinctly sour, pointing to the necessity of drainage and the application of an alkaline mineral fertilizer, such as wood ashes, lime, &c., before they could be used profitably as soils. No. 4. Contains too much undecayed wood to be of any immediate value, but perhaps could be used, after being air-dried, to advantage as an absorbent for liquid manure and in the manure pile. It contains a considerable amount of nitrogen. No. 5. As a muck to be used as a fertilizer, it may be considered of good quality, but as a soil it would need the admixture of clay and sand and the application of mineral fertilizers. No. 6. This sample, owing to its large amount of clay and sand and comparatively small proportion of nitrogen, could nob be recommended for absorbent purposes ; nor would it pay to compost it, unless it could be handled very cheaply. Nos. 7 and 8. These samples are from the surface and bottom of a swamp, respectively. No. 7 is loose and consists, for the greater part, of root fibres. It could be used as a coarse bedding and for composting. No. 8 is, when freshly dug, of a sticky nature, but dries to a hard, brittle mass. It would require to be subjected to the disintegration action of the winter's frost before becoming of any value. No. 9. This sample is from a Cedar swamp. It contains a considerable quantity of undecomposed woody fibre. It requires weathering and composting with wood ashes or lime. It would probably make a fair absorbent in the barn-yard. MARSH, CREEK AND TIDAL DEPOSITS. These are generally known in the maritime provinces as " muds." Brief reports of those samples examined in the farm laboratories during the past year are given, but it has not been thought necessary to consider in detail their origin, composition, and their effect on soils, since such a consideration has already appeared in the reports of this Division. The most important of the samples analysed are from large unreclaimed marshes in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Time has not permitted complete analyses of these, though such would have been desirable. A further question to be taken up in connec- tion with marsh muds is the determination of the relative availability of their elements of plant food. We hope to be able to undertake this investigation during the coming year. Other samples, the details of which are now given, were forwarded from the pro- vinces of British Columbia, Quebec and Prince Edward Island. 172 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. Nos. 1 and 2. "Mud" or soil from a large, unreclaimed marsh near Nappan, N.S., sent by Wm. Blair. ANALYSIS OP AIR-DRIED " MUD," NAPPAN, N.S. Water Loss on ignition, chiefly organic matter Mineral matter, insoluble in acid Mineral matter, soluble in acid Nitrogen Coarse sand .... Clay and fine sand »No. 1. 2 16 412 79-24 14-48 100-00 •137 37-95 41-29 tNo. 2. 3-78 5-86 75-33 13 04 100 00 -136 16-60 58-73 * No. 1, 4 feet below surface. f No. 2, 1 foot below surface. When received, the samples were in a plastic, pasty, compact condition of a grayish colour and were slightly acid to litmus paper. On drying a portion at 212 degrees Fah., is was found that No. 1 contained 30"5 per cent of water. No. 2 contained 36-0 per cent of water. Root fibres -were to be noticed in both samples, but curiously enough were in greater abundance in sample No. 1. On allowing to dry spontaneously in the air, both soils became hard and somewhat difficult to break with the fingers. Save in the relative proportion of sand and clay, there would not appear to be any marked difierences in these two samples, and it may be fairly assumed that there is a great degree of uniformity in the character of the soil — at all events to the depth of four feet. The analytical data, as far as they are complete, would go to show a strong simil- arity in composition between these samples and other specimens of marsh mud from the Bay of Fundy that we have previously examined in our laboratories. The percentages of organic matter and nitrogen now found are somewhat below the averages obtained from the samples just referred to, but nevertheless, they are quite equal to those found in many fertile soils. A comparison of the figures will make apparent a fact worthy of note, viz. : that the amount of nitrogen is the same in both samples. This would lead us to conclude that the percentage of this element remains constant to a depth of at least four feet. As nitrogen is one of the essential elements of fertility, and at the same time one of the most costly when purchased in commercial fertilizers, this feature is necessarily one of great importance. The percentage of lime, as judged from a qualitative examination, is not large, probably about '5 per cent or somewhat under. Reviewing the facts, we conclude there is no reason to suppose that this soil, if thoroughly drained and properly worked, would fall behind in fertility any of the dyked lands of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick that have originally been formed by tidal deposits. In conclusion it may be pointed out that drainage is necessary to bring about a better mechanical condition and also to ensure aeration of the soil. Aeration would correct the slight sourness that now exists and convert any soluble iron compounds into insoluble and innocuous forms — a desirable end to be attained in marsh muds. Drain- age would also free the soil of the small quantity of common salt it contains. No. 2. Marsh mud from an unreclaimed marsh at St. Martin's, St. John Co., N.B., forwarded by Mr. Howard Trueman, Pointe de Bute, N. B. REPORT OF THE CHEMIST. 173 This soil or " mud " is from an area of 400 acres covered with a tidal deposit. At high tide it is overflowed by the waters of the Bay of Fundy. The marsh ha^s never been properly dyked and is not under cultivation. ANALYSIS OP AIR-DRIED " MUD," ST, MARTINS, N.B. Moisture , 7'66 Organic and volatile matter 761 Insoluble mineral matter (clay and sand) 7196 Mineral matter, soluble in acid 12 • 77 100-00 Lime "42 Nitrogen -281 Common salt 1 ■ 4 There is nothing in the results against the prediction that if properly drained and treated this would make a fertile soil. Considering that it is not yet drained, its tilth or physical condition may be judged as good. It contains fair amounts of organic matter and nitrogen. The percentage of salt is high, too high for the best results with farm crops, but the excess could be easily removed by drainage, which would at the same time sweeten and aerate the soil. An application of lime, say 40 to 60 bushels per acre, would, in all probability, greatly increase this soil's productiveness. No. 3. " MUD " FROM NEAR VANCOUVER, B.C. The correspondent forwarding the sample writes as follows : — " The sample was taken from beneath a slaughter-house built on piles close to the salt water where a number of pigs are kept, the urine and dung flow through the floor- ing, but being covered and laid bare by every tide, I am doubtful as to whether there would be any fertility left." Our data are as follows : — ANALYSIS OP AIR-DRIED "MUD," VANCOUVER, B.C. Moisture 4-25 Organic and volatile matter 1 7 • 45 Mineral matter, insoluble in acid 63-33 Mineral matter, soluble in acid 14-97 100 00 Nitrogen • 548 This material has undoubtedly a fertilizing value, though it cannot be regarded as the equal of barn-yard manure. The percentage of nitrogen is very similar to that in fresh manure, but the greater part of it judging from the appearance of the material is in an unavailable condition. No. 4. " MUD " FROM BARACHOIS DE MALBAIE, GASP^!, QUEBEC. This was obtained from the bed of a brook running into Barachois Bay, being for- warded by Rev. P. F. Sirois. It contained a large quantity of sand and a considerable amount of orgamic matter. 174 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. ANALYSIS OP AIR-DRIED " MUD," GASP6. Moisture 1-71 Organic and volatile matter 8 35 Mineral matter, insoluble in acid 80 • 25 Mineral matter, soluble in acid 9 69 100 00 Nitrogen • 274 This cannot be considered as a fertilizer of marked value, though on poor soils it might prove useful as an amendment. Both in composition and appearance it is similar to a light, though fairly good soil. No. 5. "mud" from near SUMMBRSIDB, P.E.L This sample was taken from the bed of a creek running through the farm of Wm. Lefurgey, and is very similar to the mud, the particulars of which appear on page 193 of our 1896 report. The analytical data may be tabulated as follows : — ANALYSIS OP AIR-DRIED " MUD." Moisture 2*37 Organic and volatile matter 9 • 30 Mineral matter, insoluble in acid 65-70 Mineral matter, soluble in acid 22 • 63 100 00 Lime -92 Nitrogen -33 This deposit though not profitable for composting with barn-yard manure, is undoubt- edly of some value for supplying the elements of plant food. It might be dug in the autumn and piled to dry. The winter frost will tend to disintegrate it, improving its mechanical condition. It might then be composted with lime, which will serve to set free its plant food ; or if wished, it may then be applied directly to the land, though used in this way it is not so immediately effective. ■ MARL. This material is essentially carbonate of lime. The value of a sample depends upon the percentage of this constituent ; marls in which the carbonate of lime is associated with much clay or sand are of inferior quality. Marl occurs in various parts of the Dominion as an earthy gray or grayish-white deposit ; it usually shows the presence of fresh water shells. Marl frequently underlies a bed of peat or muck in a swamp or forms the bed of a dried-up lake. In districts where it is found, marl is the cheapest of all lime fertilizers. Marl, not being of a caustic nature, is frequently known as " mild " lime. It is owing to this characteristic that an excess of marl does not injure a soil, as frequently occurs from an over application of lime. The following samples from different parts of Canada have been examined in our laboratories : — British Columbia. — Sample from Stanley, Cariboo District : Yellowish white, very porous and soft ; contains traces only of inert matter (clay and sand) and is practically all carbonate of lime. It may be considered an excellent sample of marl. REPORT OF THE GHEMIST. 175 Ontario. — This sample, collected near London, consisted of lumps and powder of a grayish-white colour, the lumps powdering under slight pressure. It contained a large number of shells, indicating its origin as a fresh-water lake or pond deposit. ANALYSIS. Moisture '49 Insoluble matter (clay and sand) -25 Carbonate of lime 95-95 Undetermined mineral matter and traces of organic matter. 3 '31 100 00 This is an excellent sample of marl, both as regards composition and texture. It is practically free from inert foreign substances, and could be used with advantage on all soils deficient in lime. Sample from Lot 34, Con. 4, Edwardsburg. Light-gray, flakey, light, easily crumbled, contains shells. Insoluble matter probably in the neighbourhood of 10 per cent. This may be regarded as a. very fair sample of marl. Quebec. — Sample from Metapedia. Grayish-white, easily crumbled and in excellent mechanical condition ; contains some few shells. It is almost entirely soluble in hydro- chloric acid, showing absence, or but traces only, of inert matter. A very good sample. Samples from township of New Richmond. No. 1. From a lake bed. Wet and plastic when received. A small quantity of organic matter ; very little sand or clay. No. 2. Grayish-white, more inert matter than in preceding sample. A number of fine roots and shells present. Of medium quality. Nova Scotia. — Sample from Antigonish. Of a dull reddish-gray colour. It has the appearance of a semi-decomposed limestone and probably is not of the same immediate benefit to land as shell marl. THE USES OP MARLw An application of marl has been found useful to all soils deficient in lime, and especi- ally to such as are rich in humus, assisting greatly in the nitrification of this constituent. For correcting the acidity of soils, a property injurious to crop growth, marl is very efiective. Recent experiments have shown that soil acidity is by no means rare, even in sandy loams situated in upland districts. A dressing of lime or marl to such soils has always resulted in increased crop yields. These materials have also proved useful to old pastures and waste lands where sorrel and bracken have obtained a foothold. Though a less active agent than lime for liberating potash from its locked up stores and for the amelioi*ation of he ivy clays, marl serves in bringing about these ends, and can be used for such with safety, since an excess will not injure the soil. A further use of marl is in compost heaps containing vegetable and animal refuse, swamp muck and other organic matter. It here promotes nitrification, providing condi- tions of moisture and temperature are favourable, and thus assists in converting useless nitrogen into valuable plant food. A chapter stating more fully the various agricultural uses of this naturally-occur- ring fertilizer is to be found in the report of this division for 1894. LOBSTER REFUSE PROM THE CANNING FACTORIES. Several inquiries being received respecting the fertilizing value of this waste product, and there being no data on record as to the composition of this material, it was deemed advis- able to make an analysis and thus ascertain its agricultural worth. Through the kindness of Professor E. E. Prince, Dominion Commissioner of Fisheries, two samples of the refuse were obtained from a canning factory near Pictou, N.S. One of these consisted 176 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. of the bodies of the lobsters, the other of the tails, claws, shells, •146 306 ■02 02 047 •114 02 ■23 •068 •055 ■03 068 •13 •192 125 -032 -248 •232 -374 -167 -07 14 -246 •196 •09 •052 •02 •38 •26 •09 •775 Free. •45 •20 •205 029 •005 •31 -48 -045 -45 -05 044 1-154 Traces. 1-28 11 -06 053 •04 052 048 603 DOS OOS i;^2 770 •0313 •0017 •0.37 •0082 None. ••^38 8^843 •041 I^ITO 2^004 4 •4.55 0329 -6^0 -0527 None. -207 6-45 3 65 -5 5 t- C (U X *^ § ^ < "^ 1897. Nov. 16 4-618 152 •6638 1. 17 Free. 05G 6 917 .. 17 Traces. 092 9 035 .1 17 •048 090 1 472 II 17 Traces. 048 299 1, 26 Free. 062 7 514 II 26 n 052 1 308 n 26 •028 070 22 460 II 27 Trace. 075 605 H 27 Free. 041 5 861 m 27 ■0325 025 7 274 R 27 Traces. 012 4550 Is O 93 318 33 162 23 60 12 94 7 47 85 23 0 •0 ■4 ■0 4 0 6 0 0 5 0 •5 REPORT OF THE CHEMIST. 185 WATERS, IS^l— Concluded. PART PER MILLION. 8 -§ a ■-3 02 -■*3 'S bo 1— 1 CO m c o Phosphates. Report. 645-2 444-4 604-0 348 -0 660 0 391-6 377-2 93-2 502-8 200-8 344 0 204 0 2G2-0 124-4 LlO-8 420 158-0 Traces Dangerously polluted ; condemned for use. Very heavily polluted ; dangerous. Dangerously polluted ; unsafe. Polluted and unsafe for use. Not first class, but probably a safe water. Seriously contaminated ; unsafe to use. Not a first class water. 948 0 552 0 9220 516-0 488 0 Heax^y traces Traces Slight traces \ ery heavy traces. . . Traces 135-2 660-8 Heavy traces Heavily polluted ; a very dai^erous water. Unpolluted ; a good water. Polluted ; not a safe water. Very seriously polluted; condemned. Polluted and probably unsafe. REPORT OF THB ENTOMOLOGIST AND BOTANIST (James Fletcher, LL.D., F.R.S.C, F.L.S.) Dr. W. Saunders, Director, Dominion Experimental Farms, Ottawa. Sir, — I have the honour to hand you herewith a report on some of the most import- ant subjects which have been brought officially under my notice during the past season. Many other subjects which have required attention have already been treated of at sufficient length for present purposes in former reports of the Division, or are as yet incomplete. The correspondence during the year has been large and of a varied char- acter. There were 1,920 letters received and 2,110 sent out. During the past year I have had several opportunities of attending meetings in different parts of Canada, and of studying in the field some of the important problems connected with the protection of crops from their insect and fungous enemies. The experiments with grasses and fodder plants, native and exotic, have been con- tinued and have proved of great interest to visitors. This part of the work of the division is in the charge of Mr. Berthold Nothnagel, who has shown great interest in his work and is untiring in his efiorts to explain to all comers the value and nature of the expe- riments which are being carried on. The Awnless Brome Grass having proved to be very successful in all parts of the Dominion, about 600 1-pound samples were last spring sent out to farmers in all the provinces. Such reports as hav^e been received up to the present are, almost without exception, enthusiastic in their praises of this valuable grass. A special interest has been added to it lately by the discovery that it is particularly well suited for cultiva- tion on alkaline patches where little else will grow. During the year several thousands of specimens of plants and insects have been sent in for identification from naturalists in all parts of the Dominion. From these col- lections several valuable additions have been made to the Experimental Farm museum. Meetings. — Whenever pfficial duties would permit of my absence, every opportunity has been taken of attending farmers' meetings to meet farmers and to deliver addresses on the work of the Division. In January last I attended the convention of the Eastern Dairymen's Association at Brockville, Ont., from 6th to 8th of January. The following week I went to St. Mary's, Ont., and was present at the convention of the Creameries Association, lith to 16th of January. From 20th of January to February 2nd I was in Nova Scotia and New Bruns- wick, attending meetings of farmers and fruit growers. The annual meeting of the Fruit Growers' Association of Nova Scotia was held at Wolfville on 20th and 21st of Jan- uary. The annual meeting of the Nova Scotia Farmers' Association was attended at Middleton on 26th, 27th and 28th. On my way back to Ottawa I stayed off at Sussex, 187 188 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. in New Brunswick, and held meetings with Mr. W. W. Hubbard at Hampton, N. B., on 29th of January, and at Sussex, N. B., on the following day. In passing through St. John, N. B., I met the members of the New Brunswick Natural History Society, and examined their museum on Monday, 1st of February. On 2nd and 3rd of March I was present at the annual meeting of the District of Bedford Dairymen's Association, at Cowajisville, Que. On 3rd of June, by instruction of the Honourable the Minister of Agriculture, I went to Ste. Thdrese, Que., to examine some " drowned lands," repre- sentative of hundreds of acres along the Ottawa River, and to advise what grasses could be most advantageously grown on land liable to be under water during the spring freshet for two or three weeks. Some experiments are being tried and will be reported on later. The next day I started for St. Catharines and met a number of leadiiig fruit growers, with whom 1 visited the orchard and beautiful grounds of Mr. Uharles Thonger, near Niagara, where, unfortunately, the San Jose Scale has been introduced. I was commissioned by the Honourable Minister to meet these gentlemen and learn from them what their views were as to pi-oposed measures asked for by fruit growers to prevent the spread of the San Jos^ Scale. The following morning I was driven by Mr. A. M. Smith to St. David's, to examine an orchard of Mr. Hendershott's, in which the San Jose Scale was said to occur. This report proved to be inaccurate, the insect in Mr, Hendershott's orchard being the Cherry Scale, Aspidiotits Forbesi, Jnsn., a less in- jurious species. Mr. Smith's nursery was also examined and no trace of the San Jos^ Scale was found. On the following Monday, 14th of June, I left for Nova Scotia, where some meetings had been arranged by the Board of Trade of Kentville, and by the Fruit Growers' Associa- tion of Nova Scotia. Meetings were held at Kentville, Berwick and Auburn. The first meeting was largely of townspeople, but there were also several farmers and gard- eners present who had been brought together by Mr. M. G. DeWolfe, the energetic President of the Board of Trade. The next day I was driven to Wolfville and had the pleasure of being shown over the School of Horticulture by Prof. Faville. The same afternoon, through the kindness of Mr. Barclay Webster, I was driven from Kentville through the luxuriant orchards of King's county to Berwick, where a good meeting had been convened by Mr. S. C. Parker, the Secretary of the Fruit Growers' Association of Nova Scotia. The morning of the 18th was devoted to examining the well-kept orchards of Mr. Parker and others at Berwick. In the afternoon I proceeded to Auburn, where I was met by Mr. J. S. Bishop, and driven through the surrounding country, visiting the cranberry bogs which have been so successfully worked for the last few years. In the evening a well attended meeting of cranberry growers was addressed and Cranberry insects were discussed. The next day I returned to Kentville and then went on to Halifax to attend the meeting of the Royal Society of Canada. I left Halifax for home on 23rd of June. On 3rd of July I proceeded to Manitoba by instruction of the Hon. Min- ister of Agriculture and at the request of the Manitoba Government. In company with Mr. Hugh McKellar, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, I held a series of meetings in some of the important wheat growing districts of the province. Meetings were held at Neepawa, Gladstone, Dauphin, Glenlyon on the Gilbert Plains, Portage la Prairie. Brandon, Beresford, Blythefield and Glenboro'. The subject treated of at all these meetings was " Noxious weeds, their nature and habits and the best means to adopt for their eradication." We were accompanied at some of the~;e meetings by the Rev. W. A. Burman, Mr. George Greig, of Winnipeg, and Mr. J. B. Hobson, of Guelph, who all took an active and useful part in the meetings. I returned to Ottawa again on 22nd of July, On 12th and 13th of October, I attended the annual meeting of the Entomological Society of Ontario at London, Ontario. Acknowledgments. — As in previous years, I am under great obligations to my friends, Prof. John Macoun and Mr. W. H. Harrington, both of Ottawa, for frequent assistance in the identification of difficult plants and insects. I also take pleasure in again acknowledging the valuable assistance I have received from my many correspon- dents in all parts of the Dominion, who have much aided the work of the Division by making observations and by sending rae prompt notice of the occurrence of injurious insects and weeds. My thanks are also particularly due to Dr. L. 0. Howard, the REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGIST AND BOTANIST. 189 United States Entomologist, and his staff at Washington, as well as to Dr. C. H. Fernald, of Amherst, Massachusetts, and Lord Walsingham, F.R.S., of Merton Hall, Thetford, England, for many favours in identifying insects and for valuable publications. I again thank my kind friend. Miss E. A. Ormerod, for her most useful publica- tions and valuable advice. On the occasion of a short visit to England in August last I had the great pleasure of again calling on this energetic worker and of learning from her many things of great use to me in my official duties. The following donations have been received during the year : Prof. J. Lamson Scribner, Washington : A large collection of seeds of grasses and fodder plants. M. G. De Wolfe, Esq., Kentville, N. S. : Several living roots of greenhouse plants^ bulbs and perennials. T. W, Ramm, Esq., Bewdley, Ont. : Insects. . Rev. G. W. Taylor, Gabriola Island, B. C. : British Columbia plants and insects. T. N. Willing, Esq., Olds, Alta. : Rare plants and insects from Alberta. In conclusion, I beg again to acknowledge the great help I receive continuously in all brandies of the work of the division froni my assistant, Mr. J. A. Guignard, B.A., who has done much by his assiduous attention to bring the Division of Entomology and Botany to such degree of efficiency as it has attained. I have the honour to be, sir, Your obedient servant, JAMES FLETCHER, Entomologist and Botanist. 190 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. CEKE^LS. The large wheat crop of the Dominion was got in for the most part in good condition. In some sections of Ontario late rains were a cause of loss, from the grain sprouting in the field. There was no serious damage from injurious insects in any of the provinces, although in Manitoba some loss resulted from an unknown cause, by which many ears of wheat turned white before the grain was mature and the stems remained standing in the field ; this injury was spoken of generally as " dead heads " and was in places of much importance. It was thought by some to be due to the attacks of a fungus, but other observers spoke positively of finding insects which were actually attacking the roots. From the information given by correspondents, I judge that this was not the work of the Wheat-stem Saw-fly (Cephus pygmceus, L.) treated of in my last report but of a dipterous larva. During the past summer the perfect flies of Cephus pyginceus were reared from straws sent from Souris, Man., by Mr. Wenman, thus proving without doubt the identity of the species which injured Mr. Wenman's wheat last year. During the past summer some harm was done by the same insect near Indian Head, N.W.T. With regard to the " dead heads," Mr. A. C. Hawkins, of Swan Lake, Man., writes — and his opinion seema well supported : — " I still think that the ' fungous disease ' is an after effect and not the cause of the death of the wheat plant, the cause being, in my opinion, the larva forwarded in my last letter which you could not find, but of which, at the time that it was collected, I had no difficulty in finding many more than I wanted, one or two in the root of every plant I examined of which the heads were just beginning to dry up." Mr. A. W. Pritchard, of the Manitoba Department of Agriculture, writes : — " Numerous reports have been received by the Department, of damage done to the wheat crop by an insect which is commonly spoken of as attacking the root, though some of our reporters call it a ' Joint-borer.' The effect of its attack is everywhere the same, to cause the plant to turn white and produce an empty head. The ravages of this insect, if insect it be, have extended over a large area. The damage done is reported is some cases as much as one-half the crop." Arrangements have been made to study this attack more fully next year, and speci- mens of injured stems will be thankfully received. , The Joint-worm (Isosoma). — An attack on wheat by a joint-worm is reported from Verdun, Bruce Co., Ont., by Mr. William Welsh, who has studied the matter with some care. He writes as follows : — " July 28. — The year before last was the first when I noticed this new pest ; it was, detected in the broken straw at threshing time, the larvae of the insect being easily seen by splitting the hard pieces of broken straw with a sharp knife. Last fall there was much more of the broken straw in the threshed grain. It seems almost impossible to get thes e pieces out with the fanning mill, and consequently many larvae are sown with the fall, wheat. I think this insect must have had much to do with the injured grain of last fal . On looking in the bins of wheat at mills or elevators, I became convinced that this insect is worthy of full inquiry and that it is rapidly spreading here. " November 25. — Since corresponding with you I have felt much interest in this subject, and have made special observations and inquiries concerning the joint-worm. I send you by this mail specimens of infested straws which I have picked from the fall wheat stubble. The piece of ground where I had my fall wheat having been seeded to clover gave me a chance of getting some specimens nearly as good as those I sent before harvest. I also inclose some samples of the broken straw as found in threshed wheat. You will find that these short pieces are hard and woody from the action of the insect upon the growing stem. The pupae are still alive and ready in the warm days of spring to eat their way out and go through the same routine as their parents before them. In REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGIST AND BOTANIST. 191 some of the pieces of straw, a little over an inch in length, there may be found from five to ten insects. A bushel of such straw lying loose about a barn would give enough insects to destroy many fields before the grain ripened. I think you will agree with me that every farmer should see that the cleanings from the fanning mill are either fed or burned to destroy the insect." Remedies. — As stated by Mr. Welsh, the broken hardened pieces of straw noticed when threshing and cleaning grain should be collected and burned. The grain should also be examined for these pieces which should be picked out by hand. Most of the galls or hardened sections of stem in which the insect passes the winter are low down near the root. The burning of stubbles and deep ploughing are therefore useful in destroying large numbers of the pupae. The term " joint-worm " probably covers more than one species of minute hymenoptera which attack the stems of wheat and barley ; but, fortunately, the attack is of rare occurrence in Canada, and there have been few opportunities of examining the mature insects. Young plants of fall wheat sent by Mr. Welsh from Verdun in November were found to be attacked by both Hessian Fly and the Wheat-stem Maggot. These two pests were also somewhat abundant in Prince Edward Island. Mr. Edward Wyatt, writing from Pleasant Grove, P.E.L, September 18, says: — "The Feit Fly for many years now has been doing considerable harm to our wheat and hay crops. The Hessian Fly I have no doubt is the principal aggressor, but the Frit Fly and Wheat-stem Maggot have been associated with it. Some of the maggots which infest the straw are of a yellowish colour, others are green. These pests have been on the island continuously for the last 17 years. The damage was slight until the last three or four jears. Many who sow early have poor crops and with no knowledge of the cause. We all sow now from May 20 to 24, thus escaping the first attack which, if bad, ruins the crop. We have never grown better wheat crops than in the past two years — that is, generally ; fully one-third of my wheat this year fell down two weeks before it was ripe, still the crop was a fairly good one ; but should the season prove favourable to these pests, the damage might be serious." The Grain Plant-louse (Siphonophora avence, Fab.) — Specimens of wheat and oats attacked by the Grain Plant-louse have been sent in from several localities. The worst attacks were reported by Mr. John Tolmie, of Cloverdale, Victoria, B.C., on oats and by Mr. Lewis Rogers, of Cooksville, Peel Co., Ont., on fall wheat, where much dam- age was done to the young plants in October and early in November. In a case of this kind, if the vigorous wheat plants which have passed the winter are found to be too few in spring for a paying crop, clover may be broadcasted over the land before rolling, or the crop may be helped with a top dressing of some special fertilizer. Grasshoppers. — A noticeable feature of the correspondence of the division during the past season, as compared with last year, was the almost total absence of complaints of injury to farm crops by grasshoppers. This state of affairs was anticipated on ^account of the abundance of parasites of several kinds noticed last year and mentioned in my report for 1896. Fig. 1. The Red-legged Locust. Hair-worms (Gordius) have been sent in from Ontario and Quebec more frequently than any other parasites. The account of the strange life- history as far as known, never fails to excite the interest of inquirers. The only localities from which grasshoppers have been mentioned as injurious are : Sable Island, N.S., where they destroyed Brome grass which was being experimented with as a sand binder ; Manitoulin Island, Ont., where they did much harm to turnips ; and parts of Peterborough County, Ont., where hay and oats suffered to a limited extent from their ravages. 192 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. THE PEA WEEVIL OR "PEA BUG" (Bruchus pisi, L.). Attack, — A small, brownish gray, very active beetle, i of an inch long, with two cons- picuous black spots on the end of the body, which emerges from seed pease in autumn or in spring, leaving a small round hole. This insect is generally spoken of under the incorrect name of " pea bug," and infested pease, as "buggy" pease. The egg is laid on the outside of the young pod, and the grub, on hatching, eats its way in and pene- trates the nearest pea. Here it remains Fig. 2.— The Pea Weevil — natural size and enlarged, until full-grown, consuming the interior of the pea and passing through all its stages from a white fleshy grub to the chrysalis and then to the perfect beetle. Some of the beetles, the percentage varying with the season, escape from the pease in the autumn and pass the winter hidden away under rubbish or about barns and other buildings. The greater number, however, do not leave the pease until the following spring, so that they are frequently sown with the seed. The perfect insects fly easDy and resort to the pea fields about the time the blos- soms appear. They have been observed feeding upon the leaves and flowers of the pea vines before the pods were formed, but the injury so done is inappreciable compared with the much greater loss from the injury to the seeds by the grubs. From the large numbers of beetles which I once found dead, after a severe winter, beneath the shingles of a barn, I am led to believe that, in those seasons when a large percentage of the beetles issue in the autumn, many are apt to be destroyed by severe cold. Frequent inquiries come in every year for information concerning the Pea Weevil and the best means of preventing its injuries. During the past season, from such reports as have been received, it would appear that on the whole the Pea Weevil has not been quite so injurious as in formsr years. Some correspondents, however, report that the injury is still considerable. " Picton, Prince Edward Co., Nov. 6 — Our big pea houses report that the Weevil this year was not as bad as usual. Every effort is now made to destroy the Weevil by what is called " bugging " the pease as soon as they are received from the farmers." — [Wellington Boulter.] The insect itself and its life history are now well known in the districts where it occurs ; and, if more care were taken to sow only uninfested peas© or those which have been properly fumigated, there would be no diflSculty in reducing very considerably the numbers of this pest, which every year affects so materially the value of the pea crop of the Dominion. There are vast areas in Canada where good seed pease can be grown as a paying crop, and where the Pea Weevil does not occur at aU. The advantage of obtaining seed from these districts is obvious and has already been recognized by some of the large seed firms. In addition to this, the method usually adopted of killing the weevils, either as grubs or as perfect beetles inside the seed pease, by subjecting them to the fumes of bi-sulphide of carbon, is perfectly effective. Most of the seed houses at the present time treat their seed carefully and conscientiously, and the injury to the crop is now done chiefly by grubs from eggs laid by weevils which have either left the pease in the autumn and wintered over, or else from pease saved for seed in small quan- tities by farmers who took no steps to destroy the weevil before sowing time. Writing early in the present season, Mr. T. G. Raynor, of Rose Hall, Prince Edward Co., Ont., says : — "I do not think the pea weevil was nearly as bad in this county in 1896 as in previous years. Perhaps the season had something to do with it. REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGIST AND BOTANIST. 193 Still, every year for some time past, there have been fewer pease owned and sowed by the farmers themselves. The company pease, which are treated for the bug, have replaced the others. This must necessarily have its effect for good. I have no doubt that the pease had more bugs in them than was generally supposed, as the fancy pease grown here are cut and marketed early, before the weevil has developed much or can be detected, and the pease are generally treated for the bugs as soon as they are marketed." Late sowing is sometimes recommended as a preventive remedy, but is more or less uncertain in its good effects according to the season, and has never become very popular, although the method has always a few adherents in all districts visited, the idea, of course, being to delay the development of the pease until after the season when the weevils lay their eggs. The chief danger is that late sown pease are apt to be attacked by the ordinary white mildew of the pea, which reduces considerably the crop. I quote from my annual report for 1890, a statement by Mr. J. H. Allan, of Picton, Ont., one of the best informed authorities in the pea trade: — "Many of oui farmers sow the late sorts of pease late in the season — say, the first part of June — with good results. 1 have seen a field of Golden Vine pease sown early in May. The crop was literally filled with bugs. The neighbour of this farmer planted his in June, and his crop had none. I would say, plant as late as possible ; but this will not answer for all kinds. The extra early varieties must be put in as early as possible to insure a paying ctot^."— {Report of Ent. and Bot, C. E. F. Report, 1890, p. 173.) " Weston, York Co., Ont., March 8 : — The pea weevil, which eats out the centre of the pease in the barn, around here destroys about one-quarter of the crop. Some people sow late to escape the weevil, but they do not get half the crop as when they sow early. To sum up, if you sow early, you get a good crop of pease and weevil. Sow late, you get a poor crop of pease and few weevils. We sow about forty acres of pease on our 250 acre farm." — [J. La F. Stonehouse.] Remedies. — Bisulphide of Carbon. — Where the crop is large, undoubtedly the wisest course to adopt in districts where the pea weevil occurs, is to fumigate the pease with bisulphide of carbon as a regular practice as soon as possible after harvesting. In this way, any weevils contained in the pease will be destroyed in the grub state before they have consumed much of the substance of the pease in which they are undergoing their transformations. This may be done by placing the infested seed, according to the quantity to be treated, in some suitable receptacle, as a tight barrel, box or bin, or, if the quantity is large, in a specially prepared building. Mr. Allan describes his method, which is practically that generally adopted, as follows : " Nearly every large grower has a building for the purpose. If properly made, it works well. The whole building must be very tight to be of any use. Some use tin, others cement and paint and paper lining, with a double floor and tarred paper between. The pan we use to put the carbon bi- sulphide in is about three feet across and only about four inches deep. The chemical is thus exposed to more air than it would be in a deep dish, from which it could not evaporate quickly enough to do good service. I put my pan up close to the ceiling above the pease, because the vapour, being so much heavier than air, works down through them. We fill the building with bags as close as possible up to where the pan hangs, empty the bisulphide into the pan and get out as quickly as possible, close the door up tightly and leave it for 48 hours. This must be done in warm weather, as the liquid does not vaporize well when the temperature is lower than 10 degrees above zero." (C. E. F. Report, 1890, lo«. cit.) Perhaps the most convenient receptacle for treating weevilly pease, for farmers, is an ordinary 45 gallon coal oil barrel, into which 5 bushels of pease may be put at a time ; the quantity of bisulphide of carbon which has been found necessary is one ounce to every hundred pounds of seed ; therefore, for the above quantity tiiree ounces should be poured into some flat pan placed on the top of the seed or sprinkled over the surface, and the barrel eovered closely, first with a thick cloth or canvas which has been damped in water, and then with boards. The barrel should be in an outside shed and left closed for 48 hours. Bisulphide of carbon is a colourless liquid which volatilizes very eeadily at ordinary temperatures ; the vapour, which is quite invisible bmt has a strong una pleasant 8a— 13 194 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. odour, is heavier than air, and therefore sinks readily to the bottom and permeates the whole contents of any closed receptacle in which it is used to free grain of infesting insects. Great care must be taken in the use of this chemical on account of the extreme in- flammability both of the liquid and its vapour. No fire, such as a flame or even a lighted pipe or cigar, must be taken near either the liquid or the bin in which the pease have been treated, for some time after it is opened and the heavy and inflammable vapour has been let out. Treating seed of any kind with bisulphide of carbon has no deleterious effect upon the vitality of the seed nor upon its wholesomeness as food. The question sometimes arises whether pease badly infested with weevils can be used safely for feed. I find upon inquiry that it is a general practice to grind up weevilly pease and use them for feed, and no injury to stock has been reported so far. Mr. T. G. liaynor, answering this very question in the Farmer's Advocate for March 1, 1897, says : — " The cull pease from re-cleaning the pease at the seed houses, after being treated for the bug, are used for feeding purposes, and I have not heard of any injury." Mr. Wellington Boulter, the Mayor of Picton, Ont., one of the most important centres of the seed-pea trade in Canada, also writes as follows : — ** November 26. — In re your inquiry as to grinding pease infested with pea-weevil for pigs, injury to stock, oung 8a—l3h 196 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. vegetables. It is a common grub, but is in such unusual numbers that the poor people fear that every vegetable will be destroyed." — [Mrs. D. W. Macdonell.] No new remedies have been discovered for these troublesome pests of the garden and farm. The remedies given in my last report have been found very serviceable, particularly the poisoned bran remedy, when the material was used either dry or moistened. Potatoes have been an uneven crop, very good in many places, but in as many others, there was loss from neglecting to use Paris green for the Colorado Potato- beetle and to spray for the potato-rot. Mr. W. W. Hubbard, of Sussex, N.B., the editor of the Cooperative Farmer, says : — " We had a very wet spring with considerable damp, sultry weather through the summer, and this was very favourable to spore growth. Potatoes were early struck with rust. Scarcely any one will use the Bordeaux mixture." This is a great pity, for the results of spraying to prevent the potato-rust, which later produces the potato-rot, are so marked that any one who will try a small experiment, must be soon convinced of the value of this remedy. Blister-beetles. — The Black Blister Bee tle(^picaitIA.RY. The practical roanagement of the Apiary, as heretofore, has been satisfactorily carried on by Mr. John Fixter, the Farm Foreman. The interest shown in the Apiary has been very encouraging ; large nuMibers of visitors have examined it, who have been gratified by the attention shown them and by the explanations given in all matters con- nected with bee-keeping. One experiment was particularly observed, namely, what has been called the " House Apiary." This is treated of by Mr. Fixter in his report appended hereto. Many of the experiments begun in former seasons have been continued ; but those on wax foundations were not taken up this year. In addition to the explanations given to visitors, two valuable addresses were delivered by Mr. Fixter to the students of the Ottawa Normal School upon the subject of bee-keeping, and he also attended two meetings of Farmers' Institutes, one at Russell Village, Russell County, Ont., and the other at Bell's Corners, Carleton County, Ont., at both of which the directors of the institutes requested that the subject of bee-keeping should be brought up. The season at Ottawa, with reference to bee-keeping, has been a very remarkable one. Although in June there was a good amount of blossom on flowering plants, bee- keepers in the district were all surprised to find how little honey was stored by their bees. Notes are being taken, with the dates, of the diflereut kinds of flowers which are attractive to bees, and will be published at some future date. The Breaking Buckthorn, or, as it is more generally known, the Alder Buckthorn {Rkamn-n,s Frangula), was noticed to be particularly visited and for a very long period by bees. A supply of the seed of this shrub was, therefore, collected and distributed to all bee-keepers who asked for it before the supply was exhausted. The condition of the Apiary I consider quite satisfactory, and it is a branch of the Farm work which is growing in popularity from year to year (a fact, it must be stated, almost entirely due to Mr. Fixter's skill and good management). Results op the Work of the Season. On August 28th all the supers were removed from our hives, when 212 partly filled sections were found. This was all the surplus honey svhich had been made during the year, and the whole of this was returned to the bees for their winter sustenance. It should also be mentioned that not only has there been an entire lack of surplus honey, but the bees have also failed to swarm, so that the number of colonies was not increased. These results appear the more extraordinary when we consider the large quantities of honey made per colony during the past two years. In 1895 the average was 54 sections per colony, and in 1896 it was 50 sections, besides 16 lbs. ^ oz. of extracted honey pei- colony, all having been under the same management and care. There seems to have been an unusual deficiency of nectar in the flowers. The bees worked industriously, but were barely able to accumulate enough for their own subsistence, [ndeed it was neces- sary to supplement their stores with considerable quantities of sugar in order to keep them supplied. This discouraging condition of affairs prevailed all over the eastern parts of Ontario. In the western parts of that province better results are reported. The following extracts from letters received will show the peculiarity of the season of 1897, in the Ottawa district: — "Ottawa, January 7, 1898. — As you are probably aware last season was one of the most peculiar, if not the most peculiai*, in the history of bee-keeping in this section of Canada. REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGIST AND BOTANIST. 223 " Soon after my bees were removed from winter quarters I noticed that although seemingly working hard every fine day, they were getting little if any honey, and were very rapidly using up the balance of their winter supply. I think I am safe in saying they got nothing from either maple, willow or fruit bloom, that is to say, early fruit bloom such as apple, plum, cherry, currant, &c. After my bees had been out about a week I began feeding systematically every evening, giving perhaps half a cupful to every hive, and by the beginning of May, even with this amount of feeding, they were still drawing heavily on the not very large amount left over from wintering, so much so that by the second week in May scarcely a colony in all my apiary had more than a very little unsealed honey and the hives were absolutely filled with brood, more so than I have ever seen them before, many of the frames having brood in the first row of cells from the top bar of the frame. " I could not detect any honey being brought in until after the 24th of May, and then only in small quantities from the raspberry bloom. I fed steadily until the 23rd of May, and am quite satisfied that I realized handsomely by doing so. It is perhaps worth mentioning here that in the spring of 1896 all my strong colonies filled the two outside frames so full of honey that I removed them and put empty frames in the hives between the middle frames. The flow was from the willow. Swarming began on the 4th of June, and I have never had finer swarms than during the past season, the great trouble was there appeared to be no end to the swarming season, as I had several swarms in September, as late as the first week, when buckwheat honey was coming in freely. " I took 45 hives out of winter quarters, having put away 46 ; the one lost was from dampness, it was touching the outside wall of the cellar. I sold two colonies just before swarming, and by the end of September I had 90 good colonies, most of them very heavy with honey, even the late swarms in September filled up well with buckwheat and goldenrod (Solidago) and required very little feeding to bring them up to the 55 pound limit. I sold 25 colonies this fall and have 65 in the cellar now. My total yield of comb honey was a little over 1,100 pounds, of which two-thirds was white clover, bass- wood and possibly some raspberry mixed, the balance was goldenrod and buckwheat mixed, making a quite agreeable honey. " I have an idea that the reason of the excessive swarming was partly on account of the honey flow being very intermittent, perhaps two or three days of a heavy flow and then several days with little or none. During the idle days the working force would hang about the hives and amuse themselves building queen cells. Then in a few days out they would come. The total return for the past season by the sale of bees and honey was $325, less about $15 for honey fed in the spring." — [Percy H. Selwyn.] "Almonte, Jan. 12, 1898. — This year I got no white honey. Last year I had between 2,500 and 3,000 pounds. This year's dark honey was about 20 per cent of last year's, and similarly, new swarms were about 20 per cent of last year's. As for feeding, I do not do much of that. Most of my colonies go into winter quarters, heavy with natural stores ; but some of the old colonies had none too much, and two or three of the new ones this year did not actually gather enough to winter on." — [J. K. Darling.] "Chard, Ont., Dec. 27. — I set out 105 colonies on April 23. I had a few colonies set out some days before that. The first pollen was seen coming in on April 22. By July 1, through robbing and starving my colonies were reduced to 70. At the end of the season these were increasod to 82. I got 500 lbs. comb honey and 1,500 lbs. extracted, all dark honey. Another bee-keeper here says he began the season with 40 colonies. He had no increase in swarms. He got 50 lbs. comb honey and 860 lbs. ex- tracted, all dark honey." — [W. J. Brown.] "Bearbrook, Jan. 8, 1898. — I never experienced such a hard spring and summer since I have kept bees. I carried out 22 hives. Four or five were weak, so I united four colonies into two. I ran 4 of my strongest hives for comb-honey and 16 for extracting. The spring was cold and dark, and the summer hot and dry. There was no clover until September, perhaps a little in August ; but I never saw such a fall harvest. My bees never did better, even in June and July, than they did for me this year in September off the wild flowers, which grow on the low swampy land along streams. The honey was dark, but of a delicious flavour. — [A. R. McRae.] 224 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. REPORT OF MR. JOHN FIXTER. Season op 1897. April 5. — Hives all taken out of their winter quarters and placed on their summer stands. The bees came out at once and iiew well. 6. — Cloudy, but not cold ; no flying. 7. — Fine but cool ; flying well. 8, — Fine, cool toward evening ; bees flying about three hours. 9. — Dull day ; no flying. 10. — Warm ; some flying. 11. — Warm; bees flying well, some bees attempting to rob; openings closed to one bee's space. 13. — Cold and wet; little flying. 16. — First pollen gathered from swamp willows. 17-20.— No flying. 21. — All bees flying and gathering pollen off different species of willows. 22. — All flying and working on the flowers of the Siberian squill. 22-May 11 — Working well, gathering pollen, jilay 11. — Plum trees and dandelion beginning to blccm. Bees very thick on both. " 13. — Bees working well on wild cherry. " 19. — Cherry and apple trees in bloom, very attractive to bees. *' 25. — Bees working on the Siberian pea tree {Caragana). June 1. — Many dead drones and some worker bees were carried out to the entrance of several hives, a most unusual occurrence at this season of the year, a result probably occasioned in some instances by scarcity of new honey. A very close inspection being made, several hives were found to be short of stores and had to be fed, although there were many plants and shrubs at that time blooming. " 9. — The Bush Honeysuckle (Lonicera Tatarica grandijlora) came into bloom. " 13. — White clover coming into bloom ; notwithstanding the abundance of bloom, no increase in honey was observed. ** 13-15 and later. — Bees working on white clover, alsike clover, Alder Buck- thorn {Rhamnus Frangula), also raspberries and Mock Orange (Philor delphus). All hives fed on syrup, very little new honey having been gathered. " 15-20. — Weather very fine. Bees flying well but no honey appeared to be gathered. " 25. — All flying and working well on white clover and alsike, carrying in some pollen, no surplus honey being stored at this date. Several hives fed with syrup (made by dissolving two parts sugar in one part water, the sugar being added to the water while hot and stirred until dissolved). Bees beginning to improve, showing signs of greater vigour. «* 30. — Fine weather ; bees flying freely. Some new honey was stored by the strongest colonies ; it was, however, found necessary to feed some hives. July 1-6. — Bees working well ; all hives gained rapidly in weight during this period. " 6. — Bees working well. " 11. — Basswood just coming into bloom; flowers scarce, and, on account of the extreme heat of the weather there was but little gain in weight from this source. " 18. — Bees working on basswood, buckthorn, Catalpa and also on asparagus. " 24. — Bees working on hotse beans. Buckwheat in bloom and bees working on it. Aug. 1. — Buckwheat honey was gathered freely. 1-28. — The weather was very tine and bees were flying well, but very little surplus honey was stored. All supers were removed ; 212 partly filled sec- tions taken off, which were afterwards returned for winter stores. (( REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGIST AND BOTANIST. 225 Experiments in Wintering (1896-97). Experiment Ifo. 1. — Nov. 16, 1896. — Fifteen colonies were put into winter quarters in the cellar and placed on the shelves, beginning eighteen inches from the floor. Under the back end of each hive was placed a three inch block, by which means the back of each hive was raised so as to ensure free ventilation. Each hive was raised from its own bottom board three-eighths of an inch at the back. All front entrances were left wide open, the wooden covers all removed, leaving the propolis quilt on 12 hives and placing a chaff cushion four inches thick on each. On the remaining three hives no propolis quilt was used, but the chaff cushion was laid close to the frames. No differ- ence could be seen between the colonies having on the propolis quilt and those which had none, that is, as to dampness, &c. Temperature was taken once a week all through the winter : — Highest. Lowest. November 16 to 30 46 40 December 44 43 January 44 43 February 45 43 March 46 42 April 46 The bees were quiet throughout the winter, very slight hum being noticeable. On April 5 all hives were removed to their summer stands. The temperature was kept regular in the cellar by means of a coal stove and careful watching. The stove was placed in an adjoining room, and was lit when the temperature was low or the cellar damp. The stove and ventilators require a great deal of watching, so as not to allow sudden draughts of warm or cold air, as either disturb the bees too much. As the advantageous use of the coal stove requires experience, at present I would not recommend it to beginners. Since the cement floor, shelving and complete ventilation have been put in the cellar, it has given entire satisfaction. During the past winter every colony in this experiment was perfectly dry and clean and showed no uneasiness of any kind, and all came out in excellent condition. Average weight of each hive when put into winter quarters was 51 pounds ; when taken out on April 5, the average weight was 41 pounds 10 ounces per hive, showing that each hive had lost 9 pounds 6 ounces, which was rather less than the usual amount, owing to the comfortable cellar. Experiment No. 2. — Colonies Nos. 14 and 20 wer" put into the cellar with tops and bottoms of hives left on, just as they were brought in from the bee-yard. These were to be watched for dampness. During November and December there was a slight hum in both hives, but they were quite dry. Jan. 11. — Hive No. 14 was damp and noisy; hive No, 20 was dry. Feb. 1. — Both quite dry, but there were many dead bees at the entrance of hive No. 14. Feb. 8. — Colony No. 1 4 very noisy and hive damp ; cover removed and ventilation i given at bottom by raising the front entrance an additional two inches. Feb. 22. — Both hives perfectly dry and quiet. Mar. 1-29. — Hive No. 14 had some spots of faeces on the entrance, and when removed from the cellar on April 5 there was about one inch of dead bees and some mould on the bottom board, but the bees were in fair condition, as the colony was a large one. April 5. — Hive No. 20 noisy, but dry ; very few dead bees on bottom board. Total weight of the two hives when put in, 105 pounds ; when taken out, 82 pounds. No. 14 weighed 13 pounds less, hive No. 20, 10 pounds less than when put into winter quarters. May 24. — Hive No. 14 had 7 frames of bees and h\ frames of brood; hive No. 20 had 8 frames of bees and 6^ frames of brood. 8a— 15. 226 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. Experiment No. S. — Hives stored in a root-house. Two colonies, Nos. 4 and 6, were kept in a large root-house, which is 100 feet long, 25 feet wide and 10 feet deep. The hives were placed on a shelf nailed up against the side wall, about 3 feet from the ^ceiling and projecting 2 feet. A curtain was hung from the wall over the top and down in front of the hives, so as to keep out all light. The propolis quilt of hive No. 4 was taken off and a chaff cushion put on in its place. The propolis quilt was left on hive No. 6 and a chaff cushion placed above it. The fronts of both hives were raised an additional half inch to give free ventilation. Temperature was taken every Monday of each week. Nov. 3-6. — Bees in both hives quite dry, but making considerable hum. December. — Temperature of root-house, highest 38, lowest 36 ; both colonies noisy and quite damp, scarcely any dead bees on bottom of hives. January. — Temperature of root-house, highest 39, lowest 37 ; both colonies very noisy, damp and mouldy. February. — Temperature of root-house, highest 39, lowest 37 ; both hives quite damp and mouldy. Colony No. 4 showed signs of dysentery. March. — Temperature, highest 43, lowest 35 ; both hives showed signs of dysentery ; some few bees coming out of both hives ; very few dead bees around either. April 5. — Both hives removed to bee-yard. Both colonies showed signs of dysentery, dampness and mould, but both were very strong in numbers. Another experiment was also carried on with these two hives ; the propolis quilt was left on hive No. 6 between the chaff cushion and the frames. On hive No. 4 no propolis quilt was used, the chaff cushion being placed next to the frames ; the object of this was to see if the propolis quilt was liable to hold the moisture in the hives. After careful watching all the winter, no difference could be noticed. Weight of hive No. 4 in the autumn of 1896, 60^ pounds ; in the spring of 1897, 45 pounds a loss of 15^ pounds. Weight of hive No. 6 in the autumn of 1896, 63 pounds; in the spring of 1897, 50| pounds, a loss of 12^ pounds. Another examination was made on May 24. Hive No. 4 had 5 frames of bees and 4 frames of brood. Hive No. 6 had 7 frames of bees and 6 frames of brood, so that they were in excel- lent condition for a honey flow. Experiment No. 4. — Nov. 16, 1896. — Colonies Nos. 1 and 3 were put into a pit dug in the side of a hill, 3 feet deep by 3 feet in width and 10. feet long, in such a way- that the ventilators at both ends might not be immediately above the hives, which were in the middle of the pit. The hives rested on two cedar poles laid the full length of the pit. A third cedar pole of the same length was laid in front of the entrance of the hives, and insured the necessary circulation of the air from the two ventilators one at each end of the pit. These ventilators, which were 3 inches by 4 inches were made of boards, three of which reached down to the bottom of the pit, the fourth only to the top I of the pit, and the ventilators rose three feet above the ground. In each hive half inch strips of wood were laid under both sides and under the back end, between the brood chambers and the bottom boards, so as to provide more space at the bottom of the hive in case a quantity of dead bees should accumulate there. The pit was filled up with loose straw up to four inches from the top, which was made of cedar poles along the length of the pit, the middle ones higher than the others, covered with a layer of straw and one foot of soil. A small shaft was also arranged between the hives, down which a thermometer could be let by means of a string, so that the temperature of the pit could be ascertained. The thermometer was examined once a week. If the temperature rose too much, some of the covering might be removed ; and if the contrary, some added. Temperature was taken once each week. Temperature for November was 42 each time it was taken, and no sound was heard at any time through the shaft or ventilators. REPORT OF THE FNTOMOLOGIST AND BOTANIST. 227 Temperature for the first two weeks of December was 42 ; remainder of month, 39. On December 21, one foot of horse manure was placed over the pit to try and raise the temperature, but no difference was appreciable. The temperature for February and March was 39, and did not vary one degree during the two months. The temperature of the pit on April 5, was 40 ; the day being very fine, both colonies were removed to the bee yard Hive No. 3, was very damp and mouldy, and had half an inch of dead bees on the bottom board, but no evidence of dysentery. Hive No. 1 was also very damp and mouldy and the entrance had some evidence of dysentery ; on the bottom board there was about half an inch of dead bees. Mice had found their way into the pit, but had not been there long enough to do any harm. The weight of hive No. 1, in the autumn of 1896, was 50 pounds, and in the spring of 1897, 40 pounds, a loss of 10 pounds. The weight of hive No. 3, in the autumn of 1896, was 52 pounds, and in the spring of 1897, 44 pounds, a loss of only 8 pounds. May 24, another examination was made as to the strength of the colonies. No. 1 had 7 frames of bees and 6 frames with brood. No. 3 had 8 frames of bees and 6J frames with brood. This experiment, therefore, is very satisfactory, and the method is one which can be adopted at small expense by any one who wishes to keep bees. Care must be taken to choose a well drained spot for the location of the pit, and to cover the ventilators with wire netting to keep out mice. Experiment No. 5. — Wintering in wood shed (house apiary). Two colonies, Nos. 46 and 48 were left in the wood shed with some additional packing as stated in last year's report, page 270. The wood shed has walls which are double boarded, with an air space of four inches. The floor, which is about one foot from the ground is also double boarded and there is no draught under it. The hives were moved one foot from the wall, and placed on a double thickness of sacks laid on the floor ; the wooden covers were removed and replaced by cushions. In addition to this, the hives were covered above and all round with a double thickness of the same packing. No ventilation was provided for one hive (No. 46) ; for the other, (No. 48), a small shaft half an inch square extended from the opening of the hive to the outside of the shed, and half-inch strips of wood were placed under both sides and under the back, and between the bottom boards and the brood chamber, so as to give more space at the bottom of the hive in case a quantity of dead bees should accumulate. No flying took place from the time they were packed until they were opened in the spring. No difference could be noticed as to strength of colonies. April 5, both hives had two inches of dead bees on the bottom boards and were damp and mouldy, and both colonies were in a very weak condition. Another examination was made on April 22, when both hives were found to be deserted. Hive No. 46 weighed in theautumnof 1896, 63 pounds, and in the following spring it weighed 48 pounds, showing a loss of 15 pounds. Hive No. 48 weighed in the autumn of 1896, 53 pounds, and in the following spring it weighed 37 pounds, a loss of 16 pounds. Conclusions. — The mode of wintering that has given most satisfaction is No. 1. No. 2. Hives put in the cellar as they came from the bee-yard had not suflficient ventilation. This result agrees with that of last year. During the winter of 1897-98 this experiment is being repeated and also two hives have been stored in the same way except that the wooden covers have been removed, leaving nothing but the propolis quilt. 8a— L5J 228 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. No. 3. Wintering in a root-house. This experiment was fairly satisfactory, but the hives were too damp. An effort is being made this year to keep the hives drier, by having more ventilation at the bottom. No. 4. Wintering in a pit out of doors. This experiment was satisfactory, but is being tried this year without filling up the pit with loose straw as was done last year, and two inches of space have been left both at the back and in the front of the hives for better ventilation. No. 5. Wintering in a closed shed, the hives being merely protected with a double thickness of sacks above and all round them. This experiment was a failure. The cold of winter destroyed most of the bees, very few being alive in spring. The experiment is tried again this winter with the hives placed farther from the outside wall and with more protection against frost. House Apiary. An experiment was carried on in a wood-shed, a part of which was partitioned off for that purpose and is now called the House Apiary. This house apiary opens into a yard that is 30 by 60 feet, surrounded by a close board fence 6 feet high, which gives an excellent shelter from prevailing winds. Both the south and east sides of the shed are covered with grape vines, which seem to keep the building cool during the very hot weather, and the vines are trained so as to leave the entrances perfectly clear. One part of the space in the shed devoted to this purpose faced the south-east and was 7 feet high, 6 feet long and 4 feet wide. In this portion were placed two tiers of hives ; the bottom tier was set on the floor, which is one foot from the ground and double-boarded. The second tier was set on a shelf 3 feet 6 inches from the floor. Another portion of the shed facing the south-west 7 feet high, 4 feet wide and 32 feet long. There were here 12 hives in one row upon the floor. From the experience of the past year gained with the part first mentioned, I would recommend two tiers on the south-west side, so that the vacant space might be profit- ably occupied. The entrances to the hives were 3 feet apart and were cut through the wall of the shed ; they were 6 inches by 6 inches, with an alighting board projecting 7 inches by 1 2 inches wide and sloping so as to throw off rain. The hives are set close to the wall, so as to confine the bees to their own hives. Conclusions. — During the past two summers the colonies in the house apiary, which is surrounded by an inclosed yard, having more shelter from the cold winds of both spring and autumn, were frequently observed to be flying, while the colonies in the exposed open apiary remained in their hives. Another advantage of this arrangement is that there is less danger of robbing. When the hives are being inspected the examination is obviously more convenient in wet weather, being under shelter ; further, if the apartment were made 6 feet wide, instead of 4 feet, and a shelf placed on the wall to hold bee appliances, this would add greatly to its convenience. The alighting board might be made to project only 6 inches and be 10 inches wide. REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGIST AND BOTANIST. 229 GRASSES AWNLESS BROME GRASS {Bromus inermis, Leyss). One of the most valuable pieces of work which has been accomplished by the Experimental Farms is the successful introduction into Canadian Agriculture of the Awnless Brome Grass, which, on the whole, has done better than any other introduced grass we have sent out for trial, both for hay and for pasture. The seed of this grass was imported from Russia during the first year of the institution of the Experimental Farms, and it has been grown ever since, with remarkable success. Every year small packages of the seed have been distributed ftee, in every province of the Dominion to such fanners as have asked for samples, and the reports received from them have been most satisfactory. On the prairies of the West, where, on account of the rapid settle- ment of the country and of the increase in the numbers of stock, the native grasses are now failing, the Awnless Brome grass is found to be a most useful substitute. The seed germinates readily and the young plants soon become established. It is a perennial grass with running root-stocks, and is conspicuous for its free leafy growth and tall stems (3 to 5 feet high), which bear an abundance of seed. It flowers at Ottawa in the last week of June or the first week of July. It is very hardy and early, and pro- duces a large crop of hay, which, although rather coarse-looking, is soft, sweet-smelling and palatable to all stock ; chemical analysis also shows that it possesses great food value. ^ ISTot only does Awnless Brome grass thrive in the rich, moist soil of the eastern provinces, but its growth and productiveness are so wonderful, even it the dry plains of the West, that its cultivation, together with that of the Western Rye-grass (Agrojjyrum tenerum, Vasey), — another most valuable grass, a native of iNforth-western America, which indeed is the well known *' Bunch Grass " of the West, — may be said without exaggeration to have solved the problem of fodder production on a large scale in the arid western sections. Under irrigation on the farm of Mr. Wm. Hull, of Calgary, Brome grass has given on 200 acres of land the enormous yield of 4| tons of grass per acre. It seems to stand a little more water than Timothy when irrigated. On good lands in the east it produces without irrigation from Ig^ to 2|- tons of hay per acre. One notable feature which distinguishes this grass, is that, while most grasses after the flowering period deteriorate rapidly while the seeds ripen, Awnless Brome grass can be left standing till the seeds are fully ripe, and yet the hay crop will be heavier, without being poorer, than if it had been cut when in flower, as should be done generally for all hay grasses in order to get the best value. This remarkable characteristic of Brome grass is due to the fact that after the seed-bearing stem has grown up, a great number of leafy sterile shoots spring up from its base. It is owing to this supplementary growth that the straw, after threshing, still makes hay of excellent quality. A special value for this grass has lately been discovered, namely, its adaptability for alkaline soil. Mr. Mackay, having tried some experiments, reports as follows : — " Indian Head, Assa., Nov. 12. — The Brome grass on alkaline land, which I referred to in speaking to the Committee on Agriculture while in Ottawa, was grown on two low spots in a field of about 15 acres. The spots are not very large (f acre in both), but, before sowing, the bottoms were white with alkali, though not so bad as low places in other districts. A good many crops had been grown on the field prior to the grass being sown, and no doubt have had some effect on the alkali. It seems to me as if alkali washes out of the soil into low spots, for we find it in varying quantities in places where water stands for a few days and then settles into the soil. Last June we had a deluge of rain, leaving us a 5-acre plot in one of the grain fields covered with water 230 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. until September. That spot is covered with alkali now, and so far as I know there has been no alkali there before. *' The crop of hay on the ^ acre was very heavy, but the land being moist would cause a good crop in any case. Part of this year's crop of Brome hay was grown on low places, upon which alkali is observed every year we plough them ; and in these places the crop was very heavy. As no record waa taken of the yield on the alkaline spots, I cannot give any exact quantity per acre, but there was at least one-third more hay on them than on the ordinary land." — [Angus Mckay.] "Urquhart, Alta., Nov. — The 1-pound bag of seed received was sown June 11, on 330 square yards of a field which had been sown with grain for the two previous years ; but in this particular position little or nothing had grown, the soil being alkaline clay, which is always baked hard in summer. The ground was ploughed in May and well harrowed, and again harrowed previous to the grass being sown, in order to destroy the weeds. The grass grew to a height of 16 inches, but not vigorously over all the ground, some patches being quite bare. It was green atid fresh when aXl the surrounding grass on field and prairie was withered and dead from the early frost. It was not cut. I feel satisfied that it will be a capital grass for hay or pasture, and I intend to sow the whole field (7 acres) with this grass." — [P. McDonald.] The above quotations suggest a special value in this most excellent grass which was Qot thought of at the time it was introduced. In certain parts of British Columbia, the two native species Bromus Fumpellianus, Scrib., which closely resembles B. inermis, and a large succulent species, B. brevi-aristatvs Buckl., have been preferred by some growers and further experiments with these species ue now being carried on. REPORT OF THE POULTRY MANAGER. (A. G. Gilbert.) To Dr. William Saunders, Director Dominion. Experimental Farms, Ottawa. I have the honour to submit herewith the tenth annual report of the Poultry Department. The work of the year has been principally in the line of feeding reduced rations, and noting — 1. EflFect in increased, or, decreased output of eggs. 2. On the general health of the laying stock. The results were most gratifying and are given in the following pages, with full particulars of the change in quantity and value of the rations. The experience gained cannot fail to be of interest and value to all those desirous of obtaining eggs from their laying stock, in winter, at the least possible cost. Details are also given of the experimental managing and feeding of 50 hens, as requested by the members of the Committee on Agriculture, of the House of Commons of 1896. There is a marked increase in the correspondence of the year and no little part of it is devoted to inquiries as to the best means of artificially hatching and rearing of early chickens, ducks, &c. Addresses on the care and management of poultry, markets for eggs and kindred subjects were delivered at the following points during the year, viz.: — Ontario — Lanark, Kingston, Guelph, Monklands, Moose Creek, Maxville, Quigley, Summerstown and Smith's Falls. Quebec — Montreal. Nova Scotia — Grand Pre and Cornwallis (2). New Brunswick — Fredericton, Upper Maugersville, Hampstead, Long Reach, Riverside, St. Joseph's College, Pointe de Butte and Sackville. Prince Edward Island — Charlottetown, Alberton, Summerside and Georgetown. A new feature at the Smith's Falls meeting was the exhibition of poultry, killed and dressed, to suit the requirements of the British market. The poultry was killed and dressed on the Experimental Farm by an expert. The exhibition consisted of turkeys, geese, ducks and chickens and was closely examined by a large number of farmers and their wives. As an interesting and instructive object lesson it was much appreciated. I have the pleasure of again testifying to the zeal and energy of Mr. George Deavey to whose faithful carrying out of instructions given and interest taken in the work much of the success attained is due. I have the honour to be. Sir, Your obedient servant, A. G. GILBERT. 231 232 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. REPORT OF THE POULTRY MANAGER. The work of the past year has been unusually important and successful. Important, because it embraced the experimental feeding, to the laying stock, of a less quantity of cheaper rations than formerly. Successful, for the reason that a greater number of eggs was obtained, during the winter period of high prices, at a lessened cost of production. It will be interesting then to the farmers and poultry breeders of the country to learn how such results were brought about. WHAT CLOSE OBSERVATION LED TO. The experience of former years led first to the suspicion and finally to the convic- tion that the great drawback to successful winter laying was the hens becoming over- fat — particulary those of the Asiatic and American breeds — from overfeeding and consequent disinclination to exertion. This was more noticeable when the soft mash morning ration was fed, as was thought, in too great quantity. It was also noticed that the overfat condition was more general and disastrous about the end of February, or beginning of March. The indications of an overfat condition were : — 1. The laying of eggs with thin or soft shells. 2. Eggs laid of abnormal size and unusual shape. 3. The sickness of several of the laying fowls from an ailment at first thought to be acute indigestion, but later supposed to be enteritis or inflammation of the intestines, and which in the majority of cases resulted in death. 4. The sudden death of several two and three year old hens, of the large breeds, from apoplexy. SIMILAR CASES ELSEWHERE. Investigation received incentive by the reception of several letters, from persons in different parts of the country, describing an ailment which afi"ected their fowls, and similar to that noted in the farm fowls. The following letter may be taken as a specimen of those received, and describes the symptoms : — " Dear Sir, — My hens are suffering from some disease. They have been laying well up to this time (end of February and early March). They seem to lose the use of their legs and lie on their sides. They seem feverish and distressed. Some get over it, others die. We give them mash in the morning and grain at other times. They have water to drink and old mortar for lime." In the ca*e of the farm fowls, castor oil in small doses was given with a ration of soft food, and the correspondents were advised to try the same. The ailment was a new experience and experts consulted thought it a form of acute indigestion. SOME LIGHT ON THE MATTER. What was the ailment 1 It seemed an outcome of the overfeeding, over stimulating (and consequent overfat condition) of the laying fowls, in the attempt to procure eggs in winter. Some light was thrown on the subject by the publication, by Dr. W. Sanborn, of a book on poultry diseases, in which he describes " Enteritis," the symptoms of which so closely resembled those of the sick fowls of correspondents and farm, as to make conjecture almost a certainty. Dr. Sanborn thus writes : — " Enteritis, an inflammation of one or more of the intestines, has received much attention and investigation of late." Cause of Disease. — Feeding too stimulating or irritating foods ; long continued feeding of one ration ; eating of poisonous vegetable or mineral matter ; worms or anything that tends to inflame or irritate the bowels. REPORT OF THE POULTRY MANAGER. 233 Symptoms. — Great general weakness. Bird gets into a corner, or lies down in a listless manner with feathers ruffled. Eyes are nearly closed. The bird is hot, in fact there is general fever. It seems to shiver and is restless. Discharges are watery with mucous, stringy matter, sometimes tinged with bile or blood. It is quite common for fatal cases to show stupor, or wildness when well advanced with the disease. Treatment. — Remove cause. Give teaspoonful of castor oil. Stop feeding hard food or grit for some days. Give mash of stale bread and milk with rice water or boiled milk for drink. The foregoing description of the ailment is given at length for the benefit of numerous inquirers and others, who are feeding for eggs in winter. A TRYING MONTH. The month of March seemed to be the most trying to all the laying stock. It was at that time that the Spanish breeds seemed more predisposed to e^% eating and feather picking. This was attributed to the long period of artificial life and treatment, in com- paratively limited quarters, and it was so stated in the annual report of 1893. But later observation, the results of which are given in this report, showed that the main oause was not such as was supposed at that time. It was also noticed that, when the ground was free of snow in spring and the fowls had outside run, all trouble ceased. CONCLUSIONS ARRIVED AT FROM THE FOREGOING. The conclusions arrived at from the foregoing experience and that of correspondents are : — 1. That there had been too many and not variety enough in the rations fed during winter. 2. That the warm morning mash had been fed in too liberal quantity, if not too frequently. 3. That more exercise and more green stuff were necessary. 4. That lime for shell should be conveyed, if possible, in the form of a ration, as well as being before the layers in the shape of crushed oyster shells. 5. That it is of paramount importance to have the winter layers over moult early ; of the proper age and into winter quarters neither too fat nor too lean. 6. That the handling of the winter layers, so as to have them over their moult early and into winter quarters in proper condition, must begin in summer. THE REMEDY APPLIED AND WHEN AND HOW. In the summer and fall of the past three years the handling of the laying stock, so as to procure an early moult, was successfully carried out, as described in the reports of those years. But it was not until the fall of 1896 that it was decided to reduce the number of rations. Accordingly, when the laying stock went into winter quarters in November, 1896, the noon ration was dropped and the morning ration slightly reduced. The rations were then two in number, viz., morning and afternoon, instead of three, a reduction of nearly one-third. The result was nearly one-third more eggs. Details are given further on. The year is dated from the 1st of November of each year named; as winter laying usually begins in that month. THE MODIFIED RATIONS. — HOW MADE UP. — HOW FED. The number of layers in the fall of 1896, and to which the modified rations were fed, was 204, composed of 151 hens and 53 pullets. The reduced rations were as follows. 234 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. MORNING RATION. Three mornings of the week, cut green bones ; the other three mornings, a warm ma^h. The green bones were got from the butcher shops and were cut up by a bone cutting machine, run by power. The mash was composed of shorts, ground oats, ground barley, ground rye, wheat bran, steamed lawn clippings, or steamed clover hay, the latter cut into short lengths. The lawn clippings and clover hay were prepared by placing the quantity thought sufficient, into a pot, containing boiling water, the night previous and allowing it to steam all night. The mash was mixed with boiling water. Sometimes for a change boiled turnips, or small potatoes were mixed into the mash. On Sunday morning whole grain was usually fed. NO NOON RATION. No noon ration was given, but mangels, turnips and cabbage were before the fowls, all the time. AFTERNOON RATION. Whole grain, wheat or buckwheat, principally the lattei* while it lasted. Some- times oats were mixed with the buckwheat, more frequently so in late spring and early summer. QUANTITY FED. The cut green bones were fed in the proportion of one pound to every fifteen hens. The mash in quantities of one quart to every twenty, or twenty-five hens. This may seem a small ration, but reasons for it are given further on. The afternoon meal was 20 pounds of wheat, or buckwheat, to 204 fowls. WHAT WAS AIMED AT. The aim in feeding the above rations was : — 1. To avoid an overfat condition. 2. To incite the layers to greater activity. 3. To convey lime for shell in form of cut green bone ration. 4. To furnish a greater quantity of green stuflF. 5. To have as much variety in rations as possible. 6. To avoid many of the ills and vicious propensities noted in former years. HOW OVERFEEDING WAS AVOIDED. There was no hard and fast rule, as to the frequency with which the cut green bone was fed. When the hens were laying well a little would be fed, perhaps, every morning On such times no mash was used. Immediately after the morning ration a few hands- full of grain were thrown in the litter on the floor of the pens, so as to start the hens busily searching for it. Great care was taken in feeding the mash. Experience has proved that the overfeeding of the morning mash is the rock on which many farmers and poultry keepers are wrecked, in their eagerness to obtain eggs in winter. Experi- ence has proved that disastrous results will surely follow the overfeeding of the morning ration of whatever kind. Particular mention is made of the mash, because it is so generally fed. It must not be inferred that objection is taken to the mash. It is useful and convenient in utilizing the waste of table, kitchen and barn, but it must not be overfed. The object in reducing and limiting the quantity of the soft mash, is to prevent the possibility of gorging the laying stock, at the early meal and so have them disinclined for the exercise, so requisite. ' REPORT OF THE POULTRY MANAGER. 235 EXERCISE AND HOW BROUGHT ABOUT. Having had a light morning meal the layers were ready for exercise and this waa incited by throwing two or three handsfull of grain — as already stated — in the straw, cut hay, dry leaves or chaff composing the all essential dry litter, to be found on the floor of all well equipped poultry houses. The aim was to keep the layers, for the remainder of the day, so busy searching for the scattered grain, that their crops would be gradually filled by the time they went to roost. Certainly, a more natural way than by rapidly filling their crops with grain thrown on a bare floor, or into a trough. The afternoon grain ration was always fed early, so as to permit of the search being kept up. Too much importance cannot be placed on the exercise part of the winter management. A POINT TO REMEMBER. The reason for feeding the morning ration will be at once apparent, from the above. Had the hens been gorged, at the morning ration, they would certainly not have been inclined for exertion. VARIETY. Variety in composition of rations and time of feeding them was found beneficial. To have such variety, the cut bones were sometimes given for afternoon ration. Again, the mash would occasionally be fed at that time. When fed at the latter period, it was followed by a light grain ration, which was scattered in the litter on the floor, to secure the desired exercise. ONE ' CONSPICUOUS RESULT. An early and conspicuous result of the dropping of the noon and reduction of the morning ration was the greatly increased quantity of vegetables and grit eaten. As already stated, vegetables were always before the layers, as were mica chrystal grit and crushed oyster shells. APPARENT RESULT IN INCREASED EARLY EGG YIELD. Another apparent beneficial result from the reduced rations, coupled with the early moulting of the layers, was noted in an increased egg yield in the comparatively early winter months of November and December, as shown by the following figures : — 1894. 1895. 1896. November December 114 538 160 943 568 1,466 The number of hens in each year were : — 1894 1895 1896 185 218 204 It will be noticed that the number of fowls was less in 1894, than in the other two years, but not so great as to make the difference in the number of eggs. The early and increased results were gratifying because new laid eggs were in great demand, as they usually are in November and December, particularly so at the Christmas season. 235 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. COMPARATIVE EGG YIELDS. The egg yield of the whole year, as compared with that of the three previous years, will best show any beneficial results from the decrease in quantity of food. The year is dated from the beginning of November of one year to the end of October of the year fullowing, for the reason that winter laying has usually begun in November. The figures are as follows : — November (1893). December (1893).. January February March April May June July August September October 90 250 777 791 1,644 1,939 1,650 1,066 941 386 236 161 8,931 114 538 819 1,080 1,387 1,823 1,603 1,134 456 438 246 23 9,661 160 943 1,469 1,411 1,569 1,934 1,699 897 682 395 143 150 11,452 568 1,466 1,540 1,351 1,668 2,139 1,846 1,190 859 736 655 339 14,357 The figures for the months of November and December of 1893 are estimated, as the record book could not be found, but they are not much out of the way. The table shows a large increase in the output of eggs in the past year as compared with the three previous years. It is also an object lesson to the farmers as showing : — 1. Eggs were most in supply during the period of high prices. 2. During the spring months, of comparatively low prices, there were eggs enough to sell and hatch early chickens from. 3. The male chicks would be valuable as early birds for market. The pullets would be valuable as early layers. 4. That with proper care and feeding fowls will lay well during the winter season. Baas LAID PER DAT IN WINTER MONTHS. The following is the production of eggs per day in the winter months named and the price of eggs during that time : — December, 1896.— 38, 36, 31, 39, 43, 29, 40, 41, 45, 42, 42, 42, 42, 48, 47, 46, 50, 47, 52, 54, 57. 45. 54, 55, 55, 45, 64, 60, 52, 68, 55=1466. January, 1897.— 52, 61, 53, 53, 52, 54, 45, 57, 42, 51, 48, 46, 44, 50, 46, 53, 43, 49, 50, 42, 54, 50, 53, 47, 50, 54, 44, 54, 52, 40, 51=1540. February.— 45, 57, 51, 42, 46, 51, 40, 52. 48, 46, 50, 43, 47, 48, 44, 44, 49, 58, 48, 45, 52, 51, 45, 52, 46, 43, 51, 56=1351. March.— 45, 60, 44, 59, 47, 54, 55, 54, 58, 51, 48, 57, 64, 47, 56, 44, 50, 50, 61, 43, 59, 51, 61, 53, 59, 50, 52, 55, 65, 57, 60=1668. WHAT THE EGGS WERE SOLD FOR. Eggs were sold, in Ottawa, from 1st to 15th of December, at 30 cts. per dozen ; during the latter half of that month at 35 cts. per doz. In January at 35 cts. per doz. in Ottawa. A shipment of eggs to Montreal during January brought 40 cts. per doz. The express charge for the case of 18 doz. eggs was 36 cts. During February continued mild weather brought the price down to 25 cents. March, the prevailing price was 20 cts. per doz., declining to 18 cts. per doz. REPORT OF THE POULTRY MANAGER. 237 COST OF DAILY RATIONS. The cost of the daily rations fed to the laying stock, numbering 204, wati estimated at 41 cts., as follows : — 18 lbs. of cut green bone at 1 ct. per lb 18 20 " wheat, buckwheat, &c., at 1 ct. per lb 20 Grit and vegetables 3 41 cts. To this should be added the time of the man in cutting up the bones by the machine, sometimes half or three quarters of an hour. It should also be stated that buckwheat was mostly used for cut rations during the winter months. To offset this is to be considered the worth of the manure, which a bulletin from the Raleigh, North Carolina, Experimental Station values at half the cost of the feed of the hen for the year, but which we allow to go for the trouble of the farmer in looking after and feed- ing his fowls. When mash was fed it was composed of ground grains, in such quantity as not to exceed the value of 18 cts. The allowance of 1 cent per lb. for the whole grain is liberal, for buckwheat sold in the fall and early part of the winter at 22 and 25 cts. per bushel. EGGS SOLD AT THE HIGHEST PRICES. Having obtained the new-laid eggs in the season of highest prices, the aim was to dispose of them to the besb possible advantage. With a little effort the best results were obtained. The following is an instance : — On the 30th of December, as shown in the above table, the greatest number of eggs laid on any day, in that month, was collected, viz.: five dozen and eight (68). These eggs were disposed of at the following prices : — 5 doz. and 8 eggs at 35 cts. per doz $1 97 Deduct cost of rations 0 41 Proceeds of that day $1 56 But as that was the day of the greatest production, it is but fair to give the aver- age of the month, which was 48, or four dozen per day. 4 doz. eggs at average price of 33 cts. per doz $1 32 Deduct cost of rations 0 41 $0 91 The eggs were strictly fresh and were sold in the city of Ottawa. In the same month eggs of the same description were worth in Montreal from ten to fifteen cents more per dozen. Had the eggs been sent to a leading grocer of that city they would probably have made the larger figure, less express charges. LESSONS FROM THE ABOVE. The lesson to the farmer is to obtain the new laid eggs in the winter season of high prices and having got the eggs to sell them — while they are strictly new laid — to leading grocers, dairymen, &c., or choice customers, who will always pay the high price for a reliable article. It may be said that the high figures named are not received by the majority of farmers. Perhaps not by farmers, who, are a distance from a high price market and who have to sell to a middleman. Certainly not by those who do not bring in a strictly new laid article. But the high figures are certainly received by far- mers who cater to the requirements of a high price market, with strictly fresh eggs and a superior quality of poultry. 238 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. SUMMARY OF RESULTS NOTED. The following is a summary of beneficial results noted, as following the reduction of the rations, with the care and handling of the laying stock, as described : — 1. Better health of the laying stock. 2. Greater output of eggs. 3. No development of vicious habits of previous years. 4. Comparatively few eggs laid with thin shells and none with soft shells. 5. Much greater activity of the layers in searching for the grain scattered in litter on the floor. 6. Much better condition of the fowls, of all breeds, in February and March as compared with previous years. EXPERIENCE REQUIRED. The question may be asked, " Why was the disastrous results of overfeeding not discovered before ? " The reply is that it requires several years of experience and care- ful observation before reliable data can be obtained. There were many statements made and read during the past few years but none had received confirmation by experi- ment. The management and feeding of his hens by the fanner, so as to obtain eggs in paying quantity from them in winter, is comparatively new and much is yet to be learned. The report of the poultry department for any year gives the experience of that year, which that of the following year may confirm or modify, and so the work goes on and all in the way of finding out cheaper and more eflfective rations. BREEDING PENS MADE UP. At the beginning of March the breeding pens were made up as follows : — Date. March 2.. 2.. 2.. 2.. 2.. 2.. 2.. 2.. 2.. 2.. 11.. 11.. 11.. 13.. Breed. Barred Pl3rmouth Rocks. White M Silver Laced Wyandottes Light Brahmas Black Minorcas White Andalusians Coloured Dorkings Houdans Black Minorcas White Leghorns White Wyandottes White Plymouth Rocks. . Langshans How Mated, cock 9 hens. 8 1 cockerel 9 i cock 7 1 9 . 8 . 9 . 8 . 3 . cockerel 4 i .. 11 . 7 . cock 3 pullets . . cockerel 9 h« ;ns. > • > Remarks. Second pen. Second pen. The eggs most in demand for setting were those of Barred and White Plymouth Rocks, Blade Minorcas, Silver Laced Wyandottes and White Javas, in the order named. There was a greater demand for eggs of the Barred Plymouth Rocks than could be filled. It is gratifying to note that the popularity of this breed is steadily increasing. It is cer- tainly good for both egg production and flesh development. Of equal merit is the Wyandotte family with its varieties of Silver Laced, White, Black, Golden and Bufi; As prolific layers of large white eggs the Black Minorcas have taken a front place, and deservedly so. gOW THE EGGS WERE SET. The eggs were set in specially prepared nests, placed in a portion of the poultry house set apart for the purpose. In close proximity to the sitters was their food, composed of mixed grains, grit, water and dust bath. The mixed grains were contained in a narrow trough. For early sitters Wyandottes were preferred, as being docile, easily handled and not clumsy. Some of the cross bred hens were found to make excellent sitters and mothers. On being made, the nest was dusted with carbolic disinfecting powder, and so was the body of the sitter, before being placed on the nest. REPORT OF THE POULTRY MANAGER. 239 AN EARLY HATCH. At the beginning of February a vigorous male of the same breed, which had been kept in a separate compartment, was mated with a certain number of Barred Plymouth Rock hens. The object was to test the fertility of the eggs from hens which had been laying all winter. On the 20th of the month named, 13 eggs were given to a hen which had become broody. Three weeks after 11 lively chicks hatched out. The twelfth egg contained a dead chick, fully developed. The thirteenth egg was unfertile. Such a result from Plymouth Rock hens which had laid from the previous November was most gratifying. It went to show that it was quite possible to have hens lay all winter and to have early fertile eggs from them. The subsequent care and trouble experienced in rearing the chicks, went to show that it would not be profitable for a farmer to hatch out and rear chickens at that early period, unless he had a brooder or brooding room. That the farmers in the neighbourhood of city markets, or within easy reach, by rail, of the same, are giving greater attention to the artificial rearing and hatching of chickens, is shown by the numerous inquiries by correspondents for information on the subject. Early chickens command a high price, and the demand for them increases year by year. Further experiments in the way of testing the early fertility of eggs, from hens which have laid steadily all winter, will be important and interesting. Certain poultrymen keep hens to lay eggs in the latter part of December, January, February and March, for incubator use only. These men live where climatic conditions make it comparatively easy so to do. But where the laying stock are confined to limited quarters from November to the following April, artificially housed and treated mean- while, skDl and experience are necessary to ensure early fertile eggs. EGGS SET AND CHICKENS HATCHED. When Set Feb. 20 April 12. .. 12. ., 14. M 14 •• 14. M 14 ,. 14. ,. 14. M 15 „ 17 „ 21. ., 23 M 30 ., 30. .. 30. May 5. 5. 7. 8. .. 10. .. 12. n 13. I. 13. .. 22. .. 23. .. 23. .. 27 .. 27. June 3 Description of Eggs. 13 11 11 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 12 12 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 B. P. Rock Light Brahma. Andaluaian B. P. Rock (from a farmer) Langshan White Minorca. R. C. B. Minorca (from Nova Scotia) W. Wyandotte W. P. Rock (from Hazeldean) R. C. B. Minorca (from Nova Scotia) B. P. Rock (from a farmer) Brown Leghorn Coloured Dorking White Leghorn White Java Andalusian W. Leghorn Light Brahma Andalusian B. P. Rock Andalusian Coloured Dorking White Java Bufif Leghorn (from Toronto). S. L. Wyandotte Coloured Dorking W. Leghorn B. Minorcas When Hatched, Mar. 11. May 3. 3.. 3.. 5.. 5.. 5.. 5.. II 5 . 6.. 8.. ,. 12 . .1 14 . ,. 21 . I. 21.. .. 21.. ,. 26.. M 26.. ., 28.. „ 28.. „ 31 . June «2. , 3. 3 . .. 12.. n 13.. .. 13. . M 17.. .- 17.. „ 24 . Chickens Hatched, 11 3 4 10 2 9 5 5 5 3 9 13 10 7 4 4 4 7 6 2 10 8 5 8 1 10 2 9 11 9 196 240 EXPERIMEXTAL FARMS- Many of the small hatches were the re-ult of bad sitters. The experience with sitting hens, from year to year, is a varied and not altogether a happy one. During the early part of the season the Langslian cock, a very fine bird, sickened and notwith- standing treatment died. Later in the season the Andalusian cock also died. The latter was replaced by a younger bird. In both cases the want of fertility of the Langshan and Andalusian eggs may be attributed to the lack of condition, on the part of the male birds, prior to apparent symptoms of sickness. In the case of the Andalusian death was comparatively sudden. The Dorking cock was an old, but very fine bird. Some of his progeny are of more than ordinary worth. It will be seen from the above that the eggs which gave the best hatching results were from the Barred Plymouth Kocks, Silver Wyandottes and White Leghorns, notwithstanding that the hens of these breeds were the earliest and steadiest layers. The chickens hatched were strong and vigorous. . ' GROWTH OP THE CHICKENS. The progress of the chicks was most satisfactory. After remaining in their nests until thoroughly ripe, with the mother hen they were placed in coops arranged in a field of short grass and clover. Their first food was stale bread, soaked in milk and squeezed dry. A little at a time was fed. Granulated oatmeal, or rolled oats was added on the second or third day. The food was placed on clean boards and none was allowed to remain to sour. Care was taken that the chickens were not overfed, which bad practice leads to much disaster. Grain was not fed until the twelfth or fourteenth day. Milk, at times, and pure water always, furnished all the drink required. As soon as the chicks were firmly on their legs, a mash made of cornmeal, shorts, oatmeal, s 48 14 62 59 a 172 19 51 191 154 p 43 u 5 O 169 154 121 892 (replaced on 22nd December by 11 Silver Laced W.yandotte pullets.) 326 160 198 166 134 169 143 114 206 146 (Eggs laid by all hens when nmnmg at large during months of July, August, September and October) Total . 459 1,400 990 706 4,773 COST OF PRODUCTION IN SUMMER. Exception may be taken to the high figures obtained for the eggs sold in the winter months. The following statement made to the committee will show that fifty hens, running at large, in the summer season of low prices, should not cost the farmer more than four cents per day : — " Not many days ago a farmer visited me, and I put the case to him in this way. I said : We reduced the cost of rations of fifty hens, during last winter, to ten cents per day. On these rations they laid well and were in perfect health. My opinion is that with the laying stock running at large — as they do in most cases — the cost of the fifty REPORT OF THE POULTRY MANAGER. 245 hens per day to a farmer could be reduced to five cents, if not to four cents. I calcu- lated, that as prices go, four cents would buy five pounds of sound grain, say buckwheat and oats mixed, or wheat and oats. I would give half of the quantity in the morning, and the remainder for evening ration. Meanwhile the hens have had opportunity to find insect life, grit and green stuff, and would return with their crops well filled, and the 2| pounds of grain would be quite enough for them. He said that under the cir- cumstances he did not think the cost would be any more. I further explained that my object was to show that the production of a dozen eggs, in such a case, should not cost more than four cents, and that a greater number would likely be laid by the fifty hens, during the day. Speaking on the subject to a friend who lives in the neighbourhood of the city limits, and who successfully manages a flock of Barred Plymouth Rocks, he remarked that he thought he was doing something very like what I stated. I asked him to give me his figures, and he did so in the following letter which I submit to you : — Ottawa, June 8, 1897. Mr. A. G. Gilbert, Experimental Farm, Dear Sir, — My answer to your question, " How much does it coat me per dozen to produce eggs in the summer months 1 " is — two and a half cents. I find that twenty of my hens (Barred Plymouth Rocks) will lay an average of one dozen a day from 1st of March until 1st of September, on the following rations : — 1^ pounds of shorts, mixed with cooked vegetables, in the morning, 1^ cents ; 2 pounds of buckwheat in the evening, at 25 cents per bushel, 1 cent. Making together 2^ cents. The vegetables used are culls, of no market value, and when not available, skimmed milk is used to moiaten the meal. My hens are at liberty to forage about the pastures and yards, and the abundant supply of worms, grubs and insects make up any deficiency that I do not supply. Yours sincerely, S. SHORT. I would not use skim-milk as Mr. Short does, because skim-milk with us is, to a certain extent, costly. I consider such a letter important. It goes to confirm my point and to show farmers that no matter how low prices of eggs have been, there yet remained a margin of profit. REPORT OF THE FOREMAN OF FORESTRY. (W. T. Macoun.) Dr. Wm. Saunders, Director Dominion Experimental Farms, Ottawa. Sir, — I beg to submit, herewith, my fourth annual report as Foreman of Forestry in which will be found information relating to the forest belts at the Central Experi mental Farm ; the arboretum and progress of the work there ; the planting of orna mental trees and shrubs with a list of one hundred of the hardiest and most ornamental species and varieties ; information relating to the growing of perennials, with a list of one hundred of the best species and varieties ; hints on hedge planting with a Ust of the hedges growing at the farm ; and notes on the condition of, and work in connection with, the ornamental grounds. I have the honour to be, sir, Your obedient servant, W. T. MACOUN. It is not often that two such trying winters as the past have been, follow one another so closely. Both were characterized by lack of snow, very severe frosts, with intervals of mild weather, and generally unfavourable conditions for the wintering of trees, shrubs, and plants. It was feared that many losses would be discovered in the spring of 1897, especially when it was remembered what a rigorous winter the trees and shrubs had experienced, but, when growth commenced, it was found that the proportion of deaths was little above the average, and in many cases, partly lender species were not killed back so much as in former years. The early part of April was mild, but during the third week of that month the weather became quite cold, the temperature falling on the 19th and 20th to seventeen and nineteen degrees below freezing, which checked the swelling buds for a time. Very cool weather, with frost at nights during the third week of May, no doubt injured the buds on some of the earlier flowering shrubs which did not make as fine a show as in some seasons. The summer was dry and the trees and shrubs did not all have that robust appearance, nor make as vigorous a growth, as in other years. The last week of July, however, was very wet, the almost continuous downpour of warm rain causing many of the trees to make a second growth. September and October were two of the driest months recorded in Ottawa for many years. The drought coming at a time when growth had ceased, no apparent harm was done the trees and shrubs, and it is hoped that the wood of tender sorts, having had such favourable conditions for ripening, will be enabled to withstand the winter better. 247 248 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. TREE PLANTING Some of the farmers in the more thickly settled parts of Ontario are beginning to feel the need of convenient forests from which they may obtain wood for their constant needs. The timbex-ed land remaining on their own farms has, in many cases, become so depleted through careless management that the supply available does not now meet the demands made upon it. As a result of this the farmer is often obliged to go some dis- tance to get the material he desires. The time has now come when it behooves the owner of a farm to consider the value of the wood crop as well as that of his grain or other crops. Where timber lands still remain on the farm they should be properly cared for so that they may continue to yield supplies of fuel. It is the custom with many farmers when grass has become scarce during the summer months to let their cattle pasture in the woods ; the result is that the young seedling trees are destroyed, which, if protected, would grow up to replace those which are cut down. This practice should be avoided, if possible. Furthermore, in cutting his trees for fuel the farmer frequently takes those which are in their prime and leaves the largest and partly decayed, which are more diffi- cult to handle. It would be wiser to fell the oldest and most matured trees first and follow with those remaining in the order of their size and age. Judicious cutting is very essential to permanency of the wood supply. Too much care cannot be taken, also, in felling the trees, for if this is done carelessly many young trees will be destroyed. A forest cover, more or less perfect, should also be encouraged, and those favourable con- ditions of moisture maintained which trees require to produce the most vigorous growth. Where there is no woodland on the farm, such portions as are too poor to yield good crops, or hillsides that may be inconvenient to cultivate, may be turned with good advantage into a forest if proper measures are promptly taken to plant these areas with trees. Where all the soil is good and there are no hillsides, a belt of trees could be planted along the northern and western sides of the farm, which, while they would serve the purpose of windbreaks, would also become in time valuable for fuel or timber. FOREST BELTS AT THE CENTRAL EXPERIMENTAL FARM. The forest belts at the Central Experimental Farm extend along its northern and western boundaries; the belt on the western boundary is 165 feet wide, and that on the northern boundary, 65 feet ; their total length being nearly 1| miles. The nuiiiber of trees growing in these belts, including those in an evergreen clump, is about 20,500. The objects, for which these forest belts were planted, are well expressed in the report of the director for 1893 as follows : — " There were several objects in view in planting the belts of forest trees which line the west and north sides of the farm. One was to test by actual experiment with a number of different species the comparative results in growth and develop- ment to be had by planting at different distances apart. Five feet by five, five feet by ten and ten feet by ten were the distances chosen for these tests. Another question on which information was desired was the relative growth to which trees would attain when planted in blocks of single species as compared with those planted in mixed clumps where they are associated with a number of other sorts. Further information was sought as to how far the crops on the farm located near these tree belts will be influenced by the shelter they would afford as growth progressed. In the planting, the grouping was also designed with the object of producing pleasing effects on the landscape by the intermingling and blending of varieties. The main purpose, however, was to get all the useful data possible with regard to the more important timber trees of economic value so that object lessons in tree growth might be available to any who in future might desire to study this subject or to engage in the enterprise of timber growing." Although it is but nine years since the first trees were planted in the belts referred to, tb.-. growtL already made is a useful object lesson and should encourage the more View in Forest Belt at Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa, July, 1897, shownng Black Walnut planted in spring of 1889, five by five feet apart, when two years old. View in Forest Belt at Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa, July, 1897, showing White Pine planted in spring of 1889, when eight to ten inches high, five by five feet apart. REPORT OF THE FOREMAN OF FORESTRY. 249 extensive planting of timber trees. The soil in which the trees were planted was in many instances poor, and while a number of species appear to succeed almost as well on poor as on good land, yet some kinds require good soil in order to grow them successfully. As to the distance apart at which it is desirable that trees should be planted, those which were put five by five feet apart are making, in most cases, the best trees for timber purposes, as the lower limbs are dying, leaving the trunks clean which will make the wood freer from knots than where planted ten by ten, or ten by five feet apart as at those distances there are, as "yet, few instances where the lower limbs have died. The trees planted five by five feet apart, also make make more growth in height than where wider planting was adopted, but the diameter of the trunk is not so great, The closely planted trees are more protected from storms and there are fewer broken tops and crooked stems. The desirability of close planting is also very apparent in the condition of the surface of the ground where the trees are ten feet apart, which, in a number of cases, still requires cultivation although the trees have been planted for eight years, which is necessary in order to keep sod from forming and checking the growth of the trees, whereas, in most instances where the trees are planted five by five feet apart the surface soil is kept shaded and moist, and sod does not form. As the conditions of soil are difierent in the belts where the trees are planted in clumps of a single species and where the several kinds are mixed together, a fair comparison of these two methods of planting cannot yet be made, but the advantages derived from mixing the leafier sorts of trees with those which are not very leafy, are already apparent. Where thin foliaged trees have been planted five by five feet apart and have had eight years' growth, the sod still forms very readily unless the soil is kept cultivated, thus showing that sufficient shade is not afibrded to prevent the growth of grass and weeds. The black walnut {Juglans nigra) does not succeed well on all kinds of soils. Un- fortunately most of that in the forest belts at the Central Experimental Farm is not very suitable for this tree, although in some places they are doing well. Those which were planted in a cold, compact,, light sandy loam are almost at a standstill ; in a warmer light sandy loam with gravel they are doing much better, but not making thoroughly satisfactory growth, while in the mixed belt, where the soil is a rather stiff clay loam, they are doing best. By consulting the table the growth of this tree in these different kinds of soil will be found. The white pine (Pinus Strobus) has made very satisfactory growth in the belts. This is due, undoubtedly, in a large measure, to the fact that the soil chosen for this test proved suitable for them, being a warm, light, sandy, loam. On gravelly soil they have also done well. This pine makes a very rapid growth, and young trees planted in the spring of 1889, when 8 to 10 inches high, now average about 15 feet in height, with a diameter one foot from the ground of from 3 to 4 inches. The European larch (Larix europaea) is also a very rapid growing tree, and seems to do equally as well on a warm sandy loam ; a cold, compact, light, sandy loam, and a clay loam. The trees, in the plantation in the forest belt growing in a cold compact sandy loam, are now from 19 to 22 feet in height, with a diameter, one foot from the ground, of from 4 to 5 inches. The white ash (^Fraxinus americana) planted in 1889 and growing in a black loam have made very rapid growth and are now about 20 feet in height, with a diameter one foot from the ground of 3 inches. The black, green, and red ash, in the same soil, have made slower growth. The Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris) does well on a clay loam, a gravelly soil, a warm sandy loam, and a cold compact sandy loam. Planted in 1888 on a cold sandy loam when 18 inches high, they are now 16 feet in height, with a diameter one foot from the ground of 4 to 5 inches. The canoe birch [Betula papyri/era) planted in 1889 in a light sandy loam soil have made rapid growth and are now from 23 to 26 feet in height and 3 to 5 inches in diameter. The branches of this tree have already died, where the trees are planted five by five feet apart, to a height of 8 feet. 250 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. Growth of Trees in the Forest Belts Name of Species. Black Walnut — Juglans nigra do do do do do do do do Butternut — Juglans cinerea do do Silver-leaved Maple — Acer dasycarpuni. . . do do European White Birch — Betula alba do do Canoe Birch — Betula papyrifera do do YeUow Birch — Betula lutea do do White Elm — Ulmus americana do do , . Black Ash — Fraxinus sambucifolia do do Green Ash — Fraixinus viridis do do Red Ash — Fraxinus pubescens do do White Ash— Fraxinus americana do ^o . Black Cherry — Prunus serotina do do Box Elder — Negundo aceroides Bolle's Poplar — Populus alba Bolleana do do Scotch Pine — Pinus sylvestria do do do do do do do do do do do do do do , . Austrian Pine — Pinus austriaca do do do do do do do do . do do White Spruce — Picea alba do do , Norway Spruce — Picea excelsa do do do do .... do do American Arbor-vitae — Thuya occidentalis do do European Larch — Larix europaea do do White Pine — Pinus Strobus do do Character of Soil. Low sandy loam do Sandy loam with small stones, do do . . Clay loam Low sandy loam do Light sandy loam do do do do do do do Sandy loam do Black muck Low sandy loam Black muck Low sandy loam ., Black muck Light sandy loam Black muck. Light sandy loam Light, sandy loam and gravel, do do . . Light sandy loam do do Sandy loam with gravel do do Low sandy loam with gravel . Low sandy loam Light sandy loam Clay loam Light sandy loam and gravel, do do . . Light sandy loam do do Clay loam Light sandy loam and gravel, do do . Light sandy loam do do do do Clay loam Low sandy loam and black muck. Low sandy loam do do Light sandy loam with gravel, do do . . 13 c a 1888 1888 1889 1889 1888 1888 1888 1889 1889 1889 1889 1889 1889 1889 1889 1889 1889 1889 1889 1889 1889 1889 1889 1889 1889 1889 1889 1SS9 18!)0 1890 1888 1888 1888 18S8 1888 1888 1888 1887 18S9 18S9 1888 1888 1888 1887 1889 1889 1889 18S9 1888 1888 1889 1889 1888 1888 1889 1889 Distance Apart. feet. 5x 10 X 5x 10 X 10 X 5 10 5 10 5 & X 5 10x10 5x 5 10x10 5x 5 10x10 5x 5 10x10 5x 5 10x10 5x 5 10x10 5x 5 10x10 5x 5 10x10 5x 10 X 5x 10 X 5x 10x10 5x 5 5x 5 10x10 5x 5 10x10 5x5 10 X 10 X 10 X 10 X 3x 5x 10x10 10 X 5 10 X 10 X 3x 5x 10x10 5x 5 10 X 10 X 10 X 5x 10 5 10 5 10 5 5 5 3 5 10 5 5 5 10x10 5x5 10x10 5x 5 10x10 Age or Height when Planted. 1 year. 1 do do . do . do . do . do . do . do . do . do . do . do . do . do . do . do . do . do . do . do . do . do . do . do . do . 3 do . 2 do . 1 do . 1 do . 18 inches. 18 do . 18 do . 18 do . 18 do . 18 do . 18 do . 9 do . 18 do . 18 do . 15 do . 15 do . 15 do . 15 do . 15 do . 15 do . 18 do . 18 do . 15 do . 15 do . 18 do . 18 do . 2 feet... 2 do ... 8 to 10 in 8 to 10 in In the above table the average growth is given of most of the important timber trees growing in the measurement of average trees, and give a fairly accurate idea of the growth these make each year. Until spread so much that it was difficult to determine tlie leader, hence the total height is now taken. This are very divergent, or the extremities pendulous, the total height is given as less than that of the year REPORT OF THE FOREMAN OF FORESTRY. 251 at the Central Experimental Farm. Average Height, Autumn of Average Growth in Average Circvunference 1 Foot from Ground. 1895. 1896. 1897. 1892. 1893. 1894 1895. 1896. 1897. 1893. 1895. 1896. 1897. ft. in. ft. in. ft. in. in. in. in. in. in. in. in. in. in. in. 9 Hi 10 6 10 9 26 23 21 18 6 3 H 7§ 8^ 8i 5 5 5 8i 5 m 12 m 11 9 3% 2 3 5 Bi 5|f 12 8 13 9 14 5 m 28 36 19 13 8 8% m 9if 8 4i 8 7h 8 12i 16 25 28 15 3 5 71 8| 8| 13 5 13 2 13 5 31 31 31 io| 9 3 lol iiH f 9 11 10 7 10 10 19 24 18 8 3 6% 7A 6 2i 6 9 7 4 18 15 15 16 7 7 4f 6| 64 83 2 24 4 25 3 37 40 33 29 14 11 9| 9% 9| 22 6 23 1 23 7 53 38 33 20% 7 6 13 13§ 14i 23 1 25 4 28 8 58 18 17 14 27 40 m IIH 12| 24 11 26 7 31 1 36 32 30 .30 20 54 15| 17A 19^ 21 9 23 7 25 10 46 36 22 14 22 27 91 10 lOA 21 2 23 5 25 7^ 34 24 33 28 27 26 13 14i 15A 16 6 17 1 18 6 47 30 35i 21 7 17 "61 8i 9g W 16 1 16 7 18 1 41 33 26 21 6 18 8 11^ 12s 13|i 14 6 14 4 15 1 33 38 m 23 0 9 5i 6s 7^ 13 9 14 14 9 44 31 25 18 3 9 6 9 n 10^ 12 12 11 13 11 38 26 32 8 11 12 5 6i 6M w 8 4 9 3 9 1 20 23 19 8 11 0 ^ 5 m 15 15 11 17 7 30 31 29 20 11 20 6| 7§ 8t ^ 14 3 15 5 15 7 28 24 m 21 14 3 u 8% 9i 15 5 16 11 18 4 31 34 39 33 18 17 5 7 8A 8M 12 6 13 8 14 5i 26 32 m 21 15 9 H 6i 7^ 7%: 18 5 20 8 22 3 32 41 58 36 27 19 H 7 ^il 15 9 17 9 19 7 38 38 37 25 24 22 5| 8f »^Jrx lol: 16 7 17 4 18 4 29 21 22 19 9 12 8% 9| lli^ 18 2 19 4 21 2 40 39 32 26 17 20 11^ Hi 19 1 20 6 22 2 38 38 39 29 14 22 "si 10| 124 124 24 2 26 4 27 11 46 68 63 70 26 19 Uk 12| 22 11 25 4 27 11 40 55 70 74 29 31 12% ISf 17| 14 4 16 9 18 11 29 28 35^ 31 29 26 '"n 10 11 111 11 13 3 15 7 15 22 28i 32| 29 27 28 9A 12 15i 16% 13 4 15 4 17 6 26 29 29 24 26 9% 10| HA 11 6 13 8 15 8 20 23 29" 29 26 24 13| 15f 17H 14 10 17 2 19 2 25 31 35 34 28 24 15% 18 20% H 11 14 2 16 3i 20 23 32 31 27 25% . - ■ • ■ 12^ 14t\ 16A 14 11 17 1 18 8 29 30 36 33 26 19 , , 15 17^ 18A 14 3 16 6 18 9 22 23 26 28 27 27 5% H 9A 9|| 8 1 10 2 12 12i 18 23 22% 25 22 9 Hi 12H 7 9i 9 10^ 11 11 12 16 22 24 25 24% lOi m 15§ 8 11 10 11 12 5 18 21 24 24 24 18 9| lol 12| 9 2i 10 Hi 12 4i 17 19 24% 22 21 17 9% lli 12M 10 5 12 3 13 11 22 22 26 25 22 20 lOf 1.3A 141% 10 6 12 1 13 4 21 19 22 21 19 15 * • » • 8% 9| lOH 8 5 9 10 10 9 12 21 2H 21 17 11 ■ • • < H 6f 7A 7 8 8 11 9 11 10 18 22 19 15 12 , H 7t 8f lol 10 8 11 10 13 19 29 29 18 14 14 6 8| 91 10 1 12 2 14 5 16 23 25 27 25 27 5 Si lOlf lllf 10 10 13 1 15 9 19 25 23 28 27 32 8 9A IOt^j 11 4 13 9 16 2 18 20 31 32 29 29 ..... H 9M llH 9 1 10 2 11 6 21 23 15 15 13 16 7| 9% ml 8 8 10 9 10 20 18 15 15 10 12 71 n 10i| 19 3 20 3 21 9 35 41 45 31 12 18 "s 11 IIH 12%f 17 9 19 3 20 5 33 37 42 40 18 14 7% 12 13g 14* 10 11 13 4 15 8 19i 27i 24i 27% 27% 29 28 4% 8 10 101! 10 IJ 12 7 15 2 16 24 27 29 31 5 n 11t^ 13A forest belts at the Central Experimental Farm. The figures published are the average results from the last year the annual growth was taken in measuring the trees, but the crowns of many of them began to change has lessened the apparent annual growth for the year, and in some cases, where the main branches previous. 252 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. ARBORETUM. The arboretum at the Central Experimental Farm is yearly becoming better known and a much larger proportion of the visitors now see this part of the farm. The trees and shrubs are, many of them, becoming very prominent, the evergreens being especially attractive. Nearly all the genera which are hardy are now represented, some of them by a large number of species. The perennial border which is over half a mile long is almost filled with plants, and these from early spring until late autumn produce a suc- cession of lovely and interesting flowers. Each year valuable data on the hardiness and time of blooming of the trees, shrubs and plants is secured, and it is hoped that in the near future a list will be published of all that have been tested in the arboretum in which these notes will appear. PROGRESS OP THE WORK. It was feared that, on account of the unfavourable winter, the number of deaths, among the trees and shrubs would be large, but on examination it was found that there were not many killed of those which had already wintered at Ottawa, with the exception of a large collection of named varieties of lilacs grafted on the Californian privet {Ligustrum ovalifolium), which were almost all destroyed. These had been growing here for three years but never made satisfactory growth. Lilacs grafted on privet are very unsuitable for this part of the country and should on no account be planted. Many new species and varieties of trees and shrubs were procured during the spring and autumn and a large area of additional land which had been broken up last year was utilized for them. The surface soil in the circles about the trees and shrubs, in the parts of the arboretum seeded down, was hoed several times during the summer, and weeds destroyed. When the mulch of manure was removed from the perennial border it was found that most of the plants had come through the winter in good condition. Large addi- tions were made during the spring, summer, and autumn, to the number grown in 1896 and nearly all the border prepared last autumn was utilized. Throughout the summer, the surface soil was kept loose and free from weeds, with the result that strong growth was made and the plants bloomed well. Stakes were driven down beside the taller growing perennials to prevent their breaking and these proved very effective. The grass was cut with the pony lawn mower for the first time on the 14th of May and afterwards at intervals until the 15th of September, which kept the lawns at all times in good condition. About eight acres which had been kept cultivated since 1896 were seeded down with lawn grass during the summer and by autumn a very good, sod was formed. The new road machine did splendid work in making up the roads in the arboretum and several, which had previously been only staked out, were opened for the first time. Coal ashes are now being used, spread on the surface, on several of the roads, and when this is rolled in the spring it is hoped that a good firm road-bed will be formed. Boys proved very mischievous on Sundays in the arboretum this year, plucking flowers, disturbing labels, and destroying valuable fruits and seeds. Notices were of no avail and nothing short of a police patrol is likely to stop the annoyance in future. DONATIONS. We again acknowledge, with gratitude, the donations of seeds which have been kindly furnished us by the Royal Gardens, Kew ; the Arnold Arboretum ; the Missouri Botanic Garden ; the Massachusetts Botanic Garden ; and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Sapporo, Japan. Acknowledgments are also due to Prof. John Macoun and Mr. J. M. Macoun, of the Geological Survey of Canada, for very useful contributions. A Ifvore and valuable collection of seeds of trees and shrubs was received from Mr. J. Niemet^, •of Winnitza, Russia, who kindly had many of these collected, especially for the Canadian REPORT OF THE FOREMAN OF FORESTRY. 25$ Experimental Farms, in one of the coldest districts in Northern Russia. Several private individuals have also kindly contributed useful and acceptable material towards the collection. ORNAMENTAL TREES AND SHRUBS. In travelling through Canada, especially in the rural districts, one is often struck by the little eifort made by the inhabitants to beautify their homes. With the wealth of native trees and shrubs growing all around, it is surprising that so few people take the trouble to use them for this purpose ; and when to these are added other lovely flower- ing shrubs from foreign countries, easily procured, one fails to understand why the farm house and surroundings, remain bare and uninviting. Lack of time is often given as the cause of this neglect, but one or two trees and shrubs planted in the spring and autumn of each year take but little time, and would soon grow up to be attractive objects around the dwelling. To get the best results in planting ornamental trees and shrubs, it is important to give them good soil to begin with, and if that in which they are to be planted is not of this quality, it will repay the planter to procure some, but no manure should be used about the roots in any case. Trees and shrubs from one to two feet in height are the best size for planting, as at that height they transplant easier and make more shapely specimens than when larger. The holes should be made somewhat larger than the roots actually require, and the tree or shrub planted a little lower in the ground than where it had been growing in the nursery or woods, and the hole then filled with good soil, pressed firmly about the roots. Great care should be taken that the roots do not become dry from the time they are dug until they are re-planted in their permanent position. This is especially applicable to evergreens. Planting may be done either in spring or autumn, but spring is the preferable time. The surface soil about the tree should be kept loose with the hoe throughout the summer, which will ensure a more rapid growth than if weeds or grass are allowed to grow about them. By keeping the soil loose each year in this manner, the tree or shrub will soon reach a good size. A mulch of manure applied late in the autumn on the surface of the soil about the tree, will protect the roots from severe frost during winter, and enrich the soil. The following list of one hundred species and varieties of trees and shrubs, hardy at Ottawa, is given so that the intending planter may ascertain the best kinds to plant. The names in the list are selected from nearly 2,500 species and varieties, growing in the arboretum at the Central Experimental Farm, and are all of exceptional merit. Notes are given on each species so that the reader may know whether the tree or shrub is noted foi its flowers, fruit, or foliage ; when it blooms, where it is native ; and the height it grows. For the information of those who have not room for a large collec- tion the best twenty-five are distinguished by a star preceding the name. LIST OP ONE HUNDRED HARDY ORNAMENTAL TREES AND SHRUBS. \. Acer dasycarpum, laciniatum. — Wier's cut-leaved maple (Canada), height, 40 to 50 feet. This is a cut-leaved variety of the native silver-leaved maple, which originated in Europe, and is a very quick growing, robust tree, with largo, deeply cut leaves, and pendulous branches. It requires plenty of space to appear to the best advantage. 2. Acer platanoides. — Norway maple (Europe). Height, 30 to 50 feet. The Nor- way maple is one of the hardiest of ornamental trees. The dark green leaves appear before those of our native hard maple and fall from two to three weeks later in the autumn, but do not assume such a brilliant colour, the leaves having difi^erent shades of yellow. * 3. Acer platanoides Schwedleri. — Schwedler's Norway maple. One of the best ornamental trees. The leaves are large and in the early part of the summer are of a bright, purplish red becoming duller as the season advances. 29i EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. 4. Acer saccharinum. — Hard, or sugar maple (Canada). Height, 50 to 70 feet. The hard maple needs no description. Its clean, clear green leaves, almost free from insect pests, handsome form, delicately and highly tinted leaves in autumn, recommend it as one of the best of hardy trees. 5. Acer tataricum Ginnala. — Ginnalian maple (Amurland). Height, 10 to 20 feet. The deeply cut, pretty leaves, of this little maple, make it ornamental throughout the summer, and in the autumn it rivals all other maples in the variety and brilliancy of its colouring. 6. JEsculus (Pavia) Jlava. — Sweet buckeye (United States). Height, 20 to 25 feet. In bloom, third week of May. Flowers, pale yellow. This is the tallest growing species of buckeye and forms a very shapely little tree. 7. JSsculus Hippocastanum. — Horse chestnut (Mountains of South-eastern Europe). The horse chestnut is well known. At Ottawa, all specimens have not proven hardy, but if procured from northern grown stock they should do well. This tree is very ornamental when in full leaf and flower. 8. Alnus glutinosa imperialis. — Imperial cut-leaved alder (Europe). Height, 20 to 30 feet. The cut-leaved alder is a very distinct and graceful tree with deeply cut fern- like leaves and pendulous branches. 9. Ampelopsis quinquefolia hirsuta. — Self fastening Virginian creeper (Ontario). It is unfortunate that this very valuable climber is not more widely distributed. The leaves are smaller than those of the ordinary form and quite downy, but the most marked distinction is its power of clinging to brick, wood, or stone, almost as tightly as Japanese ivy. In the autumn, the leaves are highly coloured and very efiiective when growing on a wall, house or fence. 10. Berheris Aquifolium. — Oregon grape (British Columbia). Height, 1 to 2 feet. In bloom, third week of May. Flowers, bright yellow. Leaves evergreen, smooth and shiny. *11. Berheris Thunhergii. — Thunberg's barberry (Japan). Height, 2 to 4 feet. The best barberry for ornamental purposes. It is a dwarf, compact shrub, with bright, green leaves in summer, changing in autumn to deep red. The scarlet fruit is borne very profusely and makes this barberry quite ornamental throughout the winter. 12. Berheris vulgaris purpurea. — Purple-leaved barberry (Europe). Height, 4 to 6 feet. In bloom, fourth week of May. The yellowish flowers in pendulous clusters make a fine contrast with the leaves which are bright purple, when young, becoming duller later in the autumn. *13. Betula alba laciniata pendula. — European cut-leaved birch (Europe). Height, 30 to 50 feet. One of the most graceful and hardy of all ornamental trees. The pendu- lous branches, finely cut foliage, and elegant form of this birch make it very desirable, 14. Caragana arhorescens. — Siberianjpea-tree (Siberia). Height, 10 to 15 feet. In bloom, third week of May. Flowers, bright yellow and pea shaped. The delicate green leaves of this shrub open very early and are quite attractive throughout the summer. This is one of the hardiest shrubs grown. *15. Caragana frutescens. — Woody caragana (South Russia to Japan). Height, 3 to 4 feet. In bloom, third week of May. The flowers of this species are larger than those of Caragana arhorescens, the leaves are formed differently, and its branches are pendu- lous. It is a smaller shrub than the Siberian pea tree but quite as desirable. 16. Carya alha. — Shell bark hickory (Canada). Height, 30 to 50 feet. The hickory is a slow growing tree but in time it becomes a very handsome object on the ornamental grounds. 17. Catalpa KcBmpferi. — Japanese catalpa (Japan). Height, 30 feet. In bloom, second week of July. Flowers, yellow, spotted with purple and smaller than those of the hardy catalpa. The leaves are purple veined. This is the hardiest catalpa grown here. REPORT OF THE FOREMAN OF FORESTMT. 255 18. Catalpa speciosa. — Hardy catalpa (United States.) Height, 30 to 40 feet. In bloom, fourth week of June. Flowers, large, white, spotted with purple and yellow. This tree is very handsome when the flowers are in bloom. The leaves are large and heart-shaped. The seed pods which form during the latter part of the summer become more than one foot in length. The whole tree is very tropical looking. To ensure hardiness, trees should be obtained from northern grown stock as but few specimens have proved hardy at Ottawa. 19. Celastrus articulatus. — Japanese climbing bitter-sweet (China and Japan). This is very distinct from Celastrus scandens, the native climbing bitter-sweet, with smaller and more abundant berries, which are yellow and orange in colour, in that respect especially differing from the native species. It is perfectly hardy and makes a fine climber. 20. Celastrus scandens. — Climbing bitter-sweet (Canada). This pretty climber, with its bright green leaves and showy scarlet and orange berries, is very desirable. It may be grown in a low compact mass by keeping the stems well cut back. Treated in this way it makes a very attractive object when covered with fruit, which remains throughout the winter. 21. Cercidiphyllum japonicum, — Katsura tree (Japan). Height, 30 to 50 feet. The pyramidal shape and delicate heart-shaped leaves of this tree make it very attractive and ornamental. It is closely related to the magnolia family but is quite hardy at Ottawa. 22. Cornus alba sibirica variegata. — Variegated Siberian dogwood. Height, 4 to 6 feet. A handsome shrub with silvery variegated leaves. Quite hardy. 23. Cratcegus coccinea. — Scarlet fruited hawthorn (Canada). Tree. Height, 10 to 20 feet. In bloom, fourth week of May. Flowers, white, borne in great profusion. This valuable native tree is ornamental in spring, summer, and autumn. The flowers are pretty, the leaves dark and shiny, and the fruit bright red and very showy. 24. Cratcegus Crus-galli. — Cockspur thorn (Ontario). Tree. Height, 15 to 25 feet. In bloom second week of June. Flowers, white tinged with pink. The leaves of this tree are very ornamental, being thick, smooth, and very shiny. 25. Daphne Cneorum. — Garland flower (Eastern Europe). Height, 1 to 1| feet. In bloom, second week of May. Flowers, bright pink and sweet scented. A very pretty little evergreen quite suitable for flower borders. It blooms a second time in autumn. 26. Diervilla Candida. — White flowered weigelia (China). Height, 4 feet. In bloom, first week of June. Flowers, pure white, making a charming contrast with the pink-flowered varieties. 27. Diervilla rosea. — Pink-flowered weigelia (China). Height, 4 to 5 feet. In bloom first week of June. Flowers, pink. The weigelias are very well known and much admired flowering shrubs. Of this species there are a number of fine varieties. *28. Diervilla rosea Sieboldii variegata. — Siebold's variegated weigelia (China). Height, 4 feet. In bloom, first week of June. Flowers, pink and white. Leaves beau- tifully variegated with white and pale green. This is the hardiest variety of weigelia tested here. 29. Elceagnus angustifolia. — Russian olive (South Europe, Orient). Height, 15 to 20 feet. In bloom, third week of June. Flowers, small, yellow, very sweet scented. This is a very ornamental tree with narrow silvery leaves and is perfectly hardy. 30. Elceagnus argentea. — Wolf willow (Canada.) Height, 8 to 12 feet. Blooms in 4th week in May. Flowers, small, yellow, and very sweet scented. The leaves which make this shrub ornamental are large and silvery. As it suckers considerably this should be taken into account when planting. 31. Genista tinctoria. — Dyer's greenweed (Europe). Height, 1 to 2 feet. In bloom fourth week of June. Flowers, bright yellow, pea-shaped. A very beautiful little shrub continuing in bloom for some time. 256 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. 32. Ginkgo hiloha. — Maiden-hair tree (China). Height, 20 to 60 feet. This pretty, graceful tree is a deciduous conifer with peculiar fan-shaped leaves. It is rather a slow grower but eventually reaches a good size. *33. Hydrangea paniculala grandijlora. — Large flowered Hydrangea (Japan). Height, 5 to 10 feet. In bloom, fourth week of July. Flowers, white, gradually becoming pink, in very large panicles. This is one of the finest of hardy flowering shrubs. 34. Hypericum kalmiamtm. — Kalm's St. John's wort (Ontario). Height, 2 to 4 feet. In bloom, second week of July. Flowers, large, bright yellow. A very orna- mental late flowering shrub. 35. Hex verticillata. — Black alder, winterberry (Ontario). Height 6 feet. This shrub is most ornamental in autumn when it is covered with bright scarlet berries. ♦36. Larix eurofoea. — European larch (Europe). Height, 60 to 80 feet. This tree is more graceful than our native tamarac and will succeed on a greater diversity of soils. 37. Ligustrum amurense. — Amur privet (China and Japan). Shrub. Height, 4 to 6 feet. This is the only privet tested here which has proved perfectly hardy. It is a pretty little shrub. *38. Lonicera Alherti. — Albert Kegel's honeysuckle (Turkestan). Height, 2 to 4 feet. In bloom, fourth week of May. Flowers, bright pink. This beautiful little honey- suckle with its sweet scented flowers, pendulous branches, and narrow leaves, is one of the most hardy and desirable shrubs. ♦39. Lonicera sempervirens. — Scarlet trumpet honeysuckle (United States). This very attractive climbing honeysuckle blooms almost continuously from the first week of June until late autumn. The profusion of bright, scarlet, trumpet-shaped flowers pro- duce a fine efiect where trained against a house or wall. *40. Lonicera tatarica. — Tartarian honeysuckle, bush honeysuckle (Siberia, Tar- tary). Height, 5 to 10 feet. In bloom third week of May. Flowers, bright pink. This is an old favourite and one of the hardiest shrubs grown. A variety called grandijlora is an improvement on the ordinary type with larger flowers striped with white. There are also white flowered and yellow fruited varieties. ♦41. JVeillia (spircea) opulifolia aurea. — Golden leaved spiraea (Canada). Height, 6 to 10 feet. A very vigorous growing, hardy shrub, with yellow leaves. Fine for con- trasts on the lawn. 42. Populus deltoidea aurea. — Golden leaved poplar (Canada.) A very pretty, graceful, golden leaved tree, retaining its colour throughout the season. This is also known as Populus monilifera aurea and Populus canadensis Van Geertii. ♦43. Philadelphus coronarius — Mock orange or Syringa (South Europe). Height, 5 to 10 feet. In bloom second week of June. Flowers, white, with a strong, sweet odour. A well known, popular shrub. There are several varieties, two of the most ornamental being the golden leaved and double flowered forms. ♦44. Philadelphus grandijlorus speciosissimus. — This is a great improvement on Philadelphus grandijlorus, with larger, whiter, and more abundant flowers. It blooms in the third week of June. It is a smaller shrub than P. grandijlorus. 45. Platanus occidentalis. — Button-wood (Ontario). Height, 50 to 60 feet. A very handsome and striking native tree, with large, deeply cut foliage. 46. PotentUla fruticosa. — Shrubby cinque-foil (Canada). Height, 2 to 4 feet. In bloom, second week of June. Flowers, large, bright yellow. A very pretty shrub when in bloom. 47. Pyrus Aucuparia — European mountain ash, rowan tree (Europe). Height, 20 to 30 feet. In bloom, fourth week of May. Flowers, white, borne in large clusters. This is a very graceful lawn tree, remaining ornamental throughout the winter when it REPORT OF THE FOREMAN OF FORESTRY. 257 is covered with its scarlet fruit. The American species is also very good. It is a smaller, more compact tree, flowering about one week later than the European. 48. Pyrus haccata. — Siberian crab (Siberia). Height, 15 to 20 feet. In bloom, third week of May. Flowers, white, tinged with bright pink. This compact little tree bears such a profusion of flowers in spring that it is one of the most ornamental at that time, and later in the summer, when the highly-coloured fruit hangs thickly among the leaves, it is again very handsome. This is one of the hardiest trees grown here. 49. Pyrus {Cydonia) Maulei. — Maule's Japanese quince (Japan). Height, 1 to 3 feet. In bloom, second week of May. Flowers, bright red. The flowers of this little shrub are very ornamental, and in the autumn, when the golden coloured, highly per- fumed quinces are ripe, it makes a very interesting object. It is much hardier than Pyrus japonica, of which some authorities call it a variety. 50. Quercus rubra — Red oak (Canada). A large, handsome tree, with very glossy leaves which turn red in autumn and at that time render it very ornamental. 51. Ribes aureum. — Missouri currant (United States). Height, 6 to 8 feet. In bloom, fourth week of May. Flowers, yellow and very sweet scented. This currant is quite ornamental, especially when in bloom, and again in summer the fruit, which is very palatable, makes it attractive at that time. 52. Rosa rubri/olia. — Red-leaved rose (Europe). Height, 6 feet. In bloom, second week of June. The bright pink flowers of this species are rather small, but the purplish red leaves are very ornamental. This rose does not sucker. 53. Rosa rugosa. — Japanese rose (Japan). Height, 4 to 5 feet. In bloom, second week of June. Flowers, very large and deep pink. This is a beautiful rose with fine flowers and very ornamental leaves which are large, thick and shiny. There is a white- flowered variety which is also good. 54. Robinia hispida. — Moss or rose locust (United States). Height, 8 feet. In bloom, fourth week of June. Flowers, deep pink. The experience with this tree is yet very limited here, but it proved hardy last winter which was a severe test for all trees and shrubs. It is very beautiful and if it continues hardy will be desirable. 55. Spircea arguta. — (Europe). Height, 2 to 4 feet. In bloom, third week of May. Flowers, pure white, produced very profusely in compact clusters. This is the earliest flowering spiraea grown here, and is one of the best hardy shrubs of recent introduction. It is a graceful little spiraea with pendulous branches but its chief beauty lies in the abundance of its flowers. 56. Spircea japonica (callosa). — Japanese spiraea (Japan). Height, 2 to 4 feet. In bloom, fourth week of June. Flowers, bright rosy red. This is a very pretty spiraea which continues to bloom throughout the greater part of the summer. A variety called Bumalda is more dwarf and very ornamental. An improvement on Bumalda is one called Anthony Waterer which has crimson flowers. 57. Spircea bracteata. — Round leaved spiraea (Japan). Shrub. Height, 3 to 4 feet. In bloom, second week of June. Flowers, pure white borne profusely in compact clusters. Very ornamental when in full bloom. This shrub is also known as Spircea rotundifolia alba. 58. Spircea salicifolia. — Willow-leaved spiraea (Canada). Height, 4 to 5 feet. In bloom, first week of July. Flowers pink or white, in large panicles. This is a late bloomer and is valuable on that account. It is known among some nurserymen as Spircea Billardii. 59. Spircea sorbifolia. — Sorbus-leaved spiraea (Himalaya to Japan). Height, 4 to 5 feet. In bloom, fourth week in June. Flowers, white, borne in very large panicles. This is a strong growing species but suckers considerably. 8a^-17 258 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. *60. Spircea VanJIouttei. — Van Houtte's spiraea (Europe). Height, 3 to 5 feet. In bloom, first week of June. Flowers, pure white, borne very profusely in small, compact clusters, on pendulous branches. This graceful shrub is very beautiful when in full bloom. *61. Sambucus nigra foliis aureis. — Golden-leaved elder (Europe). Height, 5 to 10 feet. The leaves of this variety are bright golden yellow which make it an attractive shrub on the ornamental grounds. 62. Symphoricarpus racemosus. — Snowberry (Canada). Height, 3 to 4 feet. This ghrub has small rose-coloured flowers but its chief beauty lies in the large puie white berries which render it very ornamental in autumn. 63. Syringa chinensis (roihomagensis). — Rouen lilac. Garden origin. Height, 5 to 10 feet. This a hybrid between s. j^ersica and s. vulgaris. In bloom, fourth week of May. Flowers, bright violet purple. A very profuss bloomer with much the habit of Syringa persica but bearing more highly coloured flowers. 64. Syringa japonica — Japanese lilac (Japan). Height, 15 to 20 feet. In bloom, fourth week of June. Flowers, creamy white, without perfume, borne in very large pan- icles. This is the latest blooming lilac tested here being more than one month later than the common species. 65. Syringa Josikcea. — Josika's lilac (Hungary). Height, 5 to 10 feet. In bloom first week of June . Flowers, bluish purple without perfume. This lilac blooms about two weeks later than the common species. The leaves are deep green and shiny which make it quite ornamental throughout the summer. 66. Syringa ohlata. — Heart-leaved lilac (China). Height, 10 to 15 feet. In bloom, fourth week of May. Flowers bright purple. This is a very ornamental species with heart-shaped, shiny leaves. It blooms a little later than the common species. 67. Syringa villosa. — Rough-leaved lilac (North China). Height, 4 to 6 feet. In bloom, first week of June. Flowers, pale purple. This is a very handsome species blooming about a week later than the common lilac. *68. Syringa vulgaris alba grandijlora. — Large-flowered white lilac (Europe). This is an improvement on the common white lilac with larger flowers and panicles. It blooms during the third week of May. *69. Syringa vulgaris, Charles X. — Charles X lilac (Europe). Height, 8 to 12 feet. In bloom, fourth week of May. Flowers, deep purplish lilac, very sweet scented. A profuse bloomer and one of the finest lilacs grown. 70. Salix rosmarinifolia — Rosemary-leaved willow (Europe). Height, 6 to 10 feet. This is a very ornamental willow with long narrow rosemary-like leaves. 71. Salix Laurifolia. — Laurel-leaved willow (Europe). Height, 20 to 30 feet. The leaves of this willow are deep green and very shiny. When given room to develop sym- metrically, it makes a very handsome specimen on the ornamental grounds. *72. Viburnum Lantana. — Way-faring tree (Europe). Height, 8 to 12 feet. In bloom, third week of May Flowers, white in compact flat heads. The fruit is very orna- mental, being scarlet, turning to dark purple when ripe. 73. Viburnum Opulus. — Guelder rose, high bush cranberry (Canada). Height, 6 to 8 feet. In bloom, second week of June. Flowers, white, in large clusters. This is, at all seasons of the year, an ornamental shrub, as the abundant bright scarlet fruit remains on the bush all winter. *74. Viburnum Opulus sterile. — Snowball. Height, 8 to 10 feet. In bloom, second week of June. Tlie almost round clusters of pure white flowers of this shrub are well known. This is one of the most ornamental flowering shrubs grown liere. REPORT OF THE FOREMAN OF FORESTRY. 259 75. Viburnum prunifoliuxn.. — Plum-leaved viburnum (Canada). Height, 10 to 15 feet. In bloom second week of June. Flowers, white, in compact, flat heads. The leaves of this species are very ornamental, being smooth and glossy. EVERGREENS. 76. Abies concolor. — White fir (Colorado). Height, 30 to 60 feet. This is a very beautiful species with large, flat, glaucous, green leaves. Young trees of this species should be obtained from northern-grown stock, as it seems to be at its limit of hardiness here. 77. Cupressus ericoides. — Heath-like retinospora (Japan). Height, 2 feet. This is a very pretty dwarf evergreen, with fine, soft, delicate green foliage, which becomes of an attractive purplish tinge in winter. 78. Cupressus pisifera ( Retinospora pisifera). — (Japan.) The retinosporas are all ornamental, and this is one of the best. It is of pendulous form with bright green leaves and a very graceful habit. 79. Cupressus pisijer a Jilifera. — (Japan). This isa very distinct and beautiful variety with drooping branches and slender thread-lLke pendulous branchlets, *iiO. Cupressus pisifera plumosa. — (Japan). A more compact tree than Cupressus pisi/era,hut very ornamental. Its branchlets are somewhat feathery in form. 81. Cujyressv^ pisifera plumosa aurea. — CJapan). One of the most beautiful golden leaved, evergreen shrubs in cultivation. It is of compact form and holds its colour well. 82. Juniperua communis Jastigiata. — Irish juniper (Europe). Height, 4 to 8 feet. The Irish juniper is an erect, compact form of Juniperus comm,unis with light green foliage, silvery beneath. It makes a very attractive shrub on the lawn. 83. Juniperus Sahina tamarisci/olia. — Tamarisk-leaved savin (Europe). Height, 1 to 2 feet. This is a low growing variety with widely spread trailing branches and attractive foliage. *»'■ 84. Finus austriaca. — Austrian pine (Austria). Height, 30 to 60 feet. A very handsome pine with dark green rigid leaves and upright branches. This is a very com- pact growing species and one of the most beautiful. *85. Pinus montana Mughus. — Dwarf mountain pine (Mountains of Central Europe). Height, 2 to 10 feet. This is a very ornamental, dwarf, compact pine. Its height varies considerably, some specimens being quite dwarf and others attaining a height of about 10 feet. 86. Pinus ponderosa. — Heavy wooded or bull pine (British Columbia). Height, 50 to 80 feet. The bull pine is one of the most handsome species. The long glaucous green leaves, sometimes twisted into peculiar forms, and its upright branches, give it a very majestic appearance. 87. Pinus resinosa. — Red pine (Canada). Height, 40 to 60 feet. Not unlike the Austrian pine when young, but becoming less stift in form as it becomes larger. The leaves are also much softer than those of the Austrian pine. 88. Pinus Sylvp.stris. — Scotch pine (Europe). Height, 40 to 60 feet .A very rapid growing pine with bluish green leaves. It is not so shapely as some of the other species, but grows well in nearly all kinds of thoroughly drained soils. 89. Pinus Strobus. — White pine (Canada). Height, 50 to 75 feet. The white pine is better known as a timber tree in Canada than as an ornamental tree, but when it branches from near the ground, and has sufficient space to develop symmetrically, it becomes one of the most graceful evergreens grown. The leaves which preserve their colour well in winter are a very lively green. 8a— 17^ 260 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. 90. Picea alba. — White spruce (Canada). Height, 30 to 50 feet. A very beautiful native species with glaucous green leaves and rather rigid branches but making a fine ornamental tree. *91. Picea alcockiana. — Alcock's spruce (Japan). Height, 40 to 60 feet. This is a very ornamental Japanese species, and quite distinct from all others. The dark green of the upper part of the leaves, and the bluish silvery green of the lower surface, make it very attractive. *92. Picea excelsa. — Norway spruce (Europe). Height, 50 to 75 feet. The Nor- way spruce is one of the most popular evergreens planted, being a very rapid grower, of graceful form, and doing well on a great variety of soils. *93. Picea pungens glauca. — Rocky mountain blue spruce (Western United States). Height, 40 to 60 feet. A very beautiful species with steely blue coloured leaves. One of the most ornamental trees. It is a slow grower and takes some years before it attains much height. As this tree varies in colour from green to blue, in procuring young trees, the blue variety should be ordered. 94. Pseudotsuga Douglasii. — Douglas fir (British Columbia). Height, 50 to 75 feet. The Douglas fir is a very majestic and handsome tree, with foliage dark green above and silvery beneath. The seed or young trees should be obtained from as far north as possible, or high up on the mountains, as otherwise it is not likely to prove hardy. *95. Thuya occidentalis aurea Douglasii. — Douglas' golden arbor-vitse (United States). This is a very beautiful form with bright golden coloured foliage and upright habit. 96. Thuya occidentalis compacta. — Compact arbor-vitse (United States). A dwarf compact variety with bright green foliage. 97. Thuya occidentalis Ellwangeriana. — Ellwanger's arbor-vitse (United States). This is a fine, compact, dwarf, vigorous variety, with slender leaves and branches. *98. Thuya occidentalis Hoveyi. — Hovey's arbor-vitse (United States). This is one of the finest and most desirable varieties. The leaves are bright green and the branches flat and parallel, giving the shrub a very remarkable and attractive appearance. 99. Thuya occidentalis pyramidalis. — Pyramidal arbor-vitse (United States). The pyramidal arbor-vitse is a very compact upright grower, and its columnar form makes it one of the most conspicuous objects on the grounds. 100. Thtiya occidentalis wareana (Sibirica). — Siberian arbor-vitse (Europe). The Siberian arbor-vitae is a well known compact form with deep green, blunt leaves, which keep their colour well in winter. PERENNIALS. No flower garden is complete without perennials. Even though the plot of ground be small, some of the precious space should be allotted to a fe-.v of the finest examples of this large and varied class of plants. Few flowers require as little care as perennials if given the proper conditions to start with. The soil should be a good loam, well drained, for thorough draining is very essential. When planted, they should be left undisturbed as long as possible, hence the soil must be well prepared by trenching, with a liberal supply of well rotted cow manure, dug under. Most perennials thrive best in full sunshine, and, where it is possible, they should be planted where they will get the most favourable conditions. A southern aspect is the most suitable, and where there is protection from the cold winds the plants do best. Planting may be done either in spring or fall but September is probably the best time to plant perennials. Throughout REPORT OF THE FOREMAN OF FORESTRY. 261 the growing season the surface soil should be kept loose and free from weeds. During the summer, the taller growing sorts will need staking, as fine specimens are liable to be broken by storms if this is neglected. When the flowers have ceased blooming, the old stalks should be cut off near the ground. Just before permanent frost sets in, the border or bed should be given a liberal dressing of strawy manure. This will form a fine mulch for the protection of the plants and at the same time enrich the soil. The mulch ought not to be removed too soon in the spring, as often most of the damage done to perennials is at that season when so much thawing and freezing takes place. The following list of one hundred of the best hardy perennials growing at the Central Experimental Farm, selected from over 1,000 species and varieties, is published for the purpose of assisting any who may desire to obtain a choice collection of these plants. In this list will be found the scientific and common name of each ; its native home ; when it begins to bloom ; how tall it grows ; the colour, size and other charac- teristics of the flower ; also any other notes deemed advisable. For the information of those who have no room for a large collection, the best twenty-five are distinguished by a star preceding the name. LIST OP ONE HUNDRED OF THE BEST HARDY PERENNIALS. *1. Achillea Ptarmica Jlore pleno. — Double sneezewort (Northern Hemisphere). Height, 1 foot. In bloom fourth week of June. Flowers small, pure white, double, and borne in clusters. A fine perennial, blooming freely throughout the summer. 2. Aconitum auiumnale. — Autumn flowering monk's hood (Europe). Height, 3 to 4 feet. Blooms in September. Flowers, bluish purple, borne in loose panicles. Valuable . as a late bloomer. 3. Aconitum JVapellus. — Common monk's hood or helmet flower (jSTorthern Hemis- phere). Height, 3 to 4 feet. Blooms in July. Flowers, deep blue, borne on a large ter- minal spike. A fine species, desirable for the rear of the border. 4. Adonis vernalis. — Ox-eye (Europe). Height, 6 to 9 inches. In bloom first w«ek of May. Flowers, large, lemon yellow, borne singly from the ends of the stems. A very beautiful early flowering perennial. 5. Agrostemma coronaria atropurpurea. — Mullein pink (South Europe). Height, 1 to 2 feet. In bloom fourth week of June. Flowers, medium size, bright crimson, borne singly from the sides and ends of the stems. A very showy flower with silvery foliage, and continues to bloom throughout the summer. 6. Anemone patens. — Spreading pasque flower (North America). Height, 6 to 9 inches. In bloom fourth week of April. Flowers, large and deep purple. Very early. A beautiful flower. *7. Anthemis tinctoria Kelwayi. — Kelway's hardy golden Marguerite (Europe). Height, 1 to 2 feet. In bloom fourth week of June. Flowers, large, deep yellow, borne singly on long stems. It continues to bloom profusely throughout the summer ; is very showy and valuable for cutting. 8. Aquilegia canadensis. — Wild columbine (Canada). Height, 1 to 1| feet. In bloom third week of May. Flowers, medium size, red and yellow. One of our prettiest wild flowers. *9. Aquilegia chrysantha. — Golden spurred columbine (New Mexico). Height, 3 to 4 feet. In bloom fourth week of June. Flowers, large, bright lemon yellow, with long slender spurs. A very handsome perennial and much later than other columbines. *10. Aquilegia coerulea. — Rocky Mountain columbine (Rocky Mountains). Height, 1 to 1| feet. In bloom fourth week of May. Flowers, large deep blue with white centre and long spurs. A very beautiful species, of which there are some charming varieties in cultivation. 11. Aquilegia glandulosa. — Altaian columbine (SiV)eria). Height, 1 foot. In bloom third week of May. Flowers, large, deep blue, with white centre and short spurs. 262 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. 12. Aquilegia oxysepala. — Russian columbine (Northern Asia). Height, 1 foot. In bloom second week in May. Flowers, large, deep purplish blue with blue and yellow centres, a very desirable early species, one of the best. 13. Aquilegia Stuarti. — Stuart's columbine (Europe). Height, 9 to 12 inches. In bloom third week of May. Flowers, large, deep blue with white centre, one of the best. 14. Arabis alpina. — White alyssum (Europe, North America). Height, 6 inches. In bloom first week in May. Flowers, small, pure white, in clusters. One of the earliest bloomers. 15. Arnebia echioides. — Prophet flower (Armenia). Height, 9 inches. In bloom third week of May. Flowers, yellow, borne in clusters, with petals spotted with purple. One of the most charming of early flowering plants. 16. Asclcpias tuberosa. — Pleurisy root (Ontario). Height, 1^ to 2 feet. In bloom third week of July. Flowers, bright orange, borne in clusters. Very showy. 17. Aster alpinus. — Alpine aster (Canada, Europe). Height, 9 inches. In bloom first week of June. Flowers, large, bright purple, borne on long stems from the base of the plant. The earliest flowering of all the asters. *18. Aster Amelltts bessarabicus. — Bessarabian aster (Russia). Height, 1 to 1 J feet. Blooms from July to September. Flowers, large, deep purple, borne singly on long stems. Very fine. Splendid as cut flowers. 19. Aster Novae Angliae roseus. — Pink flowered New England aster (Ontario). Height, 5 to 7 feet. In bloom fourth week of August. Flowers, bright pink, borne pro- fusely in large, terminal clusters. Very showy. A strong growing variety. 20. Boltonia asteroides. — False chamomile (Canada). Height, 4 to 5 feet. Blooms in September. Flowers, smaller than the next, pale pink, borne very profusely in large panicles. Much later than the next species. Valuable as a showy, late flowering perennial. 21. Boltonia latisquama. — (Canada). Height, 4 feet. In bloom first week of August. Flowers, large, white, somewhat resembling asters, and borne very profusely in large panicles. A very fine perennial. 22. Campamda carpatica — Carpathian bellflower (Eastern Europe). Height, 6 to 9 inches. In bloom first week of July. Flowers, medium size, deep blue, borne pro- fusely in loose panicles. It continues in bloom throughout the summer. Flowers, fine for cutting. A white variety of this is also good. 23. Campanula Grossekii. — Grosseck's bellflower (Eastern Europe). Height, 3 feet. In bloom first week of July. Flowers, large, deep blue borne on a long spike. A com- paratively new but very handsome species. 24. Campanula persicifolia. — Peach-leaved bellflower (Europe). Height, 3 feet. Flowers, large, blue, borne in a raceme with long flower stems. A very desirable species. There are also white and double varieties which are good. 25. Clematis r'cta. — Erect virgin's bower (South Europe). Height, 4 feet. In bloom fourth week of June. Flowers, small, pure white, borne profusely in dense clusters. This is a very compact bushy species and desirable for the rear of the border. Clematis Jackmanni with large deep purple flowers and Clematis Vitalba with small white flowers, are excellent climbing sorts. 26. Convallaria niajalis. — Lily of the Valley (Europe). Height, 6 to 9 inches. Blooms in the latter part of May. This charming, delicately perfumed flower, needs no description. 27. Coreopsis del phinifoJia. — Larkspur-leaved tick-seed (Japan). Height, 2 to 3 feet. In bloom first week of July. Flowers, large, yellow with dark centres and borne singly with long stems. REPORT OF THE FOREMAN OF FORESTRY. 263 28. Coreopsis grandijiora. — Large flowered tick-seed (Southern United States). Height, 2 to 3 feet. In bloom fourth week of June. Flowers, large, deep yellow, borne singly on long stems. It continues blooming profusely throughout the summer. Fine for cutting. *29. Coreopsis lanceolata. — Lance-leaved tick-seed (Canada). Height, 2 feet. In bloom fourth week of June. Flowers, large though slightly smaller than the last, and borne on long stems. It continues blooming throughout the season, and is a very desir- able perennial. *30. Delphinium cashmirianum. — Cashmerian larkspur (Himalayas). Height, IJ feet. In bloom first week of July. Flowers, pale to bright blue, in large open heads. A very beautiful low growing species. 31. Dianthus plumarius jiore pleno. — Double-flowered garden pink (Eastern Europe). Height, 9 inches. In bloom second week of June. Flowers, large, white or pink, very sweet scented, and two or three borne on a stem. A variety called Mrs. Simkins is especially desirable being very double, white and deliciously perfumed, almost equalling a carnation. It blooms during the fourth week of June. 32. Dicentra spectahilis. — Bleeding heart (Japan). Heiglit, 3 feet. In bloom second week of May, Flowers, heart-shaped, red and white and borne in pendulous racemes. An old favourite. 33. Dictamnus albiis. — Gas plant (Europe). Height, 1| to 2 feet. In bloom second week of June. Flowers, white with an aromatic fragrance, and borne in large terminal racemes. A well known variety, has purple flowers with darker markings. A very striking plant and well worthy of cultivation. It is generally known as Dictamnus Fraxinella. 34. Doronicum caucasicum. — Caucasian leopard's bane (Europe). Height, 1 foot. In bloom second week of May. Flowers, large, yellow, and borne singly. A fine strong growing early perennial. *35. Doronicum plantagineum excelsum. — Tall plantain-like leopard's bane (Britain). Height, 2 feet. In bloom third week of May. Flowers, large and deep yellow. A fine plant with large tlowers. 36. Hpimedium ruby-urn. — Red barren-wort (Japan). Height, 1 foot. In bloom second week of May. Flowers, small, bright crimson and white, borne in a loose panicle. A very dainty and beautiful little flower. 37. Erigeron speciosus. — Showy fleabane (Western North America). Height, I^ feet. In bloom second week of July. Flowers, large, violet-blue, with yellow centres, and borne in large clusters on long stems. Very desirable. 38. Funkia siibcordaia (grandi flora). — Large flowered plaiutain lily (Japan). Height, H feet. Blooms in August. Flowers, large and whitp, borne in racemes. The best funkia grown here. Both leaves and flowers are handsome. *39. G'aillardia aristata grandijiora. — Large flowered Gaillai-dia or blanket flower ("Western North America). Height, 1 h feet. In bloom third week of June. Flowers, large, yellow, with deep orange centres, and borne singly on long stems. The named varieties, Superba and Perfection, are more highly coloured and are of great merit. These all continue blooming profusely until late in the autumn. 40. Gypsophila paniculata. — Infant's breath (Europe). Height, 2 feet. In bloom second week of July. Flowers, small, white, borne profusely in large open panicles. A very graceful plant. 41. Helenium autumnale. — Autumn flowering sneezewort (Canada). Height, 6 to 7 feet. In bloom second week of July. Flowers, large, deep yellow, borne in large heads. Very ornamental in late summer. 42. Helianthus doronicoides. — (Canada). Height, 6 to 7 feet. In bloom second week of August. Flowers, large, bright yellow, and borne singly. Very fine; continues blooming for several weeks. 264 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. 43. Helianthus muUiJlorus. — Soleil d'Or (United States). Height, 4 feet. Blooms in August. Flowers, large, double, bright yellow, and borne singly. A very striking late flowering perennial. 44. Heuchera sanguinea. — Blood-coloured alum-root (Northern Mexico). Height, 1 to 1^ feet. In bloom first week of June. Flowers, small, bright, scarlet, borne in open panicles. Continues blooming throughout the summer. Very desirable. *45. Hemerocallis Dumortierii. — Dumortier's day lily (Japan). Height, 1| feet. In bloom second week of June. Flowers, large, orange yellow, with a brownish tinge on the outside, and three or four on a stem. Very fine. *46. Hemerocallis Jlava. — Yellow day lily (South Europe). Height, 2 to 3 feet. Blooms in the latter part of June. Flowers, bright orange yellow and fragrant. One of the best. 47. Hemerocallis m,inor. — Lesser day lily (North China and Japan). Height, 1 to 1^ feet. In bloom second week of July. Flowers, medium size and yellow. Blooms later than the two preceding species and has a smaller flower and narrower foliage. 48. Hibiscus Moscheutoa. — Swamp rose mallow (Ontario). Height, 5 feet. In bloom third week of August. Flowers, very large, varying in colour from white to deep pink. A variety called " Crimson eye " is very good. This plant makes a fine show during late summer. 49. Hypericum pyramidatum. — Pyramidal St. John's "Wort (Ontario). Height, 3 feet. In bloom fourth week of July. Flowers, large, yellow, and borne singly. A good late flowering perennial. *50 Iberis sempervirens. — Evergreen candytuft (Candia). Height, 6 to 12 inches. In bloom third week of May. Flowers, pure white, fragrant, and borne in dense flat clusters. A fine perennial for cutting. 51. Iris Chamaeiris. — (South Europe). Height, 6 inches. In bloom fourth week of May. Flowers, bright yellow with brown markings. A very pretty dwarf species. 52. Iris Jlavescens. — (Eastern Europe and Western Asia). Height, 1^ to 2 feet. In bloom first week of June. Flowers, lemon yellow with brown markings. This species makes a fine contrast with Iris sibirica, blooming about the same time. *53. Iris Jlorentina. — Oris root (Central and Southern Europe). Height, 2 feet. In bloom first week of June. Flowers, very large, pale blue or lavender, sweet scented. A splendid Iris, *54. Iris germanica. — German iris (Europe). Height, 2 to 3 feet. In bloom first week of June. Flowers, very large, of elegant form ; colour, deep lilac and bright purple, sweet scented. Cannot be too highly recommended. There are a large number of choice varieties of this iris. *55. Iris Icevigata (Kaemp/eri). — Japanese iris (Japan and Siberia). Height, 1^ to 2 feet. In bloom first week of Jxily. Flowers, very large and distinct in colour and shape. The flowers of the type are bright purple, and purple with yellow blotches in the throat, but there are a great many exquisite varieties of this charming plant. 56. Iris pumila. — Dwarf iris (Europe, Asia Minor). Height, 4 to 6 inches. In "bloom third week of May. Flowers, deep purple. An old favourite. There are several varieties of this pretty little iris but none that excel it. 57. Iris sibirica. — Siberian iris (Europe to Siberia). Height, 3 to 4 feet. In bloom fourth week of May. Flowers, deep blue, borne on long stems in clusters of two or three. This species has many varieties. 58. Iris variegata. — (Eastern Europe). Height 1 to 1^ feet. In bloom first week of June. Flowers, yellow and brown, veined with various shades of brown. REPORT OF THE FOREMAN OF FORESTRY. 265 *59. Lilium auratum. — Golden rayed lily of Japan (Japan). Height, 3 to 5 feet, Blooms in July. Flowers, very large, white, with a yellow central band on each petal, *nd thickly spotted with purple and red. The most showy of all lilies and a splendid flower. This has proven hardy at the Central Experimental Farm, although it has been reported tender in some localities. There are many choice varieties of this lily. 60. Lilium canadense. — Canadian lily (Canada). Height, 2 to 3 feet. Blooms in the latter part of May. Flowers, yellow to pale red with reddish spots, pendulous. A very desirable early native species. 61. Lilium elegans. — Elegant lily (Japan). Height, 6 inches. In bloom first week of July. Flowers, pale red. A very pretty dwarf lily with sevei'al varieties which are better than the type. *62. Lilium speciosum,. — Showy Japanese lily (Japan). Height, 2 to 3 feet. Blooms in July. Flowers, large, white, tinged and spotted with deep pink and red. A very desirable lily. Hardier than LUium. auratum and almost as fine. There are several fine varieties of this flower, *63. Lilium, superbum. — Superb lily (Ontario). Height, 4 to 6 feet. In bloom first week of July. Flowers, very numerous, orange red, thickly spotted with dark brown. One of the most robust lilies grown. When in bloom it is a perfect blaze of colour. An admirable lily for the rear of the border. 64. Lilium tenuifolium. — Narrow leaved lily (Siberia). Height, 1|^ to 2 feet. In bloom third week of June. Flowers, pendulous and bright scarlet. One of the most graceful of all lilies. 65. Lilium tigrinum. — Common tiger lily (China). Height, 2 to 4 feet. Flowers, large, deep orange, spotted thickly with purplish black. A very popular old sort. 66. Linum perenne. — Perennial flax (Canada). Height, 1|^ feet. In bloom first week of June. Flowers, large, deep blue, borne in loose panicles. A very profuse bloomer continuing in flower throughout the summer. 67. Lobelia cardinalis. — Cardinal flower (Canada). Height, 2 to 3 feet. Blooms in August. Flowers, bright scarlet, borne in terminal racemes. A very showy and desirable native plant. 68. Lychnis chalcedonica flore pleno. — Double flowering, London pride (Russia). Height, 2 to 3 feet. In bloom first week of July. Flowers, bright crimson, double, and borne iu terminal racemes. An old favourite. 69. Lysimachia clethroides. — Clethra-like loose-strife (Japan). Height, 3 feet. In bloom fourth week of July. Flowers, white, borne in long spikes. A very striking late flowering perennial. 70. Myosotis alpestris. — Alpine forget-me-not (Mountains of Europe). Height, 6 inches. In bloom third week of May. Flowers, small, bright blue with a yellowish eye A very profuse bloomer and always popular. 71. CEnotli^era m,issouriensis. — Missouri evening primrose (United States). Height, 1 foot. In bloom fourth week of June. Flowers, very large, rich yellow, and borne singly. Very beautiful. Continues to bloom throughout the summer. *72. Paeonia officinalis. — Common paeony (Europe). Height, 2 to 4 feet. Blooms in the early part of July. This old favourite needs no description. The double flowered varieties are the best, and can be obtained in several colours and shades. *73. Papaver nudicaule. — Iceland poppy (Mountains of Northern Hemisphere). Height, 1 foot. In bloom second week of May. Flowers, medium size, orange, white, or yellow. This is a very valuable and pretty poppy, blooming almost continuously until late in the autumn. 74. Papaver orientals, — Oriental poppy (Asia Minor). Height, 2 to 3 feet. In bloom first week of June. Flowers, very large, scarlet, and variously marked, according to variety, there being many forms of this beautiful poppy. 266 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. 75. Pentstemon barbatus Torreyi. — Torrey's beard tongue (Texas). Height, 2 to 3 feet. In bloom first week of July. Flowers, deep red, borne in long spikes, very ornamental. 76. Phlox amoena. — Lovely phlox (Virginia). Height, 6 inches. In bloom second week of May. Flowers, medium size, bright pink, in compact clusters. A fine early •species. *77. Phlox decussata. — Hybrid perennial phlox (United States). Height, 1 to 3 feet. In bloom third week of July. Flowers, of many beautiful shades and colours are found in the large number of named varieties of this phlox, which continues to bloom until late in the autumn. 78 Phlox reptans. — Creeping plilox (North America). Height, 4 inches. In bloom fourth week of May. Flowers, medium size, purple, and borne in small clusters. 79. Phlox subulata (setacea). — Moss pink (North America). Height, 6 inches. In bloom third week of May. Flowers, medium size, deep pink, and borne in small clusters. An old favourite for early effects in the garden. *80. Platycodon grandiflorum. — Large flowered Chinese bellflower (China and Japan). Height, 1| to 2 feet. In bloom second week of July. Flowers, very large, deep blue, borne singly or in twos. A very profuse bloomer, flowering continuously until autumn. Cannot be too highly praised. 8L Platycodon grandiflorum album. — This is a white flowered variety of the last and makes a fine contrast to it when they are grown together. It blooms a few days earlier than the species. 82. Platycodon grandiflorum Mariesii (China). Height, 1 foot. In bloom second week of July. Flowers, large and deep blue, a lower growing form of the species but equally as good. 83. Polemoniura coeruleum. — Jacob's ladder (Northern Temperate Regions). Height, 2 feet. In bloom second week of June. Flowers, deep blue, borne in terminal spikes, very attractive. 84. Polemonium reptans. — Creeping Jacob's ladder (North America). Height, 6 inches. In bloom third week of May. Flowers, medium in size, blue, and borne pro- fusely in loose clusters. 85. Polemonium Richardsoni. — Richardson's Jacob's ladder (Rocky Jlountains). Height, 6 inches. In bloom third week of May. Flowers, medium in size, blue, borne profusely in pendulous panicles. 86. Potentilla hybrida versicolor. — (Europe). Height, 1 foot. In bloom fourth week of June. Flowers, large, deep orange and yellow, semi -double. Very fine and quite hardy. A hybrid variety. 87. Primula cortusoides. — Cortusa-like primrose (Siberia). Height, 9 inches. In bloom third week of May. Flowers, small, deep rose, in compact heads. A charming little early flowering perennial. 88. Pyrethrum uliginosum. — Great ox-eye (Russia). Height, 4 feet. Blooms in September. Flower?, large, white with yellow centres, and borne singly on long stems. A very profuse bloomer. Splendid for cutting. *89. Rudbeckia laciniata Golden Glow (United States). Height, 5 to 6 feet. Blooms in August. Flowers, large, lemon yellow, double, and borne on long stems. Very fine. One of the best of lately introduced perennials, being a very profuse bloomer and vigorous grower. 90. Rudbeckia maxima. — Great cone flower (United States). Height, 5 to 6 feet. Blooms in July and August. Flowers, large with a long cone shaped centre, and bright yellow rays, and borne singly. Leaves are large and glaucous. The whole plant is very striking. REPORT OF THE FOREMAN OF FORESTRY. 267 91. Scabiosa caucasica. — Caucasian scabious (Caucasus). Height. IJ feet. In bloom first week of July. Flowers, large, light blue, and borne singly on long stems. Blooms very freely throughout the remainder of the summer. 92. Solidago canadensis. — Golden rod (Canada). Height, 3 to 5 feet. In bloom first week of August, Flowers, small, golden yellow, and borne in dense panicles. This common native perennial is well worthy of a place in any border. 93. Spircea astilboides. — Astilbe-like Spiraea (Japan). Height, 2 feet. In bloom fourth week of June. Flowers, small, white, very numerous, and borne in many branched panicles. Both foliage and flowers of this species are ornamental. *94. SpircBa Filipendula. — Dropwort (Europe). Height, 2 to 3 feet. In bloom third week of June. Flowers, pure white, borne profusely in loose panicles. The foliage of this species is also very fine. There is a double flowered variety which is very eflfective. 95. Spircea palmata elegans. — (Japan). Height, 2 to 3 feet. In bloom first week of July. Flowers, whitish with crimson anthers, borne very profusely in panicles. A fine species. 96. Spircea Ulmaria. — Meadow sweet (Europe). Height 3 to 4 feet. In bloom second week of July. Flowers, very numerous, dull white, borne in large compound heads, having a soft, feathery appearance. A vigorous grower and a very striking species. *97. Spircea venusta. — Queen of the prairie. Native country unknown. Height, 4 feet. In bloom second week of July. Flowers, small, bright pink, borne profusely in large panicles. A very pretty pink flowered spiraea. 98. Statics latifolia. — Broad-leaved sea lavender (Bulgaria). Height, 1| feet. In bloom first week of July. Flowers, small, blue, borne very profusely in loose panicles. Very effective in the border. 99. Thalictrum aquilegifolium. — Columbine rue (Europe). Height, 4 to 5 feet. In bloom fourth week of June. Flowers, small, white to purplish, very numerous and borne in large panicles. Yery ornamental. 100. Trollins europceus. — Common globe flower (Europe). Height, 1| to 2 feet. In bloom fourth week of May. Flowers, large, bright yellow. A very pretty plant, somewhat resembling a buttercup and continuing in bloom for a long time. ORNAMENTAL GROUNDS. The laying out and planting of the ornamental grounds is now almost complete. The work has covered a period of ten years, during which interval all the time available both in spring and autumn has been utilized to bring about the present results. The road from the main entrance to the office building which, when the work was begun in 1889, had nothing along its margins to vary the landscape save the fields of grain, is now at all seasons of the year brightened by the clumps of trees and shrubs which are grouped and scattered along its borders. The roads leading to the other buildings have also been planted in like manner, while the intervening areas are broken by lawns, flower borders, and flower beds. Some parts of the lawns now look quite park-like where such trees as pine, spruce, birch, larch, and other quick -growing sorts have been distributed singly over the grassy sward. Many of these are now more than twenty feet in height, and are excellent examples of the rapidity with which such trees grow when properly cared for. FLOWER BORDERS AND FLOWER BEDS. The roses which in June are always attractive were better in 1897 than last year, being less injured by the winter. The flower borders and beds were well stocked as usual and there was a splendid display of bloom throughout the season. A new feature 268 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. this year was the hydrangea bed, where 58 specimens of this beautiful shrub were planted, and produced during the latter part of July and August a fine mass of bloom. VISITORS. This year the number of notable visitors to the farm was much greater than at any time during the past, among them being many representatives of both the British Association for the Advancement of Science and the British Medical Association. All seemed pleased with the general appearance of the ornamental grounds, and many ex- pressed their surprise at the growth the trees and shrubs had made in so short a time. Many farmers and farmers' wives, who came on the special excursions which were arranged for from time to time throughout the summer, expressed much interest in the trees, shrubs, and flowers, and it is hoped that some of them will, from seeing the effects of the judicious planting near the houses, spend more time in the beautifying of their own homes. The ladies were especially interested in the flowers and the names of those they admired most were often taken with the intention of procuring some of the desir- able sorts for themselves. The splendid example which the ornamental grounds now affords to all who can visit them, will, it is hoped, bear abundant fruit by inciting a greater desire to make the homes of our people more attractive. CARE OF THE ORNAMENTAL GROUNDS. The work in connection with the care of the ornamental grounds is now very considerable as the trees, shrubs, hedges, flower borders, flower beds, lawns and roads must all be kept in good order. Throughout the summer the grounds at all times looked well. The first work was done with the pony lawn mower on the 10th of May and the grass was kept cut at intervals with it until the 18th of September. The weeds in the flower borders and beds were also kept well in subjection. The surface soil about the trees and shrubs was stirred at intervals throughout the summer both to kill weeds and keep the soil from baking. Some thinning of the original planting of trees and shrubs along the main avenue, was done this year as a number of them were already crowding each other. During the summer many trees and shrubs were sprayed to prevent the depredations of insects and fungous diseases. Aphides were especially troublesome. ADDITIONS TO TREES, SHRUBS AND LAWNS. Very little planting of trees and shrubs was required on the ornamental grounds this year. In some places, however, clumps were widened by the addition of new speci- mens and those replaced which had died during the winter. The piece of ground north of the poultry building which was planted last year, was seeded down this summer also that on both sides of the avenue leading from the northern entrance to the farm fore- man's house. HEDGES. Visitors to the Central Experimental Farm are often surprised at the number and variety of the trees and shrubs used for hedge purposes, and they manifest much inter- est in them by asking questions regarding the best varieties to plant and the methods of growing them. Examples of 88 species and varieties are now growing side by side in hedges 50 feet in length and 10 feet apart, which present a very fine appearance in summer when in full leaf. The methods to be adopted in growing a hedge successfully are simple, but should be followed if a compact and regular hedge is to be obtained. The young trees or shrubs should be planted in good soil, and if it is not good it should be removed and better REPORT OF THE FOREMAN OF FOREST RT. 269 earth brought in its place. Young stock from one to two feet in height should be planted and all cut back to a regular height of from ten to twelve inches. Evergreens should be procured as compact as possible at the base, for if they are loose and the foliage wanting it takes them a long time to thicken. The roots should not become dry from the time the shrubs are dug until they are re-planted in the hedge-row. Planting is done by opening a trench about a foot wide and placing the hedge plants 15 inches apart in a single row. The trench should be filled with good soil pressed firmly against the roots. Afterwards the surface soil should be kept loose for about two feet on each side of the hedge throughout the summer, and every following season. If the trees or shrubs are cut back when planted they will need no further clipping the first season, but after that, hedges of most deciduous trees and shrubs require to be clipped twice a year, in the latter part of June and again in August. Regular pruning from the begin- ning is very essential to successful hedge growing. The following thirteen trees and shrubs, after several years' test, have proven the most satisfactory for hedge purposes of all those yet tested at the Central Experimental Farm : — 1. Berheris Thunhergii. — Thunberg's barberry. This makes a beautiful dwarf compact hedge with bright green leaves in summer becoming in autumn very highly coloured with red. The scarlet fruit which is produced abundantly makes it quite ornamental throughout the winter. It is a very satisfactory shrub where a low growing hedge is desired. Planted in 1890, this hedge is now 3 feet 4 inches in height and 4 feet 3 inches in width. 2. Caragana arborescens. — Siberian pea-tree. One of the hardiest shrubs grown and very useful for hedge purposes in the colder parts of Canada. It is a vigorous quick growing shrub whose delicate green leaves open very early in the spring and are quite attractive throughout the summer. The bright yellow, pea-shaped blossoms also add to the beauty of this hedge. As the Siberian pea-tree makes all its growth in the early part of the summer one pruning each year is sufiicient. A hedge of this shrub, planted in 1889, is now 6 feet in height and 5 feet 3 inches in width. 3. Viburnum Opulus. — Guelder rose. This is a native shrub which has made one of the most ornamental hedges yet tested here. The bright green leaves, large clusters of pure white flowers, and scarlet fruit make it very attractive most of the year. Planted in 1894, this hedge is now 3 feet 6 inches in height and 3 feet 3 inches in width. 4. Syringa Josikcea. — Josika's lilac. The firm, glossy, deep green leaves of this lilac make it more suitable for hedge purposes than the common species. It makes a very neat, compact hedge and as most of the growth is made in the early part of the season, one clipping each year is sufiicient to keep it in good order. Planted in 1891, this hedge is now 4 feet 8 inches high and 4 feet 10 inches wide. 5. Viburnum Lantana. — Wayfaring tree. This shrub has made a very attractive hedge. It is a neat compact grower with large, rough, pale green leaves and large clusters of white flowers, succeeded by scarlet berries which turn dark purple when ripe. Planted in 1890, its present height is 4 feet 1 inch with a width of 4 feet 7 inches. 6. Ligustrum am,urense. — Amur privet. This is the only privet yet tested at Ottawa which has proven perfectly hardy. As the privet is very largely used in Great Britain for hedge purposes, it will be especially welcomed by English people settling in Canada. It is a pretty shrub with dark green leaves and forms a very compact hedge. Planted in 1894, its present height is 3 feet 1 inch, with a width of 3 feet 3 inches. 7. Rhamnus Frangula. — Alder buckthorn. A rapid growing shrub which makes a firm compact hedge. Its glossy green leaves make it quite ornamental, and where a tall growing deciduous hedge is desired this is one of the best. The flowering period of this shrub extends over a period of five or six weeks, and during that time it is a favour- ite haunt of the honey bee. Planted in 1890, this hedge is now 5 feet 10 inches in height and 6 feet in width. 270 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. EVERGREENS. 8. Thuya occidentalis. — American Arbor-vitae. This is the most satisfactory evergreen tested here for hedge purposes. It is a native tree and quite common in many parts of Canada, growing in a great variety of soils which render it very suitable for hedges. Its neat, compact appearance and bright green leaves make it very orna mental in summer, while in winter, although the leaves are duller, it yet remains quite attractive. In 1888 and 1889 more than one mile of this tree was planted at the Central Experimental Farm, as a hedge, which is now very compact and about 6 feet in height. The sample hedge planted in 1890 is now 4 feet in height and 4 feet 7 inches in width. The American arbor-vitae requires only one clipping each year which is best done in August. 9. Thuya occidentalis aurea Douglasii. — Douglas' Golden Arbor-vitae. This beauti- ful golden leaved evergreen is highly recommended for those who desire a golden tinted species for hedge purposes. It has formed one of the most beautiful hedges tested here, being of a bright yellow colour which makes a fine contrast with the green of other hedges. Planted in 1894, this hedge is now 2 feet 4 inches in height and 2 feet in width. 10. Picea excelsa. — Norway spruce. The Norway spruce makes a compact, firm, handsome hedge, and is ornamental at all seasons of the year but as it is a very vigor- ous grower it requires severer clipping than some others to keep it from growing too large; planted in 1889 this hedge is now 5 feet 3 inches in height, and six feet 8 inches in width. 11. Picea alba. — White spruce. This native evergreen is not so rapid a grower as the Norway spruce, and does not require as much clipping. It makes a very hand- some compact hedge with a better colour than the Norway spruce. Planted in 1889, this hedge is 4 feet in height, and 5 feet 1 inch in width. 12. Pinus Strobus. — White pine. Although a little irregular and loose when planted, this native tree has made a beautiful compact hedge. It is soft and yielding to the touch and would not be valuable where a firm hedge is desired. The leaves remain a lively green throughout the winter making it very ornamental all the year. 13. Picea pungens glav^a. — Rocky Mountain blue spruce. The blue spruce makes one of the most beautiful evergreen hedges grown. Its colour is pale steely blue which produces a fine contrast with a green lawn. It is a slow growing tree and makes a very neat compact hedge, requiring little clipping. Planted in 1891, it is now 3 feet in height and 3 feet 3 inches in width. As this tree varies in colour from green to blue, in procuring hedge plants, the blue variety should be ordered. A word of caution in regard to the honey locust (Gleditschia triacanthos) is here given to intending hedge planters. While this tree, undoubtedly, makes a very ornamental and useful farm hedge in certain parts of Ontario ; at Ottawa, all specimens have not proven hardy ; the result being that the hedge is broken and uneven. Furthermore as this is a very vigorous tree making strong growth throughout most of the summer it is difficult to keep it looking well without frequent clipping and if not kept well cut back will soon become quite tree like. The hawthorns which grow in eastern Ontario and Quebec are much hardier, will hold cattle nearly as well and require much less pruning. A hedge of the downy leaved hawthorn (Crataegus tomentosa) planted here in 1891 is now 5 feet 4 inches in height and 4 feet in width. The scarlet fruited hawthorn (Crataegus coccinea) should make a very handsome hedge, as the leaves are glossy and ornamental. REPORT OF TEE FOREMAN OF FORESTRY. 271 LIST OF HEDGES AT THE CENTRAL EXPERIMENTAL FARM. Name. Abies hcdsamea — BalBam fir Acer glabrum — Sniooth maple Acer pennsylvanicum — Strip>ed maple . Acer tataricum GinnaZa — Ginnalian maple Alnus viridis — Green alder . Artemisia Ahrotanum — Southern wocxi. Artemisia Abrotanum tobolskianwm — Russian Southern wood. . Berberis Thunbcrgii — Thun berg's barberry Berhcrxs vulgaris— Common barberry ,> Berberis vulgaris purpurea — Purple-leaved barberry Betula lutea — Yellow birch Betula papyrifera — Canoe birch Betula populifolia — White birch Betula nigra — Black birch Cdlycanthus floridus — Carolina allspice Caragana arborescens — Siberian pea-tree Caragana frutescens — Woody caragana Celtis occidentalis — Nettle tree Cornus alba — White dog-wood . Cornus A momum Cornus alba sibirica variegata—Y &Tiega,ted Siberian dog-wood. Cotoneaster acutifolia — Sharp-leaved cotoneaster Cotoneaster vulgaris — Common cotoneaster Crataegus tomentosa — Downy leaved hawthorn Cupressus ericoides — Heath-lUce retiiiospora Cytisus bi^orus — Twin-flowered cytisus DiervUla Sieboldii variegata — Variegated weigelia ElcEognus angusti/olia — Russian olive . . Euonymus amerieanus Fagus ferruginea — American beech Fagus sylvatica — European beech Gleditschia triacantkos — Honey locust Hippophce rhamnoides — Sea buckthorn Juniperus communis suecica compacta Juniperus communis fastigiata — Irish juniper Larix americana — Tamarac Larix europcea — European larch lAqustrum amurense — Amur privet Loniccra tatarica — Tartarian honeysuckle Loniccra tatarica elegans — Elegant tartarian honeysuckle Morus tatarica — Russian mulberry Neillia aubifolia Neillia opulifolia aurea — Golden -leaved spiraea Ncgundo aceroides — Box elder Philadelphus coronarius aureus — Golden-leaved mock orange Philadclphus coronarius primulrus — Double-flowered mock orange. Picea alba — White spruce ....... Picea excelsa — Norway spruce Picea pungens — Rocky Mountain blue spruce Pinus GcmLra — Swiss stone pine Pinus ponderosa — Bull pine . Pinus Strobus — White pine . Populus pyraviidalis Populus nigra fastigiata — Lombardy poplar Pri(,nus americana — WUd jjlum Prunus Mahaleb — Mahaleb cherry Prunus serotina — Wild black cherry Pscudotsuga Douglasii — Douglas fir Pyrus baccata aurantiaca — Yellow Siberian crab Pyrus Maulei — Maule's .Japanese quince Pyrus communis — Wild pear Qv£rcus Robui — Common European oak Rhamnus catharticus — Cathartic buckthorn Rhavinus Frungnla — Alder buckthorn Rhamnus Frangula — (Dense form) — Dense alder buckthorn Rosa rubrifolia — Red-leaved rose Rosa riigosa — Japan rose When Planted. 1897 1895 1897 1894 1896 1896 1896 1890 1889 1889 1895 1895 1897 1897 1895 1889 1896 1891 1897 1897 1895 1896 1896 1896 1890 1896 1891 1896 1894 1897 1897 1S95 1889 1895 1897 1891 1895 1897 1894 1896 1896 1889 1896 1890 1891 1894 1894 1889 1889 1891 1894 1895 1890 1896 1897 1894 1897 1897 1894 1897 1894 1897 1895 1895 1890 1895 1890 1890 Ft, In. 0 11 1 11 1 0 3 6 4 0 4 5 2 2 0 0 1 3 0 4 0 0 5 8 0 8 6 4 5 3 8 0 0 6 10 6 10 6 10 9 1 1 0 11 8 5 8 7 9 8 0 3 0 7 7 0 8 3 2 6 0 3 8 0 1 3 6 10 0 5 5 Greatest Width, 1897. Ft. In. 1 0 1 4 Has not branched . 3 9 4 2 0 3 2 0 3 1 2 5 6 2 1 5 6 3 1 2 4 2 1 4 0 0 1 0 2 2 6 3 4 5 6 0 5 3 1 10 6 7 2 0 6 3 6 9 6 8 10 7 8 4 0 6 7 6 6 7 10 8 3 4 1 10 6 11 10 10 4 7 9 1 8 3 0 6 4 2 0 0 8 0 10 2 5 6 7 4 4 6 0 3 5 3 272 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. LIST OF HEDGES AT THE CENTRAL EXPERIMENTAL FARM Continued. Name. Salix acutifolia — Sharp- leaved willow Shcpherdia canadUnsis — Bufifalo berry Spircea chamaedrifolia — Germander-leaved spiraea. Spircea Douylasii — Douglas' spiraea Spircea bracteata (media rotundifolia ) — Round-leaved spiraea. . . . Spircea Vxn Houltei -Van Houtte's spiraea Symphoricarpui racemosus — Snowberry Syringa chinensis — Rouen lilac Synnga Josikcea — Josika's lilac Syringa vulgaris — Common lilac Thuya occidentalis — American arbor- vitse ... Thuya occidentalis aurea Douglasii — Douglas' golden arbor- vitae . Thuya occidentalii aurea Hoveyi — Hovey's golden arbor- vitae Thuya occidentalis globosa — Globose arbor-vitae Thuya occidentalis wareana — Siberian arbor- vitie Tsuga canadensis — Hemlock Ulmus amcricana — American elm ... Viburnum Lantana — Wayfaring tree . . Viburnum Opulus — High bush cranberry. Xanthoxylum americanum — Prickly asb When Planted. 1896 1897 1896 1891 1894" 1891 1890 1890 1891 1890 1890 1894 1897 1895 1895 1889 1889 1890 1894 1889 Height, 1897. Ft. in. 1 1 2 3 2 2 3 3 4 6 4 2 1 1 2 3 6 4 3 4 11 2 6 10 6 2 0 3 8 6 0 4 1 6 5 0 1 1 6 6 Greatest Width, 1897. rt. in. 2 0 1 2 2 3 4 6 4 2 0 1 2 3 5 4 3 4 1 10 3 8 7 10 3 7 0 0 8 5 8 4 7 3 2 EIPlliEim FAM FOR HE imilE PROflNCES (Report op G. W. Forrest, Superintendent.) Nappan, N.S., November 30, 1897. To Dr. Wm. Saunders, Director Dominion Experimental Farms, Ottawa. Sir, — I have the honour to submit herewith the following report of the operations on the Experimental Farm for the Maritime Provinces, at Nappan, N.S., during the year 1897. weather. December, 1896, opened rainy, followed by cold on the 2nd. The thermometer registered 12° of frost on the morning of the 3rd, this weather continued with one exception until the 21st, when the thermometer registered 22° of frost, and on the morning of the 22nd the mercury had fallen to 4° below zero ; this weather continued for a few days. Some snow fell on the 8th, and about five inches on the 17th, but not sufficient to make sleighing. January opened cold, the thermometer registered 13° of frost; on the 4th open weather set in with rain, which continued until the 8th, when we had 22° of frost. On the 14th the mercury fell to 17° below zero, and on the 15th 10° below. On the 17th and 18th we had open weather without any frost, and on the 19th the register showed 14° below zero, continuing cold during the remainder of the month. A slight amount of snow feU on the 9th, with a heavy fall and high winds on the 12th. Again on the 29th we had a heavy fall of snow, accompanied by high winds. February was an unusually fine, open month, having no very cold weather. On the 15th and 16th of March the thermometer registered 24 and 30° of frost, with this exception March weather was rather pleasant. April was rather fine with the exception of rain on the 14th, 24th and 27th. The month was, however, rather cold, making the spring backward. May opened with cold, east winds, and rain on the 3rd. The whole month continued more or less cold and wet. The first seed was sown on the 8th. From the 12th to the 20th of May we had almost continuous rain. Rain to the depth of 401 inches fell between the 27th of April and 1st June; 3*78 inches rain fell in June ; 3*35 inches in July ; 3*67 inches in August and 2"05 inches in September. The whole season was unusually dark and wet until the 20th of September, since then the weather has been exceptionally fine. The first frost this fall was on the 18th of September, it was only light, followed by a heavy one on the 29th. hay. Hay was over an average crop on both upland and marsh. Some 20 acres of upland was in hay, giving a yield of 50 tons. Forty acres of the marsh lands produced 70 tons of English and 12 tons of broad-leaf hay, making a total of 120 tons of mixed hay and 12 tons of broad-leaf. Although the season was unfavourable for making hay, on account of considerable rain and very little sunshine, the hay was all gathered in a fair condition. In addition to the hay crop the straw harvested amounted to 49 tons 805 pounds. 8a— 18 273 274 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. EXPERIMENTS WITH SPRING WHEAT. The experimental plots of spring wheat consisted of forty varieties. The yield was hardly up to the average, the straw was all more or less rusted. The soil used for the experiment was a clayey loam, the previous crop being roots. Fertilizer at the rate of 250 pounds per acre was used, it was made up of 125 pounds complete fertilizer and 125 pounds of bone meal mixed together. This was drilled in with the seed. In addition to this, 100 pounds of nitrate of soda was used per acre, 50 pounds sown broadcast when the grain was 3 inches high, and 50 pounds when 6 inches high. No beneficial results were noticeable from the use of nitrate of soda ; this was probably due to the wet season. The straw making an abnormal growth consequently lodged badly, and the seed did not fill out well. The plots were one-twentieth acre each. The seed was sown on the 10th and 11th of May, at the rate of If bushels per acre. The results obtained are given in the following table : — Wheat — Test of Varieties. Name of Variety. Wellman'a Fife .... White Connell Kio Grande .. Advance Goose Red Fern. . . White Russian Preston. . Dion's Stanley Admiral Vernon Green Mountain .... Huron Monarch Alpha Colorado Beauty DufiFerin . Emporium Crown Captor Herisson Bearded . . . Golden Drop Dawn Black Sea Blenheim , . . . Old Red River Red Fife Hungarian Beaudry Campbell's White Chaff Pringle's Champlain. . . Gehun ... Rideau I'rogress White Fife Ladoga Percy Countess Date of Ripening. Aug. 28. 30. Sept. 1. Aug. 24. 25. 25. Sept. 1. Aug. 24. ., 30. n 24. .. 28. „ 28. Sept. 1. Aug. 30. . 1. 30. n 26. n 25. Sept. 1. Aug. 27. M 30. M 30. Sept. 1. Aug. 28. „ 24. 1. 27. M 27. Sept. 1. Aug. 30. Sept. 1. .. 1. Aug. 30. 25. 30. 27. 27 1. 1. Aug. 23. Sept. Sept. 30. 1. 6 108 111 113 106 107 107 .113 106 111 106 110 109 113 111 111 106 107 113 109 111 111 113 109 106 109 109 113 111 113 113 111 107 111 107 109 113 113 105 111 113 u m be In. 48 44 46 44 41 45 46 43 45 44 47 44 48 44 48 47 44 45 46 43 42 48 48 44 47 50 48 48 38 42 37 43 48 38 42 48 46 40 48 46 Character of Straw. Very stiflf Medium StifiF.... Medium Weak.. Medium Stifif.... Medium Stiff. .. Weak . . Medium Stiff.... Weak . . Stiff .. . . Weak . . Stiff.... Medium Stiff.. . Weak . Stiff.... Very stiff Medium Very stiff Medium Weak . . Stiff.... Medium Stiff. Medium Stiff.... a o bo c In. 5 4 4 3 4 4 3I 3 4 3 4 4I 3 3 3i 3 3i 3| 3i 2 3| 3 3 3i 4 3i 4 3 3 4 3i 3 3| 3 3i 3 Kind Weight of of Head. Straw. Lbs. Beardless . 5,850 II 5,200 Bearded . . 5,000 ti 5,700 II 5,000 II . . 4,700 II 5,200 II 5,200 II 4,800 Beardless. 4,500 II 4,000 Bearded . . 5,000 Beardless . 4,600 Bearded . . 4,400 Beardless. 5,800 Bearded . . 4,200 II 4,700 Beardless . 5,000 Bearded . . 3,800 II 4,500 II . . 4,000 Beardless . 4,400 Bearded. . 4,600 It 5,000 Beardless . 4,000 Bearded . . 4,300 II . . 4,400 Beardless. 5,000 II 4,300 Bearded . . 4,900 11 . . 3,900 Beardless. 4,500 Bearded . . 4,900 Beardless . 4,000 II 4,000 II . 5,600 II • 4,500 Bearded . . 4,000 Beardless. 4,300 II 3,700 Yield per Acre. Bush Lba 30 20 28 20 27 40 26 40 26 40 26 40 26 40 26 20 26 00 25 40 25 00 23 20 23 20 23 20 23 20 23 20 23 20 23 20 22 40 22 40 22 00 22 00 22 00 22 00 22 00 21 40 21 00 21 00 21 00 20 40 20 20 20 20 19 00 18 40 18 40 18 40 18 20 18 00 17 40 17 00 Weight per Bushel. Lbs. 60 61 60 60 62 61 58 61 58 61 69 60 58 61 58 61 62 60 62 58 62 62 60 61 60 62 60 60 60 59 58 61 59 58 56 61 60 61 60 61 Note. — The weights given here, and also in all other grain tables in this report, were taken as the grain came from the threshing mill, and are not the nia.ximum weights that the grain could be brought toby cleaning. REPORT OF MR. Q. W. FORREST. 275 EXPERIMENTS WITH BARLEY. The test plots of barley included twenty-one varieties of six-rowed and sixteen of two-rowed. The grain was up to the average in yield. The land used for these plots was a sandy loam, the previous crop being beans and corn. Fertilizer of similar composition to that used on the wheat plots was applied in the same manner, an equal amount per acre being used. In addition to this 500 pounds per acre of common salt was used for the purpose of checking the growth of weeds. On the six-rowed sorts the salt was sown broadcast and harrowed in before seeding; on the two-rowed varieties it was sown broadcast when the grain was two inches high. There was no noticable difference in its value as a preventive of weeds between the two modes of application. The straw was all unusually bright and free from smut. The salt to all appearances was very beneficial in this respect. The seed was sown on May 25th and 26th in one-twentieth acre plots, at the rate of two bushels per acre. The following results were obtained : — Six-rowed Barley — Test of Varieties. Name of Variety. Mensury Oderbruch. Royal Vanguard Odessa .. Petschora Pioneer Common Six-Rowed Blue Rennie's Improved PhcBnix. Surprise Trooper Nugent Summit Stella.. ... Champion Baxter's Six-Rowed Excelsior Success Silver King (Four-Rowed).. Date of Ripening. Aug. 23. .1 23. H 18. H 18. II 1<). 11 17. .1 19. 11 23. I. 21. II 19. .1 18. ■I 27. .1 27. .. 27. II 27. 11 27. >. 18. u 19. 11 23. II 13. II 20. bo 6 90 90 86 42 86 84 86 90 88 86 85 94 94 94 94 94 85 86 90 80 87 o bo c- « In. 39 36 36 42 43 43 38 36 36 38 42 36 40 35 42 36 48 42 48 46 36 Character of Straw. Weak.... Medium . Stifif'.'....'. Medium. Stiff II .... Medium . II Very stiff Stiff''.. ..., Medium . Stiff Medium . , Stiff".. ..'.'. Very stiff Stiff II ...... Medium. , -a be 1) In. 2| 2i 3 2i 3 2^ 2| 2| 3 2 2 2h 21 2| 4 3 3 2^ 2 2i 3| bo 7,800 7,600 6,100 6,700 4,500 4.700 4,500 7,600 5,000 5,000 5,000 5,100 5,000 4,600 5,300 5,400 6,500 4,500 6,500 6,000 6,500 Yield per Acre. Bush. Lbs, 52 50 48 46 46 45 44 42 42 40 40 40 40 39 38 38 37 37 37 34 41 4 20 16 32 12 20 8 24 24 40 20 00 00 28 36 36 44 20 20 28 32 -} 0 M bo Lbs. 50 50 48 48 48 44 50 50 43 51 49 51 51 51 51 48 43 50 42 45 48 Two-ROWED Barley — Test of Varieties. Duck-bill Canadian Thorpe Newton Nepean Danish Chevalier Sidney Bolton Pacer Victor French Chevalier Beaver Prize Prolific Kinver Chevalier Thanet ... Monck Rigid Sept. 6. 6. 7. 7. 7. 7 7. 7. 7. 7. 7. 7. 7. 7. 7. 7. 103 39 103 42 104 43 104 43 104 36 104 42 104 36 104 38 104 36 104 29 104 38 104 39 104 29 104 36 104 42 104 38 Stiff Very stiff Medium. Stiff....; Medium . Weak . . . Stiff II ..... Medium. Weak . . . Stiff .... 11 Medium. Stiff 3 5,900 3 5,600 3i 5,500 3i 4| 5,400 5,200 4 5,600 3 4,700 3 5,200 4i 6,000 4| 5,100 4 4,500 4 5,000 4* 4,900 5 3,500 3i 6,800 4 5,500 41 40 40 40 39 38 37 37 35 35 34 34 32 29 23 21 32 40 40 40 28 16 24 4 40 40 28 8 44 8 36 32 51 49 51 51 47 50 49 51 50 50 51 50 50 49 51 51 8a— 18^ 276 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. EXPERIMENTS WITH OATS. The soil used for these experiments was a clayey loam, the previous crop being com. The application, quantity per acre, and quality of the fertilizer used was similar to that of the wheat and barley plots. The straw was all more or less rusted, and of a very heavy growth, due no doubt to the stimulating effect of the nitrate of soda. The seed, however, filled out well. Some of the varieties which were affected with smut the previous year were treated, by putting the seed to be sown in water raised to the temperature of 142° F., allowing it to remain submerged for two minutes, then cooling it off rapidly and drying. Those plots so treated were entirely free from smut. Some smut was noticeable in many of the other plots. Sixty -four varieties of oats were sown on May 12th and 20th in plots of one- twentieth acre each. The following table gives the results obtained : — Oats — Test of Varieties. Name of Variety. \Vallis Siberian 0. A. C Flyinp: Scotchman Hazletts Seizure White Wonder. White Russian ...... , Bavarian Golden Tartarian Improved American.. Mortgage Lifter California Prolific (Blk) Columbus Mennonite .... Early Etampes. Doncaster Prize White Monarch Early Racehorse Lincoln American Beauty Rosedale Early Gothland Cream Egyptian .... Oderbruch Abyssinia. Golden Beauty Wide Awake Prize Cluster Welcome Newmarket Banner Olive Master Early Blossom Winter Grey Black Beauty Improved Ligowo Coulommiers Holstein Prolific Pro] ific Black Tartarian $1,000 Pense Golden Giant Abundance Scotch Hopetoun Date of Ripening. Aug. 26. Sept. 6. Aug. 21. 21. 21. 26. 27. Sept. 13. 6. 2. Aug. 30. Sept. 4. 1. 4. Aug. 26. 26. 25. 26. Sept. 2. Aug. 27. 27. 26. Sept. 4. Aug. 30. Sept. 4. Aug. 30. 26. 26. Sept. 2. Aug. 27. 27. 26. 30. Sept. 1. Sept. 2. Aug. 27. Sept. 4. Aug. 27. 30. Sept. 1. Aug. 27. Sept. 13. Aug. 27. Sept. 4. be s on--- d 98 109 93 93 93 106 99 116 109 105 102 107 104 115 98 98 97 98 105 107 99 98 107 102 107 110 106 106 105 107 107 98 110 104 105 107 115 107 110 104 107 117 99 107 CS u m o bo a In. 46 42 44 46 42 40 40 42 45 40 44 42 36 39 46 46 41 39 40 37 36 41 40 45 40 42 41 46 42 38 42 44 40 42 32 35 40 35 42 42 40 42 42 47 Character of Straw. Stiff.... Medium Very stiff Stiff.... Medium Weak . . Stiff.... Medium Stiff.... Medium Stiff.. . Medium Stiff .. . . H ... Medium Stiff.... Medium Stiff., Medium Stiff ., Medium Weak Stiff. . Medium Stiff. . . . T3 cS w a In. 10 8 5 13 10 9 8 12 11 13 9 12 9 8 12 9 10 9 8 9 9 10 11 10 11 9 11 13 10 8 12 13 10 12 13 8 10 8 10 8 12 12 8 10 Kind of Head. Branching Sided. Branching Sided. Branching Sided. Half-sided Sided. Branching Sided. Branching Sided. Branching Branching Sided..... Branching Sided n Branching Weight Straw. Yield per Acre. Lbs. Bush Lbs 1,600 87 22 5,100 82 12 6,800 82 12 6,600 78 22 6,000 76 16 6,800 73 18 6,800 72 12 7,000 72 12 6,800 72 12 6,100 69 14 5,800 67 22 4,900 67 2 0,400 67 2 5,000 67 2 7,900 65 30 7,700 64 24 6,500 64 24 5,000 64 24 5,100 64 24 5,300 64 4 5,300 64 4 6,700 62 32 5,600 62 32 4,900 62 32 5,100 61 26 5,800 61 26 4,800 61 26 4,700 61 26 4,800 61 26 4,200 60 30 3,500 60 00 4,600 59 14 4,800 59 14 4,700 58 38 6,100 57 22 4,200 57 22 7,500 56 16 4,000 55 30 5,700 55 10 3,800 55 10 3,500 55 10 6,400 53 18 4,100 53 18 7,000 53 18 Weight per Bushel. Lbs. 39 33 40 37 42 37 36 32 32 38 39 36 32 35 39 40 41 36 32 41 40 39 35 38 32 32 42 41 33 38 37 38 36 38 33 34 35 35 34 33 34 35 35 35 REPORT OF MR. O. W. FORREST. 277 Oats — Test of Varieties — Concluded. Name of Variety. Date of Ripening. bo a m'5 ll d xn o .a Character of Straw. w O t c 1^ Kind of Head. Weight of Straw. Yield per Acre. Weight per Bushel. Medal Sept. 4. . Aug. 27.. Sept. 6.. Aug. 26.. 21.. 27.. Sept. 4.. 4.. Aug. 26. , SO. . 26. . Sept. 1.. Aug. 27.. 27.. Sept. 4.. 7.. 4.. Aug. 30.. Sept. 7.. 1.. Aug. 27.. 107 107 109 98 93 107 107 115 106 102 98 103 99 107 107 110 107 110 110 104 107 In. 38 43 44 42 46 37 46 38 37 40 46 37 39 38 49 48 48 38 48 42 42 Medium.. Stiff...... Very stiff. Stiff Medium. . Stiff. ...'.'. Medium. . Weak .... II ... Stiff. .'.'.'.'. It M .... Very stiff. Medium . . Very stiff . Medium. . Stiff Medium., ti . . In. 10 11 10 10 12 7 10 7 7 11 10 9 8 11 12 8 14 10 9 13 12 Branching Sided. ...'. Branching II If H II It Half -sided Branching Half -sided Branching II . . II n II II II • . II II Lbs. 4,900 4,000 6,500 5,100 4,800 5,100 5,000 5,200 6,500 3,300 4,800 5,700 4,800 2,900 7,400 6,400 6,000 2,800 5,5C0 4,500 5,400 Bush Lbs 52 32 52 32 52 32 51 26 51 26 51 26 50 00 50 00 50 00 50 00 49 14 48 28 48 28 47 22 45 30 44 4 44 4 44 4 40 00 40 00 40 00 Lbs. 35 Bonanza Siberian 41 34 Rennie'a Prize Poland White 42 42 Early Golden Prolific. . Cromwell 40 34 Joanette White Schonen Early Maine Imported Irish Brandon 40 42 38 42 36 Russell 40 Scottish Chief Miller Buckbee's Illinois American Triumph. . . Victoria Prize Oxford Early Archangel King 40 34 34 37 42 35 36 42 RESULTS OF EARLY, MEDIUM AND LATE SOWINGS. Experiments to test the relative value of early, medium and late sowings of grain were again carried on this year. The first set of these plots was sown 19th May, and the sowings were continued until six had been made, one week apart. One variety each of wheat, barley and oats were used in this test. The soil on which these experiments were conducted was a clayey loam. Fertilizer at the rate of 250 pounds per acre, made up of 125 pounds of complete fertilizer and 125 pounds of bone meal, mixed together, was drilled in with the seed when sown. Owing to the lateness of the season when the last set of plots were sown, and the early frost this fall, the three last sowings of wheat, and the last plot of oats and barley, did not mature. The first plots sown were slightly rusted, the later sown ones were all badly rusted. The plots were one-twentieth acre each. The results are as follows : — Oats — Results of Early, Medium and Late Sowings. Name of Variety. Date of Sowing. Yield per Acre. Weight per Bushel No. 1 — Abundance May 19.... 26.... June 2 „ 9.... 1, 16.... „ 23.... Bus. Lbs. 61 26 48 8 54 4 59 12 56 8 44 24 Lbs. 32 No 2— 1. 35 No. 3— 11 35 No 4— M 32 No. 5— .1 No. 6— II 32 29 278 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. Barley — Results of Early, Medium and Late Sowings. Name of Variety. Date of Sowing. Yield per Acre, Weight per Bushel No. 1 — Canadian Thorpe No. 2— II May 19.... 20.... June 2 9.... .1 16..., .. 23.... Bus. Lbs. 52 44 34 28 46 12 55 25 53 35 40 40 Lbs. 48 47 No. 3— u 51 No. 4— II 46 No. 5— ■• 47 No. 6— 45 Wheat — Results of Early, Medium and Late Sowings. Name of Variety. Date of Sowing. Yield per Acre. Weight per Bushel No. 1 — Stanley May 19.... 26.... June 2..., 9.... 11 16.... ,1 23... Bus. Lbs. 19 20 18 18 20 18 20 16 40 15 20 Lbs. GO No.2- 1, No. 3— •• 57 55 No 4— I 52 No 5— 1 47 Na 6— 45 EXPERIMENTS WITH PEASE. Forty varieties of pease were sown 16th May, on one-twentieth acre plots. The same land devoted to the experimental plots of pease last year was again used. It was of a rather light clay loam and very poor. The cut worm did a great amount of damage to these plots in some cases fully one- half the plants were cut oflF when about 3 inches high. Fertilizers at the rate of 250 pounds per acre was used, this was made up of 125 pounds of complete fertilizer and 125 pounds of bone meal mixed together, and sown with the seed. The results obtained are as follows : — REPORT OF MR. O. W. FORREST. 279 Pease — Test of Varieties. Name of Variety. Early Britain. Crown Perth Centennial King Chancellor Prussian Blue , Oddfellow Bright. Dnke "Vincent Elephant Blue Archer White Wonder Nelson Creeper Bruce Prince Albert .... Trilby. Victoria Alma New Potter Pride .. Carleton Large White Marrowfat Harrison's Glory Prince Multiplier Mackay Bedford Blackeyed Marrowfat . . . Mummy Macoim Paragon Golden Vine. Canadian Beauty Kent Arthur Daniel O'Rourke Agnes Date of Ripening. Sept. 2. Aug. 28. Sept. 2. .. 16. 9 2. ., 13. 9. .. 20. .. 16. 9. 4. H 20. 2. 4. 9. .. 13. H 16. M 16. .. 16. Aug. 28. Sept. 9. M 13. 2. H 13. 4. „ 13. M 13. ., 13. ., 20. 4. .. 28. .. 16. M 13. 9. 9. 13. 28. 28. 4. Aug. Sept. So 3 a 109 104 109 123 116 109 120 116 127 123 116 111 127 109 111 116 120 123 123 123 104 116 120 109 120 111 120 120 120 127 111 104 123 120 116 116 120 104 104 111 Character of Growth. Weak Medium Stiff .. . . Medium Strong. . Medium Weak Strong Very weak. , Medium . Weak . Strong Medium Strong. . Weak . . Medium Weak. Strong. Weak . Strong. Weak Strong. Medium Weak ^ cS TJ .^ O 02 P^ j3 Weight of O +3 bo Straw. A3 CI P ^^ y^ In. Lbs. In. 78 4,800 2^ 60 4,200 3 72 4,000 2 84 4,200 2^ 78 3,900 2 72 3,900 2 60 4,300 2 48 3,900 n 50 3,100 2| 70 3,500 2i 54 4,000 3 60 2,400 2is 55 2,600 2 38 2,000 2 45 3,400 2 66 3,900 2i 75 3,600 2| 96 3,500 2| 72 4,200 2| 55 3,400 2 32 3,300 2 72 4,500 2* 60 3,300 3 72 3,900 2 98 3,600 2* 45 2,600 2 48 3,200 2h 60 2,600 2 65 3,000 2* 55 2,600 2 66 2,700 2i 36 1,000 l| 72 3,500 2 55 3,100 2i 48 4,000 l| 44 3,100 2| 70 2,500 2* 32 1,000 2 39 1,100 2 48 1,100 n Size of Pea. Small . . . Medium . Medium . Small . . . Medium . Small . . . Medium . Large . . Medium . Medium. Small . . . Medium . Large . . . Medium. Large . . . Small . . . II . . . Large . . . Medium . Small . . . II . . . Medium. Yield per Acre. 00 0} 3 Xi PQ ^ 50 00 35 00 31 40 31 40 31 40 30 00 30 00 28 40 26 40 26 40 26 40 24 40 24 00 23 20 23 20 22 40 22 20 22 20 22 20 22 00 22 00 22 00 21 40 20 40 20 40 19 20 « SO 18 2D 40 18 20 17 20 16 40 16 40 16 40 16 40 16 00 16 00 15 00 13 20 11 20 11 20 Lbs. 59 61 61 59 60 61 62 64 62 58 60 61 61 61 60 59 60 63 60 60 62 60 63 59 57 61 60 60 58 62 60 62 60 58 60 61 58 61 61 60 GENERAL STATEMENT OF GRAIN CROPS. The grain plots yielded 412 bushels, 1^ acre of oats on the marsh yielded 55 bush. 1 1 acres of oats on the upland yielded 330 bush. Corner lots of different areas sown to barley produced 83 bushels. Also corner lots of oats in different fields produced 22 bushels, 6 acres of buckwheat yielded 85 bushels. This makes a total of 987 bushels of grain harvested. 280 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. FERTILIZERS USED ON THE FIELD GRAIN. The field oats were fertilized with 8 barrels of soft wood ashes and 1 barrel of com- plete fertilizer per acre. The grain fields were at the same time seeded to clover and it was noticed that the fields in which wood ashes were used gave the best crop of clover, aa well as an apparent better crop of oats. Part of the land used for buckwheat was fertilized with 8 barrels of soft wood ashes per acre. This was sown broadcast and harrowed in, and the other part with 250 pounds of mixed fertilizer (125 pounds bone meal and 125 pounds of complete fertilizer) per acre. The part on which the wood ashes were sown made the best growth and gave apparently the best yield. EXPERIMENTS WITH TURNIPS. Eighteen varieties of turnips were used in this experiment. The land was a sandy loam, the previous crop was potatoes. The land was ploughed in the fall. Thirty 20- bushel cart loads of barn-yard manure, and 100 pounds of complete fer- tilizer were used per acre. After the rows were run up for seeding a small drill was made by hand into which the fertilizer was also sown by hand, the seed was then sown and covered. All the seed sowing is done by hand for the root plots. Two sowings were made of each variety. The first set of plots were sown 4th June, the second two weeks later, 18th June. The yield of all the root plots per acre has been calculated from the quantity obtained from two rows each 66 feet long and 26 inches apart. The following results were obtained : — Turnips. — Test of Varieties. Name of Variety. Shamrock Purple Top. . Hale wood's Bronze Top Hartley's Bronze Perfection Swede Skirving's East Lothian Selected Purple Top . . . Bangholm Selected Selected Champion Carter's Elephant Marquis of Lome Prize Purple Top Mammoth Clyde ..... Sutton's Champion . . . Hall's Westbury Prize Winner Jumbo or Monarch Giant King . . IstPlot Sown. June 4. .. 4. .. 4. .. 4. .. 4. .. 4. 1. 4. .. 4. 11 4. .. 4. .. 4. .. 4. .. 4. .. 4. .. 4. .1 4. n 4. M 4. 2nd Plot IstPlot 2nd Plot li i 6 be 0 s:2 Sown. Pulled. Pulled. ^^ '^Oh &;i| 13 4:. 'C ^ rr^Tl .S^ %^ .2^ !>^ >^ >^ Tons. lbs. Bush. ] bs. Tons. lbs. June 18. Oct. 14. Oct. 18. 37 480 1,241 20 33 120 .. 18. tl 14. It 18. 36 200 1,203 20 25 1,820 .. 18. II 14. It 18. 32 600 1,076 40 28 1,760 M 18. 11 14. It 18. 31 1,080 1,051 20 31 1,840 ,. 18. It 14. It 18. 31 320 1,038 40 20 1,180 „ 18. „ 14. II 18. 30 800 1,013 20 24 360 „ 18. ft 14. tl 18. 29 520 975 20 25 1,060 II 18. It 14. II 18. 28 1,760 962 40 24 780 11 18. ir 14, 11 18. 28 240 937 20 24 1,540 .1 18. II 14. II 18. 27 1,380 923 00 19 1,520 .. 18. 11 14. tl 18. 26 1,960 899 20 24 360 M 18. II 14. II 18. 26 1,060 899 20 22 840 n 18. M 14. II 18. 25 1,820 863 40 24 780 „ 18. II 14. It 18. 25 1,820 863 40 24 1,540 .. 18. II 14. II 18. 25 1,060 851 00 26 1,960 ,. 18. M 14. II 18. 25 1,060 861 00 23 1,880 - 18. .. 14. II 18. 24 .^60 806 00 19 760 .. 18. II 14. M 18. 24 .640 810 40 21 560 « u Bush. lbs. 1,102 00 863 40 962 40 1,064 00 686 20 806 00 851 00 813 00 825 40 658 40 806 00 747 20 813 00 825 40 899 20 798 00 646 00 709 20 REPORT OF MR. Q. W. FORREST. 281 EXPERIMENTS WITH MANGELS. Sixteen varieties of mangels were sown in this test. The soil and its preparation was .similar to that of the turnip plots. Two sowings were made of each variety. Results as follows were obtained : — Mangels — Test of Varieties. Name of Variety. Giant Yellow Intermediate . . Norbitan Giant Giant Yellow Half Long. . . . Ward's Large Oval Shaped. . . Yellow Intermediate Giant Yellow Globe Canadian Giant ... Mammoth Long R«d (Evans) Prize Mammoth Long Red. . . Champion Yellow Globe Gate Post . . ... Golden Fleshed Tankard Golden Tankard Red Fleshed Tankard Warden Orange Globe Red Fleshed Globe 1st Plot Sown. June 4. 4. 4. 4. 4. 4. 4. 4. 4. 4. 4. 4. 4. 4. 4. 4. 2nd Plot Sown. June 18 . H 18. ,. 18. .1 18. .. 18. .. 18. .. 18 „ 18. ,. 18. ,. 18. .• 18. .. 18. .. 18. ,. 18. ,. 18. „ 18. 1st Plot Pulled. Oct. 14. 14. 14. 14. 14. 14. 14. 14. 14. 14. 14. 14. 14. 14. 14. 14. v t-t o «3 . 2nd Plot fel Pulled. o-S 2-^ (B ^ >^ Ton. lbs. Oct. 15. 34 400 . 15. 34 400 , 15. 33 840 , 15. 30 .... . 15. 29 1,280 , 15 29 1,280 , 15. 28 1,000 , 15. 27 1,480 , 15. 27 720 . 15. 26 1,200 . 15. 26 1,200 , 15. 26 1,200 , 15. 25 1,060 , 15. 25 300 . 15. 24 1,540 , 15. 21 560 o .StH Bush.lb. 1,140 1,140 1,114 1,000 988 988 950 924 912 886 886 886 851 838 825 709 o (-_g .Sin Ton. lbs. 23 23 25 19 21 23 20 23 21 23 17 18 19 14 40 40 40 40 20 40 23 20 22 1,880 340 300 1,520 1,320 340 1,040 1,100 1,.S20 1,100 960 1,220 1,520 880 340 80 « u o u O Bush. lbs. 798 772 838 658 722 772 684 785 722 785 582 620 658 481 772 734 40 20 40 20 40 40 40 20 20 40 EXPERIMENTS WITH CARROTS. Fifteen varieties of carrots were experimented with. These plots were on soil similar in character and preparation to that used for the mangel and turnip plots. Two sowings were made of each variety, and the following results were obtained : — Carrots — Test of Varieties. Name of Variety. Iverson's Champion Giant White Vosges Green Top White Orthe Half -long Chantenay Improved Short \Vhite Yellow Intermediate Guerande or Ox Heart Mammoth White Intermediate. Half-long White White Belgian Early Gem Scarlet Intermediate Carter's Orange Giant Long Scarlet Altringham Long Orange or Surrey let Plot Sown. June 4, M 4. .. 4. .. 4. I. 4, .. 4, .. 4, t. 4. M 4. .1 4. M 4. M 4, M 4, u 4. M 4, 2nd Plot Sown. June 18. 18. 18. 18. 18. 18. 18. 18. 18. 18. 18. 18. 18. 18. 18. 1st Plot Pulled. Oct. 14. 14. 14. 14. 14. 14. 14. 14. 14. 14. 14. 14. 14. 14. 14. 2nd Plot PuUed. Oct. 15. 15. 15. 15. 16. 15. 15. 15. 15. 15 15. 15. 15. 15. 15. 1^ Ton. lbs. 21 21 18 17 17 16 16 16 16 13 13 11 9 9 9 1,320 560 1,220 960 960 1,440 1,440 1,440 680 1,360 1,360 800 1,000 1,000 240 <^ . 0 o '-P-I "3 JO Bush.lb. 722 709 620 582 582 557 557 557 544 456 456 380 316 316 304 00 20 40 40 40 20 20 20 40 00 00 00 40 40 00 01 o t. o P-Ph .2(M Ton. lbs. 13 16 12 12 16 8 11 14 12 10 14 7 7 8 7 580 680 320 320 680 1,280 40 100 1,840 1,280 100 1,000 1,760 520 1,760 u o "CO Bush.lb. 443 544 405 405 544 288 367 468 430 354 468 250 262 275 262 00 40 20 20 40 00 20 20 40 40 20 00 40 20 40 282 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. EXPERIMENTS WITH SUGAR BEETS. Six varieties of sugar beets were sown. These were on soil of similar charactei and prepared in the same manner as that used for the turnip, mangel and carrot plots. Two sowings were made of each variety. The following results were obtained : — Sugar-Beets — Test of Varieties. Name of Variety. French White Red Top . Danish Improved Red Top Sugar Wanzleben Improved Imperial Vilmorin's Improved . . . 2 2 o =s . c3 1st Plot 2nd Plot 1st Plot 2nd Plot ^t Sown. Sown. PuUed. Pulled. >< OQ ^ a m m m c .o 3 J3 H hJ pa h) June 4. June 18. Oct. 14. Oct. 15. 23 1,880 798 00 .. 4. ., 18. M 14. „ 15. 22 1,600 760 00 .. 4. „ 18. „ 14. .. 15. 22 1,600 760 00 .. 4. „ 18. „ 14. .. 15. 22 840 747 20 .. 4. „ 18. „ 14 ., 15. 20 1,040 684 00 M 4. It 18. „ 14. M 15. 15 1,160 519 20 o TJ'O 01 u o h o ■CO .£« a . Xi C n CO O -Q 3 H 1-5 « 19 760'646 15 1,920532 16 1,440557 14 1,640'494 15 400 ; 506 14 120!468 00 -a 1-5 00 00 20 00 40 40 EXPERIMENTS WITH POTATOES. One hundred and two varieties of potatoes were planted on the 25th of May. They were on a loamy soil, the previous crop was sunflowers. The land was manured in the fall of 1896 with thirty 20-bushel cart loada of barn-yard manure per acre, which was ploughed in. The land was again ploughed this spring and 200 pounds of bone meal was sown broadcast per acre and harrowed in. The plots consisted of two rows each 66 feet long and 26 inches apart. All the plots were treated during the season with the Bordeaux mixture and very few rotten potatoes were found. The following results were obtained : — Potatoes — Test of Yarieties. Name of Variety. Dug. Total Yield per Acre. Yield per Acre of Marketable . Yield per Acre of Un- marketable . Early Puritan Clarke's No. 1 Oct. 1... .. 1... .. 9... M 12... M 9... M 11... H 11... ., 1... .. 9... M 9... " 12... M 11... M 11... .- 9... .. 1... „ 1... ,- 1... -, 1... n 11... M 9... .. 1... .. :i... Bua. lb*. 460 412 30 412 30 412 30 400 400 400 390 380 377 30 377 30 370 362 30 360 360 352 350 347 30 345 345 345 337 30 Bus. lbs. 450 385 385 387 30 377 30 372 30 337 30 325 250 315 317 30 310 330 307 30 287 30 325 300 277 30 275 260 320 272 30 Bus. lbs. 10 27 30 Lee's Favourite 27 30 Holborn Abundance I, X. L 25 22 30 Seedling No. 7 27 30 Pearce's Prize Winner 62 30 Seedling No. 230 -. . Early Rose Freeman 65 130 62 30 Seattle Burpee's Extra Early 60 60 Trov Seedling 32 30 Dakota Red Carman No. 3 Peerless Junior 52 30 72 30 27 30 Ideal State of Maine 50 70 Good News ... 70 General Gordon 85 McKenzie 25 Maule's Thoroughbred 65 REPORT OF MR. O. W. FORREST. 283 Potatoes — Test of Varieties. — Contintted. Name of Variety. Carman No. 1 Rural No. 2 Quaker City Early Ohio Lizzie's Pride . Record Burnaby Seedling Everett Lightning Express Great Divide Irish Cobbler Queen of the Valley Rochester Rose Green Mountain Maggie Murphy Reeve's Rose Brownell's Winner Early Gem Early Harvest . . . Russell's Seedling Money Maker Fill-Basket Northern Spy„ Henderson's Late Puritan. Hopeful . . Sharpe's Seedling Bill Nve Brown 8 Rot Proof Wonder of the \Vorld Hale's Champion Columbus Charles Downing Dreer's Standard Reading Giant Vick's Extra Early Early Six Weeks Munro County Kidney Early Sunrise Irish Beauty American Wonder Pride of the Table Daisy New Variety No. 1 Algoma No. 1 Crown Jewel Rural Blush Worid's Fair Harbinger London. . . Thorburn New Queen Pride of the Market* Orphans Vanier Empire State .... Early White Prize Victor Rose Uncle Sam Honeoye Rose Delaware Chicago Market King of the Roses Earliest of All . . Stourbridge Glory Satisfaction Beauty of Hebron Houlton Rose Early Norther Bruce's White Beauty .... Oct. 9. ,. 11. .. 11. .1 1. H 1. ., 1. .. 9. .. 11. ., 11. ., 9. .. 11 H 9. .. 1. ., 9. .1 9. 1. 9. ,. 1. ,. 1. ,. 1. ,. 9. ., 11. „ 11. .. 1. „ 9. ,. 1. ., 1. .. 9. M 11. ., 11. .. 9. ,. 11. M 11. M 1. ,. 1. .. 1. M 1. „ 9. ., 11. .. 1. .. 9. „ 11. ,. 11. ., 11. M 11. M 1. -, 9. ,. 9. n 9. M 1. ,. 11. ,. 11. .. 9. .. 9. .. 9. „ 11. ,. 1., .. 1., .. 9. .. 9., H 11. M 11. .1 11. .. 11. .. 1., .. 9., u 1., .. 1. II 11.. 11 9., U 11.. Total Yield per Acre. Bush. 335 335 327 325 325 325 322 320 320 320 317 317 312 315 315 315 312 310 307 307 305 300 300 295 295 295 295 295 295 292 292 290 290 287 287 285 285 280 280 277 276 275 275 275 275 272 272 270 267 265 265 265 262 257 255 252 252 250 250 250 245 245 240 240 235 225 222 220 217 215 lbs. 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 SO 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 Yield per Acre of Marketable . SO 30 Bush. 305 297 270 290 300 235 265 282 300 297 252 255 290 237 225 250 287 277 207 145 267 200 270 242 252 227 270 212 270 250 255 175 207 187 192 232 257 262 250 180 225 250 250 262 250 250 202 237 167 187 197 250 250 217 205 225 200 205 220 187 185 220 145 187 170 175 182 175 162 150 lbs. 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 SO 30 30 SO 30 30 30 30 30 SO 30 Yield per Acre of Un- marketable. Bush. 30 37 57 35 25 90 57 37 20 22 65 62 22 77 90 65 25 32 100 162 37 100 30 52 42 67 25 82 25 42 37 115 82 100 95 52 27 17 30 97 50 25 25 12 25 22 70 32 100 77 67 15 12 40 50 27 52 45 30 62 60 25 95 52 65 50 40 45 55 65 lbs. 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 SO SO 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 SO so 30 30 284 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. Potatoes — Test of Varieties — Concluded. Name of Variety. Table King .., Seedling No. 214 Prize Taker Clay Rose Polaris Flemish Beauty Seedling, Ohio Junior Pearce's Extra Early Sir Walter Raleigh Dug. Oct. 11.. 9.. 11.. 9.. 11.. 11.. 9.. 1.. 11.. Total Yield per Acre. Bush. 215 200 195 192 182 177 175 170 165 lbs. 30 30 30 Yield per Acre of Marketable. Bus. lbs. 167 30 87 30 125 140 , , 157 30 140 137 30 100 , , 150 •• Yield per Acre of Un- marketable. Bus. 47 112 70 52 25 37 37 70 15 lbs. 30 30 30 30 30 EXPERIMENTS WITH INDIAN CORN. Twenty-five varieties of Indian Corn for ensilage were sown on 4th June. The land used for this experiment was a sandy loam, the previous crop was wheat, barley, and oats ; it being the land used for the early, medium and late sown plots of grain last year. This was ploughed in the spring. — It was fertilized with 5 barrels of hardwood ashes and 200 pounds of bone meal per acre, which was sown broadcast and harrowed in. Owing to the limited amount of barn-yard manure there was none of this available for the corn land, with result that a smaller yield than ilsual was obtained. One set of plots were sown in rows 3 feet apart, and a duplicate set were planted alongside in hills 3 feet apart each way. The following table gives the results obtained : — Indian Corn — Test of Varieties. Name of Variety. Comptons Early Longfellow Sanford Early Butler... Angel of Midnight .... Cloud's Early Yellow. . New White Cap, Yellow Dent King of the Earliest Mamm. 8-Rowed Flint. North Dakota, White.. . . Mitchell's Extra Early. . Red Cob Ensilage Champion White Pearl. . Extra Early Huron Dent Pearce's Prolific Selected Learning Thoroughbred White Flint Pride of the North Canada White Flint Cuban Giant . . Kendall's Giant Giant Prolific, Ensilage. . North Dakota, Yellow . . Mammoth Sweet Fodder. Ninety Day Character of Growth. Very strong, Strong ti K Very strong. Strong M Medium Weak '.'.'.'.'.. II Medium Weak . . Medium . Weak .. Medium . Weak Very weak. .J3 In. 84 83 60 60 84 64 80 70 60 G5 50 40 60 60 84 60 60 65 60 60 40 45 50 40 35 13 m a H a 0) Aug. 20 I. 20 .1 20 n 31 n 18 Sept. 10 Aug. 11 II II Sept. II Aug. II Sept. 30 25 20 20 15 16 16 31 18 16 m a Aug. 30 31 Sept. 1 10 Aug. 31 Sept. 16 Aug. Sept. II Aug. 16 31 6 8 28 Aug. 28 .1 27 .1 24 Sept. 16 Aug. 20 Sept. 16 Aug. 25 „ 25 Sept. 6 Sept. 10 Aug. 31 Sept. 22 15 10 8 30 5 28 1 6 25 Sept. 16 14 15 20 16 25 •I 20 14 20 ., 20 6 Sept. 20 15 28 28 20 21 Sept. 20 Sept. 20 20 Oct. 5 a a o '23 Sept. 30 2nd milk 30 30 Oct. 1 Sept. 30 Sept. 22 1st 2nd Ist Sept. 15 Glazed . Tassel'g. II 2nd milk II lat II Oct. 1 Sept. 28 Sept. 28 28 Oct. Oct. 2nd .1 Silk.'.'.. 2nd milk Silk.. . 2nd milk II 1st II ax . 2.9 a . . o bo o 11 11 11 10 10 10 10 9 8 8 8 7 7 7 7 6 5 5 5 5 4 4 4 4 2 m XI 1,10010 00011 00011 1,670 6 1,450 10 1,340 9 130 9 370 9 1,27013 850 7 170 4 1,40013 63011 300: 6 300 6 1,200 13 1,550 1,550 1,000 1,000 1,000 1,200 800 800 11701 Si ^ 460 550 440 1,970 240 1,470 150 700 400 1,400 800 500 000 870 870 400 870 870 1,800 1,270 1,200 250 1,000 250 340 REPORT OF MR. Q. W. FORREST. 285 GENERAL STATEMENT OF FODDER CROPS. In addition to the turnip plots which yielded 299 bushels ; 3 acres of turnips yielded 800 bushels per acre, and one- third acre plot produced 360 bushels, making a total of 3,059 bushels. The mangel plots yielded 227 bushels, and § of an acre yielded 360 bushels, making a total of 587 bushels of mangels. To this may be added the yield from the carrot plots, 108 bushels and also that from the plots of sugar beets, 71 bushels. This makes 3,825 bushels as the total amount of roots harvested. One and one-quarter acre of horse beans produced 11 tons 250 pounds, equal to 9 tons per acre ; \ acre of sunflowers, 2 tons 712 pounds ; 2^ acres of corn yielded 7 tons per acre, and |- acre 1 ton 1,250 pounds, equal to 13 tons per acre. This together with the product of corn plots of 10 tons 360 pounds, makes a total of 42 tons 1,572 pounds, all of which was put into the silo. PEEPARATION OF THE LAND FOR THE FIELD TURNIPS. The field turnips were grown on land the previous crop of which was oats. The land was ploughed in the fall. In the spring it was again ploughed, worked up and drilled into rows 28 inches apart. Into these drills barn-yard manure at the rate of thirty 20-bushel cart loads per acre was put, and a fertilizer at the rate of 300 pounds per acre, made of 150 pounds of complete fertilizer, and 150 pounds of bone meal mixed together, which was sown along on top of the manure, and the whole covered. PREPARATION OF LAND FOR THE FIELD CORN. The land on which the field corn was planted was in timothy and clover hay the two previous seasons. This was ploughed in the spring and fertilizer at the rate of 250 pounds per acre used. This fertilizer consisted of 125 pounds of bone meal and 125 pounds of complete fertilizer mixed together. The corn was sown with the grain drill, in rows 3 feet apart. The fertilizer was applied at the same time by allowing all the pipes of the fertilizer attachment of the seed drill to run ; thus the fertilizer was sown over the whole ground, being drilled in, as when sowing grain, in rows 6 inches apart. One strip of this land of \ acre was manured on the sod, the previous fall at the rate of thirty 20-bushel cartloads of barn-yard manure per acre. On the land so treated the yield of corn per acre was 1 3 tons, and that which received no barn-yard manure bnt treated similar in every other respect, yielded only 7 tons per acre. PREPARATION OF THE LAND FOR THE HORSE BEANS AND SUNFLOWERS. The land on which the English horse beans were sown was in timothy and clover the two previous years. Barn-yard manure at the rate of forty 20-bushel cart loads per acre, was ploughed under in the fall of 1896. This was worked up in the spring, and the beans sown in rows 3 feet apart. The sunflowers were also sown, in rows 3 feet apart, on land adjoining that used for the beans, which received similar treatment. MILLET. Four varieties of millet were sown 12 th June in one-fortieth acre plots. The land was in timothy and clover the previous year. It was ploughed in the fall of 1896. The millet made a good strong growth and was cut for feed 30th August. The stock did not eat it readily. I do not consider it as valuable as oats, pease and vetches for feeding stock. 286 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. The weight of green fodder per acre as calculated from these plots was as follows Tona. Lbs. Japan 22 1,980 New Manitoba. 12 200 Golden Millet. 9 1,360 New Siberian 8 940 GRAIN CROPS WITH AND WITHOUT CLOVER. In order to further test the value of sowing Mammoth Red Clover with grain crops, for the purpose of ploughing under a similar experiment to the one conducted last year was carried out this season. The plots used for this purpose last year were again utilized. The whole set of plots were, however, sown with oats. Clover at the rate of ten pounds per acre was sown on the plots which had clover on them last year ; the check plots were left as before without seeding to clover. Fertilizer at the rate of 250 pounds per acre was used. It was made of 125 pounds of bone meal and 125 pounds of complete fertilizer mixd together. No difference was noticed in the growth of grain on the plots which were seeded to clover last year and those which were not. This was, no doubt, due to the very poor growth made by the clover on these plots last season. The clover this season has made a strong growth and an after-math of from 6 to eight inches has been ploughed under. RATION FED MILCH COWS. During the winter months the cows were fed the following ration night and morning, with a feed of long hay at noon : — Lbs. Hay 4 Straw 2 Roots (Turnips and Mangels) 15 Meal 2\ The straw and hay being cut and the roots pulped, the whole was mixed together and sprinkled with water till quite damp. For the month of May 30 pounds of ensilage per day was substituted for 30 pounds of roots, with this change there was no noticeable difference in the flow of milk. The ration of meal was continued when the cows were turned out to grass in the spring. The following table gives the total yield of milk from the cows for the season : — Milk produced from Seven Cows during the past year. Name. Piggott . . . . Eva Rooker Smith Tingley .... Jennie Reid Brindle Date of Calving. Jan. 6, 1897. Nov. 1, 1896. Sept. 28, 1896. Dec. 6, 1896. Feb. 6, 1897. May 5, 1897. Oct. 31, 1896. When due to Calve again. Jan. 30, 1898. Oct. 11, 1897. April 16, 1898. Nov. 15, 1897. Mar. 19, 1898. Not in calf . . . Dec. 17, 1897. Condition Nov. let. 10 lbs. per day Milking 15 lbs. per day Dry . 19 lbs. per day 24 Dry Total No. of Pounds of Days Milk for Milking. the Period. 286 6,913 288 4,176 397 7,213 289 7,225 233 6,281 • 148 5,152 306 5,118 Average Yield per Day. 24 14i 18 25 27 34| 13* REPORT OF MR. G. W. FORREiST. ■ 28'/ STOCK SOLD. On the 4th of November I received instructions to sell a part of the farm stock. The animals disposed of included 1 2 cows and 2 bulls, as follows : — 4 Holstein cows, 1 Ayrshire cow, 2 Durham cows, 1 Grade cow, 1 Holstein bull, 1 Ayrshire bull. As a result of the sale of this stock in November, and no purchases to replace them a large quantity of bran and ensilage were left over. As many roots as could be fed to the remaining animals were used, and all that could be sold in the neighbourhood were so disposed of, but a portion was unavoidably spoilt. MANURE AND FERTILIZERS USED. Owing to the limited amount of stock kept last winter only 150 tons of barn-yard manure was made, this together with $275 worth of fertilizers ; including 100 barrels of soft wood ashes, bone meal and complete fertilizers, was not sufficient to manure much more than the extensive area devoted to plot work ; consequently the large field crops did not receive the manure they should, with the result that small crops were harvested. DRAINING. On the marsh 1,000 feet of wooden 14 x 20 inch sluice drain was laid, and 1,000 feet of open ditch 2^ feet wide by 2 feet deep. On the upland 1,500 feet of 2 inch tile drain was laid. . DISTRIBUTION OF SEED GRAIN AND POTATOES. In all 543 applicants have been supplied during the past year with 3 pound samples of potatoes, oats, wheat, barley, pease and rye. The number of packages sent out was as follows : — Potatoes 302 Oats 345 Barley 183 Wheat 91 Pease 83 Rye 6 Total 1,010 MEETINGS ATTENDED. I have addressed meetings during the past year at Fredericton, N.B., Annapolis, N.S. ; Musquodoboit, N.S. ; and in Prince Edward Island. EXHIBITIONS ATTENDED. An exhibit of the farm produce was made at Charlottetown, P.E.I., from Septem- ber 21st to the 24 ; at Halifax, N.S., 27th September to 5th October, and at the West- moreland County Exhibition, Sackville, N.B., 14th October. I have the honour to be, Your obedient servant, GEO. W. FORREST, Superintendent 288 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. REPORT OF THE HORTICULTURIST. (W. S. Blair.) To Dr. Wm. Saunders, Director Dominion Experimental Farms, Ottawa. Sir, — I have the honour to submit herewith a report of some of the work done in the Horticultural Division of the Experimental Farm for the maritime provinces for the year 1897. The apple crop during the past year has been small ; the pear, plum and cherry crops were a failure. The strawberries yielded well, and the new plantation of 36 varie- ties has made good growth. The raspberries were a fair crop. The raspberry canes as •well as those of the blackberries were badly diseased with the raspberry anthracnose Glososporium venetum ; as a result the present growth is only fair. New varieties of small fruits have been planted, many of which are making strong growth. The balance of orchard No. 2 was this year planted with trees ; some of which were taken from the nursery here, where they had been set in the spring of 1895, when received from the Central Experimental Farm ; the remainder were from the Ellwanger and Barry, nurseries, Rochester, N.Y. The former have not made very promising growth ; the latter were very thrifty looking trees which arrived in good condition, and have made good growth. The shrubs, trees and hedges have made fair growth and each year are becoming more of a source of interest. The new varieties received from the Central Experimental Farm in the spring will, no doubt, be a valuable addition. The flower garden was continued as usual. The bulbs planted in the fall of 1896 were much admired in the early spring. Many new varieties of tulips, hyacinths, nar- cissus and lillies were this fall added to this interesting collection. A collection of 28 varieties of Japanese Paeonies, and 48 varieties of Japanese Irises were received this autumn and planted. Experiments were again carried on with different varieties of vegetables, and a summary, of the relative value of those tested, is given in this report. Data on the blossoming period of the different varieties of fruit trees grown on the faria were again furnished the horticulturist of the Central Experimental Farm. Few particulars of immediate value were gathered from the experimental grass plots. The plots of crimson clover sown on the 18th of August and 1st September, did not stand the winter. The plot of Tussock grass reported upon last year has turned out to be Bromus inermis. The land on which this was sown was previously in Brome grass and quite probably was not well enough svorked up ; at any rate the growth made proved to be largely made up of the grass named. Apple Orchard, No. 1, In this orchard there are now growing 176 trees of 82 varieties. In the annual report for 1895, particulars relating to the planting and growth of the trees from this orchard were given from the time of the first planting in 1889, to, and including, 1894. Since then there has been lost from various causes 29 trees of the following varieties : 2 Baldwin, 1 Baxter, 2 Coopers Market, 1 Early Prolific, 1 Fallawater, 1 Gipsy Girl, 2 Grimes's Golden, 1 Nonpareil, 2 Newtown Pippin, 1 Pryor's Red, 2 Ribston Pippin, 1 Roxbury Russet, 1 Spitzenburg, 2 St. Lawrence, 1 Scott's Winter, 1 Talman's Sweet, 1 Twenty-ounce Pippin, 1 Wagener, 2 White Pippin, 2 Wealthy, 1 Walbridge. Part of these have been winter-killed while some others have died from the effects of a disease REPORT OF MR. W. S. BLAIR. 289 in the bark and a few from being received in bad order, having been heated La the package during transportation. Some of the trees now growing present a stunted and unthrifty appearance, and I find in most cases such trees have unhealthy heart-wood. The following tabular arrangement gives the names of the varieties planted and their present condition : Apple Orchard No. 1. Name of Variety. Anisovka. Aport Ananasnoe Anis Alexander Autumn Strawberry. Benoni Blue Pearmain Blackwood Bank's Borovinka Bellflower Bottle Greening, Blushed CalviUe Buckingham Belle de Boskoop Ben Davis Canada Baldwin Canada Red Chenango Strawberry . Crimean Bogdanoff . . Carolina Red June Colvert. . Duchess Dominie . . . Fameuse Flory Belle. . Fallawater... Gravenstein . Golden Reinette. Golden Russet. . . Grimes' Golden Golden White.. Haas Hibernal Hyde's King Jonathan Keswick Codlin. . King Kara Synap Longfield Mann . . . Maidens Blush . . . Milding Mcintosh Red McMahan White. Northern Spy . . . . OstrakofE Ontario Peach Pewaukee 8a— 19' 1889 1889 1889 1890 1890 1895 1890 1890 1889 1895 1889- 1889 1892 1891 1895 1895 1897 1893 1890 1890 1892 1895 1895 1890 1890 1892 1895 1890 1897 1895 1889 1895 1895 1890 1892 1890 1895 1890 1894 1895 1897 1890 1890 1893 1895 1890 1890 1890 1893 1890 1895 1890 1889 1890 1893 1894 1895 1890 1892 1 2 2 2 3 2 2 1 2 1 1 1 2 1 1 2 1 2 3 2 2 1 2 2 3 4 2 4 1 1 1 2 1 3 1 3 2 3 1 1 1 3 3 3 2 3 3 3 1 3 1 3 3 2 3 1 1 3 2 No. Yes. It tf No. Yes. tl No. Yes. No II Yes., . . No. Yes. No. Yes. No., Yes. No. Yes. II No. Yes., No.. Yea. No., Yes. No.. Yes. II • I No. II Yes., Character of Growth. Strong. 1 fair, 1 strong. Strong. 1 fair, 1 weak. 1 strong, 1 fair. Strong. II 1 weak. Strong. 1 strong, 1 fair. Weak. Strong. II 1 fair, 1 weak. Fair. Strong. Fair. II 2 strong, 1 fair. M 3 II Strong. Fair. Weak. 1 weak. Fair. 1 strong, 1 fair. Strong. 1 strong, 2 fair. Fair. Strong. Weak. 2 fair, 1 strong. Fair. 1 fair, 2 strong. Weak. Strong. Fair. 1 strong, 2 fair. Strong. Fair. Strong. 1 strong, 1 fair, 1 weak. Strong. 1 fair, 1 weak. Weak. Strong. 890 EXPERIMENTA L FA RMS. Apple Orchard No. 2 — Concluded. Name of Variety. Princess Louise Pewaukee Russet Peck's Pleasant Peter Rambo Ribston Pippin R. I. Greening Rome Beauty Red Astrachan Royal Table. Red Bietigheimer Roxbury Russet Stark Serinkia Spitzenburg Sultan Seek-No-Further St. Lawrence Sop of Wino Scott's Winter Shannon Tetofskv Titovka Trenton Talnian's Sweet. . . _. . . Twenty-ounce Pippin. Wellington Wagener Wealthy Walbridge Yellow Transparent. . «4H TJ o to -*J ^ e S " 73 1892 11 2 Yes 1895 1 No 1895 1 " 1893 1 II 1890 2 Yes 1894 2 II 1890 3 tt 1895 2 11 1890 5 Yes 1895 2 No 1893 2 11 1893 1 M 1894 1 tt 1889 2 It 1894 1 tt 1890 2 Yes 1895 2 No 1890 3 It 1897 1 It 1890 2 Yes 1897 1 No 1889 1 Yes 1889 2 tt 1893 1 tt 1890 2 tl 1893 1 No 1S93 2 Yes 1890 1 tl 1890 1 tl 1897 2 No 1893 1 It 1890 5 Yes Character of Growth. Fair. Strong. Weak. Fair. Strong. 3 strong, 2 fair. 1 II 1 ., 1 .. 1m 1 .• Fair. II 1 strong. 1 strong, 1 fair. Strong. 1 strong, 2 fair. Weak. 2 strong. Fair. II Strong. It 2 strong. Weak. 1 strong, 1 fair. Fair. Strong. 2 strong, 3 fair. Apple Orchard No. 2. This orchard is situated on a somewhat higher piece of land than orchard No. 1, and is protected on all sides by a windbreak of a natural growth of spruce. The land was cut and cleared in 1890 and some 39 apple trees were planted amongst the stumps at that time. Some of the trees then planted have made good growth, with others the growth has not been so satisfactory. The land has since been broken up and was this year all planted with apple trees. Part of this land was under- drained in the fall of 1896 ; the other part was drained this autumn. The very wet season was very unfavourable for the trees planted in the undrained land and they have made weak growth, and some few have died. The trees planted on the under- drained part have all made strong growth. Between the growth of the trees in this orchard, and those in orchard No. 1, there is a decided difference in favour of the latter. Two trees planted have died from the effects of "sun scald;" 12 were so badly girdled by mice in the winter of 1894-95, that they had to be replaced. This orchard now contains 160 living trees of 90 varieties — 67 of which are not represented in orchard No. 1. This gives us in the two orchards a total of 336 apple trees including 149 varieties. REPORT OF MR. W. S. BLAIR. 291 The following table gives the present condition of the orchard Apple Orchard No. 2. Name of Variety. Arabskoe Antonovka Atkison Arabka, Winter. . . . Avenarius No. 15 . . Blue Pearmain. . . . . Bell Pippin Blushed Calville . . , Blenheim Pippin . . . Brownlee's Russet. . Ben Davis Belle de Boskoop .. , Babbit Basil The Great. . . . Beautiful Arcad.. . , Cinnamon Pine . . . . Charlotten Thaler Canada Reinette Cox's Pomona. Cross 15.M .. Derby Duchess Danver's Winter Sweet . Early Strawberry Early Colton. Enormous Fameuse Fanny Grimes' Golden Golden Russet Gravenstein Grandmother. Golden Reinette Gano Golden Sweet Hastings Hurlbut Hibernal (Fisk) Headley . JefiFries . . John A King Little Hat Lord Suffield Long Arcad , . . Missouri Pippin. . . Mother Melonen Munson's Sweet Nothern Spy Newtown Pippin Worth -western Greening. Newell's Winter Occident Ontario Pointed Pipka Pewaukee Pryor's Red Palmer Greening Primate Porter Pomme Grise Pipka Winter Bogdanoff . 8a— 19| ■n bo <0 a •SJ «-.i o^ T) u ^ S S 13 Character of Growth. rO S -2 2 -2 C S2 S-" "3 t4 tS ^*° 3 Pi ^ ■^ fe 1897 2 2 No Strong. 1897 2 2 II Weak. 1897 2 2 II II 1897 2 2 II II 1897 2 2 II II 1890 2 1 Yes 1 strong ; 1 dead, 1895. 1897 3 3 No 2 fair, 1 strong. 1897 1 1 M Fair. 1897 2 2 II 1 fair, 1 weak. 1897 '2 2 II Weak, 1897 2 2 II Strong. 1897 1 1 II Fair. 1897 2 2 II Weak. 1897 2 2 II II 1897 2 2 II II 1895 1 1 n Strong. 1897 1 1 If Weak. 1897 1 1 II II 1897 2 2 II 1 fair, 1 weak. 1897 2 2 II Strong. 1897 2 2 II Weak. 1890 3 2 Yes 2 strong, 1 dead, 1894. 1893 2 2 If Strong. 1897 2 2 No Weak. 1897 2 2 II Strong. 1897 2 2 II Weak. 1897 1 1 II If 1893 2 2 II Strong. 1897 2 2 II II 1891 2 1 Yes 1 strong, 1 dead, 1895. 1892 2 2 II Strong. 1893 3 1 No 1 strong, 1 dead, 1895, 1897 2 2 M Weak. 1897 1 1 II fl 1897 2 2 11 Fair. 1897 1 1 If 11 1892 2 1 If 1 strong, 1 dead, 1893. 1897 2 2 II Strong. 1897 2 1 It 1 weak, 1 dead, 1897. 1897 2 2 !l Weak. 1897 2 2 II Strong. 1897 2 0 Dead, 1897. 1897 1 1 No Strong. 1897 2 1 II 1 weak, 1 dead, 1897. 1897 2 2 tt Fair. 1897 2 2 11 Weak. 1897 2 2 If Strong. 1897 2 2 II 1 strong, 1 weak. 1897 1 1 ft Weak. 1897 2 0 Dead, 1897. 1892 3 2 No 2 strong, 1 dead, 1895. 1897 2 2 II Strong. 1897 2 2 II Weak. 1897 2 2 II II 1897 2 2 II Strong. 1897 1 1 II If 1896 4 4 II ti 1891 2 2 II ft 1896 1 1 11 Weak. 1897 2 2 If Strong. 1897 2 2 II Fair. 1897 2 2 II Strong. 1897 2 2 M II 1897 2 1 II 1 weak, 1 dead. 1897. 292 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. Apple Orchakd No. 2 — Concluded. Name of Variety. Patten's Greening. . . Peck's Pleasant Russian Tyrol Red Astrachan Red Russet Red Canada Rome Beauty Renand Seedling. . . Ribston Pippin.. . . , Silken Leaf Smith's Cider Sutton's Beauty Stump ... Summer Rose Swaar Sunbeam Snelling Seedling.. . . Shannon Sops of Wine Tuft's Baldwin Uncle Sam Winter Bough White Astrachan. .. Wine Sap William's Favourite. White Pigeon Watterson Western Beauty. . . . Windsor Chief Wagener . . Yellow Transparent. York Imperal t3 a 1897 1897 1895 1893 1897 1897 1897 1897 1897 1897 1897 1897 1897 1897 1897 1897 1897 1897 1897 1897 1897 1890 1891 1897 1897 1897 1897 1897 1897 1891 1892 1897 '6 3 9 2 1 1 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 1 1 2 2 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 0 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 0 1 1 2 1 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 0 1 2 T3 "3 No. No. No. II 11 II Yes, n No. n Yes No. Character of Growth. Weak. Dead, 1897. Strong. 1 fair, 2 dead, 1895. 1 fair, 1 weak. II II 1 strong, 1 weak. Weak. 1 weak, 1 fair. Weak. Strong. 1 strong, 1 fair. Weak. Dead, 1897. Weak. Fair. Strong. 1 weak, 1 dead, 1897. Strong Fair, 1 dead, 1892, Weak. 1 strong, 1 weak. Weak. 1 weak, 1 fair. Weak. Dead, 1895. Strong, Idead, 1895. Strong. Crab Apples. Most of the varieties of crab apples have made excellent growth. The variety Whitney, planted in 1890, made a strong growth for a few years, fruited well but has since been gradually dying out. Those planted in 1893 have made only fair growth. This collection consists of 31 trees of ten varieties as shown in the following table. Name of Variety. General Grant . . Hyslop II Leslie's Sweet . . . Montreal Beauty II II Martha Soulard Siberian Transcendent ... II . . . . Van Wycke Whitney □D m 1 Si -*:> +> **^ «*H o-o O y g bb ■a -i^ -9 g -^.9 (V (3 y-^ 'B Oh ^ ^ Ph 1892 2 2 Yes 1890 3 3 11 • 1893 2 2 M . 1897 2 2 No.. 1890 3 3 Yes.. 1893 1 1 11 . 1894 1 1 II . 1893 2 2 ti . 1895 2 ' 2 M . 1890 4 4 tl • 1890 3 3 II . 1893 2 2 11 • 1895 1 1 No.. 1890 3 1 Yes.. 1893 2 2 II • Character of Growth. Strong. II Fair. II Strong. Fair. II Strong. II 3 strong, 1 weak. Strong. 1 weak, 2 dead, 1895. Fair. EEPORT OF MR. W. S. BLAIR. 293 PEARS. Some of the pear trees have made very good growth. The varieties Seckel and Doyemie Boussock have been winter-killed. Particulars regarding this orchard from 1892 to 1894 will also be found in the Annual Report for 1895. The collection of pears now consists of 68 trees including 30 varieties. The following table shows the present state of the pear orchard : — Name of Variety. Bezi de la Motte Bessemianka Budd, 108. ■< Budd and Var. 102.. Var. 102. . Bartlett Beurre Hardy Beurr^ Superfin . . Beurre Clairgeau Beurre d'Anjou Clapp'a Favourite Gibb. Doyenne Boussock. Dempsey Dr. Reeder Duchess Flemish Beauty., Frederick Clapp. . Goodale Howell Helen Idaho Justine Josephine Keififer Longworth Lawson . . Lawrence Louise Bonne Matilda Mount Vernon . . . . Margaret , Osband's Summer. Seckel Sheldon When planted. Tyson. Vermont Beauty . WUder 1897 1897 1897 1895 1897 1892 1893 1892 1892 1892 1892 1893 1897 1893 1892 1897 1892 1892 1893 1893 1893 1897 1895 1897 1897 1895 1897 1895 1892 1897 1897 1893 1895 1895 1895 1892 1893 1892 1895 1895 1895 No. 6i Trees. 2 2 1 2 1 3 2 2 1 5 3 1 2 1 1 1 1 5 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 2 2 2 1 2 2 1 2 2 Fruited, No. Yes No. Yes II No. Yes No. Condition of Growth. 1 fair, 1 strong. Fair. Strong. II Fair. 2 strong, 1 fair. 1 fair, 1 dead, 1897. 1 strong, 1 fair. 1 fair. 2 strong, 2 fair, 1 weak. 1 strong, 2 weak. 1 II Weak. Strong. 4, strong, 1 fair. Fair. 1 dead, 1894. 1 fair, 1 strong. 2 dead, 1897. Fair. Strong. 1 fair, 1 weak. Fair. 1 weak, 1 dead, 1897. Strong. It 1 weak, 1 dead, 1897. 1 strong, 1 weak. 2 weak, 1 strong. Dead, 1897. Strong. Both dead, 1896. Strong. 1 strong, 1 weak. Strong. 1 strong, 1 dead, 1896. CHERRIES. Last winter was so severe that the fruit buds of the cherry trees were killed. The variety Dyehouse, planted in 1892, was completely winter killed. This tree was a strong vigorous grower and had fruited well. Gov. Wood, also a very strong grower and excellent fruiter, was badly injured by winter. Two-thirds of the branches of this variety including all on the south side, were killed. Leib fruited very young but killed out last winter. Particulars of the history of this orchard from 1891 to 1894 inclusive, will be found in the annual report for 1894, 294 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. The cherry orchard now contains 68 trees including 36 varieties. The following table gives years when the trees were planted and the deaths which have occurred since 1894. Name of Variety. Archduke Black Tartarian. . . Black Eagle Belle Magni6que. . Black Heart Centennial Coe's Transparent. Carnation Dyehouse English Morello. II II . Early Richmond. Elton Governor Wood Gruner Glass Knight's Early Black. Leib Late Duke. Lithauer Love Apple Louis Philippe. May Duke Montmorency. II Napoleon Ostheim . Olivet . . Orel Ohio Beauty. . . . Plymouth Kock. Rockport Royal Duke . . . Reine Hortense. Shadow Amarelle. . Spate Amarelle.. . . . Sparhawk's Honey. Schmidt Tradescant's Vladimer Wragg Windsor Yellow Spanish. When Planted. 1897 1892 1893 1895 1892 1895 1892 1897 1892 1895 1892 1893 1891 1892 1893 1892 1895 1893 1893 1892 1897 1895 1895 1892 1893 1895 1892 1893 1892 1893 1892 1892 1893 1895 1895 1895 1895 1897 1895 1897 1893 1895 1897 1897 1897 1895 1892 1892 1893 1892 Number of Trees. 2 2 I 2 2 2 1 2 1 2 3 2 5 4 1 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 2 2 2 1 1 2 2 1 4 2 2 2 2 2 1 3 2 1 2 1 2 2 3 1 2 Fruited. No. 1) . 11 . II . II . II . Yes No. Yes No. Yes tl II It Ym It Yes No. II . tl . II . Yes No." Yes II II No. Yes II II II No. II . It . II . II . Yes II No. II * tl . II . Yes II No. Yes Condition of Growth. Strong. 1 fair, 1 strong. Fair. 1 strong, 1 fair. 1 fair, 1 strong. Both dead, 1895. Weak. 1 fair, 1 weak. Dead, 1897. Strong. 2 strong, 1 fair. Strong. 1 dead, 1897. Badly winter-killed. Strong. Dead, 1896-7. II 1897. 1 fair, 1 dead, 1895. 1 strong, 1 weak. 1 fair, 1 dead, 1897. 1 strong, 1 dead, 1897. Strong. Dead, 1894. 1 strong, 1 fair. Strong-. Fair. Strong. 1 fair, 1 strong. Strong. 2 dead, 1896, 2 strong. Strong. 1 weak, 1 dead, 1895. 1 strong, 1 dead, 1897. 1 fair, 1 weak. 1 fair, 1 dead, 1896. Weak. 2 strong, ] dead, 1896. 1 strong, 1 dead, 1895. Strong. 1 fair, 1 strong. Fair. 1 strong, 1 fair. 2 strong, Strong. 1 dead, 1896. PLUMS. Some of the plum trees are making strong and many only fair growth. They have BO far fruited but little. The plant louse which affects the plum, Aphis prunifolii, has been very troublesome, and the vigorous use of tobacco water is found to be the best remedy. The use of kerosene emulsion is also effecti\e ; but great care is necessary as the foliage is apt to be injured if the mixture is improperly made. REPORT OF MR. W. S. BLAIR. 295 The following table gives the names of the varieties planted, and their present condition : — Particulars relating to this orchard from 1892 to 1894, inclusive, are also given in the annual report for 1895. The plum orchard now contains 122 trees, including 51 varieties. Name of Variety. Arch Duke Abundance Bryanston'a Gage . Burbank Beauty of Naples . Botan . Bradshaw Copper Cheney. Cz Coe's Golden Drop Duane'a Purple. . . . DeSoto. Field . . . Fellenburg Goliath. Gueii.. . . Golden Prolific Grand Duke Gen Hand German Prune Hawkeye Hudson River Purple Egg When Planted. Italian Prune... Imperial Gage. , Jefferson Kingston. Luscombe'a Nonesuch . Lombard Lawrence's Favourite. Moore's Arctic McLaughlin. Niagara Ouellin's Grolden. Orange Ogon. . ... Prince of Agen . . Prince Englebert Prince of Wales . Pond's Seedling Prince's Yellow Gage Prunus Simonii , Quackenbosa Reine Claude St. Lawrence. .. Shipper's Pride. Satsuma. Smith's Orleans. Saunders . 1895 1895 1897 1895 1897 1895 1897 1892 1897 1897 1895 1892 1892 1897 1897 1897 1892 1893 1897 1892 1893 1893 1895 1897 1892 1895 1893 1897 1895 1892 1893 1897 1897 1897 1892 1893 1892 1892 1893 1892 1897 1892 1893 1897 1897 1897 1897 1897 1895 1892 1892 1893 1897 1892 1893 1897 1892 1893 1895 1895 1897 1893 Number of Trees. 2 2 2 2 1 2 3 3 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 2 1 1 2 6 2 2 1 2 6 1 1 3 2 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 6 1 2 2 2 2 3 2 2 2 1 1 Fruited. No. II II No. Yes. No. No. It Yes. No. No. If II Yes. It No. II II Yes. No. Yes. Na Yes. Na tl Yes. No. II Condition of Growth. 1 fair, 1 weak. 1 strong, 1 fair. Strong. 1 strong, 1 dead, 1896w Weak Dead, 1896. 2 fair, 1 weak. 2 fair, 1 strong. Weak. Fair. Weak. 1 strong, 1 fair. Fair. Dead, 1897. Dead, 1896. Strong. 1 weak, 1 strong. Strong. 1 strong, 1 fair. 1 weak, 1 dead, 1896. 1 strong, 1 fair. Weak. Strong. Dead, 1897. Weak. II 1 fair, 1 dead, 1896. 4 strong, 1 fair. Fair. 1 fair, 1 weak. Fair. Strong. Fair. Strong. 1 dead, 1895. Weak. 1 fair,*l dead, 1896. Fair. Strong. 1 strong, 1 fair. 1 fair, 1 weak. Strong. Dead, 1896. 2 fair, 1 dead, 1896. Strong. Dead, 1896. Strong. M Fair. Strong. Dead, 1896. Dead, 1895-96. Fair. Weak. 296 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. Plums — Concluded. Name of Variety. Shropshire Damson Stanton. Victoria Weaver It • Washington 11 .•«■.*•• Wangenheim Willard Yellow Egg Yellow Gage When Planted. Number of Trees. Fruited. 1892 1 Yes 1892 2 No. 1897 2 II 1895 1 1897 2 No. 1892 2 11 1893 1 It 1897 2 „ 1895 2 tl 1895 2 l( 1892 2 Condition of Growth. Fair. Strong. 1 weak, 1 fair. Dead, 1897. 1 fair, 1 dead, 1897. Strong. n Fair. Strong. 1 strong, 1 dead, 1896, Dead, 1895. PEACHES. These two varieties of peaches were planted in 1897 in Orchard No. 2, where protection is afforded : — Name of Variety. Alexander.. . Hale's Early. e c3 1897. 1897. go « « a Cio ^a o 2 2 Condition of Growth. Strong. APRICOTS. These varieties are on peach stocks. Only the variety Gibb has made very promis- ing growth. The branches kill back badly in winter, and in some cases, as will be seen from the following table the trees have killed out completely : — Name of Variety. 1 1897.. . 1895.... 1895 ... 1895.... il o d to s.s •s 6 Condition of Growth. Acme 2 2 2 2 1 1 2 1 1 dead, 1897 ; 1 weak. Beckland II 1896 ; 11 Gibb Strong. Harris . . .• . 1 dead, 1896 ; 1 fair. BEPORT OF MR. W. S. BLAIR. 2sn NUTS. The following table will show the varieties of nuts grown and their condition of growth : — Name of Variety. American Chestnut Black Walnut Filberts, Kentish Cob II Cosford Cob Japanese Walnuts, Juglans Max . . . II II II Sieboldi Japanese Chestnut a 1895 1895 1895 1895 1895 1895 1895 ° -6 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 0) > 1 2 2 2 2 2 Condition of Growth. 1 dead 1896 ; 1 fair. Strong. II 1 fair ; 1 weak. Strong. Dead 1896. Number and Varieties of Fruit Trees now growing in Orchards. Name. Number of Trees. Number of Varieties. Apples , . . . 336 31 68 78 122 4 5 11 149 Crab Apples. 10 Pears 30 Cherries , 36 Plums 51 Peaches 2 Apricots 4 Nuts 6 Total 655 288 SMALL FRUIT PLANTATION. It seems to be a common practice for many of our farmers to order those varieties of small fruits which the agent recommends. In many cases the variety ordered is not the best, and too often failure is a result. It is not necessary when buying small fruits such as raspberries to get 50 or 100 plants, for by beginning with one dozen plants in a few years there will be plants enough to start a large plantation. The same can be said of strawberries, and 25 or 50 plants of two or three good varieties will enable one to make a start from which he can soon increase his plantation to any size he may wish. 298 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS, The followinsr chart gives the names of some of the most desirable varieties of small fruits to order, also the distances at which they may be planted, variety of each kind be wanted I would advise the fii'st named : — Should only one Name of Variety. Strawberries : — Beder Wood. B Crescent. P Wilson, B Warfield, P . Raspberries : — ■n,=A fCuthbert ^^' IHeebner White, Golden Queen. Black, Gregg Blackberries : — Agawam , Ancient Briton Currants : — Black, Lee's Prolific. . Red, Cherry White, White Grape . . Gooseberries : — Downing •Industry ♦Whitesmith No. of Plants. 25 to 60 25 " 50 26 " 60 25 " 50 12 " 24 12 " 24 12 " 24 12 " 24 12 12 6 3 3 6 6 6 15 15 12 6 6 12 12 12 Feet. 4 4 4 4 6 6 6 6 7 7 5 5 5 5 5 5 2 ^ 2 a u C3 w © ,2 oTS Feet. * English varieties. ORNAMENTAL TREES AND SHRUBS. The ornamental trees and shrubs now include 236 species and varieties, making a total of 448 individual specimens, many of which are making strong growth, some only fair, and others poor growth. In addition to the varieties planted in previous years and which were reported on in 1894 and in 1896, the following were planted this year : — Betula pumila, Dwarf Birch. Carya olivseformis, Pecan Nut. Carpinus Caroliniana, American Hornbeam. Cornus sericea, Dogwood. Celtis occidentalis, American Hackberry. Caryopteris Mastacanthus. Comptonia asplenifolia. Sweet Fern. Callicarpa purpurea. Cornus sanguinea variegata, English Varie- gated Dogwood. Cerasus serotina, Wild Black Cherry. Euonymus Americanus. Strawberry Bush. Halesia tetraptera. Snowdrop Tree. Ilex opaca, American Holly. Itea Virginica. Juniperus Suecica, Swedish Juniper. Ligustrum Stauntoni, Staunton's Privet. Magnolia acuminata, Cucumber tree. Nyssa multiflora, Souf Gum tree. Neviusa Alabamensis. Populus fastigiata, Lombardy Poplar. " "Van Geerti. Paliurus aculeatus, Christ's Thorn. Philadelphus coronarius semiplenus. Pyrus rosea alba. Robinia hispida. Rose Acacia. Salix aurea pendula, " Villarsiana. " purpurea pendula, " regalis. '• Salamoni. " capraea. " alba, White Willow. Spiraea vaccinifolia. Tamarix Indica. Thuya occidentalis Median's Golden, Meehan's Golden Arbor-vitae. Thuya occidentalis Hoveyi Golden. «* " pumila. REPORT OF MR. W. S. BLAIR. DESIRABLE VARIETIES OF ORNAMENTAL TREES AND SHRUBS. The following list of shrubs and trees can be safely recommended as good sorts for lawn planting, or for other ornamental purposes. These are all hardy varieties and have made a vigorous growth here : — Deciduous Trees, Acer platanoides, Norway Maple. " rubrum, Red Maple. " saccharinum, Sugar Maple. Betula alba, European White Birch. " purpurea. Purple Birch. Fraxinus Americana, American Ash. Larix Europea, European Larch. Negundo aceroides. Box Elder. Pyrus Aucuparia, European Mountain Ash- Quercus Robur, English Oak. Sophora Japonica, Japan Sophora. Tilia Europsea, European Linden. TJlmus Americana, American Elm. *' campestris, European Elm. " racemosa, Cork Elm. Evergreen Trees. Abies balsamea, Balsam fir. Picea pungens, Colorado Blue Spruce. " Douglasii, Douglas Spruce. " excelsa, Norway Spruce. Pinus Austriaca, Austrian Pine. " sylvestris, Scotch Pine. Thuya occidentalis pyramidalis, Pyramidal Arbor-vitse. Deciduous Shrubs. Artemisia Abrotanum, Southern wood. Berberis Thunbergii, Japanese Barberry. " vulgaris, Common Barberry. " " purpurea, Purple Barberry. Caragana arborescens, Siberian Pea-Tree. Comus alba, Red-twigged Dogwood. Cotoneaster vulgaris. Common Cotoneaster. Deutzia gracilis, Diervilla (Weigelia) rosea. Rose flowered Weigelia. Diervilla (Weigelia) Candida, white flowered Weigelia. Diervilla (Weigelia) Lonerii, Dark red Weigelia. Elseagnus angustifolia, Russian Olive. Hydrangea paniculata grandiflora, Jap- anese Hydrangea. Lonicera, Tatarica, White flowered Bush Honeysuckle. Lonicera Tatarica, Red flowered Bush Honeysuckle. Lonicera chrysantha. Bush Honeysuckle. Philadelphus coronarius, Mock Orange. Potentilla fruticosa, Shrubby Cinquefoil. Rhamnus catharticus. Common buckthorn. Ribes aureum, Yellow Flowering Currant. Rosa rubrifolia. Red-leaved Rose. Sambucus Canadensis, Common Elder. Sambucus Canadensis aurea, Golden- leaved Elder. Spiraea opulifoKa aurea, Golden-leaved Spiraea. Spii;aea van Houttei, van Houtte's Spiraea. '* callosa. " " alba. " Billardi. Syringa Emodi. " Josikaea, Josika's Lilac. " Charles X, Charles X Lilac. " vulgaris alba. White LUac. " " purpurea. Purple Lilac. Viburnum Opulus, High bush Cranberry. " sterilis, Common Snowball. " Lantana, Pliant Viburnum. Evergreen shrubs. Juniperus Virginiana, Red cedar. " communis, Common Juniper. Pinus montana, Dwarf mountain pine. Retinospora plumosa, Plumose retinospora. " " Aurea, Golden pi." " filifera, Thread-like " Thuya occidentalis globosa. Globose Arbor- vitae. Thuya occidentalis Hoveyi. variegata. Mahonia Aquifolium, Holly Barberry. 300 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. VEGETABLE GARDEN". Generally speaking, our farmers do not pay the attention they should to the growing of vegetables, to supply at least their own tables during the greater part of the year. It is generally the case that only a small percentage of those that might be cultivated are grown, and those varieties which require much care and attention are not usually included in the average kitcheii garden. It is too often the case that more expensive foods take the place of those which the farmer might grow for himself. There is nothing more conducive to the general health than a good free use of gar- den vegetables ; not only that but from an economical standpoint their growth to supply a part of our daily food is worthy of our consideration. The work of keeping a well laid out kitchen garden properly cared for is not great if done at the proper time. There is probably more thought required than actual time, and the result of good planning are more marked in this department of farm work than almost any other. To have the very earliest and best varieties of vegetables it is quite necessary that we bring to our aid the hot-bed and the cold-frame. These are within the reach of almost every farmer, and should form a part of every farm's equipment. During the past four years experiments have been carried on with some of the different varieties of vegetables and in this report a summary is given of the results obtained, and at the same time some hints given on the management of a kitchen garden. The kitchen garden well furnished is a desirable adjunct to the farm not only for sup- plying the table with wholesome food, but also that the young may be interested in garden work and see something in farm life beyond the routine of general field work. The seed required for a kitchen garden can be divided into two groups those to be started under glass and those for the open ground. Of the former the most important are : cabbage, cauliflower, tomatoes, lettuce, onions and celery. The following observations may be of help to those who have never had any experience in the construction of a hot-bed or cold frame. THE HOT-BED. A hot-bed should be located where protection can be had from the cold north and westerly winds. A southern exposure protected on the north by a building, tight fence or a hedge will furnish a desirable spot. Horse-stable manure is the best to produce a good reliable steady heat, this should not be "fire-fanged" nor should it contain too much straw. Sufficient to make a bed 7 feet square and 18 inches deep is taken to the spot selected and put in a good square pile. Any dry parts of this manure should be mixed with the wet, and in some cases it is advisable to use water to make all parts of as even a dampness as possible. All parts of this pile should be firmed alike, if this is neglected the less firm parts will be liable to burn out while the more compact will just begin to generate a heat. This pile should be left for 6 or 8 days, or until its steaming indicates that fermentation is well under way, when it should be forked over again and made into a similar pile. In 3 or 4 days the manure will be ready for the permanent bed. When placing the manure in the bed see that all the parts are firmed alike in order that the heat may be generated evenly and thus uniformity of temperature secured. The frame to place upon the bed to support the sashes should be 6 feet square. Boards 1 J inches thick are good material for the construction of a frame. Make the front 12 inches high and the back 18 inches, thus giving 6 inches for a southern slope to the sash. Bank the frame well around the outside with strawy manure, and inside put 5 inches of earth. The soil used should be a light loam of good quality. A good plan is to make a pile for this pu-rpose the previous fall and cover it with strawy manure to keep it from freezing. The above frame would support 2 sashes 3x6 feet in size. These would hold 3 rows of 10 X 12 inch glass. No cross bars are used, but bars running the length of the sash hold the glass. The lights are lapped like shingles about | inch. After the bed is finished allow it to stand for a few days ventilating it occasionally to allow the rank steam to go off. Often the temperature in a newly made bed will REPORT OF MR. W. S. BLAIR. 301 run up to 100° making it desirable that we have a thermometer to determine the temperature. Seed should not be sown when the temperature is higher than 80°. From 45 to 50° Fahrenheit at night, and 75 to 80° during the day, have given good results here. In order to keep up such a temperature during very cold nights, the glass will have to be covered with mats, bags or straw. If such are used, they should be removed as soon in the morning as possible, as the early morning sun materially advances the growth of young plants. During the day care and judgment must be exercised to ventilate according to the condition of the weather. A few hour's sun with no ventilation towards the middle of the day will sometimes do a great amount of damage. When water collects on the inside of the glass it shows that ventilation is required. In any case the frame should be closed about the middle of the afternoon thus preventing the bed from cooling too much before night. "Watering should not be neglected, but it should be done judiciously. Too much water should not be used especially if the weather is dark and cold, as the soil is liable to become soggy and sour, and the seeds, if not germinated, are liable to rot. Never water when the sun is shining brightly, for in doing so the foliage of the plant is liable to be injured. Keep in mind that success depends upon the bottom heat supplied from manure, the top heat from the sun, the giving of sufficient water and the necessary ventilation. THE COLD-FRAMES. Cold-frames are simply frames and sashes the same as those used on the hot-bed, the pit being filled with soil and no heat below. As soon as the plants started in the hot-bed are large enough, they are transplanted into cold-frames where they grow stronger and stouter, and being gradually hardened may be transplanted to the open ground more successfully. CABBAGE. Of the different varieties of cabbage experimented with the following seven varieties have proved the most desirable : — Seed sown in the hot-bed April 1. Transplanted to the cold frame April 20. Transplanted to the open ground May 10. ^ EARLY VARIETIES. Extra Early Express. — The earliest variety tested, a firm conical shaped head, of medium size with few outside leaves. Can be planted about 20 inches apart in the rows. Early Jersey Wakefield. — The best early variety. It is about four days later than the Express but has made better heads. Medium size with few outside leaves and conical in shape, of excellent quality. It can also be planted close. MEDIUM EARLY VARIETIES. Henderson! s Succession. — A very attractive variety, heads large and even, firm, round and a good header. The best to head of all the varieties tested. Vandergaw. — Considerably later than Succession ; a large round firm head, of excellent quality. It heads well and is a good keeper — one of the best all round cabbages, LATE VARIETIES. Marhlehead Mammoth Drumhead. — A very large variety, a good header, and firm. Quality excellent, a good keeper. A very desirable late sort. Late Flat Dutch. — Large solid, round, flat head, a good header ; quality excellent and a good keeper. Mammoth Rock Red. — Deep red colour, heads large, round and firm, an excellent header. The best red variety so far cultivated here. 302 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. CABBAGE SEED SOWN IN THE OPEN GROUND. Seed of the varieties, Succession and Vandergaw, sown on May 15, also on June 1, in the open ground produced an excellent crop of good keeping winter cabbage. The seed was sown in rows 3 feet apart, scattered at intervals of 2-^ feet in the rows, and thinned out to one plant when large enough. Cabbage grown this way have usually escaped the attack of the root maggot and are not set back by transplanting. CAULIFLOWER, For early cauliflower sow the seed in the hot bed April 1. Transplant to the cold frame April 20. Transplant to the open ground about the middle of May or earlier if possible. Cauliflower, as well as cabbage, will stand a light frost, and it is well where a few are wanted for early use to plant early and protect if necessary by covering. Those started early have made the best heads. Seed sown in the open ground along with cabbage have produced very fine heads for autumn use. The variety, Demi-Dur, gave the best results of the varieties sown in this way. The following have been found to give the best results : — Early — Early Snowball. — This is one of the earliest varieties and the most reliable in heading. Dwarf in habit it has a compact deep head, white, medium in size with short outer leaves. The plants can be set in rows 2^ feet apart and 20 inches apart in the rows. Early — Selected Early Dwarf Erfurt. — Dwarf and compact, with a large white head, solid and of excellent quality. Heads well, plant 24 inches apart in the rows. Half Early — Demi-Dur, or Half Early Paris. — White solid compact head, a good header. This variety comes in well as a medium early variety. Has a large head of excellent quality. Late — Large Late Algiers. — A favourite late variety, a sure header, producing large compact heads of excellent quality. TOMATOES. The past season was not favourable for the growth of tomatoes. The vines made strong growth and although vigorously cut back the fruit did not set well. The seeds were sown in the hot-bed April 10. Transplanted to the cold frame May 3, and set in the open ground June 9. When removing the plants from the cold frame to the open ground a transplanter is used, thus considerable earth is lifted with the plant and the growth is but slightly checked. Of the red varieties tested the following four have proved the most desirable. They ripened in the order named. Imperial. — Ripens its fruit well, of excellent quality, medium in size, solid, smooth The fruit is inclined to crack open badly. Fruit ripe August 22. Fordhook^s First. — Medium in size, ripens about the same time as the Atlantic Prize, August 30. The fruit is smooth, solid, of a deep red colour, quality excellent, and ripens up well. Early Ruby. — Good form, smooth, solid. The earliest large sized tomato. The vines are open, allowing the fruit to ripen up evenly. The best market variety so far tested. Conqueror. — A late variety but very prolific, the best variety to plant if unripe fruit is desired. Fruit large, medium smooth, solid and of good quality. Golden Queen. — A bright yellow smooth fruit. The best yellow variety tested. Flavour good. To ripen tomatoes after they have been picked. — This can be successfully done by putting them in a cool, dark, dry place. Fruit of a much better flavour and solidity can be had by ripening in this way than in some sunny part of the house as is generally the practice. When fruit is gathered for this purpose be careful not to bruise it, as careful handling is quite essential if good results are to be obtained. REPORT OF MR. W. S. BLAIR. 303 CELERY, About the last of March sow the seed in a flat box or a large flower pot is some- times used. Sow the seed shallow and cover with a piece of white cotton, thus keeping the soil dark and moist. Water frequently but do not go to extremes. Place in a window or where a moderate heat can be obtained. About ten days after sowing the seed will begin to sprout. Remove the covering and be careful not to allow the earth, to dry out. As soon as the plants are large enough to handle transplant to the hot-bed placing them in rows 3 inches apart and from ^ to ^ of an inch apart in the row. Keep shaded for a day or two if the weather should be bright, and keep the plants well watered. With good plants secured early celery culture may be made a success. When the celery is ready to transplant to the open ground, make a trench by ploughing deep, and taking out the loose material with a shovel, put in this trench 6 or 8 inches of well rotted barnyard manure covering with earth and mixing well. Firm the ground well when it will be ready for the plants. If the plants are strong and vigorous the tip of the roots and top should be clipped off. Plant in rows 4 feet apart, and 5 inches apart in the rows. It is advisable to shade the plants for a few days after planting. Not much cultivation other than an occasional hoeing is required. Should the season prove dry the plants should occasionally be thoroughly watered. For blanch- ing the early crop of such varieties as the white plume, boards are successfully used placing one on each side of the row, and in a couple of weeks the celery is fit for use. Other varieties of celery for the late supply can be more thoroughly blanched by earth- ing up. This is done where only a limited quantity is grown by wrapping paper around the plants in September and banking with earth. Should paper not be used hold the plant firmly with one hand while the first earth is being placed around the plant, thus preventing the earth from getting in around the stalks, after which bank nearly to the top. When storing for the winter, lift the plants with a spade allowing earth to adhere to the roots, pack upright in a deep box in about 6 or 8 inches of earth, place the box on an earth floor in a cool dry cellar. Essential requirements for keeping celery in winter are a cool temperature with roots moist and tops dry. The following varieties are recommended as among the most desirable. White Plume. — The finest early celery, of dwarf self-blanching habit. It is crisp and solid and has a rich nutty flavour. One of the finest fall and early winter varieties and blanches easily. It is not as good a keeper as the Paris Golden. Paris Golden. — Being of the self-blanching habit, it blanches easily. Not as early as the white plume but of a much larger growth. Has a compact solid growth, is crisj5, and has a flavour thab cannot be surpassed. It is a good keeper and the best early variety we have tested. Giant Pascal. — Blanches quickly. Stalks are large, thick and crisp, and of a super- ior nutty flavour. It retains remarkable freshness after harvesting and is the best late market variety that we have grown, keeping well all winter. LETTUCE. There is no garden crop that will give as satisfactory returns for liberal cultivation and manure as lettuce. The value of the crop, as far as quality goes, depends largely upon the richness of the soil. Seed sown in the hot-bed, and transplanted to the open ground as early in the spring as possible, will give the earliest crop. To obtain a succession of crops, sow at intervals of two weeks in rows, in the open ground, and thin out or transplant to one foot apart, making the first sowing as early in the spring as pos- sible. The varieties which have been most satisfactory for general use are as follows : — Early Curled Silesia. — This is a valuable variety for forcing. It does not form a cabbage head, but the leaves are large and form a compact mass. The leaves are light green in colour, white inside, tender, crisp, and of fine flavour. It does not wilt readily, and stands well after cutting. 304 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. Hanson. — Forms a large, solid head, resembling a cabbage ; white, crisp, tender, and quality excellent. Leaves green on the outside. One of the best for general cul- ture. A standard market variety, and withstands dry weather well. Paris White Cos. — The leaves of the Cos varieties do not form a head, are long, and require to be tied up to insure blanching ; thus forming a bunch of tender, white, crisp leaves of ^excellent flavour. One of the best of the Cos type. GARDEN PEASE. Considering the great number of varieties of garden pease placed upon the market by the different seedsmen, experiments with as many varieties as possible was thought advisable. As a result of the information collected, the following three varieties can be safely recommended for general use : — Little Giant. — Very early ; medium sized pod ; peas green, wrinkled, of delicious flavour. The vines are of very dwarf habit, and need no support. One of the most prolific early varieties. Heroine. — Second early ; large pod ; peas wrinkled and large, of excellent quality. The vines grow about two feet high, are stiff, and will grow well without support. Very productive. Stratagem. — One of the best varieties for general crop. Large pods, well filled ; peas wrinkled, large, and of the finest flavour. Vines make strong growth about two feet high, and can be grown without support. Very prolific. BEETS. As soon as the ground can be prepared beet seed should be sown. If the seed is soaked in water for a few hours then put into a cotton bag and covered with earth for 24 hours before sowing, this treatment will promote early growth. The following varieties are excellent for general use : — Flat Egyptian Turnip. — A flat beet with dark-red, tender flesh of good quality. The earliest variety tested. Extra Early Eclipse. — A globe-shaped, smooth beet of fine quality, deep red, tender flesh. Very few tops. Keeps well and is one of the best varieties for general crop. Half Long Blood. — Long, smooth, dark-red, tender, flesh of excellent quality. A good keeper and fine winter variety. EARLY TURNIPS. The seed of these should also be sown as soon as the ground is fit. Extra Early Milan. — The earliest variety we have tested. Rather a flat round bulb ; flesh white, firm, and of excellent quality. It keeps well and is the best early market variety so far tested. Early Golden Ball or Orange Jelly. — The best yellow variety tested ; flesh bright yellow, firm, of good quality. Globe shape ; a good keeper and valuable market variety. One of the best table sorts. CARROTS. Carrot seed can be sown as early as the ground is fit to work. Of the early garden and market sorts the following two varieties are entitled to a place among the best : — Early Scarlet Horn. — A very early carrot, size small, quality excellent, skin orange red. Its shape is something similar to the Guerande. This variety is excellent for early crop. Guerande or Oxheart. — One of the best varieties for general crop. Growth short and large, tapering abruptly to a small tap root. A deep red coloured carrot of very fine quality. REPORT OF MR. W. S. BLAIR. 305 PARSNIPS. Parsnip seed does not germinate readily and care should be taken to properly pre- pare the soil. Cover the seed not more than half an inch deep, and when up thin to 4 inches apart. Parsnips not wanted for winter use can be left in the ground all winter in this climate and can be used as soon as the frost is out of the ground in the spring. Frost seems to improve the quality of these roots. Guernsey. — A half-long variety best adapted to a shallow soil, of excellent quality, and a very desirable sort. Holloto Grown. — Long, white and smooth ; sweet and tender. A favourite variety, and its culture is recommended, although it is harder to gather than the Guernsey. GARDEN CORN. For early corn the liberal use of well rotted barn-yard manure, or even better that from the pig-yard, is quite essential. Plant the corn in hills 3 feet apart and about 5 kernels to the hill ; put a good forkful of manure under each hill and sow the seed about the second week in May 1 inch deep. Give frequent culture if the best results are to be obtained. The following varieties have proven the best here for general use : — Early White Cory : A very early white sweet corn, of excellent quality, very pro- ductive. Extra Early Marblehead : Later than the Cory, of excellent quality, white and sweet. A prolific and promising sort. Mitchell's Extra Early : A very early corn, white, of good quality, one which produces well. CUCUMBERS. For early cucumbers plant in the hot-bed about the middle of April, and as soon as danger from spring frosts is over transplant, being careful that the earth around the roots is disturbed as little as possible. This can best be done by thoroughly soaking the ground and using a transplanter. For general crop plant in the open ground from the 10th to the 15th May. By removing from 10 to 12 inches of the top soil ; filling in with manure, and covering with from 4 to 6 inches of earth, a very suitable place for growing cucumbers can be obtained. The following varieties have given good results : Siberian ; The earliest variety tested, grows from 4 to 5 inches long, and is very prolific. White Spine : The most promsing sort for general culture, grows from 8 to 12 inches long, and when cut young are excellent for pickling. Chicago Pickling : A small growing variety used entirely for pickling, the most prolific of the pickling sorts tested. SQUASH. The different varieties of squash can be easily divided into two quite distinct kinds — bush and running. The Bush Scallop and Summer Crookneck belong to the former and can be planted in rows 6 feet and 4 feet apart in the rows ; the later and running sorts 12 feet apart each way. When preparing the hills use a liberal amount of barn- yard manure. Throw out the surface soil, put in the manure and cover with from 4 to 6 inches of earth. The following 3 varieties are very prolific and on account of their superior quality can be safely recommended. Summer Crookneck : Bush habit of growth, very early ; fruit long with ^ cooked neck, orange yellow colour, flesh firm and of excellent quality. Gives the best satisfac- tion of all the early varieties. 8a— 20 806 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. Essex Hybrid : Of a running habit, resembles the Turban Squash in appearance, but is much superior in quality. It has a hard shell and is an excellent keeper. Flesh thick, solid, fine grained, dry, sweet and of superior flavour. It has a rich yellow colour, is quite early and a very desirable sort. Hubbard : A well known standard variety. Large, green, late, a good keeper, of excellent quality, fine grained and dry. One of the best for late winter use. EXHIBITIONS ATTENDED. An exhibit has been prepared of the products of the Maritime Experimental Farm, which were shown at the Charlottetown, P.E.I. , exhibition, from 21st to 24:th of September, also at the Nova Scotia provincial exhibition at Halifax, from September 28th to October 5th, and at the Westmoreland County exhibition, Sackville, N.B., October 14th. This exhibit included many of the varieties of fruits, besides the varieties of grains and grasses, grown on the farm. AGRICULTURAL MEETINGS. I attended the Nova Seotia Fruit Growers' Association at Wolfville, N.S., from January 19th to 22nd, also the Nova Scotia Farmers' Association at Middletoi; from the 26th to 29th January. Attended and took part in the meetings of the New Brans- wick Farmers' Association at Fredericton, N.B., February 9th to 12th; the Colchester County Fruit Growers' Association, Truro, N.S., January 19th ; and agricultural meet- ings at Jeffries' Corner, King's County, N.B., February 16th; Penobsquis, King's County, N.B., February 17th; and, at Point de Bute, West Co., N.B., February 26th. Addressed farmers' meetings, called by Mr. W. W. Hubbard, secretary of the New Brunswick Farmers' Association, as follows : — March 10th, Westfield, King's Co., N.B. 12th, Clifton " 13th, Central Norton " " 15th, Berwick " '* 17th, Carsonville " " 18th, Corn Hill " 23rd, Elgin, Albert Co., N.B. " 26th, Harvey « 30th, Shediac, West Co., N.B. April 5th, Bale Verte " " 7th, Great Shemogue, West Co., N.B. " 9th, Upper Cape " May 3rd, Jolicure " I have the honour to be, sir. Your obedient servant, W. S. BLAIR, Horticulturist. Appearance of grounds surrounding house of Superintendent, Experimental Farm Brandon, Manitoba, at time of building. .w I .JM «Jtifel N ^^^tr Tf ^ K II, ^^^^^^Kv^^^^^^^ ^HIM Appearance of grounds surrounding house of Superintendent, Experimental Farm, Brandon, Manitoba, three years after grading and planting, witli addition of verandah EXPERIMENTAL FARM FOR MANITOBA. Brandon, Man., 30th November, 1897. To De. Wm Saunders, Director Dominion Experimental Farms, Ottawa. SiK, — I have the honour to submit herewith to you my tenth annual report with details of the experiments undertaken and work accomplished on the Brandon Experi- mental Farm during the past year. Although the past season has generally been a very favourable one for the Manitoba farmer owing to the excellent quality of wheat and the high prices obtained for all kinds of farm produce, it has not been as favourable as usual for experimental purposes, especially with the oat crop on account of the prevailing severe wind storm and frost in the early part of the season. The rainfall throughout the provinces during the growing season was very variable, the eastern portions generally having a plentiful supply while in the western districts it was considerably below the average, on this farm the rainfall was about 50 per cent of either of the two previous years, two inches only falling during June and July the two most critical months of the season. The last week of May and first of June were noticeable for very low temperatures and high wind storms, which was very disastrous to the oat crop in exposed situations, the one-tenth acre plots devoted to the varietal test of oats sufifering severely. The benefit of hedges and shelter belts was very clearly demonstrated at this time, the grain growing on portions of the farm protected ever so slightly by a hedge or wind- break escaped injury from drifting soil and when this was followed by severe frost the unbruised plants in the protected areas were not frozen while the exposed grain was in many instances completely killed. Fortunately the test plots of wheat and barley were uninjured by frost or wind and the results from them were very satisfactory. There has been an almost total absence of rust among the grain crops and very little smut. I beg to draw special attention to that portion of my report devoted to grasses and clovers, this very satisfactory series of plots has attracted considerable attention during the year and may open up the way to a more general cultivation of grasses and especially clovers in this country where nitrogenous gathering plants are so much needed. Owing to the light rain-fall the yield of all fodder crops was below the average, but the favourable weather enabled them to be stacked in good condition. No injury whatever was experienced from fall frosts, the grain all being harvested before there was any injury from this cause. EXPERIMENTS WITH WHEAT. Although the yield of wheat throughout the province has generally been much below the average, the returns of this cereal on the experimental farm has been about the average and the quality and weight much better than usual, owing to patches of scrub land many fields on this farm will not usually produce No. 1 Hard, but this year all fields and plots of Red Fife graded No. 1 hard and No. 1 extra. Although the ,^^ acre plots of wheat were grown in the same field as the oats and sufiered equally from the winds of May ; the frosts during that month and early in June 8a— 20^ 307 808 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. did not appear to injure the wheat plants and the crop was a very even one and the several experiments with wheat very satisfactory. As usual Red and White Fife and White Connell are near the head of the list for productiveness and every eflfort is being made on this faim to improve the quality and productiveness of these excellent varieties. Velvet Chaff, generally known here as Blue Stem, is being highly recommended by many farmers in this country, but we have found it no more productive than Red Fife and generally about five days later than that variety, an obvious disadvantage in this climate. In addition to the varietal test of wheat will be found the following experiments in connection with wheat growing ; different ways of summer-fallowing, preventatives of drifting soil, wheat on stubble and fall and spring ploughed land, preventatives of smut in wheat, sowing at different dates, (tc. The varietal test included thirty -nine varieties all were sown on 26 April, on black sandy loam. The size of the plots was one- tenth of an acre each and there was no injury from rust in any case. Wheat — Test of Varieties. Name of Variety. White Fife. White Russian Red Fife Golden Drop Monarch Crown White Connell Wellman's Fife Blenheim Velvet Chaff or Blue Stem Vernon Emporium Prinp^le's Champlain Percy Admiral . Advance Hungarian Alpha Beaudry Red Fern Campbell's White Chaff, Colorado Rio Grande Preston Goose Dion'a Rideau Old Red River Dawn Herrisoii Bearded Dufferin Countess Ladoga Black Sea Progress Captor Stanley Beauty Huron a so $ c3 p. Q . pi o.S «« !- i: o ^i io a^ e8- C 5S Q ^ Aug. 19 115 H 19 115 II 19 115 II 16 112 II 20 116 II 14 110 II 23 119 II 23 119 II 16 112 II 24 120 II 13 109 II 20 116 II 19 115 II 10 112 II 19 115 It 16 112 It 14 110 It 16 112 It 14 110 II 19 115 II 17 113 II 14 110 II 15 111 II 20 116 II 20 116 It 19 115 It 19 115 II 18 114 II 13 109 II 15 111 II 17 113 It 16 112 II 14 110 II 14 110 II 20 116 II 20 116 II 16 112 II 18 114 II 16 112 C3 u ■*^ CO CM O J= bo a 1-5 In. 42 36 30 32 41 41 »7 34 37 42 29 36 33 41 38 36 33 36 33 34 32 40 32 49 42 33 33 35 26 27 33 34 36 33 35 38 33 33 35 Character of Straw. Stiff.. II II II II II • tl • II • II II II • II • II . It . tl • II tl II II • II > II II II Weak Stiff.. -a cS o In. 34 3 3i 3 3 3i 3 3i 3 3 3i 3| 4 2i 3 2 3 3i 3| 3| 3 2i 2| 2i 3 2il> l" 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 Kind of Head. Beardless . Bearded . . Beardless , It Bearded . . Beardless . Bearded . . Beardless. tl Bearded , . It Beardless . Bearded . It Beardless . Bearded . . Beardless . Bearded . . It Beardless. Bearded . . It Beardless . Bearded . Weight of Straw. Lbs. 3,570 3,370 3,080 2,700 3,310 2,870 3,190 2,450 3,110 3,370 2,730 3,490 2,790 2,610 2,870 2,790 2,640 2,370 2,670 2,900 2,640 2,690 2,430 3,120 2,710 3,470 2,190 1,890 2,740 2,370 2,170 2,540 2,690 3,240 2,570 4,390 2,900 1,800 2.060 Yield per Acre 43 03 40 30 36 20 35 20 34 10 34 33 32 40 32 30 31 30 31 20 31 10 31 31 30 40 30 30 30 10 30 10 29 40 29 40 29 10 28 30 28 30 27 50 27 10 26 30 26 20 26 26 26 , 25 30 24 40 24 20 24 20 23 30 23 22 40 22 30 22 30 22 20 « u be 'Z > Lbs. 61 62 61 62 61 59^ 02 61 60 60 02 61 61 62 01 60 62 60i 62 61 61i 61 61 61i 62i 61 61 62i 63 60i 6l| 59 59i 62 61 61 59 62 REPORT OF MR. S. A. BEDFORD. 309 TEST OP DIFFERENT WAYS OP SUMMER PALLOWINQ. It is claimed by some of our leading farmers that land can be ploughed in the «arly part of the season, a crop of green fodder taken off or pastured, and as large a yield of wheat obtained the following year as could be had from a bare fallow. The following table shows the result of a series of plots devoted to this test. The ploughing for all was done on the 22nd May, the oats on plot 3 were cut when in the milk stage, and yielded 2^ tons of dry fodder per acre, cattle were first turned into plot 1 when the oats were nine inches high. The size of plots for this test were ytr acre, the soil a strong black loam, and the seed was sown on the 28tli of April. From the foregoing table it would appear — 1. That sowing oats at the end of May and cutting them for green fodder lessened the yield of wheat the following year. 2. That where oats were sown on the 31st July and fed off the yield of wheat was somewhat larger than was obtained from bare fallow. Name of Variety Red Fife. How treated durinj^ 1896. Oats sown in July and fed off Ordinary bare summer fallow. Oats sown in spring and cut. . a n ^ T1 & 73 «4H O M 2 02 s «.S H.ri h <^ «.H Yield O O) . o o o ^ s JS o ^ ,n -IJ per o bb ^^ bo gf ■is bo be Acre. ti.s ds g «^ a q '^ h) O 1-3 In. In. Lbs. Bus. lbs. Aug. 20 114 33 Stiff .. 3h 2,790 34 20 „ 20 114 37 M sh 3,130 32 50 ,> 19 113 36 tt • • 3i 1,130 22 50 Lbs. 61i 61 61 TEST OP fREVKNTIVES FOR DRIFTING SOIL. Certain classes of soil, when cultivated for a number of years, have a tendency here to drift badly in high winds, bruising some of the grain plants and uncovering the roots of others, and thereby greatly lessening the yield. "With a view of ascertaining whether different modes of sowing have any effect in lessening this evil, a number of plots on one of the most exposed parts of the farm were sown to wheat with different machines or at varying depths. Owing to the prevailing wind storms being more northerly than usual, these plots were not as badly drifted as they have been in other years, still the results are suggestive. All the plots were sown on 14th May, on summer fallow ; soil, a light loam; size of plots, -jig- acre. Name of Variety. How Sown. 1 ° . (C be >. ''be Q.S H-, 3 dS i m bo g O Jew o 73 0) t G i u o *^ Xi bp "53 Yield per Acre. P. bo-O Red Fife. . . . Shoe drill, 4 inches deep Aug. 26 .. 26 1. 26 .1 26 107 107 107 107 In. 34 34 37 35 stiff.. II ti II In. f 3 3 Lbs. 2,650 2, .380 2,730 2,750 Bus. lbs. 32 30 32 29 30 29 10 Lbs. 61i 61 61 61 II .... ti 3 It Hoe drill 310 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. RESULTS. 1st. The yield from the grain sown with the shoe drill exceeded that sown with the hoe drill by two bushels and fifty pounds per acre. 2nd. The yield increased in proportion to the depth of sowing. Many plants on the shallow sown plot were injured, which somewhat delayed their ripening. FALL OR SPRING PLOUGHING FOR WHEAT. This test has given the result usually obtained on this farm, the spring ploughing giving the largest return; this agrees with the experience of many Manitoba farmers on similar soil, but under the system of farming generally adopted here there does not appear to be sufficient time in the spring to plough for wheat. For comparison the yield of an adjoining plot of summer fallowed land is given. The soil was a black loam and the size of plots -^ acre each. Name of Variety. Red Fife How prepared. Summer fallowed Spring ploughed.. Fall ploughed .... Date of So\ving. Date of Ripen- ing. oil i t -1.3 m o bo c c3 w :S fcc c ce o Yield per Acre. 6 Hi o ^ ^ In. In. Lbs. Bsh Lbs Apr. 26. Aug. 19 115 36 Stiff.. 3^ 3080 35 20 ,t 26. u 16 112 32 If 3 2020 29 40 M 26. M 16 112 33 H 3 2200 26 40 to Lbs fil CO PREPARING STUBBLE LAND FOR GROWING WHEAT. In some districts increased areas are being sown on clean unploughed stubble, the second crop after fallow, but there is a great difference of opinion regarding the most ■uitable treatment for such land. Four plots each -^ acre were selected for this test, the soil was a moderately rich black loam. The burning and disc harrowing of the stubble was all done in the spring, and the Bowincr was made with a drill. Size of plots jJ^ acre, soil a moderately rich loam. bb i i '^ i "iJ Date .2 5,5 2 J/2 OjQ t -4-3 u 3 Name Date of "d^ t4-l S t.-t t«-< Yield S,^ of How treated. of Ripen- US J3 .1^ ja *3 per -*3 Variety. Sowing. ing- o 43 UO C § 43 be B % ® Acre. ^ :^ J3 o ^ ^ Inch. In. Lbs. Bsh Lbs Lbs Red Fife. . . . Disced on burnt stubble. . . May 3.. Aug. 18. 107 33 Stiff.. 3 2260 30 40 61 II . ... Drilled on burnt stubble „ 3.. „ 18. 107 33 II . . M 1860 24 61 II H on unbumt stubble . .1 3.. 1, 18. 107 34 II . . 3* 2480 23 40 61 If Disced on u h M 3.. „ 18. 107 33 II . . 3 2040 22 40 61 REPORT OF MR. 8. A. BEDFORD. 3U , THE TREATING OP SEED WHEAT FOR SMUT Although experiments for the prevention of smut in wheat have been conducted here for a number of years, it is still one of the principal subjects dealt with by corres- pondents ; for that reason it was thought advisable to repeat the experiments again this year. From the accompanying table, it will be seen that the result of the test is very emphatically in favour of bluestoning. This result, however, should not encourage any one to sow smutty wheat, even when treated, if clean seed can be procured. The proper use of bluestone is to prevent comparatively clean wheat from becoming smutty rather than to encourage the sowing of wheat already badly affected. The size of the plots used for this test was ^^ acre, the soil a light loam, and both were sown on .12th of May. Variety. How treated. i No. of Days Maturing. No. of smutty heads on three feet square. No. of good heads on three feet square. Yield per Acre. 1 Red Fife, very smutty II II Not treated Aug. 26 11 26 106 106 435 84 ■ 95 355 Bush. Lbs. 8 40 20 10 Lbs 46 Blue stone sprinkled, 1 lb. to 10 bushels 59 EARLY, MEDIUM AND LATE SOWINGS. The Red Fife wheat plots in this series are particularly regular in the yields and dates of maturing ; the second sown plot as usual giving slightly the largest yield. The injurious effects of the severe wind storms and frosts of May and June are very apparent on the earlier sown oats ; the two earliest sown being completely killed out and the third plot of Abundance badly injured. Its effect is also shown in the uneven ripening of this grain, the early sown plots being thin the plants continued to stool out and did not ripen in some instances as early as the later sown plots. The Canadian Thorpe barley is evidently more susceptible to injury from frost than Odessa, as two plots of the former were destroyed from this cause, while no injury was apparent to the Odessa. The third and fourth sown plots of Golden Vine pease were so badly mixed by a severe wind storm soon after cutting that it was impossible to keep the yields separate ; this frequently occurs with pease here if sown alone. The only preventative I know for this is to sow oats with them at the rate of two pecks per acre, the combined crop can then be cut with a binder and stooked the same as any other grain. All these plots were sown on summer fallow with a hoe drill. Soil a clay loam, uniform in character. 312 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. Wheat — Early, medium and late sowings. Name of Variety. Red Fife, Stanley Date of Sowing. April 28. May 5. M 12. M 19. .. 26. June 2. April 28., May 5. ., 12., .. 19., .. 26., June 2. , Date of Ripening. Aug. 17. M 23. H 25. .. 31. Sept. 2. 1. 11. Aug. 14. „ 23. •. 25. II 27. ,. 31. Sept. 4. CO o.S is Ill 110 105 104 99 101 108 110 105 100 97 94 O to In. 37 35 36 33 37 32 39 34 39 38 39 38 u O Stifif be S (S In. Kind of Head. Beardless Weight of Straw. Lbs. 2,330 2,370 2,640 2,750 2,690 1.820 2,290 1,990 2,080 2,490 2,020 3,540 Yield per Acre. Bush. Lbs. 32 33 31 30 26 21 26 21 21 26 20 15 50 50 20 50 10 30 10 -3 P. 3 .«« be Lbs. Oats — Early, medium and late sowings. Banner , Abundance. AprU 28.. May 5. . I, 12.. .1 19.. II 26. . June 2.. April 28.. May 5. . 11 12.. .1 19.. II 26.. June 2.. Aug. 25. 11 23. .1 25. I. 31. Aug. 27. I. 25. II 23. II 25. 105 96 91 90 107 98 89 84 42 41 42 40 42 42 41 42 Stiff. Stiff. 9 7 8 8i 8 9 8 8 Killed by wind & Branching . . II II Killed by 3,280 2,700 3,730 3,900 wind & Branching.. II n II . . 3,930 2,540 3,990 4,090 frost. 11 44 54 41 29 frost. II 27 48 31 25 24 24 26 14 2 28 6 10 34 35 34 33 34 34 34 33 Barley — Early, medium and late sowings. Odessa Canadian Thorpe . AprU 28..' May 5.. II 12.. II 19.. II 26.. June 2.. April 28.. 1 May 5.. II 12., II 19.. II 26.. June 2.. Aug. 14. .1 18. I. 18. II 19. I. 20. II 31. Aug. 31. 31. Sept 4. 11 108 105 98 92 86 90 111 104 101 101 23 29 31 29 29 29 30 33 30 32 Stiff Stiff 2i 3 2 2i 2 2 3 3i 3 3 6 rowed 1,860 II 2,240 II 1,970 II 1,880 II ... 2,280 II 2,:i40 Destroyedby wind & 2 rowed 2,380 It 2,180 II 3,700 tt ..... 2,960 20 22 31 32 35 31 frost. M 21 28 25 24 30 4 42 34 40 22 12 26 38 47 47 49 49 49 47 48 49 49 48 REPORT OF MR. S. A. BEDFORD. 313 Pease — Early, medium and late sowings. Name of Variety. Date of Sowing. Date of Ripening. 1 1 m o t i •s bo 1-^ Size of Pea. Yield per Acre. -3 -a i Golden Vine April 28.. May 6.. M 12.. M 19.. M 26.. June 2 . . April 28.. May 5 . . .- 12.. ,- 19. . >. 26. . J\me 2.. Aug. 20.. " 22.. M 30.. Sept. 3.. ,, 9.. M 12. Aug. 22.. M 30.. Sept. 1.. 8.. II 10.. II 13.. 114 109 110 107 106 102 116 117 112 112 107 103 In. 26 40 34 34 38 40 28 29 30 33 40 42 In. 2i 2i 2i 2i 2i 3| 3 3 3 3 3 Small / Medium . . . Bush. Lbs. 27 30 27 10 60 50 34 10 28 27 20 50 29 50 30 20 33 30 25 30 Lbs. 64 64 n 64* II II Mummy ... . 63 63 64 64^ 64 63| 63 63 * The crop from these two plots was badly mixed by a wind storm after cutting and the yield given is the product of both. EXPERIMENTS WITH OATS. More Injury was done to the oat crop by spring frost last May than during any year in the history of the province, where the frost was preceded by drifting soil, carried by strong winds, many fields of oats were either completely destroyed or the plants so badly thinned that weeds took possession of the ground choking out the grain. In the varietal test of oats on this farm, 15 varieties were completely killed out, 11 badly injured and many others more or less thinned; depending on their exposure to the high north-west winds of 29th May ; for this reason the results obtained from the series of plots planted as a comparative test of varieties are unfortunately this year of little or no value for the purpose designed. All the plots uninjured by wind and frost gave a fair yield of grain and the straw was unusually free from rust ; the seed of all varieties was immersed for five minutes in a bluestone liquid composed of 1 pound bluestone to 3 pails (2-i quarts) of water before sowing and very little injury was done by smut. Sixty-one varieties of oats were sown with a hoe drill, all on 1st May, on ^^j acre plots, 8oU a fairly rich black loam which had been summer-fallowed. 314 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. Oats — Test of Varieties. Name of Variety. bo a "a a c £ o 0 Number of Days Maturing. m O t c In. 42 37 42 29 42 41 40 44 42 42 42 42 42 42 38 42 38 43 44 39 42 42 41 35 42 40 39 42 42 36 42 49 42 44 40 40 42 38 42 42 40 42 42 44 42 41 42 34 37 39 o u u o w o ^J 60 a In. 12 8 8 6 8 8 10 10 10 9 10 9 11 9 9 9 9 9 9 8 10 6 10 6 10 8 7 10 8 7 10 9 9 10 8 7 11 10 9 10 8 10 9 10 10 9 9 8 7 8 w o 1 U 4J CO . -I •53 %, iD u < u o a. O bo 1 Golden Tartarian Aug. II II II II II II II II It 11 II II II II Sept. Aug. II II II II II 11 II II II II II II Sept. Aug. H It tl II tl II It II tl tl II tl tt II 11 23 18 18 21 23 20 20 25 18 20 25 25 10 20 25 19 25 18 4 24 20 29 19 19 19 25 18 10 25 19 25 25 11 4 25 19 25 13 24 31 14 24 26 18 20 23 19 8 20 25 114 109 109 112 114 111 111 116 109 111 116 116 101 HI 116 110 116 109 126 115 111 120 110 110 110 116 109 101 116 110 116 116 102 126 116 110 116 104 115 122 105 115 117 109 111 114 110 99 111 116 Stifl Weak .... Stiff Weak .... Stiff Weak '.'.'.. Stiff tl tl tl II . . ... II ... . Weak '.'.'.'. Stiff II II ...... II II II It It tl II II •1 ...... II II II )i II 11 It It II .... II II It II It It It II II .... It ...... tl M Sided Branching II .... Sided Lbs. 2,760 3,040 2,640 3,120 3,130 3,410 2,770 3,550 2,870 2,650 3,260 3,690 2,140 3,130 4,290 3,240 3,220 2,480 4,080 3,030 3,690 3,190 3,490 3,160 3,940 2,590 3,370 2,480 3,040 3,460 3,370 3,530 2,480 3,980 3,080 3,040 4,630 2,860 3,060 3,850 3,780 3,290 3,080 2,640 2,940 3,340 3,340 480 3,360 3,870 Bus 83 78 76 71 68 67 67 64 62 57 57 56 56 55 54 53 52 52 52 52 51 50 48 48 47 47 46 44 44 42 39 33 38 37 37 37 35 35 35 33 32 32 31 29 28 28 26 21 20 18 h.Lbs. 18 8 26 16 8 12 2 24 22 12 2 6 6 24 8 12 2 2 2 26 10 28 8 12 12 16 26 14 12 4 28 28 12 12 . 2 30 28 32 22 16 24 8 8 26 6 10 18 Lbs 33 New Electric S6 Early Golden Prolific 37 Joanette California Prolific Black 36i 36 Rosedale Half sided.... Branching Sided and half sided Half branch 'ng Branching II .... It .... II .... >• .... II ... M .... II .... II .... >> .... Half sided!!.'! Branching. . . Branching and half sided. . . Branching II .... It ... It .... II .... Branching and half sided. . . Branching II .... II .... II .... II .... II .... Half bran ch'ng Branching II .... II .... Half sided Branching II .... Branching and half sided. . . Branching II .... II .... Half sided Branching II .... II .... 36 .35 Pearce's Black Beauty .... Pense Russell Golden Beauty 34 Siberian 0. A. C 34 Earlv Etampes 33 Prize Cluster . Holstein Prolific 38 34 Scotch Hopetoun Banner 36 .S4 Columbus Victoria Prize 35 38 Coulommiers Early Maine Early Blossom 35 34 35 White Schonen 33 Oxford Miller 35i 34 Flying Scotchman 37* Improved Ligowo Early Archangel 37i 37 Mortgage Lifter 35 Master „ , Kins' 35 31 Wallis 35 Abundance 34i Newmarket Lincoln Oderbruch White Russian 34 34 36 35i 34 38 Winter Grey 37 Abyssinia .34 Green Russian , . . 32 Hazlett's Seizure 35 Medal Rennie's Prize White 35 38 Poland 36 Imported Irish 38 Cream Egyptian Excelsior Doncaster Prize 37 34 36 Wide Awake 35 Excelaior was extremely early, for that reason birds gathered on this plot and destroyed a large pro- portion of the grain. REPORT OF MR. S. A. BEDFORD. 315 OATS TEST OF VARIETIES ON SPRING-PLOUGHED WHEAT STOBBLK. Many farmers have the impression that Banner Oats may possibly prove the most prolific variety on summer-fallowed land, but that Black Tartarian gives the largest yield on spring-ploughed stubble. From the accompanying table, it will be seen that in this instance the Black Tar- tarian equalled the Banner Oats in yield, a result which is seldom obtained on summer- fallowed land. The soil on these plots was a moderately rich black loam, size of plots, ^ acre ; sown with a shoe drill. Name of Variety. Date of Sowing. Date of Ripen- ing. Number of Days Maturing. i o :S be a i e o -i a o :S bo g Kind of Head. Weight Straw. Yield Acre. 1 '53 Abundance May 3. . n 3.. M 3.. ,. 3.. Aug. 13. M 14. „ 16. .. 16. 102 103 105 105 In. 34 35 33 36 Stiff.. II . . 11 . . It . . In. 7 7 8 7 Branching Sided...!! Branching Lbs. 1,790 1,450 1,050 1,810 Bush. Lbs. 41 16 36 26 36 26 35 Lbs. 42 Banner Black Tartarian .... W hite Russian 43 44 44 EXPERIMENTS WITH BARLEY. The barley plots fortunately were sown this year somewhat later than usual, and escaped injury both from wind and frost ; the test as a comparison of varieties was a very successful one, and the yield good for such a dry year. The size of the plots for both six and two-rowed varieties was ^^ acre, and the soU a clay loam, which had been summer fallowed. Thirty-eight varieties were tested, twenty of six-rowed and eighteen of two-rowed, and all were sown on the 13th of May. No rust occurred on any of the plots. Barley, six-rowed. — Test of Varieties. Name of Variety. Trooper Summit Excelsior Champion Success Common Rennie's Improved Nugent , Odessa Pha-nix Surprise . .. Petschora Oderbruch Mensury Stella Baxter's Vangnard . . Pioneer Blue Royal bo a I •c O P •*^ be o a II O 1= ^3 o i o u U < u a. J3 3 a, « c <& bo u be bo ■n bo 125 a a> o Hi >3 ^ Inch. Inch. Lbs. s .a Lbs. Aug. 17.. 96 28 Stiff... 2i 2,690 51 12 50 1. 19.. 98 33 It . . 3^ 3,240 50 10 49 ,. 11.. 90 34 II 3i 2,640 49 8 40 M 11.. 90 38 It . 3 2,910 47 34 37 1, 10.. 89 28 It . 3 1,950 44 38 40 II 11.. 90 29 II 3 2,310 43 26 50 II 16.. 95 33 It 2 2,000 42 34 49 11 17.. 96 28 It 3 2,180 41 2 48 ., 17.. 96 33 It . . 3 2,300 40 30 48i .1 17.. 96 32 It ■ 2^ 2,260 39 18 51 1. 20. . 99 30 It 3 2,980 38 46 51 .1 25.. 104 31 It . . 2 2,230 35 40 47 1. 16.. 95 34 It 3 2,490 34 28 49 .1 17.. 96 33 It . . 4 2,400 34 18 49 1. 23.. 102 31 II . . 3 2,590 33 26 48^ .. 18.. 97 32 It 2 2,580 32 34 51 II 16.. 95 30 II 2i 2,090 29 18 49 .1 24.. 103 31 It 3 2,600 29 8 52 ,1 14.. 93 30 It 2i 1,870 27 34 48 II 16.. 95 27 It . • . 2| 3,330 25 20 49 316 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. Barley, two-rowed — Test of Varieties. Name of Variety Sidney Pacer Nepean French Chevalier Thanet Victor Emerson Bolton California Prolific Prize Prolific Beaver Rigid Danish Chevalier. Canadian Thorpe DuckbiU Newton Monck Kinver Chevalier. m >> % -6 ft" a> w Date of O feS «4-l 9 Weight Straw. Yield per Ripening. bo § o i a 01 Acre. "^ hA O )J In. In. Lbs. Bush. Lbs. Aug. 17.. 96 30 Stiff,... 3i 3,010 46 32 „ 20. . 99 34 It . • • % 3,030 46 12 M 20. . 99 32 II ... 3,340 46 2 .. 23.. 102 32 II ... 5 3,610 43 26 „ 24.. 103 30 II . .. 5 3,480 42 4 M 20.. 99 32 II ... 3i 3,480 42 4 ,. 19 . 98 31 11 ... 3 2,710 40 20 „ 17.. 96 32 It ... 31 2,320 37 4 .. 20.. 99 32 M ... 3 2,750 36 22 >, 24.. 103 31 II ... 5 4,0.30 34 38 .. 20.. 99 28 It ... 3i 2,710 34 8 .. 17.. 96 31 It ... 3 2,240 32 24 M 24.. 103 33 II ... 4 3,340 30 20 .. 25.. 104 33 II • . . 3 3,180 23 16 M 20.. 99 30 tt ... 3 2,830 22 14 M 23.. 102 33 tl ... 3 2,840 22 4 .. 23.. 102 34 It ... 3i 3,770 21 22 „ 25.. 1 104 32 11 . . 4i 3,230 21 12 '53 Lba. 53 52 50 48 50 51i 51 52 47 49 52 ■17i 48 48 48i 49 51 48 EXPERIMENTS WITH PEASE. For the first time in the history of the farm the crop of field pease was injured by spring frost, it was noticeable, however, that only such plants as were bruised by drift- ing soil showed serious injury, ten degrees of frost having very little injurious effect on the unbruised plants. The following varieties were exposed to the full force of the north-west storms of early June, and in consequence were seriously injured, hence the returns given of these cannot fairly be used in comparing the productiveness of varieties — Archer, White- eyed Marrowfat, White Wonder and Chancellor. The four most productive sorts this year were all cross-bred varieties, which have been originated on the experimental farms. The sample of pease was much finer this year than usual, the care exercised in selecting uniform seed each year has greatly improved many sorts. All the varieties were sown on the 17th of April, the size of the plots was -^^ acre each, and the soil a clay loam, which had been summer fallowed ; a hoe drill was used in seeding and from 2 to 2^ bushels of seed sown per acre. REPORT OF MR. S. A. BEDFORD. 317 Pease — Test of Varieties. Name of Variety. King Alma Bedford Trilby Mummy Bright Carleton Creeper Archer Centennial Victoria ? Mackay Prussian Blue White Wonder New Potter Kent Golden Vine ... Chancellor Elephant Blue Crown Prince Prince Albert Agnes Harrison's Glory Pride. Canadian Beauty Black Eyed Marrowfat. . Oddfellow. Arthur.. . Duke Nelson Early Britain Paragon Multiplier Vincent Daniel O'Rourke Macoun Perth Large White Marrowfat Bruce Aug. 26... M 26... Sept. Aug. Date of Ripening. Sept. 6.... 26.... 25.... 6.... 4... Aug. 26.... 26.... 26.... 30.... 26.... 26.... 18.... 26.... 26.... 20 ... 10.... 20..., 20.... 26..., Sept. 5..., Aug. 25 . . . „ 25... .. 19... .. 26... ., 26... „ 26... 20... 4... 23... 20... 6... 2... Aug. 25... M 18... Sept. 4... Aug. 26. Sept. Aug. Sept. Sept. 30. 6. 'A i>C "A 131 131 142 131 130 142 140 131 131 131 135 131 131 123 131 131 125 115 125 125 131 141 130 130 124 131 131 131 125 140 128 125 142 138 130 123 140 1.31 135 142 o 1-5 Inch's 38 34 28 39 24 35 38 30 44 33 36 33 42 24 28 31 30 32 34 30 39 32 33 20 16 36 33 36 30 30 37 27 30 42 33 31 34 36 44 30 •72 o Ph «4-l o 1-5 Inch's 3 3i 2| 3i 2 8 3 2 21 3i 3 3i 3 2 2 3i 2 2 3 2 3i 3 3 3 3 3 3i 3 2i 3 3 2i 3 3 3 3 3:^ 3i Size of Pea. Large Medium. Large . . Medium. Small. Medium . Large . , Medium. Large Small. Medium. Small. . . . Large . . Small- .. Medium. Large . . Medium. II Large . . . Medium. Small. . . . Medium. Large 1 Yield Per Acre. Bush. Lbs. 42 1 40 40 40 40 38 20 37 40 37 20 36 40 36 40 36 35 40 35 20 35 35 34 40 34 40 34 34 34 34 33 40 33 20 32 32 32 31 40 30 20 29 20 29 20 29 20 27 26 40 26 40 26 40 26 20 26 25 20 25 24 40 22 40 21 20 u (a *3 li ft' Lbs. 62 C3i 64 62 62 031 04 03^ 64 62 64 63 63 64 63 63 63i 63 624 63^ 63 03i 63i 02 65 63| 64 65 62 64 64 01 03 03 63 65 62^ 62 64 634 EXPERIMENTS WITH INDIAN CORN. The very light rainfall of the past season lessened the yield of fodder corn very materially, and the returns were considerably below the average. The soil was a black loam ; all the varieties were sown on the 19th of May, and the yield per acre has been calculated from the weight of crop cut from two rows, each 66 feet long. The long open fall was favourable for ripening, and matured ears could have been obtained from many varieties, but it was thought advisable to cut the fodder at the usual date, 28th August. For the first time in our experiments, the yield from corn sown in hills exceeded that sown in drills. This is probably to be attributed to the hills being in a soil slightly more moist. In addition to the test plots of fodder a field of 8 acres was planted for ensilage purposes, and a fair crop was harvested and cured for ensilage. As the corn in this field was in the late milk stage when cut, the ensilage will doubtless be fully up to the average in quality. The yield, however, is less than usual. 318 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. f" S3 _; ©00 000 5 000 000 1-^ _r „' oo© o©o_______- •CO«O-a<,-HCCl'^S5C0lOOSt-.O5O5e-i-ii-ir-i ■ cooooo©©©©© >00©0©OOCOO©0 g© © © © © iOM O5C0t^t^5OlOm>ClOlrt'*'-*e'5C<5e<5(MNNC<)rH.Hr-li-lr-li-lr-liHiH00CCt-. '5 a O ? O! H W )-HMI— iW == -^ r, s c ^ r^s - j©oo 1— li— Ir-li— 1IM>— Ir-IIMi— li— I,— I1M1— 11— ((MrHlM IM bb 3 = = = = = r:r = ::r = = = r = = = = 3^ H ©t>-i-ir^t^©©co IM (N i-H bo 3 = < (Mco©©t^in©ooDe'q©t~ooi- -■ >> >> . . . >, . C1.3 ^ .S <» OS ® 3 01 ri^ rtr=^ ^5 i J '5 >" ra *- (MlO-lO coi^©©©t^t>-©in©©tDt-t^ior5t^©b~t^©©t~oooooot~'« >>iJ " ^ a; (E C3 ,J_i -rj jQ *j te30>>' *'_>s,^ — p bo 05 r-< (H iT/v 5: > o s.s.s Jsis-ll o £ 3 ® .0 ce i; o O c« 3 oj C Si^-^ 3 05 e fc o 5 ^ p-io<;^SsHi*3 •-^•C 0) REPORT OF MR. S. A. BEDFORD. 319 FIELD ROOTS. The season has not been a favourable one for field roots, the rainfall being much too light for these moisture-loving plants. The land for all kinds of field roots was prepared by spreading ten loads of well rotted manure per acre in the fall. The land was then ploughed at once eight inches deep, and well harrowed and rolled. In the spring the field was simply harrowed and the seed sown in flat drills, and kept clean during the growing season by means of a one- horse cultivator and hoeing. EXPERIMENTS WITH TURNIPS. Eighteen A^arieties of turnips were tested this year, sown at two different dates. The previous crop was mangels. They were quite free of injury from insect enemies, but the yield, owing to insufiicient rainfall, was much below the average, although the quality was excellent. As usual, the early sown plots, with few exceptions, gave the largest returns. The purple top varieties continue to take the lead for productiveness. The soil was a rich sandy loam ; the estimate of yield has been made from the pro- duct of two rows, each 66 feet long. The roots are free of rot. The first plots were sown on the 20th May, the second on the 3rd June, in drills 30 inches apart ; all were pulled on 1st October. Turnips — Test of Varieties. Name of Variety. Hall's Westbury Halewood's Brunze Top. . . . Mammoth Clyde. Shamrock Purple Top Prize Purple Top Marquis of Lome East Lothian Pearce's Prize Winner Bangholm Selected Carter's Elephant Skirving's Giant King . . . . Jumbo or Monarch Hartley's Bronze Sutton's Champion Perfection Swede Selected Champion Selected Purple-Top Swede. Yield per Acre. 1st Plot. Tons. Lbs. 11 11 10 9 9 9 9 9 9 8 8 8 8 8 8 7 7 4 1,232 440 328 1,800 1,536 1,008 480 216 216 1,952 1,9.52 1,688 1,424 896 632 1,576 1,048 712 Yield per Acre. 1st Plot. Bush. Lbs. 387 374 338 330 325 316 308 303 303 299 299 294 290 281 277 259 250 145 12 48 36 48 36 36 12 12 48 24 36 12 36 48 12 Yield per Acre. 2nd Plot. Tons. Lbs. 8 8 6 8 8 6 8 10 8 7 8 7 8 8 9 9 6 11 1,952 1,424 1,200 1,424 1,160 1,992 1688 856 1,424 520 1,160 1,576 632 1,952 1,800 744 1,728 440 Yield per Acre. 2nd Plot. Bush. Lbs . 299 290 220 290 286 233 294 347 290 242 286 259 277 299 330 312 228 374 12 24 24 12 48 36 24 36 12 12 24 48 320 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. EXPERIMENTS WITH MANGELS. The light rainfall of the past year has reduced the crop of mangels to one-half of last year's returns. Eighteen varieties were sown, but the seed of three of these germinated badly, and the yield given is not a fair test of these varieties. The first set of plots were sown on the 20th of May, the second on the 3rd of June, and the roots from both were pulled on 30th September. They were sown after turnips, the soil was a rich sandy loam which was ploughed deeply in the fall, the seed was sown in flat drills 30 inches apart, and the yields per acre have been estimated from the product of two rows each 66 feet long. Mangels — Test of Varieties. Name of Variety. Champion Yellow Globe Mammoth Long Ked Selected Mammoth Long Red Giant Yellow Tntermediate. . Canadian Giant Norbitan Giant Red Fleshed Globe Giant Yellow Globe Ward's Laige oval shaped. . . , Golden Tankard Giant Yellow Half Long Mammoth Long Red (Evans). Warden Orange Globe Gate Post ... . Golden Fleshed Tankard.. . . Red Fleshed Tankard Large Oval Globe Yellow Intermediate Yield per Acre. 1st Plot. Yield per Acre. 1st Plot. Tons. Lbs. Bush. Lbs 26 25 23 22 21 20 20 19 18 17 15 15 14 14 13 11 10 6 8 424 464 352 32 1,976 392 808 1,488 584 1,944 l,ti80 1,832 776 400 176 856 672 866 840 774 739 700 699 673 646 624 576 532 528 497 479 440 369 347 211 48 24 24 12 32 36 12 48 48 24 24 12 36 30 36 12 Yield per Acre. 2nd Plot. Tons. Lbs. 15 96 15 26 1,944 1,328 16 20 23 13 1,000 1,184 1,256 1,984 15 19 14 1,944 1,336 1;832 18 112 18 696 12 816 20 128 11 6 1,760 144 12 17 1,344 56 Yield per Acre. 2nd Plot. Bush. Lbs. 501 532 888 550 686 787 466 532 655 497 585 611 413 668 396 202 347 567 36 24 48 24 36 24 24 36 12 12 36 36 48 24 36 36 EXPERIMENTS WITH CARROTS. As usual carrots have suflfered more from the light rainfall than any of the other field roots, and the yield of all varieties is much below the average. Fifteen varieties of carrots have been under test this year. The soil was a rich sandy loam which had been deeply fall ploughed ; the previous crop was turnips. The seed was sown in flat drills 18 inches apart at two diflPerent dates, the first plots on the 20th of May, the second on the 3rd of June, and all were pulled on the 30th September. The yields per acre have been calculated from the product of two rows each 66 feet long. REPORT OF MR. S. A. BEDFORD. 821 Carrots — Test of Varieties. Name of Variety. White Green Top Orthe . Mammoth Intermediate . Giant White Vosges Iverson's Champion White Belgian Early Gem Half Long White Yellow Intermediate . . . . Half Long Chantenay . . . Long Orange or Surrey. . . Scarlet Intermediate Improved Short White . . . Guerande or Ox Heart. . . Carter's Orange Giant . . . Long Scarlet Altringham . Yield per Acre. 1st Plot. Tons. Lbs. 4 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 360 600 600 600 1,720 840 840 400 400 1,520 1,520 1,080 640 640 1,760 Yield per Acre. 1st Plot. Bush. Lbs. 139 110 110 110 95 80 80 73 73 58 58 51 44 44 29 20 20 40 40 20 20 40 40 20 20 Yield per Acre. 2nd Plot. Tons. Lbs. 3 3 5 5 3 3 4 3 2 3 3 3 2 2 3 600 1,480 1,440 1,000 160 1,480 1,240 1,920 400 160 1,920 160 400 1,280 160 Yield per Acre. 2nd Plot. Bush. Lbs. no 124 190 183 102 124 154 132 73 102 132 102 73 88 102 40 40 20 40 40 20 40 40 20 40 EXPERIMENTS WITH SUGAR BEETS. The following are the yields obtained from five varieties of sugar beets, sown at two different dates on rich black loam treated in the same manner as mangels. The first plots were sown on the 20th of May, and the second on 3rd June. All were pulled on the 30th September, and the yield per acre has been calculated from the produce of one row 66 feet long. Sugar Beets — Test of Varieties. Name of Variety. Red Top Sugar Vilmorin's Improved Improved Imperial . . Danish Improved . . Wanzleben Yield per Acre. 1st Plot. Tons. Lbs. 20 20 15 13 11 1,184 656 1,680 928 176 Yield per Acre. 1st Plot. Bush. Lbs. 24 36 686 677 528 448 48 369 36 Yield per Acre. 2nd Plot. Tons. Lbs. 16 10 13 20 13 1,792 1,120 1,192 392 1,720 Yield per Acre. 2nd Plot. Bush. Lbs. 563 352 453 673 462 12 12 12 EXPERIMENTS WITH POTATOES. The yield of potatoes was not only lessened by the unusually light rainfall, but from some unknown cause many varieties germinated badly. The land selected was in barley last year, and was deeply ploughed in early spring. It was again ploughed shallow on 21st of May, and the tubers cut in pieces, with two or three eyes each, were planted in e\ ery third furrow. The field was kept clean of weeds during the growing season by the use of harrows and cultivator. 8a— 21 S22 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. There were no rotten potatoes and very few scabby ones. All the varieties were planted on the 21st May, in black loam soil, without manure, *nd were dug 29th September. The yield per acre has been estimated in each case fnm the product of one row, 66 feet long. The following varieties germinated badly and the returns given from them should not be considered a fair test of their productiveness : Pearce's Prize Winner, Lee's Favourite, Good News, Early White Prize, Honeoye Rose, Orphan's, Beauty of Hebron, Albany No. 1, Daisy, Lightning Express, Early Ohio and I.X.L. Potatoes — Test of Varieties. Name of Variety. New Variety No. 1. . Reeve's Hose Needling No. 7 B.C.. Reading Giant .... Flemish Beauty Seed- ling E. J. Hunter Clarke's No. 1 (general Gordon Everett Great Divide Lizzie's Prirle Late Puritan Pride of the Market. Hale's Champion Brown's Rot Proof. . King of the Roses . . . Dreer's Standard .... Chicago Market HoultonRose Irish Cobbler Hopeful Seedling No. 7 Lady Frances McKenzie .... American Wonder. . Money Maker State of Maine Russell's Seedling. . . Delaware Forty Fold Quaker City .^ Carman No. 1 Seattle Charles Downing Early Rose Burpee's Extra Early Sharpe's Seedling Empire State Early Gem Green Mountain .... Munroe Country Troy Seedling Wonder of the World Uncle Sam Northern Spy Character of Growth. Rank Tl Very rank Fair . Rank .... 12 M ... 9 II .... 9 Fair 13 II . . . « II .... 9 9 11 .... 9 Rank .... 9 , 9 Fair 13 Very rank 9 P'air 3 Rank .... 9 Fair 13 11 9 Weak .... 13 Rank 9 Very rank 9 Rank F^air . . . , Very rank Rank ... Fair Rank . . Very rank Rank . . n . , Fair-.. Fair Weak . , II Very rank Weak .... Rank Fair When Matured. Sept. 9. 9. 9. 9. 9. 9. 9. 9. 9. 9. 9. 9. 9. 9. 9. 9. 13. 5. 5. 9. 10. 9. 9. 9. 5. 9. 9. Average Size. Med. to large Sm'lltoraed. Med. to large Medium . . Med. to large M. dium . Med. to large Sm'lltomed. Med. to large Med. to large Sm'lltomed. 11 . . Medium .... II .... Med. to large Sm'lltomed. tl . . Med. to large Sm'lltomed. tl . . Med. to large It . . Sm'lltomed. Med. to large Sm'lltomed Medium Med. to large Medium . . Med. to sm'll " to large Sma. to med. Med. to large Sma. to med. Med. to large Quality. Fair .. . . Very dry, Wet Dry tl •• . . . 11 M It Wet'.!'.!! Dry Fair Dry II Fair Dry i^air Dry Fair Dry Fair .. . . . Damp . . . Fair Choice... Wet Dry Fair .. , . . Dry Damp . . . Fair Wet Dry It .• . . > Dry Fair Dry Wet Dry II Choice. . . Wet Dry Wet Dry Yield per Acre. o m 3 363 341 322 40 .3 3 341 333 322 315 20 293 20 304 300 289 264 2G0 256 256 253 253 249 240 245 242 238 275 300 282 245 260 242 20 40 40 20 40 40 256 ..238 ..253 20 231 20 238 40 245 . . l238 20 220 238 20 231 223 220 216 216 212 209 209 205 201 201 201 201 201 198 198 198 198 194 194 194 194 190 190 190 187 40 238 20 231 223 220 40 179 198 205 . . |17".) . . 198 20 187 40,201 40 154 40 201 40 201 190 40 I'.lS 198 183 198 194 172 190 194 157 190 190 176 20 5 -*^ a 22 Form and Colour. Flat, white. 7 20 Round, red. Long, flat, deep red. 22 . . Round oval, pink and white. 29 20 Long, red. Long, round, red. 7 20 ,1 pink. 18 20 „ red. light red. 14 40 I. white. I Flat oval, It. red. 14 40 Long, red. , . . . . Wht. kidney. 18 20 Flat, round, wht. 11 . . Round oval, red. . . . . I Oval, light red. 3 40 Long, round, wht 18 20 Flat oval, light yellow. Long, round, It. pink. Flat, round, wht. Long, flat, white. Round oval, deep pink. 36 40 Oval white. 18 20 Long, round, wht. 7 20 Large, oval n 29 20 I. round .i 11 . . tl flat II 18 20 Round oval t. Long flat II 47 40 Round, blue. Flat oval, white. Long, round u 11 Flat oval Oval, pink. 14 40 22 3 33" 40 11 Round, white. Oval, red. Long, white. " red. " white. Oval, red. Long, white. " deep red. REPORT OF MR. S. A. BEDFORD 323 Potatoes — Test of Varieties — Continued. Name of Variety. Satisfaction (Buttons) S. E. BiU Seedling No. 230... Queen of the Valley Early Six Weeks . . . Dakota Red Crown Jewel Earliest of AH. .. . Ideal... White Beauty Early Norther .. . Satisfaction Vanier World's Fair Early Harvest Early Puritan Good News Pride of the Table. . Brownell's Winner. Duke of York. ... Victor Rose Columbus. . . . _. Burnaby Seedling. . Peerless Junior Rough Red Grampions Irish Daisy Polaris Rochester Rose Maule's Thoroughb'd Jennie Deana Early Sunrise. ... Pearce's Extra Early Rural Blush Seedling 214 American Giant. . . . Algoma No. 1 Thorburn Princess May "Bill Nye" Early White Prize. Fill-basket London Rose No. 9 Snowdrop Harbinger Sir Walter Raleigh. New Queen Freeman Abundance (Sutton's No. 6) Maggie Murphy Stourbridge Glory. . . I. X.L Her Majesty Beauty of Hebron. . . Rural New Yorker, No. 2 Carman No. 3 Clay Rose Lee's Favourite Record Bovee . 8a— 21^ Character of Growth. Rank Fair .. Very rank Weak . . Rank . . Weak . . II Rank . . Fair . . . Rank . . . . Fair . . . . Weak . . . Fair .... Fair ... Rank .. Fair . Rank Fair . Rank, Fair.. Weak... Fair.. . . Rank. Weak Rank .. . Very weak Fair .. . . Very weak Fair... Weak Fair.. Weak Rank .. Fair.. Weak Fair.. Rank, Fair. . Rank . Weak Fair.. Rank. . . Very weak Rank. . . Weak... When Matured. Sept. 9. 9. » 13. « 9. « 10 9. " 10. 3. 9. '• 13. 5. " 12. 9. 9. " 10. 9. 9. 9. 9. 9. 9. 9. 9. 9. 9. 9. 9. 9. .. 9. 9. H 9. 5. M 10. 9. I. 13. 9. 1. ,. 13. .. 13, 9. 5. 9. 5. 9. 9. n 10. 9. M 10. .. 10. 9. 9. 9. 9. 9. .. 10. 9. 9. 9. .. 10. 9. H 5. Average Size. Sma. tomed. Large Med. to large Large Med. to large Wet... Fair .. . Choice. Dry... Large MeoL to large II Medium Med.tosmall Med. to large II Sma. to med. Med. to large Sma. tomed. Large tomed Small to med Med. to large H II Small Med. to large II Small to med t) Medium Med. to large Small! ..." Small to med Med. to large Small to med Large Small to med Small .... Med. to large Small .... Med. to large SmaU .. Med. to large Small to med II . . Med. to large II ti Small .... Med. to largo Quality. Wet. Dry. Fair . Dry . Fair. Dry. Choice. Wet... Fair... Dry ... Fair... Wet. Dry. Fair. Fair, Wet, Dry. Wet. Dry. Fair. Dry. II Fair. M Dry. 11 ^ Fair. Wet. Fair. Dry. II Fair. Dry. Fair, Wet, Dry. Wet, Fair. Dry. Wet .. . Fair .. . Wet. . . Dry... Fair. . . Choice. Yield per acre. o H PQ 187 183 183 183 f83 183 179 179 179 179 176 176 176 176 172 172 168 168 168 165 165 165 161 161 161 157 157 154 154 154 150 146 146 146 146 143 139 139 135 132 124 124 124 121 113 113 110 110 110 110 106 20 102 40 102 40 99 95 20 91 40 88 88 88 88 78 20 c3 m m 161 110 183 183 168 183 161 176 179 179 176 157 168 176 172 165 168 157 168 165 161 146 161 154 88 135 157 150 154 150 143 124 139 146 146 132 132 139 102 lo2 124 124 124 113 95 99 110 102 110 40 58 40 106 20 47 40 102 40 51 20 95 20 t3 3 £1 25 40 73 20 14 40 18 20 3 40 18 20 7 20 7 20 ii' 3 40 18 20 7 20 73 20 22 .. 3 40 Form and Colour. 3 7 22 7 11 7 33 20 7 20 18 20 14 40 7 20 51 20 55 47 40 55 .. 36 40 51 20 36 40 51 20 36 40 80 40 7 20 7 20 80 40 71 .. 7 20 Round, lig. yTw. " blu, wh'e. " white. Long, pink. Round, " Long, red. Round, light red. Oval, " Long, red. " white. " pink. " white. " pink. Flat, white. Long, " II II Long, round, pink Flat, oval, " " red. " yellow. Long, flat, red, " round, " II II II Round, white, II pink. Long pink. Round, white. ■I oval, pink. Oval, It. red. II red. II white. White. _ Oval, pink. II II II II Long r'nd, white. Oval, It. yellow. Long, deep pink. Flat, oval, red. II II II II II white. II pink. II white. Long r'nd, pink. Flat oval, white. White. Long flat. It. red. White. Long round, red. Long oval, red. Round flat, white Longflat,lt.yerw Lonr flat, red. Oval, light red- White. Oval light red. 324 EX PE RIM EX TA L FA RMS. Potatoes — Test of Varieties — Concluded. Name of Variety. Holborn Abundance. Early Ohio Vick's Extra Early. . Ohio Junior Prize Taker Orphans Daisy Lightning Express. . Turner's Hall Seed- ling No. 5 Pearce'sPrizeWinner Honeoye Rose Albany No. 1 Table King Character of Growth. Fair Weak Fair Very weak Fair Very weak Rank. Fail When Matured. Sept. 9. 1. 9. M 1. 9. 9. M 10. 9. 9. 9. 9. 9, 9. Average Size. Sm'lltomed. Med. to large Sm'lltomed. Med. to large ti II Small Medium.. . . Large Small Med. to large II II Small Sm'lltomed. Quality. 3 P3 Wet. . , Choice, Fair. , , Dry. ., Fair. . , Wet. . , Dry.., Wet. . , Dry. . Fair. . , Wet. . Dry. . Yield per Acre. o H CO CO S 2 pq 1^ 73 20 36 40 36 40 73 20 73 20 .. . . 71 .. 71 .. , , , 71 .. 71 ,. 71 .. 71 .. (5G .. 36 40 29 20 51 20 51 20 44 .. 44 .. •• 44 .. 44 36 40 36 40 22 .. 22 . . 18 20 18 20 . 14 40 14 40 •• Form and Colour. Roimd, white. II light rose. 11 II yellow II II pink. H deep red. White. Round oval, red. Long flat, pink. Flat oval, white. Oval, light pink. Kidney. Round, white. EXPERIMENTS WITH FLAX. The series of experiments with flax begun in 1896, were continued during the past season, the yield of straw is heavier this year but the return of seed is less. The soil was a rich clay loam summer-fallowed, size of plots y^ acre. One half of each plot was pulled as soon as the seed pods had turned brown, the other half was left until the seed had ripened, when it was cut and threshed in the usual way. Variety. Flax II II II It II O a 3 O a Lbs. 40 80 40 80 40 80 40 80 Date of Sowing. May 26. II 26. June 2 . 2. 9. 9. 16. 16. Date of Ripening. Aug. 27. II 27. II 31. II 31. Sept. 3. 3. 6. 6. >> i cS c3 Q . ti -»:> ^ bp m o s Cm u h O ca 3 ji -o -S -.^ a| 3«^ ho !^ ^ Inch. 93 30 93 25 90 29 90 29 86 29 86 29 82 28 82 28 Date when Pulled for Fibre. Aug. 17. II 17. II 25. I, 25. Sept. 1. I. 1. 5. 5. ^ g » *= ~ «r< O 3 S •^ c 9 Lbs. 2,600 3,700 3,300 3,900 3,500 3,800 3,540 2,040 Yield per Acre. J3 3 pa 9 J2 36 11 44 11 24 14 16 12 28 12 48 10 20 11 44 ft 3 XT* 56 56 56 56 56 56 56 56 t a Lbs. 3,180 3,320 2,660 2,560 2,100 2,280 2,720 2,140 The plots sown on the 2nd of June gave the best return of seed, the sowings of the 9th June the largest quantity of straw. In every instance the thicker sowing gave the largest return of seed per acre and with one exception the largest quantity of straw alsa REPORT OF MR. S. A. BEDFORD. 325 EXPERIxVIENTS WITH GRASSES AND CLOVERS. Owing to the rapidly increasing herds of cattle and the lessening natural pasturage in Manitoba, the interest in grasses and fodder plants is increasing each year. For this reason special attention has been paid to this branch of experimental work, and during the past season about one hundred plots, varying in size from -^ acre each to 6 acres, have been devoted to grasses and clovers with gratifying success. The objects in view when undertaking this work were : — 1st. To ascertain the hardiness and suitability for this country of the different varieties tested. 2nd. To compare results from sowing grass seed with and without a crop of grain. 3rd. To ascertain the most suitable quantities of seed for sowing. 4th. To see whether a crop of clover, sufficiently heavy to benefit the soil as a green manure, could be grown either in one or two years. 5th. To gain information regarding the most suitable mixtures of grasses for hay and permanent pasture. The summer of 1896 was an exceptionally favourable season for grasses, and all the varieties were in good condition by fall ; the snow came early and remained until the following spring, making an excellent covering during the severe months of winter. The following plots of grass were one-tenth acre in size and the clovers one-twentieth acre each. The field was in barley during 1895 and the stubble was ploughed in the spring of 1896. The seed was sown broadcast on all the plots on the 8th of May, 1896, and at once harrowed in. Weeds were mowed twice during 1896, but none of the plots produced sufficient grass in that year to pay for cutting. The soil was a medium sandy loam. Grasses — Test of Varieties. Variety. Western Rye Grass ( Agropyrum tenerum) Awnless Brome Grass (Bromus inennis) American Rye Grass (Elymus amerieanus) Bald Rye or Wheat Grass {Elymus Virginicus) Fall Meadow Oat Grass (Avena elatior) Meadow Foxtail ( Alopecurus pratensis) Hard Fescue (Festuca duriuscula) Timothy (Phleunr. pratense) Orchard Grass (Dactylis glomerata) Red Top (Agrostis vulgaris) Timothy, mixed 1 Common Clover n J .a 1^ a5 »o rt rH (4-1 . t 'SS bo ^ m w ffl Lbs. In. In. 20 6 8 20 10 10 20 6 8 20 f 7 4 30 8 11 20 7 12 20 4 6 15 4 9 25 5 10 20 7 8 10 4 10 10 4 12 Thickness of Aftermath. Thin... Very thick Thin Poor Fair Germinated badly M II Thin..,. Very thick Fair Yield per Acre. Tons. Lbs. 3 3 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 750 400 510 200 400 200 200 200 50 750 326 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. Grasses — Thin, Medium and Thick Sowing. Variety. Timothy (Phleum pratense) n ti II II II II Awnless Brome Grass (Bromus inermis) II II II II II II .... Western Rye Grass (Agropyrum tenerum) . . II II It .... II II II .... Bald Rye or Wheat Grass (Elymus Virginicus) II If II II It II American Rye Grass (Elymus americanus) m Lbs. 5 10 15 20 10 15 20 10 15 20 10 15 20 10 15 20 Apparent Thickness on 6th July. Rather thin Right thickness Too thick Thin.. ...'.'.'.".'. Right thickness Too thick Too thin. Right thickness Too thick. . . . Too thin Right thickness Too thick Too thin Right thickness Too thick § a % & Yield per Acre. tJO OJ K In. Tons. Lbs. 27 1 600 27 1 670 27 1 750 27 1 700 28 2 360 2« 2 28 2 400 27 3 400 27 3 200 27 3 300 26 2 700 26 2 700 26 2 750 32 3 32 3 555 32 3 500 Grasses — Mixtures for Hay and Pasture. No. Variety. Western Rye Grass . . . Canadian Blue Alfalfa Clover ... Western Rye Grass . . . White Dutch Clover. . Kentucky Blue Grass . Timothy Hard Fescue Sheep II Canadian Blue Timothy Red Top Canadian Blue Timothy Canadian Blue Timothy Awnless Brome Grass. Canadian Blue u -s ® 5" 01 m H Lbs. Lbs. 10 5 I" 20 20 }40 5 10 Uo 5 5 ■\ 5 5 1 25 5 5 5 10 [15 10 10 j-20 10 10 }20 Appearance 6th July. s u Principally Western Rye Grass Poor II Alfalfa Clover . . . Timothy Timothy and Fescue Timothy ... Timothy Awnless Brome . . Fair Good U O < u Tons. Lbs. 2 800 2 400 2 200 1 900 1 600 1 400 1 200 REPORT OF MR. S. A. BEDFORD. 327 Clovers — Test of Varieties. /"ariety. 2 < S3 p< •a CD m Height on 15th May. Aftermath Height. Aftermath Thickness. Yield per Acre. Remarks. Bokhara Alfalfa Lbs. 10 60 25 10 20 12 Inch's 4 6 4 3 4 2 Inch's 32 15 8 4 15 Fair It II Thick!!!. Tons. Lbs. 14 2 100 1 500 1 100 .. 900 not cut Very woody. Promising. 11 Mammoth Red Alsike Too short for hay. Injured by drought. Only fit for pasture. Red Clover White Dutch Summary. 1st. In a favourable season, that is when the snow comes early and remains all winter ; many of the hardier varieties of grasses and clovers will winter successfully in this climate, 2nd. Western Rye Grass (a native of our prairies) again takes the lead for yield of hay, the quality is also excellent but Awnless Brome Grass gives nearly as much hay and better aftermath, the pasture in spring is also earlier. , 3rd. The yield of hay for the first year is not materially influenced by the amount of seed used above a certain quantity, but thick seeding is expected to lessen the yield during the second and following years. 4th. Western Rye Grass and Canadian Blue gave the largest yield of any mixtures tested but the aftermath is light for the first year, but may improve in a year or two when the Blue Grass gets established. 5th. Clover sown without a nurse crop can be depended upon for a green manure in a favourable season, but it is doubtful whether it will prove a success if sown with a grain crop. Grass Seed Distribution. There has been a very much larger demand for samples of grass seed during the past season than in any former year ; fortunately the crop on the Experimental Farm was larger than usual. Seventeen hundred and fifty-one pound bags were sent out in the free distribution, and forty-two lots of about fifteen pounds each were sold. Millets. Five varieties of millets were tested during the past season, they were all sown on summer fallow in drills 7 inches apart. Some of the plots suffered more than others from the severe winds of May, and for that reason the experiment as a comparative test of varieties can not be considered conclusive. Hungarian Grass has generally given the best results on this farm, and it was one of the most productive this year. 328 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS, May. Size of plots one-twentieth of an acre, soil rich black loam ; all were sown on 27fch Name of Variety. Japanese Hungarian Golden Wonder. New Manitoba.. New Siberian . , . Golden Millet . . ♦Holy Terror . . . When Sown. May 27. I. 27. H 27. „ 27. .1 27. ,. 27. o CM O Acre. When Headed. Aug. 20. u 15. .. 1. I. 20. ■I 11. Kind of Head. Not headed . Round Branching . Round 6c is ■£cc Inch. .32 33 30 44 31 30 Yield per Acre. Tons. Lbs. 1,000 1,800 800 1^800 • Destroyed by wind, &c. CATTLE. The herd of cattle on this farm now consists of 20 head ; all have been perfectly healthy during the year. Since the outbreak of tuberculosis in 1894 all animals have been tested with tuber- culin before being admitted into the regular cattle buildings. The whole herd has been tested again this fall, and none of the animals have reacted. The following is a list of the names, breed, age and weight of the animals : — Name of Animal. Qu'Appelle Red Knight, bull. . . . Brandon Fashion, cow Rideau Chief, bull , Dandy, cow Brandon .Jock, bull calf Princess Leda 2nd, cow Manitoba Prince, bull Leda of Brandon, cow . . Leda's Princess of Brandon, heifer Brandon Monk, bull calf Lady Jane Grey, cow Topsy, cow Daisy, cow Pansy, cow Fanny Fern, cow Violet, heifer Jennie, lieifer Black Prince, steer calf Barney, steer calf Spotty, steer calf Breed. Shorthorn .... II • . . . ■ Ayrshire , Holstein . Grade . Age. 4 years . . . 4 .. . . . 4 M . . . 8 II . . . 9 months.. 8 years . . . 4 I. ... 3 18 months. 10 I. ... years.. . . 5 ,1 ... 9 .1 . . . 3 ., . . . 2 ,. . . . 21 months. 19 II ... 2 years 6 months.. 2 Weight. Lbs. 2,165 1,265 1,570 1,200 430 1,545 2,170 1,235 1,000 785 1,220 1,115 1,300 1,140 1,135 875 920 1,290 540 170 EXPERIMENTS IN FEEDING STEERS. The exports of steers from this province have been much larger this year than during any previous year in the history of the province, but I regret that a large pro- portion were stockers sold probably at from fifty to seventy-five per cent less money than they would bring if stall fed and shipped to Great Britain ; if it pays the Ameri- REPORT OF MR. S. A. BEDFORD. 329 cans to purchase these stockers for fattening with the addition of a heavy import duty it would certainly pay our farmers to fatten them here. In 1895 a test was made on this farm of the feeding value of native hay cut in the unbroken meadows, as compared with oat sheaves ; this year native hay made from wheat grass (Elymus virginicus) but grown on cultivated land was fed in comparison with oat sheaves. For this purpose eight shorthorn grade steers two years old were purchased in December at '2^ cents per pound live weight and sold in May at 4 cents. The steers were divided into two evenly matched groups of four each and fed all they would eat clean of the following ration. First lot of four steers. Pounds. Native hay cut (Elymus virginicus) .... 18 Turnips cut 30 Barley chopped. , 5 Oats " 2 Second lot of four steers. Pounds. Oats sheaves cut (Banner) 18 ' Turnips cut . 30 Barley chopped 5 Oats " 2 The actual amount and estimated value of the feed consumed during the feeding period of 93 days was as follows : — First lot of four steers. 5,976 pounds native hay at $5 per ton $14 94 128 bushels turnips at 5 cents per bushel. - 6 40 1,758 pounds barley chop at ^ cent per pound 8 79 700 pounds oats chop at ^ cent per pound 3 50 $33 63 Second lot of four steers. 6,416 pounds oat sheaves at $5 per ton $16 04 133 bushels turnips at 5 cents per bushel 6 65 1,840 pounds barley chop at ^ cent per pound 9 20 7 28 pounds oat chop at ^ cent per pound ... 364 $35 53 m — TJ u O -w 1 73 4^ •si Summary of Results . 8 ?8 so s< -s P 0) >.® u Is •c p c3 ^ > Ph PL, « $ c. % c. $ c. $ C. Lbs. Oz. First lot of four steers with hay 109 75 33 63 198 80 55 42 1 8 Second lot of four steers with oat sheaves 110 50 35 53 196 40 50 37 1 5 330 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. From the above it would appear that the cultivated native hay is worth rather more per ton than oat sheaves, for fattening purposes. The yield of hay from this grass varies greatly from year to year, depending on the rainfall, but it averages somewhat less than the yield of oat sheaves, under the same conditions. This grass succeeds remarkably well on dry uplands where an oat crop would give small returns ; its roots are also very useful in preventing the drifting of soil. EXPERIMENTS FOR THE PURPOSE OP MAINTAINING THE FLOW OF MILK DURING THE AUTUMN MONTHS. Last year's report contained the particulars of an experiment with Awnless Brome Grass for the above purpose. During the past season the experiment was repeated with equally satisfactory results, and an additional test with fodder corn was undertaken. Four cows were selected for this test, and, after several weeks of uniform feeding to ascertain the normal yield of milk, two were fed for three weeks commencing on fair native pasture, and the other two on the same pasture, with the average addition of 755 pounds of green fodder corn per week for the two. The. following table gives the details of the experiment. First Week Aug. 22nd to 28th or Normal Yield. How Fed. Yield of Milk. No. 1. Pasture alone 317 lbs. No. 2. do 241 lbs. Second Week. How Fed. Yield of Milk. Gain over NormaL No. 1. Pasture and 665 lbs. corn 343 lbs. 26 lbs. gain. No. 2. Pasture alone 226 " 15 " loss. * Third Week. How Fed. Yield of Milk. No, 1. Pasture and 750 lbs. corn . . . , 330 lbs. 13 lbs. gain. No. 2. Pasture alone 231 " 10 " loss. Fourth Week. How Fed. Yield of Milk. No. 1. Pasture and 850 lbs. corn 319 lbs. 2 lbs. gain. No. 2. Pasture alone 209 " 32 " loss. Summary, No. 1. Two cows with corn and pasture average weekly gain "over normal 13 pounds. No. 2. Two cows with pasture alone weekly loss below normal 19 pounds. From the above it will be seen that the yield of milk from the two fed on pasture decreased at the average rate of 19 pounds per week while the two cows receiv- ing the additional feed of corn made an average gain of 13 pounds per week for the three weeks, showing that this useful fodder plant can be utilized for the purpose of main- taining the flow of milk until severe frost, when the cows can be turned into Brome Grass aftermath ; which is not affected by even severe frosts. BroTne Grass pasture in comparison toith native grass pasture during the autumn months. For this test the same cows were used as in the experiment just mentioned, but in thifl case the No. 1 group of two cows were fed on native pasture while the No. 2 group were kept on Brome Grass pasture. REPORT OF MR. S. A. BEDFORD. 3S1 The large gain made by the first two cows during the second week was no doubt owing to their having a somewhat larger range of pasture than before, the change evi- dently being a decided benefit at first. The results given in the following table indicate the great value of the Awnless Brome Grass for this purpose. First Week, Sept. 12th to 18th. How fed. Yield of Milk. No. 1. Pasture and 850 lbs. green corn 319 lbs. No. 2. Pasture alone 209 " Second Week. Ho\» fed. Yield of Milk. Gain over first week. No. 1. Native pasture 424 lbs. 105 lbs. gain. No. 2. Brome Grass 431 " 222 " « Third Week. No. 1. Native pasture 230 lbs. 89 lbs. loss. No. 2. Brome Grass 227 " 18 " gain. Fourth Week. No. 1. Native pasture 194 lbs. 125 lbs. loss. No. 2. Brome Grass 202 " 7 " " Summary. No. 1. Group. Native pasture lost a weekly average of 36 pounds of milk. No. 2. " Brome Grass made a weekly average gain of 77 pounds of mUk. SWINE. The herd of swine on the farm consists of : — Name. Chrissie, sow Sir Richard, boar. . . Amber Belle, sow. . . Barrow (not named) Dunrobin, boar Squire, boar Berkshire 2 years. Tamworth 2 >, It Chester, white 1 „ 6 months 6 As it was impossible to procure young pigs for experimental purposes at a suitable time, no experiments were made with these animals during the year. POULTRY. The breeds of poultry kept on the farm during the past year consisted of White and Barred Plymouth Rocks and Black Minorcas. All were perfectly healthy and there has been no recurrence of the sore throat so troublesome last year. 332 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. As a thorough trial of the Barred Plymouth Rocks has been made during former years, it was thought advisable to discontinue keeping this breed and a change has been made to White Plymouth Rocks, for that reason no record of eggs has been kept during the year. About sixty chickens about equally divided between White Plymouth Rock and Black Minorcas have been raised this summer without any loss whatever from sickness. The White Plymouth Rock Cockerels being quite promising as table fowl their fitness for this purpose has been tested. A number of turkeys were also procured for the same purpose. FATTENING POULTRY. The importation into this province of dressed fowls reaches large dimensions each year, it is estimated that twenty thousand turkeys alone were imported into Winnipeg last season. This represents a large sum of money, all of which should be retained in the province. In addition the demand for dressed fowl in many other districts is large and increasing, much of which could be supplied from here. Recognizing the importance of this subject, some attention has been paid during the past season to the fattening of poultry. Ten turkeys, five male and five female, hatched on a neighbouring farm in May, were purchased. Five of these were penned up and fed with a mixture composed of 50 per cent wheat, 25 per cent oats and 25 per cent barley. The ration was fed chopped and wet with milk in the morning and the whole grain fed for the evening meal. The five running at large were allowed to gather the bulk of their food in the fields, only a very small quantity of grain being given them morning and evening to attract them to the roost. The five penned birds were given all they would eat up clean twice a day. In addition to the ten turkeys ten cockerels were selected for the same purpose, six of them being White Plymouth Rocks and four Black Minorcas. These were fed with the same kind of food and in the same manner as the turkeys. The penned fowl both turkeys and chickens were, when dressed, much plumper and in every way more inviting than those which had been running at large, but the close confinement and heavy feeding appears to injure the chickens otherwise, the White Plymouth Rocks being badly "off their feet," while those running at large were quite healthy and active. The turkeys were apparently more fond of oats than either barley or wheat, and towards the latter portion of the fattening period the proportion of this grain was increased with benefit. RESULTS WITH TURKEYS. Lbs. Oz. Oct. 14. Weight of 5 birds in pen 32 12 Nov. 25. " " 53 00 Gain 20 04 Amount of grain consumed 1 20 pounds, or 6 pounds of grain to 1 pound of increase. Lbs. Oz. Oct. 14. Weight of 5 birds running at large 32 12 Nov. 25. ** " " 42 00 Gain 9 0 1 REPORT OF MR. S. A. BEDFORD. 333 CHICKENS. Lbs. Oz. Sept. 28. Weight of 3 White Plymouth Rock Cockerels in pen 12 02 Nov. 26. " " " " 21 07 Gain 9 05 Lbs. Oz. Sept. 28. Weight of 3 White Plymouth Rock Cockerels at large 11 U Nov. 26. " " " " 17 13 Gain 6 02 Lbs. Oz. Sept. 28. Weight of 2 Black Minorca Cockerels in pens 8 05 ]sJov. 26. " " " " 10 02 Gain ■ 1 13 Lbs. Oz. Sept. 28. Weight of 2 Black Minorca Cockerels at large 7 04 Nov. 26. " " " *' 10 05 3 (( 3 (( 3 <( 3 a Gain : 3 01 Total amount of grain consumed by the 5 penned chickens 3 White Plymouth Rocks and 2 Black Minorcas was 57 pounds. GAIN IN PERIODS. Lbs. Oz. 5 turkeys penned, gained first three weeks 13 6 5 " " second " 6 14 3 White Plymouth Rock penned, gained first three weeks 5 5 at large " 2 11 penned, gained 2nd period of two weeks ... 2 7 at large " " 16 penned " 3rd period of three weeks ... 1 9 at large « " ...2 1 Shrinkage between live and dressed weight. 5 turkeys penned, lost 25 per cent. 5 " at large " 30 3 White Plymouth Rocks penned, lost 34 3 " at large " 33 2 Black Minorcas penned '* 34 2 " at large " 34 SUMMARY. Ist. The 5 penned turkeys gained in the 24 days 11 pounds more than the 5 run- ning at large. 2nd. The 3 penned White Plymouth Rock Cockerels gained in the 59 days 3- pounds 3 ounces more than the 3 running at large. 334 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. 3rd. The 2 penned Black Minorcas made a gain for the first two weeks over those running at large, but for the whole 59 days the birds running loose gained the most by 1 pound 4 ounces. 4th. Both turkeys and chickens made the largest increase during the first three weeks. 5th. After 6 weeks of close confinement chickens are probably kept at a loss. 6th. White Plymouth Rock chickens are better adapted for feeding in small pens than Black Minorcas. 7th. The White Plymouth Rocks were a better colour and more attractive when dressed than the Black Minorcas. 8th. Penned turkeys shrunk 5 per cent less in dressing than those running at large. 9th. Chickens whether penned or running at large lost practically the same in dressing, viz., 34 percent. Our climate is suitable, feed is abundant and there is no reason why this province should not be a large exporter rather than an importer of dressed fowl. EXPERIMENTS WITH BEES. WINTERING. As mentioned in last year's annual report five hives of Italian Bees were placed in the cellar of one of the dwellings on the farm on 10th October, 1896, the room contain- ing bees was the one usually devoted to vegetables and was separated by a wooden par- tition from the furnace, ventilation was given by means of a chimney opening in the cellai', the temperature during the winter as ascertained by a self registering thermo- meter remained steady between 40 and 50 degrees Fah. The hives were placed six inches from the floor and protected with a piece of old woollen carpet placed under the wooden cover ; when placed in the cellar each colony had 30 pounds honey which proved more than sufficient for the winter and all the hives wintered successfully. They were placed on the summer stands on 30th April and commenced to work at once on native willows. One hive was forwarded to the Indian Head Experimental Farm and the other four were worked through the season for extracted honey. TO PREVENT EXCESSIVE SWARMING. As some difficulty was experienced in 1896 with persistent swarming and a result- ing weakness of the colonies, special efibrts were made to prevent this by giving plenty of room ; on 6th July most of the brood frames were filled with bees and a very large upper story 14 x 20 and 15 inches deep filled with wired foundations and without a queen excluder was added, and the frames extracted as required, this gave an abund- ance of room and no swarming whatever occurred and all the colonies became very strong before fall. An average of forty-five pounds of extracted honey was taken from each hive which was readily sold at 10c. per pound wholesale. REPORT OF MR. S. A. BEDFORD. 335 BEES. Following is a list of plants, trees and shrubs, on the flowers of which the bees were seen working during the summer, together with dates when first noticed. Gum Weed (Grindelia squarrosa), a native plant, apparently yielding the largest amount of honey : — Date. Botanical Name. May 1.. M 12.. M 12.. tt 15.. II 20.. ir 22.. M 25.. 11 26.. M 26.. It 27.. June -i X. . M 1.. ,, 1.. M 1.. tl 3.. It 5.. It 9.. It 12.. II 22.. It 23.. „ 25.. II 25.. II 26.. II 30.. July 4.. II 6.. 11 6.. M 9.. " - II 10.. It 15.. M 17. It 18.. II 20.. tl 20.. II 28.. II 30.. II 30.. It 31.. Aug. 4.. II 4.. It 11.. 11 12.. It 12.. It 13.. II 14.. It 14.. :::::;;:: Aupr. 14.. It 14.. II 14.. It 19.. II 19.. II 19.. II 19.. M 19.. tl 19.. „ 19.. II 19.. It 19.. II 20.. Salix discolor Amelanchier alnifolia Prunus Americana Negundo aceroides Caragana arborescens . . Prunus Pensylvanica Ribes rubrum, etc Ribes aureum Caragana pendula Caragana mollis glabra Asparagus oflBcinalis Syringa Josikea Prunus pumila Lonicera splendens Populus tremuloides Lonicera gracilis Lonicera Tatarica Rheum hybridum Rosa blanda Rubus Vicia villosa Trifolium repents Syringa villosa Allium cev)a . . Sinapis alba Dianthus caryophyllus Trifolium hybridum Melilotus alba Reseda odorata Spiraea salicifolia Trifolium pratense Satureja hortensis Papa ver (all types) Rosa rugosa Grindelia squarrosa Borago officmalis Cucumis sativus Tropoeolum minor Raphanus sativus Linum perenne. ... .^nothera biennis Cucurbita Pepo Helianthus giganteus Antirrhinum majus nanum Salpiglossis variabilis. . Solidago rigida M Canadensis II Missouriensis, and others.. Liatris Epilobium angustifolium , Aster Lindleyanus, and others Verbena hybrida Helichrysum monstrosum Zinnia elegans . . Dahlias Phlox Drummondii Hollyhocks , Mentha Canadensis Monarda fistulosa Portulaca grandiflora GaUlardia Lorenziana Common Name. Native Willow. Saskatoon. Native Plum. Ash Leaf Maple. Siberian Pea Tree. Pin Cherry. Red Currants. Yellow Flowering Currant. Weeping Pea Tree. Woolly Pea Tree. Garden Asparagus. Josika's Lilac. Ground Cherry. Honeysuckle. Aspen-leaved Poplar. Graceful Honeysuckle. Tartarian u Rhubarb. Native Rose. Raspberry. Winter Vetch. White Dutch Clover. Downy Lilac. Garden Onion. White Mustard. Pinks. Alsike Clover. Bokhara Clover. Mignonette. Willow-leaved Meadow Sweet. Common Clover. Summer Savory. Garden Poppies. Japan Rose. Gum Weed. Borage. Cucumber. Dwarf Nasturtium. Radish. Blue Flax. Evening Primrose Squash. Wild Sunflower. Snapdragon. Beauty of Bolivia. Golden Rod. Great Willow Herb. Native Asters. Garden Verbenas. Everlasting Flower. Garden Zinnia. Garden Flower. Drummond's Phlox. Garden Flower. Wild Mint. Wild Bergamot. Garden Portulaca. Double Gaillardia. 336 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. From the experience gained in keeping bees for ten seasons in this country, I see no difficulty in keeping them in Manitoba with profit. Bees can be wintered in any fairly dry cellar if sufficiently warm to keep vegetables from freezing, and sufficient plants giving honey can be found near all well watered or wooded sections. The honey obtained from native plants is excellent in quality, and sufficiently plentiful to make the business both pleasant and profitable. EXPERIMENTS WITH APPLES. Although a very large number of so-called hardy varieties of apples have been tested here and all have been found too tender for this climate, we still think it is advisable to give any very promising kinds a trial. Four standard apple trees — two Tonka and two Wealthy — were received from Mr. A. P. Stevenson, Nelson, Manitoba, in the spring of 1896. These were grafts of trees that have become acclimatized at the low altitude in which Nelson is situated, namely, 900 feet above sea level. They have so far proven hardy, and we trust that, coming from this source, they may succeed even at this altitude — 1,231 feet. PYRUS BACCATA — WILD CRAB OP SIBERIA. Specimens of this tree were sent here from the Central Experimental Farm at Ottawa in 1890, and they have proved perfectly hardy; additional varieties from the same source have been added from time to time, until at this date we have a very promising collection ; the oldest trees, which are Pyrus Baccata-aurantiaca, produce a fair amount of fruit each season, and are found to be most useful for the making of jelly, the fruit being rich in pectin. The number of trees in this block were increased last year by 100 very fine seedlings — 25 Pyrus Prunifolia and 75 Pyrus Baccata Yellow. These were raised at the Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa, from selected seed, and many of them are expected to pro- duce larger fruit than the varieties already fruited here. The Yellow Siberian crab apple seedlings give great promise of future usefulness, 48 of which were raised from seed in 1893 are now vigorous trees, and, although growing in the open valley, have successfully stood the severity of four winters. Jdany seedlings of the Transcendent Crab have been raised here this season from Manitoba grown seed, the fruit having been raised by Mr. A. P. Stevenson, of Nelson. These will be carefully transplanted in the spring, and we think that with trees from this source greater success may be had. PLUMS. In the spring of 1896, 72 trees of 36 varieties of improved native kinds were received from Charles LuedloflP, Carver, Minnesota. Having been grown so near to Manitoba, it was hoped that these would all prove hardy here. They were all root grafts and the hardiest sorts have made a fine growth, and have wintered well while others have been killed to the ground by frost and are at present growing from below the graft. A list is given below with notes on their present condition. REPORT OF MR. S. A. BEDFORD. SS7 Plums — Test of Varieties. Name of Variety. New Ulm De Soto Clinton Deep Creek Neill's Van Buren Easter Missouri Apricot Gaylord Ocheeda Silsis Wilson Irene Weaver , . American Eagle Forest Rose Emerson Hammer 9. Illinois Ironclad Chas. Downing Van Deman Crescent City Wood Large Red Sweet Speer Dunlop Nut Colorado Queen . Peffer's Premium . . . , Cheney . . .. Purple Yosemite Cottrell Milton Yellow Sweet City Col. Wilder Richland. Dr. Dennis 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 :^s as > L. CS a 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 01 a Remarks. Healthy growth. KiUed to ground, growing below graft. II II M II Slightly killed, healthy growth. Half hardy m Killed to snow line. Slightly killed back. Killed to near ground. Slightly winter-killed. Killed to ground. Ap))arently hardy. Killed to snow line. . If near ground. Slightly killed back. Killed to snow line. Slightly killed back. Killed to snow line. Apparently hardy. II II Killed to snow line. Apparently hardy, some bloom. Apparently hardy. Killed to snow line. Apparently hardy. Killed to snow line. Slightly killed back. Killed back half. The seedlings of Weaver, De Soto, Cheney, Voronesh 102, and Speer sent from the Central Farm which have now been growing here for three years, came through last winter in good condition, many of them blossoming for the first time, but owing to late spring frosts the fruit did not form. A large consignment of seedlings of Cheney, Hungarian, Yosemite Yellow, Voronesh, Ida, RoUingston, Weaver, De Soto, Van Buren, Wolf, Yosemite Purple, Speer and American were received from the Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa, this spring. They arrived here in good condition and specimens of all were planted in permanent orchards. The remainder were planted in nursery rows where they will be available for distribution for test in other parts of the province. With few exceptions they have become established and made healthy growth. The native Manitoba plum, however is the variety on which our hopes are chiefly centered as a hardy sort for this province, and some of them transplanted from the river banks have already fruited here. Many thousand trees have been raised from seeds of selected fruit from different parts of this province, and when these arrive at the fruiting stage, the work of selecting the best will be most interesting. Scions have been taken from the more promising types of those that have already borne fruit so that propagation by grafting may b© accomplished. 8a— 22 .338 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. CHERRIES. With regard to the above fruit some attention has been given of late to the Improvement of one of the native cherries, known as the Sand Clierry, Primus pumila. Three varieties of wild cherries grow here, the pin cherry (Prunus Penasylvanica), a verry small red cherry, very acid but which makes a good jelly. The choke cherry (P. Virginiana) somewhat larger but astringent and bitter. These latter do not appear to var}' in character and hence much improvement by selection cannot be looked for. With the Sand Cherry, however, the variation is remarkable, almost every bush showing some distinct characteristics in size or quality from the small useless bitter sort scarcely eatable to a large pleasant eating cherry with very little astringency or bitterness. Several varieties of extra promise have been named and are being propagated as rapidly as possible. In 1895 there were sent from the Central Experimental Farm 5 seedlings each of the following cultivated varieties: Bessarabian, Olivet ; Montmorency, Carnation ; Red Morella, and Wragg. These were planted under shelter of a thick hedge. The seedlings of the first three named have so far proved hardy and grow from the tips each spring, seedlings of Carnation freeze back slightly each year and those from Wragg and Red Morella winter kill to near the ground. I RASPBERRIES. The past season has more than ever shown the desirability of protecting raspberries during winter. Those lifted from their winter covering on 5th May were in splendid condition alive to the tips while a block of bushes which was purposely left unprotected \^as killed back to half the length of the canes. The yield of fruit this year did not reach the average. All the varieties set a fair quantity and a large yield was expected, but prolonged dry weather in July followed as it invariably is by red spider greatly lessened the yield, but in the latter p%rt of the season copious showers exterminated the red spider and revived the plants, so that a fair amount of late fruit was gathered. The new canes also made a vigorous growth and have been laid down this winter in fine condition. Following is a list of new varieties which have become established, but have not yet fruited : — Miller, Palmer, Kenyons Seedling, London, Kansas, Gregg. Parnell, Niagara, Heeimer. Garfield. Two varieties of blackberries, Agawam and Snyder, also are thus far promising as to hardiness. ' CURRANTS. This season currants of all kinds were more or less adversely affected by protracted «pring frosts and dry weather, but notwithstanding this a very fair crop was harvested, and much valuable data was gathered respecting the frost and drought resisting capa- bilities of the many varieties undergoing test. With the varieties of black currants previously reported on the Climax one of the new seedlings from the Central Farm and the Prince of Wales gave the best results. The Lee's Prolific and Black Champion (the standard varieties hitherto) are hard to REPORT OF MR. S. A. BEDFORD. 3S9 beat for a favourable season, but they have not the frost and drought resisting powers of some of the newer kinds, especially the two above mentioned. With the Red Currants, Red Grape gave the best results ; this variety and the Raby Castle can be confidently recommended. They are vigorous growers and produce large crops of fine flavoured fruit. With the White Currants the White Grape has not yet been superseded. The following varieties fruited here for the first time this season : — Variety. Ethel . . . . Charmer . Perry Monarch . Standard . Climax. . . Eagle Ontario . . Beauty, . . Clipper. . Winona .. Sterling .. Parker . . . Flavour. Good Acid . Poor . . . Very good Good . Excellent . Woody . . Sweet . . . . Excellent . Sour Very good Sweet . . . Acid Colour. Black Size. Large Small.. .. n Large Medium.. Large .... SmaU ir ... Very large Medium .. Large .... Small. .. Medium . . Earliness. Late . ... Early Medium . . Late , Early Very early Late . Medium . . , Late Early Late Early Productive- ness. Good ..... Poor . ... Good! !!! II Very good Poor . ... Fair Good Fair Good Fair Poor Growth. Vigorous. Not thrifty. Fairly healthy. Vigorous. Very vigorous. Very healthy. Fairly n Healthy. Vigorous. II Very healthy. Fairly n Vigorous. GOOSEBERRIES. Six each of ten new varieties of gooseberries were received this spring. They arrived in good condition and most of them have made fine healthy growth. They will be reported on more fully when they have fruited here. The five Manitoba sand hill gooseberries mentioned on page 355 of last year's report, have been increased largely by cuttings. Specimens will be planted in pema- nent positions next season, we hope this may prove a valuable addition to the list of Manitoba fruits. NOTES ON THE ARBORETUM. This plantation of trees and shrubs improves in appearence every year and each season some objects of beauty are added. The whole of the Arboretum was sown with grass seed in the fall of 1896, and has this year formed a fairly good sod ; this adds greatly to the beauty of the appearance of the plantation. Circles sufiiciently large to allow of root developement have been cut in the grass around each specimen, and the surface soil is kept cultivated and free from weeds so as to give favourable conditions for further growth and developement. There is now in this plantation a succession of bloom during the growing season which makes this part of the farm most interesting and attractive. Following are notes taken of some of the ornamental shrubs in this block in con- tinuation of the list given on page 363 of last year's report. Buffalo Berry (Sheperdia argentea). — A native shrub, useful as well as ornamental. The flowers are inconspicuous and the shrubs disecious, that is, the male flowers are produced on one specimen and the female flowers on another. The pistillate trees bear a 8a— 22^ 340 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. red acid fruit, useful for jellies. Shrubs nine years old are now ten feet high and five feet in spread of branches ; flowers early in May. Albert Honeysuckle (Lonicera Alberti). — This beautiful floriferous shrub is worthy of all praise, but is not well enough known. Its pendulous branches, with its striped-leaved foliage and clusters of showy violet flowers of pleasing perfume, raake it unique and very desirable. Height, 2 feet 6 inches ; in full bloom on 4th June ; readily propagated by layers or cuttings. Common Barberry (Berberis vulgaris). — This is not thoroughly hardy, but is apparently becoming more so each year. Seed was gathered from, it in 1896 arud sown last spring, and many vigorous young seedlings are the result. It is expected that this second generation will withstand our winters. In bloom 7th June ; pretty wax-like yellow flowers, succeeded by bright red berries in drooping clusters. They are acid and are Said to be useful for jelly. One bush, nine years planted, is now five feet high ; may be increased either by cuttings or seed. Russian Southernwood (Artemisia ahrotanum Tobohkianum) is an importation from Siberia. Its maximum height is about seven feet, and serves a very useful purpase where a rapid growing wind-break and snow collector is wanted on the open and often bleak prairies as a shelter for more valuable and less hardy trees. Cuttings seldom fail to strike. Too much stress cannot be placed on the necessity of clipping at least twice in the growing season ; for, if allowed to ripen, their seed (which are produced on a terminal spike) they will scatter and grow and may become a nuisance. This shrub is recommended for hedges on high bleak plains. Old Man (Artemisia abrotanum.) is an English form of the above ; has a much sweeter scent; it only attains the height of 1^ to 2 feet; useful for a lawn or flower garden. Purple Cytisus {Cytisus purpurea). — A delicate free blooming little shrub, which, with slight winter protection, has proved hardy. In bloom 5th June ; produces pretty pea-shaped purple flowers ; grows readily from seed. Native Honeysuckle {Lonicera glauca var. Sulivanti) is in flower on 25th June ; a pretty, trumpet flowered, woody twiner, with rich, red, sweet-scented blossoms ; they are found native in the shady ravines and bluffs of the country ; should be grown in shade of a wall. Virginian Creeper [Am,pdopsis qtiinquefolia). — This is indigenous to Manitoba, and is an ornamental climber of much merit, which thrives well and is perfectly hardy. This, when well rooted, soon covers a house with its rich foliage; is propagated quickly by cuttings. The flowers are inconspicuous. White Virgin's Bower {Clematis fiammula). — Another pretty climber, which is very showy when in bloom, and is a desirable acquisition for the verandah or trellis. In full bloom in August. The roots of this clematis are hardy, but the stem dies back each year to the ground. It makes a rapid growth during the summer. NEW P0KE8T TREES AND ORNAMENTAL SHRUBS. The consignment of trees received from the Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa, in 1896, have now been tested for one winter and two summers. Many of them have proven hardy and will increase the collection of hardy varieties materially. The more tender ones wiU be useful as specimens, the roots in many cases being perennial and the shoots making each season a good growth. The Elders and Clematis coming under this category, after they have had the test of another winter, fuller particulars will be given regarding their hardiness and useful ness for this climate. / REPORT OF MR. S. A. BEDFORD. 341 FOREST TREE SHELTER BELT. Nofcwithstanding the dry season the forest tree shelter belt has made good progress, the trees having made a small but healthy growth. This belt has now become very dense, and with the accumulation of the leaves of several years' growth, to act as a natural mulch, the evaporation is reduced to a minimum. Work in keeping down weeds by cultivation has been unnecessary in this block for the last two years, and it is now kept up without expense, except for occasional thinning. In continuation of last year's report, descriptions are given of some of the most useful trees in this belt with average heights and spread of branches in the following notes : Green Ash (Fraxinus viridis). — This is a native tree and grows readily from seed. It is not, however, a popular tree on account of the lateness of leafing in the spring and its slow growth. Measurement of an average 9-year old tree was 2| inches in diameter, 1 foot from the ground, and 10 feet high, the wood is valuable both for fuel and manufacturing purposes. Balm of Gilead (Populus balsamifera). — This native tree is deserving of praise, it is a rapid grower attaining a large size and although the wood is not specially useful for lumber it makes fair firewood and is a desirable shade tree. An average tree (9 years old) measures 16 feet high, 12 feet spread of branches with a trunk 4 inches in diameter, 1 foot from the ground. Native Aspen (Populus tremuloides). — This tree is found common in all parts of this province. The prairie fires are its greatest enemy ; in tracts of country protected from fire for a few years, little blufis grow up in profusion. It is the wood used almost exclusively for fuel in Manitoba and is excellent for that purpose, it is not specially desii'able as a shade tree. The measurements of a 9-year old tree are as follows : — 16 feet high with 5 feet spread of branches and a trunk 4 inches in diameter at the base. This poplar can be propagated from cuttings. Mossy-cup Oak (Quercus macrocarpa). — This is the native scrub oak. The maxi- mum height of this tree is about 40 feet. Its knarled trunk and brittle wood reduces its value ,for manufacturing purposes, but it is much valued as fuel. It is a very slow grower, average specimens grown from seed were measured at 8 years old and were 3 feet high with a trunk 1|^ inches in diameter. Propagation is not diificult from the acorn. White Willoio (Balix Alba). — This was sent from the Central Farm in 1890. It has done remarkably well here, grows naturally in tree form to a large size. Its capa- bility to withstand a bleak exposure makes it highly desirable for general culture. Height 20 feet, spread of branches 13 feet, diameter of trunk 6 inches, tree measured was 8 years old. American Larch (Larix Americana). — This is indigenous to the province and is much sought after for fuel. It seems to thi»ive equally well on the upland prairie as in the lower valley lands, although it is usually found in the swamps in the vicinity of the sandhills, where young seedlings can be procured in abundance. A specimen planted 8 years ago now measures 10 feet high, 4 feet in spread of branches, with a trunk 4 inches in diameter 1 foot from the ground. HEDGES. The use and beauty of a well trimmed hedge is becoming more and more acknow- ledged each season, also the value of untrimmed or partially trimmed hedge inclosures for shelter, and many inquiries are made as to the varieties of trees and shrubs best adapted for these purposes. 342 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. As we now have growing on the farm many sample hedges of 50 feet each or more in length and several miles of hedge inclosures of various kinds planted in different ways we are able to give from experience some information on this question. Test hedges to afford shelter for large inclosures were planted in 1890 at different distances apart in double and single rows to gain information as to the best method. So far our experience leads us to prefer the single rows, planted 18 inches apart. Two year old trees should be used, those if kept clipped back for a year or two to encourage a good bottom growth make a very dense and attractive hedge. The white spruce, cottonwood, ash-leaved maple, bereolensis poplar and sharp- leaved willow hedges planted in 1890 have made very fine growth and are much admired by the visiting public. Appended is a list of hedges with date of planting and other particulars. Name of Variety. Green Ash (Fraxinus viridis) Hawthorn (Cratsegus coccinea var Sullivanti). White Spruce (Picea alba) Yellow ^'lowering Currant (Ribes aureum) . . Ash-leaved Maple (Acer negundo) Spirsea Opulifolia II II aurea Native Aspen (Populus tremuloides) Choke Cherry ( Prunus pennsly vanica) Hazel Nut (Cory] us Americana).. Saskatoon ( Amelanchier ainifolia) Native Rose (Rosa Blanda) Native Meadow Sweet (SpirEea salicifolia) . . Snowberry (Symphoricarpus racemosus) , . Bush Honeysuckle (Lonicera tatarica) Cotoneaster vulgaris Siberian Pea Tree (Caragana arborescens) . Red-leaved Rose (Rosa rubrifolia) Yellow Willow (Salix aurea) Wild Plum (Prunus Americana) French Laurel Willow (Salix) European h (Salix laurifolia) ... . Cottonwood (Populus monilifera) Siberian Southernwood (Artemisia abrotanum var Tobolskianum) Rosemary-leaved Willow (Salix rosmarinifolia) Salix Britzensis , . Caragana Mollis glabra Breaking buckthorn (Rhamnus frangula) Asiatic Slaple (Acer ginnala) American White Elm (Ulmus Americanus). Wolf Willow (Eleagnus argentea) Red Osier Dogwood (Cornus stolonifera) . Common Lilac (Syringa vulgaris) Old Man (Artemisia abrotanum) Populus Bereolensis. 1890 1897 1893 1897 1890 1894 1894 1894 1894 1894 1894 1894 1894 1894 1897 1897 1893 1897 1894 1897 1897 1897 1890 1895 1897 1896 1895 1897 1893 1891 1894 1894 1894 1893 1890 Remarks. A slow growing hedge ; coming into leaf late in season. Very slow growing. One of the best hedge trees for this province. Ornamental ; not dense. A splendid wind-break ; loses its leaves early in the fall ; readily grown. Ornamental ; a good collector of snow, II II n Fair wind-break; difficult to transplant. Ornamental ; a good shelter hedge. Not a good hedge, too open. So far not promising. A pretty low dense hedge for ornamental purposes. A lieautiful little two-foot hedge useful for flower garden. A low ornamental hedge ; suckers badly. A good wmd-break and ornamental. Hardy and ornamental. A most useful and ornamental wind-break. A quick grower ; suitable for lawn. Ornamental in winter ; a fine snow collector and wind-break. A promising hedge. Liable to sun-scald. Much admired ; a useful wind-break. An attractive, fast-growing hedge. The quickest growing hedge ; if kept clipped is almost evergreen. Not sufficiently tested. Makes a fair wind-break. A low hedge ; useful for lawn. Ornamental. A low hedge ; very pretty in fall, turning to a deep crimson. A good wind-break ; dense hedge. A low hedgf, with pretty silvery foliage ; suckers badly. A native ; makes a useful and ornamental hedge. A good hedge plant for ornament or shelter. A low, sweet-scented, ornamental hedge easily propagated. A very fine hedge ; suitable for high ground ; retains its leaves late in the season. REPORT OF MR. S. A. BEDFORD. 343 SPRAYING FOR INSECT PESTS. We have had an unusual visitation during the past season from insects of the Aphis family, this may probably be attributed to the climatic conditions of the season, different forms of these plant lice have attacked the Maples, Willows, Currants and other shrubs and trees. The pest was kept in subjection by the use of refuse tobacco soaked in water and the liquid applied with a spray pump ; 6 pounds of tobacco was steeped for 6 hours in boiling water, then diluted with 25 gallons of water ; each large maple tree required 1;^ gallon of the liquid at each spraying, from one to two sprayings each season was found sufficient. NOTES ON TREE SEEDS. Last fall many tree seeds such as plums, crab-apples and cherries were saved and were placed in boxes with alternate layers of sand. These were placed in a position where they were exposed to the action of frost and were found to be in excellent condi- tion for planting in the spring, most of the hard shell pits having burst. These were sown as soon as the ground was in condition and some thousands of flourishing young seedlings are the result. The advantage of sowins: tree seeds on summer-fallow was well demonstrated this season. Two plots of Caragana seed being sown on 25th April. Plot one was summer- fallow, Plot 2 was spring ploughing, harrowed and rolled the same day as it was ploughed. On the 18th May the seeds in Plot No. 1 had germinated and were well out of their seed leaf stage ; on the other hand not one plant could be found in Plot No. 2 ; in fact they did not germinate until after heavy showers in the late summer. After the grow- ing season trees on both plots were counted and measured, there were 25 per cent more plants on the summer-fallow and they were one foot higher and more vigorous. FOREST TREE DISTRIBUTON, Number of packages, trees distributed 906 " reports received 81 '• received in good condition 74 " " in fair condition 2 " " in poor condition 5 •' had good success 71 " had fair success 10 " failures 0 MAPLE SEED DISTRIBUTION. Number of packages sent 385 " reports received 99 " very successful 58 " fairly successful 30 " failures 11 S44 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. EXTRACTS PROM A FEW OF THE REPORTS ON FOREST TREE DISTRIBUTION, 1896. Henry Smith, Chumah. — All made good growth, willows especially. John M. Scott, Winnipeg. — All received from you made good growth. D. D. Buchanan, Winnipeg. — Have distributed cuttings from plants sent me in 1895. Jiev. G. C. Hill, Boissevain. — All shrubs have grown splendidly. A. Lawrence, Miami. — Received in first-class condition and have made good growth. A. Latighlin, Carttvright. — Received in good condition. Had been put up with much greater care than some received from nurseries. Wm,. Allison, Burnhank. — Received in good condition, all I got are alive. H. B. Ferris, Fort Rouge. — Willows have made remarkable growth. Others nearly as good. J. W. Irwin, Emerson. — Received in good condition, all plants lived. Charles Cannon, Belmont. — Received in excellent condition. All growing but 3. E. FitTnan, Shruhland. — AJl did well, especially elm. Wm. Hood, Sidney. — Received in good condition. All growing. D. W. McDiarmid, Winnipeg. — I think there is no question, that the shrubs und trees coming from you, have given the best general satisfaction. THE VEGETABLE GARDEN. The past season was in many respects unfavourable for the successful production of vegetables. The spring opened propitiously, the garden being ready for the seed-drill about the middle of April, and we anticipated a long growing season. As soon as the seedlings were above ground, however, we experienced high winds, which, carrying the soil with them seriously cut the young plants, and left them an easy prey to the severe frosts in May and early June. Several varieties had to be re-sown, including carrots, beans, turnips and radishes, which threw those vegetables back considerably. We were partially compensated by the open fall, which allowed many varieties to attain maturity, which otherwise would not have done so, and the late crops, such as cabbage, cauliflower, beets, turnips, ifec, were fully up to their usual standard of excellence. Following will be found a summary of the work done in this department, the main portion of which was devoted to testing as fully as possible the following ; pease, beans and squash. PEASE. Sixty varieties of this vegetable were sown, and all germinated with two excep- tions, viz., "Anticipation" and " Laxton's Prolific Long Pod." During the early part of the season they suffered severely from drought, high winds and frost, being repeat- edly cut back by the latter, and it appeared for a time that re-sowing would become imperative. On the approach of better weather, however, they rallied, and beyond being later than usual, in maturing, gave no cause for complaint, the yield and flavour being fully up to the average. All varieties ripened their seed, and enough of each was saved for samples, which will make an interesting addition tooursaniple-room. Follow- ing will be found arranged in tabular form the result of this test, together with a few notes on the more meritorious varieties. Sown with drill in rows 3 feet apart on 29th April. REPORT OF MR. S. A. BEDFORD, 345 PEASE. Name of Variety. Philadelphia French Canner American Wonder ,Blue Peter Ferry's First and Best McLean's Little Gem Long Island Mammoth Hair's Dwarf Mammoth . . . Blue Beauty Horsford's Market Garden. Bm-pee's Profusion . John Bull. Station Scorcher Maud S Exonion RuRtl New Yorker Improved Alpha Tom Thumb Lightning Alaska Admiral Chelsea Carter's First Crop Extra Early Tom Thumb... Kentish Invicta Wm. Hurst Premium Gem Heroine Rennie's New Queen Improved Forty -Fold. . . . . . Stanley Abundance Nott's Excelsior Pride of the Market Dr. McLean Daisy Bliss' Everbearing McLean's Advancer Juno Improved Stratagem Telephone Improved Fillbasket Large White Marrowfat . . . Paragon Black Eyed Marrowfat . . . . Duke of Albany Laxton's Supreme ... . Telegraph Sander's Marrow Champion of England Duke of York Shropshire Hero New Victory Melting Sugar Tall Scimitar Crossbred, N. Q. 5 Crossbred N. A. 5 Ready. July 8., .. 16. .. 17. M 18. .. 5. H 17. .1 14. „ 30. .. 8., .. 20. .. 24. Aug. 1.. July 14., „ 1. ,. 5., .. 12. .. 7. M 16. M 12. M 8., „ 10., „ 18., » 8., .. 12. M 10. , M 14. n 14. M 10. „ 20. „ 24. M 20. n 22. „ 20. „ 12. .. 20. .. 24. M 23., H 22., .1 20.. I. 26.. I. 21.. M 19., ., ?1., ,- 20.- >. 24., .. 22., ., 18.. .. 21.. .. 23 . M 24.. .t 22.. .. 22.. ,. 26.. .. 26.. i> 14.. .. 16.. u 20.. >, 8.. Ratio of Product- iveness. 7 8 8 12 7 7 8 11 9 10 15 12 16 6 3 10 8 7 12 6 5 5 10 10 5 7 9 8 10 12 15 10 10 8 8 9 9 11 12 10 9 10 10 13 8 15 10 10 10 12 13 8 10 12 12 12 10 10 No. of Pease in Pod. 6-6 8—9 6—6 4—6 5—6 6—7 7-8 7-8 6-7 9-10 6-7 8—9 6—7 4-5 4-5 5—6 5—6 4—5 6-7 4—5 4—5 7-« 5—6 6-6 6-7 6-7 6-6 5-6 9—10 8—9 7—8 8—9 6-7 5-6 8—9 8—9 8—9 6-6 6—7 7-8 7—8 6-7 8—9 6-7 6-7 7—8 7—8 7-8 7-8 8-9 7—8 9-10 7-8 7-8 7—8 7-8 6-7 6-7 Length of Pod. Inches. Length of Vine. Inches. Character of Pea. 24 Smooth. 30 (1 9 Wrinkled. 12 ti 28 Smooth. 14 Wrinkled. 48 II 24 II 18 Smooth. 24 Wrinkled. 24 II 24 M 14 « 18 Smooth. 16 It 24 Wrinkled. 22 Smooth. 14 Wrinkled. 17 Round. 28 Smooth. 14 II 36 Wrinkled. 12 II 15 Smooth. 8 Round. 30 Smooth. 10 Wrinkled. 12 II 26 II 30 II 48 II 24 11 18 II 9 11 18 Smooth. 24 Wrinkled, 18 11 24 II 24 n 24 II 18 11 36 II 26 Smooth. 48 n 24 Wrinkled. 48 Smooth. 36 Wrinkled. 36 Smooth. 36 Wrinkled. 18 H 48 ir 36 II 16 It 36 ti 36 Smooth. 36 11 12 Wrinkled. 12 M The following varieties are worthy of special mention : — Chelsea. — Extra long pods, well filled with pease of fine flavour, and very productive for an early variety. Certainly an improvement on American Wonder, being earlier, more productive and of just as good flavour as that variety. 346 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. Wvi. Hurst. — An early variety, of excellent flavour and very productive. This should rank as a first-class early pea. French Canner. — A very productive variety, and, as its name implies, is a typical canner. The pods are long and gracefully formed and well filled. A fine sort for the market gardener. Improved Forty-Fold. — One of the best main crop pease tested. Very productive and of excellent flavour. Sander's Marrow. — The finest flavoured pea grown this season. Individual pease exceptionally large and sweet. A high class variety. ' BEANS. Forty-seven varieties of beans were sown on 20th May, and all germinated well. On the morning of June 4th the thermometer registered several degrees of frost, and in consequence this sowing was completely eradicated. A second sowing was made on 7th June, and, as in some instances all the seed had been sown on the first occasion, the list of available varieties was reduced to 43. Notwithstanding this drawback, all varieties did fairly well, and many of them ripened their seed. Below is given, in tabular form, the result of this test, coupled with some short notes on those kinds deemed worthy of special mention. Sown with Planet Junr. hand drill in rows 30 inches apart, and afterwards thinned to 6 inches apart in the row. BEANS. Name of Variety. Yellow fi weeks Detroit Wax Boston Favorite Refugee, or 10(10 to 1 New Stringless Green Pod Cylinder Ivory Pod Wilson's Golden Eye Dwarf Triumph Marvel of Paris Ne Plus Ultra Defiance Pink Eyed Wax Speckled Wax Blue Podded Butter Dwarf Lyonaise Early Giant Wax Davis' Wax Scarlet Flageolet Wn\ . . . . Golden Eyed Wax Improved Navy Best of All California Pea Early China White Field Canadian Wonder . . . Early Golden Wax Mohawk Saddleback Wax. Black Eyed Wax Dwarf Horticultural Giant Yosemite Wax Mexican Prolific Tree . . . . Ready. Aug. 18. 11. 22. 30. 7, ,. 20, ,. 12, .. 17. 9, ,. 10. ., 12. .. 20. „ 20. „ 23. u 17. ,. 20. 1. 13. ,, 14. .. 20 .. 15. M 25. .. 10. .. 15. .. 10. ,. 11. 9. .. 12. „ 12. 11 10. -I 12. Did not ■ 0-1 Productiveness. Fairly productive If II Very n Fairly n Very n M II Fairly h Very n Fairly ,i Very « Not Fairly n II II . Very n Fairly Very Fairly Very Fairly ti Very Fairly Very Fairly It Very produce fruit. •73 O bo C In. 5^ 4i 6 6 5i 5 3i 4i 5 6 5 4i 5 5 6 6i 4i Ih 4! 5 5i 4 5i 4| 7 4i 5| 5 4V Colour. Light green. . . Dark yellow. . Dark green Light green. . . II . . Dark yellow. . Green II M II II Light yellow . . Dark u Blue Dark green.. . . Dark yellow. . Green Dark yellow. . Light II Green ti II II ........ It Dark yellow. . It . . Green Light yellow . . II . . Dark green. . . . Light yellow. . Flavour. Fair. Good. Very good. Fair. Good. It Poor. Good. It Very good. Good. Fair. Good. Very good Fair. Very good. Good. Fair. Good. Poor. Good. Fair. Very good. Fair. Very good. REPORT OF MR. S. A. BEDFORD. 347 BEANS — Continued. Name of Variety. Nettle Leaved Bagnolet . . White Valentine Challenge, Black Wax . . . Round Podded. Currie's Rust Proof White Kidney Large White Marrowfat. Keeney's Rustless Golden Burpee's Bush Lima Soya Bean Early, White-seeded Wax Ready. Aug. 10.. „ 15.. ., 10. . M 12.. M 20.. a Productiveness. Very productive Fairly n Very h Did not produce fruit. Aug. 12. .1 4 I Very Did not produce fruit. Aug. 20.. I 4 I Fairly O bo c IB In. 6 5 4 4 5 4i Colour. Green Light green. . Light yellow. Light green. . Dark yellow. Light yellow. Flavour. Verj- good. Fair. Good. Fair. Good. Good. Fair. The following varieties are worthy of special meution : — Boston Favourite. — A green bean, with long pod, and very productive. JVe Plus Ultra. — An extra early variety, having green, flat, fleshy pods, and exceedingly productive. Blue Podded Butter. — Rather an oddity in beans. The pods, which are produced abundantly, are of a blush black colour. Flavour good. Early Giant Wax. — A yellow bean, producing long pods, and very productive. A good variety for general purposes. Scarlet Flageolet Wax. — A wax bean of large size, and very productive. Canadian Wonder. — This was undoubtedly the best variety tested this season. Its [ong, yellow pods, of good flavour, are borne in profusion. An attractive market sort. Mohawk. — A green podded bean, pods long, flat and straight. Veiy productive. Giant Yosemite Wax. — Very large, yellow pods, abundantly produced, of excellent flavour. Nettle Leaved, Bagnolet. — Straight long green pods. Very productive. SQUASH AND PUMPKINS. Fifty varieties of the above were sown on 21st May and germinated well, with four exceptions, viz. : Mediterranean and Mammoth Whale Squash, and Tenessee Sweet Potato and White Cushaw Pumpkins. The protracted spring frosts, cut the young plants badly, but as the seed was sown thickly, all varieties that had germinating power were found to be represented on the approach of settled weather. Owing to the dry season and our inability to irrigate, no heavy weights were recorded, but taking the above drawbacks into consideration, the growth and yield was remarkable, the many curious forms of this variable order proving a source of interest to visitors. The correctness of our previous views, with reference to the special adaptability of the bush forms of squash for this province, was again amply demonstrated, the compact form, and early setting propensities of these varieties making them very desirable. The seeds were sown out- side in hills 8 feet apart each way, and the block was surrounded by a double row of corn to act as a windbreak. This precaution proved to be a good one, for it entirely prevented the usual damage occasioned to this class of plants, by the high winds exper- 348 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. ienced here. Following arranged in tabular form are the results of this test, together with a few notes on varieties specially suited for this climate. Name of Variety. Delicata Orange Marrow Eureka Red China Large Yellow Chili. Pineapple Straight Neck New Egg. Valparaiso Bay State . ...... Der Wing •Mammoth Whale. •Mediterranean. . . . Green Mountain . . . tFordhook fMarble-Head fCocoanut Italian Striped. . . . fLeonard's Golden Heart. . . Sibley or Pike's Peak French Olive-ehaped English Vegetable Marrow. Rennie's Green Mammoth. . Golden Bush Scalloped Early White Bush Scalloped , Golden Custard Cocozelle Bush Long White Bush Marrow Turban or Turk's Cap Hubbard fPerfect Gem , tFaxon Early Crookneck , White Pineapple. White Chestnut Warted Marrow tEtampo(P) tCalhoun(P) Sweet or Sugar (P) Ready for Use. Sept. Aug. Sept. tl It Aug. II Sept. Aug. 10 20 15 1 10 20 14 12 10 17 25 Sept. Aug. Sept. Aug. Sept. 10 20 20 25 14 14 15 12 8 10 18 be ^ Lbs 15 8 10 5 20 8 6 10 10 6 4 15 12 6 7 60 6 6 6 8 10 12 10 Colour of Flesh. Light yellow. . . Orange n ... Greenish n . . . Bright II . . . Orange n . . . White Light yellow. .. Whitish yellow. Greenish h . Dark " . Greenish n . Greenish yellow . Cream yellow. Greenish yellow. Yellow Greenish white. . Green and white marbled ...... Light yellow.. . Whitish Yellowish white. White Yellow Greenish yellow. Outside Colour. Green and yellow Orange. Light yellow . . Orange Light yellow. . White Orange yellow Deep II Light II Mottled green White Dark green. Green and yellow striped Slate colour Deep yellow Light cream Greenish yellow . Deep orange White Deep yellow Green and yellow striped Creamy white. . . Deep orange II green Shape. Oblong Round, pointed at end . . Oblong Round, flattish. . Pumpkin-shaped Scalloped . Warted Long Field pumpkin type Turban-shaped. . Warted Elongated . . . . Oblong. Oblong. Round. . Oblong. Scalloped . Long. Turban. Oval.... Form. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. B. R. R. R. R. B. R. R. R. R. B. B. B. B. B. R. R. Aug. Sept. Aug. 20 14 1 14 Yellow Greenish yellow . Whitish Greenish white. . Deep orange . White Very white. . White Crooked . . Scalloped. Oval Warted. . . Sept. 1 Japanese Pie (P). Jumbo (P) Mammoth Prize (P). . Mammoth Tours (P). Nantucket or Negro (P) Winter Lt-.xury (P) Large Field (P) *WhiteCushaw(P) *Tenne8see Sweet Potato (P). Golden Oblong (P) 100 Weight (P) Aug. II Sept. II Aug. 10 15 20 23 5 15 25 Sept. 10 « 15 39 14 15 10 18 25 Yellow. Deep yellow. Greenish yellow . Light It . , Greenish Light Deep II green . . II yellow . Gray. Dark Netted Deep orange. Field pumpkin type Twisted ?'ield pumpkin type Flattish Field pumpkin type 17 15 Light yellow . Yellow Yellow Deep yellow . Oblong Field pumpkin type B. B. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. R. * Did not germinate. N.B.— P=Pumpkin. t Did not produce fruit. R. running form B. bush form. REPORT OF MR. S. A. BEDFORD. 349 The following is a list of varieties that appear to be specially adapted to this province : — Long White Bush Marrow. — This variety as usual heads the list. It is of bush form, producing in profusion its long, white and well-flavoured fruit at an early date. Always succeeds here. Italian Striped Marrow. — A bush variety ; fruit long, green, striped with yellow ; of fine flavour and very early. Gocozelle Bush. — Very similar to above. New Egg Plant. — A very prolific bush form ; fruit oblong and of fair flavour ; early. Extra Early Orange Marrow. — A running variety that should do well here. The fruit is very attractive, and fine for pies. English Vegetable Marroiv. — A running form which is highly prized in England. As a vegetable its flavour is delicious ; fairly early. Pumpkin, Sweet or Stigar. — A typical pie variety, of medium size and earliness. Winter Luxury. — Apparently a good keeper ; of good size and quality. When ripe the fruit is beautifully netted, making it very attractive. List of Varieties specially suitable for Pies. Orange Marrow Red China Yellow Chm Bay State 'Green Mountain ...... Olive shaped Turban or Turk's Cap Hubbard Etampes Sweet or sugar Japanesse Pie Jumbo Mammoth Prize Negro . Winter Luxury .S .S .S .S .S ,s .s s p p p p p p p Vegetables. Pine Apple & New Egg. S Italian Striped S English Veg., Marrow S Cocozelle Bush S Long white Bush Marrow . S Early Bush Scalloped S N.B.— S. Squath. P. Pumpkin. CUCUMBERS. Four varieties of the above were sown outside in hills, on 21st May and three varieties in hotbeds (for inside culture) on 15th April. Although the former were badly cut by the frosts previously mentioned in my report, they eventually recovered and produced a fine crop of fruit. Following are the results : 350 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. OUTSIDE SOWING. Variety. White Spine . Cool and Crisp. White Wonder. Gherkins Ready. Aug. 13. ti 20. ti 10. Sept. 1. Colour. Light green. . . Dark green . . . Creamy white. Light green. . . Shape. Short, spiny. Oval, spiny. Flavour. Weight. Good 9 oz.. M 8 „ .. M 10 „ . If Small. . . Productive- ness. Fairly produc- tive. 11 II . . Very » . . Poor Length. 8. inches . . 8 M .... 8 M .... For pickling INSIDE SOWING. White Spine. . . White Wonder. Telegraph July 3. H 15. ft 7. Light green. . . Creamy white . Dark green . . . Short, spiny. II II Long smooth Good II Very good 5 oz. 4 I, . 24 „ . Fair. Poor. Very. 5 inches . 4i II ... 18 .. ... The " White Wonder," as a forcing variety, was a failure, while outside, it was the most productive variety, although not generally grown here, it has much to recom- mend it to market gardeners, viz. : — Earliness, productiveness and excellent flavour, and colour for pickling, it no doubt will soon work its way into public favour. "Telegraph" again demonstrated its superiority as a forcing variety. The " Gherkins " were late, GARDEN LEMON OR VEGETABLE PEACH. This was sown 21st May in hills outside, and ripened 10th September. It comes highly recommended from the seedsmen, but did not fulfil expectations. The fruit, when ripe, is of the size of a lemon, and similarly coloured, with a centre resembling a miniature musk-melon. Flavour of the flesh (which consists of a very narrow strip), sub-acid and disagreeably perfumed. It is credited with making a fine preserve, but we found it far inferior to the citron in this respect. TOBACCO. A sample of tobacco seed was received from the Department of the Interior for testing purposes. Sown in hotbed on 8th April, and transplanted into boxes on 23rd April, and planted outside on 16th June. Following is the result : Variety. Harvested. Height of Plant. Length of Leaf. Width of Leaf. Havana August 17th . . . 3 feet 22 inches 10 inches. Fearful of frost, which in previous tests have spoilt the leaf, this was harvested before it was properly ripened, although had it been allowed to stand, it would probably have ripened this season on account of the peculiarly open fall. The product was dried as carefully as possible, and a sample has been forwarded to an expert for examination, but has not yet been reported on. The average season does not appear to be long enough for the varieties that have been tested up to the present, to mature. The leaf grown this year would answer for tree spraying purposes, and it might be advisable to grow a small quantity each year, with that end in view. REPORT OF MR. S. A. BEDFORD. 351 MISCELLANEOUS VEGETABLES. Representative varieties of the following vegetables were grown : onions, salsify, lettuce, broad beans, tomatoes, corn, carrots, savory herbs, radishes, celery, cabbage, cauliflower, turnips and beets, but (with the exception of the four latter) did not attain their usual standard. Asparagus of which we have four varieties represented here, was above the average, the cool spring greatly prolonging the production of edible shoots. It is worthy of remark, that in tomatoes, Early Ruby and Earliest of All, again proved themselves specially desirable varieties for Manitoba, the wisdom of severely pruning this vegetable, being also again apparent. THE FLOWER GARDEN. It was deemed advisable last season to change the site olFthe flower garden from the hill-side, to a more level situation in front of the superintendent's house, which has proved to be an advantage, as this location is entirely free from the annual spring wash, which was usually troublesome, in connection with the former site. Twenty varieties of annuals, and about sixty varieties of perennials were planted, and, during the sum- mer, made a very creditable showing. It is pleasing to note the increased interest shown in this branch of work every year, many inquiries being made, especially with regard to the perennial flowers. The following tabulated list gives particulars showing period of flowering, hardiness, etc., of the different varieties tested : — ANNUALS. Variety. Salpiglossis variabilis. . . Gaillardia Lorenziana . . Phlox Drummondii Petunias, double n single Verbenas, mixed Asters, mixed types . . . . Antirrhinum, dwarf . . . Nicotiana afBnis Stocks, mixed types . . . Zinnia elegans Marigolds, mixed Sweet pease, mixed Nasturtiums, dwarf , . . . Candytuft, mixed Larkspur, mixed Poppy, paeony flowered II the Shirley Pyrethrum aureum Lobelia compacta How Sown. Boxes in hotbed Outside Boxes in hotbed Date Sown. April 6.. If 6.. ti 6.. If 6.. 11 6.. M 6.. M 6.. tl 6.. It 8.. (1 6.. II 6.. Self sown. April 30.. May 15.. II 15.. II 15.. II 15.. II 15.. April 6.. II 6.. Date Transplanted. April 19-25.... 19-25.... 19-25.... 19-25.... 19-25.... 19-25.... 19-25.... 19-25.... 19-25.... 19-25.... 19-25... Not transplanted April 19-25. 19-25. Planted Out. June 9-15. 9-15. 9-15. 9-15. 9-15. 9-15. 9-15. 9-15. 9-15. 9-15. 9 15. June 9-15. II 9-15. Flowering Period. June 20 to frost. .July 3 „ 20 II 15 II 12 II 20 II 25 I, 10 II 1 11 1 June 20 July 1 11 1 June 20 u 25 Aug. 1 June 25 fo Aug. 5. Tl 23 It Foliage plant. June 20 to frost. Asters, usually so good here, were not a success this season. Nearly all the flowers were blighted and only partially expanded. The trouble was general in this district. Stocks contained an exceptionally large amount of single flowers this year. 352 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. PERENNIALS. Variety. Eryngium macrocarpa Sedum medenezii Hemerocallis fulva II flava Aconitum Kusnialowi . . II Napellus Coreopsis lanceolata Lychnis Clialcedonica Salvia (variety ?) II lavandulifolia Delphinium grandiflorum. II Dwarf Campanula Grasseckii Papaver orientale II nudicaule. Phlox (Perennial) Paeony Double Dictamnus fraxinella . . . . Anthemis coronaria Veronica salurgoides Gaillardia aristata Linum perenne Aquilegias (in variety) Platycodon grandiflorum album . Dielytra spectabilis Lilium tigrinum Convallaria majalis Grass Pinks Iris Germanica (in variety). II sibirica n „ " alba II biglumis. ......... . Thalictrum aquilegi folium . Scilla sibirica Tulips (in variety) ... Dahlias n Gladiolus m When Planted. 1894 1894 1894 1894 1894 1894 1894 1893 1894.. 1894 1894 1.S94 1894 1894 1894 1894 1893 1894 1894 1894 1894 1893 1893 1893.. . . 1893 1893 1893 1894 1894 1893 1895 1894 1894 1894.. 1893 1893 to 1897. 1894 1893 to 1897. Flowering Period. July July 10 1 15 20 25 Did not June 7 27 15 20 10 19 25 June 10 May 20 Aug. 10 June 28 Did not July 5 20 June 28 5 ." 1 Did not July 20 June 15 Aug. 10 Did not June 23 II 18 ,1 13 Did not June 24 Did not May 1 II 9 Aug. 5 I. 14 to Aug. to July to Aug. to II to frost . . . flovi^er to Aug. 20 to II 7 to July 10 to II 10 to Aug. 20 to 11 20 to M 15 to June 30 to frost . . . to July 12 flower .... to frost. . . to Aug. 20 to " 1 to July 10 to II 25 flower .... to Aug. 10 to July 10 to frost. . . flower to Aug. 1 to July 5 to June 30 flower .... to July 6 flower. . . . to June 1 to I, 30 to frost. . . Hardiness. Very hardy. Questionable. Very hardy. Fairly hardy. Very hardy. Unhealthy. Very hardy. Lifted in falL The following varieties, have only survived one winter, and although very pro- mising, their hardiness cannot as yet be positively stated : — Name of Variety. lA^chnis Haageana Hybrid. Hemerocallis Flava fl. pi II Fulva fol. var H Kwanso fl. pi. II grandiflora Hesperis matronalis .... ... Hollyhocks Lorenz's Prize . Polemonium reptans Baptisia australis Myoaotis palustris . Orobus lathyroides Salvia argentea Galega officinalis II alba Stachys lanata Gysophila paniculata Iberis sempervirens Whether flowered or not Flowered. Did not flower. Flowered. II Did not flower. Flowered. II Did not flower. Flowered. Did not flower. Cl«^ a to CD c3 O (3 S o e 4= o S s , 0) • -1 < S-f^ o ft a * ,A f^a ^ ^i p « 3 6 d« 6M f.S r-45 2 ^ Iz; < ^ 5 0 0 59i 5 6 0 1 3G 3 5 0 1 49i 3 1 0 0 31 1 5 0 1 341 4 5 0 2 76 5 3 0 0 75 2 6 1 2 55 4 5 0 0 545 5 3 0 1 89 3 2 0 1 40 2 1 0 0 92 1 2 0 0 42^ 1 1 0 0 54 1 1 0 0 25 1 1 0 0 30 0 tr-S ■■^ ^ as ® > 6 3 0 3 2 0 1 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 NEW BREAKING. As mentioned in a former report the grass land in the valley on this farm reserved for pasture has become run out, the ground being occupied mainly by White Anemone, Artemisia and Sunflowers. Each year portions of this pai-t of the farm are being broken up and cropped with the result that much larger returns of hay and pasture have been obtained from the portions cultivated. During the past summer 37 additional acres were broken up, backset and also well disc-harrowed late in the fall, this has completely broken up the decayed sod and brought the soil into excellent condition, and v/ill probably give good returns next year. REPORT OF MR. S. A. BEDFORD. 355 FENCING. The wire and rail fencing erected in 1889 and 1890 on the outer boundaries of the farm have given good satisfaction, and no heaving of posts has taken place. During the past season forty-five rods of additional fence has been built across the northern cattle pastures and 220 rods on the Assiniboine River banks at the extreme southern boundary of the farm, this latter fence has enabled us to utilize the 50 acres of pasture in this portion of the farm and the young stock have thriven well on the luxu- riant pasture with the good water supply. NEW BUILDINGS. During the year a driving shed 72 x 20 feet, to be used for sheltering vehicles and implements has been built, this is open to the west and implements can be readily backed in when not in use. A room has also been built in the superintendent's house over the office, providing accommodation much needed. ROADS. The roads laid out through the experimental farm here have proved very satisfac- tory, and the gravel has not been much cut up even with the heavy travel of the autumn months, and it is evident that good gravel properly applied is as suitable for rural roads in this province as it is in the east. Nine hundred and ninety additional feet has been gravelled during the year, this is in addition to the repairs required to the roads already gravelled. FARMERS' MEETINGS. Since my last report addresses have been given at seventeen farmers' meetings. Nearly all of these were well attended and much interest taken in the work of the experimental farms. The location and dates of the meetings are given below : — January 4th, 1897, Birtle. C( 11th (t Elkhorn. <( 12oh (( Virden. (( 13th a Oak Lake. (1 14th (( Douglas. (( 16th (( Pipestone. (( 18th (( Melita. (( 19th In. 48 48 45 45 42 39 45 45 45 45 45 45 T3 w o ■s bo a In. 3 3 3 3 3 2i 3 3 3 3 3 3 e« u O O bo 1^ • « 1) ^ ft Lbs. 5,590 4,700 4,500 4,160 3,P50 3,450 5,650 4,540 4,270 4,170 4,450 5,250 Yield per Acre. Bus. Lbs. 37 40 36 40 36 50 30 40 31 40 25 50 39 10 37 40 35 30 34 40 35 33 20 to-S Lbs. 61 62 62 63 62 62i 62 63 62J 62 TEST OP VARIETIES ON ONE-ACRE, FIVE-ACRE AND TEN-ACRE FIELDS. In these tests the more promising varieties of wheat grown in previous years were sown, not only to test the grain on larger areas but for the purpose of obtaining seed in quantities for distribution or for sale for seed. The plots were exposed to winds and sustained more or less injury therefrom. The soil chosen for these tests was a clay loam. Most of the varieties were slightly rusted, but no smut was observed on any of them. Wheat — Field-lots. Name cf Variety. o S M-l o N Date of Sowing. Date of Ripening. 1-^ i 1 M-i o be a i w O bp s Weight Straw. Yield per Acre. Sown on. Red Fife, summer-fallowed Acres. 10 2i f 5 April 17.. II 16.. II 19.. II 19.. 11 20.. .1 20.. Aug. 25.. 1, 27.. 1, 25.. II 25.. 11 27.. 1. 25.. 130 133 128 128 129 127 In. 42 42 43 44 45 44 In. f 3 H H 3 Lbs. 3,500 3,480 4,120 3,360 3,700 3,870 33 50 II corn stubble, fall ploughed. . White Fife, summer-fallowed 32 45 30 25 Wellman's Fife n 28 41 Preston m n 28 8 Stanley u n 27 44 Acre Plots. Hungarian, summer-fallowed Monarch u Red Fern n Emporium n White Russian u Percy « April 20.. 1, 20.. II 20.. II 20 II 20. . ,1 20.. Aug. 23 30. 23 27. 30. 23. 125 39 2h 4,340 132 44 3 4,050 125 45 3^ 4,2:^0 129 40 3 3,250 132 44 3 2,940 125 42 2i 3,120 30 45 30 7 29 30 27 40 24 10 23 57 360 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. SPRING WHEAT TEST OP VARIETIES. Thirty-eight varieties were sown by hoe-drill on fallow on the 24th of April, at the rate of l| bushel per acre. The soil was a clay loam, and the plots, which measured one-tenth acre each, were protected from winds. Many of the varieties made a rank growth of str^w but produced a poor sample of grain. No rust was observed on any of these plots. Wheat — Test of Varieties. Name of Variety. Hungarian Countess Admiral Vernon Herisson Bearded Percy Red Fem Wellman's Fife Progress Red Fife Alpha Pringle's Champlain . . . Huron Old Red River Emporium Rideau Beaudry Captor Preston Crown White Fife Monarch.. White Connell DawTi Advance Beauty ... Campbell's White Chafif White Russian Rio Grande Golden Drop Stanley Black Sea , Blenheim Dufferin Ladoga Dion's Goose Colorado Date of Ripening. Aug. 21. 21. 21. 27. 28. 21. 27. 28. 21. 27. 21. 21. 21. 28. 28. 21. 30. 21. 27. 21. 28. 27. 28. 21. 27. 21. 28. 28. 28. 28. 24. 21. 28. 27 30. 27. 27. 28. c.S ■at 119 119 119 125 126 119 125 126 119 125 119 119 119 126 126 119 128 119 125 119 126 125 126 119 125 119 126 126 126 126 122 119 126 125 128 125 125 126 o a In. 39 32 45 39 42 45 45 45 48 45 45 42 45 45 48 42 48 42 42 45 45 45 45 32 42 48 45 42 45 48 45 48 48 42 48 45 42 45 Character of Straw. Weak It Strong, Weak Strong, Weak II Strong, Weak Strong, Weak Strong, Weak Strong, Weak Strong, Weak Strong, Weak Strong, Weak Strong, Weak c« w o be B D In. 2^ 2i 3| 3| 2 3 4 2| 3 3 3i 31 3i 3i 2i 3 2- 3i 3 3 2S 3 3 3i 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3i 3 3 3i 3 3 Kind of Head. Bearded Bald . . . Bearded Bald . . . Bearded Bald . . . Bearded Bald . . . Bearded Bald . . . Bearded Bald . . Bearded Bald Bearded Bald . . . Bearded Bald . , . Bearded Weight of Straw per Acre. Lbs. 4,630 4,180 5,040 4,810 5,510 4,930 6,240 4,580 4,080 4,380 .5,710 5,420 5,230 4.240 4,400 3,680 4,830 4,690 4,690 4,710 4,370 4,430 4,430 4,150 4,820 4,350 4,050 3,740 4,550 4,140 4,440 4,810 4,420 4,500 3,930 6,210 4,820 4,150 Yield I)er Acre. Bus. Lbs. 42 40 20 40 10 39 39 38 40 38 30 37 50 37 50 37 50 37 20 37 10 37 36 50 36 40 36 10 36 10 36 36 , , 35 40 35 30 35 20 35 20 35 , 33 50 33 20 32 30 31 50 31 40 31 10 31 30 40 30 30 29 10 28 40 27 20 27 10 25 •• ® ■§)§ Lbs. 63 63: 62; 61 65 63 63 02, 62. 63 62 61 61i 63 63| 62 64 62i 63* 62| 63 62 63 62 63 60; 59 61 62i 62 60i 61 62 61i 62 03i 63 62 REPORT OF MR. ANGUS MACK AY. 361 Wheat — Test of Sowing Seed at different Depths. Sown by hoe-drill, on fallow, on the 22nd April, on clay loam at rate of 1^ bushel per acre. A great difference will be observed between the different depths of seeding. Size of plots Y^j- acre each. Name of Variety. Red Fife- 1 inch deep. 2 CO . >^bo M-« ct C O Date "■^ ^ ^ of •^■S +3 c3 Ripening. o-§ gcc ^ Kl In. Aug. 23.. 123 45 II 23.. 123 45 ,. 23.. 123 42 Character of Straw. Strong. ^ 1^ Hi In. 3 3 3 Lbs. 5,600 5,560 4,820 Yield per Acre. VI CQ 3 .a 40 .. 40 40 33 50 62i 62| 62 Yields and average for past six years. Name of Variety. 1892. 1893. 1894. 1895. 1896. 1897. Average. *R-ed Fife— 1 inch deep If 2 ir ir 3 ti .... Bus. Lbs. "27 00' 22 30 Bus. Lbs. Bus. Lbs. Bus. Lbs. Bus. Lbs. 38 30 39 15 38 50 Bus. Lbs. 40 40 40 33 50 Bus. Lbs. 39 15 41 20 37 10 15 20 18 45 00 37 30 34 45 31 18 *Not tested previous to 1896. Wheat — Test of sowing different quantities of seed, per acre. Sown on the 22nd April, by hoe-drill, on clay loam, summer-fallowed. Size of plots ■^ acre each. Name of Variety. Red Fife — 1 bushel per acre. II It II II Ift II [0 >^ V- 0 S^5P Date ;q.N 43 . of -^■^ bcg Ripening. ^ In. Aug. 25.. 125 45 1. 25.. 125 42 1. 25.. 125 42 Character of Straw. Strong. C (4-1 c . I'M ^ ^ In. Lbs 3 3 3 5,440 5,720 4,930 Yield per Acre. Bus. Lbs. 38 38 38 30 50 40 33 Lbs. 62i 62i 62 Yields and average for past six years. Name of Variety. 1892. 1893. 1894. 1895. 1896. 1897. Average. Red Fife — 1 bushel per acre. II 1^ 11 n Ij M 35 50 40 39 40 28 20 28 26 30 14 30 11 40 13 20 35 50 44 42 20 38 30 40 10 38 20 38 30 38 50 38 40 Bus. Lbs. 31 55 33 46 33 8 362 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. Wheat — Test of Press vs. Hoe-drill. Sown on the 22nd April, on clay loam, summer-fallowed, at the rate of 1^ bushel per acre. Size of plots -^-^ acre each. Name of Variety. Red Fife, sown press-drill Date of Ripening. Aug. 21. „ 21. 1^ o bcj3 6^ SO} ^ i-q In. 121 45 121 48 «4-t o O Character of to 01 Straw. £M j^cn a ^ In. Lbs. Strong 3 5,190 It ... 3 4,610 Yield per Acre. Bus. Lbs. 41 39 Lbs. 62i 62 Yields and average for past six years. Name of Variety. 1892. 1893. 1894. 1895. 1896. 1897. Average. Red Fife, press-drill II hoe-drill 30 20 24 38 20 36 18 18 40 17 50 45 44 41 30 40 40 41 39 Bus. Lbs. 35 . 48 33 38 BLUESTONE AS A REMEDY FOR SMUT IN SPRING WHEAT. Seed used. Treatment. Good Heads on 25 Sq. Feet. Smutty Heads on 25 Sq. Feet. Red Fife, clean seed , Bluestoned, 1 pound to 10 bush Untreated Bluestoned, 1 pound to 8 bush Untreated 1,342 1,014 1,110 741 244 II smutty seed 21 643 For the above tests bluestone was dissolved in water, in the pi'oportion of one pound to two pailsful. In this solution the seed was dipped. The smutty seed used was quite black and totally unfit for any purpose whatever. TEST OF FALLOW VS. SPRING AND FALL PLOUGHING FOR WHEAT. 1st. Ten acres of fallow-land was sown by hoe-drill at rate of 1^ bushel per acre on 17 th April. 2nd. Three acres of corn-stubble were ploughed in October, 1896 and harrowed. Sown by hoe-drill at rate of l^bush. per acre on 16th April, and harrowed after seeding. 3rd. One acre of burnt stubble-land was ploughed, three inches deep by gang-plough on 29th April, 1897 ; then harrowed and sown by press-drill at the rate of 1^ bush, per acre on same day. 4th. One acre of burnt stubble-land was sown by press drill without ploughing at the rate of 1^ bushel per acre on 29th April, then rolled. REPORT OF MR. ANGUS MAC KAY. 363 Following will be found return from each plot : — Plot No. 1 2 3 4 No. of Acres. 10 3 1 1 Method of Cultivation. Red Fife on fallow ti fall ploughing II stubble, spring ploughed r " not ploughed. . . Bushels per Acre. 33-60 32-45 24-33 26 07 The fallow-land was considerably blown while the others did not suffer from winds. EXPERIMENTS WITH BARLEY. Barley was the best crop on the farm the past season, and having no wind or rain storms after the crop headed out, the grain ali stood up and was easily harvested. The straw, especially that of the six-rowed varieties, was extra fine. All varieties were cut back by wind-storm on 13th June, but rain coming two days after soon repaired the in- jury. TEST OP EARLY, MEDIUM AND LATE SOWINGS. Two varieties were used in this test, Canadian Thorpe, a two-rowed sort and Odessa, a six-rowed variety. The soil was a clay loam and the size- of the plots ^ffth acre each. The first plots were sown on 24th April, one week after the first seeding of wheat, and the sowings were continued on the same day each week for five weeks or until 29th May. The seed was sown on summer-fallowed land by hoe-drill at the rate of 2 bushels per acre. The twelve plots were protected by a wind-break and did not suffer from winds but six of them were frozen down on 13th May. All the plots ripened in the order sown but the early seedings gave much the better yields of grain and straw. Barley — Test of Early, Medium and late Seeding. Name of Variety. Canadian Thorpe . Odessa . ^.• Mh <4-l MH eS be O o o Q.y Date Date of ^ s f. ^ Character ■f=^- ^i Yield of Sowing. Ripening. O J OS ^1 of Straw per Acre. In. In. Lbs. Bush. Lbs. April 24.. Aug. 17.. 115 45 Strong . . . .3 4,310 58 6 May 1.. II 17.. 108 45 3 4,050 56 12 8.. 20.. 104 45 3 4,230 46 22 15.. 20. . 97 45 3 3,920 44 18 22. . 24.. 94 36 3 3,.3.50 44 38 29.. 30.. 93 36 3 3,000 43 6 April 24.. 13.. 111 39 2^ 3,890 75 May 1 . . 17.. 108 39 2i 4,210 77 4 8.. 17.. 101 39 2A 4,450 64 18 15.. 17.. 94 39 2i 4,600 71 2 22.. 20. . 90 39 2h 4,060 61 12 29.. 28.. 91 39 2i 2,750 53 6 :5 « Lbs. 364 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. RARLEY — Field Lots. Seed sown from the 3rd to the 5th of May on summer-fallow, by hoe-drill at the rate of If bushels per acre, soil clay loam. Name of Variety. Odessa Trooper Canadian Thorpe Sidney, CO o «4H o Q.S Size Date of ■f^ i Character ^Ti Kind of Plot. Ripening. OS bog of Straw. of Head. In. In. 5 acres.. Aug. ]3.. 102 42 Strong . . . 2* 6 rowed . . 5 11 . . ,. 13.. 102 40 M 3 6 .1 .. 5 M .. ., 17.. 105 45 II 4 2 1, . 4 t. . . .. 21.. 108 45 H . . 3i 2 1, .. Yield per Acre. Bush. Lbs. 56 54 45 44 40 20 6 8 BARLEY — Acre Plots. Six varieties were sown on the 5th of May on clay loam on plots of one acre each : two on corn stubble-ploughed six inches deep and harrowed and four on summer-fallow. "Winds thinned the plots on summer-fallow. Seed sown by hoe-drill at rate of If bushel per acre. Name of Variety. Baxter's — Com stubblS . . . French Chevalier — Fallow Bolton — It Mensury — m Oderbruch— Corn stubble Beaver — Fallow t« >» . «« M-t '^bn o o Date of Character Kind Ripening. of Straw. bD 1' cm OjH-l of Head. ^ vA In. In. Aug. 13.. 100 42 Strong . . . 3 6 rowed. . . ,1 21.. 108 40 II • • • 4^ 2 11 .. ,1 18.. 105 36 It , , , 3* 2 11 .. II 18.. 105 36 3 6 II .. 1, 13.. 100 40 11 2 6 m .. II 21.. 108 40 11 2^ 2 ,1 .. Yield per Acre. Bush. Lbs. 48 48 45 44 40 38 33 6 32 29 40 26 BARLEY — Test of Varieties. In this test twenty varieties of six-rowed and fifteen varieties of two-rowed barley were sown. A few plots were slightly injured by winds, and all were cut down by frost on the 13th of May, but speedily recovered after rain on the 15th of June, and gave heavy crops of grain and straw. Seed was sown on the 5th of May on fallow by hoe-drill, at the rate of two bushels per acre. The soil was clay loam, and the size of the plots was one-tenth acre each. Baxter's and Piicenix both suffered somewhat from smut, all the other varieties were free from smut. REPORT OF MR. ANGUS MACKAY. 365 SIX-ROWED BARLEY — Test of Varieties. Name of Variety. Common Oderbruch , Petschora . , . Odessa Rennie's Improved Mensury Baxter's Vanguard Blue Royal Stella Trooper Excelsior , Nugent , Summit Surprise , Champion . . . , Success Phcenix . , Pioneer Date of Ripening. Aug. 12. „ 12. ,. 12. M 12. » 13. „ 12. >, 12. -, 12. „ 13. „ 12. M 12. .. 12. M 13. „ 12. ,. 12. „ 12. ,. 13. 6. „ 13. ,. 17. 99 99 99 99 100 99 99 99 100 99 99 99 100 99 99 99 100 93 100 104 u xn (4-1 o ha C In. 36 36 36 36 36 39 36 36 33 36 36 33 42 33 33 36 44 42 39 36 Character of Straw. Strong Weak Strong. T3 % & w t 0 om J3 be bo a 01 ^ ^ In. Lbs. 3 4,180 2i 3,690 2i 3,740 3 3,630 3 3,780 3i 4,140 2 3,750 2| 3,150 3 4,540 3 3,040 3 4,150 2i 4,070 3 3,280 2 3,850 2* 3,530 3 3,280 4 3,140 3 2,820 3 3,340 3 3,260 Yield per Acre. Bus. Lbs. 71 12 71 2 70 68 68 66 42 66 32 66 32 65 40 63 36 58 16 57 44 57 34 56 12 55 30 55 30 54 18 51 32 51 12 49 38 u v %^ bo 3 ■©w Lbs. TWO- ROWED BARLEY — Test of Varieties. French Chevalier. . Canadian Thorpe , . Beaver Danish Chevalier. . Kinver Chevalier. . Newton Rigid .... Prize Prolific Nepean Bolton Victor Thanet Sidney Pacer Monck Aug. 24.. .. 21.. M 24 M 24.. I. 28. . .t 20.. ,1 20.. ,. 28.. .. 20. . M 20.. .. 20. . .. 28.. I. 24 . ,, 20. . ., 24.. Ill 108 111 111 115 107 107 115 107 107 107 115 111 107 111 33 33 33 30 33 36 36 33 36 39 36 33 36 36 36 Strong^. , 5 4 3 5 3 3 3 5 4 4 3i 5 4 4 4^ 3,390 4,300 3,430 3,250 3,900 3,550 4,040 3,500 4,360 3,480 3,160 3,280 3,200 3,510 5,000 53 16 53 6 52 24 52 4 51 2 51 2 50 10 50 47 34 47 14 45 30 45 10 44 38 43 26 37 24 52^ 54 54^ 53 52 53i 53| 52| 54J 55i 54i 52 54 53 54i TEST OF BLUESTONE AS A REMEDY FOR SMUT IN BARLEY. Variety of Seed. Treatment. Good Heads. Smutty Heads. On 25 Square Feet. Canadian Thorpe ti II Bluestone, 1 lb. to 10 bushels . . . Untreated 750 711 3 97 366 EX.PERIMENTAL FARMS. EXPERIMENTS WITH OATS. TEST OP EARLY, MEDIUM AND LATE SOWINGS. Banner and Abundance were used in this test. The sowings were one week apart, and continued from 24th April to 29th May. The last sowing of each variety gave a good crop of straw, but the yield of grain was small. The second seeding of Abundance was greatly injured by heavy rains in June, which washed away portions of the grain and soil. The plots were one-tenth acre each, and the soil a clay loam. Oats — Test of Early, Medium and Late Seeding. Name of Variety. Banner , Abundance . Date of Sowing. April 24. May 1. 8. ., 15. .. 22. >, 29. April 24. May 1. 8. .. 15. .1 22. M 29. Date of Ripening. Aug. 18. .. 21. .. 21. ., 21. .. 30. Sept. 6. Aug. 21. M 23. .. 23. .. ' 23. M 30. Sept. 6. Number of Length Days of Matur- Straw. ing. Inches. 116 48 i 112 45 105 46 98 46 100 45 100 42 119 43 114 42 107 43 100 45 100 45 100 42 Character of Straw. Strong . Weight Yield of per Straw. Acre. Lbs. Bush . Lbs. .3,800 101 16 3,280 78 18 3,540 90 3,400 88 '8 3,150 73 18 3,660 49 24 3,830 78 18 2,950 63 8 3,440 91 16 3,680 84 14 3,430 69 24 3,150 58 28 Weight per Bushel. Lbs. Oats — Field-lots. Sown on the 28th and 29th of April on summer-fallow by hoe-drill at the rate of 2 J bushels per acre. The soil was clay loam. All the fields were injured by frosts and winds. Name of Variety. Size of Plot. Date of Ripening. Number of Days Matur- ing. Length of Straw. Character of Straw. Kind of Head. Weight of Straw. Yield per Acre. Banner ... Abundance 5 5 5 Aug. 26.. n 26.. 1. 26.. .. 18.. .. 18.. 120 120 119 111 111 Inches. 44 42 42 40 38 Strong It .... II .... II .... If .... Branching.. II II II Lbs. 3,060 3,670 2,510 2,480 2,300 Bush. Lbs. 69 30 65 12 Golden Beauty 63 21 Improved Ligowo Holstein Prolific 63 2 40 REPORT OF MR. AXGUS MACK AY. 367 Oats — One Acre Plots. Sown 29th April on summer-fallow by hoe-drill at rate of 2\ bushels seed per acre. All suffered from winds, being on a very exposed portion of the farm. The soil was clay loam. Name of Variety. Early Archangel Oderbruch Bavarian White Schonen Early Golden ProHfic. Flying Scotchman American Beauty . . . Columbus Wallis Wide- Awake Size Date of of Plot Sowing. 1 acre . . April 29 1 ., .. , 29 1 M .. , 29 I-I , 29' - 29 . 29 , 29 . 29 ■ 29 1-1 , 29 Date of Ripen- ing:. Aug. 27 18 18 27 18 27 26 27 26 G . o.S » 3 ii 120 111 111 120 111 120 119 120 119 30i 123 u -^ <4-l O In. 44 36 38 36 40 36 44 39 45 40 Kind Weight of of Head. Straw. Lbs. Branching 3,130 Sided 2,120 Branching 2,980 It 2,950 It 3,000 ti 2,960 II 2,340 II 3,100 It 2,630 II 2,230 Yield per Acre. Bush. Lbs. 63 12 63 9 60 25 59 25 59 13 56 24 56 6 53 8 52 14 40 The following were all sown on the same date, 3rd May, on clay loam, summer- fallowed. The size of the plots was, in most instances, one-tenth acre each. The seed was sown by hoe-drill at the rate of 2^ bushels per acre. OATS^Test of Varieties. Name of Variety. Abyssinia Improved American . Siberian O. A. C Columbus Olive Rosedale Hazlett's Seizure Early Gothland . ..... Early Golden Prolific Golden Giant Mennonite Holstein Prolific . . . Flying Scotchman . . . Buckbee's Illinois Early Blossom Early Maine Oxford American Beauty Early Archangel Finland Black, No. 1 Wide Awake Cromwell \Vallis I/incoln Medal Poland — Date of Ripening. Aug. 30., ti 30.. It 20.. II 20. . It 30.. .1 .SO.. M 20.. ,1 20.. It 23.. II 30.. II 30.. It 23.. ,1 23.. I, 28. M 30. . M 30.. ■1 28.. M 20.. M 20.. M 23.. 11 20.. .1 23.. M 28.. II 20. . II 30.. .. 27.. c3 2 ^^ 4.3 m M-) <^ b o a> 3 .a -^ "S *3 is tic n a; ^ M In. 119 45 119 48 109 48 109 45 119 48 119 46 109 48 109 45 112 43 119 48 119 45 112 42 112 44 117 46 119 48 ,119 46 117 45 109 36 109 45 112 42 109 42 112 45 117 46 109 42 119 43 106 42 Character of Straw. Strong Kind of Head. Sided. ... Branching M Sided. . . '. II Branching' Sided. Branching Sided. . . . Branching ^ c3 « u +3 o M < o ^ ■1^ o< X be T3 0) aj ^ >^ Lbs. 'm 33 /^'^ J 3,490 87 2 3,200 86 26 4,800 86 16 4,080 86 30 4,360 85 3.650 83 28 4,550 82 12 4,050 82 12 2,370 80 10 3,920 SO 10 3,130 80 2,560 80 3,540 79 24 3,660 79 4 3,660 79 4 2,990 78 8 3,160 77 22 2,770 75 30 3,820 75 30 3,310 74 24 3,570 74 14 3,200 73 30 3,440 73 28 3,240 73 28 2,840 73 28 3,460 73 8 01 ^02 be Lbs. 39 38 Z7k 37i 37* 42| 39 35 34 38 37 40 38 39 .S8i 3Si 38 39i 36 40 36 37 39i 39 41i 368 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. Oats — Test of Varieties — Continued. Name of Variety. MiUer Improved Ligowo Black Beauty White Schonen Bavarian Early Etampes White Russian Welcome White Monarch Prize Cluster Russell California Prolific Black Pense Winter Grey Master Bonanza Scottish Chief Oderbruch Imported Irish King Rennie's Prize White Wonder Cream Egyptian Doncaster Prize Siberian . . , Golden Tartarian Mortgage Lifter Abundance Golden Beauty Prolific Black Tartarian. American Triumph .... Newmarket Coulommiers Scotch Hopetoun Joanette Finland Black, No. 2 . . . Brandon ' Banner "Victoria Prize Date of Ripening. Aug. 30. ., 20. ,. 28. M 28. „ 20. „ 23 M 20. ., 17. „ 30. „ 17. M 23. „ 23., M 23., „ 17. ,. 28.. „ 17.. M 20.. M 20.. u 17.. M 17.. .. 17.. ,- 17.. M 20.. ,. 30.. „ 30.. u 28.. .. 17.. ,. 28.. .. 20.. ., 28.. .1 20., .. 23. . I. 28. . I. 28.. ., 23.. ,. 20.. .. 28.. ,. 28.. „ 28.. 119 LO!) 117 117 109 112 109 106 119 106 112 112 112 106 117 106 109 109 106 106 106 106 109 119 119 117 106 117 109 117 109 112 117 117 112 109 117 117 117 CO be a CO In. 43 43 36 45 42 32 42 45 42 45 42 46 43 42 46 45 42 45 45 42 42 46 45 42 48 42 45 45 42 36 45 42 36 45 32 40 43 36 45 Character of Straw. Strong Kind of Head. Branching Sided. . It Branching Sided. . Branching Sided. . II Branching Sided. . , Branching Branching Sided.. Branching Weight of Straw. Lbs. 2,410 1,870 2,570 3,500 3,200 3,380 3,890 3,590 3,060 3,490 3,000 3,410 4,110 3,220 3,270 3,060 3,260 1,860 3,170 2,880 2,800 3,100 3,420 3,620 4,120 2,540 2,350 3,520 2,340 3,190 2,220 1,800 3,000 3,290 2,520 2,520 2,420 3,330 3,040 Yield per Acre. Bush. Lbs. 73 72 72 72 72 71 71 71 70 69 69 68 68 68 68 67 67 67 67 66 66 66 65 65 65 63 63 62 61 60 59 58 57 57 56 55 52 52 50 I 7X 8 32 32 2 2 16 12 12 10 ^4 4 28 28 18 18 12 12 12 2 26 6 6 20 20 20 18 8 22 16 20 24 28 22 22 16 10 12 2 10 u '53 Lbs. 38 39 36 35 34i 37 40ir -I3i 39 43i 37} 3Gi 37i 42i 37i 4U 4U 38" 42.i 34i 42i A2i 42j 39i 351 34| 41 35 35 38 35 39 37i 34i 37 33J 35 31 4U Blown out ; resown 14th June. EXPERIMENTS WITH PEASE. The yield of pease from tlie different varieties was, on the whole, satisfactory Early in the season winds and frost several times apparently ruined the plots, but after the rains came in J une nothing on the farm made such rapid progress or, considering the thinning out the pease had sustained, gave better returns. The plots protected by trees gave larger returns of grain and straw than those in more exposed positions. A finer sample of all the varieties was never grown on the farm. TEST OF EARLY, MEDIUM AND LATE SOWINGS. In this test. Mummy, a large and Golden Vine a small variety were used. Com- mencing on 24th April the sorts were sown each week till 29th May. The three plots REPORT OF MR. ANGUS MAC KAY. 369 of Golden Vine giving the larger yields were entirely under the protection of a wind break. The other plots were all more or less injured. The soil was a clay loam and the size of the plots one-tenth of an acre. The land was summer-fallow and the seed sown at the rate of 2^ bushels small pease and 3J bushels large pease per acre. Pease — Test of Early, Medium and Late Sowings. Name of Variety. Date Sowing. Date of Ripening . 00 Character of Growth. i -G Weight of Straw, Size of Pea. Yield Acre. u Mummv April 24. . May 1.. „ 8.. M 15.. .. 22.. M 29.. April 24.. May 1.. •• 8.. ,, 15.. ,. 22.. „ 29.. Aug. 23.. ., 23. . .. 23. . „ 23. . .. 25.. Sept. 1.. Aug. 23.. .. 23. . .. 23.. „ 23.. .. 25. . Sept 1.. 121 114 107 100 95 95 121 114 107 100 95 95 Rank .... tt .... If .... Medium . Weak .... It .... Very rank Rank ... fi .... n .... If .... Medium . . In. 36 36 36 35 36 26 48 40 36 36 36 28 Lbs. 3,110 3,740 3,300 3,320 3,200 2,400 4,890 4,000 3,900 3,650 3,320 2,550 Large . . M It • . II If . . Sm^ll \ \ 11 It • ti II n Bush. Lbs. 30 27 30 28 20 28 33 19 20 51 10 42 50 41 10 34 31 20 22 50 Lbs 65^ 65; 66: • Golden Vine 67 67 66 65 65i 6.5- 65- 65 65 Pease — Test of Varieties. Forty-one varieties were sown on summer-fallowed land on the same date, the 6th of May, on a clay loam, and the size of the plots, in most instances, was one-tenth of an acre. The seed was sown by hoe drill at the rate of 2^ bushels per acre for the small varieties and 3^ bushels for the larger sorts. Name of Variety. Potter Bright Centennial Prince Albert. Golden Vine Daniel CRourke. Arthur.. New Potter Victoria Crown Macoun White Marrowfat Trilby Vincent Creeper Carleton... . .... Alma White Wonder... Multiplier Pride 8a— 24 a >. c4 «^n Date •3.3 Of SS Ripening, -^1 5S » Au^ '. 24.. liO II 26., 112 It 25.. 111 II 24.. 110 M 24.. 110 II 21.. 107 II 23.. 109 11 26.. 112 II 24.. 110 n 24.. no It 26.. 112 II 26.. 112 It 24.. 110 tt 24.. 110 II 25., 111 II 24., 110 It 23., 109 II 20.. 106 11 25.. 111 II 23.. 109 Character of Growth. Rank Medium Rank . . Medium Rank . . Medium Rank .. Medium Rank . . Medium Rank . ^ ca u -M m «4-l Weight t of Straw. a a> 1-^ In. Lbs. 34 4,280 32 4,200 32 4,850 36 3,620 32 3,750 30 3,610 32 3,920 30 3,900 32 3,625 32 3,530 30 3,030 36 4,120 28 3,200 30 3,330 30 3,620 34 3,790 30 3,050 30 3,820 30 4,150 33 3,910 Size of Pea. Large II Small Large Small Medium Large . . Medium Small . . Medium Large ., Small '. '. Large . . Yield per Acre. Bush. Lbs, 45 40 35 34 34 34 34 33 33 32 32 31 31 31 30 30 30 30 30 29 10 40 40 iO 10 10 20 50 20 53 50 40 50 40 30 10 50 a, Lbs. 64 65 65i 65| 65 66 66 64 66i 66| 66| 65 65 65^ 65 66i 65| 67 66 65i S70 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. Pease — Test of Varieties — Continued. Name of Variety. Nelson Perth Paragon Canadian Beauty Black Eyed Marrowfat Mummy , Chancellor. King Duke........ Early Britain Prince Bedford Bruce Oddfellow Kent Archer Elephant Blue Agnes Prussian Blue Mackay Harrison's Glory OQ >1 O^n Date o.;:: of ^, s Ripening. -Ste Ci«-^ Of^ 12; Aug. 19.. 105 n 23. . 109 ., 24. . 110 « 25.. 111 u 25.. 111 . 24.. 110 n 17.. 103 .. 25.. 111 u 23.. 109 ., 19.. 105 n 25. . 111 ., 26.. 112 „ 24.. 110 „ 19.. 115 .. 24. . 110 ,. 25. . 111 .. 19.. 105 « 23.. 109 H 24. . 110 ,. 24.. 110 M 19.. 105 Character of Growth. Weak Rank Medium Weak . . Rank . Medium Rank . Medium Rank . . Medium Rank Weak ^ « u ■A^ Weight of Straw. s 0 >A In. Lbs. 30 3,5G0 27 3,500 28 3,740 32 3,650 32 3, .330 33 3,620 30 3,510 30 3,520 24 2,610 3G 3,720 28 3,340 32 3,300 28 3,000 34 3,«S0 27 3,110 28 3,150 30 3,310 29 3,040 31 3,320 30 3,400 24 2,780 Size of Pea. Large Small Large Small tl Medium It It Large Yield per Acre. Bush Lbs. 29 40 29 30 29 30 • 29 28 50 28 50 28 40 28 40 28 30 28 27 30 27 20 27 10 27 26 20 26 10 25 50 24 50 24 30 23 20 i 22 r« Lbs. 65* 65| 64^ 65 64^ 05.+ 65| 65| 65 64^ 66 66* 65" 6Si 65| 65i 64i 05 6oi 6.Ji 64i MIXED GRAIN FOR FODDER. Four grain mixtures were sown on one-tenth acre plots on summer-fallow on 26th April and cut by binder on 18th August. AH the plots were allowed to partially mature before being cut. Mixture. , ("Barley — Odessa., y Oats — Banner . . , Seed sown per acre. 1 bush. 1 M r Wheat-Red Fife ' 1 bush. 2 \ Barley— Odessa j 1 n tRye— Spring 1 » „ / Oats— Banner 1 bush. \rease— Golden Vine , 1 ■> . /Wheat— Red Fife ' 1 bush. (. Pease— Golden Vine 1 " Weight per acre. Dry. 1} } Tons. 4 Lbs. 200 650 500 RErORT OF MR. ANGUS MAC KAY. 371 EXPERIMENTS WITH INDIAN CORN. Thirty varieties were tested. All were planted on the 19th of May in hills, three feet apart each way and twenty-seven of the same varieties were sown by hoe-drill in rows three feet apart. The land was clay loam, fallowed in 1896. Two rows of sixty- six feet each were cut from each variety and from this the yield per acre was computed. As will be seen the corn sown in x'ows gave better returns than the same varieties planted in hills. This is accounted for by the seed in the rows germinating shortly after being sown which was caused by deep seeding — 3 inches; whereas that planted in. hilis was ten days later in germinating and the plants never overtook those grown in rows. Indian Corn — Test of Varieties. Test [of Variety. Giant Prolific Ensilage Sanford Cuban Giant Cloud's Karly Yellow Earlj' Butler .... Pride of the North Dent . . North Dakota White Mammoth Sweet Eodder Canada White Flint Red Cob Ensilage MitcTiell's Extra Early Kendall's Giant Mammoth Eight-rowed Flint . Mammoth Yellow Flint Burpee's Fii-st of All North Dakota Yellow Pearce's Prolific . ... Longfellow Compton's Early Ninety-day Chami:)ion White Pearl New White Cap Yellow Dent , Wisconsin White Dent. .... Wisconsin Yellow Dent Extra Early Huron Dent King of the Earliest Selected Learning Angel of Midnight Thoroughbred White Flint. . . . Country Gentleman SC5 o O Strong Fair Strong. Fair . Strong, ti Fair Weak to In. 84 GO 'Mi SI 72 72 72 54 72 78 48 48 72 72 48 72 54 GO GO 72 84 78 76 80 74 72 78 54 GO 4S Auij .17, 12. 14. 15. 11. 17. 14. 5. 12. 17. 5. 5. 11. 10. o O . 10. 12. 12. 12, 17. 17. 17. 11. 12. 12. 11. 17. 12, 17. 15. **i 2 r^ >-. CO ^ a I-H B Sept. 3. Aug. 26. 28. 21. 29. Sept. 3. Aug. 24. M 16. „ 24. Sept. 1. Aug. 25 . „ 12. M 28. „ 28. „ 12. ., 20. Sept. 1. Aug. 28. „ 24. M 2G. Sept. 1 . Aug. 26 . „ 26. „ 26. „ 26. Sept. 1. Aug. 30. u 2C. Sept. 1. M 4. Sept. 4. Sept. 4 ,. 3. Sept. 1. Aug. 28. Sept. 1. Sept. 4. >, 4. Sept. 4. „ 3. „ 4. ., 4. Sept. 4. t, 4. o < o u 1.1 c a ■^ ~c ■;> .rH 0 K" So r" W S 00 o Xi H h-l o •J m tc : &c o Silk 16 |15 115 Early milk 14 Silk 13 „ 13 Early milk 13 M ..12 Silk 12 12 .Early milk 12 Late milk. 12 Silk ;12 M ... 112 Early milk 12 12 12 Silk 12 Early milk 11 11 Silk...... Early milk Silk Silk II Early milk Silk 11 14 12 11 10 11 11 9 12 13 11 9 11 12 7 11 6 9 12 8 11 12 CO 1,650 1,600 1,190 1,320 1,230 1,650 1,430 700 750 950 450 1,900 250 50 1,170 950 400 1,850 1,850 i,mo 1,300 1,300 1,200 860 750 1,200 1,200 1,200 1,870 1,650, 1,650, 1,100, i,ioo: 960i , OOOi . . . |lO 240 l,450i 9 1,800 11 G 1,200 5 1,220 1,030 870 640 960 1,100 1,200 1,140 1,850 1,930 1,650 1,750 10 900 8 1,600 8 500 FIELD CORN— SOWN FOR ENSILAGE. North Dakota flint corn was sown on a five acre field for ensilage. The land had produced a ci'op of oats the yeai- previous, was pluuglied in the spring seven inches deep, well harrowed and rolled and the seed sown by gi-uin drill, in rows three feet apart. The corn was sown on 20tli May, but on accouiit of dr}' weather did not germinate till 20th June. Twenty-one tons fifteen hundred pounds was the yield from the 5 acres. Two acres of Mitchell's Extra Early corn were also .sown for ensilage. The land produced a crop of flax and millet in 1896, and was deeply i^loughed in the spring 8a— 211 372 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. before seeding with corn. Corn was sown by drill in rows three feet apart on 21st May, The plants on one of the two acres were thinned out to one every 1 2 inches in the row ; the other acre was left as it came up. The yield from the acre thinned was 8 tons, 260 pounds ; from the acre not thinned, 7 tons 1,140 pounds. Both lots of Mitchell's Extra Early and the five acres of North Dakota flint were cut on 6th September by binder, left in the field to wilt for two days, then drawn and cut by ensilage cutter and put in silo. The ensilage is being used now and is in excellent condition. The above varieties are early in maturing, and though less productive are used in preference to the later and larger yielding sorts. ^jXPERIMENTS WITH FLAX. Seed sown Date Date Days Length Weight Yield per Acre. at Rate of of Seeding. of Cutting. to Mature. of Straw. of Straw per Acre. Inches. Lbs. Bush. Lbs. 40 lbs. per acre. .. May 11 Aug. 18... 99 24 820 6 30 80 .. 11 .. 18,... 99 24 1,380 10 20 40 ,. 18 ,. 18.... 92 24 1,370 12 30 80 „ 18 .. 18.... 92 24 1,390 13 10 40 „ 25 ,. 18.... 85 22 1,470 13 30 80 ., 25 n 18.... 85 22 2,400 13 40 .. „ 29 .„ 18.... 81 20 1,230 9 20 80 ,1 29 „ 18 . . . 81 20 1,890 13 10 EXPERIMENTS WITH MILLETS AND HUNGARIAN GRASS. Variety. Size of Plot. Date Sown. Date Cut. Days to Mature. Length of Straw. Yield per Acre. New Siberian Millet Manitoba m Japanese ^< Hungarian Grass Acre. May 8 1. 7 u 7 .. 7 ,. 12 ., 12 ,. 12 „ 12 Aug. 27.... ,. 27... „ 27.... „ 27.. . .. 27.... ,. 27.... -. 27.... „ 27... Ill 112 112 112 107 107 107 107 Inches. 36 32- 31 27 32 32 36 30 Tons. Lbs. 2 400 1 150 1 100 1 1,400 Manitoba Millet 2 200 Garden n New Siberianii Holy Terror n 1 1,350 1 1,100 1 700 EXPERIMENT WITH CANARY GRASS. One-tenth acre was sown on 7th May. Ripe, 23rd Aug.. Yield per acre, 26 bushels seed, 3,250 pounds straw. EXPERIMENT WITH BUCKWHEAT. One-tenth acre was sown 7th May. Ripe, 27th Aug. Matured in 112 days. Height. 27 inches. Weight of straw per acre, 3,240 pounds. Yield of grain per acre, 22-24 bushels, REPORT OF MR. ANGUS MAC KAY. 373 EXPERIMENT WITH TARES. One plot of -X^ acre was sown for feed and another of the same size for seed. Variety. For Feed. Black Tares. For Seed. Black Tares. Size of Plot. Acres. Date Sown . May 7... May 7... Date Cut. Aug. 9. Aug. 28. Length of Straw. Feet. 4i Weight of Straw. Per Acre. Green. 17,540 I)ry. 3,410 Yield Per Acre. Bush. Lbs. 33 30 EXPERIMENT WITH SPRING RYE. One-tenth acre sown on 26th April, and cut for seed 6th Sept. ; 75 inches high ; 4,200 pounds straw per acre ; 50'50 bushels grain per acre. EXPERIMENTS WITH GRASSES In the spring of 1896, five varieties of grass, viz., Awnless Brome Grass, Timothy, ^leadow Fescue, Agropyrum Tenerum and Agropyrum Caninum were sown, also, AJsike, Red and Mammoth Clovers. Awnless Brome Grass, Agropyrum Tenerum and Agropyrum Caninum were sown separately ; the others mixed and sown together. Red Clover was entirely killed, Alsike was also killed, except near protection, where snow lay till spring opened. Mammoth Clover was very thin and little or no Timothy appeared. Meadow Fescue was a fair crop, near the protection of the western wind-break, the yield was large ; away from it only fair. The yield of the mixed grasses was from 2f acres, 3 tons 300 pounds, or 1 ton 290 pounds, per acre. Agropyrum Tenerum and Agropyrum Caninum. Both produced a good crop the past season, but neither variety is eaten by stock as readily as Awnless Brome Grass. Absence of loaves on the stalks is probably the reason for this. The varieties were sown very thin, and during the season of 1896 gave little promise of yielding a crop this year, but thin seeding proved an advantage during the dry weather in May, and a good crop resulted. Seed of Agropyrum Tenerum has been saved, and further experi- ments will be made with this grass. The following yields were obtained : Agropyrum Tenerum — 1;^ acre : 3 tons, 1,205 pounds, or 2 tons 1,764 pounds per acre. Agropyrum Caninum — \\ acre : 3 tons, or 2 tons 400 pounds per acre. AWNLESS BROME GRASS (Bromus Inermis). As stated in the report for 1896, a large area was sown with Brome Grass that spring. The grass made a good catch and growth, and gave excellent pasture up to the time snow fell last fall or about 1st November. 374 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. This spring a fair start was made about 20th April, but dry weather set in shortly after, and very little progress was made, except in low places or margins of the fields till 20th June. The rains a few days before this date made a rapid change and insured, on the whole, a fair yield, but not so good as would have been caused by an earlier rain. Parts of the fields were extra heavy, while other portions on knolls were short. Thirty-two tons of the gi'ass were saved for seed, but it is not in a very satisfactory condition, in so far as a large yield of seed is concerned. Throughout the field reserved for seed, the early growth was ripe while the growth caused by the June rains was quite green, consequently much of the early seed was lost. On account of the large amount of green growth at the bottom, the mower instead of the binder was used in cutting the crop for seed. This makes threshing more diflficult, but gives a very fine lot of fodder, as good in fact, as if cut for hay. The older fields of Brome Grass gave light crops, several portions being very shoi t and hardly worth cutting. Being an early grass to start, the past spring was greatly against a good crop, especially on fields from which several crops had been cut. From several years' experience with Brome Grass, it appears, to obtain the bc^t results in hay that two crops should be taken from the field, which should then be ploughed up unless required for pasture. While this will necessitate a little more work in sowing a fresh field or a few acres each spring and ploughing up the same amount of old grass land, various advantages will arise from the adoption of this course, 1st, good fodder will be supplied each year by the newly seeded land ; 2nd, there being a first crop of hay each year, it is likely to be a good one ; 3rd, Brome sod is easily ploughed after the second crop, but is very tough after the fourth or fifth ; ith, the roots of the grass when ploughed up afford protection from winds and in this respect are equal, so far as experience shows, to the native sod ; this being the case it is evident that it will be a great advantage to' other crops to treat old worked land in this way. Without the heavy rain which fell on the farm in June last, it is probable that from the fields on which two crops had been previously cut, there would not have been one-half ton of hay per acre. On 18th, 19th and 20th May, several acres of Brome sod were ploughed up. One portion was ploughed six inches deep ; a second, three inches deep, and a third one and one-half inch deep. The deep ploughing was sown with pease, harrowed well and rolled. The other portions rolled down, and on 23rd and 28th July backset five inches deep. The pease did not germinate till after rains on 15th and 18th June, and were caught by frost before maturing. There was, however, a good crop of straw and grain, the pods being well filled. Except where the first two furrows met no Brome Grass roots survived. On the other portions some roots were still alive when the plots were backset, but at this date all seem to be dead. Considering the large amount of rain which fell on 15th to 18th June, and the favourable growing weather for several weeks after, the growth on the land ploughed was very small indeed, and with our ordinary June rainfall there will not be the least difficulty in killing the roots of this grass by breaking and backsetting. One acre of sod five years old has, this fall, been ploughed four inches deep as a further experiment in getting rid of Brome Grass. For information regarding sowing the following is quoted from the report for 1896 : "This grass is better sown alone ; at least it should not be sown with a grain crop. The grain takes too much moisture from the young grass-plants, only the most vigorous of which will survive the dry weather in September; whereas, if sown alone all the plants have an equal chance. "It is also advisable to sow the seed on soil that does not blow. Summer-fallow would be the best preparation, but on account of its liability to drift it is not safe in many parts of the Territories to use this kind of land. Stubble land ploughed three or four inches deep in April or May, and well harrowed after the seed is sown, is found to be quite safe from winds as the stubble harrowed on top prevents all drifting. REPORT OF MR. ANGUS MAC KAY. 375 " Fifteen to eighteen pounds of seed is required per acre. More seed wUl give a better crop the first year, but less afterwards as the roots thicken up each year and in three or four years makes better pasture than hay. " The seed being Hght, long and thin, seeding by hand is the only practicable method To seed properly a calm day should be chosen, so that all parts of the land may be evenly sown. " While the plants are young, weeds are sure to make great headway and it is necessary to keep them, at least from going to seed. The quickest way to accomplish this is to go over the field with a mower, cutting just above the grass-plants. If this operation has to be repeated it will be necessary to cut the tops of the grass, but this will not injure the plants, in fact it is an advantage in the way of giving the roots a better hold. " The first crop of hay can be cut the next year after seeding, and will, in ordinary years be ready early in July. Eight or ten days after being ready to cut for hay it will be fit to cut for seed if so desired. " On this farm it has always been cut in first blossom for hay and ten days from this time it is considered in proper state to cut for seed. " In cutting for seed a binder is used and the grass is cut, tied and stooked the same as wheat or other grain. In a week or ten days after cutting it is ready to thresh or store away as deemed best. " For threshing small quantities the old-fashioned flail is suitable, but for large lots a threshing machine should be used on which the wind has been closed ofi" as much as practicable. From three to six hundred pounds of seed may be expected from an acre." YIELDS. Twenty acresfrom fields which have been cut 3, 4 or 5 times, 52,100 pounds or 1 ton 605 pounds per acre. Twenty-two acres new crop 79,555 pounds or 1 ton 1,616 pounds per acre. (One acre of this field yielded 3 tons 1,000 pounds.) EXPERIMENTS WITH ROOTS. The root crop was very light the past season. No seeds germinated until the middle of June, nearly one month later than usual, and excessive rains for three days in June hardened the land to such an extent that it was in very bad condition to stand the dry weather which set in early in July and continued, with the exception of two or three days upon which showers fell, to the time the roots were taken up. The roots were on clay loam summer-fallowed land, which was ploughed before the seeds were sown. Following will be found yields of two seedings each of turnips, mangels, carrots and sugar beets. The yield per acre, in each case, has been calculated from the weight of roots obtained from two rows each, 66 feet long. 876 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS- TURNIPS — Test of Varieties. Name of Variety. Hartley's Bronze Aberdeen Purple Top. . Hall's Westbury Shamrock Purple Top. Perfection Swede . . . . Selected Purple Top. . . Sutton's Champion .... Skirving's. Prixe Winner Marquis of Lome East Lothian Jumbo or Monarch .... Carter's Elephant Selected Champion .... Improved Grey stone. . . Bangholm Selected . . . Mammoth Clyde Prize Purple Top Halewood s Bronze Top Giant King. l«t Plot Sown. May 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 2nd Plot Sown. May 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 Ist Plot Pulled Oct. 2nd Plot Pulled Oct. Tons. Lbs. Bush. Lbs. Yield per Are. Ibt Plot. Yield per Acre. 1st Plot 1,548 325 1,140 319 1,424 290 596 276 1,048 250 520 242 256 237 1,464,224 1,332 222 6721211 4081206 408:206 1,352 560 332 1,768 1,504 1,372 316 468 198 176 172 162 158 156 138 107 48 24 36 48 36 24 12 12 48 48 12 12 48 24 12 36 48 Yield per Acre. 2nd Plot. Tons. Lbs. 10 13 10 10 10 9 8 9 7 6 7 8 7 6 5 6 6 10 8 7 856 1,894 268 460 64 348 1,820 1,932 1,180 Yield per Acre, 2nd Plot Bush. Lbs. 347 466 337 341 334 305 297 332 253 1,800231 1,576259 896281 l,312i255 1,992'233 1,880 198 1,464 224 1,464 224 1,648 360 1,160 286 338.239 36 24 48 24 48 i2 36 36 12 12 24 24 48 48 MANGELS — Test of Varieties. Gate-post May 18 1. 18 May 28 .> 28 Oct 4 Oct 4 12 420 407 13 1,984 420 466 24 Norbitan Giant II 4 II 4 11 1,760 396 12 407 Giant Yellow Globe .. 18 ., 28 II 4 •1 4 11 1,628 393 48 13 1,324 455 24 Giant Yellow half -lone . . Champion Yellow Globe. .. 18 ,. 28 ti 4 4 10 1,912 365 12 14 1,568 492 48 .. IS M 28 II 4 4 10 1,912 365 12 12 1,476 424 36 Yellow Intermediate .... .. 18 „ 28 11 4 1. 4 10 1,912 365 12 15 1,944 532 24 Mammoth Long Red .... « 18 .. 28 II 4 4 10 1,780,363 13 268 437 48 Giant Yellow Intermedi- ' I ate, Steele H 18 .. 28 II 4 4 10 1,1201352 .. 13 1,852 464 12 Selected Mammoth Lons: 1 Red „ 18 >, 28 II 4 4 10 1,120352 12 1,476 424 36 Prize Mammoth Long Red .. 18 ,. 28 II 4 4 10 988 349 48 13 1,456 457 36 Golden Fleshed Tankard. .. 18 M 28 II 4 4 9 1,404 323 24 13 1,S52 464 13 Ward's Long oval-shaped. .. 18 „ 28 „ 4 4 9 480 308 13 2GS 437 48 Red Fleshed Globe .... .. 18 .. 28 II 4 •1 4 9 216303 36 10 460 341 Giant Yellow Intermedi- ate, Pearce .. 18 .. 28 4 •1 4 9 2r'303 3(> 13 664 444 24 Golden Tankard .. 18 1. 28 II 4 •1 4 8 1,820 297 13 684 411 24 Warden's Orange Globe. . .. 18 ., 28 II 4 II 4 8 89G281 SO U 1,6:78 393 48 Canadian Giant .. 18 ,. 18 .. 28 H 28 M 4 4 4 4 7 6 388 239 1,728 228 48 48 11 8 176 92 369 268 36 Red Fleshed Tankard . . . 12 REPORT OF MR. ANGUS MAGKAY. sn CARROTS — Test of Varieties. Name of Variety. Improved Short White. . . Mammoth White Inter- mediate . . Iverson's Champion White Bel^an Green-top White Orthe. . Guerande or Oxheart Half -long White Half -lon|: Chantenay Giant White Vosges Early Gem Carter's Orange Giant.. . . Scarlet Intermediate Yellow Intermediate Long Orange or Surrey . . Long Scarlet Altringham. 1st Plot Sown. 2nd Plot Sown. 1st Plot Pulled. May 14 May 27 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 Oct. 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 2nd Plot PuUed. Oct. Tons. Lbs. 3 1,524 Yield per Acre. 1st Plot. 1,128 996 852 600 600 204 72 1,544 1,412 1,016 1,016 1,016 752 1,960 Yield Yield per Acre. per Acre. 1st Plot. l2nd Plot. Bust I. Lbs. Tons. Lbs. 125 24 3 468 118 48 3 1,128 116 36 4 448 114 12 3 1,392 110 . . 2 1,016 110 3 204 103 24 3 864 101 12 3 1,524 92 24 3 1,392 90 12 2 1,808 83 36 3 76 83 36 2 352 83 36 2 1,676 79 12 2 620 66 •■ 1 1,0.S6 Yield per Acre. 2nd Plot Bush. Lbs. 107 118 140 123 83 103 114 125 123 96 101 72 94 77 50 48 48 48 12 36 24 24 24 12 48 12 36 36 36 SUGAR-BEETS — Test of Varieties. Danish Improved. Danish Red-top ._. Improved Imperial Wanzleben May IS ,. 18 .. 18 „ 18 M 18 ,. 18 May 28 „ 28 .. 28 « 28 ,- 28 .. 28 Oct H H II n II 4 4 4 4 4 4 Oct It tl tl n 4 4 4 4 4 4 10 9 9 8 7 6 1,252 1,932 1,140 632 1,180 1,452 354 332 319 277 253 224 12 12 12 11 12 8 11 7 8 308 1.740 1,292 704 1,120 1,028 371 429 288 378 257 283 48 12 24 yilmorin's Improved Red Top Sugar 48 POTATOES. One hundred and fifteen rarieties of potatoes were tested. One hundred of these were in uniform test plots and were planted on a piece of land which was afterwards nearly submerged by the rains of 15th-l 8th June, and out of the hundred varieties twenty-eight were entirely destroyed. The varieties giving the larger yields were on a high part of the plot and were not put back or injured by the water, on this account, the results reported on this year cannot be regarded as a reliable test of the relative productions of the different sorts planted. Many of the varieties were scabby and a great many small tubers were found in all the sorts. There were no rotten potatoes in any of the plots. The potatoes were planted in rows thirty inches apart and twelve inches apart in the rows. The soil was a clay loam and the yield per acre has been calculated from the product of two rows each 66 feet long. 378 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. POTATOES — Test of Varieties. Name of Variety. Lee's Favourite. Northern Spy Carman No. 3 Vick's Extra Early World's Fair.. Early White Prize Brownell's Winner Clarke's No. 1 White Beauty Ohio Junior I. X. L Seedling No. 230 Flemish Beauty Seedling. Dakota Red New Variety No. 1 Seedling No. 7 American Wonder State of Maine Early Sunrise Charles Downing Lizzie's Pride . Early Norther Quaker City Polaris Dreer's Standard Irish Daisy Victor Rose Holbom Abundance Early Gem Early Puritan Prize-taker Rural Blush Reeve's Rose Maggie Murphy Holton Rose Columbus Algoma, No. 1 McKenzie. . . Pride of the Market . . . Daisy Wonder of the World. . . . Empire State Satisfaction Record Hale's Champion . . Stourbridge Glory Fillbasket Early Rose Seedling No. 314 Russell Seedling Vanier Late Puritan.. Harbinger Reading Giant Early Harvest Irish Cobbler Sharpe's Seedling Delaware Crown Jewel Orphan's Early Ohio Everett Seattle Burpee's Extra Early gJ. 2-S ^ * *^^ 3S^ Planted. Dug. Character of Growth. Total Yield per Acre. a3 feS an 'H^'*' J3 "3 x-.fi .i o CS .i O cS >^ >^ Bush. Lbs. Bush. Lbs. Bush. Lbs. May 17. Oct. 4. Fair 530 24 387 12 143 12 „ 17. If 4. II 530 24 387 12 143 12 H 17. It 4. II 451 396 55 H 17. II 4. tl 389 24 264- , , 125 24 n 17. tl 4. II 387 12 290 24 96 48 M 17. II 4. , 3G3 , ^ 277 12 85 48 .. 17. It 4. It 330 290 24 39 36 n 17. II 4. II 330 246 24 83 36 r. 17. II 4. M 325 36 228 48 96 48 n 17. tl 4. II 321 12 246 24 74 48 1. 17. If 4. 316 48 184 48 132 « 17. tl 4. It 314 36 224 24 90 12 ., 17. II 4. II 31o 255 55 .. 17. tl 4. II . 305 48 279 24 26 24 u 17. ft 4. 11 301 24 253 48 24 „ 17. tl 4. II 292 36 246 24 46 12 M 17. It 4. II 290 24 176 114 24 M 17. II 4. 1 290 24 242 48 24 „ 17. It 4. II 288 12 222 12 66 ., 17. If 4. It ....... 286 169 24 116 36 „ 17. If 4. Weak 283 48 255 12 28 36 .. 17. If 4. It 277 12 237 36 39 36 ., 17. II 4. 11 .... 272 48 211 12 61 36 .. 17. H 4. Rank 268 24 239 48 28 36 ., 17. f* 4. Weak . . . 266 12 226 36 39 36 „ 17. It 4. It 262 . 233 24 28 36 „ 17. If 4. II ..... 257 24 215 36 41 48 „ 17. If 4. , 255 12 176 79 12 „ 17. tl 4. tl ..... 248 12 193 i2 55 ■. 17. If 4. 11 ...... 246 24 182 36 63 48 ,. 17. fl 4. tt 246 24 206 48 39 36 .. 17. It 4. M ..... 231 24 194 37 24 ,. 17. H 4. If 231 195 48 36 12 „ 17. It 4. It 226 36 193 36 33 „ 17. II 4. II ...... 226 . 176 , , 50 M 17. It 4. It 224 24 204 36 19 48 „ 17. II 4. II 224 24 180 24 44 „ 17. II 4. tl 222 12 176 46 12 M 17. II 4. It 220 191 24 28 36 ,. 17. If 4. It ... 217 48 156 12 61 36 ,. 17. II 4. II - 215 36 158 24 57 12 M 17. tl 4. 213 24 184 48 28 36 ., 17. It 4. II 211 12 176 35 12 ., 17. It 4. II 211 12 140 48 70 24 H 17. II 4. II ...... 207 156 24 60 36 .. 17. II 4. II .... 204 36 173 48 30 48 „ 17. II 4. II ... 198 143 , 55 .. 17. ir 4. II 198 171 36 26 24 „ 17. II 4. tl 197 135 62 .. 17. n 4. It 180 .. 120 , , 60 H 17. II 4. II 173 48 138 36 35 12 n 17. tl 4. It 169 24 105 48 63 36 ., 17. II 4. It .... 169 24 147 24 22 .. 17. It 4 It ..... 160 36 118 48 41 48 n 17. tl 4. It 158 24 123 12 35 12 .. 17. tl 4. II 156 12 105 36 50 36 ., 17. If 4. It 156 12 127 36 28 36 M 17. If 4. It 151 48 112 12 39 36 ., 17. If 4. II . . • 145 12 110 35 12 M 17 It 4. II <...... 138 36 94 36 44 .. 17. II 4. It , 134 12 110 24 12 „ 17. II 4. II ..... 129 48 116 36 13 12 ,. 17. 1. 4. II 129 48 101 12 28 36 u 17. 11 4. II • 129 48 101 12 28 36 REPORT OF MR. ANGUS MACKAY. 378 POTATOES. — Test of Varieties. — Continued. Name of Variety. Carman No. 1 Hose No. 9 Beauty of Hebron Hopeful Good News. Bumaby Seedling. . . . Troy Seedling Table King King of the Roses. .\. . . . Bill Nye Honeoye Rose Brown's Rot-proof Clay Rose American Giant Chicago Market Early Market Earliest of all Early Six- weeks Freeman Great Divide General Gordon Green Mountain Irish Beauty Ideal Lightning Express London Monroe County Money-maker Peerless Junior Pride of the Table Pearce's Extra Earl3'. . . Pearce'e Prize Winner New Queen Queen of the Valley Rochester Rose Rural No. 2 Thorbum Toronto Queen Great Northern Uncle Sam American Giant Sir Walter Raleigh Clarke's Extra Early . . . Maule's Thoroughbred . Puritan No. 1 Early London Early Summer She Bovee Wonderful Clayrose . . . Primrose £« £■* ^ >i Bush. Lbs. Bush. Lbs. Bush. Lba- May 17. Oct. 4.. Weak 129 48 105 36 24 12 .. 17. .. 4. II 127 36 99 , 28 36 ., 17. H 4. (1 127 36 118 48 8 48 .. 17. .. 4. II 125 24 77 , , 48 24 .. 17. ., 4. If 123 12 96 48 26 24 .. 17. .. 4. r. 4.. tt t1 . . 105 100 30 105 34 36 „ 17. 66 u 17. „ 4.. tl 92 24 68 12 24 12 1. 17. .. 4.. It 79 52 48 26 12 .. 17. .. 4.. ir ...... 77 61 36 15 24 „ 17. .. 4.. M .... 48 24 35 12 13 12 .. 17. ] .. 17. .. 17. .. 17. .- 17. .. 17. M 17. ,. 17. .. 17. .. 17. .. 17. M 17. .. 17 .. 17. ^Killed out by water . M 17. .. 17. n 17. .. 17. M 17. .. 17. .. 17. .. 17. .. 17. .. 17. M 17. ,. 17. J May 17. Oct. 4. Fair 431 12 378 24 52 48 .. 17. II 4. M , . 330 . 264 66 , „ 17. II 4 . II . . 323 24 264 , , 59 24 ., 17. II 4. U 297 242 55 .. 17. H 4. Weak 264 , 193 36 70 24 .. 17. II 4. II 228 48 206 48 22 .. 17. H 4. If 189 12 162 48 26 24 ,. 17. n 4. If 187 171 36 15 24 .. 17. II 4. It 173 48 149 36 24 12 .. 17. II 4. n 171 36 132 39 36 H 17. n 4. ft • • . • 162 48 99 63 48 .. 17. n 4. n *.-••• 162 48 107 48 55 n 17. n 4. ti • . • * • 134 12 114 24 19 48 « 17. H 4. n .. .. 116 •• 106 •• 10 •• 380 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. VEGETABLE GARDEN. The spring being very dry during the whole of the month of May and the first half of June, was unfavourable for the vegetable garden. In places where snow banks had collected during the winter, and when melted left moisture, the vegetable seeds germinated quickly and gave good returns, but where there was little or no moisture from this source the seeds remained till 20th June before starting, and as a rule the returns were small. The season was favourable for anything started in the hot beds. Attention is drawn to the difiFerence between onions started in the hot beds and those grown in the garden, details of which will be found following. The season was also very favourable for tomatoes, the weather both during the day and at night being warm for a longer period than is usual, ASPABA.QUS. Three varieties were grown in beds planted in 1893 and 1891. These were Conover's (Colossal, Barr's Mammoth and Donald's Elmira. Donald's Elmira produced the largest stalks, but Conover's Colossal was the earliest First cut 1st May, continued in use till 1st July. and gave the best average cuttings, BEANS. Eleven varieties were tested. Early Valentine Wax was fit for use on July 20. Pearce's Golden Beauty Kenny's Rust Proof Wardwell's Kidney Wax Golden Eye Wax Challenge Black Wax Yellow Six-weeks Detroit Wax Lima Wax German White Wax AU ripe on 8th September. Broad Windsor beans came up slowly but did not ripen. Wardwell's Kidney Wax had the best pods and was the finest bean. 24. 24. 24. 24. 24. 24. 30. 30. 30. BEETS. Nine varieties were sown on 23rd April. Came up well, but were killed by wizid on 22nd May. Re-sown 25th May. Grew well and were lifted on 25th September. Name of Variety. Arlington Favourite Blood Turnip . Dewar's Half-long ... . . Detroit Long Smooth Blood Simmer's Extra Early Columbia Edmund's Blood Turnip Bousecour's Market . . Covent Garden Fit for use. July 10. 20. 2. 20. 2. 10. 10. 20. 10. Bushels per acre. 1,000 980 980 960 880 780 770 680 580 Remarks. Very good. Good. Very good. Good- Very good. Poor quality. Very good. If Small; good. REPORT OF MR. AXGUS MA OK A 7. 381 CARROTS. Nine varieties were sown on 23rd April, but on account of dry weather were a complete failure. CABBAGE. Sown in hot-bed, 6 th April. Transplanted into frames, 6 th May. Transplanted into garden, 4th June. Name of Variety. Luxemburgh Vaughan's Allhead Early Standard Burpee's Allhead First and Best Bruce's Winter The Lnpton Brunswick Short Stem Matchless Flat Dutch Brunswick . . Fielder Mammoth Red Rock Earliest Dwarf Red Improved Picklinsr , Dwarf Early Savoy Lorenz's Favourite Savoy Brunswick Savoy. Surehead I ■■ Vandergaw n Fit for use. Sept. Aug. Sept. Aug. Sept. 1.. 13.. 10.. 13.. 13.. 1.. 20.. 1.. 1.. 1.. 1.. 1.. 1.. 1.. 1.. 1.. 1.. 1.. 1.. Weight of Heads. Lbs. 8 14 10 16 11 13 8 10 10 15 5 3 2 2 10 13 Remarks. Fair. Extra good. Good. Extra good. Good. II Poor. Fair. Good. Extra good. Poor. Good. Extra good. Cabbage, sown in cold frame and transplanted direct to garden. Seed sown in cold frame 29th April. Plants set out in garden 10th June. Name of Variety. Burpee's All-head Vaughan's First and Best Early Summer , Fit to use. Aug. 20. .1 20 .. 20. Weight of Head. Lbs. 14 11 7 Remarks. Extra good. The above were just as good as the same varieties sown in hot beds, transplanted to cold-frames, thence to garden and were a great deal less trouble. Only second-early varieties should, however, be grown in this way. CAULIFLOWER. Nine varieties were sown in hot bed on 6th April, and again on 12th April, but only about 40 plants came up. The varieties were again sown very thick in cold-frame on 29th April, and from the plants which grew one of the best crops ever raised on the farm 582 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. was produced. Autumr. King was the only variety which came up in the hot bed but it is too late for the North-west Territories. Name of Variety. Trans- planted to Garden. Earliest Dwarf Erfurt XXX Erfurt Extrat Early Whitehead Henderson's Early Snowball . World's Best Snowball High Grade Dwarf . Erfurt. . . . Gilt Edge Autumn King Selected Early Erfurt — Bruce June 10. ■1 10 Remarks. 13. . Very good. 13. 13. . ! Large and good. 15. .jVery good. Good. Very good. Good. Cut one head. Extra good. CELERY. Seven varieties were sown in hod-beds on 6 th April, transplanted to cold-frame 6th May, transplanted to trenches 2nd July, and fit for use 10th September, and lifted 15th October. Giant Pascal— very good. Red Pascal — one of the best. White Plume — very good. Paris Golden Yellow — very good. Dwarf White Golden-heart — very good. Pink Plume — very good. New Dwarf Red — small. Some celery seed was also sown in the open ground but the plants did not grow to any size. CUCUMBERS. Eleven varieties were sown in pots in the hotbed on 15th April, and planted out in frames in garden on 20th May. Swan Neck — none grew. Peerless White Spine — in use 12th July. Very fine. Pride of Canada — none grew. Cool and Crisp — in use 12th July. Very fine. Giant White Perfection — none grew. White Wonder — In use 8th July. Small, but good crop. New Giant Pera — in use 12th July. Good crop. Livingstone's Emerald — in use 12th July. Very fine. White Wonder (Simmer's) — in use 8th July. Very fine. Paris Pickling — in use 12th July. Extra good. New Siberian — in use 1st July. Good. These varieties were again sown on 15th May in the garden, under protection of small frames. They gave a fair crop, but were neither as early nor as prolific as those which ware forced in the hot-bed. CORN. The following seven varieties were planted on 20th May, but on account of dry weather did not germinate until after rain on 15th June : — Ford's Sugar, Early Market, Early Cory, First of All, Minnesota, Mitchell's Extra Early and Squaw. AH except Squaw, which did not grow, were fit to use on Ist September. No corn of any variety ripened during 1897. REPORT OF MR. ANGUS MA OKAY. 383 CITRONS. Colorado Preserving was sown 19th April, planted out on 20th May, and gave a very good crop of large citrons. LETTUCE 2 SEEDINGS. 1st seeding, sown 27th April — fit for use 25th June. 2nd seeding, sown 1st June — fit for use through September. Early Curled Simpson — did not make close heads, but was large and of excellent quality. St. Louis — fine large heads. New Asparagus — poor, long, narrow leaves. Silver Ball — extra fine, large heads. Denver Market — fine large heads. Toronto Gem — fair. MELONS. Newport, Earliest of All and Emerald Gem musk melons were sown in pots in a hot bed on 19th April and put out in frames in the gardens on 20th May. All bore a large quantity of fruit but only four Earliest of All and one Emerald Gem ripened, quality good. Black Spanish water-melon was sown but did not ripen. MARROWS AND SQUASH, Bush Marrows were sown 15th May in frames in garden and produced a large crop of small marrows. Scallop Squash sown 15th May in frames in garden, produced a fair crop. KALE. Scotch and Lorenz's finest garnishing, sown in hot-bed 6th April ; transplanted to cold frames 6th May ; to gai'den 4th June. Both very fine. brussel's sprouts. New Giant and Improved Exhibition sown 6th April. Transplanted 6th May. Did not do well. ONIONS — Sown in Hot-bed and Transplanted. Name of Variety. Red Victor Prize Taker Yellow Dutch Setta Red Globe Large Yellow Danvers White Globe Red Globe (Exp. Farm seed). Sown Trans- Bushels in planted in Taken up. per Hot-bed. Garden. Acre. April 6.. June 7 . . Sept. 16.. 480 6.. 7.. .. 16.. 440 „ 16.. 11 ( . . „ 16.. 440 6.. 7.. M 16.. 400 6.. 7.. .. 16. . 380 6.. 7.. .. 16. 320 6.. 7.. ., 16.. 320 Remarks. Very large. Early ; fine shape. Very large. Large and coarse. Extra fine. II Very large. The above were much larger than the same varieties sown in the open ground but they did not ripen as well nor will they keep as long. 384 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS, ONIONS. — Sown in the open ground. Xame of Variety. Sown. Taken up. Bushels per Acre. Remarks. Large Yellow Danvers Aprill6.. M 16.. .. 16.. „ 16.. .. 16,. H 16.. „ 16.. ,. 16.. Sept. 16.. M 16.. ., 16.. „ 16.. .. 16.. u 16.. .. 16.. M 16.. 380 360 280 280 240 200 180 100 Very fine. World-beater Wethersfield Red Globe Large Red Wethersfield Red Globe (Ex. Farm seed) White Globe New Queen Extra fine pickling White Silver Skin H The above were rather small but were of excellent quality and ripened well. One bed of Large Red Wethersfield sown the fall of 1896, came up on the same day as those sown in the spring and no difference could be seen between them all season. PEASE. Ten varieties were sown on 24th April, and nine varieties on 5th jNlay. With the exception of a few feet on one end of each row of those sown on 24th April, none came up till after rain on 15th June. The crop was consequently very late. Name of Variety. Wni. Hurst Daisy American Wonder Laxton's Alpha Eclipse Shropshire Hero Yorkshire Hero Telephone Stratagem Heroine ; . . . . New Queen Alaska Nott's Excelsior Horsford's Market Garden Burpee's Profiision S. B. M. Extra Early Little Giant Champion of England C.P.R Sown. April 24. 24. 24. 24. 24. ,. 24. „ 24. 24. 24. 24. 5. 5. 5. 5. 5. 5. 5. 5. 5. May Fit for use. July 12. 24 12 12. 10. 24. .1 24. 24. 20. 24. 24. 12. 12. Aug. 10. 10. July 12. 12. Aug. 30. Sept. 1. Ripe. Aug. 31. Sept. 10. Aug. 31 . 31. 31. Sept. 10. .. 10. 10. ,. 10. ,, 10. 10. Aug. 31. 31. Aug. 31. 31. Remarks. Extra good. One of the best. Good. II but late . II II Extra good ; large pods. II Large and prolific. Good ; late variety. Early ; small. Good. Did not ripen ; very prolific. II II Small. Extra good. Did not ripen. Frozen ; too late. PUMPKINS. Connecticut Field, Jumbo and Prize were sown on 15th May. Protected by boxes, provided with light 12 x 12 glass. Connecticut Field was very fine ; of good size and all ripened. Jumbo and Prize were larger but did not quite mature. PARSNIPS. Magnum Bonum, Hollow Crown and New Intermediate were sown ] 7th April All came up well bub the crop was poor and the roots very small. BE PORT OF MB. ANGUS MACK AT. S86 RADISHES. Nine varieties were sown on 27th April. All came up "well but were frozen down. Resown 10th May, and again on 1st June. All were fit to use six weeks after seeding. Olive Gem ; good. Rosy Gem ; good. In . cS 00 a A 19 8 8 13 5 be 3HH 19 8 8 13 5 Notes on Growth. Strong growth. 1 died, 1896. 4 died, winter 1896-97. Strong growth. SEEDLING PLUM AND PYRUS ORCHARD, 1897 An orchard containing four plots each 210 x 250 feet has been this year laid out west of the superintendent's house. Plot No. 1 ia partially planted as follows : — Row 1. — 4 Pyrus prunifolia. 11 1. — 16 II baccata yellow. II 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. — 96 Pyrus baccata yellow. II 7, 8. — 40 seedlings of Siberian crab. Leaving 16 rows vacant. REPORT OF MR. ANGUS MACK AT. 389 Plot No. 2. Row 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. — 120 seedlings of native pluma. II 7, 8, 9, 10, 11. — 100 seedlings of Hungarian plum. I! 12. — 20 seedlings of Speer plum. II 13, 14, 15, 16, 17. — 100 seedlings of Weaver plum. I, 18, 19, 20, 21.— 80 seedlings of De Soto plum. II 22. — 20 seedlings of Yosemite yellow n II 23. — 20 seedlings of Ida plum. II 24. — 20 seedlings of seedling Ko. 3 plum. Plot No. 3. Row 1, 2. — 40 seedlings of Speer plum. „ 3, 4._40 H .. Wolf M ,, 5, 6. — 40 II II Purple Yosemite plum. 11 7, 8. — 40 II II Van Buren plum. 11 9, 10. — 40 II M Hungarian h II 11, 12. — 40 II II Weaver n 11 13, 14. — 40 II II American n M 15. — 20 II II Yosemite Yellow plum. II 16 — 20 II n Cheney plum. II J 7. — 20 It II Rollingston plum. .1 18, 19, 20.— 60 seedlings of Ida plum. It 21,22,23.-60 11 tt De Soto plum. It 24. — 20 seedlings of Voronesh plum. Plot No. 4. Rows 1 to 24. — Vacant. Eighty-five per cent of the above have lived and made fair to strong growth and are in good condition for the winter. In the spring of 1898 some of the blanks will be filled with new varieties of crosses between Pyrus baccata and some of the larger varieties of apples which have been recently originated at Ottawa. Plots No. 1 and 2 are inclosed by a hedge of seedling Lilacs raised from seed of Syringa Vulgaris Chas. X, 18 inches high, set out 3 feet apart. Plots No. 3 and 4 by seedlings of Caragana A'^-horescens, 18 inches high, planted 30 inches apart. These plantations when completely filled will accommodate 1,920 trees. PLUMS. Seedlings of Weaver. — Eighty trees were planted in the spring of 1894. Sixty- eight were living in the autumn of 1897. These have made a strong growth and appear to be hardy. One tree bore three plums this year, but they did not ripen. Seedlings of Hungarian. — Twenty of these were planted in the spring of 1894. Five were living in the autumn of 1897. They have made strong growth and appear to be hardy. No fruit has yet been borne on any of this variety, but the trees were covered with blossoms this year ; which were however frozen in May. Seedlings of Speer. — Four of these were planted in the spring of 1895 and were^ll living in the autumn of 1897. They have made strong growth and appear to be hai'dy, but have not yet borne fruit. Seedlings of De Soto. — Eight were planted in the spring of 1895, and 6 were living in the autumn of 1897. They have made a strong growth and seem hardy, but have as yet borne no fruit. 390 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. Seedlmgs of Voronesh. — Four of these were planted in the spring of 1897, and 4 were living in the autumn. They have made strong growth. Seedlings of Impericd Blue. — Five were planted in the spring of 1895, and one was living in the autumn of 1897. This has made strong growth, but this variety does not seem sufficiently hardy to stand the climate here. PLUMS FROM CHAS. LUEDLOFF, COLOGNE, MINN. In the spring of 1896, 38 varieties of plums were ordered by the Director from the above nursery and when received they were planted in an inclosure. In the following list will be found the names, number planted and notes on the condition of the trees in the fall of 1897. Name of Variety. Purple Yosemite . Clinton Mi- sour i Apricot, Deep Creek . . . Irene Milton Anthony Cottrell Emerson, Weaver Van Buren Reed Esther Forest Rose ... Dr. Dennis New William Newman Van Deman Yellow Sweet Chas. Downing. Ocheeda Speer American Eagle. . Col. Wilder. . . . , Pepper's Puritan. Ounlop No. 1 Wood Illinois Iron-clad, Crescent City. . . , Large Red Sweet Hammer Silas Wilson City Richland Gaylord , Moldavka Neil's Hawkeye Number Planted. 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 Notes on Condition and Growth, 1897. Strong growth. 1 fair growth, 1 dead. 2 fair growth. 2 strong growth. 2 fair growth ; kills back. 1 strong growth, 1 dead. 2 2 fair growth. 2 strong growth. 2 fair growth ; partly winter killed. 2 „ 2 II partly winter killed. 1 II 1 strong growth. 2 II partly winter killed. 2 II II 2 2 strong growth. 2 1 fair growth, 1 strong growth. 1 II II 2 strong growth. 1 II 1 dead. 2 fair growth. 2 2 1 strong growth, 1 broken. 1 II 1 dead. 1 fair growth, 1 dead. 2 strong growth. 2 ll >i 1 fair growth. 2 2 fair growth. |l II 1 dead. 1 II II ,2 .1 1 II II •2 PLUMS FROM THE CENTRAL EXPERIMENTAL FARM, OTTAWA, PLANTED 1897. De Soto Aikin . . Hoskin . REPORT OF MR. ANGUS MAC KAY. 391 MANITOBA NATIVE PLUM. Planted 1895, and grown from seed planted on this farm. Three trees grown from seed planted on the Experimental Farm, Indian Head, bore fruit this season. The crop was not large but the fruit was of fair size and quality. The following trees (from Stonewall, Man.) were planted in 1895. These have not yet borne fruit, but those living will probably do so in 1898 : — No. 60. 27 7 12. 32. 29 47 59 63. 23 53. 22 84 64. 46. 31. 21. 94 14. 52. 36 15. 27. 63., 88 , 79. 12 11 , 91.. 65., 71-, 56., 67. 26., 69.. 40., 51. 30., 61.. 86.. 85.. 89., 57.. 76.. 81.. 41.. 68.. 39.. 67.. Variety No. No. Planted. 2 3 2 1 1 2 3 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 3 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 2 2 2 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 2 2 2 1 1 2 1 2 Notes on Growth, 1897. 1 strong growth, 1 dead. 2 ,. 1 „ 2 fair growth. Dead. 1 strong growth, 1 weak growth. 1 II 2 dead. 1 1 Dead. 1 strong growth. 1 fair growth, 1 dead. 1 strong grow^th, 1 dead. 2 strong growth. 2 dead. 2 strong growth. 2 II 1 dead. Dead. 2 strong growth, 1 dead. 1 fair growth. Dead. II Strong growth. Dead. 2 strong growth. II Dead. 1 fair growth, 1 dead. 2 strong growth. 1 strong growth, 1 dead. 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 dead. 1 strong growth. 1 dead. 1 .. CHERRIES. Mahaleh. — One tree planted, 1897. Fair growth. Seedlings of Carnation. — Five were planted in the spring of 1894, and one was living in the autumn of 1897. This tree has made fair growth. S92 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. Seedlings of Lithauer Weichsel. — Twenty of these were planted in the spring of 1894, and six were living in the autumn of 1897. These have made fair growth. Seedlings of Olivet. — Four were planted in the spring of 1895, and all have since died. Seedlings of Minnesota Ostheim. — Thirty-five of these were planted in the spring of 1895, and 11 were living in the autumn of 1897. These have made strong growth. Rocky Mountain Cherry. — Fourteen were planted in the spring of 1895, and 12 were living in the autumn of 1897. Some of these fruited this year and made strong growth. The fruit was good. Wild Cherry from Nebraska. — Four of these were planted in the spring of 1896, and 3 were living in the autumn of 1897. They appear to be hardy and have made strong growth. Sand Cherry. — One hundred and eighty were planted in the spring of 1894, 168 are now living. These appear to be hardy and have made strong growth and 1 2 of them have borne fruit. APRICOTS. Two Apricots from Turkestan were planted last spring and have made fair growth. PEAES. One Longworth pear was planted last season and has made fair progress. GRAPES. Gihh. — Five were planted in the spring of 1895. All are living but have made slow growth. Bacchus. — Five were planted in the spring of 1895. All are living and have made fair growth. Manitoba Native Wild Grape. — Three were planted in the spring of 1895. All are living and have made strong growth, but none of them have yet borne fruit. SMALL FRUITS. The currants planted previous to 1896 ; both white and red produced a good crop last season, but the black currants were small and the crop light. WJiite. White Grape, 3 planted, 1896 ; fair growth, no fruit. White Imperial, 3 " 1897 " " Bed. PLANTED, 1896. Baby Castle, 3 trees ; strong growth , few berries. Victoria, 3 <( fair .( no fruit. Red Dutch, 2 a (1 K few berries. Versillaise, 4 (1 (( (1 very large, fine. Fertile d' Angers, 3 (( weak (1 no fruit. Fay's Prolific, 2 (( fair <( very tine. Cherry, 4 (( (( (< few good bunches, Prince Albert, 3 (( strong It II Red Dutch, 4 (I C( , o.S ( • 3 Bearded . . 4,160 II • 3^ Bald 4,300 II 4 ti .... 4,000 If 3 ir . - . . 3,600 II 4 II .... 4,200 II 3i II .... 4,600 M . 3| II .... 4,000 II 4| II .... 3,540 II 3 II .... 3,900 II 2* Bearded . . 4,200 II sl Bald 3,800 II 3 Bearded . . 3,900 U 4 II . • 3,900 11 4 Bald 4,100 II 4 Bearded . . 4,000 n 4 If . . 3,500 II 3h II . . 3,300 II 3| II 3,900 II 3| Bald 4,000 It oft 1 Bearded . . 3,800 It 3 If 4,200 It 8 Bald 4,200 II 4 II .... 3,800 It H Bearded . . 4,000 It . 3 Bald 3,300 II 4i Bearded . . 3,800 II 4| II 3,800 It 4 11 . . 4,000 It 4 II 5,700 II 3 Bald 3,120 II . 3i Bearded . . 3,120 It 4 Bald 3,400 It 4 tl .... 3,600 II 5 Bearded . . 3,100 11 3 M 3,300 ti 4 II • . 3,700 Yield per Acre. Bush. Lba. 31 40 31 20 31 .. 30 40 30 40 30 .. 30 .. 29 40 29 20 29 20 29 .. l! 40 28 20 28 20 28 20 28 .. 28 .. 27 40 27 20 27 20 27 20 27 20 27 .. 27 .. 27 .. 27 .. 26 40 26 40 26 .. 26 .. 25 40 25 40 25 20 25 00 24 20 24 20 23 20 23 20 EXPERIMENTS WITH OATS. Sixty-four varieties were sown on loamy soil on the 16th of April on plots of one- twentieth of an acre each. These plots were sown in the apple orchard, on land that had been partly in com and part of it in oats in 1896. The following varieties were injured by rust, especially : the White Russian, Mortgage Lifter, Olive, White Wonder, Victoria Prize, and Abun- dance ; and some plots have suffered owing to the land on which they were sown having been dug to a depth of three or four feet in taking out fir stumps. In such cases lb requires a number of years of cultivation to restore the land to a condition equal to that adjoining, which has not been grubbed to such a depth. The growth of straw was very rank, but the weight of straw shown in the following table is greater than it would be but for the ferns, of which there were a good many in all the plots. 408 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. Oats — Test of Varieties. Name of Variety. Early Maine Black Beauty Golden Giant Lincoln Oderbruch Early Blossom Improved American Buckbee's Illinois Bavarian American Beauty Flying Scotchman Columbus Scottish Chief. . . Wide Awake Coulommier's Bonanza Cromwell King Cream Egyptian Rosedale. Doncaster Prize Prolific Black Tartarian . White Russian American Triumph Golden Tartarian WaUis White Schonen Hazlett's Seizure .... . Miller Brandon Siberian White Monarch Golden Beauty Early Etampes Early Archangel Welcome Mortgage Lifter New Electric Olive (Black) Early Golden Prolific Scotch Hopetoun Rennie's Prize White Imported Irish Banner Improved Ligowo Newmarket. Holstein Prolific White Poland Early Gothland Medal Joanette California Prolific Black. Oxford Siberian O. A. C Wintf r Grey Russell Abyssinia Prize Cluster White Wonder. , Mennonite Victoria Prize White Abundance. Master Pense Date of Ripening. Aug. 12.. M 12.. „ 11., 5.. M 19.. M 16.. ., 16.. ., 15.. M 16.. ,. 14. . M 12.. 4.. .. 17.. ., 17.. ., 18.. -. 12.. M 12.. M 17.. „ 17. . „ 17.. 3.. M 16.. 4.. ,. 14.. M 12.. n 16.. 4.. .t 12.. .. 12.. M 12. . M 19. . .. 16.. .. 14.. M 14.. .. 12.. M 14. . 5.. - 11.. n 16.. M 14.. .. 16.. M 13.. ., 11.. M 12.. ., 12 .- 17.. M 16.. 3.. H 14.. .. 12.. .. 14.. ,. 12.. ,. 14.. n 17.. 3.. M 16.. M 14.. M 11.. M 16. . 3.. 3.. ., 16.. „ 11.. M 16.. 117 117 116 110 124 121 121 120 121 119 117 109 122 122 123 117 117 122 122 122 108 121 109 119 117 121 109 117 117 117 124 121 119 119 117 119 110 115 121 119 121 118 116 117 117 122 121 108 119 117 119 117 119 122 107 121 118 115 121 107 107 121 115 121 o In. 66 60 68 52 66 m- 65 66 60 60 66 58 63 60 60 66 60 60 68 66 62 66 57 52 66 60 56 54 60 72 65 70 60 66 66 54 57 00 66 60 60 66 66 68 64 62 60 60 66 72 56 60 66 60 62 63 60 56 66 53 63 56 67 54 Stifif& bright Character of Straw. Fair.. Weak Stiff.. Fair.. Stiff.. Fair.. Stiff.... Medium . Weak . . Fair Weak .. Medium. Weak . . ' II . . . Fair Weak ' '. '. II . . . •t Fair II . . Strong. . . Medium . Fair II Weak '. '. * II . . . Fair II Medium. Weak . . Fair.. . . Weak . . Medium II Weak . . Strong. . o 60 c In. 10 12 12 8i 11 12 11 10 lOi 10 12 9 10 10^ 11" 10 12 lOi 11 10 9i 12 9 10 11 11 8i 10 10 12 11^ 14 lOA 12 10 8i 10 12 10 10 11 10 12 10 9 11 10 10 12 10 10 12 10 9 12 lOi 9| 12 9 9i 10 11 10 Branching. . Sided. . . ' Branching. , Half II . 11 II Branching. Kind of Head. Half sided . Branching. Sided. Branching. Sided. ...'. Branching . Sided Branching . Weight of Straw. Half sided . Branching. Half sided . Branching . II Sided. .... Branching . Sided...... Branchina:. Half 8id(d. II Branching. Sided. Lbs. 0,200 6,tl00 6,000 6,640 6,400 6,300 5,(i00 6,300 6,400 6,200 5,500 6,200 6,040 6,600 6,100 5,600 6,000 4,700 6,400 5,440 6,500 7,000 5,700 5,800 5,400 6,600 5,080 5,900 5,400 6,500 7,500 7,200 6,200 6,200 6,900 5,000 5,400 5,200 6,800 5,500 6,400 6,000 6,200 5,760 5,600 5.200 5,800 5,200 5,600 6,200 5,100 4,700 5,080 5,000 6,800 4,900 5,700 5,000 5,600 4,400 6,920 5,210 4,600 5,100 Yield per Acre. Bush . Lbs. 92 32 92 32 89 14 87 22 82 32 77 22 77 22 76 16 75 30 74 24 74 4 73 18 73 18 73 18 72 32 71 26 71 26 71 26 70 20 70 20 70 10 70 70 69 24 69 14 69 4 68 28 68 28 68 18 68 8 67 22 67 2 66 26 66 16 66 16 66 12 66 8 65 30 65 10 65 10 64 24 64 24 64 4 64 4 63 18 62 32 62 22 62 17 62 12 62 2 61 16 61 8 60 20 60 10 60 59 14 58 28 58 28 58 18 67 32 52 32 62 22 52 12 42 32 REPORT OF MR. THOMAS A. SHARPS. 409 EXPERIMENTS WITH BARLEY. Thirty-five varieties of barley have been grown in uniform test plots of one- twentieth acre each, fifteen of these were two-rowed sorts and twenty were six-rowed. They were all sown on loamy soil of fairly uniform character on the 17th of April. No injury was done by rust or smut. Barley, Two-Rowed — Test of Varieties. Name of Variety- Kin ver Chevalier. Canadian Thorpe. French Chevalier. Nepean Prize Prolific Newton Danish Chevalier. Thanet Victor... Pacer Beaver . . . Monck . . Bolton Sidney Rigid , Date of Ripening. Aug. 14 .. 14. .. 14. .. 14. M 13. >, 15. „ 12. u 14. ., 16. 9. ,. 13. .. 12. „ 14. ,. 11. M 10. 119 119 119 119 118 120 117 119 121 114 118 117 119 116 115 Length of Straw. Inches. 36 to 38 41 to 43 37 to 39 43 to 4.5 40 to 42 41 to 43 36 to 38 34 to 36 44 to 46 34 to 36 43 to 45 48 to 50 40 to 42 33 to 35 43 to 45 Character of Straw. Stiff.. 1' * . Weak Fair .. it . . If • • 11 • . II • • Weak II Fair.. Stiff. . •r ■A A In. Lbs. 3i 3,600 '6h 3,200 3 3,400 3* 3,280 4 3,400 H 2,900 3 3,600 3 3,200 3i 2,500 3i 3,000 ^ 3,380 '^ 2,900 3 2,600 3 2,700 H 3,520 Yield per Acre. Bush. Lbs. 40 37 37 32 32 31 31 31 30 29 28 28 28 27 27 40 4 4 44 24 12 12 12 20 8 36 16 6 24 4 Barley, Six-Rowed — Test of Varieties. Blue Oderbruch Petschora Mensury Common 6-rowed. . Vanguard Ronnie's Improved Royal Pioneer Nugent . . Stella Odessa Champion Phoenix Surprise Summit. Trooper Baxter's Success Excelsior Aug. 7. July 28. » 28. Aug. 5. II 6. 2. July 28. Aug. 2. •• 2. 1. 7. n 7. « 7. July 28. u 28. Aug. 7. .. 7, n 6. S. July 28. Aug. 5. 112 102 102 110 111 107 102 107 107 112 112 112 102 102 112 112 111 108 102 110 38 to 40 26 to 30 24 to 26 40 to 42 32 to 34 28 to 32 30 to 32 28 to 30 34 to 36 40 to 42 33 to 35 38 to 40 24 to 26 25 to 28 38 to 40 40 to 42 40 to 41 34 to 36 23 to 25 32 to 34 Stiff & clean. 34 3,900 It 24 3,600 ti , . 2 3,200 II . . '^ 3,700 Fair 3 3,600 It 2| 3,740 II 2| 3,900 II •••.•■>. 3 2,800 tl 3 3,500 II ■•••... 2| 2,840 II ........ 3; 3,700 II ....... 3: 2,800 tl 24 3,100 It 2: 3,300 Weak . ... 3^ 2,760 II 4 2,940 II H 2,740 Fair 3 2,500 II 2i 3,000 It 2i 2,400 42 40 38 SB 38 37 37 36 36 35 34 33 33 33 33 33 32 32 32 30 24 20 36 16 16 24 24 22 12 20 8 36 16 16 44 24 30 30 10 00 410 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. EXPERIMENTS WITH PEASE. These plots were sown on sandy loam, this land had been cleared and cropped for a number of years before the Experimental Farm was established and had got very weedy with sorrel, and in this soil and climate that is a very diflS^cult weed to get rid of. The pease also suffered from mildew to a considerable extent. The size of the plots was one-twentieth of an acre each, and all were sown on the 1st of May. Pease — Test of Varieties, Name of Variety. Date of Ripening. King Bright Archer Nelson Vincent Arthur Canadian Beauty ... Prince Albert Creeper Bedford Prussian Blue Kent White Marrowfat .... Early Briton Macoun Victoria Duke White Wonder . Elephant Blue Chancellor Carleton Perth Oddfellow Bruce Paragon Mummy Harrison's Glory Alma Golden Vine Prince Trilby New Potter Centennial Mackay Black Eye Marrowfat Multiplier Daniel O'Rourke Pride Agnes Crown Aug. 16. „ 25. „ 14. .. 25. „ 16. I, 24. M 23. ,- 23. ,. 13. .. 24. „ 23. .. 23. M 25. „ 14. ,. 23. „ 10. M 24. „ 14. ,. 25. H 25. n 24. •. 16. H 25. n 23. .. 16. .. 14. ,. 14. .■ 25. ., 14. .. 23 M 25. •. 14. n 23. „ 23. M 23. M 23. „ 12. .. 13. ,- 14. ,- 16. Character of Growth. 107 Medium . . . 116 II . . . . 105 Rank 116 II 107 Strong 115 Very strong 114 Rank 114 Strong 105 11 115 Medium 114 II . . . . 114 II . . . . 116 Strong 106 Medium . . . . 114 Strong 103 Medium 115 Strong 106 Medium 116 Strong 116 II 115 II 108 Medium . . . . 116 Strong 114 II . . . . . 108 II 106 H . . t . . 106 11 116 II 106 II 114 II 116 It 106 II 114 Medium. . . . 114 Strong 114 II 114 It 104 II . • - . . 105 II 106 Medium 108 II • . . . Length of Straw. Inches. 50 to 55 50 to 60 30 to 36 30 to 36 48 to 50 55 to 60 36 to 40 36 to 40 30 to 34 34 to 40 36 to 40 30 to 34 32 to 36 36 to 40 30 to 34 24 to 28 34 to 38 22 to 26 34 to 36 34 to 38 30 to 36 65 to 72 32 to 36 30 to 36 30 to 34 38 to 42 24 to 28 34 to 38 46 to 50 36 to 40 28 to 32 36 to 40 32 to 36 28 to 32 28 to 30 34 to 38 18 to 22 28 to 32 50 to 56 30 to 34 Weight of Straw. o Eh 1 1 2 2 2 2 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 1 2 2 2. 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1,600 1,500 1,300 1,600 1,000 1.800 300 1,400 980 700 600 900 1,800 1,000 1,400 400 1,600 900 900 900 300 1,500 800 500 700 600 900 700 300 100 400 1,800 1,900 1,300 500 500 1,700 1,600 1,700 Length of Pod. Size of Pea. Inches. to 3 to 2i 2\ to 3 2 to 2\ 2A to 3 l| to 2 3 to 2i to 3| to 2 Large . . Mediima Large . . Medium Large . SmaU . II Large . Medium Large . Small . Large . Medium Sinail '. Mediimi Large . Large . Medium Small . . II . . Large . . Medium Large . . Medium Large . . Small '. '. II Large . . SmaU ; ; Yield per Acre. J5 31 20 30 20 29 40 29 20 28 40 28 20 27 20 26 .. 25 20 25 20 24 40 24 40 24 40 24 20 24 .. 24 .. 23 40 23 40 23 20 23 20 23 .. 23 .. 23 .. 22 40 22 40 22 .. 21 40 20 20 20 20 20 .. 20 .. 19 40 17 40 17 40 16 40 16 20 16 20 16 20 14 40 13 20 REPORT OF MR. THOMAS A. SHARP E. 411 RESULTS OF EARLY, MEDIUM AND LATE SOWINGS. These plots were sown on loamy soil that had been under grain the previous year, part of it in oats and the remainder wheat. It was all ploughed early in spring and thoroughly harrowed when the first plots of the series were sown, and the unsown portion harrowed when each subsequent sowing was made. There was no smut, but rust on the oats and mildew on the pea vines lessened the yield of those grains. There was no rust on the wheat or barley plots. The size of the plots was one-twentieth acre each. Oats — Early, Medium and Late Sowings. Name of Variety. Date of Sowing. Date of Ripen- ing. Number of Days Ma- turing. Length of Straw. Character of Straw. Length of Head. Kind of Head. Weight of Straw. Yield per Acre. Banner April 8 M 15 „ 22 ., 29 May 6 „ 13 April 8 „ 15 .. 22 „ 29 May 6 ■. 13 Aug. 12 M 14 „ 14 >. 16 M 18 - 23 ,. 12 u 14 „ 14 ,. 19 „ 22 .. 23 126 121 114 109 104 102 126 121 114 112 108 102 Inches. 54 to 55 58 M 60 58 „ 60 60 „ 62 60 M 62 60 ., 64 54 „ 56 60 „ 62 58 „ 60 58 ,, 60 60 „ 62 60 „ 62 Strong growth Inches. 10 10 10 10 9 10 10 10 9 8^ Branching Lbs. ' 4,000 4,120 4,400 6,100 5,960 6,300 3,900 4,000 4,100 5,240 5,400 5,080 Bush. Lbs. 55 10 62 12 II 64 24 72 32 If 76 16 73 18 Abundance ir If It )l It ..*... 50 20 60 00 58 28 67 22 55 30 54 24 Spring Wheat — Early, Medium and Late Sowings. Red Fife Stanley April 8 Aug. 13 127 ,. 15 M 16 123 ■. 22 .. 17 117 „ 29 ., 19 112 May 6 ,, 21 107 .. 13 .. 24 103 April 8 « 9 122 <• 15 .. 15 121 H 22 .. 17 116 H 29 .. 19 111 May 6 « 21 106 » 13 .. 24 102 52 to 54 52 ,. 54 56 60 50 48 54 52 52 56 56 58 62 52 50 56 54 54 60 58 Stiff and bright 3* Beardless . 4,800 3i 5,200 4 6,040 4to4i 6,000 4 4,200 4 5,000 4i 4,500 3i 5,200 4 6,100 4i 7,300 4 6,000 3i 4,000 30 40 36 20 37 40 41 20 38 20 35 00 32 45 41 45 41 50 42 20 29 40 30 20 Barley — Early, Medium and Late Sowings. Canadian Thorpe II n M It II Odessa It It ti H It April 8 Aug. 9 123 43 to 45 „ 15 1. 13 114 44 „ 48 II 22 ,1 14 108 44 1. 46 11 29 11 16 103 46 1. 48 May 6 « 18 98 44 „ 46 11 13 M 21 94 44 ,1 46 April 8 4 118 32 ,1 34 II 15 6 113 40 „ 42 M 22 9 109 37 ,1 39 11 29 II 13 106 41 „ 43 May 6 1, 14 100 36 11 38 1, 13 II 17 96 38 II 40 Stiff and bright 3 2-rowed. . . 4,480 M II 3i II . • 4,100 II It 3^ II • 4,200 It It 4 tl . . 4,210 It If 4 It . . 4,220 tl tl 4 It 4,800 It II 3 6-rowed. . . 3,000 It It 3i 11 3,400 It It 3 •1 . . 4,100 It It 3 II . • 3,760 II tl 3 It . . 3,900 It It 3 It . • 4,100 41 12 43 36 40 30 40 40 42 24 45 25 28 36 32 9 37 15 35 20 33 16 42 24 412 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. Pease — Early, Medium and Late Sowings. Name of Variety. Mummy Golden Vine O * Date of Sowing. Date of Ripen- ing. April 8 „ 15 Aug. 9 „ 12 123 119 M 22 „ 14 114 M 29 „ 16 109 May 6 „ 13 .. 17 » 19 103 98 April 8 „ 15 ,. 10 „ 12 124 119 M 22 „ 14 114 „ 29 „ 16 109 May 6 M 13 u 17 n 19 103 98 Character of Straw. Medium Strong. Length Weight Length of of of Straw. Straw. Pod. Inches. Lbs. Inches. 36 to 38 4,100 2^ 36 .. 38 4,040 2 33 M 36 3,600 2 33 .. 36 3,840 % 33 ., 36 3.940 2; 30 ., 34 3,700 if 45 .. 50 2,960 2 44 .. 48 3,200 2 44 „ 48 3,300 If 42 „ 46 3,160 l| 44 n 48 3,400 li 4G „ 50 4,000 li Size of Pea. Medium Small Yield per Acre. Bush. Lbs. 25 00 24 40 20 30 22 40 25 20 20 00 20 00 20 40 19 20 21 00 17 20 18 40 EXPERIMENTS WITH INDIAN CORN. Twenty-six varieties of corn were tested in hills three feet apart each way and in drills three feet apart. The drills were thinned to leave one plant per foot of drill and hills to leave three plants in each hill. The soil was a warm sandy loam that had been in roots in 1896. The season was favourable for corn and the yields as shown in the following table have been very good. The yield in each case has been calculated from 2 rows each 66 feet long. REPORT OP MR. THOMAS A. SHARPE. 413 -^12 bo 1-^ a o H ©o ooooooo in o oosoomo Ci O t^ t- CC 1-1 t- -V CO -» CO ■* r-. ^ C<5 I-l (M 7-1 CO ;■•: 00 c<5 CO M CO o o o o O O O lO oooo to (N (Mr-KM ©OOOOOOOOOOOO miot^ocsiooiooiooc^irs ■»tiiN-^»0OlMC0M05>-iM(M t^coooitoooococst-o-* N bD S O © o o o© © o o © ©in o • o© •>n © •eo« ©©o© © ©©CO ©© © o ■^ cc • ©©©©©©©©©© • ©©inini-i©Tr'cci-io ■oocc^"ir©cooot-cc>n coco (Mt-in-^COCcc .S'S O ai' a-a a 05 N H S ID 2 S N a2 3 S SO boti ■ : tf s bo-'5 h , . . u h tS , . as CS • \^ 0) ^ : ^n c n — c . <-? a u j2 ^ q irS^ O,^ :S ce— q.; OC5 O "^Q^HCiPiOSi-lCCirJOCi^pH •(M •(M ■zn © in M (M iH 1-1 •© •(M ■M •IM CO •CO-* •1 ■ bo ■ p rt H CON • t- rc C<) 1-1 © © C-1 1-1 IM iH tc-S CO ?0 r-l ©' © ©' 00 ©' O 05 «0 ©' ©' i-l(Mi-iC<)iHCv 3 = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =- .< t:5_ ©© c © ■>*< Tf o © o © o to to © ^ CO © CO o -* coco © X © © tOiM COMi— IXCVM05 IM©C2C5 C100t^C3t^©ODt^t^COt^C5tO '3 s ■* IM ■* 1-1 ©•^COM-tia)-^ •v = -3 1) bb O a; fc4 ® bo 0) 3 ■a 3 c o = = S'?> a; h 0) a> 02 02 03^ t- ^ a !- a Q> tt) — QJ - :s :?i: =a ='^ 02 -Ji^ Ui S ®.a COOO CO CO CO CO 00 Oi CO cooooooo c3 r GOO»rHC5i-IC5TH00CO00350O00 l-l iH 1-1 rH T-1 i-l T-I IM r-l 1-1 _ * S =3 5 =3 > a eS a C ;S u Wco df=H TJ ■ 3 -i^ " • — o - = — I 43 a D CO o^^ u bo J "^ a la 2^ «^3 ohs;^<;oh .^^ to - . a , 5 ly ^ «2PhO g H bo"§ 2 a -«? a !» a-a oi • • a 13 -2 a -c a Q 5^1 :S a ".S O tS^ % S^j« o a s^ u ? a r.2 'ti^^-a 3,j= a ^ a fc r5 -e 414 EXPERIMENTAL FARM^.^ EXPERIMENTS WITH TURNIPS. These roots, like the carrots, were sown on comparatively new land, which had Soil, a warm loam, Eighteen varieties been in oats the previous year. The growth was strong and even. ploughed e.arly in spring and harrowed several times before sowing. were tested, and two sowings were made, the first on the 14th of May and the second on the 28th of May, and the roots from both were pulled on the 18th of October. The yield has been calculated from three rows each 66 feet long and 2^ feet apart. Turnips — Test of Varieties. Nan:e of Variety. Prize Winner Prize Purple Top Selected Purple Top . . . East Lothian .... Halewood's Bronze Top Hartley's Bronze Skirvings Tumbo or Monarch jiant King Marquis of Lome Carter's Elephant Hall's Westbury Mammoth Clyde Perfection Swede Bangholm Selected . . . Champion Purple Top. Sutton's Champion Shamrock Purple Top.. Yield per acre. 1st Plot. Tons. Lbs. 66 1,555 58 1,040 57 48 56 1,168 56 200 55 880 55 > • • - 54 1,120 53 1,712 53 1,360 53 40 51 960 50 760 49 208 47 600 47 600 45 200 40 520 Yield per acre. 1st Plot. Bush. Lbs. 2,059 14 1,950 40 1,900 48 1,888 8 1,870 , , 1,848 , , 1,833 30 1,818 40 1,795 12 1,789 20 1,767 20 1,716 . . 1,679 20 1,636 48 1,576 40 1,576 4© 1,503 20 1,342 •• Yield per acre. 2nd Plot. Tons. Lbs. 49 58 47 00 51 50 49 51 47 52 48 48 44 50 46 45 42 40 1,000 160 600 384 80 1,376 1,264 1,400 840 1,600 1,504 800 880 1,376 840 200 1,360 960 Yield per acre. 2nd Plot. Bush. Lbs. 1,650 1,936 1,576 2,006 1,701 1,689 1,654 1,723 1,580 1,700 1,625 1,613 1,481 1,689 1,547 1,503 1,422 1,309 40 24 20 30 24 20 40 4 20 20 36 20 20 40 20 EXPERIMENTS WITH MANGELS. Eighteen varieties of mangels were tested along side the turnips, in similar loamy soil, the conditions in every respect being practically the same. These also show the advantage of early sowing. All the roots this season are smooth, even, and remarkably free from prongs, or long neck. The yields are made up from the produce of three rows, each 66 feet long, and two feet and a half apart. Two sowings were made, the first on the 24th of Api'il, the second on the 8th of May, and the roots from both were pulled on the 15th of October. REPORT OF MR. THOMAS A. SHARPS. 415 Mangels. — Test of Varieties. Name of Variety. Yield pel- acre. 1st Plot. Selected Mammoth Long Red ..... Red Fleshed Tankard Golden Fleshed Tankard Norbiton Giant Canadian Giant Giant Yellow Intermediate (Steele). Gate Post Mammoth Long Red Giant Yellow half-long Yellow Intermediate Prize Mammoth Long Red Ward's Large Oval Shaped Giant Yellow Globe Champion Yellow Globe Giant Yellow Intermediate (Pearce) Golden Tankard Red Fleshed Globe Warden Orange Globe Yield per acre. L?t Plot. Tons. Lbs. 39 1,024 39 320 39 140 35 1,456 35 752 34 1,080 34 992 32 1,824 31 1,360 31 1,184 29 1,136 28 496 27 1,264 27 1,000 27 912 27 912 24 1,280 19 1,424 Bush. 1,317 1,305 1,302 1,190 1,179 1,151 1,149 1,097 1,056 1,053 985 941 921 916 915 915 801 657 Lbs. 4 20 24 56 12 20 52 4 "4 36 36 4 40 32 32 20 4 Yield per acre. 2nd Plot. Yield per acre. 2nd Plot. Tons. 32 35 35 34 28 31 36 30 28 27 23 22 25 25 26 26 24 18 Lbs. 240 400 400 1,960 1,200 40 160 1,600 672 1,000 1,960 1,760 600 656 624 360 400 80 Bush. 1,070 1,173 1,173 1,166 953 1,034 1,202 1,026 944 916 799 762 843 842 877 872 806 601 Lbs. 40 20 20 20 46 40 32 40 20 40 20 36 4 40 40 20 EXPERIMENTS WITH CARROTS. sowings of each variety were made, Fifteen varieties of carrots were tested, two two weeks apart, in drills one and one-half feet apart. The soil was a sandy loam, and was new, having only been broken up in the spring of 1895, and was not yet thoroughly uniform, as shown by the heavier yields in the second sowing, in one or two cases. The character of the growth, however, was strong and fairly uniform. The yields are calculated from three rows of 66 feet each. The first sowing was made on the 23rd of April, the second on the 7th of May, and the roots from both were pulled on the 15th of October. Carrots — Test of Varieties. Name of Variety. Giant White Vosges Yellow Intermediate Improved Short White . Green Top White Orthe Carter's Orange Giant Half Long White ... Guerande or Ox-heart White Belgian Early Gem Iverson's Champion Half Long Chantenay Mammoth White Intermediate Scarlet Altringham Long Orange or Surrey Scarlet Intermediate Yield per Acre. 1st Plot. Tons. Lbs. 37 39 33 33 31 31 30 30 27 27 26 26 19 18 11 1,680 1,200 1,466 880 1,360 333 1,600 1,600 560 120 1,670 800 1,600 960 880 Yield per Acre. 1st Plot. Bush. Lbs. 1,261 1,320 1,124 1,114 1,056 1,038 1,026 1,026 909 902 894 880 660 616 381 20 26 40 53 40 40 20 30 20 Yield per Acre. 2nd Plot. Tons. Lbs. 46 27 30 26 23 22 29 24 20 36 24 16 17 21 13 400 26G 1,893 800 640 1,760 1,840 160 480 1,060 693 1,440 1,786 240 1,280 Yield per Acre. 2nd Plot. Bush. Lbs. 1,540 904 1,031 880 777 762 997 769 674 1,217 811 557 596 704 454 26 33 20 40 20 20 40 20 33 20 26 40 416 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. EXPERIMENTS WITH SUGAR BEETS. Six varieties of these roots were sown in sandy loam which had received a dressing of stable manure early in the spring of 1896, and had produced a crop of carrots that year. The land was ploughed early in the spring and harrowed several times at short intervals to start and kill the weed seeds. Two sowings were made, the first on the 26th of April and the second on the 10th of May. The seed was sown in drills 2^ feet apart and the plants thinned to about 6 inches in the row. The growth was even and uniform and the roots from both sowings were pulled on the 15th of October. The following table of weights per acre is calculated from the produce of three rows. each 66 feet long. Sugar Beets — Test of Varieties. Name of Variety. Wanzleben Danish Improved . . . , Red Top Sugar Danish Red Top. . . Improved Imperial . Vilmorin's Improved Yield per Acre. Ist Plot. Tons. Lbs. 14 14 12 14 13 13 1,040 952 1,080 600 1,720 400 Yield per Acre. 1st Plot. Bush. Lbs. 484 482 32 418 476 40 462 440 Yield per Acre. 2nd Plot. Tons. Lbs. 13 13 15 13 13 12 1,456 1,104 800 400 1,280 1,520 Yield per Acre. 2nd Plot. Bush. Lbs. 457 451 613 440 454 425 36 44 20 40 20 EXPERIMENTS WITH POTATOES. One hundred and eleven varieties of potatoes were planted in a strong clay loam, that had been in small fruits for several years. Some varieties suffered slightly from rot, but the yield has been very fair in every case, and the quality of most varieties very good. They were planted from the 4th to the 28th of May, and dug from the 18th to the 25th of September. Potatoes — Test of Varieties. Name of Variety. Clay Rose . . American Wonder, Irish Daisy Brownell's Winner Abundance Late . . Late Puritan Seedling No. 7 . . . Early Sunrise Early Puritan Clarke's No. 1 Prize Taker Rose No. 9 Total Yield per Acre. 633 598 591 563 550 536 535 528 528 528 528 513 1-5 36 24 36 12 48 20 20 Yield per Acre of Sound. 3 pa 633 598 562 563 550 510 535 528 528 528 528 513 .a 36 24 12 20 20 Yield per Acre of Rotten. None . . . . 29 36' None 26 '48' None Yield per Acre of Market- able. Yield per Acre of Unmar- ketable. 3 « 612 538 506 506 527 458 481 475 473 448 396 460 J3 54 30 30 40 48 20 3 21 59 56 56 22 52 53 53 55 79 132 53 .a iJ 36 30 42 30 40 12 Form and Colour. Long pink. II white. II M Long flat red. Round white. Long white. Long red. II pink. M white. II pink. II red. REPORT OF MR. THOMAS A. SHARPS. 417 Potatoes — Test of Yarieties — Continued. Name of Variety. Vanier Empire State Reading Giant Reeve's Rose Foreman's Early No. 4 Charles Downing Monroe County Satisfaction Troy Seedling World's Fair Brown's Rot Proof Henderson's Late Puritan. . . Pride of the Table Carman's No. 3 Maule's Thoroughbred Dakota Red State of Maine Dreer's Standard Bill Nye Algoma No. 1 Columbus Holborn Abundance Pearce's Extra Early Vick's Extra Early New Queen New Variety No. 1 Northern Spy Early Norther Great Divide Lee's Favourite. Ohio Junior American Giant McKenzie Peerless Junior Lopas White Chicago Market Quaker City Everett Seedling 230 Pride of the Market Seedling No. 3 Good News Crown Jewel Flemish Beauty Seedling.. . . Ashleaf Kidney Early London Ideal . . . Sharpe's Seedling Money Maker Record . . . Sir Walter Raleigh Rural Blush Rochester Rose Honeoye Rose Houlton Rose Earliest of All Early White Prize Early Harvest Seattle Victor Rose Rural No. 2 Irish Cobbler Beauty of Hebron Delaware 8a— 27 Total Yield per Yield per Acre Acre. Sound. ,d ^ CO |3 XI p -Q PQ >A P3 1-^ 506 506 498 40 498 40 481 4 481 4 481 4 481 4 469 20 469 20 469 20 469 2(T 462 , , 462 , , 457 36 457 36 457 36 457 36 454 40 454 40 454 40 454 40 451 44 428 14 451 44 451 44 447 20 447 20 447 20 447 20 445 52 445 52 440 440 .. 419 48 419 48 419 28 419 28 418 418 , , 418 418 418 418 , , 414 401 30 414 414 , , 411 411 409 36 409 36 408 18 408 18 408 18 408 18 407 14 386 14 403 20 403 20 403 20 403 20 374 . 355 .. 363 44 363 44 362 16 362 16 361 32 361 32 360 10 360 10 360 10 288 10 358 36 358 36 355 40 355 40 354 12 354 12 354 354 352 30 352 30 352 30 352 30 352 30 352 30 346 8 346 8 344 20 344 20 334 24 334 24 334 24 334 24 330 .. 314 330 , , 330 ., 330 330 322 40 322 40 322 40 322 40 322 40 322 40 322 40 322 40 319 44 319 44 316 48 316 48 316 48 316 48 315 20 315 20 308 308 308 308 305 4 305 4 303 36 303 36 303 36 303 36 Yield per Acre of Rotten. S Xi None 23 None 12 None 21 None II 19 None 72 None 16 None 30 30 Yield per Acre of Market- able. P3 455 423 433 409 421 397 439 411 410 386 409 372 406 403 402 401 394 356 377 376 355 355 359 372 369 369 367 367 347 342 322 307 319 308 307 313 201 268 338 336 283 317 317 281 294 293 290 283 283 280 281 290 258 256 242 272 268 253 251 278 261 244 258 241 52 30 40 46 40 20 44 50 30 22 30 30 10 20 30 30 30 30 46 48 48 44 50 40 24 6 32 10 43 56 10 30 10 30 10 30 28 50 44 54 30 10 30 20 35 40 U 18 28 20 30 4 6 46 Yield per Acre of Unmar- ketable. 3 pq 51 74 48 72 47 71 23 45 47 68 45 45 45 43 44 44 45 63 42 41 62 62 42 42 41 39 40 40 38 60 80 46 44 54 54 47 87 89 17 17 70 35 35 71 51 50 33 40 31 49 48 32 64 66 80 47 44 63 54 30 46 61 45 61 X h^ 28 4 4 50 40 50 36 40 44 30 50 30 30 18 18 40 30 30 30 40 30 30 30 30 40 20 10 27 40 30 42 50 20 40 30 40 30 30 50 30 20 40 30 30 20 30 36 40 Form and Colour. Long dark red, II pink and white. II white. ti rose. Oval white. II Long red. M white. Round white. II II Long dark red. II white. Long dark red. Oval white. Long rose. II red. Oval white. Round white. Long white. II rose. II pink. It white. II rose. II pink. II II Round white. Long red. 11 pink and white. Long white. II rose. II It Long white. II Oval white. Long white. II red. II white. It pink. Round white. Long white. II red. II rose. II II II pink. It white. It pink. Oval II Long red. II white. It II Oval II Long white. rose. II light rose. Long white. Long white. II Long rose. Oval white. It Long rose. Oval white. 118 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. Potatoes— Test of Varieties — 'Concluded. Name of Variety. Burnaby Seedling . . . Green Mountain Seedling No. 23 Carman No. 1 Polaris Thorburn Orphans Bovee Daisy Early Rose Lightning Express . . . Hale's Champion Queen of the Valley. . 85 Nameless Seedling No. 25 Freeman Early Gem ... I. X L Hopeful Seedling 214 King of the Roses Lizzie's Pride Fillbasket Uncle Sam Wonder of the World. Pearce's Prize Winner Early Ohio Bruce's White Beauty Burpee's Extra Early. General Gordon Early Six Weeks Maggie Murphy Lawton's White Harbinger Vanguard Table King Total Yield per Acre. X. to to « 1^ 302 8 300 40 300 40 299 12 297 44 296 22 294 4 293 20 293 20 290 25 286 284 32 281 36 277 12 271 20 271 20 271 20 266 256 40 256 40 256 40 249 20 244 36 234 40 234 40 234 40 228 48 228 48 228 48 225 52 205 20 205 20 202 24 176 176 • • 176 , , Yield per Acre of Sound. cr, S C3 302 300 300 299 297 296 294 293 293 290 257 270 281 277 271 271 271 238 256 256 256 249 244 234 234 234 228 228 228 218 205 205 202 176 176 176 8 40 40 12 44 22 4 20 20 20 30 2 36 12 20 20 20 40 40 40 20 36 40 40 40 48 48 48 52 20 20 24 Yield per Acre of Rotten. s X m Hi None 28 14 None 26 None 12 None 30 30 30 Yield per Acre of Market- able. m to S X 256 48 240 40 180 40 240 267 243 240 264 249 235 201 170 230 223 218 203 203 180 217 205 154 176 197 222 189 176 206 171 170 168 184 162 181 151 143 140 32 34 22 4 20 44 20 30 30 6 12 50 35 35 50 40 20 56 46 52 40 28 36 22 50 54 40 45 Yield per Acre of Un- market- able. M 45 60 120 58 30 53 54 29 43 55 56 99 51 54 52 67 67 58 38 51 102 73 45 11 44 58 22 57 58 45 21 42 20 25 32 35 20 40 30 36 32 30 30 45 45 50 40 40 44 48 40 20 12 48 20 30 30 20 15 Form and Colour. Long, pale rose. Oval white. Round, white purple eyes. Oval white. Long white. II rose. II white. II rose. Round white. Oval pink. Round white. Long white. ti Long rose. II pink. Oval white. Long II 11 pink. II 11 II red. Oval white. Long rose. II pale rose. II pink. Oval white. Long rose. II red. II pink. II rose. II white. II rose. II pink. Round white. YIELD OF HAY, FODDER CROPS AND ROOTS. Hay, first crop 12 tons 1,000 lbs. second crop 9 Mixed grain, cut for feed , 40 Turnips 72 Carrots 15 Mangels 17 Sugar beets 5 Clover, in silo , 3 Corn, in silo 51 1,000 1,215 « 1,500 « 1,700 " 1,500 " The first crop of clover was cut in June, the second in August. A considerable portion of the clover, both first and second crop, was cut and fed green. REPORT OF MR. THOMAS A. SHARPE. 419 EXPERIMENTS WITH FODDER CROPS. These plots were sown on loam which had been in roots the previous year and was in very good condition. The Egyptian Lentils, Teosinte, Kaffir Corn, Hungarian Grass and Golden Wonder Millet did not prove worth cutting. Fodder Crops. Date of Sowing. Charac- ter of Growth. Weight per Acre, Green. Weight per Acre, Cured. Remarks. Mixture No. 1 — 1 bush, each wheat, oats and pease Mixture No. 2 — 1 bush, each oats, pease and barley Golden Millet New Siberian Millet Holy Terror Millet May 1 1 April 27 M 27 27 27 May 18 18 April 27 27 27 Strong. . It ... It . . ti . . It . . Tons. Lbs. 9 900 8 1,950 Not weighed green It It . . Tons. Lbs. 4 500 3 1,450 3 1,140 3 1,240 4 140 3 1,550 Cut Aug. 2nd, wheat in late milk. It oats in milk. Cut when grain was in late milk. It II 11 II New Mammoth Millet Ftimffarian Grass II II Seed did not germinate well, very Golden Wonder Millet Egyptian Lentils ....... . few plants It II Only a few seeds germinated. White Kaffir Com Teosinte growth very feeble and no pods formed. Only a few seeds germinated, growth from 6 to 10 inches high. Only a few seeds germinated. growth from 3 to 5 inches high. DISTRIBUTION OF SEED GRAIN, &c. The following is a summary of the distribution of seed grain, plants, scions and cuttings made during 1897 : — Wheat, 3-lb. bags 51 Oats " , 57 Barley " 29 Pease " 49 Potatoes " 68 Lathyrus Sylvestris, packages 42 Scions " 105 Cuttings " 63 Small fruits " 71 Tree seeds « 150 Total .- 685 STOCK. Since cool weather began three bulls have shown symptoms of the red water. They have been promptly treated and the disease arrested. These animals have always had comfortable quarters, wholesome food and pure water, which makes it difficult to assign a cause, and, until a cause is found, difficult to prevent. So— 27^ 420 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. There are at present on the farm six head of horses, twenty head of cattle, four pigs, seven sheep, and forty-one fowls. All — with the exceptions above mentioned — are in apparent good health. BUILDINGS. A small comfortable shed for shelter has been put up in each of the bull yards. FENCING. About three-quarters of a mile of wire fence has been put up along the west side of the farm, and a strip of land is being cleared along this to protect it from fire. LARGE FRUITS. APPLES. The crop of apples has been a very heavy one, and the quality very fine, there being less scab and other fungus diseases than usual, and no injury from insects. The apple miner, which did considerable damage to the fruit last year, has been entirely absent this year. Whether their absence this season is because the injured fruit was carefully gathered and fed to the stock, and the trees sprayed, during the growing season with Bordeaux mixture and Paris green, and in winter with the lime sulphur and salt mix- ture, or from some other cause, is not known. The following apples fruited for the first time this year : — Devonshire Quarrenden. — Tree a moderate grower. Fruit medium size, roundish and flattened. Skin deep rich crimson, with small green dots. Flesh white, crisp, juicy; pleasant sub-acid flavour. Season, August. Summer Red Streak. — Tree a moderate grower. Fruit medium size, roundish conical. Skin yellow, splashed and striped with red. Flesh white, juicy, brisk sub-acid. Season, August. Grandmother. — Tree an upright vigorous grower. Fruit above medium size, nearly conical. Skin greenish yellow, splashed and streaked with red. Flesh dry, granular and sweet. Season, last of August. Bogdanoff. — Tree a strong grower. Fruit round, flattened, above medium size. Skin yellow, with a bright red cheek. Flesh white, juicy, sprightly acid. Season, September. Borovinka {Solovieff). — Tree vigorous. Fruit of the Duchess type, only nearly twice as large. Season, September. Gipsy Girl. — Tree a strong grower. Fruit large, obovate. Skin yellow, splashed with bright red. Flesh white, juicy, crisp, sprightly acid. Season, September and October. No. 181. — Tree a vigorous grower. Fruit large, roundish, conical. Skin greenish, yellow. Flesh white, juicy, mild acid. Season, last of September. Volga Anis. — Tree a strong grower. Fruit large, oblong conical. Skin greenish yellow, with a red blush. Flesh white, coarse, mild sub-acid. Season, October. Haskell's Sweet. — Tree a vigorous grower. Fruit of medium size, round flattened. Skin greenish yellow, with a blush in the sun. Flesh yellowish, tender, medium, juicy and pleasant. Season, October. King of Pippins. — Tree a strong grower. Fruit of medium size, roundish. Skin, pale yellow, splashed with red. Flesh firm and sharply acid. Season, October and November. REPORT OF MR. THOMAS A. SHARPS. 421 Somnitelnoe. — Tree a vigorous grower. Fruit small, conical. Skin green, nearly covered with bright red. Flesh white, not juicy or high flavoured. Season, September and October. Karabovka. — Tree a very vigorous grower. Fruit small, obovate,conical. Skin green splashed with red. Flesh white, medium juicy, sub-acid. Season, September and October. Titovka (Solovieff). — Tree a very vigorous grower. Fruit large, oblong conical. Skin greenish yellow, with streaks of red on sunny side. Flesh white, medium juicy, mildly acid and pleasant. Season, late autumn. Plodovitka (Solovieff). — Tree a very vigorous, grower. Fruit of medium size, roundish flat. Skin green, splashed with red. Flesh white, juicy, crisp, pleasant acid. Season, late autumn. Lapough. — Tree a very vigorous grower. Fruit large. Skin clear waxy yellow. Flesh white, crisp, juicy, sprightly acid. Season, late autumn. Zolotoreff. — Tree a very vigorous grower. Fruit large, roundish, conical. Skin greenish yellow, with a reddish cheek. Flesh white, tender, juicy, sprightly acid. Season, late autumn. Borsdorf. — Tree a strong and vigorous grower. Fruit of medium size, oblong, tapering to the eye. Skin greenish white, with a little russet. Flesh yellowish white, -crisp, juicy, sub-acid. Season, late autumn. Coas's Orange Pippin.— Tree a moderate and spreading grower. Fruit of medium size, oblate. Skin yellow, splashed, nearly over the whole surface with red. Flesh yellowish, crisp, juicy, rich sub-acid. Season, late autumn. Melonen. — Tree vigorous. Fruit large, roundish conical. Skin yellow, with a pink blush. Flesh yellowish, crisp, medium juicy, mild acid. Season, autumn. Galville Saint Sauveur. — Tree a medium grower. Fruit large, oblong conical. Skin greenish yellow, somewhat mottled and sprinkled with whitish dots. Flesh white, tender and juicy, acid. Season, late autumn. Perry Russet. — Tree a strong grower. Fruit large, oblong. Skin yellow with russet nearly over the whole surface. Flesh, yellow, firm, juicy, pleasant acid. Season, late autumn. Huntsman's Favourite. — Tree a vigorous grower. Fruit large, roundish conical, Skin greenish yellow with a little pale red on cheek. Flesh yellowish, coarse, crisp, juicy, and of pleasant flavour. Season November and December. Carthouse. — Tree vigorous. Fruit large. Skin smooth, yellow, streaked with red. Flesh yellow, firm, juicy and fine. Season, winter. Plum's Cider. — Tree a vigorous grower. Fruit of medium size, oblong. Skin yellow with a little russet, and sprinkled with gray dots. Flesh yellow, tender, juicy and mild, sub-acid. Season, winter. Switzer. — Tree a moderately vigorous grower. Fruit small to medium, roundish, flattened. Skin green, nearly covered with dark red. Flesh white, firm, juicy, mild, sub-acid, and of pleasant flavour. Season, winter. Iowa Blush. — Tree vigorous. Fruit of medium size, conical. Skin yellow, with a mottled yellowish red cheek. Flesh white, firm, juicy, mild acid. Season, winter. Willow Twig. — Tree a medium but spreading grower. Fruit of medium size, roundish, slightly conical. Skin green, streaked and splashed with light red. Flesh greenish white, firm, juicy, pleasant sub-acid. Season, winter. Scarlet Cranberry. — Tree a medium grower. Fruit small to medium, oblate. Skin green, nearly covered with dull red and freely sprinkled with whitish dots. Flesh yellowish white, firm and juicy, mild, sub-acid. Season, winter. 422 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. The list of varieties given last year as the most promising for winter have produced fine crops of apples this season, and that list may be extended by adding Smith's Cider and Stark. Smith's Cider is a strong, vigorous and productive tree, with fruit of medium size, handsome and of good quality, keeping until last of February. Stark. — Tree a very strong grower and productive. Fruit large and of fair quality, keeping until last of March. Specimens have been kept until last of June. PEARS. The season has been a very favourable one for pears and the crop not only a large one but the quality was very fine. Several of the newer varieties fruited for the first time this year. Below will be found some notes giving date of ripening and quality so far as an opinion can be formed from the first year's crop. Salviate. — Tree a vigorous grower. Fruit of medium size, obovate, pyriform ; skin greenish yellow with a few gray dots. Flesh dry, granular and poor. Ripe, 1st. August. Wilder. — Tree a vigorous upright grower. Fruit large, obtuse, pyriform. Skin bright yellow, with a warm blush on sunny side. Flesh yellowish, juicy and sweet. Ripe August 4th. Ritson. — Tree a strong grower. Fruit small to medium, oblong, pyriform. Skin yellow, sprinkled with russet. Flesh white, juicy, buttery. Ripe, last of August. La France. — Tree a vigorous grower. Fruit of medium size, obovate, obtuse, pyri- form. Skin green, with small gray dots. Flesh juicy, melting and of very fine flavour. Season September. Jargonelle. — Tree a vigorous grower. Fruit large, long pyriform. Skin greenish yellow with a little- bronze on cheek. Flesh juicy, white pleasant. Season, August. Early Bergamot. — Tree a medium grower. Fruit small, roundish, pyriform. Skin yellowish green. Flesh sweet, pleasant but not juicy. Season August. Comte de Laviy. — Tree a vigorous grower. Fruit small to medium in size, oblate, pyriform. Skin yellow with a reddish cheek and small patches of russet. Flesh white, fine grained, buttery and sweet. Season, September. Beurre d'Amanlis. — Tree a strong grower. Fruit of medium size, obovate, pyri- form. Skin green with a reddish brown cheek and many brown dots. Flesh juicy, with a pleasant flavour. Season, September. Madame Treyve. — Tree a vigorous grower. Fruit of medium size, obovate, pyri- form. Skin yellow, with a red cheek and small brown dots. Flesh white, melting, juicy, sweet, with a rich flavour. Season, September. Jersey Gratioli. — Tree a medium grower ; fruit of medium size, obovate pyriform. Skin yellowish green with patches of russet. Flesh white, juicy and melting. Season, September. Pitmaston Duchess. — Tree a vigorous grower. Fruit large, oblong pyriform. Skin yellow with russet near the stalk. Flesh yellowish, juicy, buttery, and of pleasant flavour. Season, October. GanseVs Bergamot. — Tree a moderate grower; fruit of large size, roundish, obovate, nearly flat. Skin russet brown, with a russet red cheek. Flesh white, juicy, melting, and sweet with a rich flavour. Season, September. Conseiller de la Cour. — Tree a vigorous grower. Fruit above medium size, oblong, pyriform. Skin greenish yellow with russet dots. Flesh yellowish, juicy and melting. Season, last of September. REPORT OF MR. THOMAS A. SHARPE. 423 General Todtlehen. — Tree a vigorous, spreading grower. Fruit large, obtuse, pyriform. Skin greenish yellow, sprinkled with russet dots ; flesh whitish, coarse, juicy, sweet and pleasant. Season, October. Nouvelle Fulvie. — Tree a medium grower. Fruit large, pyriform. Skin greenish yellow with a reddish brown cheek. Flesh yellowish, juicy, melting, sweet. Season, October. Noveau Poiteau.- — ^Tree a vigorous grower. Fruit of medium size, obovate, pyriform. skin greenish yellow ; flesh whitish, buttery, juicy, with a rich sweet flavour. Season November. Of the new pears the Dr. Jules Guyot, for early autumn. Rivers' Princess, Pitrnas- ton Duchess and Knight's Monarch appear to be the most promising. More than thirty varieties of pears new to our collection were received as scions this year. PLUMS. This climate is so suitable to the plum that a crop of fruit is almost certain if the trees have received even ordinary care. This season the crop has been a fairly good one and some varieties gave very heavy crops. Several of the newer sorts fruited this year, as follows — Early Favourite. — Tree a vigorous grower, but not an early bearer. Fruit small, roundish, oval. Skin nearly black with a blue bloom. Flesh greenish yellow, juicy, sweet, and of high flavour. Stone small and free. Ripe, 22nd July. Early Prolific. — Tree a moderate grower, but not prolific here. Fruit small, nearly globular. Skin dark purple with a blue bloom. Flesh yellowish, juicy and sweet. Stone small and free. Ripe, 26th July. Lincoln. — Tree a strong grower. Fruit large, oval. Skin reddish purple with many whitish dots and a thin white bloom. Flesh yellow, juicy, sweet and pleasant. Stone small. Ripe, 6th August. July Green Gage. — Tree a moderate grower. Fruit of medium size, globular in shape. Skin yellow, with many small crimson dots. Flesh yellow, juicy, sweet. Ripe, 7th August. Mariana. — Tree a moderate grower, Fruit small, oval. Skin glossy, yellow, with a reddish blush on sunny side. Flesh yellow, juicy and pleasant. Stone cling and large. Ripe, 10th August. Goliath. — Tree a strong grower. Fruit large, roundish, oblong, one side enlarged, suture shallow. Skin reddish purple, with a thin whitish bloom. Flesh yellow, with a brisk pleasant flavour. Clingstone. Ripe, 10th August. Angelina Burdette. — Tree a strong grower. Fruit above medium size, nearly round, with a deep suture and one side enlarged. Skin dark purple with brown dots and a blue bloom. Flesh greenish yellow, juicy, with a sprightly, pleasant flavour. Free stone. Ripe, 10 th August. Wooten. — Tree a moderately vigorous grower. Fruit small. Skin yellow, with a reddish blush nearly over the whole surface. Flesh yellow, juicy and pleasant. Cling- stone. Ripe 10th August. Early Red. — Tree a feeble straggling grower. Fruit, small oval. Skin, dark purple, with a heavy blue bloom ; flesh, light greenish white, dry granular and acid ; ripe, 10th August. Golden Beauty. — Tree a fair grower. Fruit small, nearly heart shaped. Skin red, sprinkled with whitish dots, and a thin whitish bloom. Flesh yellow, juicy and sweet; clingstone. Ripe, 12th August. 424 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. Transparent Gage. — Tree a strong grower. Fruit of medium size, round, flat- tened. Skin light green with a light red blush, and a whitish bloom. Flesh greenish white, juicy, sweet and of fine flavour, but cracks badly. Eipe, 14th August. Prince Englebert. — Tree a strong, vigorous grower. Fruit of medium size, oblong oval. Skin dark purple with brown dots and a light blue bloom. Flesh greenish yel- low, sweet, juicy and firm. Stone large, and cling. Ripe, 14th August. Robinson. — Tree a vigorous grower. Fruit small. Skin yellow with a bright red side. Flesh yellow, juicy and sprightly. Stone large, and cUng. Ripe, 14th August. McLaugldin. — Tree a strong grower. Fruit above medium, round and quite flat- tened. Skin greenish yellow, and dotted with reddish dots about the stem. Flesh yel- low, firm, juicy, sweet, and of very rich flavour. Stone email, and cling. Ripe, 16 th August. Orleans Old. — Tree a moderate grower. Fruit below medium size, globular, with a shallow suture. Skin dark purple, with a dark, blue bloom. Flesh yellowish, sweet, juicy, pleasant. Ripe, 16th August. Glass Seedling. — Tree a free grower. Fruit above medium size, oval, suture broad and shallow, one side enlarged. Skin dark purple with a blue bloom. Flesh greenish yellow, firm, juicy, sweet; free stone. Ripe, 19th August. Giant Prune. — Tree a free grower. Fruit large, oblong, with a shallow suture. Skin yellow nearly covered with light red and a thin whitish bloom. Flesh yellowish, juicy, sweet and rich. Ripe, 20th August. McGillivi-ay. — Tree a moderate grower and poor producer. Fruit small, oval shape, shin light red. Flesh yellow, juicy, slightly astringent; cling stone. Ripe, 20th August. Field. — Tree a vigorous grower. Fruit above medium in size, oblong with a deep suture. Skin purple with a thin blue bloom. Flesh greenish, sweet, firm and of pleasant flavour. Stone large, cling. Ripe, 20th August. Tenant Prune. — Tree a strong vigorous grower. Fruit medium to large oblong with a shallow suture. Skin reddish purple with a whitish bloom. Flesh yellow, firm, sweet and pleasant. Stone small and free. Ripe, 22nd August. Annie Sjmthe. — Tree vigorous. Fruit small oval with a shallow suture. Skin red- dish purple with a thin bluish bloom. Flesh greenish yellow, sprightly and of pleasant flavour. Stone large. Ripe, 24th August. Several of the Japanese plums fruited this year, but the fruit almost all fell off before fully grown, Botam,. — Tree a straggling poor grower. Fruit of medium size, pointed heart-shape. Colour bright red sprinkled with grayish dots and covered with a thin white bloom. Flesh yellow, juicy, crisp, and of pleasant flavour. Ripe, 7th August. Ogon. — Tree a medium grower. Fruit large, nearly round. Skin yellow with a thin bloom. Flesh yellow, firm, sweetish and dry. Ripe, 17th August. Burhank. — Tree a straggling grower. Fruit large, roundish conical. Skin yellow- ish red. Flesh yellow, moderately juicy, sweetish, not a pleasant flavour. Stone small and free. Ripe, 16th August. Red Negate. — Tree a feeble straggling grower. Fruit of medium size, pointed heart- shape. Skin bright red with a thin bloom. Flesh yellow, juicy, sprightly, but not a good flavour. Ripe, 16th August. Grand Duke, Gueii, Monarch, Cox's Emperor and Lincoln are the most profitable varieties among those which have fruited for two years or more. Several others are promising but have not been tested long enough to prove them thoroughly. REPORT OF MR. THOMAS A. SHARPE. 425 The Japan plums bloom very freely, but do not set their fruit well, and the trees are without exception lacking in growth and vigour. Nine'teen varieties of plums have been added to the collection this year. CHERRIES. The cherry trees bloomed freely this year and set a fine crop of fruit which, unfor- tunately, sufi'ered very severely from the wet weather, which occurred when many of the varieties were nearly ripe, causing the fruit to split and rot. Of those that have fruited in previous years, one of the most satisfactory is the Windsor, which gave a fine crop during the past season, and the fruit did not receive so much injury from the wet weather as other varieties of the same season. Early Rivers. — Fruited this year for the first time. Fruit large, roundish, heart shaped. Skin, nearly black. Stalk, long. Stone, small. Flesh, tender, juicy and sweet. Ripe, 26th May. White Heart. — Fruit small, heart-shaped. 'Skin, yellowish white with a pale reddish ■cheek. Flesh, melting, sweet and pleasant. Ripe, 5th June. Schmidt's Bigarreau. — Fruit large, nearly round. Skin, nearly black. Flesh firm, juicy and of fine flavour. Ripe, 1st July. Sparhatok's Honey. — Fruit of medium size, roundish, heart shaped. Skin, yellowish red. Flesh juicy, sweet, and of fine flavour. Ripe, 1st July. Straus Weichsel. — Fruit large, nearly black, round, a little flattened. Flesh dark red, juicy, firm, slightly acid, of good flavour. Ripe, 1st July. Nouvelle Royale. — Fruit large, roundish. Skin, bright glossy red, mottled with ■darker red spots. Flesh white, firm, juicy, pleasant and sprightly. Ripe, 2nd July. Gruner Glass. — Fruit of medium size, nearly round. Skin dark red, or nearly black. Flesh firm, juicy, sprightly. Ripe, 5th July. Arch Duke. — Fruit large, obtuse, heart-shaped. Skin, dark red. Flesh tender, juicy and high flavoured, sprightly, sub-acid. Ripe, 5th July. Royal Duke. — Fruit large, roundish, flattened. Skin, dark red. Flesh reddish, tender, juicy, with a rich flavour. Ripe, 1st to 6th July. Griotte du Nord. — Fruit small to medium, somewhat oval in shape. Skin light red. Flesh reddish white, juicy, acid. Stone, large. Ripe, 13th July. Brusseler Braun. — Fruit of medium size, oval shape. Skin, deep red. Fle?h reddish ■white, juicy, firm, pleasant acid. Ripe, 10th to 15th July. Montmorency Court Queue. — Fruit above medium in size, round flattened. Skin light red. Flesh yellowish, tender, juicy, pleasant acid, very fine flavour, a little soft. Ripe, 5th to 10th July. Duchess de Pallau. — Fruit large, nearly round. Skin bright red. Flesh yellowish ^hite, firm, solid, and moderately juicy, mild, pleasantly acid, with a fine flavour. Ripe, 10th to 14th July. Eleven varieties of cherries have been added to our collection this season. DwarJ Rocky Mt. Cherries. — These bushes fruited freely this season, ripening .about the last of August, the fruit hanging on the bushes in good condition for some weeks. A number of seedlings have been raised for distribution ; as this fruit can be grown in the interior, where other cherries are not hardy, and under such conditions may be of value. 426 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. PEACHES. Several varieties of peaches fruited fairly well, especially in sheltered localions, but they have not thus far been profitable to plant here for commercial purposes. The following varieties produced a small crop this season. They are listed in the order of ripening. Amsden, Early Canada, Hilborn, Crane's Early Yellow, Early Rivers, Mountain Rose, Barnard's New Rare Ripe, Foster, Early Barnard, Muir, Amelia, Druid Hill, Hill's Chili, Fox's Seedling. The above all ripened their fruit. Several of the varieties mentioned in my last report as not ripening their fruit, fruited again this year, but the fruit did not ripen or fully mature. NECTARINES. Many of the older nectarine trees blossomed freely, but none of them set more than two or three fruits. Nectarines, like peaches and apricots, do not appear to be well adapted to this climate. APRICOTS. Although nearly all the apricot trees bloomed freely the fruit did not set. Alexander, Alexis, Catherine, J. L. Budd, and Montgamet, each produced from two to half a dozen apricots, but the fruit was imperfect and poor. The apricot trees do not appear to be hardy, as large limbs die from time to time, and blossoming very early, as they do, the fruit does not set. MULBERRIES. All the mulberry trees fruited freely this year. The fruit began ripening the last of July and continued until the first of September. The fruit is large, sweet and juicy, and is produced in considerable quantities on the trees, but it falls off as soon as ripe, and is too soft for any but a home market. QUINCES. The quinces blossomed this year, but no fruit set. FIGS. The fig bushes continue to grow, but as they are frequently cut back in winter, and no ripe fruit has been produced, they are not of much value. MEDLARS. The Royal, Nottingham, and Holland medlar trees, fruited this year, but the trees evidently require age befoi'e the fruit is produced in quantity. NUT TREES. Filberts did not fruit freely this season, but a few very fine nuts were produced on the bushes got from Germany last year, and when these bushes have attained size, some desirable varieties, for this climate, may be found amongst them. The Japanese walnut had a few fine nuts this season, and the hard shell almonds again fruited. The soft shell varieties have not yet fruited. REPORT OF MR. THOMAS A. SHARPS. 427 GRAPES. The crop of grapes on the farm this season has been very small. Owing to the constant rain during the time they were in blossom, fertilization was imperfect, and consequently the bunches were open and not half the number of grapes in a bunch which there were last year, and a great many of the grapes were small in size and imperfect. White or Nearly White. Date of Ripening. October 1. — Storr's Early. — Sweet, juicy, and of pleasant flavour; a very small crop. " 3. — Duchess. — Sweet and juicy, but not so good in flavour as last year ; a few bunches only. 4. — Lady. — Tender juicy and sweet, but very few bunches. 4. — Emerald. — Sweet, tender, good flavour ; fair crop. 4. — Saunders' Seedling, No. 3. — A fair crop of very good grapes ; sweet, tender and juicy. 4. — Eva. — Grape tender and juicy, a very poor crop. 6. — Saunders' Seedling. — (Wild seedling with Muscat Hamburg.) — A fair crop of very good grapes ; sweet, juicy and tender. 6. — Jessica. — A very few bunches ; grapes much inferior to other years. 6. — Martha. — A fair crop of nice grapes ; a little acid, but juicy and of good flavour. 8. — Rommel. — Grape juicy, sprightly, pleasant flavour; a few bunches 8. — Pocklington. — Grape pulpy, sprightly, pleasant flavour ; a poor crop. 13. — Eldorado. — Grape very uneven in size, sweet, skin thick ; a very few bunches. 13. — Missouri Reisling. — A fairly good crop of juicy tender grapes. 13. — Centennial. — A good crop of worthless grapes. 13. — Niagara. — A very fair crop of good grapes. 13. — Saunders' Seedling. — (Wild seedling with Muscat d'Aout.) — A medium crop of very good grapes, but uneven in size, and many of the grapes dropped off the bunch when ripe. 24. — Lady Washington. — Only a few bunches of rather inferior grapes. 26. — Elvira. — A fair crop ; juicy, tender grapes, but many were imperfect. 26. — Noah. — Only a few bunches of very imperfect grapes. 29. — Opal. — A few bunches of sour imperfect grapes. Black or very Dark Blue. October 4. — Bacchus. — Three or four bunches of poor grapes. " 4. — Early Victor. — A few bunches of small sweet grapes of rather poor flavour. 4. — Florence. — A fair crop of worthless grapes. 4. — Cottage. — A small crop of fairly good grapes ; sweet and of good flavour. 7. — Improved Wild. — A very few bunches of poor grapes. 7. — Cynthiana. — A fair crop of worthless grapes. 7. — Moore's Early. — A fair crop ; grape sweet, pulpy, skin tough. Black or Dark Purple. October 9. — Canada. — A fair crop ; grape small, sweet, but not of good flavour. " 10. — Roger's No. 39. — Grape large, sweet and pulpy ; a poor crop. " 10. — Merrimac (Roger's No. 19.) — Grape large, juicy, sweet and of good flavour ; a fair crop. " 10. — Wilder. — A small crop of large, juicy and sweet grapes. 15, 15 la 18, 20, 20, 20, 22, 22, 27. 27. 428 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. Date of Ripening. October 12. — Roger's No. 24. — A fair crop ; grape pulpy, rather acid, skin tough. " 12. — Clinton. — A good crop of good grapes. " 14. — Herbert (Roger's No. 44.) — A poor crop of rather inferior grapes. " 15. — Naomi. — A very few bunches of worthless grapes. " 15. — Saunder's Seedling (Clinton with Muscat Hamburg.) — A small crop of very good grapes, juicy and a little acid. " 15. — Saunder's Seedling (Concord with Delaware.) — A fair crop of good grapes, juicy, sprightly, good flavour. " 15. — America. — Bunch small ; grapes medium in size, juicy, sour, poor flavour ; a poor crop. — Oriental. — A good crop ; grape juicy, sprightly, and of fair quality. — Dr. Collier. — Bunch large and loose ; grape medium in size, sour, juicy, poor flavour ; grape uneven in size. — Marion. — A few bunches of very inferior grapes. —Hartford. — A few bunches of inferior grapes. — Mills. — A small crop of very poor grapes. — Highland. — A fair crop, but grapes rather inferior, and a great many im- perfect grapes in bunch. — Roger's No. 41. — A good crop ; grape large, pulpy and of pleasant flavour. — Arnold's No. 8. — A few bunches of worthless grapes. — Eumelan. — A small crop of very poor grapes. — Arnold's No. 2. — A few bunches of poor grapes. — Seedling (Clinton with Muscat Hamburg.) — Grape small and acid ; a few- bunches. Red and Reddish. October 2. — Delaware. — A fair crop of good grapes, small, sweet and of good flavour. " 3. — Roger's No. 5. — A small crop ; grape large, juicy, sprightly, skin tough. " 3. — Moyer. — A very few bunches. Grape small, sweet, juicy and pleasant. " 3. — Wyoming Red. — A fair crop of very good grapes ; medium sized, juicy, and of pleasant flavour. " 5. — Brillant. — A small crop ; grape medium size, sweet, juicy and tender. " 5. — Ulster. — A fair crop ; grape sweet, juicy and of good flavour. " 5. — Vergennes. — A fair crop of pretty good grapes, pulpy, sweet and of good flavour. *' 10. — Buchanan. — A fair crop ; grape juicy, sprightly, of good flavour ; skin thin. *' 10. — Chasselas De Fontainbleau. — A fair crop ; grape medium in size, pulpy, sweet and pleasant. ^' 13. — Lindley (Roger's No. 9). — A few bunches ; grape juicy and sweet. " 13. — Salem (Roger's No. 53). — A few bunches; grape large, juicy and sweet. " 15. — Amber Queen. — A very few bunches of worthless grapes. ^' 15. — Massasoit. — A few bunches ; grape juicy, sweet and tender. *' 18. — August Giant. — A small crop of fine looking grapes, but acid, juicy and of poor flavour. *' 18. — Agawam. — A small crop ; grape tender, juicy and pleasant. ^' 18. — Gsertner (Roger's 14). — A few bunches; grape juicy, sweet, tender and of pleasant flavour. *' 18. — Brighton. — A few bunches of poor grapes. " 18. — Arnold's No. 1. — A good crop of sour grapes. JeSerson. — A few bunches ; grape medium in size ; not ripe 31st October. Catawba. — A good crop ; grape large, but bunch loose and open ; not ripe 31st October. REPORT OF MR. THOMAS A. SHARPS. 429 SMALL FRUITS. Nearly all the small fruits were transplanted this spring to a more suitable piece of land. The soil where they had been growing was a dry gravelly knoll and was not suitable, but it was the best land available at the time many of the bushes were received. In consequence of their removal only a small crop was produced this season but there was already a considerable improvement in the size and quality of the fruit. GOOSEBERRIES. The only gooseberry bushes that fruited this year were those on the mountain, and as in previous years these were clean and free from mildew both in fruit and foliage. The bushes on the level had been transplanted early in spring and cut back, and did not fruit. The foliage in some varieties was rather badly attacked with mildew. The Bordeux mixture does not appear to be entirely successful here with this form of mil- dew and other mixtures are being tried, and it is hoped that some more efficient remedy will be found to preserve this desirable fruit. CURRANTS. HED AND WHITE CURRANTS. Date Name. of Ripen- ing. Growth of Plant. Size of Fruit. Quality. Productiveness. Verriers (white) June 25 Vigorous . . . Large Long cluster ; sweet ; very fine flavour. Cluster, medium in length ; Productive. La Turmoise n 25 II ... II medium Fairly productive. (red.) good flavour, but rather acid Champagner ir 25 Moderately Small Cluster, medium in length ; Moderately produc- (white.) vigorous. sweet ; good flavour. tive. Champagner It 25 Vigorous . . . Large medium Cluster, medium in length ; It II (red.) rather acid ; good flavour. Admirable ;red) ... Abovemedium Large If Small medium Small Abovemedium Smau" Abovemedium Small Large Small Medium Small Small medium Fine mild fiavour Productive. London Success . Mild, sweet, good flavour Sweet mild flavour H Easrle Flavour a little strong Sweet mild flavour A very fine currant; flavour sweet and mild Fairly productive. Productive. Moderately produc tive. Baldwin Prince of Wales Stewart Ruler Flavour good Mild sweet flavour. Sweet mild flavour Productive. Morton Beauty Ontario Wood Flavour f airlv erood Fairly productive. Moderately produc tive. Flavour strong Rather strong flavour Flavour stronar Louise Bella Acid, but of good flavour 11 M .... Sweet mild flavour Productive. Eclipse Pearce Fairly productive. Black Naples. . . Ethel M II Acid and rather strong flavour Acid, but mild and good flavour Strong flavour Productive. Moderately produc tive. II II Fairly productive. Monarch Kentville . ... Champion Flavour rather strong REPORT OF MR. THOMAS A. SHARPS. 431 Black currant bushes which made vigorous growth but did not produce any fruit this year : Star, Tree Currant, Charmer, Lanark, Cranelle, Ogden's Black, Sterling, Henry, Climax, Oxford, Parker, Middlesex, Lee's Prolific, Manitoba Wild, Victoria Ambrafarbige, Kentish Hero. Grewonliche, Bang Up, Merveille de la Gironde, Lennox, Lewis. RASPBERRIES. — red and vellow raspberries. Name. o Q Growth of Bush. Size of Fruit Quality. Productiveness. Carter's Prolific Hornet June 10 15 15 20 25 27 27 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 30 July 1 1 1 1 1 II ' 1 1 8 4 5 8 8 8 Visrorous . . . Round, dark red, good flavour, but soft. Round, bright red, not very good flavour. Round, dark red, fair flavour, soft. Round, dark red, good flavour, rather soft Round, pale yellow, flavour good, sweet. Round, dark red, fairly good flavour, rather soft. Pale yellow, fair flavour, soft. . Light red, good flavour, but soft and crumbly. Round, yellow, sweet and of pleasant flavour, soft. Sweet, good flavour, moderately firm Round, yellow, a very good berry, good flavour and firm. Red, good flavour, but soft and crumbly. Red, of good flavour and moder- ately firm. Round, dark red, fair flavour, soft. Round, red, very good flavour, firm ; promises to be as good as the Cuthbert. Dark red, sweet, firm II ... Large .... Productive. Crimson Beauty Franconia Mod erately vigorous. Vigorous . . Mod erately vigorous. It ... Vigorous . . . If ... If ... Mod erately vigorous. Vigorous . . . II ... II ... II ... II ... II . . II ... II ... ir ... II ... II ... II ... II ... II ... II ... II ... II ... II ... II ... Medium 11 .... Small... . Above me- dium. Medium n .... Small to me- dium. Above me- dium. Large Small Large Small Large Very large . . Medium II .... Large .... II II Above me- dium. Large Above me- dium. Medium II .... II .... II II Hansell . , Very productive. Col. Wilder Red Herrenhauser.. , Spineless Yellow Clarke Chamnlain Productive. Fairly produc- tive. Productive. II II Heebner Very productive. Golden Queen Turner. ........ .... Productive. Moderately pro- Marlboro' ductive. II Antwerp Very productive. London .. Queen of the Market Queen Victoria Duke of Brabant Cuthbert Productive. Soft, crumbly, insipid Moderately pro- ductive. If Productive. Round, light red, sweet, good flavour, firm.. A very good berry, red, sweet, and good flavour, firm, and continues in bearing a long time. Long, conical, dark red, fairly firm. Roundish conical, purplish red, of fine quality. Round, yellowish white, sweet, soft. Round, bright red, good flavour, firm. Round, dark red, good flavour, firm. Round, bright red, good flavour, moderately firm. .Tuicv. sweet, firm Belle de Fontenay. . . Fastolf Moderately pro- ductive. White Antwerp. . . . , Paragon II Productive. Muskingum Moderately pro- Thompson ductive. Cromwell Fairly produc- tive. Not very produc- tive. Moderately pro- ductive. Chili.. Arnold's Hybrid Round, light red, large drupes, crumbly, of poor flavour. Dark red, sweet and pleasant flavour, but soft. 432 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. The following raspberries are growing thriftily, but did not bear any fruit this year : — Large Yellow, New Fastolf, Beehive, Autumn Surprise, Yellow Antwerp, Barnet, Sarah, Malta, Shaffers Colossal, Carman, Oregon Late, Senator, Garnet, Craig, Garfield, Percy, Muriel, R. B. Whyte, Early Ohio, Miller, Billard's Perpetual, Lemercier, Conrath, American Yellow, Sugar of Metz, Knevett's Giant, Prince of Wales, Nonpariel, Brinckle's Orange, Phoenix, Elvira, Fanny, Royal, Mary, Saunder's Large Red, Lady Anne, Sharpe, Pauline, Herrenhaus, Red Perpetual, Battler's Giant, Sir John, Carleton, Empire, All Summer, Cariboo Wild and Columbia. BLACK CAP. Name. Lovett Older Palmer Kansas Cromwell Ada Gregg Progress Jackson's May King. to c July 4 4 5 6 8 9 10 10 10 Growth. Vigorous Size of. Medium Large Above medium Medium Above medium. Large Medium large. . Quality. Good quality, firm. Very good quality Sweet and good quality, firm. Medium 'Good quality, firm Productiveness, Productive. The following varieties are thrifty, but did not fruit this year : Nemaha, Lotta, Mamm. Cluster, Smith's Prolific, and Hopkins. STRAWBERRIES. The first part of the strawberry season was favourable. The plants were strong and healthy, and the crop good, but after the second picking, we had long continued warm heavy rains, which spoiled at least half of the remaining crop, as the berries were too soft for shipping. STRAWBERRIES VARIETIES FRUITED. Name. c IS Growth of Plant. Size of Berry. Quality. Productiveness. Hautboifl Daisy ... Smith's Seedling Philip's Seedling Omega Junel 1. 1 .. 2 n 3 II 3 1. 3 II 3 1. 4 Fairly vigor- ous. Vigorous . . . II ... H ... U ... II ... 11 ... II ... Small medium . . Large Medium Large ; irregular in shape. Large II medium . . 60 00 5 Poland China swine 78 00 2 Chester white n 40 00 14 Grade swine SO 00 Farm machinery 1,849 00 Farm implements 644 50 Vehicles, including farm wagons and sleighs 810 00 Hand tools, hardware and sundries , 1,033 00 Harness » 314 55 Dairy department, machinery, &c 832 00 Horticultural department, implements, tools, &c 281 90 Forestry h „ 419 70 Botanical h h 7 00 Poultry II 241 fowls 26100 » . . " . implements, furnishings, &c 83 50 Bees and apiarian supplies .' 259 30 Chemical department, apparatus and chemicals 2,133 95 Books in several departments 333 58 Greenhouse plants, supplies, &c 1,138 50 Office furniture and stationery 1,301 00 Furniture at Director's house 1,270 00 S 15,828 48 EXPERIMENTAL FARM, NAPPAN, N.S. G Horsss , 3 Guernsey cattle.. 2 Holstein .. 2 Ayrshire 27 Grade ,. 2 Yoi'kshire swine 3 Berkshire 2 Tamworth n ". 8 Grade ' n 46 Fowls Vehicles, including farms wagons and sleiglis Farm machinery .• II implements Hand tools, hardware and sundries .. Harness Furniture for office, reception room, and bedroom for visiting officials S 400 00 G05 00 100 iiO 320 00 1,073 00 35 00 21 00 28 00 30 00 31 00 365 00 475 00 198 00 296 75 12G 10 i 274 78 $ 4,377 63 EXPENDITURES. 439 EXPERIMENTAL FARM, BRANDON, MANITOBA. 10 Horses $ 750 00 3 Ayr.-;hire cattle 175 00 2 Durham >, ... 150 00 5 Holstein „ 250 00 10 Grade 215 00 1 Chester White swino 15 00 3 Tamworth 48 00 2 Berkshire „ . . . . : 38 00 60 Fowls 55 50 Bees and apiarian supplies 70 20 Vehicles, including farm wagons and sleighs 500 00 Farm machinery , 996 00 II implements . . 565 00 Hand tools, hard\^'are and sundries 623 09 Harness . 215 50 Furniture for reception room and bedroom for visiting officials 154 55 supplies and books for office 192 40 $ 5,013 24 EXPERIMENTAL FARM, INDIAN HEAD, N.W.T. 14 Horses $ 1,665 00 1 Ayrshire 75 00 8 Durham cattle 585 00 1 Polled Angus 75 00 15 Holstein cattle 760 00 16 Grade cattle. 440 00 15 Yoikshire swine 163 00 4 Berksiiire i. 61 00 17 Tamworth ,, 130 00 4 Grade i 43 00 115 Fowls 115 00 Bees and apiarian supplies 36 50 Vehicles, including farm wagons and sleighs 510 00 Farm machinery 1,314 00 II implements 682 50 Hand tools, hardware and sundriae 448 40 Harness 210 75 Furniture for voneption room and bedroom for visiting officials 251 50 n suiJi^lifeS amd books for office. 203 15 $ 7,768 80 EXPERIMENTAL FARM, AGASSIZ, B.C. 6 Horses $ 800 00 5 Durham cattle 390 00 6 Ayrshire 300 00 6 Holstein „ 450 00 2 Grade . 40 00 6 Dorset homed sheep , 60 00 2 Berkshire swine 50 00 2 Tamworth i, , 50 00 53 Fowls 46 00 Bees and apiarian supplies 35 95 Vehicles, including farm wagons 250 00 Farm machinery 600 00 II implements 205 50 Hand tools, hardware and sundries 207 00 Harness _ 100 50 Furniture for reception room and bedroom for visiting officials 251 00 II supplies and books for office 100 00 $ 3,935 95 W. H. HAY, Accountant. INDTCX. Page. Bedford, S. A., Superintendent, Experimen- tal Farm, Brandon, Manitoba, — Report of 307 Blair, \V. S., Horticulturist, Experimental Farm, Nappan, N.S.,— Report of 288 Chemist,— Report of the 135 Acknowledgments 137 Alfalfa, analysis of 139 AlfUaria, analysis of 147 Ashes, lime kiln, analysis of 177 Assimilation of nitrogen by legumes 141 Awnless brome grass, analysis of 146 analyses of hay and chaff of 147 effect of maturity on composition of . . 147 Buckwheat bran, analysis of 149 Composts, fertilizers for making 178 Clovers as green manures 135, 138 sowing with barley 139 analyses of 139 Mammoth Red 139, 140, 144 Common Red 139 Crimson 139 Alsike ; 139 Correspondence 137 Erodiii/rn cicutarium, analysis of 147 Fertilizers, naturally-occurring 147 Fertilizing materials 136 Forage plants and fodders , 170 Awnless brome grass 146 Storksbill (Erodium) 147 "Heavy feed " and buckwheat bran . . 149 " Ground feed " used in cattle trans- portation 150 Green manures for increasing soil fertility. 138 " Ground feed, " analysis of 150 " Heavy feed," analysis of 149 Horse beans, experiments with 142 Inoculation, experiments with nitragin . . . 142 with horse beans 142 with Mammoth Red Clover 144 Kay's compound, composition of 178 Letter of transmittal 135 Lime kiln ashes, composition of 177 Lobster refuse from the canning factories . 175 analyses of 176 value of, per ton, as a fertilizer 176 Mammoth Red Clover 139, 144 Marl, analysis of samples of 175 uses of 175 Marsh, creek and tidal deposits .... 171 Meetings attended 137 Mineral specimens 137 Moss litter 136, 179 Muck, swamp, analyses of 170 "Mud," analysis of, from Nappan, N.S. . . 172 from St. Martin's, N.B 172 from Vancouver, B.C 173 from BarachoLs de Malbaie, Que 173 from Summerside, P.E.I. 174 Naturally-occurring fertilizers 136, 170 Nitragin, use of in agriculture 135, 141 experiments with 142 PortuUica, fertilizing constituents in 177 Purslane, n it 177 Samples received for analysis 137 Soils, Canadian 136, 151 composition of 157 Pagk, CHKMisr Eeport of the — Con. Soils from British Columbia 151, 160 from Ontario, analyses of 153, 165 from Quebec, m 154, 167 from North-west Territories and Man- itoba, analyses of 163 from Nova Scotia, analyses of 169 from New Brunswick, n 168 from Prince Edward Island, analyses of 135,169 inoculation of with nitragin 141 fertility, factors of 138 value of analysis of 157 available plant food in 158 standards of fertility in Canadian 169 Storksbill (Erodium), analysis of 147 Tuberculin 136 Well waters from farm homesteads 136, 180 analyses of 182 Craig, John, Horticulturist, Central Experi- mental Farm, — Report of 91 DiRKCTOK, — Report of the 5 Acknowledgments .... 89 Barley, experiments with 12 field crops of 14 hybrid sorts of 13, 14 six-rowed, test of varieties 14 Albert. Argyle Baxter's . . . Blue ..... Brome .... Champion . Claude Common . . Empire , . , Excelsior . . Garfield . . . Mansfield . Mensury . . Monde (hulless). . 14 . 14 . 14 . 14 . 14 .14, 15 14 . 14 14 . 14 . 14 14 .14, 15 14 Nugent 14 Oderbruch 14 Odessa 14, 15 Petschora . . . 14 Phoenix, 14 Pioneer 14 Rennie's Improved 14 Royal 14 Stella 14 Success 14, 15 Summit 14 Surprise 14 Trooper 14, 15 Vanguard 14 Yale 14 two-rowed, test of varieties 13 Beaver 13 Bolton 13 Canadian Thorpe 13 Danish Chevalier 13 Dunham 13 French Chevalier 13 Gordon 13 Harvey 13 Jarvis 13 442 EXPERIMENTA L FA ILUS. Director, Report of the— Con. Barley, experiments witli— Con. two-rowed, test of varieties — Con. Kinver Chevalier Kirby Leslie Logan Monck Page. 13 13 13 13 13 Nepean . , 13 Newton 13 Pacer 13 Prize Prolific 13 Rigid 13 Sidney 13 Thanet 13 Victor i 13 Warren 13 Branch Experimental Fai-ms, visits to 8G, S8 Bordeaux mixture, how to make 8 Bromus incrmis 42 Buckwheat, experiments with 40 Carrots, experiments with , 27 field crops of 29 yield of, from early and late pulling. . 28 yield of varieties of 28 Clovers, experiments with 32-38 Corn, experiments with 21 Angel of Midnight 22, 23 Canadian White Flint 22, 23 Champion White Pearl 22, 24 Cloud's Early Yellow 22, 24 Compton's Early 22, 23 Cuban Giant 22 Cuban Mammoth 22, 24 Early Butter 22, 24 Extra Early Huron Dent 22, 23 Giant. Prohfic Ensilage 22, 24 Kendall's Giant; 22 King of the Earliest 22,24 Learning 22, 24 Longfellow 22,25 Mammoth Sweet Fodder 22, 24 Mammoth Yellow Flint 22, 23 Mitchell's Early 22 Ninety Day 22, 24 North Dakota White 22, 24 North Dakota Yellow 24 Pearce's Prolific 22 Pride of the North. . . . .22, 23 Re-i Cob Ensilage 22, 24 Rural Thoroughbred White Flint. . . .22, 23 Sanford 22, 23 White Cap Yellow Dent 22, 23 Wisconsin White Dent 22 Wisconsin Yellow Dent 22 Correspondence 88 Crops, action of fertilizers on 42 Cross-fertilizing, results of experiments in. GO Ellis, Wm., report of CO Experiments Nvith fertilizers on barley 45 on carrots 50-51 on Indian com 47-48 on mangels and turnips 48-50 on oats 46 on potatoes 51-54 on wheat.. 43-44 Feeding of steers, experiments in 75-79 of swine, experiments in 80-86 Fertilizers, test of action of 42-54 Financial statement 435 -437 Flax, experiments with 40, 41 Fruits, experiments in cross-fertilizing. . . 60-67 Hay, W. H., report of 435 Grain tests, results of 57-5? Horse beans, experiments with 38 Letter of transmittal 3 Mangels, experiments with 27 Pagb. Director, Report of the— Coti. Mangels, field crops of 27 yield of varieties of 27 Meteorological observations CO Oats, cross-bred sorts 8 experiments with 7 field crops of 9 test of varieties 7 treatment of, for smut 8 Abundance 7, 12 Abyssinia 7 American Bf auty 7, 10 American Triumph 7 Banner 7, 12 Bavarian 7, 12 Black Beauty 8 Bonanza ... , 7 Brandon 7 Buckbee's Illinfiis 7 California Prolilic Black 8 Columbus 7, 11 Coulonimiers 8 Cream Egyptian 8 Cromwell 7 Doncaster Prize 8 Early Archangel 8, 11 Early Blossom 7 Early Etampes 7 Early Golden Prolific 7, 11 Early Gothland 7, 10 Early Maine 7 Flying Scotchman , 11 Golden Beauty 7, 10 Golden Giant 7, 9 Golden Tartarian 8 Hazlett's Seizure 7. H Holland 7, 8 Holstein Prolific 7, 10 Imported Irish 8 Improved American 7 Improved Ligowo 7, 9 Joanette 7, 10 King , 7 Lincoln 7 Master 7 Medal 7 Mennonite . . . 7, 11 Miller 7 Mortgage Lifter 8, 10 Newmarket 8 Oderbruch 8 Olive 7 Oxford 7 Pense 7 Poland 8 Prize Cluster 7 Prolific Black Tartarian 8 Rennie's Prize White , 7 Rosedale 7 Russell .. 7 Scotch Hopetoun 8 Scottish Chief 7 Siberian . . . 7 Siberian, O. A. C 7, 10 Thousand Dollar 7 Victoria Prize 7 W^allis 7, 10,12 Welcf)me 7 White Monarch 8 White Russian 7 White Schonen 7, 11 White Wonder 7 Wide-Awake 7 Winter Grey 8 Pease, experiments with 17 Albion 19 Archer 19 INDEX. 443 DrRKOTOR, Report of the— Con. Pease, experiments with — Cori. Agnes Alma Arthur Bedford Pease, test of vai-ieties Black-eyed Marrowfat . . . Bright Bruce Canadian Beauty Carleton Centennial Chancellor Chelsea Clarke Comet Cooper Creeper Crown Daniel O'Rourke . Derby Dexter Dixon Dover Duke. Early Britain . Elder Elephant Blue Elliott.... Elva Excelsior Fenton Fergus Forbes German White Golden Vine Grant Gregory Harrison's Glory Hazen Herald Jackson Kent Kerry King . . Kingsford Luther Lanark Leader Lisgar Mackay Macoun Moore Multiplier Mummy Nelson New Potter Nixon Oddfellow Ogden Paragon Pearl Pereto Picton Pride Prince Prince Albert Prospect Prussian Blue Surrey Tracey Trilby Vasey. , Victoria Vincent Weston Page. .18, 19 . 18 .18, 19 . 18 .17, 18 IS . 18 . 18 . 18 . 18 . 18 . 18 . 18 . 18 . 18 . 18 .18, 19 . 18 . 19 . 18 . 18 . IS . 18 . 18 . 18 . 18 . 18 . 18 . 19 . 19 . 18 . IS . 18 . 18 . 18 18 , 18 . 18 . 18 , IS 18 . 18 . 18 . 18 . 19 . 19 . 18 . 18 . 18 . 19 . IS . 19 . 18 . 18 . IS . 18 . 18 . 18 . 18 . IS . 18 . 18 . 18 19 . 19 . 18 . 18 . IS IS . 18 . 19 . 19 . 18 . IS . 18 Page. Director, Report of the— Cbn. Pease, test of varieties — Ccm. White Marrowfat 18 White Wonder 19 Potatoes, experiments with 30 field crops of 32 list of varieties, with yield . . , .30, 31 Seed grain, distribution of 55-57 Seed, tests of vitality of 57-59 Soja beans, experiments with 39 Sowings, early, medium and late 20,21 StafiF, changes in the , . 88 Steers, experiments in feeding of 75-79 Summary of stock, &c., on each Experi- mental Farm 438 Sugar beets, experiments with 29 yield of, varieties of 29 Sunflowers, experiments with 39-40 Swine, experiments in fattening of 80-86 Tuberculosis 70-75 Tuberculine tests 72 Turnips, experiments with 25 yield of varieties of , 25 yield of, from early and late pulling. . 26 field crops of 25 Visits to branch farms 86, 87 Wheats, spring, cross-bred 16, 17, 67 Wheat, spring, experiments with 15 Admiral 16 Advance 15, 17 Alpha 16 Angus 16 Beaudry ^ 16 Beauty 16 Bishop If) Black Sea 16 Blair . ., 15 Blenheim 16 Captor 16 Captor Red Chaff 16 Cartier 16 Colorado 15 Connell, White 15 Countess 16, 17 Crawford 15 Crown 16 Dawn 16 Dawson 16 Dion's 16 Dufferin 16 Ebert.. 16 Emporium 16 Essex 16, 17 Fife, Red 16 Fife, White. 15 Fife, WelLnan's 15 Eraser 16 Golden Drop 16 Goose Wheat 16 Harold 15 Herisson Bearded 16, 17 Hungarian ..'. 16 Huron 15 Jordan 16 Ladoga 16 Laurel 15 Mason 15 Monarch , 15 Old Red Riv«r 15 Plumper 15 Preston 16, 17 Pride of Baropa 16 Percy 16 Percy White Chaff 16 Pringle's Champlain 16 Progress 16 Red Fern 16 444 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. Director, Report of the Wheat— Con. Rideau Rio Grande Roumanian Stanley Vernon -Con. Page. .16, 17 . 15 15 16 . 16 White Chaff, Campbell's 16 White Russian 16 Wild Crab Apples 65 Entomologist anu Botanist, — Report ofithe 1S8 Acknowledgments 188 Agropyruvi tenerum 229 Anatis 15-pimctata 203 Anisopteryx -. 200 Aphides 196, 202 Aphis hrassicce 202 prunifolii 203 Apiary, the 222 house 228 Apple Fruit-miner 201 Apple Maggot 201 Apple-tree Weevil, Bronze 204 Argyresthia conjugella 201 Aspidiotus ancylus 207, 210, 211 Forbesi 207, 210_, 211 verniciosus 205-221 Awnless Brome grass 187, 229 Bee notes 222 Bees, experiments in wintering 225 Bisulphide of carbon for Pea Weevil 193 Black Blister-beetle 196 Blister-beetles 196 Bromus hrevi-aristatus 230 incrrius 229 Pumpellianus . ... 230 Bronze Apple-tree Weevil 204 Bruchus pisi 192 Burrell, Martin, on San Jose Scale 216 Canker-worms 200 Carrot Rust-fly 196 Ccphus pygmceus, 190 Cereals, insect enemies of 190 Cherry Aphis 203 Cherry Scale 2o7, 211 Chilocorus bivulncrus 217 Clisiocampa Americana 200 Californica 200 Coccinella 0-notata 203 Currant Maggot 204 Currant Saw-fly, Native 205 Cutworms 195 " Dead heads " of wheat 190 Epicauta Pennsylvanica 196 Epochra Canadensis 204 Fixter, John, report by 224 Forbes Scale 207 Frit Fly 191 Fruits, insect enemies of 199 Gas treatment for San Jose Scale 219 Grain Plant-louse 191 Grasses 229 Gr.asshoppers 191 Gray Blister-beetle 196 Gymnonychus appcndicttlatus 205 Harrington, W. H., help from 188 on Native Currant Saw-fly 205 He-ssianFly 191 Hyalopterus pruni 203 Howard, Dr. L. O., help from 188 Isosoma 190 " Joint-borer " of wheat 190 Joint-worm 190 Kerosene treatment for San Jose Scale. . . . 219 Lime-salt-and-sulphur wash for San Jos^ Scale 220 Pagk. Entomologist and Botanist— C7on. Macoun, Prof. John, help from 188 Macrobasis unicolor 196 Magdalis cenescens 204 Meetings attended 187 Mytilaspis pomorivm 200 Myzus cerasi 203 Native Currant Saw-fly 205 Ormerod, Miss E. A., help from 189 Oyster-shell Bark-louse 200 Peach Bark-borer 200 " Pea Bug " » 1!I2 Pea Moth 194 Pea WeevU 192 Pcntilia misella 217 Pimpla pcdalis 199 Plant-lice on vegetables 190 on fruit trees 202 Plum Aphis 203 Potato pests 196 Pristiphora grossularice 205 Psila rosce 196 Putnam Scale 207,211 Root crops, insect enemies of 195 San Jose Scale 2^5-221 characters of 207 fatal effects of infestation 212 food plants 209 life history. 208 means of distribution , . . 209 occurrence in Canada 212 remedies 218 Semasia nigricana 194 Shot-borer 200 Silpha bituberosa 198 Siphonophora ai'cnce 191 Slug-shot insecticide 196 Spinach Carrion-beetle 198 Strawberry Crown-borer, Western 204 Tent Caterpillars 199 Thonger, Charles, on San Jose Scale 214 Tobacco-and-soap wash for plant-lice 204 Trypeta pomoneUa 201 Tylodermafoveolatum, . 204 Van Horn, J., on San Jose Scale 213 Vegetables, insect enemies of 195 Walsingham, Lord, help from 189 Western Rye-grass 229 Whale-oil soap wash 219 Wheat-stem Maggot. 191 Wheat-stem Saw-fly 190 Xyleborui, dispar ' 200 Experimental Farm, Agassiz, — Report of the Superintendent 405 Acknowledgments 406 Apples, report on 420 Bogdanoff 420 Borovinka Solovieff 420 Borsdorff 421 Calville St. Sauveur 421 Carthouse 421 Cox's Orange Pippin 421 Devonshire Quarrenden 420 Grandmother 420 Gypsy Girl 420 Haskell's Sweet. 420 Huntman's Favourite 420 Iowa Blush 421 Karabovka 421 King of Pippins 420 Lapough 421 Melonen 421 No. 181 420 Perry Russet 421 Plodovitka 421 Plum's Cider 421 INDEX. 445 Page, Experimental Farm, Agassiz— Con. Apples — Con. Scarlet Cranberry 421 Smith's Cider 422 Somnitelnoe 421 Stark 422 Summer Red Streak . . 420 Switzer 421 Titovka. 421 Volga Anis 420 Willow Twig 421 Zolotorefif 421 Apricots, report on 426 Barley, experiments with 409 early and late sowings of 411 Bees, report on 406 Buildings 430 Carrots, experiments with 414 Cherries, report on 425 Arch Duke 425 Brusseler Braun 425 Duchesse de Pallan 425 Dwarf Rocky Mountain 425 Early Rivers 425 Griotte du Nord 425 Gruner Glass 425 Montmorency Courte Queue 425 Nouvelle Royale 425 Royal Duke 425 Schmidt's Bigarreau 425 Sparhawk's Honey 425 Straus Weichsel 425 White Heart 425 Currants, black, report on 429 red and white, report on 429 black, report on ... . 430 Corn, experiments with 412 Crops, summary of 418 Distribution of seed grain, potatoes, &c. .406, 419 Fencing 420 Figs, report on 426 Fodder crops, experiments with 419 Forest trees, belts of 405 Gooseberries, report on 429 Grain, results of early, medium and late sowings of 411 Grapes, report on 427 Hedges 405 IMangels, experiments with 414 Medlars, report on 426 Meteorological report 434 Mulberries, re[xn't on 426 Nectarines, report on 426 Nut-bearing trees, report on 426 Oats, experiments with 407 Peaches, report on 426 Pears, report on 422 Beurre d'Amanlis 422 ComtedeLaing 422 Conseiller de la Cour 422 Early Bergamot 422 Gansel's Bergamot 422 General Todtleben 423 Jargonelle 422 Jersey Gratioli 422 La France 422 Madame Trey ve 422 Nouveau Poiteau 423 Nouvelle Fulvie 423 Pitmaston Duchess 422 Ritson 422 Salviate 422 Wilder. 422 Pease, experiments with 423 early and late sowings of 412 Plums, report on 423 Angelina Burdette 423 Page. Experimental Farm, Agassiz— Con. Plums— Con. Annie Spathe 434 Botan 424 Biu'bank 424 Cox's Emperor 424 Early Favourite 423 Early Prolific 423 Early Red 423 Field 424 Giant Prune. 424 Glass Seedling 424 Golden Beauty . . 423 Goliath 423 Grand Duke 424 Gueii 424 July Green Gage 423 Lincoln 423, 424 Mariano 423 McGillivray 424 McLaughlin 424 Monarch 424 Ogon 424 Orleans Old 424 Prince Englebert 424 Red Negate 424 Robinson 424 Tenant Prune 424 Transparent Gage 424 Wooten 423 Potatoes, experiments with 416 Quinces, report on ^. 426 Raspberries, black cap, report on 432 red and yellow, report on 431 Salt bush, Australian 406 Stock , 419 Strawberries, report on 432 Sugar beets, experiments with 414 Trees and shrubs 405 Turnips, experiments with 414 Weather. 405 Wheat, spring, experiments . with 406 early and late sowings 411 winter, experiments with 406 Experimental Farm, Brandon,— Report of the Superintendent 307 Apples, report on 336 Arboretum 339 Asparagus 351 Barley, experiments with 315 test of varieties of 315 early, medium and late sowings of ... . 312 Beans, experiments with 346 Bees, experiments with 334 plants visited by 335 Breaking, new 355 Carrots, experiments with 320 Cattle, report on 328 feeding of 328 experiments with dairy cows 320 Cherry trees, report on 338 Corn, experiments with 317 test of varieties of . 318 Correspondence 356 Crab-apple trees, report o'2 336 Crab, wild, of Siberia 3.36 Cucumbers, experiments with 349 Currants, report on 338 Distribution of seed grain and potatoes . . . 354 of forest tree seeds 343 Drifting soil, preventives of 309 Fallowing, summer 309 Farmers' Institutes, meetings of, attended . 355 Fencing. 355 Field loots 319 Flax, experiments with 324 446 EXPERIMENTAL FAJiMS. Experimental Farm, Brandon— Con. Flowers, experiments with Fodder corn, experiments with Forest trees and shrubs, report on Fruit trees, ex[,eriment8 with . . Gooseben'ies, report on Grain, early, medium and late sowings of. . Grasses and clover, experiments with Grass seed distribution Hedges Lemon, garden, experiment with Manf^els, experiments with. Meetings attended. Meteorological report Milch cows, ration-fed Millets, experiments wiuh Oats, experiments with test of varieties of early, medium and late sowings of Pease, field, experiments with test of varieties of early and late sowings of garden, test of varieties Plum trees, rejwrt on Potatoes, experiments with Poultry, reiwrt on fattening, experiments in Raspberries, report on Roads . . Shrubs, notes on Smut in wheat, treatment for. Spraying for insect pests Squash and pumpkins Steers, experiments with Sugar beets, experiments with Swine Tobacco, experiments with Tomatoes, experiments with Trees, reports on distribution of seed, notes on distribution Turnips, experiments with Vegetable garden Visitors Weather Wheat, spring, experiments with early, medium and late sowings of preparing stubble land for 2nd crop of. test of varieties of on spring ploughing vs. stubble Page. 351 317 340 330 339 312 325 327 341 3.50 320 3.55 35G 330 327 313 314 312 316 317 313 344 337 321 331 332 338 355 .339 311 343 347 328 321 331 355 351 343 .343 :!19 44 356 307 307 311 310 308 310 Experimental Farm, Indian Head, N.W.T., — Report of the Superintendent 357 Apples, report on 3S8 Apricots, report on 392 Arboretum 397 Asparagus, experiments with .380 Awnless Hi ome grass ^ 373 Barley, test of varieties 364 experiments with 363 field lots of.. :.., 364 sown at different dates 363 Beans, experiments with 380 Bees, report on 400 Beets, experiments with 380 Brvmus inei~mis 373 Brussels sprouts 383 Buckwheat, experiments with .372 Cabbages, experiments with 381 Canary seed grass 372 Carrots, test of varieties of 376, 381 Cattle 398 Cauliflower, experiments with 381 Celery, experiments with 382 Chei ries, report on 391 Citrons, experiments with 3S3 Pagr. Experimental Farm, Indian Head — Co?i. Corn, experiments with 371, 382 sown for ensilage 371 Correspondenc'S 402 Crops, report on. 357 Cucumbers, experiments with 382 Currants, report on 392 Distribution of grain, potatoes, forest trees, &c 401 Egg plants, experiments with 385 Ensilage 401 Exhibitions, attended 403 Farmers' Institutes, meetings of, attended 403 Flax, expteriments with 372 Flowers, report on 386 Forest trees, report on 395 distribution of 402 Fruit trees and bushes, report on 387 Grain, distribution of samples of 401 Gooseberries, rep>ort on 394 Grapes, reix)rt on 392 Grasses 373 Hedges 397 Herbs 385 Hops, rexx)rt on 401 Improvements 402 Kale, experiments with 383 Lettuce, experiments with 383 Live stock 398 Mangels, experiments with 376 Marrows and squash 383 Meetings attended . .. 402 Melons, exi)eriments with 383 Meteorological report 402 Millets, experiments with 372 Mixed grain for fodder 370 Oats, experiments with 366 field lots of 366 one acre plots of. 367 sown at different dates 366 test of varieties 367 Onions, exi>eriments with 383 Parsnips, experiment with .384 Pears, report on 392 Pease, experiments with ..... 368 sown .at different dates 368 test of varieties of 369, 384 Peppers, experiments with 385 Plum trees, report on .... 389 Potatoes, experiments with 377 distribution of. . . tests of varieties of 378 Poultry, report on 400 Pumpkins, exj)eriments with 384 ' Radish, experiments with .385 RainfaU 357 Report on samples distributed 401 Raspberries, re]>ort on 393 Rhubard, experiments with 3 5 Roots, experiments with .'!75 Rye, spring .■)73 Seed grain, distribution of 401' Shrubs, report on 397 Smut, in barley, tests for prevention of . . . 365 in wheat 362 Squash, experiments with, 383 Steers, experiments with ."'99 Stock 398 Strawberries, report on 394 Sugar beets, experiments with 376 Swine, report on 400 Tares, experiments with 373 Tobacco, experiments with 380 Tomatoes, experiments with 385 Trees and shrubs planted 39S Turnips, experiments with 376 Visitors to farm 402 INDEX. 4i7 Page. Experimental Farm, Indian Head— Con. Vegetable garden 380 Weather 357 Weeds 401 Wheat, spring, experunents with 358 field lots of 359 test of different dates of sowing 359 test of varieties ._ 360 test of sowing different quantities of seed 361 test of sowing at different depths 361 test of drills 362 sowing on summer- fallow and on stubble 362 Expekimental Farm, Nappan, N.S.,— Report of the Superintendent 273 Report of the Horticulturist. .\ 288 A pple trees 288 Apricots 296 Bailey, experiments with 275 Beets, experiments with 304 Cabbages, experiments with 301 Carrots, experiments with 281, 304 Cauliflowers, experiments \vith 302 Celery, experunents with 303 Cherries _... ..... 293 Clover, sown with grain, experiments with 286 Corn, experiments with 284, 304 preparing land for 285 Crops, general statement of, grain 279 Fodder _ 285 Cucumbers, experiments with 305 Draining ... 287 Eaily, medium and late sowings of grain, siimmary of 277 Exhibitions attended 287, 306 Fertilizers used on the field grain 280 Flowers _ 288 Grain crops with and without clover 286 Hay 273 Lettuce, experiments with 303 Mangels, experiments with 281 Manure and fertilizers used 287 Meetings attended 287, 306 Milch cows, ration-fed 286 Millet, experiment with 285 Nuts 297 Oats, experiments with 276 Parsnips, experiments with 305 Peaches 296 Pears 293 Plums 294 Pease, experiments with 278, 304 Potatoes, experiments with 282 Preparation of land for turnips, corn, horse beans and sunflowers 285 Raspberries. 288 Seed grain and potatoes distributed 287 Squashes, experiments with 305 Stock sold 287 Strawberries 288 Sugar beets, experiments with 282 Tomatoes, experiments with 302 Trees and shrubs, ornamental 298 Turnips, experiments with 280 eaily 304 Vegetable garden 300 Weather 273 Wheat, spring, experiments with 274 Fletcher, Dr. J., Entomologist and Botanist, —Report of 188 Foreman of Forestry,— Report of 247 Alder buckthorn 269 American arbor- vitse 270 Arboretum 252 Foreman op Forestry — Con. Bctula pupyrifei a Black walnut Canoe birch Donations Evergreens, list of hardy ornamental Forest belts at Central Experimental Farm growth of trees in Fraxinus amerdcana Gleditschia triacanthos Grounds, ornamental addition to trees and shrubs on care of flower borders and flower beds on visitors to Hedges best thirteen trees and shrubs used for . ILst of, at Central Experimental Farm . Honey locust Jwjlans nigra Ornamental grounds Ornamental trees and shrubs Perennials Perennials, list of one hundred of the best hardy Achillea Ftarmica flore plena Aconitum aittumnale. . '. NapeUus Adonis vernalis A'/rostemma coronaria atropurpurca . . Anemone patens Aathevvis tinctoria Kelwayi Aquilegia canadensis chrysanthM ccerulea glandulosa oxyscpala Stuarti Arahis alpina Arnebia echioides Asclepias tuberosa Aster alpinus Amelias bessarabvcus Novce-Anglice roseus Boltonia asteroides latisquama Campanula carpatica Grossekii persicifolia Clematis recta Convallaria majalis Coreopsis delphinifolia grandifiora lanceolata Delphinium cashmirianum Dianthus plumarius flore plena Dicentra spectabilis . Dictamnus albus Doronicum caucasicum plantagineum excelsum Epimcdium ratjrum, Erigeron speciosus Funkia snbcordata grandiflora Qaillardia aristata grandiflora Gypsophila paniculata Helenium autumnale Helianthus doronicoides multiflorus Heuchera sanguinea Hemerocallis Dumortierii dava minor Hibiscus Moscheutos Hypericum pyramidatum. Iberis sempervirens Iris Chamceiris Havescens Page. 249 240 249 , 252 258 248 250 249 270 267 268 268 267 268 268 269 271 270 249 267 253 260 260 260 260 200 2(i0 261 261 261 261 261 261 261 261 201 201 261 261 261 261 201 261 261 262 262 262 262 262 262 262 262 262 262 202 262 262 262 263 263 263 263 263 263 263 263 263 263 263 203 264 263 263 263 264 448 EXPERIMENTA L FAR MS. Page, FOBEMAN OF FORESTRY— Co/l. Perennials — Con. Iris Jlorcntina 264 geriiianica 264 laevigata Ktempferi 264 pumila 264 sihirica 264 varicgala 264 Lit turn auratum 264 canadense 264 clegans 264 speciosuin 264 saperhniii 264 ienuifoliura 264 tigrinuvi 264 Linuvi perennc 264 Lobelia cardinalis 264 Lychnis chalccdonica fiore pleno 265 Lpsiinachia clethroides .... 265 Myosotis alpestris , 265 Oenothera missouriensis 265 PcBonia officinalis 265 Papaver nudicaule 265 orientalc. ... 265 Pentstemon harbatus Torrcyi 265 Phlox avioena 265 dccussata 265 reptans 265 gubulata {sctacea) 265 Platycodon grandifiorum 265 grandiflorum album 265 grandijlorum Mariesii 265 Polemonium cceruleum 265 reptans 266 Richardsoni 266 Potentilla hybrida versicolor 266 Primula cortusoidcs 266 Pyrcthrxtvi uliginosum 266 Rudbeckia laciniata . 266 maxima 266 Scahiosa cavAiasica 266 Solidago canadensis 266 Spiroea astilhoides 266 Filij)endula 266 valmata elegans 266 Ulmaria 266 venusta 266 Statice latifolia 266 Thalictrum aquilegifoUum 266 Trollius europceus 267 Rhamnus Frangnla 269 Thuya occidenialis 270 Trees, g^rowth of, in forest belts at Central Experimental Farm 250 Trees and shrubs, ornamental 253 Trees and shrubs, list of one hundred hardy 253 Acer dasycarpum, laciniafum 253 plaianoides 353 vlatanoides Schwedleri 253 saccharinum 253 tataricum Ginnala 253 jEsculus {Pavia) flava 253 Hippocastanum. . 253 A Inus glutinosa imperialis 253 Ampelopsis quinquefolia hirsuta . . . 253 Berleris Aquifolium 253 Thunbergii 254, 269 mdgaris purpurea 254 Betula alba laciniata pendiUa 254 Caragana arborescens 254, 269 frutesccns 254 Carya alba 254 Catalpa Kcempferi 254 speciosa 254 Celastrus articulatus 254 scandens 254 Page. Foreman of Forestry— Con. Trees and shrubs — Con. Cercidiphyllum japonicum 254 Coi'nus alba sihirica varicgata 254 Gratcegus coccinea 254 Crus-galH 255 Daphne Cncorum 255 Diervilla ccmdida 255 rosea 255 rosea Sieboldii variegata 255 Elceagnus angustifolia 255 argentea 255 Genista tinctoria 255 Ginkgo biloba 255 Hydrangea paniculata grandiflora 255 Hypericum, kalmianum 255 Ilex verticillata 255 Larix europoRa 249, 255 Liguslrum amurense .. 255, 269 Lonicera Alberti 255 sempervirens 255 tatarica 256 Neillia {Spircea) opulifolia awrea 256 Philaddphus coronarius 256 frandijlorus speciosissimus 256 Platanus occidenialis 266 Populus dcltoidea aurea 256 Potentilla fruticosa 256 Pyrus Aucuparia 286 baccata . 256 (Cydonia) Maidci 256 Quercus rubra 256 Ribcs aureum . 256 Rosa rubrifolia .^ 256 rugosa 256 Robinia hispida 257 Spircea arguta 257 bracteata , 257 I'aponica [caUosa) 257 salicifolia 257 sorbifolia 157 Van Houttei 257 Sambuc us nigra foliis aureis 257 Symphoricarpus racemosus 257 Syringa chincnsis rothomagensis 257 mponica 257 JosikoM 257, 269 oblata 257 viUosa 257 vulgaris alba grandiflora 258 vulgaris Charles X 258 Salix rosmarinifolia 258 laurifolia 258 Viburnum, Lantana 258, 269 Opulus 258, 269 Opulus sterile 258 prunifolium 258 Evergreens : Abies concolor 258 Cupressus ericoides 258 Retinosiiora pisifera 258 pisifcra filifera 258 pisifera pluvwsa 25? pisifera jilumasa aurea 25S Junipcrus communis fastigiaia . Sahina tamariscifolia 258 Pinus austriaca 259 moiUana Mughus 259 vonderosa, 259 resinosa 259 tylvestris 249, 259 Sti-^bus 259,270 Picea alba 259 alcockiana 259, 270 excelsa 259, 270 o ungens glauca 259, 270 Pseudotsuga Douglasii 259 IJSiDKX. 449 Page. Foreman of Fokej^try— Co/?.. Evergreens — Con. Thuya occidentalis aurca Dour/lasu.2o9, 270 occidenUdis compacta '^59 occidentalis dlwanyeriana 259 occidentalis Hovcyi 259 occidentalis pyraviidalis. . ^00 occidentalis warrcana {sibirica). . . 2(;0 White Ash 249 Forrest, Geo. W., Superintendent Experi- mental Farm, Nappan, N.S.,— Report of. 273 Gilbert, A. G., Poultry Manager,— Report of Horticulturist, Central E.xi'ekimkntal Farm, — Reiiort of 91 .■Vcknovvledgnients , 93 Aphides, treatsrent of, in orchards 10'.' Apples, spot of 110 dry rot of 112 orchard, standard 91 orchard, Russian 92 seedlings 92 storing experiments 101 Bean anthracnose 120 Be.ans, test of varieties 121 Black currant seedlings 94 Blossoming records 91 Broad Windsor beans 123 Burrell, Martin, notes by .... 99 Celery, leaf spot 118 test of varieties. 125 sub-irrigation experiments 12() Cherrj' orchard 92 Clovers 102 Cover crops, orchard 102 Cucumbers . 127 Currant seedlings, black 94 Diseases of fruits 110 Donations 93 Fertilizers for grapes 215 pease and beans soaked in 124 Fruit crop ..... 91 Fruits, diseases of ,. 11(1. Fungicides 145 Fungous diseases of plants ] 10 Fungous parasite of San Jose Scale 119 Gooseberry plantations 97 Gooseberries, varieties under cultivation. .97, 9S varieties recommended 9S Grape juice, preservation of 103 mildew Ill disease, new 113 fertilizer experiments 115 Iris, fungus affecting 112 Large fruits 99 Lima beans 123 Meetings attended 92 Page. Horticulturist — Con. Onions 129 Orchards at Central Farm 92 Orchard cover crops 102 Peaches and plums, thinning 99 Peacli mildew Ill disease, new 112 Pears, orchard , 92 Pears, cracking of 110 Plum orchard 92 Shot-hole fungus Ill Potato scab, experiments to prevent 11(5 Preservation of grape juice 1*3 Roses injured by nuicor 113 Rot of apples, dry _ ^^^ Spraying experiments 105-lOS Tobacco culture 131 Work of the year 91 Mackay, A., Superintendent, Experimental Farm, Indian Head, N.W.T., — Report of. 357 Macoun, W. T., Foreman of Forestry,— Re- port of 247 Poultry Manager,— Rei)ort of the 231 Acknowledgments . . ' 231 Breeding i>ens made up 238 Chickens, growth of 240 Diseases of poultry, from unjudicinus feed- ing 232 Early hatch, an 239 Egg yield of four years . . 23f) yield increased from reduced rations. . 235 Eggs laid by different breeds 244 set and chickens hatched.'. 2.39 winter prices for 2.37 prod\iction in sunnner 244 Feeding for ege pruduction 233 Fifty hens, profits made by 241 Geese, wild a d tame 241 Hens, experiment with fifty 241 Laying stock, rations for 233 Meetings attended 231 Overfeeding avoided 234 Pullets began to lay 2()0 Rations for l.iyers reduced .... 233 Stock on hand 241 Winter lay uig commenced 240 Winter management, summary of points in 237 Work of the past year 231 Saunders, Wm., Director, — Report of ...... 5 Sharpe, Thos. A., Superintendent Experimen- tal Farm, Agassiz,— Report of 405 Shutt, F. T., Chemist,- Report of, 135 8a— 29 ^