iiiiifiP^ •».* .».i 1 ■» *.« ( i * * t 5 1 .( « 1 < 4 ( 4 4 1 •4 4 4 4 r4'4'4 (4 Vi r4^4*4*rf'4'*'i'(''j'.'i'' ''*' ' <<•<""■'-"■■ <\'yA O G P s & _6 a O i o c s o i < 1 m pa Oats 630 1,196 1,820 5,842 2,314 580 817 557 132 Barley 99 408 293 1,947 718 241 SOQ 177 46 Wheat .371 639 1,016 3,394 713 1,173 1.905 670 78 Peas 22 1.31 121 449 88 46 47 41 12 Indian com 17 162 119 978 99 1,287 421 3,865 298 3,138 51 1,06S 50 1,502 25 1,072 36 Potatoes 664 Total 1,301 3,471 4,636 15,918 7,269 3,159 4,621 2,542 968 Total number of samples distributed, 43,885. Number of applicants supplied, 43,792. Total number of packages of each sort distributed : — Oats 13,888 Barley 4,229 Wheat 9,959 Peas. 957 Indian com 1,116 Potatoes 13,736 Total 43,886 REPORT OF TEE DIRECTOR SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 The following list shows the number of packages which have been sent of the different varieties : — Name of Variety. OATS. Banner Wide Awake Improved Ligowo White Giant Thousand Dollar Waverley Danish Island Tartar King Abundance Black Beauty Goldfinder , . . . Welcome Total BARLEY (Six-rowed). Mensury Mansfield Odessa Claude. . (Two-rowed. ) Standwell Invincible . Total SPRING WHEAT. Preston Red Fife White Fife Pringle's Champlain Huron Percy Laurel Stanley Early Riga Total Number of Packages. 3.922 2,695 2,290 1,087 1,007 782 709 594 40fi 262 92 42 13,888 1,455 634 616 267 722 535 4,229 2,707 2,134 1,255 953 916 792 599 561 42 5,959 Name of Variety. Peas. Arthur White Wonder. . . Daniel O'Rourko Golden Vine Prussian Blue Total , INDIAN CORN. Early Learning Comyiton'a Early Longfellow Selected Learning North Dakota White White Cap Yellow Dent. Early Longfellow Total . POTATOES. Maggie Murphy Carman No. 1 Reeve's Rose ,. . . . Everett Rochester Rose Early White Prize Late Puritan Uncle Sam Burnaby Mammoth. . Money Maker Canadian Beauty American Wonder Swiss Snow Flake Dr. Maerker Clay Rose Bovee State of Maine Gold Coin Burpee's Extra Early. . Total , Number of Packages. 755 112 38 27 25 057 240 224 220 168 148 59 57 1,116 1,981 1,784 1,623 1,196 978 793 711 694 682 651 640 632 404 278 248 185 161 77 18 13,736 DISTRIBUTION OF SAMPLES FROM THE BRANCH EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. Samples were also distributed from the Branch Experimental Farms, as follows:- Experimental Farm, Nappan, N.S. Spring wheat 100 Oats 212 Barley 43 Peas 40 Potatoes 203 Buckwheat 17 Total 675 Experimental Farm, Indian Head, Sask. Spring wheat 520 Oats 420 Barley 116 Peas 96 Flax, Rye and Spelt 53 Potatoes 753 Experimental Farm, Brandon, Man. Spring wheat 162 Oats 80 Barley 50 Peas 18 Potatoes 180 Total 490 Experimental Farm, Agassiz, B.C. Oats Barley Peas Potatoes 197 98 203 217 Total , 1,958 Total 715 8 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 Ev adding the niimber of farmers supplied by the branch farms to those supplied by the Central Farm we have a total of 47,723. The average number of samples sent out each year for the past ten years has been over 38,000. It is "^ remarkable how rapidly a supply of grain may be built up from a single four or five-pound sample. Take for instance, a sample of oats. The four pounds received will, if well cared for, usually produce from three to four bushels. This sown on two acres of land will at a very moderate estimate give one hundred bushels, and sometimes much more, but taking the lower figure as the basis for this calculation, the crop at the end of the second year would be sufficient to sow fifty acres^ which at the same moderate computation would furnish 2,500 bushels, available for seed or sale at the end of the third year. The critical point in these tests is the threshing of the grain at the end of the first season, and it is here that some farmers fail to get the full advantage of the ex- periment. The product of the one-twentieth acre plot is sometimes threshed in a large machine, which it is difficult to thoroughly clean, and in this way the grain becomes mixed with other varieties and practically ruined. At the Central Experimental Farm we thresh the produce of many of the small plots of grain by cutting off the heads, placing them in sacks and beating them with a stick, and winnowing until most of the chaff is got rid of, and the grain made clean enough for sowing. Wliere the farmer is to use this seed for his own sowing it is not necessary that the sample be entirely free from chaff. It is, however, most essential if he is to get the full benefit of his experiment, that the grain be quite free from all admixture with other sorts. Farmers are expected to harvest the product of their experimental plot separately, and store it away carefully, threshing it by hand either with a flail or in such other manner as they may prefer. The results to be gained will abundantly repay the careful handling of the grain in this way. Every season after the regular free distribution of the samples has been provided for the surplus grain grown on the exi>erimental farms not required for sowing is sold to farmers in quantities of from 2 to 6 bushels or more each. In this way a consider- able number of farmers are supplied every year with 'seed grain in these larger quantities, especially from the branch farms at Brandon and Indian Head. SPECIAL EXPERIMENTS WITH FERTILIZERS. In the Annual Report of the Experimental Farms for 1893, details were given on pages 8 to 24 of the results of a series of tests which had then been carried on for some years with the object of gaining information regarding the effects which follow the application of certain fertilizers and combinations of fertilizers ©n the more im- portant farm crops. These experiments have been continued, and a summary of the results obtained has been given each year, taking the average yield of crops from the beginning, adding the results for the current year, and then giving the average yield for the full time. These tests were undertaken on virgin soil, on a piece of land which was cleared for the purpose. For particulars regarding the clearing and preparing of the land for crop in 1887-88 and its subsequent treatment, the reader is referred to the earlier issues of this report. VALUABLE INFORMATION GAINED. From this long conducted series of tests some useful information has been gained. These trials have shown that barn-yard manure can be most economically used in the fresh or unrottcd condition; that fresh manure is equal, ton for ton, in crop-pro- ducing power to rotted manure, which, other experiments have shown, loses during the process of rotting about 60 per cent of its weight. In view of the vast importance of 3 H o o H < W 1^ W ►J O [/T Q W « o 1—1 12; « Q o z Q H iX! REPORT OF TEE DIRECTOR 9 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 making the best possible use of barn-ynrtl niaiuiro, it is difficult to estimate the value of this one item of information. When these experiments were planned, the opinion was very generally held that untreated mineral phosphat'O, if very finely ground, wr.s a valuable fertilizer, which gradually gave up its pliosphoric acid for the promotion of plant growth. Ten years' experience has shown that mineral phosphate, untreated, is of no value as a fertilizer. Sulphate of iron, which at the time these tests were begun, was highly recom- mended, as a means of producing increased crops, has also been proven to be of very little value for this purpose. Common salt, which has long had a reputation with many farmers for its value as a fertilizer for barley, while others disbelieved in its efficacy, has been shown to be a valuable agent for producing an increased crop of that grain, while U is of much less use when applied to crops of spring wheat or oats. Land plaster or gypsum has also proven to be of some value as a fertilizer for barley, while of very little service for wheat or oats. Soijae light has also been thrown on the relative usefulness of single and combined fertilizers. CHANGES IMADE IN THE EXPERIMENTS. After ten years' experience had demonstrated that finely-ground, untreated mineral phosphate was of no value as a fertilizer, its use was discontinued in 1898. Prior to this it had been used in each set of plots in ISTos. 4, 6, 6, 7 and 8, in all the different series of plots, excepting roots. In 1898 and 1899, similar weights of the Thomas' phosphate were used in place of the mineral phosphate, excepting in plot 6 in each series. In this plot the Thomas' phosphate was used in 1898 only. After constant cropping for ten or eleven years, it was found that the soil on these plots to which no barn-yard manure had been applied was much depleted of humus, and hence its power of holding moisture had been lessened, and the conditions for plant growth, apart from the question of plant food, had on this account become less favourable. In 1899 the experiments were modified and an effort made to restore some proportion of the humus and at the same time gain further information as to the value of clover as a collector of plant food. In the spring' of that year ten pounds of red clover seed per acre was sown with the grain on all the plots of wheat, barley and oats. The young clover plants made rapid growth, and by the middle of October there was a thick mat of foliage varying in height and density on the different plots, which was ploughed under. No barn-yard manure was applied on plots 1 and 2 in each series from 1898 to 1905. In 1900 all the fertilizers on all the plots were discontinued, and from then to 1905 the same crops were grown on all these plots from year to year without fertilizers, sowing clover with the grain each season. In this way some information has been gained as to the value of clover as a collector of plant food, and also as to the unex- hausted values of the different fertilizers which had been used on these plots since the experiments commenced. In 1905 and 1906 all the fertilizers were again used as in 1898. SPECIAL TREATMENT OF PLOTS OF INDIAN CORN AND ROOTS. As it was not practicable to sow clover with the Indian corn and root crops, the sowing of these latter crops was discontinued in the spring of 1900 and clover sown in their place in the proportion of 12 pounds per acre. The clover on these plots made strong growth, so strong as to necessitate twice cutting during the season, the cut clover being left on the ground in each case to decay and add to the fertility of the soil. The clover was left over for further growth in the spring of 1901, and ploughed \inder for the roots about May 10, and for corn about the middle of that month. Then roots and Indian corn were again sown. In 1902 crops of Indian corn anJ roots were grown on these plots. In 1903 the land was again devoted to clover and was in Indian corn and roots again in 1904 and each year since. 10 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 WHEAT PLOTS. The seed sown on each of these plots from the beginning has been in the propor- tion of about IJ bushels per acre, excepting in 1894; and the varieties used were as follows:— In 1888 to 1891, White Russian, and in 1892-3, Campbell's White Chaff. In 1S94, Eio Grande was used, and from 1895 to 1906, inclusive. Red Eife. In 1906 the Red Fife was sown May 3, ajid was ripe August 17. TABLE I. EXPERIMENTS WITH FERTILIZERS ON PLOTS OF WHEAT. Ph Fertilizers applied each year from 1888 to 1898 or 18!)!). No fertilizers used from that time to 1!)05. Clover sown in 18!)9 and each year after to 1905 with the grain and plouffhed nndf'r in the autumn. In 1905-6 fertilizers again applied as in 1898- Clover discontinued. AVERAGK YlKLD FOR Eighteen Years. Yield of. Grain. Per acre. Per acre Barn-yard manure (mixed horse and cow manure), well rotted, 12 tons per acre in 1888 ; 15 tons per acre each year after to 1898 inclusive. No manure used from 1899 to 1905. In 1905-G 15 tons per acre again used. . _ Barn-yard manure (mixed horse and cow manure) fresh, 12 tons per acre in 1888 ; 15 tons per acre each year after to 1898 inclusive. No manure used from 1899 to 1905. In 1905-6 15 tons per a^re again used Unmanured from the beginning Mineral phosphate, untreated, finely ground, 500 lbs. per acre, used each year from 1888 to 18!)7 inclusive. In 1898 and, 1899 a similar weight of the Thomas' phosphate was used. No fertilizer used from 1900 to 1905. In 1905-6 Thomas phosphate again used as in 1899 Mineral phosphate, untreated, finely ground, 500 lbs., nitrate of soda, 200 lbs. per acre used each year from 1888 to 1897 inclusive. In 1808 and 1899, 500 lbs. of the Thomas phosphate were used in place of the mineral phosphate. No fertilizers used from 1900 to 1905. In 1905-6 ferti lizers again used as in 1899 Barn-yard manure, partly rotted and ac- tively fermenting, six 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, applied each year from 1888 to 18!)7 inclusive. In 1898, 500 lbs. of Thomas phosphate were used in place of the min eral phosphate. No fertilizers used from 1899 to 1905. In 1905-6 fertilizers again used as in 1898 Mineral phosphate, untreated, finely ground, 500 lbs. ; nitrate of soda, 200 lbs wood ashes,unleach9d, 1,000 lbs. pwr acre, used each year from 1888 to 1897 inclusive. In 1898 and 1899, 500 lbs. of the Thomas l)hosphate were used in place of the mineral phosphate. No fertilizers used from 1900 to 1905. In 1905-6 fertilizers again used as in 1899 Bush, lbs 22 311 i 22 11 46 47H 12 38^ 13 29^ Yield of Straw. Lbs. 3928 39C9 1910 2035 2653 19 20 'rt 13 68ii 19th Season, 190G. Variety, Red Fife. Yield of Grain. Per acre. Per acre Bush. lbs. 23 50 22 50 13 20 15 10 18 10 Yield of Straw. Lbs. 3180 3200 2100 2200 2710 3280 2622 28 20 21 00 Average Yield for Nineteen Years. Yield of Grain. Per acre. Per acre Bush. lbs. 22 36 22 46iS 11 58 ft 12 46iV 13 43^ Yield of Straw. Lbs. 3888 3928 1920 2044 2656 3420 19 48H 3287 3040 ' 14 21^1 2644 REPORT OF TEE DIRECTOR U SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 TABLE I.-EXPERIMENTS WITH FERTILIZERS ON PLOTS OF ^n^AH!— Concluded. o o Fertilizers applied each year from 1888 to 1898 or 1890. No fertilizers used from that time to 1905. Clover sown in 1809 and each year afrer to 1905 with the grain and ploiifjhe-'99 inclusive. No fertilizers used from 1900 to 1905. In 1905-6 fertilizers again used as at first. . . . 15 Nitrate of soda, 200 lbs. jjer acre, used each year from 1883 to 1899 inclusive. No fertilizers used from 1900 to 1905. In 1905-6 fertilizer again used as at first. . . . 16 Muriate of jx)tash, 150 lbs. per acre, used each year from 1888 to 1899 inclusive. No fertilizer used from 1900 to 1905. In 1905-6 fertilizer again used as at first 17 Sulphateof ammonia, 300 lbs. per acre, used each year from 1888 to 1899 inclusi ve. No fertilizer used from 1900 to 1!)05. In 1905- 6 fertilizer again ii^d as at first 18 Sulphate of iron, 60 lbs. per acre, used each year from 1888 to 1899 inclusive. No fertilizer used from 1900' to 1905. In 1905- 6 fertilizer again used as at first 19 Common salt (Sodium chloride), 300 lbs. per acre, used eacli year from 1888 to 1899 inchisive. No fertilizer used from 190ll to 1905. In 1905-6 fertilizer again used as at first 20 Land plaster or gypsum (Calcium sulphate), 300 lbs. per acre, u.sed each year from 1S88 to 1899 inclusive. No fertilizer used from 1900 to 1905. In 1905-0 fertilizer again used as at first 21 Mineral superphosphate, .500 lbs. per acre, used each year from 1888 to 1899 inclu- sive. No fertilizer used from 1900 to 1905. In 1905-0 fertilizer again used as at first AvEKAGE Yield FOi; Eighteen Years. Yi'^ld of Grain. Per acre. Bush. lbs. 12 %t. 12 14 10 14 15 13 40A 13 33i| 41rt 12 mi^ 15 32H 23}f 3215 4/s 12 53H 13 52}f 12 m\\ 13 16H Yield of Straw. Per acre LbB. 2232 2008 2930 2858 1874 2106 2658 2477 2312 2474 2024 1676 1958 1954 19tu Season, 1906. Variety. i\hi; J ' ItE. Yield of Grain. Yield of Straw. Per acre. Per acre Bush. lbs. Lbs. 16 20 2320 13 20 2130 16 30 1960 19 41 13 40 3201 1980 15 00 2200 19 00 2560 14 10 2360 17 30 2130 16 20 2160 14 4 2460 16 00 2210 15 30 2320 16 10 1980 Average Yield FOR Nineteen Years, Yield of Grain. Per acre. Bush. lbs. 12 \^\\ 12 42iiV 13 42^1 Yield. of Straw. Per aero 12 57 15 43}? 14 23j»5 15 39r^g 13 14H 12 57A 13 59/5 13 4H 13 2515 Lbs. 2237 2014 2879 14 38A 2876 10 50,4 1880 2111 2653 2471 2306 2457 2042 1704 1977 1955 12 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD Vil., A. 1908 BAELEY PLOTS. The quantity of seed sown per acre on the barley plots was about 2 bushels in 1S89 to 1891, U bushels in 1892 and 1893, and I! bushels from 1S94 to 1906 inclusive. Two-rowed barley was used for seed throughout until 1902, when Mensury, a six- rowed sort, was tried. The varieties used were as follows: 1889 to 1891, Saale; 1892, Goldthori>e; 1893, Duckbill; and in 1894 to 1901, Canadian Thorpe, a selected form of the Duclvbill. Since 1902 Mensury has been sown. In 1906 it was sown May 3, and was harvest-cd on July 30. TABLE II. EXPERIMENTS WITH FERTILIZERS ON PLOTS OF BARLEY. o o 6 Fertilizers applied each year from 1880 to 1808 or IS'jO. No fertilizers used from that time to 1005. Clover sown in ISOO and each year after to 1005 with the grain and ploughed under in the autumn. In l!)05-6 fertilizers again applied as in 189S. Clover discontinued. Barn-yard mamn-e, well rotted, 15 tons per acre cr.ch year to 1808, inclusive. Nc manure used from 1809 to 1005. In 1905-6 15 tons per acre again used Barnyard manure, fresh, 15 tons per acre each year to 1898, inclusive. No maimre used from 1S99 to 1905. In 1005-6 15 tons per acre aj^ain used Unmanured from the begiuninff Mineral phosphate, untreated, "finely ground 500 lbs. per acre, used each j'ear from 1888 to 1897, inclusive. In 1803 and 1800 a similar weight of the Thomas phosphate was used. No fertilizer used from 1000 to 1005. In 1905-6 fertilizer again used as in 1890 Mineral phosphate, untreated, finely ground 500 lbs., nitrate of soda, 200 lbs. per acre, u-sed each year from 1SS8 to 1807, inclu- sive. In 1S98 and ISOO 500 lbs. of the Thomas phosphate were used in place of the mineral phospliate. No fertilizers used from 1900 to 1905. In 1905-6 fertilizers again used as in 1800 Barn-yard manure, partly rotted and ac- tively fermenting, 6 tons per acre, niin eral phosphate, untre«ated, finely ground 500 lbs. per acre, composted together, intimately mix ed and allowed to heat for several days before using, applied each ytar from 1888 to IS'97, inclusive. In 1898.500 lb?i. of the Thomas phosphate were used in jilace of the mineral phos- phate. No fertilizer."! used from 1899 to 1905. In 1905-6 fertilizers again used as in 1893 Mineral phosphate, untreated, finely ground 600 lbs., nitrate of soda, 200 lbs. , wood ashes, imleaclied, 1,000 lb.=i. per acre, used each year from 1888 to 1807, inclusive In 1898 and 1899, 500 lbs. of the Thomas phosphate was used iti place of the min eral phosphat-o. No fertilizers used from 1900 to 100."i. In 1905-6 fertilizers again used as in 1899 AvKKAfiE Yield FOR Seventeen Years Y^ield of Grain. Per acre. Bush. lbs. Yield of Straw. Per acre Lbs. 37 51f 3042 37 »TT 3187 15 lOiV 1545 16 46 22 10 30 26}^ 28 ''it 1598 2245 2463 18th Reason, 190G. Variety, Mensury. Y^ield of Grain. Per acre. jush. lbs. 49 18 53 16 27 24 28 6 38 16 46 12 2446 51 Yi4d of Straw. Average Yield FOR Eighteen Years. Yield of Grain. Per acre, Per acre. Lbs. Bush. lbs. 3030 39-30 1170 37 37 15 1820 2400 2900 S8t» A') I S 17 27f| 23 31 9 5 3190 29 15H Yield of Straw. Per acre Lbs. 308G 3228 1525 1610 2253 2487 2487 REPORT OF TUE DIRECTOR 13 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 TABLE II. —EXPERIMENTS WITH FERTILIZERS ON PLOTS OF BARLEY— Conc^w./fct. o 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Fertilizers applierl each j'oar from 1889 tn 181)8 or ISIlft. No fertilizers UBod fr 'ii that time to 1005. Clover sown in 189!) and each year after to 190.') with the grain an(i p^oughpd under in the autumn. In l!l05-(j fertilizers ajr;iin applied as in 18fl8. Clover discontinued. Mineral phosphate, untreated, finely ground, 500 11)3., wood ashes, unleached, 1,500 lbs. per acie, used each year from 1S88 to 1897, inolnsive. In 1898 and 1899, .500 lbs. of the Thomas pliosplKite were used in place of tlie mineral iihos])hate. No fertilizers used fiom 190O to l'.)05. In 1905-G ferti- lizers again used as in 1899. ... Mineral sui>erphos])f).at(>, No. 1, 500 lbs. per acre used each ye.i.r f»rom 1888 to 1899, inclusive. No fertilizer used from 1900 to 1905. In 1905-(j fertilizer again used as in 1899 Mineral superphosphate. No. 1, 350 lbs., nitrate of soda, 200 lbs. per acre, used each j-enr from 1883 to 1899, inclusive, No fertilizers used from 1900 to 1905. In 1905-G fertilizers arja'n used a.s in 1899. . Mineral superphosphate. No. 1, 350 lbs., nitrate of soda, 200 lbs., wood ashes, unleached, 1,.'")00 lbs. per acre, used each year from 1888 to 1^99, inclusive. No fertilizers used from 1900 to 1905. In 1905-6 fertilizers again used as in 1899. . . Unmanured from the beginning Bone, finely ground, .^00 lbs. per acre, used each year from 18S8 to 1899, inclusive. No fertilizer used from 1900 to 1905. In 1905-(l6 bone again used as at first Bone, finely ground, 500 lbs., wood ashes, unleached, 1,500 lbs. per acre, used each year from 1888 to 1899 inclusive. No fertilizers used from 1900 to 1905. In 1905-6 fertilizers ag;iin used as at first. . . Nitrate of soda, 200 lbs. per acre, used e^ch jT'ar from 18'^8 to 1899, iuclu.sive. No f«rtilizer tised from 1900 to 1905. In 190.V6 fertilizer again used as .at first. . . . Muriate of potash, 150 lbs. per acre, used each year from 1888 to 1899, inclusive. No fertilizer used from 1900 to 190.5. In 1905-G fertilizer again used as at first. . . , Sulphate of ammonia, 300 lbs. per acre, used each year from 1888 to 1899, inclusive. No fertilizer used from 1900 to 1905. In 1905-6 fertilizer again used as at first. . . . Sulphate of iron, 60 lbs. per acre, used each year from 18S8 to 18'.;9, inclusive. No fertilizer used from 1900 to 1905. In 190.5-6 fertili-^-cr ag.ain u^ed as .at first. . . . Common salt (Sodium chloride) 300 lbs. per acre used eacli j'ear from 1K88 to 1899, in- clusive. Nofertilizerused froml900ti)1905. In 1905-6 fertilizer again used as at first. Land plaster or gypsum (Calcium sulphate), 300 lbs. per acre, used each year from 1888 to 1890, inclusive. No fertilizer used from 1900 to 1905. In 1905-6 fertilizer again used as at first Mineral superphosphate, 500 lbs. per acre, used each year from 1889 to 1809, inclu- sive. No fertilizer used from 1900 to, 1905. In 1905-6 fertilizer again used as at first AvEU.^GK Yield FOR Seventekn Years. Yield of Grain. Per acre. Bush. lbs. 23 31^? 28 41|4 28 20}| 15 2\] 16 41,^ 25 25,'> 22 16iV 23 18 H 20 8^ 19 42H 28 G]? 21 12 22 16 Yield of Straw. Per acre Lbs. 1901 17S0 2382 2504 1278 1436 2151 2211 1847 1905 1630 1869 1613 1770 ISth Se.^sox, 1006. Vakiety, Mensury. Yi.ld of_ Grain. Per acre. Bush. lb«. 39 8 33 42 38 6 41 42 28 16 31 ^ 32 34 33 26 35 20 32 14 36 32 33 36 34 38 31 42 Yield Straw. Average Yield FOR Eighteen Ye.\u3. Yield of Grain. Per acre Per acne. Lbs. 2320 2110 2680 3000 1100 1220 2420 2070 1260 1460 1020 2140 840 840 Bush. lbs. 24 251i 1S24 Yield of Str.iw. Per acre Lbs. 23 28 f\ 29 19r, 29 8',?- 15 38i', 17 ^" ■-• 25 44A 22 45H 24 m 20 40iV 20 39A 28 21it 22 Si's 22 41A 1798 2398 2531 1269 1424 216b 2203 1815 1880 1&96 1884 1570 1717 14 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 OAT PLOTS. The qtiantity of seed sown per acre on the oat plots was about 2 bushels in 1889 and 1890; U bushels in 1891 to 1893, and 2 bushels from 1894 to 1906, inclusive. The varieties used were as follows: in 1889, Early English; in 1890 to 1893, Prize Cluster; and from 1894 to 1906, inclusive, the Banner. In 1906 Banner was sown May 3 and the plots were harvested August 19. TABLE III. EXPERIMENTS WITH FERTILIZERS ON PLOTS OF OATS. o Fertilizers applied each year from 1889 to 1898 or 181'9. No fertilizei-s used from that time to 1905. Clover sown in 1899 and each year after to 1905 with the grain and ploughed under in the autun)n. In 1905-6 fertilizers again applied as in 1898. Clover discontinued. Barn-yard manure, well rotted, 15 tons per acre each year to 1898, inclusive. No manure used from 1899 to 1905. In 1905-G 15 tons per acre were again used Barn-yard manure, fresh, 15 tons per acre each year to 1898, inclusive. No manure used from 1899 to 1905. In 1905-6 15 tons per acre were again used Unmanured from the b<-ginning Mineral phosphate, untreated, finelyground, 500 lbs. per acre, used each year from 1888 to 1897, inclusive. In 1898 and 1899 a similar weight of the Thomas phosphate was used. No fertilizer used from 1900 to 190-5. In 1905-6 fertilizer again used as in 1899 .« Mineral phospliate, untreated, iiuely ground, 500 lbs., nitrate of soda, 200 lbs. per acre, used each year from 1888 to 1897, inclu- sive. In 189S and 1899, 500 lbs. of the Thomas phosi)hate were used in place of the mineral phosphate. No fertilizers used from 1900 to 1905. In 1905-6 ferti- lizers again used as in 1899 Barn-yard manure, partly rotted and ac- tively fermenting, 6 tons per acre, min- eral phosphate, untreated, finely ground, 500 lbs. per acre, composted together, in- timately mixed and allowed to heat for several days before using, applied each year from 1888 to 1897, inclusive. In 1898 500 lbs, of Thomas phosphate were used in place of the mineral phosphate. No fertilizers used from 1899 to 1905. In 1905-6 fertilizers again used as in 1898 . . . ^lineral phosphate, untreated, finely ground, 500 lbs., nitrate of soda, 200 lbs., wood ashes, unleached, 1,000 lbs. per acre, used each year from 1888 to 1897, inclusive. In 1898 and 1899, 500 lbs. of the Thomas phosphate were used in place of the min- eral phos[)hate. No fertilizers used from 1900 to 1905. In 1905-6 fertilizers again used as in 1899 Mineral phosphate, untreated, finelyground. 5^0 lbs. wood ashes, unleached, 1,500 lbs. per acre used each year from 1888 to 1897, mclusive. In 1898 and 1899, .500 lbs. of Thomas' phosphate were used in place of the mineral jihosphate. No fer- tilizers used from 1900 to 1905. In 1905-6 fertilizers again used as in 1899 Average Yield FOR Seventeen Years. Yield of Grain. Per acre. Bush. lbs. 52 15^ 56 3^ 35 11^ Yield of Straw. Per acre 36 27^ 49 12}f 49 21if Lbs. 3229 3370 1773 ISth Season, 1906. A''ariety, Banner. Yield of of Grain. Per acre. Bush. lbs. Lbs, Yield of Straw. Per acre Average Yield FOR Eighteen Years. Yield of of Grain. 1925 2673 2798 49 30 H 45 2^ 3132 2584 50 10 53 8 35 20 39 14 50 20 42 2 40 10 36 7 3590 3550 1490 2530 4190 2880 3030 Per acre. Bush. lbs. 52 llA 56 Ot'j 35 IIH 36 31^ 49 15^ 49 7A 49 12A 2540 44 ig,*; Yield of Straw. Per acre Lb.s. 3249 3380 1757 195S 2752 2802 3135 2586 REPORT OF TEE DIRECTOR 15 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 EXPERIMENTS WITH FERTILIZERS ON PLOTS OF OKTB>-Conclndea. c o o 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Fertilizers appliod each vear, from l.SSO td 1808 or 18!)!). No fertilizers u.sed from that time to 1905. Clover sown in 181)U and each year after to litO.") with the grain and ploughed under in the autumn. In 1905 feitilizerM aj^ain applied as in 1898. Clover discontinued. Average Yield FOR Se%'entee\ Years . Mineral snperi)b.osphate, No. 1, 500 lbs. per acre, used each year from 1888 to 1899 inclusive. No fertilizer used from l!iOO to 1905. In 1905-6 fertilizer again used as in 1899 Mineral suj^erphosphate, No. 1, 350 lbs., nitrate of soda, 2(^0 lbs. per acre, used ench year from 1888 to 1899, inclusive. No fertilizers used from 1900 to 1905. In in05-6 fertilizers again used as in 1^899 . . . Mineral wiper!>liosphate, No. 1, 3.50 lbs., nitrate of soda, 200 lbs., wood ashes un- le:vchfd, 1,500 lbs. per acre, used each year from 1888 to 1S99, inclusive. No fertil izers used from 1900 to 1905. In 1905-6 fertilizers again used as in 1899 Ll'nmanured from the beginning Bone, finely ground, 500 lbs. per acre us(xl each year from 1888 to 1899 inclu- sive. No fertilizer used from 1900 to 1905. In 1905-6 Ijone again used as at first Bone, finely ground, 500 lbs., wood ashes, imleached, 1,.500 lbs. per acre, used each year from 1888 to 1899, inclusive. No fertilizers u.sed from 1900 to 1905. In 1905-6 fertilizers used again as at first. . Nitrate of soda, 200 lbs. i^er acre, used each year from 1888 to 1899, inclusive. No fertilizer used from 1900 to 1905. In 1905 6 fertilizer used again as at first Muriate of pota.sh, 150 lbs. per acre, used each year from 1888 to 1899, inclasive. No fertilizer used from 1900 to 1905. In 1905-6 fertilizer again used as at first. . . . Sulphate of ammonia, .300 lbs. per acre, used each yenr from IS'^S to 1899, inclusivM. No fertilizer used from 1900 to 1905. In 1905-6 fertilizer again used as at first. . . Sulphate of iron, 60 lbs. jicr .acre, used each year from 1888 to 1899, inclusive. No fertilizer used from 1900 to 190.5. In 1905-6 fertilizer again used as at first. . . . Common salt (Sodi\un chloride), 300 lbs. per acre, used each year from 1888 to 18!)9, inclusive. No fertilizer used from 1900 to 1905. In 1905-0 fertilizer used again as at first . . Land plaster or gypsum (Cal ium sulphate), .300 lbs. per acre, used each year from 18^8 to 1899, inclusive. No fertilizer \ised from 1900 to 1905. In 1905 6 fertil- izer again used a.s at first Mineral superphosphate, f.OO lbs. per acre, used each year from 1889 to 1899, inclu- sive. No fertilizer used from 1900 to 1905. In 1905-6 fertilizer again used as at first Yield of Grain. Per acre. Bush. His. 39 191? 48 Off 2576 39 24 36 41 47 41 46 39 is-.v 21tV 12t\ 14if •^ir 24iv 31}? Yield of Straw. Per acre 40 0/, 36 20tV 37 15}f Lbs. 2004 2426 1442 2015 2340 2746 2241 2752 2064 2007 2066 1912 ISth Seasoit, 1906. Variety, Ba.nner. Yield of Grain. Per acre. Cush. lbs. 31 16 39 24 33 18 13 28 32 12 38 28 37 22 39 14 43 28 39 24 42 32 40 10 43 18 Yield of Straw. Per acre. Lbs. 2440 2950 2160 2430 1410 1910 1900 1710 28.50 1910 2410 2230 2370 Average Yield FOR Eightek.n' Years. Yield of Grain. Per. icro. Bush lbs. 39 4A 47 19,^ 39 24 6}| Oil 36 4U 41 22i«3 46 30,% 41 Oil 46 18]i 39 31A 40 5}i 36 27^8 37 27 ,\ Per acre 16 EXPERIMEiVTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 The one-tenth acre plots of wheats barley and oats had by the end of 1903 become infested with several troublesome perennial weeds, hence it was thoug'ht best to sow only one-half of each plot with grain in 1904, devoting the other half to a hoed crop to clean the land. On this account no clover was sown on any of the cereal plots in 1904, and one-half of the wheat plots was sown with mangels, one-half of the barley plots with potatoes, and one-half of the oat plots with carrots, computing the yields of grain from a one-twentieth acre plot in each case. Similar hoed crops were sown in 1905 and 190G changing the position of the varieties from year to year. INDIAN COEN 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 ean? shall be as far as is practicable 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 some- what I'ater ripening sorts has been tried, and on the other, marked No. 2, one of the earlier maturing varieties. During the first four years one oif the Dent varieties was tested under No. 1. On the other half of the plot (No. 2) one of the Flint varieties was grown. For the first four years the No. 1 series was planted in drills 3 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 with 4 or 5 kernels in a hill. During the past eight years both sorts have been grown in hills. In 1900 no crop of Indian. corn was grown on these plots, but clover was sown in its place on May 5, in the proportion of 12 pounds per acre. This made a strong growth, was cut twice during the season and left on the ground to decay, so that when ploughed under, the land might get the full benefit of the clover crop. The clover was allowed to remain growing until May 20, 1901. It was then ploughed under about 6 inches deep, and harrowed well before the corn was planted. Clover was sown cg^in in 1903, and ploughed under in May, 1904. Corn was planted in 1905 and 1906. In 1906 it was planted on May 28, and cut for ensilage September 13. EXPERIMENTS WITH FERTILIZERS ON PLOTS OF INDIAN CORN, CUT GREEN POR ENSILAGE. o Fertilizers applied each year from 1888 to 1893 or 1899. No fertilizers used from that time to 1905. Clover sown in 1900 in place of the corn and ploughed under in May, 1901, before the corn was planted In 1003 clover was again sown and ploughed under in May, 1904. In 1905-C fertilizers again applied as in 1898. Clover discontinued. Average Yield FOR Fourteen Years. I ° fH 0) U . bo -w tx-o Barn-yard manure (mixed horse and cow manure) well rotted, 12 tons per acre, each year from 1888 to 1898 inclusive. No manure used from 1899 to 190.5. In 1905-C manure was again used as at first . Barn-yard manure (nixed horsee and cow manure) fresh, 12 tons per acre each year from 1888 to 1898 mclusive. No manure used from 1899 to 1905. In 1905-6 manure was again used as at first Per acre. Tons. lbs. I'j 107(' I « I £1 . to o **-< Per acre 15th Season, 1906, I g o . .-H r- ho <» -♦3 o. s^w "S is .1^ bCT) O «j'S 13 Per acre. 16 Unmanured from the beginning 1 7 809 258 Tons lbs 1.3 63 11 5 1636 1077 Tons. lbs. 14 180 13 1850 2 1640 - , C beg Per acre Tons lb.s 12 1700 12 30 2 1400 Average Yield for FnrTEEN Years. i « Per acre. Tons. lbs. 16 750 15 1145 6 1684 I o . do r4n Per acre Tons lbs 13 320 11 1662 5 689 REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR 17 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 EXPERIMENTS WITH FERTILIZERS ON PLOTS OF INDIAN CORN. Fertilizers applied each year from 1888 to 1898 or 1899. No fertilizers used from that time to 1905. Clover sown in 1900 in place of the corn .I'ld ploughed under in May, 1901, before tiie corn was planted. In 1903 clover was again sown and plouijhed under in May, 1904. In 1905-6 fertilizers again applied as in 1898. Clover discontinued. Mincr.al phosphate, untreate J, fint-ly giound, 8o0 lbs. ixT acre, used each year from 1888 to 1897 inclusive. In 1898 and 1899 a similar weight of the Thomas phos- phate was used. No fertilizer used from inoO to 1905. In 1905-6 fertilizer agaiu used as in 1809 Mineral phosphate,\mtreated, finely ground, SOO lbs., nitrate of soda, 2<0 lbs. per acre, used each year from 18S8 to 1897 inclu five. In 1S98 and 1899, 800 lbs. of the Thomas' phosjjhate were used in place of the mineral phosphate. No fertilizers used from 1900 to 1905. In 1905-6 ferti lizers again used as in 1899 Birn-yard manure, partly rotted and acti- vely fermenting, 6 tons per .acre, minerid ])hosphate, untreated, finely ground, 500 lbs per acre, cumimsted together, intim- ately mixed and allowed to heat for sev eral days before using, applied each year from 1888 to 1897 inclusive. In 1898^ 500 lbs. of Thomas' phosphate were used in place of the mineral (jhosphate. No fer- tilizers used from lSf>9 to 190c. In 1905-6 fertilizers again used as in 1893 Mineral ph()sphate,untreated, finely ground, 500 lbs., nitrate of soda, 200 lbs., wood ashes, unleachcd, 1,090 lbs. per acre, used each year from 188S to 1897 inclusive. In 1898 and 1899, 500 lbs. of the Thoin.ns' phosphate were used in place of the min- eral phosphate. No fertilizers used from 1900 to 190.1. In 1905-6 fertilizers again used as in 1899 Mineral phosphate, untreati^5-6 fertilizers again used as in 1899. . . 16—2 Average Yield FOR Fourteen Ye.\rs. bo o -4J Per acre. a p So o .2-- 15th Season, 1906. , T! O . J-^ «*-. "r ~ -+M Average Yield FOR Fifteen Years. d -M E a o u bo o 15 <- Per acre! Per acre. Tons. lbs. 'Tons. lbs Tons. lbs. 16 770 11 1721 33-1 15 348 12 892 11 1C48 5 1567 8 550 Per acre Per acre. Tons, lbs Tons. lbs. 6 1170 9 1011 i 10 1010 9 79 12 421 11 826 9 172C 8 1876 13 llio; 10 1261 IG 515 13 960 11 750 10 990 8 1910 10 1450 9 1409 9 1300 8 1340 12 1130 12 50 6 1840 7 880 10 300 8 755 11 15-10 15 1975 12 223 u . bo ^ ° . HC1 Per acre Tons, lbs 5 1674 9 0.19 14 1841 11 598 12 631 11 791 464 9 1605 8 1607 10 836 15 1979i 12 808 18 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 EXPERIMENTS WITH FERTILIZERS ON PLOTS OF INDIAN COUK— Concluded. 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Fertilizers applied each year from 1888 to 1898 or 1899. No fertilizers used from that time to 1905. Clover sown in 1900 in place of the corn and ploughed under in May, 1901, before the corn was planted. In r.103 clover was again sown and ploughed under in May, 1904. In 1905-0(i fertilizers again applied as in 1898- Clover discontinued. Unnianured from the beginning Bone, finely ground, 500 lbs. per acre, used each year from 1888 to 1899 inclusive. No fertilizer used from 1900 to 1905. In 1905-6 bone again used as at first Bone, finely ground, 500 lbs., wood ashes, unleached, 1,5Q0 lbs. per acre, used each year from 1888 to 1899 inclusive. No fertilizers used from 1900 to 1905. In 1905-6 fertilizers again used as at first . . Nitrate of soda, 200 lbs. per acre, used each year from l!^88 to 1899 inclusive. No fertilizer used from 1900 to 1905. In liM)5-6 fertilizer apain used as at first. . . . Sulphate of ammonia, 300 lbs. per acre, used each year from 1888 to 1899 inclu- sive. No fertilizer used from 1900 to 1905. In 1905-6 fertilizer again used as at first.. Mineral superphc^iihate. No. 1, 600 lbs., muriate of ^JOtiLsh 200 lbs., sulphate of amni aiia, 150 lbs. per acre, used each year from 1889 to 1899 inclusive. No fertilizer used from 1£00 to 1905. In 19>)5-6 fertilizer again used as at first Muriate of potash, 300 lbs. per acre, used each year from 1889 to 1899 inclusive. No fertilizer used from 1900 to 1905. In 1905-6 fertilizer again used as at first . . . Da*l)le sulphate of potash and magnesia, S'fjO lbs. per acre in 1S89 and 1890, (mu- riate of potash 200 lbs., substituted, e.ach year since), dried blood, 300 lbs., mineral superphosphate, No. 1, .500 lbs. per acre, used each year from 1889 to 1899 inclu- sive. No fertilizers used from 1900 to 1905. In 1905-6 fertilizei'S again used as at fir.- Per acre. Tons. 10 12 lbs. 1755 367 12 1933 12 541 12 1554 13 1002 10 718 I o e^ $ u . be ;?; ° O tCi-T3 Per acre Tons lbs 9 55 9 1158 10 416 9 1185 10 49 10 464 7 1736 12 1213 11 544 12 1058 9 925 8 1681 8 345 PLOTS OF MANGELS AND TURNIPS. y In conducting these experiments, the roots only have been taken from the land, the tops have always been cut off and left on the ground to be ploughed under, so that the plant food they have taken from the soil has been 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, and these crops have been alternated from year to year. The REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR 19 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 preparation of the land has been the same for both these roots. Until 1900 it was ploughed in the autumn after the crop was gathered, gang-ploughed deeply in the spring after the barn-yard manure had been -spread on plots 1, 2 and 6, and after gang- ploughing, the other fertilizers v;crc spread by scattering them evenly over the surface, after which it was all harrowed with the smoothing harrow, then made in ridges 2 feet apart, rolled and sown. The variety of mangel principally grown was the Mammoth Long Red, and four poimds of seed were sown per acre each year. The variety of turnip chiefly sown was the Prize Purple Top Swede. The land used for the turnips, which are usually sown later than the mangels, was prepared in the same manner as for the mangels. It was then allowed to stand until the day before sowing, when it was gang-ploiighed shallow or cultivated to kill weeds and loosen the soil, ridged, rolled and sown. About 3 pounds of seed were sown per acre. In 1900 and 1903, no crops of mangt3ls or turnips were grown but clover was sown in their place in May in the proportion of 12 pounds per acre. This made a strong growth and was cut twice each year during the season, and left on the ground to decay, so that when ploughed under, the land might get the full benefit of the clover crop. The clover was allowed to remain growing Tintil near the middle of May, the year following, by which time it had made a very heavy growth. It was then ploughed under about 6 inches deep and harrowed well, then made into ridges 2 feet apart. These were rolled with a hand roller, which flattened the ridges considerably and made a firm, even seed bed. The crops of clover and roots were alternated in this way, for the purpose of supplying humus and also of gaining information as to the fertilizing effect of green clover ploughed under on land to be used for growing roots. In 1906, the mangels were sown on May 8, and pulled on October 29; the turnips were sown I\ray 14, and pulled October 30. The yield per acre has been calculated in each case from the weight of roots gathered from the whole plot. EXPERIMENTS WITH FERTILIZERS ON PLOTS OF MANGELS AiND TURNIPS. Fertilizors applied each year from 18S9 to 1898 or 1899. No fertilizers used from that time to 1905. Clover sown in 19: lO in place of the roots and ploughed under in May, 1001, before the roots were sown. In 19i>3 clover was again sown and ploughed tmder in May, 190t. In 1903 and 190G fertilizers again ap plied as in 1899. Clover disjontinu ed. l!Bam-yard manure (mixed horse and cow manure) well rotted, 20 tons jier acre e.'vch year from 1889 to 1893 inclusive. No manure used from 1899 to 1905. In 1905-6 man- ure was ajrain used as at first I'Barn-yard manure (mixed hor.se and cow nianure) fre^h, 20 tfms per acre each yoar from 1889 to 1898 in- clusive. No manure used from 1899 to 190.5. In 1905-(> manure was I again used as at first 3 Unuianurtd from the beginning Minoial phosphate, untreated, finely ground, 1,000 lbs. per acre, used each year from 1889 to 1897, in- clusive. In 1898 and 1899 a siinilar weight of the Thomas' phosjjhate was used. No fertilizer used from 1!H)0 to 1!>0.5. In 19(J5-6 fertilizer a?:iin used as in 1899 1&— 2J Average Yield FOB Fourteen Year.s. Mangels, Wci-'ht of Roots. Per acre. Turnips, Weight of Roots. 15th Se.nson, 1906. Varieties. West Half riot. Turnips : Pvu-ple Top, Swede. Weight of Roots. Per acre. Tons. lbs. Tons, lbs 22 21 8 358 15 1397 Per acre. Tons. lbs. 423 15 1467 19-W 7 998 8 1922 649 11 10 4 640 1500 460 160 East Half Plot. Mangels: Mammothi Mangels. Average Yield FOR FiFTKKN Years. Long Red. Weight of Roots. Per acre. Tons. lbs. Weight of Roots. Per acre. Tons lbs. 21 1680 22 21 8 1.520 1560 380 21 8 313 497 1923 8 1686 Turnips. ^^ eight of Roots. Per acre. Tons. lbs. 15 813 15 7 8C3 562 350 20 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 EXrERIMENTS WITH FERTILIZERS OISl PLOTS OF MANGELS AND TUUNIPS-Coatinucd. o 7 8 10 11 Fertilizers applied each year from 1889 to 1898 or 1399. No fertil- izers used from tla' time to 190.'5. Clo\'er sown in I'JUO in place of the roots and plou;^hed imder in May, 1901, before the roots were sown. In 1903 clover was again sown and ploughed under in May, 1904. In 19G5-6 fertilizers again applied as in 1809. Clover discon- tinued . Mineral phosphate, untreated, finely ground, 1,000 lbs., nitrate of soda, 250 lbs., wood ashes, unleached, 1,000 lbs. i>er acre, used each year from 1889 to 1897 inclusive. In 1898 and 1890 50J lbs. of Thomas phosphate were used in place of the mineral phosphate. No fertilizers used from 1900 to 1905. In 1905-6 fertilizers again used as in 1899 Barn-yard manure, partly rotted and actively fermenting, 6 tons per acre, mineral phosphate, uzitreated, finely ground, 1,000 lbs. per acre, composted together, intimately mixed and allowed to heat for several days before using, applied each vear from 1889 to 1S!)7 inclu- sive. ' In 1898 1,000 lbs. of Thonia< phospliate were used in place of the mineral phosvihate. No fertilizers used from 1809 to 1905. In 1905-0 fertilizers again used as in 1898 . . Mineral phosphate, untreated, finely ground, 1,000 lbs., sulphate of potash, 200 lbs. in 1889 and 1890 (substituted by muriate of potash, 2.50 lbs. in 1S!)1 and subsequent year=,\ nitrate of S'xla, 200 lbs. pe> acre, used each year from 1889 to 1897 includve. In 1898 and 1899 1,000 lbs. of tiie 'l"h.>mas phosphate were used in pbice of the mineral phosphate. No fertilizers used from 1900 to 1905. In 1905-G fer- tilizers again used as in 1S99 Mineral superphosphate, No. 1, 500 lbs., sulphate of \jotaoh, 200 lbs. in 1889 and 1890 (substituted by mur- iate of potash, 2.50 lbs. in 1891 and subsequent j'ear.s), nitrate of soda, 200 lbs. per acre, used each yeai from 1SS9 to 1899 inclusive. No fertilizers used fjom 1900 to 1905. In 190.1-0 fertilizers again used as in 1899 .... Mineral sui^erphosphate, No. 1, 500 lbs. nor acre, us( d each year from 1889 'to 1899 inclusive. No fertili- zer used [vi'in 1900 to 1905. In 1905-() fertilizer again used as in 1899 Nitrate of soda, 300 lbs. per acre, used each year from 1889 to 1899, inclusive. No fertilizer used from 1900 to 1905. In 1905-G fertilizer used again as in 1899 Sulphate of ammonia, 300 lbs. per acre, used each yc'tr f;om 1889 to 1899 inclusive. No fertilizer used from 1900 to 1905. In 1905-G fer- tilizer u.sed again as in IS'tO AvERAGK Yield FOR FOUKTEEN YeAR.9. Mangels, Weight of Roots. Per acre. Tons. lbs. 14 1824 17 1934 12 243 14 10 14 12 242 313 738 743 Turnips, Weight of Roots. Per acre. Tons. lbs. 10 470 12 1893 9 1191 11 1175 9 991 9 ■ 892 10 1358 15th Season, 190G, Varieties. West Half Plot. Turnips: Punjle TopSwede Weight of Roots. Per acre . Tons. lbs. 9 1420 7 1120 7 1800 10 240 East Half Plot. Mangels: Mammoth Long Red. Weight of Roots. Per acre. Tons. lbs. 18 40 15 1920 20 100 16 1280 5 1140, 7 1100 7 980 12 80 Average Yield FOR Fifteen Ieaes, Mangels. Weight of Roots. Per acre . Tons. lbs. 15 238 17 16GG 12 1300 14 57 9 1996 14 427 8 18G0I 11 1040i 12 629 10 1125 Turnips. Weight of Roots. Per acre. Tons. lbs. 10 400 12 • 1175 9 965 11 979 9 467 9 631 REPORT OF TEE DIRECTOR 21 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 EXPERIMENTS WITH FERTILIZERS ON PLOTS OF MANGELS AND TURNIPS-Cww^udeci. o «•-■ o 6 12 13 14 15 16 Fcrtilizora applied each yeai* from 1889 to 18!),S or 18'J!). No fertili- zers used from that time to lOOo. Clover sown in 1900 in place of the roots and plouj,'hed under in May, 1901, before the roots were sown. In 190.'S clover was afrain sown and ploughed under in May, 1904. In 1905-(! fertilizers again applied as in 1899. Cluver discontinued. AvEii.\GK Yield FOR Fourteen Years. IMangels, W.-ight of Roots. 18 19 Per acre. Tons. 7 Unmauured from the beginning iione, finely giDund, 500 lbs., wood ashes, unleachcd, 1,000 lbs. i>cr acre, used each year from 1889 to 1899 inclusive. No fertilizers used from 1900 to 1905. In 1905-6 ferti- lizers again used as at first 12 Wood ashes, unleached, 2,000 lbs. per acre, used eacb year from 1889 to 1899, inclv;sive. No fertilizer used from 1900 to 1905. In 1905-6 fertilizer again used as at first. ... 11 Common salt (Sodium chloride). 400 lbs. per acre, used each year from 1889 to 1899 inclusive. No fertilizer used from 1900 to 1905. In 1905-6 fertilizer again used as at first 10 Mineral superphosphate. No. 1, 500 lbs., nitrate of soda, 200 lbs. per acre, used each year from 1889 to 1899 inclusive. No fertilizers used from 1900 to 19C5. In 1905-6 fer tdizers again used as at first 12 Mineral sutjerphosphate, No. 1, 350 lbs., wood ashe.s, unleached, 1,500 lbs. per acre, used each year from 1889 to 1899 inclusive. "No ferti- lizers us3d from 1900 to 1905. In 1905-6 fertilizers again used as at first 13 Mineral superphosphate, No. 1, 500 lbs., muriate of potash, 200 lbs. per acre, used each year from 1889 to 1899 inclusive. No fertilizers used from 1900 to 1905. In 1905-6 fertilizers again Used as at first ... 13 Double sulphate of pot;tsh and mag- nesia, 300 lbs. per acie in 1889 and 1S91> (muriate of potash, 200 lbs., substituted each year since), dried blood, 250 lbs., mineral super- phospliate, No. 1, 500 lbs. per acre, used each year from 1889 to 1899 inclusive. No fertilizers used from 1900 to 1905. In 19i)5-6 fertilizers again used as at first 20 Wood ashes, unleached, 1,500 lb.«., common salt (Sodium chloride), 300 I'os. per acre, u.scd each year from 1SS9 to 189'.) inclusive. No fertilizers usecl from 1900 to 1905 In 1905 C fertilizeis again used as at first 21 Mineral superjjhosphate, No. 2,' 50O llis. per acre, used each year from 1889 to 1899 inclusive. No ferti- lizer used from 1900 to 1905. In 1905- 6 ftrtili:. T again us;'d as at first... . 14 15 14 lbs. 918 571 422 250 198; Turnips, Weight of Roots. Per acre. Tons. lbs. 7 675 8 1989 8 107: 8 270 150 800 ISnr Se.\son, 1900, Varieties. West Half Ea.st Half Plot. Plot. Turnips; I'urple Top Swede Weight of Roots. Mangels: Mammoth Long Red. Weight of Ro'its. Per acre. Tons. lbs. 4 1740 7 240 5 7G0 2 1600 10 1684 7 1820 1163 10 1319 11 443 Per acre. Average Yield FOR Fifteen Years. Mangels. Weight of Roots. Per acre. Tons. lbs. Tons. 7 40 7 15 200 12 12 1980 11 9 1020 10 9 IGSO 12 lbs. 859 94G 659 174 1503 Turnips. Weight of Roots. Per acre. Tons. Iba. 7 346 8 1730 8 656 7 1558 9 1897 8 20 10 200 13 7 1100 12 299 6 1900 214 10 1810 1977ill 382 099 10 9G6 15 1460 13 504 10 1943 16 640 14 G 1020 17 650 5 1860 11 1180 989 15 14 11 1010 510 10 1290 152410 1680 22 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 FTJETHEK EXPERIMENTS IN GEOWING EAEM CEOPS IN THE YUKON. The experiments reported on last year have been continued with the kindly aid of the Eoyal Northwest Mounted Police. The seed was forwarded in cotton bags con- taining about 5 lbs. each. The officers and men of the police force have my warmest thanks for the kindly interest they have taken in this matter. Through the courtesy of the Comptroller of the police force, Frederick White, C.M.G., I have been favoured with the following report: Whitehorse, Y.T., November 1, 1906. The Assistant Commissioner. Royal North-West Mounted Police, Dawson, Y.T. Sir, — I have the honour to forward herewith reports showing the distribution made with the seeds received last spring from the Experimental Farm, Ottawa, to- gether with copies of letters received from the different persons to whom they were distributed. The season was an exceptionally bad one on account of the frequent frosts, we having had more or less heavy frost some nights in every summer month. I have the honour to be, sir, Your obedient servant, A. E. SNYDEE, Supt, Commanding ' H ' Division. DISTRIBUTION OF SEEDS RECEIVED FROM THE EXPERIMENTAL FARM. To whom. Place. Date. Varieties. H. J. Biffsrar Whitehorse April 25th, 1906 I sack Rochester Rose potatoes. ! M barley, Odessa. 1 II oats, Li go wo. 1 II wheat. Mrs. M. G-. Watson Whitehorse April 25th, 1906. . . 1 sack Rochester Rose potatoes. 3 azs. Rye grass seed. 3 II Timothy grass seed. 3 II Brome grass geecL 3 II Hungarian grass seed. J. B. Saint Whitehorse. April 26th, 1906 I sack Rochester Rose. 1 pkt. Timothy grass seed. 1 II Brome grass seed. 1 11 Hungarian grass seed. I M Western Rye gra-ss seed. 1 II barley. Mrs. H. GDchen Whitehorse April 26th, 1906 2 pkts. Weatem Rye grass. Mrs. Harry Chapman Whitehorse... ... . April 26th, 1906 1 sack Brome grass seed. 1 pkt. Timothy gTa.=s seed. 1 1. Hungarian grass seal. 1 IT Western Rye grass seed. Mrs. J. E. Shermer Ten MUe Point May 4th, 1906 I saL-k Improved Ligowo oats. 1 bag Timothy seed. 1 II Hungarian grass. 1 II Brome grass seed. I M V,''estem Rye grass. 1 II Preston wheat. 1 II barley. 1 II Rochester Rose potatoes. R. N. W. M. P WTiitehora© May 11th, 1906 •June 4th 1906 2 sacks Rochester Rose potatoes. 1 bag Ladoga wheat. 1 II oats. J. Holliday Khiahne 1 11 Western Rye grass. 1 11 Hungarian. 1 11 Timothy. 1 II Brome. REPORT OF THE DIRECtOR 23 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 Copies of reports as to success met with seeds from the Experimental Farm, Ottawa, distributed by the K.N.W.M.P., in the Whitehorse district: — Kluahne, Y.T., October 6, 1906. Major A. E. Snyder, Commanding R.N.W.M.P., Whitehorse, Y.T. Sm, — In connection with the different seeds you so kindly forwarded to me in- order to see whether the same could be grown and matured in my locality I beg to report that I was only sorry that they reached me too late to sow and expect them to mature. I shall retain them, or else get new seed, and next season if I am in the country it shall be my pleasure to give them a fair trial. I have the honour to be, sir, Your obedient servant, (Sgd.) PIITL. nOLLTDAY, Mining Recorder. Whitehorse, Y.T., October 6, 1906. deceived of Major Snyder some field seed. They grew all right in some gardening which I did this summer. (Sgd.) H. J. BIGGAR. Whitehorse, October 10, 1906. This is to certify that the grass seed known as the Western Rye received from Major Snyder as an experiment has given the greatest of satisfaction, and I do not wish for any better. (Sgd.) MRS. H. gilch;5n. Whitehorse, October 10, 1906. This is to certify that the seed I received from Major Snyder came up all right but did not mature. The potatoes were small but of good flavour. (Sgd.) MRS. W. G. WATSON. Whitehorse, October 11, 1906. Major A. E. Snyder, R.N.W.M.P., Whitehorse, Y.T. Dear Sir, — The grass seed sent out from the government experimental station at Ottawa, which you kindly furnished me early last summer produced a splendid growth. It appears to be a sufficiently hard variety for this climate. Very respectfully, (Sgd.) HARRY CHAPMAN. Whitehorse, Y.T., October 13, 1906. To the Offif^er Commanding R.N.W.M.P., ' H ' Division, Whitehorse, Y.T. Sir. — I have the honour to submit the following report on seed potatoes received from tbe experimental farm. I received from the Q.M. store two sacks of seed potatoes called the 'Rochester Rose,' which were planted by myself in good soil and under 24 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD Vil., A. 1908 the best conditions. These potatoes vere given every care to promote their growth and did very well until the exceedingly early frosts of this season destroyed the stalk growth and plants beating them to the ground and thus preventing the plants from attaining maturity. This variety appears to be a good hardy type of potato, but some- what later than other varieties in attaining a strong stalk growth, thus being late in maturing. This is therefore owing to the extreme shortness of the Yukon season very much unsuited for growth in this territory as the early frost does not give the plants and necessary length of time to mature. I have the honour to be, sir. Your obedient servant, (Sgd.) E. IIOLMDEN. Report of J. E. Shermer, Ten-mile point. Rochester Rose potatoes. Five pounds of seed sown. Crop 60 lbs. of potatoes. Western rye grass. No r3sults. Brome grass. No results. Oats. Five pounds seed sown. Grew three feet high, did not ripen, about 200 pounds hay obtained. Barley, six rowed, 5 pounds sown, grew two feet high, did not ripen, made 150 pounds hay. Wheat, Preston, five pounds sown, grew three feet high, made 150 pounds hay. Some reports from the oiBcers commanding are also here given. Royal North-West Mounted Police, Yukon Territory. Assistant Commissioner's Office, Dawson, Y.T., November 22, 1906. Sir, — In accordance with the request of Dr. Saunders, Director of Experimental Farms, I directed the officers commanding at Dawson and Whitehorse to make a distribution of various seeds of grasses and grain sent in by the Department of Agriculture for experimental growing in the Yuljon Territory. Notices were given to the local papers apprising the public of the fact that we had these seeds for distri- bution and any one applying was given samples on condition that he or she would furnish a report upon the results. These have just been received and I have the honour to forward herewith, for the information of the Department of Agriculture, copies of reports received from those who were supplied with seed. I have the honour to be, sir. Your obedient servant, Z. T. WOOD, Assistant Commissioner. The Comptroller, R.N.W.M. Police, Ottawa, Ont. Dawson, November 19, 1906. To THE Assistant Commissionek, R.N.W.^I. Police. Dawson, Y.T. Sir, — I have the honour to make the following report on the seeds furnished by the Department of Agriculture, Ottawa, for experimental purposes in the Yukon Territory. The seeds received were as follows : — Stanley wheat, Preston wheat, Bishop wheat — a small quantity. Improved Ligowo oats. Welcome oats. Mensury barley, Odessa barley. Vick's Extra Early REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR 25 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 potatoes, Early Eose potatoes, Eochcster Rose potatoes, Vermont Gold Coin potatoes. Timothy grass. Western Rye grass, Hungarian grass, Brome grass. Of these all the potatoes, wheat, and grass seeds were issued, a quantity of both oats and barley still remain on hand. Every application, whether by letter or in person, was filled. There was a number of people who applied for garden and vege- table seeds, but these could not be filled. Wliile a number of people were supplied with seeds only nineteen reports of results were returned, copies of which are attached. There was considerable dissatisfaction expressed over the coiidition of the potato seed as they had all sprouted, sprouts eight to ten inches long being common. This unfortunately could not be avoided as the seeds had to be kept through the winter and the only available place where they could be kept without freezing was the Q.M. store, where the temperature was naturally too high. Takiqg into consideration the condition of the seed, the potatoes were a distinct success and clid very well, more especially the ' Vermont Gold Coin.' Of this variety A. Blaker, of Dawson, reports he grew potatoes one pound in weight ; G. A. Hatch, of Dawson, mentions potatoes of one and one-half pounds of the ' Early Rose.' A. Blaker reports that from one pound 14 ounces of seed he had a yield of 64 pounds of ripe potatoes. The wheat seems to grow well, but only in three cases did it ripen, the season seems too short. Menard and Grenier, of Felly River, report both samples of wheat to have grown four feet high and to have ripened, while John King, of Flat Creek, sixty miles from Dawson, reports that they headed in fifty days, grew tall and rank but did not ripen. The barley, more especially the ' Mensury,' seems to have done very well. Thos. McCabe, of Minto, who says he has grown much barley in Lambton county, Ont., reports this barley to have the largest head he ever gTCw. From the different reports barley would undoubtedly be a success in this country, the only report of a failure coming from R. B. Devlin. Of the oats, Mr. Swinehart^ df Selkirk, reports the ' Welcome ' variety a com- plete fail Lire. R. B. Devlin reports both varieties as not doing well, all the other reports are favourable. Menard and Grenier, of Felly, report both varieties to have grown four feet high and to have ripened; John King, of Flat creek, reports both varieties to have headed in forty-five days, grown four feet high, filled out very well, but did not quite ripen. Thos, McCabe reports both to have done well and to have ripened. The different grasses have all grown very well, no failure being reported, except from Thos. McCabe, whose seed failed to grow owing to the extremely dry season at Minto. I have the honour to be, sir. Your obedient servant, T. A. WROUGHTON, Inspector. Commanding ' B ' Division. 26 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 Yukon Territory. Seeds supplied by the Department of Agriculture, Ottawa, 1906. REPORT OF A. BLAKER OF DAWSON, Y.T., 1906. Name of Seed. Date of Planting. Nature of SoiL Remarlts on growth, present condition and suitability. Odessa Barley May 15 Light clay Came up well and headed out early in July, but fell down ; ripened fair ; cut Aug. 20. Nice looking grain, plumper than the seed . Have not threshed out, but the yield will be only fair. Mensury Barley II 22 Same as above, but about 10 days later. Made a good stand and headed out well, but did not ripen. 1, 15.... Potatoes, Vermont Gold Light loamy clay This seed was badly rprouted ; had sprouts 6 Coin , 1. 27.... and 8 in. long. Kept in cool place until planting, but seed was in a bad condition « then ; planted 9 hills, yield45 lb. from 1 lb. 12 oz, seed. Lota of tubers weighed 1 lb. each. Cook dry and of fine flavour. Dug Sept. 15. Potatoes, Early Rose — 1. 27.... fi .... 1 lb. 14 oz. seed ; planted 21 hills, yield 64 lb. Was ripe a week before frost, otherwise as above. Dug Sept. 15. Potatoes.Rochester Rose. II 15... II .... I lb. 8 oz. seed, in bad condition ; planted 18 hills, yield 44 J lb. Fairly well ripened. Dug Sept. 15. Potatoes, Vick's Extra II 1 lb, 12 oz. seed, in very bad condition ; plant- Early 11 27.... ed 12 hills, yield 26^ lb. No good. Poor eating. REPORT OF MENARD AND GRENIER OF PELLY, Y.T., 19C6, Hungarian Grass Odessa Barley Mensury Barley Ligowo Oats Welcome Oats Preston Wheat Sta'Dley WTieat i May 6 May 15... 5... 6.. 6.. 6.. Black sand Bishop Wheat Rochester Rose Potatoes. Vermont Gold Coin Po- tatoes Vicks Extra Early Pota- toes and Early Rose. . . May 20. Black sand Black sand Grew from 1 to 6 inches. Grew 3 ft. and ripened. II " Grew 4 ft. and ripened. II II Spoiled in shipping. Grew 4 ft. and ripened. II II Spoiled seed. Matured in fine shape. Spoiled seed. The season has been so unusually dry that the crops have suffered for that reason in every respect. REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR 2f. SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 Yukon Territory. Seeds supplied by the Department of A II ... . Headed well but did not ripen. Had we planted the abtjve seeds earlier, un- doubtedly they would have matured as they were very thrifty and headed well. Can't teU until next year. REPORT OF W. S. LAURENCE OF FORTY MILE, Y.T., 1906. Welcome oat? "1 Ligowo M I Mensury barley Preston wheat ' May H II n 18.. IS.. IS.. 18.. 18.. Upland 11 / ... ^ Both kinds are quick growers, matured in 100 days, short heads and light straw. Headed well and ripened early. Slow growth and small heads. Stanli^v II M Island sand . . . Potatoes, Vick's Kxtra Early and Rochester Rose Good growth and well matured. REPORT OF C. A. LAMPHERE OF GOLD RUN, Y.T., 1906. Vick's Extra Early^ potatoes I Early Ro.se potatoes.. . j Rochester Rose potatoes J Stanley wheat "> Bishop II Prv^^ton 1 Welcome oats Ligowo !• Mensury barley.. . .. . Odessa n Vick's Extra Early were a success, one seed producing as many as ten large smooth white potatoes without a blemish of any kind. Rochester Rose did not do well. All grains except the samples of wheat grew well, Mensury barley being the best. Both samples of oats prodiiced a good healthy crop but did not mature on account of the early frost. REPORT OF TEE DIRECTOR SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 Yukon Territory. Seeds supplied hy the Department of Agriculture, Ottawa, 1906. REPORT OF T. BELL OF STEWART RIVER, 1906. 31 Name of Seed. Date of Planting. Nature of Soil. Remarks on growth, present condition and suitability. Brome, "Western Rye and Hungarian grasses May 10.. Silt T think pretty fair for first year, grass about L' feet high. I did not iJiant the potatoes as they were all frozen. REPORT OF 0. E. KINSEY OF UPPER DOMINION CREEK, 1906. Oats. Wheat and Barley Timothy gra.=s Muck I)id very well considering the backwardn'-ss of the season, but doubt they would ever ripen on this end of the Creek. ! Xot sown owing to the backwardness of the season. REPORT OF JESSE H. ROGERS OF DOMINION CREEK, 1906. Timothy grass .... All the seed came up and grew to aV)out 3 inches, exjiect a good crop of h.ay next year. REPORT OF MRS. FLEISHMAN OF DAWSON, Y.T., 1906. Grasses — Western Rye ilay 22. . Timothy : .. 22.. Very good crop. iood crop. Both t!i<'se seeds were a great success, I have tried seeds before but did not do as well as with these. REPORT OF R. McCLUSKEY OF DAWSON, Y.T., 1906. Potato'^s — Vermont Gold Coin. . . May 28. .. ijlack schist (iood crop, 1 stalk produced 4 potatoes Vick's Extra Early . "j weighing 7J lb. Rochester Rose | Early Rose j ir 28... ti Average crop. Barley If 28... II Both samples a good crop, will grow in the country. Oats It 28... It .V good crop from both samples. Timothy grass " 28... 11 ... (irow very well. REPORT OF DAVID COLLINS OF GR.-ND FORKS, 1906. Outs May It M 20. .. 20... 20. . Heavy loam on hill- Barley side Very good oat, ripened. ■> If .. Fully matured with good heavy grain. Potatoes II 11 . .jSeed frozen when received. 32 EXPERIMENTAL FARMti 7-8 EDVMRD VII., A. 1908 TESTS OF THE VITALITY OF SEED GRAIN AND OTHER SEEDS. The following report includes tests of grain and other seeds grown on the several experimental farms, as well as those bought with the object of growing them on the farms. The list also includes tests of the vitality of a number of specimens of grain grown in the several provinces of the Dominion from the samples distributed from the Central Experimental Farm. These tests have been made with the object of ascertaining what climatic conditions are most favourable for producing seed of high vitality and how far this desirable quality is likely to be influenced by variations in character of season. Formerly these tests included a number of doubtful samples which were believed by the parties sending them to have been injured in their vitality by exposure to unfavourable conditions. All such samples are now referred to the Seed Commissioner for report. The results rei>orted on here are the average proportions of vitality shown by samples of grain grown in different parts of the several provinces of Canada under healthy and normal circumstances. In the following table shov/ing the results by provinces, the total percentage of vitality is given^ also the percentage of strong and weak growth. RESULTS OF TESTS OF SEEDS FOR VITALITY, 1905-03. Kind of Seed. Number of Tests. Highest Per- centage. Lowest Per- centage. Per- centage of Strong Growth. Per- crnt.'ige of Weak Growth. Total Percent- age of Vitality. Wheat Barley 552 357 400 12 201 14 6 13 3 22 5 1 1 47 1000 100 0 100 0 05 0 100 0 100 0 100 0 940 95-0 960 270 860 100 0 840 9 0 360 35- 0 Ct)-0 460 66 0 43-0 100 40 0 520 160 86-0 1000 20 79-5 82-3 90-7 720 4 7 8-9 3-8 5-2 84 91 94 77 87 93 89 74 06 73 21 86 100 32 2 Oats 6 Rye Peas 3 0 Com ■> Beans 3 Clover . . 5 Grass 0 Flux y Carrots . . fi Tares Turnips .... 0 0 Miscellaneous seed 5 Total number of samples tested, 1,634. Highest percentage of vitality observed, 100; lowest, 2. REPORT OF TEE DIRECTOR 3S SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 TABLE SHOWING RESULTS OF GRAIN TESTS FOR EACH PROVINCE. OhT.iRIO. Kind of Seed. Number of Tests. Highest . Per- centage. Lowest Per- centage. Per- centage of Strong Growth. Per- centage of Weak Growth, Total percentage of Vitality. Wheat 242 122 115 100 0 100 0 100 0 90 36 0 600 69-3 711 88-5 6-8 14-5 4-4 7G1 Barley 85-7 Oats 92-9 Quebec. Wheat Barley 35 33 36 100 0 1000 100 0 63 0 8f;o 61 0 91-5 90 0 89-6 2 1 6-3 3 6 93-7 96 -4 Oats 93 3 ISIanitoba, Wheat 69 46 61 100-0 100 0 100 0 79 0 87 0 830 90-4 84-2 93 4 2-8 9-5 2 9 93-3 Barley Oats '. 93-8 96-3 Alberta. Wheat 10 6 8 100-0 97 -0 93-0 650 85-0 35 0 83-3 85-5 76-0 4-3 7-8 6-1 87-6 Barley Oats 93-3 821 Saskatchewan. Wheat Barley 71 54 62 1000 990 100 0 670 410 73-0 86-8 86-5 89-4 3-3 4 3 3-8 90-1 90-8 Oats 93-2 Nova Scotia. Wheat 44 39 44 100 0 1000 100 0 76-0 740 920 89-5 89-7 95-0 2-7 5-5 2 6 92-2 Barley 95-3 Oat^s 97-7 New Brunswick. Wheat 19 13 15 99 0 990 1000 510 78 0 860 88-7 86-7 90-7 2-8 6-3 41 915 Barley . 930 Oats 948 Prince Edward Island. Wh<:it 15 6 12 99-0 100 0 100 0 670 93 0 90 0 890 92 3 927 2-7 4-8 3 7 01-7 Barley Oats 971 96-5 BRITISIi [ COLUMBIi i. Wheat Barley Oats 47 38 47 100 0 100 0 100 0 58-0 770 850 78-8 92-1 93 0 4-5 4-3 4-5 83-3 96 5 97-5 16—3 Signed, WILLIAM T. ELLIS. 34 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 BULLETINS ISSUED DURING 1906. Three bulletins were issued this year, No. 53 on the ' Eesults Obtained in 1906 from Trial Plots of Grain, Fodder Com, Field Roots and Potatoes.' This bulletin was prepared jointly by Dr. C. E. Saunders, Cerealist, and the Director. In this bulletin there are given the results of experiments which were conducted at all the experimental farms during the season of 1905 with spring wheat, oats, barley, pease, Indian corn, turnips, mangels, carrots, sugar beets and potatoes. The relative earliness and productiveness of the varieties are also recorded, with the average crops obtained during the past five years, the several varieties being placed in the lists in the order of their productiveness for that period. A considerable number of cross-bred varieties produced on the experimental farms are included in these tests. No. 54, on the ' Breeding, Feeding and General Management of Poultry.' Part 1 of this bulletin was written by Mr. A. G. Gilbert, Poultry Manager, in which is discussed the principles underlying profitable poultry raising, description of breeds, rations and manner of feeding them, the moulting of fowls and methods of shorten- ing this period of non-production. Short chapters are also written by Mr. Gilbert on turkeys, ducks, and geese. Part 2 was prepared by Mr. Victor Fortier, Assistant Poultry Manager, in which he treats of incubation, natural and artificial, poultry raising, the fleshing of chickens and the fattening of fowls, poultry buildings and runs and the general treatment of poultry, including diseases, injuries, &c. Bulletin No. 55 treats of the crops obtained in 1906 from the annual trial plots on the several experimental farms. This is the twelfth of that series of bulletins and was prepared jointly by Dr. C. E Saunders, Cerealist and the Director. In this bul- letin the crops of each year are given, also the average of the past five years, showing the relative productiveness of the many different sorts in the several provinces of the Dominion in which the experimental farms are located. For example, the average crop produced in 1906 by the sixteen varieties of spring wheat under trial at Ottawa was 32 bushels 38 lbs. per acre. At Nappan, N.S., it was 29 bushels 27 lbs. At Brandon, Man., 35 bushels 52 lbs.; and at Indian Head, Saskatchewan, 42 bu-?hv°ls 11 lbs. Of oats there were 37 varieties under trial, these gave at Ottawa an average crop of 60 bushels 11 lbs. per acre; at Nappan, N.S., 47 bush. IS lbs.; Brandon, 97 bush. 31 lbs.; Indian Head, 105 bush. 25 lbs., and at Agassiz, 60 bush. 7 lbs. per acre. The results obtained from these uniform trial plots show that there are marked differences in the relative productiveness of varieties even when grown side by side under similar conditions. Such facts point to the importance of farmers choosing for seed those sorts which give the heaviest crops. JOURNEYS THROUGH THE WEST. It has been my privilege to travel through the past year over several important districts in Western Canada, concerning which a few notes are submitted. These notes were taken mainly along the line of railway and in such cases only those parts of the country in sight of the railway are referred to. CALGARY TO EDMONTON, SEPTEMBER 5, 1906. From Calgary to Beddington, 11 miles, much of the land is used for ranching purposes and very little in the way of grain crops is seen, only a few small fields of oats or wheat, Beddington to Airdrie, 9 miles, land still devoted mostly to ranching, fields of grain seen in increased number. Airdrie to Crossfield, 10 miles (31 from Calgary). The land for about the first 27 miles from Calgary is quite bare of trees or shrubs, but about 7 miles beyond I REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR 35 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 Airdrie the flret shrubs appear, mostly small bunches of willows. A few fioHs of cats, barley and brome grass were seen in this district. Crossficld is growing rapidly. The land seems to be of good quality in this vicinity. About Crossfield and north the shrubby growth of willows is more plentiful and covers some of the fields in the neighbourhood quite thickly. Crossfield to Carstairs, 10 miles. Fields of oats plentiful in this area, also some fields of winter wheat. In some parts quantities of hay were cut and stacked, the growth of grasses was quite heavy here. The town of Carstairs is growing very fast. The first poplar trees seen in this district were north of Carstairs. Willows were abundant there. Carstairs to Didsbury, 8 miles. Saw crops of spring wheat nearly ripe and numerous fields of oats, many of them in stook; also, several large fields of winter wheat well up and quite green. Dids;bury is a good-sized town and growing fast. Saw some large fields of wheat north of Didsbury, also some large areas in summer fallow. Didsbury to Olds, Country well settled, saw many large fields of good spring grain, some cut, some still standing. Some fields of winter wheat; a fine stretch of country with many good farms. ITaying was in progress all along the route. Country partly covered with trees and scrubby undergrowth, especially beyond Olds. From Olds to Innisfail, 19 miles, the district is well settled. Many fields of spring wheat and oats were seen and much of the grain was ripe. Innisfail is a good dairy centre and a thriving town. One of the largest creameries in the Northwest is well sustained here. From Innisfail to Penhold, 5 miles, is a very pretty country with an extended view, some fine farm lands lying on a nice slope near Innisfail with a pretty lake in the background. From Penhold to Red Deer, 10 miles, some of the land along the railway is good ; other sfctions are rather low and some apparently wet. This district yields large crops of hay. Red Deer is a thriving place and quite a business centre, with some very good country around it. From Rod Deer to Blackfalds, 12 miles, there is much good hay land most of which is probably too low for successful grain growing. There are, however, many fields of grain on the higher lands. The land in this vicinity varies much in quality, some of it being very good while other sections are light and gravelly. Some good winter wheat has been grown in this locality. Blackfalds to Lacombe, Y miles. Land generally good and well settled, the higher lands are devoted to grain growing while the lower portions produce excellent hay. A NEW EXPERIMENTAL FARM AT LACOMBE. Lacombe is a busy town which has good railway facilities. Besides being on the Calgary and Edmonton line, it has a branch line extending 51 miles east to Stettler. On examining this district a very good and suitable site was found for a branch ex- perimental farm for Northern Alberta. This is the southeast quarter of section 24 — 40 — 27. This quarter section adjoins the town; the railway runs across the lower corner of it cutting off from 15 to 20 acres. The Hudson Bay trail to Edmonton, one of the principal roads for travel in this part of the country, also passes through this land. This leaves about 150 acres available for cultivation, a large proportion of which has already been brought under crop. The soil is a dark loam, rich and fertile, partly clay and partly sand, much nf it with a clay subsoil. This quarter-section lies on a beautiful slope facing the railway, and nearly all of it can be seen from the passing trains. It is also within easy walking distance from the station, about a mile. This farm has water of exonllr>nt quality. This land has been secured and the establish- ment of an experimental farm for Northern Alberta on this site is now in progress. Lacombe to ^Nforningside, 6 miles. Beyond Lacombe the country continues much the same to Morningside. Many fields of grain were seen, although the larger part of 16— 3J 36 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD V!l., A. 1908 the land was in hay. A fine open country with good views of the distant fields from the train. From Morningside to Ponoka, 7 miles farther, much the same scenery pre- vails. From Ponoka to Hobbema, 12 miles, much of the land is low, a valuable hay- making district. Not many improved farms seen from the railway. There are good lumber mills at Ponoka. Spruce timber grows here to a fair size, and in considerable quantities. There is a large Indian reserve along this district on wliich there is practically no land broken on the railway front, but stacks of hay were put up at several points. ' Hobbema to Wetaskiwin, 10 miles. As soon as the Indian rcKcrve is past the country becomes well settled and fields of grain again appear on the landscape. Im- mediately about Y/etaskiwin the land is rather flat, but the soil is very good over most of this district and considerable quantities of grain are grown here on both sides of the railway. There is a branch railway running southeast from Wetaskiwin to Har- disty, a distance of 95 miles. From Wetaskiwin to ^Millet, 11 miles, considerable quantities of grain were seen, chiefly in stook. Land rather flat and some of it low on each side of the railway, about Leduc there are several small lakes or ponds on the east side of the town, sur- rounded by good natural hay-lands. Millet to Leduc, 11 miles. A large number of grain fields about Leduc, one elevator there. From Leduc to Otoskwan, 10 miles, many more grain fields were seen; as yet, however, only a small proportion of the available land is under cultivation. Otoskwan to Strathcona, 9 miles. Some very good land in this district and con- siderable quantities of grain are grown. Both Strathcona and Edmonton, on the opposite side of the Saskatchewan river, are favourably located with fertile lands all about them. As a rule the lands about the margin of the river aj-e somewhat light in character, a sandy loam of a dark colour, while heavier clayey soils prevail a short distance from the river. Edmonton has grown wonderfully and is expanding in every direction. , EDMONTON TO HUMBOLT. September 1, 1906. — During this journey about 400 miles of the main line of the Canadian Northern Railway were covered and a large area of fine country seen. Many settlers are moving in all along the line and every year large additional tracts of land are brought under cultivation. As a rule the remarks on what was seen in passing through apply only to the land in view from the railway. More extended information was occasionally had by stopping over and taking drives through the country and call- ing on some of the settlers. This was done whenever time would permit. Edmonton to Oliver, 8 miles. Passed some fine fields of oats mostly cut, and some of wheat all cut. Oliver to Fort Saskatchewan, 9 miles. There is quite a large area under crop in this district and a quantity of new land is being brought under the plough. The cuttiug of crops was proceeding rapidly. The town of Fort Saskat- chewan is growing very fast. Fort Saskatchewan to Scotford, 7 miles. Saw some fair crops of wheat. There is not yet much land under cultivation in this locality and the treatment of the soil by the new-comers is not always very thorough. The fields of grain seen were more than half cut, straw rather short crop, mostly medium, in some places good. Scotford to Bruderheim, G miles. Saw a good deal of crop in this district, the wheat was all cut and most of the oats. Considerable quantities of spruce suitable for timber were seen in the woods through which we passed. Bruderheim to Lamont, 1 miles. A good country, with good land and where fields were under cultivation the crops were good. Lamont to Chipman, 8 miles. Saw many fields of grain ; the country is here more open and prairie-like, not without brush, but it is small and scattered. The Soil at Chipman seemed rather shallow, a greyish clay vdth more or less black soil intermixed. REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR 37 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 with ratLer a hard clay subsoiL A mile or two out from the town the soil changed again to a deep friable black loam and fields of grain again appeared. Chipman to Mundare, l-i miles. The grain seen here was rather short in straw, but would probably give a fair crop. Galician houses, one story high, neatly thatched and more or less ornamented were frequently seen. In this part of the country there are many Galicians settled, within a radius of 50 or 60 miles there are said to be from twelve to fourteen thousand of them. They seem to till their land well and to aver- age good crops. Mundare has made but very little growth. The almost exclusive foreign element in the population does not seem favourable to the rapid growth of a town. ITundare to Vegreville, 14 miles. A stop was made at this thriving town which was about six months old and had a population of four to five hundred. A pleasant and interesting drive was taken through this part of the country covering about 60 miles in all, visiting Beaver Lake and many parts of the numerous Galician settle- ments. The progress made in the cultivation of their land seemed in many instances to be slow, due doubtless partly to the fact that at first many of the settlers are obliged to work out for other farmers or on the lines of railway to earn money with which to buy implements, stock, &c., for their farms, also food supplies for their families. Several homes were visited where the inmates had been three or four years on their farms. These had accumulated some stock and had good-sized fields of grain, and seemed contented. There is no doubt that after a time they will make good progress as they are industrious and frugal. From Vegreville to Lloydminster, about 100 miles, the line was passed over in the night and the following day spent in driving about among the Barr colonists. These people who came over from England in a body some three or four years ago, have made good progress. Most of them have completed their homestead duties and have taken out the patents for their land and many of them now ^ave with the increase in the value of their homesteads, property varying in value from $1,500 to $2,000 or more. They seem to have adapted themselves to their conditions, are living in a fair degree of comfort and are moving along towards comparative independence. A drive of 20 miles was taken through the district from Lloydminster to Lashburn and many of tlie settlers called on. The land in this district seems very good and the crops realized had been satisfactory. Lashburn to ^.laidstone, 14 miles. Passed through much the same sort of country as in the drive from Lloydminster. "Wliile most of the land seen was very good, some fields were passed where the soil was lighter, and occasionally sandy or gravelly soil was noticed. From Maidstone to Paynton, 16 miles, the soil averages much lighter, much of it being sandy; the land however, improves in quality near Paynton. Paynton to Delmas, 15 miles. Land variable in this district, part of it stony, some sandy or gravelly and some portions of better soil. Delmas to North Battle- ford. Leaving Delmas the land is at first of better quality then stony and gravelly alternating with better land. This is a fine ox)en district ; as the Saskatchewan river is reached, the grade takes the train grradually down and the crossing is made over a high bridge. North Bflttleford was growing very rapidly and new houses were going up in every direction. The land along the banlc of the Saskatchewan is for the most part a sandy loam and is variable in character. Very little grain was seen on either side of North Battleford. From that town to Denholm_, 17 miles, several fields of grain were seen. The soil was quite variable, some of it good, but the larger part seen from the rail- way was stony and gravelly. From Denholm to Ruddell, 9 miles, the country is fine and open and most of the land very good wb.en one gets away from the river. At Ruddell there was some crop on a hillside which looked very promising. Buddoll to Fielding, 17 miles. Much of the soil in this locality seems to be a rather light sandy loam. The fields of wheat seen did not promise a heavy crop and 33 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 the oats were short in the straw. North of Fielding there were large crops of excellent grain. There the land was lower and probably had a heavier soil. The town of Field- ing is growing fast and there is a fine stretch of country about it extending for some miles. Fielding to Eadisson, 9 miles. The town of Eadisson has also made excellent progress. The land east of the town seems very good and a large acreage there is under crop. The land on the west side is rather low and wet. This district is a promising one, most of the land is very good and there is a large acreage of land newly broken. Eadisson to Langham, 15 miles. The land through this district is somewhat variable, much of it is good, but some sections are lighter and more or less sandy. Land very similar from Langham to Warman Junction^ where the main line crosses that from Eegina to Prince Albert. About the junction the soil is comparatively light and the crops of wheat were only medium, the stooks comparatively few and the stiaw shorter than the average. Warman to Clarkboro and Aberdeen, 11 miles. Before reaching Clarkboro the Saskatchewan river is crossed on a fine iron bridge. After this the railway runs along a stony ridge where stone lies on the surface on either side in great abundance. After a few miles the land becomes free from stone but is light in quality. Passed a Douk- hobor village in the distance between Clarkboro and Aberdeen. There is here a large piece of open prairie with a few occasional small clumps of willow. About Aberdeen many stacks of grain were seen. Much of the soil appears to be of good quality. Aberdeen to Vonda, 8 miles. Land variable, some* light, other sections fairly heavy; not much crop in sight, most of the land unimproved. Depth of loam vari- able and mostly of a dull, dark-reddish colour, sometimes ef a light sandy or light coloured clayey character, and in some places gravelly. Within several miles of Vonda the character of the soil changes to a good black loam and wheat fields again appear. One very large field and several smaller ones were seen near Vonda, the crop appeared to be good. Vonda is a thriving town which has been all built within about a year. There is a Galician settlement north of this town. From Vonda to Howell, 9 miles, is an open prairie country where a few fields of wheat were seen which looked rather light, probably due to imperfect preparation of the soil. Howell to Dana, 9 miles. Howell is a new town about throe months old and growing fast. It has a good farming country about it. Between Howell and Dana there is some stony land, but ae Dana is approached it becomes less stony and a considerable quantity of land has been broken. Before reaching Dana many bluffs of poplar and willow were seen and the country became more rolling. Passed several large lakes, two or three miles distant from the railway. Dana to Bt'iiuo, 8 miles. Land open and prairie-like with more or less stones scattered over its surface, these are also quite numerous occasionally along ridges. Saw a few fields of wheat in this locality which promised a good return. Bruno to Cajmel, 8 miles. Soil light, with a gravelly subsoil, looked very dry. The surface loam was for the m.ost part a thin layer with a pale grey subsoil of a sandy or clayey character. Carmel to Humbolt, 8 miles. Along this part of the line there were a few pieces of breaking, but no crop worth mentioning until near Humbolt, where settlement is more dense and a number of wheat stacks were seen. The town of Humbolt is very badly situated on low land amongst several sloughs or ponds filled with stagnant water. Pieces of land near the tovra which lie above the sloughs have produced some good wheat. On land north of the town three or four miles where it rises gradually some very fine fields of wheat were seen in stook. which, judging from the size and ntimber of the stooks and the character of the stubble, would give a heavy yield. In driving over the country an occasional field was met with which was quite stony. Most of the land, however, seems to be free from stone and of very good quality. REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR 39 SESSIONAL '^APER No. 16 North of Ilumbolt for 25 miles or more to Dead Moose Lake the land is said to be very good aud all homesteads taken, but north of that the country is rough and broken, mostly covered with wood and an abundance of sloughs for 20 miles or more, beyond which to Melfort, a distance of about 30 miles, the land is again good and the greater part of the homesteads taken. South of Humbolt the land is said to be nearly all good aiid most of the homesteads taken, and for 40 miles east to the Quill lakes the land is reported as very good and the country well settled. REGIXA TO PRINCE ALBERT, SEPTEMBER 13. From Regina to Condie, 9 miles, was almost one continuous wheat field all now cut and in stook, the crop here seemed to be very heavy. Condie is a small place, but has three elevators. From Condie to Lumsden, 11 miles, most of the district (the Qu'Appelle valley) furnishes excellent hay and pasture. Lumsden is growing rapidly and for several miles there are considerable tracts of land in the valley under culti- vation. Going up out of the valley, the great level country is reached and about Disley, 8 miles farther on, there are a few large fields of wheat in sight. From Disley to Betluine, 9 miles, the soil is light, but there were a few grain fields in sight from the railway near Bethime. From Bethune to Findlater, 10 miles, most of the land is thickly covered with small stones mixed with occasional larger ones and this condition extends to Findlater. Practically there is no cultivation in this district on either side of the railway. From Findlater to Chamberlain^ 9 miles, similar conditions continue although the land is s inewhat less stony, and from Chamberlain to Aylesbury, 8 miles farther, the land continues very stony and no at- tempts at cultivation were sp^'i between these points. Aylesbury to Craik, 9 miles. At Aylesbury, where there is no town — only a sid- ing— two elevators have been built. The land continues stony here along the track, but some two or three miles distant on either side the land becomes good and a con- siderable quantity of wheat is grown. From Craik to Girvin, 9 miles, there are large areas of wheat which, judging from the character of the stubble must have yielded well. Craik is growing rapidly, but at Girvin, about which there is not much land tinder cultivation, not so much progress is being made. Girvin to Davidson, 6 miles. Davidson is surrounded by good land, and many large fields of grain were in sight. A large town h"s sprung up here where three or four years ago there was nothing but bare prairie. Davidson to Bladsworth, 12 miles. Much grain seen at a distance from the rail- way, especially near Davidson. As Bladsworth is approached much of the land is of poorer quality and there is very little of it under cultivation. From Bladsworth to Kenaston, 11 miles, there is also very little crop. Much of the soil looks light with more or less alkali. Bladsworth and Kenaston are both small places and seem to be making slow growth. Ivenaston to Ilanley, 11 miles. Leaving Ivenaston the land for some distance is inferior in character but as Hanley is approached the land becomes good and there was a large amount of crop seen. Hanley is a good sized town and is growing rapidly. From TTanley to Dundnrn, 11 miles, the land is of excellent quality and there was a very Lirge area cf wheat in sight, either wheat in stook or summer fallowed land being visible as far as the eye could reach on either side. The quantity of wheat produced in this district is very large. Dundurn to Saskatoon, 14 miles. After travelling a few miles from Dundurn there was no grain seen worth speaking of until near Saskatoon where many large fields were seen both north and south of that place. Much of the land on the east side of the Saskatchewan is light although there are some good farms. On the west side of the river the land is much better, most of it of very good quality with a dark clay loam of a considerable depth with a dark chocolate-coloured clay subsoil. 40 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 Saskatoon to WaiTuan, 12 miles. Saskatoon lias grown to be a large place and is extending its boundaries rapidly. For some miles out, many large fields of grain vrcre seen, but towards Warmau there is not much land broken. Warman is a young and growing town. Opportunity was afforded there of examining the land at several points; most of it was a light sandy loam not very deep with a subsoil varying in different parts from stiff clay to sandy clay and in some places a light coloured sand. There were a few stones on the surface and a good many in the subsoil. Warman to Osier, 6 miles. About Osier the land is much lighter and seme of it gravelly. From Osier to Hague, 10 miles, much of the soil is light and there was not much grain seen from the railway. Hague to Eosthern, 12 miles. As Eosthern is approached most of the land becomes good, large quantities of wheat are in sight and the crops are fairly heavy. At Eos- thern a large quantity of wheat is marketed. Eosthern to Duck Lake, 11 miles. Beyond and about Eosthern on every side there were large quantities of wheat, most of it in stook and threshing progressing rapidly, country fairly level and well settled. Most of the land south of Duck Lake seems very good and grows excellent wheat. Nearer the lake the grass is good and affords excellent crops of hay. Duck Lake to Eoddick, 9 miles. From Duck Lake north, the country begins to be wooded and grain fields become much less plentiful. From Eoddick to Macdowall, 9 miles, spruce is very abundant, associated in wet spots with tamarack, ihe higher points being covered with poplar. Macdowall to Prince Albert, 20 miles. The grain crops all through this district are quite limited. Such wheat as is grown in this locality is used chiefly in a local mill belonging to the Hudson Bay Co. at Prince Albert. In some places the country is more open with a good deal of hay land and a considerable number of sloughs and small lakes with good farm land intervening. The soil all through the Prince Albert district up to the Saskatchewan seems to be rich and fertile and will bear good crops wherever the soil is high enough above the sloughs and ponds with which the country abounds, to admit of early cultivation. On the opposite side of the North Saskatche- wan there is a margin of good land for a mile or two, then a swampy district thickly covered with tamarack and north of this there are many miles of sandhills cohered with Jack Pine. Most of the larger trees have been cut for lumber, the smaller trees covering the ground quite thickly. In some places the pine was more or less replaced by poplar (P. tremuloides) . North of this belt of Jack Pine there are hay-lands with sloughs which are said to extend for about 20 miles to Sturgeon Lake. Beyond this the country is said to be again fit for settlement. There is a large lumber industry at Prince Albert, The Shell river and the Eed Eiver of the North both empty into the Saskatchewan above Prince Albert, and logs are brought down these streams to the lumber mills for 100 miles or more. PRINCE ALBERT TO MELFORT. A trip was taken of 56 miles over this northern section of the Canadian Northern Eailway beginning August 6. 1906. Prince Albert to Davis, 10 miles. In this district there is very little land under cultivation. There are considerable quantities of wood and a large number of small ponds and lakes. Thp land looks good but is much broken. Davis to Birch Hills, 16 miles. There is not much settlement yet along this line, the country is thickly covered with bhiffs of willow and poplar and there are many ponds, some of the shallower of which had dried up leaving a white alkaline deposit. Small trees cover a large part of the land, too large a part to make it attractive to the settler who is looking for wheat land, but for mixed farming and the raising of stock, this district offers many advantages. REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR 41 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 Birch Hills to Kinistino, 20 miles. The country has much the same wooded diaracter as that travelled over from Prince Albert here, but before reaching Kinis- tino the country becomes more ope« and better settled with larger areas under crop and much less affected by sloughs. Kinistino to Melfort, 10 miles. The Carrot river is crossed soon after leaving Kinistino and the land here from some miles west of Kinistino to Melfort seems to be of very good quality. This part of the district is more open and is well settled and there is much more crop to be seen, especially wheat. At Melfort a stop was made and a drive taken over the country which afforded opportunity for examining several farms. The soil for the most part was excellent — a rich sandy loam with plenty of humus in it and more or less mixed with clay. The soil was about 15 inches deep with a friable clay subsoil. Th'? different farms ex- amined were almost uniformly good as to soil and the whole district has an excellent reputation for productiveness. VISITS TO THE BEANCH EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. Visits were paid to the branch experimental farms in the west during August ■ and September^ and the farm for the maritime provinces was visited in October. EXPERUIENTAL FARM, BRANDON, ]SrAN. In Manitoba the season was very favourable both for seeding and subsequent grovrth^ germination was even and growth rapid and there was no injury from late spring frosts. There was a promise of very heavy crops when rust appeared and re- duced the yield somewhat. Subsequently as the wheat was about maturing a few days of excessive heat with a south wind ripened it up rapidly and thus the exj>ected average yield was further reduced. Harvest began about August 15; the weather was good and the grain secured in excellent condition. The harvest on the whole was fully a week earlier than usual. The field crops of spring wheat varied from 28 to 44 bushels per acre, the experi- mental plots from 21 to 35 bushels. Oats varied from 70 to 116 bushels per acre; b-rley from 44 to 66 bushels, and pease from 38 to 58 bushels per acre. Indian corn ranged in crop from 14 to 31 tons of green fodder as cut for the silo, this crop was good and well matured. Turnips yielded from 18 to 26 tons ; mangels 24 to 38 tons, and potatoes from 256 to 495 bushels per acre. The crop of fruits of most sorts was below the average. The general condition of the farm and stock, also that of the implements, tools, &C., was creditable to the superintendent. EXPERIMENTAL FARM, INDIAN HEAD, SASK. The season of 1906 was generally favourable to crops both in Saskatchewan and Alberta. Spring wheat, oats and barley all gave good returns. The spring opened early in April and continued favourable until seeding was completed. Abundant moisture caused rapid and satisfactory growth. In July hot weather checked excessive growth in straw, and a second hot period in August hastened ripening and brought on an early harvest. The harvest weather was good and the grain was gathered promptly. Threshing started without delay on completion of the harvest and was finished early. A hail storm, the first ever experienced at Indian Head, occurred on July 24. This injured all the crops more or less, but the injury was not very severe. The fields of spring wheat varied in yield from 25 to 38 bushels per acre; the experimental plots gave from 35 to 48 bushels. Oats in field crop gave from 60 to 87 bushels; in plots the return was from 78 to 128 bushels per acre. 42 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD Vll., A. 1908 Barley in field crops I'eturned from 50 to 58 btishels per acre and in experimental plots from 40 to 65 bushels. Pease also gave excellent returns, in field lots from 32 to 42 bushels per acre and in plots from 30 to 45 bushels. Indian corn cut green for the silo gave from 12 to 16 tons per acre ; turnips from 14 to 22 tons; mangels from 14 to 28 tons, and potatoes from 224 to 433 bushels per acre. The farm throughout was in excellent condition, showing evidences of thoughtful care and attention on every hand. EXPERIMENTAL FARM, AGASSE, B.C. The past winter was a mild one^ the lowest temperature during the season was on December 17, when the thermometer registered 15 degrees of frost. The summer on the whole was a good one for most farm crops. The spring opened early, clover was six inches high by the end of March; cold winds and frequent showers in April and May kept the crops from growing rapidly and frequent showers in June made it difficult to cure hay. During the dry and warm weather in July and August the gfain made good progress and with favourable harvest weather was saved in good condition. The hay crop throughout the province was a good one and in most localities was well saved. The wheat crop in the interior of the province was very good, but very little wheat is grown in the coast climate. The oat crop throughout the province was above the average and was harvested in good condition. Not much barley is grown, but the yield has been very satisfactory. Field roots owing to the dry weather which pre- vailed during the greater part of July and the first half of August gave crops which were somewhat below the average. The yields of potatoes were good. The different varieties of oats grown have varied in yield from 43 to Y3 bushels per acre; barley from 27 to 49 bushels, and pease from 26 to 50 bushels. Indian corn cut green for fodder has given from 11 to 24 tons; turnips from 11 to 23 tons; mangels from 11 to 27 tons, and the different varieties of potatoes tested have varied from 200 to 611 bushels per acre. The cold damp weather of April and May was unfavourable for many varieties of fruit. The crop of apples was about an average one, in some orchards it was heavy. Pears and cherries were a light crop. There was a fairly heavy crop of plums of very fine quality and very free from rot. The cattle and sheep have done well. There have been many visitors to the farm during the year who have expressed much appreciation of the work in progress. EXPERIMENTAL FARM, NAPPAN. The season was not a particularly good one at jSTappan, a long wet period in the spring had the effect of making all spring sown crops later than usual. Hay on the whole was a better crop than the average. The very wet spring was followed by unusually hot summer weather which hurried the grain rapidly to maturity, and the quality of the crop was not quite up to the average, the yield also for the same reason was somewhat lessened. Pastures during the early part of the season were good, but they suffered from the hot weather later on. The different sorts of crops under trial gave results as follows : spring wheat from 26 to 34 bushels per acre; oats from 40 to 63 bushels; barley from 30 to 45 bushels, and pease from 18 to 35 bushels. Indian corn cut green for the silo gave from 15 to 25 tons; turnips from 15 to 30 tons; mangels from 13 to 24 tons, and potatoes from 242 to 503 bushels -per acre. Eighty-five acres of hay yielded 132 tons 1,745 lbs. Successful experiments were conducted in the feeding of steers, also with swine. Interesting and useful tests were also made with many different sorts of fruits and vegetables. I REPORT OF TEE DIRECTOR 43 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 NEW BRANCH EXPERIMENTAL FARMS. Two new branch experimental farms have recently been established, one at Leth- bridge to serve the purposes of Southern Alberta, the other at Lacombe for Northern Alberta. The experimental farm for Southern Alberta is situated about 2i miles from the town of Letbbridge on the Lethbridge and Crowsnest section of the Canadian Pacific Railway. It consists of 400 acres of land, 100 acres of which can be irrigated. The other 300 acres lie too high to admit of this and will be devoted to experiments in dry farming. On the irrigated portion the effect of water in the raising of crops will be studied, the quantities which should be applied under certain conditions, the number of applications needed, &c. All such problems will be investigated and re- ported on and in this way information likely to be of the greatest value to those grow- ing crops on irrigated land will be obtained. On the higher land which cannot be irrigated, the various problems connected with dry farming will be studied and ex- periments will be conducted along lines of general farming to find out what crops can be grown and what treatment of the land is host to reach success with a scanty rain- fall Many experiments under both these conditions will be carried on with fruits, vegetables, forest trees, &c. The experimental farm chosen for Northern Alberta is a quarter-section of land adjoining the town of Lacombe and about a mile from the railway station. Lacombe is a busy town about 70 miles south of Edmonton and the centre of a good agricultural district on the line of the Canadian Pacific' railway from Calgary to Edmonton. It has also a branch line running east to Stettler, 51 miles distant, a line which will probably soon be extended to Moosejaw. The farm site has a good soil representative of the district and lies in a commanding position overlooking the railway and the surrounding country. Mr. W. ri. Fairfield has been appointed Superintendent of the farm at Lethbridge, and Mr' G. H. Hutton, Superintendent of the farm at Lacombe. Both of these officers have had excellent training in the lines of work they will have the responsibility of conducting in this important western province. CHANGES m THE STAFF. It is with regret that I have to record the loss to our service of two long tried and faithful officers, both of whom have left the experimental farms to engage in more remunerative work. Mr. S. A. Bedford, so long and favourably known as sujwr- intendent of the experimental farm for Manitoba, has resigned his position on the farm at Brandon to enter into business. Mr. Bedford was the first of the superinten- dents appointed on the western farms and has had charge of the experimental farm at Brandon from the outset. In his management he has been most successful. In his work he has been careful and accurate and his reports have been interesting and valu- able. The suggestions and recommendations he has made from time to time have been followed with profit by many farmers in Manitoba. The experiments conducted have covered a wide range in agriculture, horticulture and arboriculture and have been of great value to the country. Mr. N. "Wolverton, B.A., has been appointed as his successor. lie has had considerable experience and success in farming in ^fani- toba. His report of the operations conducted at Brandon during the past year will be read with interest. Mr. John Fixter joined the experimental farm staff as farm foreman at the Cen- tral Farm, Ottawa, during the first year of its existence and has filled the position ever since with much satisfaction. He was a capable and efficient officer, thoroughly reliable and painstaking in all the work which devolved on him. He resigned his position at Ottawa to accept a more remunerative one at the Macdonald College, at Stc. Anne de Bellevue. Que. Mr. J). D. Gray has been selected to fill the vacancy and ia discharging the duties of the office satisfactorily. 41 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 COREESPONDENCE. The correspondence carried on between the farmers of Canada and the officers of the experimental farms has -been very large. CENTRAL EXPERIMENTAL FARM. 'The following is a summary of the letters received and sent out at the Central Experimental Farm from April 1, 1906 to March 31, 1907 :— Letters received. Letters sent. Director 63,727 21,080 Agriculturist 2,973 4,140 Horticulturist .. 1,652 1,627 Chemist 1,4S3 1,442 Entomologist and Botanist 3,294 2,872 Cerealist 368 27G Poultry Mana-er 5,098 3,175 Accountant 1,212 1,744 79,807 36,356 llany of the letters received by the Director are applications for samples of grain or for the publications issued by the experimental farms, a considerable proportion of which are answered by mailing the material asked for, accompanied in some instances by circular letters. This will explain why the number of letters received by that officer so much exceeds the number sent out DISTUIDUTION OF REPORTS, BULLETINS AND CIRCULAR LETTERS. Reports and bulletins mailed 250,089 Circular letters, including circulars relating to samples of seed grain 60,128 310,217 Branch Experimental Farms, The correspondence conducted by the superintendents of the branch experimental farms is also large, as is shown by the following figures : — Letters received. Letters sent. Experimental Farm, Nappan, N.S 2,675 2,715 " Brandon, Man 4,114 4,089 " Indian Head, Sask 8,469 8,365 Agassiz, B.C 3,328 3,051 18,586 18,220 (( Much additional information has also been sent' out from the branch farms in printed circulars. By adding the correspondence conducted at the branch farms to that of the Central Farm, the total nximber of letters received is found to be 98,393, while those sent out number 54,576. REPORT OF TEE DIRECTOR 45 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS. I beg to tender my thanks for special services rendered and donations sent me during the year, to the Director of the Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plains, Mass., for soerls of many sorts of rare trees and shrubs for trial as to their hardiness and value in dilierent parts of the Dominion; to tlie United States Department of Agriculture, for many favours, including samples of cereals, seeds of fodder crops, &c., for test from foreign countries; to the Director of the Royal Gart^ens, Kew, England, and to many other correspondents for seeds of many sorts of trees, shrubs and plants; also to Prof. John Macoun and Mr, J, M. Macoun of the Geological and Natural History Survey of Canada, for seeds of rare Canadian plants. To the officers of the Central Experimental and Branch Experimental Farms, my thanks are due for their earnest co-operation in carrying on the diuerent divisions of the work. Special acknowledgments are due to those members of the stafF who have assisted me in those branches of which I have had personal charge; to Mr. John Fixter, the farm foreman, for the careful attention he has given to the special tests made with fertilizers on farm crops; to Mr. George Fixter, for his careful supervision and assistance in the distribution of samples of seed grain; to Mr. James Taggart, for the care and good judgment he has shown as foreman in charge of the lawns and ornamental grounds, and to Mr. Wm. T. Ellis, for the careful work he has done in testing the vitality of seeds, the management of the plants in the green-house, in growing and propagating useful plants for outside decoration, and in the taking of meteorological records. I desire also to iear testimony to the faithful services of my secretary Mr. 2ifal- colm C. O'Hanly. The employees also of all the farms have my thanks for the interest they have taken in their work and the care with which they have discharged their respective duties. WM. SAUNDERS, Director of Experimental Farms. 7-8 EDWARD VII. SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 A. 1908 REPORT OF TPIE AGRICULTURIST J. ir. Grisdale, B. Aqr. Dr. Wm. Saundkrs, C.M.G., Director Dominion Experimental Farms, Ottawa. •Sir, — I have the honour to submit herewith reports upon the horses, cattle, sheep, Bwine and farming operations under my supervision during the past year. I have to report a fairly successful year in connection with live stock, but the crop returns in 190G fell very considerably below the average, due largely to exceptional winter weather which destroyed all clover plants in addition to ruining the timothy catch on most new meadows. This most serious state of things was rendered still worse by a too great abundance of moisture in June, drowning about 20 per cent of the grain crop in spite of an excellent drainage system. And to still further injure crop returns July, August and September were months of exceptionally light rain- fall, so permitting only light crops of com and roots and practically allowing of no growth of grass at all. The reports of the returns from the different fields under cultivation attached hereto show clearly the disastrous effects of the varioiis condi- tions which united to render the husbandman's returns unusually small in this part of Canada in 1906. The work in my division was as usual carried on with the efficient co-operation of Mr. John rixter, farm foreman, Mr. C. T. Brettell, herdsman, Mr. Jos. Meilleur, dairyman and Mr. Geo. O. Morisset, secretary, all of whom have lent me their energetic and interested assistance. Mr. John Fixter having found it to his advantage to assume similar but some what more onerous duties at the Macdonald College, Ste. Anne de Bellevue, Quebec, has, X regret to say, left us. His long and faithful service in this division will ever be remembered and appreciated by myself as well as by the farmers of this country. His place has been taken by Mr. Daniel D. Gray, formerly of Point Fortune, Que, During the year I attended a number of meetings in various parts of Canada and took part in various short courses for farmers and farmers' sons in addition to my regular duties on the Central Experimental Farm. From April 1, 1906, to March 31, 1907, 2,973 letters were received, and 4,140 des- patched by the Agricultural division. I have the honour to be, sir. Your obedient servant, J. H. GRISDALE, Agriculturist. LIVE STOCK The live stock now (April 1, 1907) occupying the different stables and i)ens under my charge include horses, cattle, sheep and swine. HORSES. The horses are kept for labour exclusively, although some experimental feeding is usually under way to gain some information as to the most economical methods of feeding draught horses, as well as experiments to determine the comparative values of different foods as forage for the same. 47 48 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 The horses are xisually nineteen in number, at present made up of: — - Twelve hea\'y draught horses of Clydesdale and Percheron blood. Six heavy driving horses. One light driver. CATTLE. There are representatives of four breeds of cattle, viz. : — Shorthorn, Ayrshire, Guernsey and Canadian. There are besides, a number of grade cattle and steers. These cattle are kept for breeding and feeding operations, mostly of an experimental character. Pure bred breeding animals are usually on sale, however, and a considerable number are sold in the course of the year. PURE-BRED BREEDING CATTLE. The pure bred cattle in the barn at present are as follows : — Eighteen Shorthorns, including three bulls and fifteen females. Eighteen Ayrshires, including one buU and seventeen females. Seventeen Guernseys, including four bulls and thirteen females. Eighteen Canadians, including three bulls and fifteen females. GRADE CATTLE. At present the grades number 19 head, made up of 2 Shorthorn grades, 5 Ayr- shire grades, 6 Guernsey grades, and 6 Canadian grades. STEERS, Thirty-three steers are under feed. They are of different ages and breeding, and the num.ber is made of: — Twenty two-year-olds. One yearling. Twelve calves. SHEEP. Sheep are not kept in large num.bers, on^y 26 being now in the pens. Two breeds are kept, namely: Shropshires and Leicesters. There are 13 Shropshires as follows : 3 yearling rams, 9 aged ewes, and 4 shear- ling ewes. There are 10 Leicesters as follows : 6 ewes and 4 rams. SWINE. Two hundred and thirty of all classes are now in the pens being fed experimentally or being kept for breeding purposes. The breeds kept are Berkshire, Tamworth and Yorkshire. The Yorkshires are 142 in number, including 2 stock boars, 39 breeding sows, 101 young pigs. The Berkshires are 31 in number, including 2 stock boars, 9 breeding sows, 20 young pigs. The Tamworths are 33 in number, including 1 stock boar, 8 breeding sows, 21 young pigs, 3 young boars.' Crossbreds, 14 feeders. HOESES. There are 19 horses in the stables. These horses are expected to do the work in the various departments during tlie year. The worli on the ' 200 acre farm ' is but a part of their duties. They v;ork in addition for.. the horticultural and cereal depart- ments, as well as upon the lawns and in the Arboretum. In addition a large amount of hauling in connection with the different departments, as well as road malcing and messenger service, takes up much of their time. o to o cv 3 pa < H X 5'. o O REPORT OP TEE AGRICULTURIST 49 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 HORSE LABOUR. During the year from April 1, 1906, to March 31, 190Y, the work done by the 19 horses kept in the stables here was equivalent to 5901-7 days work, distributed as follows:— Live Stock, hauling fe^d, marketing stock, &c., 104 days; farm work (200 acre farm), 813-4 days; draining and care of roads in winter, 54-2 days; manure on 200-acre farm, 356-8 days; cleaning land, gathering stones, &c., 10 days; arbo- retum, 145 8 days; lawns, &c., 190-2 days; cereal division, 481-1 days; bulletins and reports to and from farm ojffice, 78-9 days; poultry, 29-2 days; mail, including milk delivery, 174 days; omnibus service, including 3 horses for omnibus, 2 horses for general driving and 1 horse for supervision of work, 2,314 days; work about green- house, outbuildings, sidewalks, exhibitions, <&c., 461-5 days. In estimating the cost of farming operations further on in this report, $3 per day is charged for team and driver. To feed and care for the horses cost 32i cents per horse per working day^ and the driver receives $1.72i per 10-hour day. It is evident therefore that the team and driver cost $2.37j ^r day, leaving a margin of 62J cents, or 31^ cents, nearly, per horse per day for wear and tear. EXPERIMENTS WITH HORSES. On January 22, 1907, an experiment to gain some information as to the value of International Stock Food for draught horses was incepted. This was done at the request of a representative of the International Stock Food Co. The experiment was carried on with five teams of heavy horses. One horse in each team received regularly the amount of Stock Food indicated in directions accompanying the barrel of Stock Food shipped us by the manufacturers. One horse received none of this stock food nor any condimental food of any description what- ever. Each horse whether receiving stock food or not received 14 pounds per day of a mixture of 250 poujids of oats and 100 pounds of bran, our standard mixture for heavy horses. First there was some little difficulty in getting the horses to eat up clean the mixture of oats, bran and Stock Food, but they soon learned to take it without difficulty. The experiment might be briefly summarized as fellows: — NTimber of horses getting International stock food — 5. Average weight, January 22, 1907 1.569 lbs. Average weight, March 6, 1907 1,581 " Average gain in 42 days 12 " Number of horses not getting International stock food — 5. Average weight, January 22, 1907 1,560 lbs. Average weight, March 5, 1907 1,611 " Average gain in 42 days K " It would appear therefore that so far as gains in weight are concerned that the stock food was of no value whatever. So far as one could judge of condition of the hoi-ses by their appearance and by their spirit when working those not getting stock food were in no way behind their mates which were receiving stock food. DAIEY CATTLE. The herd of dairy cattle during the year 1906-7 consisted of 50 females all told. They were: — Ayrshires 12 Guernseys . i q Canadians 9 Shorthorns 8 16—4 50 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 Shorthorn grades 2 Ayrshire grades 4 Canadian grades 2 Guernsey grades 7 FEEDING THE DAIRY COWS. Summer Feeding. In summer the area devoted to pasture is necessarily very small since ' The Farm ' consists of 200 acres only and it is expected to produce sufficient hay, roots, ensilage and straw to feed from 120 to IGO head of cattle, 19 to 21 horses, 30 to 50 sheep and from 200 to 300 pigs the year around. Of course it is not attempted to produce sufficient grain to feed this entire stock. The area devoted to pasture so far as milkers, springers and dry cows were con- cerned during the summer of 1906, was 14 acres. This would have been far from sufficient to furnish enough food for the 40 head running thereon no matter how favourable the season, hence with such an unfavourable season for grass as 1906 it proved entirely inadequate. To supplement the pasture ensilage was fed in large quantities, meal in limited quantities being at the same time allowed to the cows in milk. It may hardly be said that ensilage was found to be a summer feed more satisfactory in every respect than the commonly used soiling crops, peas, oats, vetches, rye, clover, alfalfa and green corn. It had, however, some most marked advantages, (1) it was always at hand no matter what the weather, nor no matter how busy the teams and men in the field; (2) it was always in good shape to feed, that is did not vary in character to such a degree as to affect the digestive organs as not infrequently happens where soiling crops are fed; (3) it was alv/ays palatable to the cattle and eaten with aj)parent relish no matter how much other food was available, (4) it required a smaller area to furnish a given amount of food than would have been required had soiling crops been used. The only objection that might be raised would be that considerable loss of ensilage is probable from rot on surface of silo where the ensilage is not used regularly owing to varjung grass supply. Winter Feeding. The roughage ration for the winter months was made up of straw, roots, ensilage and clover hay. The straw was cut, the roots were pulped and a mixture in the pro- portion of 400 pounds ensilage, 200 pounds roots and 30 pounds cut straw prepared every second day. This mixture being put in a solid pile fermented more or less in a few hours, and the whole mass became quite juicy and apparently very palatable to the cows by the time it was being fed. It was fed at the rate of about 40 pounds per 1,000 pounds live weight of cows fed. The meal mixture this year was made up of bran 50 parts, groimd oats 25 parts, gluten 25 parts. This mixture was fed at the same time as the roughage. Each cow received meal in proportion to the amount of milk she was producing. The amount fed varied from 2 pounds per day up to 13 pounds per day. The meal portion was thrown on top of the roughage the cow had just received and the whole mass given a slight stir so as to mix the meal with the roughage, thus ensuring the two being eaten together. After succulent roughage and meal had been consumed clover hay was fed at the rate of about 2 pounds per cow. The cows were fed in this way at 5.30 in the morning and 4 o'clock in the afternoon. The above paragraphs refer of course to the plan or system of feeding followed most of the time or when no experiments in feeding are under way. It also describes fairly well the system of feeding we have found to give on the whole the best results. hfport of the agriculturist 51 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 Tins system is also the one followed to serve as a check system or basis of comparison where other sj-stems or rations or foodstuffs are being tried. EEEEDING AND FEEDING THE DATEY CALF. The robvist, healthy, vigorous and probably profitable dairy calf is the result of wise mating and judicious feeding. THE SIRE. The sire should have been a pure bred animal coming from heavy milking ancestry on both sides. lie should have been kept in good health and in serviceable condition by careful feeding' and sufficient exercise. A mature sire is likely to throw more vigorous stock than a young immature animal. Bulls may be expected to prove efficient as stock getters till 8 or 9 years of age and even later. THE DAM. The cow should be kept in good health and in good condition while carrying a calf. Particularly is this true the G or 8 weeks immediately preceding delivery. The m.ature cow shoidd be dried off at least G weeks previous to dropping the next calf. In the case of the heifer with her first calf she should have been fed generovisly and wisely during the whole period of pregnancy. Her food should have been such as would have been suitable for a cow in full flow of milk. The most suitable foods be- ing pasture grass, clover hay, roots, ensilage, bran^ oats and oil meal. She should drop her first calf when about 2 years old. THE CALF TO RAISE. Objection is sometimes made to raising calves from heifers. If the heifers have been properly mated and wisely fed during pregnancy the calves are likely to prove as satisfactory as stock from older cows. In the case of grade heifers, however, it may scarcely be considered wise to raise the first calf since the milking qualities being unknown the breeder might later find himself with a six or nine months calf from an unsatisfactory cow on his hands. AT CALVING TIME. The cow should be placed in a box stall a few days before due to calve. She should be kept on a somewhat lighter ration than usual and her food should be rather laxa- tive in character, bran, clover, roots or ensilage. The calf may be left with her for two or three days. She should be milked in addition to what the calf draws from her. In the case of very heavy milking cows likely to suffer from milk fever it is advisable to stop short of drawing off all the milk for three or four days. This practice has saved us all trouble from milk fever for the last five or six years. Only a light ration should be fed for several days after calving and the cow should be brought to full feed very gradually, say in three weeks after parturition. FEEDING THE CALF. The calf should be removed from the cow the second or third day. It should then be taught to drink. This may be done about as follows: — Take a quart of warm IG-^i 52 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 new milk in a 10 quart pail. Give the calf two fing!ers to suck air between. Gradu- ally lower its nose into the pail. When it finds milk instead of air entering between the fijig'ers it is likely to relax the neck and start 'to take milk. Do not sink the nose so far into the milk as to cover the nostrils. If it will not drinl^ at first, leave it for a few hours to work up an appetite. After a few days it may gradually be weaned from the fingers. Whole miUi should be fed for at least one week. During the next week the change from whole milk to skim milk should gradually be brought about. Sulistitute each day a regularly increasing proportion of skim miUt for the same amount of whole milk withdrawn. The skim milk should be fed warm, from 90 to 100 degrees Fahr., no more, no less. To replace the fat removed from the skim milk as well as to furnish additional pro- tein, it is well to add some flaxseed jelly to the ration. This jelly should be added in small quantities at first and slowly increased. Begin with a desertspoonful in each portion and gradually increase until about a cupful is being fed night and morning to the three months old calf. To prepai'e the jelly, boil or rather steep one pound of whole flaxseed in water almost boiling ixntil a thick paste results. Another method of preparation is to take half a cup of ground flax in a quart of water and allow to simmer just below the boil- ing point until a thick jelly is formed. It should be kept cool and sweet until fed. In addition to the flax jelly a little diy bran and whole oats should be fed. Start with very small quantities. Some clean sweet clover hay will be a valuable addition to the ration at a very early age. ^Vhey may be used where skim miUc is not to be had. Change from mill?: to whey as from whole milk to skim milk (see method outlined above). The flax seed meal jelly, &c., should be used just as with skim millc. Where skim milk or whey is not available calves may be raised on hay tea. Boil cut clover or even timothy in water until a strong decoction or tea is obtained. Wean the calf from milk to this tea precisely as described from whole milk to skim milk above. The same supplementary feeds may be used in somewhat larger quantities. The skim milli should be fed sweet for some time at least. If it is likely, how- ever, that it will sometimes be sour it is advisable to gradually change to sour milk and feed sour millc invariably. The same counsel applies to whey. Calves should be kept in scrupulously clean pens. These should be dry and warm in winter and cool and dry in summer. A strict observance of the following general directions will almost certainly ensure success : 1. Treat calves kindly and carefully. 2. Be scrupulously clean as to food, pails or troughs and pens or quarters. 3. Make all changes in character of food very gradually. This applies whether changes be as to temperature percentage of butter-fat, acidity or sweetness, quantity, times of feeding, or any other feature in connection with the food. 4. Feed only wholesome food, feed regularly, and feed in sufficient quantities but not too generously. DAIRY COW RECOEDS. KEEPING RECORDS. The effort to interest dairymen in the returns from their individual cows has been continued, and many farmers seem to be awakening to a knowledge of the fact that the im^provement of the whole herd demands the study of the unit; that is a close acquaintance with the expenditure upon the individual cow and the returns from the same. REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURIST 63 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 This can be determined in no other way than by keeping an exact record of the daily milk yield. A record of the daily food consumption would also be of great use if it could be kept. Many farmers who have been keeping such records for some time report very strongly in favour of this kind of work. As soon as the farmer sets to work to know what, his cows are doing by keeping a record he finds himself much more closely in touch with his business. lie sees r.t once the effect of better care and better fc-cding. lie notes the great difference in returns between the best and the worst cows in his herd and cannot help but deter- mine to get rid of the poor ones and replace them with good ones. Even the poor cows are improved because better feeding is almost certain to be tried, and quite certainly poor ferdin^ is responsible for many of our unprofitable dairy cows and even for many unprofitable dairy herds. To facilitate the keeping of such records and to help in the biulding up of dairy- ing interests in Canada, forms similar to the following are supplied on application: — DAILY MILK RECORD. Herd belonging to PostOffico.. Record fi.r week ending. {This form suiiplied free by Live Stock Division, Central Expfriuj^^ntal Farm, Ottawa. Ont.) COWS. Day. . Time. — — Total for ri:^y. RiiTiflav Morning. Evenin*^ • AT on H n V Mornirg. . ' ■ Evening Morning Evening ^Tomincr • Tuesday . . . 1 ...!...! _i W^ednesda'.' ! • 1 Evening . . Morning ]'] veiling ' i Thursday ...|... ■. . i.. Friday Mornin;' ....... Evening 1 Momin' ■ 1 1 Evening 1 1 Week — ' . . . Tot.-l . ... 1 1 i 1 1 (Reverse) Cextr.^l E.xperimental F.\rm. Wm. Saunders, Director. J. H. Grisdale, Live Stock and Agriculture. MILK RECORDS. 1. The profitable dairy cow must give over 5,000 pounds of milk each year. To know the value of a cow, her total annual yield of milk must be known. The only way to know this is to keep a record of her daily milk yield. 2. The form on the other side of this sheet is intended to help progressive dairy farmers by supplying them with a simple and convenient sheet for the keeping of the millc records of their individual cows. A study of such records will soon indicate 54 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 which cows shonld go to the butcher. We would be pleased to receive a summary of your record. If you have no summary forms, write us. 3. Such records are being kept by hundreds of successful dairymen to-day. Many of these men attribute their success to the keeping of such records. Why not give the thing a trial if you are a dairyman ? It will increase your milk product. It will lighten your labour since your interest will be increased in your work, and ' interest lightens labour.' It will show you the unprofitable cow the ' boarder.' You cannot get rid of her too quickly. 4. For weighing the milk a simple spring balance may be secured for from one and a half to four dollars. If your local dealer cannot supply you, write the under- signed for particulars. A small platform scale is fairly convenient, but we find the spring balance preferable. 5. Many farmers keep records of the amount of food fed to individual cows. If you would like to do so, sample forms would be sent free on writing J, II. Grisdale, Agriculturist, Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa, Ont. COST OF FEEDING. In estimating the cost of feeding, the following prices were charged for feed stuffs, being the average local market rates for the same during the season of 1005, save in the case of ensilage and roots, which are charged for at the rate usually affixed in experimental feeding in all parts of Amreica. Pasture (per month) $ 1 00 per cow. Bran 16 00 per ton. Gluten meal 25 00 " Oil meal 30 00 " Oats and barley 21 00 Clover hay 7 00 Chaff 4 00 " Eoots and ensilage 2 00 " In estimating the value of the product, 22 cents per pound is allowed for the butter and 15 cents per 100 pounds for the skim millc. The buttet sells at from 25 to 33 cents per pound and it is considered that as feeds are dearer and wages higher and average prices for dairy products in Canada very much higher than a few years ago, the increase from 20 to 22 is necessary and justifiable to permit of comparing our results with those obtained by farmers in different parts of Canada. The Central Experimental Farm dairy herd records as given below make only a moderate showing. No effort is being made just at present to get particularly large yields from the cattle, the aim now being to get some g'ood breeding stock. As will be noted the pure bred cows are being milked for rather shorter periods than usual. This is on account of their being bred to come in at as short intervals as ipossible. In the groups of three cows of each breed and three grades it will be noticed that the grades are being milked longer periods than the pure breds, hence make a somewhat better showing. 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X g?? g ;??? 03X Tfi g Cl rH © m t^x n © in Cl CO Q pi © r-© t-Cl CJ XCOCl © in o »n -I" CO Cl o o C. 1^ 1^ ~ 1—1 1— ( -*- I- -r c -. :; C -H t^ in -r t^ ■T X ■>»< -r ^ -^ Cl© o C c; -»■ ©_©_© 1— t T— I 8.5S 1-1 Cl in i-l rl 1-1 2,130 2,344 2,285 1-1 rH 8-98 10 15 11-85 t^eo rH in rH X C CJ X Cl X X m o o © in b X rH O f -r f coo; r-l ©rr^J" m CO r^ © X © T rH CO ©'t^Tx* t^X l^ b-M Cl rH d Cl S33 CO coco © © © C © © ©'i>ri-r ClrHi-l ««!-: ril © © -J Quennie G. g Alma G. g Polly C.g 63 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 GLUTEN, OIL MEAL, COTTON SEED MEAL VS. BRAN AND OATS. During the winter of 1906-7 an experiment was undertaken to gain some infor- mation as to the value of gluten, oil meal, and cottonseed meal as feeds in comparison with bran and oats. The tables which follow give a full history of the experiment. It will be seen that while these feeds, especially oil meal and gluten, checked the falling off in millv flow they at the same time raised the cost of production so that the period when bran was being fed holds first place in economy. Gluten meal period is very close behind, however, and has the advantage of having not only checked the natural decrease in milk flow but even induced a slight incre'ase. VALUES OF MIXTURES. Oats and bran mixture, equal parts $20 00 per tOn. Oats, bran and gluten meal mixture, equal parts 21 60 " Oats, bran and oil meal mixture, equal parts. ... 23 40 " Oats, bran and cottonseed meal mixture, equal parts 26 60 " These were the prices the feeds cost us. Group I. — Bran, Oats, Gluten, Oil Meal and Cotton Seed Meal Experiment. Item consideked. Period. Number of days on feed Amount meal mixture consumed in period Average amount meal per cow per day . Amount roots and ensilage consumed by group in period _ Average amoimt roots and ensilage per cow per day • • Amount hay consumed by group in period Total milk in average day of period .... Total milk produced by group in period Total milk produced by group in first three days of i>eriod _. . . . Total milk produced by group in last three days of period Value of food consumed by group during period ■_ . . • Valae of food consumed by group in one day Cost of 100 lbs. milk produced by group during period . . . Cost of 100 lbs. milk produced by group during first three days of period. . . . Cost of 100 lbs. milk produced by group during last three days of period . . Normal rate of decrease in milk flow during period Rate of decrease—; or increase+ ; during period _• Average per cent of fat in milk during period Meal Mixture Fed. Pre- liminary Oats 100, Bran 100. Feb. 21 to Mar. 6. 14 3C1 lbs. 26GO .1 475 M IfxS n 86 „ 121 Oi M 268-5 .. 255 .. $6 89 0 49A 0 57 0 56-3 0 579 4 p.c —1-3 p.c. 44 p.c. Oats 100, Bran 100. Oats 100, Bran 100, OU meal 100. Mar. 7 to Mar. 20. 14 364 lbs. C^ u 2380 „ 43 .. I'S „ 82 „ 1U7 M 250 „ 244 „ $6 61 0 47t\ 0 57-6 0 56-7 0 58-1 4 p.c. —2-3 p.c. 46 p.c, Mar. 21 to April 3. Oats 100, Bran 100, Gluten 100. Oats 100, Bran 100, Cotton seed meal 100. April 4 to April 17. 14 364 lbs 6i „ 2359 ., 42 „ 168 „ 76- 5 „ 1145 ,. 243i It 241 1, $7 21 0 5U 0 63 0 63 0 64 4 p.c. — 1 p.c. 4'6 p.c. 14 364 lbs. H •• 2338 „ 41-5 M 108 ,. 82 „ 1148^ „ 241 „ 242 „ $6 80 0 49 0 60 0 60 0 60 4 p.c. + '4 p.c. 4" 4 p.c. April IS to May 2. 14 364 lbs. 1820 „ 32i „ 168 M 86 ., 1117* „ 247 .. 241 „ $6 71 0 47iJ 0 60 0 58-2 0 59-7 4 p.c. —2 4 p.c. 4'4 p.c. REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURIST 61 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 Group II. — Bran, Oats, Gluten, Oil Meal and Cotton Seed Meal Experiment. Item CoN-sioKiiEn. P.ii'H. Meal Mixture Fed. Number of days on fted AmiUMt meal mixture consumed in period Average amount meal per cow per day.. Amount roots and ensilage consumed by group in period Average amount routs and ensilage i)er cow per day Amount hay consumed by group in period Total milk in averape day of period. . . Total milk produced by group in periodj Total milk pronucid by group in firsci three days of jjerind I Total milk produced by group in last! three days of period | Value of food consumed by group duriugi period | Value of food consumed by group in onei day I Cost of 100 lbs. milk produecid by grou;>| during period j Ck)st of i'iO Ib-i. milk pioduced by groujii during first three day.s of period Cost of 100 lbs. milk produced by group] during last three days of period Normal riite of decrease m milk-flowl during period Rate of decrease — ; orincrease+; during period Averape jwr cent of fat in milk during period Pre- liminary Brnn I'X), Oats 100. Oats 100, Bran 100, Oil meal 100. Feb. 21 to Mar. r,. Mar. 17 to Mar. 20. 14 30 ^ Ibr,. 5i „ 2GC0 » i 47 -5 .. 168 „ 72 .. 1003 .. 15 5 „ 210i .. $6 33 0 45tV 0 63 0 63 0 64-4 4 p.c. —2 p.c. 4-2 p.c. 14 308 lbs, 5i .. 2520 „ 45 II 1(18 ., 70 „ 98(;i „ 2m\ „ 21 2i „ $6 71 0 47H 0 63 0 68-2 0 67-3 4 p.c. + 15 p.c. 4 7 p.c. Oats 100, I'.ran 100, Gluten 100. M;ir. 21 to April 3. Oats 100, Bran 100, Cotton seed meal 100. Bran 100, Oats 100. 14 308 lbs. 250G „ 44 t\ 1C.8 M 7:' ., 1005 i .. 2ifU ., 217i .. 5S 43 0 45J^J 0 64 0 64 0 64 4 p.c. + -4 p.c. 47 p.c. April 4 to April 17. 14 .308 lbs. 5.i ,._ 2492 .. 44^ .. 168 ,. 71 .. 988^ ,. 214 .. 212i ., $8 71 0 47H 0 67-8 0 67-3 0 679 4 p.c. — '7 p.c. 4-7 p.c. April IS to May 2. 14 308 lbs. 5^ .. 19C0 .. 35 .. 168 „ 67-6 ,. 947- 5 .. 211 .. 197 .. §5 63 0 40j'j 0 59 4 0 57 2 0 61 2 4 p.c. — 66 p.c. 45 i>.c. 62 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 Group III. — Bran, Oats, Gluten, Oil Meal and Cotton Feed Meal Experiment. Item Considered. Period. Meal Mixtukb Fed. Pre- liminary, Bran 100, Oats 100. Oats 100, Bran 100, Gluten 100. Knmber of days on feed Amount meal mixture consumed m period - Average amount meal per cow per day Amount roots and ensilage consumed by grouji in period Average amount roots and ensilage per cow per day Amount hay consumed by group m period Total milk in average day of period . . Total milk produced byg^oupin period. Total milk produced by group in first three days of period Total milk produced by group in last three days of period Value of food consumed by group during period Value of food consumed by group in one day . Cost of 100 lbs. milk produced by group during period Cost of 109 lbs. milk produced by group during first three days of period. . . Cost of lOO lbs. milk produced by group during last three days of period . Normal rate of decrease in milk flow during period Rate of decrease — ; or increase + during period Average p>er cent of fat in milk during period Feb. 21 to Mar. 6. 14 308 lbs. 5i M Mar. 17 to Mar. 20 HO 46^ ,. 1G8 ,> 70 II 1,0G3^ „ 228 .. 228^ u $6 26 0 441£ 0 59 0 59 0 59 4 p.c. 42 p.c O.ats 100, Bran 100, Cotton seed meal 100. Mar. 21 to Apl. 3. 14 308 lbs. 5i n 2,380 „ les: .. 77 M l,077.i .. 223 M 233 .1 $6 30 0 45 0 58-5 0 CO 5 0 58 4 p.c. + 4'4 p.c. 4-7 p.c. 14 308 lbs, 5i M 2,359 „ 42 „ 168 „ 76 II 1,001^ II 230 ,1 2211 „ SG 53 0 47 0 62 0 61 0 63 4 p.c. -2 6 p.c. 49 p.c. Oats 100, Bran 100. Apl. 4 to Apl. 17. Oats 100, Bran 100, Oil meal 100. 14 308 lbs. 5i .1 2,338 „ 42 ,, 163 „ 71 .. 977 ,1 217i „ 206^ I. $6 01 0 42H 0 61-5 0 59-3 0 G2-4 4 p.c. — 5 p.c. 4 5 p.c. Apl. 18 to May 2. 14 303 lbs. 5i I. 1,820 „ 32^ u 1G8 I, G6 „ 933 ., 207^ M 199 ,1 $6 01 0 42^ 0 64-5 0 62 3 0 64-8 4 p.c. — 4 p.c. 4-2 p.c. liEPORT OF THE AGRICULTURIST 63 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 Group IV. — Bran, Oats, Gluten, Oil Meal and Cotton Seed Meal Experiment. It::m CoNsinERED. Period. Number of days on feed Amount meal mixture consumed in period Average amount meal per cow per day.. Amount roots and ensilage consumed by grou|) in period .... Average amount roots and ensilage per cow i)er day . Amount hay consumed by group in period ..._.. ... Total milk in average day of period ... Total milk produced by group in period. Total milk produced by group in first three days of period Total milk produced by group in last three days of period .«. Value of food consumed by group during jieriod Value of food consumed by group in one day ■ Cost of 100 lbs. milk produced by group during jieriod Cost of 100 lbs. milk produced by group during hrst three days of period Cost of TOO lbs. milk produced by group daring last three days of period .... Normal rate of decrease in milk flow during period Rate of decrease — ; or increase + ; during period Average per cent of fat in milk during period Me.\l Mixture Fed. Pre- liminary, Bran 100, Oats 100. Feb. 21 to Mar. 6. 14 392 lbs. 7 .. 2,GG0 M m ■• 168 „ S7i ,. 1,225^ „ 26G M 264i „ S7 17 OoltV 0 59 0 60 0 59 4 p.c. — 1 p.c. 43 p.c. Bran 100, Oats 100, Cotton seed meal 100. Mar. 17, to Mar. 20. 14 392 lbs. 7 M 2,600 „ m .. 168 .- 88 „ 1,233 ., 2.57 .. 207^ .. S7 88 0 bGj\ 0 G4 0 66 0 63 4 p.c. + 2-5 p.c. 4*4 p.c. Bran 100, Oats 100. Mar. 21 ~ to Apl. 3. 14 392 lbs. 7 M 2,590 „ 46i „ 168 >. 83 1. 1,166 „ 259 .. 246i M S7 10 0 5018 0 61 0 59 0 61-5 4 p.c. — 5 p.c. 4 4 p.c. Bran 100, Oats 100, Oil meal 100. Apl. 4 to Apl. 17. 14 392 lbs. 7 II 2,520 „ 45 .. 168 - 83 „ l,167i .. 2-16i „ 254 „ $7 70 0 55 0 66 0 67 0 65 4 p.c. + 3-2 p.c. 4-8 p.c. Bran 100, Oats 100, Gluten 100. Apl. 18 to May 2. 14 392 lbs. 7 M 2,030 „ 36i „ 168 H 82 ■■ 1,119 „ 250 .. 252' .. $6 85 48H 0 59-6 0 58-7 0 58-2 4 p.c. + •8 p.c. 44 p.c. 64 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 Summary of Bran, Oats, Gluten, Oil Meal and Cotton Seed Meal Experiment, Item Considered. Period. Meal Mixture Fed. Pre- liminary, Oats 100, Bran 100. Oats 100, Eran IGO. Number of days o;i feed Amouut meal mixture consumed in p)eriod Average amount meal per cow per day. Amount roots and ensilage consumed by fifroup in period Average amount roots and ensilage per cow per day Amount hay consumed by group in period Total milk in average day of period . . . Total milk produced by g^roup in period. Total . milk produced by group in first three days of period ... Total milk produced by group in last three days of period Value of food consumed by group during period Value of food consumed by group in one day Cost of 100 lbs, milk produced by group during period Normal rate of decrease in milk flow during period Rate of decrease — ; or increase + during period Average per cent of fat in mi'k duiin period 14 1,372 lbs. 61 .. 10,570 „ 47-2 „ 672 ,. 320-5 M ' 4,502-5 ,. 998 .. 958-5 „ $26 65 1 90-4 0 591 4 p,c, —31 p.c. 4-3 p c. Oats 100, I'.r.ui 100, Oil meal 100. 14 1,372 lbs. 6-1 „ 9,208 .. 41-5 M 672 M 3(^3-6 ,- 4,237-5 M 937-5 n 893 .. $25 35 1 811 0 59-8 4 p.c, — 3'7 p.c, 4-5 p.c. Oats 100, Bran 100, Gluten 100. 14 1,372 lbs. 61 „ 9,219 ,. 41 .. 672 .< 295-5 „ 4,231-5 ,. 907 .. 908-5 .. $27 63 1 96-6 0 65-3 4 p.c. 4*6 p.c. Oats 100, Bran 100, Cotton Seed meal 100. 14 1,372 lbs. 61 ,. 9,254 „ 4]-l M 672 M 313 M 4,380-5 „ 940-5 „ 944-5 „ $20 44 1 48-8 0 00 o 4 p.c, + -4 p.c. 4-5 p.c 14 1,372 lbs, 01 .. 9,331 .. 41-6 ,. 672 „ 321 .. 4,400-5 .. 948 n 945 5-,. $27 £3 1 9!t 1 0 63 -3 4 p.c. — ■2 p.c, 4-G p.c. INTERNATIONAL STOCK FOOD FOR DAIRY COWS. At the instance of the International Stock Food manufacturers, an experiment to get some information as to the value of Stock Food as an addition to the ration of dairy cows in millv was instituted. The report which follows does not seem to indicate that it has much value as a food for this class of stock. In the valuation put on the food when Stock Food was fed no account is taken of the cost of the Stock Food. REPORT OF TEE AGRICTULTVRIST SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 09 o O d P u o o Pm M o O ■*^ CQ . o lO toi 00 ict~c5(r-i«ec:t^-n'co3o-»"CT* 1.-3 C= O CO iM.-H-^oooc;a>ci05t^ rj ^ CO l~rH O _ O rH r^ rH s s " s "S-^ t- 15 ^- 3 0) .;^£c c CO m i-O 12 ^ CO CO r-l 30 « ^ 'Z^^ ec ^ O • ^ 1- o "(MrHco-^cooeooowco -S O t— ( m ■ t- t- O r-lrHI-mmiav-'J'-^'Vt^ c 5-^ O n^ tH • C^ eo .'^ 3 tn 0 •^ 3 2 c>^ = ^ P ^ CO o y, .^^ o »> c o r-i ic 12 CI CI CO c; O < o 'Z"^ O ■* in ^^ CI -*< o CO -* CI CI ^ o cr. © -<• o o 1^ 'S o . e^i t; S=» CO to r-i CO lO lO •*■♦■«' ■<9' •V 00 a p< 3 --§ •5 3 -1 CO '^^ r- ^• CO ^ 05 2 S P c 0. a, ■2 3 iO o C5 rH IQ CJ 00 lO IS ■<»• ^ 03 pa 3 EC O t^-* O CO -^ -t" 12 CO in N -♦> GO O kO CI -^ •'f CI t~ /^ o ««-t T— t c: t-oo r-l CO O tCrHCOlT, OOOOIOICO CO' f- rH s o T3^ 1^ &. o o •T3 c • co in lO cj o in t^ c o a O >^ c »o ;iO . cjiAin in CI «■ 53 t^i«< rH •IM OC t- • I- CI '.^ S .£ . . . If'H ^ 'sh 0) . >> . . o r-.CjCO u ' * • c3 bs tic • -o ■ ■ • o 3 C B • X 1 2 'a fen 3 c- b : -■2.-^.2 s^^ c.. ■ C ' - r- J£ > f- C C c :ot«^ : -c-c^c.S-S^ o ?3S a n = b S c -S 3 2 -_ -r >.— .52 ." i S O^TDvS 2 2 S"^^ «" ? i^ " -^ ■'^ St3 .w;^ IPs : o^ eS c : c 1 r- •is « * 1 4 ;2 O 16—5 DO EXPERIIIEXTAL FARMii 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 ROOTS VS. ENSII.AGE FOP. DAIRY COWS. In JaiTuary and February an experiment -was undertaken -witli dairy ccws -to g^t some idea as to whether the addition of a certain proportion of roots to the en- silage ration fed would in any way influence the yield of milk. The roots were mixed with the ensilage in the proportion of 100 pounds roots to 200 pounds corn ensilage. In each case the cows were given all they would eat of the succulent part of the ration. They were at the same time fed as much meal as the millc flow warranted, that is about 1 pound meal to 3 pounds milk produced. The results do not seem to show up very strongly in favour of roots. No conclusions are to be drawn, however, just at present as it is proposed to try the experiment on. a more comprehensive scale at a later date. Experiment to compare Roots with Ensilage. Item Considered. Rati'-'N Fed. Preliminary Period. 1st Period, no Roots. 2nd Period, Roots. Period. Dec. 25 to Jan. 1, 1907. Jan. 2 to Jan. 22. Jan. 23 to Feby. 13. Number of days on feed Amount meal mixture consumed in period Lbs. Average amount meal per cow per day m Amount ensilage con^■umed by group in period m Amount roots and ensilage consumed by group in period h Average amount ot ensilage per cow per day n Average amount of roots and ensilage per cow per day. >• Total milk in average day of period <• Total milk produced by group in period t » II II in 1st 3 days of period., u II II II in last 3 II n . n Value of food consumed by group during period $ 11 II 11 in 1 day S Cost of 100 lbs. milk produced by group during period. .Cts. II 100 II 11 II II 1st 3 days, h 11 100 11 ". . " " last 3 days n Normal rate of decrease in milk-flow during period Lbs. Rate of decrease-; or increase; during period. h 658 5-5 21 2,016 5-6 16,800 21 1,890 5-29 6,070 5i'6'" 221-9 1,553-5 655-5 684-5 13 80 1 97 88-8 90-2 86-3 2-5% 20,040 47- 267-8' 5,624-5 752 800 40 65 I 93-5 70-5 . 77-1 72-5 7-5% + 0-3% 56-1 2.35-6 4,9W 773 5 6S0 42 69 2 03 86-2 78-7 89-6 7-5% -12% BEEF PRODUCTION. SOME REMARKS. No line of farming affords more genuine pleasure to its devotees than does beef production. There is a feeling of satisfaction and pleasure in watching a good hearty steer make way with his food and lay on flesh that scarce any other feature in farming can approach. Nor need the farmer be satisfied with the pleasure aloue, for where skill and judgment are exercised good profits are practically sure to folloy. The profits likely to accrue to him who feeds steers wisely and well are of two kinds. In the first place having bought good steers at a reasonable price he is likely to be able to sell them at such an advance on cost when fat as not only to recoup his outlay for both stockers and feed, but to leave a g'ood margin of profit. To put it in REPORT OF TDE AGRICULTURIST 67 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 anotlier way, he is likely to be able to sell a steer that has cost him to start with say, $40, and that has cost for feed $20 more during the feeding period, not for $60 which would recoup him, but for $70 or possibly for even $80, leaving him a profit of from $10 to $20 on his outlay of money and feed. Such margins of profit do not al- ways materialize, but one other advantage the farmer is certain to reap. Since a large amount of food passes through the steer in the fatting process and since the increase in live weight is relatively small and of a character to remove very little material of any fertilizing value from this food it is all available for use on the land, and in addi- tion a large amount of humus forming material of the very best kind is at the farmer's disposal. Farms where beef has been produced for years and the manure utilized are in- variably productive. In addition it must be remembered that the farmer by feeding beef makes for himself a home market for all the forage of every description that he can raise on the farm, so even did he find himself at the end of the year with scarcely more than market prices or even less for feed given his steers he might still console himself with the fact that it had practically all gone back on his land and he would be sure to reap the advantage later. FEEDIXa STEERS. The methods followed in feeding, steers have a great deal to do with the success of the operations. The feeds used are of course also of very great im.portancc. The economical results obtained here are, we consider, due to the system followed. Briefly outlined, that system is as follows : — For from two to four weeks steers receive no meal in addition to the roughnge ration. The roughage ration fed is of a laxative character^ viz. : roots, ensilage and clover hay. Roots usually constitute the major part of the succulent portion of the ration at this time, the first 3 or 4 weeks after stabling. At the end of from two to four weeks meal is fed. The quantity given at first is very small, about 1 pound per steer per day. This is gradually increased till, if the feeding period last say six months, the steers are usually receiving from 10 to 11 pounds per day during the last 10 days or fortnight. The meal fed always contains a considerable proportion of bran. In 1905-6 oil meal and bran were fed. In 1906-7 gluten meal and bran made up the meal ration. The proportion was gluten 400 to bran 100. The roughage ration was prepared as follows : — 300 pounds ensilage was spread on the feed floor, over this was spread 100 pounds roots with about 40 pounds cut hay or straw. This was repeated layer after layer until enough for two days was corded up ready to feed. The meal is scattered on the roughage in the trough after it is before the cattle. The hay is fed when the succulent portion of the feed with the meal mixed therein, has been practically all eaten. The cattle are fed in this way night and morning, no portion being fed at noon. SCOPE OP REPORT. On account of the change In the date of beginning the fiscal year, it is necessary i'n this report to summarize the work of two seasons so far as beef production is con- cerned. The report on this line of work is accordingly divided into two parts, viz. : — Experiments in 1905-6, and experiments in 1906-7. EXPERIMENTS IN 1905-6. WINTEB FEEDINa. The lines of experiment followed in the winter of 1905-6 were as follows: — A. A study of the feeding qualities of well bred as compared with fairly well bred and poorly bred steers. This might be expressed ditferently, thus: — Had the farmer better feed, superior, good or inferior cattle so far as profits are concerned! 16— 5J 68 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDVMRD VII., A. 1908 B. A study of baby beef production. C. Cost of beef from birth to block at various ages. D. A study of the production of stall fed beef in summer. 'A.' • In the autumn of 1905 three groups of steers differing markedly as to quality were selected in this district. Group 1, consisted of 9 steers weighing 1,263 pounds each and of excellent breeding and conformation. These cost delivered, 4 cents per pound. Group 2, consisted of 8 steers weighing 1,111 pounds each of good breeding and very fair conformation. These cost delivered, 3^ cents per pound. Group 3, consisted of 8 steers weighing 1,037 pounds each of mongrel breeding and poor conformation from the beef producer's standpoint. These cost delivered, 3 cents per pound. Lot 1. Number of steers in lot 9 First weight, gross, Dec. 11, 1905 11,370 lbs. First weight, average 1,263 " Finished weight, gross, April 6, 1906 13,480 " Finished weight, average 1,49 7i " Total gain in 116 days ; . . . 2,110 " Average gain per steer 234 " Daily gain per steer 2-02 "' Daily gain for lot, 9 steers 18-18 " Gross cost of feed $ 161 25 'Cost of 100 pounds gain 7 64 Cost of steers, 11,370 pounds at $4 per 100 pounds 454 80 Total cost to produce beef, $454-80 + $160-25 616 05 Sold, 13,480 at $5.25 per 100 pounds, less 4 per cent 679 39 Profit or loss— profit 63 34 Net profit per steer 7 04 Average buying price per steer 50 53 Average selling price per steer 75 49 Average increase in value 24 96 Average cost of feed for steer 17 92 Amount of meal eaten by lot of 9 steers 6,670^1bs. Amount of ensilage and roots 66,776 " Amount of hay 5,022 " Lot 2. Number of steers in lot 8 First weight, gross, Dec. 11, 1906 8,890 lbs First weight, average 1,111 " Finished weight, gross, April 6, 1906 10,985 " Finished weight, average 1,373 " Total gain in 116 days 2,095 " Average gain per steer 262 Daily gain per steer 226 Daily gain for lot, 8 steers 18-08 Gross cost of feed $ 140 73 Cost of 100 pounds gain 6 72 Cost of steers, 8,890 pounds at $3 50 per 100 pounds. . 311 15 Total cost to produce beef, $311-16 + $140-73 541 88 li u REPORT OF TEE AGRICULTURIST 69 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 Sold 10,985 Us. at $5 25 per 100 lbs., less 4 per cent. . $ 553 66 Profit or loss— profit 101 78 Net profit per steer 12 72 Average buying' price per steer 38 89 Average selling price per steer G9 21 Average increase in value 30 32 Average cost of feed for steer 17 60- Amount of meal eaten by lot of 8 steers 5,936 lbs. Amount of ensilage and roots 57,048 " Amount of bay 4,408 " Lot 3. Number of steers in lot 8 First weight, gross 8,30C lbs. First weight average 1,037 " Finished weight, gross 9,990 " Finished weight average 1,248 " Total gain in 116 days 1,690 " Average gain per steer 211 " Daily gain per steer 1-82 " 'Daily gain for lot, 8 steers 14-50 " Gross cost of feed ' $ 145 40 Cost of 100 lbs. g.",iii 8 60 Cost of steers, 8,300 lbs. at $3 per 100 lbs 249 00 Total cost to produce beef, $249 + $145-40 394 40 Sold, 9,990 lbs. at $4 50 per 100 lbs., less 4 per cent. . 431 59 Profit or loss — profit 37 12 Net profit per steer 4 65 Average buying price per steer 31 13 Average selling price per steer 53 95 Average increase in value 22 82 Average cost of feed for steer 18 18 Amount of meal eaten by lot of 8 steers 6,326 lbs. Amount of ensilage and roots 57,048 Amount of hay 4,464 " *D.' SPRIXG FEEDING. In the spring of 1906 two groups of steers were purchased to experiment with as to possibility of profitably producing beef in the stable to compete in the open market with grass fed beef. Lot 1, consisted of 10 steers weighing 1,080 lbs, each and cost us 4 cents per lb. delivered. Lot 2, consisted of steers weighing 883 lbs. each and cost us 3^ cents per lb. delivered. Lot 1. Number of steers in lot 10 First weight, gross, April 21, 1906 10,800 lbs. First weight, average 1,080 Finished weight, gross, July 23, lOOG 12,825 " Finished weight averag^^ 1,282 " Total gain in 92 days 2,025 " Average gain per steer 203 70 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDV/ARD VII., A. 1903 Daily gain per steer 2-21 Daily gain for lot, 10 steers 22-10 Gross cost of feed $ 128 93 Cost of 100 lbs. gain 6 37 Cost of steers, 10,800 lbs. at $4 per 100 jbs 432 00 Total cost to produce beef, $432 + $128 93 560 93 Sold, 12,825 at $5 25 per 100 lbs., less 4 per cent. ... 673 31 Profit or less— profit 112 38 Net profit per steer 11 24 . Average buying price per steer 43 20 Average selling price per steer 67 33 Average increase in value 24 13 Average cost of feed for steer 12 89 Amount of meal eaten by lot of 10 steers 6,410 lbs. Amount of ensilage and roots 43,725 " Amount of hay 3,280 " Lot 2. ITumber of steers in lot ' 10 First weight, gross, April 7, 1906 8,830 lbs. First weight, average 883 " Finished weight, gross, August 2, 1900 11,710 " Finished weight, average 1,171 " Total gain in 116 days 2,880 " Average gain per steer 288 " Daily gain per steer 2-46 " Daily gain for lot, 10 steers , 24-60 Gross cost of feed $ 129 19 Cost of 100 lbs. gain 4 52 Cost of steers, 8,830 lbs. at $3 50 per 100 lbs 309 05 Total cost to produce beef, $309 05 + $129 19 438 24 Sold, 11,710 at $4.50 per 100 lbs., less 4 per cent. ... 505 87 Profit or loss— profit 67 63 Net profit per steer 6 76 Average buying price per steer 30 91 Average selling price per steer 50 59 Average increase in value 19 68 Average cost of feed for steer 12 92 Amount of meal eaten by lot of 10 steers 4,940 lbs. Amount of ensilage and roots 58.275 " Amount of hay 4,030 " ' B.' . BABY BEEF. During the winter of 1905-6 the 2 lots of limited and unlimited ration steers dropped in 1905. were continued on the regular rations. In the spring of 1906, how- ever, it was decided to vary the experiment and the lot of limited ration steers (lot 1) were put on a heavier grain ration, and fed till July 23, 1906, when they were sold for beef. LOT 1. — LIMITED GROWING RATION, DROPPED 1905. Number of steers in lot 5 First weight, gross 1,800 lbs. First weight, average 360 " REPORT OF TEE AGRICULTURIST 71 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 Finished weight, gross, July 23, 1906 3,735 lbs. Finished weight, average 747 " Total gain in 234 days 1^935 " Average gain per steer 387 " Daily gain per steer 1-65 " Daily gain for lot, 5 steers 8-27 " Gross cost of feed $ 93 94 Cost of 100 lbs. gain 4 85 Value of steers, Dec. 1, 1905, 1,800 lbs. at $3 50 per 100 lbs G3 00 Total cost to produce beef .erhaps the best that have ever been fed here. The corn •ensilage was exceedingly rich in dry matter of a highly nutritious character, since the corn was well eared and well matured when cut. The ears were of a good size and glazed, before cutting. The hay fed was clean timothy, and the meal, a mixture of four parts gluten meal with one part bran, has proven with us to be one of the most satisfactory feeds for beef production. The work has been along the following lines: — A. Feeding superior steers in comparison with inferior steers. B. Feeding short keep steers in comparison with long keep steers. C. Baby beef experiments continued. A. In November, 1906, two groups of steers were selected in this neighbourhood. They were all low in flesh, due to scarcity of grass. Lot 1, consisted of 7 steers weighing 1,095 lbs. each. They were Shorthorn grades being of good conformation and quality. All 2-year-olds. Cost 4 cents per lb. delivered. Lot 2, consisted of 7 steers weighing 851 lbs. each. They were showing various faults in conformation and breeding, Ayrshire, Holstein, Jersey and Guernsey blood was in evidence here and there and in one or two cases no conclusion could be reached as to the blood lines indicated, pure scrub probably. Cost 3 cents per lb. delivered. A study of the subjoined feed histories will prove interesting. LOT I. — EXTRA CHOICE. Number of steers in lot 7 First weight, gross, Nov, 14, 1906 7,675 lbs. First weight, average 1,095 " Finished weight, gross, May 13, 1907 10,645 " Finished weight, average 1,521 " Total gain in 180 days 2,970 " HE PORT OF THE AGRICULTURIST 75 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 Average g^in per stocr 424 lbs. Daily gain per steer 2 36 " Daily gain for lot, 7 steers lG-52 " Xjross cost of feed $ 146 66 Cost of 100 Ibss gain 4 26 Cost of steers, 7,675 lbs. at $4 per 100 lbs 30^7 00 Total cost to produce beef, $307 + 146.66. 543 66 Sold, 10,645 lbs. at $5 75 per 100 lbs., less 5 per cent. . 5^1 49 Profit on lot 127 83 Net profit per steer 18 23 Average buying price i)er steer, Nov. 14, 1906 43 86 Average selling price per steer. May 13, 1907 82 68 Average increase in value 38 82 Average cost of feed for steer 20 95 Amount of meal eaten by lot of 7 steers 6,274 lbs. Amount of ensilage and roots 63,385 " Amount of hay 3,180 " LOT n. — INFERIOR STEERS. Number of steers in lot 7 First -R-eight, gross, Nov. 14, 1906 5,955 lbs. First weight, average .* 851 " Finished weight, gross. May 13, 1907 8,820 " Finished weight, average 1,260 " Total gain in ISO days 2,865 " Average gain per steer 409 " Daily gain per steer 2-27 " Daily gain for lot, 7 steers 15-89 Gross cost of feed $ 142 34 Cost of 100 lbs. gain 4 97 Cost of steers, 5,955 lbs. at $3 per 100 lbs 178 65 Total cost to produce beef, $178 65 + $142 24 326 99 Sold, 8,820 lbs. at $4 50 per 100 lbs., less 5 per cent. . 377 05 Profit on lot 50 06 Net profit per steer 7 15 Average buying price per steer 25 52 Average selling price per steer 53 86 Average increase in value 28 34 Average cost of feed for steer 20 33 Amount of meal eaten by lot of 7 steers 5,765 lbs. Amount of ensilage and roots 64,487 " Amount of hay 3.301 « As will have been noted, the inferior steers made almost as rapid and almost as economical gains as did the extra choice lot. The great difFerence in profits made by each lot being due to the difTerence in selling price. The extra choice lot cost $1 per 100 lbs. live weight more than did the inferior lot, but when marketed commanded $1.25 per hundred more and made somewhat cheaper gains while on feed. *B.' Two lots of steers of 7 each were selected in November and started on feed Nov. 14, 1906. The aim in view was to see whether it was (1) advisable to feed for the Easter market, (2) more profitable to feed steers in good condition for a shorter time or steers in low flesh for a longer period. 76 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 Lot 1, consisted of 7 steers low in flesh, but of good conformation. They weighed going into the pen, 1,095 lbs. each. Cost 4 cents delivered. Lot 2, consisted of 7 steers so good in flesh that they were competed for by local butchers when being bought. They were of excellent conformation as well as being in good flesh. Cost 4 cents delivered. Weight, 898 pounds each. The subjoined tables show results. LOT I. LOXG FEED. Number of steers in lot 7 First weight, gross, Nov. 14, 1906 7,675 lbs. First weight, average 1,095 " Finished weight, gross. May 13, 1907 10,645 " Finished weight, average 1,521 " Total gain in 180 days 2,970 " Average gain per steer 424 " Daily gain per steer 2-36 " Daily gain for lot, 7 steers 16-52 " Gross cost of feed $ 146 66 Cost of 100 lbs. gain 4-26 * Cost of steers, 7,675 lbs. at $4 per 100 lbs 307 00 Total cost to produce beef, $307 + $146 66 453 66 Sol4, 10,645 lbs. at $5 75 per 100 lbs., less 5 per cent. . 581 49 Profit on lot 127 83 Net profit per steer 18 23 Average buying price per steer, Nov. 14, 1906 43 86 Average selling price per steer. May 13, 1907 82 68 Average increase in value 38 82 Average cost of feed for steer 20 95 Amount of meal eaten by lot of 7 steers 6,274 lbs. Amount of ensilage and roots 63.385 " Amount of hay 3,180 " Average daily meal ration for group 34-3 " Average daily meal ration per steer 4-9 " Average daily roughage ration per steer 52-8 " LOT n. — SHORT KEEP. Number of steers in lot 8 First weight, gross 7,185 lbs. First weight, average 898 " Finished weight, gross 9,315 " Finished weight, average 1,164 " Total gain in 130 days 2,130 " Average gain per steer 266 " Daily gain per steer 2-08 " Daily gain for lot, 8 steers 16-64 " Gross cost of feed $ 97 74 Cost of 100 lbs. gain 4 58 Cost of steers, 7,1S5 lbs. at $4 per 100 lbs 287 40 Total cost to produce beef, $97 74 + $287 40 385 14 Sold, 9,315 lbs. at $5 50 per 100 lbs. less 5 per cent. . 486 69 Profit on lot 101 55 Net profit per steer 12 69 Average buying price per steer 35 92 Average selling price per steer 60 86 Average increase in value 24 94 REPORT OF TEE AGRICULTURIST . 77 , .ESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 Average cost of feed for steer $ 12 22 Amount of meal eaten by lot of 8 steers 3,024 lbs. Amount of ensilage and roots 54,000 " Amount of hay 2,564 " Average daily meal ration for group 23-26 " Average daily meal ration per steer 2-91 " Average daily rougboge ration per steer 54-4 " It will bave been noted tbat the short keep cost slightly more per 100 lbs gain than did the long keep, due no doubt to the half finished condition in which the short keep were when feeding started. One feature in the feeding is worthy of note: While the long feed consumed on an average 4-9 lbs. meal per steer right through the feeding period, the short keep consumed only 2-91 lbs. per steer per day. The farmer who has lots of roughage might therefore do better to feed steers for a short period and so save the last period when meal has to be fed in large quantities to maintain gains. 'C The experiments with steer calves have been continued and below will be found reports on two lots of calves dropped in 1906. These reports are interesting as showing the comparative cost of wintering calves where very little meal is fed and where a heavy meal ration is fed. The weights in- dicate fairly accurately the conditions of the two lots so far as flesh is concerned. Lot 2 the Full Fattening Ration bunch, making probably a better appearance than the weights indicate. BABY BEEP. Lot 1. — Limited Growing Ration, Dropped 1906. Number of steers in lot 6 First weight, gross, May 4, 1906 485 lbs. First weight, average 80 " Finished weight, gross, April 1, 1907 2,965 " Finished weight, average 545 " Total gain in 327 days 2,785 " Average gain per steer 464 " Daily gain per steer 1-42 " Daily gain for lot, 6 steers 8-52 " Gross cost of feed $ 87 31 Cost of 100 lbs. gain 3 13 Cost of steers, $5 each 30 00 Total cost to produce beef, $30 + $87 31 117 31 On hand April 1, 1907, 2,965 lbs. at $3 50 per 100 lbs. 103 78 Profit or loss— loss 3 53 Net loss per steer 0 59 Average buying price per steer 5 00 Average value per steer, April 1, 1907 17 30 Average increase in value 12 30 Average cost of feed for steer 14 55 Amount of meal eaten by lot of 6 steers 2,110ilb3. Amount of ensilage and roots 27,510 " Amount of hay 1.956 " Amo\int of skim millv 10,146 " 78 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 190S The meal consumed consisted of Y35 ibs. oats, 126 lbs. corn, 829i lbs. bran, 273 lbs. barley, and 147 lbs. mixed meal. The mixture of roots and ensilage was made up of 27,510 lbs. corn ensilage and 11,508 lbs. roots. Each st-eer ate during the S27 days on feed, 122^ lbs. oats, 21 lbs. corn, 138 lbs. bran, 45^ lbs. barley, 2iJ lbs. mixed meal, 4,585 lbs. corn ensilage, 1,918 lbs. roots, 326 lbs. hay and 1,691 lbs. skim milk. Lot 2. — Full Fattening Ration. Number of steers in lot 6 First ^veight, gross. May 4, 1906 680 lbs. First vreight, average 113^ " Finished weight, gross, April 1, 1')~ 3,615 " Finished weight, average 602^ " Total gain in 327 days 2,9S5 " Average gain per steer 489 " Daily gain per steer 1-49 " Daily gain for lot, 6 steers 8-94 Gross cost of feed C> 93 24 Cost of 100 lbs. g'ain 3 18 Cost of steers, $5 each . 30 00 Total cost to produce beef, $93 24 + $30 123-24 On hand, 3,615 lbs. at $4 50 per 100 lbs 162 68 Profit or loss — profit 39 44 Net profit per steer 6 57 Average buying price per steer 5 00 Average value per steer, April 1, 1906 27 11 Average increase in value 22 11 Average cost of feed for steer 15 54 AmoTint of meal eaten by lot of 6 steers 4.557 lbs. Amount of ensilrge and roots 29.568 " Amount of hay 1,956 " Amoiint of skim miUv 10,314 " The meal consumed consisted of 1,554 lbs. oats, 2,268 lbs. bran, 735 lbs. bar.ley. The mixture of ensilage and roots was made up of 12,390 lbs. roots and 17,178 lbs. com ensilage. Each steer ate during the 327 days on feed, 259 lbs. oats, 3^78 lbs. bran, 122^ lbs. barley, 2,065 lbs. roots, 2,863 lbs. corn ensilage, 326 lbs. hay and 1,719 lbs. skim milk. SWINE FEEDING. I have to report a fairly successful year with swine. Most of the work has been along the line of supplying breeding stock to farmers' clubs and individual farmers desirous of improving their herds. A very considerable number have been so supplied during the past year and this has in some measure prevented the carrying on of satis- factory feeding experiments. A number of good subjects are now available for work however, and some feed- ing experiments are being incepted. During the winter months a small experiment comparing the feeding value of mangels and sugar beets was carried on. Placing the mangels at $2 per ton it was found that pork cost $6.20 per 100 Ibs. Placing the sugar beets at $3 per ton it was found that pork cost $5 05 per 100 lbs. When meal alone was used lOO lbs. increase live weight cost $7 03. Wlien along with the meal Herbageum was used in the quantities indicated by manufacturers, 100 lbs. increase live weight cost $5 23. REPORT OF TEE AGRICULTURJST 79 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 Lot B. — Fed on Meal and Mangels. "Meal mixture, barley 500 lbs., oats 200 lbs., s'4o:Td 500 lbs., gluten 200 lbs. Mixture cost $1 per 100 lbs. Mangels $2 per ton. Number of pigs in lot 4 Weight to enter, Jan. 1 342 lbs. Average v.-cight 85 J " Weight, March 2G 532 " Average weight 133 " Days on feed 85 days. Gain made by lot in 85 days 190 lbs. Gain made per pig in 85 days 47^ " Daily rate of gain per pig 0-55 " Meal consumed by lot in 85 days 994^ " Mangels consumed by lot in 85 da\ s . . 1,848 " Value of food consumed $ 11 T9i " Cost to produce 100 lbs. live weight 6 20 Lot C. — Fed on Meal and Sugar Beets. Meal mixture, barley 500 lbs., oats 200 lbs., shorts 500 lbs., gluten 200 lbs. Mix- ture cost $1 per 100 lbs. Beets cost $3 per ton. Number of pigs in lot 4 Weight to enter, Jan. 1 335 lbs. Average weight 83| Weight, March 26 575 " Average weight, March 26 143| " Days on feed 85 days. Gain made by lot in S5 days 240 lbs. Gain made per pig in 85 days 60 " Daily rate of gain per pig 0-70 " [Meal consumed by lot in 85 days 1,006 " Beets consumed by lot in 8.^ days 1.560 " "Value of food consumed $ 13 30 Cost to produce 100 lbs. live weight 5 05 Lot D. — Fed on Meal and Herbageum. Meal mixture, barley 500 lbs., oats 200 Jbs.. shorts 500 lbs., gluten 200 lbs. Mix- ture cost $1 per 100 lbs. Herbageum 15 cents per lb. Number of pigs in lot , . . 4 Weight to enter, Jan. 1 291 lbs. Average weight 72| " Weight, March 26 570 " Average weight, March 26 142i " Days on feed 85 days. Gain made by lot in 85 days 2.79 lbs. Gain made per pig in 85 days 69| " Daily rate of gain per pig 0-71 " Meal consumed by lot in 85 days l,055i " Herbageum consumed by lot in 85 days 434 ozs. Value of food consumed $ 14 60 Cost to produce 100 lbs. live weight 5 23 80 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 Lot E.—Fcd on Ileal Meal mixture, barley 500 lbs., oats 200 lbs., shorts 500 lbs., gluten 200 lbs. Mix- tare cost $1 per 100 lbs. Number of pigs in lot 4 "Weight to enter, Jan. 1 270 lbs. Average weight 67^ " Weight, March 26 431 " Average weip:ht, March 26 ' . . 107| " Days on feed 85 days. Gain made by lot in 85 days 161 lbs. Gain made per pig in 85 days 42i " Daily rate of gain per pig 0-50 " Meal consumed by lot in 85 days 1,133 " Value of food consumed $ 11 33 Cost to produce 100 lbs. live weight 7 03 INVENTORIES. The changing of the dates of the beginning and ending of the fiscal year neces- sitated the changing of the year dates in all live stock record and feeding work, it is not therefore possible to give the inventories for the date 12 months previous to the date of inventories this year, April 1, 1907. Inventories of live stock and feed on hand April 1, 1907, follow: — LIVE STOCK. AriuL 1, 1007. Number on li;»rid. Value. Horses Cattle- Shorthorns : — jNlales, 3 ; females, 15. . . Guernseys : — Males, 4 ; females, 13. . . Ayrshires : — INIales, 1 ; females, 17 . . Canadians : — Males, 3 ; females, 15 . . . Grades : — females, 10. Steers Sheep — Shropshires : — Males, 3 ; females, 13 Leicesters : — Males, 3 ; females, G Swine — Yorkshires : — Males, 4 ; females, 37 ; young stock, 101 Berksliires : — MrJes, 2 ; females, 9 ; young stock, 20 . . Tarn worths : — Males, 4 ; females, 8 ; young stock, 21 . . . Grades :— Feeding stock Total 19 IS 17 18 18 10 33 16 10 142 31 33 14 338 3,0oo CO 4,005 00 2, ICO 00 2,105 00 1,540 00 720 00 1,502 40 300 00 190 00 1,5GS 00 420 00 303 00 56 00 18,974 40 REPORT OF TEE AGRICULTURIST SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 FEED ON HAND. April 1, 1907. . Estimated — Hay 66,500 lbs. Straw 37,500 Ensilage and roots 652,000 Weighed — Potatoes 175 Oats 50,772 Seeds, small oats, &c 3,529 Barley 3,lSi IMixed ir.eal, ^ound 2,Co0 Oil meal 3,850 Peas 1,031 Wheat 2,508 Imperial 3,100 Nestor 200 Mill feed, gTOund seeds and barley 720 Cottou seed meal 1,750 Gluten meal 23,960 Corn 3,234 Shorts • 2,000 Flax seed, ground 1,500 81 16—6 82 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 o P5 CO u o M a o o o CI > c to o 05 C5 CO o o <^ o o a o 50 Oh O u u o rj a -tJ e3 02 a > Eh -o c (S g - s s a 8 2 S " ^ o o " o ^-'-i 'o Si. g 1 ^ O o be -ii -a ^ g 2 a K < M P^ ■^ go g " . ^ ill |i c (U 3 S O > O rt OJ 3 "a o O > c o en c3 01 S --^-2^1 TJ >> ^" ^ •2 > > s C>« g a c-^ c :^ a tl) cS t> cj s _ ^XJ o a) O o « rt^ cS^ ci,2 O 0) 1) 0) CO cc m cQ b8 C ; >•■ s 5 '" c - r So SPh - " ® s.? ^ "N o* ^ i ii cu >— rt fi-l iL o > ^ > o - » O O"" z a o - ^ a £u r Ph O O O •saaoy lo to eo f CO UI B9JY U>-t > IB ^ * o O 1.- O o . '5 '■J o 4J s 'S rt = ;:5 e3 z 1 f^ o <; •sajoy tH in CO lo iO III vdjy •3\n'e0 JO CO rr lO (M CD 00 O © o 3 jsqnm^ tH tH r-"'^ ^'S^-'H^o '2^- f *J r t-^^-^'-^^t-, ^-^^ :/; c c? rt - rt rt '.^ cS d P cc -^ CO o> t>. 8^ •S8J3Y c c c 05 rn CO t- X Ul vajy "* Tt Tt CO CO -"J" -Ti -r cr. cf c CD ■'Ti o •^ >• < ut PPiA T- c^ IM tH tH IM iH •ssjoy c- c- ) oc O 1^1 O CJ CI u! Tjajy C ir ir CO CO CO O CO CO cq 'I" CJ C". C-1 CO a: c^ i> rH T-H O CO r-l 2 < •spuno c > ■* 05 t- CO era UI ijaJY t^ a ) t- t^ CO CO CO CO a ■< ^ >* a J 5 J ^ J e^ CO -^ lO ^ * c J c > o o o o ^ Q( J c s a > OV 05 OJ Ci 05 r- < r- < r- < •- < i-( r-l »- »" « o en 03 O •5^ O GXl O c4 c s S 'o d'3 •^'^^ "^ ? "S Pi •"St* •u to **- «-♦:« fc- _= t; 2 cS '" ^ ti-i C-- O C '^ gj ^ 21 c; o >- [2 O 43 s-a CO Ol irf ^ >. m ^ cS cc cj-a * ^ » .S2t3 p» o o o ^d H i^ 3 3 :r; o if d 3 3-a ® c * =s o c rs o n< so -^ --S 3 tci T ■ ^ cj 2 ® rt O O .Ht3 S " !- 2 o c4 < OS p. C. p.c. p.c. p.c Ac 1905. 1906. % cts. S cts. A 1 W. S. 3 L. S. 1 A. S. 14.... VV.P.G.S. \ 1. F. S. IJ 30 30 10 70 45 65 15 20 25 9-9G Grain Com Grain Grain Hay 59 76 53 40 Gl 20 54 90 16 68 A 2 5 20 10 8-90 Alfalfa Hay. 10- 20 Corn 9- 15 Hay 13 85 A 3 20 15 20 16 32 A^ f 13 66 A 5 F. S.3 35 30 10 15 10 9-63 Oats Hay 28 89 43 33 Aggregat ^ 47-84 258 15 103 84 Average ner acr;^ in 19< () 100 5 39 2 17 ROTATION B 1 B 2. B 3. B 4. B 5. W.S. 4 5 35 5 L.S. 2 20 70 A. S. 15... 20 GO 5 W.P.G.S. 2. 20 60 15 F. S. 2 30 30 50 5 40 5 5 15 5 Aggregato Average per acre iu 1006. 10 00 8-82 10 -^fJ 9-15 9-93 Grain . . . Oats . . . Clo. Hay. Clo. Hay. Corn 48 10 1.00 Hay. Hay. Corn Oats Gate CO 00 52 92 61 2U 54 90 59 58 288 GO 6 00 13 00 11 46 17 92 14 63 15 m 72 90 1 51 ROTATION A. This rotation of 5 years duration includes grain^ hay (2 years), grain and corn or roots in the order named. The grain crop mentioned first comes after corn. With the first crop of grain is sown 10 lbs. red clover, 1 lb. alsike and 10 lbs. timothy i:)er acre. The field is left in hay for 2 years, then in August of the second year it is ploughed and cultivated at intervals till October, when it is ridged up and left till the next spring. Oats are sown on this field, and with them red clover seed at the rate of 10 lbs. per acre. This clover is allowed to grow for something over a year or until corn seeding time the fololwing spring, when it is turneil under with a shallovv' furrow along with the manure that will have been applied during the winter. After the corn has been harvested the land is ploughed shallow and left till the next spring. The crops on this rotation this year have not been as satisfactory as usual, due to adverse weather conditions. On A, a fair crop of corn was harvested. On A2, oats were grown and gave fair returns. A3, also was in grain and gave a fair crop. A4, gave only a light crop of hay since no clover survived the winter and part of the timothy was destroyed. A5, gave only a light crop of hay as all clover was killed out. REPORT OF TEE AGRICULTURIST 85 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 •A.' Items of Expense in raising Crop in 1906. Particulars of Crop in 1906. Manual Horse Labour. Labour. £ o IS 1 (4 "So S s a e O 3 a ci ^-1 .* 4-9 "3 o (i to £ 00 C 3 £ < u H ^^; ^ o 5 a O U o > H-4 o CI. o d 3 »— t 3 0 J3 "3 S '3 u ^ 4J o o -L3 "^ o ^U| k-i K* H H O o CO a f«5 H > Pi Hrs. § cts. Hr.s Hrs -3 cW. 1 •S cts. 5 cts. .$ cts. Lbs. Lbs. Lbs. Lbs. § cts. $ cts. ^ cts. 926 138 90 10 50 9 00 427 245 l.'iO 123 10 73 50 45 00 13 '23 12 76 237 35 164 48 142 28 23 83 18 48 14 14 297,135 207 13 210 04 243 19 29 83 23 70 23 84 D 00 70 18,005 17,592 15,445 33,638 5 22 GO 9 70 80 12 00 16 35 13 70 94 2G 10 30 45,320 181 28 19 81 9 51 123 18 45 7i 44i 14 85 105 52 10 85 50,010 95,330 1,992 200 04 20 77 9 92 10,083 1,25!) 188 85 2.3^ 901^ 275 15 25 99 743 83 77 CO 35,507 297,135 6,211 1,132 58 23 67 117 95 40 35 26 3 94 •04 19 5 75 0 54 15 54 15 54 744 1,025 23 67 8 13 'B. 60 9 00 12 15 74 70 12 00 10 35 15 16 20 4 5 147 24 303 127 llOJ 711i 47 10 10 40 94 00 38 9(! 34 15 12 30 10 15 129 10 86 93 247 72 132 73 130 12 12 91 9 85 24 28 14 fil 13 10 41,362 33,870 ' 308,720 165 44 135 48 308 72 213 05 195 SO 16 54 15 34 30 26 23 3S 19 71 3 63 81 5 49 49S 16", 959 14,0C0 5 08 8> O S p. C. -5 > p. c. w p. c. eS & CO p. c. p. c. Ac. 1905. 1906. $ cts. $ cts. D 1 E.G.P.S. 2 . IIG.P.S. 4 . i;.G.P.S. 6 . J.G.P.S. 8 . 20 20 30 60 80 80 70 40 2 2 2 2 Hay Hay Roots Oats Hay Roots G'rain Oat-Hay.... 12 00 12 00 12 00 12 00 1 60 T> 2 1 60 D 3 3 20 D 4 2 60 Aggrega te 8 4S 00 9 00 Avprncrp r\oi» txnTCk in 1 QfVfi 1 6 00 1 12 f^' " ROTATION SI K.G.P.S. 1 . J^.G.P.S. 3 . ]:.G.P.S. 5 . j'lG.P.S. 7 . 20 20 30 60 80 SO 70 40 2 2 2 2 Clover Hay . Clover Hay . Roots Oats Tim. Hay . . Roots Grain Oat-Hay. . . . 12 00 12 00 12 00 12 00 1 60 S 2. 1 60 S3 3 20 S 4. 2 60 Aggrega te .. 8 48 00 9 00 A VPTaCft nai* rir'VP> in 1 QOR 1 0 00 1 12 1'^' ' ROTATION ' D.' Deep Ploughing. This rotation is of 4 years duration and includes grain, 2 years hay and roots. The grain crop follows roots, the root land being ploughed to a depth of about 7 inches after the roots are harvesteid in the fall. With the grain is sown 10 lbs. red clover, 1 lb. alsike and 10 lbs. timothy seed per acre. The clover hay is cut twice in the season and the second aftermath left on the field, that is it is not pastured ofi as is usually done. In the second hay year two crops are cut if possible, and the land ploughed in August with a deep 7-inch furrow. Bl. — This plot was under hay and gave a very good crop considering the season. D2. — This plot was in roots. They made a splendid start and offered to be a yery heavy crop until about the middle of July, when the dry weather began to affect them. D3. — This field was in grain (oats) and gave only poor returns. D4. — This field should have been in clover hay but when spring came no sign of dover or grass was in evidence and so all the field had to bo ploughed up and put TOider oat and pea hay. REPORT OF TEE AGRICULTURIST 87 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 D.' Items of Expense in r.xi^^ing Crop of 1906. Particulars of Crop of 1906. Manual Lalx)ur. Horde Labour. 4^ s 0 £ 0 < 1-1 u 0 s u g ■3 0 i t CO ■ffl a K| i X 0 0 erf a; 3 I 6 u 0 u K S 0 CM 0 2 > to 0 en No. of Hours. Cost of Manual Labour. c t— 1 _o Tc c Hrs c 5 zj H 4-3 3 H-1 Hrs 10 45i 30' 29 11 4. i 14 0) 00 O w -- c - 3 O ® J3 > Profit per Acre in 1 Hrs. 25i 295 $ cts. 3 82 44 25 3 00 2 55 •S cts. 4 10 18 25 10 80 9 50 !> cts. "i'96 S cts. 21 52 76 Iw 30 90 26 65 S cts. 10 76 ;?8 05 15 45 13 32 Lbs. Lbs. Lbs. 8,900 Lbs. 80,566 $ Cts. 35 60 80 50 38 36 44 96 199 42 $ Cts. 17 80 40 25 19 18 22 48 $ Cts. 7 04 2 20 15 2,630 6,030 3 73 17 11,240 9 16 352i 53 62 42 65 1 90 155 17 77 5S 2,630 6,030 754 20,140 2,517 80,500 10,002 99 71 22 13 44 6 70 5 33 0 24 19 39 9 69 329 24 93 24 9.3 5 54 25i 3 82i 44 25 3 00 2 55 5 23 "4 I. 26 29 3 70 18 25 10 80 9 50 "i'96 21 12^ 76 10 30 90 26 65 10 56 38 05 15 45 13 32 9,165 "si^sss 36 66 81 28 37 94 44 60 1 18 33' 40 64! 18 971 22 30 7 77 295" 2 59 20 2,630 5,820 3 52 17 11,160 8 92 357^ 53 62i 32 109^ 42 25 1 90 154 m 77 38 2,630 6,820 20,315 81,285 101,606 200 48 100 24 22 80 ■15 6 70 4 14 5 28 0 24 19 35 9 67 329 727 2,539 25 06 25 061 5 91 ROTATION ' S.' Shallow Tloxigliing. This rotation is of 4 years duration and includes grain, 2 years hay and roots. The grain crop follows roots, the root land being ploughed (or cultivated) to a depth of about 4 inchtBS after the roots are harvested in the fall. With the grain is sown 10 lbs. red clover, 1 lb. alsike and 10 lbs. timothy seed per acre. The clover hay is cut twice in the season and the second aftermath left on the field, that is, it is not pastured ofF as is usually done. In the second hay year two crops are cut if possible and the land ploughed in August with a shallow 4-inch furrovv. If manure is applied before ploughing a sub-soiler is attached to the plough to loosen up the subsoil to a depth of 8 or 9 inches. If manure is not applied this end is attained by means of a Btrons: deep-cutting cultivator after the sod has rotted in the fall, or next spring. Si. — This plot was under hay and gave a very good crop considering the season. S2. — This plot was in roots. They made a splendid start. S3. — This plot was in grain (oats) and gave only poor returns. S4. — This plot was in hay. (See D4.) EXPEIilMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 ROTATION De.'^cription of SoiL Lot. Location. • n Crop. Crop. a o m (■; . B 1-3 i o C3 a £" Tj c o H^ •6 "^3 rt c5 a 5 ^3 e8 14 a 1^ m p.C. CO p.C. p.C. O p.C. p.C. p.C. w <) « CO p.C. Ac. 1905. 1906. $ cts. $ eta. E 1.." W.S. 1 L.S. 4 Morn 40 10 30 40 60 60 15 20 5 14-00 13-75 14 00 41-75 Oats Corn Pasture . . . Pasture Grain . . . . Cora.. . . . 84 00 84 00 E 2 10 5 82 50 22 40 E 3 84 00 23 40 Aggregat e 250 50 129 80 1 Averasre ner acre in 1906 100 6 OOl 3 11 1 1 ROTATION Zl W.S. 2 L.S. 3 Obs. S 40 !0 10 60 10 60 15 20 5 6-00 5-81 4-2 Oats Corn. . . Hay.. .. Hay Grain ... . Corn 36 00 34 86 25 20 16 20 Z 2 10 ' if) 9 46 Z 3 5 00 Agg regate 16-01 90 06 30 66 Averafe ner acre in 190 0 100 6 00 1 91 ROTATION ' E.' Tliis rotation of three years' duration includes grain, pasture and corn. The grain comes after the corn, the stubble of -which is treated- as described under rotation ' A.' With the grain in the spring is sown 10 lbs. red clover, 1 lb. alsilce clover, 5 lbs. alfalfa and 5 lbs. timothy seed per acre. If weather permits the field is pastured slightly in the fall. > ". After the grain crop the land is pastured, the grass seeding having been done with this object in view. In estimating the value of the returns from this field, pas- ture is charged at $1 per month per cow. At this rate the returns fall very far short of what -^'ould have been the returns if a hay crop had been harvested, if we may judge by the returns from ' Z 2.' This rotation and rotation Z were introduced into the list in order to gain some idea as to the difference in returns probable from land pastured and land from which all the crops are harvested. Of course the corn crop after the pasture has in a measure m.ade up for the difference in favour of the no pasture rotation ' Z,' but the returns are on the whole still considerably short of those from ' Z.' Corn follows the posture. Manure applied during the fall and winter and turned under with the growth of clover and grass in the spring. REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURIST 89 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 'E.' Items of Expunse in Raising Crop in 190G. Manual Labour. S O w o Hrs. 173 715 888 21-2 "- 2 oo O $ cts. 25 95 107 25 Horse Labour. CO fM J: o C C o g d "y: ' c H Hrs Hrs 20 23S 303 133 20 20 601 3 19 •4814-4 o w o D ^ bo H $ cts. $ cts. 71 40 L12 90 o o H $ cts. 1G8 00 14 33|216 58 1327 56 184 30 4 41 14 33 712 13 0 34 17 05 o o o O $ cts. 12 00 15 75 23 39 51 14 Particulars of Crop in 1906. 17 05 ■§ C5 <« -♦J o "5 a c cS I P5 Lbs. Lbs. Lbs. Lbs. 19,778 38,252 387,745 19,778 33,252 387,745 473 916 928 > O S cts. [ S cts. *143 oo' 10 21 274 28 19 94 387 74, 28 27 805 02 58 42 to o < u O $ Cts. tl 79 4 19 4 88 7 28 19 28; 19 28 2 42 I I 'Z.' 42 6 30 7 SO 16 50 6 22 .... 301 8122' 7 80 24 15 38 20 C6 30 82 02 84 90 11 05 14 11 20 21 26,980 107 92 109 10 129 64 17 97 18 79 30 87 6 92 62 7,825 15,435 4 68 110 129,637 129,637 10 66 26,980 204 30 60 14174i 70 15 233 22 45 37 7,825 15,435 346 66 67 63 22 26 12-7 1 91 ■0810-9 4 38 14 56 14 56 489 964 1,685 8,097 21 65 21 65 7 09 * 143 months' pasture (cows), t Loss. ROTATION 'Z.' Tills rotation of three years' duration includes corn, grain and clover hay, in the order named. Corn comes after the clover hay. The manure is applied in the fall or during the vrinter and spring, and the clover allowed to grow up through it, so facilitating the turning under of the whole mass of manure and spring growth and late fall growth of clover a few days before the corn is to be sown. The furrow turned is quite shallow, about 5 inches deep, and the land is then thoroughly disc-harrowed and the corn sown in rows 42 inches aport. It receives later the usual cultivation and caro. Grain follows corn, the land having been ploughed in the fall. With the grain there is sown 10 lbs. red clover, 1 lb. alsike and 5 lbs. timothy seed. The hay is cut twice and the last aftermath allowed to grow up, to be turned under the next spring for corn. Such a rotation would be particularly valuable to a farmer having suflicient rough land for pasture or for one desirous of keeping as many cattle as possible on the land at his disposal, supposing him willing to grow roots and corn. 90 EXPERIMENTAL 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 ROTATION Description of Soil. Lot. Location. S 5 CJ DQ Crop. Crop. Manure. *Tj § m c3 o o s o '3 > hH l-H p.c. i < -a at c la CO p.c. p.c. p.c. p.c. p.c. p.c. Ac. 1905. 1906. $ cts. $ cts. HI H.S. 1 .SO 40 90 10 3 35 Roots Oat Hay.... Pasture 20 10 4 35 H2 H.S. 2 25 45 20 10 3 15 Grain 18 90 4 72 H3 H.S. 3 10 9,0 .50 90 2 85 Hay, Grain, Pasture. . . Roots 17 10 3 72 Aggregat e „ . . 9 35 56 10 12 79 » Aver-T.^'ft ner acre in 100 J 1 00 6 00 1 36 ROTATION T 1 S.S.I S.S. 2 S.S.3 S.S. 4 10 15 "15 90 85 100 85 1 51 2 44 3 27 3 50 Hay Roots . ... Pasiure Pasture. ... Pasture Hay Pasture Roots 9 06 14 64 19 62 21 00 2 45 T 2 2 73 T 3 1 50 T 4 4 55 Aggregat e 10 72 64 32 11 23 Aver.Tffe iier rc.tpi in 1901 5 1 00 6 00 1 04 ROTATION ' H.' Hog Farm. This rotation is of three years' duration and includes roots, soiling crop and pasture in the order named. The land is ploughed late in the fall after it has been manured. It is disked the next spring and the roots sown on ridges. The roots re- ceive the usual cultivation and are of a varied character, including mangels, sugar mangels, sugar beets and turnips devoted to pork production for the most part, thel surplus being sold to cattle and the returns invested in meal for pig feeding. The soiling crop field is sown with various crops suitable for feeding to pigs. What is over and above the amount possible of consumption by pigs is sold to cattle at $2 per ton and the returns used to purchase meal for pork production. The pasture area is divided into several parts, the seed being sown as far as pos- sible at the same time as the soiling crops the previous year, and not allowed to be eaten too close the first fall, although any good gro\\i,h is not wasted. HI. — This field was this year under oats and peas mixture to cut for green feed. The crop was good and was fed to cattle and swine. H2. — This field was pastured off, but did not prove very satisfactory as all the clover had been killed. . Ho. — On this field were grown mangels, sugar mangels and sugar be^ts with fairlv satisfactorv results. REPORT OF THE AORICVLTURIST 91 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 •H.' Items of Expense in raising Crops, 1906. Particulars of Crop of 1906. Manual Labour. Horse Labour. d/ o a o 5 ;> o S. £ 3 O 1 = 3 C3 1 o o o ■g fe d ^ >> t3 "3 o 3 "3 w O HH C5 > H H D O CO w P4 H > Ol Hrs. S cts. Hrs Hrs S cts. S cts. •S cts. S cts. Lbs. Lbs. Lbs. Lbs. $ cts. .$ cts. $ eta. 40 6 00 16 65 22 70 53 15 21 02 116 22 15 86 7 50 40 77 21,085 84 34 •47 25 131 83 22 19 15 00 46 22 6 33 7 50 481 72 60 24 60 22 80 106,300 5 45 524 78 60 40 12o 45 50 193 9i) 64 13 21,085 106,300 263 42 83 41 19 28 sa- 8 40 4-2 1 13 3 4 86 20 74 6 85 2255 11,369 28-17 8 92 2 06 * Pasture valued at §15 per Acre. < m > 11 51 35 77 21 00 156 75 7 74 14 66 6 45 44 78 no 00 45 04 134 76 157 70 10 CO 18 45 10 63 45 05 2 86 28 4 20 8 42 13 20 ■ • 11,260 3 79 3 18 57i 85 65 56 114^ 150^ 14-5 45 55 157,703 0 27 599 89 85 64 5-9 58 75 2-25 03 73 63 12,260 1050 157,703 253 50 84 73 10 10 5o- 8 38 5 48 20 99 6 86 .... 14,711 23 64 7 90 0 94 * 1,600 days pasture at 1 cent per day t Pasture 1 sheep, 1 cent per day. ROTATIOX ' T.' Slieep Farm. This rotation of four years duration includes roots, grain, hay and pnsture. The area devoted to sheep farming is rather limited, about 10-72 acres. This are« is not included in the ' 200-acre farm.' The whole field had been for several years de- voted to pasturing sheep, but it has been divided into four rather unequal fields sus- ceptible of further subdivision and devoted to a rotation considered suitable for sheep. The root field is devoted to white turnips, Swedes, cabbage, Kohl Eabi, thousand headed kale, rape, &c. It comes after the pasture, the land being manured and ploughed in the f all>. Grain follows the root land, and with the grain various clovers and grass seeds are sown to prepare for the ensuing two years. The grain may be harvested or used aa soiling crop for sheep. The hay field is expected to give one crop of hay and then be devoted to pasture for lambs as soon as they are weaned. The pasture field is the field that has been hay the previous year. Alfalfa, red clover, alsike clover, Bromus inermis and timothy are the clovers and grasses used. The croDS on this rotation were fairly satisfactory this year. 92 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7S EDWARD VII., A. 1908 ROTATION Description of Soil. Lot. Location. Crop. £ o S S S M s ii • G a 13 3 a CO O O a S o i OS < a < 13 a p. c. p. c. p. c. p. c. P.O. P.O. p. c. Ac. 1905. 1906. $ cts. $ cts. ]\t 1 A.S. 2 A.S. 4.. — 30 SO 80 15 15 15 45 43 45 .... 10 10 10 1 1 1 Oats Hay Oat Hay . Grain 6 00 6 00 6 00 1 30 RI 2 Clover Hay . . . ir ... 1 30 M3...; .. A.S. 6 — 1 55 Aggregal ,e 3 18 00 4 15 Average iwr aore in 1908. . . . -1 6 00 1 38 ROTATION N 1 . A.S. 3 30 30 15 ... . l.o ... 45 45 45 10 10 10 i 1 Oats Hay Oat Hay.. Grain 6 00 6 00 6 00 1 30 N 2 A.S. 5 A.S. 7 .... Timothy Hay. n 1 30 Ns.:: :::.. 30j 15j.... 1 55 Ag^reite 3 18 00 4 15 Average ner acre ii 1 190G ... 1 6 00 1 38 . ROTATION ' M.' This rotation of six years duration includes in its crops grain, grain, clover hay and then timothy hay or mixed hay for three years. First year grain is sown on sod ploughed late in the fall. In the spring the land is disked, harrowed and sown with 10-pounds of red clover seed per acre at the same time as the grain is sown. xVfter the grain is harvested the clover is allowed to grow as late as possible and the land ploughed the last thing in the fall. The next spring 8 pounds of red clover and 10 pounds timothy seed is sown with the grain and the land put in as good shape as possible. Clover hay follows the second year grain. It is cut twice in the year and the last aftermath not pastured. Timothy hay or mixed hay then occupies the land for three consecutive years. 'Manure is applied in the fall of the second year that the field is under hay. Ml. — This field had been seeded down to hay, but catch was killed in winter, so had to be put in oat, pea and vetch hay. The crop was satisfactory. M2. — This field shared the fate of * Ml ' in the winter and, like it, had to be seeded to oat, pea and vetch hay in the spring of 1906. M3. — This field was in grain. On account of part of the field being mucky in character it v.- as weedy this year and had to be cut green. JiEPORT OF THE AGRICVLTUIilST 93 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 ' M.' Items of Expense in raising Crop in 1905. Particulars of Crop of 1906. Manual Labour. llorso Labour. f> £ < g r-t to u a -3 a 6 < n «> £ •1 J-, ii 0 t.^ be T3 ^j:; o , w ^ 3 IS o o 0 > "o 'i 1 o .5 -3 o ■L3 a '3 u fe S 5" 8 1 o c 1 o n O m H O H H Q O M K 05 H :> fL, $ cts. Hrd Hrd $ Cts. $ cts. $ cts. $ cts. Lbs. Lbs. Lbs. Lbs. $ cts. $cts. $ eta. 5 0 75 2 20 6 49 14 45 14 45 4,3.'30 17 44 17 44 2 99 0 0 75 1 35 2 4 20 19 50 6 40 5 70 •ii6 14 45 15 70 14 45 15 70 5,173 20 GO 23 74 20 69 23 74 6 21 9 1,527 4,233 8 04 19 2 85 18 50 1 10 44 00 44 60 14 87 1,527 4,203 9,533 61 87 20 C2 61 87 17 27 6 0 95 1-3 19 G 17 0 37 14 87 509 1,411 3,178 20 G2 5 76 •N.' 5 0 75 0 75 1 35 2 2 20 20 19 6 40 6 40 5 70 "6'83 14 4:. 14 45 15 43 14 45 14 45 15 43 3,f!40 4,746 14 52 14 ''-2 0 07 5 18 98 17 77 18 9ti 17 77 4 53 9 1,153 3,127 3,127 2 34 19 2 85 4 1 59 19 18 50 0 83 44 33 44 33 1,153 8,38G 51 27 61 27 6 94 6 0 95 6 17 0 28 14 78 14 78 384 1,042 2,795 17 09 17 09 2 31 ROTATION ' N.' This rotation of six years' duration includes in its crop grain, grain and timothy hay for four years. The first year's grain is sown on land that had been ploughed six inches deep tlie fall previous. ISTo grass or clover seed of any kind is sown with it. The stubble i,^ ploughed in the fall and with the grain of the second year timothy seed is sown at tli "■ rate of 12 pounds per acre. Every care is taken to insure a good catch and the lar. 1 put in as good shape as possible to remain in meadow four years. Timothy hay is then the crop for four years, manure being applied in the fall of the second year of hay, Nl. — This field should have been in hay but was frozen out and so had to be sown to oat, pea and vetch hay. N2. — This field should have been in hay but was frozen out so was sown to oat, pea and vetch hay. ]s[3. — This field was in grain. It includes a considerable area of black muck, yhich pr.rt v.t.s infested with weeds and had to be cut and fed green. 94 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 ROTATION Description of Soil. Lot. Location. Vj Crop. Crop. £ s a tn i-t bH 1" JS V, p. c. ^2 C p. C. 1 o O P.O. 5 P.O. s S p. c. P.O. W p. c. < ■a <3 a. Ac. 1905. 1906. S cts. 3 cts. 0 1 A.S. 8 SO 15 45 10 1 Tim. Hay. . . Tim. Hay . . 6 00 1 30 0 2 A.S. 10 SO 1.5 • 45 10 1 Oats Grain . . . 6 00 1 55 0 3 A.S. 12 .... 30 1.5 — 45 10 1 Tim. Hay.. Oat Hay 6 00 1 30 Acrcrrea'i ate . . 3 18 00 4 15 Averaf^e iipf n.crp. in 100 G 1 6 00 1 38 ROTATION P 1. P 2 P 3. A.S. .\.S. .v.s. 9.. 11. 13. .30 30 30 15 15 15 Aggregate Average per acre in 1906 , 45 45 45 10 10 10 Clover Hay. Oats Clover Hay . Hay. Grain Oats.. 6 00 6 00 6 00 18 CO 6 00 1 .30 1 55 1 30 4 15 1 38 ROTATION *0.' This rotation is of three years' duration and includes grain, timothy hay, timothy hay. The field intended for grain i3 ploughed early in the fall and cultivated at inter- raia to insure the sod rotting. It isf ploughed again late in the fall and with the ffrain, the next spring, timothy seed is sown at the rate of 12 lbs. to the acre. Timothy hay is cut for two years and the land again ploughed early in the fall. Manure is applied in the fall of the first year under hay. 01. — This field was again under timothy hay. 02. — This field was oats. It includes a very considerable portion of black mucliy Boil. This part of the field was on account of the adverse season, infested with weeds and the crop on that part had to be cut and fed green. This was allo-vrod for in giving leturns above. 03. — This field was under oat hay. It should have been in timothy hay, but wa« frozen out in the winter 1905-6. REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURIST 85 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 •O.' Items of E.xpciise in raising Crop in 1906. Particulars of Crop of 1906. ^Manual Labour. Horse Labour. u o < , i d "3) s u 9 _c rA 2 ■Ji a. H O 0! c 0. O o (D _3 '5 CO 2 "-A O Hrs Hrs > H H O C5 m a Pi H > P^ Hrs. $cts. § cts. Sets. Sets. $cts. Lbs. Lbs. Lbs. Lbs. Lbs. Sets. § cts. G 0 90 2:^ 1.5f 5 2i'i 13 12A 13 42^ 2,230 8 38 8 38 ♦4 54 0 1 35 18i 53i 5 77.^ 0 76 15 43 15 43 1,051 2,275 15 06 15 06 *0 37 G 0 90 2 4i 5 95' 14 15 14 15 4,4G0 17 84 41 28 17 84 3 69 21 3 15 IG 95 0 76 43 OOi 43 OOi 1,051 2,275 6,740 41 28 0 41 i 1 05 li 18 5 65 0 25 14 33 14 33 350 758 2,247 13 76 13 76 0 41 G 0 90 2h 2 ISi 531 18 5 '2'>h 13 42^ 15 59 14 15 13 421 15 59 14 15 2,7t^0 3,350 G,13G 11 02 19 77 13 40 11 02 19 77 13 40 *2 40 9 1 35 G| 0 90 5 77| 5 95 16 95 6 92 0 90 1,280 3,485 4 18 ♦0 75 2li 3 15 1 82 43 IG^ 14 39 1,280 3,485 44 19 14 74 0 34 7 1 05 5 Go 0 61 14 39 14 39 427 1,163 2,043 14 7S' 14 73 0 34 Loss. ROTATION ' P.' This rotation is of three year's duration and includes grain, clover hay, and timothy hay or mixed hay. The field intended for grain is ploughed early the previous fall and cultivated at intervals to insure the sod rotting. It is again ploughed late in the fall and left till seed time next spring. With the grain is sown ten pounds clover and ten pounds timo- thy. Manure is applied in the fall of the first year of hay. Pi. — This field was supposed to be under hay, but was frozen out in the winter and had to be seeded down again. It gave a crop of oat, pea and vetch hay this year. P2. — This field was in grain (oats) ; the crop suffered from the fact of a part of the field being of a peaty nature. Allowance was made in making calculations. P3. — The field was frozen cut in the winter and this year gave a crop of oat, pea and vetch bay. 7-8 EDWARD VIL SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 A. 1908 REPORT OF THE HORTIOULTURIST. (W. T. Macoun.) March 31, 1907. Dr. Wm. Saunders, C.M.G., Director Dominion Experimental Farms, Ottawa. Sir, — I have the honour to submit herewith the twentieth Annual Report of this division^ in which will be found the results of some of the more important experi- ments conducted during the year and information regarding other work of the Horticultural Division. I have the honour to be, sir. Your obedient servant, W. T. MACOUN, EorticuUurist. CHARACTER OF SEASON AND EFFECT OF WINTER OF 1905-6 ON M^GETATION. Since the year 1898 a record has been kept of the character of each season from a horticultural standpoint, and some facts regarding the weather have been published in the Annual Report of the Horticulturist since that time. Owing to the Interim Report being published last summer, which was somewhat different from the regular annual report, no account of the previous winter was published, hence in order to make the record complete it is necessary to go back to December, 1905. December of that year was a mild month. There was no sleighing of any account until the first week of the month. At no time during December could there have been more than a foot of snow on the ground. The lowest temperature in December was on the 16th, when it was 13-1° F. below zero. January was a mild month witli changeable weather and very little snow on the ground, there being only about six inches on the 15th. On February 14th, a month later, there were still only about six inches of snow on the ground, and the fields were bare in some places. There were also fro2sen pools of water here and there which threatened injury to trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants. By the 22nd of the month the sleighing was practically gone. February was a colder month than January, but mild for the time of the year. The lowest temperature of the winter was 21-8° F. below zero on February 2. On -March 1 the following record was made: 'It has been quite cold again this week, the temperature falling to eight degrees below zero. Great injury is likely to occur to strawberry plantations and to herbaceous plants generally as the ground is for the most part bare of snow and where it is not bare it is covered with ice. There is a great deal of ice on the lawns and in the orchard. The lower pnrt of the straw- berry plantation is nearly covered with ice. The soaking of the few inches .of soil which had thawed out by the rain on February 25, followed by the severe frost must have been very hard on the roots of plants.' Thawing and freezing' continued and on March 12 there were still large patches of ice in the orchard and part of the straw- berry plantation was still covered with ice. While the weather was very changeable with several thaws^ March was a cold month on the whole. 97 16—7 98 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 The effect of the unusual winter of 1905-6 was very marked on vegetation, especi- ally on herbaceous plants. Practically all strawberry plants in the vicinity of Ottawa and at the Experimental Farm were destroyed, even where well mulched with straw. Where snow lay heavily along the fences they were better protected and came through the winter in fair condition. Other herbaceous perennials suiTered badly although at the Experimental Farm, where the snow lies heavily on the border they were com- paratively little injured. In some gardens in Ottawa the growers lost practically all the perennials they had. The plants which suffered most were, as a rule, those with fleshy roots. In a border containing over 2,000 species and varieties at the Experi- mental Farm, 277 were killed. Deciduous trees and shrubs, including fruit trees and bushes, suffered considerably more than usual, biit not as much as might have been expected. Evergreens suffered most, the different varieties of the American Arbor Vitse being badly affected. Some were killed outright, while others had branches destroyed. The varieties which suffered legist were Thuya occidentalis ivareana and Thuya occi- dentalis glohosa, the former not being injured in the least. In exposed places the native American Arbor Vita3 were badly injured. By April 16, the frost was out of the ground in most places and the first ploughing was done in the orchard on that day and also the first digging with the spade. Even by April 21 there was still some frost in the ground and up to that time there had been little growth. The highest temperature in April was on the 19th, when the temperature was 71-6° F. above zero. The lowest was 17° F. on the 7th. May was rather cool on the whole with changeable weather although there were a few warm days. The highest temperature was 89-8° F. on the 18th, and the lowest 28-8° F. on the 11th. The last spring frost recorded by the thermometer was on Ivlay 21, when the temperature was 29-8° F. June was a warm month, although no very high temperatur.cs were recorded, the highest being 89° F. on the 15th and 21st. The temperature was over 80° F. thirteen times in June. There were a number of showers during the month which with the heat caused vegetation to recover remarkably from the in- jurious effects of the winter. July was a very warm, dry month, the temperature being 80° F. and above no less than twenty-two times during the month. The highest temperatures wore 93° F. on the 15th, and 93-6° F. on the 22nd. From July 12 to August 12 the temperature was 80° F. and above every day ex- cept one. The highest temperature in August and the hottest days of summer were on August IS and 19, when the temperature rose to 96° F. and 96-6° F., respectively. On September 11 and 12 the following notes were m-ode: 'Rain is very badly needed, the grass is brown except in spots and trees and shrubs have a parched look and are showing the want of moisture very much. Mnny leaves of elms have turned yellow and are falling. Fruit trees have not suffered much except young plum trees, which are suffering. The soil is very dry.' There were some very high temperatures in September, the two highest being on the 9th and 12th, when the thermometer re corded 91° F. and 92° F., respectively. There was a good rain on September 29, and again on October 6. The weather in October was fine and warm for the season of the year. The highest temperature was 75-8° F. on the 4th. The first autumn frost recorded was on October 1, when the temperature was 30° F. The first severe frost of the season was on October 12, when the grape leaves were killed, the lowest previous temperature having been on October 8, when 29-1° F. were recorded. There was a fall of snow on November 9, but this disappeared again the next day. On the 14th the ground froze hard, the temperature dropping to 7° F. above zero on the 15th, but thawed out again. Winter set in on November 26 with a heavy snow- fall and the ground unfrozen. The lowest temperature in November was 7-4° F. on the 15th. December, January, and February were all cold months, although the temperatures were not as low as in some winters. There was a thaw during the first week of January. The amount of cloudy weather. was very marked during the winter, I REPORT OF THE HORTICULTURIST 99 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 but the snowfall was not heavy, there never being more than about two feet on the level during the winter. The lowest temperature during the winter was on December 8, 1906, when the thermometer registered 25-2° F. below zero. The temperature rose above the freezing point on iAfarch 12, at which time there were about two feet of snow on the level. The snow went away gradually as frosty weather with snowfalls occurred at intervals. During the winter the temperature fell below zero fifty-two times. FRUIT AND VEGETABLE CROPS. The crop of apples in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec was a light to medium one on the whole in 1006. The yield of summer and autumn kinds was a medium one in some places, but below medium in others. Of winter applas there were very few in Eastern Ontario and the province of Quebec, but in Central anl Western Ontario the crop ran light to medium. The Apple Spot was not so injurious as usual, but codling moths were very numerous and there was a large proportion of wormy fruit. The Sooty Fungus disfigured the apples considerably. The great heat and dry weather in Eastern Ontario and Quebec and in some sections further west caused the apples to mature earlier than usual and drop badly. The crop of pears was only a mediiim one and the fruit rather undersized. Peaches were a good crop and while they ripened rapidly and required to be handled quickly fTie prices obtained were very satisfactory. The plum crop was a light one on the whole. There was a good crop of cherries in Western Ontario and good prices were obtained for the fruit. There were practically no cherries in Eastern Ontario and Quebec. The grape crop was a medium one in the grape districts but the fruit suffered considerably from dry weather in September. The crop of strawberries and bush fruits was only a medium one in Western Ontario, although there were some good crops. In Northern and Eastern Ontario and the province of Quebec, strawberries suffered badly from winter killing and the crop on the whole was very light. Raspberries were considerably injured by winter also, but there was a partial crop. At the Experimental Farm the crop of summer and fall apples was a medium one, but there was very little winter fruit. The European plum crop was a failure, but the crop of American plums while not as good as usual was a fair one, although the drought caused the fruit to be rather smal^. There were practically no cherries. A few varieties of Russian pears had a light to medium crop. The strawberry crop was a total failure due to winter killing of the plants. The raspberry crop was below medium, but a fair amount of fruit was obtained. Blackberries were not as much injured by winter as usual and in the early part of the summer promised a good crop, but the extrem.ely dry weather prevented the fruit developing and the crop was light. The crop of black, red and white currants was good. Gooseberries were medium to Eght. Vegetables suffered much from the dry. hot weather and were below the average in Ontario and Quebec. The yield of tomatoes was below the average. At the Experimental Farm the crop suffered considerably also, but the vegetables were not injured so much in the sandy loam soil which was kept loose, as in the day ground of some commercial growers. MEETINGS ATTENDED AND PLACES VISITED. Following are the meetings attended and places visited during the year, with titles of addresses, where given : — Canadian Seed Growers' Association, Ottawa, June 27 and 28, 1906. Address: * Improvement of the Potato.' 100 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 Summer meeting of the Quebec Pomological Society, Chateauguay Basin, Que., August 29 ; Como. August 30, 1906. Address : ' Conclusions on Hardiness of Fruits After Nineteen Years' Experience at Ottawa.' Annual meeting of the Ontario Fruit Growers' Association, Toronto, November 7 and 8, 1906. Address : ' Protecting Trees from Mice and Rabbits.' Annual meeting of the Nova Scotia Fruit Growers' Association, Wolfville, N.S., December 12, 13, 14, 1906. Address : ' Orchar^i Management.' Annual meeting of the Quebec Pomological Society, Knowlton, Que.^ December 20 and 21, 1906. Address : ' Growing Grapes for Home Use.' Annual meeting of the Canadian Forestry Association, Ottawa, March 14 and 15, 1907. Address : ' Some Questions Eelating to the Establishment, Maintenance, and Improvement of Farm Forestry.' The Canadian National Exhibition was attended at Toronto during the sepond week of September, 1006, for the purpose of studying the horticultural exhibits there^ During the same week a trip was made through the fruit district between Hamilton and St. Catharines Several fruit farms were visited and notes taken of the condition of the orchards and fruit in order to learn in what way we could best help the fruit growers. Wliile at St. Catharines, I took the opportunity of learning as much as possible regarding the methods adopted there of shipping fruit to the Northwest as many carloads were shipped from that point last sumnier. At the Dominion Exhibition held at Halifax, N.S., from September 22 to October 6, 190G, I had charge of the exhibit from the Dominion experimental farms and be- lieve that we had a very creditable display. Wliile in Nova Scotia T drove from Middleton to Wolfville, a distance of about forty-two miles, through the Annapolis valley, visiting on the way a number of orchards and learning what I could regarding methods of culture and packing and shipping of the friiit. The cranberry bogs at Auburn were also examined and useful information obtained. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS. It gives me much pleasure to acknowledge again the services of those who share with me the responsibility of the Horticultural Division. Mr. J. F. Watson continues to help me in the office work, which he does with much care and accuracy. In the field Mr. IT. IIolz, foreman of the division, has as in the past done his work well. He is assisted by Mr. F. Horn, foreman in the Arboretum and Botanic Garden and Mr. Horace Reid who records the exi)eriments in progress and takes many of the field notes, both of v^hom have shown much interest and care in their work. The fruit growers' in Canada and the United States continue to assist me in obtaining' information and in other ways, which has been a great help to me in my work. I again take this annual opportunity of expressing my appreciation of their eympathy and aid. DONATIONS. Interest in the work of the Horticultural Division is shown each year by many who send plants, scions or seeds for test at the Experimental Farm. A public acknow- ledgment of those which were received since the report for 1905 was published up to December 31, 1906, is made here. REPORT OF THE HORTICULTURIST SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 101 Donations. Sender. Wm. Sjuigster, Ifijper Falmouth, N.S Scions of seedling apple. Henry Wilmot, Oromocto, N.B Charles B. Camp, Cheney, Neb., U.S. Heber Rawlings, Forest, Ont W. H. Deiny)sey, Trenton, Ont Wra. Wilson, I'urt Arthur, Ont Stanislas L:icliance, D'Artngnon, Que S. Short, Ottawa (Jeo. F. Donewell, North Augusta, Oi.t. Fred Foyston, Miuosing, Ont J. F. Morrow, Calumet, Que C. Scott, Melville Cross, Ont Lieut.-Col. Wm. White, Ottawa Dr. Coughlan, I Ia.stings, Ont A. A. Evans, Kingsey, Que. . . A. Mosely, London, Kng Jules Lagaoe, Fraserville, Que J. C. Oilman, Fredericton, N.B Wm. Pratt, Fenetanguishenc, Ont Robert Hamilton, Grenville, Que R. A. Mairison, Cataraqui, Ont John C. Hodg.son, Westmount, Que . . M. Pettit, Winona, Ont.. v G. S. Hoyt, Lequillo, N.S M. G. Clark, Nanaimo, B.C A. Lalonde, Isle Perrot, Que F. W. Wilson, Port Hope, Out O. F. Brand & Son, Faribault, Minn., U.S. . . *. E. Loranger, Ste. Anne de la Perade, Que Wm. Tucker, Halifax, N.S Iowa Experiment Station, Ames, la., U.S. . . . Sutton & Sons, Reading, England A. H. Stead, Tapley's Mills, N.B A. H. McRae, Pownal, P.E.I Ontario Agricultural College, Guelph, Ont L. A. Clemons, Storm Lake, la., IJ.S Miss Maggie McLaurin, Dalkeith, Ont, Malcolm Macleod, Big Intervale, N.S W. H. Brand, Jordan Stiition, Ont J. G. Webster, Hedley, B.C.. J. A. Wright, Melboro, Que S. B. Chute, Berwick, N.S... G. M. Bonmarvel, Sintaluta, Sask John C. Walker, Holland, Man D. W. Buchanan, St. Charles, Man C. H. Snow, Cumraings Bridge, Ont H. N. Antisdel, Miiford, Ta., U.S Mes.srs. Smith 13ros., Beach ville, Ont E. Chegrion, St. Laurent, Manitoba R. Gammon, Lachiue Locks, Que Wallace Machinery Co., Champaign, 111,, U.S. Spencer Seedless Apfjlo Co., Toronto, Ont James P. Wood, Stratford, Ont W. Atlee Burpte Co., Philadelphia Wm. Rennia Co., Toronto, Ont B. G. Thoralson, Pine Valley, Man Geo. Boulet, Normandin, Que Wesley Baikh-y, Chesterfield, Out J. P. Helm, Tignish, N.S John Hicks, Belhville, Ont A. Smith, Ladners, 'B.C , W. J. Dick.son, Springhill, N.S Jai». W. Stairs, Halifa.x, N.S W. L. Scott, Ottawa, Ont R. B. Whyte, Ottawa, Ont T. Harris, Bay view, Ont Scions of Belmont seedling apple. Grape vines, eight varieties. Seedling potatoes. Scions of Coo's River Beauty apple. King Edward potato. ' Soleil Levant ' potato. Plants of Cuthbert ra.'-pberry. Wortley potato. Early Harvester potato. Scions of Tom seedling apple. Magyar potato. Scions unknown apple. Scions of seedling apple. Scions ef late keeping Fameuse seedling. Scions of Fearn's Pijipin apple. Scions Grand St. Jean apple. Scions of unknown apple. Scions of No. 1 and No. 2 seedling apples. Apple scions and seed of Volga pear. Scions of Phenomenal crab. Seeds of Italian pine. Cuttings of Early Dawn and Black Delaware grapes. Seeds of Improved Swede turnip. Tubers of Apex potato. Scions of La Salle and Highly Coloured Pewaukee apples. Scions of Choate apple. Scions of Estelliue apple, Chei-ry scions. , Geraniums. Scions of Bestovall and Atkins plums. Twenty lots of potatoes. Scions of seedling pear. Scions of Dodd apple. Plants of eighteen varieties of strawberries. Scions of demons apple. Scions of Craignaivie apple. Tubers of Shoat potato. Two cans Target Brand Scale Destroyer. Potatoes. Scions of seedling apple. Scions of Crimson Beauty apple. Tubers of Sausisse potato. Maple Leaf potato. Plants of Dr, Reider raspberry. Twenty-five plants Daisy strawberry. Two trees Okoboji apple. 1 lb, y ozs. Eldorado potato. Uruguay potato. Sutton's Prolific potato. New,' and Improved parts for Wallace Power Sprayer.* Two trees of Spencer seedless apple. Seeds of Columbine. Vegetable seeds. Vegetable seeds. • Unknown potato. Tubers of unnamed potato. Seedling potato. Blue Prolific potato. Hicks' Jubilee potato. Sutton's Reliance potato. Immigrant potato. Seedling potato. Scions of unknown apple. Scions of Wolf River apple. Scions of unknown apple. 102 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD Vll., A. 1908 SEEDLING FRUITS RECEIVED FOR HXAMINATION — 1906. A considerable number of seedling fruits was received for examination in 1906, as in previous years, and it was with much interest and pleasure that these fruits were tested and described. A large proportion of them, it is true, were not as good as named varieties on the market, but a few of them give promise of being useful. Full descriptions are given of those which are thought to be the most promising, while briefer notes are published of those which were not considered of special merit. The full descriptions follow the table. It is hoped that fruit growers will continue to send specimens of promising fruits to the horticulturist, whether they are seedlings or merely unknown varieties. There are many desirable seedlings fruiting in different parts of Canada of which nearly 100 of apples alone have been collected from various sources and are growing at the Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa, where they are compared with other named sorts and a fair estimate obtained of their relative merits. 8 346 347 348 349 350 351 Province, Name and Address of Grower or Sender. Nova ScotiajWm. Sangster, Falmouth C. K. Starr, Perraux New Bruns- wick. 352 Quebec. 353 u .. W. H. Woodworth.South Berwick. A. H. Stead, Tapley's Mills. C. N. Vroom, St. Ste- phen. A. E. Evans, Kingsey. . , R. Hamilton, Granville, 354 355 356 357 358 359 360 Description of Fruit. See full description. Medium size, oblong, yellow, well splashed and washed with crimson. Season evidently early winter or late fall. Not promising. Appears to be identical with Yellow Bellflower. , Supposed seedling of Duch^s. Below medium size, roundish, pale yellow, splashed and washed with bright red most V on sunny side; briskly subacid; medium quality. Season probably November. Not promising. See full description (pear). Above medium size, roundish to oblate ; pale yellow with a pink blush; subacid; good quality; season October. Being the same season as Wealthy it is not desirable. See full description. Pitcaim seedling. Above medium to large, oblate conic; pale greenish yellow well washed and splashed with deep crim- son; briskly subacid, astringent; quality medium to above medium; season early to midwinter. Not suCSciently pro- mising. Holdfast.' See full description. A. McMillan's Seedling.' Medium size, oblate; pale g^een, splashed and washed with deep, rather dull crimson; acid ; medium quality; season evidently mid to late winter. Not promising. Seedling ' Like La Salle.' Above mediupi in size, oblong, conical; pale greenish yellow, splashed lightly with crim- son on sunny side; acid ; medium to above medium in quality; season evidently midwinter. Not promising either in appearance or quality. 'St. Hilaire Seedling.' Above medium in size, oblate, angu- lar, flattened; greenish yellow well washed with deep red; subacid; quality medium ; season evidently early to mid winter or perhans later. Not i)romising. 'R. Beauchamp'a Seedling.' Medium in size, roundish; pale green washed with dark red on sunny side; briskly sub- acid, of pleasant flavour and above medium in quality. Season midwinter or later. Not sufBciently promising. Above medium in size, oblate, flattened; yellow washed with dull purplish red on sunny side; briskly subacid; medium quality; season evidently midwinter or later. Not suffi- ciently promising. 'From near Pig Pen.' Medium to above medium in size, roundish, yellow with a pmk blush; subacid with a plea- ant flavour; quality good; season early winter. Past best condition. REPORT OF TEE HORTICULTURIST SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 103 Province. Name and Address of Grower or Sendi^r. Quebec, R. Hamilton, Grenville. Ontarii J. F. Morrow, Calumet J. F. Prudhomme, St. Pbilomene. Peter Reid, Chateauguay Basin. James Wright, Melboro. A. K. Surtees, Wendover Description of Fruit. 'Knoll Seedling.' Above medium in size, roundish; pale yellow; mildly subacid and of pleasant flavour ; quality good; season evidently early to midwinter. Would be ])romising if of a more attractive colour. 'St. Jane.' Medium in size, roundish; pale yellow well washed with crimson; subacid ; quality probably good ; season early winter. Too much past best condition to judge fairly of merits. 'Welden's Red Seedling.' Northwest Angle. Medium in size, oblate, conic; greenish yellow well wa.shed with deep red; subacid; quality medium; season probably mid to late winter. ' X Calf Pasture — French Crab Stock.' See full description. 'Entrance.' Medium in size, oblate; rich yellow wnth an orange blush ; acid; astringent; quality below medium; season October. Of no value unless as a cider apple. From French crab stock. 'Entrance' — French Crab Stock :— Medium in size, oblate, conic; pale greenish yellow splashed with bright purplish red on sunny side; subacid, little flavour ; medium in quality, season probably early tomidwinter. Not promising. 'Knoll from French Crab Stock.' — Medium in size, roundish, conical, yellow well washed and splashed with deep red ; briskly subacid, little flavour; quality medium ; season probably early to midwinter. Not promising. Medium in size, roundish, slightly angular; yellow washed on sunny side with deep, dull red with pur|>!ish red splashes ; mildly subacid, pleasant flavour and above medium in quality. Season mid to late winter. Not quite good enough in quality. Below medium in size, roundish, slightly angular; greenish yellow well washed and splashed with dull red ; quality above medium; season probably early to midwinter. Not sufficiently promising. Medium in size, oblate, conic; yellow splashed and washed with crimson mostly on sunny side; subacid; quality above mediufli; season evidently early to midwinter. Not suflB- ciently promising. ' Sport of Duchess ' now called ' R^id.' See full description. See full description. 'Seedling No. 3.' — Medium in size, oblate, pale yellow with a pink blush; subacid; medium in quality; season probably December. Not sufficiently promising. ' Seedling No. 9.' — Too far gone to describe. 'Seedling No. 12.' — Medium in size, roundish to oblate, pale greenish yellow splashed with dull purplbh red; briskly subacid: quality medium ; season October. Not promis- „ in?- 'Seedling No. 16.' — See full description. 'Seedling No. 20.' — Below medium in size, roundish; pale yellow with a pink blush ; subacid with a pleasant flavour; quality above medium; season October, Not sufficiently promising. 'Seedling No. 23.' — Above medium in size, roundish, conical; pale green splashed and washed mostly on sunny side with dull red; subacid; quality above medium; season October. Not nearly as good as Wealthy. 'Seedling No. 31.' — Medium in size, roundish; yellow with a pink blush; subacid with a pleasant flavour; qualitj' above medium; season October. Not promising. ' Seedling No. 32.' — Medium in size, oblate; yellow splashed and washed with purplish red; briskly subacid ; quality medium; sea.son Octol)er and later. 'Seedling No. 33.' — Above medium in size, oblate; {)ale green splashed and washed with dull red ; subacid ; quality mediimi; season probably October. Not promising. 10^ experime:^>[tal farms 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 It E 3 ;-< O o Province. 382 Ontario. . . , 383 384 3S5 38G 387 388 389 390 391 3tt: Name and Address of Grower or Sender. J. Hav.'kins, Ojibwa .. J. McMullen, Cummings' Bridge. Thos. Paddon, Toronto. J. Sv Reason, Carterton. Richard Shillington, City View. C. L. Stephens, Orillia , Description of Fruit. Geo. Wilkinson, Parry Sound. F. W. Hope. Wilson, Port See full description. Medium in size, conical; pale yellow; subacid with no decided flavour; quality medium; season evidently late Septem- ber. Not promising. Medium in size, roundish, angular ; green with a bronze or pinkish blush ; subacid, pleasant ; quality almost good ; season probably October. Not sufficiently promising. Medium in size, roundish, conical; yellow with a red blush on sunny side: mildlj' subacid, pleasant flavour; quality al- most good ; season late winter. May be useful in the North. Above medium in size, oblate; pale green splashed with dull red, mostly on sunny side ; sweet with a pleasant flavour ; quality above medium; season evidently mid to late win- ter. A good keeping sweet apple. ' No. 1.' — Medium in size, oblate; greenish yellow with a pink blush on sunny side ; briskly subacid with a pleasant but not high flavour ; quality above medium to good ; season evidently late winter. Not sufBciently attractive in ap- pearance. 'No, 2.' — Medium in size, roundish ; greenish yellow with a bronzy pink blush; subacid, sprightly with a pleasant but not high flavour ; season evidently late winter. Not Bufiiciently attractive in appearance. Above medium in size, oblate ; yellow, well splashed and washed with deep crimson ; briskly subacid ; medium in quality. Said to be a little earlier in season than Duchess. Not good enough in quality. Resembles Duchess in outward appearance. Crab Apple SeedUng. See full description. Medium in size, roundish; yellowish green ; splashed a.id washed with dull orange red ; mildly subacid, pleasant ; quality above medium to good. Season probably early winter. Not attractive in appearance ; not sutiicicntly good in quality. 'Choate.' — See full description. APPLES. No. 346. Falmouth Seedling, from Wm. San^ster, Falmouth, N.S. — Medium in size, oblate to roundish, flattened at ends ; cavity deep, open, russeted ; stem short, moderately stout; basin deep, open, slightly wrinkled; stem short, moderately stout; calyx partly open; colour yellow, well washed with bright and deep crimson; dots moderately numerous, yellow, distinct; skin moderately thick, tender; flesh yellowish tinged with red, crisp, moderately juicy; core medium; subacid, pleasant flavour; good quality; season evidently early to mid winter. Suggestive of King. Rather promising. No. 352. Evans, A. E. Kingsey, Que. — Late Keeping Fameuse like Seedling. — Below medium in size, oblate conic; cavity medium depth and Vv'idth; stem medium length, slender; basin narrow, shallow, almost smooth; calyx closed; yellow well washed with crimson with darker splashes ; dots few, yellow, distinct ; skin moderately thick, tough; flesh white, tinged with yellow, juicy; core medium; subacid, pleasant but not of high flavour; good quality; season early to late winter. Snid to keep until spring. Not as good as Fameuse in quality, but if hardy may be desirable. REFOUT OF THE HOIiTICULTURIST. 105 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 No. 354. Holdfast. — Medium sire, roundish; cavity deep, medium width; stem short, slender; basin deep, medium width, smooth; calyx closed; pale yellow splashed and washed with bright crimson; dots few, yellow, indistinct; skin moderately thick, toug-h; flesh dull white, tender, juicy; core medium; subacid, pleasant flavour; quality good; season mid to late winter. May prove useful. Apples hang well on tree. No. 364. Hamilton, E.,— Seedling from ' X Calf Pasture— French Crab Stock.'— Above medium in size, oblong, conical; cavity narrow, medium depth; stem medium length, slender; basin medium depth and width, wrinliled ; calyx open; pale yellow, splashed and washed with red; dots fairly numerous, white, distinct; skin thick, moderately tender; flesh white, firm, juicy; core medium; sweet, pleasant flavour; quality good for a sweet apple; season mid October, probably through November. May be a useful sweet apple. No. 371, Reid — from Peter^Reid, Chateauguay Basin, Que. — Fruit large, oblato, angular, flattened at each end; cavity deep, open; stem short, stout; basin very deep, open, almost smooth ; calyx open ; colour pale greenish yellow, well washed on about f 'of skin with deep red, somewhat orange red^ with darker splashes ; dots moderately numerous, small, white, distinct; skin thick, tough; flesh dull white, rather coarse, juicy, tender; crisp; core small; briskly subacid, pleasant flavour; quality above medium to good; season midwinter. Much like Milwaukee. Said to be a sport on a Duchess tree, two branches of which were budded with Mcintosh Red four years ago. No. 372. Wright, Jas., Melboro, Que. — Seedling from. — Fruit above medium size, oblate, angular; cavity deep, medium width, russeted; stem (gone); basin medium depth and width, almost smooth; cal^'X open; colour greenish yellow; dots numerous, grey, distinct; skin moderatelj- thick, moderately tender; flesh yellow, crisp, juicy, tender, breaking; core small; subacid, pleasant flavour; quality good to very good; season early to mid winter, evidently. Somewhat like Grimes Golden in appearance and quality, but evidently not that variety. No. 376. Wilson, A. E., Clarence, Ont. — Seedling No. 16 from; grown by A. E. Surtees, Wendover, Ont. — Above medium to large; roundish; cavity medium depth and width; stem short, stout; basin medium depth and width, almost smooth; calyx open; pale yellow, well splashed and washed with deep purplish red; dots obscure; skin moderately thick, tender; flesh white, tinged with red to near core; core medium; subacid, pleasant flavour; quality good; season October. The most promising of Surtees' seedlings. A nice dessert apple. No. 382. Hawkins, J., Ojibwa (V/indsor), Ont. — Seedling from. — Above medium in size, roundish angular, flattened somewhat at both ends; cavity deep, open; stem short, slender ; basin deep, open, smooth ; calyx probably open ; pale yellow, well wash ed and splashed with bright red; dots few, grey, indistinct; skin thick, moderately tender; flesh white, crisp, has some Fameuse characters, somewhat coarse, juicy; core medium; subacid, pleasant but not high flavoured; above medium to good in quality; season evidently October and later. Seed brought from Quebec by a Frenchman. — Tree bears every year. Is about 15 years old. A very handsome apple. If better in quality would be quite promising. No. 390. Stephens^ C. L., Orillia, Ont. — Seedling from. — One and seven-eighths inches in diameter, about the size of Martha, but flatter ; oblate, flattened ; cavity open, medium depth; stem long, slender; basin open, medium depth; calyx closed; colour pale yellow washed with bright red on sunny side; dots purplish red on red side, indistinct on yellow side; skin thin, tender; flesh white, tender, breaking, juicy; core medium; subacid, pleasant flavour; quality good; season early September. A good crab. About the same season as Martha, and compares favourably wilh that variety in quality. No. 392. Wilson, F. W., Port Hope, Ont.— Seedling from, called ' Chcate.'— Medium to above in size, oblate; cavity deep, open; stem short, moderately stout to 106 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VI' , A. 1908 slender; basin medium depth and width, slightly wrinkled; caljrx closed; pale yel- lowish green, well washed with deep red and splashed witii darker shades; dots obscure; skin thick, tough; flesh white, tender^ breaking^ juicy; core small; sub- acid, pleasant flavour; quality very good; season evidently early to late winter. Said to be a seedling. Very similar to Shiawassee Beauty. PEAK. No. 393. Stead, A. H., Tapley's Mills, N.B. — Seedling from.— Below medium in size, oblong, obovate, pyriform; cavity shallow ; stem long, stout; basin deep, medium width, russeted; calyx partly open; yellow with an orange red blush on sunny side; dots numerous, orange red, distinct; skin thin, tender; flesh yellowish, tender, buttery but gritty about core, juicy; core small; sweet, good flavour, quality good; season evidently mid October. Said to be a seedling of Bartlett and perfectly hardy and free from blight. Desir- able in northern districts if hardier thtin Bartlett. Much like Bartlett in flavour, but not so good in quality. Has a trace of astringency about flesh. APPLES OEIGINATED IN THE HORTICTJLTUPAL DEPARTMENT, CEN- TRAL EXPERIJVIENTAL EARM, OTTAWA. Since the year 1897 seedling apples have been fruiting at the Central Experi- mental Farm from seed sown there. The first seedlings which fruited were of Russian origin, the seed having been imported from North of Riga in Russia. The seedlings which were grown at Ottawa were planted out in 1890 to the number of 3,000. These began to fruit in 1897. Most of the trees proved very hardy, but while the fruit of a large proportion of the trees was as good as many of the named Russian apples which were introduced into Canada, very few of them were considered superior. The 3,000 trees were gradually reduced to 75. These seventy-five varieties were retained so that most of them might be tested in tlie prairie provinces on accoimt of their apparent hardiness and good size, and 59 of fiiem have been considered sufficiently promising to name. Only four of these compare favourably with the best named varieties of their season here. There are a few others which may be found of sufficient value for the •cast after a few more years test. In 1898 seed was saved of some of the best varieties of apples which fruited at Ottawa that year, including St. Lawrence, Wealthy, Mcintosh, Shiawassee, Fameuse, Swayzie, Scott's Winter, Winter St. Lawrence, Northern Spy, American Golden Russet, and several others. The seedlings of these and others which were sown later have been planted out at different times since 1901, until now, there are about 2^000 trees. The first tree to fruit was a Wealthy seedling now called Crusoe, which fruited in 1903, two years after planting and five years from seed. This variety fruited again in 1904, and it was not until 1905 that any other of the seedlings began to fruit. Owing to its many good points as an early apple the Crusoe was named and described. In 1906 there were 105 seedlings fruited, of this lot of seedlings consisting of 47 Wealthy, 22 Swayzie, 6 Winter St. Lawrence, 6 Scott's Winter, 4 Salome, 4 Mcintosh, 2 Fameuse, 7 Lawver, 4 Gano, 2 Shiawassee, 1 Langford Beauty. Out of this number, no less than 29 were considered sufficiently promising to propagate with a view of having a supply of trees should the future behaviour of these trees confirm the first fruiting. The large proportion of promising seedlings is significant when compared with the small number from the Russian seedlings, but in the latter case hardiness was the principal characteristic sought for, while in the seedlings raised from seed of apples fruited at Ottawa, hardiness, season, appear- ance, and quality were all taken into consideration. While the male parents of these REPORT OF THE UORTICVLTURIST 107 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 seedlings are not known positively, as they were pollenized naturally in the orchard, certain characteristics of a number of varieties which ^ew near the trees from which the seed was obtained are quite apparent in the seedlings. This is very marked in the Swayzie seedlings. A Baxter tree, grew near the Swayzie in the orchard and this tree is, we believe, mainly responsible for the large size, high colour, with large dots, of quite a number of the Swayzie seedlings. It may be remarked here that a few of the Wealthy and Swayzie seedlings were very similar to the female parent, but thera were more among the former than the latter. It is believed that some of f.lie varieties which fruited in 1906 have distinct advantages over some of the named sorts of the same season and if the proportion of good seedlings continues each year as it did in 1906, by the time the 2,000 seedlings have fruited there should be a large number from which to select that hardy winter apple of handsome appearance and good dessert quality which has long been sought for in the colder parts of Ontario, and Quebec. The following seedlings and cross-bred apples are among the best which have fruited at the Central Experimental Farm. These were not named for the purpose of introducing them at present, but to make it easier to heep a record of their future behaviour. Among these varieties are four which were produced by Mr. John Craig, when horticulturist here, by crossing, the McMahan with the Scott's Winter. Adonis (Wealthy Seedling). — Medium in size, roundish regular; cavity deep, open ; stem short, stout ; basin deep, medium width to open, almost smooth ; calyx open; pale greenish yellow well washed with bright crimson on sunny side; dots •moderately numerous, white, distinct; skin thick, tough; flesh dull white, rather coarse, moderately juicy; core small; subacid, pleasant but not high flavoured; quality almost good to good; season late October, probably through November. A handsome, symmetrical apple and probably a better keeper than Wealthy. Eesembles Wealthy much in outward appearance and in character of flesh. Claire (Russian Seedling). — Above medium to large, roundish to oblong, angular; cavity medium depth and width; stem medium length, stout; basin deep, medium width, slightly wrinkled; calyx open; pale yellow, splashed, streaked and washed with bright crimson; dots obscure; skin moderately thick, fairly tender; flesh white, crisp, juicy; core above medium; subacid, pleasant, agreeable flavour; quality good; season late September and perhaps later. May be useful for coming in just before Wealthy. A handsome apple of good quality, Congo (Lawver Seedling). — Above medium to large, oblate to roundish; cavity narrow, medium depth; stem medium length, moderately stout; basin deep, open, almost smooth; calyx open; pale green washed with crimson; dots moderately numerous, white, distinct; skin moderately thick^ tender; flesh yellowish, crisp, tender, juicy; core medium; subacid, sprightly, pleasant flavour; quality good; season fprobably mid to late winter. Quite promising. Resembles Lawver considerably in outward appearance. Seeds also are large and broad like Lawver. Crusoe (Wealthy Seedling). — 'Medium size, roundish, slightly angular; cavity deep, moderately open; stem medium to long, moderately stout; basin medium depth and width, wrinkled: calyx closed; colour pale yellow well splashed and washed on Bunny side with bright red; dots obscure; bloom slight; skin thick, moderately tough ; flesh yellowish, sometim.cs with red near skin, tender, juicy; core medium; subacid, pleasant flavour; quality good; season almost same as Duchess. A very early bearer. Promising on account of handsome appearance, early bear- ing and good quality. Dorval (^fcMahan White, female, x Scott's Winter, male). — Above medium in size, roundish, obtusely conical, prominently angular: cavity deep, medium width, russeted; stem short, stout ; basin deep, medium width, wrinkled ; calyx open ; colour yellow with a few splashes of pink about cavity; dots obscure; skin moderately thick, 108 EXRERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1S08 ratlier tough; flesh yellowish, tender, breaking, juicy; core medium; acid, pleasant but not high flavoured; quality above medium; season probably early to mid or late winter. This is much like Scott's Winter in character of flesh and flavour. Should mako an excellent cooking apple. Galetta (Wealthy Seedling). — Above medium in size, roundish, flattened at both ends; cavity deep, open, slightly russeted; st-em short, stout; basin deep, open, wrinkled; calyx closed or partly open; colour pale yellow, washed and splashed with red, with a suggestion of pink, mostly on sunny side; dots obscure; skin thick, moderately tough; flesh white, crisp, tender, juicy; core medium; subacid, pleasant flavour; quality good; season late August to early September. Promising. Of good quality. A good eating apple. Eesembles Wealthy somewhat in outward appearance. Mendel (Wealthy Seedling).— Medium to above medium in size, roundish, regu- lar; cavity medium depth and width; stem short, slender; basin deep, medium width, slightly wrinkled; calyx closed or partly open; colour pale greenish yellow well wash- ed with an attractive shade of crimson, sometimes with a line down the side as on Tolman; dots numerous, yellow, distinct; skin thick, moderately tough; flesh dull white, juicy; core medium; briskly subacid, pleasant flavour, sprightly; quality good; season evidently early to mid winter or later. Promising. Resembles Wealthy very much in outward appearance and in flavour. Navan (Swayzie Seedling). — Medium in size, roundish, somewhat oblique; cavity deep, medium width; stem short, moderately stout; basin open, medium depth, wrinlded at base; calyx closed; colour yellow, well washed with bright crimson; dots obscure; skin moderately thick^ tender; flesh dull white, firm, crisp, juicy; core medium; subacid, pleasant, raspberry-like flavour; quality good; season Novem- ber and probably later*. May be a useful winter apple. Not like Swayzie in any marked degree. Neville (Russian Seedling). — Large to above medium in size, roimdish conical; cavity deep, medium width, russeted; stem short to medium, stout; basin medium depth and wrinkled slightly; calyx partly open; pale yellow, splashed and strealved mostly on sunny side with bright purplish red; dots obscure; skin moderately thick, fairly tender: flesh white, crisp, tender, juicy; core medium; subacid, pleasant flavour; quality good; season second to third week of August, between Yellow Trans- parent and Duchess. A promising early apple. Noel (Wealthy Seedling). — Large, almost very large, oblate, conic; cavity deep, medium width, russeted; stem short, stout; basin deep, narrow, almost smooth; calyx closed ; colour pale greenish yellow, well washed and splashed with crimson ; dots obscure; skin thick, moderately tough; flesh white, sometimes tinged with red near skin, rather coarse, moderately juicy; core small; briskly subacid, sprightly; quality above medium; season probably October and November and through December. Resembles Wealthy somewhat in appearance and quality, but not as good. A much better keeper than Wealthy. Ottawa (Swayzie Seedling). — Fruit medium to above medium in size, oblong, conical, somewhat flattened at ends, slightly angular; cavity deep, rather open; stem medium length, slender; basin deep, open, wrinl'iled; calyx open; pale greenish yel- low well washed and splashed with rich crimson; dots moderately numerous, white, distinct; skin moderately thick, tough; flesh dull white or yellowish, crisp, juicy; core medium; subacid, sprightly, spicy, high flavour; quality very good to best; season mid to late winter. This is one of the best, if not the best, seedlings obtained so far. The flavour is somewhat between a King and an Esopus Spitzenburg. Percival (Russian Seedling). — Large to very large, roundish conic; cavity deep, open, russeted; stem short, stout; basin deep, open, %vrinkled; calyx open; colour pale greenish yellow, splashed and washed with light crimson on sunny side; dots REPORT OF THE BORTICULTURIST 109 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 few, yellow, distinct; skin thick, tough; flesh yellowish, 'crisp, tender^ breaking; core medium; briskly subacid, good, high flavour; core medium; quality good to very good; season early September. Quite promising. Should be a splendid cooking apple and a nice dessert apple though very large. Petrel (Wealthy Seedling). — Medium in size, oblate to roundish, regular, sym- metrical; cavity medium depth and width; stem short, stout; basin medium depth and width, slightl3'^ wrinlcled or plaited; calyx closed or partly open; pule greenish yellow, well splashed and washed with crimson; dots moderately numerous, pale, distinct; skin thick, tough; flesh white, firm, crisp, juicy^ inclined to watercore; core small; briskly subacid, pleasant but not highly flavoured; quality above medium to good ; season late August to early September. An attractive looking apple, much like Wealthy in outward appearance. Should ship well. Promises to be very productive. Roberval (Mc^ralian Wliite, female, x Scott's Winter, male). — Fruit medium in size, oblate; cavity medium depth and width, russeted; stem short, stout; basin deep, medium width, wrinkled ; calyx open or partly open ; yellow, well washed with deep red and splashed with dark red; dots obscure; skin moderately thick, tender; flesh yel- lowish sometimes tinged with red near skin, tender, melting; core small; flavour briskly subacid, pleasant; quality above medium, almost good. Should keep to mid winter. Resembles Scott's Winter outwardly very much, but is larger. Quality is better than Scott's Winter. Rupert (Russian Seedling). — Above medium in size, oblate; cavity medium depth and width, russeted; stem short, stout; basin mediimi depth and width, wrinkled ; calyx closed ; pale greenish yellow, sometimes with a faint pink blush ; dots numerous, green, indistinct; skin thick, tough; flesh white, juicy, tender; core medium; pleasant flavour, briskly subacid almost acid; quality above medium to good ; season early August. As early or earlier than Tetofsky and much better in quality. Better in quality than Yellow Transparent. Inclined to water core. Valois (McMahan White, female x Scott's Winter, male). — Above medium in size, oblate, conic, angular; cavity deep, narrow, russeted; stem short, stout; basin deep, medium width, wrinkled; calyx closed; pale yellow well washed with deep red; dots obscure; skin moderately thick, tender; flesh white, tinged with red, tender, juicy; core medium; briskly subacid, pleasant flavour; quality above medium. Season probably early to mjd winter. Considerably larger than Scott's Winter. May be useful. Resembles Scott's Winter considerably in outward appearance and in character of flesh. Walton (]\rcMahan White, fem.ale x Scott's Winter, male). — Fruit large, round- ish, conical, slightly angular; calyx deep, narrow, russeted; stem short to medium, moderately stout; basin deep, medium width, wrinkled; calyx partly open; yellpw, well washed and splashed with bright red. Whole surface has a somewhat mottled effect, attractive; dots obscure; skin moderately tliick, rather tough; flesh white, with a yellow tinge, firm, moderately juicy; core small; briskly subacid, not high flavoured, quality medium to above medium; season probably November and Decem- ber. A handsome apple. Has indications of Scott's Winter blood in shape and colour- ing and mottled appearance of skin. Little indication of McMahan blood except in size and perhaps firmness of flesh. The following names have been given to fifty-nine of the Russian seedlings originated at the Central Experimental Farm : — Areola, Birtle, Bowie, Bolton, Beaver, Bomba, Bison, Carlyle, Claire, Carman, Cicero. Cecil, Carr.ie, Crescent, Cottage, Dauphin, Dewar, Earliana, Grenfell, Galena, Hanley, Hamlet, Harbinger, Jarvis, Jasper. Jacko, Lang, Leroy, Mentor, Melfort, Morden, Murillo, iforley, Neville, Nepigon, Osier, Otter, Percival, Pingree, Ponoka, Parma, Polaris, Rupert, Roslin, 110 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VU., A. 1908 Eamona, Eawdon, Sellvirk, Snelling, Sollna^^^ Sorley, Sanford, Souris, Selwyn, Vesta. Virgil, Varna, Virden, Woburn, Wesley. Most of these are no better than, nor as good as, the best named varieties fruiting at Ottawa, but it is hoped that some of them -will prove very hardy and be suitable for the colder districts of Canada. Four of these are described above, namely, the Claire, Neville, Eupert and Percival. Th? descriptions of the others have not yet been published. COT^CLUSIONS EEACHED AFTEE NINETEEN YEAES' EXPEEIENCE AND SEAECII FOE A HAEDY WINTEE APPLE OF GOOD APPEAEANCE AND BEST QUALITY. The search for a hardy, productive winter apple of good colour and the best dessert quality is becoming an old story in the Northwestern States, in the north, central and eastern portions of the province of Ontario, throughout the province of Quebec, and over a large part of the province of New Brunswick. Over this immense territory the cry for many years has been for a long keeping apple which will compare favourably in all particulars with the best long keeping apples grown in the more favoured parts of the American continent. Why does this search still go on ? Will the desired apple ever be found? Finally the attempts made to find it are the points which after nineteen years' experience in this work may be discussed at this tim.e when the probabilities of soon obtaining such an apple seem bright. From experience with over 3,000 species and varieties of trees and shrubs, ex- clusive of cultivated fruits, from many countries and climates, which are under our care and observation at the Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa, we have drawn the following conclusions, regarding hardiness of trees. A tree or shrub which will withstand a test winter at Ottawa must be one which ripens its wood early. Trees or shrubs which are native to places having a longer or much longer grow- ing season than at Ottawa, grow longer than the native species or those from a some- what similar climate to the native species, and when a test winter comes their wood is not sufficiently ripened, or winter resistant, and they are more or less injured or perish. After seventeen years' observations of this large collection which has increased to over 3,000 species and varieties, it may be said that with scarcely an exception, and those doubtful ones, no apparent increase in hardiness has taken place in individual specimens. Plants which killed to the ground seventeen years ago, kill to the ground still. Those which killed to the snow line, kill to the snow line still. Those which are killed back one-half or merely a few inches at the tip do so still. Sometimes a tree will remain hardy for several years and then kill back to near the ground. It is possible that they are getting hardier very gradually, but if so this increasing hardi- ness is scarcely imperceptible so far. ~^ Another observation regarding tender trees has been that after a season when the growth has been strong more injury is likely to occur than in a season when the growth is short. Individual specimens of certain species have been found hardier than others. This has been particularly noticeable in the case of the Hardy Catalpa (Catalpa hig nonioides) which, as a rule, kills back badly at Ottawa, but some individual trees have proven much hardier and bloom freely at Ottawa. The raising of seedlings from these tender species has not been carried on long enough to state positively from our own experience that hardier types will be produced in this way, but the history of such work makes us hopeful. Some favourable results have, however, already been ob- tained. Let us now tarn to the hardiness of apple trees, and we might include all other large fruits that have been tested at Ottawa. About 700 named varieties of apples have been tested. REPORT OF THE HORTICULTURIST 111 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 It has been found that a far larger proportion of those which originated in the Eastern and Southwestern States arc tenderer than those which originated in the Northeastern and Northwestern States and in Canada. The same may be said of Europe. The hardy varieties from Great Britain, France, and Germany are few compared with those from the colder parts of Russia- It may be safely stated that the hardiest apples are those which have originated in Russia. They are the hardiest survivors of the hundreds and thousands of varieties which have originated in Russia during the past centuries and have shown their ability to withstand the winters tliere as far North as latitude 55°, or further, in a continental climate. In America, and especially in the colder parts of the country, the origination of varieties has been more recent and we believe that it will be some time before such hardy large apples as Hibernal, Charlamoff, and Duchess will be obtained on this continent, although some quite hardy varieties have already been originated. By again analysing the list of varieties tested, we find that the season of all the hardiest varieties is summer or autumn. The winter of 1903-4 was a very severe one in the province of Ontario, and in the orchards at the Central Experimental Farm 164 varieties were winter killed. An analysis of these varieties, a list of which was published in the annual report for 1904, shows that 130 of these were early winter and winter varieties, and 34 summer and autumn. We believe that this is suiScient evidence to prove that summer and autumn varieties are hardier than later keeping sorts. Let us now consider the difference between a summer and a winter apple. A summer apple is one which is ready for use in the summer; a winter apple is one which is not ready for use until winter. The season of the first is much shorter than the second, mainly, we believe, because it reaches maturity in a hotter time of the year than the others. Duchess and Wealthy apples will keep much longer on Prince Edward Island, where the climate is cooler and development slower, than they will at Ottawa. Winter apples will also keep better there than they will in those parts of Ontario where they succeed. It has been frequently observed that apples which mature early and are in condi- tion for eating in summer and autumn are grown on trees which ripen their wood early, and on the other hand an apple which is not ready for use until vHlnter is usually grown on a tree which does not ripen its wood early. A fact which many have observed and which we believe is perfectly natural. The fruit of most varieties of winter apples has to be kept on the trees at Ottawa until there is danger of severe frost, in order to get the apples sufficiently mature that the flavour will develop and that there will be a fair colour. The wood of such trees is also equally slow in arriv- ing at that stage of ripeness which will enable it to withstand the winter, as has been proven by the figures given above. Some winter apples are hardier than others, but from our experience with a large number of varieties we aro forced to conclude that unless the fruit of a variety reaches a certain stage of development or maturity every season a certain time before it has to be picked, owing to danger from severe frost, that variety is not a safe one to plant. What that stage of maturity is we cannot at present definitely say. In brief, then, we believe that it is a physiological impossibility for the majority of winter apples which have yet been produced to prove hardy in the colder apple districts of Canada because the trees having originated where the season is longer, gro\7 too late for our short season. Must we then conclude that the origination of a hardy winter apple for the north, of good colour, and the best dessert quality, is an impossibility? We believe not. Apples which will keep nearly all winter when grown in some districts are autumn apples elsewhere. Some of the hardy varieties of Russian apples which have been introduced are found to be much earlier in season in America than they are in Russia. We believe that the growing and ripening season in Uvo countries^ or districts, while about the same length of time, may vary suffici- ently to cause a marked difference in the season of a variety. As an example, take 112 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 again Prince Edward Island, where there is a late spring, but where severe frost does not come until late, as compared with the colder parts of Ontario, where the spring is early, but where fall frosts are early also. In order, then, to get an apple most suited to a district or climate and to get it of the season required, it must be originated in that climate. The work of originating apples has been comparatively recent in the colder parts of Eastern Canada and in the Northwestern States, and by far the largest majority of seedling apples of merit which have been produced are summer or autumn kinds. This we think is due to two principal causes. In the first place, because most of the seedlings have been raised from summer or autumn varieties, these being the hardiest, and we should naturally expect that most of such seedlings would be of the same season as their parents. In the second place, and on the other hand, seedlings have been raised from the best late keeping verieties, but which are not hardy enough to stand a test winter, and the seedlings from such trees have not, as a rule, proven hardy. We do not believe that because seedlings are raised in a climate with a short season that the largest proportion of them will prove early apples regardless of their ancestry. We believe that in most cases in the past the ancestry of the seedling varieties originated in the North has not been favourable to the pro- duction of hardy winter varieties. The importance of ancestry in the origination of a hardy winter apple is well illustrated, we think, in a number of cross-bred apples which have fruited at the Central Experimental Farm. Of a cross between Scott's Winter male and MclMahan female made by Prof. John Craig, when horticulturist, 23 trees have fruited. None of these are earlier in season than McMahan and 14 of them are later keeping apples. Practically all of them have some visible resem- blance to the parents and some are very similar to both parents. All withstood the test winter of 1903-4. It is believed that the basis for the production of the desired winter apple for the north should be a variety or varieties which have withstood test winters in the north and are also the latest keepers of such varieties. It has been already said that late keeping varieties mean late ripening of wood, hence tender trees, but such late keeping hardy varieties as have already been origin- ated in the north are of a different class. They are varieties which, although they mature or are fit for use early in the winter^ yet keep all winter with good care. The fact that they are fit for use early means that the wood has ripened comparatively early, and hence is able to withstand the cold. Pomologists are well aware that cer- tain varieties of fruits which are ready for use at the same time as other varieties will keep much longer. It is to this class that the desired winter apple for the north will belong. The following winter varieties originated in the north stood the test winter of 1903-4 at Ottawa and are just such apples as have been described. Canada Baldwin, originated in the province of Quebec. Winter Rose, originated in Dundas County, Ont. Calumet, originated on Calumet Island, in the Ottawa river. Baxter, originated near Brockville, Ont. La Victoire, originated in the province of Quebec. Stone, originated in Vermont. Scott's Winter, originated in Vermont. Milwaukee, originated in Wisconsin. Other promising unnamed late keeping seedlings obtained from the colder parts of Canada and the United States are growing at Ottawa. None of the varieties above mentioned have all the desired points, but we consider the outlook very bright for the origination of a hardy, productive, long keeping variety of good colour and best dessert quality for the north. EXPERIMENTAL SHIPMENT OF APPLES. One shipment of 90 boxes of apples was made in 1906. It was consigned ta Thos. Russell, Glasgow, Scotland, and went via ss. Athenia, Donaldson Line, sailing from REPORT OF THE EORTICULTURIST 113 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 Montreal on August 30. There were 44 boxes of Uuchess apples in this consignment and 46 boxes of Charlamoff apples. The apples were picked when well coloured but Btill firm. Two pickings were made so as to have thrm all in as good condition as possible, the first picked being kept in a cool place until the rest were picked. The apples were carefully packed in rows and tiers in the boxes. No packing material was used except a sheet of cardboard at the top and bottom of the boxes between the fruit and tlie wood. In addition to learning how the summer apples would arrive and the price they would bring when carefully packed, it was designed to test the strength of thinner boards than are usually iised in the east for the tops and bottoms of the boxes, i'^ inch white pine being used instead of § inch. The thinner material has long been used in the Western States and in British Columbia, but the wood used there is much tougher. The advantage of using thin material is that the apples can be packed much tighter, as the thin board will bend without bruising the fruit much. In this con- signment 23 boxes had thin, or i^e inch tops and bottoms, and 43 had thin tops only, the rest hr.d tops and bottoms of the usual thickness, | inch. The tops and bottoms were fastened on with cleats, which are very necessary where thin boards are used. The apples all sold at six shillings per box. Following is the account of sales: — * Glasgow, September 11, 1906. Account sales of 90 boxes apples ex. steamer ' Athenia.' Sold by Thomas Eussell, by order and for account of: llr. W. T. Macoun, Ottawa. Mark. No. 1. . Quantity. 15 boxes Du'lipss at Gs. . . . 45 bo.Kf s Charlamoff at 6s . 13 10 0 13 10 0 Charge-s. Freight on eroods ^including cold storage) ... Kiver and llar'nour dues. Master PtTtemge, landing-, selecting, cooper- in^', catHlogms, advertising, caitage to warehouse, receiving and^ dcUvc-ring ! Commission and guarantee ' 0 8 Not i»rocoeds i; s. d. 10 12 8 16 7 4 The following letter was received from Mr. J. A. Findlay^ Canadian Agent, Glasgow, Scotland, who was asked to report on the condition in which the fruit arrived : — * Glasgow, September 11, 1908. W. T. Macoun, Esq., Horticulturist, Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa. Dear Sir, — Yours of the 28th ultimo to hand on the 8th inst. The hoxes of apples you refer to were discharged yesterday from the AtTicnin and I watched them as they were being handled, and found all the boxes in excellent order, with no bi-cakages in either of the styles of boxes, the fruit also appeared in satisfactory condition. The fruit, in the boxes of I'j of an inch tops and bottoms, and I's of an inch tops and 3 of an inch bottoms was certainly more tightly packed than in the ordinary box. A box of this weight with § of an inch bottom and is of an inch top would seem 16—8 114 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 to be most serviceable as it permits of the fruit being more tightly packed and be- cause of the heavier bottom would stand rougher handling in discharging than these received, there is meantime no great pressure here, and all fruit from cold storage in being discharged is loaded in wooden tubs or iron tubs raised by crane to the dock and thereby no pressure is brought to bear on fragile boxes. It sometimes happens, how- ever, boxes of fruit are raised by crane in slings formed of chains or ropes and there- by more or less pressure is put on the boxes according to the number in the sling, and I fear had such a m.ethod of discharging been adopted in this case from the man- ner in which a few of the boxes ^xith thin bottoms bulged, a knock or pressure would have resulted in breakage. Trusting this information is satisfactory. Yours faithfully, (Sgd.) JAS. A. FINDLAY.' From this one shipment it would appear that apples may be safely shipped in boxes with fc inch top and bottom made of such material as can be obtained in the east, but further experience is necessary before recommending the general use of such material. By using thin tops only and bottoms of the usual thickness, apples may be packed tight and less risk be run. THE SEEDLESS APPLE IX CANADA. During the past three years considerable interest has been aroused in Canada in regard to seedless apples, and during 1906 a company was formed in Toronto to push the sale of one variety, the ' Spencer Seedless.' In view of this fact it seems desirable to publish in this Annual Report what we know in regard to seedless apples in Canada, and the ' Spencer Seedless ' in particular. ,The seedless apple is not a new thing, having be'en recorded by writers several hundred years ago. There are in Canada at the present time several varieties of seedless apples which originated in this country. A seedless apple was exhibited at the annual meeting of the Ontario Fruit Growers' Association, held at Brantford, Ont., on December 19, 1900. The following reference is made to it in the report of the Fruit Exhibit Committee, of which the writer was chairman: — ' A curiosity in the form of a seedless apple was shown by Mr. A. W. Wliitney, Iroquois, Ont. The apple was qiiite normal in outward appearance and of good size. Mr. Whitney says that none of the apples contain seeds.' This tree was reported by the owner, Mr. L. Cameron, Iroquois, Ont., to be both seedless and bloomless. Through Mr. A. D. Harkness, Irena, Ont., I obtained speci- mens of the flowers and on May 26, 1904, several clusters wefe received from him and the following description was made of them: — ' Apetalous apple blossoms, received from Mr, A. D. Harkness, Irena, Ont., from tree grown by Mr. L. Cameron, Iroquois, Ont. About one dozen flowers received May 26. Flowers in clusters averaging three flowers in each, calyx apparently? very similar (these were not compared with the calyx of perfect flowers at the time) to that of ordinary flowers. Petals abortive, very small and hidden by the sepals. Flowers evidently all pistillate. Appear to be fifteen stigmas to each flower.' We visited Iroquois in August, 1904, and went to see the seedless apple tree which is in the garden or small orchard of Mr. Cameron. The tree was found in a very thrifty con- dition but with not a fruit on it. This lack of fruit was explained to my satisfaction by the fact that there were practically no apples in the orchard that year, hence the pistillate flowers could not be pollinated. Mr. Cam.eron informed me that it was a seedling tree about 10 years old and probably fruited for tlie first time in 1900, when the fruit was shown in Brantford. Mr. Cameron has this seedless apple top grafted on another variety in addition to the original tree. Buds were obtained from Mr. Cameron and trees of this variety are now growing at the Central Experimental Farm. REPORT OF THE EORTICULTURIST 115 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 Efforts have been made to obtain fruit of the apple since that time, but -n-ithout ruccess. In April, 1904, the following item appeared in the Prince Edward Island Farmer: 'In a recent issue of the Farmer we published the result of an experiment in apple growing by which a noted Colorado orchardist, after seven years of experimenting, had succeeded in producing a seedless apple (The Spencer Seedless). It was noted that the tree bearing this scientific wonder bears no blossoms and that the fruit resembles a navel orange. Last Saturday, to our surprise and pleasure, we received a box of seedless apples grown last year in the orchard of Mr. Hugh Ramsay, Port Hill, P.E.I., with the explanation that similar apples had been grown yearly on the same tree during the past thirty years. Examination shows that the apple is entirely solid, there are no seed chambers, nor any semblance of seed; it is well formed, richly flavoured, and a good winter keeper, the samples received being firm and fresh al- though stored in ordinary barrels. The tree bearing this peculiar variety was full grown and bearing heavily when Mr. Ramsay came into possession of his farm thirty years ago.' After this article appefa'cd we wrote to the Editor, and also to the owner of the fruit, asking for specimens, but unfortunately the best were gone, the specimen received being small and the quality, judging by the fmit tested, not more than medium. The core was small and was situated nearer the calyx than in ordinary varieties, the cartilagenous parts of the core, or carpels, were not as thick as in the varieties with seeds. There were no seeds in the specimen exam.ined. I have tried to obtain fruit of this apple since, but without success. Wlien attending the annual meeting of the Prince Edward Island Fruit Growers' Association on December 2-0, and 21, 1904, a specimen was shown me of a seedless apple grown by Jesse A. Wright, North Bedeque, P.E.I. This apple was past best condition, but was seedless with a small core confined to the calyx end of the apple. At thfe Flower, Fruit and Honey Show held in Toronto on November 6-10, 190G, a number of the Spencer Seedless apples were exhibited and agents were in attend- ance taking orders for trees of this fruit. The Spencer Seedless apple is said to have originated with Mr. J. F. Spencer, Grand Junction, Col., U.S.A., but it is believed by good authorities to have originated in Virginia as a chance seedling. As trees of the Spencer Seedless apple were being offered at $2-50 per tree those attending the Ontario Fruit Growers' Association thought it would be in the interests of Canadian fruit growers to have an unbiased judgment on the merits of this fruit, hence a committee was appointed consisting of H. H. Groff, Simcoe, Chairman ; D. Johnston, Forest; E. Morris, Fonfhill; W. H. Dempsey, Trenton; and W. T. Macoun, Ottawa. This Committee reported as follows: — * We secured specimens from the exhibit at Massey Hall, which showed the fol- lowing objectionable characteristics in apparent contradiction to the printed descrip- tion. Although the core is smaller and less distinct than in the average apple, there is still sufficient to make the process of coring a necessity. The practical absence of the calyx tube leaves an abnormally large and deep opening reaching to the core, thereby involving loss of flesh nearly equal to a normal core, as well as affording a harbour for injurious insect pests. The specimens examined by us showed this space to contain an objectionable mold-like accumulation. They also gave well developed seeds, though fewer than the normal apple. As to size, the specimens seen by us were abovit equal to our Fameuse, or Snow, and those tested for quality and flavour were about equal to Ben Davis. We believe that our inspection warrants the advice that trees of this apple should only be purchased as a curiosity.' Having procured some specimens of the Spencer Seedless apple, I took a full description of the fruit on my return from Toronto. The following is the description made: — 'Spencer Seedless Apple. — Medium in size; oblate to roundish, flattened at ends, Bomewhat angular; cavity deep, medium width, russeted; stem short, slender; basin 16-81 116 EXPEBIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 very open, medium depth, slightly wrinkled with five fleshy, rounded masses v/here sepals or petals were; calyx absent, a wide opening extends to the core; colour green- ish-yellov\^, well washed with orange red and splashed with purplish red. though not prominently; dots numerous, yellow, conspicuous; skin moderately thick, tender; flesh yellowish, firm, inclined to woody, moderately juicy; core small, closed. There are really two cores, one above the other; mildly subacid, little flavour; quality medium, about like Ben Davis; season probably mid to late winter. Seeds are not always absent, from one to two being sometimes found. While the core is smaller than that of the average apple thet'e is still enough to necessitate coring, and the open cavity having an uniittractive mould-like accumulation necessi- tates cutting this part out, which would offset any saving in the size of the core.' The Spencer Seedless Apple Company have sent two trees of this variety to be tested at the Central Experimental Farm. Unless a seedless apple is r<8 good or better than a Mcintosh, Northern Spy, King, or Esopus Spitzenburg, it is of little practical value in my judgment, unless for evapor- ating or canning, and as so many culls and windfalls of well known varieties can be obtained for this purpose we do not believe that seedless apples unless of great merii will become popular or useful. It is possible that by crossing seedless apples with varieties of the best quality that something will be produced thaF will be of real commercial value. PEARS. The only pears that fruited in 1906 were three Paissian varieties. None of tliese are, however, good enough to grow where fruit of the better kinds can be obtained at reasonable prices. The Flemish Beauty is the hardiest good pear which has been tested nnd it is hoped that in the seedlings of this variety which have not yei: fruited there will be somo still hardier. There was practically no pear blight in 1906, and little winter killing. PLUMS. The crop of Americana and Nigra plums was below medium on the whole, and while som.e varieties fruited heavily the crops of others were quite light. The European plum crop was practically a failure. The unfavourable winter, dry weather in sum.mer. Aphis, Shot-hole fungus, and Hips Rot combined to reduce the crop. Notwithstanding thorough spraying with kerosene emulsion twice, the aphis could not be completely controlled as the curling of the leaves prevented reachinj them all. The Ripe Rot has been somewhat troublesome during the past few seasons causing considerable injury to Americana plums. All varieties are not equally affected, those with the tenderest skins suffering the most as a rule. The early varieties were but little, if any, affected. The t.rees were sprayed four times with Bordeaux mixture for the purpose of helping to keep this disease under control, but notwithstanding this thorough spraying some injury v/as^ done. Alfchoug-h the plum trees have been very thoroughly sprayed with Bordeaux mixture year after year, the Shot-hole fungus has not been entirely controlled by it. Some varieties are almost immune, while others are usually badly affected. Two varieties of Americana plums highly spoken of elsewhere fruited this year, nam.ely: U.S. and Brac.kett. These are fine large phxms, but do not appear better than some alren.dy described. Following are descriptions made of them, also of two seedlings originated at the Central Experimental Farm and named during the past season, Lester and Troy: — ■g-g, .Form roundish; large; cavity shallow, medium width; suture a distinct line* apex rounded; yellow almost entirely covered with deep purplish red; dots REPORT OF TEE EORTICLLTLRIST 117 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 numerous, yellow, distinct; bloom moderate, bluish; skin thick, tougli; flesh yellow, juicy; stone medium size, oval, cling; sweet, good flavour; quality good. Of the same type as Oren and Bouncer, but not as good as either. Brackett. — Form roundish, flattened at ends; large to very large; cavity medium width, shallow; stem i inch, slender; suture a distinct line, no depression; apex flattened, indented; colour yellow ahnost entirelj' overspread with deep purplish red; dots numerous, yellow, distinct; bloom moderate, bluish; skin thick, tough; flesh deep yellow, meaty, juicy; stone above medium, roundish, flattened, cling; sweet, rich, good flavour; qualitj- good. Of the same cl'.aracter as Orcu and Bouncer. Does not appear better than either of them. Lester — (De Soto Seedling). — Eoundish, one side a little longer than other; medium to above medium in size; cavity narrow, shallow; suture a distinct lino only; apex rounded; yellow more or less covered with bright red; dots moderately numer- ous, small, yellow, rather indistinct; bloom moderate, bluish; skin moderately thick, rather tough; flesh deep yellow, juicy; stone below medium size, semi-cling, roundish, considerably flattened; sweet, good flavour; quality good. Season mid September. Worth keeping on account of quality and productiveness. A promising plum. Troy — (Cheney Seedling). — Eoundish, large; cavity narrow, shallow; suture a fairly distinct line very slightly depressed; apex rounded; yellowish well washed with deep red; dots numerous, small, yellow, distinct; bloom moderate, bluish; skin rather thick, moderately tender; flesh deep yellow, juicy; stone above medium, oval, flattened; sweet, good flavour; quality good to very good. Season mid September. A promising seedling, better in quality than Cheney. CHERRIES. The cherry crop was practically a total failure this year; the fruit buds, as is usually the case, being destroyed by winter. Each year's experience makes it more certain that until some hardier varieties are found the only method of producing cherries in this district is by protecting the trees or by growing dwarf trees which will be protected by the snow. Bushy trees of the Kcslov Morello type are what are needed, but unfortunately these trees are extremly slov*^ in growing when grafted and if stones are planted the fruit varies so much that one is uncertain what he will get when the trees begin to bear, which from the seed takes a long time also. The Orel 25 and Vladimir are two of the hardiest varieties which have been tested. The black aphis and leaf spot were troublesome on the cherry trees this year. GRAPES. Although there was very little snow in the winter of 1905-6 and what there was disappeared early, the grape vines with the slight protection afforded them from cold by the few iTiches of soil thrown over them in the autumn came through the winter in good condition, showing clearly tliat the value of covering lay not so much in the protection from cold as from the sudden changes of temperature. The vines were not uncovered until May 18 and 19, it being learned by experience that it is very, important to keep them covered as long as possible without danger of heating so that spring frosts will 1-e avoided. The season of 1906 w.'is a very favourable one for grapes in the Ottav.-a valley, the hot, dry weather causing them to grow rapidly and ripen up their fruit well. There wore 100 named varieties ripened tkoroughly. The twenty-five varieties which ripened first were: Florence, September 8; Janesville, Hartford. September 11; Jewel, Early Ohio. Early Daisy, Champion. September 12 ; Manito. Pattison, Bonne Madame, Moore's Early, Early Victor, Presley, September 15; Golden Drop, Meyer, 118 - EXPERniEXTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 Brant, Jessica, Septeinl)er 18; Campbell's Early, Potter, Lutie, Cottage, Rogers 17, September 20; Merrimac, Winchell, Canada, September 24. Some very promising seedlings fruited this year. During the past few years robins have been troublesome in the vineyard and are very destructive to the early varieties of grapes if left unprotected, hence it has be- come necessary to protect them. This is done by means of paper bags which are pinned over the bunches very rapidly and at comparatively little cost when the grapes are beginning to colour. The fruit does not ripen quite so early when covered as when left unprotected. The vines were kept thoroughly sprayed in 1906 with Bordeaux mixture and there was little injury from disease. BLAGKBEERIES. The blackberries wintered better than usual this year, which was somewhat un- expected considering the lack of snow last winter, but the wood was evidently better ripened than usual in the autumn of 1905. Early in the season the crop promised to be a good one, but the hot, dry weather prevented the development of the fruit and the crop was a lig,ht one. The Agawam is the most satisfactory blackberry tested here, Snyder coming next. The Eldorado is promising. EASPBERRIES. Notwithstanding the lack of snow in the winter of 1905-6, the raspberries came through the winter in fair condition, although there was some injury to the more tender varieties. The hot, dry weather was unfavourable to the production of much fruit, hence the crop was not a large one. A new plantation was made in the spriug of 1906. CURRANTS. The red and white currants wintered well on the whole and there was a good crop of them. The Cherry, Versaillaise, Fay, Moore's Ruby, and Wilder, are distinctly more tender in fruit bud than most of the other sorts, and the crop of these was light this year. The crop of black currants was good in some cases, but a number of the varieties were injured by winter, both in wood and fruit buds. The crop, on the whole, was not more than a medium one. GOOSEBERRIES. The gooseberry crop was a light one, the flowers having been apparently injured by spring frosts. STRAWBERRIES. The strawberry crop at the Experimental Farm, as throughout this district, was practically a total failure in 1906. The thawing and freezing of the ground during the winter of 1905-6 and the coating of ice whicli covered the strawberry plantation as it did the ground nearly everywhere on the Experimental Farm caused the death of nearly all the strawberry plants in a plantation containing over 200 named varieties, and 34 unnamed seedlings of great promise, which had been selected from a large number originated at the Experimental Farm. The strawberry plantation had been well mulched with marsh grass the previous autumn. It was impossible to obtain REPORT OF THE HORTICULTURIST 119 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 many of the varieties which were in the plantation from growers of strav.'berry plants as they are not nov/ offered for sale. These varieties had been retained as they were found superior to many of the new kinds put on the market each year. A new plantation was made in May, 1906. As some varieties stood the hardships of the winter of 1905-6 better than others, a list of those which appeared the hardiest is given as these should be among the most useful where the climate is severe. LIST OF STRAWBERRIES WHICH CAME THROUGH THE WINTER OF 1905-6 IN THE BEST CONDITION. Hardiest. — Beder Wood, Lovett, Senator Dunlap, Pocomoke, Crescent. Probably almost or quite as hardy — conditions a little more favourable. — Pis- mark, Steven's Late Champion, Hawaii, Abington, Howard, Luxury, Hero, Sunshine, New Globe, Jucunda Improved, Giant, Armstrong, Uncle Jim, Giant Ruby, and Carleton. In 1903, spring frosts did much damage in the strawberry plantation by injur- ing the flower buds and the yields that year were very small. Of the varieties which proved hardiest after the winter of 1905-6, the Jucunda Improved, Lovett, Crescent, and Peder Wood, appear in the list of the twenty-five which yielded best in 1903, showing that these are both hardy in flower and plant. A NORTHERN EXPERIMENTAL ORCHARD. In the annual reports of the Horticulturist for 1895 and 1899, there were pub- lished the results of experiments in fruit culture by Mr. J. C. Chapais, St. Denis, Kamouraska county, P.Q. It seems desirable to again publish an account of the orchard which will bring the results of the experiments up to date. These results were summed up by Mr. Chapais in the following paper which he presented before the Quebec Pomological Society recently. 'ORCHARD EXPERIMENTS IN EASTERN QUEBEC. ANALYSIS OF A LECTURE DELIVERED BEFORE THE WINTER CON"VT2NTION OF THE QUEBEC POMO- LOGICAL SOCIETY, HELD AT KNOWLTON_, BROFE COUNTY, P.Q., ON DECEMBER 19 AND 20, 1900. Twenty years ago, we undertook, in the province of Quebec, at St. Denis, Kam- ouraska county, P.Q., a locality situated 90 miles below the city of Quebec, on the St. Lawrence river, by 47° SO' of latitude north, some experiments in small and large fruit growing. We give here a few particulars on the climate of that region and on tlie ground of our orchard. , Lowest temperature experienced in 43 years — 34° F. below zero. Highest temperature experienced m 43 years — 96° F. Average rainfall experienced iy. 43 years — 28^ inches, including the winter snow- fall, which gives an average of three feet deep in the open country. Predominant winds are northeastern, saturated with salt emanations from Gulf of St. Lawrence. The soil of the orchard, which is gently sloping to the north, is composed of sandy clay, naturally damp, but well drained. A wind-break of white-spruce shelters the orchard on the northeastern side. At the time we began our experiments, we were growing a few seedling apple trees, the Bine Damson and ]\rontmorency plums and the common or French cherry, but, practically, no grafted fruit trees of any kind. We have been trying, since, 51 120 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 yarieties of apples, 9 of pears, 33 of plums, 13 of cherries, 12 of gooseberries, 10 of currants, 8 of raspberries and blackcaps and 7 of strawberries. As to apples, we have picked out as good for cultivation in our district and hav- ing a real value, 22 varieties classified here after the results obtained with them: — Summer apples. — Hare Pipka, Ked Astrachan, Summer or Early Strawberry and Yellow Transparent. Early fall apples. — Grandmother, Peach of Montreal, Transcendent and VvTiitney. Late fall apples. — Alexander, Duchess of Oldonburg, Hyslop, !^^ontreal Beauty, "Wolf Kiver, St. Lawrence and Titovka. Early v/inter apples. — Fameuse, Mcintosh Red, Wealthy and Winter St. Law- rence. Late winter apples. — Ben Davis, English Golden Eusset, Longfield. Out of those 22 varieties of apples giving good crops of well mr.tured fruit and being very hardy with us, we have made a selected list of the very best varieties, as being qi:ite commendable. They are: — Summer. — Hare Pipka, Summer or Early Strawberry Early fall. — Grandmother, Whitney. Late fall. — Duchess of Oldenburg, Titovka Early winter. — Fameuse, Wealthy. Late winter. — English Golden Piusset, Longfield. In pear ci:lture, we have, since three j'cars, after having discarded Russian varieties that have proved to give very poor fruit, had good success with the Flemish beauty and the Vermont Jj'^^uty. We entertain great hopes from four varieties bought in Belgium, coming fro::: the Ardennes mountains, having wintered well since three years, including the very severe one of 190-i, and having bloomed last spring. Our experiments with plums have proved very interesting. Out of 33 varieties tested since twenty years we have still under cultivation 31 varieties, out of which the nineteen following are bearing and give us good crops of fine fruit. They are: — Blue Damson, Lombard, St. Cloud, Canad.T, Orleans, Mirabelle, _ St. Denis Seedling, Coe's Golden Drop, Pond's Seedling, Saunders, Early Yell;)W, Purple Gage, Smith Oi-Ieans, Grind Duke, Reine Claude de Bavay, Unknown Seedling, Gueii, Reine Claude de Montmorency, Yellow Damson. .John Trotter, From these we pick the following selected list of the very best ten varieties for us: — Blue Damson, Lombard, Saunders, Coe's Goldt-n Drop, Purple Gage, Smith Orleans, Early Yellow, Reine Claude de Montmorency, St. Denis Seedling. Gueii, The ten varieties of plums just indicated give plums fit to eat from August 25 to November 10. We sold them, this year, 30 cents a gallon, taken by the buyer on the tree, without package*. We have made experiments with thirteen varieties of cherries; seven of them have proved to be very valuable. They are: — French cherry, maturing from July 5 to 25. Ostheim, Russian, maturing from July 10 to 25. Empress Eugenie, maturing from July 15 to 31. Montmorency, maturing from July 20 to August 5. Bessarabian, Russian, maturing from the last days of July to the first days of August. Lutovka, Russian, maturing from August 1 to 15, Fouche Morello, maturing from August 10 to 31. With those seven varieties, we can send cherries on the market from the second week of July to the last week of AugLTst. REPOUT OF THE HORTICULTURIST 121 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 Now, coming to the small fruits, we make our selected lists as follows: — Gooseberries. — Out of twelve varieties we consider as the best : Columbus, Down- ing, Houghton, Pearl, Smith improved. Currants. — Out of ten varieties, we have selected as the best: Champion^ black; Fay's Prolific, red; Versaillaiso, red; White Dutch. Raspberries. — Out of eight varieties we have kept as very valuable: Antwerp red; Golden Queen, yellov*-; ;^^a^lboro, red; White raspberry, yellow. No success to speak of with Black Cap raspberries and Blackberries. Strawberries. — We intend to grow, of the seven varieties tested, the Lovett, Red Alpine, Red Bush Alpine, Sharpless, Wlaite Alpine, White Bush Alpine. We have discarded only the William Belt because it is infested with leaf rust. We plant our apple trees 25 feet apart in the rows and 30 feet between the rows. This is contrary to all instructions generally given by orchardists. The reason, how- ever, that has made us resort to that system, is that, under our severe climate, the trees must be planted close together, in order to offer protection the one to the other against the heavy damp winds prevailing in our region. We have found that, though in Essex county, Ontario, apple trees planted 40 feet apart, 20 years ago, intermingle their branches, in our district our apple trees planted 20 years ago, 25 feet apart only, don't yet intermingle their branches. This shows that there is a great difference in the growth caused by the difference of climate and that the reasons which are invoked necessitating a distance of 40 feet between apple trees, viz. : that when planted closer they soon intermingle their branches, prevent the fruit from getting enough air and light and are an obstacle to the cultivation and spraying of the orchard, don't exist in Eastern Quebec. J. C. CHAPAIS. FUNGOUS DISEASES AND SPRAYING. Fungous diseases did considerable injury to fruit in 1906. The Apple Spot was not nearly so bad, however, as usual, doubtless owing to the dry season. The Sooty Fungus of the apple, a disease whicli has been more or less troublesome during the past five years, was somewhat worse than usual in 1906. This disease was not before noticed by the writer east of Toronto, but this year it was seen on a specimen grown at Lachine Locks, Que. The Dry Rot on summer apples was worse than usual. It has been observed that this disease or injury to the fruit is more pronounced in dry seasons. In the pear districts, particularly in the Niagara Peninsula, the Pear Blight did great harm, ruining many trees. No practical preventive or remedy has yet been discovered for this disease except cutting out the diseased branches. Peaches and plums did not suffer much from rot in 1906 in Western Ontario. At Ottawa there v/as considerable injury to Americana plums from Ripe Rot, notwithstanding thorough spraying. The Shot-hole Fungus affected some of the varieties of Ameri- cana plums and although the trees were sprayed constantly and thoroughly with Bordeaux mixture it was impossible to control it. Grapes did not suffer much from mildew and rot in Western Ontario, although in individual cases the Black Rot did considerable injury. Where well sprayed with Bordeaiix mixture, little injury was experienced. At Ottawa there was practically no disease on the grapes. Among vegetables, the Tomato Rot did probably more harm than any other disease except the potato blight. In the Ottawa district tomatoes were badly affected but at the Experimental Farm thorough spraying with Bordeaux mixture prevented the spread of this disease and little harm was done by it. The Potato Blight was present as usual, but owing to the extremely dry season there was little rot PEAR BLIGHT. FIRE BLIGHT {BacUlus amylovorus). The Pear Blight was more than usually destructive in the pear districts of On- tario in 1906, whole orchards being practically destroyed and many trees so badly 122 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 affected that tliey are mucli disfigured by the disease and it will take some time before they have regained a symmetrical shape. The Pear Blight is a bacterial disease and is one of the most diificult to control. The only sure way of controlling it is to remove every diseased tree or branch from the orchard, and if the trunk is affected to remove all diseased parts. It will be readily seen that unless the work is done in a very thorough and systematic manner it is practically impossible to cope with the disease. As a general rule trees which are growing rapidly are worse affected, the sappy wood being very susceptible to the disease; • hence any system of culture that will cause a healthy but not strong growth is to be preferred. It is rather difficult to grow good pears in sod in the pear districts, otherwise the orchards might be let grow in grass, which would check the growth and render the tree more immune. A better plan might be to loosen the ground in the spring by harrowing or cultivating and then seed it down to some cover crop, as by* this plan sufficient growth might be made to ensure good sized fruit and the growth of the tree would be checked by the exhaustion of moisture by the growing covei* crop. This disease has been known to injure fruit trees for more than one hundred years and it is likely to continue to do so, hence some method of growing the trees should be adopted which will as far as possible lessen the injury in addition to the method just pointed out. By training pear trees so that the top will be made up of several large branches in what is known as the vase form the chances of serious in- jury is lessened as one branch may be affected and not the others and if the diseased branch is removed the tree may be saved. If, however, the tree is of pyramirlnl shape and infection takes place in the leader the disease may run dovm the main trunk and the tree be destroyed. In addition to having a tree with a vase shaped or branching top it is important to keep suckers or water sprouts removed as these may carry infection to the main trunlj and the tree be destroyed. Fruit spurs should not he left near the junction of the branches with the main trunk as if these are affected' the disease may get to the main trunk. Some varieties of pears are less subject to blight than others, among these arc Anjou, Kieffer, Seckel, Duchess, Winter Nelis, and Tyson, while the Bartlett and Clapp are two of those which are most subject to it. It may then be desirable to plant the varieties which are least subject to this disease. Another plan would be to top graft the more susceptible varieties on the more resistant kinds as the chances of ihe whole tree being destroyed would be considerably lessened. The Fire Blight which affects apple trees, is the same as this disease. Spraying with Bordeaux mixture has no apparent effect upon it, but it is believed that the lime and sulphur wash forming a coating over the bark prevents to some ex- tent the entrance of the blight germ. The bacillus or germ of the Pear or Fire Blight finds its way into the tree at the tenderest and least protected points and it is believed by those who have made a care- ful study of it that practically all the infection is done by insects or birds and thaf the disease is not carried to any extent by wind. Insects carrying infection travel to the tips of succulent shoots and the germs find entrance through the buds at the axils of leaves, and at any point where the bark is broken. The chief sources of in- fection of bearing trees are through the flowers to which come insects bearing the genns. The blight is usually first noticed in the spring on bearing trees when flowers and flower clusters which have been blighted wither and do not set fruit. Soon the fruit spurs are noticeably affected and also the new wood. The disease starting at the tip of the shoots usually runs dovsm, although it will run in every direction, sometimes passing on to the main branches and to the trunk of the tree. The disease varies in the way it spreads. Sometimes only the flowers are affected or the fruit spurs or smaller twigs, or patches about a place on the branches or trunk that have some physiological injury. The germs are found in a gummy substance or exudation and this is carried by the insects from one flower or tree to another. These bacteria in- REPORT OF TUE UGRTICULTURIST 123 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 crease very rapidly by division and once the tree is infected the disease may soon spread over a large area. As has been stated, the best method known of controlling this blight is by cutting out the diseased parts. To do this thoroughly it is necessary to begin in the winter, going over the orchard several times to be sure that all the diseased wood has been observed. This should be followed up in spring and summer and everything showing a sign of the blight should be cut out not less than six inches below the affected part or into healthy wood. Where possihle it is wise to cut as much as one foot below where there is evidence of the disease. It has been proved by ex- periment that infection" is carried on the knife or saw, especially in summer, hence after each branch is cut the knife should be disinfected. The disinfectant recom- mended by Prof. M. B. Waite, who has given this disease very careful study and who is confident that it can be controlled by taking proper care in pruning and doing the work systematically and thoroughly, is ' A solution of corrosive sublimate in water, one part to one thousand. Tablets may be obtained from the drug store which are of convenient size for making the solution.' A sponge is carried with which to apply the disinfectant. Corrosive sublimate is a deadly poison, hence should be labelled ' Poison.' It should not be carried in a metal receptacle. The objection to a car- bolic acid solution in water ia that it must be made very strong to be effective. A systematic effort is now being made in California to stamp out this disease which has recently gained a foothold there. The method adopted is to cut out affected branches and burn them. Wlien the body of the tree is affected it is rooted out and burned. Fruit growers in the pear districts of Canada should combine in an endeavour to control the blight Individual efforts are of little avail if neighbouring orchards are neglected. SOOTY OR FLY-SPECK FUNGUS. (Leptothyrium pomi.) This disease was much more troublesome than usual this year, and disfigured much fruit. It generally occurs in low-lying orchards, where the air is mqister and is usually worst in damp seasons. This disease has been more or less troublesome in the New England States, it being particularly bad in 1S96. In 1902 it caused con- siderable injury in Ontario, and in the annual report of the Central Experimental Farm for that year the writer gives a description of it and recommendations are made for its treatment. The disease is a low form of fungus, and is apparent as sooty or black, roundish patches on the apple, not unlike splashes of ink or soot. These patches often run together and affect a large area of the surface and make the fruit very unsightly. On these patches are frequently seen small black spots resembling fly specks, which are another form of the disease. As the Sooty Fungus grows over the surface of the skin, it is easily controlled if spraying is done at the right time. The disease develops in summer after the first three sprayings for the apple spot have been given, and it will require at least a fourth spraying to control this disease. An experiment was conducted at the New Hampshire exjxjriment station a few years ago to control it on pears, the last spraying with Bordeaux mixture being given on July 26. Of the sprayed fruit 98-9 per cent was clean, and of the unsprayed only 1-3 per cent. Spraying the apples once when they are about the size of Transcendent craJ)S or larger should control this disease, and if apple trees are given a fourth spraying for the Apple Spot as is recommended, there should be no trouble with it. Unfortunately, the Sooty Fungus spreads in storage, and fruit that is little affected when it goes into storage may be considerably injured before tlie fruit is sold. Fruit affected with thi^ disease is known as * Clouded Fruit ' in the trade. This disease i& usually confined to the southwestern parts of Ontario, but this year the writer was shown an affected specimen from near Lachine Locks, Que. 124 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 The varieties usually most affected are tiae Greening and Northern Spy, but it also injures the Baldwin and other varieties. BLACK ROT OF THE TOMATO. This disease did much damage to tomatoes in the vicinity of Ottawa in 1906, a! large percentage of the fruit being rendered useless in some plantations. When the disease begins to spread on the fruit, small roundish spots may be seen usually to- ward the blossom end. These rapidly increase in size and the tomato becomes dis- coloured and rotten at the parts affected. The spores are given off from dark mould- like masses on the surface of the fruit, and these being scattered re-infect the fruit. The disease also attacks the leaves. The Tomato Rot can be controlled by spraying with Bordeaux mixture, beginning in the hot-bed and keeping the plants covered until the fruit is nearly ripe. ONION BLIGHT OR MILDEW. (Peronospora Schleideniana.) In the Ottawa district onions have suffered during the past few years from the attacks of the Onion Blight, which in some cases has caused serious loss to vegetable growers. As this disease can be prevented by thorough spraying with Bordeaux! mixture, all vegetable growers should be aware of the fact. The Onion Blight is a parasitic fungus which spreads by means of spores in summer and is carried over winter by what are known as oospores. These oospores are formed within the leaves and when these are removed in the field or fall oft' they remain over winter there and re-infect the young plants in the spring or early simimer. It will be readily seen that it is important where the disease is troublesome to remove all foliage from the field in the autumn and destroy it. Where possible, the onion should not be grown two years in succession in the same field, and if possible two years should elapse as these oospores retain hfe for two years. When the disease infects tlie onion plants by means of the oospores in early summer the mycelium grows through the plants, feeding on the juices, and the first outward indication of the dis- ease is a violet discoloration of the foliage. In a short time the leaves turn yellowish and fall over and give the plant the appearance of being scalded. When the disease is quite apparent, but before the leaves dry up, the latter have a downy look on the surface in places. It is at these points that the spores are being given off from the tiny stalks which have protruded from the mycelium within the leaf. These spores spread rapidly and if conditions are favourable will germinate in half an hour and re-infect other leaves or plants. The spores are so numerous that it does not take long for a large area to become affected. It has been found that the disease spreads most rapidly in damp, warm, close weather, the spores germinating very rapidly under such conditions. In low-lying ground the air is moistcr than over elevated land and the disease is usually worst there. Sometimes the disease will be checked before it has done much damage owing to a change in weather conditions, but it may break out again later on. Every leaf which is destroyed weakens the plant and lessens the size of the onions, hence it is very important to check it at the very start or use preventive measures. Once the spore has germinated and the disease entered the leaf it is not possible to reach the mycelium by spraying, hence it is necessary to spray early enough to kill the spores before they germinate. Spraying should be begun towards the end of June and the plants kept covered with Bordeaux mixture until the end of the season. If the disease appears before spraying has been done^ spray as soon as possible. As the leaves of the onion are smooth it is necessary to put the mixture on in as fine a spray as possible so that it will adhere well. REPORT OF THE HORTICULTURIST 125 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 EXPERIMENTS IN DESTROYINQ APHIS WITU KEROSEKE EMULSION MADE WITH FLOUR. It having be^^n discovered and demonstrated at the Central Experimental Farm that kerosene emulsion could be made with flour instead of soap for holding the kero- sene in suspension, this form of emulsion was used successfully in a practical way in 1905 and 1906. As the emulsion made in this way is much easier to make than with soap it was desirable to learn what porconta^-e of oil was necessary to kill the aphis, as soap in addition to its value in holding the kerosene in emulsion is an insecticide itself and without it more kerosene might be required. The following percentages of kerosene were, therefore, used on July IG, 1900, in spraying apple trees badly infested with aphis. Percentages used, approximately: G per cent, 7i per cent, 9 per cent, 11 per cent. The following notes were made: — Kerosene Emulsion with — 6 per cent kerosene — Aphis not affected. li per cent kerosene — Aphis not affected. 9 per cent kerosene — Not so effective as 11 per cent but most of the aphjs destroyed. 11 per cent kerosene — Practically all aphis destroyed. In the kerosene emulsion made with soap scarcely 7 ^per cent kerosene is recom- mended. There was no injury to the foliage of the trees in any case. Apple trees in nursery were sprayed on July 12, with very good results, the insects being nearly all killed. Plum trees were sprayed Julv 5 and July 13 with 11 per cent kerosene emul- sion. "Many aphis were killed without apparent injury to the trees. The Norway Spruce hedges were found to be badly attacked with a species of aphis and on July 26. 27 and Aug. 1, there were about 400 gallons of kerosene emr^lsion (11 per cent kerosene) vised in spraying the hedges with the result that the aphis were destroyed. It was necessary to saturate the trees with the emulsion, holding the nozzle close in so that the spray would envelop the branches as many of the aphis were hid- den. The pmAilsion did not injure the spruce to any extent where the foliage had not been already v/er-kened by the aphis. Experiments with Different Methods of ^Preparing the Flour Emulsion. Experiments had been conducted in the chemical laboratory in conjunction with Mr. Frank T. Rhutt, Chemist, who discovered the value of flour in making kerosene emulsion, to determine the weight of flour necessary to hold in suspension certain quantities of kerosene. Experiments had also been tried in different methods of pre- paring the emulsion and the amount of churning necessary. This work being done with small quantities it remained to determine the best method when made by the barrel. A dasher was made by nailing two cross-pieces to one end of a pole, the other end being used as a handle. A piece of sacking with a hole in the centre for the pole to go through held in place on the barrel by a hoop prevented the emulsion from eplasliing out of the barrel. To make an emulsion having approximately 11 per cent of kerosene (or to be exact. 11% per cent) it was necessary to have 4.i gallons oil to 36 pallons of water. In making the emulsions the kerosene was put in the barrel first, the flour then poured in and usually mixed well with the kerosene by stirring for a short time with a stick. Twenty gallons of water were then added and then the whole mass churned violently with the dasher \n an up and down motion for tlie required length of time. "Wlien the churning was done the rest of the water was added until the barrel was filled- 12o EXPERIilEXTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 Following are the emnlsions made, one barrel of each: — July 11. — 10 lbs. flour, 4* gallons kerosene, 36 gallons .vater, churned for 6 minutes Practically no separation of oil after standing 14 hours. July 11. — Ditto, churned for 5 minutes. Practically no separation after 14 hours. Jiily 11. — Ditto, churned 4 minutes. Practically no separation after 14 hours. July 12. — 5 lbs. flour, 4^ gallons kerosene, 36 gallons water, churned for 5 minutes. Only a very slight separation after 3 hours. Emulsion was used after stirring. July 12. — 10 lbs. fl.our, 4^ gallons kerosene, 36 gallons 'water. In this case the flour was added to the kerosene without stirring and then 20 gallons water added with- out stirring, then churned for five minutes and the rest of the water added. After standing for 17 hours there was practically no separation of oil. July 12. — 5 lbs. flour, 4^ gallons kerosene, 36 gallons water. In this case the flour was emptied into the coal oil, then 10 gallons of water added and churned for 4 min- utes, after which the barrel was filled with water. After standing 2 hours there was no separation of kerosene, biit after standing over night more than half the oil had separated. The oil and part of the emulsion were then dipped out into another barrel, 5 lbs. of flour were added to it and then churned for 3 minutes, when the emulsion was found quite satisfactory. From these experiments it was clearly demonstrated that a satisfactory emulsion containing approximately 11 per cent of kerosene could be made by using only 5 pounds of flour to the barrel, in other words only 5 lbs. of flour are necessary, when an emulsion is formed, to hold in suspension 4i gallons of kerosene for two hours. A poor grade of floiir answers the purpose well. The cost of one barrel of emulsion would thus be: — Cents. 5 lbs. flour at $1.75 per 100 lbs ^ 9 ^ 4| gallons kerosene at 16 cents 72 Total 81 When the emulsion is not to be used at once or within two hours, twice th(^ quantity of flour should be used, with which quantity the oil will not separate in twelve hoiirs and more. Formula. Formula recomm.ended for kerosene emulsion made with flour for destroying- aphis on apple and plum trees. 5 pounds flour (or 10 lbs. if emulsion is not used within 2 hours). 4^ gallons kerosene. 36 gallons water. Pour the kerosene into the barrel, put in the flour and stir thoroughly, then pour in 20 gallons of water and churn violently for from 4 to 5 minutes, now add remainder of water and the emulsion is ready for use. There were about 700 gallons of kerosene emulsion made with flour used at the Central Exi>erimental Farm in 1906. The chief advantage of using flour is that the emulsion can be made easily and quickly. VEGETABLES. farmers' list of best vegetables. The results of variety tests of vegetables for the past eighteen years are sum- m.arized in the following table, where a list is given of the vnrieties of each kind of vegetable which are considered the best to plant. Asparagus.- — Conover's Colossal is the best aH round variety, but this is more subject to rust than Palmetto or ArgenteuiL PEPORT OF TEE nORTICULTURIST 127 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 Beans. — Kooney's Eustless Golden Wax or Wardwcll's Kidney Wax,- for early crop; Early Kefugee for medium; and Refugee or 1,000 to 1, for late crop, are the most satisfactory dwarf varieties. Asparagus, Lazy Wife and Old Homestead are three of the Lest pole varieties Beets. — Egyptian Turnip, Meteor and Eclipse are three of the best. Borecole or Kale. — Dwarf Green Curled Scotch is the best. Broccoli. — White Cape. Brussels Sprouts. — Improved Dwarf is the most satisfactory. Cabbage. — Early Jersey Wakefield (early), Succession (medium), Late Flat Dutch, Tlouser, Drumhead Savoy (late), Eed Dutch (red), is a select list of the best varieties of cabbage. For extra early use, Paris Market is desirable, being a week earlier than Early Jersey Wakefield. Cauliflowers. — Early Dwarf Erfurt and Early Snowball. Carrots. — Chantenay is one of the best, but if a good extra early sort is required the Early Scarlet Horn can be planted with advantage. It is a small variety. Celery.— Go\Ae\\ Self -Blanching (Paris Golden Yellow), Improved White Plume (early). Perfection Hcartwell, Triumph, Winter Queen, French's Success, London Red (late) are among the best. Corn. — Early Fordhook, Early Cory (early), Crosby's Early, Golden Bantam, HenderS'On's Metropolitan (second early). Perry's Hybrid, Stabler's Early, Early Evergreen, and Black Mexican (medium), Stowell's Evergreen, Country Gentleman (late). In planting, the Country Gentleman should not be omitted, as it lengthens the season very considerably and is of fine quality. Cucumbers. — Peerless White Spine or Wliite Spine, Cool and Crisp, and Giant Pera are three of the most satisfactory slicing varieties. Boston Pickling is a good pickling sort. Egg Plant. — New York Improved and Long Purple succeed best. Lettuce. — Black Seeded Simpson, The Morse, (early curled) ; New York, Giant Crystal Head, Crisp as Ice, and Imiwoved Hanson (curled cabbage) ; Improved Sala- mander, Tennis Ball (cabbage); Trianon and Paris (Cos lettuce). Melons, Musi-. — Long Island Beauty, Hackensack and Montreal Market, of the Nutmeg type; Surprise, Christiana and Emerald Gem, of the yellow fleshed types, are all good. Melons, Water. — Cole's Early, Salzer's Earliest, Ice Cream, Phinney's Early are good early water melons. Onions. — Yellow Globe Danvers and Large Rod Wethersfield are two of the best onions in cultivation. Parsnips. — Hollow Crown and Debbie's Selected are both good sorts. Parsley. — Doubled Curled is as good as any. Peppers. — Cayenne, Chili and Cardinal, are three of the best. Pease. — Gregory's Surprise, Thos. Laston, Gradus, American Wonder, Premium Gem (early); McLean's Advancer, Nott's New Perfection, Heroine (medium). None of these are tall growing varieties. Stratagem, Juno (dwarf), Telephone (late). Ex- celsior (Sutton's) is a promising second early sort. Potatoes. — Extra early: Rochester Rose, Early Ohio, Early Andes (pink), Bovee (pink and white), Burpee's Extra Early, Eureka Extra Earb', (white); early: Early White Prize, Irish Cobbler (white), Vick's Extra Early (pink and white); Main crop: Carman No. 1 (white). Money Maker (white), Burnaby Mammoth (pink and white). Late Puritan (white). Deer's Standard (white). Radishes.— Early: Scarlet White-tipped Turnip, Rosy Gem, French Breakfast, Red Rocket (red); Icicle (white); late: Wliite Strasburg, Long White Vienna; winter: Long Black Spanish, Chinese Rose-coloured 128 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 Bhuharh. — Linnaens, Victoria. Salsify. — 'Long White, Sandwich Island. Spinach. — Victoria, Thickleaved. Squash. — Early: "White Bush Scalloped, Summer Crook Neck; late: Hubbard. Tomatoes. — Early: Sparks' Earliana, Chalk's Early Jewel, Dominion Day; Main crop: Brinton's Best, Trophy, Matchless (scarlet), Burpee's Climax, Autocrat, Living- ston's Globe (purplish pink). There are many varieties of tomatoes which are almost equal in excellence and productiveness. Turnips. — Early; Extra Early Milan, Red Top Strap Leaf. Swedes. — Champion Purple Ton, Skirving's Improved. POTATOES. The year IPOG was one of the most unfavourable seasons for potatoes which has been experienced at the Central Experimental Farm. During the early part of the summer there was sufficient rain to keep the plants growing nicely, but just after the last cultivation was given, dry, hot weather set in and continued all summer, with the result that the plants were stunted, the foliage dried up prematurely and there was a poor crop of tubers. Moreover, during the month of July there was a veritable plague of aphis which attacked the foliage of the potatoes and doubtless did their share in lessening the crop. ^ The potatoes were planted in good sandy loam soil on May 22. This soil had been well manured for strawberries the previous year but these had been killed by the winter of 1905-6. The soil was well prepared by ploughing and harrowing twice with the disc and once with the smoothing harrow. The drills were made 30 inches apart with the double mould board plough, and about four inches deep. The sets, which had at least three good eyes, were dropped one foot apart in the drills. Sixty-six sets of each kind were planted and then covered with the hoe. The land v»'ns harrowed before the potatoes appeared above ground that weeds might be destroyed. Cultiva- tion was then practised and continued as long as possible. Practically level cultiva- tion was adopted as usual, a little soil only being drawn towards the plan+-s. The vines were sprayed with Bordeaux mixture and Paris green four times. The potatoes were dug on Octol^er 1, and while the yield and tubers were small there was practically no rot. This year, however, there was much less advantage than usual in using the Bordeaux mixture owing to the premature drying up of tho foliage from drought. There seems to be an increased interest in potatoes of late whlcn may be partly due to the 'boom' in new varieties in England, and to the fact that blight is causing the farmers more anxiety than it used to do. The result of this increase has been the ofiering of more varieties for sale. It has been the aim at the Central Experii^ental Farm to test as many of the new kinds as possible and this year the number of varieties grown in uniform plots was 115, while 42 were grown on smaller plots. The names of the thirty varieties which have yielded best are all that are published this year. < E- o a, IJ3 ca u O o « i5 « X O > REPORT OF THE EORTICULTVRIST 129 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 Twelve Most Productivf. V^arieties of Potatoes : Average of Five Years, 1902-06. g Name of Varietj'. Number of Years under Test. Season. Colour. Quality. Average Yield per Acre. l'J02-1006. 1 Carman No. 1 . . Rural Blush T Pink and reddish. . \yhite Pink and white. . . White 11 Pink and wiiite. . . White 377 5 s 375 19 4 Pearce Medium 11 Late Medium Late Medium .. 11 ... II Late 364 19 5 Money Maker Dretr's Standard Burnaby Mammoth Sa bean's Elephant Canadian Beautj'. . L X. L 362 7 357 17 *7 350 41 8 9 10 349 22 Pink and %vhito. . . w'hite '.'.".. '.'.!'.!'.'. 348 55 346 43 n Doolev 1 344 58 12 Holborn Abundance 333 31 * This variety was first grown under the name of Burnaby Seedling, and then procured under the name of Burnaby Mammoth. The average yield given is from the new strain for three years, and the old one for tv/o years. The Dr. Maerker and Clay Eose would appear in this list if yield only were taken into consideration, but as these two varieties are inferior in quality they are not included. Potatoes — Test of Varieties. Thirty Most Productive Varieties in Uniform Plots, 1906. 11 Ni.me of Variety. season. Medium Early Medium Late . . . Early . . Quality. Good., Early . . Medium Dalmeny Beauty. Burpee's Extra Earlj' Early Bird From L. A. Sovereign, Ilound Plains, Man John Bull... American Wonder, O. A.C . . . . Star of the Epst Holborn A bundanc;- Country Gentleman Merrill Crine's Lightning Norcross Sir .John Llewellyn Early White Prize White Mammoth Charles Fidler jMedium Standard ] Snowdrop | Snider Best Early ;Early . . Ashleaf Kidney IMedium Dewey Sharpe's Victor Early Rose Early . . Dooley . -Medium Rochestei Rose I^urly . . White .Vibino Medium 29!p:arly Hero SOlPearce iMeuium Total Yield p? Acre. Yield per Acre, Market- able. Yield per Acre, Un- market- able. Bush . Lbs. :Bush . Lbs. 'Bush . Lbs. Good . Early Medium Good... Good. Good., Good. Good. , Good. Good. 224 215 213 211 202 198 182 180 170 171 1G5 160 158 158 158 150 156 154 154 154 154 151 1.51 151 149 149 149 147 145 143 24 36 24 12 24 36 24 36 30 24 24- 24 12 12 48 48 48 30 30 36 24 12 158 140 162 149 154 145 149 145 110 132 125 90 112 107 90 114 110 112 101 88 03 114 103 90 114 103 99 101 110 00 21 48 48 30 12 30 12 24 12 12 48 48 24 12 12 48 24 24 48 24 24 12 43 60 74 50 61 48 52 33 35 00 39 39 70 40 50 01 41 40 41 52 00 90 37 48 55 35 46 50 40 35 40 48 36 30 24 48 i2 30 30 24 12 30 30 48 12 48 48 U 24 24 12 12 36 12 12 12 Colour. Yellowish. White. Pale pink. Pink with red eyes. White. Pak' pink. White. Pink and white. White. Pink w ith red eyes. White. White & pale pink. Red. White. Pink. White. Pink. VvH.ite. Red. Pink and white. IG— 9 130 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 SMALLER PLOTS OP POTATOES. The followlBg varieties of potatoes were grown in difierent sized plots, the num- ber of sets planted varying from eight to thirty-three. A large proportion of these was sent in gratis for testing; by the persons whose names appear after the varieties ; others were bought in small quantities, as owing to their being novelties the price was high. Potatoes ; Yields from Smaller Plots. a Name of Variety. The Factor King Edward, from Wm. Wilson, Port Arthur, Ont Early Harvester, from Fred Foys- ton, Minesing, Ont Magyar King, from C. Scott, Mel- ville Cross, Ont Duchess of Cornwall, from the Family Herald, Montreal .... Unknown, from B. G. Thoralson, Pine Valley, Man Early Mortgage Lifter, from Arden, Man From Geo. Boulet, N jrmandin, Que Wilson's First Choice Early Astonisher Shoat, from Malcolm Macleod, Big Intervale, N. S Seedling, from Wesley Barkley, Chesterville, Ont. Longfellow ._ Seedling, from Heber Rawlings, Forest, Ont Unknown, from J. G. Webster, Hedley, B.C jSoleil Levant, from S. Lacl a ice, D' Artagiion, Que Blue Prolific, from J. P. Helm, Tignish, N.S Maple Leaf, from J. C. Walker, Hulland, Man Hick's Jubilee, from John Hick, i 'elleville, Ont. Rust Proof Midlothian Early Sutton's Reliance, from A. Smith, jjadners, B.C . . Grafted Potato, from Chas. Fil- teau, St. Nicolas, Que Wortley, from G. F. Bonewell, North. Aiigusta, Ont June Dalmeny Early Eldorado (Dobbie) 29 Solanum Commersonii Violet SO.Sausisse, from G. M. Bonmarvel, Sintaluta, Sask Number of Sets Planted. 33 16 16 33 S3 8 33 10 12 12 33 8 12 33 33 33 33 33 33 ir. 16 16 33 33 16 16 33 33 16 33 Total Yield per Acre. Bush. 312 290 2S1 277 259 246 242 237 237 237 228 211 211 206 198 176 176 176 176 176 158 158 154 149 114 96 92 83 79 17 Lbs. 24 24 36 12 36 24 36 36 36 48 12 12 48 24 24 36 48 24 36 12 30 Yield per Acre, Marketable. Bush. 149 149 193 140 162 140 158 220 118 118 132 88 115 66 88 48 132 74 70 123 114 44 114 66 01 44 44 Lbs. 36 36 36 48 48 48 24 48 48 12 24 48 24 12 24 24 36 Yield per Acre, Unmarket- able. Bush. 162 140 88 130 96 105 83 17 118 118 96 123 66 140 110 127 44 101 105 52 44 114 39 83 52 52 92 83 35 17 Lbs. 48 48 24 48 36 36 36 48 48 48 12 48 36 12 36 48 24 30 48 48 24 36 12 36 Colour. White. Pink. White. Pink. White. Pink. Blue. White, Pale pink. White. Pale pink. Pink, with red eyes. Piiik. Palo pink. White. ?f White, splashed with red. Purplish blue. Other varieties which came in too late to be compared with the above were : Seedling, from .Jas. W. Stairs, Halifax, N.S.; Urugii.iy, from E. Chegrion, Manitoba; Eldorado, from Smith Bros., Beachvillp, Ont.; Immigrant, from W. .T. Dickson, Springfield, N.S. ; Sutton's Prolific, from R. Gammon, Lachine Locks, P.Q. The crop, from these were saved and these varieties will be compared with others in 1907. REPORT OF TEE HORTICULTURIST 131 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 SPRAYING POTATOES TO PREVENT BLIGHT AND ROT. In 1906 the potatoes were sprayed as usual with Bordeaux mixture and other fungicides to prevent and control the blij^ht and rot. Owinj? to the extremely hot and dry weather which caused the foliage to scald and dry up, and to the presence of aphis in large numbers the foliage v.as so injured that Bordeaux mixture could have little effect, and as the results would be very misleading it has been thought best not to publish them. It may be worth re-peating here, however, that for an average of four years previous to 1906 potatoes sprayed with Bordeaux mixture gave an average yield of 310 bushels 20 lbs. per acre, while those not sprayed with Bordeaux mixture only yielded at the rate of 217 bushels 49 lbs. per acre, a difference of 92 bushels 31 lbs. per acre. At 45c. per bushel this means an average increase in value for four y(>ars of $41.62. Enough in one year to buy a good spray pump and pay for the seed that would be used for tlic next crop. POTATOES — TEST OF RESISTANCE TO BLIGHT AND ROT. It has been known for a long time that Bordeaux mixture will control the blight and rot disease of the potato if spraying is thoroughly done, and the foliage kept covered with the mixture from about the middle of July to the end of the season. Unfortunately, it is difficult to get farmers to spray and as a result the loss from bligjit and rot is very great in some parts of Canada. It is important, therefore, to know which varieties will withstand the blight best so that if farmers will not spray they will at least plant the varieties that will give them the best yields without spraying. For a number of years notes have been talven at the Central Experimental Earm of the varieties of potatoes which remained green longest, thus indicating their relative resistance to blight. A list of ten of the varie- ties found most resistant was published by the writer in Bulletin TvTo. 49 on Potato Culture. As none of the varieties there mentioned are absolutely bligbt proof it seem- ed important to find out if their resistance to blight can be increased by selection and with this object in view thirty-two varieties were planted in 1905. The tubers from the most productive hills of fourteen of the moat blig-ht resist- ant varieties for that year were kept separate, each hill being dug individually at first and then the tubers from these best hills were mixed and stored together. Of seven of these varieties enough seed was saved from the hills that were left to plant this year for comparison with the potatoes from selected hills. The results, which are striking, are given in the table below. These potatoes were not sprayed with Bordeaux mixture or any other fungicide^ but were sprayed with Paris green to preserve the foliage from the potato beetles. In addition to the seven varieties tested for comparison with those from unselected seed twenty-four other sorts were tested, seven of which were from selected hills in 1905. The best hills of most of the varieties in this test were again kept separate this year. It is interesting to note that the varieties which stayed green longest were not in all cases the best croppers. The potatoes for this test were planted on May 23, and dug on October 10. They rpceived thorough cultivation, but owing to the extremely dry summer the yields are much less than they otherwise would be. 10— H 132 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 Potatoes — Test of Resistance to Blight. Name of Variety. Clay Eose (selected, 1905) II (unselected, 1905) Rural Bli:sh (selected, 1905) II (unselected, 1905) Vermont Gold Coin (selectel, 1905) . . . . II i> (unselected, 1905). . Morgan Seedling (selected, 1905) II (unselected, 1905) Carman No. 1 (selected, 1905) •I (unselected, 1905) State of Maine (selected, 1905) II (unselected, 1905) Carman No. 3 (selected, 1905) II (unselected, 1905) Average yield selected (7 varictie-s) M unselected (7 varieties), . Wee MacGregor Manistee Nott's Puachblow (selected, 1905) Empress Queen ... Holborn Aliundance (selected, 1905). . . . Dalmeny Beauty American Giant (selected, 19(i5) Dr. Maerker (selected, 1905) Swiss Snowflake Rose No. 9 (selected, 1005) Charles Fidler Jubilee (selected, 1905) Norcross Dreer's Standard June Northern Star Late Puritan Uncle Sam Woltman Rust Proof Hibeniia Peachblo.v Sutton's Discovery (selected, 1905)... Money Maker Total Yield per Acre. Bush. 242 189 237 176 211 18J 211 17G 19.3 20G 189 149 149 119 204 17G 264 259 255 250 250 237 202 202 193 193 167 158 158 158 140 127 127 123 123 114 66 52 20 44 lbs. 12 36 12 48 12 36 48 12 36 30 SO 55 36 12 48 48 30 24 24 36 12 24 24 24 43 36 36 12 12 24 48 24 Yield per Acre Marketable. Bush. 158 92 140 96 123 105 123 123 105 149 145 88 96 105 127 108 176 193 140 189 162 176 158 140 136 123 140 114 114 105 88 88 88 96 52 88 26 26 17 lbs. 24 24 4S 48 12 36 12 12 36 36 12 48 36 36 45 36 48 12 48 24 48 24 12 48 24 24 36 48 48 24 24 36 Yield per Acre Unmaiketable Bush. 83 96 96 79 88 79 88 52 88 57 44 61 52 41 77 67 88 66 114 61 88 61 44 61 61 70 26 44 44 52 52 39 39 26 70 26 39 26 8 44 lbs. 36 48 48 12 12 48 12 36 48 16 15 24 36 36 .36 36 21 24 48 48 36 36 24 24 24 36 24 48 scotch versus exglish seed potatoes. When in England in 1905, the writer visited the trial grounds of Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Reading, England, and was struck with the difference in growth of potatoes grown from Scotch seed and from English seed of the same variety. Potatoes from English seed were beginning to ripen while those from Scotch seed v.'ere still quite green, and it was evident that the yields from Scotch seed would be much greater than those from English, which proved to be the case. Messrs. Sutton & Sons were good enough to furnish the Central Experimental Farm with 3 lbs. each of ten varieties of potatoes of Scotch and English seed. Thirty- three sets vv-ere made from each lot and planted on May 22. These potatoes were then treated like the uniform test plots. The results are given below. Owing to the extremely dry season the potatoes were very small, only a small proportion being marketable. REPORT OF THE HORTICULTURIST 133 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 Potatoes — Scotch versus Englisu Seed. Name of Varieties. Total Yield per Acre. Yield I'ER Acre Mark- eta ule. Yield per Acre Un- markktable. e 3 Scotch. English. Scutch. English. Scotch English. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 q Sutton's Windsor Castle Sutton's Ideal The Sutton t'lourball. . . Sutton's Su)iiemo Sutton's Reliance Sutton's Harbinger Sutton's Epicure Sutton's Discovery Sutton's May Queen.. . . Sutton's Xinetyfold Average Bush. lbs. 167 12 136 21 127 36 li'l 12 92 24 88 61 o6 3.-) 12 22 13 12 Bush. lbs. 83 36 101 12 46 24 61 36 61 36 52 48 92 24 44 96 48 101 12 Bush. lbs. 35 12 44 22 39 36 13 12 30 48 13 12 Bush. lbs. 17 36 43 24 22 17 36 '"22 "".'.' 22 39 36 44 Bush. lbs. 132 92 21 105 36 61 36 79 12 57 12 48 24 33 12 22 13 12 Bush. lbs. 66 £2 48 26 24 44 61 36 30 48 70 24 44 57 12 10 57 12 84 29 74 22 19 48 23 19 64 41" 51 3 It will be seen that the varieties from Scotch seed averaged at the rate of 10 bushels per acre higher than those from English seed. This is not a large amount in itself, but considering that the average 3'ield of the ten varieties was only at the rate of S4 bushels 29 lbs per acre,, the increase is considerable. If the year had been an average one the difference would probably have been nearer forty bushels as the yield might easily be four times as great as in 1906. The reason why potatoes from Scotch seed give better results than those from English seed is that in Scotland, and in Ireland also, the climate is more equable than it is in England during the growing season and the tubers are developed more slowly and are not so liable to be checked by dry hot weather. It has been shown that im- mature seed will give greater crops than mature seed, one reason probably being that immature seed keeps in better condition until planting time than that which is ma- ture, which will sprout earlier. Thus the Scotch and Irish seed potatoes which are not so mature as the English produce better crops. At the Central Experimental Farm it was found that immature seed gave better results than mature seed of the same variety, both grown at the experimental farm, but one not planted the previous year until July and hence not maturing. Whether potatoes would eventually increase or decrease in yield by planting immature seed every year has not yet been proved. TOjVJATOES. test of varieties. The number of varieties of tomatoes tested at the Central Experimental Farm has been gradually reduced each year and in 1906 there were 38 kinds under test compared with 93 five years ago. Those tested last year included the best of the older varieties and the novelties. The number tested seems large when one considers that in half a dozen varieties or less would be included all the very best, but it is often not possible for a farmer to get the very best and by his knowing a few others which are alm.ost as good he can get them instead. The best strains of the Sparks' Earliana and Bruce's Dominion Day for early, and the Chalk's Early Jewel for early and main crop are three of the best scarlet tomatoes to plant. Where an early pink or purplish pink variety is desired the June Pink, a novelty of 1906, gives promise of being one of the best. 134 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 Where larger tomatoes are desired for main crop the Matchless, Trophy, and Brinton's Best of the scarlet varieties, and Burpee's Climax, Autocrat, Acme, and Democrat of the purplish pink are among the best. The Livingston's Globe, a new variety is very promising. Of later kinds. Marvel and Stone are handsome scarlet sorts. The kind of tomatoes produced will depend very much on the selection made in previous years, hence poor strains of the above varieties might not be so good as good strains of some other sorts. The greatest interest in tomatoes is centred in the early varieties and seedsm.en vie with one another in claiming that theirs is the earliest tomato in existence. A large proportion of the varieties tested at the Central Experimental Farm are these early sorts as it is important for the growers to know which are the earliest and best, ag tli^y are the ones which are m.ast profitable. When the Sparks' Earliana was intro- dreed in 1900 it was tested at the experimental farm and reported as a promising new variety that year. It is now the leading early sort. The Chalk's Early Jewel is almost as early as the Sparks' Earliana, is of much better shape, and owing to its more vigor- ous habit of growth it stands the heat better and is much more productive than the Earliana. The Bruce's Dominion Day is a Canadian variety which compares very favourably with the Earliana in earliness. The variety as it is now sold is smoother than it used to be A new variety introduced in 1906 called the June Pinlc, is promising. While in the following table it is shown to only yield as much as Chal1^'s Early Jewel up to August 8, it had yielded a little more than that variety up to August 2. Steele's Earliest of All, which had ripened less fruit up to August 8 than some other varieties not included in the table of earliest varieties for lOOG, ripened more fruit up to July 25 than these varieties, which entitled it to a place among the earliest. Marked results have been obtained during the past three seasons from seed saved from the earliest tomatoes ripened at the Central Experimental Farm. These strains have proved earlier every season than plants from seed obtained elsewhere. In 1906. for instance, five plants of the Chalk's Early Jewel (C.E.F. seed) ripened 11 lbs. of fruit irj to August 8, and 5 lbs. up to August 2. The same number of plants from seed from the introducers only gave 4 lbs. 8 ozs. of ripe fruit up to August 8, and 1 lb. 8 ozs. up to August 2. This means that when the price was still high on August 2, our own strain produced at the rate of 2/722 lbs. 8 ozs. ripe fruit per acre and the introducers strain only 816 lbs. 12 ozs. per acre. In the case of the Sparks' Earliana, the C.E.F, strain gave 9 lbs. 8 ozs. ripe fruit up to August 10, and the introducer's strain gave 9 lbs. 13 ozs., a little more, but up to July 25. when the price of tomatoes w:'.s much higher, the C.E.F. strain had ripened 2 lbs. of fruit and the introducers best strain only 1 lb. 13 ozs., and the introducers ordinary strain 1 lb. Even 3 ozs. difference in the yield from five plants means a difference per acre of over 105 lbs., while a difference of 1 lb. means over 544 lbs. per acre. Among the nev>'er main crop varieties the Livingston's Globe is the most promis- irg. This variety as tested here in 1906 was medium to above medium in size, thick, regular, smooth, firm, purplish pinlc, and one of the most attractive of that colour. The season of 1906, while favourable to the early ripening of tomatoes was so dry that the crop was comparatively small. Throughout this district many tomatoes wore affected with the rot disease. Very few tomatoes were injured by this disease at tl-:e experimental farm as the plants were well sprayed with Bordeaux mixture. The seed was sown in the hotbed on April 2, the plants pricked out into straw- berry boxes on April 26 and kept in a cold frame until June 4, when five plants of each were planted in the field, four feet apart each way. The soil was a light sandy loam. The soil was well cultivated until the plants covered the ground. The plants wore not pruned or trained in any way in this test. REPORT OF THE nORTICVLTTJRIST 136 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 Tomatoes— Twelve Best Yielding ViWiiETiES, 1906. Name of Variety. fH2 O o C-o* 1 Frceflom 2 Acme 3 Drcer's Earliest Clust- er. 4 Democrat h 29 Tilly 24 30 23 5 Frogmore Selected . . . Aug. 4 G Bright and Early 7 King Humbert. . . 8 Tenderloin July 20 n 30 Aug. 4 9 Matchless 10 Chalk's Early Jewel (Robertson.) 10a Chalk's Early Jewel (C.E.F.) 10b Chalk's Early Jewel (Burpee.) 11 Trucker's Favorite.. 12 Turner's Hybrid , July 28 „ 24 - 24 A.US. 1 July 30 5 12 3 4 2 .ST O Si N >A O 4,083 12 1,00.5 12 4,492 2 5,03G 10 1,361 4 3,130 14 1,769 10 1.089 O O ^^ > .^2 1-3 13 13 12 12 12 12 11 11 N o CO O O |S.-n»d, wrinkled, scarlet. 138 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 TOMATOES — EXPERIMENTS IN PRUNING, The experiment with a certain method of pruning tomatoes begun in 1904 was continued again in 1906. The plan adopted is the following: As soon as the plants in the hot-bed have six strong leaves the tops are nipped off and the plants given more room, being placed 5i inches apart. The object of pinching off the tops is to cause new shoots to develop at the axils of the leaves in order to have six branches bearing tomatoes instead of having only the one cluster usually found at the top of the plants, thus getting a larger crop early in the season. In one part of the experiment no other pruning is done than merely the nipping off the top as de- scribed. For comparison, all laterals except the six first ones which develop from the axils of the six leaves are removed as they appear, necessitating going over the plants •twice. In 1906 the seed was sown on March 13, the young plants pricked out on April 5 and transplanted again into strawberry boxes on April 27. The plants were set out in the open field on June 5, the tops having been nipped back previously as described. Wlien set out, the plants had six laterals all showing flower clusters. On July Y and 21 what other laterals had developed were pinched out of 20 of the plants. Twenty plants had merely their tops pinched off at six leaves in the hot bed and no further pruning in the field, and twenty plants were left unpruned. Two varieties were used, viz. : Sparks' Earliana and Chalk's Early Jewel, the latter having been used for only two years. In the following table most of the figures given are average results for three or two years. Name, of Variety. Date of First Ripe Fruit 190G. Sparks' Fa-liana : Unpruned. . . . Top pinched off at six leaves Top pin c h e d off at six leaves and all laterals e x- cept first six renioved in field Chalk's Early Jewel : Unpruned. . . . Top pinched off at six leaves Top p i n c h ed off at six leaves and all laterals e x- cept first six removed in field July 19.. July 28... Aug. 3., Average Date of First Rijje Fruit 11(04- G. July 22. Aug. I. July 2«...i Aug. 1., ; 1905-6. July 19... July 18.. Aug. 1... July 31. Aug. 1., Ripo Fruit First Three Pickings, Average 1904-6. Lbs. oz. 11 7 13 3 24 13 1905-6. 9 2 12 P'sti mated Yield per Acre, Ripe FruitFirst Three Pickings, Average 1904-6. Lbs. oz. 1556 15 1795 2 3377 10 1905 6. 1242 2 102 1 187 3 Yield of Ripe Fruit Fourth Picking Aug. 8th, 1906. Total Yield of Ripe Fruit 1906. Lbs. oz. 18 90 77 13 41 42 8 Lbs. oz. 230 13 388 , ( 282 226 318 12 255 Total Yield of RipeFruii Average 1904-6. Lbs. oz. 1G5 11 245 15 183 2 1905 6. 233 9 287 6 214 8 Esti mated Total Yield per Acre RipeFi'uit 1904-6. Tons, lbs, 11 554 16 1478 12 928 1905-6. 15 1794 19 1119 14 1199 It will be noticed in the above table that the early fruit from the pruned plants in comparison with the unpruned is greater in the case of the Sp.^rks' Earliana than the Chalk's Early Jewel. In fact the unpruned plants average considerably more than from the pruned. Note, however, the marked increase in yield from the pruned plants REPORT OF THE nORTICVLTVRIST 137 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 at the fourth picking Avliich was August 8, 1906, still an early dat'e with the prices gcx>d. In the case of the Spark's Earliana there were only 18 lbs. from the unpruned and 90 lbs. 8 0Z3. and 77 lbs. from the pruned. The proportion in the case of the Chalk's Early Jewel is almost as great. In conclusion, it may be stated that by this method of pruning the first ripe fruit is several days later than the few scattered specimens from the vmpruned. The crop of fruit which is produced in the early part of the season is much trreatcr than that from tlie unpruned. An important point to remem- ber is to have the plants well advanced when they are put out, for it can easily be seen that if the plants are started early enough there is no reason why the six stems bearing the flower clusters should not produce six times as much fruit at the first ])icking' as from the single cluster on ordinary plants. At Ottawa the plants have not yet been quite far enough advanced when planted out to be equal in earliness with those not pruned. It will be necessary to start them still earlier. THE FOREST BELTS. The trees in the Forest Belts at the Central Experimental Farm continue to malce satisfactory growth on the whole, and every additional year's growth of the trees adds to the value of the experiment begun in 1S87 of planting these forest trees. The ob- jects for vi'hich the belts were planted have been dealt with in recent reports and ..need not be repeated here. During the summer of 1906 the lower branches which were dead were sawn off the evergreens in the belts in order to clear the trunks and to make the danger of destruction from fire less. Measurements were taken of average trees in the belts as usual. In the annual report for 1904 a table showing the height and diameter of some of the species up to that time was given. Following will be found a table show- ing the height and diameter in the autumn of 1906: — 138 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 •9061 'ptinojS uioaj c-j ^1 CO c: « N ?? CO ■^ • ■^ lO 05 •* Mf OCO ->j< ir; :i5 lO 01 eo X w •9061 •■^^t~0-*Cfl05« ,• -fooiooirji-ici^c •-#cot-co • :0 « ~J l-KM CI ffl • C^ (M CO C5 (M CO N CO W C-l IM C^ C^ CO CM CO T4 •£061 'ijqSiajj eSBJOAy C 00 O O Tjt t- ■^ r-l ■* 1-1 .3 i-l tH CO O O IC O CI 1-1 C: )* i-H C^ r-l r-l i-i >-l CI CI •0» -COCJCi •C500»-lOC5t^ ■■>*<0 OT-lrt>T)<>--lt- iOto-fr^Otf'H •t^.-iococcr^-rco-,:? co-^cot-omooo • c^ c: ci CI C5 cq o • c^ ci eo d ci ci o co cj c*< in O cq O • CO ?5 cq CJ (M CI O • o T-i CO CI •-:; cC' CO CI ;a • CJ CI CI C) Cl Cl Cq CO N 30 •+ t- to C3 TJ< b- ~j C<1 C<1 CI C<1 C5 CJ CI C3 •gOGI '(jqSiajj eSeaaAy •T-ICCt^O -CCt^O ••iOC2T-l05C;-t<0 -r-l ■i-I-^JHi-JC^t-ICO'-I ■rH >-l • -^ • -^ •O OlO t~t>.T-l -* • COCOOl-J'tOCIOCOiO •QCO-f'S'-^OT-IO •iOt-i:C.— Itni^OOO 00-o ':ocMiOTt-liHr-CqrHClC1C5CqCooooin ioomomio>nco tHi— < I— '.— (T-tTHiH-^T— (i— (»— It-It— ( r-f— I XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XX X X iooioooooiooooioomo>n©o©oo»oo>ooiooio XXXXXXXX lO O lO O © O O CO •pa^u^lj naq^ CC'XC^r:oOC^COC^C^CiCjCiC:OC^OTJOJ:w^OC50iCiOC-00 COCCCCtW'XOCCJOX'COCCCOOOCGOCOC'XOOCCCiOOD jOCCOOOCiVI^OCCOCO (M X' CO X CK oo CO CO 00 00 00 CC » CO a.- CO 'X CC CO X CC CC CO CO cc oo CC CO ooxxxxxxt- X .X X 00 v_- X X oo X X X X X CO X X o 02 a -5 o T3 o 1^ ,5 o J2 J2 tc C3 Cj_>-. o 5 S 5 - c3 - o > o rt :: rt . > . tc : a . s s s O O ' p-H . a> . . > . OS . D bo : > ■ n j2 : - +3 . tc ^ : ^-J ' w o l^- ^ >. C3 ~ o T3 na 73 TI ;3 c n S rt S C C3 -T p c3 rt cS 53rHCflG:Ct/l zoi X ifc^ ^j ^ .tJ -tJ -fc3 .- -1 •— ^^ r^ c- _^ fcD 5 rt ?^ « tc to pDK^jpqiJ^ ^pq^Ht-l h^ 0) a . cS - S a • s s H g . S r; 5 O • O fl '"'" >• : !=^ * TTo a a c °, c e * g c« T^ cj S ao O to >> - M 01 ^j ^^ ,,j to a a "Si 0 a ■•a : &. C3 (3 a: 3d 3 : B O o PQ a m c cj ^ « CD -a J3 t> 0) 4£ - ® -w > pq M a o .3 CQ c3 C ci O a I a (—1 D -M 'o p JO : a u n u .a IE a P o 0 to 1. 3 eS "■' ^ Zj .< --s < a o ■<1 -S 73 (3 ^1 (1 Si U o 3 a PM I a o CQ o u as REPORT OF TEE HORTICULTURIST 139 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 O O O «D CO - 1 -^ W lO 1= -O HCl-KO S^ CO O .-lOCO WlO'^ •*iH^ -00 i-l 1-1 • r~ t2 m iti CO cT t^ C5 cc I— c^ iC NMC-IMC^JMr-ii-ilMI'lCCW O C5 33 11 ■ 33 . . 31 8 30 9 i-i -jc ?■: — =5 .-< r^ 10 lO -^ 00 cc O — -*' r^ ;s o O --C »- --3 .-I CO c■^ Ti Ti ?< .J CI rH — ri :s cc ro •CO ooo C) r-( ir; -# i-< 1-1 CO cocoes i-( i-i iM n r^ I-l M T) .H .-■ e-i M o; CO •-I CO CO t^ r- 1-1 O ?1 r-ic: 1— « 1— i 1-1 1-1 oo r^ CO CO IM« ■^ -*< cj 'ti 1.-5 m t~ --r 1-1 C-. « -J « Ti iM M -r 1-1 lO -^ c: -f — . :^. C-l fl "M C^ M I-l .-1 r- i-m CS OJ ■r. 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"^-c 3 y 140 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 At Ottawa the experience has been with trees 10 x 10 feet apart, 10 x 5 feet apart, 6x5 feet apart, 3x3 feet apart, and 2^ feet apart. In so;iie cases the trees are in clumps of single species, and in others they are mixed. Ten by ten feet has been found much too far apart to plant trees where cultivation is given as it would be under almost any circumstances. In some parts of the belt it was necessary to culti- vate the ground between the trees for ten years before the trees interlaced sufficientlj'' to shade the ground well. At 10 x 5 feet cultivation was necessary in some soils? between thin foliaged trees such as ash and walnut for eight years after planting. In mixed plantations with trees 5x5 feet apart cultivation was necessary for from foi;r to five years. It is evident that this distance is too great for a farmer to plant trees with the idea of cultivating them., as few farmers would cultivate a plantation that long. This distance is also too great from the standpoint of timber production. In 1889 nearly 5,000 trees and shrubs were planted out in rows 2i feet apart each way^ mixed so that a large j)roportion of them were shrubs planted merely for the purpose of saving cultivation. The shrubs used for this purpose were Ninebark or Spiraea (Neillia opulifolia), Alder Bucktliyorn {Rliamnus Frang^il-a) , Rosemary Willow (Salix rosmarinifolia) , and the Sand Cherry (Prunus pumila). The trees planted in this way have done well. The ground was cultivated for only two seasons. It has been found, however, that this distance is a little too close, as it was necessary to loi^ off some of the branches of the shrubs to prevent the trees being smothered, the shade being very dense. It is apparent from our experiments that trees planted about 3 feet apart each way, 3x4 feet apart, or 4 x 4 feet apart, depending on the kinds of trees and how they are mixed, would be the most satisfactory distance for the farmer from the standpoint of economy in cultivation and getting the ground shaded. In order to gain information from our own experience regarding the relative ability of the slower growing trees to live and thrive under the shade of faster grow- ing species, the following notes were made in the mixed forest belt in the autumn of 1904 and confirmed recently. The following notes were taken in a belt of mixed trees planted in the autumn of 1894, so that just ten years had elapsed since the time of planting. The trees consisted mainly of Austrian pine, Scotch pine, white pine, Doug- las fir, Norway spruce, Rocky Mountain blue spruce, American arbor-vitse, tamarac, box elder, American elm, green ash, red ash, white ash, rock elm, and canoe birch. The soil where these trees were growing was mostly black muck. Austrian Pine. — Does not stand shade well. In some instances has been killed outright. Scotch Pine. — Suffers badly in shade. In some instances has been killed out- right. Where not killed, leader is destroyed and tree is very weak. Whiter Pine. — Stands shade a little better than Scotch pine, retaining its leader when the Scotch does not. Douglas Fir. — Is much weakened by shade, but retains leader. Norway Spruce. — Stands shade better than any of the pines. Roclcy Mountain Blue Spruce. — Stands shade about as well as Norway spruce, but does not stand as much chance of development as the Norway as it grows so glowly. American Arhor-Vitce. — Stands shade well, but makes little growth in it. Tamarac. — Tamarac which ' was transplanted from swamp in 1894 has pushed up rapidly and is holding its own, but as foliage is comparatively thin it does not in- jure other trees. This tree has done better in the moist, gravelly soil than in the black muck, and in the gravelly soil is as tall as the American ehn. American Elm. — Has reached the greatest height and is towering above most other trees. It has made a good straight trunlc. This and the box elder should do well together. The dense shade of the box elder should force an iipward growth of the ehn, and the elm be able to hold its own on account of its rapid growth. RE PORT OF THE HORTICVLTIRIST 111 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 lied and White Ash and Box Elde^\ — Are almost as tall as tlie American elm and are all holding: their own. The dense shade of the box elder is what has done most to injure the pines. Black Ash. — Is little more than half the height of the white. In addition to the foregoing, the following notes were taken in a mixed belt of trees planted in the spring of 1888, the trees having had seventeen years' growth. The foil in this belt was gravelly and well drained. The trees were planted 5 x 10 feet apart : — European White Birch. — Are the tallest trees. Green ash, box elder, and Scotch pine are about equal in heij^lit. American pine is from four to five feet shorter. Norway spruce, where it hi's liad a ehi'.ncc is considerably taller than Scotch pine, and European larch is about the some height as Norway spruce. There were no American elms for comparison in this part of the belt. In another part of the bolt where the trees were planted 5x5 feet apart in the spring of 18!)'>, the soil being sandy loam, well drained, with more or less limestone tock in it, the .following notes were taken: — Austrian Pine. — ^Have nearly all been killed by the shade. Scotch Pine. — ^Where much shaded are very weak or dead. White Tine. — Has stood shade better in this belt than Scotch pine, but have not grown as fast where not influenced by shade. Norway Spruce. — In this soil on account of its rapid growth has outstripped most heavy foliaged trees and is among the leading ones. The American Elm. — Is not among the leading trees here and is barely holding its own, and in some cases has been nearly or quite kiUed. The soil is evidently not moist enough. Red Ash. — In this soil has not made rapid growth and many trees are dead. White Ash. — Is one of the leading trees. - European White Birch. — Is the tallest tree, but they are now beginning to die. By 1906 most of the white birch were dead. White Oaks. — Have been killed by shade, but they appear to stand it very well as trees are alive which are much shaded, although they are making little growth. The black walnut trees have shot up tall and straight and are among the leading trees, but many were overshadowed before they got ahead and have been killed or are barely alive. Bed Oak. — Has shot up well and is one of the leading trees. Rock Elm. — Has done well. Norway Maple. — Has shot up well and is one of the leading trees. Hard Maple. — Though slender is shooting up. Red Maple. — Side by side with Norway Maple is affected about the same by shade aAd is about equal in height. Norway is, if anything, slightly leading and is the more vigorous tree. White Spruce. — Though standing shade well, got behind in the race and is not a leading tree. American Mountain Ash. — Stands shade well. After nineteen years' experience with many species of trees planted at different distances apart, both in plantations of single species and where mixad. some con- clusions have been drawn as to the best trees for the farmer to plant where the con- ditions are somewhat like those at Ottawa. In our judgment, the average farmer of to-day should plant the trees which will. be most likely to look after themselves the soonest, but which will not destroy ono 142 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD V>II., A. 1908 anotLier until those which have to be removed first are large enough to supply a fair amount of fuel. At the same time and keeping this in view, he should choose as far ,as possible those trees which will give him the best fuel and the best wood for other purposes. The simplest method of planting would be to use white pine, Scotch pine, and ITorway spruce, either in blocks by themselves or mixed together. These three trees all grow rapidly, shade the ground quickly, will not destroy one another for a long time and are all useful for timber. Although making considerable fuel in a short time, they are relatively poor for this purpose, hence some other kinds should be grown with them. In oiar experience the canoe birch, European white birch, American elm, and European larch make a large amount of wood during the first twenty years, and are among the most useful for fuel at this stage. They shoot up very rapidly and getting a fair supply of light make a good trunk development. Being thin-foliaged, these trees do not destroy other kinds that have not grown so rapidly. The European white Birch begins to fail and dies at Ottawa at from sixteen to twenty years of age, hence will be rem.oved naturally if not needed for fuel. Individual specimens of Black locust which have done well have probably made as m.uch wood as birch or elm, but they are so subject to borers and siicker so badly that from our experience we should not recommend them for the farmer's plantation. Basswood is a rapid gTower, but was not planted in such a way that we can jiidge of its usefulness in the farm wood lot. The trees just mentioned as giving a large amount of fuel early in the history of the forest plantation may be mixed with the white pine, Norway spruce, and Scotch pine, the latter with their denser foliage shading the ground well and killing the side branches of the trees planted for fuel. To the species already described it is now necessary to add others which will supply good fuel later on and v.-ill furnish wood for other purposes. For fuel we should suggest the hard maple and red oak. The former does not grow as rapidly as any of the trees already mentioned and for the first twenty years will have to endure considerable shade, which it is capable of doing. The red oak has grown rapidly at Ottawa and has held its own with all the species mentionedr. Wliile the wood is not considered very valuable for working, it stands fairly high in fuel value. To the foregoing trees m.ust now be added other species, the wood of which is both high in fuel value and otherwise generally useful for many purposes. The white ash is a rapid grov/ing tree and is very valuable for fuel and for many other purpoaafs and is esi>ecially useful to the farmer, as parts of many tools, implements, &c., are made from it. Twenty years after planting it will be large enough to use in various waySj and' as it grows older is increasingly valuable. A few trees of white or bur oak should be in the farmer's plantation, these trees endure shade fairly well and if the planting is planned so that they will get a chance to develop after a few years they will eventually be among the most valuable trees in the plantation. ' , Black .walnut is a good tree where there is thick planting as it shoots up rapidly and as it is a light-needing tree, the side branches which do not get it will die, thus ensuring a clean trunk. Only a few trees are necessary in the plantation as it will be a long time before they will be very useful. By judiciously mixing the trees which have been mentioned the farmer may have a supply of fuel and wood for lumiber and otheV purposes with little labour in the production of \t. In planting trees we should, from our experience, plant those which are to remain a long tinie. such as the pines, hard maple, oak, and walnut, at least ten feet apart with others between them. In the Prairie Provinces the box elder or Manitoba maple is used largely in tree plantations. Our experience has been that being a very rapid grov/er during the REPORT OF THE HORTICULTURIST 143 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 first twenty years and making a very dense top, it is too destructive to other species imloss kept down with much Inloiir. Mixed with birch, nsh, and American elm which could hold their own it would be useful in shading the ground and killing side branches. APvBOTlETUM AND BOTANIC GARDEN. The winter of 1005-6, owing to the lack of snow was a hard one on trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants and more of these were killed outright than usual. Of trees, 376 species and varieties comprising 403 specimens were killed, and of herbaceous perennials 264 species and varieties. In the spring of 1906, 122 species and varieties of trees and shrubs were added, and 120 of herbaceous perennials. The total number of species and varieties of trees and shrubs alive in the autumn of 1906 v.ere 3,133 represented by 5,701 specimens. There were 1^906 species and varieties of herbaceous perennials alive. Notwithstanding the winter and the drought during the sumraor, the Arboretum looked well in 1906. During the past ten years a number of useful lists have been published of trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants growing in the Botanic Garden. In 1897 lists were published of Oiie Hundred of the Most Ornamental Ilardij Trees and Shnihs, and also One Hundred of the Best Herhaceous Perennials. In 1898 an Additional List of Good Perenn-lals was given. In 1899 a list wfis pub- lished of Some Good Low Growing Flowering Shi'^iJ)S, and also an Addiilonal List of Good Pemnnkils. In 1900 there was given a list of the Best Hard}! Woody and An- nual Clinxbers. In 1901, A List of the Best Lilacs. In 1902, .4 TJst of Best Spring Flowering Perennials. In 1903, A List of Deciduous Trees, Shrvhs and Climbers with Attractive Foliage, Baric and Fruit. In 1904, A List of the Genera of Trees and Shi-uhs in the Arboretum with the Number of Species of Each. And in 1899 there was published A Catalogue of the Trees and Shrubs which had been tested up to that date, with notes regarding hardiness. To these listfe is now added A List of Thirty of the Best Hardy Flowering Shruhs, most of which have appeared in former lists. LIST OF BEST THIRTY HARDY ORNAMENTAL FLOWERING SHRUBS. In selecting a list of thirty of the best hardy ornamental flowering shrubs from the large number which have been tested, several points have been taken into con- sideration, such as the time of blooming, length of blooming season and the kind of fruit, in addition to the mere attractiveness of the flowers themselves. It was also de- sirable to not have in the list any si)ecies which required winter protection in order to eu'^ure bloom practically every year. In this list are a few shrubby trees. Climbing shrubs are not included. Berberis Thunbergii. — Thunberg's barberry (Japan). Height, 2 to 4 feet. The best barberry for ornamental puriwses. It is a dwarf, -compact shrub, with bright, green leaves in summer, changing in autumn to deep red. The flowers while not very striking are attractive. The scarlet fruit is borne very profusely and makes this bar- berry quite ornamental throughout the winter. Berberis vulgaris purpurea. — Purple-leaved barberry (Europe). Height, 4 to 6 feet. In bloom, fourth week of INFay. 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. Caragana arhorescens. — Siberian pea-tree (Siberia). Height, 10 to 15 feet. In bloom, third week of May. Flowers, bTight 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. 144 EXrERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 Caragana grandiflora. — Large flowered Caragana. (Caucasus.) Height, 4 feet. In bloom third week of May. Flov/crs large, brig.ht yellow, psa-shaped. Very pretty when in full bloom. This somewhat re&embles C. frutesccsis, but has larg'er flowers. The bush Is somewhat pendulous Vv'hich makes it rather graceful. Daphne Cneomm. — Garland flower. (Eastern Europe.) Height, 1 to IJ feet. Tn 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. Diervilla rosea. — Pink-flowered Weigelia, (China). Height 4 to 5 feet. Begins to bloom during the first week of June. Flowers pink. The Weigelias are very v,-oll known and are much admired. There are a number of fine varieties, but most of them are too tender and the species is almost too tender to appear in this list, but as a rule it blooms well although somewhat injured by winter. The two hardiest varie- ties are Eva Eathke, with dark attractive flowers of claret colour, and Sieboldii variegata, with pink and white flowers and leaves handsomely variegated with white and pale green. Oenista tmctoria. — Dyer's Greenweed. (Europe.) Height, 1 to 2 feet. Begins to bloom in fourth week of June. Flowers bright yellow, pea-shaped. A very pretty little shrub, continuing in bloom for some time. There is a double-flowered variety which is also good. Hydrangea paniculata grandiflora. — ^Large flowered hydrangea (Japan). Height, 6 to 10 feet. Blooms remain attractive from August until October. Flowers white gradually becoming pink and borne in very large panicles. This is one of the finest hardy shrubs. To get best results the bushes should be pruned back severely every spring and given an abundant supply of water during the growing season. Hypericum Icahnianum. — Kaltn's St. John's Wort. (Ontario.) Height, 2 to 4 fee.t Begins to bloom second week of July. Flowers large, bright yellow. A very orna- mental shrub, continuing in flower until late in the summer. Lcspedcza hicolor. — (North China and Japan). Height, 4 to 6 feet. This slirub is useful on account of its late blooming. It flowers from late August until it is injured by frost. The flowers are produced in panicles, are pea-shaped and reddish- purple in colour. It is not xis graceful a shrub as Lesprdeza Sieholdii, but is well worth planting. The shrub is usually injured some by winter, but it always blco'.us profusely. Lespedeza Sieholdii. (Desmodium penduliflorum). Japan. Height 4 feet. Blo^.-us in September. Although this shrub is killed to the ground every winter, there is usually a profusion of bright purplish-red, pea-shaped blossoms, which are borne in large panicles. This is a very fine autumn flowering shrub. Lonicera taiarica. — Tartarican honeysuckle, bush honeysuckle (Siberia, Tartary). Height 6 to 10 feet. In bloom third week in May. Flowers bright pink. This is ar\ old favourite and one of the hardiest shrubs grown. There are many varieties of this fine shrub and a large number of hybrids. These vary in colour of flowers from white to rose. Some of them have yellow coloured fruit. Among the best are : — L. taiarica pulclierrima with rosy petals, having, pink margins; L. iatarica gracilis, flowers rosy in bud, pink and rose when open; L. taiarica spcciosa, flowers large, pink and rose; L. tatarica splendens, flowers pink in bud, pink and white when open; L. iatarica grandifioin rubra, flowers rosy in bud, rosy with pink margin when open; L. taiarica elegans, flowers pure white; L. iatarica alba grandiflora, flowers white. Pliiladelphus coronarius. — Mock orange or Syringa (South Europe). Height,. 6 to 10 feet. In bloom second week of June. Flowers, white, with a strong, sweet odour.* A well known, popular shrnb. Tliere are several varieties, two of the most ornamental being; the golden leaved and double flowered forms. Philadelphus grandiflorus speciosissimus. — This is a great improvement on Phila- delphns grandiflorus, with larger, whiter, and more abundant flowers. It blooms in the third week of June. It is a smaller shrub than P. grandiflorus. REPORT OF THE HORTJCULTCRIST 145 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 Fyrus haccala. — Siberian crab (Siberia). IIiMirht. 15 to 20 feet. In bloom, third week of May. Flowers, white, tinged with bright pink. This compact little tree boars 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. Pijrus coronaria ft. pi. (Betchel's Flowering Crab). — This is a charming, double flowered variety of the aiative crab apple which blooms during the fourth week of May. The flowers are large, semi-double and of a delicate shade of flesh pink. They have a very delightful fragrance much resembling that of violets. This tree will probably not grow more than fifteen or twenty feet in height. Pyrus (Cydonia) Maulei. — Maule's Japanese quince. (Japan.) Height, 1 to 3 feet. In bloom 2nd week of May. Flowers bright red. The flowers of this little shrub are very ornan:cnta], and in the autunni, when the golden coloured, highly perfumed quinces are ripe, it makes a very interesting object. It is much hardier than P. japonica, of which some authorities call it a variety. Rihes aurcnm. — 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 \s quite palatable, makes it attractive at that time. Rosa ferniginea (ruhrifolia) — Eed-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. An- other rose which might be mentioned is Rosa lucida, which has glossy attractive green foliage. 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, also a number of hybrids between rugosa and varieties of hybrid perpetual and tea roses, most of which are quite hardy. Spiro^a .argida. — Europe. Height, 3 to 4 feet. In bloom 3rd week of May. Flowers pure white, produced very profusely in compact clusters. This is the earliest flowering spirsea grown here, and is one of the best hardy shrubs of recent introduc- tion. It is a graceful little spiraea with pendulous branches, but its chief beauty lies in the abundance of its pure-white flowers. Spircea Japonica alba (S. callosa alba). — White-flowered Japanese Spiraea. Japan. Height 1 foot. Begins to bloom 2nd week of July. Flowers white in flat heads. This is a neat little shrub, and although not altogether hardy, blooms profusely every year and continues in bloom for a long; time. Spiraea sorbifolia. Sorbus-leaved Spiraea (Himalaya to Japan). — Height 4 to 5 feet. In bloom fourth week in June. Flowers, white, borne in very large i^anicles. This is a strong growing species, but suckers considerably. Spiraea Vati HouUeL — "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 verj^ beautiful when in fidl bloom. Even when out of bloom its pendulous habit and foliage make it attractive. Syringi(i Japonica. — Japanese lilac (Japan). Height, 15 to 20 feet. In bloom fourth week of June and first week of Jidy. Flowers creamy white without much perfume, borne in very large panicles. This is the latest blooming lilac tested here, being more than one month later than the common species. It is a very handsome lilac and being tall and of tree-like habit it is vei*y noticeable. Syringa Josikaea. — Josika's lilac (Hungary). Height, 5 to 10 feet. In bloom last week of May to first week of June. It blooms immediately after the varieties of the common lilac and continues during the first week of June. It is a strong 16—10 146 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 growing species reaching a height of ten feet or more. The foliage is deep green and the leaves large, thick and very glossy, making it quite attractive irrespective of the flowers, which are bhiish purple and have no perfume. This is a desirable species on account of its giving a succession of bloom and because of its fine foliage. It also makes a good hedge plant, forming a stiff row and being very attractive on account of its glossy foliage. Syringa villosa. — Chinese lilac (North China). This is also a strong growing lilac and is growing taller than at first expected, some specimens being now from 6 to 8 feet high. The leaves are rough and rather coarse-looking, but this tends to make the shrub more striking. It flowers during the second week of June, closely following S. Josikaea. It is a free bloomer and the flowers, which are not highly perfumed, are bluish pink and produced in good sized panicles. This is a very desirable species. Syringa vulgaris. — Common lilac (Eastern Europe). The common lilac and its varieties bloom during the last half of May, being usually at their best from the 20th to the 27th. If we were confined to recommending one variety which is all that this short list really permits of, the variety Charles X. would be the one chosen. This is an old sort but one of the best, most reliable and cheapest. It is a very free bloomer, the colour of the flowers being of a deep attractive purplish red, borne in large pani- cles. There are, however, many fine varieties of the common lilac and from the large collection of 134 varieties at the Central Experimental Farm the following additional kinds are given here as there are man;^ persons who would like an assortment of this popular shrub. The most satisfactory single white is Alba Grandiflora, a very free bloomer with a large loose truss and pure white flowers. Of almost equal merit three of the best double whites are Madame Casimir Perier, Madame Abel Chatenay, and Obelisque. Of single varieties in the various shades the following are very fine. Congo is about the best of those of the darkest violet or purplish red varieties, the panicles being of good size and the flowers very large. Prof. Sargent and Souvenir de la Ludwig Spaeth are very much like Congo. Other dark coloured single varieties of iireat merit- are Aline Mocqueris and Charles X. Furst Liechtenstein and Jacques Calot are two of the best singles with rosy lilac flowers, and Lavaniensis is almost a pure pink. Dr. Maillot is a fine late variety. Two of the deepest coloured and best double varieties are Charles Joli and La Tour d'Auvergne, both being dark reddish purple or violet purple. A great deal of the charm of many of these newer varieties is in the contrast of the colour of the flowers still in bud with those fully open on the same panicle. The varieties that are particularly attractive in bud. the buds having a rosy appear- ance are, Charles Baltet, Michael Buchner, de Jussieu and Prince de Beauveau, all very flne sorts. The last named variety has a bluish tint when open, making the con- trast between bud and open flower very striking. Two varieties that are of particu- larly fine shades of lilac are Leon Simon and Comte Horace de Choiseul. Three other excellent varieties that are bluish when open arc: Abel Carriere, Condorcet and Boussingault. Linne is a very fine variety with twisted petals. Some of the best double varieties of more or less pink or rosycolou)' in bud or flower are Emile Lamoine and Jean Bart, of which, although mentioned last, at least one should not be omitted from the general collection. Taking into consideration the range of colour we should select as the twelve best: Alba Grandiflora, Madame Casimir Perier, Congo, Prof. Sargent, Furst Liechtenstein, Lavaniensis, Charles Joli, Charles Baltet, Leon Sim.on, Abel Carrier, Charles X. and Emile Lemoine. Vihiirnum 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. Viburnum Opidus. — Guelder rose, high bush cranberry (Canada), Height, 6 to 8 feet. In bloom second week of June. Flowers, white, in large clusters. This REPORT OF THE HORTICULTURIST 147 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 is, at all seasons of the year, an ornamental shrub, as the abundant bright scarlet fruit remains on the bush all winter. « Viburnum Opulus sterile. — Snowball. Height 8 to 10 feet. Tn I)loom second week of June. The almost round clusters of pure white flowers of this shrub are well known. This is one of the most ornamental hardy flowering shrubs, but during the past few years it has been badly attacked by aphis. To destroy these it is necessary to spray the bushes just as the buds are breaking in the spring. This is very import- ant as at this time the eggs are hatching. A second spraying should be given in a few days, and while the leaves are still only partly expanded. Once the insects cause the leaves to curl it is almost impossible to get at them. Kerosene emulsion or whale oil soap may be used for spraying. I i 16— lOi 7-8 EDWARD VII. SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 A. 1808 EEPOPxT OF THE CHEMIST. Fka.nk T. SiiL tt, M.A., F.I.C., F.C.S., F.R.S.C. Ottawa, April 1, J907. Dr. Wm. Saunders, C.M.G., Director, Dominion Experimental Farms, Ottawa. Sii?, — I liavc the honour to submit horewith the twentieth annual report of the Chemical Division of the Experimental Farms. It contains an account of the larger number of the more important researches undertaken during the past sixteen months, the last annual report being dated Decem- ber 1, 1!»05. A perusal of its pages will show that our field of work has been a wide one and that practically every branch of Canadian agriculture has received sonie assistance of a chemical nature. There is on all sides strong evidence that the work of the experimental farms is being more and more appreciated and valued as it becomes better known, and in this connection we feel gratified to note the wider recognition of the value of chemi- cal investigations accorded by the intelligent, practical farmer. The increased corre- spondence and the larger number of samples submitted to us for examination may, I think, be accepted as indications of the correctness of this conclusion. The number and nature of the samples received for analysis from the various provinces are given in the following table: — 8\MFLi:s Received for Examination and Report November .30, 1905, to April 1, 1907. A c 73 cj .£ c5 , '-3 z tc3 Sample, British Colui ei *^ u < O o 'c o "u C O o .a New Bru 8 xn > O -A Pi Numbers awaitin examinat Soils 85 46 62 32 69 49 3 80 2 428 88 Muds, mucks and marls 4 1 2 7 6 11 8 39 11 Manures and fertilizers 5 1 3 20 14 0 28 1 77 1 Forage plants and fodders- . . . 18 (> 13 16 4(i6 22 13 22 570 45 Well waters 15 14 28 26 121 42 24 6 0 281 Miscellaneous, including dairy products, fungicides and in- 10 13 13 .30 134 58 11 14 9 25 298 14 Toials 143 79 117 108 812 192 62 161 1699 159 During the past year several important investigations relating to dairying have been carried on and the results published in bulletin form. They appear as bulletins No. 1.3, 'A Critical Study of the Sweet Creani Buttcr-]\[aking Process.' and No. 14, * Apparatus for the Determination of Fat and Water in Butter,' Dairy Division, New Series. 149 150 EXPERHIENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 "We have reserved for future publication data obtained in connection with certain researches now in progress, in order that the results may be presented in a more com- pleted form than is now possible. Among these investigations the following may be mentioned as some of the more important: The cause of the deterioration of wheat when grown on freshly cleared scrub land in the Northwest; the chemistry of wheat as related to its baking strength ; the comjwsition of Canadian barleys ; the etxent to which land is affected by a system which comprises grain growing and occasional fal- lowings; the amount and availability of plant food in the soils of the semi-arid belt of British Columbia; the reclamation of muck soils; the examination of Senecio jaco- l7oea (ragwort), the alleged cause of the l^ictou cattle disease, for a poisonous princi- ple; the chemistry of the potato; the fertilizing elements in rain ai,id snow. It is again with much pleasure that I record my thanks to Mr. A. T. Charron, M.A., and Mr. H. W. Charlton, B.A.Sc, assistant chemists, for much valuable help in connection with the work of the division. To them is due the credit for the larger amount of the analytical data contained in this report. In addition to laboratory work, Mr. Charron, as for some years past, has lectured in French at a considerable number of farmer's institute meetings and conventions on agricultural matters in Quebec and the Maritime Provinces. These addresses have been acknowledged of great educational value. To Mr. J. F. Watson also, I would extend my thanks for the very efficient help he has given in connection with the clerical work of the division. I have the honour to be. Sir, Tour obedient servant. FEANK T. SHUTT, Chemist^ Dominion Experimental Farms. THE CONTROL OF MOISTURE IN ORCHARD SOILS. The continuance of this investigation on the Central Farm during the season of 1906 comprised observations from two series of plots, estimations of the soil moisture being made from July 18 to September 27. July was marked by an exceedingly scanty precipitation — a comparative drought. Wlien this had continued into the third week, iL was determined to ascertain the effect of this extreme dryness on the soil under various conditions, for experience has shown that it is under such circumstances, tliat the beneficial effect of cultivation and mulching and the exhaustive effect of sod and weeds, are more especially pronounced. The data obtained are strongly co7ifirma- tory of many we have obtained in previous seasons and serve to emphasize more particularly the value of mulching as a means of conserving soil moisture. The further fact is also brought prominently before us, that allowing weeds to grow and obtain possession of the land dries out the soil practically to the sam.e extent as does sod. The e)?ceptional drought obtaining during July, at Ottawa in 1906, and to which we have refcn-ed, is well shown in the data of the following table, in which we have given the precipitation at Ottawa for the three summer months from 1896 to 1906, inclusive. Rainfall at Ottawa. 1S9(). 1897. 1898. 1899. 1900. 1001. 1902. 1903. 1904. 1905. 1906. Aeragve. Junp 3 4." 3o:^ 3-9! 3 01 .5- 19 3-40 2 06 2-87 3 22 2-97 9-85 -38 3-83 6-45 2-84 2 S4 2 2r> 6 Hi 1) 25 4-19 4 03 1-82 7-3 4 0 4-31 2-80 4-63 3-31 4-76 2-80 407 485 15^ 2-43 3-81 July.. .. A-Uffust 4-30 3-21 8-91 Totsls.... 10-37 11. GO 815 13 20 13-12 10 04 15-01 13-46 8-86 11-32 REPORT OF THE CHEMIST 151 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 From those figures we iiiul that last season, though June had one inch more rain than the average, July was 2-72 inches and August -78 inches below the average for these months, so that the total precipitation for the three months was 2-46 inches less than the average. July had the lowest record in eleven years. Series I. Comprised 3 plots side by side in the plum orchard. The first plot or strip was in what might be termed permanent sod, that is, it had been established for a number of years. The second strip was cultivated three times during the early part of the summer. The third plot carried mulching material, put on to kill bindweed, to a depth of from 6 to 8 inches. This material was corn stalks, asparagus tops, old hay, &c. The soil of this part of the orchard is light and sandy. Plot 1. — At the time of the first collection of samples there had been a period of almost three weeks of extreme dryness and many crops were showing signs of suffer- ing. The soil under the sod (Plot 1) was almost like powder; there was practically no cohesiveness between its particles. The grass had formed a thick tough sod and the growth of grass made in the spring had been cut on June 9. This mowing was not at all severe, that is close, and the cut grass (a light crop) was not raked off. This of course soon, dried into hay, but as it had not been spread evenly over the cut area — and further was too light to act as an efficient mvdch, it is not a matter of sur- prise to find that it had had no effect in checking evaporation. The data show but 3-65 per cent water — an amount frequently exceeded in laboratory air-dried soils, and certainlj' very much lower than the minimum requisite for satisfactory crop growth ^or indeed in many instances for the maintenance of plant vitality. The heavy loss of moisture that had taken place was not entirely caused by the tran.spiration of the grass, but was no doubt largely due to surface evaporation, which had been increased by the establishment of capillarity. In undisturbed soil, bearing a crop, as for in- stance that in sod or upon which grain is growing, the loss of moisture from this cause is usually much greater than that by a transpiration of the crop — and especially is this true of loams containing much coarse sand. Two weeks later, August 1, the moisture content was 5-03 per cent. As on the day previous to the collection of the sample there had been a rainfall of -6 inch, the increase over that present in the soil on the ISth is readily understood. On August 15, the date of the third collection, this soil contained 3-79 per cent \?ater — an amount practically identical with that of six weeks earlier. The losses by evaporation and transpiration we may therefore suppose had been supplied by water drawn from lower depths than 14 inches and by rainfall — and thus in a large measure an equilibrium maintained. That evaporation from the surface of the soil rather than transpiration through .the foliage was the chief cause of loss of moisture is, I think, made clear from the fact that the grass was not functionally active — that is, was not making any appreciable growth — practically during the whole period of this investigation. Series I. —Conservation of Soil Moisture, C. E. F., Ottawa, Ont., 1906. (Samples collected to a depth of 14 inches.) Rainfall. Plot 1.— In Sod. Plot 2.— Cultivated. ■ Plot 3.— Mulchkd. Date of Collection. Water. Water. Water. Per cent. Per acre Per cent. Per acre. Per cent. Per acre. July 18 August 1 II 15 Inches. 0-4.3* 115 0 03 3-65 5-03 3-79 Tons. lbs. 77 1473 103 1052 80 1671 7-74 1104 10-77 Tons. lbs. 172 304 254 1318 247 13.58 11-51 11-62 10-80 Tons. lbs. 266 1821 269 1593 248 li05 Precipitation from July 1 to July 18. 152 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 Plot 2. — Previous to the date of the first collection this plot had received, after the discing at the opening of the season, only one cultivation, namely: about the middle of June. The soil therefore hr.« been undisturbed for several weeks during a very hot and dry period when the samples were taken for analysis on July 18. The percentage of moisture found (7-74) was decidedly low, though twice as large, as that in plot 1, in sod. No doubt a large loss through evaporation had occurred during the first part of July, an amount^ which might have been materially reduced by con- stantly stirring the soil. From this time on till the close of the experiment the moisture content of the soil was practically maintained at 11 per cent by cultivation. There naturally had been surface evaporation, but this had been kept in check, so that the loss from this cause had been made up by water drawn by capillary attraction from lower depths aided by the scanty rain that had fallen in this period. Comparing plots 1 and 2, we learn that in the latter (the cultivated land) there was approximately 100 tons more water per acre in the first 14 inches of soil than in the former (plot in sod), in the middle of July. Subsequent to this date the difference in water content of these two plots was even greater^ — due to more frequent cultiva- tion of plot 2 and the ever increasing tendency of plot 1 to lose water. These dif- ferences were approximately, per acre, as follows : August 1, 150 tons ; August 15, 167 tons. Tlot S. — In order to kill out bindweed, that had taken possession of the soil, this plot had been heavily mulched in 1905 with refuse consisting of corn stalks, asparagus tops, old hay, &c., the depth of material being about six inches. 'The data shov/ that a mulch of this character is fully as effective as one of earth (by cultivation) for conserving moisture. This conclusion is in accord with that we reached some years ago, using straw as a mulch. The question of relative ex- pense is one that must be settled by each fruit grower for himself — the price of labour and the cost of mulching material are the two largest factors to be taken into con- sideration. No doubt in many localities mulching would be cheaper than cultivating. One objection to the mulching system in certain districts would be that in order to induce ripening of the wood towards the latter part of the season it would be necessary to dry out the soil somewhat and to do this the mulch would have to be taken off, entailing expense. Another possible objection, but one upon which I can advance no evidence, would be that mulching tends to keep the roots of the trees near the sur- face and thus render them liable to injury during the winter. Series II. — This consisted of three plots among a number in an orchard set out in the spring of 1906 by the horticulturist and so arranged as to illustrate. the effect of various plans of soil management upon the growth and development of the young apple tree. The soil though of a sandy character was much better than that of Series 1, being richer in humus. Skries IL— Consei-vation of Soil Moisture, C. E. F., Ottav^^a, Ont., 1906. (.Samples collected to a depth of 14 inches. ) Date of Ci-'lection. E:iinf;.ll Plot A.-Undisturbeo. Plot B.--Cultivatko TILL July 30, tiiex SEEDED to KaPE. Plot H. -Cultivated. Water. Water. V*' Hter. Per cent. Per acre. Per cent. ] Per acre. Per cent. Per acj-i'. July 18 August 1 r 15. Inche.s. 0-43 115 0-93 1 50 0-26 0-69 7-53 8-42 G-70 10-20 607 7 36 Ton.-. lbs. 157 1055 178 937 139 788 220 965 125 879 154 432 14 27 14-67 14 37 12 71 6 70 716 Tons. lbs. 32.i 208 333 1.553 .325 1496 282 1277 139 788 149 1426 .... Tons. !!.s. M 29 14 34 13-52 13-41 324 1908 303 934 27 300 1232 k liliroliT OF THE CHEMIST 153 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 Plot A was left undisturbed and the soil was soon fully occupied by weeds. Tlicse were cut, but not closely, on August 24 to prevent seeding. The first moisture deter- mination (July IS) showed that the growth of the weeds had very markedly dried out the soil, though not to the same extent as the sod in Plot 1, Series I. Compared with Plot B, adjoining and which was kept cultivated, it contained at this date 16G ton.s loss water per acre, calculated to a depth of 14 inches. Two weeks later (August 1) the moisture content was somewhat higher — about nine-tenths of a per cent, but this increase was undoubtedly due to the rainfall (approximately -7 in.) two days previous to the collection of the sample. On August 15 the percentage of water had fallen to a point lower than at any previous date, viz. <5-T0 per cent. The soil taken on August 29 showed 10-20 per cent water. This in- crease is explained by the fact that the weeds were now functionally inactive, practi- cally dead, and that during the preceding nine days rain had fallen to a depth of \\ inches. The dryness of the soil on September 9 and 27 is significant (6-07 per cent and 7 -30 per cent respectively). The weeds were not now making any great demand on the soil's moisture, but nevertheless a loss of water was taking place. This was a result of the undisturbed capillarity and surface evaporation — which, as we have before remarked, may be as potent a factor in the loss of water as a growing crop. Plot B affords some interesting and instructive results. It was kept cultivated till -Tuly 30. when it was seeded to rape. Its moisture content remained constant (ap- ])roximatcly 14 per cent) so long as it was cultivated, but as soon as the rape attained a fair growth it began to exhaust notably the soil's store of water. This and sui'face evaporation reduced the moisture content to amounts practically identical with those of Plot A. as determined on the two last dates of the investigation. This furnishes evidence as to the value of rape as a cover crop when it is desired to dry out the soil and then hasten the ripening of the wood of the trees before winter sets in. Plot H. — This was cultivated until August 1, but unlike Plot B, bore no crop subsequently. The first sample was taken for analysis on August 29 as the data com- pared with those of Plot B would show what loss in the latter had ensued from sowing the rape. Although the rainfall from this date till the close of the investigation was light, this plot held its own, or practically so, the percentage of water being between 13 and 14. The deduction from these results is that if it is desired to dry out the soil to any considerable degree it is necessary to sow a cover crop. It will be noticed that it contained 150 tons more water per acre than Plot B. But yet both plots had received exactly the same amount of cultivation and on the same dates. The differ- ence therefore must have been owing to Plot B carrying the crop of rape while Plot II had been free of vegetation. PRELIMINARY REPORT ON SURFACE SOILS FROM THE ABITIBI REGION.* This series of soils, comprising thirteen samples, was forwarded to the labora- tories of the Experimental Farms, Ottawa, during the first half of the year 1005. The dates of their reception and the localities from which they were collected are given in the subjoined table, which also presents the analytical data obtained. The soils are arranged in the order in v/hich they were received, A brief description of the soils from a preliminary examination, chiefly physical and microscopical, may be given as follows: — 1. Yellowish white clay, with very little sand, and practically destitute of organic matter. Reaction: very slightly acid. Traces of lime. 2. Greyish-white clay, with fair amount of coarse sand and some pebbles. A" little root fibre. Reaction : slightly acid. Traces only of lime. * CoHcctcJ and forwarded by Mr. Frank Moberly, C.E., of the engineering staff of the Transconiiuental Railway. 154 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDV/ARD VII., A. 1908 3. Greyish clay loam, with very little sand. Some few fragments of root fibres. Eeaction : slightly acid. Traces only of lime. i 4. Dark clay loam. Apparently rich in organic matter and showing plenty of root fibre. Very little sand. Eeaction: slightly acid. Traces only of lime. 5. Eeddish clay, containing some sand. Apparently has been burnt over (?). No visible signs of organic matter. Reaction: acid. Traces only of lime. 6. Dark-grey clay loam, apparently rich in organic matter. Showing plenty of root fibre. Very little sand present. Eeaction: acid. Lime in traces only. 7. Greyish-white clay, showing only traces of organic matter. Very little sand. Eeaction : neutral. Lime in traces only. 8. Dark-grey clay loam, with fair amount of organic matter. Very little sand. Eeaction: neutral. Traces only of lime. 9. Dark-grey clay loam, showing some root fibre. Small quantity of sand. Ee- action: neutral. Traces only of lime. 10. Greyish-brown clay loam, containing some root fibre and a little sand. Ee- action: acid. Traces only of lime. 11. A grey clay apparently rather poor in organic matter, but with fair quantity of root fibre. Eeaction: neutral. Lime in traces or small amount. 12. Greyish-white clay. Very little root fibre and apparently traces only of organic matter. Eeaction: slightly alkaline. Should judge it to be rich in lime. 13. Greyish-white clay loam. Showing some root fibre. Very little sand. Ee- action : very slightly acid. Lime in traces only. Considered as a class, these soils are to be regarded as clay loams. Many are ' heavy ' or ' strong ' clays. With the exception of Xos. 2 and 5 the amounts of sand are almost negligible, though injnost of them there is a fair am.ount of uii decomposed feldspar particles, which to a certain degree may serve the same physical purpose as sand. ANALYSIS OF THE SOILS. In the preparation for analysis, the soils were first dried by exposure to the air. They were then gently crushed and any root fibre, pebbles, &c., separated by sieves. The analvsis was made on the fine earth. Analysis of Soils (air-dried) from Abitibi Region. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Date of Reception. 17-2-05 27-S-05 27-3-05 27-3-05 22-4-05 22-1-05 2-6-05 2-^-05 3-6-^5 3-6-05 13-6-05 21-6-05 2G-G-05 Designation. Moisture. Obadagwashing' f jake North shore of Abitibi Lake South shore Abitibi Lake, near H. B. Post Agotawekanii Lake, 12 m. S. of Abitibi 10 m. N. Abitibi, S. of Sta. 20Gli m 10 m. N. Abitibi Lake Makamik Lake, N. of Abitibi jWhitefish River, X. of Abitihi jUpper Okikorlasik River, 10 m. N. Lake Abitibi, about boundary between Ontario and Quebec X. of Lower Abitibi Lake, Ontario. From field cultivated by H. B. Co. for many years, H.B. Post, AbitiVji From Island, Abitibi Lake Whitetish River, 3rd Rapid, Abitibi Organic Volatile Matter. 1 02 0 35 1 14 5 07 6 58 6 11 3 62 4 41 3 62 3 47 2 07 3 56 4 03 3 1 0 16 11 21 4 ■35 •60 ■40 ■85 ■26 ■51 68 12 82 9-72 7-35 9-39 906 7 09 a s be o S-i 024 ■041 121 ■459 167 •435 058 ■212 •226 -156 ■245 058 •118 REPORT OF THE CHEMIST 155 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 We are probably quite safe in assuming that the nitrogen content of these soils is a fair measure of their crop-producing powers. On this basis, Nos, 4 and 6 are to ije placed at the head of the list. They should prove excellent soils and very fertile if properly cultivated. Following these come Nos. 8, 9 and 11, with a nitrogen content of between 0-2 per cent and 0-3 per cent. These are very probably soils capable of producing re- uiunorative crops, for as far as our data go they compare very favourably with many Canadian virgin soils that have shown themselves good farming lands. The third division comprises those soils containing between 0-1 per cent and 0-2 per cent nitrogen. These are Nos. 3, 5, 10 and 13, Though somewhat deficient in org:.nic matter (huuuis) and nitrogen, they are still fairly good sells and no doubt would improve under a good system of farming. The remainder, Nos. 1, 2, 7 and 12, must be considered as below the average and would require enrichment before they could be expected to give their maximum returns. As a class, these soils are all 'retentive' and 'lasting,' and the majority of llicm mider skilful treatment suitable for most of our farm crops. In their cultivation it would be highly desirable to adopt a rotation that kept up, and indeed increased, their humus and nitrogen content. This can best be done by the growing of clover or pome other legume in the rotation and by the keeping of stock. They are all soils that will repay thorough drainage and, with the exception of No. 12, an occasional application of lime. Owing to the large proportion of clay they contain, much will depend tipon the manner of cultivation. To prevent ' puddling,' they should never bo worked while wet. In conclusion, it must be stated that as yet the analyses are incomplete; con- sequently this report should only be regarded ?,s tentative in character. From the writer's long experience, however, in the examination of Canadian soils he feels justi- fied in making the deductions here given regarding the character and probable pro- ductiveness of these soils. PEASE AS A FERTILIZER IN THE NORTHWEST. The enrishment of soils through the turning under of the legumes is a subject) that has been studied in the fields and laboratories of the Experimental Farm for a number of years past, and our results, published in the annual reports and special bulletin, show the value and economy of this method for the maintenance of soil fertility. The crops hitherto investigated as useful for this purpose of furnishing humus and nitrogen comprise the clovers — common red, mammoth red and crimson; vetches, hairy and black; alfalfa; horse beans and Soja beans. Of these, the clovers and alfalfa are pre-eminently the legumes most serviceable as soil enrichers. In tilling the soil a certain dissipation of the nitrogen is imavoidable. Plowing, harrowing and indeed all mechanical operations that tend to open up the soil, must result in the oxidation and, consequently, the loss of a portion of the humus (semi-de- cayed vegetable matter) and its concomitant, nitrogen. Especially is this true of fallow- ing, by which undoubtedly more nitrogen can be lost than is removed by the following crop. This fact was well established two years ago from the analyses of a series of goils — virgin and cultivated — collected in the Northwest Territories. Fallowing is most useful in keeping the land comparatively free from weeds; it liberates plant food and undoubtedly performs an important function in storing moisture for the succeed- ing crop, but there is no gainsaying the fact that it is a wasteful practice as regards soil fertility. Data to substantiate this statement were given in the report of this division for lOO.^, where it was pointed out that if the present productiveness of the soils of the northwestern provinces was to be maintained attention must be given, and this before the soils become markedly exhausted, to the return of humus-forming 156 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 material rich in nitrogen. This of course does not refer to all soils in the Canadian Northwest, many of which are at the outset over-rich in organic matter and nitrogen, leading rather to ranlcness of straw than to development of grain. But it is applic- able to many areas which have now been growing cereals for the past 20 or 25 years, without any manure and without a single season of sod to return vegetable matter, and which moreover have every third year or so been put in fallow. Svich soils, in spite of their great initial, inherited richness, are showing signs of decline, and unless some remedial steps are taken, will continue to do so. All this may serve to empha- size the desirability of abandoning, where practicable, the system of continuous grain growing and substituting therefor a rotation in which at least one mem*ber shall add to the soil's store of humus and, if possible, nitrogen. The value of Brome grass in this connection has been well brought out by experi- m.ents conducted on the Experimental Farms at Indian Head, Saskatchewan, and Brandon, Manitoba, a crop which not only adds humus, but which (though disliked by many owing to difficulty in eradication) undoubtedly is of great service in supply- ing a fibre that binds and holds the soil, thus preventing to a large degree the drift- ing and loss of the surface soil under high winds. Inquiry shows that loss of S(nl from this cause is common in many districts, the drifting being quite pronounced even on heavy clay loam after the latter has been worked for a number of years, and drifting is largely a result of fallowing. The last three or four years there has been an intelligent and persistent attempt on the part of some farmers in Manitoba to grow clover, and these efforts have in many instances proved successful. A general impression prevailed that owing to insuf- ficiency of moisture or the severity of winters or other untoward conditions, clover coiild not be grown in the Northwest, but the evidence is now ample that clover and alfalfa can be grown in many parts of the northwestern provinces. On the Experi- mental Farms at Brandon, Manitoba, and Indian Head, Saskatchewan, both of these crops have been raised successfully for a number of years past, and this frequently in spite of comparatively light snowfalls to protect the crop during the first winter. Mr. Bedford, late superintendent, Experimeiltal Farm, Brandon, wrote in 1B04: * As usual a number of the hardiest clovers have wintered here and given a fair return of fodder. The plan usually followed in the eastern provinces of sowing clover seed with a nurse crop has always proved a failure on this farm, our heavy crops of grain so completely shade the ground that the clover plant has no opportunity of developing and is too small and weak to withstand the severe winter. The system adopted here is to plough grain stubble land in May or early in June, harrow once, sow the clover seed broadcast, .then harrow a second time and roll. When the weed and volunteer crop are up about one foot high, a mower is run over the land and the cuttings left on the ground as a mulch. By autumn the clover plants are. by this plan, commonly about two feet high, well rooted, and they usually pass the winter without loss.' PEASE AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR CLOVER. Notwithstanding the possibility of clover growing the inquiry is frequently made by farmers in the Northwest, is there not some other legume that can be used for keeping up the soil in the place of clover, one that will make its grov.'th in the season of seeding so that winter killing would not enter into the calculation, one that by plowing under at the end of the season would furnish the soil with large quantities of humus-forming material and nitrogen? May not pease fulfil these requirements? It is a fairly qiiick growing annual, a nitrogen gatherer, and one that will give a good yield if climatic conditions are at all favourable. In districts where the storing up of soil moisture for the succeeding crop is not necessary, the pease might be sown in the spring and the growth be found to make sufficient cover to keep down the weeds. Possibly a modification of this procedure that might he desirable in some districts would be to fallow the land for one month, say till the middle of June, and then sow REPORT OF THE CHEMIST 157 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 the pease. Though undoubtedly the pease would make a considerable draft on the Boil moisture, this loss would be reduced as soon as the pease had made sufficient growth to cover the land. The dense mat of foliage forms a very efFective shade and protection from the sun and drying winds. With eight wofks' growth the writer is (if the opinion that on the larger number of the soils of the Xorthwcst and nnder the climatic influences that are there wont to prevail, there wonld be a very good crop to turn under. At present we have no data obtained in the Northwest to record, but' an oxperimont was conducted in the orchards of tke Central Farm, Ottawa, last season, whicli has yielded most promising results. Advantage was taken of the fact that the Horticulturist had sown pease for a ' cover ' crop, to collect, weigh and analyse the foliage and roots (taken to a depth of 9 inches) on a certain area and to compute therefrom the amounts of v-egetable matter and the various fertilizer constituents contained in the pease per acre. Pease fuom C. E. F. Orchard. Sown, May 27. Collected, July 2G. Yield per acre Dry uiatter Organic and volatile matter Ash Insoluble ash Phos])horic acid Potash Nitrogen Roots per Acre. Tons. lbs. 1,132 472 412 60 o7 3 6 10 It will be remarked that the collection was made exactly two months from the date of sowing, at which time the crop was just past the height of its flowering — probably the best period at which to turn under. The crop went 12J tons to the acre, showing that a good growth had been made. Though the root system is by no means extensive^ which it is to be admitted is a feature that renders this crop less valuable for this purpose than alfalfa and some of the clovers, there is a very large amount of vegetable matter and of the chief elements of plant food to te returned for the improvement of the soil when the whole crop is turned under. With respect to the nitrogen — approximately 130 lbs. per acre — we are unable to say exactly v.-hat proportion has been obtained from the atmosphere, but as pease like all the legumes draw very largely from this source through the agency of bacteria upon their roots, we may conclude that as in the case of the other mem- bers of that soil-enriching family, the greater part of it has been so derived. The significant fact is that this amount — 130 lbs. per acre — is practically identical with that which we have found contained in alfalfa, vetches and many of the clovers, so that in this particuhir it should have an equal fertilizing value to those crops, and con- siderably greater than that of horse beans, soja beans and some other of the legumes we have examined from this point of view. We likewise find that the organic matter is practically equivalent to the quantity in a good clover crop, though somewhat less than that in one of alfalfa. Thus in humus forming material i)ease would occupy a high place among crops grown to re- plenish this valuable constituent. The mineral elements — phosphoric acid and pota.sh — have, of course, been ob- tained from the soil, but in the subsequent decay of the pcese these are set free in more or less easily assimilable forms for succeeding crops, and this in a measure may •158 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 be considered as increaslrg the store of fertility in the soil. The large amount of potash contained in the pease is to be noted. FEKTILIZING MATEEIALS. DOG-FISH SCRAP AS A FERTILIZER. At intervals during the past year we have undertaken to examine and report upon -samples of dog-fish scrap and dried fish offal for the Department of Marine and Fish- eries. These were forwarded from the dog-fish reduction works at Canso, N.S., and Shippigan, N.B,, at which places there is now a considerable accumulation of this fertilizer, chiefly obtained from the rendering or so-called reduction of dog-fish. This fish, a species of shark, by reason of its voraciousness and the fact that it is present in Atlantic waters in large numbers, has become a serious menace to fisheries on the east coast. To protect the fisheries the Federal Government accordingly offered a bounty for the capture of this pest and, to utilize to the best advantage the fish thus brought in, established the above mentioned works. In this way large quantities both of oil and of a rich nitrogenous fertilizer have been prepared. It is this latter by- product that has been submitted to us to determine its agricultural value. The first samples of fish scrap were received on October 3, 1905, from the Dog- fish lieduclion Works, Canso, N.S., marked as follows: jSTo. 1. Fish Offal, September 10; No. 2. Dog-fish Scrap (wood dried), September 26; No. 3. Dog-fish Scrap (coal dried), September 25!. No. 1. Fish Offal. — This, I presume, is not from the dog-fish, but is the dried refuse obtained in the cleaning of fish — cod, haddock, &c., for drying or salting. It contained a large quantity of coarse bone, many fragments being from 1 inch to 1^ inches in length, and is, therefore, not suitable for direct application to the soil. A mechanical separation showed Yl per cent granular material and 29 per cent coarse bone. This scrap would, I think, require grinding before it could be put on the market either for farmers' use or for the matiufacture of commercial fertilizers. From the agricultural standpoint much importance must be placed upon the fineness of the material, as in a very large measure this factor determines the relative avail- ability of the plant food constituents in the scrap. The finer the material, other things being equal, the more ready the decay of the scrap in the soil, and consequently the more quickly are the fertilizing elements offered in suitable forms for crop use. Analysis. Moisture 11-07 Nitrogen 8-43 Phosphoric acid 9-01 Total mineral matter , .. 24-15 Mineral matter insoluble in acid (sand, &c.) -93 Oil 5-47 These data indicate a scrap of excellent quality, both as regards percentage of nitrogen and phosphoric acid and comparatively low oil content. In the United States large quantities of Menhaden (a coarse sort of herring) are used in the manfacture of scrap, and this, with a moisture content of, say, 10 per cent, will contain, as a rule, from 6 to 8 per cent nitrogen, and 6 to 7 per cent phosphoric acid. It is evident, therefore, that this Canadian product compares well in composi- tion with the raw material so largely used by the fertilizer manufacturers as a source of nitrogen and phosphoric acid. No. 2 and No. S. Dog-fish Scrap. — These are very similar in appearance, being considerably finer than No. 1, though containing some coarse bone and meat frag- ments. Both are decidedly oily to the touch and sight. For the fertilizer manufacturer REPORT OF THE CHEMIST 159 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 they would be classified as ' coarse,' and wovdd receive a lower valuation for nitrooen and phosphoric acid than if finer. For direct application, as by farmers, grinding would notj perhaps, bo necessary. A ncdysis. No. 2. No. 3. Dos-fish Dog-fish (wood dried), (coal dried). Moisture 1490 1218 NitroR-en 7-5!) 7-63 Phosphoric acid 2-94 2-90 Total mineral matter 7-05 T-29 Mineral matter insoluble in acid (sand) 16 -43 Oil 31-47 32-75 The percentage of nitrogen in these scraps is very satisfactory. The very low percentage of phosphoric acid is due to the fact that the dog-fish has not a 'bony' skeleton but belongs to a group of fishes (the Selachians) in which cartilage very largely replaces phosphates of lime. Both these scraps possess very high percentages of oil. Oil is not plant food ami its presence in excessive amounts prevents the decay of the scrap in the oil, and hence retards the liberation of its plant food constituents in available forms. Further, the continued and excessive application of a fertilizer so rich in oil might work serious injury to the proper physical condition of the soil. Possibly some modification in the process of manufacture may be devised whereby a larger portion of the oil may be removed. Whether a further extraction of oil from the scrap by naphtha (gaso- line) could be made, without entailing undue expense, I am at present unable to say, but my opinion is that from the agricultural standpoint it is highly desirable that a scrap poorer in oil be prepared. The analysis of the fourth sam]ile of dog-fish scrap, forwarded November 11, 1905, furnished the following data : — Moisture 20-28 Nitrogen. . . 7-95 Phosphoric acid 2-36 Total mineral matter 6-71 Mineral matter insoluble in acid (sand, &c.) -35 Oil 28-49 This sample is not so dry as those received on October 3. In nitrogen it is a little richer, but in phosphoric acid it is somewhat lower, pointing to a slightly larger proportion of flesh, cartilage, &c., and concomitantly less bone than in the former samples. Presumably it is entriely the refuse from dog-fish. Although it was stated that the livers were excluded when making this scrap, the amount of oil present does not fall far below that in the scraps previously examined. • Fish-scrap Liquor. In the preparation of the scrap a considerable amount of liquor is expressed from the cooked dog-fish which after yielding the greater part of its oil is allowed to run to waste. To learn what fertilizer value this liquor might possess a sample forward- ed in January, 1906, was submitted to analysis and the following results obtained: Drv matter 1119 Water 88-81 10000 Ash.. 103 Nitrogen ' 1-69 Oil 4-33 160 EXPEIilMEXTAL FABMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 Leaving out of consideration the value of the phosphates in the ash and that of the oil present, the liquor should be worth saving for its nitrogen, which amounts to approximately Si lbs. per ton. Fish-scrap from Shippigan, N.B. Three samples of fish-scrap were received on December 12, 1906, from the Dog- fish Reduction Works, Shippigan, N.B., marked as follows : — ISTo. 1. Dry, mixed dog-fish and offal. No. 2. Pure dog-fish scrap. Xo. 3. Oily, mixed dog-fish and offal. Analysis. No. 1. Xo. 2. No. 3. Moisture 3-12 4-81 4-27 Nitrogen 8-13 9-41 8-13 Phosphoric acid 6-49 3-77 3-97 Total mineral matter 17-38 10-29 10-51 Mineral matter insoluble in acid (sand, &c.) -51 -67 -30 Oil 25-38 22-81 31-77 These have all been well dried, the percentage of water being decidedly lower than in the samples previously examined. This, naturally, would tend to increase the percentages of the other constituents, including those of fertilizing value, nitrogen and phosphoric acid. The nitrogen-content of Nos. 1 and 3 is the same, and slightly higher than that of the dog-fish scrap from Canso reported on in December, 1905. The proportion of nitrogen in No. 2 exceeds that of No. 1 and No. 3 by about l-l per cent and must be considered as extremely satisfactory. The phosphoric acid, it will bo noted, in Nos. 2 and 3 lies .between 35 and 4 per cent. This is almost 1 per cent higher than found in the former samjiles of dog-fish scrap. No. 1 contains practically 6^ per cent phosphoric acid, decidedly more than the other samples. This, I presume, is due to the presence of bones from other fish in this sample — a conjecture which received confirmation from the much larger per- centage of mineral matter (chiefly bone) it contains. All are notably free from sand and other inert matter of similar character. The data indicate a large amount of oil in this dog-fish scrap, though in this respect Nos. 1 and 2 show a distinct improvement on similar scraps from Canso, analysed in December, 1905, the reduction of this constituent being from 6 per cent to 10 per cent. No. 3 contains practically the same percentage of oil as the samples of 1905. The l^se of Fish-scrap on the Farm. The following fbrmulae are offered to meet inquiries respecting the use of this dog-fish scrap. Necessarily they cannot be regarded as giving the best proportions for all classes of land, but they will be helpful to those who have had no experience in the home-mixing of fei-tilizers." They would result in a complete fertilizer, i.e., one furnishing all three of the essential elements of fertility, and such a fertilizer has been found in a large num.ber of instances the most profitable to use. * Farmers intending to use this fertilizer are invited to correspond with this Division, stating the nature of their soil and its history as regards recent manuring and cropping. Ad- Tice M'Jil then be given as to mixtures that will probably prove useful. REPORT OF TEE CHEMIST 161 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 For Cereals, Gi-ass: Dog-fish scrap 300 lbs. Nitrate of soda 100 " Superphosphate 300 " Muriate of potash .50 " AppHcation — 300 to SCO lbs. per acre. For Potatoes, Roots generally, and Clover: Dog-fish scrap 300 lbs. Nitrate of soda 50 " Superphosphate 400 '* Muriate of potash 150 " Application — 300 to 800 lbs. per acre. Dry sand or fine loam may be added to tlie mixed fertilizer to facilitate distribu- tion. Probably the best plan of application is to broadcast the fertilizer on the thorough- ly prepared land in the spring, previous to seeding, incorporating with tlie soil by one or more harrowings. It has been found that fish refuse gives the best returns on moderately light, warm, moist soils. Wliat is the value of the nitrogen and phosphoric acid in this scrap? This ques- tion has been frequently submitted to us during the past few months, and it seems desirable that an answer should be given here in conjunction with the foregoing in- formation respecting the nature of this new fertilizing material. In the last bulletin on ' Commercial Fertilizers as Sold in Canada,' issyed by the Inland Revenue Department, the following valuation is given: — Organic nitrogen in ground bone. fish, blood or tankage 16c. per lb. Phosphoric acid, according to solubility, from . . . .1^ to 6c. " Until data obtained from actual trials in the field are available, we perhaps should not be justified in affirming that this fish scrap should be placed in the same category with the above-mentioned fertilizers; we might suppose, however, that both its nitro- gen and phosphoric acid, in the absence of deterrent influences, will he found equally available with those of these fertilizers. The question therefore is, are there any factors of an unfavourable character in connection with this material? First, as regards the degree of fineness. As pointed out, this is an important matter and several of the samples give evidence that there is room for improvement in this respect. The finer the material the more readily will the fertilizing elements be set free in the soil. If the material contains much coarse bone, that is, pieces 1 inch to 1^ inches in length, it cannot be considered as being in the best condition for direct application to the soil. Secondly, as fully explained in the text of this report, the presence of a large quantity of oil is most undesirable, especially where large applications are made year after year. In the greater niimber of the dog-fish refuse samples examined, the per- centage of oil was undoubtedly too high. Very probably this will be materially de- creased as methods of manufacture are improved — a matter which is now receiving attention at the reduction works. After a very careful consideration of all these matters, the writer is inclined to the opinion that the nitrogen in the pure dog-fish scrap, as represented by sample^ examined, is not quite equal in value, agriculturally, to that in the better class of organic fertilizers, and for this reason its price should be somewhat less. Provisionally, we should place this reduction at two to three cents per lb., that is, a value of about 13c. per lb. The phosphoric acid should be worth in the neighbourhood of 5c, per pound. This dog-fish refuse should prove a very valuable source of nitrogen for the farmer in the Maritime Provinces, and especially so when freed to a greater degree 16—11 162 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 of its oil. When unmixed with other fish offal, it is not rich in phosphoric acid and naturally it does not contain any potash. But these elements can be supplied by the admixture of various materials (superphosphate, muriate of potash, &c.), as indicated by the formulae given on the preceding page and thus a complete and effective ferti- lizer prepared. TOBACCO REFUSE. In 1903 we reported on certain samples of tobacco stems and tobacco dust, show- ing that these waste products had a high fertilizing value by reason of the nitrogen and phosphoric acid they contain. Two samples forwarded by Wra. Ewing & Co., Montreal^ have received our attention during the past year. The results are as fol- lows : — - Tobacco Stems. Tobacco Dust. Moisture . .... 10-22 67 -04 21-42 -42 7-89 Organic matter Ash or mineral matter soluble in acid 62-11 16-97 Ash or mineral matter insoluble in acid .... 13 03 100 00 100 00 Nitrogen 2-22 •53 7-52 295 Phosphoric acid , -49 Potasli 2-73 Both materials evidently possess fertilizing qualities of considerable value. In nitrogen and phosphoric acid the differences are not large, but it will be noticed that d in potash the ' stems ' are much richer than the ' dust.' Calculated to pounds per ton we obtain the following figures : — Tobacco stems. Tobacco dust. Per ton. Per ton. Nitrogen 44-4 lbs. 59-0 lbs. Phosphoric acid 10-G " 9-8 " Potash 150-4 " 54-6 " Tobacco waste is frequently used for insecticidal purposes, either dry, in the form of a decoction, or for fumigation, and the value of any particular sample for such use will depend almost entirely on the proportions of nicotine it contains. The samples under discussion yielded data as follows : — Tobacco stems -67 per cent nicotine. Tobacco dust 1-03 " " TOBACCO ASHES. This fertilizer was forwarded for analysis and report from the McDonald College, Ste. Anne de Bellevue, Que. It was stated to be ashes from a furnace in which to- bacco waste was burnt. Its comparative purity and very high value for furnishing potash are obvious from the analytical data: Potash 30-69 per cent. Phosphoric acid 4-59 " Valuing the potash at 6c. per lb. and the phosphoric acid at, say, 4c. per lb., we obtain a value per ton of $35.28. ¥ REPORT OF THE CHEMIST 163 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 WOOD ASHES. Wlicn ?his^ fertilizer is sold at rates of $10 or higher per ton, it naturally falls under the official inspection made anually by the Inland Revenue Department. If, however, it is sold for less than $10 per ton it is exempt under the Fertilizer Act from analysis by that department, and there is nothing to prevent the sale of partially leached or otherwise adulterated ashes. That fraud in this matter is practiced will be evident from the following analysis, which was made on a sample forwarded from \Yolfvillo, N.S. These ashes, it was stated, had been imported by the carload from (Ontario and v/ere Icing largely bought by fruit growers in the Annapolis valley: — Per cenL Moisture 28-17 Insoluble residue 7-83 Phosphoric acid 1-41 Potash 4-28 These ashes are decidedly below the average in potash and show an altogether too high moisture content. Good, unleached wood ashes do not as a rule fall below a;"* per cent potash^ and their percentage of moisture would be in the neighbourhood of 10 per cent. This examination cannot perhaps be considered as legitimately coming within the scope of our work; the analysis, however, was made with the object of warning farmers and orchardists against the risk of purchasing such materials without a guarantee from the vendor. LIME KILN ASHES. A sample sent from Lennox Ferry, N.S., and said to be purchasable there at $4.25 per ton, was submitted to analysis, with the following results : — Per cent. Potash 4-77 Phosphoric acid 1-93 Carbonate of lime &7-16 For lime kiln ashes this sample shows an unusually high percentage of potash, though in respect to this important constituent it is not the equal of good wood ashes. It should prove an excellent fertilizer for soils in need of potash and lime and if the sample is thoroughly rcpreseutative the price asked is quite reasonable. A further sample forwarded by a correspondent from near Montreal gave results indicating a value far below that of the preceding: — Per cent. Potash 1-25 Phosphoric acid -43 Carbonate of lime 62-09 Such ashes, valuing the fertilizing constituents at market prices, would be worth about $2 per ton. ASHES FROM MUCK. It frequently happens in the clearing of muck lands by fire that the muck to a considerable depth is burnt, leaving a more or less heavy coating of ashes. This occurs more especially when the clearing is done during a dry season and may result in the loss of a large area of valuable soil. If the deposit of muck is of considerable depth the ashes formed by the burning of the surface 2 or 3 inches will be beneficial, and this method may be employed to advantage, but care should be taken that the fire does not burn too deeply, or more harm than good will result, 16— Hi 164 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD Vll., A. 19C8 A correspondent at Pont Rouge, yue., having a large quantity of such muck ashes, forwarded a sample with the inquiry as to their fertilizing value for other parts of his farm. These ashes were submitted to analysis with the following results: — Per cent. Potash -60 Phosphoric acid 1-CS Lime 21-75 Although these ashes are not as rich as wood ashes, they certainly possess a very considerable fertilizing value, especially for soils containing an abundance of vegetable organic matter. For all soils in need of lime and mineral fertilizers an application of these ashes conjointly with farmyard manure would be advantageous, as also for root crops, clover and fruit trees. SPENT BONE CHAR. This material, from the Edwardsburg Starch Co., Cardinal, Ont., is bone char after use in sugar purification and contains a high percentage of phosphoric acid. It is not, however, used now-a-days directly as a fertilizer, for the reason that its phos- phoric acid is not readily converted into soluble forms in the soil, but it is largely em- ployed in the manufacture of superphosphate. Analysis. Per cent. Phosphoric acid ( equivalent to 68-2 bone phosphate) 31-25 Nitrogen 1-25 These data indicate a quality somewhat above the average; the superphosphate resulting from its treatment would possess a notable amount of nitrogen. FODDERS AND EEEDIXG STUFFS. COMMERCIAL FEEDING STUFFS. » Every year a number of samples of commercial feeding stuffs are submitted to us for analysis and report as to their nutritive value. These are for the most part representative of the by-products from breakfast food factories, starch factories, beet- sugar factories, elevators, &c., &c. — of which there are many now upon the market. They necessarily vary in feeding qualities according to their source. Some are excellent, being rich in protein and fat, while others are comparatively worthless, being charac- terized by a low protein content and high fibre. Unfortunately many of the latter, in which oat hulls are frequently a predominating constituent, are finely ground and thus the farmer is unable from inspection to judge of their value. For such analysis and microscopic examination are the only means of ascertaining their nature and worth. Until such time as there is a systematic, annual examination of all such materials — the desirability of which the writer has repeatedly emphasized — it has been thought well to continue this work, and thus furnish information that will afford the farmer the means to exercise his judgment in purchasing feeding stuffs and to protect him- self against vrorthless brands. The feeds thus analysed do not represent all such ma- terials upon the Canadian market; the time at our disposal has only permitted the examination of those regarding which inquiries have been received and wiiieh Jiave not in recent years been analysed by us. REPORT or TEE CHEMIST 165 SESSIOiNAL PAPER No. 16 Analysis of Feeds, 1906. Xanie of Feed. Farticulars. 1 Oat Middlings 2, Oat Dust 3 Oat Feed 4 Feed Oatmeal. 5 Oat Feed 6 1 Corn Bi-aii 7 Gluten Feed . . Flavelle Milling Co., Lindsay, Ont. London Oatmeal Mills, Ont. . . . . 9 Glucose Feed Tilsonburg Mills, Tilsonburg, Ont. . Oftilvie iVlilling Co., Montreal Distillery, Wiser& Son, Frescott, Out Brant fold Starch Works, Brautford. Ont 10 Rice Meal 11 Cotton Seed Meal 12, Malt Sprouts 13 Molac !M classes D.-viry ! Feed 14 Beet Eoot Feed 15 Screenings, Crushed... Edwardsburg Starch Co., Cardi- nal, Out Bra' kman Ker, Victoria, B.C .J. B. Schaffner, Halifax, Importer. LaCie de Brasserie de Beau port, Que American Cereal Co., Peterboro, Ont Wallaceburg Sugar Co., Wallace- burg, Ont Elevator, Imported into Quebec from Northwest 16 Buckwheat and Oat Feed'McAllister Milling Co., Peterboro, ' Ont 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 28 29 30 31 Buckwheat, Corn and Oats Mixed Chop Ground Middlings Wild Buckwheat Small Seeds cleaned from Flax Small Seeds cleaned from Yv'lieat Seeds, Bioken Wheat, Small Oats, &c., ready for grinding Ground Seeds obtained by grinding No. 23 . . . Ground Feed Mixture, 25 p.c. No. 23 and 75 p.c. IVrl^y Ground F> ed Mixture, 25 p.c. No. 23 and 75 p.c. Barley Ground Feed Mixture, ."50 p.c. No. 23 and 50 p.c. Barley Flax Chaff Buckwheat Chatf Fine Broken Stock Whe.at Chaff J. G. King & Co., Port Arthur, Ont, "5 6-30 5 00 4-71 412 6.30 50-25 '6-37 4-89 6-67 606 616 6-62 7-48 4-41 762 8 54 9 14 9-75 a p 11 12 9-93 11-75 16-09 6-56 0-81 10 -50 12-50 11 10 14-37' 34- 50 27-43 14 62 9-47 12-56 11 00 11 00 5-34 11-31 10.16 18-78 15-50 14 12 17 31 13 19 919 13 00 12 94 600 7-87 11-68 5 31 9 90 7 68 10 00 10 43 6 25 o 5-71 4-40 5-02 8-52 317 3-83 9-01 8-85 11-95 10-93 887 1-69 318 1-39 5-60 2-30 2-82 1-42 3 64 2 89 24 48 9-64 3> fc.'O Xi >> O P=^ 52-88 18-85 50-79 23-81 59 031 15 18, 2-31! 54-69 68 41 19-44 25-72 15-95 504 47-47 78-15 58-18 64-76 59-58 69 19 70001 33 27 54-86 775 56-40 9 74 51-76 5-27 6-38 •14 15 -55 -62 -49 60-54 62 19 60 63 62-55 63-72 65-64 45-80 11 12 13-32 2-59 11 36 16-76 12-36 24-58 7-00 7-29 9-51 17-21 8-36 6-58 7-60 6-34 7-49 13-88 13-22 14-28 27-50 OAT PRODUCTS. No. 1. Oat Middlings. — Manufactured by the Flavelle Milling Co., Lindsay, Ont., and retailed at Shediac, X.B., from -R-here the sample was forwarded, at $20 per ton. This feed contains about three-fourths the protein and twice the fibre of bran. Though the analysis shows it to be decidedly inferior to bran, it is by no means a poor or worthless feed. It contains fair percentages of protein and fat and might be used to advantage if the price asked is not too high, compared with others on the same market. Xo. 2. Oat Dust; No. 3. Oat Feed. — Manufactured by the London Oatmeal Mills. No. 2 retailed at $7; No. 3 at $10 per ton. Oat dust is an exceedingly poor 16S EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-3 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 feed, consisting largely of the hulls, hairs, dust from cleaniug the grain, &c. The present analysis gives results very similar to those previously obtained on the same product from other mills, and I judge therefrom that the profitable use of such feeds is a matter open to much question. Of course, what may be a high price in one part of Canada may be a low one in another part ; freight rates, the quantities bought, &c., must all be considered. The only way for the farmer to intelligently arrive at a decis- ion is to compare prices, having a knowledge of the nutritive value of the feeds and of his special requirements. If there is an abundant supply on the farm of low- protein, coarse fodders, there could be no economy, no object, in purchasing oat dust at any price. The Oat Feed (No. 3) is a decidedly more valuable product. Though containing a large proportion of hull, it also possesses a fair amount of fine meal and broken grain. In composition it is seen to be very similar to No. 1. No. 4. Feed Oatmeal, — Manufactured by the Tilsonburg Mills, Ont. Stated to cost in car lots in New Brunswick about $37 per ton. Advocated for poultry use and stated to be practically free from hull and foreign matter. The percentages of pro- tein and fat are such as to give the product a high feeding value; the low fibre con- tent is also in its favour, especially for poultry feeding. The large percentage of fat would, however, call for its limited use in the case of lasdng stock. No. 5. Oat Feed. — Manufactured by the Ogilvie Milling Co. Consists largely of oat hulls and contains very little fine meal. An extremely poor feed, being very low in protein and exceedingly high in fibre. CX)RN PRODUCTS. No. 6. Com Bran. — From the distillery of Wiser & Son, Prescott, Ont. It consists entirely of the husk or skin of the corn grain and is of very low feeding value. Among those analysed during the past year, it stands lowest in protein. Though a ' clean ' feed — that is free from foreign matter — its nutritive qualities are such that it must be bought cheaply if it is to be used profitably. This would preclude freighting for any distance. Our correspondent quotes it at $13 per ton — a price much above its real worth.* No. 7 & 8. Gluten Feed. — Manufactured by the Brantford Starch Works, Brant- ford, Ont. Attention must be drawn to the composition of this product, for the reason that there are ' gluten feeds ' upon the market containing practically twice the amount of protein possessed by this brand. Good quality gluten feed, it has been shown, will contain in the neighbourhood of 22 per cent protein. It is much to be regretted that feeds of such great differences in value should be offered for sale under the same name — and especially in such a case as this, where the name implies similar origin.. No. 9. Glucose Feed. — Edwardsburg Starch Co. A pasty substance of which there is a small quantity formed in the manufacture of glucose. It is sold in barrels, locally, and has been used both in pig and cattle feeding. In spite of its high water- content, the analysis gives it a very fair feeding value — being especially rich in oil. It is doubtful, however, if it could be extensively used as it is to a certain degree unpalatable. A correspondent writes that he has fed it, ' after mixing into a very thin slop with other feeds, to pigs, and got good results, but animals don*t take to it at first and won't take much of it anytime.' RICE MEAL. No. 10. Eice Meal. — From the Brackman-Kerr Milling Co. This feeding stuff, iTsed more particularly for milch cows in British Columbia, is somewhat variable in composition. The present sample is of excellent quality. Certain ' rice feeds ' have come * A distinction must be made between corn bran from the distillery and corn bran from the Btarch -worlds. We have invariably found the latter th< better feed, containing between "J and 10 per cent protein. REPORT OF THE CHEMIST 167 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 under our notice that contained ground rice Hulls, and consequently of much lower value. COTTON SEED WEAL. No. 11. Cotton Seed Meal. — This sample was forwarded by ^Fr. R. Chisholm, Antigonish, IST.S., and stated to be imported by Messrs. Schaffner of Halifax. There are many qualities of this highly concentrated feed stuff upon the Canadian market. Genuine cotton seed meal of the first grade will contain about 42 per cent protein and 13 per cent fat; inferior brands examined in the Farm Laboratory have analysed as low as 23 per cent protein and 5 per cent oil. Purchasers of cotton seed meal should ask for the percentages of protein and fat ^aranteed to be present. This ought to be obtainable, as the wholesale importers buy, or may do so if they wish, on such a basis. Though it is impossible to say from insx)ection what the proportion of the chief nutritive constituents may be, a judgment may be formed from the appearance of the meal ; inferior brands are dark in colour and show coarse fragments of hulls, whereas high g-rade meals are bright yellow and free from hull. It is more particularly in the iNfaritime Provinces where cotton seed meal is used, it coming direct by ocean freight to Halifax or St. John from shipping ports in the Southern States. MALT SPROUTS. No. 12. Malt Sprouts. — From La Cie de Brasserie de Beauport, Que. As the name indicates, this feed is composed of the sprouts from barley germinated in the preparation of malt. After drying the germinated grain, the sprouts are readily detached and separated by sieving. It is a highly concentrated feed stuff as regards protein, containing from 23 per cent to 27 per cent, but is very poor in fat. A very large proportion of its protein is digestible — a fact which enhances its value for bringing up the proportion of the nitrogenous nutriments in the ration of milch cows. It does not appear to be a very palatable feed, and consequently can only be fed in comparatively small quantities — say about 2 lbs. per day. Malt sprouts have a high absorptive capacity and should be soaked several hours before feeding. BEET ROOT PRODUCTS. jSTo. 13. Molac Molasses Dairy Feed. — Manufactured by the American Cereal Co., Peterboro, who in their advertisiBg circular state that this feed ' is a perfect blending of grain products — the high protein portions of oats, corn and wheat scienti- fically treated, with the correct proportion of best cane molasses.' At the time of our analysis, it was quoted at $22.90 per ton at Montreal. In addition to 14 per cent of protein it was found to contain in the neighbourhood of 13 per cent sugar; it should, therefore, prove both a nourishing and palatable feeding stuff. It differs chiefly from the ' Improved ]\rolasses Cattle Food/ analysed and reported on in 1903, in containing a much higher percentage of protein. No. 14. Beet Root Feed.— Wallaceburg Sugar Co. This is the dried, exhausted, beet pulp. Though in all probability, a readily digested and palatable food, its com- position, as indicated by the analytical data, clearly shows it to be distinctly inferior in nutritive qualities to bran or shorts. It would be of little value where a feed is desired to bring up the protein content of the ration, as for instance in the supple- menting of the home grown coarse fodders. 5IISCELLA>rE0US ELEVATOR AND MILLING PRODUCTS, No. 15. Screenings. — Regarding this feeding stuff, a correspondent in Warden, Quebec, wriJ;es: 'Please advise as to comparative feeding value of this food, a car load of which has been received from an elevator at Fort William. It was sold at $13 per ton. Are there any dangerous weed seeds in it and will grinding, as per sample, prevent their germination?' 168 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 On examination, it was found to contain small and broken wheat, barley, oats, fiax, weed seeds, broken straw and hulls. The sample was submitted to Dr. Fletcher, the Botanist, who determined the nature of the weed seeds, as follows: Wild Buck- wheat, Lamb's Quarters, Wild Sunflower, Bearded Wheat-grass, Wild Oats, Blue-bat, • Wild Mustard, Sun Spurge, False Flax, Hare's-ear Mustard, Stinkweed, Great Rag- Weed, Dragonhead, Canada Thistle, Green Foxtail, Barnyard grass, Wild Eose. The weeds are named in order as to quantity, approximately, in sample. A considerable quantity of the ground or crushed sample was sown in the test boxes, to ascertain the number of vital seeds present; only two plants appeared. From the chemical data, it is evident that this feed has a fair nutritive value; compared with bran it contains about 2 per cent less protein, a slightly higher per- centage of fat and about one-third more fibre. The experience of several farmers with whom I have corresponded on the subject, is that ground screenings are more or less nnpalatable, that some animals refuse them and that in any case they can only be used ii3 a portion of the meal ration. This if confirmed is a serious objection. The dis- tastefulness is caused chiefly, we presume, by the presence of sulphur oils, found in iiiauy seeds of the crucifcrae (mustards) and which no doubt would impart an un- pleasant pungency to the feed. Nos. 16, 17, IS and 19. — 'These constitute a series of by-products from the Mc- Allister Milling Co., Prterboro. No. 16 consists chiefly of the hulls of oats and buck- wheat, with very little fine meal. No. 17 is largely composed of the hulls of oats and buckwheat, but with more fine meal than No. IG. There is a certain proportion of corn present. No. 18, apparently, consists entirely of fine oat hulls and corn bran, with practically no fine meal. No. 19 is largely corn meal and corn bran, with very little, if any, oat hulls present. Feeds Nos. 16 and 17 are equal as regards protein; the lower percentage of fibre in No. 17. however, makes this sample the better of the two. They must both be considered low grnde feeding stuffs. No. 18 is an extremely poor feed, being very low in protein and exceedingly high in fibre. In feeding value it \\'ould rank with straws and other coarse fodders of that class. No. 19. Tlie best of the series; a fairly good but not a high grade feed, consider- ed from the standpoint of protein co-ntent. Nos. 20 to 31, inclusive, were received direct from Joseph G. King & Co., Lessees of the C.P.R. Elevator at Port Arthur, the analyses being undertaken to learn the nutritive value of the various weed seeds, &c., as obtained from the cleaning of wheat flax and other cereals at the elevator. A very large amount of such refuse or screen- ings must be obtained annually, the greater proportion of which apparently is at present wrstcd. If finely ground there could be no danger of disseminating noxious weeds, and tlierc seems no reason, save perhaps on the ground of unpalatableness, why certain classes of such refuse could not be used to advantage, especially if mixed with a fair proportion of ground barley or other grain. As remarked when discussing No. 15, cattle and pigs do not eat such feed with relish — indeed at first they may entirely refuse it, possibly owing to a certain pungency. This flavour, however, would depend upon the proportion of certain weed seeds and might in a large measure be overcome by mrlxing with various meals. No. 20. Wild Buckwheat. — This sample contained no foreign matter or admix- ture; the analysis, therefore, represents the composition of the seed of wild buck- wheat. While not a highly nitrogenous or oily seed it is of fair feeding value, being quite low in fibre. No. 21. Small seeds cleaned from Flax. — The bulk of this sample consists of broken flax seeds which form probably 98 per cent of the whole. The other 2 per cent is made up of seeds of Lamb's-quarters, Wild Mustard, False Flax and Hare's- ear Mustard, the abundance being in the order of the names given. It is a feed very rich in protein and exceedingly high in fat or oil and accordingly must be considered a valuable feeding stuff. KEI'Oirf OF THE CUEMIST 169 SESSIONAL PAPER N'o. 16 No. 22. Small Seeds cleaned from Wheat. — Consists probably to the extent of 95 per cent of the whole of the seeds of Lambs-quavtcrs; the other 5 per cent, of Hare's ear Mustard, Stinlv-weed, False Flax and Sticky Cockle. In spite of the high fibre, due to the presence of broken straw and chaff, this feed possesses a proportion of protein equal to that in the best qualities of bran; the percentage of fat is also very satisfactory. No 23. Seeds, Broken Wheat, Small Oats, &c., mixed for grinding. — Dr. Fletcher reports regarding this sample as follows: Broken vvheat and wild buckwheat consti- tute 95 per cent of the whole; the other 5 per cent consists of Wild Oats, Ball Mustard, Lamb's-quarters, Wild Mustard and Cow Cockle. The analysis shows the mixture to be a little lower in protein and fat than No. 22, but still a fairly good feed. Provided it is not distasteful it should prove very satisfactory, though, of course, not equal to those feeds containing: from 20 per cent to 30 per cent protein, as gluten meal, oil cake and other seed meal. No. 24. — This sample purported to be obtained by grinding No. 23; the analy- tical data, however, makes it very clear that the proportion of seeds rich in protein and fat must have been considerably greater in No. 24. From the feeding standpoint No. 24 should be much more valuable than No. 23. It is quite probable that uniformity in composition, and hence in feeding value, may be in a measure difficult to obtain in a meal so produced, for there is a large variety of weed seeds entering into the make-up of the screenings, and these seeds differ widely in their percentages of protein and fat. Since all these weeds are not equally distributed, i.e., equally prevalent in all wheat districts, it follows that the screenings from any consignment of wheat w'ill vary more or less from the screenings obtained by cleaning other consignments, and this variation may have, as we have seen^ a marked influence on the food value of the product. If such refuse materials therefore, are to be used in the preparation of foods it seems highly desirable that the output should be controlled by analysis. Nos. 25 and 26. ' Ground Feed ' No. 25, was made by the manufacturer by mix- ing 25 parts of No. 23 (ground) with Y5 parts of ground barley, the chief object in adding the barley being to lighten the colour and thus make it more marketable. No. 26 consists of No. 23 and barley, in the same proportion as in No. 25, but ground to- g-ether. As would be expected, the data of these two samples are in close accord. They indicate a feed that should prove practically equivalent to shorts. No. 27 is stated to be, made by grinding equal weights of No. 23 and barley. The differences between this and the two preceding samples (containing a larger propor- tion of barley) in the percentages of protein and fat are very slight, and I conclude that the feeding value is practically the same for all three samples, Nos. 25, 26 and 27. No. 28. ' Flax Chaff,' obtained in the cleaning of flax, being light and separated by wind, consists chiefly of the broken seed pods of the flax. A very poor feed as regards protein, and though the flax seeds that are present furnish a fair percentage of fat, the material must be considered as distinctly low-grade. No. 29. ' Buckwheat Chaff.' — Very largely composed of the hulls of wild buck- wheat. This is also a material of extremely low feeding value. No. 30. * Fine Broken Stock.' — Broken wheat, buckwheat, and seeds, hulls, hairs, &c., containing a certain amount of fine meal. It is too high in fibre to be classed with the more valuable feeding stuffs, but its percentage of protein (11.68) makes it decidedly superior to oat dust and feeds of that character. No. 31. 'Wheat Chaff.' — From in.spection one would judge this to be fairly free from foreign matter. The data, however, indicate a slightly superior value to pure wheat chaff, no doubt due to the presence of a small quantity of broken wheat. It is scarcely necessary p.i'rhaps to point out that the straws and chaffs constitute a class of feeds of extremely low nutritive value. From a study of the analytical data of those elevator refuse, it will be evident that while some of these materials possess high nutritive qualities others are com- paratively worthless for furnishing those nutrients for which meals and concentrated 701 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 feed stuffs are more particularly bought Since in the finely ground state it is almost impossible to form a correct estimate as to their worth, the necessity of purchasing on analysis will be obvious. Two other points must also be kept in mind, if large purchases are being considered: fineness of the meal to prevent dissemination of weed seeds, and palatableness to the stock it is intended for. The farmer should satisfy himself regarding these matters before making large purchases. APPLE POMACE. This was forwarded by a correspondent in Aylmer, Ont., last January, who writes : ' This pomace was made at our cider mill last autumn and is taken from a large pile that is still left. For the past month or so we have been feeding it to 4 dairy cows and they are keeping right up in their millv flow. We commenced with a pail full of pomace and now feed half a bushel to each cow twice a day. They also have 3 quarts of oat and wheat chop (5 parts oats to 1 part wheat) twice a day, corn stallvs twice with hay at noon. IIow do you think the pomace compares with roots?' In a letter some three weeks later the same correspondent says ' Occasionally we vrould omit a feed of pomace and we noticed that at the next milking there would be a falling off of about 1^ lbs. — we weigh the milk at every milking. The pomace is fed directly after milking, otherwise it would taint the millv.' Analysis. Per cent. Water : 80-SO Protein 1-17 Fat -07 Carbohydrates 16-77 Fibre -48 Ash -61 10000 The dry matter of pomace is not so valuable as that of mangels, since it is desti- tute of sugar. Mangels contain usually in the neighbourhood of 10 per cent dry matter ; but varieties differ in this respect, the ' sugar ' mangels being much richer, many of them containing 13 per cent, one-half of which may be sugar. Since this pomace contains practically half as much more dry matter (19-70 per cent), it will probably be found, that used judiciously, it has a feeding value approximately equal to this class of roots. The percentage of dry matter in the pomace is approximately equal to that in corn ensilage, but its protein content is sli"'itly less. There seems to be an impression among many farmers that apple pomace tends to dry off the cows, but data to confirm this seem to be wanting. MEAT MEALS FOR POULTRY. Several analyses of these concentrated foods were given in the report of this division for 1904, to which the reader is referred for information regarding the gen- eral character and use of these substances. Last year two brands were examined for the Poultry Division and the data are here given in the expectation that they may be interesting to poultry feeders. No. 1.— Cypher's Beef Scrap.. No. 2.— Morgan's Meat Meal. Moisture. Protein. 7-97 4-92 6G-56 36-44 Fat. 14-66 14-47 Total Ash. 4-92* 35 15 Ai^h Insoluble in Acid, (Sand,&c.) •37 Containing 3 62 p.c. bone. REPORT OF THE CHEMIST 171 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 No. 1. — An excellent meal, well calculated for use to increase the protein ratio in poultry food. It differs from the majority of the better samples examin-ed in 10(>4 by possessing a larger proportion of proteiir, but a small percentage of bone. No. 2.— For furnishing protein, this meal is worth but little more than half No. 1. A comparison with the results obtained on the if organ product in 1904: shows that its composition is practically identical with the meal then manufactured. THE NUTRlxm: VALUE OF FROZEN WHEAT STRAW AND CHAFF. It occasionally has happened in certain districts of the northwestern provinces that frost has overtaken the wheat crop v.-hile the grain is still immature, or in other words not fuUy ripe. Under such circumstances, development of the grain is arrested and a small, more or less shrivelled, kernel resvilts. This frosted wheat, as we showed some years ago, is very valuable from the feeding standpoint, though injured for flour making purposes. Our data proved that its protein content is considerably higher than that of the unfrozen, fully ripened wheat. We are now able to present data respecting the straw and chaff of frozen wheat, the desirability of the work being brought before us by a correspondent in the north- west who considered that such straw and chaff might possess an enhanced feeding value. Our correspondent writes : ' Some wheat was injured by frost a week or ten days before it was ripe, or about September 2, (1905). Thinking the straw worthless, we put it at the bottom of the stack. However, the cattle discovered it and ate it in preference to the upper part of the stack^ which was left standing until there was danger of it falling over. Can you give me any reason for this preference? Evi- dently the frozen straw has a higher feeding value.' Accordingly, we obtained samples of frozen straw and chaff and also, for the purposes of comparison, straw and chaff from similar wheat that had been fully ma- tured. As these were from adjacent fields the conditions of growth were probably very much alike until such time as the frost occurred. As the samples were from the thresher and contained as a consequence broken grain and more or less foreign matter, tbey were all carefully picked over before grinding for analysis. The data, therefore, represent in each case the composition of straw and the chaff perfectly free from any admixture or impurity. Analysis. Water. Protein. Fat. Carbo- hydrates. Fibre. Ash. T'rozftn Straw. 5-74 6-55 4-55 4-05 4-41 3-78 3-94 3-59 1-42 1-46 •83 •78 44-07 43-40 42-88 44-01 38-36 38-33 33-50 32 13 600 Not frozen 643 Prozen Chaff. 14-30 Not frozen 15-44 These data, while showing that no very great differences exist, are sufficiently clear to confirm the conjecture that the frozen straw and chaff have the higher nutri- tive value. The frozen straw contains -63 per cent or about one-seventh more protein than the straw from the unfrozen, fully ripened grain ; and, similarly, we find in the frozen chaff a higher protein content (about -39 per cent) than in that from the fully matured wheat. Since the cattle prefer the frozen straw there can be no doubt about its greater palatability. This is partly due to its being less hard and possibly in part to the de- velopment of a certain amount of sugar by the frost — a point unfortunately over- 172' EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD Vli., A. 1908 looked at the time of analysis, but upon which it is intended to obtain data on some future occasion. It may further be supposed that the digestibility of the immature straw will be somewhat higher than that from the fully ripened grain. Certain agricultural authorities have stated that wheat-chaff contains a higher percentage of crude protein than wheat straw. Our data do not confirm this state- ment. The principal points of difference betvceen the cliaff and the straw as brought out by the present analyses are that the chaff contains less fat and less fibre, but con- siderably more ash than the straw. The higher percentage of ash in both samples of chaff is worthy of note, especially in view^ of the fact that they were carefully freed from foreign matter. As to the comparative feeding value of the straw and chaff from the same crop, the writer is of the opinion that while the former is slightly richer in protein and fat, the latter by reason of its lower fibre and the fact that it is more readily eaten by stock is, practically, the more valuable fodder. THE EELATIVE VALUE OE EOOTS. The past season marks the seventh of this investigation. The value of the work will be obvious on consultation of the data^ which show that very large differences in dry matter and sugar may exist between varieties in the sam.e class of roots, grown under the same climatic and cultural conditions. It, therefore, behooves the farmer when considering the yields per acre with a view to selection of the variety for sow- ing, that he should also consult the analytical data in this and past reports of the Chemical Division. The larger the percentages of dry matter and sugar the higher the feeding value of the root. Incidentally also the results are of interest in furnishing information respecting the effect of seasonal conditions on the composition of the root, though in this matter the figures must not be too closely interpreted. It is impossible to say that the strain or parentage of seed sold under the same name remains the same for a number of j^ears — and the breed factor has considerable determinative value, as will be noted further on in the present report. Mangels. — In the subjoined table we present the results from the analysis of 16 varieties of mangels. The varieties are named in the order of their dry matter. Between the first and the last there is a difference of 5-53 per cent dry matter (practi- cally 40 per cent of the total dry matter), and of 4-67 per cent sugar (practically 67 per cent of the total sugar). These are significant figures when we remember that all the varieties were grown on practically the same soil and that necessarily the condi- tions of rainfall, temperature, (&c., were the same for all. Analysis or Mangels, C.E.F., Ottawa, Ont., 1906. i Variety. Watev. Half Long Sugar Rosy Yellow Tnteniiediate Gate Post Giant Yellow Globe Selected Muinuioth Long Ts.e.'i . . Piize Mammoth Long Kid , . . Giant Sugar Selected Yellow (Tlobe Half Long Sugar Wliite. . . . . Mammoth Yellow Intermediate. Mammoth Long Red ... Giant Yellow Intermediate ... . Triumph Yellow Globe ... ... Leviathan Long Red Prize Winner Yellow Globe Lion Yellow Intermediate . . . 80- 87- 87- 87- 87- 87- 88- 88- 88- 80 SO- SO- 80- 90- 92- .c. 48 84 10 27 34 4.:^ 50 15 24 5(> 03 11 21 26 22 01 Dry Matter. Sugar in Juice. p.c. 13-52 13115 12-90 12-78 12 -(10 12-52 12-41 11-85 11-70 11 10 44 07 10-80 10-70 10-74 9-78 7-99 p.c. 6-89 7-53 6-50 6 45 5-20 7 35 7-52 5-50 6-28 6-10 6-57 5 53 4-93 5-71 2 -22 Average Weight of One Root. Lbs. 1 2 o 1 2 3 2 1 2 2 3 2 2 2 2 2 ozs. 14 10 2 8 4 1 11 14 10 4 3 io 1 13 4 2 REPORT OF THE CHEMIST 173 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 Compared with the results of the previous year (1905), they are on the whole, considerably better, undoubtedly due to the more favourable climatic conditions that prevailed in the autumn months of 1906. The data for the past three years are subjoined. Varieties Dry Year. analysed. matter. Sugar. Per cent. Per cent. 1904 10 11-69 6-62 190.5 17 1004 4-67 190G 16 11G3 5-93 Turnips. — Twenty varieties of turnips have been analysed. Their dry matter ranges from 10-99 per cent to 13-61 per cent, and their sugar content from -90 per cent to 6-23 per cent. As a class, there are not the differences observable in mangels, and especially is this true as regards dry matter. The variety (Eangholm selected) giving 6-23 per cent sugar is exceptional, the highest among the remaining 19 varie- ties being only 2-74 per cent. Analysis of Turnips, C.E.F., Ottawa, Ont., 1906, Variety. Water. Magnum Bonuiii , Drummond rurple Top . East Lothian Jumbo Biingholm Selected Halewood's Bronze Top . Kangaroo Selected Purple Top . . . . New Century Hartley's Bronze Mammoth Clyde Emperor Swede Skirvinjrs Hall's Westbury Elephant's Master Imperial Swede Perfecti(in Swede Carter's Elephant . Sutton's Champic:! . . . Good Luck pc 86 86 87 87 87 87 87 87 87 87 87 88 88 88 88 88 88 88 88 89 39 79 15 23 32 36 39 36 74 84 87 16 21 24 29 42 29 48 85 01 Dry Matter. Sugar in Juice. p.c p.c. 13 61 1- 13 21 2- 12 85 12 77 12 68 12 64 12 61 12 64 12 26 12 16 12 33 11 84 11 79 n 76 11 71 11 58 11 71 11 52 11 15 10 99 50 74 83 43 23 32 32 10 26 52 33 96 21 61 33 11 20 85 53 32 Average Weight of One Root. Lbs. 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 I 1 1 2 1 1 I 1 1 Ozs. 6 10 0 9 9 11 8 3 8 9 7 15 12 13 1 8 8 11 8 12 The average results for the past two years are as follows : — Year. 1905. 1906 . Varieties analysed. 20 20 Dry matter. Per cent. 10-09 12-18 Sugar. Per cent. 1-10 1-78 It will be seen, therefore, that the past season, as in the case of the mangels, has produced a more nutritious root. Our results again give evidence that owing to greater uniformity in composition there is not the same necessity for selection in the case of turnips as with mangels — that is, from the nutritive standpoint — and that yield and keeping qualities are the important factors to consider when determining the varieties to grow. 174 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 Carrots. — The extremes in dry matter are 12-46 per cent and 9 per cent. In sugar content the variation is much greater, namely, from 1-97 per cent to 6-59 per cent. The percentage of sugar this year is apparently altogether independent of the pro- portion of dry matter present, a peculiarity not general among roots, but which we have noticed in past seasons to a certain degree in examining carrots. Analysis of Carrots, C.E.F., Ottawa, Ont., 1906. Variety. Water. Carter's Orange Giant Ontario Champion Long Yellow Stump Rooted . . . White Belgian Half Long Chantenay . . . r New White Intermediate (iiant White Vosges. Early Gem INLammoth White Intermediate Improved Short White p. c. 87-54 88 -48 88-76 88-97 88 99 89 -7« 90-00 90-19 90 39 91-00 Dry Matter. Sugar in Juice. Average Weight of One Root. p. c p. c. 12 46 2-86 11 52 3 13 11 24 2 75 11 03 2 27 11 01 3 50 10 21 1 97 10 00 4 37 9 81 3 41 9 61 2 79 9 00 6 59 Lbs. 1 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 1 1 oz. 3 2 3 4 15 6 4 2 1 2 Averages for the past two seasons are as follows : — Year. 1905. 1906. Varieties analysed. 11 10 Dry matter. Per cent. 10-25 10-59 Sugar. Per cent. 2-52 3-36 The improvement over the roots of 1905 is again apparent, though the difference in this instance is observable in the sugar content rather than in the increased pro- portion of dry matter. INFLUENCE OF INHERITED QUALITIES. The influence of inherited qualities as shown in the percentage of dry matter and sugar has been investigated by us for a number of years past by the annual analysis of two varieties — the Gate Post and the Giant Yellow Globe. For six successive seasons the former has been considerably the better variety. Thus, speaking of this matter in my last annual report and reviewing the averages then obtained, I said that : ' The difference between these varieties, as far as can be ascertained by chemical analysis, shows that weight for weight the Gate Post should be worth between one-third and one-fourth more than the Giant Yellow Globe for feeding purposes.' Although as in every previous year of this investigation, the Giant Yellow Globe again falls behind the Gate Post in dry matter and sugar, the differences in 1906 are very slight. The reason for this cannot be stated; the only one that seems to accord with past results is that the seed sown as Giant Yellow Globe is of some other and richer variety — the mistake in naming having occurred before the purchase of the seed by the experi- mental Farm. This is, of course, merely conjecture, but it is difficult to account for the exceptional high results obtained on any other ground. REPORT OF THE CHEMIST 175 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 Dry Matter and Sugar in G{.te fost and Giant Yellow Globe Mangels. Season of Growth. Gatk Post. Giant Yellow Globb. Dry Matter. Sugar in Juice. Dry Matter. Sugar in Juice. 1900 p. c. 1114 9-41 13-90 12 93 12 04 12 07 12-90 p. c 6 4 9 7 7 6 15 15 39 38 62 83 p. c 8 9 10 10 9 8 19 10 24 89 24 64 p. 0 2 4 5 6 5 3 64 1901 08 1902 1903 24 17 1904 26 1905 ... 55 1906... Average for seven years, 1900-06 6 59 12 73 0 45 12 14 6-87 9-72 4-77 SUGAK BEETS, FOR EACTORT PURPOSES. Following the course adopted some years ago, we have again analysed the three chief varieties of sugar beets used for sugar extraction, as grown on the several Experi- mental Farms. The names of the varieties are Vilmorin's Improved, IQein's Wanzle- ben, and Tres Riche (French Very Rich). Sugar Beets Grown on the Dominion Experimental Farms, 1906. Variety. Locality. Vilmorin's Improved. - iNappan, N.S . . . . . Ottawa, Ont „ Brandon, Man . . . . „ Indian Head, Sask . „ ... Agassiz, B.C Klein Wanzleben iNappan, N.S „ lOttawa, Out „ j LrandoTi, Man. . .. „ Indian Head, Sask- . „ I Agassiz, B.C Tr^8 Riche : Nappan, N.S „ [Ottawa, Out „ i'randon, Man „ . . Indian Head, Sask ,, I Agassiz, B.C Percentage of Sugar in Juice. 15-81 15-48 10 03 14-65 14-48 15-90 12-25 15-97 10'- 87 13-68 19-53 15 14 39 .50 13 20 14 53 Percentage of Solids in Juice. 22 01 18 23 17-89 19-83 17-80 19-87 20 33 19 17 21-46 17 10 23-89 18 23 16 09 17-83 18 -06 Co-efficient of Purity. 71 8 84 9 89 6 73 9 81 3 80 0 GO 2 83 3 78 5 80 0 81 7 84 4 86 8 74 0 80 4 Average Weight of One Hoot. Lbs. 0 1 1 1 1 0 1 2 1 1 0 1 1 1 0 12 10 13 8 4 11 5 1 10 8 9 11 9 13 15 Any detailed discussion of these data is scarcely necessary, the season at all the branch farms apparently being favourable to sugar production, though not in all cases being suitable to a satisfactory tonnage. The highest percentages are from beets grown at Nappan, N.S., and this may be acounted for by the fact that the roots were much smaller than usual owing to the drought that prevailed there last summer. 176 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 The results from the heets grown at Ottawa show a decided improvement over those of 1905, which it may be remembered was a rather exceptional season and one not conducive to the proper ripening of the beet. The beets from the Farm at Brandon are of very good quality, both as regards richness in sugar and purity of juice. The data are considerably higher than those obtained from the crop of 1905. Very satisfactory results, as far as analysis is concerned, were obtained from the beets grown at Indian Head, Saslc, though the co-efficient of purity is decidedly lower than that of the Brandon beets. Though not equal to the crop of 1905, the beets grown at Agassiz this past' season may be considered roots of fair average quality and sufficiently rich for factory pur- poses. In the following table we present the average results, as regards the percentage ©f sug^r in juice, from the three varieties, Vilmorin's Improved, Klein Wanzleben, the Tres Riche, grown on the Experimental Farms for the past five years : — Average Percentage of Sugar in Juice in Sugar Beets Grown on the Experimental Farms, 1902-1906. Locality. Nappan, N.S Ottawa, Ont Brandon, Man Indian Head, Sask. Agassiz, B.C 1902. 15 87 16-77 15 15 1903. 15 IB U 16 17 33 34 36 54 44 1904. 14 41 16-91 16-62 15-24 8-10? 1805. 16-52 12-45 11 -09 14-94 17-32 1906. 17 14 15 14 14 08 -37 •50 -91 -23 A careful survey of our v.'ork in this connection since the establishment of the Experimental Farms has shown that an intimate relationship exists between seasonal conditions and sugar production. Inherited richness (obtained by breeding and selection) and the culture which the beet receives are undoubtedly important factors, but looking back over the records of the past 19 years, I think our data will serve to demonstrate the susceptibility of the beet to excessive or abnormal rainfall and temperature, especially during the autumn months. Dr. H. W. Wiley, Chief Chemist, Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C., U.S.A., has for many years been study- ing the effect of various factors — altitude, temperature, &c. — upon the sugar content of beets and from his published results I gather that his conclusions and ours are in the main identical. It would seem that ideal climatic conditions for sugar production include a moderate and well distributed rainfall during May, June, July, and August, with fairly dry weather in September and October, when the beets are maturing; and, further, that a low mean summer temperature, say, 60° F., with few sudden or great changes in the latter part of the season are especially conducive to a high sugar con- tent. In every instance where the percentage of sugar has fallen exceptionally low we have been able to trace the cause to what might be termed abnormal weather con- ditions; similarly, very high percentages have been found to follow good seasons — that is, those that conform more or less closely with those just described as particular- ly favourable for the sugar beet. THE IDEAL BUTTER SEPARATOR.* This, it is claimed, is ' a new invention which will produce a maximum quantity of pure butter from sv/eet or sour milk and cream in five to ten minutes.' After giv- • Manufactured by the Iroquois MaGhine Works, IroqUiOls, Out. REPORT OF THE CEEMIST 177 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 ing a description of the churn, or separator as it is called, the printed circular adver- tising the machine proceeds to explain the process in the following language: 'The butter is separated by the combined action of the agitation of the dasher and the aeration of the air. The air is sucked down from the outside to near the bottom of the milk or cream^ whore it is distributed by centrifugal action and bubbles up, caus- ing the separation of the butter globules.' To avoid any suspicion of exaggeration on the part of the writer regarding the seemingly extravagant claims made for this churn the ' advantages ' as set forth in the circular already referred to are given, as follows: — * 1. — More butter is produced from a given quantity of milk or cream than by any churn. This is because it separates the globules of butter from the cream without breaking them. The old process broke them up by the continued friction produced by agitation.' ' 2. — The butter will keep better since it is pure and has been thoroughly aerated. It has no mixture of casein or milk in it.' ' 3. — The residue is pure and sweet and may be used for table use.' '4. — The separation is more rapid than any other separator and the air intro- duced is always pure and does not bubble through more than once. This is because the air is drawn from outside the vessel.' ' 5. — The gearing is simple and a child can operate it with safety. No cog- wheels to catch the fingers.' ' 6. — No casein, albumen or impurity in the butter. It is not possible to remove these by any other process. The ordinary churning beat the butter-fat into an oily mass containing all the impurities such as casein and albumen. The Ideal Separator causes the butter globules to form separately and cohere together. The butter will thus not become rancid or smell offensively.' In order to ascertain how far the claims made for this invention might be sup- ported in practice, a series of tests or trials have been carried out according to the printed directions, using cream and milk, both sour and sweet. This investigation, as far as the butter-making was concerned, was conducted at the dairy of the Experi- mental Farm, the work of manipulation from the beginning to the end of the process being left entirely in the hands of a representative of the Iroquois Machine Works, feent specially for that purpose. The weight of the cream or milk used in the tests, of the buttermilk and washwater, and of the resultant butters were all checked by the writer, who also took notes of temperatures, &c., throuahout the various operations. Samples of the creams and milks used, of all the by-products, and of the butters were taken and subsequently submitted to analysis in the Farm laboratories. It is thus evident that all the necessary data were carefully obtained for tracing the butter-fat throughout .the whole process, and thus to learn with what degree of economy butter could be made by this process. For convenient reference, the weights, temperatures, and the chief analytical data will be presented in tabular form, the following notes supplying all other neces- sary information regarding the working of the process in the several trials. NOTES ox THE PROCESS. Trial 'A.' Sour or Ripened Cream. — At the time of chiirning this cream was one day old. It proved on analysis to contain 20-41 per cent fat. After it had been agitated in the machine or churn for a few minutes the operator added a quantity of water at 70° F., claiming that the cream was too thick for satisfactory working. The butter gathered in about S minutes, when the granules were about the size of small wheat. The buttermilk vras then drawn off and wash water at 52° F. poured on the granular butler in the churn. After a few turns of the dasher this wash water v.-as run off. the butter taken out and worked on the table, salted, weighed and sampled, 16—12 178 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 and the remainder placed in the cool storage room in order that its keeping qualities could be subsequently ascertained. Trial ' B.' Sweet Cream. — This was freshly separated cream. As in Trial * A,' the operator added a large quantity of water at about 70° F. to the cream in the churn. Ten minutes sufficed for the churning. Very considerable difficulty was experienced in removing the butter, which adheres to the dasher and rotating disc— the construc- tion of the machine being such that some loss of butter must invariably follow from this cause. It was found that only by the use of hot water could the internal parts of the apparatus be perfectly cleansed of butter-fat. Trial ' C Sweet Milk. — This was started in the churn at a temperature of Y2° F., and the butter began to gather in 5 minutes. It was evident, however, from the appearance of the milk that the separation was imperfect, and the operator continued further churning for half an hour, during which time the temperature fell 10 degrees. The granules were very small, oily and refused to properly coalesce. The operator claimed that this, for some unknown caiise, was an unsatisfactory test, and he was allowed to repeat it with a fresh quantity of milk (Trial ' Cl ')• All the weights were, however, taken and samples of the by-products and butter collected for analysis, so that data would be available for the determination of the loss of butter-fat. Tri^al ' Gl! Sweet Millc. — This milk was somewhat richer than in the previous test. It was churned at a temperature of 71° F., and the butter began to gather in 10 minutes. Though a more satisfactory test than ' C,' the granules were exceedingly small and of a more or less oily consistency, making it extremely difficult to remove the butter from the churn. Trial ' D.' Sour MilJc. — This milk was 2-4 to 30 hours old when churned. The time of churning, 10 minutes. The granules were very small and refused to gather, and, as in the case of * C and ' Cl,' had to be collected on a fine sieve. From the appearance of the drawn off buttermilli, it was evident that there was a considerable loss of butter-fat— and this fact had been noticed in all the previous trials save ' A ' with sour cream. The subsequent analyses proved the correctness of this conclusion. DISCUSSION OF THE DATA AND CONCLUSIONS. To the butter-maker the tables here presented will require but little explanation; it rnav serve a useful purpose, however, to emphasize one or two of the more important facts they disclose and which we are obliged to admit are directlv against this method of butter making. Trial. Table I. — The Ideal Botteu Separator. (The Sgallon size machine was used in all the trials.) Weight of Cream or Milk taken. Lbs. ozs. A — Sour cream 22 15 B—Sweet cream 26 14^ C— Sweet milk 25 S Ci_Sweetmilk i 15 2 D-Sour milk , 25 0 Fat in Cream or Milk. Buttermilk. Per cent. Total ■ Weight. Weight. Fat in Buttermilk. Per cent. Weight. 20-41 29 -(58 519 5-78 4-59 Ozs. 74 i) 127-8 20-9 140 18-4 Lbs. ozs. 23 9^ 53 0 28 0 15 6 20 7h •27 1-05 1(55 1-37 109 Ozs. 1-0 8-9 7-4 20 3 6 REPORT OF THE CHEMIST 179 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 Wash water. Butter. Trial. Weight. Fat iu Wash water. Weight Fat in Butter. Per cent. Weight. Ozs. Traces. Traces. 1-4 06 •4 Per cent. Weight. A —Sour cream B— Sweet cream C — Swef't milk Lbs. OZ3. 22 9i 26 I'h 31 r 14 10 25 5.i Traces. Traces. •29 •01 •105 Lbs. ozs. 5 12 8 14i 10$ 111 14| 79-89 81-48 82-61 82-93 82-31 Ozs. 73-5 116- 1 8-7 Ci— Sweet milk 9-3 D— Sour milk 12 1 Table 1. — This shows that in all the trials except that with sour cream there was an excessive loss of hutter-fat in the hutter-milk. Butter-milk, ordinarily, contains between -1 per cent and -2 per cent fat — in four of these trials it was between 1 i)er cent and 2 per cent. Owing to the proportionately large amount of butter-milk in these trials — due to water added during churning — the loss of fat in this by-product is much greater than is indicated even by these high percentages. Thus, in the case of the sweet cream churning, of the 128 ounces (approximately) of butter-fat in the cream used, 9 ounces (approximately) were found in the butter-milk — with an ordin- ary churn and good work the amount of fat in the butter-milk would not exceed | ounce. Birt bad as this is, the showing is much worse with the milk, both sweet and sour. Leaving out of consideration trial ' C,' which it might be held was not repre- sentative, we find with sweet milk one-seventh, or more than 14 per cent of the total butter-fat in the butter-milk, and with the sour milk, one-fifth, or 20 per cent of the total fat was lost in the butter-milk. Table TI — Details op Churning. Temperature. Time of Churning. Size of Granules. Small wheat Wheat. Millet. Millet. MiUet. Temper- Trial. Before Churning. After Churning. of Wash-water A °F. 70 69 72 71 69 "F. 70 69 62 09 69-5 Min. 8 10 5 to 8 10 13 "F. 52 B 52 C C^ •■ D 50 BO 52 Tahle 11. — Affords a partial explanation at least of the loss -in the butter-milk just referred to. It reveals the very high churning temperatures used in this process. Ordinarily, this temperature is about 50 degrees F. Higher temperatures, it has been shown, tend to the escape of fat in the butter-milk. This well-known fact being pointed out to the operator, he stated that the machine required the cream or milk to be about 70° F. for a satisfactory churning— by which the writer presumes he meant that butter could not be obtained in the time specified unless the cream or milk were at this high temperature. The temperature of the wash-water, it will be noticed, also was higher than cus- tomary about 10 degrees above the temperature of the wash-water as used in the dairy of the Experimental Farm. As a result of this high wash-water temperature, in conjunction with the high churning tempernture, we might with confidence predict that butter would be obtained containing a large quantity of water. 16— 12^ 180 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 Tablb III. — Composition op Butters. Sample, A. B. C. CK D. Water Fat Salt 16-68 78-89 2-29 1-14 100-00 15-97 81-48 1-37 1-18 13-99 82-61 l-C.O 1.80 14-41 82 93 1-27 1-.S9 15-64 8231 •5S Curd 1 -47 100 00 100 00 100 00 100 GO Table III. — The correctness of the conjecture made in the preceding paragraph is well supported by the high percentages of water in these butters. In one instance ■the water exceeds the legal limit; in two cases the percentages are dangerously close to this limit and in the two remaining butters from fresh milk the percentages are 13-99 and 14-41 — considerably higher than is desirable for butter with good keeping qualities. In other respects the butters are fairly normal. The percentages of curd present show that the claim that the butter made by this process is free from this constituent, falls to, the ground. Table IV. — Economy of the Process. Total Weight of Fat in Cream or Milk. Tctal Yield of Butter. Over-run Per- centage. Fat Recovered in Total loss of Butter Fat. Por- centa.tri- loss of Butter-fat Trial. Butter. Butter- milk. Wash- water. A B Ozs. 74-9 127-8 20-9 140 18-4 Lbs. ozs. 5 12 8 14i m 111 14i 23 11 Ozs. 73-5 llCl 8-7 9-3 12-1 Ozs. 1-0 8-9 7-4 2-0 3-6 Ozs. Trace. Trace. 1-4 Trace. •4 Ozs. 1-4 11-7 12-2 4-7 6-3 1-9 91 C 583 c . . 33 6 D 34-2 Table IV. — This is a most instructive table, since it traces the butter-fat through- out the whole process and gives the amount and percentages of the loss of this very important constituent that occurred in the several trials. Using sour or ripened cream, this loss is almost 2 per cent; with sweet cream it amounts to 9 per cent of the total butter-fat. If we except the 'unsatisfactory' trial ' C,' the loss with sweet and sour milk is 33 per cent and 34 per cent, respectively — practically two-thirds only of the butter-fat is found in the resultant butter. If the weight of the fat in the butter-milk f.nd wash water be added to that con- tained in the butter and the sum compared vvith the amount in the cream or milk placed in the churn, it will be found that in each trial there is a v.-eight of fat var.v- ing from -4 ozs. to 3-4 ozs. — to be accounted for. This represents largely the butter- fat unavoidably lost in the apparatus. It has already been remarked that ovdng to the construction of the machine it is impossible to remove all the butter from the mechanism of the churn. Every effort was made to accomplish this, but it was very evident to all present that a considerable loss must ensue from this cause. Hot v.^atcr was required to thoroughly cleanse the mechanism (dasher and disc) of fat before proceeding to the next trial. In conclusion, as far as our investigation gives proof, the only claim made good is that regarding the time of churning. The process appears to be one of the most wasteful of all those that have been put forward to supercede the ordinary or orthodox methods of butter-making and which have been examined in the Farm laboratories during tlie past tv»-cnt\ years. REPORT OF THE CHEMIST 181 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 rNSECTICIDES AND FUNGICIDES. NEW FORMS OF KEROSEKE EMULSIONS. In an investigation carried on about a year and a half ago to ascertain the emulsifying effect of certain materials — and more particularly lime, as advocated by Professor Close — ia the preparation of Kerosene Emulsion, it occurred to the writer that flour might answer for this ijurpose of holding coal oil in suspension. Experi- ments proved this to be the case, a very satisfactory emulsion for immediate use resulting. Eight ounces of flour were found sufficient to hold in perfect suspension jone quart of coal oil. The emulsion is simply and easily made as follows: — The requisite amount of coal oil (Kerosene) is poured into the pail or barrel and flour added in the proportion of 8 ounces to 1 quart of coal oil, the mass thoroughly stirred and the water added — 2 gallons for every quart of coal oil. The whole is then vigorously churned, say for 5 minutes, by means of pump and coarse nozzle or a wooden paddle or dasher as used in upright churns — and the emulsion is ready for use. The spray is smooth, easily atomized and does not clog the nozzle. During the last few weeks, this investigation, at the suggestion and with the assistance of Mr. Macoun, has been extended to the preparation with flour of certain sprays that might prove useful both as insecticides and fungicides, — Winter washes to be employed on dorm.ant wood only and sprays that would combine the properties of Bordeaux mixture and Kerosene Emulsion for summer use. The following notes give briefly information regarding the emulsions which it has been thought might be serviceable to the fruit grower. WINTER WASHES. Bluestone 1 per cent. Kerosene 10 per cent. Formula : Bluestone 4 lbs. Flour 8 " Kerosene 4 gals. Water 36 " Mix the flour with the kerosene, as before described. The bluestone being dis- golved in the water, pour about one-half of the solution, (the exact quantity is a matter of no moment) on to the Kerosene-Flour mixture aud churn for 5 minutes. Pour in the remainder of the bluestone solution, stir, and the emulsion is ready for use. On standing this spray separates into two layers, which, however, are readily re- mixed by stirring. Free oil does not appear, if the churning has been efficient, for at least 20 hours. Caustic Soda 2 per cent, Kerosene 10 per cent. Formula Caustic Soda 8 lbs. Flour 8 Kerosene 4 gals. Water 36 " Caustic Soda S per cent, Kerosene 5 per cent. Formula Caustic Soda 8 lbs. Flour .. • 8 " Kerosene 2 gals. Water 38 182 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 Caustic Soda 1 per cent, Kerosene 5 per cent. rormula ^Caustic Soda 4 lbs. Flour 4 " Kerosene 2 gals. Water 38 " It will be noticed tbat tliese three emulsions contain the same ingredients, but di-ffer in strength, i.e., in proportion of caustic soda and kerosene. The preparation is alike in all. The flour and the kerosene being mixed in the desired proportion, the solution of the caustic soda (lye) is poured on and the whole churned for 5 minutes. They are all remarkably stable, no free oil appearing after standing for 4 days, save in the case of the last formula, which contains but 4 lbs. flour per 40 gallons. The sta- bility or permanence of these emulsions is undoubtedly due to the action of the caustic soda on the floor, making a viscous fluid which is eminently adapted for holding the coal oil in suspension. SUMMER SPRAYS. Bordeaux and Kerosene. Formula Bluestone 4 lbs. Lime 4 " Kerosene 4 gals. Water 36 " This is the usual Eordeaux mixture plus 10 per cent kerosene. It is best made as follows: To the freshly slaked lime add one-half the total volume of water and pour in the requisite amount of coal oil, emulsify for 5 minutes, then pour in the remainder of the water, in which the bluestone has been dissolved, and stir well for 1 minute. Though on standing a thick creamy layer forms, there is no separation of oil for at least 24 hours and simple stirring is all that is necessary, within a few days of making, to bring about a perfect mixture. Bordeaux, Flour and Kerosene. Formula Bluestone 4 lbs. Lime 4 " Flour 4 " Kerosene 4 gals. Water 36 " This, it will be observed, is the Bordeaux Kerosene Emulsion just described plus flour. To the diluted slaked lime the kerosene containing the flour is added and the vrliole emulsified, for 5 minutes; the solution of bluestone (approximately one-half of the total volume) is then poured in and the whole well stirred. This is a particu- larly stable em-ulslon, no free oil showing after two months. The thick layer that had separated at the end of this period, and which contained the oil, readily mixed again, forming a perfect emulsion. As a spray furnishing at once Bordeaux mixture and coal oil — a combined fungicide and insecticide — one simply made and of excellent keeping quality, this formula gives g:reat promise. Certainly from the standpoint of preparation and the laboratory tests it leaves nothing to be desired. REPORT OP THE CHEMIST 183 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 COMMERCIAL BLUESTONE. The fact that there was a larger proportion of smutty grain in Manitoba and Saskatchewan in 1905 than for several years previous aroused a suspicion in the minds of many regarding the quality of the bluestone (sulphate of copper) used in treating the wheat. To ascertain what foundation there might be for this suspicion we con- sidered it desirable to procure samples from farmers and dealers at various points in the Northwest, and submit them to analysis. This was done during the early months of 1906, the samples examined numbering about thirty. Analysis op Commercial Bluestones* — 190G. Designation. Pure coppor sulphate . . . . Pure iron sulphate jSIaniioba — C Bros., Lenora "W.H.M., Gilbert Plains J. A., TurnbuU A. McP., Dauphin. . . A.B. & Co., Swan River S. &S., Dauphin.... S. C, II .... M. Co., Swan River. J. O., Russell A. H., Hartnoy.. ...... E. A. M., Mackenzie .. T. M. H., Fo-xwarren . . Oxide of Copper. (CuO.) 31 88 31-40 31 02 30-64 30-88 i50-70 31 14 30-98 30-42 31-78 30 94 32 -.-'8 31-36 30-24 30 -12 30-20 Oxide of Iron. (Fe^O,) 28-74 -80 •86 •72 •7G •94 -74 70 •66 -50 -98 •78 -64 •76 •80 •68 Designation. Manitoba— Con. .• McG. Bros., Mackenzie J. A., Roblin M. G. T., Highbluff. T. W. M., Portage la Prairie J. O. C, H. L., Fox warren M. B. J., Hamiota. . . Saskatchewan — , Wapella A. M., Indian Head . D. & 15., Langenburg E. S., Fleming J. B., II L. L. D., Leofield . . . Ontario — W. T. M. Ottawa.... Oxide of Copper. (CuO.) 30^56 29 66 30-38 30-60 31-78 31 08 31-46 Oxide of Iron. (Fo^O,) 30-72 30-94 31-24 31-72 2964 ©•80 110 0 90 0-76 078 ()r>2 0-74 0-85 0-93 0-72 0.30 0-36 0-36 0-36 ■* The copper and iron present were determined and are returned as oxides ; for the calculation of th« results to sulphates it is only necessary to add that 31 88 per cent copper oxide corresponds to 100 per cen pure sulphate of copper and 28 74 per cent oxide of iron to 100 per cent sulphate of iron. These data did not, in my opinion, reveal the presence of any adulteration, and all the samples were reported as commercial bluestone of the usual quality or grade. This finding does not, of course, mean that these samples were chemically pure sulphate of copper; commercial bluestone invariably contains a small percentage of sulphate of iron and other impurities and the samples under examination proved no exception to the rule. The amount of sulphate of iron obtained varied from 1-04 per cent to 3-82 per cent, which percentages, as we have intimated, are not greater than those which have always been found in the ordinary bluestone upon the market.,^ Some years ago (1890) there was offered for sale in the Northwest a so-called ' Agricultural Bluestone,' which on analysis proved to contain a very large proportion of svilphate of iron — from 30 to 60 per cent. Experiments undertaken by us with this material — which differs from ordinary bluestone by the crystals being of a light greenish-blue colour — showed conclusively that it was much less effective in smut prevention than bluestone. Further investigation made it clear that sulphate of iron was practically valueless for smut destruction and consequently that its presence in any large proportion would considerably reduce the beneficial action of the bluestone. The amount in the ordinary commercial bluestone, however, in the writer's opinion, is not large enough to materially lower the value of the bluestone for the treatment of wheat. It m.ay be added that no sample of ' Agricultural Bluestone ' has been received at the Experimental Farm laboratory for a number of years, so that we may suppose this spurious article is not now for sale in the Northwest. 184 EXPERIAIEMAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 111 many of the samples of bluestone received from farmers for examination the crystals were more or less covered with an eiBorescence or white incrustation. This was taken as an indication of impurity or at all events of inferior quality. The for- mation of this incrustation is due to a loss of a part of the water of crystallization in the bluestone, due to exposure of the material to dry air. The extent to which thir= drying out occurs, or, stated otherwise, the amount of incrustation formed, will depend on the surface exposed, the relative dryness of the air and the length of the period the bluestone has been exposed. Bluestone kept in bottles or jars tightly corked or stop- pered will not show this incrustation. This incrustation, however, implies no loss of Btrength, but rather the reverse, as weight for weight, this incrusted bluestone will contain somewhat more copper sulphate than the normal blue crystals. As such in- crusted crystals readily enter into solution it may be used without hesitation and the solution will be found to be equally elective as that from the unchanged bluestone. AGRICULTURAL TOUR IN BRITISH COLUMBIA. In June, 1904, the writer, in company with Mr. J. R. Anderson, Deputy Minister of Agriculture for British Columbia, made a tour in that province with the view of obtaining from personal observation and inspection information regarding the agri- cultural capabilities and possibilities of certain districts — more particularly the Okanagan and Nicola Valleys, which were being brought prominently before the notice of incoming settlers. An account of this trip was given in the Annual Report of the Chemical Division of the Experimental Farms for that year. The knowledge of the various soils and of the climatic conditions under which the soils must be worked proved of such great value in helping those who had already taken up land and to those intending settling in these districts, that by direction of the Honourable the Minister of Agriculture^ Ottawa, the writer made a further tour during the past sunnner to continue this agricultural survey, and more particularly with the object of traversing ground which was not covered in 1904 and which was coming into notice as fruit growing districts. Accordingly, in the latter part of last July the writer joined Mr. Anderson, in Victoria, to enter upon an itinerary previously agreed upon and which would more especially take us through the valley of the Columbia," the East Kootenay and the Boundary districts. As on the former occasion meetings of farmers and fruit growers were held at all points where the settlement promised an attendance. In all, 38 meetings were ad- dressed, the subjects for discussion being soils, their origin, nature and economic man- agement; the value of legumes for soil enrichment; the control of soil moisture; fertilizers, their composition and profitable employment, and allied subjects. Mr. Anderson also gave addresses in connection with commercial fruit growing and institute matters. It is a great pleasure to record the enthusiasm and intelligence evinced by those attending these meetings. Many had to travel long distances to be present and it was very evident from the interest taken in the discussions that all were determined to benefit to the fullest degree by our visit. Such time during the day that was not spent in travelling from place to place was employed in going over the land, examining soils and collecting samples for future analysis, taking notes of the crops, water supply, &c., and in giving practical demonstrations in the field. This latter feature proved most attractive and apparently very helpful to the farmers and enabled us to gain much valuable information that could not otherwise have been obtained as to the practices and experience of those actually engaged in tilling the soil. Vancouver Island. — Before proceeding to the mainland, a few days were spent by special request in visiting certain districts in the vicinity of Victoria, and which had been omitted from the programme on the occasion of our previous survey tour. REPORT OF TUE CHEMIST 185 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 The Saanicli Peninsula, though containing a considerable area of rough, rocky and uncleared land^ will undoubtedly become an important fruit growing dis- trict. Of all branches of agriculture it seems best adapted to this industry and from the acreage now being planted to fruit it will not be long before there is a consider- able amount of produce for export. Apples, plums, cherries and strawberries — especi- ally tliG latter— do exceedingly well and no doubt other fruits will be added to tlie list. Hitherto the land has been tilled chiefly in patches along the valleys, but the probabilities are that the slopes and higher grounds will be found even more suitable, chiefly by reason of the better drainage there afforded. In the lower lands potatoes and oats have up to this time been the main crops, to the detriment of the soil from depletion of humus and nitrogen and the loss of water-holding capacity. It is not unusual for this district in common v.-ith a large area in this pan of the island to suffer from drought during the mouths of July and August. Hence, the necessity for fruit and vegetables of early and constant cultivation to form an earth mulch to check surface evaporation. Orcliards in sod were found, as might be expected, to be a failure. All classes of soil were noticed, light, sandy and gravelly loams, clays and muck soils. The desirability of growing more clover, which succeeds admirably hero, was pointed out for the two former, and the advantage of tile drainage for the heavier lands emphasized. Meichosln. — The drive to Metchosin, which lie^to the south of Victoria, was largely through a heavily timbered country containing many very fine trees. For the most part, the clearings seemed small and oats appeared to be the principal crop. The pre- mature ripening of this grain gave evidence of the dry season, and examination of* many of the soils showed that the effect of the drought had been accentuated by the small proportion of humus present. These matters furnished subjects for the address in the evening, in which was pointed out the desirability of adopting a rotation that would from time to time furnish humus. The value of cultivation and mulching for conserving moisture was also dwelt upon. This is a district in which as yet very little fruit planting has been done. With more attention to enrichment of the land, cultivation and mulching, however, there is no reason why this industry of fruit growing should not be more largely entered upon. Pitt Meadows. — This was the first district visited on the mainland, being reached via Westminster Junction, where we were met by appointment by Mr. John Oliver, M.L.A. Mr. Oliver had been in correspondence with me for some time, giving me his experience regarding this district and forwarding samples of soil for analysis. He had made a special request that I should visit the ' Meadows ' when next I went to British Columbia. Pitt Meadows, situated at the confluence of the Pitt with the Fraser river, is of deltaic origin — the result of the deposition of the alluvial detritus brought down by the Pitt river. The ' Meadows ' has an approximate area of 15,000 acres. A description of the soil formation by Mr. Oliver is as follows : ' The foundation on which this soil rests is first a quicksand found at a depth of from 8 to 10 feet from the surface, next follows a true river sediment on the top of which is soil composed largely of decayed vegetable matter mixed with river deposit; the nearer the surface the less river de- posit is contained in the soil. In some places the river deposit shows on the surface, but there is an average depth of about a foot of muck and then follows the mixture of decayed vegetable matter with the river deposit.' In traversing this area, or ratljer a limited portion of it, the writer found a con- siderable portion of the surface soil to be a silt of fine mechanical condition and rich in semi-decayed vegetable matter. As Mr. Oliver had pointed out, however, there were also large areas covered with muck deposits. These occurred in natural depres- sions in the Meadows and according to our measurements varied from 2 to 18 inches in depth, the greater number of our trial pits indicating depths of from 9 to 12 inches, the muck everywhere being underlaid by the river deposit. In many places there was 183 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 no clear line of demarkation between the surface and subsoil, the one merging into tha other. Analyses made in 1894 of the surface soil collected where there was no overlying muck showed that this alluvial deposit was a silty clay loam possessing a large amount of vegetable matter and particularly rich in nitrogen and fairly well supplied with potash and phosphoric acid, but som^ewhat deficient in lime. I then reported that this soil, chemically and physically, might rank with the most productive soils on the con- tinent, provided there was efficient drainage. The slight sourness might be neutral- ized with lime, and that in all probability phosphatic and potassic fertilizers would only be necessary where excessive cropping had been carried on without manuring. I suggested basic slag as the phosphoric fertilizer and stated that if it were employed there was no need of liming, since in addition to phosphoric acid it contained a con- siderable amount of free lime. It is the areas covered with muck chiefly where failures have occurred. Analyses of this material, collected this year, have shown, as might have been expected, an ex- cess of vegetable matter but slightly decomposed, traces of clay and sand and a general deficiency of mineral plant food. Such soil is undoubtedly difficult to bring into profitable cultivation, but with drainage and an intermixture with the underlying silt, it can in time be made productive. Basic slag and potash salts are the rational fertilizers for these areas, though, as has been proved by Mr. Oliver, a dressing of barnyard manure may be profitable^ due no doubt to the fact that it furnishes a supply of immediately available nitrogen (not present in muck, though it is a highly nitro- genous material) and the further useful property of introducing bacteria whose function is to make ready the plant food for crops from the inert matter in the soil. In the past, farming on the Pitt Meadows has only been carried on with partial success, depending largely on the character of the season. From my survey, and a careful consideration of the analytical data we have obtained, I am convinced that the chief trouble has been from the free water being too near the surface. It is quite clear that there is a necessity over a large portion of this area of lowering the water table. Signs of poor drainage, of sourness, were apparent, and I firmly believe that if by pumping the water-table were lowered those areas included by dykes could be brought into profitable cultivation. There is much latent fertility, especially in the river deposit; such land requires drainage and cultivation only to make it most productive. And for those parts in which an excessive amount of vegetable matter is present, there should be in addition the supply of the mineral elements by the means that I have indicated. It is very encouraging to know that Mr. Oliver has commenced a series of experi- ments with various fertilizers. I am sure his results will be found most useful by those who are in this district, which is now very largely given over to hay growing and pasturing. Upon our return to the railway station an impromptu meeting was held, a num- ber of farmers having come together and brought samples of their soils with them. The character of these soils was explained and advice given on the several problems in soil management and crop growing that those attending had met with in their work. Penticton an'd Keremena. — From Westminster Junction we went to Penticton via Sicamous and the Okanagan route. Penticton lies at the southern extremity of Okanagan lake. The district in the immediate vicinity of the town is evidently destined to be one of great fruit production, though there is also a certain area well adapted to dairying. Comparatively speaking, this is a new coimtry, and it is only v\'ithin the last two or three years that extensive irrigation systems have been con- structed, the land supplied with water and offered for settlement. This work of preparation is being actively pushed forward by the Southern Okanagan Company on the areas more particularly bordering on the lake and at the time of our visit settlers were fast coming in to take up lots which were clrefly of 10 to 20 acres. Quite a large area has already been planted with apple and peach trees and still more will be I REPORT OF TEE CHEMIST 187 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 planted this spring. The tunmier had been exceedingly hot and dry, but where a sufRci- ency of water had been supplied the young trees had not suffered and judging by appear- ances, had made fair growth. Much of the land was surrounding the lake and is very similar to that of the benches higher up, as at Peachland and Fruitland, the character of which we discussed in our report for 1904, in our account of the Okanagan district. On small holdings devoted to fruit culture very few animals are kept and hence the supply of the manure will not be adequate for the soil's needs. It will be a matter of considerable importance to keep up the humus content of the soil by the occasional turning under of leguminous crops, for excessive cultivation will undoubtedly mate- rially reduce the small supply now present. It is characteristic of a semi-arid district that the soils are not rich in vegetable matter, and the climatic conditions are against its accumulation. With a soil fairly rich in humus less irrigation water will be neces- sary, for it will then be more retentive of moisture. Undoubtedly much better results will be obtained by keeping the soil fairly well supplied with organic matter, followed bj' cultivation to check surface evaporation, than when irrigation is entirely depended on to furnish all the water required by the growing trees — for such invariably leads to surface washing, leaching of the plant food, and on the lower levels injury to vegetation from seepage. In comparison with the prairie soils of the northwestern provinces these bench soils are not excessively rich in plant food; indeed, many of them are distinctly poor, but it is believed that subsequent analysis will show a considerable portion of their plant food to be in a more less available condition. Such is generally the case with soils in a semi-arid country. If this be so, it behooves those entei-ing on these virgin lands to adopt methods that will minimize their depletion and exliaustion. These soils give exceptionally good returns at first, but the excessive use of irrigation water, vdth no return of humus-forming material will prove disastrous and render the fruit-grower in time entirely dependent on commercial fertilizers. In this matter of fertilizers,. I would not be misunderstood. Those who are pur-' posing raising early vegetables and small fruits will undoubtedly find the judicious use of fertilizers profitable, but for apples and larger fniits especially such a course should scarcely be necessary, at all events until such time as the orchards are in bear- ing. The soils that are lower — the bottom lands — and which we have spoken of as suit- able for dairying are very much richer, and will need little or no addition of plant food for many years. Drainage and a rotation of crops are all that is at present neces- sary for very profitable returns. On them we saw many excellent crops of hay, roots, forage plants and oats. Our thanks are due to !Mr. W. T. Shatford, the local manager of the S. K. Co., who drove us over a considcrnble area of the land the Company had recently laid out in lots and planted, showed us their extensive irrigation system and generally supplied us with information respecting the district. A very interesting and well attended meeting was held in the evening at which the nature of the soil and its rational treatment were discussed. Many local problcais were brought forward and advice given as to the best means to meet the difficulty. Mr. Anderson gave a practical address on the planting and management of orchards, and in concluding outlined the benefits to be derived from the establishment of a farmer's institute and co-operative society, as regards marketing products. From Penticton we drove to Iveremeos, a distance of 35 miles, in the Simillva- meen valley. There has been but little land taken up along this route for agricultural purposes; much of it is sandy. In parts it is well timbered, hut irrigation is necessary for agriculture, and this so far has only been possible in a very limited way at one or two points. About half way, Mr. Kitely has a small area planted, but unfortu- nately his supply of water was not of good quality; of good water the supply was apparently quite inadequate for the area rf^qniring irrigation. Certain areas showed decided indications of allvali and it was evident that caution will have to bo 188 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 19G8 exercised that the water xised for irrigation is not too highly charged with saline mat- ter, or more harm than good will result Keremeos. — At Keremeos we were entertained by the pioneer settler of the Simil- kameeu, Mr. Frank Eichter, whose splendid orchards gave emphatic evidence of the great capabilities of this district as a fruit-growing country. Apples, peaches, apricots, nectarines, grapes, and other fruits all flourish here. The valley, about 18 miles long and from 1 to 2 miles wide, lies north and south, and is surrounded by mountains. Its situation seems favourable for the culture of tender fruits and no doubt the growing of early vegetables will prove very profitable. The mines at present take the greater part of the products of the land, but as the Great Northern Eailway has now its construction as far as Keremeos, transportation facilities for export will soon be offered and there will be a large influx of those taking up land for fruit growing. The soil of the val- ley for the most part is excellent, decidedly richer than much we had seen in the semi- dry belt and no doubt has been largely formed by detritus brought down by the Simil- kameen river. The summer temperatures here are higher than those of the Okanagan and apparently there is no reason v^'hy fruits of a semi-tropical character cannot be grown successfully. Much land was being cleared of sage brush and being staked oS into lots, which we understood were being taken up rapidly. Mention must be made of the magnificent growth of alfalfa here; a third crop on Mr. Richter's farm being at the time of our visit waist high. With irrigation, there appears to be no reason why this valley should not become a most flourishing district, the climate and, for the most part, the soil being very favourable to successful agriculture in many branches. Eeturning to the main line of the C.P.E., the first stop-over was made at Vernon, where we visited several orchards and fruit ranches in the vicinity, giving advice on soils, water supplies and other matters that the residents of the district desired in- formation upon. A very bad weed, the Prickly Lettuce (Lactuca scariola), it was noticed, had in many fields taken possession. It was evident that stringent measures ought to be taken at once for its eradication or its rapid spread would prove in the near future a serious menace to successful agriculture. A largely attended meeting was held in the evening at which the use 9f commer- cial fertilizers was more particularly discussed. For bearing orchards and the forc- ing of early vegetables and tomatoes no doubt fertilizers, if employed with judicious- ness, will in many cases be found profitable, but the soil for the most part is of such good quality that if the humus content is tnaintained, as by the turning under of green crops, we scarcely thinly they should be generally necessary. It was a great pleasure to visit the Coldstream ranch, the property of Lord Aber- deen, and which for a number of years has been under the management of Mr. W. C. Eicardo. The orchards were in a flourishing condition, betokening the care and thoroughness with which all the operations on the ranch are carried on. A considerable area of most desirable land has recently been put under irrigation and put upon the market by the Coldstream Estate Co., and this is being rapidly taken up by an excellent class of settlers. It will only be a few years before the output of fruit from this district exceeds manyfold that now exported. From Vernon we drove to Armstrong, where we were met by Mr. Heggie, the president of the Spallumcheen Farmers' Institute, and the manager of the Stepney ranch. A meeting was held at which several local problems were discussed and we then proceeded to Enderby, stopping at a number of ranches on the way to inspect the Boil and talk over matters with the farmers. This is a district in which much heavy clay prevails, and I feel convinced from what I saw on this occasion as well as in 1904, that it is one which would Hfe much benefited by more extensive irrigation than it now enjoys. Tile drainage here is also a matter of the greatest importance and should be more generally introduced. It is a district better adapted to dairying than fruit-growing. "With improvement in the mechanical condition of the soil, corn would assuredly flourish. Again, we noticed that alfalfa made in general a meagre growth and gave but one crop in a season. REPORT OF TEE CHEMIST 189 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 With irrigation and drainage we are confident that this most valuable crop would yield two or three cuttings in a season. In the past the impression has been that the rainfall is ample for all purposes^ but on the occasion of both of my visits the district was suffering badly from drought. The initial outlay for irrigation and drainage would undoubtedly be repaid in a short time by the increased crop yields, and I placed this matter before the farmers in a strong light for their earnest consideration. lievelstokc. — Very little agriculture on anything like an extensive i^lan has been done here. There are some small orchards set out, and dairying, chiefly to supply millc to the town, is carried on to a limited extent. The land is heavily timbered and unfor- tunately in clearing it much of the vegetable matter in the soil is being destroyed. The soil, generally speaking, is light and sandy and consequently the fire burns deeply, with the loss of the greater part of the humus and nitrogen that has been accumulat- ing for centuries. This matter was explained fully at the meeting held in the evening and which was well attended. The use of fire in clearing the land is necessary, but by piling the brush in heaps it can be confined and a large area saved from its most in- jurious effects. Irrigation is not necessary here, there being an ample rainfall. Clover does excellently and should be more commonly used to enrich the soil, which, as already remarked, is of a light and open character. Climatic conditions are evidently suitable for cherries and plums, and exi')erienc9 no doubt will show that the district is one favourable for a large number of fruits and for dairying. The Upper Columhia and the Kootenay. — From Revelstoke the train was taken to Golden, the starting point for our survey of the valleys of the Upper Columbia and the Kootenay. The journey from Golden to Cranbrook, a distance between 175 and 200 miles, was made by private conveyance in order to allow us the better to visit the ranches along the way, to examine the soils and make observations as ta general condi- tions and possibilities of the district for agriculture. This trip occupied ten days. Before leaving Golden, a few places in the immediate vicinity where orchard- planting had been begun were visited. The soil was generally light and gravelly — and clover-growing was advised to supplement the small supply of manure that was avail- able. By request, we went over the hospital grounds with a view to making sugges- tions for their management. It is a pleasure to record our appreciation of the splendid order and care that this institution evinced in its administration both in the grounds and the hospital itself. For some miles after leaving Golden the stage road follows the river closely, the valley being narrow. There is consequently very little settlement arid ranches are small and only occur at comparatively long distances, more particularly at spots wliere the Rockies have receded, leaving a cultivatable area between their foothills and the Columbia. In places, however, valleys strike back into the mountains, affording opportunities for agriculture on a more extended scale. A projected railway, the Kootenay Central, from the main line of the C.P.E. to the Crow's Nest line is being constructed and we noticed that some 10 or 12 miles from Golden had been graded. Wlicn completed, a new impetus will be given to this valley, as at present besides the stage the only means of transportation is by steamer which plies during the summer twice a week between Golden and Windermere. At low water this service is irregular and uncertain and settlers have di-ificulty in reaching the landings. Tlie expense at- tached to shipments and the necessary delay, it is stated by settlors, are now such that they cannot put their products upon the market profitably. Undoubtedly the advent of the railway will do much towards settling this valley, which has assuredly a future in the production of fruit, of dairy products and vegetables that will find a ready market in the Northwest. Settlement, as I have said, is sparse and irregular, but many no doubt will find when m.eans of access are better that there are considerable areas of fertile soil that can be profitably cultivated. At Spillimachcen, 18 miles from Golden, and at various points between that ]ilace and Briscoe, 50 miles out, the soil was of excellent quality, producing apples, and 190 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 small fruits abundantly. At Briscoe we were entertained by Messrs. Mitchell Bros., who have made considerable progress. Their ranch is beautifully situated and it is being managed with intelligence. The soil here is a rather heavy clay. Cattle and sheep apparently do well on the native grasses. Mr. Henry Aitcheson's place was also visited. Small fruits and vegetables flourished with him and, from the prices mentioned, I should say paid well. Poultry also proved lucrative, as excellent prices for eggs could apparently be obtained at all seasons of the year. Hay was being baled here, showing that the cultivation of this crop on the large areas of the lower flats of the valley could be prosecuted. The growth of clover was very good, so there should be little difficulty in keeping up the fertility of the land economically. From Briscoe we continued the drive to Windermere, about 40 miles, calling by the way at several ranches, making inspection of the soils and conversing with the farmers as to their crops, prospects, &g. Shortly after leaving Briscoe the character ■ of the country begins to change — it is less wooded and the characteristic sage brush of the semi-arid belt appears and the soil is lighter. Irrigation becomes necessary, owing to inadequate rainfall, as we approached "Windermere, but there are many streams from the Eocky mountains that can be utilized for this purpose. It was noticed that several of these were highly charged with carbonate of lime, giving, rise on evaporation to deposits of this material. The purity of this carbonate suggests that on burning a good quality of lime could be produced. Windermere is very pleasantly situated on rising ground overlooking the beautiful lake of that name. A young orchard just beginning to bear belonging to Mr. Kirap- ton, planted in a well protected valley about 2 miles from the village, was visited. This orchard gave great promise, the soil was excellent, there was plenty of water for irrigation and the trees had been well cared for. I was very pleased to see this ranch, for it served to demonstrate that successful, profitable orcharding could be carried on in this valley if only intelligence and industry were exercised — and provided water can be put on the land without too great an expense. Mr. Kimpton's homestead is in the village and here his garden betokens again the suitability of the country for vegetablfs and small fruits and his skill in raising them. To quote from Mr. Kimp- ton's record ; ' Three pounds of Uncle Sam potatoes had produced 211 lbs. ; 3 lbs. Carman No. 3, 237 lbs., and 3 lbs. Superior No. 7, 253 lbs.' Mr. Kimpton has gone extensively into poultry raising, which he finds pays well and he has also a large flock of turkeys which has proved particularly profitable. Several orchards are being plant- ed in the vicinity, one belonging to Mr. K. R. Bruce looked very promising. The evil effect of excessive irrigation unaccompanied by drainage was well illustrated in a low- lying piece of ground. Alkali had appeared and no crop was possible where a few years ago excellent yields had been obtained. From Windermere we paid a very interesting visit to the ranch of Mr. C. D. Ellis, across the lake. This is situated in a valley, the lower end of which is shut off by a dyke some 20 feet in height. The lower end of this valley is evidently the bed of an extinct lake. Mr. Ellis and his partner are about to cut a tunnel through this natural dam for the purpose of drainage and to prevent possible flooding at any future time. Much of the soil was of a mucky character and reqiiiring drainage and mineral fertilizers, but the higher lands are of fair quality and gave evidence of considerable fertility. A well attended meeting was held at Windermere, at which there was a good dis- cussion of local problems. Wilmer and Athelmer. — In company with Mr. R. R. Bruce we went to Wilmer and Athelmer on the wast side of the lake, and drove over a large extent of the country and some eight miles southward as far as Mr. Kinnee's ranch, which lies in a valley and where some very fine crops were seen. There is a considerable area of plateau or bench land overlooking Lalie Windermere on the west side awaiting the application of water. Irrigation, will have to be undertaken on an extensive scale. For this there are REPORT OF THE CHEMIST 191 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 two larfje streams available, Toby creek and Horse Thief creclc, but the scheme is one that will involve a considerable expenditure. This land lies from 50 to 200 feet above the lake and should prove suitable for apples and other hardy fruits. As Lake Winder- mere is between 2,600 and 2,700 feet above the soa-lcvel, tender varieties are naturally precluded. Very little agriculturally has, so far, been done about Wilmer, which has been a mining centre, but our meeting there was largely attended and it was evident from the interest in the various subjects discussed that in the near future a good deal of planting will be done. However, no extensive progress towards the opening up of the available land in this district will occur till the advent of the railroad and the scheme for irrigation is put through. Fairmont. — Journcjung southward from Windermere, our iiret stopping place was at Fairmont, where Mr. Brewer had some fine apple trees in bearing. His ranch had an ample supply of irrigation water from a large creek. He had found stock-raising profitable, cutting a large quantity of wild hay on the low lands of the vicinity. A splendid crop of clover — the third that season — was seen. It is evidently a country in which clover and alfalfa do well. Thunder Hill was reached at noon, where Mr. Santo has a fine ranch, most beautifully situated. Garden produce was looking very well and some excellent poultry were seen, notes being taken of certain new crosses between White Wyandottes, Barred Plymouth Eocks, and Black Minorcas, which struck me as very good. The only other ranches in this district are those of Mr. Douglas Grainger and Mr. Hard- wick Grainger. Sheep Creeh about 40 miles from Windermere was reached at nightfall. Mr. Alex. Emery has a small area under ciiltivation, but very little has been done here ex- cept cutting hay and raising some produce for local consumption and the lumber camps. The creek, however, is a large one and we were told there is a considerable area of land that could be cultivated, and for which water would be available, at some distance back from the road. Soon after leaving Windermere the country loses in part its open character and is in places densely wooded, Douglas fir and poplar predominating. Reaching the Columbia lake, the Yellow pine (Pinus ponder osa) is seen and timber increases as one proceeds from Canal Flat to Wasa, where there is an excellent growth of larch with some Yellow pine and Douglas fir. We noticed that larch makes a fine growth all through this part of East Kootenay. Wasa. — A stop-over of several hours was made at Wasa 26 miles from Sheep Creek, where there is an excellent up-to-date hotel kept by Mr. Nils Hansen, who has also a ranch and small orchard. The latter was suffering from too much irrigation water accompanied by insufficient drainage. As the trees were now old and worthless we selected a more suitable site on the slope of the hill on which Mr. Hansen will plant a new orchard. Above Wasa on the benches are the ranches of Mr. H. Barr and Peter Winfeldt, whore good crops of grain and hay grown under irrigation were found. Small orchards on both places were doing fairly well, but it was quite evident here, as in several other ranches visited, that an elementary knowledge, at least, regarding the requirements of young trees is most desirable at the oiitset. Fort Steele. — This was the next point reached; it is about 30 miles from Sheep Creek. This once thriving village is now almost deserted, owing to the decline in mining and the fact that Cranbrook, 12 miles distance on the Crow's Nest road, has attracted many of its inhabitants. Under the guidance of Mr. R. L. T. Gal- braith. Government Agent, and Dr. Watt, we visited many of the ranches in the vicinity and learned that small fruits and vegetables were the chief crops, these finding a good sale in Cranbrook. We held a meeting here in the evening, at which about 40 attended. The chief difficulty appeared to be that the price of 192 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 labour was so high and competition in truck growing so keen by the Chinese, who were tilling small areas, that profits were very small. In passing it may be noted that Chinese, wherever we found them, invariably made a success of their work in vege- table and small fruit growing, evidently due to their industry and the knowledge they have brought with them of this branch of agriculture. From what we saw, apples and cherries of the Morello type thrive well in this locality. Cranhroolc. — From Fort Steele we continued to drive to Cranbrook, about 12 miles, stopping en route at St. Eugene Mission, where we found garden crops and apples doing well. Cranbrook on the Crow's Nest line of the C.P.E. is a thriving town, with some fair agricultural land in the vicinity. In companj- with the Govern- ment Agent, Mr. Armstrong, we visited several ranches in the neighbourhood upon which vegetables and small fruits Vv-ere raised. Apples also can be grown here, but their commercial success has not yet been proven. The altitude of Cranbrook, about 3,100 feet above sea-level, probably precludes the growing of tender fruits. Nelson. — This was made headquarters for several days as it formed a central point from which we could conveniently visit ranches in the surrounding district. Great activity is here evident in the matter of opening up and selling land for small fruit ranches, and a considerable number of settlers have recently been attracted by the accounts of success of those few who planted some years ago, and whose trees are now producing fruit. Much of the soil is poor, being, generally si^eaking, light and sandy and in some places partially covered with boulders. Nevertheless, we found on most unpromising looking sites, vigorous trees producing splendid fruit of many descriptions. Evidently the climatic conditions are very favourable and more than counterbalance deficiencies in the soil. Available areas, on both sides of the lake, many of them necessarily small, are rapidly Iheing taken up, cleared and planted and means taken to provide for the necessary irrigation. We pointed out the great desir- ability of more care in clearing the land by fire, iso that as little as possible of its vegetable matter should be destroyed. It would be difficult to realize, unless one had Been it, the degree of success in fruit-growing that is possible under conditions that appear at first sight so unsuitable. The probability is that our analyses will show that while the total amount of plant food in the eoil is comparatively small there is relatively a large proportion of it in a readily assimilable condition. Two meetings were held here, both ..very well attended and at which a number of local problems in connection with soil management, irrigation and kindred subjects were discussed. Slocan City. — This was the next spot visited and I was pleased to note consider- able areas of Very good land in the neighbourhood, and indeed, all along the Slocan river. As yet very little has been cleared and as it is fairly heavily v.-ooded it will be some time before this district — one of great natural beauty, wiU be thickly settled. In time, Slocan City, now almost deserted through the decline in mining, should be- come the centre of an excellent fruit producing district. We saw some very fine apples, cherries (sweet), and plums, find in selected sites no doubt peaches and grapes would thrive. Tomatoes, Indian corn, and vegetables generally also did very well. On the lower lands dairying: should be profitable, but many of these first require clear- ing and draining. Mr. Hall's ranch, about 6 miles distant, was visited and some advice given regarding drainage and soil management. Mr. Hall is making a success of dairying; everything was being done well and thoroughly and in a few years he will have a very fi.ne ranch. Mr. Anderson and I, in company with Mr. Dennis, visited a number of ranches, spending the day in field demonstrations. In the evening an interesting meeting was held at which there was a good attendance. As Mr. Anderson remarked ; ' With the revival of mining and the fine lumbering facilities, the excellent opportunities for fruit-growing and dairying, the Slocan district would surely become of importance.' RE POUT OF THE CSEMIhT 193 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 Kaslo. — From Slocan we returned to Nelson and thence took the boat for Kaslo, a town which has also suffered through the decline of mining, but which has great possi- bilities for fruit growing, as available areas for planting are larger here than at most points in this part of East Kootenay. The soil for the most part is a red loam and stated to be excellent for fruit. In company with Mr. Cockle and a number of others a day was spent in visiting the recently cleared and planted areas in the vicinity. As yet fruit-growing here is in its infancy, but interest in this industry has been awakened and orchard planting is progressing fairly rapidly. Note must be made of the beautiful garden and grounds of Mr. George Alexander, where flowers and fruits were in abundance. Mr. Alexander is experimenting with a number of English apples, which so far. have given great promise. Tli? meeting in the evening was given up to the discussion of topics of importance to those just starting orchards and fruit-growing, and it was very gratifying to note the intelligence, interest and enthusiasm evinced by the ranchers in this, for them, new venture. Proctor. — From Kaslo we went to Proctor, where we were met by Mr. Eenwick, the Government Agent, Mr. Proctor and others, and made an inspection of several newly planted orchards in this district. By means of a gasoline launch we were enabled to visit the larger number of ranches on both sides of the lake between this point and Nelson. With a few exceptions these were quite new, very little planting being seen more than two or three years old, and the greater part but one year old. The soil over a good deal of this area is light and sandy and in many places anything but promising, nevertheless where the trees had been supplied with a sufficiency of water good growth had been made. Unfortunately, in clearing the land a large proportion of its humus had been destroyed by fire and we consequently advised the more care- ful restriction of this agent, so necessary and yet so injurious in its effects on the soil, in the clearing up preparatory to planting. No doubt the ashes so produced have furnished a considerable amount of mineral plant food, very useful to the yoimg trees, but it will be necessary to grow clover or some other leguminous crop to return the elements that have been destroyed and dissipated by the fire. A young orchard's requirements in plant food are but small for a number of years, and this undoubtedly accounts in a large measure for the progress the trees at first m.ake, but as they come into bearing more attention will have to be paid to keeping the soil in good heart. As the supplies of farmyard manure will be very limited, leguminous cover crops turned under, supplemented by potash and phosphates will in all probability be the means used to ensure good yields. Many of the areas are on steep slopes and irri- gation must be carefully done to prevent washing. Several samples of soil taken at various points were collected and forwarded to the Experimental Farm Laboratories, Ottawa, for future study. In concluding this brief notice of the East Kootenay district, I must state that I was deeply impressed with its fruit-growing possibilities, not so much from the soil — though that from the mechanical standpoint is satisfactory — as from the practical evidences afforded in these orchards which have attained a bearing age. There can be little doubt but that favourable climatic conditions for the most part, must prevail for this industry. And I m.ight remark in this connection that experience in other countries has shown that favourable temperature conditions with judicious irrigation can produce wonderful effects even when the soil is apparently very poor. Grand ForJcs. — This, our next point, at the junction of the North and South branches of the Kettle river, is in the Boundary district. Here we spent several days visiting the farms and orchards in the neighbourhood. First we went over the pjcneer orchard, planted by Mr. Covert and now in full bearing. It is now in the hands of Mr. Ilonsberger, who at the time of our visit was daily making large shipments of fruit. A large area is planted with prunes, which we were told had proved a most profitable crop. This ranch has its own water supply from Fourth of July creek. A portion of the original ranch has been laid off in lots of 10 and 20 acres, all of which 16—13 194 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1S08 are supplied with water laid on for irrigation by a system of piping. Several of these lots have been taken up and judging from the immense crops of fine vegetables and fruits there can be no doubt as to the excellence «f the soil and the suitability of the district for the growing of a large variety of horticultural produce. Some very fine soil was noticed, but unfortunately through careless irrigation ' washing' had occurred at several places. The district also is one favourable to fodder crops, alfalfa fields bearing third crops, waist high, being seen. On much of the lower land, adjoining the Kettle river, and contiguous to Ameri- can territory there is at present no water supply for irrigation and the trees and the crops are consequently poor. A comprehensive scheme, how.wer, is under serious con- sideration for pumping water from the Kettle river, ^^len this is in force some 2,000 acres of very good land vv^ill be rendered available for fruit-growing and general farming. The orchard and extensive nursery grounds of Mr. Martin l^urrell were next visited. They are located about three miles from the town and beautifully situated on the lower benches of the Kettle and watered by creeks from the mountain. It is a pleasure to record the excellent condition in which we found the nurseries ; the young stock was healthy and vigorous, though unfortunately a considerable loss had been sus- tained by an attack of the Flatheaded Apple Tree Borer. Very fine and luscious pears, plums and peaches, in abundance were seen in the older ])lantations, and the apples also, though this season not bearing so heavily, gave promise of a good crop. Much of Mr. Burrell's soil is of an excellent type, rich and light and well adapted to fruit- growiiig. With provision for irrigation this district will undoubtedly become one of the most productive fruit-growing areas in British Columbia. In concluding tuis account of our tour I would say that this record of what we saw and did constitutes but the first part of the work I had in mind. The itinerary has put me in possession of information otherwise unattainable; it brought me into direct contact with the men tilHug the soil and whom, I think, I am now in a better position to help with advice. Further, as time permits, the large collection of soil samples will be carefully analysed, and I have no doubt that this work will furnish many interesting and helpful data for future guidance regarding soil management and the nature of the fertilizers that may be necessary for the most profitable results. To Mr. Anderson I am very much indebted. \Vithout him the tour would have been much less valuable and far less pleasant. He is thoroughly conversant with the country we travelled over and his knowledge of local conditions and possibilities were of the greatest assistance to me every day of our itinerary. NOTES ON THE CHAEACTER OF THE SOIL BETWEEN LANGDON AND GLEICHEN, ALBERTA, IN WESTERN SECTION OF IRRIGATION BLOCK OF THE CANADIAN PACIFIC RAILWAY COMPANY. At the request of Mr. J. S. Dennis, Superintendent of Irrigation, C.P.R., Cal- gary, Alta., I made a survey of the lands which this company are placing under irri- gation between Langdon and Gleichen, and are now being offered for settlement. Be- tween two and three days were spent in this work, at the conclusion of the tour just described, and from the notes taken during this rapid survey, I have pre])ared the following brief report. Later it is expected to examine chemically samples of the soils collected at various points in this district. The fi.rst examination was made a few hundred yards north of the railway station at Langdon. The surface soil was found to be a black, heavy loam, evidently well supplied with humus (semi-decomposed vegetable matter), and containing such a pro- portion of clay as to constitute it a ' strong ' soil. Technically, it would be classified as a clay loam. Several trials showed it to have a depth of from 4 to 6 inches. The subsoil is a heavy, chocolate coloured clay. The probabilities are that analysis would REPORT OF THE CHEMIST 195 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 show considerable percentages of organic matter and nitrogen in this clay — at any rate for some few inches — as the surface soil, characterized by such rich stores of these constituents, passes without any strong line of demarkation into the subsoil. Crossing the railway track, we drove to the company's farm (Sec. XV.) and inspected the soil at a number of points upon it and as far south as the secondary irrigation canal ' A.' The surface soil, apparently similar in all respects to that north of the railway track, had a depth of from 4 to 8 inches and was underlaid by the heavy, chocolate coloured clay already described. Following east from Langdon along the Blackfoot trail, the soil was examined in four places between Langdon and the canal between sections 6 and 7, T. 23, R. 25. The soil throughout was extremely uniform in character, a black loam from 4 to 8 inches in depth, and underlaid by a heavy, chocolate coloured subsoil. After crossing the ditch, an examination was made in N.E. ^ Sec. 6, T. 23, R. 25, where the same heavy, black loam prevailed with a depth of 4 to 6 inches. The subsoil was practically identical with that found at points previously inspected. Driving northwest towards Strathmore, an examination was made on Sec. 29, T. 23, R. 25, and no change of mark could be noticed either in soil or subsoil. The next day we drove south from Strathmore and made the first soil inspection about 2J miles from that place, on Sec. 3, T. 24, R. 25. A change in the texture of the soil was here observable — there was decidedly more sand, both in the surface and subsoil. Although lighter in character than that previoiisly examined, the soil showed no appreciable diminution in vegetable matter, being deep black and well supplied with root fibre. The subsoil was of a sandy nature. In a depression or hollow, 15 inches of black, sandy loam was found, but on the upland the depth of the surface soil. did not vary to any degree from that already noted. Turning northward, two inspections were made between the latter point and Strathmore. the first on Sec. 3, and the second on Sec. 2, T. 24, R. 25. In both in- stances a deep, black sandy loam formed the surface soil, with a depth of about 6 inches, underlaid by a brownish-red sandy subsoil. The soil in the immediate neigh- bourhood of the C.P.R. Co. construction camp at Strathmore, was a black, sandy loam about 5 inches deep, underlaid by sand. Proceeding to the company's farm, on Sec. 11. T. 24, R. 25, four to six inches of black, sandy loam was found to constitute the surface soil, underlaid by about 2 inch'-'S of sand, beneath which was clay. An examination at Secondary Canal, Sec. 12, T. 24, R. 25, showed a black loam, rather light in character, v^-ith a depth of about 3 inches with a sandy sulsoil. From Strathmore to Gleichen. the route lies southeast, the trail running north of lakes Eagle and Kamaka, and in a general sense pai-allel to the C.P.R. track, though considerably north of it. On Sec. 1, T. 24, R. 24, the black loam that formed the sur- face soil was from 4 to G inches deep, and it, as well as the subioil, was considerably heavier (less sandy) than in the neighbourhood of Strathmore. From six to eight inches of a moderately heavy, black loam were found on Sec. 32, T. 22, R. 23, with a subsoil of comparatively stiff clay. A further trial pit was made on Sec. 23. T. 22. R. 23, and revealed a depth of about six inches of blaek soil underlaid by a distinctly heavy clay. One examination was made east of Gleichen, on a breaking about half a mile from the village. Here there was a depth of fully eight inches of heavy, black soil under- laid by a chocolate coloured clay. The lighter character of the soil in the neighbourhood of Strathmore, has already been remarked upon. With this exception it will be observed that the surface soil along the whole route travelled presented a certain well marked uniformity, more particularly noticeable in humus-content (as judged by the colour) and depth. Such uniformity constitutes a distinguishing feature of prairie lands. A more detail6d and extended survey migh't show a greater variation than was noticed, and possibly analysis might disclose differences not otherwise detectable, but as far as examination allows a 16—13^ 196 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 judgment, it would appear that the whole area traversed is overlaid by a surface soil rich in humus and plant food and bearing, all the signs of a highly productive soil if provided with adequate moisture. WELL WATERS EROM EARM HOMESTEADS. The excessive drought that prevailed over certain areas, more especially in On- tario, during the later svimmer months of 1906, was undoubtedly answerable in a great measure for the unusually large number of samples of well-water forwarded for ex- amination last year. Under such conditions the water in the farmyard and back-door well frequently becomes a serious menace to health. It is indeed a fortvinate occur- rence that such water, by its offensive taste, odour or appearance, often carries its own condemnation. The absence of such indications of pollution, however, must not be considered as evidences of purity. In the majority of cases the wholesomeness of a water can only be satisfactorily ascertained by a chemical analysis. Of the 281 samples of water received, 90 were submitted to analysis, the remain-' der being rejected by reason of insufficiency in quantity or dirty bottles or corks. It is earnestly desired that those farmers desiring an analysis of their well-water should first obtain a copy of the instructions, forwarded on application to this Division, for the proper collection and shipment of the sample. The 90 waters analysed were reported as follows : Good and wholesome, 28 ; Sus- picious and probably dangerous, 21; Contaminated and totally condemned. 30; Saline, 11. The value of an abundance of pure water for the farmer and dairyman can scarcely be overestimated. The relation of water to health is obvious when we re- member the very important part that water plays in the nourishment of the body, that more than half the body v/cight is water, that the blood which bathes every tissue is very largely water, that the food is digested and assimilated by the aid of water, that the waste products of the body must be largely got rid of by means of water, and that this water, which wo have seen becomes part and parcel of ourselves, is from the water we drink or take in our food. Further, the health and thrift of the stock is largely dependent on the quality of the water supply. It is just as desirable, as necessary to have pure water for the farm animals as for man, and intelligent, progressive farmers have recognized this fact. And, lastly, in the dairy, creamery and cheese factory, pure water is essential; indeed it is an absolute necessity if the dairy products are to be pure, of first class quality and flavour and keep well. There is an active movement on foot for the official inspection and analysis of the water supplies of all farms, dairies, &c.. in On- tario, supplying dairy products to the public and I have no doubt but that such a measure would result in much benefit to all concerned. REPORT OF THE CEEMIST 197 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 ^3 eS H gi. O ja ■2 a o 3 'o a a (0 O (D .2 >^.2 P- 3 -^ - C c4 te 0; K tn- t, ■-, t. t.1 C L2 4) C3 4) a> o"^ > g > > o 7} CT3 " -JU .E 3 3 o X 0< o 1i . Ot3 >/;; o 3 P>PHa:OcQ> _ clS'3 « ^ 00 >.• O 03 t^ ® n> 3 c3 3 O ^- ^^ ^ 7- (ft « — X 3 S "> « 5 3 3 9.C >i"o'£. o o * /SfC £> 3 i 0) T: OS > ^ 00 eg !/3 o en -4-3 i- to o C3 4^ te y H>r^ 4) 0) (D (D O O O - rt ' It H o e3 - u eS • o r-^33 _H EE=, •aoniuSj uo SSOfJ CO o o CO P^ •UOT^UlSj TJ> ■* 13 C'l CO t^ rf -^ X ■^ 00 l-~ ■* O CO «C CJ --S -t< r-( (MOO ©TfOOtS-OIMOO C^ ■^ CO N l-~ iC o -j CO i-t r-i I- -f O'u^ o y: n ti CI O CZ; lO 1-1 n rs> — -fOOOCOOOOCOO-^COC-IO t~OT)— 10 ■-. 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SESSIONAL PAPER N«. 16 A. 1908 HEPOUT OF THE ENTOMOLOGIST AND BOTANIST. (James Fletcher, LL.D., F.L.S., F.K.S.C.) 1906. Dr. Wm. Saunders, C.M.G., Director of Dominion Experimental Farms, Ottawa. Ottawa, April 1, 1907. Sir, — I have the honour to hand you herewith a report on some of the more important subjects which have been brought officially before the Division of Ento- mology and Botany during the past fiscal year. There are a great many other sub- jects which have taken up some of the time of the staff; but as these have been either treated of before, or are as yet under investigation, they do not require special treat- ment in this report. The number of applications for information continues to increase year by year and the Division has become a recognized source for reference by all students of economic natural science and scientific farming. The farmers and fruit- growers of Canada to-day, carry on their work in an entirely different manner from That which was generally adopted ten years ago, and there is a constant demand for accurate information as to the nature of plants grown for crops and as to the various enemies belonging to the animal and vegetable world which reduce the profits of the agriculturist and horticulturist. The value of a scientific knowledge on all mnttcvs related to farming has been recognized by the important place which has recently been given to nature study and similar subjects in the educational systems of the various provinces. The staff of the Division of Entomology and Botany have been frequently called upon, and have willingly given their services, to help school teachers, normal school students and pupils of all grades in their natural history work. Largo collections of plants and insects have been received from such students from all parts of the Dominion. Many addresses have also been delivered to schools, drawing) atten- tion to the value of these studies and giving suggestions as to the best way of pro- secuting them. Collections. — The collections in the Division have been largely increased during the past season and have now been rendered much more complete and useful than they have been for many years. The entomological cabinets have been increased in number, and many specimens of insects have been taken from store boxes and mounted for arranging in their natural ordersT This was made possible owing to extra assistance allowed me by the Honourable Minister of Agriculture for this special purpose. The 201 202 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 collections have also been materially increased by valuable donations from several cor- respondents, amongst whom the following may be mentioned : — Thos. Baird, High Riv'er, Alta.— Several specimens of rare western lepidoptera. A. H. Bush, Vancouver, B.C. — A pair of Lepisesia ulalume. J. W. Cockle, Kaslo, B.C. — Various insects in different orders, including many rare species. Norman Criddle, Treesbank, Man. — Many specimens of rare Manitoban insects. J. D. Evans, Trenton, Ont. — A pair of Dytiscus circumcinctus. These are inter- esting as coming from the type locality, Winnipeg. Paul Hahn, Toronto, Ont. — ^A specimen of Autographa surena taken at Quebec. C. Garrett, Calgary, Alberta. — Six specimens of Erehia discoidalis. E. F. Heath, Cartwright, Man. — A large collection of ^fanitoban moths in papers. E. V. Harvey, Vancouver, B.C. — British Columbian insects. Wm. Mcintosh, St. John, N.B. — Local lepidoptera from St. John, N.B. L. E. Marmont, Rounthwaite, Man. — Several rare insects from Manitoba. W. Metcalfe, Ottawa. — A large collection of flies taken at Ottawa. J. Perrin, MacNab's Island, Halifax, N.S. — Rare lepidoptera from Nova Scotia. T. W. Ramm, Ross Mount, Ont. — Two perfect specimens of Basilona imperialis taken at Ross Mount. J. Russell, Digby, N.S. — Several rare lepidoptera from Nova Scotia including Erora Iceta, Incisalia irus, var. arsace, and Hadena minuscula. Rev. G. W. Taylor, Wellington, B.C. — Some named specimens of British Colum- bian geometridse and several noctuids. E. P. Venables, Vernon, B.C. — Specimens of desirable species from the Okana- gan valley, B.C. E. S. Wilmot, Vernon, B.C. — Apantesis superha. J. B. Williams, Toronto. — Larva of Ecpanthcria deflorata. T. N. Willing, Regina, Sask. — Lepidoptera and other insects from Saskatchewan. E. H. Wolley-Dod, Millarville, Alberta. — Northwest insects. C. H. Young, Ottawa. — Microlepidoptera and some noctuids. The botanical collections have also been very much increased by mounting up specimens of species poorly represented or shown only from a single locality. These have been mostly from collections of previous years which had been stored away in the Division. The collections of weeds and weed seeds have been largely increased and the index of the Herbarium is now finished. The following donations for the Herb- arium, have been received : — J. R. Anderson, Victoria, B.C. — Several rare British Columbian plants. Norman Criddle, Treesbank, Man. — Seeds and botanical specimens of several desirable Manitoban plants. W. M. Crawford, Millerton, N.B. — A fine series of the rare aquatics Loplioto- carpus spongiosus and Limosella aquaiica from New Brunswick. J. M. Dickson, Hamilton, Ont. — Specimens of Eryihronium albidum from Cale- donia, Ont. George Eraser, Ucluelet, B.C. — Rare plants from Vancouver Island, living roots and botanical specimens. D. Gellatly, Gellatly, B.C. — Fungi collected as food by squirrels. D. W. Hamilton, Kingston, N.B. — Desirable specimens of plants. Miss I. Hargrave. — Rare plants from the interior of British Columbia. J. J. Freeborn, Dundas, Ont. — Seeds and other natural history specimens from Dundas. F. J. A. Morris, Port Hope, Ont. — A fine series of specimens of BotrycJiium sim- plex from Newtonville, Ont. Mrs. D. W. Stewart, Renfrew, Ont. — Medicago falcata and other botanical speci- mens. Geo. E. Sanders, Guelph, Ont. — Seeds of Canadian weeds. REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGIST AND BOTANIST 203 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 [Mrs. R. N. Stoker, Cowichan Lake, B.C. — A large collection of the seeds of rare British Columbian plants. Meetings. — Meetings of farmers' institutes and other agricultural associations, teachers' associations, &c., have been attended and addresses delivered whenever other official duties would permit: — April 17 : Toronto. — Ontario Educational Association : ' Nature Study and Na- tural History.' May 8: Ottawa. — Ottawa Horticultural Society: 'Insect Enemies of the Gard- ener and how to prepare for them.' May 14: Petewawa, Ont. — Inspecting Central Camp and giving advice as to con- trolling sand. May 17: Guelph, Ont. — Ontario Agricultural College. Address to Nature Study class: 'Life Zones and the Value of Nature Study.' May 17: Guelph. — Ontario Agricultural College. Illustrated lecture to 3rd year students: 'Insects and Nature Study.' May 29: Ottawa. — Address to Fro-bel Union: 'Nature Studies for Kindergarten classes.' July 5 : Ottawa. — Summer School of Science. Address on ' Insects.' July 9 : Ottawa. — Summer School of Science. Address on ' Birds.' July 12: Ottawa. — Summer School of Science. Address on 'Insects.' July 16: Ottawa. — Summer School of Science. Address on 'Birds.' August 29 and 30: Chateauguay Basin, Que. — Pomological and Fruit-growing Association of the Province of Quebec : 1. ' Fruit Insects of the season.' 2. ' House Plants and their Culture.' 3. ' The preparation of House Plants for Winter.' 4. ' Injurious Insects and their Control.' December 12: Wolfville, N.S. — Fruit-growers' Association of Nova Scotia: 1. • Insects Injurious to Nova Scotian Orchards in 1906.' 2. ' Nature Study and Na- 1 ural History.' December 17: St. John. N.B. — Natural History Society of New Brunswick: ' Insects, what they do and where they are found.' December 19 and 20: Ivnowlton, Que. — 1. 'Orchard Insects in the Province of Quebec in 1906.' 2. ' Garden Insects and their Control.' January 19, 1907: Toronto. — Canadian Institute: 'Some things that every one ought to know about Plants and Insects.' February 14 : Ottawa. — McLeod Street Sunday School : ' The value of definite knowledge of common things.' March 6: Ottawa. — Select Standing Committee of the House of Commons on Agriculture and Colonization: Evidence on the work of the Division and particularly on the San Jose Scale situation. March 8 : St. Catharines. — Niagara Fruit-Growers' Association : ' The San Jose Scale and its Control.' March 8 : St. Catharines. — St. Catharines Horticultural Society : ' Injurious Insects and their Habits.' - March 11: Toronto. — Address in the Normal School: 'Spring work in Nature Study.' March 22 : Ottawa. — Ottawa Ladies' College. Addresses : 1. ' Insects and Plants, Injurious and Beneficial.' 2. ' Knowledge of Common Things a Duty.' [March 26: Ottawa. — Normal School: 'Nature Study work with Birds.' Correspondence. — The large correspondence of the Division has been of the usual varied character and shows a considerable increase in the number of letters received and answered. From April 1, 1906, to March 30, 1907, the number of letters, exclusive of circulars, registered as received, was 3,372, and the number despatched was 2,8G2. Of the letters sent out many are of the nature of articles for publication, as very frequently correspondents hand them to the local newspapers, so that their neighbours 204 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 may have the benefit of the advice given concerning injurious insects or noxious weeds. Acknowledgments. — I take pleasure in gratefully acknovi'ledging my obligation to my many correspondents in all parts of the Dominion, to practical farmers who have much aided the work of the Division by promptly reporting outbreaks of injurious insects and noxious weeds, by sending specimens, and at request making observations ■upon points of special interest. My thanks are also specially due to the following specialists who have helped me on many occasions with the exact identifications of species of plants and insects which were unl^nown to me : Prof. John Macoun, of Ottawa, for the identification of plants. Dr. P. A. Rydberg, of New York, for identifying plants. Dr. B. T. Galloway, Chief of the Bureau of Plant Industry, Washington, U.S., and the ofiicers of his staff, for information concerning parasitic fungi. Dr. L. O. Howard, Chief of the Bureau of Entomology, Washington, U.S., and the ofiicers of his staff, for the identification of scale insects and species of various orders. I am under obligations to Dr. Dyar, and Messrs. Marlatt, Coquillett, Chittenden and Busck. Dr. J. B. Smith, New Brunswick, N.J., who has examined and named large num- bers of noctuids and other moths for this office and for Canadian collectors. Mr. W. D. Kearfott, Montclair, N.J., who has been untiring in his efforts to help our collectors in the identification of microlepidoptera. Mr. W. H. Harrington, Ottawa, for identifying coleoptera. Dr. E. M. Walker, Toronto, for examining and naming large collections of Cana- dian odonata. In conclusion, I have much pleasure in testifying to the assiduity and excellence of the work performed by my assistants, Messrs. J. A. Guignard and Arthur Gibson. I have the honour to be. Sir, Your obedient servant, JAMES FLETCHER, Entomologist and BotanicL REPORT OF TEE ENTOMOLOGIiiT AXD BOTAMST 205 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 DIVISION OF ENTOMOLOGY. CEREALS. Grain crops on the whole were fairly good in all parts of the Dominion in 1907, and there were very few complaints of injury by the ordinary pests of the staple grains. In the Northwest Territories a rather extensive outbreak of the Red-backed Cutworm and some allied species, was the cause of serious loss, not only in grain crops, but in all garden vegetables and root crops. There was no complaint of injury by grasshoppers, Hessian Fly or the Greater Wheat-stem Maggot. In British Columbia the Wheat Midge reduced considerably the small crop of wheat in the fertile districts of the Fraser river valley and the adjoining districts. In Prince Edward Island the Joint-worm did much harm to wheat, and there was a noticeable occurrence, al- though not very severe, of Hessian Fly. Injurij to Fall Wheat hy Biho gracilis, Whr. — An interesting injury to fall wheat in Alberta was by the larvae of a fly belonging to the family known as Spring Flics, or March Flies, so called from the fact that they occur in large numbers for a few days in spring, when they arc very conspicuous from their sluggish habits. The mature flies are of about the same size, or a little larger, than the common House Fly, with slender black and hairy bodies. They fly slowly and settle in large numbers in low shrubs and other vegetation. The common species Bihio olhipennis. Say, occurs widely throughout the country and is frequently sent in nnder the supposition that it may be injurious. As far as can be learnt, however, the brown tough-skinned larva*, with short fleshy spines or processes along the sides, do little harm, although they are known occasionally to feed on the roots of grasses and grain. Kellogg states in his "' American Insects ' that they ' may do serious dam- age, and Bihio tristis, Will., discovered in Kansas in 1891, appeared in great numbers in wheat fields and frightened many wheat growers.' The larvse of the common White- winged March Fly, Bihio alhipennis. Say, are sometimes found in very large numbers at the roots of grasses or in manure that has been ploughed down the year before and has become almost disintegrated. It is very seldom that injury of any kind is attribut- able to the larvse of these flies; but in August last, Mr. D. K. Husband wrote from Carstairs. Alta.. that he had sown good seed of fall wheat, from the previous year's crop, which had not been treated in any way for the prevention of smut or otlier fungous diseases, whereby it might have been injured, but that it failed to germinate evenly, and very little came up. On examining the field to discover the reason, he found that the central portion of most of the grain had been eaten out by the larva; of a species of Bibio which was afterwards kindiv identified for me by Mr. T). W. Coquillett. as Bihio gracilis, "Wlir. The larva? ate the heart out of the grain, and tlicre were from three to seven found at each grain. In view of the importance of the fall wheat crop in the Province of Alberta, it seem.s well to draw^ attention to this insect, although it is hardly likely that it will develop into a regularly occurring or serious pest of the wheat grower. Mr. Husband writes as follows : — Carstairs. Alta., September 18, 1906. — ' I have never previously known of such an outbreak nor have any of the older and most successful growers in this neighbour- 206 EXPERIMENTAL FABMF( 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 19C8 hood. The land wi-s broken during the first two weeks in August, 100 acres. It had never been broken b-efore, my land being a school section. I would, however, say that I find this same insect in sod which has not yet been turned, that is on each side of my ploughed field.' From the above it would appear that this attack, notwithstanding its severity, may have merely been accidental. The sod upon the roots of which the larvae had been feeding having been turned under, the insects attacked the roots of the young wheat because it happened to be at hand. Cutworms. — There was extensive injuiy to fields of grain and roots in the West during 1906 by several species of cutworms with habits similar to those of the common Eed-backed Cutworm, Paragrotis ochrogaster, Gn. A great many letters were received from all the prairie provinces, and through the kindness of Mr. Arch, Mitchell, of the Provincial Department of Ag.riculture at Edmonton, I was kept regularly in touch with the progress of the infestation. The attack was so severe in many districts in tlie foot-hill country, extending from Northern Alberta right down to the interna- tional boundary, and also in the northern country as far east as the eastern boundary of Manitoba, as to be described by many correspondents as a perfect plague. Whole fields of grain of from 30 to 50 acres were entirely cleared oif, as well as vegetables in gardens. In Southern Alberta, where the cultivation of beets for sugar has been much encouraged, great losses occurred in some localities. Mr. Arch. Mitchell did excellent service by promptly distributing a circular containing suggestions towards coBfibating the attack, and recommended the use of the poisoned bran mash, now so well known as an effective remedy against this class of destructive insects. The for- mula recommended was the standard remedy which has always been adopted by this Division, viz. : Half a pound of Paris green mixed with 50 pounds of bran slightly moistened with water to which a small quantity of sugar or salt has been added. Many farmers doubled the proportion of Paris green on account of the excessive in- juries which they were suffering ; but this practice is not to be advised, on account of the corrosive nature of the Paris green upon vegetation; and, when distributing the poisoned material, it is very difficult to scrtter it through a crop, particularly of beets or other roots, without some of it falling into the heart of the young plants. The quantity recommended, one pound of Paris green in 100 pounds of bran, is ample for all purposes, and, even in the worst attacks. 100 lbs. of bran can be distributed over two or three acres. A very light sprinkling on the surface of the ground is all that is necessary. The cutworms are night-feeding insects, and this material seems to be so at- tractive to them, when they crawl about on the surface of the land looking for food, that they actually eat it in preference to the succulent vegetation. It has sometimes been doubted, by farmers who have not tried the poisoned bran mash for cutworm.s, whether it is a practical remedy for field crops on large areas. The following state- ment by Mr. George Harcourt, Deputy Minister of Agriculture for Alberta, should dispose of such doubts: 'Reports have been received from all parts of the provincr" that the Paris green treatment, where used according to instructions, was entirely successful in exterminating this pest.' (Alberta Crop Report, July 5, 1906.) It must be remembered that this outbreak was a very severe one, extending over a wide area and involving very large fields of grain and other crops. Mr. W. H. Holland of Norquay, Man., among many others, writes under date September 25 : 'I have found your poisoned bran remedy a perfect discharger of cut- worms.' I am indebted to Mr. George Batho. the editor of the Nor-West Farmer of Win- nipeg, for the following extract from his issue of June 5, 1906, relating to the use of the poisoned bran remedy on a large scale : — ' Wm. Harris, writing in the Raymond Chronicle, has this to say about the poisoning of cutworms in the beet fields of Southern Alberta : — " Of late much has been said about the cutworms. They are certainly doing a great damage; in some fields replanting is necessary. Some may iirge the cutworms REPORT OF rni: extomologist A\n botanist 207 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 as an objection to early lliinninr>- of beets, claiming- that then the cutworms have but one beet to work at in a place. I have been experimenting along- this line this spring and have demonstrated that the cutworms can be killed off at a very small cost. Mix dry 100 lbs. bran with from 1 to 1^ lbs. Paris green. Dampen tlirough a sprinkling' can with about 5 gallons water to the 100 lbs. bran, and mix thoroughly until each flake of bran shows the green shade. ^' This mixture can either be sown by hand or through a be?t drill. If by hand, take a sack made to hang about tho neck, and walking between two rows and using both hands, string the bran along between the two rows on each sid«Jv In this way a IG year old boy can apply the bran to 8 or 10 acres per day; and it can be strewn thickly enough by using 20 to 30 lbs. to the acre. "The cost to cover five acres will be as follows: 100 lbs. bran, 80 cents; li lbs. Paris green, 35 cents; labour $1. This will amount to 43 cents per acre, and if done in this way it will rid the field of cutworms. Can we afford to run the risk with this pest when one ton of beets will cover the cost of poisoning nearly 13 acres? If you do not see many dead worms, do not conclude that it has done no good. The worms come out at night, eat the bran and a great many crawl back into the ground and die ; but you will be able to see many of them on top." ' There is a constant inquiry for remedies for cutworms, and, as the subject was of such enormous importance to farmers in the West last season, I repeat again the remedies for these insects which were given in Bulletin "No. 52 of this Division, ' Insects Injurious to Grain and Fodder Crops, Root Crops and Vegetables.' The demand for this bulletin has been so great that it is already almost exhausted. FOR CUTWORMS IN GRAIN. Remedies. — When grain is found to be attacked by cutworms the fields should at once be examined to discover, if possible, what species is at work. If the cutworms are of a surface-feeding kind, like the Red-backed Cutworm, they may frequently be con- trolled with comparative ease by scattering poisoned bran lightly through the grain, near the spots where the caterpillars are most numerous, or ahead of them, when they are so numerous as to have assumed the marching habit. If land is systematically kept clear of weeds in autumn', there will seldom be trouble from cutworms in the crop of the following year. Prairie or sod land which is to be broken for seeding the next year should be fed off as late as possible or mowed before breaking. In this way the female moths will not be attracted to the tall vegetation on such lands when lay- ing their eggs. FOR CUTWORMS IX GENERAL CROPS. Eemedies. — (1.) Clean Farming. — The keeping down of all weeds and the burning up of all haulms, stems of reaped crops and refuse, as early as possible in the autumn after crops are reaped, will destroy many eggs and prevent the deposition of others by presenting no suitable place for the moths to lay their eggs. The eggs are laid in autumn or spring, and such places are chosen by the moths as where there will be an abundance of food for the young caterpillars on hatching. (2.) Traps. — Large numbers may be destroyed by placing between the rows of an infested crop, or at short distances apart on infested land, bundles of any succulent weed or other vegetation whioh has been previously poisoned by dipping it, after tying in bundles, into a strong mixture of Paris green, 1 oz. in a pail of water. The ctit- worms eat the poisoned plants, then bury themselves and die. In hot. dry weather these bundles should be put out after sundown, and a shingle may be placed on each to keep it from fading. 208 EXPERIMEXTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 (3.) Banding and wrapping: — (a) It will be found to well repay the trouble and expense to place a band of tin around each cabbage or other plant at the time of setting out. These may very easily be made by taking pieces of tin 6 inches long and 2^ inches wide, and bending them around a spade or broom handle so as to form short tubes. In placing them around a plant the two ends can be sprung, apart to admit the plant, and then the tube should be pressed about half an inch into the ground. I have found this a useful means of dis- posing of empty tomato and other cans. To prepare these easily they need only be thrown into a bonfire, when the tops and bottoms fall off and the sides become un- soldered. The central piece of tin can then be cut down the centre with a pair of shears and forms two tubes. (h) Wrapping a piece of paper round the stems of plants when setting them out will also save a great many. Hand-picking or digging out the cutworm whenever a plant is seen to be cut off should, of course, always be practised. (4.) Poisoned Bran Mash. — The most remarkably effective remedy against cut- worms is the poisoned bran mash which has lately come into such wide use. This is made by mixing half a pound of Paris green with fifty pounds of slightly moistened bran. . In making this, it is best first to dampen some of the bran slightly with water containing a little sugar or salt half a pound to a gallon. After mixing thoroUtThly, add the Paris green by dusting it on the surface and stirring all the time. We have found that when Paris green is added to perfectly dry bran, owing to its weight, it will sink at once to the bottom when stirred, in the same way that it does in water. Half a pound of Paris green is enough to poison fifty pounds of bran, although double this amount may be used. If the mixture is too wet, more dry bran should be stirred in until the mixture will crumble easily and run through the fingeis without adhering. When required for garden use, all that is necessary is to sprinkle a little of the poisoned mixture by hand around such plants as are liable to attack. When crops are planted in drills or in rows, a convenient way is to make the mixture rather dry and then distribute it by means of a Planet Jr., or other wheel seeder. In field prac- tice, among such close growing crops as standing grain, which are sometimes in- jured by the Bed-backed Cutworm, the poisoned bran remedy is also serviceable. The mixture can be distributed by means of a paddle or shingle and can be thrown easily to a distance of twenty feet. When distributed in this way, there is much less danger of chickens and bii'ds picking it up than if it is placed in hunps. The question of danger from the use of this poisoned bait is one which must be considered. It is frequently inquired about by correspondents, and some instances of the poisoning: of poultry where it has been used, seemed to be justly attributable to their having eaten some of it. As a rule, there is little danger from this cause. The quantity used is so small that it is not noticed by poultry ; and then, in gardens, poultry do so m.uch harm to plants that they should never be admitted at the time of year when cutworms occur injuriously and only at special times of the year when there are no crops to injure. If, however, there should be a bad infestation by cut- worms and there is no means of barring out or driving away the chickens, the owner of the crops must decide whether he will lose his crop or take special means of protecting his chickens. The experience of a great manv people who have used this remedy without taking anv special precautions, is that injury to domestic animals is extremely rare; and. although I have been on the watch for any trouble of this sort for many years, I do not know of a single instance when poultry have been poisoned, without doubt, by eating poisoned bran put out for cutworms. However, there will be many occasions when plants in gardens may be protected by putting out the poisoned bran in small heaps and then covering these up with a piece of shingle or some other cover- ing, so that the material cannot be got at by stray chickens and other poultry. It has also been asked whether there is any danger of plants absorbing Paris green from this mixture when placed near their roots. In reply to this, it is only REPORT OF TEE ENTOMOLOGIST AND BOTANIST 209 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 necessary to point out that Paris green ia practically insoluble and therefore cannot be absorbed^ by the plant. The only danger in its use is from its corrosive eflPects on vegetation, if thrown accidentally on to foliage where it can remain for some time. Western Wheat-stem Sawfly (CephiLS occidentalis, Riley and Marlatt) .— From time to time specimens of this sawfly have been reared from the stubble of wheat fields in Manitoba and the Northwest provinces; but the attack has never been of a serious nature, and it was thought that probably the insect was naturally a depre- dator on some of the native western grasses. The matter has been investigated very carefully by Mr. Norman Griddle, of Aweme, Manitoba, and he has found that two or three native grasses are regularly attacked, even when growing in close proximity to fields of grain. He writes : ' The Western Wheat-stem Sawfly was enormously abun- dant this year. I think fully three-quarters of the stems of the bunch grass which we have been calling. Agropyrum caninum, contained the larvae. Wheat and rye were also infested to a moderate extent round the edges of the fields next to the prairie. Fully 10 per cent of the cultivated Western Rye grass, Agropyrum tenerum, had also larvae in the* stems, which of course prevented the seed from forming. During the winter and early spring the larvae can be found about an inch below the ground in the stems near the root.' The remedies which suggest themselves for this insect are the burning over of stubble in autumn or early spring, and the mowing of the coarse-stemmed grasses round the edges of wheat fields. ROOTS AND VEGETABLES. There has been the usual loss in gardens and in field root crops from the well known pests ; but careful clean gardening and prompt attention have, as is always the case, prevented extensive injury. In one or two instances, as the cutworms in the West, which attacked not only field crops, but spread into every garden in the infested districts, the Sugar Beet Webworm in Southern Alberta, and an outbreak of the Spotted Cutworm, Noctua c-nigrum, L.. at Leeds, Ont., it required much effort to hold the devastating swarms in check. The Colorado Potato Beetle was more than usually abundant in Manitoba. Aweme, Man., November 26. — ' The Colorado Potato Beetle was plentiful every- where and did a great deal of damage to the foliage of potatoes. I noticed, however, that it was in much larger numbers on the plants of the Three-flowered Nightshade, Solarium triflorum.' — N. Criddle. Norquay, Man., September 25. — ' The Colorado Beetle has been worse than ever before ; it appeared in great numbers and very early on my early potatoes, which they would have destroyed utterly, if I had not sprayed them. They did not attack the main crop, which was put in later, until quite late in the season, and then only in patches. This fact was also noticed by several othei-s in the neighbourhood. The insect was so general all over the province that the supply of Paris green was cleared out to the last ounce. The newspapers spoke of this beetle as a new thing: in Mani- toba; but I saw it here in 1SS9, and about 1893 a patch of potatoes planted in a small clearing in the bush about a mile from me was entirely devoured. Since that time I have been using Paris green every year until last year, when I did not see a single beetle.' — W. 11. Holland. Several other correspondents in Manitoba spoke of the destruction by the Color- ado Potato Beetle, and an effort was made to secure combined action in controlling the insect. In the older provinces there was the usual occurrence of this insect, and, where the plants were not sprayed, there was much loss. In Prince Edward Island the loss was reported as unusually large and the beetles as more numerous than for many years. The Rev. Father Burke states that prompt application of the ordinary 16—14 210 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 remedy, Paris green invariablj^ gave good results. The Colorado Potato Beetle and the Potato Rot, a fungous disease, are now of such regular occurrence throughout all the eastern parts of Canada that spraying the vines regularly with the poisoned Bordeaux mixture by means of the best spraying implements obtainable, should be recognized as a regular part of the practice of growing potatoes commercially, as well as in gardens, even of only limited extent. The cost and labour are comparatively small, but the profits are certain. The formula which is recommended for potatoes, is: — Copper sulphate (bluestonc) 6 lbs. Lime (unslaked) 4 " Water 40 gals. Paris green 8 ozs. If preferred, 3 lbs. of arsenate of lead may be used instead of the 8 ozs. of Paris green. This material is supplied in the market in the form of a thick paste. It is necessary that it should be thoroughly thinned with some water before putting into the spraying mixture. This is easily done; but, if the paste is put into the mixture without first dissolving it, it will not mix thoroughly. One of the advantages of arsenate of lead is that it remains on the foliage much longer than Paris green, and it is well known that it is not so destructive to the foliage. In addition to the Colorado Potato Beetle, extensive injury is sometimes done by a small flea-beetle known as the Cucumber Flea-beetle, Epitrix cucumeris, Harr. This beetle, strange to say, is difficult to control v/ith the ordinary applications of Paris green ; but, if the poison is mixed with Bordeaux mixture, it is very effective, and it, like all other foliage eating insects, can be prevented from injuring the crop. Enemies. — A subject which is always of much interest is the detection of the parasitic and predaceous enemies of any common injurious insect. During the past year specimens of the useful and beautiful little Carab, Lehia grandAs, Hentz, were observed with interest and in some numbers, by Mr. Richard Gibson, of Delaware, Out. He noticed them on several occasions attacking the larvae of the Potato Beetle and destroying them. The Rev. Robert Hamilton, of Grenville. Q\ie., also sent me specimens of the predaceous bug, Podisus spinomis, DalL, which he had found prey- ing on the larvffi of the Colorado Potato Beetle. He had seen a great many of these larvse lying dead among his potatoes and was induced to look for the cause, when he found an unusual number of the predaceous bugs. There are a great many parasites of this regular enemy of the potato grower; but, unfortunately, they are never abun- dant enough to affect appreciably its numbers, and spraying potatoes will probably always be every year a necessary part of the successful cultivation of that important crop. The Potato-leaf Aphis, Nectaropliora solanifolii, Ashm. — An occasional but destructive enemy of the potato is the above named plant-louse, which in the spring of 190G was very abundant at Ottawa. The potato fields in the month of June were much infested, and the plants were stunted by the attacks of the insects, thus aggra- vating to a marked degree the effects of the protracted drought which prevailed in the Ottawa valley. About the beginning of July the insects suddenly disappeared, and in favourable localities the plants to some extent outgrew the injury. The life habits of this species of aphis are as yet unknown; but it is probable that at that time the species migrates to some other food-plant, as is known to be the case with other species. Although some kinds of ladybird beetles were observed on the plants, it was considered that they were not in sufficient numbers to account for the sudden diminu- tion in the numbers of the plant-louse. On a small scale, experiments in spraying with the ordinary insecticides for this class of insects were quite effective. Whale-oil soap, 1 lb. in 5 gallons of water, and kerosene emulsion made with Tak-a-Nap soap gave the best results. REPORT OF TEE ENTOMOLOGIST AND BOTANIST 211 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 No reports of injury were received in 1906 from Nova Scotia, where considerable injury was done in 1904. The Small "White Cabbage Butterfly, Pontia rapes, L. — This well-known enemy of the cabbage was remarkably abundant and destructive in Manitoba during the sum- mer of 1906. Aweme, Man., September 20. — ' The larva; of Pontia rapoe were more abundant this year in our district than I have ever known them to be, and, as a result, in those districts where the use of pyrethrum insect powder was not known, cabbages were seriously and in some places wholly destroyed. Here a couple of dustings of the pow- der a week apart, mixed according to your directions, completely exterminated the caterpillars, so that no further damage was done, and we had a good crop. Turnips wild mustard, wild radish, and even the notorious Stinkweed, were also attacked, as well as, I suppose, many other cruciferous plants which I did not notice.' — N. CfJinnLE. Norquay, Man., September 25.—' The Cabboge Butterfly has descended on us as a scourge; every cabbage patch I know has been destroyed, also mignonette in the flower garden. Later they attacked Swede turnips rather savagely. I note your remedy (insect powder and flour) which I will have ready for them next year.' — W. II. Holland. Macgregor, Man., October 25. — ' The White Cabbage Butterfly appeared suddenly this year in immense numbers, and the caterpillars entirely destroyed the cabbage crop. There were but four cabbages at our local show on the 3rd instant ; two of these were completely riddled by the caterpillars, and the .other two, although not so bad, were injured to some extent. I saw no tickets attached to any of them. What I would like to know, is : Are these butterflies likely to turn up again next season, or are they only occasional visitors? They are distinct from the cabbage butterfly that is in Ireland and they seem to be harder to deal with, as the n-^'-ibs get into the centre of the cabbage, while those in Ireland live on the outer leaves.' — T. Rowan. Cypress River, Man., March. 1907. — ' Last year tho White Cabbage Butterflies were so numerous as to be quite a plague in this part of Manitoba, and no one here had a cabbage for winter use. The whole cabbage was like a skeleton. I tried quick lime (that was a specific in the old country), but it was of no avail here; and then I trind salt, but they seemed to like that all the more, and then I tried ashes.' — John Marten, Sr. The caterpillars of the Small White Cabbage Butterfly, commonly known as Cabbage Worms, are, when full grown, about an inch long, of a velvety green colour, with a broken yellow line along each side and an unbroken one down the middle of of the back. The eggs are laid on the leaves on any part of the plant and on both sides of the leaves. The young caterpillars hatch after about a week and at once feed on the soft tissues close around the egg from which they have emerged. As they grow larger, they bore into the heads of the cabbage and do a large amount of injury, com- pared with their size. Being of the same green colour as the leaves, they are difficult to detect and may be in large numbers upon the plants wilhout being noticed, except for their injuries. After feeding for about a fortnight ,the chrysalis condition is as- sumed, and in about a month after the eggs are laid the butterflies appear. There are two regidar broods during the growing season and, besides this, sometimes a late supplementary brood of which the caterpillars are found as late as November. Cruci- ferous plants of nearly all kinds are attacked by this insect, as well as plants belong- ing to the Caper and ^fignonette families, which are closely allied to the Cruciferse. This insect, which has now spread right across the Dominion and is every year the cause of enormous losses, not only in crops of cabbages, but also in turnips, swedes, and rape, is a comparatively recent importation from Europe. The first records of its occurrence in America were about 1860, when it was observed near Quebec; and it is supposed that it was brought across the Atlantic on some of the ships running into Quebec from European ports. 16—14* 212 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1G08 Remedy. — Although every year responsible for a great deal of loss to farmers aiid gardeners, this insect is one of the easiest pests to control. There are many remedies which are more or less exploited; but the one which has given us most satisfaction at Ottawa and has certainly proved very satisfactory to every one who has tried it, is to dust the plants, as soon as the caterpillars are noticed, with a mixture of 1 pound of pyrethrum insect powder in 4 pounds of cheap flour, or any other perfectly dry powder. Mix the whole together and keep it in a tightly closed canister or jar for 24 hours. The powder is then ready for use and may be dusted over the cabbages either with a cheese-cloth bag tapped lightly with a slender stick, or from one of the various insect gnns, or dusters, now sold by seedsmen. The advantage of this remedy over many others which are recommended is that, although insect powder is so deadly to the cater- pillars and most insects, it is quite harmless to human beings and the higher animals. The rather prevalent custom of using Paris green and other arsenical poisons on cabbages and other vegetables, must be condemned as being very dangerous without any commensurate advantage. It is claimed, as the heading up of cabbages is a development from the central axis and not an infolding of the leaves, that there is no danger of the Paris green or other poison being inclosed in the cabbage head; but these cabbage worms and several other kinds of caterpillars which feed upon the cabbage, bore holes into the heads, thus giving an opportunity for these poisons to be washed into them, and, as a matter of fact, some actual instances of poisoning in this way are recorded. Two or at most three applications of the insect powder have always been found enough on our grounds at Ottavv'a to clear cabbages and cauliflovrors thoroughly. The Spined Rustic Barothra curialis, Smith. — In the report of this Division for 1905, pp. 179-180, considerable space was given to a notice of a remarkable outbreak of a usually rare noctuid moth under the name of Barathra occidentaia, Grote. During the season of 1906 a few specimens of the moth were taken at night in various parts of the country within the range where the moths and caterpillars had been observed the previous season, but there was no widespread occurrence similar to that of 1905. One instance of noticeable injury was reported to me by Dr. C. A. Hamilton, of Mahone Bay, N.S. This was in the garden of a neighbour, where fully half of a large patch of cabbage was destroyed by the caterpillars. Dr. Hamilton had none of the insects in his own garden and heard of no other growers who suffered. There was, however, an occurrence recorded by the United States Bureau of Entomology in the State of Vermont. As stated above, the insect was treated of in my 1905 report under the name of Barathra occideniata, Grt. ; but I have since learnt from Sir George Hampson, of the British Museum, that the species is really Barathra curialis. Smith ; and this identification has been confirmed by Dr. J. B. Smith, the describer of the species, and also by Dr. H. G. Dyar. A New Cabbage Pest, Barynotus scTioenlierri, Zett. — To the already large lisft of insects which attack the cabbage, another has to be added, in the large gray Otio- rhyncid beetle above named, as is shown by the following letter: — Lawrencetown, N.S., July 7. — ^ I send specimens of a beetle that is doing a great deal of damage to the cabbage crop in this locality. They attack the young cabbages and cauliflowers when set out in the field, stripping the leaf right down to the ground. I shall be glad if you can give me the name and a remedy, if one is known to you.' — Colin Hiltz. This beetle is interesting from a scientific. standpoint on account of its occurrence in Nova Scotia. It is a European species, but was detected in Nova Scotia on the sea coast some years ago by Mr. W. H. Harrington, in company with some other Eu- ropean insects such as OtiorhynchiLS riigifrons, Gyll., 0. sulcaius, Fab., ..and Scia- philus muricatus, Fab. These are all common iBsects of -NortheriL Europe. .All three REPORT OF TEE E^^TOMOLOGIST AND BOTAMST 213 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 of the last named have heon found in Newfoundland, as well as on the coast of Nova Scotia; but no complaint has ever been made of injury by 0. rugifrons, nor previously of depredations by Banjnotus schoenherri. Oiiorhynrhus sulcatus, on the other hand, has on several occasions been reported as a rather troublesome pest in old beds of strawberries. In Europe it has been called the Black Vine Weevil, from the fre- quency of its injuries to the grape vine. Remedy. — Soon after the injury to cabbages was reported as above by Mr. Hiltz, the beetles disappeared. The remedies sug-gosted were based on the structure of the beetle. Although provided with well developed wing cases, these insects, like most of the others belonging to the same natural family, have no true wings; so they can only gain access to their food plant by crawling. Preventive remedies were therefore recom- mended. Watering the plants with a kerosene emulsion, it was thought, might keep the beetles away from plants so protected. The surrounding of the plants with tin bands, as is done for cutworms, would also doubtless be effective, and perhaps a band of paper might answer for the same purpose. It was further suggested that as this insect is nocturnal in habit, traps in the shape of shingles or other easily handled shelters might be placed about the field for the beetles to hide under during the day, from which they might be collected in the morning and killed by dropping them into some receptacle containing water on the top of which some coal oil had been poured. There was no opportunity for trying these remedies ; but they may be remembered at any future time, should the insect appear again in destructive numbers. This weevil is easily recognized by its thick-set oval shape, about f of an inch in length, its uniform grayish-brown colour and its short thick beak. Very little is known about its food habits ; but it is probable that it has other food plants besides members of the Mustard family, and, if this should prove to be the case, some of these might be used as traps by poisoning them with Paris green and, after tying them in bundles, distribiiting them about the field at short intervals. Asparagus Beetles, Crioceris asparagi, L., and C. 12-punctata, L. — The two species of Asparagus beetles are now a regularly occurring trouble to asparagus growers in the Lake Erie and Lake Ontario counties. These insects are slender beetles about a quarter of an inch in length and are very unlike in appearance and habits. The Common Asparagus Beetle is conspicuously marked with six yellowish white blotches on the wing-cases, which are of a metallic blue-black colour. The neck and the borders of the wing cases are reddish. The 12-spotted Asparagus Beetle is of a bright reddish orange with 12 round black spots on the wing covers. The larvse of the first are of a dull olive green colour and slug-like in appearance. The eggs are laid early in spring by the over-wintering beetles and are of a greenish black colour. They are frequently laid in large numbeis upon the young shoots rendering these unsightly for the market. The grubs feed upon the green growth and are produced throughout the season. The grubs of the 12-spotted species are similar in shape to those of the Common Asparagus Beetle, but arc of a dirty yellowish colour and feed only inside the berries of the plant. The asparagus beetles made their first appear- ance in Canada, in the Niagara peninsula in 1898, and have not only persisted there, but have gradually spread in every direction since that date. They appeared in Toronto three or four years ago and are now the cause of much anxiety fo asparagus growers ; nevertheless, the spread, on the whole, is far less extensive that it was at first feared it might be. During the past season, however, there was a wide extension. No mention has been made of injury by the beetles to any distance east of Toronto; but on the 20th September last, a few specimens of the larvse of the Common Asparagus Beetle were found at Ottawa upon an isolated bed of asparagus which had been planted for about twenty years and to which no new plants had been brought in from outside. The beetles, therefore, must have flown to it from some distance. These larva? buried soon after they were found, and nearly a month later the perfect beetles were found in the breeding jar. The two species of Asparagus Beetles seem to have 214 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 spread in company. The common species, as a rule, in the United States preceded to some extent the 12-spotted form ; but in Western Ontario this rule seems to have been reversed in most instances. So-far, however, the 12-spotted form has not appeared at Ottawa. Remedies. — (1.) Dusting with lime. The most effective remedy is probably the destruction of the larvse by dusting the plants systematically every three or four days with fresh air-slaked lime, which kills all those with which it comes in contact. (2.) Poisoning. Active poisons, as a mixture of Paris green and flour, or, better, Paris green mixed with the lime mentioned above, and dusted through the planta, will kill not only by contact with the larvae, but will destroy both them and the perfect beetles which eat the poisoned foliage. (4.) Beating. Beetles and larvae may be beaten from the old plants into nets or broad pans containing water and coal oil. Nets made especi- ally for the purpose are most convenient. The larvae may also be brushed off the plants v/ith a stick, and, if this is done in the middle of a hot day, it is claimed that few will be able to get back again. (5.) Young chickens and ducks, when available, are very useful in eating the beetles when they first appear in spring. As the perfect beetles appear early in spring and feed and lay their eggs in large numbers upon the young shoots, early cutting not only of the heads when fit for the market, bvit also of the small shoots which are of no use for that purpose, should be practised. In this way many of the larvae are prevented from hatching, and the num- bers of the pest to that extent reduced. When the 12-spotted Asparagus Beetle is known to be present, the berry-bearing plants should be cut off and burnt before the berries turn red so as to destroy the contained larvae. The Eed Turnip Beetle, Entomoscelis adonidis, Pab. — This showy scarlet beetle which is two-thirds the size of the Colorado Potato Beetle, and has three black stripes down its back, is now becoming well-known to the settlers on the prairies and in Bri- tish Columbia. As the prairies are more settled up and the weeds belonging to the Mustard family become scarcer, there is every probability that the depredations of this insect upon cultivated crops will become more noticeable. Specimens were sent in last season from, several places in Manitoba, the Northwest and the interior of British Columbia. As a remedy, dusting the plants with Paris green and flour (1 to 50) answered well. A rather severe outbreak at Fort Ellice, Man., is recorded by Mr. Louis Worms, as follows : — ' I reported to you in the spring of 1904 the depredations of the previoiis year in my garden at St. Lazare by the Red Turnip Beetle. In 1904 my garden was inun- dated in spring, and I only finished sowing my seeds in the beginning of June. Dur- ing that year I did not notice any appreciable injury done by insects. It was quite otherwise in 1905. On the same piece of land which had been used as a garden for the two preceding years, I put out in the beginning of June, and in excellent condition, 450 fine plants of different varieties of cabbages. They took well, but I soon noticed that the leaves were much cut up and covered with beetles. The strongest plants resisted and in the end gave me a poor crop of about 50 imperfect cabbages. A bed of ]xohl-rabi was likewise checked in its growth by the same insect. Another field of white turnips about a quarter of a mile off were also much injured, and I was able toward the end of August to count as many as 15 or 20 beetles on a single turnip plant. I cannot explain where these insects could have come from in such numbers. Many of my neighbours also had their gardens infested, and one of them sowed his Swede turnips three times ; another was equally unfortunate with me. How do these insects gjet to the plants? ' It was explained to Mr. Worms that the Red Turnip Beetle, like many others of the family to which it belongs, has well formed wings beneath the hard wing cases, by means of which it can fly long distances from place to place. The species seems to be more attracted by its native food plants, the Gray Tansy-mustard and the Prairie REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGIST AXD BOTANIST 215 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 Wallflowers, than by cultivated crops, but on many occasions great injury has been done to crops of turnips and cabbages of all kinds. The Red-f:dged Leaf-iiopper, Oncometopia lateralis, Fab. — As the prairie lands of the West are gradually brought under cultivation, it must be expected that some of the native insects will occasionally turn their attention to cultivated crops and also that some of them may become regular enemies of the farmer or tree-grower. In May last, specimens of the above-named leaf-hopper were sent in by Mr. J. A. Mitchell, of Pakan, Alberta, with the report that they were occurring in destructive numbers upon his young seedlings of the Ash-leaved Maple (Acer Negundo). These were insects which had passed the winter in the mature condition. In August Mr. S. S. Galbraith sent several specimens of a new brood which he had found in great numbers on his vegetables. They were especially thick on the stems of parsnips, beets, &c., and it was noticed that they discharged frequently drops of a colourless liquid, evidently the sap which they had sucked from the plants. No particular damage was noticed and the insects disappeared suddenly after a heavy rain storm. Should these leaf-hoppers ever occur in sufficient numbers to become injurious, contact insecticides such as whale-oil soap or kerosene emulsion should be sprayed over the infested plants. The Hop Flea-beetle, PsylUodes punctidata, Melsh. — For several years com- plaints of extensive injury to the hop plants in the Fraser river valley of British Columbia by a small black flea-beetle have been reported. Specimens have been re- ceived from Mr. John Wilson, the manager of large hop-yards belonging to Sir Arthur Stepney. Mr. Wilson writes on September 14 last: — Agassiz, B.C. — ' I am sending you a package of hops, just as I pulled them from the vines. I am now all through with my hop picking, and we had a very light crop — only 42 bales where we ought to have had 240. This shortage is due to the work of the flea-b'eetle. At the present price of hops, I consider that Sir Arthur Stepney will be a loser of from $15,000 to $20,000, so, you will see what a serious matter this is.' Mr. Wilson tried many experiments with insecticides, but with little effect; and I must acknowledge that I cannot understand his failures, unless perhaps his spraying apparatus may have been inadequate. The remedy recommended was the ordinary poisoned Bordeaux mixture, made according to the 4-4-40 formula, with from 4 to 8 ounces of Paris green to the 40 gallons. He also tried the Bordeaux mixture poison- ed with 4 pounds of arsenate of lead to the same amount of mixture. Either of these applications should certainly kill this insect on hops, as they have been found to do on rhubarb in the Northwest and Manitoba. Mr. Thomas Cunningham, the Provincial Inspector of Fruit Pests of British Columbia, visited the infested hop yards and helped Mr. Wilson in his efforts at con- trolling the beetle. He writes to me in December last : — Vancouver, B.C. — ' I am free to confess that very litte impression was made by arsenical spraying. Dusting seem.ed to do better. I have a Leggett powder gun which does excellent dusting; but the trouble is, as foon as the dust or spray strikes the vines, the fleas hop off on to the ground. In all my experience with insects, I have never seen anything that will approach the fleas in resistance to all kinds of treat- ment.' Mr. H. Hulburt, of Sardis, B.C., has also had experience with the Hop Flea- beetle, and has destroyed large numbers by catching them on tarred sheets as they flew from the vines after being disturbed. The Hop Flea-beetle is a native insect, and there are two broods in the year, the first appearing in June and the second in August. It is quite different from the flea- beetles which are found on hops in England. IJp to the present time little progress has been made towards getting a practical remedy; but steps have been taken to carry out further experiments next season, which it is hoped, will be more satisfactory. 216 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS FRUIT CROPS. 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 The fruit crops of the Dominion were very irregular, variable both in quality and in quantity according to the local conditions which prevailed. The apple crop was the one most affected by injurious insects. This important crop in the Maritime Provinces was poorer than usual. Father Burke speaks of the Codling Moth as very abundant in Prince Edward Island. In Western Ontario the ravages of the Codling Moth were extremely severe, and probably owing to the short plum crop the Plum Curculio did more harm to apples than in any year of which we have statistics. Plums were very short in quantity everywhere, except in British Columbia, owing to inclement weather which affected the buds and blossoms. In Ontario, sweet cherries were much reduced by the winter-killing of the buds and by the falling of the fruit after setting. Sour cherries gave an excellent crop in Ontario, quite free from insect injury. Small fruits were abundant in all provinces with the exception of strawberries, which were very much v,-inter-killcd in Ontario and Quebec, owing to the lack of snow and the mild changeable winter with one or two snaps of intense cold. The Codling MoTii, Carpocapsa pomonella, L. — Mr. George E. Fisher, of Free- man, Ont., writes : ' The remarkable increase of the San Jose Scale and Fall Web- worm and the unprecedented injury by the Codling Worm upon the apple crop v.ere the most conspicuous features of the past season.' And Mr. A. MclSTeill, in his Sep- tember, 1906, Fruit Crop Eeport, writes : ' The marked feature of insects for this month is the pronounced appearance of the work of the Codling Moth. No doubt the crop of this year v/ill be more affected by Codling Moth than any of the last four or five years. The Fall Webworm is the only other insect of which serious complaint is now made.' Mr. Fisher also, in his report as Director of the Entomological Society of Ontario, for the Hamilton district, states : ' There is no insect so v* idely distri- buted and so destructive to the fi'uit crop of the country as the Codling Moth, which causes the loss of many thousands of dollars annually. 1906 was pre-eminently a Cod- ling Moth year, the worst on record. In many apple orchards one-half of the crop was wormy, and in some the proportion of injury was even greater. How to lessen the ravages of the Codling Worm is an intricate problem for apple and pear growers, who resort to various means. The most popular remedies are spraying with arsenites, bandaging, and keeping hogs and sheep in the orchard. Spraying will reduce the first brood. Bandages should be applied early in July after the rough bark has been scraped from the trunk and large limbs. If at intervals of ten days these bandages be removed and. after the worms have been destroyed, the bands are put back on the trees, con- tinuing the work throughout the season until the crop is harvested, the evil will be materially lessened.' Remedies. — Great stress has been laid in the past on the importance of spraying apple orchards while the calyx remains open and before the fruit turns down owing to its increasing weight. I think that possibly this feature of the case has been some- what overdrawn. It is true that a large proportion of the young larvae gain access to the apple through the calyx end ; but the eggs are laid mostly on the sides of the apple and also in large numbers on the foliage. The young larva;, on hatching, feed on the foliage to some extent, as was observed by the late Mr. Simpson of the United States Department of Agriculture, who pu.blished a very complete treatise on his experiments with the Codling Moth. If spraying has not been done before the apples turn down, there is still ample time to do much good for some time afterwards, as the calyx lobes do not close sufllciently to exclude the young larvae for some time after that. I have found freshly laid eggs on crab apples that were half an inch in diameter, and good results followed from spraying the orchard in which they were growing, even at that time. The remedies for the Codling Moth must be devised in accordance with its life history. Those founded on our Ottawa observations and experiments, are given below and, where applied regularly year after year, have given perfectly satisfactory results. As in Canada east of a point about Toronto there is only one regular annual REPORT OF TEE ENTOMOLOGIST AND BOTANIST 217 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 brood of the Codling Motli, the insect can there be controlled almost entirely with careful and regular spraying with the poisoned Bordeaux mixture. West of Toronto there are two broods, the second of which is by far the more destructive and difficult to cope with. It has been found that in this latter district it is necessarj' to supple- ment the spring spraying by wrapping the trees with loose bands of burlap or some other material which will serve as a refuge in which the caterpillars wall spin their cocoons, these to be removed regularly and the caterpillars killed at short intervals after the middle of July, when the caterpillars begin to spin up. Care must be taken to scrape or brush the bark beneath these bands with a stiff brush or some other imple- ment so as to remove all of the cocoons which are frequently sunk into the substance of the bark by the caterpillars gnawing away the surface. The insects in the bands may be killed by dropping the latter into boiling water or by crushing the cocoons. The pc'isoned Bordeaux mixture made wnth A lbs. of fresh lime, 4 lbs. of bluestone and 4 ounces of Paris green (or instead of the 4 ozs. of Paris green, 3 lbs. of Arsenate of lead) in 40 gallons of water, we have found to be a sure remedy against the Codling Moth, if applied every year. Three applications are necessary, the first one applied a week after the blossoms have fallen, and the others afterwards at intervals of fifteen days. In orchards which have not been previously treated for a year or two, foui sprayings should be given. The Codling Moth, which is such a destructive enemy of the apple in almost every locality where that favou.rite fruit can be grown, has in the past for some remarkable and unexplainable reason, never appeared in British Columbian orchards. There can be no doubt about infested fruit having been taken into the province very fre- quently; for I have heard of injured apples being found on the tables of the railway dining cars, and in addition many carloads of apples from Eastern Canada and the United States, where the insect is abundant, have of recent years been imported into British Columbia. It is quite impossible that even the most careful inspection could detect every infested apple; but yet the fact remained that, up to a year or two ago, there was no record of the insect having been found in the Pacific province. During the summer of 1906 specimens of the moth that had been reared from larvae taken in the open en trees growing at Kamloops and at Kaslo, were sent to me for identifica- ton. The first specimens came from Mr. J. W. Cockle, of Kaslo, and were from co- coons which he had found in 1905 on the trunk of an apple tree growing in a garden within the limits of the town of Kaslo. Some other cocoons were found at the same time, and the work of the ii sect has also been further observed during the past sum- mer. The Kamloops ocurrence is referred to by the finder in the following letter: — Kamloops, B.C., June 6, 1906. — ' For the past two or three years the apple crop in the gardens of this city has been almost destroyed by a worm which in appearance and general characteristics closely resembles the Codling Moth, yet I do not think it is quite identical with that moth as it is found in Eastern Canada. I am forwarding to your address two living specimens of the moth.' — E. Stuart Wood. The two specimens sent by Mr. Wood were, like those sent by Mr. Cockle, un- doubted specimens of the Codling Moth and quite identical with the form so common in tlic East. Fort\inately for the fruit growers of British Columbia, the energetic Inspector of Fruit Pests, Mr. Thomas Cunningham, is carrying on a vigorous campnign in persuading every one who grows fruit, of the great advantage of spraying their trees persistently. By spraying, not only can the Codling Moth be controlled, but also many other posts of the orchard. The Plum Curculio, Conotrachelus nenuphar, Herbst. — Plums were a very phort crop over the whole of Eastern Canada in 1906. In consequence of this, there were more complaints of injury to apples, cherries, and peaches, by the Curculio than has been the case for many years. The greatest injury was done to the apple crop, and there were several instances of severe attack in the provinces of Quebec and Ontario. One of the worst was at Eglinton, Out., near Toronto, on the grounds of ^Fr. John 218 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 Annable, who sent me during the first three weeks of July, some consignments of apples which had fallen from his trees. These apples each contained from one to five of the grubs of the Plum Curculio. The whole crop of this orchard was ruined. The loss from this insect was also considerable in the apple orchards of the Eastern Townships of the province of Quebec. When plums and apples are attacked by the Plum Cur- culio, the fruit drops freely, when about half-grown or less. Cherries hang on the trees much longer. From the fact that many young apples fall naturally during June, the injuries by the Curculio are frequently overlooked. Mr. Annable states that when he was sending off the injured fruit at my request for examination, his neighbours made great fun of him, telling him that there was nothing the matter with them and that it was natural for the young apples to fall off at that time of year. Remedy. — In our Canadian experience we have always found that spraying with arsenical poisons was by far the best remedy for the Plum Curculio, and it has been a surprise to me that this method is not more advised and practised in the United States. The jarring method is by far too expensive in labour for adoption here, when the results of the two practices are compared. The effects of spraying for Curculio on plums are all that a paying remedy calls for. On apples, the effects seem to be less marked; but, even on that crop, there is a decided advantage far in excess of the cost. Plums are grov/n in large quantities in the Niagara district and all of the most successful growers have adopted spraying with arsenites as the standard remedy for the Curculio. Wolfville, N.S. — ' I have known the " Little Turk " from boyhood and used to follow him up with mallet and sheet. Then I trained a hen and a flock of chicks to follow and pick up the beetles as they fell. This was far easier and quite as effectual. The chicks used to think it grand fun. Since spraying has become general, the dam- age to the plum crop by Curculio has not been so great.' — R. W. Starr. Homer, Ont. — ' With regard to spraying for Plum Curculio, I spray about four days after the blossoms drop. If I leave the plums till they are about the size of beans, and the beetles have begun to cut or sting them, then no amount of poison will save the crop. I find arsenate of lead away ahead of Paris green, because it does not burn the leaves and does not wash off so easily with the rain. Last year I sprayed all my plum orchards with arsenate of lead and really found none of the fruit cut by the first hatching of the curculio.' — F. G. Stewart, St. Catharines, Ont. — ' I use 3 ozs. of Paris green and 5 lbs. of lime to a barrel of water for the first spraying. For the second application, 2 ozs. of Paris green and 5 lbs. of lime. If the spraying is done carefully the first time, I find it is not necessary to spray twice in some seasons. The spraying should be done as soon as the blossoms drop.' — Alex. Glass. St. Catharines, Ont. — ' A thorough spraj-ing with Bordeaux mixture, I have found to be the best remedy for Curculio. Generally speaking, plum trees load very heavily and the loss from Curculio after spraying is a help in thinning out the crop. — E. McArdle. St. Catharines, Ont, — 'I have never used any mixture for Curculio but the ordinary 4-4-40 Bordeaux mixture with 4 ozs. of Paris green. During the last five seasons I have not missed one crop of plums, and I attribute this entirely to spraying. I think it absolutely useless to attempt to grow plums in this section with- out spraying, since, even if the fruit escapes the Curculio, the "'Shot-hole" fungus will destroy the foliage so early that the next season's crop is discounted. In fact, I consider spraying more important, if anything, than cultivation to ensure a crop of plums.' — R. F. RoBTXSox. The above are a very few quotations from many decided letters on this subject; and, although a few of my correspondents still adhere to the old-fashioned remedy of jarring, spraying is so effective that these are becoming fewer every year. The reme- dies recommended by this Division are: (1.) Spraying the trees with the 4-4-40 poisoned Bordeaux mixture very early in the season, directly the fruit is set. This nEPORT or THE EXrO}.IOLOGTf?T AXD BOTAXTST 219 SESSIONAL PAPER No. To destroys the beetles, which for some time feed upon the buds and opening leaves of plum trees. The second spraying, with poisoned Bordeaux mixture, should be made when the plums are about as large as peas. This will coat the j-oung fruit so that the beetles are destroyed when they feed on the fruit or cut the crescents for egg- laying. (2.) The destruction of all windfalls or injured fruit that drops, so as to clear away all fruit before the larvae emerge and enter the ground to pupate. Poultry, pigg and sheep help well in this work. (3.) The ploughing up and cultivation of orchards so as to remove grass and other vegetation which, besides weakening the trees, gives places for the insects to hide in. The depth at which the larva; pupate, is about an inch beneath the surface, and the pupation in this part of Canada takes place during Jul}'; therefore cultivation during that month will destroy many of the pupae, and this has been found the remedy which has given the best results in old orchards which had been in sod for many years and in which the fruit had been seriously injured year after year. The jarring of plum trees, which is much written about and highly recommended, will certainly destroy many of the beetles, but costs too much for labour when com- pared with spraying with insecticides, which give more certain results in my experi- ence. The Apple Maggot, Rhagoletis pomonella, Walsh. — This destructive insect has appeared in new localities during the past season. At Como, Que., on the O.ttawa river, the attack was not less severe than in the previous year. This was undoubtedly due to the lack of concerted action on the part of all the apple-growers in the district. Some of the owners of the largest orchards made a great effort to destroy the infested fruit by feeding it to stock or burying it; but there were a large number of small orchards where nothing was done, and, as a consequence, the whole community had to 5.ufFer. Severe outbreaks occurred near Woodstock, in New Brunswick, and in Prince Edward county, Ontario. One or two other reports proved to be of other insects, which were spoken of under the wrong names. The Oyster-shell Scale, Mytilaspis uhni, 1^.,= Lepidosaphes ulmi, L. — One of the remarkable occurrences of the past season was of the well-known Oyster-shell Scale, and this was not only on weak trees and in badly kept orchards, but was a special development of the season, which involved trees in well-worked orchards and vigorous shrubs in gardens. Unless some unexpected help comes from insect or fun- gous parasites, it is to be feared that there will be much destruction by this insect during the coming season. It is comparatively inconspicuous; and, even with those fruit-growers who have learned to detect the common enemies of their trees, it is so familiar that its possibilities of doing harm are frequently underestimated. Wher- ever this insect is found in orchards in large numbers, steps should be taken to invi- gorate the trees by special fertilizing and cultivation, and also to destroy the insects by spraying with whale-oil soap solution or kerosene emulsion, as soon as the young bark-lice are seen to be moving. This will be probably about the first of June in Central Ontario, .a little earlier in Western Ontario, and gradually becoming later going eastward to the maritime provinces, where the young insects sometime? do not appear till towards the end of the month. After the leaves have fallen in the autumn, all infested trees should be thoroughly sprayed with a limewash, made of 1 lb. of fresh lime in each gallon of water. Two coats of the whitewash should be applied, and the second one may be sprayed on to the trees immediately after the first is dry. In snctions where the lime-STilphur wash is used for San Jose Scale, fungous diseases or other pests, no other treatment will be necessary. The BfFFALO Tree-ttopper, Ceresa hiihalus, Fab.^From several localities in On- tario and Quebec, branches of apple trees have been sent in, which were injured by the females of the Buffalo Tree-hopper when they were laying their eggs. The remedy which is advised for this insect is close pruning in winter, by which as many as pos- 220 EXPERIMEXTAL FARMS 7-8 EDVMRD VII., A. 1908 Bible of the egg clusters are removed, and the keeping down of all weeds and low growth in orchards, upon which the full grown and immature insects feed. They are particularly attracted, it is claimed, to beans, and it has been suggested that some of these should be planted between the trees in infested orchards, as traps, the plants being sprayed with strong mixtures of kerosene emulsion or whale-oil soap when the larvffi or nymphs are found to be numerous. Although the eggs are laid in the wood of trees, the young insects spend very little time on the trees and resort almost entirely to low herbage for their sustenance. The San Jose Scale, Aspidiotus perniciosus, Comstk. — This terrible enemy of the fruit-grower continues to spread alarmingly in the district of Ontario which, from its first appearance in Canada, has been the only part of the province where it has gained a foothold. This area extends through the counties immediately north of Lake Erie, and as far east around Lake Ontario as a point a little east of Burlington in Halton county. The losses are certainly enormous every year, but the satisfactory fact must be recorded that, even in the worst infested districts good clean crops are being reaped by careful fruit-growers, who use the lime-sulphur wash systemati- cally every year. A renewal of interest in the subject has recently taken place, owing to the activity of certain fruit-growers in the St. Catharines district, and to the energy displayed by a few public-spirited men in the neighbourhood of Chatham, Ont. In response to inquiries made by Mr. Herbert S. Clements, M.P. for the West Riding of Kent, and by instruction of the Hon. Minister of Agriculture, tlie whole question of the occurrence of the San Jose Scale in Canada was discussed before the Select Standing Committee of the House of Commons on Agriculture and Coloniza- tion, on March 6, 1907. Immediately afterwards, on March 8, a convention was held at St. Catharines by the Niagara Fruit Growers' Association, at which the subject of treating the San Jose Scale was the chief topic. This meeting was largely attended; and, in addition to the information imparted by the Dominion Entomologist, valuable addresses were given by Prof. H. A. Surface, of Pennsylvania, and by several of the practical fruit-growers who were in attendance. The consensus of opinion at this meeting was that, where the lime-sulphur wash had been carefully applied, the Scale had been controlled and good crops produced. It was also apparent, however, that a large majority of those who grew fruit in the district were taking no steps whatever to control the pest, and, as a consequence, their neighbours were subjected to much loss and expense. One point which was urged upon the meeting was that a uniform formula should be decided upon for making the lime-sulphur wash. During the dis- cussion a remarkable diversity of opinion was expressed as to the exact quantities of ingredients to use and as to the time necessary to boil these so as to produce the proper chemical combination. Naturally, each experimenter considered that the formula which he had been using was the best one. As a result of this disciissionj a committee of representative men from the various sections was chosen, and they were requested in the name of the association to investigate this matter, and that each one should during the coming season experiment with at least one other formula besides the one which he considered best. One great advantage of the lime-s\ilphur wash, which was acknowledged by all, and which, perhaps, accounts for its wide adoption by a large number of fruit-growers, is its undoubted efficacy in controlling a large number of fungous diseases. The manufacture and use of the lime-sulphur wash are decidedly unpleasant and troublesome; but its great value in destroying scale insects and many other fruit pests, besides fungous diseases, has rendered it very popular with all who have tried it. White Grubs (Lachnosterna species). — A very common enemy of strawberry- gn^owers is the White Grub so-called. This is the larva of one of the species of May Beetles or June Bugs. There are several species with somewhat similar habits, and, although most of these in American literature have been treated of under the name of Lachnosterna fusca, Froh., that species is by no means responsible for all the injury REPORT OF TEE EyTOMOLOGIST AXD BOTANIST 221 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 reported. There is even yet a good deal of imcertaiuty as to the exact time required for the larvffi or grubs to attain full growth. The usutil statement is tliat the eggs are laid early in June. The young grubs hatch from ten to eighteen days afterwards and feed on the roots of various plants until autumn. As winter approaches, they burrow deeply into the ground, and, returning again to the surface on the opening of spring, do much harm by eating the roots of grasses and many other kinds of plants, particularly corn and potatoes, when sown on sod turned down the previous year. It is claimed by Dr. S. A. Forbes, of Illinois, that a second winter, and part of the following summer, are passed in the larval condition, and that the grubs do not change to pupae till June and July of the third season. The perfect beetles, in such a case, would issue from the pupsc in August and September of the same year, but would re- main through the winter in the ground and emerge the following May and June; thus three full j^ears would be required from the time the eggs were laid until the per- fect beetles appeared. It is probable that some of the confusion is due to the fact that several species with differing habits are spoken of under the one name of Wliite Grubs. From a practical standpoint, it is a very important point to decide what the exact habits are, of any species prevalent in a certain district. It is probable that, 3uring the first year after hatching, little harm is done by the grubs if they live for the longer period. On the other hand, if the larval period covers only two seasons, any one finding the nearly full-growTi grubs in spring, in land which it is desired to put under crop, can by a slight change in the rotation of his crops use the land for a crop which may be sown late in June or early in Jnly, and which would make small root growth before the time that the grubs ceased feeding to pupate in June and July. If, on the other hand, the species lives for three seasons in the land, a crop planted on fields seen to be infested in spring might be seriously injured by the grubs if they were in the second year of their growth and would be able to attack the crop through- out the season, no matter at what time it was sown. The strawberry plant seems to be particularly attractive to the beetles for laying their eggs, and it is probable that more complaints come in concerning depredations on strawberries than upon any other crop. As general remedies, there are unfortu- nately no measures which can be depended upon for the destruction of White Grubs in farm crops; but, as the eggs are laid mainly in grass lands, land which has been in sod for several years should not be planted to corn or potatoes the first year after breaking. During the year of ploughing, the grass to a large measure feeds any grubs which may be in the ground, and the next year the roots of the crop grown on the land receive the full attack. It has been noticed that clover is seldom attacked by White Grubs; therefore, this crop becomes of special value for growing on land be- fore it is to be used for corn or potatoes. In strawberry beds it is possible to avoid injury by adopting what is now known as the 'one-crop method,' which consists of taking only one crop of fruit from the beds, instead of leaving these down as was usually done in the past for several years. Mr. Macoun, the Horticulturist of the Cen- tral Experimental Farm, tells me that this is the best method, not only for controlling the Wliite Grubs, but also in getting pitying returns form the fruit crop. His ex- periments show that tha best results are obtained from planting young runners in spring in new beds. By autumn these have grown into strong plants, from which the crop is gathered the following summer, and the beds are then ploughed down at once. If young plants are required in numbers of any variety, the beds can be left for a tccond year; but, to get large berries, which always pay best, the single-crop plan is the most satisfactory, and all leds should as a general practice be ploughed down after two crops of fruit at the most. Under this plan, the grubs have not time to complete their stages and produce beetles before the beds are ploughed down. Not only is this treatment an excellent way of controlling the White Grub, but two other serious enemies of this crop are also prevented from increasing. These are the Black Vine Weevil, Otiorhiinchus sulroiris. Fab., and the Sleepy Weevil, Otiorhynclnis ovatus, L., two beetles which on many occasions have done serious injury in strawberry beds. 222 - EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 both on the Atlantic and Pacific seaboards. It has been particularly noticed with regard to these, as well as with the White Grubs, that their injuries are most severe in old beds which have been left standing for several years. Another advantage in growing strawberries under this new method, is that the Strawberry Eust and some otlier fungous diseases are also checked. The Brown-tail Moth, Euproctis clirysorrJicea, L. — Four years ago the first speci- men of the destructive Brown-tail Moth was taken near St. John, N.B., and in July, !1905, another specimen was taken at Digby, N.S. Students of insects in Canada have been on the alert to detect any further specimens of this insect in those parts of Canada with which there was frequent intercourse with those infested States of New England where the insect was known to be doing so much harm. Although there have been frequent references in the daily press to the occurrence of the insect in destruc- tive numbers, in various parts of the maritime provinces, all of these when investi- gated were found to be based on erroneous information. Early in the present spring an undoubted nest containing the caterpillars of the Brown-tail Moth was received from Mr. C. Perry Eoote, of Lakeville, N.S. This was the first actual instance of the larvas being found in Canada. Mr. Eoote writes: ' On February 23, I was looking for nests of Tussock Moth and picked the webbed leaves I am sending you. As there were no eggs on the outside, I tore the nest open and was not a little surpris-ed when I found inside it a great number of small cater- pillars. I took them into the house and, being near the fire, in a very few minutes they were active, but did not m.ove very much.' Immediately on the receipt of these caterpillars, an article giving the habits of the Brown-tail Moth and advice as to measures which should be immediately put in force, Avas sent off to the leading agricultural journals in Canada, as well as to the local press in the places in Nova Scotia v/here it was thought that the insect would probably be found. At the same time the provincial government of Nova Scotia, through Prof. M. Cumming, Principal of the Agricultural College at Truro, took active measures towards the eradication of this serious enemy before it became more widely distributed. The following article was published, in the Farmer s Advocate of London, the Montreal Daily and Weelcly Star, the Maritime Farmer and other papers. Several local papers have reprinted such parts of the article as they considered of most interest to their readers: TEE BROWN-TAIL MOTH IN CANADA. In 1902 Mr. William Mcintosh, of St. John, New Brunswick, took- a single male specimen of the Brown-tail Moth (Euproctis chrysorrhcea, L.) about 20 miles from St. John, N.B. About the same time another specimen was taken by Mr. Gordon Leavitt, at St. John; and in July of 1905, Mr. John Russell took a third specimen at Digby, Nova Scotia. Up to the present time these have been the only authentic records of this much-to-be-dreaded insect having been taken in Canada. Recently, however, i have received from Mr. C. Perry Foote, of Lakeville, Nova Scotia, one of the winter nests of the Brown-tail Molh, filled with the living caterpillars, thus proving that this insect has established itself at one place at least in Canada. It was to be expected that the moths might be found here at any time, having been brought up direct from Massachusetts on one of the steamboats which ply regu- larly between Boston and the Maritime Provinces; but this would not necessarily prove that the insect had established itself. The occurrence of the young caterpillars, however, is a more serious matter, and sliows that energetic measures are necessary at once to suppress and possibly to wipe out this unwelcome visitor before it becomes more widespread. The recognition of the winter nests is an easy matter, and this is the time of year to attend to their destruction. The Brown-tail Moth posses the winter as a very young caterpillar, and large numbers of these form colonies at the REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGIST AND BOTANIST 223 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 tips of the branches of the trees upon which they have been feeding the previous sum- mer. The eggs arc laid during Jidy, and, on hatching, the caterpillars feed for some time on the upper surface of the leaves. As winter approaches, they crawl to the tip of a branch and bind together a few leaves so as to make a tent. This is securely closed up with silk, and the caterpillars remain dormant all through the winter and until the buds burst the following spring. These winter nests are easily recognized, fiom being almost invariably at the tips of the branches, and from being at this time of the year the only nests which contain colonies of living caterpillars. These latter are black, but covered with rusty hairs, and on the 10th and 11th segments towards the end of the body there are two very conspicuous reddish-yellow cushion-like tubercles, one on eiich segment, which the caterpillars can elevate or depress at pleasure. WHAT TO DO NOW. The onlj' way in which the Brown-tail Moth passes the winter is in the shape of these half-grown caterpillars, little more than one-quarter of an inch in length, in colonies of between two and three hundred, inside these nests of leaves at the tips of the branches. These are easily seen, and' everybody in Nova Scotia and New Bruns- wick who is concerned in the successful management of orchards, and every citizen who is interested in the beauty of the town he lives in, should examine and look to the destruction of every nest of leaves found to contain cnterpillars, which he may notice. The destruction of these winter nests is the most effective means of keeping this enemy within bounds. A DANGEROUS ENEMY. With the exception of the San Jose Scale, there are no two insects which have attracted so much public attention, nor with regard to which so much money has been spent in America by the State and Federal Governments of the United vStates, as the Gypsy Moth and the Brown-tail Moth. Both of these are pests introduced into America from Ei^rope — the Gypsy Moth about 1869, and the Brown-tail Moth some- where about 1S90. Millions of dollars have now been spent on fighting the Gypsy Moth and the Brown-tail Moth in Massachusetts and the adjoining States. Dr. How- ard, when treating of this insect and of an effort which is being m.ade to introduce European parasites, says, in the Yearbook of the Department of Agriculture for 1905 : * The Brown-tail Moth has become even more abundant and injurious than the Gypsy Moth, and, owing to the fact that the female flies readily, whereas the female of the Gypsy Moth does not fly at all, the Brown-tail Moth has far exceeded the Gypsy Moth in its spread.' PLANTS INJURED. These caterpillars injure nearly all of the large and small fruits, and many perennial plants. The pear and apple seem to be favourites; but stone fruits, elraa, maples and the oak are also commonly injured. A list of over 80 different kinds of food plants was published in 1903. Thousands of fruit trees in the vicinity of Boston, Dr. Howard says, have been killed by the Brown-tail Moth. THE BROWN-TAIL RASH. Not only are the caterpillars of this insect voracious feeders upvon the foliage of many kinds of trees, but they cause much annoyance from their stinging hairs, which cause excessive irritation when they come in contact with the human skin. Each hair is barbed, and at the time the cocoons are spun these hairs are broken off and carried by the wind, when they fall on the neck and other exposed parts of the body, giving rise to the painful rash, Avhich is very serious with some people, even although they may not have actually touched the caterpillars. Dr. Howard's assistants who have been 224 EATENIMEXTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 working on this insect, have suffered very severely; and persons engaged in removing the nests from trees in the Avinter time must be careful not to handle these nests too freely, or they may be inconvenienced by this rash. The nests should be cut off from the trees, placed in a basket with as little handling as possible, and burnt at once. Dr. Howard states that ' a large part of the popular feeling in New England that the Brown-tail Moth must be exterminate'-l, is due as much to the annoyance of this rash as to the loss of vegetation from the caterpillars,' As a remedy for this rash a free use of vaseline is recommended. DESCRIPTION OF INSECT. The Brown-tail Moth resembles very closely the well-known Fall Webworm, being of a beautiful pure white, except the tip of the body, which in both sexes is brown, and from which the popular name is derived. The female bears at the tip of the body an almost globular tuft of brown hairs. Both sexes fly freely, and are much attracted to lights — a fact of some importance as affecting their spread. The search-lights of night-sailing passenger steamers have attracted so many as to have drawn the atten- tion of the officers of such vessels, who reported that moths had alighted upon their ships in great numbers in the vicinity of Boston about midnight on several occasions, and the introduction of the species at more than one sea port in Maine is attributed by Dr. Howard to vessels cominer from the infested districts rather than by natural spread by direct flight. ONLY ONE BROOD IN THE YEAR. The eggs are laid in masses containing about 300 eggs. These masses are brown in colour from a thick covering of the golden brown hairs from the tip of the body of the female moth; and the whole egg mass more nearly resembles a silky, downy caterpillar than a cluster of eggs. These masses average about two-thirds of an inch in length by one-fourth of an inch in width, and are found on the lower surface of the leaves in July. The caterpillars hatch in August, but do not injure the trees much be- fore winter. As soon as the buds burst in spring, they are at once attacked by the caterpillars, which emerge from their winter shelters and do much harm SUMMER TREATMENT. If the winter nests of the caterpillars have not been destroyed, trees should be sprayed with arsenical or other poisonous washes, so as to destroy the caterpillars dur- ing May and June. The caterpillars of the Brown-tail Moth are not so resistant to the poisonous effects of Paris green as are those of the Gypsy Moth. The spraying of all orchards with the poisoned Bordeaux mixture as a regular practice is recommended to all Canadian fruit-growers as the best general means of securing first-class fruit free of most of the ordinary pests which injure fruits. As the Brown-tail Moth cater- pillars attack many other kinds of trees than fruit trees, it will be necessary that they should also be sprayed, and for this purpose Paris green may be used. A good useful poison wash consists of Paris green, 1 pound; fresh lime, 1 pound; water, 160 gal- lons. It is a very usual practice, however, among fruit-grovv'ers to use more than 1 pound of Paris green with lime in the 160 gallons, and, indeed, 2 pounds may be used without danger if 2 pounds of lime are added. Arsenate of lead is a newer remedy of great value, from the fact that it does not injure foliage so much, and remains on the leaves for a longer time. Three pounds of arsenate of lead may be used in 40 gallons of w^ater without injury. RESUME. The Brown-tail Moth, which has been the cause of enormous loss in Europe and the United States, is undoubtedly established in one locality in Nova Scotia, and pro- bably in several others. It is important to find out as soon as possible the rang.e of REPORT OF THE EXTOMOLOGIST AXD BOTAMST 225 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 infestation; and overyboJy is urged to send in as soon as possible any suspicious nests of insects, or clusters of leaves webbed together, particularly if they contain cater- pillars, whenever any are noticed on their trees. The collection of the winter nests is the best and easiest means of controlling this ipsect. The collection of theSx'^ nests must be done carefully, with as little handling as possible, and all should be burnt at once when cut from the trees. This work must be done before the buds burst. Any trees bearing nests of the Brown-tail Moth, after the 1 -ds have opened, must be sprayed with some poisonous mixture for the destruction of the caterpillars. The establishment of the Brown-tail Moth in Canada is a serious matter, affect- ing everybody in the district where the insects occur. What is now only a matter of considerable interest, may, if neglected, become a public calamity. Siiecimens for examination may be sent to the Entomologist, Central Experi- mental Farm, Ottawa. If so addressed, no postage will be required. James Fletcher. Since the appearance cf this article a vigorous campaign has been inaugurated by the officers of the Agricultural College, several members of the Fruit Growers' Association of Nova Scotia, school teaohers and others. As a consequence, the fruit- growing districts of the province of Nova Scotia have been pretty thoroughly ex- amined. Prof. Gumming writes that, as soon as he learnt of the occurrence of the Brown-tail ]\roth in Nova Scotia, he telegraphed to various places and arranged meet- ings where Prof. Sears and Prof. Smith, of the Agricultural College Staff, and ]\fr. G. H. Vroom, Inspector for Nova Scotia of the Fruit Division of the Dominion Dei)artment of Agriculture, could meet the people and learn all that was possible about the spread of the insect. As a result of this personal method of spreading in- formation, a great deal of good work has been done. Prof. Cumming thinks that something like 2,000 nests of the larvae have been- destroyed. As each of these con- tains from 200 to 300 caterpillars, it is easy to see how strongly established the insect had become before it was detected. This was probably owing to the close resemblance between the Brown-tail Moth and the moths of the much less destructive Fall W(>h- worm, which would be flying about the same time. It is of course also possible that some mistakes may have been made in identifying the caterpillars. This I found was verj^ frequently the case on the part of some of my correspondents V\-ho sent specimens to Ottawa. The cocoons of the two common Trssock ]\Ioths were most often sent in with the inquiry as to whether they were the Brown-tail Moth nests or not. There was no excuse for this mistake, because the two insects do not resemble each other in any of their stapes; but a very natural mistake was made in confusing the larval nests of the American Tent Caterpillars about the time that they iirst began to spin their tents, with the winter larval tents of the Brown-tail Moth. By examining them carefully, the diffei-enees can at once be noted; but to those who have nuide no special study of insects, tliis confusion of the two species is easily accounted for. Unfortu- nately, the discovery of the Brown-tail Moth in Nova Scotia was made so late in the spring that there was little time for destroying the nests before the larvae began to leave them and attack the foliage. This difficulty was to a large measure obviated by the energetic measures adopted by Professors Cumming, Sears and Smith. Prof. Cumming reports: 'We have had live men. going through the valley. As they have gone west, they have found the insect more thickly distribute;l. The worst infested district is at Doucetville near Weymouth, in Digbv county. Unfortunately, some of the people there are backward in matters jiertaining to agriculture; but our own men have destroyed all the nests they could find in that district, and last week the school children were started at work through a bounty of 3 cents per nest offered by our 16—15 223 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 19C8 dopartment. This bounty will hold good until May 31. I have already had wo/d from two school teachers, one of whom reports 80 nests destroyed and the other 70 nests destroyed by the pupils, I visited Digby myself and went over part of the in- fested area with Mr. Vroom. I also discussed the whole situati-on with him and Prof. Smith. I was in hopes that we might be able to run one or two spra^'iiig oulfiis in some of the districts; but I found that -this would be quite impracticable; for, al- tiiough I have given the impression that a considerable number of nests had been found, yet this is the result of a very extensive search. In a four-mile drive wo found altogether 15 nests. Many of these were in trees considerably removed from the road- side. If one were to attempt spraying in these areas after the leaves come out, I do not know how he could locate the trees, unless perchance they were so badly stripped that there were no leaves left to hold the spray. Another unfortunate feature is that most of the orchards in Digby county where the pest is located, are not of more than half an acre to two acres in extent, and they are so irregular and thickly planted, that Mr. Vroom, who has had a large experience in spraying, says that it would be a ir.ost difficult thing to work a sprayer in such places.' The measures adopted by the provincial authorities under Prof. Gumming were th3 best that could be done under the circumstances; but it is novv of the greatest importance that everybody during the coming summer should spray their orchards with great care. The remedy recommended is the poisoned Bordeaux mixture men- tioned above; and as there is now no possible doubt that spraying is a paying opera- tion from the fruit-grower's standpoint, it will have a double advantage in giving better crops of fruit, while, at the same time, everything will be done that is possible to con- trol the Brown-tail Moth. The farmers and fruit-growers of Nova Scotia seem keenly interested in this matter and will probably do a great deal this summer and next winter to control this infestation. The government is anxious to adopt the Avisest B'oasures under the circumstances and every effort will be made during the coming summer to obtain advice and assistance from those best informed upon the subject. In order that the insect may be recognized with ease, the following short des- criptions of the various stages are submitted; but it would be wise for any one who has the slightest doubt upon the subject, to submit specimens either direct to this oiHce or to send them to the Agricultural College at Truro, IST.S., when the fullest in- formation and advice will be gladly given. The descriptions are condensed from Dr. Howard's valuable pamphlet ' The Brown-tail Moth and How to Control it.' (U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Farmers' Bulletin No. 264). The Eggs. — The eggs are small and globular and are laid in elongated oval masses beneath the leaves in late July. The egg. masses are brown and covered witli silky hair, each mass containing about 300 eggs. The masses average about two-thirds of an inch in length by one-quarter of an inch in width. The Caterpillar. — The full grown caterpillar is about two inches long, reddish- brown in colour with a broken white stripe on each side and two red dots on the back near the hind end. It has also patches of orange and is covered with tubercles bear- ing long barbed hairs. The tubercules along the back and sides are covered with short Srown hairs as well as the longer ones. These give the tubercles when magnified, an jippearance like velvet. The head is pale brown with dark motlings. The young caterpillars are blackish, covered with reddish-brown hairs, the head jet black. Close examination will show projecting from the back of the fourth and fifth abdominal seg- m.ents (that :s the eighth and ninth segments of the body counting the head as the first) a large :uft of reddish-brown hairs; and on the middle line of the nintli and tenth body segments is an orange or reddish tubercle, which 'may be withdrawn into the body. After the second spring moult the caterpillar is about three-eighths of an inch long, the yellow markings on the body are more appnrent than before, but Iho brown tufts on the back less so, while the bands of white dashes along tlio sides characteristic of the full grown caterpillar, are now noticeable. . !.r,->^ REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGIST AXD BOTANIST 227 SESSIONAL PAPER t-'o. 16 2 lie Pupa. — The full grown caterpillar spins a cocoon of grayish silk so loose in oonstruction that tho pupa may be socu through it. The pupa is S»e-eighths of an inch long and dark brown in colour. It has yellowish-brown hairs scattered over the abdomen and on the top of the thorax. The cocoons are by preference spun among the leaves at the tips of branches, a dozen or more caterpillars frequently spinning one web, within which each individual forms its own cocoon and changes to a pupa. The cocoons are also found under fences and beneath the edges of clap-boards. A mass of cocoons nearly two feet across was found in the cornice of a house by Mr. A. II. Kirk- land. The Adult Moth. — The moths are pure white, with the end of the adbomen brown. ]>oth sexes bear at the tip of the abdomen, but more conspicuously with the female, a tuft of brown hairs, almost globular in form. This is the only moth occurring in America to which this description applies, and it i^; therefore unmistakable. The female expands about one and one-half inches and the male is smaller. The moths fly in Xew England from the 1st to the 20th of July, the time varying with the season. It is a night-flying insect, few being seen on the wing in the day time. Tho time of greatest activity is from 10 o'clock to midnight. They are strong fliers and are attracted to light. 21ie Winter Wehs. — The webs in which the caterpillars pass the winter are very characteristic, there being no other insect structures found upon trees in winter which can be mistaken for them. Any web consisting of two or three leaves spun together near the tips of branches and containing small brownish downy caterpillars in winter time, must be those of the Brown-tail Moth. In early sprin^, as soon as the buds begin to appear upon fruit trees, these young caterpillars, which are at that time one- fourth grown, issTie from the nests and attack the leaf-buds and blossoms and later the foliage of the trees upon which they have wintered. The growth of tho cater- pillar is rapid; it reaches f\ill size and begins to spin its cocoon during the last half of June, when it changes to a pupa and remains in this conrlition for about three weeks before the moths appear. In addition to the above enemies, several other insects have been more abundant than usual in certain localities. In Nova Scotian orchards two insects have been con- spicuous by their numbers and injuries. The Whrite-marktd Tussock Moth, Hemero- campa leucostigma, S. & A., and the Red or Rusty Tussock Moth, Notolophus antiqua, L., have been widespread, and not only devoured the leaves of the tre&s, but did much harm by gnawing cavities in the sides of the growing apples. Since the discovery of the Brown-tail Moth in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, a great many specimens of the cocoons of Tussock Moths have been received for examination. These were found to be so much infested by various parasites that there is every hope that tho injury by these insects will be very small during 1907. Two other species which have been very much commoner than for many yeors, are the Yellow-necked Apple-tree Caterpillar, Datana ministra, Drury, and the Red- humped Apple-tree Caterpillar, Schizura concinna. S. & A. They are both large and voracious caterpillars which feed in colonies and sometimes strip a whole branch of a tree before their presence is noticed. I hav^e never known cither species to be. in suf- ficient numbers to require any other treatment than tho cutting off of the colonies and destroying them. A remarkable fact about the Red-humped Apple-tree Cater- pillar is the very large proportion which are always found to be parasitized. This was the case last season in Nova Scotia and was also observed in Maine by Miss Patch, the State Entomologist. The parasite which does good work, is a small four- winged fly about ^^ of an inch long, with a black body and red legs, prettily banded with black and white. The eggs are inserted into the body of the caterpillar and the grubs become fully developed before the caterpillars are half grown. They then spin IG— 15i 228 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 a thin double cocoon, loose and white outside, but black, and of almost skin-like texture within, inside the dried up skin of the caterpillar, which soon turns white and shows by contrast very conspicuously the black head and tubercles of the dead larva. Tlic name of the friendly parasite is Limneria Guignardi, Prov. A Cherry Fruit-fly (Rhagoletis cingulata, Loew.). — I have received from Mr. W. R. Palmer, of Rockside Oi'chard, Victoria, B.C., some specimens of puparia of a fruit-fly which is justly causing, him miTch anxiety from its injuries to cherries in his orchard. Victoria, B.C., October 10. — ' I send you samples of Olivet cherries which have been infested by a small white maggot. I also send you some of the puparia for your inspection. Their presence is first noticeable by a small round hole in the fruit. On opening the cherries the grub will be generally found inside. It works around the stone and when full grown leaves by the hole and drops to the ground. The maggots all disappear from the fruit as soon as it is fully ripe, but the cherry is spoiled by being made rotten around the stone and is rendered of a darker colour. ' As they have increased this year, I have become very much interested in them and hope you will be able to identify them and give me some means of preventing their injury.' Mr. Palmer was written that the insect answered in every particular to the Cherry Fruit-fly described by Prof. Slingerland in Cornell Bulletin 172, September, 1800. This insect had never so far been recorded as injuring cherries in any part of Canada. the occurrence, therefore, was of great interest and all facts concerning it were asked for. Victoria, November 5. — ' I will try and give you all the jiarticulars I can r(^gard- ing the cherry insect, Rhagoletis cingulata (?), as you call it. Unfortunately, I did not keep exact dates. I first noticed the holes in 1004. Last year my brother found one in a Novelle Royal, and this year they were quite numerous on two particular trees that we think are dying from defective root stocks and which therefore are not in a very healthy condition. They have confined themselves so far to three varieties. Olivet, Novelle Royal and Morello. The last named they do not seem to care very much for; but we found a few in them this year. The trees are eleven years old. I do not know of these insects being anywhere else. I think ovir trees were the first planted here of these varieties, the other growers who have them, have very few in bearing. A great many of the Olivet are now being planted. We have not found any in the Sweet cherries, either early or late, so I am in- clined to believ.e that they j)refer preserving cherries, perhaps the reason is they are softer and more juicy. I will try the gas-lime treatment you recommend and shall apply it at once.' — W. R. Palmer. If the identification of the insect which is attacking cherries in British Columbia is correct, the parent of the maggots is a pretty little black and white fly very much like the fly of the Apple Maggot. Unfortunately, up to the present time, no remedy has been found to be effective against this enemy, and although an autumn application of gas lime to the land under the trees which were infested, was recommended, I have since learnt that this was not found effective in some Australian experiments. It is claimed that this fly spreads slowly and the drastic measure has been suggested of destroying all the fruit on an infested tree as soon as the presence of the maggot is detected. REPORT OF TEE ENTOMOLOGIST AND BOTAMST - :229 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 FOREST AND SHADE TREES. ThfTc has been frequent inquiry during the past year with regard to Ihc depre- dations of insects upon forest trees and also upon trees groAvn for shade or ornament in cities. The Tent Caterpillars are again becoming numerous in some parts of Que- bec and ll;e iVfaritinie Provinces. The Forest Tent Caterpillar has been particularly noticciible in Xova Scotia, and Father Burke reports their webs as ' conspicuous everywhere' in Prince Edward Island. The Tussock Moth, Ilemerocampa Icu- costigma, S. & A., still does harm in the streets of Toronto and, to a less degree, in Montreal. Active measures are being taken by the city authorities, and there is no reason why the unsightly injury to the shade trees, which are such an ornament and advantage in crowded cities, should not be entirely wiped out. The Fall Webworm, Ilijphantria textor, Harris, is decidedly on the increase throughout Ontario and cast- ward to the coast. Its injuries seem to be most severe on elm trees; but every kind of shrub an,! deciduous tree is at times eaten by the larvic. In one instance the foliage of a strawberry bed near Ottawa was badly stripped. In Manitoba and the North- west Provinces the Ash-leaved Maples were much disfigured by an Anthomyian Gall-fly and the siiecimens of the fleshy galls received xluring June and .Tuly were filled with the red larvji? of the fly. This attack has been observed in the West for many years, and the galls are known by the name of the Fleshy IXegundo Leaf-gall. Although misightly on the trees, both in the fleshy" condition and after they dry up for some time, no permanent injury is done to the trees. In the Eastern Townshi])s ■ of Quebec province, in several of the towns, the elms were badly infested by the Woolly Elm-leaf Aphis, Schizoneura nmericana, Riley, which gave the trees a dirty appearance and rendered resting under these trees very uncomfortable from the large amount of honeydew which was emitted. There was considerable inquiry with regard to scale insects of all kinds, both on fruit trees and ornamental shrubbery. This was a direct oiitcome of the revived in- terest which has taken place in the injuries of the San Jose Scale, s The Spruce Gall-louse, Chermes ahieiis, L., has spread widely and during the past summer was much inquired about from those in Western Ontario who had bought or who were growing spruces for ornament. The insect was treated of in full in my Report for 1905, at page 190. The Vancouver Island Oak-looper, Therina somnlaria, Hulst. — This destructive insect was again enormously abundant on the beautiful oaks around Victoria, B.C., and from these trees the hordes of caterpillars spread to some other trees in the vicinity and stripped them also of their leaves. Small trees were easily protected by spraying with arsenites. An occurrence of more than usual interest was the destruction of the seeds of the Silver Maple, Acer dasycarpum, at Ottawa by the larvae of a small Nitidulid beetle, Epurcva rufn. Say. The seed of this tree was produced abundantly in 1906; it was ripe by the middle of June, and at that time fell to the ground. Towards the end of June some sacks of the seed were raked up from the ground and saved for sowing. They had lain on the ground for some days, but were apparently in good condition. Upon examining some of these about a month later, it was found that nearly every seed con- tainted from 12 to IS slender prubs about a quarter of an inch long, of a dirty white colour, with a honey-colorred roughened patch across the middle of each segment on the back. When fully fed these grubs left the seeds, of which they ha<] reduced the contents to a green meal-like powder. The pupal condition was passed just beneath the .surface of the ground and in August swarms of the beetles emerged. There were also found large numhers of the cocoons of a parasite, which emerged early the follow- ing spring. The beetles of the family to which Epuram nifa belongs, are for the most part scavengers in habit, living on dead and decaying animal and vo^getable substances. In the above instance, however, soinul seeds were certainly attacked, and this species can evidently be a dcstru'^tive enemy of one of our favourite shade trees. 2:0 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1903 The White Cedar Twic-BCRni?.— For the past two years the White Cedar or American Arbor-vita^ has been seriously disfigured in the Ottawa district by the at- tacks of the caterpilhirs of some minute moths. These have been reared, and, through the kindness of Mr. Aug. Busck, the species have been identified. The injuries of these minute insects have been so severe throughout the Ottawa district, both on cultivated trees and in the woods and swamps, as to give a rusty sickly appearance to all of the Wiiite Cedars in the district, on account of the large number of the tips of the young twigs which have been killed by the minute caterpillars boring inside them in autumn and again in spring after they had revived from their winter torpor. These tiny caterpillars are about one-eighth of an inch long when wintei sets in, very slender, of a general olive green colour, brownish tr)wards anal end. The head is black and shining, the thoracic shield piceous. These caterpillars pass the winter singly inside the mines and revive again the next year in the hot weather at the end of April. They are about one-quarter of an inch long when full grown. The beautiful little m.oths, silvery wliite with brown markings, were found flying in clouds around th? trees during the latter half of June. It had been noticed last year that there were apparently two different kinds of moths at work on the White Cedars. Consequently, last spring a supply of the infested twigs were sent to Mr. Busck, the eminent tineido- logist of the United States National Museum, who kindly examined the material care- fully and sent me much valuable information concerning the species he found. Mr. Busck writes as follows : — ' June 13th. I hurry to inform you that the moths from the mines on Thuya occidentalis which you sent me last week for determination, are now issuing, and I find that only a small fraction prove to be Becurvaria thujaella, Kearfott. The large majority (20 to 1) belong to what Packard described as Bucculairix thuiella. The species, however, does not belong to Bucculatrix, but to the genus Argyresfhia, Hubner, and should thus be known as Argyresihia thuiella, Packard. ' This then is the species which is of economic importance in your case, and I am very glad to have become personally acquainted with it.' June 18. — ' Please send me some more of the infested twigs of Thuya occidentalis, because this morning I have found a third species of moth which has issued from the material you sent me before. I should like to get more of this, and there are still several points in the life history of all three species which might profitably be studied more carefully. ' So as not to get matters mixed up, let me recapitulate. First. I have bred in very large numbers a small pearly white moth with brownish obscure markings (costal- dorsal and apical spots), white head and thorax, white brown-ringed antennae. This is a species of Argyresthia and is the same as was described as Bucculatrix thuiella by Packard. This, in spite of the fact, as I was well aware, that Packard described cocoons from which his moths were supposed to have issued, while the present species does not spin a cocoon, but issues directly from the mines (at least, in captivity), as you have rightly observed. ' Packard may have observed and wrongly connected with his species other small cocoons, for example those of Becurvaria thujaella, which may have been quite nu- merous in his lot and which are rather striking objects, naturally connected with the issuing species, whichever it be. Strangely enough, the genus Argyresthia generally spins just such a cocoon as described, and I have another species on Cypress which has nice normal cocoons; so, in this particular our species is aberrant. My reasons for identifying the species as Packard's Bucculatrix, which I have all along suspected to be an Argyresthia, are shortly that: (1) no Bucculatrix, so far as I know, feeds on tliis group of plants; (2) a large part of the genus Argyresthia is attached to Juni- perus and its allies; (3) Packard's description fits our species well; (4) no other species is known on Thuya, which could possibly be confounded with it; (5) his f^g^Ti-e — however poor — is not that of a Bucculatrix, but fits decidedly the present rpecies. RKPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGIST AXD BOTANIST 231 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 ' Second. Connected with this species and working in a siniihHr manner, hut in insigniiicant numbers, I have bred Recurvaria thujaella, Kearf. This species spina a small whitish cocoon. ' Thirdly. I have to-day bred one specimen of another species Argyrcsthia frey- ella, Wlsni., which belongs to the golden metallic group and is a juniper feeder. 'I have also bred the same little parasite with flagellate, five-branched antenna; in the male, which l^ackard mentions. Dr. Ashmead has identified this as Pentacne- miis bucculatricis, Howard. Besides this interesting little parasite, I have also bred Deroslenes trifascialus, Ashm., a fine blue chalcid with coloured wings, determined by Dr. Ashmead and a Hemiteles sp. as 5'et not determined.' These same parasites mentioned by Mr. Busck were also reared here at Ottawa in very large numbers; but they did not seem to be sufficiently numerous to reduce to any material extent the severity of the infestation; for the trees are still much dis- figured by the injured twigs, \vhich have been conspicuous during the past autumn and now (March 30) still contain the living larva', which will continue their work on the return of warm weather. The larger number of parasites, however, gives every reason to hope that this outbreak will soon come to an end. 232 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 DIVISION OF BOTANY A NOETHWEST TUCKAHOE. From time to time farmers in Manitoba and the Xorthwest plongli iip in tlieir fields large black irregular balls of an india-rubber-like substance which always give rise to much curiosity, and many have been received for report. These when received had usually been out of the ground for a considerable time and were hard and almost stone-like in consistency. Last summer, through the courtesy of the Fanner s Advo- cate and of the Winnipeg Free Press, a request was published for fresh material, and several correspondents sent me specimens. When received they were of a firm elastic consistency like india-rubber and, as stated by Prof. Farlow, of Cambridge, Mass., were evidently the sclerotia of some fungus, probably a Polyporus. These ob- jects were of a somewhat spherical shape, varying, from 3 to 9 inches in diameter and weighing from 1 to 7 pounds. The outside was smooth and black; the inside very dark olive-black and the substance granulated by reason of the ramifications of my- celial threads. Most of them also contained in the substance, coarse grains of sand. All showed traces of having been at some time attached to the roots of shrubs or trrjos. One specimen surrounded a piece of poplar wood, showing the bark plainly. From this and from available evidence, it would appear that the fungus is at first parasitic on poplars and perhaps willows. In July, 1906, I received from the West, three of the large sclerotia or fungous masses in a fresh condition, and these were buried in the earth about H inches beneath the surface. On July 3, 1907, I had the great satisfac- tion of finding tv.'o fleshy toadstools, yellowish-white above, white beneath, of a species of Polyporus, which so far I have not had identified. Mr. F. T. Shutt has kindly made the excellent photograph which I give herewith, showing one of the load- stools attached to the sclerotium. Owing to the great interest which has been evinced in this matter by western farmers, I publish this preliminary note. Prof. Roland Thaxter, of Cambridge, Mass., who had planted last year one of the sclerotia for Dr. Farlow. to whom I had sent it, writes under date of July 18, 1907: — ' A week or two ago the sclerotium which Dr. Farlow j-ave me and which I planted' two years ag,o, fruited as yours has done. I sent the Polyporus directly to Dr. Farlow who recognized it as a European species which I believe he had not seen before. It is a beautiful thing and I think he will no doubt write you further concerning it.' Dr. Farlow tells me that this Northwest fungus is most nearly allied with ihe Southern Tuckahoe or 'Indian Bread' upon which an article appeared, by J. IT. Gore, in the Smithsonian Institution Miscellaneous Collections, Vol. XXV., 1883. I have no knowledge of this fungus having been used for food, and, owing to the large amount "of sand and grit sometimes inclosed, it could probably hardly ibe used. It is tasteless when masticated raw. In one of the extracts given below from some of the letters received, it is spoken of as having been used by the Indians for medicinal purposes. Winnipeg. April 25, 1903. — ' Under a separate cover I mail you a curious ball of rubbery substance 7 inches in diameter, found about 1.5 miles northeast of Winnipeg, at Moose Xose — part of Birds Hill. This has hardened since found last summer. Will you please tell me what it is; its nature, name, and composition. Also refer nie to any printed matter about similar formations.' — Howard T. Irvine. Cromwell. Man., May 7, 1900. — '' I notice a letter of yours regarding a black ball- like fungus ploughed up in parts of Manitoba. I ploughed up several last sunnner. REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGIST AND BOTAXJST 233 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 and when I backset the land next week, no doubt I shall find some more. 1 was at a loss to explain what was the nature of the growth for some time, but I think I have found out the real luiture of the funjrus. A few years ago this land was covered over witli large white poplar trees, which had very large fungi on the trunks when they began to decay; then they decayed and blew down. The fungus has not decayed so rapidly and being of a spongy nature is not very easy to burn, as I have tried to burn them. They are never found on prairie land, only on old busli laud." — Ci:oRf;F, Bovn. Wclwj-n, Sask.. May 8. — ' A day or two ago I read in the Farmer's Advocale your request for a certain fungus, but never having seen one did not expect to be able to accommodate you with a specimen. However, to-day, when gnd)biug out tome willow and poplar roots from a piece of backsetting, I found the object wliieh I am forwarding under a separate cover and which I feel positive from your description, is what you want. There was of course, considering the time of year, no fungus attached to it.'- — F. J. COLLYER. Xotre-Uame de Lourdes. Man., May 12. — ' I send you by mail a black ball-like fungus, as you ask in the Farmer's Advocate. It was attached to the back of the stimip of a poplar, which I send you too in the box.' — Albert de Briaxt. Saint Louis. Sask.. ^Vfay IS, 1906. — 'I saw in the Farmer's Advocate your letter concerning the " curious black ball-like fungus." This fungus is very common in our district, and I noticed it long ago. The Indians call it " ^Medecine de terre " (ground medicine). They use it for poulticing. I do not discuss its properties in this resjject.* JlLES GoDARD. Cromwell, Man., May 22, 1906. — 'Yours of the 16th to hand. I am sending a specimen of fungus growth that I ploughed up to-day. It is s-lightly cut with the plough share, and not very large. I got several last year, as large as a man's head.' Geo. W. Boyd. Togo, Sask/., May 26. — I saw in the Winnipeg Free Press you want to get a sample of fungus. I presume this is the fungus you want. I have ploughed up several pieces of this same, some pieces weighing 3 to 4 pounds. This piece, I ploughed up alongside of a poplar bluff. I have ploughed this piece of ground three times, and I think it is a new piece.' — Joseph Dickie. Miami, Man., June 4. — ' I am sending you specimens of fungus as per your request in the Farmer's Advocate. The specimen that is cut with the plough, has only been unearthed a few days. The other, I found on top of the ground a week or so ago. The freshest one had its stem embedded in a piece of rotten wood. I have noticed what appears to be the same fungus, growing on old logs wdiere some soil has c;ot knocked on to them, generally burnt logs. Those I have found on the logs have always been small and fiat, and without the stems that the larger ones have. Larger ones are generally deeper in the ground than the smaller ones. Have found them as deep as 8 or 10 inches to the bottom of them, and having a diameter of 4 to 6 inches.' — ■ H. T. Drxf AT.FK. Togo, Sa.sk., June 8. — "I received your letter of ^fay ol. I herewith send a siuall piece of fungus I picked up since I sent you the first. It is somewhat dried, but I thought I had better send it. I do not expect to be able to get any more this summer, as I never get?it or see it only when ploughing stubble; so I think it must either grow quick or is deeper in the soil than the breaking of the prairie sod. The soil is a samly, very rich and mellow, subsoil clay. I have ploiighed up several pieces of fungus, have examined them and thrown them away. If I had known sooner, I could have sent you ]denty. Hope this small i»iece may be of use to you, and if T get any more, T will send it to you.' — JOREPJI Dl( KiE. Gilbert Plains. Man., June 23. — Some time ago I saw an artitde in the Farmer's Advocate from you about a certain fungus growtli sometimes ])loughod up in this district, requesting that specimens be sent you. You M'ill find inclosed a small one of them which was ploughed up a day or so ago. There was nothing attached to it in any way, but was just as it is inclosed. I wcudd'be very much jileased to know the 234 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS ' , , 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 name of this fungus, as there have been a number of them ploughed up here at dif- ferent times, always, I believe on light land.'— E. E. Dow. Duck Lake, Sask., June 25. — ' I am this day sending you by mail a sample of what appears to me to be a fungus. This grows, or is found, about 6 or 8 inches below the surface by farmers when ploughing in some localities. I have had several samples brought me by different ones for information. The two I am sending you are quite fresh now. When exposed, it becomes as if petrified. I saw an article written by you requesting any one finding such a substance (and this I believe corresponds to the article you describe), to send it to you for investigation by a specialist in fungi. After this research I should like very much to receive the results for the benefit of myself f.nd farmer friends.' — E. T. Shepherd. Holland, Man., July 9.—' I send you a fresh fungus ball, which I have just ploughed up. Will you kindly let me know about it? It was cut by the plough.' — John C. Walker. Gilbert Plains, Man., July 1-1. — ' I have received your letter of the 28th of June, acknowledging the receipt of the fungus which I had sent you and asking for further information about the same. I have been trying to learn something further about this, but so far, have not succeeded in getting much information. You ask if it does not always grow on land where there are, or have been, poplars growing recently. I do not think this is correct, as, while the land where it is found is generally more or less covered with poplar and willows, it is found on open spaces of land where there have never been trees. I cannot find that it has been, in this district at least, found attached to any plant, although there are sometimes marks or grooves on its surface caused by its growing among roots. You are correct as to their growing at a depth of four or five inches. As to the size of the largest I have seen, I have one at present that measures six by eight inches, and weighs about six pounds. I have seen larger ones than this, but did not measure or weigh them. I think the largest would be nine or ten inches in diameter, but could not say as to the weight. If I notice liny large toadstools at any time, I will dig down and see whether one of these fungi is attached, and I will be pleased to send you any further information which I may obtain, I may say that while it is usually found on light gritty soil, it is some- times found on heavier soil, although not of so large size as on the light. ' While v/riting the above another of these fungi was ploughed up, which I have weighed and measured. It is six and a half by nine inches in diameter, and weighs nine pounds. This is about as large a one as I have seen. As I thought you might like to have it, I am sending it along with this.' — E. E. Dow. Mekiwin, Man., July 14. — ' I have to-day sent you by mail a specimen of a black fungus which grows under the ground, principally in wooded parts of the country, and more plentiful when the woods have been destroyed by fire. I think this is the fungus which you were desirous of getting. I do not think that it has any connection with any toadstool above the ground, as toadstools are very scarce in this part of the country. This fungus is found only on first breaking the soil. I have never seen any on old ploughings. Trusting it reaches you safely, and that it is what you were desirous of getting.' — Archd. S. McGregor. Moosomin, Sask., November 8. — ' I saw by Farmer's Advocate last summer that you wished to get samples of a kind of fungus- that grew in the ground. I will send with same mail as this, one that I found one day this week, and which I think is the kind you want. I found it when doing a little bit of breaking, and as you will see, the plough share took a slice off the top side of it. The soil where I found it, was clay loam, with black soil on top, perhaps 10 yards from a small slough with scrub between and some small bushes all around. I also found one of the same kind a few years ago when breaking, it was near a sloug-h too, and there was also scrub near it, but I think rather lower and heavier land. The scrub in both cases was smallj mostly medium sized willow. I also took the top off that one with the plough too. The soil where I found this one was full of roots from the bushes and weeds.' — W. E. Adamson. 7-Q EDWARD VII. SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 A. 1903 REPORT OF THE CEREALIST. Chas. E. Saunders, B.A., Ph. D. Ottawa, March 30, 1907. Dr. Wm. Sauxders, C.:Nr.G., Director Dominion Experimental Farms, Ottav.-a. Sir, — I have the honour to submit herewith the fourth annual report of the Cereal Division. During the past year, as in previous years, a large proportion of my time has been given to the various problems connected with the growing of wheat in those parts of Canada which have only comparatively recently been open to settlers; but, at the same time, the needs of the other districts, where farming has been carried on for many years, have not been overlooked. Attention has also been given to the other important cereals, as well as to those fodder crops which are included in the scope of this Division. The very large nimiber of details which required my personal attention in con- nection with the crossing and selecting of cereals, the grinding of wheat and the baking tests of flour made it impracticable for me, this past year, to attend meetings away from Ottawa or to undertake any long journeys for the study of cereal growing in Canada. I attended, however, the annual meeting of the Canadian Seed Growers' Association held in Ottawa in June and presented a paper on ' Quality in Wheat.' For samples of interesting cereals, I am indebted to the Department of Agri- culture of the United States, the Colorado Agricultural Experiment Station, Mr. George Aitken of Woodstock, Vermont, the Guinness Research Laboratories, Dublin, and the Department of Agriculture of Eussia. It gives me pleasure to acknowledge the very valuable help which has been rendered to me by Mr. George J. Fixter, foreman in charge of the field work of this Division. In the following pages I have endeavoured to give a fairly complete though neces- sarily very Lnei account of some of the most important experiments carried on dur- ing the past year. I have the honour to be, sir. Your obedient servant, CHARLES E. SAUNDERS, Cerealtst. CROSSING AND SELECTION OF CEREALS. Oidy a few new crosses were attempted this year, as the selection of the progeny of the very large number of cross-bred sorts now on hand occupies all the time that can possibly be spared for such work. Crossing is a comparatively simple matter, but the work of selection which necessarily follows, for several years after the cross has been made, is ditficult and exacting. About 1,400 very small plots of cross-bred coreiils, most of which ar:; not yet fixe 1 in type, were sown and from these about 4.500 plants were selected at harvest time. 235 236 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS "i EDWARD VII., A. 1908 Careful study of these during the autumn and winter months made possible the rejec- tion of most of them, leaving the seeds from about 700 plants to be sown this spring. Among these there are many very promising varieties. From the seeds produced by crossing in 1905, some very interesting plants were grown this past season. Two groups of these deserve special mention, on account of their scientific interest as well as because of the useful varieties of grain which may be produced from them by selection. Mensury barley, a bearded, six-row sort, which retains its hull when threshed, was crossed with Triple Naked, a beardless, two- row, hulless sort. Eight seeds were obtained (in 1905) using the Mensury as female, and six using the Tripple Naked as female. All the seeds germinated when sown this past season and the fourteen plants were all alike. The heads of grain produced were beardless and almost of the pure two-row type, although the four rows of empty scales sometimes contained a few small kernels. The kernels retained their hulk The entire absence of the normal, long awns in these cross-bred plants is in accord with observa- tions made in other cases where bearded and (so-called) beardless kinds of barley have been crossed. In crossing cereals it does not seem to make any difference in the progeny whether one or the other parent is used as female. The writer has studied several cases where the cross has been made both ways and has not yet found a single instance whore any difference could be seen between the two. The work of carefully re-selecting the most important varieties of cereals grown on this farm has been continued during the past year. Many of the new strains of wheat were on hand in sufficient quantity for the sowing of ^/4o-acre plots, the result of the use of this selected seed being a great gain in uniformity and sometimes in other respects also. It is important to notice that each of these new strains has been bred from a single, selected plant. For several years past the seed for some of the Idiots has been obtained by the selection of heads just before the grain was harvested; but it has been found that the improvement effected by this method is much less marked than that produced by selecting one extra good plant and multiplying the seed of that plant until a sufficient quantity is on hand for a whole plot. This latter method also enables one to avoid the very real danger attendant upon the selection of extra large heads which sometimes owe their unusual size to the fact that they are produced from comparatively unproductive plants (bearing only one head), while in other cases they belong to some different variety which has become mixed to a certain extent with the desired sort. SAMPLES OF GEAIN FOE GEADE AND NAME. Attention is called to the fact that the Cerealist, while always willing to give any information in his power in regard to the quality of samples of grain submitted to him, cannot undertake to state what grade would be given to them by the regular inspectors. Although the Grain Inspection Act defines to a certain extent the different grades of grain, much necessarily depends on the judgment of the inspector himself, and it is therefore quite impossible in many cases for any one else to determine V\'hat grade will be given to the grain wdien it reaches the office of the inspector. Samples siibmitted for name should always be sent in the head and accompanied by such details in regard to earliness, length of straw, &c., as can be given. When threshed grain alone is sent, without any information, it is frequently impossible to determine the name of the variety. Samples are carried free through the mails if addressed to the Cerealist, Experi- mental Farm, Ottawa. QUALITY IX \YHEAT. During the past two winters the writer has been carrying on milling tests of wheat and baking tests of flour. The objects of these tests have been to gain infor- liEl'VRT OF THE CEREALIST 237 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 mation in regard to the quality of the ordinary commercial varieties ol wneat, such new sorts as might be imported and the large number of new cross-bred kinds which have been produced at this farm. In previous years it was not possible to obtain this highly desirable information until quite a large quantity of each variety was grown; but now, by the use of a small, experimental flour mill and by the development of a suitable system of baking tests it is quite practicable to determine the quality of every variety when only a small amount of seed is on hand and before it has been distributed for test elsewhere. It is felt therefore that under the present improved conditions it would be unwise to introduce any new wheat until after its quality has been deter- mined. The details of this investigation are too lengthy for insertion in this report, and it is therefore proposed to publish them in bulletin form. One or two of the most important conclusions drawn may, however, be given here. The practical identity of the flour made from White Fife wheat with that pro- duced from Red Fife wheat has been established. It has also been shown that these two varieties produce flour of the very highest baking strength. Among the winter wheats it has been shown that Turkey Eed yields flour of quite remarkable strength, very little inferior to Red Fife. The strength of flour from very hard wheat has been shown to be much greater than that from very soft wheat of the same variety when grown in the same district and in the same season. Some very decided variations in strength have also been observed when studying similar samples of the same variety grown in different climates. The beneficial effect of age on the baking strength of flour has also been shown. CEREALS IX SMALL PLOTS. An alphabetical list of the principal varieties of the different cereals grown in small plots during the past season is here given. The total number of these plots was abotit TO. Those varieties which are given under letters and numbers are new sorts produced at this farm, and now fixed in type but not yet named. The numerous small plots of unfixed cereals are not referred to in this list. Spring WJicat. Bishop (3 strains). Campbells AVhite C aff. Club. Downy Riga D. Early Haynes' Blue Stem. Early Russian. Grant Yellow. Herisson Beardless. John Brown. La(log^ Miller. Moscow Preston (5 strains). Princess. Pringle's Champlain (3 strains). Red Fife (6 strains). Stanley C. White Fife (5 strains). 3 B 3 (Dawn X Red Fife). 6 F 2 (Red Fife X Polish). 6 T 7 D 3.fRed Fife X Roumanian). 7 E 3 7 J 4 Durum (or Macaroni) Wheat. Cretan. Black Mesdag. Sixty Day White. Archangel, No. 59. Archangel, No. 62. Success, Oats. Sixty Day Vellow. Six- row Barley. Vologda. No. 147. Vologda Blue, No. 448. Vologda White, No. 443. 238 EXPERIMENTAL FARMf^ 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 Two-row Barley. Elack Two-row. Kars. Caucasian Hulless. Kinver Chevalier. ■ Early Chevalier. Large Naked. Eriwan. Triple Naked. Peas. Arthur Selected. Green Marrowfat. Forrest Brownie. Zulu. UNIFORM TEST PLOTS OF CEEEALS, FIELD EOOTS AND FODDER CORN. The standard and new varieties of cereals which are obtainable commercially are annually grown in plots of one-fortieth of an acre, along with the cross-bred sorts produced at this farm and other varieties obtained from various sources. The field roots and fodder corn are grown in somewhat similar plots, the yield being usually estimated from the crop obtained from one-hundredth of an acre. The object of these tests is to determine the relative productiveness, earliness, &c., of the different varieties.. Those which for a series of years are found to be distinctly inferior are rejected, in order to keep the list within as small bounds as possible. The number of these larger plots grown during the past season was as follows: — Spring wheat, 63 ; durum wheat, 15 ; winter wheat 23 sown, -1 harvested ; emmer and spelt, 12; oats, 67; six-row barley, 34; two-row barley, 30; peas, 26; spring rye, 2; winter rye, 3; mixed grain, 6; field beans, 4; flax, 7; t-rnips, 20; maue-Js, 16; car- rots, 10; sugar beets, 8; Indian corn, 35; making a total of C33 plots. These repre- sent about 355 varieties. IMPORTANCE OF EARLY SOWING OF CER ;\LS. Repeated tests have been made at this farm to ascertain the best time in spring for the sowing of cereals in order to obtain the largest possible yield. The experiments have proved that in this climate cereals should generally be sown about as soon as the land can be brought into proper condition. The reduction in yield due to delay in seeding is usually considerable, even when the delay is only a week long. The loss is especially serious with wheat and oats, and is sometimes quite disastrous in seasons when rust is abundant. The comparatively large yields obtained in the experimental plots on this farm are due in part to early sowing. The best time for sowing cereals on this farm has been found to be from about April 20th to 26th in an ordinary season. WEATHER. Spring and early summer were favourable, but the dry weather which set in about midsummer and continued without much break into the autumn, kept down the yield of some of the cereals as well as of the field roots and fodder corn. , The very early cereals did well. Rust was noticed in considerable quantities, bvit did less damage thnn in some other seasons. SPRING WHEAT. Several now varieties and selections of wheat were added to the regular plots last season. It seems unnecessary to give descriptions of these so long as they are under,- test at lliis farm only; but such sorts as are being scut to some of the other experi- mental farms, or elsewhere, for trial are here described. REPORT OF THE CEREALIST 239 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 AuiDia. — This variety was obtainod l)y the selection of a very early and strong plant produced by {2 rowing some mixed wheat imported from India under the name of ' Gehun.' Kernels hard, of a dark red colour and of about medium size, but somewhat long. Heads of medium length, tapering, bearded. Chaff downy and of a straw-yellow colour. Straw short and of good strength. Kipens remarkably early and gives a ^ood yield. This variety produces flour which is of a somewhat deeper cream colour than that made from Red Fife, au J3 'A Name of Variety. 1 Bishop* 2 Ebert Selected* 3 Colorado. 4 Aurora* 5 Chelsea* 6 Hung^arian White 7 Huron Selected* .... 8 Bobs.... 9 Australian F 10 Preston A* 11 Percy A* . . 12 Pringle's Champlain. . 13 Red Preston* 14 9 G* 15 Prospect E* 16 Hcrisson Beai-ded .... 17 Laurel* 18 Riga M* 19 Outlook* 20, Colorado No. 50. . .. 21iMarquis* 22 Red Fife H* 23, White Russian. . , . 24 Stanley A* 25 Alpha Selected* . . ._ . 26 Persian Black .'.. ' 27 Yellow Cross* 28 10 F* 2yiBlMe Stem 30jWhite Fife 31 1 Yellow Fife* 32 Haynes' Blue 1 (Aliun. 109). . . 33,Red Fern 34 Spence Yellow*. 35 Yellow Queen*. . 36 Marvel 87 Gatineau* Dat(! of Rijjen- inR. 6 ;\.Ug. Stem 7 2 8 1 8 9 11 8 11 8 6 11 6 9 6 8 12 1 11 12 9 12 13 11 9 4 G 9 13 13 1 13 12 1 7 14 13 98 93 99 92 9;t 100 102 99 102 98 96 101 96 99 96 99 102 91 101 103 99 102 103 101 100 94 96 99 104 10.*? 91 104 102 91 97 104 103 .A.\erapfe length of Straw includ- inof head. Inches. 51 45 51 43 50 49 46 46 48 49 50 50 49 49 48 52 49 45 50 42 45 47 49 49 50 44 44 48 52 47 44 48 53 48 46 49 52 Character of Straw. Medium . Stiff Med ium . Stiff. . . . Medium . Stiff Medium . Stiff Medium . Stiff Weak . . . Stiff.. . t1 . . . . It ... It . . . . It . . . . It . . . . It . . . . It . . . . tl . . . . It . . . Medium . Stiff, . . . ; Weak . . . Stiff. .'.'.'. M . . . . II . . . . Medium , Stiff Weak . '. to > o < Yield i V^r Acre. In. Lbs. 3 3 2f 3i 3| 3i 3i 3i 3i 3i 3i 3i 2i 3} 1| 3h 2i 4 H 3i H 31 2i 2i 2i 3I H 3h 2.'i 3" m 2,500 2,420 2,400 2,320 2,300 2,260 2,180 2,180 2,180 2,060 2,020 2,020 2,020 2,020 1,980 1,900 1,940 1,910 1,920 1,900 1,800 1,780 1,780: 1,740 1,700 1,700 1,700 1.680 1,060 1,550 1,540 1,500 1,480 1.400 1,400 1,380 1,320 Yield pCT Acre. 3 .0 41 40 40 20 40 .. 38 40 38 20 37 40 36 20 .% 20 36 20 34 20 33 40 33 40 33 40 33 40 33 32 40 32 20 32 20 32 31 40 31 29 40 29 40 29 28 20 28 20 28 20 28 27 40 25 40 25 40 25 .. 24 40 24 20 23 20 23 .. 22 .. 1' t^ o s bo Rusted. Lbs. Slightly. Considerably. Slightly. Considerablv. Slightly. Con.siderablv. Badlv. Slightly. Badly. Slightly. Considerably. Badly." Considerably. Slightly. Badly. Slightly. Considerably. Badlv. 61 63 6U 61 591 611 61' 6U 57 61 61 60i 59i 571 57i, 63 5S1 60" 59.1 58l 61 60 60 574 56 57 Considerablj'. 63i Slightly. 564 Considerablj'. 55 II 604 684 Slightly. 574 .. ■ 60 iConsiderablv, 63!! 61 4'.!''! 58,a Head of Turkey Red Winter Wheat, Natural Size. 16—281 REPORT OF THE CEREALIST 241 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 Most Productive Varieties of Spring Wheat. — Excluding the durum, wheats, which are considered separately, the following varieties of wheat have shown unusual productiveness for a series of years on this farm: — Preston, Pringle's Champlain, Huron, Itcrisson Bearded and Bishop. The first four of these are red wheats with bearded heads. Bishop is a white wheat and is beardless. Of the five varieties, Pringle's Champlain is probably the best for the production of strong flour. Somewhat lower in yield, but superior in the strength of their flour, are Red Fern (bearded), Ked Fife (beardless), and White Fife (beardless). Earliest Varieties of Spring Wheat. — Several very early varieties of spring wheat are being grown on this farm, but they are not at present being distributed or recom- mended for general cultivation, i'armers applying for very early sorts should remem- ber that extreme earliness is frequently associated with a rather small yield, short straw, liability to rust or some other defect to which the more vigorous wheats are less subject. The earliest wheats which are as yet included in the regular distribution of seed grain from this farm are Pringle's Champlain, Preston, Huron, Stanley and Percj'. These are all somewhat eai'licr than Eed Fife. Stanley and Percy are beardless sorts. DUEUM OR MACARONI WHEAT. The term ' Macaroni ' wheat is often employed to designate those varieties having very large, hard kernels of which ' Goose ' or ' Wild Goose ' is the best known example in Canada. As these wheats are not all suitable for the making of macaroni it is T')erhaps better to employ the term ' Durum ' (meaning hard) which is used in many countries and is both accurate and scientific. The different sorts of durum wheat are Jiy no means identical in quality, though they are usually considered to be so. Excel- lent bread can be made from some of them, but the extreme hardness of the kernels and the somewhat unusual qualities of the flour produced make the wheats of this class unpopular at present, with both millers and bakers. Farmers who grow any of the durum wheats sho\ild exercise great care to prevent them from becoming mixed with wheat which is to be sold for flour-making. As a rule, these varieties suffer less from drought and from rust than other sorts. They may therefore, in some cases, be grow'n to advantage, especially in any rather dry district where rust is apt to be severe. They arc not, however, to be generally recom- mended for damp climates. It should also be borne in mind that the market price of durum wheat is usually lower than that paid for varieties which are popular for mill- ing purposes. The plots of durum wheat were one-fortieth of an acre in extent. The seed was sown on April 27, at the rate of If bushels to the acre. The soil was a rather sandy loam. The yield per acre is expressed in pounds and also in 'bushels' of 60 pounds. 16—16 2iZ •EXPERIMENTAL FARMS' 7-8 EDWARD '<^if.r-A."if908 Durum or Macaroni Wheat — Test of' Varieties. s Name of Variety. Ijlloumanian A 2 Gharnovka 3 Goose 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Deloturka Kahla Kubanka Yellow Gharnovka. Black Don Italian Red Indian . . Mahmoudi Velvet Don Average Length of Straw, includ- ing Head. In. 55 54 50 56 50 45 51 51 47 49 46 45 Character of Straw. Siiff.... M . . . . M . . . . Weak '. '. .Stiff. . . . Weak . . Medium Stiff.... It . . . . II . . . . Medium bo s . u4t3 ID S u > o • In. n 2i 2| 21 2i 3 Yield jjer Acre. Lbs. 2,460 2,400 2,340 2,200 2.C0O 1,980 1,900 1,860 1,700 1,620 1,120 1,080 Yield per Acre. w 41 40 39 36 33 33 31 31 28 27 18 IS n . <4-i *^ - s* - . 3 to -» a>^ SB- to Dm rt •« e 3 O; t5 40 20 40 20 40 Lbs.' 63 63 63 (•■2i 60" 62 62 61 571 59 59 61 lev ibsri'^ Rusted. Slightly. Considerably. Sligiitly, Badly. Slightly. Badly. Eoumanian which stands at the head of the list this year, has also given the heigli- est average yield during the past five years. WINTER WHEAT. The winter wheat was sown on August 29, 1905. The plots were one-fortieth of an acre in extent, and the seed was used at the rate of If bushels to the acre. The soil was a clay loam. The young plants made good growth in the autumn, but the rather mild and very changeable weather during the winter killed the majority of them, on nearly all the plots, so that it was necessary when spring came to plough up the greater part of the land devoted to these experiments. Only one variety, Padi, withstood in a satisfactory manner the trying conditions of the winter. This variety ripened on July 23, and yielded at the rate of 2,440 lbs. (40 bushels 40 lbs.) per acre. Unfortunately this wheat cannot be recommended for general cultivation for flour-making purposes on account of the very poor and unattractive colour of the bread which is produced from it. WINTER WHEAT IN AEBERTA. It seems necessary to call the attention of wheat-growers in Alberta to the fact that the high reputation of Alberta winter wheat has been gained largely because the variety known as Tui'key Red has been most extensively grown, Turkey Red pro- duces stronger flour than most of the other red winter wheats and it will be impossible to keep up the quality of Alberta winter wheat if all the red varieties are regarded as equally desirable. Unfortunately the term Alberta Red is now often used as if it were the name of a variety, whereas it is only the designation of a grade and, accord- ing to the law, any red winter wheat grown in Alberta is Alberta Red, (unless it be a very poor sample). Appearances in wheat are often extremely deceptive, and a fine, hard red sample of winter wheat may not produce flour of good baking strength if the variety (or breed) of the wheat is poor. Hardness and colour alone, are no guarantee of flour strength. : .:o;lt Wheat growers in Alberta are therefore strongly advised to sow only pure Turkey Red when they wish to produce hard red wheat of the best strength. To aid in discrim- inating between the true Turkey Red and other red winter wheats a description of this variety is here given. - tn?)w bnu .w:-i'. ni^j "iv ti-'M!..-/i-ino -rvr:' -^ .;:!.' ^j^l Turhey JRcd (TurJAsli Bed):— The terms ' Alberta Jte^ ' and ' I^ansa^ Red' ai-e general, commercial terms for red winter wheat. Wheat sold under cither of these ■:■■'-' "-i'L REPORT OF THE CEREALIST 243 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 names may or may not be Turkey Red. Kernels red, usually hard, about medium size, but somewhnt long. Heads bearded, tapering, not broad, not above medium length. Chaff yellowish, smooth. Straw stiff and of about medium length. Produces flour of very good colonr and very high stronfjth. The annexed plate shows a typical head (natural size) of Turkey Red winter wheat. EMMER AND SPELT. The plots of emmcr and spelt were one-fortieth of an acre each. The grain was sown on April 28 and May 2., at the rate of about -120 lbs. (or four bushels by measure) to the acre. The soil was a rather light loam. The varieties 9 J 3 and 0 K 2, which appear in the list this year for the first time are crosses between Common Emmer and Colorado wheat, in which the Emmer characteristics predominate somewhat. Emmeu and Spelt — Tkst of Vakikties. 6b Average J3 bo Date of Ripen- to S Length of Character Yield u Name of Variety. Straw, includ- of Straw. per Acre. _tC =L, g g Rusted. ing. d ing > o ® c .oIj Ya ;2; Head. < ^ In. In. Lbs. Lb3. \ CoiiiiiKjn Pjinmer Aug. (■) 9 6 II 5 M 14 M 15 100 103 100 95 108 109 40 47 45 49 53 44 Weak . . . M ... Stiff..'.'.;'. (1 ... M .... 13 3 If 2^ 4i ''.GSO 2,540 2,220 2,100 1,800 36 32 29 36^ 25 25i Slightly. ? '\ l)onl>le I^]innier II 4 9. J 3.. If 5 Red Snelt () Sino( o In. Yield per Acre. Yield per Acre. -3 t- to Lbs. 2.540 2,520 2,420 2,400 2,400 2,340 2,320 2,320 2, .320 2,320 2,300 2,300 2,260 2,260 2,200 2.200 2,180 2,180 2,180 2,160 2,140 2,100 2,100 2,080 2,080 2,080 2,060 2,060 2,060 2,040 2,040 2,020 2,000 2,000 2,000 1,980 1,980 1,940 1,940 1,920 1,920 1,900 1,800 1,860 1,840 1,840 1,840 1,780 1,780 1,780 1,740' 1,700 1,660 1,620 1,600 1,540 1,520 1,180 920 74 24 74 4 71 6 70 20 70 20 68 28 58 57 57 68 68 68 68 67 22 67 22 66 16 66 16 64 24 64 24 64 4 64 4 64 4 63 18 62 32 61 26 61 26 61 6 61 61 60 20 00 20 60 20 60 60 59 14 58 28 58 28 58 28 58 8 Lbs. ^Q 16 56 16 55 30 54 24 54 54 54 54 24 4 4 4 52 12 52 12 52 12 51 6 50 .. 48 28 47 47 22 2 45 10 44 24 34 24 27 2 Rusted. 34i 33' 32 28i 30| 30 31 32i 33 33 33 34| 29i 28i 32" 33i 30" 31J 32" 33i 33" 38 33A 33" 30 m 3U 29' 2S:i 30 32 34 36 30 32 mk Slightly. o2 Considerabiv. 3J:| 3U 32" 30 34i 3.Si Slightly. 36:iConsiiderablv. 32^ 31 27-^ 33 Considei-abiv. Badly. Considerabh'. Slightly. Considerably. Slightly. Considerably. Slightly. ' Considerably. Slightly. Badly. Considerably. Slightly. II Considerably. Slightly. Considerably. Badly. Considerably. Badly. Slightly. Considerably. Badly." ConsideraMy. >1 Badly. Cunsiderablj'. Badly. Considerably 32i 30" 30 33 32 33 33| Badly. 34| Considerably REJ'Oirr OF THE CERKALIHT 245 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 Most Productive Varieties of Oats. Among the most productive varieties of oats grown for the past five years at this farm the following varieties deserve special mention: — Banner (sometimes called 'American Banner'). Twentieth Century, White Giant and Lincoln. These are all white oats, and one or more of these kinds can be obtained from any good seedsman. Golden Beauty, Columbus and Mennonite are vei-y productive yellow oats, but do not seem to possess any points of superiority over the best white oats. Among the black oats tvro of the best sorts arc Black Beauty and Joancttc. These are, however, usually less productive than the best white kinds. The Joanette has short straw, which makes it a desirable variety to sow in some cases. It is readily obtainable in commerce, sometimes under its own name and at other times under the designation 'Black Goanette.' Earliest Varieties of Oats. — The variety known as ' Sixty Day ' is perhaps the earliest oat ever grown at this farm. It was ready to cut, last season, in 81 days from the time of sov/ing. Somewhat less early but probably more productive, as a rule, are Tart^ir King, Welcome and Daubenej-. These are all white oats (except the Sixty Day, which is a mixture of white and yellow) and give a fair crop. They are obtain- able in commerce, but farmers are not advised to grow them except in cases v;here earlincss is of very great importance. The white oats mentioned in the preceding parr.grnph will generally be found more profitable. SIX-EOW BAELEY. The Mancliurian barley added to the plots this year is a selected strain obtained from ^Fensury. Small Blue Nalced is a bearded, hulless variety the kernels of which would be described as ' white ' rather than ' blue.' It is not a promising sort. Taganrog is a variety of Russian origin. Owing to some inequality in the soil, the plot of Odessa barley was almost a failure this year and is therefore omitted from the list. The plots were all one-fortieth of an acre. The seed was sown on April 28th at the rate of If bushels per acre. The soil was a loam of fair quality, but variable in character. The yield per acre is expressed in pounds and also in ' bushels ' of 48 pounds. ^.(246 ^o. EZP.EMI MENTAL FARMS, ar7-8 EDWARD VI*.f;A^1f08 ^,,;,,j*yarieties end selected strains produced at the Central Experimental Farm are J^ar]ie4jyitji.an'aste,risk., :,a owj iv eii^i t.si;! iu Loeu Six-how Barley — Test of Varieties. ''" '"vy',"' »t. "' :ji'njocf tfjr- — t — p — \ t 11 (-i '/^ 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 IC 17 IS 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 20 27 nris'il Icxaoici^st Name of Vai icty. Albert* Black Japan Mandscheuri Trooper* Ta^^aurog Menpury Escourgeon Nugent* Sisolsk Manchurian* Bere Empire* , A.rgyle* Blue Long Head . . . Yale* Mansfield* Eclipse Common Summit*.. . Claude* Hulless Black , Stella* Oderhruch Brome* Royal* Small Blue Naked . . . Champion (beardless). Date of Ripen- ing. Aug. •July All-. .'be _g 75'E o July 30 93 .. 2S „ 30 „ 23 H 31 M 28 M 31 „ 30 „ 29 ,. 28 ft 'lb ,. 31 ,. 30 ,- .31 u 31 „ 31 n 31 ,. SO „ 30 2 2-6 1 3 ru!y 1 3 30 Average Length of Straw, includ- ing head. In. Character . of Straw. 93 91 43 33 93 47 80 43 94 37 91 48 94 42 93 47 92 46 91 49 88 40 91 47 93 47 94 36 94 48 94 49 94 46 93 38 93 48 96 43 86 30 95 48 97 41 97 41 95 47 97 36 93 43 t Stiff.... Medium. Stiff . . . . Weak... Stiff Weak.. . . Medium. Weak. . . . Medium . Stiff. Medium. Weak.... Stiff Weak. . . . Medium . Weak.... Stiff Weak.... -c. . .- to c In. 01 ♦ 4 2 3 31 31 si 3| ■ik 3 3 3 n n 3i 3 3i n 3 Yield per Acre. Yield per ' Acre. ti Lbs. ■ W 3,700177 3,50072 3,.3G0!70 3,320l09 3,.32009 3,22067 3, 140 '65 3, 120 '65 3,100 64 3,040,63 3,040'63 3,000 2,980 2,960 2,800 2,780 2,640 2,5^0 2,480 2,460 2,420 2,2Gu 2,040 2,040 2,000 1,660 62 62 61 58 57 55 3 DC , ,^ ll* K ? -1* Si-3 5 i-J 4 44 8 8 4 20 28 16 16 24 4 32 16 44 £^ 53 38 51 32 51 12 50 20 47 4 42 24 42 24 41 32 34 28 32 24 Lbs. ■r ^^i'i-^ c, ■ Rusted. All 481 454 49 4S 51 46 45 45.' 45^. 41 48 401 47| 48 45 48 4-.i 47" 60.1 43.^ 43" 46 41.1 .M'l 34^ Slightly. Considerablv. Slightly. It '^'onsiderably. Slightly. Considerably. Slightly. Considerably. Slightly. Considerably. Slightly. Considerably. Slightly. Considerably. Most Productive Varieties of Six-Bow Barley. — Among the most productive sorts which have been tested for several years at this farm are Mensury, Odessa, Niigent, Trooper and Blue Long Head. Mensury is obtainable from most seedsmen, and sm.all samples of Odessa are usually available for distribution from this farm to any farmers who apply early in the winter. Earliest Varieties of Six-Row Barley. — The differences in earliness among the varieties of six-row barley are not very striking. Among the earliest sorts are Mensury and Odessa. Beardless Six-Row Barley. — Champion, is the best variety of beardless barley that has been grown here. It ripens early, but gives a poor yield and is not to be recom- mended. It is obtainable in commerce. *. t , „ ^/, I- , * .... '*'' * . '1C-- ^''^JJuUess Six-Row Barley. — ^The most productive variety of nulless harley which has '^■"bee'ri tested at this farm is Ilulless Black. This is a bearded sort and can be obtained 'in commerce. It ripens early, but has weak straw and gives a^sniall yield. TWO-ROW BAELEY. Erfurt White, Ganil)rinus, Hofhrait- and Jew^T are varieties recently obtained from Germany. Old Irish was obtained from Ireland. l¥fMbTit OF Tlfl^^dii^EALIST 247 SESSIONAL PAFCR K'o. 16 f>TS jf'Tlic plots of twb-roW barley were sown on April SOtli and May 1st, tlio seed being used at the rate of two bushels to the acre. The soil was a loam of fair quality tut not of uniform character. The yield per acre is expressed in pounds and also in 'bushels' of 48 pounds. * "Varieties and selected strains produced at the Central Experimental Farm are marked with an asterisk. Two-now Barley— Test OF. Varieties. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 IG 17 18 10 20 21 22 23 Name of Variety. Hannchen Standwell Erfurt White Swan's Neck Invincible Old Irish Jewel French Chevalier Beaver* Jarvis* Princess Svalof Gordon* Canadian Thorpe.., Swedish Chevalier.. Brewer's Fa\ourite. . Clifford* Dunham* Sidney* Danish Chevalier.. . , Fichtel Mountain. . , Archer Chevalier.., Harvey* Hofbrau Date of Ripen- ing. 24; Maltster. 25 2i; 27 28 Primus. . . . Gambrinus. Logan* .... Princess. . . a 'o d July 31 .. 31 u 30 ,. 31 Aug. 1 July 31 Aug. 3 3 July 31 Au^. 1 G 1 3 3| 61 21 2' 1 2 2 6 1 July 31 Aug. G 2 II i> ] Average Length of Straw, includ- ing head. 92 92 90 92 93 91 95 95 92 93 98 93 95 95 98 94 94 93 94 94 98 93 91 98 94 96 93 95 In. Character of Straw. Medium. \Vea!k ..'.. Stiff Weak . . . Medium . Stiff Weak... Medium. Weak . . . 40 48 38 39 49 48 41 53 48 57 38 53 45 42 45 54 52 48 51 44 Medium. 35 Weak 52 Stiff. 41 We.ik, 4G 50 38 56 40 a Stiff Medium . Stiff Stiff. . Weak ?x In. Yield per Acre. Lbs Yield per Acre. o - en ■S pa 3,600 75 3,200,67 3,200,66 3,020162 3,000;62 2,860 59 2,820j58 2,78057 2,760|57 2,740,.57 2,74057 2,720 56 56 56 2,700 ! 2,700 ! 2,640 55 2,62054 2,580 53 2,540 i 2,540 i 2,540 I 2,520 ! 2,340 • 2,340 2,240 2,16045 2, 120! 44 2,060 42 1,940 40 52 52 52 52 48 43 46 c '"^t^ <^?.^ 44 32 44 24 28 36 44 24 4 4 32 12 12 28 3t) 44 44 44 24 36 36 32 '8 44 20 Lbs. Rusted. 47 44i 49 48^ 49 47 48^ 48 50 46 50 46 47 47 48i 48 50 46i 49| 46| 50| 46 44 47 46 49 46 Slightly. Considerably. Slightly. Considerably. Slightly. Considerably. Slightly. Considerably Slightly. ii Considerably. Slightly. Considerably. Slightly. Conssiderably. Slightly. Most Productive Varieties of Two-Row Barley. — Taking the average of the returns for the past five years, the varieties of two-row barley found to be the most productive on this farm are French Chevalier, Danish Chevalier, Canadian Thorpe, Princess Svalof and Standwell. The Chevalier barleys ripen somewhat earlier, as a •"fule, than the three other sorts in this list. Earliest Varietie& of Two-Row Barley. — The earliest sorts among those tested for ^ not less than five years at this farm are Beaver and Jarvis. These ripen usually about two or ^^hree days before French Chevalier. They give good yields, but have not proved so productive as the best Chevalier barleys. Beardless and Hulless Two-Row Barley.— The varieties of beardless and of hul- less two-row barley which have been tested at this farm have not sufficient strength of straw to make them profitable sorts for farmers to cultivate. •.f,n ^' 218 EXFEEJMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. IPOS^V WINTER SIX-EOW BAELEY. A plot of winter barley of the variety known as Zero, was sown on August 2f»th, 1905. It made good growth in the autumn, but was entirely killed owing to the--' changeable weather during the winter. PEAS. The plots of peas v,-ere one-fortieth of an acre each. The soil was a sandy loam. The seed was sown on May 7th at the rate of two to three bushels per acre, according to the size of the pea. The crop obtained was considerably below the average owing to the insufficient rainfall during July and August. The yield per acre is expressed in pounds and also in ' bushels ' of GO pounds. * Varieties and selected strains produced at the Central Experimental Farm are marked with an asterisk. Peas. — Test of Varieties. o £ 1 2 ^! 4 5 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Name of Variety. Chancellor Arthur*.. Early Eiitain . . English (Jrrey Archer* Canadian Beauty .... Eield Grey Pearlr Golden Vine Duke* Agne.s* Gregory'' Black-eye Marrowfat Daniel O'Ro'irke . . . . Picton* Prussian Blue Wisconsin Blue Kent* iSIackay* . . Nelson* Paragon* Prince Albert Prince* Victoria* Wiiite Marrowfat. . . Date 1 "^ RilK'U- iiig. - cS ^^ Aug. It 9 9 94 9! If 16 101 H 16 101 If 14 99 11 13 98 it 13 98 It 14 99 ti 14 99 ! ti 14 99 i " 14 99 1 II 16 101 .. 16 101 • 1 13 98 II 13 98 i " T 92 i II 11 96 II 13 98 1 13 98 1 " 7 92 7 92 II 14 99 ,.' 13 98 If 16 101 It 11 96 Character of Growth. Strong. x; ^ fee a Average Length (fO of Straw. ? o < In. In. 68 ox '■4 61 71 2i 73 2i 73 2 71 2i 66 2 73 2^ 73 ''i 73 2i 68 2i 2l 71 73 2| 71 24 66 2;t 68 2h 58 2i 70 2h 71 2h 53 2I 63 68 21 2j 68 68 2 63 2i Yield per Acre. Lbs. 2,0S0 1,930 1,900 1,880 1,780 1,780 1,780 1,780 1,700 1,70() 1,660 1,600 1,620 l,620i 1,620 1,620 1,600 1,500 1,500 1,480 1,480 1,480 1,460 1,420 1,.30LI Yield- per Acre. Bu. lbs. 34 40 33 .. 31 40 31 20 29 40 29 40 29 40 29 40 28 20 28 20 27 4C 27 40 27 .. 27 .. 27 .. 27 .. 26 40 25 25 24 40 24 40 24 40 24 20 23 40 21 40 Q^ i. :^ c — O fcSS Lbs. 62J 62" 61 62 64 62 63 61 Size of Pea. Small. Medium. Large. Small. Large. 64.J Small. 62i Large. 63 63i 62 63i, 62i 62| 62^, 61J m. 62| 62 62J, Small. 62] Large, 62 M.'.liu!. 62i [jarge. Medium. Large. Small. Lf).rge. Medium. It Large. Medium. Most Productive Varieties of Peas.- — Among the most productive sorts of peas grown for the past five years at this farm are Golden Vine, Canadian Beauty, Prus- sian Blue, Mackay and Chancellor. One or more of these varieties can be obtained from almost any seedsman. Earliest Varieties of Peas. — Chancellor and Prussian Blue are among the earliest varieties, but Golden Vine and Canadian Beauty are almost as early. liEPOin or TUE CEliEALIHT 2/iB SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 SPRING EYE. Two plots of one-fortieth acre each were sown on ^fay Tth, the seed being used at the rate of 1^ bushels to the acre. The soil was a rather lipht loam. The Ottawa Select rye is a no-t strain produced at this farm by selection. The yield per acre is expressed in pounds and also in * bushels ' of 56 pounds. Sprixc; Kve — Tkst of Varieties. — X I 1 ur^ U >> Average - ^i Date of Ripen- a.t Length Character Length Yield Yield :?is 1^ <11 Nau»e of Variety. **-* 3 Straw, of of per per -fi ^ ii'5 Paisted. Ji includ- Straw. Head. Acre . Acre . tcc 2 g 1 ing. r^. ing a; S.S'o "A A H<.ad. '^ Inches. Inches. Lbs. "1 B Lbs. P3 1-5 * 1 Connnon Aug. 7 92 49 Stifif 3 2,260 40 20 57 Slightly. 2 Ottawa Select i M 7 92 49 If ...... H 2,200 39 16 56 U WINTEE EYE. Three plots of winter rj-e were sown August 29th, 1905. The plots were one- fortieth of an acre, and the seed was used at the rate of 1^ bushels per acre. The rye made good growth in the autvimn, but was somewhat injured by the unusual weather during the winter. It gave, however, a large crop of grain. The soil was a clay loam. The variety called Dominion is a new strain produced at this farm by selection. The yield per acre is expressed in pounds and also in ' bushels ' of 56 pounds. WiN'TEK Rte — Test of Varieties. — -. — t., >> Average 1) 7, * Date of Ripen- ing. 05 . Length of Ch.'\racter Average Length Head. Yield Yield c Name of Variety. Straw, of per per -= ^ S"5 Rusted. -2 d s includ- ing Straw. Acre. Acre . /: ■/C 1 Head. Inches. ^ Inches. Lbs. CO ^ Lbs. 1 ThonsaiidfoM ....... •July 23 328! 58 Stiff U 2,720'4S 32 5S Slightly. 2 Manii;>urh White-.... ., 23 32« 61 II .... 4? 2,460 43 52 59 II 3 „ 23 328 ' ^ IT 4| ; 2.440 43 32 59^ It GEAIX SOWN IN DIFFERENT QUANTITIES PEE ACEE ON SANDY LOAIT. These experiments were conducted on plots of one-fortieth of an acre each. AU the grain was sown on !May 7th. The wheat was ripe August 10th, the oata August 11th and the barley July 2Sth. ^ ...Of Af^-7<1 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS .7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1 908 .The results obtained this season, are given in the following .tables v. ;jv. 7-0= ^i:?' Name of Variety. Preston Wheat. Banner Oats Mensury Barley Quantity Sown per Acre. Bush. 1 li li 2 3 2 2i 3 3^ 4 2 2* 3 3^ 4 Number of Days from Sowing to Harvesting. 95 fl5 95 95 95 05 96 96 96 96 96 96 82 82 82 82 82 82 Yield per Acre. Bush. -tt)s 29 29 32 33 31 25 59 C3 48 52 48 49 72 70 66 62 63 57 40 20 40 40 ]4 18 28 12 8 14 4 20 32 4 16 24 These experiments have now been carried on for six years and, though the results obtained have been somewhat irregular, they show clearly that on sandy loam there is no gain in sowing more than about 1^ bushels per acre of Preston wheat. The tests with larger quantities of seed than this will therefore be discontinued. With Banner oats the lowest average yields for six years have been obtained by sowing 1^ and 4 bushels per acre. These two rates of seeding will therefore be discon- tinued. With Mensury barley the results obtained thus far have varied so much from season to season that no definite conclusions can yet be drawn. PLOTS OF MIXED GKAIN. In choosing the varieties for these plojts the greatest care is exercised to sow to- gether only such sorts as are known to mature in almost the same number of days, so that they may both be ready for cutting at the same time. Only one column is given for the number of days maturing, as in every case the mixtures ripened with great uniformity. REPORT OF THE CERE All ST Aii-'it-"^! .Vif/".\." 'Ixr.'^.'-. , • Z51 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 The plots were one-fortieth of an acre and the seed was sown on May 5th. Wheat was sown at the rate of 00 lbs. per acre, oats 40 lbs. per acre, barley 50 lbs. per acre and emmer 70 lbs. per acre. The soil was a sandy loam. Varieties. Date of Ripening. o be S- K C ■I ^'5 Wlieat and Oats : - I'ringle's Ciiampla'nWheatand Ameri- can Triumph Oats Prpston Wheat and White Giant Oats Wheat and Two-row Barley : — Gt'hun Wheat and French ChovalitT Barley Oats and Two-row Barlej' : — American Beaiity Oats and Princess Svalof Barley Welcome Oats and French Chevalier Barley Oats and Emmer : — Jjunner Oats and Common Emmer. . . . Aug. 11. . .. 12. 7. G. 14. e^- 98 99 92 94 93 101 u Proportions in Crop Harvested. Lb.s. 1.800 1,320 4S per cent wheat = 893 lbs. per acre. 52 >t M oats — 967 73 per cent wheat = 9()4 27 I' i< oats = 356 19 per cent wheat = 384 2,020 '81 H „ barley =1,036 2,520 2,.^00 1,200 0.5 per cent oats =1,638 35 II I. barley = 882 30 per cent oats = 690 rO n .. barley =1,010 ()6 fjer cent oats = 792 34 ir II emmer = 40.5 FIELD BEANS. Four plots, one-fortieth of an acre each, were sown on May 21st. The soil was a sandy loam. The yield per acre is expressed in pounds and also in ' bushels ' of 60 pounds. FiKLD Beans — Tj;st of Varieties. c B 3 Name of Variety. Date of Ripening. No. of Days Maturing. Average Length of Straw. Aver.age Lencth of Pod. Yield per Acre. Yield per Acre. 3 ^ 27 26 40 24 21 20 Weight per Measured Bii.shel after Cleaning. 1 Marrowfat Aug. 20.. .. 20.. 1, 14.. .1 20.. 91 91 85 91 Inches. 19 24 15 16 Inches. 4| i Lbs. 1,620 1,600 1,440 1,280 Lbs. 63 2 3 4 White Field Norwegian Brown. ... California Pea Bean. . . 63 61 64^ EXPERIMENTAL FARMS FLAX. 7-8 EDWARD Vri., Ai^t90« The plots of flax were one-fortieth of au acre. The seed was sown on May 21st at the rate of 60 lbs. to the acre. The soil was a sandy loam. ; i The yield per acre is expressed in pounds and also in ' bushels ' of 56 pounds. FlAX- Varieties. Name of Vai-iety. Date of Ripening. NovaroEsic-"'; . Ci'ttuiion . . . Aug. 3 I.a Plata . 4 5 6 7 Russian Yellow Seed .... Riga . . White Flowenii'?. 17. n. q Y. 7. 7. 7. No. of Days Maturing, Averasre Length of Plants. 88 80 80 78 78 78 78 Inches. 29 38 30 34 31 35 26 Yield per Acre. Lbs. 1,020 800 760 720 720 640 640 Yield per Acre. J3 w P m 18 14 13 12 12 11 11 SI 1-5 12 16 32 48 48 24 24 Weight per Measured Bushel after Cleaning. Lbs. 55 55i 55 541 54 54 55 FIELD EOOTS. The advantage of late pulling for field roots having been clearly proved by the experience of several years, comparative tests, by pulling on two different dates about two weeks apart, have been discontinued. All tiie roots were harvested at the one time, but the harvesting was left until quite late so as to enable the roots to make as large a growth as possible. The yield per acre of the field roots is calculated from the weight of the crop gathered fvr^A one-hundredth of an acre. The sou on which the field roots were grown was a clay loam. It is probable that in some instances varieties which are mentioned in these tables under different names are identical in all essential respects. In Canada the ton contains 2,000 pounds. TITKNIPS. Two sowings were made of each vai'iety, the first on May 15th and the second on May 29th. Tlie seed was, used at the rate of about four pounds per acre. Before sow- ing, the land was made up in drills two feet apart and rolled with a heavy land roller, which flattened the drills nearly one-half, leaving a firm seed bed. Wlien the young plants were about three inches high they were thinned out, leaving them about seven inches apart in the rows. The roots were pulled on October 24:th. REPORT or Tin: t KUEALIf^T 253 ?■• SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 TuHNiPs — Test op Varieties. c 5 1 2 3 4 5 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 IC 17 18 19 20 Name of Variety. New Century Perfection S wede . . . . Mammoth Clyde . . Selected Purple Top. SUirviiigs Sutton's Cliampion. . Impeiial Swede Hall's Westbury .Jumbo I unit Kangaroo Hartley's Bronze Halewood's Bronze Top Magnum Bf)num Carter's Elephant Elephant's Master Good Luck Emperor Swede Bangholm Selected , East Lothian Drummond Purple Top. . ^ ,. Y ield per Acre from let Sowing. 03 s i 22 300 21 300 19 GOO 19 300 18 800 17 17 1,000 500 IG IG 1,650 150 15 1,700 15 15 15 1,500 1,150 850 14 100 14 50 13 1,5.30 12 11 11 1,950 1,800 10 1,550 Yield per Acre from 2nd Sowing. c o Eh 14 15 13 15 13 15 13 12 12 11 12 10 11 8 9 10 10 8 8 7 250 800 1,500 1,150 1,100 1,000 100 1,100 1,500 050 40O i.g.oo l.GOO 1,550 1,650 1,900 1,800 450 1,.350 1,200 The average yield from the 1st sowing was 15 tons 1,890 lbs. per acre. The average yield from the 2nd sowing was 11 tons 1,765 lbs. per acre. MANGELS. Two sowings were made of each variety, the first on May 15th, and the second on May 29th. The seed was used at the rate of about six pounds per acre. Before sowing, the land was made up in drills two feet apart and rolled with a heavy land roller to make a firm seed bed. When the young plants were about three inches high they were thinned out, leaving them about seven inchee apart in the rows. The roots were pulled October 24th. Mangels — Test of Varieties. B 5 ;2i 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Name of Variety. {Selected Mammoth Long Red : Mammoth Long Red Yellow Intermediate Triumph Yellow Globe Prize Mammoth Long Red Selected Y^'ellow GJobe Mammoth Yellow Intermediate Prize Winner Yellow Globe. . . Lion Yellow Intermediate Giant Sugar Mangel ... Giant Yellow Intermediate Leviathan Long Red Half Sugar Rosy Half Sugar White Gate Post Giant Yellow Globe Yield per Yield per acre from acre from 1st Sowing-. 2nd Sowing. Tons. Lbs. Tons. Lbs. 40 1,550 28 1,000 38 800 25 600 37 1,0.50 31 700 36 700 24 1,450 35 600 24 650 34 900 25 1,6.50 33 800 26 1,900 33 200 23 l,4t;0 32 300 24 1,800 30 1,600 23 1,550 29 1,250 28 700 28 400 27 200 27 700 27 1,200 25 700 32 500 24 1,500 24 1,500 21 50 20 1,850 The average yield from the first sowing was 31 tons 1,569 lbs. per acre. The average yield from the second so\Aing was 26 tons 541 lbs. per acre. 254 '- EXPERIMENTAL FAliMs" 7-8 EDWARD Vlh, A-i'tSOB CARROTS. TwQ so^iDSS ■c;qre made of each variety, the first on May 15,tb, and the second on liii^j ?9tlj.: The seed was. used at the rate of about six. pounds per acre. Before sowing,, the land was made up in drills two feet apart and rolled with a heavy land roller to^ n:ake a firm seed bed. When the young plants were about three inches high they, were,, thinned out, leaving them about five inches apart in the rows. ^The^roots were pulled ;t October 25th. .ij/a qoto lo CAitROis— Test of VAhiF/riKS. 55 1 2 3 4 5 G 7 8 9 IC Name of Variety. Yii'ld pev acre Inun 1st Sowin . Half Long Chantenay Tons. Lbs. 25 25 21 21 20 20 10 15 15 14 1,950 1,200 1,000 900 1,300 900 1,GC0 1,200 SCO 1,200 Yield per acre from 2nd Sowing. Tons. Lbs. 31 28 21 28 25 27 21 17 23 23 500 700 1,^^50 1,200 1,000 1,000 1,850 10) 50 1,500 The average yield from the 1st sowing was 19 tons 1,605 lbs. per acre. The average yield from the 2nd sowing was 24 tons 1,875 lbs. per acre. SUGAR BEETS. Two sowings were made of each variety, the first on May 15th, and the second on IMay 29th. The seed was used at the rate of about six pounds per acre. Before sowing, the land was made up in drills two feet apart and rolled with a heavy land roller to make a firm seed bed. When the young plants were about three inches high they were thinned out, leaving them about five inches apart in the rows. The roots were pulled on October 25th. Though all the varieties mentioned here are commonly classed as sugar beets, it should be noted that the only ones recommended for use in the manufacture of sugar are Wanzleben, French Very Rich, and Vilmorin's Improved. SuciAU Bi:r/r?-: — Test of Variktiks. u B Name of Variety. Yie'd per acrt fioni 1st Sowing. Dcinish Red Top '■ Iniproved Imperial Red Top Sugar . Danish Improved . .: Royal Giant . . .,. . ... . . . . French Very Rich ... .. . Wanzleben t'.' Vilmorin's Improved L i7\'L Tr, i. ;jJjiyieii'A.:3£?f.-. .."VJ-t. -. . , ;K'*)ii.- *;!■>'>! ^ •?.>?.;!■ •V'iC'i! ?*Kr-'. Tons. Lbs. Uvr. 35 34 33 31 31 28 'C6 •go- 50 150 350 1,950 1,350 . .300 Yield \wr acre froDi 2nd Sowing. Tons. Lbs. 27 30 29 27 24 26 ^ 21 1,366 1,550 500 456 600. 100 The average yield from the first sowing was 30 tons 1,581 lbs. per acre. The average yield from the second sowing was' 26 tons 313 lbs. per acre. REPORT OF THE CEREAUST 255 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 INDIAN CORN. The com was sown with tlic soed drill in rows thirty-five inches apart, and was also sown in hills thirty-iive inches apart each way. When the plants were aboiit six inches high they were thinned out, leaving them from six to eight inches apart in the rows, and leaving four or five plants in each hill. The seed was sown May 28th, and the com was cut green for ensilage September 11th. The yield has been calculated from the weight of crop cut from two rows, each 66 feet long. The soil was a clay loam. iiit;'. :vi/. . :!.■ f/-..ii-- .- 1 For the making of ensilage the com should be cut when the kernels are in the late milk or doughy stage; but the summer at Ottawa is not always warm enough to bring the later varieties to this state of maturity before it is necessary to cut the crop to avoid frost. In Canada the ton contains 2,000 pounds. Indian Corx— Test of Yamieties. « S \ I . 5 0 7 8 0 10 11 12 n 14 15 16 17 18 10 20 21 22 23 Name of Variety. Character of Growtl). I Wooil'sNorthern White Dent Early Mastodon Early Butler. Selected Learning Red Cob Ensil.ige Mammoth Cuban Early Learning Giant Prolific Ensilage Superior Fodder Thoroughbred White Flint. Longfellow Compton'.s Early Evergreen Sugar King Philip Eureka Early Loncrfellow Chanipion White Peail . . . . North Dakota White Salzers All Gold Cloud'.s i:arly Yellow Angel of Mi'Inight Pride of the North White Cap Yellow Dent.... Medium Fairly strong. Medium... . Fairly strong. Strong Medium Fairly strong. Medium Very strong Medium . . Short growth. Faiily strong. Short growth. Height. Inches. 70 to 7" 70 .. i: 70 M 75 M 70 ,. 05 II 70 „ 75 - 60 11 60 .1 55 >i 55 II eo .. 80 II GO 1. 70 ,. GO -I 65 II 70 ,1 .^)5 .1 70 I, CO M Leafin 'ss. Leafy Condition when Cut. Very leaf j' Leaf>- . . . . Medium . . Leafy . . . . Medium. . Leafy . . - . Medium. . 75 Leafy C5 70 75 GO 75 C5 Early milk . . liate milk . , \'fry few cobs Fariy milk. . . Late milk . . . Early milk. . . Few cobs . . . Early milk.. . Doughy Early milk Doughy . . . No cobs . . . Doughy . . . E irly milk. T.ate milk . . . i!arly milk. . . Weicht per Acre grown in Rows. Tons. Lbs. 15 14 14 14 13 13 13 13 13 12 12 11 11 11 11 11 10 10 8 8 7 690 1,020 l,.o90 50 1,940 1,720 950 840 730 1,740 310 1,.320 1,210 110 1,450 570 1,600 1,160 1,290 1,290 19) Weight per Acre grown in Hills. Tons. Lbs. 12 16 15 It 14 13 11 13 15 15 10 12 12 9 IG 9 13 12 12 13 9 15 11 1,960 4.50 1,900 50 1,4S0 400 990 1,.500 2.-0 1,240 3.-0 200 970 1,.360 560 1,140 l.CCO 200 970 1,170 1.360 470 1,100 The average yield from the rows was 11 tons 1,420 lbs. per acre. The average yield from the hills was 13 tons 223 Its. per acre. IXDI.VX CORX SOWN AT DIFFERENT DISTANCES. Three varieties were chosen for this test: Champion White Pearl, Selected Leam- ing, and Longfellow. The seed was sown May 28th, and the corn was cut for ensilage September 11th. Sixteen rows of each variety were sown, that is, four rows at each of the distances mentioned, and the yield per acre has been calculated from the weight of crop obtained from the two inner rows in each case. The length of the portions of the rows cut for weighing was 66 feet. 256 EXF£:m CENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 Name of Variety. Cliampion White Pearl . Selected Learning. Lonj'fellow. Distance between the Rows. In. 21 28 35 42 21 28 35 42 21 28 35 42 Character of Growth. Very strong. Strong . . , Very strong, Strong. . . Medium. Strong. . . Height when Cut. In. 80--85 70—75 70-75 85—1)0 65-70 65-70 05—70 70-75 60—65 60-65 55-60 05-70 Condition when Cut. Early milk Late milk Yield per Acre. Tons. Lbs. 23 ]9 13 16 19 17 9 13 16 14 6 10 305 1,762 1,300 1,840 367 404 920 1,918 1,075 1,469 650 808 It will be seen that in every instance the largest yield per acre was obtained when the rows were closest together. FIELD PLOTS OF POTATOES. As the experimental plots of field roots and fodder corn do not occupy the whole of the field in which they are placed, the remaining space is usually filled with pota- toes, such varieties being grown as are likely to be of service in the annual distribti- tion of samples from this farm. The area devoted to the different varieties varies considerably. This season most of the plots were from about one-half to one and one-half acres in area. The potatoes were planted May 16th to 18th. The soil varied from a very sandy loam to a moderately heavy loam. On account of the dry weather in July and August the yield of potatoes was not large. The yield per acre is expressed in pounds and also in ' bushels ' of 60 pounds. The yield given includes only the sound potatoes. There was not much loss from rot this season. I Variety. Time of Maturing. Colour. 1 Everett jEarly 2 Early White Prize 3 Carman No. 1 4; Late Puritan. , 5 Gold Coin . 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Vf-ry early Mid-season to late Uncle Sam . . Money !Maker P oehester Rose Very early Vick's Extra Early .- Burpee's Extra I^arly Ashleaf Kidney Bovee Burnaby Mammoth Dooley Pink... White. Pink Early jPinkfe white Very early White .... Mid-rea?on to latej n .... Very early |Pink& white Mid-sea-on to latel n .i I, It iWhite Yield per Acre. Lbs. 16,.540 14,340 12,120 11,. ^80 10..SS0 10,140 9,900 9,360 8,100 7,740 7,740 7.320 7,260 6,000 Yield p5r Acie. Bushels. 2.-9 239 202 193 173 169 165 156 135 129 129 122 121 100 7-8 EDWARD VII. SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 A. 1908 EEPOET OF THE POULTRY MAISTAGER. (A. G. Gilbert.) Dr. Wm. Saunders, C.M.G., Director Dominion Experimental Farms, Ottawa. Sir, — I have th? pleasure of submitting to you the nineteenth annual report of the poultry division of the Central Experimental Farm. Among the subjects discussed are certain changes in the winter housing and feeding of poultry, and which changes are calculated to increase the value of poultry- keeping as a branch of farm work. Wliether "this laudable object will be fully, or partially attained in this northern latitude, is for experience to decide. Meanwhile, careful note of eifects from various standpoints is being made. Some results which have already become conspicuous are discussed in the following report. A remarkable indication of poultry development is the large number of letters received from numerous settlers who have made their home in the western provinces, notably those of Saskatchewan and Alberta. Many of these letters contain requests for a pattern of a winter house which will suitably comply with the winter condi- tions of the latter named provinces. To be satisfactory these houses should be— (a) Cheap in construction, owing to the scarcity of. lumber; (b) Fairly comfortable in winter; (c) Dry and affording ample floor space for each fowl. In order to disseminate as much information, on these points, as is at present available in our department, the views of a correspondent in Saskatchewan, who, has given the subject careful consideration, are given in a following page. The alteration in methods, already remarked on, and the nature of these changes, with details of the most important experimental work of the year, will be found in their proper places. I have much pleasure in noting the successful efforts of my assistant, Mr. Fortier, in conducting his part of the experimental work of the past year. He has given much attention to the effect of different rations on the production of eggs during winter and to the artificial hatching and rearing of chickens. During the year Mr. Fortier delivered addresses at 30 different places in the province of '^uebec. Mr. Summers has been most careful and assiduous in collecting data relative to the trap nests system, the feeding of different experimental rations, and in connection with the hatching of eggs by both hens and incubators. His efficiency in the recording of results is woriTiy of remark. Mr. George Deavy, who has for many years past been connected with this depart- nfent, has been energetic in the caring for the fowls and young chickens entrusted to him, and in keeping the different poultry houses and their surroundings in good order and condition. The large increase in correspondence from all parts of the Dominion in connec- tion with the work of this department has been very gratifying. It alone demands much time and careful consideration. The great increase in the number of letters received from the older province of Quebec, is particularly noticeable, and may be taken as a fair instance of the rapid development which is taking place in the poultry interests of that province. IG— 17 258 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 It is earnestly desired that the information contained in the following report will be found of practical worth and interest, I have the honour to be, sir, Your obedient servant, A. G. GILBERT. REPORT OF THE POULTRY MANAGER. During recent years marked advance has been made in the methods of operating the different indoor and outdoor branches of farm work. In this march of improve- ment the poultry department has kept well to the fore. Before entering into a detailed account of the experimental work of the past year it may be interesting and instruc- tive to glance at some changes which are noteworthy features of this development. The more conspicuous of these changes are as follows : — 1. In the style of winter house for the laying stock. 2. In the method of feeding both hens and chickens. 3. In the manner of selection other than by trap nests. These changes have been made because calculated to be of greater economic value, for unless improved arrangement of winter house or methods of management tend to increase the margin of profit in poultry keeping they will be of little advantage over previous methods. A BRIEF RETROSPECT. Some years ago when winter egg production was urged upon the farmers of the country as a source of money-making, a warm winter hoiise was considered indis- pensable as a means to that end. This wai-mth, in many instances, was secured by artificial means; in others by the construction of an unnecessarily substantial build- ing— oft times too small — wherein it was surmised the animal heat of the fowls would be conserved. But this plan entailed expense, besides ventilation received little or no consideration, and over-crowding, in order to obtain the desired end, was general. Meanwhile, experimental VN^ork which had been steadily going on, unmistakably showed, that fowls kept imder either condition came out of their winter quarters with impaired vitality. As a result the hatching of chickens from their eggs, whether by hen or incubator, was equally unsatisfactory. The experience of several years plainly showed that, it was not until the fowls had opportunity to run outside that the egg germs became strong enough to hatch out a satisfactory number of chickens. This experi- ence was not singular. Poultry keeping was rapidly becoming more general through- oiit the country, and from many sources letters were received to the following effect, * My hens have laid well during the winter, but, I cannot get their early spring eggs to give satisfactory hatching results.' Investigation was carefully carried on for several years and much useful information bearing on the subject was gained and published from time to time in the annual reports of this department. Among the conclusions arrived at were, that more fresh air, even if cold; more exercise, and greater variety of rations were necessary as remedial agents. The outside poultry world had also been moving in this matter. The result of the combined experience gained, was the introduction into Canada of the poultry house with and the poultry house without, the scratching shed attachment. Both styles of houses were strongly recommended as likely to overcome the drawbacks in connection with the winter pro- duction of eggs and subsequent loss of constitutional vitality on the part of the breed- ing stock. To-day we have throughout the country both styles of houses, the one which the scratching shed attached to it, the other without the shed addition. Erom our stand- point as one of the most northern experimental plants in America, experience gained REPORT OF THE POILTRY MANAGER 259 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 in the trial of these styles ot Louses cannot fail to be of the greatest importance to all who are interested. The House wUh Scrafchinfj Shod. — In this style of building the main poultry room is constructed of boards with a wiu;lo\v facing south. In this room the fowls roost at night, lay their eggs during the day, and eat their soft food and cut bone from narrow troughs. In poultry parlance it is known as the ' laj'ing and roosting room.' The floor, which is best made of cement, is covered with litter. The roosts and platform, with the trap nests under the latter, are at the back of the room. There is a cotton screen to let down in front of the roost, if necessary, on very cold nights. The scratching shed addition is intended as a room to afford exercise for the fowlei. The front of the scratching shed, in numerous cases, is made of cotton, with a window in the centre, and should face south. On the floor which should also be made of cement, litter to the depth of 4 to 6 inches, is always kept. In this litter the daily whole grain ration is thrown with the object of having the birds search diligently for the grain kernels. In this way the fowls are incited to exercise. The cotton front of the shed is calculated to give diffusion of fresh air without draft. Through the v.'indow the sunshine will find its way into the interior, which is very desirable. The bad practice, of taking out the window sash and replacing it with cotton, prevents the ingress of the sunlight. Houses built on this principle, but differing in arrangement of detail, are now found in many different parts of Canada. In some cases, notably in the Eastern part of the United States, the front of the scratching shed is entirely open with a wire netting front. The House 'without the Scratching Shed Addition. — This style of house is very much on tlie same principle as the other. It might also be termed a compromise be- tween the one extreme of entirely open front and the bottled-up method of housing the birds. Instead of two rooms there is only one and this one room is made slightly larger than the roosting room with shed attachment. This style of house was first adopted by Mr. L. H. Baldwin of Deer Park, Toronto, some years ago when he erected his large poultry plant in the locality named. Since then it has become much in vogue, presumably, because cheap as well as compact. K description of one of the many apartments in the long row of buildings forming part of the plant .of the Pembroke Poultry Yards Company, Ontario, will probably best convey an idea of an up-to-date application of this metliod. Each colony of fowls occupies one pen, 10 x 16 feet in size. In the south end of the pen there is a window 4 feet square. Above and below the window there is a frame covered with cotton, one foot deep by four broad. The air through these cotton openings is diffused through the pen without draft, while light and sunshine find their way through the window. The ventilation by this means is considered most satisfactory. The floor of the pen is cement and is covered with the usual quantity of litter. The ceiling is slatted and above the slats, straw, to a depth of 12 inches is placed for the purpose of absorbing moisture. During the f-oldest period of the past winter, I was assured that there had been no moisture in any of the pens, and this result is attributed to the straw and ventilation through the cotton frames. At the north end of the pen are the roosts, platform, and underneath the latter, the nests. In front of the roosting place there is a cotton covered frame. 6x8 feet This frame swings to the wall and is only used on very cold nights for the purpose of keeping the fowls comfortable. A four compartment hopper contains grit, oyster shells and charcoal. Whole grain is thrown in the litter on the floor. Drink "water is regularly supplied, and from time to time meat and vegetables. C.nses of sickness have been rare. In each pen to the left of the roosting place there' is a small crated enclosure to hold two male birds for use during the breeding season. I was assured that the pens so arranged had given entire satisfaction. Such results fin i Tied at so northern a position are most important. 16— 17^ 260 EXPEEIMEXTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 190S A plant of similar design, but with cotton front to the pens, with a window in the centre of each front, the front facing the south, is a style adopted at the poultry plant of the Muskoka Free Hospital for Consumptives at Gravenhurst, Ontario, .fu this establishment the di-y hopper feeding system has been adopted, and has proved most satisfactory. The plant is in charge of Mr. E. S. Turville, one of the patients, but an experienced and successful poultry man. Mr. Turville assured me that he is a firm believer in fresh air and plenty of it, even if it is cold. ' I give my fowls,' he said, ' the same treatment that we get here. Fresh air and any amount of it. We are told that it is good for us and why should it not be good for my fowls V 'Do you get many eggs per day during the winter season?' ' To-day, February 18th, we have collected 120, Sometimes we have a greater or lesser number.' Some Reasons ivhy the Scratching Shed Addition was Abandoned. In conversation with the manager of the Pembroke Poultry establishment, I asked him why he had not adopted the scratching shed addition to his houses. He replied, 'We do not require it. I consider the scratching shed attachment useless ex- pense. Had we considered it an advantage we should have embraced it in our system.' The foregoing is one reason from a practical source. Another may be given as follows. Close observation for some winters past has shown that during cold dips the birds are inclined to ' bunch ' in the roosting and laying room. If they do go to search for their whole grain food which has been thrown into the litter on the floor of the scratching shed, they quickly return to the other apartment. The lesson from this is obvious. It is that the birds prefer the 'roosting room as being less cold than the other. From this it is to be inferred that the latest style of house, which is really a combination of the two 'styles described, will likely be the most suitable for this dis- trict. Winter Houses for Ojher Provinces. — But there are other and newer 'provinces in which poultry keeping is comparatively a new branch of work. In such cases an appropriate style of house is a matter of importance. In a recently written letter, Mr. A. W. Foley, Commissioner of Poultry for the Province of Alberta, states his intention of testing various patterns of houses calculated to be suitable to the winter conditions of his district. He also says he will be glad to try any suggested style that would likely prove to be effective and not costly. The results of experimental work of this nature cannot fail to be of very great interest. From Sunny Plains, Saskatchewan, Mr. C. E. Robinson writes in reply to a re- quest— from the writer — to suggest a style of winter house suitable to his province, as follows : ' Sunny Plains, Sask., February 20th, 1907. I regret that I have not the means to try an experimental frame and sod house combined. From what I have seen here of frame and sod houses for human habitation, I think a sod house can be made as warm as a frame one, in fact, warmer. A neighbouring settler here has a sod house which is the easiest one kept warm in the district, and which is also perfectly dry. I have been thinking that a s'od poultry house might answer well, if properly constructed, to keep poultry in.' In a more recent letter, Mr. Robinson emphasizes an important feature in this sort of house by saying : — ' Last winter showed us that when other buildings sweated, dripped and froze, the sod house was dry and fresh.' A Manitoba correspondent has an idea that the large quantities of straw in that province and which in many cases go to waste, might be utilized to make comfortable and cheap poultry houses. At the Macdonald College, Ste. Anne de Bellevue, P.Q., the colony house system of keeping the winter layers has been to a great extent adopted, and was found highly successful during the past cold season. REPORT or TJJi: I'OLLTRY MiyAGER 261 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 Can there he too much Exercise? At this point it may fairly be asked if too much importance has not been hereto- fore placed on exercise ? There is no intention to belittle the exercising of the fowls as a factor in the winter production of eggs. There is reason, however, to believe that in certain cases, this practice has been carried to an extreme. An experience of twenty-five years has given opportunity to the writer for extended and close observa- tion of many phases of poultry keeping. Frequently, during this period, has he noted extraordinary results from fowls kept under conditions in defiance of popular and almost cast iron instructions. One or two of these observations may be noted as fol- lows:— (1) Fairly good winter egg productiun, followed by strong gei-ms in early spring eggs, which resulted in 10, 11 and 12 robust chickens, out of a sitting of 13 eggs. These results were obtained from eggs laid by hens which were almost over- crowded in a roughly constructed unheated house with thin board walls; there was a scanty supply of litter on the floor wliicli v.-as dry earth. '1 liere was little opportunity for exercise in consequence. But the rations which embraced the waste of table and kitchen, were of the most varied nature. It did- seem as if variety in the rations had more beneficial effect than exercise. (2) The ' bunching ' of the birds, in the roosting and laying room led me to mention the incident to an enthusiastic advocate of exercise. I told him that I thought the cold made the fowls disinclined to search in the litter for their whole grain food. ' Oh,' he said, ' the birds have to come to the scratching shed to get their whole grain.' ' But,' I remarked, ' they return to the roosting room as quickly as they can and ap- parently take little time for exercise.' ' That is quite possible,' he said, ' but for all that they layed well during- the winter.' ' Yes,' I remarked, ' in spite of their lack of exercise. Your remark tends to confirm previous experience.' A Change in the Manner of Feeding Hens and Chickens. The change which has taken place in the method of feeding hens and chickens is certainly radical in its nature. The methods differ in this way, viz. : — 1. By the old way the food was given to the fov.-ls. 2. By the new method the fowls are allowed to help themselves to their food which is always before them in hoppers ; hence the title of the ' Hopper system ' of feeding. But what is a hopper? The accompanying illustration will show its manner of construction. Hoppers are made of difFerent sizes, but usually of similar pattern. Some are divided into two compartments, while others have three and four. One style of hopper which is vei^y commonly used is that shown by the illustration. Two or more hoppers are put in each pen, according to size of the poultry house, and they are usually placed on the walls of the building. The compartments of the hoppers are filled, from time to time, with whole or ground grain, bran, beef scraps, charcoal, grit and broken oyster shells, etc. There are two ways of using the Ilopiier system, viz., (a) by which the feeding of grain, whole or ground, g.rit, etc., (with the exception of meat and vegetables) is entirely done from the hop- per, (b) A compromise plan by^ which the ground grains, bran, &c., with exceptions as noted in* (a), are given in hoppers, but the whole grain rations are thrown in the litter, always to be found on the floor of a properly equipped poultry house. This is done with the object of affording opportunity for the birds to obtain exercise. Where rats or other vermin are present the ground grains are placed, in the morning, in narrow troughs, and what is not used during the day is taken away at night. But the principle is the same, as free access is allowed to the contents of the trough. Another device to prevent possible waste is to cover the projecting lip of the hopper with a lid of tin or galvanized iron. But the best prevention to the depredations of vermin has been found to be that of a concrete floor. 262 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 Arguments for and against the Hopper System of Feeding. Much is said for and against the Hopper system. Briefly summed up, some of these objections may be given as follows : — Favourable. — Because labour saving; preventing waste or fouling of food; allow- ing each bird opportunity to obtain what food it desires; convenient and economical in use. Against. — For the reason that birds of the heavy breeds are apt to eat too much and as a result are disinclined to exercise; not economical; fowls are not likely to go to roost with their crops as full as desirable; fowls scratch or pick out the grain from the hoppers; when fed out-doors prevents foraging, &c. But there seems to be little objection from either side to this method when applied to the feeding of young chicks, hatched either by hens or incubator, and which are able to run abroad and forage for themselves. The system is really a continuation of the old practice of ' leaving the food before the hens and chickens all the time.' The feeding of dry ground grains in an open trough, in one of our department houses, during the past winter, was considered satisfactory. From what has been seen of the hopper system of feeding — at home and abroad — there is every reason to con- clude that it has come to stay. Its proper operation depends very much upon the style of hopper and manner in which it is used. Methods other than the Trap Nest for Distinguishing Good from Bad Layers. Another instance of poultry development may be noted in the advertising of methods of detecting the good and bad layers other than by the older trap nest system. These miCthods or systems are sold at prices ranging from one to ten dollars each and they are, more or less, successful according to the ability of the student to understand the system which is taught by printed instructions and sent to the pur- chaser. That these systems are in vogue is shown by the appearance, in agricultural journals, of advertisements which ofFer ' eggs for hatching from egg-laying fowls selected by our system.' The name of the inventor of the system is then given. Meanwhile improvements which tend to simplify and make more effective the' operation of trap nests are being made. A strong point in favour of the trap nests method is its mechanically correct determinations. The drawbacks to its use in a large establishment, on the ground of expense, have been noted in a previous report. Its value in arriving at correct conclusions, in experimental work, is shown in the Tables which are a part of the following report. EXPERIMENTAL WORK OF THE PAST YEAR. The experimental work of the past year — with the exception of an unfinished part in connection with the selection of future breeding stock by the trap nest system — will be found in the following pages. The obtaining of data — calculated to show the worth of each individual hen — by means of the trap nest system usually begun on November 1, and extended to October 31 of the following year. In so doing the winter and spring periods of highest prices and best egg production were fully covered. To depart from this practice would be to interfere with the continuity of the records and impair their usefulness. For these reasons the different tables which appear in the following report are, as heretofore, dated from the beginning of the winter season of one year to the end of the fall season of the next. The spring work of 1906 commenced with the artificial hatching of chickens by incubators. At a later date some hens were used. One strong point in favour of the incubator is that it is always ready. Opportunity is so afforded to those who are not REPORT OF THE POULTRY MANAGER 263 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 specialists to besiin operations as early as circumstances will permit. It has been impressed vipon the farmers of the country, in previous reports, that they are likely to have best results from their incubators when operated in early or middle April. There has been no reason to alter this advice. An object aimed at in our departmental spring work of last year was to have all hatching by incubators over by the end of May. As conditions were favourable this result was attained. The experience of many years has clearly shown that chickens hatched in early May are the most satisfactory to rear in brooder or by hen. Should it be desired to successfully hatch and rear a number of chickens, in the late winter or early spring months, the aid of special facilities in the shape of incubator room and brooder house will be found indispensable. HATCHING BY INCUBATORS. The results of the hatching by incubators during the months of !^^arch, April and May of last year are shown in the following table. Distinction is marked between the eggs from the cold houses and those from the warmed ones. The incubators were filled at three different dates, viz. : March 29, April 7, and May 7, 1906 :— First Setting. — Incubators Filled March 29, 1 906. Description of Eggs. Barred P. Rocks and W. Wyandottes BuflF Orpington's 1 C4-I .—1 CQ xn ^ o "o T3 be be o^ ,r, 0) be be r^ •— < 00 O -4^ W 0.2 X-, =0 bl . ^r" 03 o S O B bt hr S is -c X O '3J v '-G G c" C-S o o "^ "o 1) o on* o i Ji j3 jS (U V fe C j . " Butf Orpington i P" of Bl.-vck Minorca " 24 1 190G. November 24 28 30 December 1 6 10 18 23 Z66 EXPERIMEyTAL FARMS _ 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 Eggs Laid from November 1, 1905, to March SI, 1907. 1905— November 355 December 954 1906— January 1,393 February 1,349 March . . 2,799 April ■ ■ 2,786 May 2,206 June , 1,690 July 1,381 August 563 September 236 October 53 Total number 15,765 November 138 December 967 1907— January 1,561 February 1,773 March 2,415 Total number of eggs for 17 months 22,619 DISEASES OF POULTRY. A number of inquiries were received during the year as. to the nature of ailments affecting poultry in different parts of the Dominion. Remedies were suggested and advice given which were considered suitable to the exigencies of the various cases described. Several postmortem examinations of birds which had died from symptoms of infectious and contagious diseases were kindly made by Dr. Higgins, Pathologist, Biological Laboratory, during the year and much valuable information as to cause of death received. BUILDING UP HARDY AND PROLIFIC EGG-LAYING STRAINS OF FOWLS. WARM VS. COLD HOUSES. The work of building up prolific egg-laying strains of fowls — with a view to their being hardy and good egg-layers during the winter season of high prices — was con- tinued during the year. This work was commenced in the month of January, 1904. As aids in securing desired results, trap nests and unheated houses — with scratching shed attachments — were called into requisition. This work is one of the greatest im- p'ortance and is unavoidably slow. The progress so far made is certainly satisfactory. In some instances as will be seen in the tables following, better egg-laying results have been undoubtedly secured, while in other cases the advantage of the iinheated house (with its cold but fresh air, as compared with the warm one), is made evident. The first table shows results from 12 Barred Plymouth Rock pullets kept in a warm house. Table No. 2, immediately following, gives results from a similar num- ber of hens kept in an unheated house. A comparison between the two tables is full of import to all who are interested in this line of work. REPORT OF THE POULTRY MANAGER SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 267 Table I. — Individual hen records as shown by trap nests. 12 Barred Plymouth Rock pullets, hatched May 20, 1905. Pen 1. Warm house. FROM NOVEMBP]R 1, 1905, TO OCTOBP^R 31, 1906. Hen No. E s S3 j= i B Total of Remarks. > o S § 1906 ^ H u >> OJ >> f-n i3 o KgRS 1905 , >. u a> J3 Total Hen No. s > o 1905 >- cS D a a >-i 190G a CO o < ^ § 3 < ID a en 3 3 o O of EgRS laid. Remarks. 2 0 5 1 0 1 9 8 7 7 5 0 0 43 'Broody three times. 4 0 1 17 4 8 9 11 12 5 1 5 0 73 M once. *-S3 0 0 0 0 0 5 7 8 • 5 1 6 0 32 1. three times. 34 0 0 0 0 0 9 12 14 7 3 0 0 45 Showed no broodiness. 46 0 3 20 19 22 8 11 1 0 0 0 0 84 Died August 23 of apoplexy. Broody once. 56 0 0 0 0 7 16 12 8 12 0 0 0 55 " 61 0 14 17 10 11 18 20 11 8 13 0 0 122; 72 0 :^ 15 10 s 14 19 16 18 4 10 0 117:Sho\ved no inclination to set. 74 0 0 11 7 14 15 5 13 12 2 0 0 79 Broody twice. 85 4 0 15 8 11 14 17 3 4 4 1 0 81 tt 11 94 0 9 10 4 8 17 15 18 11 2 11 0 105 u once. yc 0 0 0 0 2 19 19 13 10 11 0 0 74 II twice. 98 0 11 1 8 8 8 9 21 3 0 0 0 0 68 II 11 1 2 1 5 These eggs were laid on the floor. Totals. 4 47 114 71 100 1G2 177 127 101 47 33 0 983 Average 76 eggs. RATIONS. The rations given to the fowls in the above pen 36, were in quantity and quality as follows : — Whole grain i oats, ^ wheat. Fed morning and evening. The grain was thrown into the straw on the cement floor of the scratching shed and afforded good opportunity to exercise. Mash composed of ground grains slightly dampened was fed at noon twice per •week. Cut lone. — When mash was not fed, cut bone was given. Green food. — Mangels, turnips, &c., grit, oyster shells and water were always in | supply. Quantities fed — Grain 641 lbs. Mash 119-J Cut bouo 44 Beets 85 Grit 37 . Oyster shells e . . . 37 " liKPORT OF THE POULTRY MAXAGEIi 269 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 Tablk III. — Pen 37 — Adjoining- Xo. 3G — under same roof and of same description, with cotton front scratcliiiig- shed. The inmates were 13 White Wyandotte hens, two years of age in 1906. Trap nest record from November 1, 1905 to November 1, 1906. As with tlic Barred Plymouth hens in adjoining- pen 36. they had always been kept in cold quarters. Eesults are slightly over S per cent better than those from the birds in warmed pen 1 of house 1, and which is first given. Hen No. i > 1905 a o o 3 C ej 1900 eS 3 < ^ S 6 t-s 4^ n 3 to 3 < c £ a- *^ C 0) u 6 Total of Egpa laid. Remarks. 1 5 7 13 9 8 1 0 13 6 1 0 0 GSBroody twice. 3 1 12 9 9 11 4 6 0 0 0 0 0 52 Showing no broodiness. 5 0 1 0 2 8 7 18 16 6 0 0 0 58 If 15 9 4 0 6 11 8 18 22 17 10 0 0 105 M 19 0 17 IG 17 11 14 12 9 9 9 0 0 114 Broodv three times. 24 0 0 0 14 16 15 7 9 8 7 0 0 76 II II II 41 0 0 0 2 13 17 21 12 0 0 0 0 65 11 once. 67 0 11 22 16 9 8 14 0 0 0 0 0 80 11 11 Died June 11. 68 0 0 0 (> 11 10 6 10 5 5 0 0 53 11 twice. 73 2 16 16 14 9 12 19 16 18 5 0 0 127 Showing no inclination to set. 77 0 0 7 0 7 12 15 0 9 0 0 0 50 Broody once. 83 2 5 8 8 12 11 7 12 4 0 0 0 69 Showing no broodiness. 92 3 8 6 7 12 3 2 3 5 2 0 0 0 49 Broody once. 4 6 These 6 eggs were laid on floor. Totals.. 22 85 97 110 138 122 145 122 89 37 0 0 967 Average 74A eggs per hen. Rations were the same as given to the fowls in pen 36 — the preceding one Table IV. — Pen 4. House No. 1. Warmed. Nine Buff Orpington pullets hatched May 20, 1905. From November 1, 1905 to November 1, 1906. . The showing made by these pullets is not as good as those of the Barred Plymouth Rock, or White Wyandotte hens of the cold 36 and 37 houses. Hen 1 V s & ej 3 , -4J GO a Total of Remarks. No. > o 1905 o Q 3 i 1906 pa Is ^ S B 3 02 o laid. 11 0 0 18 10 12 11 4 9 1 1 4 0 70 Broody three times. 18 0 3 6 6 3 10 3 0 10 0 0 2 43 Used as .setter from Maj' 5 to July 4. Broody once after. •27 0 0 3 2 13 3 7 0 0 0 0 0 28 Showing no broodiness. 35 0 13 16 3 18 / 7 7 8 8 0 0 87 Broody three times. 59 0 21 23 14 20 13 20 14 14 7 4 0 150 11 twice. *68 0 0 0 0 1 5 3 0 0 0 0 0 9 once. 70 0 0 3 17 19 10 / ■7 9 0 0 0 74 11 twice. •75 0 0 0 2 7 4 2 0 10 r, 3 0 33 11 three times. •96 0 0 11 48 4 75 0 54 0 93 2 05 1 51 2 39 6 58 1 22 0 11 0 2 27 11 twice. Totals.. 521 Average 58 rggs per hen. * The eggs from the four hens marked with a star were not used for breeding purposes. Rations. — WTiole grain ^ oats, ^ wheat; mash, J ground oats; ^ ground corn; Cut green bone twice per week. Grit, roots and drink water in regular supply. Quantities fed. — Whole grain, 398 lbs.; ground grains, used in making mash which was given twice per week, 88^ lbs.; roots, 3 times per week, 58 lbs.; Cut bone, twice per week, 27^ lbs. 270 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 Table V.— House No. 1. pm C: warm. Record of 12 Wliite Leghorn pullets hatched in May, 190;>. From November 1, 1905 to November 1, 1906. The inmates of this pen made a better showing than any variety kept in the warmed houses. FROM NOVEMBER 1, 1905, TO NOVEMBER 1, 1906. ^ tA. Hen -O x> >» t? , JD '"""' No. c > a rt p c3 1 •"c >> OJ >> tc -4J 0 c4 bo -iJ be Remarks. o 1905 ft c3 1-5 1—1 < OS 3 h^ < a 0 1906 7 5 11 12 14 20 11 11 14 12 7 0 0 117 13 0 0 10 4 11 16 9 0 0 0 0 0 50 *2-J 0 0 0 1 7 10 14 4 0 0 0 0 36 30 2 15 11 12 4 5 9 10 11 1 0 0 80 Broody once in March. 32 0 lb lb 18 13 10 7 8 17 0 0 0 103 46 1 2 14 2 12 15 0 3 0 13 3 0 70 58 0 6 15 6 17 15 3 0 0 0 0 0 62 G4 0 1 6 8 18 17 4 9 9 1 0 0 73 . 76 '3 ■ 9 13 16 19 16 9 13 18 1 0 0 120 •83 0 0 0 4 9 7 5 5 0 0 0 0 30 84 0 7 10 13 17 16 6 4 0 0 0 0 73 93 0 8 9. 12 2 8 16 16 10 14 16 0 0 0 lOS 4 These eggs were laid on the flooi. Average 77^ eggs per hen. Totals.. 14 76 120 106 163 154 92 84 83 31 "3 0 926 • The eggs from hens marked with a star were not used for breedng purposes. Rations and Manner of Feeding them: Wliole grain, J wheat, ^ loats; thrown every morning and evening in litter on the floor. Mash. — Four parts shorts; 4 parts ground oats; 3 parts ground barley. Occas- ionally clover hay was mixed in mash during winter. The mash was given at noon every three days. Cut green bone, every 3 days at noon when mash or green -food was not given. Green food, every 3 days. Other essentials in supply. Quantity of food used. — Whole grain, 517 lbs. ; ground grains, 129 lbs. ; cut bone, 35J lbs.; roots, 48 lbs.; grit, 18 lbs.; oyster shells, 19 lbs. - GOOD AND BAD STRAIN. THE BENEFICIAL RESULTS OF SELECTION BY TRAP NESTS. Table VI. — Individual Eecords shown by trap nests of 5 White Leghorn pullets of good strain. Pen 19. House No. 2. The following table shows satisfactory results from the use of trap nests and the benefit of securing a good laying strain of fowls to build from. Two j^ears ago the parent stock of the following pullets were selected by trap nest: — FROM NOVEMBER 1, 190.5, TO NOVEMBER, 1906. — - — <*-—, Hen No. s s > 0 u S 0 1906 a 3 Si -1^ a' C >-> 3 bo < X! S a.' r\ S* 0 ■40 0 0 Total 0 Eggs lai Remarks. 1905 2 0 8 13 18 21 18 2 9 5 4 0 9 98 11 a 12 17 12 5 12 6 9 0 0 0 4 73 May 3, Broody and broken up. 19 0 9 15 15 20 16 15 15 14 (5 0 0 125 43 0 8 7 12 20 14 12 10 10 ( 0 0 93 64 0 0 12 49 18 70 17 21 19 79 6 41 11 54 12 41 12 0 0 0 0 118 Totals.. 74 87 0O7 Average lOlJ eggs per hen. REPORT OF TEE POULTRY MANAGER 271 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 Tablk VII. — Showing a poor p^fr-layiiift- strniii, Itrcd from parent stock which trap nests recorded as inferior layers. Individual records of 5 White Leghorn pullets as shown by trap nests from Novem- ber 1, 1905, to November 1, 1906. Pen 18. House No. 2. FROM NOVEMBER 1, 1905, to NOVEMBER, 1, 1006. M^ No. u s > 1905 •1/ 3 IDOO 3 cs < a 0) C 3 1-5 1-7 1 < Si s 1 ST 1 o O 3. Remarks. 9 0 10 5 7 14 18 13 8 0 0 0 0 ;5 18 0 7 13 8 11 14 13 9 12 6 5 7 5 41 0 7 17 3 18 14 15 7 6 8 0 0 5 47 0 0 1 6 6 7 4 10 0 0 0 0 4 96 0 "6 10 1 35 13 14 17 16 6 1 0 0 0 0 7 Laid on floor. Average, 77^. 1 387 Totals.. 49 38 66 69 51 35 18 14 5 7 The inmates of the above pens 19 and 18 were side by side in the same house and fed the same kind of rations, the conditions were thus identical in both cases. For interesting particulars in relation to the above two pens, see table 5 on pages 244 and 245, 1905 report. Stock on hand on March 31, 1907. o Pi 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 16 18 19 20 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 34 35 36 37 22 Breed. B. Ply. Rocks... Wh. Buff Orpingtons. Wh. Leghorns. Blk. Minorcas . . . Wh. Orpingtons. Faverolles Blk. Hambui-gs. Wh. Leghorns . . Buflf. L. Brahmas .S. G. Dorkings . . . Vrii. Orpingtons... S. L. Wyandottes Mixed i)ullet.s B. Ply. Rocks. Wh. Wyandottes. B. Ply. Rocks.. . Wh. Wyandottes. Capons. o o O For breeding and eating purposes. Totals 14 9 15 "3 13 7 20 17 12 1 1S6 9 S u o O 26 39 3 O 14 11 6 15 4 4 1 5 1 "4 7 6 10 26 25 145 c H 15 13 15 16 15 14 14 16 9 9 6 6 7 8 6 6 9 7 6 11 27 26 21 18 3 29 332 Remarks. Poor kigg laying strain. Good ty and quality, ]\rangels were better and turnips slightly below the average, while corn was quite iip to the average. The new take of grass started well, but made poor growth during the latter part of the season. Pasture was decidedly poor, except in the very early part of the season. The lessening of the crop in some particulars has been more or less off- set by the very high prices of all kinds of farm produce. The season's operations closed up very suddenly and left many farmers with much fall work unfinished. I have again to acknowledge my indebtedness to Mr. J. Thomas Coates and Mr. R. Donaldson, who have kept all records of crop and live stock experiments in a care- ful and painstaking manner. WEATHER. December, 190,5, commenced fine with light rain on the 3rd and light snow on the 4th. Another snowfall on the 10th made sleighing for the rest of the month. The thermometer registered 7° below on the 16th, which was the lowest for the month. January opened fine until the 4th, when a warm rain fell, the mercuiy rising from zero to 40°. A light snow fell on the 9th. On the 12th and 13th rain fell and spoilt sleighing for the rest of the month. Another light snow fell on the ISth, but not enough to make sleighing. The rest of the month was fine excepting on the 24th, when a light rain fell. The thermometer went to zero on the 4th, 2° below zero on the 10th, the lowest being 9° below zero on the 11th. February opened dull and foggy until the 3rd, when it turned cold. On the 6th there was a light snow storm and cold weather followed. On the 15th another snow- storm came, making good sleighing. The rest of the month was fine, finishing on the 28th with a rather heavy snowstorm. The mercury registered zero on the 4th, 14° below zero on the 17th, 5° below on the 18th, and zero on the 20th. March opened with a cold rough storm, followed by fine weather until the 9th, after which the weather was much broken. A fine week from the 20th to the 27th 275 276 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD Vil., A. 1908 was followed by rain and dull weather during the remainder of the mouth. The ther- mometer registered 2° below zero on the 1st and 3° below on the 19th. In April snow fell on the 6th, 10th and 12th. The weather then continued fine until the 22nd, when a heavy rain (2 in.) fell. The remainder of the month was fine with the exception of the 26th, when a light rain fell at night. During May we had an unusually heavy rainfall, 4-85 inches. Rain fell on twelve different dates during the month. From the 8th to the 26th the weather was fine with the exception of a light rain on the 10th and 13th. Seeding was begun on the 17th and continued until the 26th, after which heavy rains fell. The thermometer registered frost on the 4th, 9th, 12th, 22nd and 24th. On June 3 the thermometer registered 32°, but no damage was done to ivnits or tender plants. This month was much broken with showery weather, the rainfall being heavier than usual. Eain fell on nine different dates during the month and seeding operations were very much hindered, finishing only on the 30th. On the 28th the ther- mometer registered 79° and on the 29th 80°. July ojjened fine and fair with a light rain on the 4th, followed by fine weather and crops grew well all this month. The temperature was higher than the previous year, 85° being recorded on the 15th, 84° on the 16th and 86° on the 23rd. August was fine and very dry. The total rainfall for the month being only 1-72 inches. All crops suffered for want of rain. The hay crop, of which very little was cut before this month, ripened extremely fast. Grain also ripened fast and there was no growth of aftergrass. The thermometer registered 80° or above 80° on fourteen different dates, going as high as 84°, 85°, 89° and 91°, respectively, on the 6th, 10th, 19th and 20th of the month. September was fine and fair practically all the month, the only rain of any con- sequence fell on the 23rd. The weather was ideal for harvesting, but particularly poor for the growth of roots or aftergrass. The lowest temperatures for the month being 31° on the 16th, and 30° on the 29th. October was unusually dry and fine until towards the end of the month. Rain fell on the 23rd, 25th and 2Sth, 4-26 inches being the total rainfall for this month. On the 3rd, 9th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 17th, 18th, 19th, 22nd, 25th and 31st, 1°, 2°, 9°, 6*, 2°, 7°, 3°, 3°, 7°, 5° and 1° of frost were recorded respectively. November was very rough with much rain and snow. 5-50 inches of rain fell during the month. Snow fell on the 6th, 8th, 12th, 14th, 22nd, 23rd and 27th. There was very little frost previous to the 22nd, when 7° was recorded and on the 25th, 27th. 28th, 29th, and 30th, 13°, 6°, 7°, 7° and 16° were recorded respectively. The first half of December was cold and stormy. On the 16th the weather cleared and from then until the 19th was fine and moderate. From the 19th the balance of the month was rainy, dull and warm and no frost was recorded until the 31st, when the thermometer registered 15° of frost. The thermometer registered below zero on the 3rd, 6th, 8th, 9th, 10th and lOlh, 15° below zero on the 10th being the lowest for the month. January, 1907, opened with a light snowfall on the 1st, followed by fine weather until the 26th, except on the 4th and 13th, when light snow storms prevailed. On the 26th, snow fell and again on the 30th, the last day of the month being fine. On the 10th, 5° below zero was recorded and from the 16th until the end of the month the temperature was below zero every day with the exceptions of the 19th, 20th, 21st, 26th and 27th, 17° below zero on the 29th was the lowest temperature recorded, February opened fine, followed by rain on the 2nd and a snow storm on the 5th. After this from the 6th to the 10th the weather was clear and cold. Snow fell on the 11th, 16th, 17th and 18th, and on the 21st a thaw nearly spoiled the sleighing. Snow fell again on the 25th, the remainder of the month being fine and cold, 4° below zero was recorded on the 4th, 7th and 9th, 13°, 3°, and 7° below zero on the 8tb,, 12th and 13th, respectively, zero on the 18th and 19th and from the 23rd until the end of the 1 i REPORT OF MR. R. ROBERTSON 277 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 month the thermometer went below zero every night, 13° below on the 8th was the lowest for the month. March. The first half of this month was fine with the exception of light snow- falls on the 2nd, 8th, 14th and 15th, the balance of the month being rough with high winds, rain and snowstorms. On the 1st, 4th, 5th and 6th, the mercury registered below zero, 15° below on the Gth being the lowest recorded for the month. From this date until the end of the month very little frost was experienced. The extremes for this time being 47° on the 31st, and 13° on the 16th. METEOROLOGICAL RECORD. The maximum and minimum monthly thermometrical observations for the year beginning December 1, 1905 and ending March 31, 1907. Month. Maximum. Minimum. Dpppnilipr 190,") o 3rd, 50 abo^ 6 zero o 16th, 7 below zero. •Tiiiiiiii rv l*^)0'i 24th, 52 1. 12th, 13 FebiMMry « AFii f*h II • • 21.st, 48 17th, 14 1. 4th, 46 11 lyth, 3. 1. Apiil 11 Mav M 2lst, 61 .1 8th, 10 above zero. 19th, 72 1- 2'Jth, 80 .1 23rd, 86 1. 22nd, 28 June 11 . . July „ 12th, 33 2nd and 6th, 38 above zero. August .1 September h October « 19th, 89 .1 18th, 41 above zero. 13th. 76 n 29th, 30 Gth, 74 1, lpr it 25th, 50 .1 10th, 15 below zero. January, 1007 Kehriiarv h . . 20th, 51 ., 18th, 18 .. 21st, 46 .1 3l8t, 47 .1 8th, 13 Nljirch 11 • . 6th, 15 EXPERIMENTS WITH OATS. Experiments were again conducted ''is year with the leading sorts of oats which v,'ere grown in uniform test plots of one-fortieth acre each. Thirty-seven varieties were included in this test. The plots received the same treatment and were on soil practically uniform throughout. The ground was a clay loam, on which mangels were grown the previous year (1905), for which crop twenty one-horse cart loads of barnyard manure per acre were used. Groin was grown on this land in 1903, and hay in 1904. The land was ploughed in the fall of 1905 and harrowed in the spring of 1906 with the spring-tooth and smoothing harrows, until a fine tilth was made. The seed was sown on May 18th with the seed drill at the rate of 2^ bufJiels per acre. This ground was also seeded down to clover and timothy at the rate of 7 lbs. Mammoth Red clover, 3 lbs. Alsike clover and 12 lbs. Timothy seed, per acre, by means of a grass seed attachment to the grain seeder. The seed was from selected heads of the previous season's crop, cut from the various plots at harvest time. No fertilizer was used on these plots this season. The grain started well as did also the grass seed, but owing to the extreme drought through July and August, the grain ripened prematurely. The straw was fairly stiff, but showed a considerable 278 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 amount of rust and a few heads of smut were noticed. The following yields were obtained : — Oats— Test of Varieties. B P Name of Variety. ;) 10 11 12 13 14 15 1/ 18 1 19 20 21 1 22 23 24! 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34, 35 36 37 Goldfinder Golden Beauty Tartar King .... . . . Siberian Kendal Black Golden Fleece Milford Black Lincoln Golden Giant Improved Ligowo . . . Pioneer American Beauty . . . Bavarian Swedish Select Milford White Holstein Prolific .... Thousand Dollar Virginia White Kendal White Improved American.. American Triumph. . . Joanette Banner Danish Island Olive Black Twentieth Century. . Columbus . . . . Storm King White Giant. Buckbee's Illinois . . . Black Beauty Mennonite Wide Awake Irish Victor Waverley Abundance Sensation fco a s a. o 'Aug. Sept. ! Aug. St:pt. Aug. to 30 27 27 27 27 29 27 25 5 25 25 28 27 27 27 28 25 25 27 29 5 25 25 28 27 25 29 27 27 27 25 27 28 27 27 2-^ 25 o a C O aj a Inches. 104 40 to lOli 40 ,. 101; 46 ,. 101 35 „ lOli 39 „ 103 40 „ Character of Straw. 101 99 110 99 99 102 101 101 101 102 99 99 101 103 110 99 99 102 101 09 103 101 101 36 II 42 ,1 40 M 36 „ 38 i> 40 „ 36 „ 42 I, 36 I. 40 It 44 M 36 ,1 38 ,- 36 -, 44 ,1 36 „ 37 ,1 36 „ 37 M .36 M 36 ,1 44 ,1 .36 I, 101, 38 M 99 101 102 101 101 101 99 35 n 38 ,. 38 „ 36 ,. 35 ,1 36 ,. 36 „ 44'Stif! 44| I, 50 38 43 43 40 46 44 40 42 43 40 46 42 44 48 40 41 40 48 39 40 40 40 38 38 1 Medium 48 Stiff.... 3S' Medium 42Stifif.... 38: ,1 .... 42; ;, ... 42 „ ... 40! „ ... 38 Medium 40'Stiff . . . . 40| I, .... Median Stiff . Medium Stiff... w o xi be S Kind of Head. Inches. 6 to 9 6 II 8' 6 I, 7i 6 M 7| 6 11 8| 6 11 S 6 I, 8 6 ,1 s! 6 I, 9 6 .1 8 6 " 8 6 M 9 7 .. 9 0 I. 8 6 M 8 6 M 9 6 M 8 6 >. 7 6 II 8 5 I, 8 6 M 9 5 I, 8 6 M 8 5 11 7 6 „ 8 6 ,1 8 5 I, 7 6 M 9 5 „ 7 6 I, 8 5 ,1 8 5 „ 7 6 „ 7 5 M 6 5 I, 7 6 M 8 6 I. 8 Branching . Sided...... Branchitig. Sided.... . Branching. Sided Branching. Sided. . . Branching. Sided...... Branching. Sided Branching. Sided... Branching. Sided. ....' Branching. CO 60 Lbs. 3,40r 3,8SC 3,880 3,320 3,400 2,840 3.S00 3,680 3,720 3,600 3,600 3,080 2,960 2,800 3,280 3,320 2,920 3,200 3,080 3,480 3,700 3,520 2,920 2,760 3,600 3,160 3,060 3,240 2,920 2,840 3,000 2,800 2,720 2,480 2,720 2,880 2,880 o >^ a m.3 « 3 C tot £ X 00 00 D X 63 18 57 2 56 16 55 20 55 10 55 10 54 26 62 12 51 26 50 20 50 20 50 20I 50 0 49 14 49 14 49 14 48 28 48 8 48 8 46 16 45 SO 45 10 44 24 44 24 44 24 43 18 43 18 42 32 42 12 41 6 40 20 40 20 40 0 40 0 38 28 38 8 37 22 Lbs. 33 31 37 33 36 34 36i 32' 32 3V>k 35 31 331 32"" 3Ci 33" 32i 33A 32| 30 35 32J 33' 32 35i 34' 3U 37' 31 32 321 33' 31 33i 34' 31 32J EXPEKIMENTS WITH BARLEY. Eighteen varieties of six-rowed and fourteen varieties of two-rowed barley were sown in uniform plots of one-fortieth acre each, on May 19. The land was a clay loam on which mangels were grown the previous year (1905), for which crop barnyard manure at the rate of twenty one-horse cart loads per acre was used. There was grain on this land in 1903, and hay in 1904. No manure or fertilizer was used for this crop. This land was ploughed in the fall of 1905 and worked up in the spring of 1906, with the spring-tooth and smoothing harrows, and sown with seed selected from the previous year's crop by cutting picked heads at harvest time. The grain was sown with the seed drill at the rate of 2 bushels per acre, and at the same time there was also sown 7 lbs. Mammoth Red clover. 3 lbs. Alsike clover and REPORT OF MR. R. ROBERTSON 279 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 12 lbs. Timothy seed per aerc. The grain started very well. There was no rust, but considerable smut. The following yields were obtained: — Six-rowed Barley. — Test of Varieties. '/r, M ame of Variety. 1 Odessa 2 Mensurv 3 Oderbucli 4 CoiUnion ....'. 5 Blue Long lii-.i 0 Albert 7 Argyle 8 Royal 9 Claude 10, Summit ...... 11 Empire 12Mansfiell ISlStella 14 Trooper 15 IG 17 18 Yale . Brome . . . . Nugent . . . Champion . bo c e Q Aug. 20 ,< 21 u 20 >, 20 „ 21 >, 20 „ 20 . ,1 22 „ 22 .1 25 „ 23 ,r 21 -, 25 ,. 22 ,. 21 ., 22 u 22 „ 18 fcO e en ' il^ o d 93 94 93 93 94 93 93 95 95 98 96 94 98 95 94 95 95 91 £ a Inches. 40 to 38 ,. 36 „ 38 „ 3G ., 38 ,. 40 M 38 „ 40 „ 37 .. .3S „ 43 M 30 M 40 M 42 „ 36 M 37 II 43 M Character of Straw. Stiff Medium. Stiff. 4( 11 40 42 401 42 44 >, 42i M ... , 43 41: 42 , 46, M 40; M .. .. 43j 46 40| M 41| ,. .. 47lMedium. Length of Head, Inches. 2 to 2^ 2 „ 3 2h 3 2i 2i 2i 'A 2i 3 3 2i 2i 3 2i 2i 3 Weight of Straw. Lbs. 3,44't 3,280 3,320 3,800 3,120 3,480 3,720 3,240 3,600 3,840 3,200 3,360 4,240 2,920 2,920 3.000 2,8'-^0 2,640 Yield per Acre. Bush lbs. 45 43 16 42 44 42 24 40 . 39 8 38 16 38 16 38 16 36 32 35 40 35 20 34 8 33 16 32 24 30 20 27 44 25 40 s — .S cc cj Lbs. 47i 48 49 49i 43 52 49 51 50 51 50i 49i 51 50^ 50 49 50 45i Two-rowed Barley — Test of Varieties. ^ 1 2 3 4 5 (> 7 8 9 10 11 12 i:< 14 Name of Variety. Danish Chevalier.. Swedish Chevalier French Chevalier.. Clifford Beaver. . ...... Invincible Jarvis Logan Gordon Standwell Harvey Dunham Sidney Canadian Thorpe. bb bo a h a ? 3 0) >.x; D. * CS «-»5 «§ O «4-l o o -^ ct o Q ^ Aug. 24 97 ., 25 98 M 24 97 - 24 97 „ 24 97 ,. 24 97 M 24 97 „ 24 97 M 24 97 „ 24 97 „ 24 97 .. 25 93 „ 25 98 . „ 25 98 1-3 Inches. 36 to 36 „ 37 M 44 - 36 M 38 „ 40 » 46 M 44 ., 36 „ 45 M 45 ti 40 •. 38 „ Character of Straw. 40 Medium 38i 40| 48StifiF.... 40 Medium 42! 45Stilf 50 48 40 48 50 44 40 Length of Head. Inches. 3 ■2h 3" 3 3 2 '4 3 2 2 2 3 2 to 4 „ 3i M 4 ,. 3i .. H u 3 .. 3 .. 4 o M O „ 3 ,. 3 .. ^ .. 3 „ 3 Weight of Straw. Lbs. 3,480 3,080 3,120 3,320 3,200 3,180 2,600 3,000 2,640 2,520 2,800 2,680 2,440 2,600 Yield per Acre. Bush lbs. 51 32 50 0 46 32 44 8 39 8 38 16 36 12 35 0 34 28 33 36 32 24 30 0 29 8 25 40 ^1 SP Lbs. 51 4S 5U 5(» 51J 49| 48 49 49i 49 50i 48 EXPERTI^IENTS WITH SPRING WHEAT. Sixteen varieties of spring wheat were sown in plot.s of one-fortieth acre each, on a clay loam soil that had been in mangels the previous season (1905), for which crop 20 one-horse cart-loads of barn-yard manure per acre were used. This land was 280 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 in grain in 1903 and in hay in 1904. The land was ploughed in the fall of 1905 and in the spring of 1906 was well worked up with the spring-tooth and smoothing harrows, and sovv^n with the drill seeder, May 17th at the rate of If bushels per acre, together with Mammoth Red clover, 7 lbs.; Alsike clover, 3 lbs.; and Timothy seed, 12 lbs. The grain made very good growth in the early part of the season, but ripened somewhat prematurely on account of the extreme drought in the latter part of the summer. The straw was clean and no smut or rust was noticed. The following yields were obtained: — ■ Whkat — Test of Vauikties. 3 55 Name of Variety. Red Fern. . Red Fife Bishop White Fife White Russian Colorado Stanley Hungarian White Preston Herisson Bearded Percy Pringle's Champlain . , Huron Riga Haynes' Blue Stem tjo c n Is Pi ft O c5 Aug. 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16'Laurel. •Si 2 28 10242 M 46 ■2 u 2i 3,200 2,880 22 0 621 62 3 Yellow Gharnovka . M 28 102 40 „ 45 !■ 2 „ 2i It 20 40 4 Mahmuudi „ 28 102 34 „ 38 1 (1 ... 14 ■• 2 It 2,800 18 40 61 EXPERIMENTS WITH EMMER AND SPELT. Two varieties each of Emmer and Spelt were sown May 14, in plots of one- fortieth acre each. The land was similar to that on which the other spring wheats were sown and received the same treatment. The yield from these plo:.s is given in o o IK O < < H S REPORT OP MR. R. ROBERTSON 281 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 pounds, as with the ordinary threshing the chaff is not separated from the kernels and cannot well be compared with the other sorts of wheat which are threshed clean. Following are the yields obtained : — Emmer and Spelt — Test of Varieties. S Name of Variety. af Days aturing. gthof raw in- i'g head Kind of i rt ^ u ^•^- Yield per SP5 -o^ §^^ E o Head. 7-^ Acre. ^ Q *^ ^ " D 1-5 •^ In. In. Lbs. Lbs. 1| White Spelt . Sept. 5 110 38-42 StifiF. . . . 3 to 4 Bearded. . 4,920 2,120 2 Red Spe:t 5 no 40—4-1 ti ... 2 to 3 11 4,120 1,880 3 Common Emmer . . . Aug. 28 102 3G-40 Medium \\ to 2 11 . . 3,800 i,7(;o ' Red Emmer Sept. 5 no 34— 3G Stifif.. . . J 1^ to 2i II . . 3,520 1,040 EXPERIMENTS WITH PEASE. Twenty-four varieties of pease were sown in uniform plots of one-fortieth acre each on a clay loam soil that had been in roots the previous year (1905). The land was ploughed in the fall and worked up in the spring with the disc, spring-tooth and smoothing harrows, and sown on May 22 with the seed drill seeder at the rate of from 2 to 3 bushels per acre. This ground was seeded down to clover and Timothy at the rate of 7 lbs. Mammoth Red clover, 3 lbs. Alsike clover and 12 lbs. timothy seed per acre. The following yields per acre were obtained : — Pease. — Test of Varietiks. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Name of Variety. Paragon Prince Prince Albert Victoria Early Britain Gregory Pearl White Marrowfat Duke Wisconsin Blue (iolden Vine Black Eyed Marrowfat. Pictou . . . Mackay Daniel O'Rourke Prussian Blue Nelson Archer Chancellor Arthur Agnes Kent White Wonder English Grev Date of Ripen- Number of Days Ma- ing. turing. Sept. 9 110 9 no 7 108 9 no 7 108 6 107 7 108 5 100 5 106 4 105 5 lOG 7 108 < 108 5 10(5 3 104 4 105 5 10(5 4 105 1 „ 3 104 4 105 5 lOG 6 107 3 104 4 105 Character of Growth. Good... Medium Good... Medium Good . . . Medium Length Length of of Straw. Pod. Inches. Inches. 35-40 U-2 34-37 2 -2.\ 32-30 U-2 33-38 2 -'>\i 30-40 2 -3 33-38 2 -2i ! 33 30 2 -2Jr ' 34 38 2 -3 30-40 2 -2i 33-38 U-2 33-38 U-2 35-38 2 -3 32-30 2 -2.V 33-30 2 -ll 30-34 U,-2' ,S5-3G 2 -2i 30-34 2 -2; 30 -30 2 -3 30 .35 U-2 1 2S-34 2 -2i 1 30-36 2 -3 ' 34-:)S 2 -3 1 30-33 2 -2i 30-36 2 -2I Size of Pea. Medium Large . . Small . . Medium Large . . Medium It Large . . n . . Medium Small . . Large . . II . . Medium Small . . Medium II Large . . Small .. Medium Large . Jledium Yield per Acre. Bush. Lbs. 35 30 29 28 28 20 24 24 23 22 22 20 20 19 19 19 18 IS 18 17 16 10 15 14 20 0 20 40 0 0 40 0 0 40 0 20 0 20 0 0 40 40 0 20 40 40 20 40 Weight pfT Bushel. Lbs. 04 G2J^ 64 03 62 64 03 63i 04 65 0.H 04" 63i 64 65 64A 64| 65 65i 64 64 64 04 63 282 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 EXPERIMENTS WITH BUCKWHEAT. Five varieties of buckwheat were sown in uniform test plots of one-fortieth acre ea«h. They were sown on June 18 and cut September 5. The land was a clay loam that had been in roots the previous year. The land had received a dressing of barn- yard manure in 1902, when a crop of roots was grown. No fertilizer of any kind was used since. The land was ploughed in the fall and well worked up in the spring. The following yields were obtained: — Buckwheat — Test op Varieties. 0) S s Name of Variety. Rye Buckwheat Silver hull...... .. . Tartarian or Siberiai Grey Japanese Character of Soil. Date of Sowing. Clay loam 'June 18 18 18 18 18 to ffi'S ^3 Date of Ripening. 6 ;« Sept. 5 79 It 5 79 II 5 79 II 5 79 II 5 79 Length of Straw including Head. Inches. 35—40 48—42 35-37 35—40 36—40 Yield per Acre. (^ a: oi 3 .a pq H-1 2^ 32 26 12 25 40 25 20 22 24 Weight per measured Bushel after cleaning. Lbs. 4S 4S 48 48 48 FIELD CROPS OF GRAIN. Thirteen and one-half acres of field grain were grown, eleven acres of which were in plots of one acre each, one two-acre plot and one one-half acre plot. The land was a clay loam, the previous crop having been roots and corn, for which crop barnyard maniire at the rate of 20 tons per acre had been used. The land was ploughed in the fall of 1905 and well worked up in the spring of 1906, after which the grain was sown with the seed-drill with 3 bushels in the case of oats, 2 bushels in the case of barley and 3 bushels in the case of mixed grain per acre. Mammoth Red clover at the rate of 7 lbs., Alsike clover, 3 lbs., and Timothy seed, 12 lbs. per acre were sown with this crop. The crop harvested was as follows : — Field Crops of Grain. Crops. 1 Acre Mixed Grain 1 II Waverley Oats 1 ti Mixed Grain 1 II Black Tartarian Oata 1 n Mixed Grain 1 II Odessa Barley 1 It Mixed Gra.in ^ It Sensation Oats 7 f Mixed Grain 1 II Odessa Barley 1 M French Chevalier Barley 1 n Waverley Oats 1 II Pioneer Oats 2 M Mixed Grain sown May 19, cut Aug. 30 II II 19, II II 30, 11 II 19, II II oO. II II 19, II II 30 ti II 19, II II 30. ti II 21, II II 2o. II II 21, II II 27 It II 21, II II 27 II June 18, M Sept. 18 II 20, II II 5 II II 20, II II 7 II 20, M II 19 It II ZOf M n !•' II 20, I. .1 19 Yield per Weight per Acre. Bushel. Bush. Lbs. Lb.s. 41 20 40 42 30 35 43 15 40 45 0 37 42 40 40 29 0 48 48 20 40 50 0 36 41 6 40 25 12 48 32 24 48 34 17 35 32 25 38 47 10 40 REPORT OF MR. R. ROBERTSON 283 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 FIELD CKOPS OF MIXED GEAIN. Seven acres also were sown with mixed oats, barley and pease. The land was. a clay loam, the previous crop being clover hay, the aftermath being ploughed under in the fall. No fertilizer was used for this crop. It was sown June 18 and cut September 18. The yield was 41 bushels 6 lbs. per acre, weighing 40 lbs. per busheL EXPERIMENTS WITH INDIAN CORN. Twenty-three varieties' of Indian corn were sown in rows 36 inches apart and also in hills 36 inches apart each way. The land was a clay loam, the previous crop having been clover hay. Stable manure at the rate of 20 loads per acre was spread on in the fall of 1905 and ploughed under together with the crop of grass in the spring of 1906. Early in June, just before planting, this was worked into a good condition of tilth, when a complete fertilizer at the rate of 300 lbs. per acre was sown broadcast and harrowed in. The corn was planted June 8 by hand machine. When the plants were about 6 inches high they were thinned out, leaving them from 4 to 6 inches apart where in rows and from 3 to 6 plants per hill, where in hills. The land was gone over with a very light harrow before the plants came up and four times with the cultivator dur- ing the next four weeks. From the first this crop made satisfactory growth. The following yields were obtained: — Corn — Test op Varieties. c 5? Name of Variety. 1 Early Mastodon 2 Thoroughbred White Flint. . . 3 Angel of Midnight 4 Eureka 5 Early Learning Evergreen Sugar t Compton's Early 8 Champion White Prarl fl North Dakota White 10 Giant Prolific Ensilagt- 11 Selected Learning 12 Cloud's Early Yellow 13 Longfellow 14 Red Cob Ensilage 15 Early Butler Ifi Superior Fodder 17 Early Longfellow.. ISAVhite Cap Yellow Dent. . . . 19 Mammoth Cuban 20 Pride of the North 2lSalzer's All Gold 22 Wood's Northern Dent 2.^ King Philip Height. Inches. Leafiness. 106 Medium 94 Leafy Fair. . 86 108 96 9t\ 86 90 84 100 100 l')8 87 104 94 96 80 Leafy 96 Fair 96 104 96 Leafy . . 90 80 Leafy . . Fair. . . . Leafy . . It . . Medium Fair. When Tassel- led. Aug. Sept. Aug. Sept. Aug. Sept. Aug. Sept. Aug. In Silk. 29 Sept. 27 j .. 15 Aug. 5 27 Sept. 27 .. 15 'Aug. 29 Sept. 17 M 30 .. 27 u 5 15 31 29 5[ 15 Aug. 22 Sept. 29 „ 5' 31 Sept. 29 20 Condition when out. Watery II . . . . Soft glazed. II . . Watery 11 . . . . Soft glazed. Watery Soft glazed. Watery Aug. Sept. . Silking 27 Soft glazed 15 Watery. 10 Weight per Acre grown in rows. Tons. Lbs. Soft glazed. Watery Watery II . . . . Soft glazed. 25 25 24 23 22 22 21 21 20 20 20 20 19 19 19 18 18 18 18 17 17 10 15 Weight per Acre grn'.vTi in hiUs. Tons. Lbs. 19 17 16 18 17 19 17 600; 160 1,500 l,85t) 550 330 900 20 18 1,800 20 1,800 15 1,230 19 920 20 1,600 18 1,27 J 12 170 17 1,9.50,18 1,950117 1,40015 850 13 1,70014 650 13 450,18 1.900 16 1,380 1,750 1,550 850 100 500 100 300 1,470 1,3.50 170 150 1,9-0 7.50 l,2'-0 1,400 050 580 9.-0 1,1.50 1,500 1,400 1,330 284 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 FIELD CROP OF INDIAN CORN. Three acres of Indian corn were grown in four plots, two plots of one acre each and two plots of one-half acre each. The land was a clay loam, the previous crop being clover hay. The land was manured in the fall and early winter at the rate of 20 tons per acre, and ploughed under early in June along with the growth of grass. The ground was well worked up with the spade and smoothing harrows. The varieties known as Longfellow and Angel of Midnight were used for these plots — one acre of each and one-half acre of each. The acre plot of Longfellow had manure only, the half acre plot had 300 lbs. per acre of commercial fertilizer added. The acre plot of Angel of Midnight had manure only, the half acre had 300 lbs. per acre of bone meal added. The corn was sown in rows 35 inches apart with the drill seeder on June 8. The land was gone over once with a light smoothing-harrow before the corn came up and cultivated with the one- horse cultivator four times during the summer. The crop made very satisfactory growth. The following table shows the results: — Field Crop of Corn. Name of Variety, How Fertilized, Sine of Plot. Longfdloiv (Out Oct. G to 8). \ acre — Manure, 20 loads; fertilizer, 300 lbs. per acre 1.1 M only . Cost of commercial fertilizer, 300 lbs. at $30 per ton .$ 4 50 Value of gain in crop over manure only 1 ton. 400 lbs. per acre at $2 per ton . 2 40 Loss per acre $ 2 10 Angel of Midnight (Cut Oct. 4 and 5). \ acre — Manure, 20 loads; fertilizer, bone meal, 300 lbs. per acre . . , . , 111 M only Cost of commercial fertilizer, 300 lbs. at $30 per ton .$ 4 50 Value of gain in crop over manure onlj', 550 lbs. per acre at S2 per ton 0 55 Loss per acre $ 3 95 Yield per Acre. Tons. Lbs. 16 1,100 15 1,500 15 1,050 15 500 EXPERIMENTS WITH TURNIPS. Twenty varieties of turnips were sown this year on a clay loam soil that had been in clover the previous year. The ground was ploughed early in the fall and harrowed once with the spring- tooth harrow. In the spring this was again cultivated with spade and spring-tooth harrow. Barnyard manure was then spread on with the manure spreader at the rate of 20 tons per acre, and ploughed under and again thoroughly cultivated. Complete fertilizer at the rate of 500 lbs. per acre was then sown broadcast and harrowed in with the smoothing harrow. Rows were made 24 inches apart, and the plants thinned out to one foot apart in the rows. This crop made a very satisfactory growth for a time, but continued dry weather in the latter part of the season materially reduced the prospective crop. The yield was calculated from the weight obtained from two rows each 66 ft. long. The first plots were sown June 16, and duplicate lots sown June 30, and all pulled October 24. REPORT OF MR. R. ROBERTSON 285 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 Turnips — Test of Varieties. 6 Name of Variety. New Century Jiiinbo Kangaroo Hiirtley's Bronze Imj.'erial Swede. 6j Hall's Westbviry 7 'Perfection Swede 8 Halewood's l>ronze Top. UjDrummond Purple IVp . 10 Sutton's Champion. . . . ll'Magnum Bonuni 12 Man^moth Clyde l3|Good Luck 14] Klephanfs Master 15;Empire Swede lG|Sejected Purple Top . . . 17iCarter's Elepliant IS.Skirvings lO.Bangholin Selected 20 East Lothian i Yield per acre. 1st Plot. Tons. Lbs. .SO 166 30 28 27 1,840 240 26 26 26 1,600 1,440 800 26 320 26 160 25 400 24 1,600 24 23 23 1,280 1,68(1 1,040 23 560 22 22 1,600 21 21 1,266 400 20 1,920 2nd Plot. Bush. Lbs. Tons. Lbs, 1,002 40 1,000 . . 977 20 904 .. 89.S 20 890 40 880 . . 872 .. 869 20 840 .. 826 40 821 20 794 40 784 .. 776 .. 760 .. 733 20 720 .. 706 40 698 40 24 25 21 25 24 24 23 21 21 23 1(1 25 21 22 22 18 22 21 17 19 1,120 880 1,520 1,680 80O 80 880 1,140 400 1,000 720 1,360 1,760 800 1,760 1,160 720 560 1,360 Bush. Lbs. 818 40 848 . 725 20 861 20 813 20 800 . . 7C8 .. 714 40 717 20 773 20 560 . . 845 20 722 40 762 40 746 40 629 20 752 . . 712 .. 576 . 656 .. FIELD CROPS OF TURNIPS. Four acres of turnips were sown in four lots of one acre each. The land was a clay loam in a fair state of fertility, the previous crop having been clover hay. The sod was ploughed in the fall and harrowed with the spring-tooth harrow and worked up in the spring with the spade and smoothing harrows. Manure at the rate of 20 tons per acre was spread on and ploughed under. Three of the four acres were divided into three parts. To one-third of two of those acres was added complete fertilizer (Bowker's Square brand) at the rate of 500 lbs. per acre, to another third complete fertilizer (Bowker's Square brand) at the rate of 250 lbs. per acre was added, the remaining third of each had manure only. To one- third of the third acre Basic slag at the rate of 1,000 lbs. per acre was added, to another third basic slag at the rate of 500 lbs. per acre was added, the remaining third had manure only. The fourth acre had barnyard manure only. The fertilizer was put on top of rows and drilled in, the rows were run 24 inches apart and the seed sown on June 16, 21 and 28. The crop was harvested November 14, 15 and 17. 2G6 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS The following are the yields obtained: — FiKLD Crops of Turnips. 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 Name of Variety, How Fertilized, Size of Plot. Kangaroo (Pulled October 2G). ^ acre —manure and fertilizer, 500 lbs. per acre only. 250 Cost per acre of 500 lbs. fertilizer at $30 per ton $7 50 Value per acre of gain in crop over manure only, 80 bush. 40 lbs. at6cts. 4 84 Loss per acre $2 66 Cost per acre of 250 lbs. fertilizer at $30 3 75 Value per acre of gain in crop over manure only, 3j bush. S lbs. at6cts 2 11 Loss per acre SI 64 Hartley's Bronze Top (Pulled November 14). J acre — manure and fertilizer, 500 lbs per acre h only. 250 Cost per acre of 500 lbs. fertilizer at S3 > $7 50 Value per acre of gain in crop over manure only, 35 bush. 26 lbs at 6 cts 2 13 Loss per acre . $5 37 Cost per acre of 250 lbs. fertilizer at $30 $3 75 Value per acre of gain in crop over manure only, 20 bush. 46 lbs. at 6 cts 1 25 Loss per acre : 2 50 Rennie's Purple Top (Sown June 21, pulled November 15.) ^ acre— manure and Basic slag, 1,000 lbs. per acre. ^ i« 11 II 500 only. Cost per acre of 1,000 lbs. Basic slag at $20 $10 00 ,1 II gain in crop over manure only, 74 bush. 24 lbs. cts 4 46 Loss per acre $5 54 Cost per acre of 500 lbs. Basic slag at $20 5 00 ,1 II gain in crop over manure only, 28 bus!;. 48 lbs. at 6 cts 1 73 Loss per acre : $3 27 Mixed Kangaroo, HartJeji's /Ironic an I Fcnnie's Purple Top. (Sown June 2<, piiniid No% ember!?). 1 acre— manure only Tons. 29 28 27 25 Lbs. 1,996 1,264 1.156 29 1,026 983 46 29 146 969 6 28 900 948 20 160 Yield per Acre. Bush. Lbs. 999 954 919 876 5C 24 16 29 524 975 24 28 796 946 2r> 27 60 901 , . REPORT OF MR. R. ROBERTSOy 287 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 EXPERIMENTS WITH [MANGELS. Sixteen varieties of mangels were sown in uniform test plots. The land was a clay loam, the previous crop being clover hay. It was ploughed early last fall and a light crop of aftermath turned under, and cultivated in the spring. Barnyard manure at the rate of 20 tons per acre was spread on with the manure spreader and ploughed under and cultivated again. Complete fertilizer at the rate of 500 lbs. per acre was then sown broadcast and harrowed in with the smoothing harrow. The rows were made 24 inches apart, raked down and sown with the Planet Jr. hand seed drill in bunches 12 inches apart in the rows and from 4 to 8 seeds in each bunch. ^Vhen about 3 to 4 inches high they were thinned out, leaving one plant in each spot. Two sowings were made of each variety, the first on June 14 and the second on June 28. This crop made very unsatisfactory growth, evidently owing to the lateness of the sowing and the extreme drought in the latter part of the season. The mangels were all pulled October 17. The yield was calculated'in each case from the weight of roots i 257 24 85 48 M 500 lbs Check, no fertilizer used Bone meal, 1,000 lbs 500 lbs Ashes, 2,500 lbs Manure, rotted, 20 tons Check, no fertilizer used Land plaster, 500 lbs 8alt, 500 lbs Marsh mud, 100 tons Manure, green, 20 tons O S3 > So « 35 38 21 22 29 27 20 22 35 14 17 22 32 44 J2 10 8 20 2 14 32 20 2 10 24 22 2 12 4 ED U s~ o CO '^ p pq 38 44 27 23 25 26 29 23 32 20 23 26 30 38 y^ 8 4 32 8 0 16 14 8 ISO o > o ^ 3 M 13 15 8 9 10 8 10 8 12 12 20 7 810 16 30 8 11 16 18 ii o -w c« O 6^ a PQ 20 16 0:17 20|11 10! 8 o|io 2010 50 45 30 55 0 15 40 20 10 10 11 6 10 11 14 16 40 20 40 20 0 50 0 25 40 40 50 40 10 50 CD pq : c if -^ I-:] t>) 01 (go o o 5 ^ 1-5 c '5 Oi X 10 20 10 20 22 20 12 24 12 24 25 0 11 22 10 20 20 0 9 18 14 28 27 20 8 41 10 20 25 0 9 18 9 18 28 30 7 14 9 18 18 30 14 28 13 26 17 20 22 14 14 28 31 10 8 16 10 20 15 0 8 16 10 20 20 0 9 18 11 22 27 10 16 32 12 24 32 20 19 13 16 32 42 20 Ji CO 3 30 31 28 33 28 23 18 20 32 17 20 30 33 41 >'$ (E Oil 1016 30 15 30:12 30 9 30 9 30'l0 0|10 20111 hi 40 40 0 30 10 10 0 0 = oj 2 is 3 pq 13 18 13 10 6 8 9 10 20 0 0 30 10 3 6 8 10 13 40,10 45 3 40 20 25 20 20 20 20 50 40 20 35 0 25 20 10 0 30 5 HAY CROP. The crop of clover and timothy hay on the upland was fairly good this season. Forty-three acres yielded 70 tons 1,265 lbs. The hay on the marsh was only a fair crop. Forty-two acres yielded 62 tons 480 lbs. The total hay crop was 132 tons 1,745 lbs. SUMMARY OF CROPS GROWN" EXCLUSIVE OF UNIFORM TEST PLOTS OF GRAIN AND POTATOES. Grain. Total Yield. Total Yield. Bush. Lbs. Lbs. Mixed grain 659 20 22,380 Oats 370 18 12,598 Barley 106 18 5,106 Buckwheat 30 0 1,440 Wheat 16 56 l'oi6 Turnips. Bush. Lbs. Turnips (field crop) 3,741 56 Turnips (test plots) 194 3,935 56 118 Corn. Corn (field crop) Corn (test plots) , 42,540 rons. Lbs. 112 516 5 1,640 Tons. 47 7 156 Lbs. 75 897 54 972 REPORT OF MR. R. ROBERTSON 295 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 Mangels. Bush. Lbs. Tons. Lbs. ]\rang:e]s (field crops) 328 20 9 1,700 Mangels (test plots) 100 48 3 48 429 8 12 1,748 GRAIN AND POTATO DISTRIBUTION. Some of the most promising: varieties of grain and potatoes were again distribtitc-d this year, free to farmers who made application. The following nnmber of packages of 3 lbs. each were sent ont : — Oats 212 Barley 43 Wlicat 100 Pease 40 Buckwheat lY Potatoes 263 Total 075 HORSES. No change in the horses has been made in the past year. The present number being eight, consisting of six heavy team horses, one express horse and one driver. One of the older horses has this winter become lame and should be disposed of and replaced by another. CATTLE. It will be remembered that when making my last report, November 30, 1905, all of the cattle then on hand had been recently tested with tuberculin, with the result that quite a lai-ge percentage had reacted, or were suspicious, and were then under the care of the Veterinary Department. Forty animals including cows, heifers and steers were kept in a building open on the south and east sides and fed outside until May 25, 1906, when by instruction they were shipped to Ottawa to the Veterinary Director General, Dr. J. G. Rutherford. All came through the winter in good condi- tion and no sig,ns of any development of disease were found. The buildings were then disinfected by being first cleaned thoroughly by sweep- ing and brushing, so as to dislodge bacteria, and the sweepings taken into the yard and burned. After this cleaning the interior was gone over with water used in a boiling condition, freely with a broom, to each five gallons of which was added one quart of crude carbolic acid. After this had dried the surface of the woodwork was thoroughly sprayed, and particular attention paid to the crevices, with the following solution: — four ounces of corrosive sublimate, and two ounces of chloride of ammonium, poundetl finely and mixed together and dissolved in ten gallons of water, the material being entirely dissolved before using. This spraying was reported after a few days and th(Mi when dry the vhf)!e of the woodwork, walls and ceilings was whitewashed with lime to every five gallons of which had been added one quart of crude cariiolic neid. After treatment the buildings were exposed to the air and sunlight for the balance of the summer, the doors and windows liaving all l>oeu removed for that purpose. Late in November, 1906, fifty grade Shorthorn 2A and 3^ year old steers wrrc purchased and put in to feed. Up to December 15 no meal was fed. From this date, 296 "^ EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1008 commencing with 2 lbs. per day per steer for the first two weeks, and increasing frojn time to time, the average daily meal ration fed per steer has been 3 • 80. The total live weight of fifty steers on December 15 being. 48,715 lbs. Present live weight on March 15 57,285 " Increase 8,570 '^ Average daily gain per steer 1-71 lbs. Those steers are expected to be ready for sale about May 15. From the cows that had not reacted at either of the tests made, two pure-bred Holstein cows were selected and removed from any contact with or proximity to any of the other cattle or buildings in which they had been kept. Those two cows are now on hand. Total, 52 head. SWINE. The herd at present on the farm consists of: — One pure bred Yorkshire boar. Four pure bred Yorkshire sows. SHEEP. The flock of sheep at present consists of 25 head as follows : — 1 pure bred Leicester ram. 1 pure bred Leicester ram lamb. 5 pure bred Leicester ewes. 3 pure bred Leicester ewe lambs. 10 pure bred Shropshire ewes. 1 pure bred Shropshire ewe lamb. 3 grade ewes. 1 grade ewe lamb. POULTEY. During the year five breeds of poultry were kept : B. P. Rocks, W. Leghorns. W. Wyandottes, Blk. Minorcas and Buff Orpingtons. One hundred and thirty chickens were raised during the year. A number of young cockerels and pullets have been sold to farmers for breeding purposes and some cockerels fattened and sold. The stock on hand is as follows: — Breed. Hens. Cocks. Pullets. Cockerels. B. P. Rocks .. 16 5 W. Wyandottes 2 1 7 W. Leghorns 3 2 10 1 Blk. Minorcas .. 5 2 Buff Orpingtons 3 2 1 The number of eggs laid by the different breeds during the year is as follows: — Eggs. Average. 12 B. P. Rocks 980 Slf 5 W. Wyandottes 320 64 5 W. Leghorns 370 74 4 Blk. Minorcas 190 474 4 Buff Orpingtons 251 62| 2,111 REPORT OF MR. R. ROBERTSON 297 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 BEES. April 17. The bees were all taken out of winter quarters and placed on their sum- mer slaiuls at 12 o'clock, noon. The day was bright and sunny with a light north wind blowing. The hives wore full of bees and they had a good fly until ^> p.m. The liives were covered with empty bags at night for a while as the temperature of the iii.iht was similar to the temperature of their winter quarters. The weights of the different colonies were as follows : — Nov. 18, 1905. April 17, 1006. Loss. No. 1 55 lbs. 43i lb.s. 11^ lbs. No. 2 53 " 40.^ •' m " No. 3 54 " 42 " 12 " No. 4 59 " 4G " 13 " No. 5 40 " 30 " 10 " 261 " 202 " 59 " Average loss per hive, 11| lbs. April 29. First pollen gathered from willows . l\ray 5. Bees working well. Dandelions coming in bloom. IMay 17. Examined all hives and found from 4 to 5 frames of brood in each hive except No. 5, which had only 3 frames of. btbod, some dandelion honey stored, and young bees hatched. June 6. No. 1 and 2 each threw off a swaim ■■ June 22. No. 4 threw off a swarm. June 29. No. 5 threw off a swarm. /Vugust 6. No. 6, prime from No. 1, threw off a swarm, seven weeks from time of liiviiig. making 5 swarms safely hived during the Bummer. July 2. Bees began storing honey. Following are a few of the best days gatherings for single hive. No. 1 hive gathered July 2, 7 lbs. ; July 6, 5* lbs. ; July 7, 4 lbs. No. 2 hive, gathered July 9, 4 lbs.; July 14, 3 lbs.; July 15, 4 lbs.; July 28, 3 lbs. No. 4 hive, gathered July 14, 3 lbs. ; July 15, 4 lbs. ; July 16, 4 lbs. No. 5 hive, gathered July 18, 5 lbs. ; July 19, 3 lbs. ; July 21, 3 lbs. No. 6 hive, gathered July 14, 3 lbs.; July 15, 3 lbs.; July IS, 3 lbs.; July 19, 4 lbs.; July 20, 3 lbs.; July 21, 3 lbs.; July 23, 4 lbs.; July 28. 4 lbs. No. 7 hive, gathered July 18, 3 lbs. No. 8 hive, gathered July 3, 3 lbs.; July 20. 3 lbs.; July 23, 3 lbs.; July 26, 4 lbs. No. 10 hive, gathered July 3, 3 lbs. ; July 18. 3 lbs. July 10. Nos. 1, 2 and 4 colonics being full of bees, fairly \vc]\ filled with brood and having top of all combs filled with honey capped, and weighing at this date 81, 52 and 49 lbs., had supers put on them. Nos. 5 and 10 had supers put on them also. The early swarms of June 22 and 26 had supers put on them f>n June 27. Tiering up was done on the last three mentioned colonies and also on No. 1. those colonies hav- ing at once started above, the honey coming in at a good rate. August 11 to September 8. Very little honey was gathered between these dates. Some frames were taken out for extracting and all supers taken off. After September 8, some buckwheat and aster honey was gathered. November 17, being a clear warm day the bees had a good fly. November 18. The temperature on this date fell to 38° and the bees were carried into their winter quarters in the cellar of the superintendent's house, the temperature of which was 44°, the variation being from 38° to 44° during the winter. The weights of the various hives were as follows: 53, 63, 59, 50, 57, 58, 66, 50 and 64 lbs. 298 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 December 3, The wooden covers and propolis quilts were removed from each hive and the hives covered with empty bags (three bags to each hive) and a three inch block placed in front between the bottom board and the brood chamber, making the full entrance three inches high across the full front. At the close of the season 120 lbs. of honey were sold, being an average of 24 lbs. per colony. A number of partly filled sections were kept for spring feeding, probably about 25 lbs. At present date, March 15, all are in good condition with very few dead bees. APPLES. The winter of 1906 was particularly severe and fruit and ornamental trees suf- fered considerably from winter-killing. The season was a poor one for fruit through- out this country. Although the apple crop at Nappan was not heavy it was nearer a maximum crop than the average. The apple trees have made good growth. The new orchard in the shelter enclosure has done remarkably well. Quite a number of young trees have fruited for the first time this season. PLUMS. Although the plum crop was not large it was better than usual. Some of the plum trees are in an unhealthy condition, part of this may be due to unsuitable soil. Moore's Arctic, Shipper's Pride, Pond's Seedling, Gueii, Quackenboss, Peine Claude, Italian Prune, Prince's Yellow Gage, Improved Lombard, Imperial Gage and Damson, all bore fruit. PEAKS. Twenty-nine varieties are now growing in the orchard. Most of these are making very indiiferent growth and but few have borne fruit. Clapp's Favourite is the only variety which has fruited well this season. STEAWBEREIES. Fourteen varieties of strawberries were grown in plots 16i x 5. These plots were planted in the spring of 1906, in 2 rows 3 feet apart and one foot apart in the rows, the runners being cut off 1 foot from the outside of every second row and then allowed to fill up tlie space between, making a matted row 5 feet wide. One foot of space was left between every two rows. These had been covered well with about 2 inches of clean straw in November, after the ground was nicely frozen. In the spring this straw was removed and with the exception of a part of this field where the soil was particularly poor and deficient in humus, there were very few plants killed. The following is a list of some of the best yielding varieties. REPORT OF MR. R. ROBERTSON 299 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 Strawberries. Variety. Dates when picked and Yield. Yield per Plot. Yield July 7. July 0. July 16. Acre. Clyde liOvett .... Qts. 10 8 4 6 6 4 5 3 3 4 3 3 Qts. 11 I 6 5 G G 5 5 6 5 5 Qts. 8 4 4 2 3 3i 2" 4 4 2 2 2 Qts. 29 18 14 14 14 m 13 12 12 12 10 10 Qts. 15,312 y,504 7 3: '2 Warfield Ida 7,302 7,392 7,128 6,8G4 6,3.36 6,336 6,336 5,280 5,280 (Jrenviile .. Kxcelsior J essie St-nator l)njil;i|> Beder WcxkI Glen Mary Brandywine Williams GAKDEJSr PEASE. Eight varieties of garden pease were sown in plots each 33 feet long by 2^ feet wide. The soil was clay loam of a uniform character in a fair state of fertility. Tho seed was sown in rows 2^ feet apart and the pease were planted 2 inches deep and 2 inches apart in the rows. The pease were picked when fit for market and the quantity of green pease in pod recorded. The yields were as follows : — Garden Pkase. Variety. Dates of Picking and Yields. American Wonder. Prosperity Thomas Lax ton . . . Nott's Excelsior. . . Ulaudit Prince Edward Electric Li^ht New Surprise July 30. Lbs. 7 16 11 4 8 6 Oz. 0 0 0 0 Aug. 7. Lbs. 9 1 3 9 3 1 Oz. 8 8 i2 0 8 0 Total Yield from Plot. LbB. 16 17 11 10 9 7 9 3 Oz. 8 0 12 0 8 8 8 GARDEN BEANS. Seven varieties of beans were planted on June 8 in rows 36 feet long. The seed was dropped 2 inches apart in the rows. A duplicate plot of each variety was planted and allowed to ripen. 300 EXPERIMEXTAL FARMS I 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 These beans made fair growth and no rust was noticed. The following are the yields from the different plots : — Varietj'. Dates of Picking and Yields. Au;?ust 8. Dwarf Black Speckled . . Matchless Dwarf Extra Early Fair.e of Vitry Golden Skinless Emperc'r of Russia. . . . Dwarf Wax Every Day Lbs 8 8 10 3 13 10 7 Oz. 4 0 0 0 0 8 0 August 15. Lbs. 2 4 7 4 5 4 O?. August 22. Lbs. Oz 0 2 8 2 0 3 8 3 0 1 0 0 8 1 8 0 0 8 0 Total Yield from Plot. LbP. 13 13 17 13 18 16 12 3z. 12 0 8 8 0 0 8 TOMATOES. Twenty-four varieties of tomatoes were grown last season. The seed of the tomatoes grown this year was sown in hot-beds on April 11. The young plants were pricked out into strawberry boxes on April 25, and planted in the open ground on June 3. They were placed 4 feet apart each way and 10 plants of each variety were used. Following are the yields obtained : — Tomatoes. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 IC 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 V.ariety. Ripe Fruit. Green Fruit Earliest of All Early Ruby ISlott's Maule's New Imperial Rockford Matchless . . Early Minnesota Early Hustler . Extra Early Atlantic Prize Landreth's Earliei^t Fordhook's First First of All. .^ Bright and Early May s Favorite lEai ly Jewel 'Radium JDiadeni [Dominion Day iSimmers' Early I Early Castle jExtra Early Advance iCanada .^ |Xew Stone '. Burpee's Combination Lbs. 54 52 46i 45" 421 421 38 37^ 3Gi .^5^ 34 331 32 30i 29' 2Sh 28' 27^ 26 25 21 20i 19 19 Lbs. 21 241 19 48 2G 42 41 25 20 2(> 39 21 34 22 33 16 31 23 48 38 26 50 26 42 Yield per Plot Lbs. 75 76J 65i 93" 681 841 79 621 561 61 1 73" 541 60" 521 62" 441 50' 501 74" 63 47 701 45" 61 REPORT or MR. R. ROBLRTl^ON 3U1 SESSIONAL PAPER N'o. 16 LIST OF THE BEST VEGETABLES TO GKOW. REPEATED FROM REPORT OF 1905. From several years' experience in testing many of the different varieties of vege- tables now advertised by seed merchants in Canada and the United States, the follow- ing may be recommended as equal to any of those so far tested here : — Asparagus. — Conovcr's Colossal and Argenteuil. Beans. — Green Pod. Early: Bountiful and Lightning. Late: Eefugee or 1,000 to 1. — Golden Pod : Market Wax and Valentine Wax. Beets. — Extra Early: Egyptian Turnip. Early: Eclipse. Brussels Sprouts. — Improved Dwarf. Cahhage. — Extra Early: Paris Market. Early: Jersey Wakefield. Medium: Early Spring and Succession. Late: Late Flat Dutch. Red: Mammoth Rock Red. Carrots. — Chantenay. Cauliflower. — Early Erfurt. Celery. — Paris Golden Yellow Self-blanching, Improved White Plume and Per- fection Heartswell. Corn. — Extra Early: Extra Early Beverly. Early: Extra Early Cory and Premo. Medium : Crosby's Early. Cucumbers. — White Spine. Egg Plant. — New York Improved Purple. Kale. — Dwarf Green Curled. Lettuce. — Curled: Black Seeded Simpson. Cabbage: Improved Salamander. Citron Melon. — Colorado Mammoth. Water Melon. — Cole's Early. Onions. — Prizetaker and Australian Brown. . Parsley. — Double Curled. Parsnips. — Hollow Crown and Improved Half Long. Pease, Tall. — Extra early: Surprise. Early: Thomas Laxton. Medium: Admiral Dewey. Late: Telephone. Dwarf. — Extra Early: Early Excelsior. Early: Xott's Excelsior. Medium: Rivenhall Wonder. Late: Juno. Radishes. — French Breakfast and Icicle. Winter: Scarlet China. Rhuharh. — Linna?us and Victoria. Salsify. — Sandwich Island. Spinach. — 'Victoria. Squash. — Autumn: Boston Marrow and Golden Hubbard. Late: Hubbard. Tomatoes. — Spark's Earliana. Turnips. — Golden Ball and Selected Purple Top Swede. 302 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 COKRESPONDENCE. During the year 2.675 letters were received at this farm and 2,715 sent ont, ex- clusive of reports and of circulars mailed with samples of grain. AGRICULTUEAL MEETINGS. During the year I attended and delivered addresses at the following meetings : — ■ Winter Fair, Amherst, IST.S., December 4 to 7, 1905. N. B. Farmers' and Dairymen's Associations at Fredericton, Jan. 22 to 26. Short Course Judging, Truro, N.S., February 1 to 10. Waweig, N.B., February 26 to 29. Provincial Dairy School. Sussex, N.B., March 6 to 10 ; March 16 to 20. Blue Mountain, Pictou county, March 28. Garden of Eden, Pictou county, March 29. Lorneville, Cumb. county, N.S., April 2. Northport, Cumb. county, April 3. Shinimicas, Cumb. county, N.S., April 4. Halifax, N.S., April 9 to 11. Winter Fair, Amherst, N.S., December 3 to 6. Short Course Judging, Truro, N.S., January 21 to 26, 1907. N. S. Farmers' and Dairymens' Association, Middleton, N.S., January 28 to 31. N. B. Farmer's and Dairymen's Association, Fredericton, X.B., February 11 to 15. Prov. Dairy School, Sussex, N.B., March 4 to 14. EXHIBITIONS. Together with all the Experimental Farms of the Dominion, an exhibit of the pro- ducts of this farm was made at the Dominion Exhibition in Halifax, N.S.. Septem- ber 22 to October 5. An exhibit was also made at Charlottetown, P.E.I., October 8 to 12. VISITORS. About the usual numbers visited the farm the past year, mostly in small companies of from twenty to forty in a party; the largest gathering being the Maritime Board of Trade, which having met in Amherst, spent an afternoon at the Experimental Farm, a company of about one hundred. I have the honour to be, sir. Your obedient servant, R. ROBERTSON, Superintendent. 7-8 EDWARD VII. SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 A. 1908 EXPERBIENTAL FARM FOR MANITOBA. REPORT OF K WOLVERTON, B.A., SFPr^lTNTENDENT. Brando X, M.\x., March 3J, 1907. To Dr. Wm. Saunders, C.M.G., Director, Dominion Exi)erimcntal Farms, Ottawa. Sir, — I have the honour to submit, herewith, the nineteenth annual report and details of the work done on the Experimental Farm at Brandon. The spring and early summer of 190G were very favourable for seeding and growth. Excepting on the bottom lands, the seeding was finished early and in good condition. Some of the heavy low land was too wet for early working. There was no late spring frost to injure, and growth was very rapid. The pro- mise of a very heavy crop was bright until the wheat was in the early milk state, when rust appeared pretty generally. Though the rust was almost wholly confined to the leaves of th-^ grain, it certainly reduced the jdeld somewhat. When the wheat was maturing we had some days of excessive heat, with dry soxith wind, causing the grain to ripen too rapidly. These two causes reduced the yield of all grains by several bushels per acre. Harvest began August 15. The weather was good both for harvesting and thresh- ing and all grains in the province were secured in excellent condition. The average nimiber of days maturing was less by nearlj- ten than usual. The yields for the whole province fell short of the large crop of 1905 by about 15 per centum.. The first slight frost occurred on the morning of August 30. when the mercury fell to 29-3 degrees, but little damage was done. There was no frost on the uplands. The second, a killing frost, occurred September 27, when 26-5 degrees were registered. EXPERIMENTS WITH SPRING WPIEAT. The wheat was well sown and the ground in good condition. Germination was good and even. A pecTiliarity of most kinds of wheat, this year, was that from two to four of the lowest spikelets on each head Vv-ere abortive. Again the Preston wheat heads the list in yield. Its stiff straw is a decided ad- vantage. This year the bearded wheats have all taken higher places than usual. Possibly they were able to resist the effects of the hot wind better than the bald wheats. There was no smut excepting in the smut test plots. The seed was dipped in a formalin solution. A number of the less promising varieties have been dropped from this test this year. Out of the thirty varieties under test during the past few years sixteen have been retained for further testing. Each plot was one-twentieth of an acre; the seed was sown April 23 and 21, on light clay loam summer fallowed. 303 304 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 Spring Whkat — Test of Varieties. Name of Variety. 9 10 11 Cham- Preston . Huron . . Ptiiigle's plain Red Fife White Fife 6'Haynes' Bine Stem Hungarian Wiiite Stanley Bishop Riga Percy 12;Herisson Bearded 13|Colorado . . . 14: Red Fern ..... 15|White Russian 16, Laurel Date of «S Ripen- O 3 ing. ri^ ^ Aug. 15 113 M 16 114 II 15 113 .1 17 115 „ 18 116 ., 20 118 II 14 112 „ 13 111 ,1 10 108 9 108 „ 13 111 II 15 113 „ 14 112 1, 16 115 1, 13 112 -1 17 116 2-6 n. > . '^ cS tiO Pis.S In. 45 46 44 43 43 47 44 45 44 43 4(i 46 47 46 46 44 u .1.3 Stiff . Weak Medium Stiff... Weak. Stiff..'. Medium Stiff... Weak , Medium Weak . . o ■SI In. 3 4 3i 3 H 3 2 H 3i i3 «'4 Kind of Head. Bearded . Bald Bearded . Bald o . Lbs. 4.060 4,570 4,390 5,300 4,320 4,740 3,790 3,790 4,100 4,610 3,910 3,630 6,040 4, .380 4,820 4,460 Yield per Acre. pq j2 44 00 43 5C 41 50 40 00 36 20 36 GO 35 10 35 10 35 00 34 50 34 50 34 30 34 20 32 00 31 20 25 40 be Iahmondi . . Aug. 16 II 16 „ 16 It 16 114 114 114 114 i .^ 2 =^ o tt-. C OJ ^ <4-l ■5 5 ix "S ^ o . 13 cs toi c 2 h bo 1' gc/^'-a I'h Cffi ^ O 1-3 In. In. 49 Weak . . 23 46 M 2* 48 It . . 2^ 43 tl . . 2k Kind of Head. Bearded . -? ''' Lbs 4,120 4,000 4,040 3,220 Yield per Acre. be 01 •- eS -i— TO ,v- ^ Ml) £ £ . CO S QQ Lbs. P5 iJ 56 20 65i 55 00 65 54 20 661 46 20 64 Rusted. None. < -A O Q a < B I— I si H C ?; g s K P-( B a:; III o S5 o So 16—29 REPORT OF MR. N. WOLTERTON 305 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 EXPERIMENTS WITH EMMER AND SPELT. Each plot was one-twentieth of an acre. The seed was sown April 24 on light clay loam., summer fallowed. E.MMi'R ASD Spelt — Test of Varieties. y, Name of Variety. Oommon Emme Red Spelt Ked Emiuer . . White Spelt . . . Date of Ripen- iner. Aug. 10 .. 20 b£l 114 llcS 20 i 118 20 118 I In. 41 44 42 43 (S g O Weak . , Stiff.... Weak . . Medium O . Kind Weight Grain J='2 of of per Rusted. Head. Straw. Acre. y^ In. Lbs. Lbs. 2 Bearded . . 3,780 3,820 Sliprhtly. 4i It 3,220 3,180 Considerablv. 2^ ti . . 4,200 :,ooo M 4| )• . . 3,2G0 2.740 II A TEST OF FERTILIZERS FOR THE GROWING OF WHEAT. Red Fife wheat was sown May 7, on uniform plot-3 of light loam, and harvested August 20. Each plot was one-fortieth of an acre. All were sown on summer-fallow which has been under cultivation for many years v.-ithout manure, On all plots the grain stood up well and there was no smut and but little rust. The cost of these commercial fertilizers, at retail prices in Brandon, owing to high freights, is large. In no case has the value of the inci'ease in the yield been equal to the cost of the fertilizers used. It must, however, be noted that the land of these plots is of good quahty and was summer-fallowed. Whe.AlT. — Test of Fertilizers. 3 4 Feitilizer Used per acre. Length of Straw. Inches. 100 lbs. per acre of nitrate of soda, half sprinkled when the grain was 2 in. high, balance when 6 in. high 200 lbs. per acre of nitrate of soda, half sjjrinkled when the grain was 2 in. high, balance when G in. high No fertilizer used Sui>erpho.si)hate, 400 lbs. per acre, spread just before .sowing Muriate of potash, 200 lbs. [Xir acre, spread just befoie sowing A mixture of 200 lbs. suiierphosphate, 100 lbs. of nitrate of sjda, 100 lb.s. nuiriate of ix5tash, i^er acre, l).alf si)rea'l before sow-| ing, half when 2 or 3 inches high 1 42 42 42 42 42 42 Length of Head. Inches. 3i 3i 3^ 3i H Straw per] Acre. Grain per Acre. Weight per Bushel. Lbs. 3,400 3,G40 4,040 4,100 4,440 3,820 Bush. Lbs. 33 20 32 40 32 40 37 20 39 20 37 40 Lbs. m ooj GOi COi Gni 16—20 306 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 Field Plots op Wheat. Variety. Size of Field. Yield per Acre. Preston Acres. 6 19 3-25 5 5-72 Bush. Lbs. 35 20 Red Fife Huro)i , Pringle's Champlain 34 25 33 12 31 24 White Fife 21 Different preparation for a wheat crop. All on plots one-twentieth of an acre. Preparation. Rusted. Sown. Wheat after barley None II peas , II oats II wheat Wheat on summer-fallow II after millet Slightly None . . May 10. II 10: ,1 10. .1 10. II 10. ,1 10. Weight Ripe. of Straw . Lbs. Aug. 23.. 3,200 II 23.. 3,600 II 23.. 3,820 II 23.. 3,620 .1 23.. 4,120 II 23.. 3,620 Yield per Acre. Bush. Lbs. 30 .. 30 .. 31 20 29 40 29 40 33 .. PREVENTIVES OF SMUT. The seed sown on these plots was very smutty, such as no farmer should use, hence the test was a very severe one. The formalin was fresh and of the usual strength. The bluestone had been held over from two to four years and exposed to the air for that length of time. It was used in order that the effect of long keeping might be seen. The table shows that this old bluestone was not as effective as the fresh had been in former tests. Yet, the fact that the plots, where formalin was used, were not entirely free from smut, would show that very smutty seed should not he used even when treated tvith great care. Seed should be handled with great care after being treated. If the seed is placed on a floor where smutty wheat has been, or if infected grain is moved in the barn caus- ing the smut spores to float in the air, or if the treated seed be put into bags which have held smutty grain, it may become infected again. It seems to be uncertain how long smut spores will retain vitality in the ground. It is well to treat the seed with formalin or bluestone every spring, whether smut has been present or not. A farm may have been free for years and smut appear in quantity without the source being known. REPORT OF MR. N. WOLTERTON 307 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 Preventives op Smut ix Wheat. How Trailed. Good Heads in 9 sq. ft. Smutty Heads in 9 sq. ft. Yield per Acre. Stnutty whea II If II t sprinkled with 9 oz. formalin to 10 galls, of water. stee[)ed 5 min. in 4^ oz. formalin to 10 galls, of water sprinkled with 1 lb. blue.stone to 1 pail of water. . . . steeped 5 min. in h lb. bluestone to 1 pail of water. . not treated '. 497 486 491 479 321 1 2 8 15 128 Bush. Lbs. 34 33 40 31 40 31 10 19 30 ROTATION OF CEOPS. In the spring of 1899 arrangements were made for a series of rotation plots, the principal object being the maintenance of the fertility of the soil by the ploughing under of a leguminous crop every third year instead of the usual summer-fallow. As the first field selected for this purpose was flooded in 1902 and 1904, it was con- sidered unsuitable, and a new location was selected last year. The Red Clover was sown at the rate of 12 lbs. -per acre and mixed clovers in the proportion of 8 of Alfalfa and 6 lbs. of Alsike per acre. These leguminous plants were ploughed under when they reachd their fullest development. The grains used in this test were Red Fife wheat. Banner oats, Mensury barley and Gregory pease. The size of the plots was one-twentieth of an acre. ROTATION TEST. The order of rotation is as follows : — Number. 1905. 1906. 1907. L 2. Pease Tares Wheat Wheat Wheat. Oats. 3 Red Clover Wheat VVhoat Wheat Wheat. 4.. « Alfalfa and Alsike ... Barley. 5 Wheat Wlieat Pease. 6 Oats Tares. 7 g Wheat Wheat Wheat Wheat Barley Red Clover. Alfalfa and Alsike. 9 Pease Wheat. 10 Oats Wheat Tares Wheat 11 Red Clover Wheat 12 Barley. . Wheat; Alfalfa and Alsike Wheat. 13 Wheat Summer-fallow. 14 Wheat Oats Barley Summer-fallow. U) Wheat Summer-fallow. IG Wheat Wheat Barley Oats. 17 Wheat Oats. 16— 20J 308 EXPERIHENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 RESULTS OF FIRST TWO YEARS, 190^1906. h Crop. Yield per Acre. ID s 1905. 1906. 1905. 1906. 1 Pease Tares Red Clover. Alfalfa and Alsikc ' . ... Wheat II II ^ . . . . - Bush. Lbs. Bush. 33 3:5 30 30 30 102 27 52 Lbs. 30 2 3 4 * 30 40 10 5 G 7 Wheat 11 II Oats Wheat Barley 35 50 36 20 35 00 33 00 33 30 105 00 35 20 40 10 35 40 35 :o 38 10 35 10 35 50 10 22 50 8 n 04 q Pease 10 Oats Tares Red Clover n Wheat Barley Wheat M . ir T> Alfalfa and Alsike 28 " 85 46 28 46 13 Wheat 50 14 Oats GO 15 ir. Barley Wheat 22 40 17 II Barley . 12, EXPERIMENTS WITH OATS. Forty varieties of oats were tested on uniform plots of one-twentieth of an acre each. The land was a rather heavy clay loam, summer-fallowed. The weaker kinds were lodged badly; there was considerable rust on most of the leaves; and no smut. The yield was good and the quality excellent. Both last year and this the Dau- beney ripened fourteen days earlier than the Banner. Our seed of this oat is not pure. A few heads of a later and taller oat showed. These were hand pulled from the test plot but, from lack of time, were not pulled from the field plot. All the seed was treated with formalin, and was sown May 9 and 10. / REPORT OF MR. y. WOLTERTOX 309 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 Oats — Test of Varieties. s 3 ?5 Name of Variety. 60 a 'S 3> Q '^J V c4 1 American Beauty. . . 2, Banner 3 Improved American. 4 Mennonite 5 Tartar King GiWliite Giant 7 Columbus H.Thousand Dollar.... 9 Danish Island 10 Improved Ligowo. . . lljBavarian 12 Sensation 13|Twentieth Century. . 14 Kendal White 15 American Triumjih.. 16 Siberian 17 Buckbee's Illinois. . . I'S Storm King 19 Golden Giant 20 Golden Fleece . . . 21|Lincoln. ... 22 Wide Awake 2.3Goldfinder 21 Golden Beauty 25 Holsteiu Prolific . 20 Abundance 27 Waverley 28 Black Beauty. . . 20 Olive Black .30 Irish Victor 31 Virginia White.. .. 32 Pioneer 33 Joauelte 34 Kendal Black 35 Milford Black 36 Swedish Select .37 Milford White .... 38 Scottish Chief 39;Swedish Milling.... 40 *Daubenev Aug. 18 21 10 15 15 18 20 20 20 23 be c >> S ^g Six s •- 100 104 y;i 97 98 101 102 102 103 100 21 22 20 102 15 98 9,9. 104 103 104 18i 101 20! 103 lO; OS 251 107 10 99 10 20 18 20 20 22 18 10 21 21 19 15 10 20 20 10 22 21 21 8 99 102 100 102 In. 52 57 54 40 54 52 49 .52 51 OC) 52 48 4 ^ Head*. tx (U > r' Lbs. Branching 5,140 If 4,520 M 5,310 It 4,840 Sided .... 5,300 Branching 4,900 II 4,4(i0 M 5,210 II 4,420 ft 5,320 It 4,750 It 4, .590 II 5,400 II 3,080 II 4,200 tt 5,310 M 4,310 Sided .... 5,020 II .... 5,52n Branching 4,540 It 4,. 570 II 4,080 II 5,000 It 4,220 It 5,530 II 4,030 It 4,700 II 4,850 Sided . . . 4,000f Branching 4,580 II 3,410 It 4,420 »t 4,890 Sided .... 5,900 tt .... 3,090 Branching 5,220 Sided 0,790 Branching 0,300 II 5,720 II 2,540 Yield per Acre. « 3 cq 110 114 110 110 110 110 107 105 105 105 104 103 102 100 100 99 99 99 99 98 97 97 97 96 96 96 94 92 92 91 87 87 85 82 79 72 70 70 70 69 16 4 20 20 2 20 10 10 14 8 32 20 24 24 14 14 2S 32 22 2 16 0 0 4 22 12 20 32 22 20 12 24 32 30 20 U Rusted. Consid'ably. 36i 37i 37|'Sliglitly. 34i Considablj'. " Slightly. Consid'ably. Slightly. 38 39 30^ 40h 391 39J I 33 38^ 30 Consid'ably. 40 38 30 38 37 34^ 35 41 37^ 32 37 35 39 40 38 .3;)i 4l| 394 32i 32" 39 41 35^ 37i 38 35 Slightly. Consid ably. Slightly. II Consid*ably. II Slightly. Consid'ably. II Slightly. II II Consid'ably. II Slightly. * It is estimated that blackbirds took 20 bush, per acre from the Daubeney. Different Preparations for an Oat Crop. (l-20th Acre plots.) Preparation. Rusted. Oats after wheat II II oats II II peas .... II II barley II II millet 11 on summer-fallov None. SHghtly Sown. May 10 ,1 10 .1 10 II 10 •I 10 .. 10 Aug. 16 10 310 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 EXPERIMENTS WITH BARLEY. Since wild oats have spread so much throughout this province, there is an active demand for an early variety of barley that will ripen before the wild oats shell, and by this means assist in eradicating the weed. The earlier ripening six-rowed varieties are the best for this purpose. The Cham- pion a beardless variety, is the earliest of all, but this is less productive and inferior in quality. Wlien barley is used for this purpose it should be cut before maturity, otherwise some of the wild oats will have shelled. Eighteen varieties of six-rowed and fourteen varieties of two-rowed barley were tested. The falling off from the unusually heavy crop of last year was in about the same ratio as other grains. Mensury, both in the test plot and in the field plot, stood up fairly well, probably better than any other, though it was very flat on the lower, land. The Odessa was entirely down. For some unknown reason Mansfield came far down in the list this year. Each plot was one-twentieth of an acre. The seed was sown May 28, on sandy loam, summer-fallowed. Six-rowed Barley — Test of Varieties. B 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Name of Variety. Blue Long Head Nugent Mensury Odessa Yale Claude Empire Albert Trooper Champion . Argyle Royal Summit Common Stella Oderbruch Mansfield Brome . Date of Ripening. uig. 24. It 2l . M 19. „ 19. M 17. „ 22. ., 17 M 16. „ 21. ,. 14. „ 20 ,> 20. M 22. „ 18. „ 21. „ 17. „ 19. 1, 21. O 03 -T3 M be 50 O a a 88 85 83 83 81 86 81 80 85 78 84 84 8(i 82 85 81 83 85 In. 38 38 40 38 41 41 38 39 39 40 40 39 41 35 38 36 38 39 T) c3 u> X Character of o Straw. 4J bo n 1-1 In. Weak ... 3i It .... 3 Mediimi. . 3i Weak .... 3 Medium. . Weak .... 2| 2| n .... 3 Medium . . 2¥ Weak .... 2A Medium . . 2h Weak .... 3 II ... 3 II .... 3 II .... 3 11 .... 3 II .... 3 Medium. . H Weak .... 3 o 5f is Lbs 2,990 .5,040 .3,060 4,180 3,710 3,740 2,790 2,420 3,5.50 4,110 4,6.S0 3,480 3,590 2,540 4,850 2,500 2,800 1,400 Yield per Acre. i. 1= bo S a; Bush. Lbs. G6 65 Gl 60 60 57 56 55 55 53 51 50 50 49 48 47 47 44 42 40 12 40 10 24 22 40 10 46 22 20 10 8 46 44 44 28 Lbs. 45 50 52 5V 52 49 51 53 51^ 45 50 50 51 51J 501 52i 52- 52i Rusted. Considerably. Slightly. Considerably. Slightly. Considerably. Slightly. Considerably. Slightly. Considerably. Slightly. Considerably. REPORT OF MR. N. WOLVERTON 311 SFSSIONAL PAPER No. 16 Two ROWED Barley — Test of Varieties. u E 12; Name of Variety. Date of Ripening. IjJarvis 2;French Chovalitr. SlClifford. 4 Gordon. 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Swedish Chevalier. Harvey Danish Chevalier.. Canadian Thorpe. . Invincible Sidney Dunham Beaver. . . ., Logan .... Standwell a c = S ^ Aug. 20 . . . 84 II 2.5.... 89 tl 20.... 84 n 20.... 84 t! 25.... 89 II 19.... 83 n 25.... 89 11 21 ... . 85 n 24.... 88 11 18.... 82 M 20.... 84 It 22.... 86 II 20 . . . 84 II 25.... 89 f 53 bo u a a In. 43 42 45 43 40 44 38 41 40 40 41 41 45 43 ■o cj C w Character be o of Straw. Ol e-yj 1— 1 ^ In. Medium. . 4i Weak .... 4 Medium. . 4 Weak .... 3 II .... ^ II .... 4 11 . . . . 4 Medium. . 3 Weak .... 3 It . . . . 4 It . . . . o II . . . 4 II . . . . 4 H . . . . 3 Yield per Acre. OS do I « '^ ^ 5 S'S Lbs. 4,4io; 5,170, 3,490 4.750 4,020 4,930 3.810 4,450 2,490 5,210 4.310 4,270 5,010 3,930 Bu.sh. Lbs . 60 01 60 59 55 53 51 51 50 49 49 48 47 47 22 02 30 18 40 26 42 02 10 38 38 26 34 14 Rubted. Lbs. 53 Slightly. 51^ Considerably. 51 Slightly. 49i Considerably. 49i 50' 48 51 51i 5U 50i 50 Slightly. 50J .Considerably. 47 Slightly. Considerably. Different Preparations for a Barley Crop. (l-20th Acre Plots.) Preparation. Barley after millet II wheat. II oats . II pease II barley on summer-fallow . Rusted. None Slightly Sown. May 25 25 25 25 25 25 Ripe. Aug. 15. 15. 15. 15. 15. 15. Weight of Straw. Lbs. 2,840 2,700 2,960 2,120 2,740 3,820 Yield per Acre. Bush. Lbs 70 66 32 63 16 66 12 65 40 64 08 EXPEKIMENTS WITH PEASE. Twenty-four varieties of field pease were tested on light clay loam, in plots of one-twentieth of an acre each. From two to three bushels of seed was sown to the acre, according to the size of the pease. There were no signs of cutworms, or other insect pests, and the yield was much above the average. All were sown April 30, with the double disc drill, and germination was rapid and even. The test plots were cut with the scythe and threshed with the flail. The har- vester attachment for the mower did not work well, so the field plots were cut with the mower, a man following to roll the cut vines out of the way. They were threshed with the ordinary separator. 312 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 Pease — Test of Varieties. a Name of Variety. 1 Black Eyed Marrowfat 2 Prince 3 Duke . 4 Gregory ^ White Wonder 6 Chancellor 7 White Marrowfat 8 Prussian Blue . 9 Mackay 10 Nelson 11 Paragon 12 Arthur..... 13 Early Britaisi 14 Victoria. . 15 Wisconsin Blue 16 Pearl 17 Golden Vine 18 Archer lOlDaniel O'Rourke ... 20|Picton 21 Prince Albert 22 Agnes 23 Kent 24 English Grey . . ... Date of Ripen- ing. Number of Days Matur- ing. Sept. 3 Aug. 29 M 30 1) 30 Sept. 1 Aug. 28 Sept. 3 \ug. 27 Jept. 3 Aug. 31 Sept. 5 Aug. 25 Sept. 7 II 3 Aug. 29 Sept. 10 Aug. 31 Sept. 6 II 3 II 7 II 4 It 7 ,, 4 11 7 126 121 122 122 124 120 126 119 126 123 128 117 130 126 121 133 123 129 126 130 127 130 127 130 Character of Growth. Strong Medium If Strong Medium Strong Medium Strong Medium Strong Length of Straw. Inches. 65 64 54 59 48 40 65 70 60 46 56 48 56 54 56 60 54 60 52 56 62 50 60 60 Length of Pod. Inches. 2h 2i 2i 2h 2i 2 2| 2i 2I 24 2h 2j 2| 2| 2i 2i 2i 2| 2| 2I n 2i Size of Pea. Yield per Acre. Bush. Lbs. Weight per Bushel. Lbs. Large . . . 58 20 6U II .... 53 40 61 11 .... 53 20 64i Medium . . 53 64A II 51 40 64 Small 51 40 65 Large 51 20 63 Medium . . 51 65 II . . 50 64 It . . 50 64 50 64 Medium . . 48 2i} 64i II . . 48 20 61^ II . . 46 40 64 ti . . 46 20 65 Large 45 10 03f Small 44 50 65 Medium . . 44 30 64 Small ! 44 20 65 Large .... 43 40 64i Small . . . . 41 40 64 Large 40 61 II . . . . 39 (■)2 Medium . . 38 •• 63 EXPERIMENTS WITH FLAX. All our experimental plots of flax were destroyed. Immediately after sowing a heavy rain covered all the plots with water and washed and floated the seed. All the plots were so badly mixed that they were of no value as experiments, nor was the seed harvested fit for sowing again. SEED GRAIN. The following are samples of many letters received from those who have purchased seed grain from this farm: — Treherke, Max., December 18, 1906. The Supt. Experimental Farm, Brandon, Man. Sir, — I bought from your farm, five bushels of Red Fife wheat last winter. It was sown April 21, one and one-half bushels to the acre; cut August 24, and yielded 48 bushels to the acre. Antone Chabbert. Reston,_Man., September 24, 1906. The Supt. Experimental Farm, Brandon, Man. Dear Sir, — I got 9 bushels of Red Fife wheat at the farm last spring. I sowed it on six acres of summer-fallow on April 10. It was cut on August 10, threshed on September 28, and yielded 33 bushels to the acre. David Patterson. REPORT OF MR. X. WOLTERTON 313 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 Eai'ID City, Max., October 29, 1906. N. WOIAERTON, Siipt. Experimental Farm, Brandon, Man. Dear Sir, — We received from your farm last winter, 5 bushels of Tied Fife wheat. We sowed this wheat on new land on April 16, the seeder registered not quite 3 acres. It was cut on August 15, and threshed on September 5 from the s^ook, and yielded 180 bushels of No. 1 hard wheat. Vr. 1^ Head. EXPERIMENTS WITH INDIAN COEN. Indian corn is grown here for fodder only. The only variety which ripens its grain here is the Squaw Corn. Though the ears of most varieties will not ripen, yet the heavy yield of stalks and leaves gives a large amount of most excellent fodder, averaging over 16 tons of green feed per acre. The corn staUvS are fed partly as ensilage and partly dry. In the latter case they nre brought from the field and cut as needed. The silo was built long ago and is square. That form is wasteful as the material does not settle as well as in the round silo, and much is spoiled in the corners. It extends from two feet below the stable floor to a height of 11 ft. 6 inches above the next floor, and is inside against the west end of the barn. Sometimes a few inches of ensilage, on the west side is frozen. Dimensions, 24 feet by 8^ f cet x 9 feet inside, and holds 30 tons of green cut corn stalks. We have two such silus. Ensilage was not fed to milking cows as we feared it might taint the milk. The corn crop was slightly above the average in weight and the ears were in the early milk stage when cut. The corn was sown on June 11, in rows 30 inches apart. The crop was cut August 27. Soil a sandy loam, summer-fallowed. Twenty-three varieties were sown and the yield per acre in each case was calculated from two rows, each 66 feet long. I>'DiAN Corn — Test of Varieties. 1 2 3 4 5 () 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 IG 17 18 V.) 20 21 oo 23 Name of Variety. Thoroughbred White Flint Champion White Pearl. . Longfellow Superior Fodder Cloud's Early Y.dlow . . . Coinpton's Early Early Butler..." Angel of Midnight North Dakota White. . . . Eureka King Philip Red Cob Ensilage Salzer'.s All Gold Early Mastodon Early Longfellow ^ . Pride of tlie North ...'.. Giant Prolific Ensilage . Early Learning Northern Dent Mammoth Cul)an Selected Learning Evergreen Sugar White Cap Yellow Dent Height. Inches. 93 10.5 98 89 102 89 102 82 80 96 91 90 91 98 84 88 86 93 87 99 100 74 102 Leafiness. Leafy Fairly leafy, Very leafy . . Fairly leafy. Verj' leafy. . Fairly leafy. Very leafy . . Fairly leafy. Very leafy . . II Fairly leafy . When Tas- selled. Aug. In Silk. 16 16 8 16 20 10 12 8 12 27 11 25 15 22 (I 22 15 8 16 15» 11 21 9 Aug. Con- dition when Cut. 24jSilk... 221 II . . 20| ,1 . . . . .Tassel. Weight per Acre grown in rows. Tons. Lbs. Aug. II If II Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. Aug. 18.Silk... 20i M . . 21 II . . 25 II . . . . . Tassel . 20;Silk ... ...! Tassel. 22 Silk... .. Ta.«.sel. 15 Silk... . . . I Tassel. 22 Silk ... 21 26 22 21 . . jTassel . 20'Silk... 21 21 21 19 19 19 19 19 19 18 18 18 18 18 18 17 16 16 15 15 14 14 13 1,296 1,560 768 1,600 1,072 808 544 2S0 10 9fiO 696 432 {CO 108 168 848 1,000 472 624 624 1304 248 1984 Weight ) er Acre grown in hills. Tons. Lbs. 23 20 19 20 20 17 20 16 20 18 18 20 16 16 15 18 16 15 15 14 15 15 16 464 392 1,3.S(; 1,712 650 1,640 1,184 1,792 392 1,488 1,752 1,184 1,528 1,000 360 1,488 l,c28 1,944 452 776 96 360 472 314 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 INDIAN CORN SOWN AT DIFFERENT DISTANCES APART. o Name of Variety. Selected Learning. 1 Longfellow. 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 ; Champion White Pearl. 2 II If II O II fl tl Distance Apart. Inches. 24 30 36 42 24 30 36 42 24 30 36 42 Height. Inches. 90 90 90 90 96 96 96 96 93 93 93 93 Condition when cut. In silk. Weight per acre, cut green. Tons. lbs. 25 26 24 25 26 27 23 26 27 31 29 25 1,810 1,592 1,500 1,857 1,460 1,176 640 800 1,440 40 300 1,291 It will be noticed that fodder corn planted in rows 30 inches apart and cultivate(f gives the heaviest yield. EXPEEIMENTS WITH FIELD EOOTS. This year all kinds of field roots fell below the average in yield, but the quality was excellent. Two sowings, about two weeks apart, were made, but neither was touched with frost. The yield from the earlier sowing was the better. This seems to have always been the case here. TITEXIPS. Twenty varieties of turnips were sown on sandy loam, treated with well rotted barnyard manure. Two sowings were made. There was no damage by frost or in- sects. The yield was below the average of past years. The average yield, per acre, of Hartley's Bronze for five years has been 31 tons 7&7 lbs., or 1,046 bushels 27 lbs. The first plots were sown May 22 and pulled October 11; the second plots were sown June 8 and pulled October 11. The yield from the earlier sowing was much the larger. The estimate of yield per acre was made from two rows, each 66 feet long. REPORT OF MR. X. WOLYERTOlf 315 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 Turnips — Test of Vauikties. Name of Variety 1 Hartley's Bronze 2 Sutton's Champion. . . , 3 Hill's Westbury 4 (iood Luck 5 Banghohn Selected .. . 6 Jumbo TjCarler's Elephant 8 Mag'num Bonum 9 Iiuperial Swede. .... 10' Emperor Swede. . . . 11 [Mammoth Cl3'de 12 Kangaroo 13 Perfection Swede 14 Elephant's Master 15 Selected Purple Top. . Hi East Lothian. ]7 18 19 Halewood's Bronze Top. New Century Drummond Purple Top. Skirvings Ton: 2(5 2G 25 25 25 24 24 23 22 22 21 21 20 20 20 20 19 19 18 18 Yield per acre. 1st Plot. Lbs. 1,8.50 1,592 1,744 952 424 576 48 1,784 880 88 1,5G0 1,032 1,976 1,448 1,184 392 544 16 1,488 696 Bu.=>h. Lbs. 897 893 862 849 840 809 800 796 748 734 726 717 699 690 686 673 642 633 624 611 36 12 24 12 24 36 48 24 48 \2 36 48 24 12 24 36 48 36 2nd Plot. Tons. Lbs. Bush. Lbs. 20 19 17 19 15 19 16 18 19 16 16 16 18 IG 19 13 17 19 13 18 1,184 1,072 1,904 808 1,944 1,600 736 1,224 808 1.264 208 1,792 1,752 472 2S0 1,984 1,376 1,336 664 168 686 651 598 646 532 660 545 620 646 554 .536 563 629 541 638 466 589 655 444 602 24 12 24 48 24 36 2i 48 24 48 12 12 12 24 36 36 24 43 EXPERBIENTS WITH MANGELS. Mangels are relished by nearly all kinds of farm animals; cattle, swine and even chickens, eat them readily. Unlike turnips, they do not injure the quality of milk and its products. As mangel seed is large and somewhat slow to germinate, the soil should be mel- low and moist, and the seed sown from two to three inches deep. The roots are susceptible to injury from fall frosts, for which reason the crop should be pulled before the weather becomes severe. Sixteen varieties of mangels have been on trial at the Experimental Farm this year. The yield was above the average and all were saved without injury. The soil used for this crop was a black loam fertilized in the fall of 1905, with ten loads per acre of well rotted manure. The first sowing was made on May 23, and the second on June 7. All were pulled on October 8. The estimate of yield per acre has been made from the product of two rows 66 feet long. The average yield of Prize Winner Yellow Globe, for five years has been 26 tons, 1,120 lbs., or SS5 bushels 20 lbs. per acre. 316 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 Mangels — Test of Varii:ties. y. Name of Variety. Triumph Yellow Globe .... Prize Winner Yellnv Globe. Prize Mammoth Long Rtd 3 •ij.Selected Yellow Globe r, 0 1) in 11 12 13 14 15 1(5 Yellow Intermediate Half Sugar White Selected Mammoth Long Red . . Ualf Sugar Rosy Lion Yellow Intermediate. . Mammoth Long Red . . Mammoth Yellow Intermediate Giant Sugar Mangel Gate Po.st Leviathan Long Red Giant Yellow Intermediate Giant Yellow Globe 38 33 32 32 31 31 29 28 27 27 26 26 26 20 'Z5 24 Yield per acie. 1st Plot. Tons. Lbs. 296 264 1,472 410 1,624 304 1.400 1,288 1,176 384 1,850 1,856 1,001 272 1,744 312 Bush. Lbs. 1,271 1,104 1,091 1,073 1,000 1,038 990 954 919 906 897 897 884 871 802 805 36 24 12 36 24 24 48 36 24 36 36 24 12 24 12 2nd Plot. Tons. Lbs. 32 30 29 S2 20 29 27 25 26 28 27 24 19 22 25 21 152 984 344 680 1,976 1,928 1,903 1,216 1,850 760 120 840 1,804 1,144 1,216 768 Bush. Lbs. 1,009 1,010 972 1,078 699 998 932 853 897 .946 902 814 664 752 853 712 12 24 24 30 48 48 30 36 24 24 36 48 EXPEEIMENTS WITH CAEROTS. As in the case of other roots, the yield of carrots was below the average. The average of the New White .Intermediate for five years has been 24 tons 576 lbs., or 809 bushels 36 lbs. Ten varieties were sown on light clay loam, in rows 18 inches apart, May 8 and May 22. They were pulled October 10. The yield per acre has been calculated from two rows each 66 feet long. Carrots — Test of Varieties. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Name of Variety. Carter's Orange Giant. Giant White Vosges , Long Yellow Stump Rooted ... Early Gem , Improved Short White Ontario Ch.impion Half Long Chantenay New White Intermediate Mammoth White Intermediate White Belgian ... Yield per acre. 1st Plot. Tons. Lbs. Bush. Lbs. Tons. Lbs. Bush. Lbs. 21 1,120 718 40 13 840 447 20 20 1,360 689 20 19 1,600 660 20 480 674 40 19 1,100 652 40 20 40 667 20 19 720 645 20 19 1,160 652 40 18 1,840 630 40 15 720 645 20 18 520 608 40 18 1,400 623 20 20 40 667 20 18 960 616 19 1,600 660 18 80 601 20 1 120 535 20 14 160 469 20 17 760 579 20 2nd Plot. REPORT OF MR. N, WOLVLRTON 317 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 EXPEKIMENTS WITH SUGAR BEETS. Eight varieties of these roots were tested this year. Of these only three are recom- mended for use in the manufacture of sugar, viz., Vilmorin's Improved, Wanzlcbeu and French Very Rich. All the varieties are, however, particularly useful as food for stock. We find young animals relish them better than either mangels or turnips. The first plots were sown on May 23 and the second on June 9. The early sown plots gave the largest returns in every instance. All were harvested on October 8. The estimate of yield per acre has been made from the product of two rows each 66 feet long. The soil was a black sandy loam fertilized with ten loads of well rotted manure per acre. The previous crop was potatoes. Repeated chemical analyses of sugar beets grown here would indicate that their growth in Manitoba for the profitable manufacture of sugar is doubtful. For full information on this point the inquirer is directed to the reports of Mr. F. T. Shutt, Chemist of the Dominion Experimental Farms, Ottawa. Sugar Beets — Test of Varieties. Q a Name of Variety. Danish Red Top . . . R jyal Giant Improved Imjierial.. Red Tot) Sugar ... Dani.^h Improved... Wanzlehen French Very Rich . . Vilmorin's Improved 26 22 21 20 20 16 16 15 Yield per acre. 1st Plot. Tons. Lbs. 800 1,672 1,824 1,448 920 1,792 1,264 624 Bush. Lbs. 880 761 7.30 690 682 563 554 510 12 24 48 12 24 24 2nd Plot. Tons. Lbs. 24 21 19 20 20 15 18 15 1,6.32 240 1,072 392 656 624 168 96 827 704 651 673 677 510 602 501 Bush. Lbs. 12 12 12 36 24 48 36 experime:^ts with potatoes. The uniformly large yields and excellent quality of potatoes grown here prove the remarkable adaptability of Manitoba soil and climate to this valuable tuber. The sandy loam soil chosen for these plots received about ten loads of well rotted manure to the acre and was ploughed deeply in the fall and spring. The Colorado Beetle appeared on a few hills, but one application of Paris green destroyed them all. The yield was not equal to the phenomenal yield of 1905, but was large and the quality was very fine. The following eight varieties have averaged, for five years, over 500 bushels to the acre : — ■American Wonder, 545 ; Dreer's Standard, 533 ; Late Puritan, 533; State of Maine, 529; Uncle Sam 522; Empire State, 517; Money Maker, 516; Maule's Thoroughbred, 504. The potatoes were planted May 21, in rows three feet apart, with the sets about one foot apart in the rows, and were dug October 2. There were no rotten ones and very little scab. 318 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 Potatoes — Test op Varieties. hi s 3 Name of Variety. Vermont Gold Coin. I Reeve's Rose .... American Wonder. . State of Maine . . , Uncle Sam Carman No. 1 Pearce Morgan Seedling . . . ' Sabean's Elephant. . lOJDreer's Standard ... Ill Empire of State 12| Late Puritan 13 Money Maker 14 1. X. L 1.5 Bovee 16 Maule's Thoro'bred . ITBurnaby Seedling. . . 18 Early Envoy 10 Irish Cobbler 20 Holborn Abundance. 21 22 23 24 Dooley Everett Carman No. 3 . . . . Ashkaf Kidney. . 25 Canadian Beauty. 26 27 28 29 30 31 3? Rochester Rose . Dalmeny Beaxity . . . Country Gentleman. Early Rose Pingree Vick's Extra Early . Early White Prize. . Character of Growth Strong... Medium . Strong . . . Medium . Strong . . Weak . . . Medium. Strong. . . It . . . Medium . II Strong. . . Medium . Weak . . . Strong. . . When Matured. Weak . . . Medium , Strong. . . Weak . . . Oct. 1. Sept. 1. I. 10. Oct. 1 . Sept. 29. I, 15. Aug. 28. Not ripe. Sept. 1. I, 25. I- 12. .. 20.. .. 12.. 5.. Aug. 20.. Sept. 5.. 5.. Aug. 30.. „ 30.. Not ripe. Sept. 15., Aug. 20., Sept. 8. Aug. 30. Sept. 16. Aug. 30. Sept. 20. Aug. 25. M 30. I- 29. IT 25. .. 31. Average Size. Very large Large . . Very large ,1 . iMedium. Large . . Yield per acre. Total Bush . Lbs. M. to L . Large . . . Very large It Medium . M. to L Medium Very large II . . Medium . . II . . Very large Large .... 495 491 484 484 469 451 447 443 436 436 429 421 418 414 407 403 392 392 385 374 363 359 344 341 337 337 311 300 289 278 260 256 20 20 20 40 20 20 40 20 20 20 20 Marke- table. Bush . Lbs. 473 473 469 4.58 440 421 436 429 421 414 414 407 403 392 359 388 377 370 355 366 20 20 40 20 40 20 20 20 20 20 40 40 20 40 40 Unmarke- table. Bush . Lbs. 348 20 20 330 40 330 330 20 330 20 300 40 40 297 , , 40 300 40 40 264 40 256 40 20 227 20 40 238 20 22 18 14 25 29 29 11 14 14 22 14 14 14 22 47 14 14 22 29 7 14 29 14 11 7 36 14 25 22 33 18 20 40 40 20 20 40 40 40 40 40 ■io 40 40 20 20 40 20 40 20 40 40 40 20 Form and Colour. White, round. Lt. pink, oval White, long. White, flat oval White, fl.-vt. It Pink, round. II long. White, long. White,flatoval White, long. Wh.,roun'i, Ig. White, kidney. Pink, long. It Pink, long.flat. Pink, oval. Pink, round. White, flat. II round. II It Pink, long. White, long. Lt. pink, long. II II White, oval. Pink, long. M round. White, oval. It pink, flat. Lt. pink, oval. EXPERIMENTvS WITH GRASSES. The season of 1906 was not favourable for the growth of grasses. They all suf- fered from lack of rain during the growing period. The weather was good for curing. Below will be found the yields of six plots for the past four years. In each case the seed was sown on well prepared land, without a nurse crop. It will be noted that Alsike mixed with Timothy has done well, giving hay of very superior quality. Alsike in this plot has done better than Eed Clover mixed with Timothy. Brome has done well, but after four crops must be broken. New plots will be sown in the spring. Grasses. Variety. Timothy Timothy and Alsike Awnless Bron'e (Bromus incrmis) Hard Fescue ( F. duriuscida ) , West«m Rye grass (A. tenerum). Red Top (A. vulgaris) Sown. 1903 1903 1902 1900 1902 1903 1903. Lbs. 2,300 3,850 2,220 1904. Lbs. 2,700 4,700 3,800 4,500 1,900 1905. Lbs. 4,200 5,400 5,900 5,000 4,100 4,600 1906. Lbs. 2,100 2,940 3,080 2,470 1,080 900 REPORT OF MR. X. WOf.VERTON 319 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 EXPERIMENTS WITPI CLOVERS. The winter of 1905-OG was hard on the clovers. "WHiere there was little snow, they killed quite seriously. The best practice is to have sufficient clover left in the fall to hold the snow, ONE ACRE PLOTS. In 1904 three acres were sown, an acre each to Common Red, Alfalfa and Alsike. The field was swept bare of snow during the winter of 1905-06 and the Common Red and Alsike were almost wholly killed, while the Alfalfa was partly killed. The Alfalfa gave 1,045 lbs. at one cutting. The other plots were ploughed. SMALLER TEST PLOTS. The following table shows the returns from the one-twentieth acre plots. The second crop of Alfalfa was left for seed, but no seed matured before frost, S.MALLKR Test Plots. Variety. Sown. Height. Stage when Cut. Yield of H.iy per .Acre. Alfalfa Alfalfa Alsike aiul 'I'iniotliy 1903 1902 1903 1902 Inche.s. 44 45 27—40 29 ; in bloom : in bloom '^ull bloom Tons. Lbs. 1 800 1 400 1 940 Common Red '. :'^ull bloom 1 420 OX GRAVELLY UPLAND. In May, 1905, Alfalfa and Common Red Clover and Western Rye grass were sown on light gravelly iipland, both with and without a nurse crop. There was a good catch on all the plots, but the clovers and Rye grass made better growth where there was no nurse crop. The plots were neither mown nor pastured. The situation was exposed to the N.W. wind and but little snow covered them. The clovers were practically all winter killed. The Western Rye grass yielded in 190*6, 1 ton 1^550 and 1,850 lbs. of hay, that sown without a nurse crop doing the better. RESULTS OF ELEVEN TEARS. So much interest is now shown in clovers, and so many inquiries are received, that it is thought best to give, as briefly as possible, the conclusions reached after a careful study of all the experiments made here with clovers during the past eleven years. In 1895 a series of ten experiments in growing clover with a nurse crop showed that the clover does not reduce the yield of grain, but actually increases it in most cases. In these experiments clover was grown with wheat, oats, barley and pease. Un- fortunately this clover. Mammoth Red, was killed the next winter. The results of many experiments with White Dutch and Crimson clover would indicate that they are not suited to this climate. 320 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 Mammoth Red Clover has been grown with fair success, but it is too coarse to be desirable. The many experiments with Alsike have not been very encouraging, excepting in one plot where it was sown with Timothy. This plot has done so well and has given such excellent hay that I would recommend farmers to try it. However, it is not safe to base conclusions on one single experiment, hence only small plots should be risked. The results of four careful experiments with Common Hed clover, extending over three or four years in each case, have been decidedly gratifying. In each case the seed has been sown without a nurse crop and upon spring ploughed stubble. The weeds were mown twice during the summer and left on the ground as a mulch. Care was taken to have enough clover standing in the fall to hold a snow cover. In estimating the average yield, I take into consideration the first year, when no crop was harvested, as well as the following years, when hay was gathered, and these four experiments show an average of 3,060 lbs. per year of excellent feed. This is probably as profit- able as any crop v»^e can grow. The results of four experiments with Alfalfa have been yet more encouragiug. With land in good heart, a fine and solid seed bed, about 25 lbs. of seed to the acre, there has not been a failure. One small plot, on light, wind-swept upland, with gravel subsoil, was killed the first winter. No snow lay on this. A bare plot of an acre was partially killed last winter. This will be disced and re-sown in the spring, in the hope that the weak spots may be restored. The average yield from the four experiments, counting the seeding year as above, has been 3,400 lbs. per year. Analysis shows that nothing makes better feed, for cattle especially. It should be cut when the blossoms first appear If left later it is too woody. In harvesting, handle carefully and as little as possible. The leaves, which are the best feed, are easily broken off. We would strongly advise every farmer to try a small plot. The value of clovers in adding materially to the fertility of the soil is an element of great importance. Not only do they add much directly to the soil, but they also add value to the manure. EXPERIMENTS WITH MILLETS. Six varieties were tested, in one-twentieth acre plots, on black sandy loam, sum- mer-fallowed. They were all sown June 5 and harvested September 5. The Common and Hungarian make excellent feed for cattle, but should be fed sparingly to horses. When the head is well formed millet should be cut with the binder, in small sheaves, and cured in the stock. While the Common and Hungarian make a large quantity of excellent hay, the others are too coarse. Experiments with Millets. Variety. Hungarian ....... Italian Common . Wliitc Round French Algerion P€'arl Description. Fine quality. . Coarse Fine quality . . Coarse Very coarse. . . 'Coarse , Inches. 41 5.3 40 48 76 52 Stage when C\;t. Fully headed yV headed . . Nearly ripe. . Nearly ripe , f headed Not headed . Hay per Acre 6 6 4 4 4 .3 Tens. Lb.«. i,iro 120 i.sro 1 7^0 1,2)0 1,2) J REPORT OF MR. X. WOLIERTON 321 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 CATTLE. The herd of cattle now on the Experimental Farm consists of twenty-three animals, exclusive of twelve fattening steers, as follows : — 1 2 3 4 6 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Name of Animal. Christie G retch on Sis Jennj" Margaret Ru uen Julia Louii-e Buttercup Blanche Rose Crocus Daisy James Jane Lily Snowball . Westward Ho ! Buster Brown . Marie . Duke.... Togo Nemo Breed. Grade— Ftmale. Shorthorn — Female , II Male .. . It Female . Ayrshire — Female . . Age. 0 years . 8 .1 3| II Guernsey- Male ... -Female. Male . . . Shorthorn— Male.. 12 months 2 2 3^ years . . 3 ,1 . . 2i ., ., 2 ,. .. 13 months 4^ years . . 2 „ .. 12 months 4 2 years . . . 2 I. . . 9 months . 1 month . . Weight. Lbs. 1,320 1,520 1,2(;0 l,.olO 1.410 1,570 1,095 710 150 110 1,420 1,205 1,275 1,460 605 1,295 905 590 260 030 1,290 510 110 EXPEKIMENTS IN FEEDING STEEKS. The eight animals used for this experiment were Shorthorn grades of fair quality, purchased from a farmer near Oak Eiver, Manitoba. They were purchased in Novem- ber, 1905, and the feeding began December 5. They cost delivered, $3 per hundred pounds live weight and were sold April 27, 1906, for $4.40 live weight. The purpose of the experiment was to compare the value of oat sheaves and fodder corn. For this purpose they were divided into two groups of four each, as equally as possible. All were tied in stalls and, excepting in their feed, were treated as nearly alike as possible. All were two years coming three. The daily ration was : — GROUP 1. Corn fodder 9.3 lbs. Ensilage IV " Turnips 10 " Chop 4 lbs., increased to 9 lbs. GROUP 2. Oat sheaves 20 lbs. Ensilage 17 " Turnips 10 " Chop 4 lbs., increased to 9 " le— 21 822 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD Vil., A. 1908 COST OP FEED. Group 1 — 13,248 lbs. of fodder corn at $4 per ton, . .7..^ $ 26 45 0,792 " ensilage at $2 per ton 9 79 5,760 " turnips at 5 cts. per bushel 4 80 3,744 " ground grain and screenings at ^ cciit 28 08 69 12 4,450 " at 3 cents 133 50 $202 62 5,235 " at $4.40 230 34 Gain o 27 72 Gain per steer $ 6 93 Group 2 — 11,520 lbs. of oat sheaves at $6 per ton $ 34 56 9,792 " ensilage at $2 per ton 9 79 5',760 " turnips at 5 cents per bushel 4 80 3,744 " ground grain 28 08 77 23 4,485 " at 3 cents 134 55 211 Y8 5,345 " at $4.40 235 18 Gain $ 24 40 Gain per steer $ 6 10 SUMMARY. Corn group Oat sheaf group . ''irst cost of each Steer. $ cts. 33 37 33 64 Value of feed consumed. $ eta. 17 28 19 31 Price per Steer sold. $ cts. 57 58 58 79 Gain per day. Lbs. ozs. Profit per Steer. cts. 6 93 6 10 It is thought that the prices charged are the fair values of the feed on the farm. If the manure is equal in value to the labour, then the above represents the profit per steer. It was planned to give each steer the same weight, 23 lbs., of cut oat sheaves or cut corn stalks, but it was found that the oat sheaves had to be reduced to 20 lbs. MILKING COWS. Eor various reasons the number of milking cows has been reduced and several young cattle have taken their places. None of these younger cows has yet completed a full period of lactation, hence we can report upon four only. REPORT OF MR. N. WOLTERTON 323 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 The following table gives the length of the milking period, the number of pounds of milk, the average daily yield, and the percentage of butter fat. Nanae. ! 'liristie . Uretclifn Jenny . . L^iy \"e. 0 years. 8 ,, 3 M 4i .. Breed. Days , Grade . Ayrshire. 427 271 2(;g 318 Pounds of Milk. 11,24.31 io,on5| 4,2r,9l 4,854| Daily Average. 26fi 37-2 16 15 8 Percentage bntter-f;it. 3-5 3-6 4-8 51 The grade cows Christie and Grotchenare not only valuable milkers, but their calves are of superior quality. A steer, calf of Gretchcn, now weighs 1,G00 lbs. at just 30 months. EXPERIMENTS WITH SWINE. In this line a new experiment, which will extend over a series of years, has been inaugurated. To begin with, a drove of six, of the best pure breds obtainable, has been assembled, viz. : 1 Berkshire male and 1 female ; 1 Yorkshire male and two females ; 1 Tamworth female. Pure Berkshires, pure Yorkshires and crosses with Berkshire and Yorkshire males and Tamworth females will be bred. * The first cost, the feed, an estimate of the pasture, the labour and repairs to quarters will be charged against the herd; while it will be credited with animals sold, service, manure and stock on hand at the end of each year. The year, for this pur- pose will begin with December 1. An effort will be made to secure two litters from each sow each year. The financial results will be reported. EXPERIMENTS WITH POULTRY. During the year no special experiments with poultry have been conducted. The incubator was not used and the hatching was not very successful. Barred Plymouth Rocks, White Wyandottes and Rose Comb Minorcas have been kept. EXPERIMENTS WITH BEES. Early in April the bees, fourteen hives, were removed from their winter quarters in the cellar to their place in the arboretum. They all came out in good condition and needed no feeding. Hives in the spring 1-4 New swarms 15 Absconded 2 Queen died, colony dwindled 1 Found empty in fall 1 Sold 2 Weak colonies united 2 Went into winter quarters in good condition 21 During past years every effort has been made to increase the quantity of honey and to reduce the number of swarms. This plan seems to have reached its limit for this vear; nothing could stop swarming. They ran to swarms rather than to honey. 16— 21i 324 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 CASH STATEMENT. 255 IDS. honey at 10 cents $ 25 50 2 hives sold 14 00 7 additional hives 49 00 8S 50 Less 9 hives and frames bought ■ . . ]8 00 Net proilt $ 70 50 Steers were purchased at $33 each, fed and cared for all winter and had a net profit of $G.50. Our hives of bees costing $7 each with infinitely less care, netted $5 each, and that in a bad year for honey. The value of these bees in fertilizing the blossoms, especially of fruits and clovers, cannot be estimated. HORTICULTURE. The season of 190G was, taken as a whole, a very favourable one for the horti- culturist. The weather permitted an early commencement of operations in the spring, and the absence of late spring frost, coupled with the exceptionally open fall, contri- buted to the perfect ripening of all late vegetables and fruits. In the vegetable garden, following the precedent established some years ago, a few varieties were given special attention, all the kinds obtainable of each one being tested. Beans and lettuce were the varieties chosen for lf06 and much valuable information was obtained from the notes taken during the season. In the larger fruits more promising results are being obtained each year. The introduction, by Dr. W. Saunders, of the Pyrus haccata has given to the Northwest a stock for apple grafting, the thorough hardiness of which, coupled with the good union it makes with other varieties renders it all that can be desired for this purpose. Propagation is carried on by means of root grafting, one or two year old roots heing used for this purpose. Upon these roots scions of the most hardy and promising tripos, such as. Hibernal, Duchess, Transcendent, No. 100, and No. 179, are being- grafted. The best results from this method have been accomplished by lifting the roots in the fall and storing them in boxes filled with alternate layers of soil and roots, and bringing them into a cellar about March and gradually thawing them out before using. In past years the scions were also taken in the fall and stored in a similar manner, but the results were not satisfactory and much better result bave been attained. by cutting the scions just prior to grafting. By the latter plan about 90 per cent will usually take, while with the former method rarely 50 per cent could be obtained. The whole operation is simple and we would suggest that all who have an opportunity, should help in this good work by attempting it, if even in a small way, themselves. APPLES. Since this Experimental Farm was established some eighteen years ago many hundreds of trees, of the many varieties of apples in cultivation have been tested, and, in the vast majority of cases, have been killed by the severity of the climate or by sun scald, before they have borne fruit. HIBERNAL. Trees of this variety have been many times tested during the past 18 years, but •II died prior to 1901, when three specimens of Hibernal grafted on Pyrus prunifolia REPORT OF ilR. X. WOLTERTOX 325 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 roots were sent hero from the Central Experimental Farm. Though in an exposed position only the tips of some of the branches have been slightly killed. Tn 1905, it boro a crop of apples. The.so apples were about 3 J inches in diameter, of good flavour and excellent for cooking. In the spring of 1906 this tree was so severely cut for scions that it did not bear fruit. DUCHESS OF OLDENBURG. This variety also has been many times tried since the farms were established, but has not been successful. Scions of this apple were top grafted on a Beriied Crali, iu 1902. In 1905 the grafts bore a good crop of excellent fruit. In 1906 it again bore a crop, but not so mnnj^ apples, probably on account of being severely cut for scions. These apples were about 2i inches in diameter, which is under the normal size. They ripened well and were excellent for cooking. NO. 100. This tree is in an out of the way position and the fruit is generally stolen before fully ripe. For several years it has borne a fair crop of apples, good for eating or cooking. It is sm:ill, only about an inch and a half in diameter, but it is hardy and well worth growing. NO. 179. This is supposed to be a cross-bred originated on the Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa, by Dr. Saunders. Unfortunately the records of its parentage have been lost. Since ICOi, this tree has borne apples measuring 2| x Sg inches, as large as the Duchess and quite as good. It ripened early in September and kept well until January. It is a good cooking apple and also pleasant for eating. The tree seems to be quite hardy. Scions from it have been grafted on Berried crab roots so as to multiply the trees for further trial. The fact that these trees, having no protection whatever from winter-killing or summer sun scald, are bearing fruit, is very encouraging and should stimulate ua to further trial. CRAB APPLES. Crab apples of many kinds are now grown on this farm in large quantities. In the early days of the work here almost all the larger named sorts killed considerably, but in time the hardier kinds showed greater hardiness and for the past two. or three vearj several of them have borne fruit. HYSLOP. The largest and the handsomest is the Ilyslop. The tree now under test seem.s to be hardy although trees earlier planted have died, the fruit is somewhat larger than the Transcendent. It keeps well and is good for cooking. MARTHA SEEDLINGS. Several seedlings of the Martha are proving themselves to be hardy, are heavy bearers, and the fruit in some instances seems to be as large as the original Martha. These trees are somewhat subject to blight. 326 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VI i., A. 1908 TRANSCENDENT. The trees of this variety sent to Brandon in the early history of the farm perished, hut of late the trees have become much hardier and bear fruit of excellent quality, and in considerable quantities, especially when grafted on Pyrus haccata. Trees of this variety are said to be doing well in many parts of the province. CROSS-BRED AND SEEDLING APPLES. While there is a hope that some of the well known varieties of the larger apples will, in time, become acclimatized, yet in all probability the best apples of the future, for Manitoba, will be found among the cross-bred kinds or among new seedlings. It is worthy of note that many of the best varieties of cultivated apples, such as the JSTorthern Spy, Baldwin, Fameuse, Mcintosh Red and others are chance seedlings, probably from the fruit of blossoms, which have been cross-fertilized by insects. The search for valuable new varieties of seedlings or from crossing is very slow work, yet if but one valuable new apple should result among thousands of failures, it would more than repay all the time and labour spent. By grafting, the new and valuable variety could be multiplied indefinitely. We would suggest that farmers should sow apple seeds and plum pits freely and plant the seedlings in orchards or as windbreaks, and in time enough fruit would be borne whicli would determine the quality. One man is as likely as another to hit upon something good. CROSS-BREDS AND SEEDLINGS. A large number of cross-bred apples have been produced at the Central Experi- mental Farm, Ottawa, from year to year and these have been sent to the Brandon Farm. A large number of seedlings from these crosses have also been sent here for trial. In most cases the Pyrus haccata has been one parent, chosen to secure hardi- ness and it has been crossed with many different kinds of esteemed eastern sorts to secure size and quality. Some few of the cross-breds have fruited and although the fruit of most of them does not exceed li inches in diameter they cook well and some of them are good for eating. They are very useful for domestic purposes and deserving of more extended trial. A few of the seedlings have also fruited, but most of them have been too small to be of value, except for the making of jelly. There are still about 1,000 of seedlings of the cross-bred apples planted on the farm, which have not yet fruited. RASPBERRIES. The raspberry plantation, consisting of several varieties, was a total failure this year, no fruit being produced, as a result of the total killing back of the caiics last winter. The growth of 1905 was exceptionally luxuriant and continued until frost. As a consequence the wood went into winter quarters in a very green condition and was killed to the ground. For several years the canes have been bent down in the fall and covered with long horse manure. This manure was left between the rows as a niu.k'h. Probably the land became too rich, resulting in abnormal and long continued growth of the canes. This is the first complete winter-killing of raspberries for many years. STRAWBERRIES. The Everbearing Alpine strawberry, planted in the spring of 1905, wintered well and bore fruit continuously most of the summer. The plot was small and the birds and boys made it impossible to get a record of the quantity of fruit. The fruit is of good size and flavour. REPORT OF MR. N. WOLVERTON Z'Zl SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 A new cross-bred seedling was received in the spring, of 1906, from Prof. Hansen, of South Dakota. It is a cross between the Jessie and the Manitoba wild strawberry. The growth was vipiroiis and the few berries allowed to ripen were fine and large. PLUMS. During past j-ears many cultivated varieties and seedlings have been tested, bnt in nearly all cases the fruit is too late in ripening. The Native Manitoba plum is probably the stock from which our future plums will come. Persistent planting of pits and weeding out the poorer sorts will no doubt, in time, produce excellent plums, which will be early and hardy. GOCSKBERRIES. The winter was very hard on this fruit. Of twenty-five varieties under test the majority were winter-killed and there was very little fruit. CURRANTS. Thirty-three varieties of red, white and black currants are under test. The crop this year was light. Unfortunately, just at our busiest time, when it was impossible to give them attention, the currant worm did serious damage and reduced the crop to almost nothing. Of the red currants the following are among the best in yield and quality: ^■)mona. Large Red, New Red Dutch and Red Dutch. Of the white, the following: "White Cherry, Verriers White and Large Wliite. Of the black, the following : Sterling, Standard and Star. THE ARBORETUM., No additions have been made to the Arboretum during the year. Many trees and shrubs have so increased in size that much thinning must be done before adding many other new varieties for testing. The Russian poplars on the side hill are still further damaged by the fungus which is weakening the stems. Quite a few have been broken by the wind and have become unsightly. Bnt few of the cottonwoods are left. The leaf fungus is killing them one by one. On the low lands they do well. Especial notice is called to the following hardy, handsome and very desirable ornamental trees : Manitoba Maple {Acer Negundo), excellent in all situations; Native Paper or Canoe Birch (Betula papyrifera) ; American Mountain Ash (Pyrus Americana) ; White Spruce (Picen alba) ; Balsam Spruce (Abies balsamea) ; Tartarian Maple {Acer tataricum.) ; Ginnalian T^lnple (Acer tataricum Ginnala) ; Sharp-leaved Wil- low (Salix acutifolia) ; Laurel-leaved Willow (Salix pentandra) ; Siberian Berried Cvab (Pyrus haccafa) ; American Elm (Ulmus Americana). The following hardy and attractive flowering shrubs are especially recommended: Siberian Pea Tree (Caragana arborescens, O. frutesceni? pendula, C. pygmaea) ; Native Hawthorn (Crataegus coccinca) ; Sharp-leaved Cotoneastor (Cotoneaster acutifolia) ; Common Cotoneaster (C. integerrima) ; Bush Honeysuckle (Lonicera spinosa and L. tatarica) ; Neillia (Neillia opulifolia) ; Philadelphus or Mock Orange ( Phihdelpli v.s grandiflora) . The following may be added to this list: Spiraea (Spiraea Van Hovttei); Lilacs (Syringa vulgaris Charles X., 8. v. alba gradiflora, Madame Casimir Perier, and tal Kainfall. Total Snowfall. Total Sunshine. DpceniL)er 1905. Day. Dcg. 11 37 31 38 9 47 • 29 58 17 83 11 84 13 84 10 91 13 94 7 100 2 74 5 47 19 26 2 17 17 36 24 46-8 Day. Deg. 3 —24 22 —34 10 -30 22 —15 4 6 0 15 22 ?.6 17 38 31 35 29 26 30 JO 20 —16 12 -38 15 -44 5 -46 13 —17 2 Inches. Inches. 60 Hours. 931 January. , . 1906. ns-3 Trbruarv 1---7 1 Maifh 0-98' 3-24 4- 13 1-67 210 0 86 0-97 o'co ' 150- 1 April 197-7 My JuilB ■ . 137-2 J 91 -9 July 256-2 August .... ^.^... 20 9 ■Jl 0 24-5 2-5 14-0 233-3 September. October . . . November. 220-3 159-1 82-5 December . January. . . 1907. 63 7 1241 Febrmiiy 151 1 March 015 193 0 VISITORS. During the year a very large number of farmers and others, estimated at about 15,000 in all, have visited the farm. The Women's Press Association of Pennsylvania, to the number of 150, made a careful inspection in June. The General Press Association of the United States, during their stay in Brandon, paid particular attention to the farm. Many of the Bankers' Excursion from the United States -were especially anxious to learn of the agricultural possibilities of the province, as sho-wn in the crops and records here. A considerable deputation representing Australian investors spent much time on the farm, gathering information for their report to those -who sent them. Numbers from New Zealand, the Argentine, India, Japan (including the Hon. Tatsugoro Nosse, Consul General) and many of the European countries were all intent upon learning of the possibilities in the Canadian West. Owing to some misimderstanding between the Farmers' Institutes and the Grain Growers' Association, there were no farmers' excursions to the Brandon Experimental Farm during the year. EXHIBITION WORK. Large quantities of samples for exhibition purposes were prepared for the Exhi- bition Branch and the Immigration Department of the Federal Government. These were sent to the British Isles and foreign countries. Exhibitions were prepared and placed at the Brandon Summer and Winter Fairs. These received much attention and favourable comiment. REPORT OF MR. N. WOLTERTON 335 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 CORRESPONDENCE. Since the issue of the last annual report 4,114 letters were received and 4,089 answered, irrespective of circulars sent out. MAILING LIST. Residents of Manitoba who desire to receive copies of the separate annual report for this province, will please write to the Superintendent at Brandon, and their names will be put on the mailing list. Those desiring the full report and bulletins should make application to the Director of Experimental Farms, Ottawa. I have the honour to be, sir. Your obedient servant, N. WOLVERTON, Superintendent, 16—29 7-8 EDWARD V!l. SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 A. 1908 EXPERIMENTAL FARM FOR SASKATCHEWAN ExrcRiMENTAL Farm, Indian Head, Sask., March 30, 1907. Dr. W.Ar. Saunders, C.M.G., Director, Dominion Experimental Farms, Ottawa. Sir,— I have the honour to submit to you the nineteenth annual report of the operations on the Experimental Farm for the Province of Saskatchewan, at Indian Head, Sask., during the year 1906. The past season was on the whole favourable for crops of all sorts over this province and Alberta. Spring wheat, oats and barley gave good crops as a rule, in all sections of the country. Very little snow fell in the winter of 1905-OG, and little or no severe weather was experienced anywhere. Spring opened early in April with seeding under full headway by the 10th. No delay was caused by unfavourable weather, and as the soil was never before in a better condition for the horses and drills, the work was quickly completed. Grain germinated evenly, and with abundant moisture in nearly all sections of the country, the growth was very satisfactory. At one time it promised a repetition of 1905'3 immense crop of straw, but fortunately a warm wave passed over the country early in July, checking the excessive growth. A second hot wave on August 13, brought in the harvest with a rush, but at the same time reduced the yield by several bushels per acre. Harvest was general on August 20, and the weather being ideal for the work, it was early and inexpensively completed. Threshing started without delay on completion of harvest, and like the harvest was finished the earliest on record. The crops on the Experimental Farm were not as satisfactory or abundant as in the preceding year, biit were much more easily harvested and threshed, and on the whole gave good returns. The first and only hailstorm that has ever injured crops on the Experimental Farm passed over it on July 24. All crops were injured more or less, but the fields of Red Fife. Stanley, Percy and Huron wheats, and two-rowed barley, on the southeast part of the farm received the greatest damage. This hailstorm passed in a south- easterly direction, and unfortunately did great damage to many fine fields of grain for 10 miles, EXPERIMENTS WITH WHEAT. The crop of wheat on experimental plots and field lots was very promising until the hailstorm passed over the farm. In no case was the straw extra heavy or lodged. \Vhile it is impossible to say how much, the yields were reduced by the hail, about one- third of the grain when threshed was found to be quite small and shrunken, caused, no doubt, by he straw being broken down and the circulation being stopped, as at the time the grain was only partially fiUed. 16—22 338 EXPERIUENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 SPRING WHEAT — TEST OF VARIETIES. Sixteen varieties were sown on April 11, on backsetting, soil clay loam, at the rate of li bushels of seed per acre. Sown by the drill. Size of plots, one-twontieth acre. Wheat — Test of Varieties. Name of Variety. 1^. 1 2 3 4i 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 White Fi"e Preston (Ottawa Selected). . Stanley Bishop Early .Tava Red Fife Laurel Huron (Ottawa Sel.) Huron Herisson Bearded Red Fern White Hungarian Percy White Russian White Fife (Ottawa Sel. ) . . Colorado Preston Pringle's Champlain Laurel (Ottawa Sel.) Percy (Ottawa Sel.) Stanley (Ottawa Sel. ) Riga Date of Ripen- ing. A.ug. 21 16 13 8 24 22 20 18 10 17 10 10 13 21 23 10 10 10 24 15 15 10 tab « E Length ^^ of P^ Straw o includ- ing o Head. In. 132 47 127 46 124 46 119 46 135 43 133 44 131 44 129 42 121 42 128 46 121 50 121 41 124 44 132 46 134 48 121 47 121 40 121 44 135 47 126 46 126 48 121 43 Character of Straw. Strong. Medium , Strong. . . bo Kind of Head. In. 4 [Bald 4 Bearded. •SfiBald 3^1 41 'Bearded. . 3|Bald 4 3f Bearded . . 3^ 2i 4 4 3i 3^ 3 4 3i k H 3 Bald. Bearded. . Bald. .sc _bc Lbs. 5,580 4,280 6,280 3,380 2,580 6,300 4,100 6,440 4,180 3,400 2,980 4,880 3,820 4,580 5,220 5,120 3,800 4,700 4,860 4,500 5,800 3,200 Yield per Acre. c3 O 0) «5 a » 1-1 In. Aug. 21 126 38 1. 20 125 33 „ 24 129 37 H 24 129 36 1, 20 117 43 -i Character of Straw. 1^ In. Strong . . . Medium . 3i 2 Strong . . . Weak ..'.'. 6 1* Kind of Head. Bald . . . . Bearded. Bald . . . . Bearded . Weight of Straw. Lbs. 3,800 3.440 4,540 4,400 Yield per Acre. Lbs. 3,r.oo 3,220 3,160 2,980 2,680 SUMMER FALLOWS. In view of the great importance of properly preparing land for crops, and of the large number of new settlers coming into the country, I make no excuse for repeating what was said in my last three reports respecting summer-fallows, and breaking up and cultivating new prairie land. It is very gratifying to know that throughout the Northwest, summer-fallov>'ing is rapidly becoming general. No matter where farming is carried on, the farmei-s realize that to be sure of a crop they must prepare a portion of their land the year before the crop is grown, and apart from the value of the stored moisture, there is the inestimable advantage of keeping weeds from overrunning the farm. The true worth of properly prepared fallows has been clearly demonstrated in past years in every grain-gi*owing district of Saskatchewan. The work of preparii:ig land for crop by fallowing is carried on in so many ways in different parts of tbe Northwest, that perhaps a few words on some of the methods em- ployed may be of help to at least some of the new settlers. It has been observed in Alberta and Saskatchewan that the land to be fallowed is not, as a rule, touched until the weeds are full g;rown and in many cases, bearing fully matured seed. It is then ploughed. REPORT OF MR. AXGUS MACE AT 341 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 By this method, which, no doubt, saves -work at the time, the very object of a suin- mer-fallow is defeated. In the first place, moisture is not conserved because the hind has been pumped dry by the heavy growth of weeds; and, secondly, instead of usinj? the summer-fallow as a means of eradicating weeds, a foundation is laid for years of labour and expense by the myriads of foul seeds turned under. The endless fields of yellow-flowered weeds, generally Ball Mustard (Neslia vani- culata), testify to the indifferent work done in many districts, and, while no weed is more easily eradicated by a good system of fallows, there is no weed that is more easily propagated or takes greater advantage of poor work on fallovrs or of fall or spring cultivation. As has been pointed out in my previous reports, early and thorough work on fal- lows is absolutely necessary to success, and I here repeat the methods and results of tests carried on for some years past. First Method. — Ploughed deep (6 to 8 inches) before last of June; surface culti- vated during the growing season, and just before or immediately after harvest ploughed 5 or 6 inches deep. Result. — Too much late growth if season was at all wet; grain late in ripening, and a large crop of weeds if the grain was in any way injured by winds. Second Method. — Ploughed shallow (3 inches deep) before the last of June; sur- face cultivated during the growing season, and ploughed shallow (3 to 4 inches deep) in the autumn. Result. — Poor crop in a dry year; medium crop in a wet year. Not sufficiently stirred to enable soil to retain the moisture. Third Method. — Ploughed shallow (3 inches) before the last of June; surface cul- tivated during the growing season, and ploughed deep (7 to 8 inches") in the autumn. Result. — Soil too loose and does not retain moisture. Crop light and weedy in a dry year. Fourth Method. — Ploughed deep (7 to 8 inches) beiore the last of June; surface cultivated during the growing season. Result. — Sufficient moisture conserved for a dry year, and not too much for a wet one. Pew or no weeds, as all the seeds near the surface have germinated and been killed. Surface soil apt to blow more readily than when either of the other methods is followed. For the past fourteen years, the best, safest and cleanest grain has been grown on fallow worked in this way, and the method is therefore recommended. Fallows that have been ploughed for the first time after the first of July, and especially after July 13, have never given good results; and the plan too frequently followed of waiting till weeds are full grown, and often ripe, and ploughing under with the idea of enriching the soil, is a method that cannot be too earnestly advised against. In the first place, after the rains are over in June or early in July, as they usually are, no amount of work, whether deep or shallow ploughing, or surface cultivation, can put moisture in the soil. The rain m.ust fall on the first ploughing and be conserved by surface cultivation. Weeds, when allowed to attain their full growth, take from the soil all the moist- ure put there by the June rains, and ploughing under weeds with their seeds ripe or nearly so, is adding a thousand-fold to the myriads already- in the soil, and does not materially enrich the land. METHODS OF PREPARING NEW GROUND. In view of the fact that every year brings to the Northwest many new settlers \^ho are unacquainted with the methods of breaking up and preparing new land for crop, a few suggestions with regard to this vei-y important work may not be amiss. 342 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1S08 In all sections where the sod is thick and tough, breaking and back-setting should be done; while in districts where scrub abounds and the sod is thin, deep breaking is all that is necessary. The former is generally applicable to the southern parts of Saskatchewan and the latter to Alberta and the northern parts of Saskatchewan, where the land is more or less scrubby. SHALLOW-BREAKING AND BACK-SETTING, The sod should be turned over as thin as possible, and for this purpose a walking plough with a 12 or 14-inch share, is the best. When the breaking is completed (which should not be later than the second week in July), rolling will hasten the rotting pro- cess and permit back-setting to commence early in August. Back-setting is merely turning the sod back to its original place, and at the same time bringing up two or three inches of fresh soil to cover it. The ploughing should be done in the same direction as the breaking and the same width of furrow turned. Two inches below the breaking is considered deep enough, but three to four inches will give better results. After back-setting, the soil cannot be made too fine, and the use of disc or Randall harrow to cut up every piece of unrotted sod, will complete the work. DEEP BREAKING. Deep breaking, which in many sections of the country is the only practicable way of preparing new land, and which is, unfortunately, done in some instances where breaking and back-setting would give more satisfactory results, consists in the turning over of the sod as deeply as possible, usually from four to five inches. When the sod has rotted, the top soil should be worked and made as fine as pos- sible. The use of harrow and disc will fill up all irregtilarities on the surface, and make a fine, even seed-bed. f Whether the land is broken shallow or deep, it is necessary to have the work com- pleted early, so as to take advantage of the rains which usually come during June or early in July. These rains cause the sod to rot, and without them, or if the ploughing is done after they are over, the sod remains in the same condition as when turned, and no amount of work will make up for the loss. To some districts near the foot-hills of the mountains and in districts where scrub abounds and the sod is thin, these remarks may not apply; but as a rule, throughout the Northwest early breaking, -whether deep or shallow, is advisable. WORKING LAND AFTER FIRST CROP. Inquiries are often made as to what should be done after taking off the first crop on new land, the question being as to whether the land should be ploughed, or culti- vated, or sown without any cultivation whatever. This, however, can Only be determined by circumstances. In districts with heavy clay soil, a satisfactory crop may be expected from burning the stubble of the former crop and sowing with or without cultivation, although a shallow cultivation after the stubble is burnt usually gives the best results. In districts with light soils and especially with gravelly subsoil, cultivation before seeding is necessary. After taking the second crop from breaking or back-setting, there can be no doubt that the land should be well fallowed to put it in proper condition for succeeding crops. If the fallow is well m.ade and the process repeated every third year, the settler will have started on the right road to future success. REPORT OF MR. ANGUS MACKAT 343 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 EXPERIMENTS WITH OATS. The oat crop, except in the small plots, was disappointing. The hail on July 24, and the excessive heat on August 13, the first coming just when the grain was forming and tlie latter before it had matured, were a combination against large yields. The uniform plots were sown on Western Rye Grass sod, broken up the previous year. The field lots were on fallowed land. OATS — TEST OF VARIETIES. Thirty-nine varieties were sown on April 23, on one-twentieth acre plots of back- setting. Soil, clay loam. Sown by hoe drill, at rate of 2 bushels of seed per acre. Oats — Test cf Varikties. Name of Variety. c 03 ^ 1^ (4-) A^ c ce oil -tJ S-l Kind of IS Yield per u u *3 i: cs a P ^^1 .So O r Head. P Acre. ^bM ^ In. In. Lbs. OQ h-5 Lbs. 1 Banner Aug. 22 121 46 Medium 9 Branching 3,220 128 28 40 2 Bavarian 1 „ 22' 121 45 II 8 It 2.980 124 4 38 3 4 „ 20l M 24 „ 13 119 123 112 48 46 48 n H Strong . . 9 9 9 II If It 4,020 2,820 3,060 122 119 117 32 14 2 37 Goldfinder 38 White Giant 37* 38| G 7 Golden Fleece ,. 20 ., 22 119 121 44 47 It It 9 10 Sided.. .'. .3,980 5,800 115 115 30 10 Kendal Black 41 8 .. 17 M 21 „ 18 116 120 117 44 47 47 Medium It 8 10 8 Branchinf^ n 11 5,120114 24 4 12 39 9 (xolflfn RPciutv 4,260 3,840 114 112 39 10 Thousand Dollar 38 n Irish Victor .. 20 ,. 24 „ 22 119 123 121 48 44 47 It Strong. . Medium 9 10 9 Sided....! Branching 3,740 112 12 12 26 38i T' (iolden Giant 3,780112 2,500 111 ■ •o 13 Columbus.. . . 38 14 Improved Amei ic:m „ 20 119 45 It 9 H 5,000 111 26 39 15 Holstein Prolific „ 20 119 50 Strong. . 9 tf 3,080 111 6 38 K) Sensation M 22 121 47 Medium 10 II 4,020 109 14 40 17 Anaerican Triumph H 20 119 46 ti 8 tl 4,120 108 8 38 18 Joanette u 18 117 42 Strong. . 8 tl 3,340 107 22 37 10 Kendal White ., 23 122 45 Mediuir. 9 tl 4,100;107 2 39 ''n Milford White n 23 „ 21 122 120 50 48 11 It 9 9 Sided..... Branching 2,960il05 30 18 40i 21 Twentieth Century 3,860 103 38S ?•? Tartar King M 20 119 49 It 11 Sided 2,880 103 18 39| 2.S Danish Island M 18 117 38 Strong. 9 Branching "3,260;102 32 38 ?4 Lincoln „ 20 119 46 Medium 9 11 3.340 102 32 39 95 Welcorije „ 20 „ 22 119 121 48 49 It It 9 10 II n 4,300 2,140 102 102 32 12 40 26 Waverley 40 ?7 Pioneer „ . 16 „ 20 115 119 48 45 Strong. . Medium 8 10 II II 5,780 2,240 100 98 28 40 28 American Beauty 36 90 Sil'^rian , . M 23 M 17 122 116 47 48 II It 9 8 II II 2,940 4,760 97 95 2 10 36 30 Swedish Selected 38i 31 Wide Awake „ 16 115 38 Strong. . 8 II II 2,780 94 24 38 32 Black Beauty . M 20 119 44 Weak . . 8 II 3,540 94 24 39 ^S Olive Black „ 16 M 14 115 113 50 43 Medium Strong. . 10 9 Sided.. .. Branching 5,140 93 3,280 92 18 32 34 Abundance 38 S^ Storm KinET -„ 22 „ 21 121 120 52 48 Medium It 11 9 Sided Branching .3,910 2, .340 90 87 20 22 39 30 Virginia White 41i 37 Milford Black „ 2C 119 47 Strong. . 10 Sided 4,020 87 22 39 3S Buckbee'a Illiiioi.~ .. 14 113 48 It 10 Branching 4, .560 87 2 38i 3f) Baxter'.s Jul> ,. ^ ! 101 50 Weak.. . C tl 2,380 78 8 34 344 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 Oats — Field Lots. Eleven varieties were sown in field lots, on clay loam, fallowed, at rate of two bushels seed per acre. Name of Variety. Banner lilack Beauty Wide Awake White Giant Abundance , Gol I finder Danish Island. . . . Tartar King Thousand Dollar. Improved Ligowo, Welcome Size of Plot. Acres. Hi 2i 42 2h 1| 41 5 n Date of Sowing. to a ..-I O a> ».& o April 20 M 23 „ 21 ,- 20 „ 23 » 23 ., 20 .. 23 ,. 21 „ 21 „ 21 Aug. IG „ 11 „ 16 M 11 M 1( ci C fi-c 118 110 117 113 115 13 112 13 115 10 10 10 11 109 111 111 112 *^ « Kf bch- In. 48 44 44 47 40 48 40 52 38 46 37 is Strong, cz so Co In. 9 9 9 9 8 8 9 8 8 8 8 Kind of Head. Branching Sided.... Brauchin, Yield per Acre. CO 1-5 87 21 81 6 80 20 79 2G 77 28 77 2 73 30 73 12 63 10 G3 9 59 25 Average and Total Yield. Banner Black Beauty Wide Awake White Giant Abundance ..... Gold finder Danish Island. . . . Tartar King Thousand Dollar . Improved Ligowo. Welcome Acres. Hi 2| n 4 2i If H 4i 5 5i 2? Yield per Acre. Bush. 87 81 80 79 77 77 73 73 63 63 59 49 Lbs. 21 6 20 26 28 2 30 12 10 9 25 Total Yield. Bush. 985 182 382 319 194 134 387 311 Lbs 24 22 27 o 9 38 30 2u S16 16 332 6 10 1 9 3,712 An average yield of 75 bushels 25 pounds per acre. OATS. — FOUR YEARS COMPARISON OF FIELD LOTS. Below are shown the average yield per acre and time to mature of eight varieties of oats, grown under similar conditions for the l:"t four years. Variety. Average Days to Mature. Banner Wide Awake Abundance Black Beauty Goldfinder Thousand Dollar. . Tartar King Improved Ligowo. Averas'fi Yield per Acre. Bush. 99 88 87 86 84 79 78 78 Lbs. 32 14 17 31 3 10 27 9 REPORT OP MR, ANGUS MACK AT 345 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 EXPERIMENTS WITH BARLEY. The yield of barley was satisfactory except from five varieties grown on the south part of the farm, where hail did the greatest damage. These were Invincible, Stand- well, Sidney and Canadian Thorpe, in two-rowed and Royal in six-rowed varieties. While the other lots, as well as the uniform test plots, were struck with the hail, the injury was comparatively small. The uniform plots of barley, like the oat and wheat plots, were grown on Western Rye Grass sod, and the field lots on fallowed land. BARLEY — TEST OF VARIETIES. Fourteen varieties of two-rowed barley were sown in one-twentieth acre plots on backsetting, on May 1, by the hoe drill at rate of 2 bushels per acre. Soil, clay loam. Eighteen varieties of six-rowed barley were sown on same date and under similar conditions. Two-rowed Barley — Test op Varieties. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 0 10 11 Name of Variety. Danish Chevalier. . Sidney Jarvis Clifford Gordon Invincible. Standwell Canadian Thorpe. . Swedish Chevalier. Harvey Logan. 12; French Chevalier. 13 14 Beaver . . Dunham. Date of Ripen- ing. Aug. 11 6 8 6 ^^ cS eS u 3 94 .. 9 100 M 9 100 „ 8 99 M 6 97 M 1 92 ^' -I bo o.s ■^'^ In. Character of Straw. 35 Medium 32 38 Weak. 42 38 34 Medium 38 Strong. 38 Weak.. 371 n . 37 Medium 38 Weak 33 „ 41 36 36 33 37 40 Medium Weak... Medium ft Strong. . Weak... 73 (D w o -a tao S til In. Weight per Acre. Lbs. 3,440 3,600 3,480 2,800 3,600 2,760 2,240 2,140 2,300 2, .500 2,909 3,820 2,640 2,760 2,380 3,860 3,040 2,320 Yield ]5er Acre. 3 ^ pq J 65 40 64 8 60 40 57 24 55 .. 55 .. 53 36 52 44 62 4 50 40 49 28 48 36 47 44 47 44 46 12 44 28 42 24 41 32 Weight per measured bushel after cleaning. Lbs. Barley — Test of Varieties in Field Lots. Ten varieties of barley were sown on fallowed land, clay loam, at rate of two bush?ls seed per acre. Name of Variety. Claude Odessa Mensury Mansfield Mensury Standwell Sidney Invincible Canadian Thorpe ■Royal Size of Plot. Acres. 4| 5 2 41 9 2^ 3 2 2i 2i Date of Sowing. April 30.. M 30.. May 1.. 1.. April SO.. May 2.. 2.. 2.. 2.. 1.. Date of Ripening. Aug. 7. 8. 4. 8. 8. IG. 14. 16. 13. 4. oQ bb T3 g tM -4.3 O c« 99 100 95 99 100 106 104 106 103 95 O.S ^. ■S ^ be bo =5 •'"'-' In. 46 40 43 46 46 34 30 38 46 30 Character of Straw. Weak . . Medium, Strong. Weak . be 1) cffi -A In. Kind of Head. Six-rowed Two-rowed Six-rowed Yield per Acre. W ^ 58 28 57 7 54 20 46 8 43 30 25 40 23 44 21 26 20 20 REPORT OF MR. ANGUS MACKAY 347 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 Barley. — Average and Total Yields. Variety. Claude Odessa IVloiisiiry Mansfield Mensury Stand well Sidney Invincible Canadian Thorpe. Royal Acres. 4| 5 2 4| 9 2h 3 2 2* 2i 38 Yield per acre. Total yield. Eush. Lbs. 58 28 57 7 54 20 40 8 43 30 25 40 23 44 21 26 20 20 Bush. Lbs. 278 13 285 35 108 40 219 14 387 36 75 8 77 24 47 40 53 41 51 2 1585 13 An average yield of 41 bushels 34 pounds per acre. FOUR years' comparison OF FIELD LOTS OF BARLEY. Below will be found the average yield and time to mature of nine varieties of barley, grown under similar conditions for the last four years. Variety. Claude Odessa Mansfit Id Alensuiy Royal Invincible iitandwell Sidnty Canadian Thorpe. Average days to mature. Average yield per acre. Bush. Lbs. 107^ 103 r,2 58 30 40 lOOr 65 45 102: 54 19 lOli 113^ 60 48 34 45 110; 46 5 losi 45 5 107i 39 33 SMUT. As smut was very prevalent in many crops in 1905, and very serious loss resulted in nearly all districts, special pains were taken before sowing the wheat, oats and barley last spring to effectually overcome all danger from this fungus. The seed used was free from smut; the bluestone and formalin were pure so far as could be determined; and the treatment was by dipping for 5 minutes. The results in the wheat tests go to show that treating seed with either bluestone or formalin is not always effectual, and that much has yet to be learned in connection with this serious problem. Although all the seed wheat, whether in small or large plots, was carefully treated, yet smutty heads were found in every variety sown. In no case, outside the regular smiit tests, were there many bad heads, yet with careful search they could be found in all the fields. It will be observed in the case of the formalin application, that it was not so effectual as bluestone, which is the same result as obtained in former tests on this farm. "With respect to smut in oats and barley, it may be said that while no smutty heads could be found in either the treated or untreated plots, or in any of the uniform tests or field lots, this may be taken as evidence that either the season was not suitable for smut in these grains, or the treatment was effectual. In the treatment with formalin, the 1 lb. to 15 gallons of water solution killed one-third to one-half of the seed, while the 1 lb. to 30 gallons of water had no in- jurious effect on the germination. 348 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD Vli., A. 1808 Test oi Smut Preventives Treatment. Date ripe. Bed Fife Wheat— {Sown April 11). Untreated Bluestone, 1 lb. to 5 galls, water. M 10 ,1 Formalin, h 15 n II M 30 II Banner Oci^s— (Sown April 23). Aug. 22. ,1 2?,. „ 20. 11 24. I Untreated ... Bluestone, 1 lb. to 10 galls, water . Formalin, u 15 u II II 30 II Canadian Thorpe Barley — (Sown May 1). Untreated Bluestone, 1 lb. to 10 galls, water. Formalin, h 15 h II II 30 II 18. 23. 25. 23. 16. 20. 25. 18. Days to Mature. 133 134 134 137 135 117 122 124 122 107 111 116 109 Smutty heads on 64 sq. ft. 44 7 10 20 34 None. EXPERIMENTS WITH FIELD PEASE. Both field and uniform plots were sown on land that had grown roots the preced- ing year. After the root crop was harvested, the land was ploughed and harrowed. In the spring the seed was sown, and the land harrowed and rolled. Twenty-four varieties of pease were sown on one-twentieth acre plots on May 2, on clay loam. Three varieties were also sown in field lots. Pease — Test of Varieties. 1 2 3 4 ^1 7l «: 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Name of Variety. Golden Vine Prince Albert Early Britain Duke Prussian Blue Daniel O'Rourke Kent Paragon Chancellor . . White Wonder Nelson Mackay Knglish Gray Picton . Wisconsin Blue Black Eyed Marrowfat . . Large White Marrowfat. Arthur Pearl Gregory Archer. Victoria - Prince Agnes Date of Ripening. Lugust 20. 22. 20. 22. 20. 15. 21. 20. 15. 18 18. 20. 20 21. 22. 22 22. 18. 20. 20. 22. 21. 20. 20. >,ti> O O c3 ° o '^ D O OS c o 108 Strong 112 110 112 110 105 111 110 105 108 108 110 110 111 112 112 112 108 110 no 112 111 no no In. 58 55 50 60 65 45 50 65 55 60 50 53 58 74 58 60 60 48 62 60 70 50 58 55 bo c In. 2 2 Size of Pea. Small. . 2 'Medium 2i I Large . . 3 [Medium ISmall . . , Large . . j Medium ■Small 2^ Medium 3 2 3 3 2i 3 oi *-a 2 Large . . Medium Small . . Large . . Medium Large . Medium 2^ Large 2 Yield per Acre. Bush. Lbs. Mi m US' 'oJ 45 45 45 41 41 41 39 39 39 33 38 38 37 36 36 36 36 36 36 34 34 33 33 30 40 40 20 20 40 40 40 20 40 40 20 20 Lbs. 65 65i 63 63i 654 64* 64 64 63 65 63i 64^ 62 6i^ 65 64 64 64 65 64i 641 65 644 63 REPORT OF MR. AXGl'S MACK AY 349 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 Pease - Field Lo TS. Name of Variety. Character of Soil. Size of riot. Date of Sowing. Date of Ripening C rt Character of Growth. Yi.ld per Acre. Arthur Gol'it n Vine Clay loam. II Acrfs. n 1 May 2. . 3.. 3.. Aug. 22.. .1 10.. ,1 tl-J. 112 100 111 Strong . . . II ... II ... Bush. Lbs. 42 ;9 20 White Wonder 33 Garden Pease ox One-taventietii Acre Plots. Eight varieties of Garden Peaso were sown on t;\ acre plots beside the o her test plots of pease, on May 2, on clay loam and under the same conditions. Name of Variety. Date of Ripening Champion of England Aug. 20. American Wonder n 13. Sliropshire Hero m 15. Premium Gem h 16. Stratagem i n 15. La.xton's Charmer ' h 14. Alaska j „ 2. Horsford'a Market Garden n 13. o ^ iJ In. 110 50 103 48 105 42 106 52 105 45 104 54 92 i03 50 44 tc3 g^l— I Yield )jer Acre. In. 2i 2i li 3 2i 2 2i o & . teg Bush. Lbs. 42 3G 3iJ 35 35 34 i 3-2 I 32 40 40 40 20 20 40 Lbs. 59i 58 58 57i 58 57 62 GO ROTATION OF CROPS. These tests were commenced in 1S99, and below are given the order of rotation for the last three years, and also particulars of yields, &c,, for 1906. Each plot is one-half acre in extent, and the soil, clay loam All these tests were more or less injured by hail. On plot No. 1, the yield was 3J times larger than on plot No. 13, which was nearly destroyed. Number. 1. 2. 3., 4. ?. C. 7. 8. Soja Beans jPea.se Tares Red Clover Alsike and Alfalfa Wheat Oats 9 Wheat 10 iBarley n Summer-fallow. 12 1 13 j M 14 1 V, Oats 16 I. 17 Wheat 18. 19 20 21 22. Wheat Pease Tares ... Soja Beans Red Clover Alsike and Alfalfa Timothy Wheat 1906. Oats . . Wheat Oats. .. Wheat B.irley . Wheat Oats Wheat , Orits Wheat . Barley . Common Emmer Summer- fallow Oats Barley Wheat . . . Barley Alsike Pease Tares Red Clover Alfalfa 350 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS Rotation Test. — Skason 1906. 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 19G8 1 Name of Variety. Date of Sowing. Date of Ripening. ti a ^^ Q ^ 6 ^ 112 123 112 120 102 129 131 130 130 130 121 121 112 102 122 102 ^ bo o c a 2 QJ C In. 43 42 44 38 43 40 47 45 45 44 34 38 37 38 35 38 -a O EH o ■s bo s= 0) In. 8 3 8 OJ ^-> 2l O O 3 3 3 3 8 2 2i 2 Kind of Head. Yield per Acre. Weight per mea- sured b u s h el after cleaning. 1 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Oats, Banner Wheat, Red Fife.... Oats, Banner Wheat, Red Fife.... Barley, Mensury Wheat, Red Fife.... Oats, Banner Barley, Mensury.. . . Wheat, Red Fife .... Barley, Mensury Alsike Pease Tares Red Clover Alfalfa Summer-fallow Apl. 24 ,1 11", II 24 11 1(> 1, 24 II 16 „ 16 M u; u 16 k; H k; u 24 ;: n May 17 4 4 .1 17 It 17 Ai t xg. 14 1 17 1 14 1 14 4 1 23 , 25 1 24 1 24 , 24 1 15 1 15 1 14 4 , 17 4 ■Stn 3ng.. Branching Bald .... Branching Bald .... 6-rowed. . . Bald II .... II . . . . - II II .... II 11 Branching 6-rowed. . . Bald 6-rovved. . . Bush. Lbs. 55 30 15 46 49 12 19 4 25 2 21 36 20 36 19 14 20 22 21 46 19 20 18 10 34 4 15 24 13 20 18 10 Lbs. 40 60 39i mi 46 57 57 59i 57 57 m 60 38 4Si 5, . May 8 8 8 8 Aug. 20 104 32 10 104 30 20 KU 32 20 101 30 1,4S0 1,000 1.680 1,660 20 20 18 17 40 52 28 401 rysh 50" 49 ALFALFA TESTS. In tliese tests it will be observed that Turkestan Alfalfa sown in 1904, stood two winters and gave over 1^ tons of hay in the two cuttings, while the Common variety sown at the same time was greatly injured. Of the two plots of Common Alfalfa clover sown in 1905, one was so badly in- jured that it had to be cut over to check the weeds, while the other gave good returns. In the spring of 1905. Alfalfa seed was sent by the Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C., which had been secured from the following sources: Northern Montana, Southern Montana, Nebraska, Samarkand (Turkestan), New York, Peru, Minnesota (Grimm), Utah and First Quality Comm.ercial Seed. All the seed, as stated in my last report, germinated well, and made a good growth during the season. Early in April all the plots made a start, but by May four were quite dead, three were very uneven, and only one looked at all promising. Early in July the clover on the four plots was cut. One gave a good yield, while the others had little or nothing except a promising crop of weeds. These plots were cut again in August with much better results. Hay Crop. Variety. Western Rye Gras.s . . M II . . Awnless Brome Grass . Timothy. Meadow . Year Sown. IflOl. li'05. 1900. 1900. *1899. 1905. 1904. Acres. 2 12 Yield per Acre. Tons. 2 1 0 0 1 1 1 Lbs. 1,400 1,840 1,745 1,100 1,000 1,500 940 'Renewed by shallow ploughing in 1904. REPORT OF MR. ANGUS MAC KAY 353 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 Tests of Alfalfa. Variety. Turkestan . CoiiiDion. Inoculated seed . . Untreated seed . . . Received from Dei>t. Year Sown. of Agriculture, Washington- Minnesota (Grimm). New York Samarkand Nebraska 1004. 1904. 1905. 1905. 1905. 1905. 1 — 1905. 1905. 1905. 1905. First Ccttino. Second Cotting. Dato Cut. July July 11. 11. 11. 4., 4., 4., 11. 4 4. 4. Yield per Acre. Tons. Lbs. 0 1,800 0 9G0 Cut for weeds. 0 0 0 1,020 1,000 1,430 2 180 Cut for weeds. Date Cut. Sept. 7 . It 7.. Aug. 7.. M 7.. n 7. . ■1 7.. Sept. Aug. 6. 7. 7. 7. Yield per Acre. Tons. Lbs. 0 0 0 1 1 1 1,940 1,020 1,370 756 112 1,378 1 930 1 500 1 500 1 450 EXPERIMENTS WITH INDIAN COEN. Twenty-three varieties were sown on May 19, on backsetting, in rows 3C inches apart, and also in hills three feet apart each way. Three varieties were also sown in rows at four different distances apart. The corn was cut on September 13, the yield of green fodder per acre being computed from the weight of two rows, each 66 feet long. Cutworms did considerable injury to the corn when coming above ground, but by applying, poisoned bran along the rows, and re-seeding at once, no loss resulted in tlie end. Corn — Test of Vahieties. Name of Variety. 1 2 3 4 6 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 U 15 IG 17 IS 19 20i 21 22 23 Eureka Thoroughbred White Flint. Pride of the North Angel of Midnight Champion White Pearl Early Mastodon Giant Prolific Ensilage ... . Red Cob Ensilage Selected Learning T 19.. ■ 19.. , 19.. . 19.. It II , 19.. , 19.. - 19.. -"-tr''- . ' 1 , 19 . It 1 , 19.. It ! . 19.. It '•^ . 19.. If , 19 . 11 , 19.. tl , 19.. II , . 19.. II. '- -. -' 19.. Inches. 80 81 80 75 86 S5 80 92 80 75 75 75 75 94 90 82 80 80 85 90 75 80 82 Condition when Cut. Weight per Acre grown in Rows. Weight per Acre grown in Hills. Ta-sselled In silk. Tons. Lbs. Tons. Lbs. Tasselled . , It , . . In silk . . . Tasselled . . Early milk. In silk..", . Early milk. In silk ... Early milk. Tas.'^elled. . InsUk ... 16 15 15 15 15 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 13 13 13 12 12 11 U U U 11 10 1,000 1.570 1,020 800 800 l,9f'0 ],70ink. Oval, white. Oval, white. 36 24 24 12 12 i2 24 36 12 36 36 36 36 36 36 REPORT OF MR. AXGVS MACKAT i^^ 857 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 SUMMARY OF CROPS, 1906. Wheat: Bush. Lbs. 9 varieties, 45^ acres 1,389 10 half acres, rotation test 89 39 uniform test plots 70 1,548 Oats: 11 varieties, 49 acres 3,712 3 half acre plots, rotation test 70 43 uniform test plots 202 3,984 . Barley : 9 varieties, 38 acres 1,585 3 half acres, rotation test 29 36 uniform test plots 71 1,685 Pease : 3 varieties, 4 acres 157 32 uniform test plots 60 217 Flax. 7 Rye 30 Roots 4,000 Potatoes 130 Emmcr and Spelt • • 2,000 Tons. Corn ensilage 85 Eay: Rye Grass 25 800 Brome Grass 14 1,500 Sundrj^ grasses 1 1,080 Alfalfa 5 1,630 Hay cut in coulees 28 VEGETABLE GARDEN. 75 1,010 All vegetables gave a satisfactory crop. The spring and summer were favourable to all tender plants, such as beans, ciicumbers, tomatoes, &c. Cutworms did some injury, but when noticed, the poisoned bran, used for the grain and root crop, proved an effectual remedy. 35a EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD Vli., A. 1908 Asparagus. A good crop from the old beds of Barr's Mammoth, Ban's Elmira and Conover's Colossal. In use May 12 to July 6. Beans. Sown June 2. Variety. German Golden Pole White Wax New Round Pod . . . Kidney Wax Golden Wax.. ..... Emperor of Russia . Fame of Vitry Dwarf Wax Extra Early Matchless Golden Stringless . . . Black bpeckled Black Speckled Currie's Rust-proof . . Challensre Black Dwarf Kidney Emperor of Russia. . Extra Early Early Six Weeks . . . Golden Stringless . . . Haricot Matchless. . Galatian Seed from. Steele, Briggs. II Rennie., Ottawa. 11 Vilmorin Indian Head . George Fernie. In use. Remafks. August 14 . . Long wax, good crop. 1. .! Heavy crop, good quality. 5. . iWax, light crop. 1. . I Heavy crop, good, large. 1 . Fair crop, fine quality. 3. . Green, short. 3. . Long green, good crop. 4. . Round pods, fair. 1 . . Green, very heavy crop. G . . Green, good crop. 2 . . Wax, short. 8.. Green, fair crop. July 23.. Green, light crop. 31 . . Wax, long pods. 28.. Wax, short. 2 ! . . Wax, fair crop. 2G. . Green, fair crop. 25 . . Green, good crqp. 23 . . Green, fair. 30 . . Short, fair crop. 23 . . Good crop. August 4.. Short green, fair crop. Beets. Sown April 20 ; pulled October 1. Variety. Cardinal , . . . Intermediate Eclipse Crimson Globe Downing Blood Turnip. . . . Extra Early Egyptian Long Blood Red Early Blood Red Egyptian .. Nutting's Dwarf Imported. • Spinach Beet Seed Obtained from. In use. Rennie. . . . II ... It ... Steele, Briggs II II Vilmorin., Rennie. July 12. n 15. II 15. I. 12. M 15. 11 12. „ 31. 7. M 12. M 15. Yield i>er Acre. Bushels. 654 543 523 497 445 419 399 307 301 268 Good yield ; not weighed. This variety is used in the same way as Spinach. REPORT OF MR. AXGUS MACKA7 359 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 Broccoli. Extra Early Wliito. Seed from Vilmorin ; sown April 11 ; sot out May 22. Fair quality. Brussels Sprouts. Dwarf Improved. Seed from Vilmorin; sown April 11; set out May 22; in use August 30. Small sprouts, good quality. Cabbage. Sown in hot-house April 2 ; set out May 22. Taken up October 12. Variety. Paris Market Express Midsummer Savoy .... Winiiingstadt Jersey Wakefield Flat butch Drumhead . Fottler's Improved .... Green Globe Savoy . . Early Etampes II Winningstadt. . . II Summer Vandergaw Early Favourite Chester Savoy ... Autumn King Lcrge Drumhead Dark Red Early Dutch Red Drumhead Seed from. Vilmorin. 'Steele, Briggs In use. July Aug. July Aug. Aug. 20. 20. 26. 2. 16, 20. 20. 15. 28. 24. 20. 18. 12. 20. 20. 6. Average Weight. Lbs. 10 4 7 5 8 7i 4 5^ 8 7 12 5 n 11 4 7i Remarks. Fair. II Rather loose. Very tine. Fair, solid. Good. Very good. Good. Large, flat, solid. Very good. Did not germinate. Fair. Good. Very fine. Fair. Very good. Carrots. Sown April 18 ; pulled October 8. Variety. Half-long Luc Ox Heart Early Gem Half-long Dan vers Market Garden Chantenay . Half-long Scarlet Nantes. Long Blood Red French Horn Seed from. Steele, Briggs II Vilmorin Steele, Briggs Rennie 11 Steele, Briggs Vilmorin .... In use. July 12. 12. 12. 12. 12. 6. 12. 24. 4. Yield per Acre. Bushels. 528 495 495 468 396 382 336 336 191 360 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-S EDWARD Vtf., A. 1908 Cauuflowebs. Sown i hot-house April 2 ; set out May 22. Variety. Early Snowball i.. ..',[ pjarly Paris ... .■..'... Extra Early Whitehead Autumn Giant Dwarf Erfurt Autumn Giant Early Snowball Extra Early Erfurt Early Paris . Earl}' Snf)wball Extra Selected Earliest Erfurt. . . . Early Paris Seed from. Steele, Brifrgs. . . July Rennie. Vilmoiin., Average Weight Lbs. 2h 3S 3$ 2i 3^ 3 2i 2i Ah 4^ 3 Remarks. Very fair. Good heads Fair, Good. Fair. II Very tine. II Good heads. Celeuy. Variety. Seed from. Sown in Hot-house. Trans- planted. Set out. Giant Pascal Steele, Briggs . . . II n 11 H Rennie April 2 1. 2 ,1 2 11 10..... 1, 10 1, 10 11 2 11 2 1. 2 May 7 .... 1. 7 M 7 M 7 II 7 .1 7 11 7 n 7... . 1. 7 June 2 ... Dwarf White Evans' Triumph . :; I- Paris Golden 1, 2 Giant White .1 2 .. White Plume o Paris Golden Yellow Giant Pascal Rose-ribbed Paris Vilmorin 11 If ...... 11 2.... 1" 2 „ 2.'.'. Crop of good quahty. White Plume in use August 25; other sorts in use about September 5. Citrons. Preserving Citron, seed from Eennie, sown in hot-house April 13; set out May 17. A good crop; average circumference, 19 inches. Corn. Sown May 21. Variety. ■ ni- I-*-* rfi •^. t Rennie Indian Head New Premo First of All Early Windsor. . Red Squaw White Squaw. .. White Squaw Swan River Early Rogina .... jThorndike n Golden Bantam . ._ , n j m Cross-bred from Slfton n Seed from. Steele, Briggs In use. Aug. 28.. 2G.. 24.. 9.. 9.. 9.. 20.. 31.. 30.. Ripe. Did not mature. bept. 13. II 13. Did not mature. nsM Sept. 13. ripened. Only a littk REPORT OF MR. ANGUS MACE AT SESSIONAL PAPER No, 16 GUCDHBEBS. Sown in hot-house April 13 ; set out May 17. 861 Variety. Seed from. la Qse. Rip*. Length. Remarks. Improved Long Green. Short Green White Spine Steele, Briggs . . II II II n ti If Rennie . . 11 July 20.... n 18.... 1. 18.... 8. .. ■. 20.... .. 12.... Aug. 15.... „ 15.... ,. 20.... M 12.... „ 15.... .. 10.... In. 10 8 6 8 8 G Fair crop. Good crop. H II Giant Pera II II Perfection . . . Chicacro Picklinir Fair crop. It II Lettucb. First sowing April 19 ; in use June 6. Second sowing May 17 ; in use July 1. Third sowing June 2 ; in use July 18. Variety. Seed from. Remarks. Coa, Trianon H Green Paris Vilmorin It II II It II .... II ... II Good crop. 11 Cabbaee. Trocadero Fair. li Blonde Stonehead M Red-edg^d Victoria Very fine. Ran to seed three weeks before other n All the Year Round n Neapolitan varieties. Fair. Fine solid heads. Wheeler's Tom Thumb Small, extra solid. Melons. Sown April 2 ; set out May 17. Variety. Seed from. Circumference. Remarks. Muak Earliest of All . Rennie Inches. 15 10 i9 Good crop. It II Earlv llackensack Water : Early Canada Cole's Earlv Did not nature. II Good crop. Melons were not ripe when frost came on September 11, but ripened under cover, after being pulled. 362 EXPERIMENTAL FARMB 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 . Sown in open April 18. Onions. Variety. Extra Early Reil Australian Brown. . . . . , Giant Gibraltar Prize Taker Red Wethersfield Red Globe Yellow Globe Dan vers. White Barletta Seed from. Rennie , Yield per Acre. Bushels. 58 51 72 115 36 112 39 58 Sown in hot bouse April 2 ; set out April 23. Silverskin Market Favorite Trebon's Yellow Globe Danvers. Silver Giant Vilmorin. Rennie. 36 43 120 51 39 Planted April 29. Onion Sets. New White Multiplier Shallots Steele, Briggs. . 31 31 Parsley. Moss-curled, from Rennie, sown May 10 ; in use June 29. Good crop. Sown April 19. Parsnips. • Variety. Seed from. In use. Yield per Acre. Short Round Steele, Briggs. . . II ... If ... II ... Aug. 15 . . . 26... 25... 25... Bushels. 430 Student 355 New Intermediate ... 215 Guernsey 154 ^ :•■..« ■ REPORT OF MR. ANGUS MACKA7 363 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 Pease. Extra Early, First of All, First and Best, Nott's Excelsior, Rural New Yorker, Surprise and Wm. Hurst were sown April 23, and were in u^e July 10. The following varieties were sown on May 9. Variety. Seed from. New Dwarf Telephone Rinnie Sutton's Excelsior Pfifuction I M Queen m Admii-al llndian .\lajika American Wonder Anticipation. Burpee's Profusion Champion of JCugland . . . . Kxtra Early Everbearing First of All First and Best Harrison's Glory Horsford's Market Garden Laxton's Charmer. Nott's P]xcelsior Premium Gem Rural New Yorker Surprise Stratagem Shropshire Hero Yorkshire Hero Wm. Hurst Head In use. .July 28. „ 28. n 30. Aug. 4. .luly 21. .. 13. „ 24. M 31. n 28. ,. 28 ., 1(5 ,. 28. M IG. M 21. >, 27. „ 2G. M 27. >, 21. „ 27 .. 2(1. M 23. •I 30. „ 26. M 24. M 21. Ripe. Aug. 12. 5. I. 12. I. 20. 2. July 31. Aug. 10. .. 10. 9. M 10. July 30. Aug. a . July 30. M 31. Aug. 14. 8. 1 9 1 July 30 Aug, Remarks. Very heavy crop. Good crop. Heavy crop. Light crop. Good crop. Fair. Fair crop. Large crop. Good crop. Fair crop. Good crop. Fair crop. Very good quality. Fair. Good crop. Good early pea. Very large, good crop. Fair. Large, fine quality. Very good. Radish. Variety. Forcing Turnip Early Scarlet Turnip Early Scarlet White-tipped, Earliest Scarlet Forcing Olive Shaped ... French Breakfast Seed from. Vilmorin. Sown April 18. In use. June Sown May 17. In use. June 18. June 18 5.... I June 18. I Sown June 4. In use. June 29 29 29 29 * Not sown. Old beds in use May 12. Victoria, Prince Albert, Royal Albert, Prince of Walrs, Royal Linnseus, Magnum Bonum, Strawberry, Early Crimson, Rhubarb. Following is list of the varieties. Early Scarlet, Toblesk, Myatt's Linn;Bus, Fottler'a Improved, Scarlet Nonpareil, Salt's Perfection, Monarch, Brabant's Colossal, 364 EXPESIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 Sage and Summer Savory. Sown May 10 ; in use July 6. A good crop of each. Spinach. Victoria, sown May 10 ; in use June 25. Good crop. Hound, II 10 ; i. 25. Squash and Marrows. Sown in hot-house April 16 ; set out May 17. Variety. *»quash — Crookneck Early White Scallop Marrow — Boston Early White.. Ripe. Au?. 10 Aug. 2.. July 30 ., Remarks. Good crop ; average length 10 inches. Did not mature. Good crop ; 2| feet ciicumference. Good crop ; average 12 inches long. Tomatoes. Sown in hot-house April 10 ; set out May 22. The yield is given from 20 plants, set 2^ by 3 feet. Va,riety. Seed from. In flower. First ripe. Yield from 20 plants. First of All Rennie July 1.... 1... June 24 .. 18.... M 18 ... Aug. 19... H 16.... 1, 19.... .. 22... M 20.... Bushels. Earliana Cherry Red Hustler 1 1 Early Tree *Earliana Anamoose, N.D. * Did not germinate. Frames with glass covers were placed about some of the plants before frost came in September, thus ■aving the fruit from injury and hastening its ripening. Sown May 21. Table Turnips. Variety. Yellow Golden BaU... Early Stone. Early White Strap-leaf. White Milan Dickson's Abundance.. Seed from. y ilmorin . In use. J. Watson July 25.. M 25 . .. 25., H 22. . Aug. 25., Pulled. Oct. 11. M 11. M 11. .. 11. „ 11. Yield per Acre. Bushels. 65: » 483 430 390 2n(\ REPORT OF MR, A2fGUB MACK AT 365 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 THE FLOWER GARDEN. The Annuals were not so successful as in many former seasons. The dry, hot weather in July, and again .in August was against them. The Perennials, especially Paeonies, were never more beautiful. Annuals — Propagated in hot-house. Sown April 2 and 3. Variety. Abronia umbel] ata Ageratuni, Dwarf Imp'l Blue. Agrostemma Alyssum Set out. Amarantlms salicifolius Antirrhinum, Tom TImmb It A[ajus nraiuiii. . . . Arctotis grandis Asters, 7 varieties Balsam, Canielia-flowered Bartonia auroa Braxjhvcome iberidifolia Calendula officinalis Trianon.. . . Candytuft, Empress Celosia, 4 varieties ... Gentaurea alba Chrysanthemum coronarium . . . II dwarf double white Clarkia, 3 varieties Coleus Coreopsis Dianthus, 7 varieties Eschscholtzia Gaillardia Godetia .... Gourd, Hercules Club . Gypsophila elegans Helichrysum Hemu Iberi« Gibtaltarica Ice Plant Larkspur Lavatei-a rosea spltmd ens Lobelia Marvel of Peru Mignonette Nasuut iuin, 5 varieties Kicfjtiana affinis 11 Sanderae Petunia, 4 varietieH Phat-elia grand iflora Phlox Druninion lii, 4 varieties. Poi)pv, 8 varieties Portnlaca Pyretlirum Salijiglossis. . .. _ Scabiosa, 3 varieties Scarl"t Flax Stocks . . . , Tagetes . ..... .' .'; . ; . . . . , Verbena , Ziuuia ... June 1. ■I 1. O M O. 1, 1. II 2. 11 2. I. 2. ,1 2. May 23. I- 31. June 2. II 2. I, 1. ., 2. II 2. .1 1. May l.<<. II IS. June 1. I, 1. I. 2. I. 1. 11 1. I, 2. II 1. II 4. ■I 2. I, 2. May IS. June 1. .1 1. Mav Ci"). June 2. 1, 2. Mav 31. Jure 1. 1. 1. I May 31. II 2. ■Juno 1. in 1. June May 25... June 1 . . , May 25.. June 1. . In Bloom. From. July 26. . . . May 20. July 28., 12., 8., Aug. July June July June July June 1. 8. 16. 16 24. 14. 26. 6. 2.5. 2h. 24. July 1. 8. 1. 8. June July Aug. June July June II July June July June July June 10. 7. 20. 31. 12. 29. 29. 27. 20. 20. 14. 5 20 2. 21. 4 26. is! 8. 24 8. 22 22 8. 2.5. To. Oct. 9 . 0Vt'."'9.' Oct. 9. 11 9. ,1 9. Remarks. Oct. 6. I. 6 Oct. 9.. .1 9.. Sept. 29. Oct. 2. Oct. Oct. 9. Sept. 29. II 25. I. 29. II 29. Oct. 9. Sept. 29. I, 20. ,1 29. .1 29. II 29. Oct 9. Sept. 29. Oct. 9. 9. Sept. 29. Oct. 9. Good border. Bloomed before setting out. Very handsome. Good border. Woolly leaf, pretty. Very fine. Bloomed freely. Bloomed welL Did well. Good. Very fine. Bloomed freely. Profusion of bloom. II II Did well. Eatf^n by cutworms. Bloomed freely. Fair. Better sown in open. Very fine. Grand show. Gourds 18-in. long. Small white flower. Did well. 8-ft. high. Fair. Very good. Very fine. Great show of bloom. Very pretty. Bloomed well. Good. Did very well. Very fine, white. Very handsome, crimson. Extra fine. Bloomed well. Ratl-.er poor. Injured by cutworms. Did not germinate. Fair. Very handsome. Did" well. Very pretty. Did well. Very good. S|)lendid show. Fair. 366 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1£C8 Annuals — Sown in open. The following annuals were sown in the open on the dates shown. In most cases they did as well as those started in hot-house, but were somewhat later in commencing to bloom. Dianthus (Pinks) and Eschscholtzia, were better sown in open than in hot-house. Variety. Ageratura Alyssuin Amaranthus Antirrhinum Brachycome iberidifolia. Candytuft Celosia Centaurea alba Chrysanthemum . Clarkia Dianthus Esch.scholtzia Gaillardia Godetia Sown. April 22 May 11. M 11. ,. 11. 11. 23. 11. 11. 11. 11. 11. 23. 11. 11. A pri] J.lay Ai)ril May Variety. Ice plant Lobelia Mignonette Nasturtium J'hacelia Phlox Drummondii Poppy.... Salpiglossis Scabiosa Scarlet Flax Sweet Pea.se, 28 varieties. . Sweet Pease, dwarf Cu[)id Tagete^, Patula dwarf. . . . Zea, Japonica variety Sown. May It April May April 22 „ 22 May 11 June 5 Perennials. Carnations were sown in hot-house April 2; set out May 25; bloomed from August 17 to October 1. Hollyhocks— sown in hot-house April 3; set out May 25; bloomed from August 12 to September 29. Did very well. Pansies, 10 varieties — sown in hot-house April 2 ; came up rather poorly. Set out May 25; bloomed from June 19 till November. Violets (English White and Blue), were sown in hot-house April 3, but did not germinate. Cannas. The following Canna roots were sent from the Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa, and planted in hot-house May 8. They were set out in garden June 18; in bloom August 6. E. Pearson, Eubin, Queen Charlotte, America, Pennsylvania, Allemania. Dahlias. Planted in hot-house May 12 ; set out June 16 ; in bloom July 18. Following are the varieties : — mj Cochineal, Nymphaea, Snowflake, Prince of Orange, Kynerith, Ernest Glasse, Mrs. Chas. Turner, Prince Imperial, Cannell's Gem, Wm. Agnew, Wm. Pearce, Empress of Iiidia, Lady H. Grosvenor, Capstan, . Cactus Queen, Clifford Bruton. REPORT OF MR. ANGUS MACK AT 367 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 Bulbs. In October, 1905, a large collection of bulbs were sent from the Central Experi- mental Farm, Ottawa, and wore set out before the ground froze. The list comprised Tulips, Narcissus, Crocus, Snowdrops, Siberian Squills and Glory of the Snow (Cbion- odoxa). These g,ave a fine succession of bloom in the early part of the season, the Tulips doing the best. Perennials. The following perennials were sent from the Central Experimental Earm, Ottawa, on April 12, 190G, and were planted out in the garden. The majority of them made weak growth, but such of them as survive the winter will likely make better progress in 1907. Aconitum Napellus bicolor, Barbarea vulgaris fl. pi., Centaurea ruthenica, Cimicifuga racemosa. Campanula macrantha. Campanula persicifolia. Delphinium Cashmerianum, Oenothera Youngii, Papaver Orientalis Duke of Teck, Papaver Orientalis Mahony, Papaver Orientalis Salmon Queen, Polemonium Richardsoni, Ranunculus aconitifolius fl. pi., Spiraea aruncus. Delphinium Cashmerianum album. Spiraea filipendula fl. pi., Delphinium Belladonna, Epimedium Muschianum, Iberis corifolia, Oenothera fruticosa, and 23 varieties of Primula Sieboldi. Trollius Japonica plena, Adonis vernalis, Adenophora Polamina, Erica vagans alba. Dates of Blooming of Sundry Perennials, planted prior to 1906. Snowdrops, April 16. Squills, April 19. Crocus, Yellow, April 24. Crocus, Purple, April 29. Crocus, White, May 10. Chionodoxa luciliae, May 8. Tulips, May 9. Narcissus, May 18. Pansies, April 22. Viola, May 12. Irises, May 31. Everlasting Pea, June 3 Columbine, June 3. Paeonies, June 20. Pa:^onia tenuifolia, June 4. Centaurea, June 13. Grass Pink, June 13. Hemerocallis, June 18. Dielytra, June 24. Lychnis, June 2G. Spiraea filipendula, June 27. Sweet William, June 27. Lupinus, July 1. Achillaea, July 1. Clematis recta, July 1. Lilium, July 2. (Enothera fruticosa, July 5. Epimedium muschianum, July 17. Delphinium, July 8. Campanula Macrantha, June 30. Veronica, July 15. Helianthus, July 22. Platycodon album, July 30. Hollyhock, August 2. TREES AND SHRUBS. THE ARBORETUM. The varieties of trees and shrubs under observation made a good growth during the season. Those added in the spring of 1005, referred to in my report, for that year. 368 iEXPERIMEXTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908i,'.33 made a strong growth, -with the following exceptions, which were winter-killed: — Viburnum lentago, Acer dasycarpum (seed from Winnipeg), Austrian Pine and Eed Pine. Last spring (1906) a number of specially hardy Rose trees were sent from the Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa, and set out in the Arboretum. These, with one exception — Prau Karl Drushki, — did very well, making strong growth, and in most cases blooming till late in the season. There were two each of the following varieties : — Souv. de Philemon Cochet, Belle Poitevine, Mercedes, Persian Yellow, Copper Austrian, HeterophyUa, Delicata, • Calocarpa, Mrs. Anthony Waterer, Eoseraie de I'Hay, Rugosa Alba, Frau Karl Drushki, Yellow Capiicine, Madame Plantier, Five hundred plants of Sea Buckthorn were received from the Central Experi- mental Farm, and planted for a hedge, and from the South Dakota Experiment Sta- tion at Brookings, were sent 300 plants of Siberian Sandthorn, and 100 cuttings of Niobe Willow. TREE SEEDS. Owing to frost killing the blossoms last spring, no seeds of the Native Maple matured in 1906, and the usual distribution of these seeds cannot be made in 1907. As it is hoped that the 1907 crop will be good, providing a supply for the distribu- tion of 1908, instructions for planting are repeated from my last report. PLANTING TREE SEEDS. Many inquiries are made during the year as to the best way to grow tree seeds in the Northwest, where usually at the time they are sown, the soil is very dry. For sev- eral seasons, little or no trouble has been experienced from this cause on the Experi- mental Farm, while in some districts the weather has been very dry. Maple seeds can be sown lat« in October, or early in May. It is not safe to sow all the supply of maple seed in the fall, as very often germination takes place too early in the spring, and frost kills the entire crop. Ash seed should be sown in October. Elm seed should be sown as soon as gathered in June, though it sometimes succeeds if sown the following spring. Elm seed requires a very light covering of fine moist soil, not over J-inch in thick- ness, while maple and ash should be covered 1 or Ij inches. Tree and shrub seeds should be sown in rows about 30 inches apart to permit horse cultivation when considerable quantities are grown. In all cases the land should be prepared the year preceding sowing, so as to have the soil as fine as possible. Breaking and backsetting new land, and summer-fallowing old, make the best and safest preparation. Trees should be transplanted when seedlings are 2 years old. When left Until 3 or 4 years old, the trouble and expense are greatly increased. FRUIT TREES. PLANTING. i Last spring the Central Experimental Farm sent up a number of Russian Seed- ling Apples, which were planted in Orchard No. 7, also over 200 Seedlings of Cross- REPORT UF AIR. AXGVS .UACKAT 868 I SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 bred Apples, which were set out in a new orchard east of the barn. 2 trees each of Golden and Silvia, cross-bred apples were also received. A list is given of the varieties comprised in the above mentioned lotsl t Carmnn. Snelling. Areola. Solina. Selkirk. Ponoka. Raniona. Souris. Russian Seedlings. 1 Sanford. 1 Wesley. 1 Bolton. 1 T'ingree. 1 Birtle. 1 GrenfelL 1 Bowie. 1 Hanley. Morden. B':pert. ^losiin. iluiley. Long. V^i den. Excelsior Simbirsk Crab. No. 9. Seedlings of Cross-hred Apples. 7 Seedlings of No. 449. 20 Seedlings of Romney 20 Golden. 6 " Dawn. 15 Columbia. 12 " Silvia. 12 Madge. 25 " Jewel. 8 Elsa. 25 " Alberta, 22 " Banks. 25 " Tony. 12 Lizzie. 5 « Eobin. PLUMS. Five trees of Aitkin Plum were received from tJie Central Experimental Farm, and planted out. STRAWBERRIES. The South Dakota Experiment Station, Brookings, S.D., kindly sent 50 plants of S. D. No. 1 Strawberry (seedling of Jessie, fertilized with pollen of Manitoba Wild Strawbeny), which were set out near those they sent in 1905. One hundred plants of Dunlap Strawberry were received from Mr. W. H. Fairfield, Lothbridge, Alta., and planted. FRUIT CROP. SIBERIAN CRAB APPLES (P. haccato). There was a medium ci'op of this fruit, the quality being good, except for tlie f;u>t that some of the crabs had been brused slightly by hailstones in the storm of July 24. CROSS-BRED APPLES. A good many of these varieties fruited for the first time in 1906. The fruit was in general somewhat smaller than that of the same varieties grown at Ottawa, but this may perhaps be accounted for by the very dry weather during August, at the time the fruit was filling. Derby, Northern Queen, and seedlings of Pauline, Dean and Aurora, bore fruit «tf fair size, and of quality much superior to the Pyrus baccata. le— 24 370 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-S EDWARD VII., A. 1908 PLUMS. The Manitoba Native plums yielded a good crop, which would have been heavier had not the hailstorm of July 24 knocked ofi a large number of the fruits. As there was no killing frost till well on in September, almost the whole crop ripened. RASPBERRIES. The crop of raspberries was, as usual, good. The best varieties now under test are Turner, Miller, Marlboro, Dr. Reider, Caroline and Garfield. CURRANTS. The currant crop was a complete failure owing to the attack of the Currant Maggot (Epochra canadensis). Almost every berry was infested by one of the pests. GOOSEBERRIES. The crop of Gooseberries was light, but some of the fruit was quite large. Smith's Improved and Houghton are the varieties longest under test. Young plants of a num- ber of cross-bred sorts made vigorous growth, and the following varieties fruited lightly: — Pale Red, Red Jacket, Rideau, Edna, Mabel and Gibb. STRAWBERRIES. The Strawberry crop, while light, was of good quality, and worthy of note as the tests of this fruit have met with such poor success in most previous years. The varieties fruiting were : — Grenville, Enhance, Crescent, Daisy, Johnson's Early, Bisel, Daniel Boone, Williams, 3 varieties of Alpine Strawberry (Jean d'Arc, St. Joseph and St. Antoine de Parker) and S. D. No. 1. CATTLE. The herd at present consists of 19 pure-bred Shorthorn cows, 3 bulls, and 19 grade animals. In December, 1906, the whole herd was tested for tuberculosis, and all were pro- nounced free from the disease. FEEDING TESTS. During the winter of 1905-06, a test was made of feeding steers of different ages, to determine the influence of age on beef production. A number of grade animals raised on the farm were selected, and divided into two lots, as follows: — Lot 1. — 3 yearling steers. Lot 2. — 2 two-year-old steers. The test was for 16 weeks, from December 15 to April G, during which period the animals were fed the following ration daily : — Lot 1. — Ensilage, 10 lbs.; straw, 8 lbs.; roots, 12 lbs.; meal Ij lbs. for first month (of 4 weeks), and 3, 4 and 6 lbs. respectively, during the other three months of the test, ground linseed J lb. per day for first two months, J lb. for third month, and none in fourth month. REPORT OF MR. AXGVS MACKA7 371 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 Lot 2. — Ensilage, 15 lbs.; straw, 8 lbs.; roots, 15 lbs.; meal, 2 lbs. during first month, and increased by two pounds each month. Ground linseed ^ lb. per day for two months and 1 lb. for two months. ■ The meal used consisted of two parts of barley to one part of wheat. The straw was cut and the required quantity mixed fresh each day with the en- ila silagG. Following will be found statements of the total and average gains made during the test, and of the amount of feed consumed. WEIGHTS AND GAINS DURING TEST. Weight at start End of 1st 4 weeks — Weight. . ir M Gain.. . . 11 2nd i weeks — Weight. ir II Gain . . . M 3rd 4 weeks — Weight.. ir II Gain. . . . 11 4th 4 weeks — Weight 11 II Gam Total gain Average gain per head Lbs. 1,870 1,910 40 2,030 120 2,1.55 125 2,320 1G5 450 150 Lot 2. Lbs. 1,740 1,890 150 2,040 1.50 2,105 G5 2,230 125 490 245 TOTAL AMOLTH" OF FEED CONSUMED. Ensilage Straw Roots Meal Ground linseed Lot Lbs. 3,300 1,792 3,360 1,120 112 FEEDIXG TEST, 1906-07. The purpose of this test was similar to that of the preceding winter, namely, to ascertain the most profitable age at which beef cattle may he fattened. There were two lots of cattle in the test, lot 1 being composed of 5 head of two- year-old steers raised on the farm, and lot 2 of 7 three-year-old steers purchased for this test. The following ration was fed daily during a 16 weeks' test : — Lot 1. — Ensilage, 8^ lbs.; hay, 3 lbs.; straw, 6 lbs.; meal, 3 lbs. for first month, and increased by two pounds each month of test. Ground linseed \ lb. Lot 2. — Ensilage, 11 lbs. ; hay, 4 lbs. ; straw, 8 lbs. ; meal, 4 lbs. for first month, and increased by two pounds each month. Ground linseed, A lb. The meal was composed of two parts barley to one part wheat The hay and straw were cut up and mixed with the ensilage each day in quantity required. Following will be found particulars of weights and gains of each lot, quantity and value of feed consumed, and financial result of the transaction. The steers in lot 1 were not bought, but for the purpose of comparison, they were valued at the same price as lot 2. 16— 24J 372 EXPERIMENTAL FAJtMS 7-8 EDWARD VI!., A. 1908 Weights and Gains during Test. Weight at start of test End of 1st 4 weeks — Weight , II M II Gain . . . , I, 2nd H Weight II II II Gain. . II 3rd II Weight. n Ti n Gain . n 4th II Weight. M II M Gain. . Total gain during test Average gain per head Lot 1. Lbs. 4,680 4,900 220 5,0:)0 190 6,200 110 5,735 535 1,055 211 Lot 2, Lba. 7,060 7,810 150 7,960 150 8,290 330 8,820 530 1,160 168 Total Weight and Estimated Value of Feed Consumed Dupjng 112 Days of Test. Fled. Value. Lot 1. Lot 2. Lbs. Cost. Lbs. Cost. Ensilage Hay Straw S2 per ton.... $8 11 .... $1 ic. per lb. . . . 3c. .1 .... 4,620 1.680 3,360 3,360 280 $ cts. 4 62 6 72 1 68 22 40 8 40 8,624 3,136 6,272 5,488 392 $ cts. 8 62 12 54 3 14 Meal Ground linseed 36 59 11 76 Total cost . 43 82 72 65 Cost per head 8 76 10 33 SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL RESULT OF THE TRANSACTION. Weight at start Value at 3c. per lb Cost of feed Total II per head Weight when sold Less 5% shrinkage Net weight sold At Amount received II per head Net profit II per head Lot 2. 7,660 lbs. $229 80 72 65 302 15 43 21 8,820 lbs. 441 II 8,379 11 4 cents. $335 16 47 88 32 71 4 67 HORSES. There are at present 13 horses on the farm. Since sending in my last report, one old mare has died, and one horse has been purchased. REPORT OF MR. AXGUS MACK AT SW3 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 SWINE. There are now two breeds of swine kept on the farm, Berkshires and Large York- shires. There are* at present 14 pigs, 5 Berkshires and 9 Yorkshires. Since November 30, 1905, there have been sold for breeding purposes, 4 Berkshire boars and 4 sows, 7 Yorkshire boars and 14 sows, and 1 Tamworth boar and 1 sow. POULTRY. Four breeds of fowls are kept. Black Minorca, Barred Plymouth Rock, Light Brahma and BuiT Orpington. Settings of eggs and young fowls are sold to applicants as far as they are avail- able. SEED SELECTION SPECIAL. During the winter of 1906, from January 5 to March 2, it was my privilege to be present on the Seed Special Train the greater part of the time, and address the farmers of 97 districts out of 143 through which the Seed Special passed. The object of sending the Seed Special over such a large portion of the three prairie provinces, was to overcome, if possible, the serious injury caused by smut and weeds. The train consisted of two, and at times three, passenger cars, in which the speak- ing was done, and special cars for the speakers were provided by the Department of Agriculture, Ottawa, the Canadian Pacific and Canadian Northern Railways. Usually 6 speakers were available for all points, each speaking 20 minutes where the attendance required the use of two cars. At overflow meetings, or where three cars were occupied, each speaker took from 25 to 30 minutes. The lectures were confined almost entirely to : — Smut and its eradication, The destruction of weeds, and The necessity of sowing clean and good seed grain. Two hundred meetings were advertised. Of these 107 were in Manitoba, 71 In Saskatchewan and 22 in Albeji;a. Three extra meetings were held in Alberta ; two of the Manitoba points could not be reached in time through snowdrifts, and three points on account of the train being derailed. EXCURSION TO EXPERIMENTAL FARM. On July 19 and 20 last, excursion trains were run from all stations from Moos.o- min on the east to Caron on the west, from Prince Albert on the north, and froin all points on the Areola and Rcgina, and Soo and Estevan Railways. The excursion was under the auspices of the Department of Agriculture at Regina, and the various agricultural societies of districts in the province adjacent to the railways. Over 4,000 visited the farm from the outside districts, and about 1,000 from In- dian Head and vicinity. A free lunch was provided on both days by the provincial government, and served by the Indian Head hospital directors. In addition to the free lunch, the department had speakers present from a distance, who addressed the people on Stock Judging, Domestic Cooking, and Weeds. Fifteen teams, in addition to the farm's force, conveyed the visitors over the farm during the two days. The farmers in the vicinity of the town, as well as many resi- dents of Indian Head supplied conveyances, a kindness which was greatly appreciated. 374 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 Six large tents were erected in front of the barn in which the lunch was served and meetings held, and in addition the large barn was continually crowded. A VISIT TO THE NOETHER:^T PART OE THE PROVINCE. It was my privilege in company with yourself to visit a considerable portion of Northern Saskatchewan early in September last. The districts of Saskatoon, Melfort, Humboldt and Yorkton were specially visited. Everywhere, harvest was over and threshing about commencing or already under way. In many sections the crops were very fine, and the favourable weather enabled all to be harvested in good condition. DISTRIBUTION OF SAMPLES, Last spring the customary distribution of the products of the farm was made to residents in the provinces of Saskatchewan and Alberta. The number of applications was considerably in excess of those of any previous year, and the supplies available were inadequate to provide for more than about half those applying. Eollowing is a list of the samples sent out: — • Wheat 520 bags, 3 lb. Oats 420 " 3 " Barley 116 " 3 " Pease ■ 96 " 3 " Sundries (flax, rye, sp-lt) 53 " 3 " Potatoes T58 " 3 " Tree seeds (Maple) 780 " * " Tree seeds (Ash) 285 " 1 " Shrub seeds 108 " 1" Grass seed, Brome 46 " 1 " Grass seed. Western Rye 15 " 1 " Small seeds, 650 bags containing 9,750 packages of shrub, flower, root and garden seeds, and corn. Rhubarb roots 150 packages. Fruit bushes and cuttings 422 " Tree and shrub seedlings 878 " Express parcels of trees and shrubs 92 parcels. The sample distribution for the spring of 1907 is now in progress, and will be detailed in the report for 1907. CORRESPONDENCE. In the five months from November 1, 1905, to March 31, 1908, 6,522 letters were received and 6,386 mailed. During the twelve months ending March 31, 1907, 8,469 letters were received and 8,365 mailed from this office. In letters received reports on samples are not included, and in letters mailed cir- culars of instruction sent out with samples are not counted. REPORT OF MR. ANQUS MACKA7 375 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 METEOROLOGICAL RECOUD. Month. Temperature, Maximum. Temperature, Minimum. Rp.in Days. 2 fall. Snow- fall. Hours of Bright Sunshine. November. 1905. Date. 12 6 4 19 29 & 31 23 10 12 9 13 6&7 11 6 2 9 & 10 11 20 Degrees 6!) 40 40 40 57 84 87 82 92 99 91 75 49 33 20 41 44 Date. 29 3 22 13 14 4 5 2 13 25 23 19 30 6&8 14 3&4 1 Degrees —23 —22 —33 -33 —15 13 20 37 42 36 25 13 —15 —26 —42 42 -10 Inches. •20 Indies, 6-5 8^ 95 1^ 5 a- 2-5 G5- December . 1906. 77" •20 2 142 0 •TAniiai'V 77 -6 February March i' 5 15 16 10 6 3 6 3 •■■ •09- 101 2^08 430 2 35 •44 2 22 •30 •42 99 G 153-4 April . 152 3 May 147 1 June 34 0 ■ 5 15- 9^ 4- 2- 8- 180-2 July 296-1 August . . . September October . . . November 2.32-5 202-8 123-8 53-8 December 1907. 49 -8 65 13 21 1769 0 January . . Februiiry . March 98-2 1291 1 •10 152- 1 •10 385 379-3 I have the honour to be, sir, Tour obedient servant, ANGUS MACKAY, Superintendent. 7-8 EDWARD VII. SESSIONAL PAPER No. It A. 1908 EXPERIMENTAL FARM FOR BRITISH COLUMBIA. REPORT OF THOMAS A. SIIARPE, SUPERINTENDENT. Agassiz, B.C., March 30, 1907. To Dr. Wm. Saunders, C.M.G., Director Dominion Experimental Farms, Ottawa. Sir, — I have the honour to submit the following report of the work done on the Experimental Farm at Agassiz during the year 1906. This year has been, on the whole, a fairly good one for most farm crops. The first three months of the year were very mild and pleasant, the lowest temperature in January being six degrees of frost on the 20th, with a rainfall of four and a quarter inches, and twenty-one inches of snow; this, however, did not all come in one storm and did not lie long and no drifts formed. February was equally mild and pleasant, the lowest temperature showing three degrees of frost on the 9th. Rainfall for the month nearly four and three quarter inches, and no snow. March was, on the whole, cooler, with a lighter rainfall and a little sharper frost than either January or Febru- ary, the lowest temperature being nine degrees of frost on the 13th and a rainfall for the month of very little over two inches and no snow. Snowdrops, Narcissus and Il^-acinths bloomed freely in the open garden from the first of the month, and Apricot aiid Japanese plum trees bloomed in the third week. Grass made a strong growth during the month and clover was sis inches high by the end of ilarch. April was mostly fair and clear, but the nights were cool and there were several sharp frosts, 30 degrees being the lowest on the 12th. The prevailing winds were north and north- west, and cold, vegetation not combing forward as rapidly as promised in the last few days of ^farch, and the cold winds with showers and light frosts were very injurions to early blooming fruit trees and plants, a light frost with a good many cool rain showers in May, injured the fruit crop, but the rains were helpful to the hay and grass crops. The showery weather with considerable windy weather in April and May rendered spraying very difficult and frequently made the work inefF-'etive. June was very favourable for the growth of most grain and root crops except corn, which did not grow well until the end of the month, owing to the rain and cool winds. There was rain on nineteen days and a cool breeze almost continuously, v^-hich prevented the corn from making, much progress. July was a comparatively dry and warm month, the rainfall being only a little over 2:^ inches as compared with nearly 7J inches for May and 6i inches in June. The frequent showers in June rei^dered the curing of the first crop of clover almost impossible and it certainly was not practicable to make a really good hay of it, and as it could be made into a very fine quality of ensilage, all of the first crop was put into the silo. The weather during August was dry and warm, the rainfall being only a little over one inch, and corn grew finely nnd the clear days of bright sunshine ripened the plum.s with very little rot, and enabled farmers to harvest the grain and second crop of clover in fine condition. September was rather showery, the rainfall was over six and a quarter inches, and the damp weather was favourable for root crops ai^d late rrass. 377 373 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDVMRD VII., A. 1908 TEUIT CEOPS. Tlic unfavourable weatlier in April and May caused some varieties of fruits to drop when forming and many varieties of apples, pears and plums, whicli showed a full bloom did not have any fruit, or had ^ very light crop, but many other varieties bore full crops and the fruit was very free from blemishes and disease. MOUKTAIX ORCHARDS. The plum, apple, and pear trees on the different benches on the mountains were generally well loaded with fruit. Unfortunately the crop of wild fruit was poor and the bears made free with the early apples and plums and took all the fruit, much of it before it was fully grown. OEJ^TAMENTAL TEEES AND SHEUBS. The ornamental flowering shrubs, and forest trees have all made a fine strong growth and are becoming very handsome. KUT TEEES. The nut trees and filbert bushes have done very well; the English, Japanese and American black walnuts all bore fruit, and some of the Spanish and Japanese chest- nuts had a few nuts. The filberts bore better this year than ever before, but it is almost impossible to save them, as the blue jays commence to take them before they are matured. The walnut and chestnut trees planted on the mountain are making fair progress, but receiving no cultivation, they do not grow as rapidly as those on the level land. All the nuts that were saved were distributed to planters in different parts of the province and apod reports of the progress of young trees grown from nuts sent out in previous years continue to be received. DITCHING. About 200 yards of new ditch have been dug this year, and the old ditches were cleaned out. NEW BEEAKING. No new breaking has been done this year, but about three acres have been got ready and will be ploughed as soon as possible in spring and put in condition for a crop next season. CATTLE. The herd of registered Shorthorn cattle now numbers thirty-five head, as follows: twelve cows, four heifers, five heifer calves, 1 stud bull, 1 yearling bull, ten bull calves and two steers. Since my last report three bulls have been sold to head herds and two cows for beef. SHEEP. The flock of sheep numbers seventeen ewes, 1 stud ram and three ram lambs. During the year three ram lanbs were sold as breeders, and seven animals to the butcher. J REPORT OF MR. THOMAS A. SHARPS 379 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 PIGS. The stock of pigrs consists of seven pure-bred Ijerkshircs and eight pnrc-bred York.sliires. A number of both breeds have been sold as breeders and the surplus to the butcher. HORSES. Since my last report another of the old horses has died. Of the original lot brought here in 1889, three geldings remain; as they are all over twenty years old and have done a great deal of very hard work, they are nearly worn out. Two very line teams of young horses, a driving mare and the three old horses are our present horse force. BEES. The past season has for some reason been a poor one for bees, several swarms not having stored enough honey to carry them to the end of the year. There are seven swarms now, all well supplied with stores to carry them through to another honey season. POULTRY. There are on the farm this year Wliite Wyandottes, Buff Orpingtons, Barred Plymouth Rocks, Black Minorcas and Rose Comb Brown Leghorns. The R. C. B. Leghorns have been the best layers, bvit their eggs are rather small. Black Minorcas come next in number of eggs — which are large. Neither of these breeds make good table birds, but they malve pretty good broilers at from ten. to twelve weeks old, if well fed. Of the heavier breeds, this year the Buff Orpingtons laid best, the B. P. Rocks and Wliite Wyandottes being about equal. The White Wyandotte chickens matured a little the earliest, but the Buff Orp- ington and B. P. Rocks make larger birds at maturity, and the Buff Orpingtons with us, put on more breast meat than the other two breeds. A good strain of any one of these three breeds of fowls make good layers, also good table birds. Our hens are kept in breeding pens — with yards attached — from January 1 to July 1, and they are at large during the rest of the year. They are fed mixed grain, about J wheat, ^ oats, and ^ pease, and in the antumn they get some sunflower seed, also a few ears of corn occasionally during the winter. While they are confined we give them as much variety of food as possible with what we have on hand. In the coldest weather in winter they get a mash of boiled roots mixed with chop of any kind which we have. A cabbage head or other vegetable is always before them, also grit or finely crushed clam shells, and a box of sifted coal ashes to dust in. We have not had any disease among the poultry this year, except a few cases of rheumatism, which was probably caused by the wet weather in the autumn, but as in previous years, crows, hawks and skunks have been very troublesome, carrying off a great many chickens, even after they were well grown. The chickens were hatched ami reared by hens. The percentage hatched and raised has been about the same as was had with an incubator and brooder. The only advantage in using an incubator and brooder is that a large number of chickens can be hatched and raised early and at one time. The henhouse is sprayed with whitewash in which is mixed some carbolic acid, and the yards are dug about once a month. EXPERIMENTS WITH OATS. Thirty-seven varieties of oats were sown in the test plots this year, the size of the plots were one-fortieth of an acre each. The soil was a sandy loam that had produced S80 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 a crop of roots in 1905, and these had been grown on a heavy aftermath of clover that had also been heavily dressed with stable manure in the previous autumn and thoroughly worked into the soil with spade harrow and drag, and was in good condition, but the dry, hot season hastened the ripening and somewhat lessened the yield. The grain is plump, bright-coloured and a very good sample. The plots were all sown on April 12. Oats — Test of Varieties. Name of Variety. 1 Olive Black 1! Lincoln .3 Gold tinder 4 Virginia White . . , 5 Black Beauty.. .. , 6 American Beauty. 7 Bavarian, , 8 \Vliite Giant. 9 10 11 1-2 Golden Flrece Buckbee's Illinois Golden Gi.'int Swedish Select Improved Anierican . . Milford White Improved Ligowo Siberian Pioneer ThouBand Dollar Holstein Prolific , Waverley. JLO 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Milford Black 22 Irish Victor 23 Danish Island 24 Banner 25 Abundance 26 Joanette 27 Kendal Black 28 Kendal White 29 Tartar King. 30i American Triumph. SllWide Awake 32 Columbu.s 33! Sensation 34 Twentieth Century. 35 3G 37 Storm Ki))! Mennonitc Golden Be; r.tv. Date of Ripen- ing:. Aug. July Auar. 1] 111 2 112 4i 114 31 110 July Aug. July Aug. Ill 111 117 112 113 111 117 112 113 113 115 113 111 115 111 117 111 111 117 114 111 111 112 115 110 112 116 115 113 111 1 1 7 4 1 1 2 5 31 2 5 6 ol 11 31 110 1 111 31 113 O be s 01 In. Character of Straw. Strong . Medium . Strong. . - 45; 46 46 50! 46 47 47 41 „ 471 I. 4V, ., 45,Stiff 471 H 47! " 42 Soft, weak. 42 i Strong 47 41 „ 41 46 48 42 48 ,, ... 46 ., 42;Suff 4S| 40 [Medium. 41IStrong. 46 44 47 44 42 40 42 48 45 42 Medium. . Strong Medium . , Strong.. . . 'Medium . , Stiff" . . . '. Strong.. . Mediijm. c o 1-5 In. 9 10 9 n 10 11 11 9 10 9 9 10 J) 9 9 10 10 9 9 11 9 10 11 9 11 10 10 10 11 10 9 10 9 10 11 n 9 Kind of Head. [Sided ._. ' Branching 'Sided . _. . Branching Lbs. ISided .... Branching Sided...'." Branching Sided .. Branching Sided Branching Sided .... Branching Yield! g,„. per Acre. 72 71 71 71 70 68 65 3,520 3,900 3,40Q ' 3,080 ' 3,580 2,960 4,480 3,160 4,160 65 4, 280 '64 5,040:63 4,000 63 4,480;G2 4, -.80162 3,448:62 3,320 61 2,920 3,460 3,320 3,360 4,140 4,820 3,760 4,410 4,200 3,040 4,440 4,400 4,060 4,120 4,080 3,280 50 3,960 50 3,140148 2,880j47 4,120 45 4.520;43 _ 0. Id Lbs 61 60 60 60 .59 59 .58 58 58 57 57 56 54 52 51 32 12 26 26 16 20 8 30 30 24 18 18 12 12 12 26 16 20 6 24 14 28 28 18 22 22 16 24 32 26 30 20 28 2 30 18 Rusted. No rust. .Slightly. !l No rust. 37 33 33 35 36 33 32 34 i 30i H 31 32 33i 35 32 34 38i 34i I Slightly. 32i!No rust. 3l|lSiightly. 37 I 34j;No rust. 34 32i 31 34 38 32 34 32 32 34 32| 28 Slightly. 32^ No rust. 34 32 Slightly. iSlightly. No rubt. EXPEEIMENTS WITH BARLEY. The soil chosen for the test plots of outs and barley was a sandy loam which had a heavy clover aftermath turned under in the autumn of 1904, was thoroughly cut with the spade harrow and dressed with about 12 tons per acre of barnyard manure which was then worked into the soil by spade harrow and drag, in preparation for a crop of roots which grew on it in 1905. It was ploughed early in March of this year, and worked with disk and drag every few days to clean it of weeds, and fit it for the experimental plots. The barley was all sown April 16 in plots of one-fortieth of REPORT OF MR. THOMAS A. SHARPE SESSIONAL PAPFR No. 16 381 an acre and promised to be an extra heavy crop, but the very hot weather durinj? the latter part of July ripened it a little too hurriedly, bo that although fine and bright in colour, the berry is not aa plump as was expected. Fourteen varieties of two-rowed, and eighteen varieties of six-rowed barley were tested. There was no smut or rust on any of the barley plots. Six-rowed Barley — Test op Varieties. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 IS Name of Variety. Date of Ripening. Mensury Odessa Empire Blue Long Head Claude Nugent Yale Trooper Stella Common . Argyle Brome Champion Oderbruch Albert . Summit Manstield July Royal . 25. 25. 27. 27. 24 2d. 27. 30. 23 26, 28. 28. 23. 26. 25. 30. 28. 26. n oi Obi 0.9 - fa c _. 5S 12; 100 100 102 102 99 101 102 105 103 101 103 103 98 101 100 105 103 101 Character Growth. In. trot Ig 46 If 45 It 46 11 42 ti 40 11 M It 40 43 47 II 42 II 44 M .... 44 II 43 tl 46 II 45 If II 44 43 11 47 It 44 Weight ^ of ^TJ Straw. tC 4; h-1 In. Lbs. 3,620 3 3,040 3 2,800 4 3,120 2A 2,960 2.V 2, .310 n 3,120 3 3,760 3 3,340 3 3,100 3i 3,610 '4 3,860 4 3,280 3 3,520 3 4,5(;0 n 3,800 3 3,640 3 3,480 3 Yield per Acre. Bush I. Lbs. 49 28 47 4 46 32 43 16 42 24 39 18 39 8 39 8 ^1 24 36 32 36 22 36 12 35 40 35 34 8 33 16 32 24 31 32 f.1 Lbs. 48 49 50 44i 51 49 49 40.!; A&l 48' 49| 50 44 51.i 50 hl\ 49 49^ Two-ROWED Barley — Test op Varieties. y. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Name of Variety. Clifford .. . Swedish Chevolier French Chevalier. Dunham Danish Chevalier Sidney Harvey . . Standwell .... . . Beaver Invincible Gordon Jarvis Canadian Thorpe. Logan Date of Ripening. July 2S. ,. SO. 1. 31. I. 31. u 31 n 30 .. 31. Aug. 1.. July 30. „ 31. ., 31 Aug. 1. . July 30. H 30 103 105 106 106 106 105 106 107 105 106 106 107 105 105 Character of Growth. Strong Medium Strong M-4 0. -'■' In. 48 41 46 42 40 48 41 46 40 42 45 42 42 Weight of Straw. Lbs. 3,.S20 2,9.50 3,400 2,400 3,420 4,040 3,240 3,000 3,400 2,840 2,980 3,760 2,000 4,000 o tL i> 01 '^ Yield per Acre. In. Bubh. Lbs. 46 42 41 41 41 41 40 40 37 36 34 34 32 27 32 14 42 32 12 2 40 24 32 36 8 44 4 .£f 3 Lbs. 51 52 52 4:)i 52 51i 50 53 52 49 52 48 51i 49 382 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-3 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 WHEAT. Owing to the prevalance of the wheat midg-e Diplosis tritici in the Agassiz valley, the plots of spring Avheat, also those of durnm wheat and of emmer and spelt, have all been so much injured as to make the tests for 1906, as to the relative productiveness of the varieties of no value, hence the yields for 190G are not given. It is proposed to discontinue the wheat plots at Agassiz for a year with the hope of thus getting rid of this insect pest. EXPEKIMENTS WITH PEASE. Of field pease, 26 varieties were sown in the test plots this year on clover sod. The soil was a sandy loam. The land was ploughed late in the fall, and as early as the work could be done, it was thoroughly cut up with the spade harrow and fined with the spike-tooth drag. There were some large apple trees in the field, and wherever a plot was soAvn between rows of these, the yield was somewhat lessened. The plots were one-fortieth of an acre each, and all were sown on April 17. Pease — Test of Varieties. a Name of Variety. 1 English Grey 2 White Marrowfat 3 Early Britain 4 Picton. 5 Kent 6 Mummy 7 M.ickay 8 Golden Vine 9 Prince Albert 10 Archer 11 Prince 12 Arthur 13 Wisconsin Blue 14 Daniel O'Rouike 15 Crown ... 16 White Wonder 17 Gregory ... 18 Nelson 19 Prussian Blue 20 Chancellor 21 Pear] 22 Duke 23Agnes 24 Paragon 25 Black Eve Marrowfat. Date of Ripen- ing. Au.Q a. 3 ,- « 8 It 7 tl 10 It 4 tl S tl 7 ) " 4 M 11 tl 7 8 1 , 1 ' ,. 8 I II 5 1 n 5 1 M 9 i " 3 1 " 3 i n C ! 1) 12 11 10 11 10 II 10 11 111 8! 109 4 105 lo! Ill 108 111 105 109 10b. 105 112 10: 109 102 K)9 100 10 no 101 104 107 113 111 111 111 Strong. Character of Growth- \Iedinm. , Strong. . . Medi'am. . Strong. O be c Weight of Straw. In. 48 52 50 54 5: 48 48 52 48| 52 42 48 .^0 56 50 G2 50 50 48 50 72' 54 5G G3 62 Lbs. 2,400 2,860 3,080 3,000 2,820 2,680 3,020 3,260 2,82f 2,500 3,600 3,250 2,920 3,540 2,860 3,030 3,620 3,440 3,280 3,320 3,570 3,320 4,(;0'J 3,G60 3,24a -a o «♦.« o bo G o In. 3 3 3 3 2i 3 3 n 3 3 3 2k 3 2 3 3 2h 3 2i 2i 3 3 3 31 3i Size of Pea . Medium . Laigo . . . Medium . It Large . . . Medium. tl Small . . . Medium . Large . . . Sm»U Medium . Small Large Medium Large . Yield per Acre. 3 1-3 50 .. 49 .. 48 40 46 40 46 20 45 20 43 .. 42 40 41 20 39 .. 38 40 38 10 38 .. 37 40 37 20 36 40 36 20 30 35 20 34 40 32 30 29 40 28 , 27 20 26 Lbs. C3i 63| 624 64 64 64 63 65 65 61 6Si 65 65^ 63 65 03 G4i 04' 65 65 (■e,' 64 65 EXPERIMENTS WITH CORN. There were twenty-three varieties of corn planted in the variety test this year. All were planted May 4 except one variety, the Red Cob Ensilage; that was planted May 25. The soil is a gravelly loam which had been heavily manured with barnyard manure in tlie winter of 1904, and fitted for a crop of wheat which was grown on it in 1905. REPORT OF MR. THOMAS A. 8HARPE 383 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 The corn was sown earlier this year than usual and had the season oecn favour- al;le, wc should have had a better yield of more matured corn. The months of May and most of June were generally wet, cold and unfavourable for corn. In July and August it was dry and hot, and the soil being gravelly, soon dried out and the crop suffered for lack of moisture. The yield per acre is calculated from sixty-six feet of two rows both in hills and drills. The drills were three feet apart and the corn thinned to six inches apart in the drill, and the hills were three feet apart each way and three or four stallis left in each hill. Corn — Tkst of Varieties. J3 Na'ne of Variety. Character of Growth. 1 2 3 4 5 6 ( 8 9 10 1] 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Pride of the North Red Cob Ensilage. (Jiant Prolific Ensilage Suiierior Plodder White Cap Yellow i>. nt. . Thoroughbred White Flint. Champron White Pearl Compton's Karly Mammoth Cuban, Salzer'8 All Gold . . . Early Butler Wood's Northern Dt-nt North Dakota White King Philip Angel of Midnight Early Mastodon Longfellow Eureka Early Longfellow Cloud's Early Yellow Evergreen Sugar Early Learning. Selected Learning Height. Strong. ..... I \''ery strong Strong . Very strong. Strong . Very strong : Strong . . . ■ i " Very strong. Strong . . I II Very strong, Inches. 112 126 120 IIG 131 08 113 114 118 108 90 104 106 109 92 116 106 113 100 98 108 108 118 Leafine,ss. Very leafy When Cut Oct. 2. 2. 2. 2. 2. 2. 2 2. 2. 2. 2. 2. Condition when Cut. Early milk. . II . . Ears formed. II . . Early milk. . In silk Late milk. . . Early milk. . 2.| 2.1 2. 2.1 2. 2. 2. 2. 2 2. 2. In silk Early milk. . II . . If . . Late milk . . Early milk. . II . . Roasting . . . In silk Roasting . . . Early milk . II . . Late milk . . Early milk. . 5 * o 2 to o a o H 24 20 20 19 19 18 17 17 17 17 17 16 16 14 14 14 13 13 12 12 11 11 11 1,280 23 1,580 19 C a be o !> ,G 40 1,490 280 1,620 1,860 1,80; 18 17 19 18 18 15 18 16 17 16 15 1,530 1,310 980 1,600 560 1,260 13 1,0W15 71015 1,28012 62013 310|13 90 11 l,760!ll 1,43013 22011 1,300 390 960 1,420 1,490 740 411 1,460 410 1,220 320 1,820 140 510 30 140 1,190 1,060 180 1,880 440 620 990 CORN SOWN AT DIFFERENT DISTANCES APART. The same varieties were used in this test as in previous years, and as in the past the widest rows gave the most matured corn. These plots were planted alongside of the varietal tests and under the same conditions. The growth appears to be as mature, the ears as large and as plentiful at 35 inches in the drill as at 42 inches, and there does not seem to be any advantage to compensate for the extra ground taken up bv the wider rows. 384 EXPERIMElfTAL FAJUIS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 Corn Sottn at DiyrRRBirr DigxANcrs Apart Name of Variety. Champion 'SVhite Pearl. Dst« of Sowing. May Longfellow Selected I4^aIning. Charactw of Growth. Strong' In. 21 28 35 42 iil 28 35 43 21 28 35 42 In. 21 28 35 42 21 28 35 42 21 28 35 42 Condition when cut. Early milk It Late milk If Early milk, Late milk, Glazing. . , Early milk- . Late milk. Weight per Acre grown in rows. Tons. Lbs. 25 20 17 15 19 16 IG 14 19 15 12 10 Weight per Acre grown in hills. 1,480 1,489 1,300 92(j 1,847 80 1,264 380 280 2m 1,7PG 305 ions. 24 20 17 14 20 15 15 14 19 14 13 10 Lbs. 1,594 392 IGO 1,933 1,108 843 885 1,417 1,222 1,134 475 835 EXPEEBEENTS WITH FIELD ROOTS. All the experiments with field roots were alongside each other on sandy loam that had a heavy clover stubble turned uuder in the autumn of 1904, and a crop of field pease the summer of 1906, followed by a heavy dressing of stable manure in the winter of 1905, which was well worked into the soil with drag and spade harrow and the soil kept open and mellow until the roots were sown in 1906. Two sowings of each variety were made fourteen days ajoart in drills thirty inches apart. Twenty varieties of turnips, sixteen of mangels, ten of carrots and eight of sugar beets were sown. The first sowing of turnips was on Hay 7, the second sowing on May 21 ; with all the other roots the first sowing was made April 21, and the. second May 5. Eour rows each 100 feet long were sown and the yield per acre was found by weighing the crop from 66 feet of the two centre rows of each sowing of every variety. They were all harvested October 30 and 31, excepting the turnips. These were taken up from both sowings on November 1. The si)ring was so cold and showery that the seed did not germinate freely and tlie summer and early autumn so dry that the root crops were unusually light. TuRN'iPS — Test op Yarieties. s I 2 ^1 7i 8: 9| 10| 12; 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Name of Variety. Yield pek Acre. 1st Plot. Good Luck Kangaroo Jumbo Halewood's Broiize Top-. Perfection Swede. . . . Emperor Iiiipeiial Magnum Bonum Eleph^Crit's Mastei New Century Sutton's Chaiiipion . . Carter's Elejihant-. . . Drummond Purple Top East Lothian Bangholm Selected ... Hall's Westbury. .. . Skirving's Hartley's Bronze Selected Purple Top Mammoth Clyde Tons. 23 21 21 21 20 18 18 17 16 16 15 15 15 14 14 13 13 12 11 10 Lbs. 200 1,032 600 240 1,760 960 432 1,376 208 142 1,944 1,GS0 1,152 1,172 488 928 664 652 1,760 1,120 2nd Plot. Busli. Lbs. Tons. 770 717 12 I 710 704 696 616 607 689 538 535 532 528 519 488 474 448 441 409 396 352 12 S6 48 42 24 i2 12 48 48 24 12 15 18 17 17 17 17 16 13 14 16 16 21 15 16 10 15 7 8 10 7 Lbs. 1,150 1,488 1,640 848 5'<4 584 1,792 928 1,668 1,192 184 240 360 340 136 96 1,078 363 1,120 784 Bush, .519 624 594 5'50 576 576 663 448 492 553 536 704 606 539 335 501 250 272 352 246 Lbs. 12 48 48 24 24 12 48 48 12 24 36 3G 48 48 24 REPORT OF MR. THOMAS A. 8EARPM SESSIONAL PAPER No. 18 Maxgels — Test of Varieties. 385 V B s Name of Variety. 1 Yellow Intenriediate 2 .M;>.ininoth Yellow Intermediate. 3 Triumph Yellow Globe 4 Ijcviathan Long Red 6 Giant Sugar Mangel 6 Half Sugar Rosy 7 naif Sugar White 8 Lion Yellow Intel-mediate {1 Selected Mammoth Long Red. . 10 Mammoth Long Red 11. Giant Yellow Intermediate. . . 12 Prize Mammoth Long Red 13 Selected Yellow Globe 14'Giant Yellow Globe 15' Prize-winner Yellow Globe . . . ISlGatePost Yield pkh Acre. 1st Plot. Tons. Lbs. I Bush. 27 20 20 19 18 18 ir, 15 14 14 13 11 11 11 11 10 852 1,712 1,184 544 9G0 168 868 1,680 1,040 644 1,720 1,892 1,820 1,760 176 1,856 914 695 686 642 616 602 547 628 484 477 462 398 397 396 369 384 12 12 24 24 48 48 24 12 6 36 16 2nd Plot. ons. 1 Lbs. 17 512 13 928 14 248 13 1,720 8 368 6 1,200 13 136 10 10 13 1,120 l,2r,2 532 6 7 1,728 652 6 5 8 1,332 1.748 236 6 1,464 Lbs. 575 448 470 462 272 220 4.35 .352 354 442 228 244 222 195 270 224 12 48 48 48 36 12 12 48 12 12 48 36 21 Carrots — Test of Varieties. E 5?; \ 5| 61 7i 8' 9 10 Name of Variety. Giant White Vosges Carter's Orange Giant . . Improved Short White New White Intermediate White Belgian Mammoth White Intermediate. Half Long Chantenay Pearly Gem Ontario Champion. Long Yellow Stump-rooted Yield per Acre. 1st Plot. Tons. Lbs. 37 1,340 31 1,756 31 964 28 1,948 28 232 26 1,592 26 404 24 576 23 1,784 22 1,672 Bush. Lbs. 1,089 1,062 1,049 965 937 893 873 809 796 761 36 24 48 12 12 24 36 24 12 2nd Plot. Tons. Lbs. 19 25 21 25 25 20 18 17 16 19 1,540 160 1,524 1,612 68S 1,448 9G0 1,901 733 1,804 Bush. Lbs, 659 836 7.52 SCO 844 6110 616 tG8 545 663 24 12 48 48 21 36 24 Sugar Beets — Test of Varieties. 12; Name of Variety. Improved Imperial. . Dani.sh Red Top . . Red Top Sugar Danish Improved Wanzleben Royal Giant French Very Rich . . Vilmorin's improved 16—25 22 21 20 19 18 15 12 10 Yield per Acre, Tons. Lbs. 1,540 1,032 1,712 1,072 1,356 1,680 1,080 64 Plot. Bush. Lbs. 759 717 12 695 12 651 12 622 36 528 418 334 24 2nd Plot. ons. Lbs. 12 1,344 17 4.52 10 64 9 744 13 532 7 1,546 6 672 6 1,068 Bush. Lbs. 422 574 334 312 442 259 211 217 24 12 24 24 12 6 12 48 383 EXPBRIME^^TAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VH., A. 1908 POTATOES. ^ Thirty-two varieties of potatoes were planted in the experimental plots. Four rows. of one hundred feet long were planted with the rows two and a half feet apart, and the sets about one foot apart in the rows. The yield has been computed from the crop obtained from sixty-six feet of the two middle rows. All were planted May 1, on sandy loam, which had received a heavy dressing of manure in the spring of 1905 and was in good condition, but the very dry July and August lessened the yield. The tubers were smooth, of very fine quality and with very little rot, only four of the varieties being so affected. They were all dug on October 17. iPoTAToEs — Test of Varieties. a> Name of Variety. 1 Late Puritan 2 Dreer's Standarrl 3 Vermont Gold Coin . . 4| American Wonder 5j Ashleaf Kidney 0 State of Maine .... ... 7{Everett 8|Rochester Rose 9 Sabean's Elephant lOiCarnianNo. 1 lllMaule's Thoroughbred. I2II.X.L 13|Morgan Seedling \A Uncle Sam 15 Empire State IG Holborn Abundance- . 17 Carman No. 3 18 Early White Prize. . . . 19 Burnaby Mammoth . . 20 Pearce . 21 Vick's Extra Early 22 Dalmeny Beauty 23 Country Gentleman . 24 Dooley 25 Early Rose 20 Bovee 27 Irish Cobbler 28 Reeve's Rose 29 Early Envoy 30 31 32 Money Maker. . . Pingree Canadian Beauty Yield per Acre. Total. Bu.sh. Lbs. 611 30 589 36 514 48 508 12 4! '5 4';g 24 4-3 12 452 435 36 404 48 402 36 39G 3G3 3n0 48 35G 24 •^m 36 330 330 323 24 297 281 36 277 12 272 48 2G8 24 2G4 2G4 248 36 218 56 218 56 211 12 200 12 171 36 Sound. Bush. Lbs. 581 36 5S9 36 509 .. 508 12 495 . . 466 24 453 12 430 .. 435 36 404 48 402 36 396 .. 363 . . 360 48 356 24 336 36 330 . . 330 .. 323 24 297 . . 281 36 277 12 272 48 268 24 264 .. 264 .. 248 36 218 56 218 56 199 .. 200 12 171 36 Rotten. Market- able. Bush. Lbs. Bush. Lbs. Bush. Lbs, Unmarket- able. 30 "5' 22' 43 12 12 583 .. 501 .. 443 .. 407 12 347 .. 397 24 363 .. 363 .. 370 36 343 48 324 36 339 . . 311 .. 306 40 281 .. 270 36 200 . . 281 .. 275 .. 254 . . 225 36 250 12 189 48 229 211 215 204 187 176 160 12 133 12 120 .. 58 88 66 101 148 69 90 67 65 61 78 57 52 54 71 66 40 49 48 43 56 47 83 39 53 49 44 31 42 51 67 51 36 36 24 24 24 36 56 56 36 Form and Colour. Long, white. Long, flat, white Round, white. Long, pink. Long, rose. Oblong, red. Long, white. II Long, rose. Long, flat, pink. Long, pink. Round, white. Long, flat, white. Round, white. II Long, white. Oblong, rose. Long, red. Round, rose. Round, white. Oblong, pink. Oblong, white. Oblong, rose, liong, rose. Round, white. Long, rose. Oblong, pink and white. EiOng, white. II Oblong, flat, white. REPORT OF MR. THOMAS A. SHARPS 387 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 POTATOES. — E.VRLY A^^) J.ATE PLANTING. Two varieties were chosen for this test. They were planted alongside of the other test plots and the conditions of soil and treatment were the same. The Early St. George, being an early potato, does not yield so well when planted late. The Enor- mous, being a late potato, not only increases in yield, but the per cent of marketable potatoes is larger in the late planted plots than in the earlier. Planted. Yield per Acue r Name of Variety. Acre. Sound. Rotten. Marketable . Un- marketable. Early St. Gtorge April 5.. „ 12.. „ 19.. M 26.. May 3.. M 10.. April 5.. ., 12.. „ 19.. H 20 . Mav 3.. „' 10.. Bush . Lbs. 523 36 545 36 460 24 40) 24 305 12 352 . . 420 48 402 . . 488 24 510 38 554 24 592 20 Bush. Lbs. 523 30 545 30 400 24 400 24 305 12 352 . . 420 48 402 .. 488 24 510 .38 554 24 592 20 Bush Lbs. is'or.e.... Bush. Lbs. 445 . . 402 30 382 30 320 24 2i)2 12 2S1 30 375 48 415 .. 4:i9 34 403 20 41.9 54 545 20 Bush. Lbs. 78 36 S3 83 54 tl . II 80 .. 73 .. 70 30 Enormous 51 .. 47 .. 48 50 53 18 " 54 30 47 20 CLOVEE EXPEEmEXTS. These are in continuation of those for last year on clover and alfalfa seed treated with the special culture, and a similar area alongside sown with a similar quantity of untreated seed. The growth of clover on both plots, treated and untreated, was very good and two crops of clover were cut and made into hay. The alfalfa did not amount to much and the only growth worth cutting, on either treated or untreated plot, was where a red clover plant had come in as a volunteer. The alfalfa was gone over with the mower June 23, and again July 21, but there was not enough to rake up. The red clover plots were cut June 20 and again on July 19, and the cured weigjits were as follows, the plots being each half an acre. Plot l.—Bed Clover, Treated Seed. Lbs. First crop cured hay 1,985 Second cutting 1,385 Plot 2. — Red Clover, Untreated Seed. Eirst crop cured hay 1,945 Second cutting 1,370 There was evidently no advantage derived from the treatment of the seed. A third cutting might have been made in early September, but the land was broken up and prepared for orchard planting. EODDEE PLANTS. The following forage plants were sown in plots of one-fortieth of an acre each on May 3. The land was a sandy loam which had been manured with about ten tons IG— 25i 338 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. iS08 of fresh farmyard manure the previous fall, which was well worked into the soil with disk and spike-tooth harrow. Plot 1. — Soja Beans. — Sown in drills 21 inches apart, cut October 2. Length of Btalk 30 inches ; length of pod 1 to 1 J inches ; weight of crop 298 lbs. Per acre 5 tons 1,920 lbs. Plot 2. — Soja Beans. — Drills 28 inches apart, cut October 2. Length of stalk 30 inches ; length of pod 1 to 2 inches ; weight of crop 274 lbs. Per acre 5 tons 1,060 lbs., better furnished witL pods than plot 1. Plot 3. — Soja Beans. — Drills 35 inches apart, cut October 2. Length of stalk 30 inches; pods 1 to 2 inches and well filled with beans; weight of crop 283 lbs. Per acre, 5 tons 1,920 lbs. Stalk very branching, leafy and better furnished with pods than those in the narrower drills. Plot 4. — Horse Beans. — Drills 21 inches apart, cut October 2. Length of stalk 26 inches; pods 2 to 2i inches long. Did not germinate well and the stand was very uneven. Weight, 214 lbs. Per acre, 4 tons 560 lbs. Plot 5. — Horse Beans. — Drills 28 inches apart, cut October 2. Length of stalk 28 inches; pods 2 to 2i inches long; weight of crop 201 lbs. Per acre 4 tons 40 lbs. Plot 6. — Horse Beans. — Drills 35 inches apart, cut October 2. Length of stalk 26 to 30 inches; pod 2| to 3 inches long and fairly well filled out with beans. Weight of crop 211 lbs. Per acre 4 tons 440 lbs. Plot 7. — Hungarian Millet. — Sown June 1, alongside of the other plots and on similar soil, cut September 20. Stalks 26 to 28 inches long; heads 3 to 4i inches long. Weight of crop 212 lbs. Per acre 4 tons, 480 lbs. Plot 8. — Pearl Millet. — Seed did not germinate well. Stalks 28 inches long; heads 2 inches long; weight of crop 128 lbs. Per acre 2 tons 1,120 lbs. A poor stand. Plot 9. — Algerian Millet. — Did not germinate freely and produced a very Tineven stand. Stalks 24 to 30 inches long; heads 3 to 4 inches. Weight of crop 134 lbs. Per acre 2 tons 1,360 lbs. Plot 9. — Italian Millet. — StaUvS 34 to 38 inches long; heads 6 inches; weight of crop 328 lbs. Per acre 6 tons 1,120 lbs. A fair even stand. Plot 10.— White Round French Millet.— Stalks 20 to 24 inches long; heads 2 to 2| inches ; weight of crop 214 lbs. Per acre 4 tons 5G0 lbs. A very uneven stand and a weak growth. SUNFLOWERS. An eighth of an acre of sunflowers was sown in drills three feet apart and thinned to six inches in the drill. The seed germinated well and the plants made fine heads on stalks from four to seven feet long. The heads ripened very unevenly and the birds began to cat the seed as soon as it was in the dough stage and destroyed a large per cent of the earliest ripened heads. A small plot is well worth raising as it furnishes a very fine food for the poultry in the autumn when they are moulting. 'SUMMARY OF CROPS. Tons. Lbs. Hay .* 39 1,700 Ensilage — Clover 70 Corn 28 — 98 Boots — Turnips 47 1,000 Carrots 7 1,200 Mangels 6 1,700 Potatoes 5 200 — 61 1.900 REPORT OF UR. THOMAS A. SHARl'E Ii89 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 Bush. Lbs. Tons. Lbs, Fall WBent 16 55 .. 1,075 Rye 22 08 .. 1,240 Barley 35 45 .. 1,725 Pease 85 10 2 1,110 Oats 92 32 1 1,600 Mixed grains, oats and pease 1,152 SAMPLES DISTRIBUTED. Scions and cuttings packages 193 3 lb. samples seed potatoes " 217 3 lb. samples oats • " 197 3 lb. samples pease '* 203 3 lb. samples barley " 98 Nuts, tree seeds and bulbs " 396 1,304 CORRESPONDENCE. • Letters received 3,328 Letters despatched 3,051 GARDEN VEGETABLES. Beets.— Sown April 14. Early Blood Turnip. Fit for table July 10. Crisp and sweet, very good. Egyptian. Fit for table July 14. Very smooth roots, very crisp, dark blood red, Bweet, Nuttings Dwarf Improved. Fit for table July 18, A fine flavoured, sweet, good beet. Long Smooth Blood Red. Fit for table September. A little stringy owing to the very dry August, not of first quality. Table Turnips. — Sown April 14. Extra Early White Milan. A very rapid grower and very sweet, fine flavoured, one of the best for summer use. Fit for table June 2. Early Stone. Fit for table June 4. Sweet, crisp and good, very even in size. Early White Strap-leaved. Fit for table June 6 Crisp, of fine flavour, roots very smooth. Robertson's Golden Ball. Fit for table July 8. Flavour pleasant, solid, good. Radishes. — Sown April 2. Earliest Deep Scarlet Turnip. Fit for table May 9, Small, round, crisp, sweet. Rosy Gem. Fit for table 'I'laj 9. Very round, smooth, crisp, sweet, fine flavour, good. Early Scarlet Turnip, White tip. Fit for table May 12. Crisp and sweet. 390 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 Lettuce. — Sown April 7. Paris White Cos. Fit for table July 16. Very fine flavour. Crisp and sweet. Cabbage, Big Boston. Fit for table May 18. Sweet, crisp and of fine flavour. Toronto Gem. Fit f®r table May 18. Forms a fine solid, crisp, white head of very superior quality. Garden Pease. — Sown April 16. lEennie's Best Extra Early. Fit for table June 17. Pod of medium length, averaging six to eight fair size pease of fijie quality. Straw 20 to 24 inches long and well loaded. Thos. Laxton. Fit for table June 22. Pod of medium length, well filled with medium size pease of very superior flavour and quality. Straw 24 to 26 inches long and well loaded with pease. Eennie's Queen. Fit for table June 28. Pods long and fairly well filled, pea large and very sweet and rich flavoured. Straw 24 to 30 inches and well loaded. Gradus. Fit for table June 29. Pods long and well filled. Pea large and of the best quality, rich and good. Straw 24 to 32 inches and fairly well loaded. Dwarf Champion. Fit for table July 8. Pods of medium length and filled out to tip with medium to large pease of very fine quality. Straw 24 to 30 inches long and well loaded with pods. . Horsford's Market Garden. Fit for table July 8. Pods of medium length, pea large and of very fine quality. Straw 24 to 28 inches long and very well loaded with pods. Beans. — Planted April 16. Extra Early Valentine. Fit for table June 18. Pods about 5 inches long, round and plump, of very fine quality. Very productive. Dwarf Black Speckled. Fit for table June 24. Pods 2 to 4 inches long and rather slender. Plants small and not productive. Ripens very soon after becoming fit for table. Dwarf Golden Skinless. Fit for table July 6. Plant vigorous and moderately productive, pods 3 to 4 inches, very crisp and of fine quality. Dwarf Emperor of Russia. Fit for table July 8. A vigorous grower and pro- ductive. Pods 4 to 5 inches, plump, crisp and good. New Round Red Kidney. Fit for table July 8. Plant fairly vigorous and pro- ductive. Pods 8 to 5 inches long, round, plump, crisp, remains fit for table a long time, of good flavour. Prolific Golden Wax. Fit for table July 12. Plants vigorous and moderately productive. Pods 2i to 5 inches long, plump, crisp and of very fine flavour. Saddle Back Wax. — Fit for table July 14. Plants vigorous, moderately produc- tive. Pods 3 to 6 inches long, plump, crisp and of vei-y fine quality. Fame of Vitry. Fit for table July 20. Plants vigorous and productive. Pods 3J to 6 inches long, crisp with a m.ild, pleasant flavour. Dwarf Matchless. Fit for table July 20. Plants dwarf, but fairly productive. Pcds 3 to 6 inches long, crisp and of fine flavour, but ripen very soon after becoming fit for table. Dwarf Wax Every Day. Fit for table July 23. Plants very dwarf and.not very productive. Pods 2 to 4 inches long, crisp and of very pleasant flavour. Stringless Green Pod. Fit for table July 23. Plants vigorous and productive. Pods 4 to 6 inches long, plum.p, crisp, and of very fine quality. Parsnips. — Sown April' 26. Hollow Crown. Very strong grower and large, very sweet and of fine flavour in winter. REPORT OF MR. TUOilAS A. SHARPS 391 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 Sutton's Student. Short medium size roots. Fit for table in August Wlicn partly grown, have a very pleasant flavour. Cabbage. Seed sown in beds in open garden on April 10, and plants transplanted May 25. Express. Fit for table July 7. Heads small, solid, crisp, sweet with a pleasant flavour. Plants very regular headers. Early Jersey Wakefield. Fit for table July 7. Heads of medium size, very solid and hard, crisp, of very fine flavour, and an even, regular header. Paris Market. Fit for table July 8. Heads of fair size, firm and solid, very crisp with a delicate flavour. Extra Early Midsummer Savoy. Fit for table July 14. Heads round, of medium size, rather soft, but the quality is very good. Early Winningstadt. Fit for table August 8. Heads solid, firm, crisp, and of very fine qiuility. Fot tier's Improved Brunswick. Fit for table September 3. Heads large, solid, very uniform, a splendid cropper, crisp, very sweet with a mild, pleasant flavour. Green Globe Savoy. Fit for table September 3. Heads of medium size, round, very firm and solid, with a very fine flavour. Large Late Flat Drumhead, Heads very uniformly large, flat, firm and solid, a splendid cropper, and a superior winter cabbage. Cauliflower. Seed sown in open groimd April 10, and transplanted May 20. Selected Extra Early Dwarf Erfurt. Fit for table July 14. Heads small, compact, snow white, very crisp, sweet, pleasant, very good. Early Snowball. Fit for table July 18. Heads fine size, very close and compact, very white, crisp, sweet, with a delicate, fine flavour; very good. Early Paris. Fit for table July 22. Heads small, close, fairly compact, and of very good flavour. Brussels Sprouts. Sown in the open April 10, transplanted May 20. • Giant. A tall vigorous grower and very productive, of fine quality. ■ Broccoli. Walcheren. Fit for table July 29. Heads large, compact, very white, crisp, with a very fine flavour. Corn. Planted in hills 36 inches apart each way May 10, on a warm sandy loam. Premo. A strong grower and productive ; ears 4 to 6 inches long and closely filled out to tip. Fit for table August 16. Corn sweet, tender, of very fine quality, and remains fit for table a long time. Eiugleader. Fit for use August 16. Ears 4 to 6 inches long and well filled out over the tip; kernels large, very tender and sweet, a strong grower and productive. Early Windsor. Fit for table August 22. Ears 3 to 6 inches long and well filled to tip. Very sweet and tender; stalks fairly vigorous and productive. Extra Early White Cory. Fit for use August 22. Ears 3 to 5 inches long, vrell filled, grains deep, tender, very sweet and good; stalks productive aud of vigorous growth. 392 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS , 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 Table Carrots. — Sown April 2. French Horn. Fit for table June 8. Small, crisp, gweet, very good. Luc Half Long. Fit for table June 28. Crisp, very sweet and pleasant. Eariy Scariet Horn. Fit for table June 28. Crisp, short, plump; roots of very pleasant flavour. Onioxs. — Sown April 14. Large Red Wethersfield. Large, very solid and close-grained, even in si^e, and productive; of very fine quality and a good keeper, ' Trebon's Large Yellow. Medium to large, solid, very mild, sweet; does not bottom and ripens unevenly in this climate. Market Favourite. Medium or below in size, even and a good regular stand, solid, mild and sweet; a very good keeper. Danvcr's Yellow Globe. Large globe shape and very uniform in size; a fine, cropper, and of very good quality; a good keeper. Pumpkins. — Planted May 12. Quaker Pie. Vines strong growers and productive. Pumpkin of medium size and oval shape, with a yellow skin and flesh which is thick. Japanese Pie. Vines of medium growth, not productive. Fruit medium or below in size; flesh very thick, not valuable. Jumbo. Vines very strong growers, and productive. Mammoth. Vines very strong growers; pumpkins very large and coarse. Large Field. Vines vigorous and productive; pumpkins large, oval, with a yellow skin ; a good keeper. Large Cheese. Vines strong growers and productive; pumpkin of fine size, yellow skin; good quality. Golden Oblong. Vines moderately vigorous and moderately productive; fruit of mediimi size, oval, with golden skin; a good keeper. Sugar. Vines fairly vigorous; pumpkin small, but of fine quality for table use. Squash. White Bush Scalloped. Vines bushy and very productive; squash 4 to 6 inches in diameter and of very good quality. Fit for use August 4. Giant Crookneck. Vines vigorous and productive; squash fit for use August 4; of very fine flavour and good quality. Long White Bush Marrow. Vines bushy and productive; fruits large, 12 to 14 inches long; creamy yellow with thick flesh and very fair flavour and quality. Fit for table August 26. Perfect Gem. Vines very long and productive; squash globular; flesh thick and of -very fine flavour; a good keeper. Essex Hybrid. Vines strong growers and moderately productive; squash thick fleshed and of fair quality. Early Yellow Bush Scalloped. The oi^ly difference between this and the white variety of same name is the colour of the skin. Fordhook. Vines strong growers and productive; squash 9 to 12 inchp* long; flesh thick and very sweet and dry; an excellent keeper. Faxon. A strong grower and moderately productive; squash rr.ftdium in size, very thick fleshed; cooks dry and sweet. ^ Crookneck. Vines bushy and productive. English Vegetable Marrow. Vines vigorous and productive; fruit from 12 to 18 inches long, greenish yellow, and of fair quality. REPORT OF MR. THOMAS A. SHARPE 3S3 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 ^ Boston Marrow. Vines vigorous growers and moderately productive; fruit 14 to 18 inches long, of fair quality and a fair winter keeper. Orange Marrow. Vines strong growers and productive; squash of medium size, tliick fleshed and of fine flavour. Mammoth Green. Vines very strong growers and squash very large. Hubbard, Golden Hubbard, and Warted Hubbard are pretty much the same in character of growth and are all excellent table squash, being dry and very sweet. They are good winter keepers. Golden Bronze. Vines vigorous and productive; squash of medium size, very thick fleshed, and when cooked the flesh is dry, sweet and of very fine flavour. Delicious. Vine very productive; squash of medium size, very thick fleshed, and when cooked, of very superior table quality. This also is a good keeper. APPLES. The spring was unfavourable in this district for the apples, as well as all the other large fruits which blossom about the same time, as there were continued cold, showery days and on several occasions the temperature went down very nearly to, and on one occasion did reach the freezing point. Fortunately these weather conditions were not very general, and the frost only struck patches here and there. The following varieties fruited this year, and there are among them sevexal winter varieties which give promise of being valuable. 1. William Gladstone. — Tree a strong grower. Fruit of medium size, oval, some- what conical; stem of medium length; cavity deep and narrow; calyx small, open, basin narrow, shallow and somewhat ribbed; skin clear yellow, almost covered with dull deep red. Flesh whitish, not juicy, mildly sub-acid with a pleasant flavour. Season last of July. 2. Throne. — Tree a strong vigorous grower. Fruit large, oblong, conicaL. ribbed; stem short; cavity narrow and deep; calyx moderately large, closed, basin narrow, deep, and ribbed; skin dull yellow; flesh whitish, juicy, firm, mildly acid. "Water- cores on the tree before it is ripe. Season August. 3. Summer Golden Pippin. — Tree a slow grower. Fruit small, roundish, flattened; stem long, slender; cavity narrofr and moderately deep; calyx small, closed; basin wide and shallow; skin clear golden yellow, with sometimes a little orange red in the sun; flesh yellowish, firm, crisp, juicy, with a very pleasant flavour, mildly acid ; vci*y good, but too small. Season all of August. 4. Anisette. — Very similar in character of tree growth and fruit, to Duchess of Oldcnburgh. 5. Dwyer. — Tree a poor grower and a very moderate producer. Fruit only medium in size, roundish; stem of mcdiiun length; cavity medium in depth, roimd ; calyx email, closed; basin moderately deep and wide, wrinkled; skin greenish yellow with a few dark specks; flesh whitish, tend^,", juicy, a mild pleasant acid, with a fine flavour. Season September. U. Scliahach Alma. — Tree a moderate grower. Fruit large, oblong conical, taper- ing sharply to the eye; stem short; cavity narrow, moderately deep, round, russetcd about the stem; skin yellow, nearly overspread with light palfe red; flesh wliitish, firm, fine-grained, juicy, a mild, pleasant acid. Season October and first half of November. 7. Rolland. — Tree a medium grower. Fruit large, roundish, flattened at stem and eye; stem of medium length; cavity wide and deep; calyx large, closed; basin moder- ately large, and wide; skin yellow with a few splashes of red on the sunny ^ide; flesh white, firm, crisp, juicy, with a mild pleasant flavour; sub-acid. Season October to December. 394 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 8. Nelson Codlin. — Tree a fair grower. Fruit of medium size, roundish oblong; stem short and stout ; cavity small ; calyx small, closed ; basin wide and shallow ; skin pale greenish-yellow, with russet dots; flesh yellowish white, juicy, fine-grained, tender, briskly acid, with a pleasant flavour; a good cooking apple. Season October. 9. Fox Whelp. — Tree a poor grower. Fruit of medium size or below, roundish; stem long and slender; cavity narrow and shallow; calyx small, closed; basin narrow, shallow, and ribbed; skin yellow, streaked with red on the sunny side; flesh firm, juicy, mildly sub-acid. Season October to November. 10. Mosher Siveet. — Tree only a moderate grower. Fruit of medium size, conical, angular and often ribbed ; stem medium in length, stout ; cavity wide and deep ; calyx large, closed; basin narrow, deep, and ribbed; skin greenish-yellow; flesh white, fine- grained, moderately juicy, sweet with a rich aromatic flavour. Season October. 11. Princess Louise. — Tree a fair grower. Fruit below medium size, roundish; stem medium in length, slender; cavity wide and shallow; calyx of medium size, closed; basin of medium width, wrinkled; skin pale yellow with sometimes a reddish 1 lush; flesh white, tender, fine-grained, crisp, very juicy, mildly sub-acid, with a fine flavour. Season October and November, 12. Arianas Rouge. — Tree a strong grower. Fruit medium in size or above, roundish; stem long; cavity deep and wide; calyx medium to large, open; basin small and narrow; skin yellow, with a few streaks and splashes of bright red; flesh v.'hite, fine-grained, tender, juicy, mild, sub-acid, with a very pleasant flavour. Season October. 13. Coles Quince. — Tree a vigorous grower. Fruit medium in size or above medium, oblate, roundish; stem short; cavity deep and wide; calyx of medium size, closed ; basin deep, wide, and furrowed ; skin dull yellow, with sometimes a small blush ; flesh yellowish, juicy, rather coarse-grained, crisp, sub-acid, with a very pleasant flavour. . Season October and November. 14. Emperor William. — Tree a feeble grower. Fruit of medium size or below, oblate, roundish ; stem short ; cavity deep and wide ; calyx large, open ; basin wide and shallow; skin russet yellow with a bright red cheek; flesh yellowish, moderately juicy, plump at first, but inclined to wither, of a mild, pleasant sub-acid character. Season November and December. 15. Mannington Pearmain. — Tree a vigorous grower. Fruit small, roundish, oblong, conical; stem long, slender; cavity of medium depth, and wide; calyx small, closed ; basin wide and shallow ; skin clear yellow, with a little red on the sunny side, a little russet in patches and a few gray dots; flesh yellowish, crisp, fine-grained, fairly juicy, pleasantly sub-acid with a fine flavour. October and November. 16. Anne Elizabeth. — Tree a moderate grower. Fruit large, globular; stem short, slender; cavity narrow and deep; calyx large, open; basin deep, narrow and corru- gated; skin russet green with a dull red cheek; flesh greenish white, a little coarse, juicy, firm, mildly acid, not of high quality. Season November. 17. Cusset. — Tree a feeble grower. Fruit medium in size, roundish, conical; stem short; cavity deep, pointed; calyx of medium size, closed; basin small and corrugated; skin dull greenish-yellow; flesh white, fine-grained, not juicy, mildly sub-acid; not valuable. Season November and December. 18. Etoilee. — Tree a moderately strong grower. Fruit below medium size, globu- lar, conical ; stem long, slender ; cavity deep and narrow, with traces of green and red in cavity ; calj^x large, partly open ; basin wide, shallow and corrugated ; skin yellow, marbled with green; flesh yellowish, firm, crisp, moderately juicy, mild and pleas- antly acid, nearly sweet. Season November and December. 19. De La Rauarie. — Tree a strong grower. Fruit medium in size, oblate, ribbed; stem short ; cavity narrow and deep ; calyx large, closed ; basin narrow and shallow ; skin a bright handsome russet; flesh yellowish, fine-grained, crisp, moderately juicy, mildly sub-acid, with fine flavour. Season November and December. REPORT OF MR. THOMAS A. SHARPE 395 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 20. Lyman's Pumpkin Sweet. — Tree a strong and upright grower. Fruit large, roundish, inclined to coniaal; stem short, stout; cavity moderately deep and wide; calyx large, open; basin narrow and moderately deep, wrinkled; skin greenish yellow, with sometimes a little dull colour on the sunny side, and many whitish dots; flesh wliilish, firm, not fine-grained, not very crisp or juicy, very sweet. Season November and December. 21. Harts Seedling. Tree a strong grower. Fruit above medium in size, round- ish, oblate; stem of medium length, slender; cavity, narrow and deep; calyx small, partly open; basin wide and deep; skin dull greenish-yellow, wnth a little russet about the stem, and a few gray dots, and sometimes an orange yellow blush on the sunny side; llesh g.reenish-white, firm, crisp, moderately juicy, mildly acid with a pleasant flavour. Season November and December. 22. Frazer's No. 1. — Tree only a moderate grower. Fruit medium to large, oblate> flattened; stem long and slender; cavity deep and wide; calyx of medium size, open, shallow and small, skin yellow, freely splashed and shaded with two shades of red ; flesh white, breaking firm, not very juicy, nearly sweet. Season November and Decem- ber. 23. Marion County Red. — Tree a strong grower. Fruit above medium size, round- ish, conical; stem long; cavity small and shallow; calyx large and open; basin wide and shallow; skin dull yellowish-green, with a brownish-red blush; flesh green- ish-white, firm, not juicy, mildly acid, not^,of much value. Season November and December. 24. Rome Beauty. — Tree a strong grower. Fruit above medium size, roundish, slightly conical; stem long; cavity wide and deep; calyx partly open; basin moder- ately narrow and deep; skin yellow, splashed with bright red, and a few light dots with sometimes russet about the stem; flesh yellowish, crisp, tender, juicy, mildly acid. Season November and December. 25. Christie's Pippin- Tree a moderate grower. Fruit medium in size or below, oblate; stem of medium length; cavity small; calyx small; basin narrow and shal- low; skin fine, clear yellow, with sometimes a small blush and a few russet dots; flesh 3rellowish, crisp, moderately juicy, mildly sub-acid, with a rich fine flavour. Season November to March. 26. Banana. — Tree a fair grower. Fruit above medium size, oblate, conical, some- times ribbed; stem of medium length; cavity wide and deep; calyx small, closed; basin narrow and shallow, wrinkled; skin clear, pale yellow, nearly covered with light red ; flesh whitish, firm, a little coarse grained, crisp, tender, juicy, of a mild, pleasant sub-acid character with an aromatic flavour. Season November to January. 27. Marshall Red. — Tree a strong grower. Fruit of medium size, conical; stem short; cavity shallow; calyx small, closed; basin narrow and shallow, and plaited; skin yellow, nearly overspread with dull red; flesh whitish, crisp, moderately juicy, a little coarse, with a mild and pleasant sprightly acid character. Season November to January. 28. Fremy. — Tree a moderate grower. Fruit of medium size, oblate, globular, a little conical; stem medium in length; cavity deep and narrow; calyx small, closed, basin fairly large and deep; skin a yellowish-green; flesh greenish-white, firm, crisp, not juicy, mildly acid with a sweetish after taste. Season December and January. 29. Forest No. 5. — Tree a moderately strong grower. Fruit about medium size, conical; stem short; cavity narrow and deep; calyx small, partly open; basin narrow and shallow; slan greenish russet, with a brownish blush on the sunny side; flesh greenish-white, fine-grained, moderately juicy, rich, sweet, inclined to wither. Season December to March. 30. Kossuth. — Tree a strong grower. Fruit below medium size, roundish, oblate; stem of medium length; cavity wide and shallow; calyx sm.all, closed; basin wide and 396 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 Bhallow; skin greenish-yellow, nearly overspread with pale, dull red, and sprinkled with yellow dots; flesh white, firm, fine-grained, juicy, pleasant, nearly sweet. Season December to February. 31. Inherman Greening. — Tree a moderately strong grower. Fruit medium to large, conical; stem short; cavity narrow and deep; calyx small, open; basin narrow and deep; skin greenish-yellow sprinlvled with light dots; flesh white, crisp, juicy, tender, fine-grained, mild and pleasantly acid. Season December and January. 32. Hagloe Crab. — Tree a poor grower. Fruit below medium size, irregularly oblate, conical ; stem of medium length ; cavity very narrow and shallow ; calyx small, partly open; basin narrow and shallow; skin dull russet green, with many light dots; flesh greenish-white, moderately juicy, firm, crisp. Season December. 33. New France. — Tree a fair grower. Fruit medium or below in size, roundish oblate; stem short; cavity narrow and deep; calyx of medium size, open; basin wide and shallow; skin golden yellow with a bright red blush; flesh white, crisp, tender, fine-grained, mild and pleasantly acid. Season December and January. 34. Jewell No, 39. — Tree a free grower. Fruit of medium size, conical; stem of medium length; cavity medium in depth and width; calyx small, closed; basin narrow and deep; skin yellowish with a handsome red blush; flesh white, tender, crisp, juicy, pleasantly sub-acid. Season December. 35. Pride of Washington. — Tree a strong grower. Fruit below medium size, conical; stem long; cavity acute, deep'^and wide; calyx of medium width, closed; basin very shallow, and very small; skin dull yellow; flesh white, firm, not juicy, nearly sweet; of no value. Season December to March. 36. Baron de Trautenhurgh. — Tree a strong grower. Fruit large, conical, some- what ribbed and irregular; stem long; cavity deep and round; calyx small, closed; basin narrow and shallow, somewhat ribbed; skin greenish, with sometimes a russet- brown blush, and a few gray dots; flesh white, firm, fine-grained, moderately juicy, brisk and pleasantly acid. Season December to March. 37. Coffelt Beauty. — Tree a fair grower. Fruit below medium size, oblate, coni- cal; stem long; cavity narrow and deep; calyx small, closed; basin small and shallow; skin russet-green, with a dull red cheek; flesh white, crisp, juicy, mildly Bub-acid; not valuable. Season January and February. 38. Galloway Pippin. — Tree a strong grower. Fruit below medium size, roundish, somewhat ribbed; stem long; cavity narrow and deep, somewhat russeted; calyx small, closed; basin wide and shallow; skin dull yellowish-green, with a few grayish dots; flesh greenish- white, not juicy, mildly acid, a little tough or leathery. Season January to March. Not of value. 39. BlacTc Oxford. — Tree a moderate grower. Fruit below medium size, roundish, slightly conical ; stem long^ slender ; cavity narrow and deep ; calyx small, closed ; basin narrow and shallow; skin yellow, nearly overspread with red, and a few grayish dots; flesh whitish, firm, not juicy, mildly sub-acid. December to February. Not valuable. 40. Balmer. — Tree a strong spreading grower. Fruit small, oblong, conical; stem short; cavity narrow and deep; calyx small, closed; basin narrow and shallow; skin greenish-yellow, nearly overspread with dull red; flesh white, firm, crisp, not juicy, nearly sweet. Season December to February; of no value. 41. Benton. — Tree a strong and vigorous grower. Fruit below medium size, roundish, conical; stem short; cavity narrow and deep; calyx large, closed; basin narrow, moderately deep, and corrugated; skin greenish-yellow, with a small blush on the sunny side; flesh white, crisp, fairly juicy, mildly sub-acid. Season December and January. Too small to be of value. 42. Burlington. — Tree a strong grower. Fruit below medium in size, oblong, tapering slightly to the eye; stem long and slender; cavity deep, acute, wide, some- REPORT OF MR. THOMAS A. SHARPE 397 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 times nisseted; calyx small, closed; basin very deep and wide, ribbed; skin yellow, with splashes and dots of light red; flesh whitish, firm, juicy, mildly acid, or nearly sweet, not tender or fine-grained. Season December to January. 43. Brownlee's Russet. — Tree a strong grower. Fruit large, roundish, sometimes slightly conical: stem stout, short, often with a fleshy knob at the insertion; cavity narrow and deep; calyx closed, small and shallow; skin dull russet, with sometimes a dull red blush, and a few yellowish dots; flesh greenish, coarse, moderately juicy, aromatic sweet, very pleasant, but inclined to wither. Season December to February. 44. Byford ^Yonder. — Tree a strong grower. Fruit above medium, to large, roundish, oblate, conical; stem short; cavity narrow and deep; calyx smalj, closed; basin narrow and shallow; skin greenish-yellow with patches of bright red on the sunny side; flesh white, juicj', firm, sprightly with a pleasant flavour. Season Decem- ber to February. 45. Belle de Avrille. — Tree a feeble grower. Fruit of medium size, oblate, slightly conical; stem slender, long; cavity narrow and deep; calyx large and open; basin wide and shallow; skin greenish-yellow, with a faint blush on the sunny side; flesh yellowish-white, fine-grained, crisp, juicy, pleasantly acid with a good flavour. Season December and January. 46. American Blush. — Tree a free grower. Fruit large, roundish, oblate; stem long; cavity of medium depth and width; calyx small, open; basin small and deep; skin dull greenish-russet, with sometimes a diill red blush; flesh greenish-white, juicy, firm, fine-grained, mild, nearly sweet. Season January to March. 47. Delicious. — Tree a free grower. Fruit of medium size, conical"; stem rather long, cavity deep and wide; calyx large, closed; basin narrow, moderately deep, cor- rugated; skin greenish-yellow, with stripes of red; flesh whitish, juicy, firm, rather coarse-grained, mildly acid. Season January and February. 48. Christinas Pearmain. — Tree a strong grower. Fruit of medium size or below, oblate, conical; stem short; cavity narrow and shallow; calyx of medium size, closed ; basin shallow and small; skin yellow, sometimes a few small stripes of pale red; flesh yellowish, fine-grained, firm, m«derately juicy, mildly sub-acid, with a fine flavour. Season December to February. 49. De Chataignier.—TrQQ a strong grower. Fruit of medium size, roundish, oblate; stem of medium length; cavity fairly deep, and moderately wide ; calyx small, closed ; basin small and shallow ; skin greenish-yellow, almost overspread with deep red; flesh white, tender, fine-grained, moderately firm, mild, pleasantly sub-acid, very good. Season December to March. 60. Winter Famr-use-- — Tree a strong grower. Fruit medium or below medium in size, roundish conical; stem of medium length, and stout; cavity narrow and deep; calyx small, closed; basin narrow and shallow; skin greenish-yellow, with a blush in two shades of red; flesh white, tender, crisp, fine-grained, mildly sub-acid with a pleasant flavour. Season December to February. 51. Withington Fillbaslcet. — Tree a strong grower. Fruit of medium size, round- ish slightly flattened; stem short, cavity shallow and wide; calyx small, closed; basin wide and shallow ; skin green with many light dots ; flesh greenish-white, fine-grained, crisp, pleasant and sprightly, with a good flavour. Season January to March. 52. Souvenir d'Etichove. — Tree a strong grower. Fruit below medium size, round- ish, globular; stem of medium length, slender; cavity deep, wide and acute; calyx large, open; basin deep and wide; skin dull yellow, with a dull blush in tlie sun; flesh greenish-white, fine-grained, fairly juicy, a mild pleasant sub-acid, with a good flavour; apt to wither. Season December to February. 53. Pteinette de Lucas. — Tree a strong grower. Fruit below medium size, oblate, slightly conical; stem short; cavity wide and shallow; calyx small, partly open; basin moderately deep and moderately wide, somewhat corrugated; skin greenish- 398 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 yellow, almost entirely overspread with deep red; flesh greenish-white, fine-grained, crisp, fairly juicy, mildly acid with a fine pleasant flavour. Season December to March. 5-i. ShocMey. — Tree only a moderate grower. Fruit below medium size, roundish ; stem long, slender; cavity deep and narrow; calyx small, open; basin, Vi^ide and shal- low; skin greenish-yellow, with occasionally a dull red cheek; flesh yellowish-white, moderately juicy, not fine-grained, mildly acid. Season January to March. 55. La Ligne Devillers. — Tree a moderately strong grower. Fruit of medium size, roundish, conical; stem medium in length; cavity deep and wide and russeted; calyx large and long, open; basin narrow and small; skin yellow, freely splashed and striped with red in two shades; flesh white, fine-grained, juicy, crisp, mildly and pleasantly acid. Season January to March. 56. ^Pigeon de J enisalem. — Tree a moderate grower. Fruit medium or below in size, conical; stem medium in length, slender; cavity deep and fairly wide, acute and sometimes russeted; calyx small, partly open; basin narrow and shallow; skin dull russet -yellow, with a dull reddish blush and many yellow dots ; flesh greenish-white, tender, fine-grained, mild and pleasantly acid, not Jtiicy. Season January. 57. Tobias Blade. — Tree a slow grower and very tardy in coming into bearing. Fruit of medium size, oblong, sometimes conical, ribbed; stem of medium length; cavity wide, deep, acute; calyx medium in- size, closed; basin deep and wide; skin greenish, with a dull red blush and a few gray dots; flesh yellowish, fine-grained, crisp, firm, moderately juicy, nearly sweet. Season December to February. 58. Virginia Greening. — Tree a moderate grower. Fruit large, oblate; stem long; cavity wide and deep; calyx large, open; basin deep and medium wide; skin yellow- ish-green, with many brown dots ; flesh yellowish, firm, fine-grained, pleasantly sub- acid. Season December to February. 59. — Whinnery's Bed. — Tree a fair grower. Fruit of medium size, roundish, coni- cal; stem medium in Lmgth ; cavity of medium width and shallow; calyx small, closed; basin wide and shallow; skin yellowish, nearly covered with crimson; flesh white, firm, only moderately juicy, mildly sub-acid. Season January to March. 60. May Queen. — Tree a strong grower. Fruit small, roundish conical ; stem long and slender; cavity narrow and deep; calyx of medium width, partly open; basin very shallow and narrow; skin dull yellow, with a little russet about the stem, and sometimes a dull orange blush; flesh whitish, not juicy, not tender, nearly sweet, not of any value. Season January to March. PEARS. The same causes which injured the crop of other fruits affected the pears, and some varieties which blossomed very freely, bore either no crop, or very few specimens, but as in the case of other fruits, the bright dry summer weather lessened the injin-y from fundous pests and gave a handsomer finish to the fruit. The following varieties fruited for the first time this season, and are listed in the order of their ripening. Beurre Leon Rey. — Tree a feeble grower. Fruit of medium size, roundish pyri- form; stem of medium length, slender; calyx large; basin broad, shallow; skin yel- lowish russet with sometimes a bronze reddish blush; flesh yellowish, juicy, very fine-grained, tender, pleasant, almost sweet. Season last of August. Marie Louise. — Tree a strong straggling grower. Fruit above medium size, oblong, pyriform, irregular in shape; stem of medium length, set obliquely; skin a clear golden yellow, with patches of russet; flesh white, very juicy, buttery, with a rich sweet flavour. Season September and October. Brofize Duchess. — Tree a moderate grower. Fruit of medium size, oblong, pear shape; stem long, slender, curved; cavity wide and shallow; basin small; skin russet REPORT OF MR. THOMAS A. F-EARPtS 399 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 with a dull red russet cheek; flesh yellowish, juicy, vinous, slightly astringent. Season September. Brochworth ParJc. — Tree a strong grower. Fruit medium to large, obtuse pyri- form; stem short, stout; calyx small, closed; basin shallow; skin smooth, yellow with a faint blush, sometimes red streaks on sunny side; flesh white, buttery, melting, juicy, with a fine rich flavour. Sofison late September and October. Bon Vicaire. — Tree a strong and upright grower. Fruit large, oblong, pyriform; stem one inch long and set obliquely, often with a fleshy protuberance at one side; calyx medium to small, closed; basin narrow and moderately deep; skin clear yellow- ish green, with patches of russet, and a bright red cheek in the sun, and many gray- ish dots; flesh whitish, buttery, melting, juicy, sweet, with a rich flavour. Season first half of October. Two Sisters. — Tree a vigorous grower. Fruit of medium size or below, oblong, irregular in shape; stem short; cavity small and shallow; calyx large and open; skin greenish yellow, with a few brown dots; flesh yellowish-white, a little coarse, juicy, sweet, not buttery, nor of high quality. Season October. Sarah. — Tree a moderately strong, upright grower. Fruit below medium size, roundish, pyriform; stem of medium length, in a slight depression, with a ring; calyx small, closed; basin shallow; skin greenish-yellow, patched with russet and many brown dots; flesh white, fine-grained, juicy, melting, sweet, and aromatic. Season October. Onondaga. — Tree a strong grower. Fruit large, obovate, obtuse, pyriform; stem of medium length, stout ; cavity small ; stem set at an angle ; calyx small, closed ; skin somewhat rough, with many russet dots of a fine yellow colour, sometimes with a red cheek; flesh yellowish, buttery, juicy, with a fine flavour. Season October and November. Anna Audisson. — Tree a fair gTOwer. Fruit of medium size, roundish, obtuse, pyriform; stem short and stout; cavity small; calyx medium and open; skin green- ish-yellow, with a reddish blush ; flesh whitish, juicy, melting, sweet, with a pleasant flavour. Season October. ElUs. — Tree a strong grower. Fruit large, obtuse pyriform ; stem medium length and stout; cavity small; calyx moderately large, open; basin shallow and uneven; skin greenish-yellow, patched with russet and many russet dots, and sometimes a sli.i?ht blush; flesh whitish, juicy, melting, sweet and aromatic. Season last of September and October. Angelique Leclerc. — Tree a fair grower. Fruit of medium size, oblong, pyriform ; stem short and stout; calyx small, open; skin greenish-yellow, with a. little red in the sun; flesh white, fine-grained, juicy, sweet, a little gritty at the core. Season October alid Xovember. Louise Bon Sannier. — Tree a strong grower. Fruit small, obtuse, pyriform, stem of medium length, slender; cavity small; calyx moderately open; basin narrow and shallow; skin russet yellow; flesh yellowish, fairly juicy, with a pleasant vinous flavour. Season ISTovember and December. St. Joachim. — Tree a strong and upright grower. Fruit of medium size, or above, obtuse, pyriform; stem short and stout, with a fleshy protuberance at one side; calyx small and closed; basin wide and moderately deep; skin russet-yellow, sprinkled with many gray dots; flesh not tender nor juicy; not desirable. November and December. Alexandrine Doullard. — Tree a vigorous grower. Fruit above medium size, obovate, obtuse, pyriform; stem of medium length; cavity small; calyx of medium size and partly closed; skin whitish-yellow, with veins and patches of russet; flesh ■white, juicy, melting, vinous. Season October and November. Lewis (Dix). — Tree a vigorous grower. Fruit large, long, pyriform; stem short and stout, sot obliquely; calyx small; basin narrow and flat; skin golden-j-ellow. 400 EXPERIMEXTAL FARMS, 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 with russet dots, and small i>atclies of russet near the stem ; flesh a little coarse, jijicy, sweet, with a very fine flavour, perfumed. Season ISTovember. Out of all the pears which have fruited at Agassiz for a number of years past, the following are the most productive and valuable from a commercial point of view: Dearborn Seedling, Marguerite, Dr. Jules Guyot, Bartlett, Emile de Heyst, La France, Beurre Bosc, Durondeau, Clairgeau, Howell, Vicar of Winkfield, and for a very late winter pear, the Monarch. PLUMS. The spring was unfavourable for the plum crop as it was cold and rainy during most of the blossoming period, and a light frost did a good deal cf harm in some local- ities. Later on the weather improved, as also did the prospects of a crop, and the almost entire absence of rot this season, and bright warm weather during the ripen- ing period contributed to the development of a very fine sample. The following sorts fruited this year for the first time in the farm orchards. Grosse Tardive. — Tree a moderate grower. Fruit small, roundish, oval; stem IJ inch long, in a slight basin; apex a very small dent; skin deep purple red; flesh pale straw-yellow, juicy, tender, pleasant, sprightly. Eipe July 18. Ttwpert. — Tree a moderate spreading grower. Fruit smooth, round, small; stem one inch long, in a small round basin; suture very shallow, almost indistinct, termin- ating in a dent; skin dull purple-red; flesh yellowish, juicy, sprightly, acid. Ripens unevenly from first to third week in July. Mirabelle de Flotu. — Tree a strong grower. Fruit below medium size, oval; stem I inch long, set in a shallow cavity ; suture only a line, terminating in a slight depres- sion, one side a little enlarged; skin a handsome yellow; flesh pale yellow, firm, juicy, sprightly, pleasant; stone small, roundish, free. Ripe July 21. Red June. — Tree a strong grower. Fruit of medium size, roundish, pointed or heart-shaped; stem short; cavity small; suture shallow; skin orange, nearly covered with red; flesh yellow, tender, moderately juicy, mildly acid with a pleasant flavour. Ripens first half of August; ripening unevenly from August 6 to August 18. Much of the fruit fell off before attaining; full size. Dry's Seedling. — Tree a fair grower. Fruit above medium in size, roundish ; stem of medium length; cavity of medium size; suture well marked, terminating in a slight basin; skin greenish-yellow; flesh yellowish, tender, juicy, sweet, with a very pleasant flavour. Season second week in August. Prince's Red Gage. — Tree a strong upright grower. Fruit medium to large, round, flattened at both ends; stem | inch long; cavity small, round; suture dis- tinct, ending in a small basin; sldn of a clear, handsome red; flesh j-ellowish, sweet, moderately juicy, with a very pleasant flavour; stone of medium size, a cling. Season second week in August. i Catherine (Blue). — Tree a moderate grower. Fruit of medium size, oval, tapering towards the stem, which is | of an inch long; no cavity; suture indistinct; skin purple, with a bluish bloom; Flesh tender, juicy, greenish, sweet; stone a cling, which is large for the size of the plum,. Season second week in August. Furst's Early Damson. — Tree a slow grower. Fruit of medium size for a damson, oval; stem short; cavity small; skin dark purple, with a heavy blue bloom; flesh yellowish, moderately juicy, pleasantly sweet; stone small and free. Season second week in August. Late Muscatelle. — Tree a moderate grower; fruit small, round, flattened at both ends; stem | of an inch long; cavity small; suture shallow, exiding in a dent; skin light purple, with a bluish bloom ; flesh greenish-yellow, juicy, sweet, fine-grained, with a pleasant flavour. Season third week in Au^rust. REPORT OF MR. THOMAS A. SUARPE 401 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 Mcroldt's Reine Claude. — Tree a strong grower. Fruit below medium size, roundish, flattened at both ends; stem | of an inch long; cavity small; suture a line terminating in a dent; skin yellowish-green, with a thin whitish bloom; flesh yellow- ish white, juicy, sweet, with a very fine flavour. Ripe third week in August, Giant Prune. — Tree a strong grower. Fruit above medium size, oval; stem short; cavity small; suture well marked; skin yellow, nearly covered with red, and sprinkled with large purple dots; flesh yellowish, not sweet, rather dry and insipid. Season third week in August. Precoce de Cullengen Prune. — Tree a feeble grower. Fruit small, oval, tapering a little towards the stem and apex; stem short; suture only a line; skin dark purple with a bluish bloom; flesh greenish, not juicy, sweet, with a fine flavour. Season middle to last of August. Rivers' Tardive. — Tree a strong grower. Fruit below medium size, roundish; stem short, about half an inch long; cavity shallow; suture shallow, one side enlarged; skin reddish-purple, with a light bluish bloom; flesh yellow, firm, not very juicy, but of a pleasant flavour; stone small, nearly free. Season middle of August. Baker Prune. — Tree a slow grower. Fruit below medium size, oval, tapering to the stem; stem three-quarters of an inch long; cavity shallow; suture very shallow, one side enlarged a little; skin dark purple, with a thick blue bloom; flesh yellowish, moderately juicy, sweet, with a pleasant^flavour ; stone below medium in size and free. Season August 16 to 24. St. Lawrence. — Tree a strong grower. Fruit above medium size, almost heart- shape; stem short; cavity small, round; suture well defined, one side enlarged; skin bright purple, with a thin blue bloom; flesh yellowish, tender, juicy and sweet, with a fine flavour. Season third week in August. Jaune Tardive. — Tree only a moderate grower. Fruit small, tapering to apex; stem of medium length; cavity shallow and small; suture only a line ending in a small basin; skin dull yellow; flesh yellow, juicy, sweet, tender. Season middle of August. The Seigneur. — Tree a vigorous grower. Fruit small, round; stem short; cavity small; suture well marked, ending in a small round basin; skin nearly black with a thin bluish bloom; flesh yellowish, moderately juicy, not very sweet, with a pleasant flavour. Season middle of August. Prune de Delices. — Tree a strong grower. ^ Fruit of medium size, roundish, oval; stem short; cavity small; suture yellow; skin greenishryellow splashed with red on Bunny side; flesh greenish-yellow, juicy, sweet, with a very pleasant flavour. Season middle to latter part of August. Boddaert's Reine Claude. — Tree a moderate grower. Fruit medium to large, roundish, oval; stem medium in length; cavity small; suture indistinct or nearly 80, terminating in a dot; skin pale greenish-yellow, with a thin white bloom; flesh yellow, tender, juicy, sweet, with a fine rich flavour. Season third week in August. Belle de Schoemherg. — Tree a strong grower. Fruit of medium size, roundish, oval; stem short; suture well marked; skin yellowish with a handsome blush; flesh yellow, sweet; not juicy but of a pleasant flavour; stone small and free. Season middle of August. Pacific Prune. — Tree a strong grower. Fruit medium to large, oval; stem short; cavity small; suture distinct, one side enlarged; skin deep purple, with a bluish bloom; flesh yellowish, moderately juicy, sweet, with a fine flavour. Season middle of August. Bingham. — Tree a strong grower. Fruit large, oblong, tapering from stalk to apex; stem short; cavity small; suture indistinct; skin clear yellow, mottled with clear red on the sunny side; flesh yellowish, juicy, with a fine rich flavoxir, stone largw and a cling. Season middle of August. 16—26 402 . EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 Precoce de Lucas. — Tree a strong grower. Fruit snjall, oval, tapering to a point; stem of medium length; cavity small; suture indistinct; skin blue with a whitish bloom; flesh greenish-yellow, sweet, juicy, with a fine rich flavour. Season middle of August. Monsieur. — Tree a strong grower. Fruit medium to large, oblong, oval; stem of medium length ; cavity medium; suture well marked, one side enlarged; skin reddish purple, with a bluish bloom; flesh greenish-yellow, firm, juicy, moderately sweet, with a pleasant flavour. Season middle of August. Yirginale Blanche. — Tree a strong grower. Fruit of medium size, or below, round- ish ; stem short ; no cavity ; suture a line ; skin greenish-white, with a white bloom, flesh greenish, juicy, moderately sweet, with a pleasant flavour; stone small and a cling. Season middle of Aiigust. Eugene Furst. — Tree a strong grower. Fruit small, oval; stem short; suture a line; skin purple black, with a heavy bluish bloom; flesh greenish-yellow, juicy, sweet, v/ith a fine rich flavour; stone large and adheres at one edge. Season middle of August. Beine Claude. — Tree a strong grower. Fruit of medium size, roundish; stem of medium length; cavity small; suture a line ending in a small round basin; skin greenish-yellow, sometimes a reddish-blush; flesh yellowish, juicy, sweet, tender, with a fine rich flavour. Season middle to last of August. De Oondin. — Tree a strong grower. Fruit of medium size, globular; stem short; cavity medium; suture a line; skin greenish-yellovv^, nearly overspread with light purple, with a thin bluish bloom; flesh yellowish, juicy, tender, sweet with a fine flavour. Season last of August. Monsieur Von Tardif. — Tree a strong grower. Fruit below-medium size, roundish, oval; stem short; cavity small; suture very slight; skin greenish-purple, sprinkled with gray dots; flesh greenish-yellow, juicy, sprightly, not of high quality; stone small and a cling. Season last of August. Admiral de Rigny. — Tree a strong grower. Fruit shows that in this case the above name is a synonym for Imperial Gage. Golden Transparent. — Tree a strong grower. Fruit of medium size, globular; stem short; suture a line ending in small basin; skin greenish-yellow, streaked with orange; flesh yellowish, juicy, sweet; not high flavoured. Season late August. Goutte d'Or Yiolette. — Tree a strong grower. Fruit medium to large; oval, with a slight neck; stem medium in length; suture well marked and extending three- quarters around the fruit, one side enlarged; skin a light reddish purple, freely sprinkled with brown dots, with a thin light blue bloom; flesh yellowish, juicy, sweet; stone large and a cling. Season late August. Masu. — Tree a fair grower. Fruit below medium size, globular; suture a line ending in a dot; stem short; cavity very slight; skin dull red; flesh yellowish, juicy, sweet with a pleasant flavour; stone medium to large, adheres at one edge. Season middle of August. Like all the plums of its class, it blooms very freely, but brings a very small crop to maturity. Defresne. — -Tree a strong grower. Fruit below medium size, oval; stem short; cavity small, round; suture a line ending in a slight depression; skin nearly black, with a thin blue bloom; flesh yellowish, not juicy, sweet; stone long, slender and thin, a cling. Season early September; not desirable. Coe's Violet. — Tree a strong grower. Fruit large, oblong, oval, tapering to the stem; stem of medium length; cavity small; suture well marked, extending past the apex with one side enlarged; skin pale, dull purple, with a whitish bloom; flesh yel- lowish, firm, and moderately juicy, fairly sweet, with a pleasant flavour; stone large, adliovps a little at one edge. Season early September. A fine shipper and a good pro- ducer. REPORT OF MR. THOMAS A. SnARPE 403 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 St. Martin. — Tree a strong grower. Fruit small, roundish; stem moderately short and stout; cavity small; suture distinct; skin light purplish-red, with a thin white bloom; flesh yellowish, firm, sprightly with a fine rich flavour; stone long, slender, nearly free. Season early October. Of the very large number of plums which have been fruited here for a number of years the following varieties have proved to be freest from rot, good shippers, and the trees are vigorous growers and regularly productive. Diamond. — Large, dark purple, late August. Mallard. — Large, purple, early August. Curlew. — Large, blue, early August. Belgian Purple. — Large, purple, middle of Angnst. Coe's Golden Drop. — Large, yellow, September. Washington. — Large, yellow, early August. Sultan. — Large, deep red, early August. Monarch. — Large, dark purple, September. Prince of Wales. — Medium to large, purple, September. Damas de Couc. — Large, yellow with red, late July. Peine Claude d'Ecully. — Large, greenish yellow, late August. Kirhe. — Medium to large, purple, late August. Italian Prune. — Medium to large, dark blue, late September. Duane's Purple. — ^Large, purple, middle of August. CHEREIES. The cherry crop was a poor one this year owing to unfavourable weather in spring, when the trees were in bloom and again when the fruit was maturing and ripening, frequent showers with sunshine, causing the fruit to split and decay. The following varieties fruited for the first time this year: Montmorency Brettoneau. — Tree a free grower. Fruit below medium size, round- ish, oblate; stem long; cavity shallow, with a shallow basin at apex; skin light red; flesh yellowish, pleasant, juicy, tender, mildly acid, rather soft for shippi»g. Season middle of June. Montmorency Pleureur. — Tree a feeble pendulous grower. Fruit of medium size, oval ; stem very long, a very shallow cavity and a dot at apex ; skin yellowish-red with bright red in small dots or spots on the sunny side; flesh yellowish, mildly acid, tender, juicy, with a pleasant flavour. Season third week in June. Suesse Fruhe Weichsel. — Tree a slow g;rower. Fruit small, round, dark red; stem of medium length, inserted in a small cavity; flesh reddish, juice red, juicy, sprightly, pleasantly acid ; too small for a commercial cherry. Season middle of June. Plymouth RocTc. — Tree a slow grower. Fruit above medium size, flattened, blunt, heart-shape; stem medium in length; skin yellowish-red with deep red dots; flesh yellowish-white, tender, juicy, mildly sweet with a pleasant flavour. Season early July. Ahhesse. — Tree a fairly good grower. Fruit of medium size, round; stem long; skin yellowish-red; flesh yellowish, juicy, tender, with a pleasant, sprightly flavour; stone very small. Season middle of July. Orel No. 25. — Tree a free grower. Fruit below medium size, roundish; stem of medium length; cavity small, with a small depression at apex; colour yellowish-red; flesh yellowish, juicy, tender, sprightly, pleasantly acid when fully ripe. Season middle of July. Nouvelle Royale. — Tree a moderate grower. Fruit large, roundish ; stem of medium length; .cavity shallow and flat; skin dark glossy red; flesh tender, juicy, mildly acid, almost sweet with a pleasant flavour. S.r.son middle of July. IG— 26i 401 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD V!!., A. 190S Bedford Prolific. — Tree a Etrong grower. Fruit above medium size, blunt, heart- shape; stem long; cavity wide and shallow; skin glossy black; flesh red, juice red, tender, juicy with a pleasant, sprightly flavour, sweet, good. Season middle of July. COMMEECIAL OKCHARDS. The varieties added to the commercial apple orchard this year are the Cox Orange Pi]^pin and the Winter Banana. All the trees have made a very satisfactory growth and two of the Mother trees bore three very fine specimens each. A beginning in a commercial pear and plum orchard will be made this spring; the trees are ordered and the land is prepared to begin planting just as soon as spring opens. SMALL FRUITS, 1906. This has not been a favourable year with us for small fruits. The long, hot, dry time at and before ripening, lessened the crop considerably. The blackberries, how- ever, suffered the least and there was a good crop of fine berries of this class. Eed iLN'D Yellow Raspberries. "We have 75 varieties of Red and Yellow Raspberries under test. The following are the most desirable. Name. Phoenix Pauline New Fastolf. Northumberland Basket. Duke of Brabant . All Summer. .... Lord Beaconsfield Sarah Fill Cuthbert.. ., R. B. White French Vice President. Golden Queen Large Yellow Date of Ripe n- ing • June 18 22 23 23 25 2G 27 27 1 " 28 28 28 24 28 Growth of Plant. Vigorous. Size of Fruit. Large Very large .... Large Large medium jLarge I Large medium Very Large. . . Large Quality. Firm, good quality . Firm, good quality, continues long in bearing. Firm, good quality Firm, good quality, continues long in bearing. Firm, good quality Firm, gotjd quality, continues long in bearing,'. Firm, good quality Firm, sweet, very good quali- ty. The best flavoured berry we have. Firm, good quality Firm, ^ood quality, continues* long in bearing. Film, sweet, good quality. . . II good quality . Productive- ness. Productive. Besides the above, we have the following varieties, all of which, here, are lacking in one or more desirable qualities: — Battler's Giant, Paragon, Charles, Hornet, Carter's Prolific, Belle de Fontenay, Baumforth's Seedling, Muskingum, Turner, REPORT OF MR. THOMAS A. SEARPE 405 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 Franconia, Tludson Eirer Antwerp, Tliompson, White Antwerp, Columbia, Arnold's Ilybrid, Red ilerreiihaiiser, Sugar of ^letz, Carleton, Empire, Sharpe, Muriel, Craig, Autumn Surprise, Knevit's Giant, La Mercicr, Guinea, Garnet, Mary, Percy, Fastolf, ifarlboro, Clarke, Heebner, Norwich Wonder, King, Chili, Garfield, Shaffer's Colossal, (Queen Victoria, Sir John, Cariboo, Wild, Col. Wilder, Brinclde's Orange, Goliath, Lizzie, Millar, Minnie, Beehive, Spineless Yellow, Yellow Antwerp, Malta, Barnet, Lady Anne, Nonpareil, Billard's Perpetual, Prince of Wales, Champion, Crimson Beauty, and HanseL Black Cap E.vspberrtes. There are nineteen varieties of Black Cap Raspberries under test. They suffered perhaps more than any other of the small fruits from the hot dry weather, as thoy require moisture as well as sunshine to do well. This year they dried up on the vine to a considerable extent. The following are the best: — Name. Date of Ripeu- ing. Nemaha July Older Palmer I u ilanimoth Cluster. . . KaiLsas tiregg Ada Prcjgress Conrath Hopkins Growth of Plant. Vigorous. Size of Fruit. Large Large medium Large Large medium Large Medium ... Quality. Good quality. Pro- ductiveness. Productive. Other varieties under trial are: — Carman, Smith's Prolific, Cromwell, Lovett, American Yellow Cap, Jackson's May King, Progress, Early Ohio, Oregon Late. Blackberries. Of the 27 varieties of Blackberries under test, the following are the best here: — Name. Date of Ripening. Growth of Plant. Size of Fruit. Quality. • Productiveness. Earlv King July 10 .1 17 -1 17 1. 18 11 13 II 18 M 18. . .. ,1 18 .1 IS 1. 18 II 19 .1 20. II 22 Aug. 1 toOct. 1 Vigorous II ... II ... It ... II ... •1 ... II ... II ... II ... 11 ... II ... II ... 1. Large Large medium Very large Large medium Large Large medium II . . Large I' .... II II Medium Large Large medium Good quality II Very good quality. . . Good quality Fairly good quality . Productive. Hansel Eldorado Snyder Stone's Hardy Agawam ti Very productive. Productive. II Taylor II Erie . Earlv Cluster Very productive. Maxwell Pioductive. Ohiner . ....... It Taylor's Prolific Lawton Oregon Everbearing. . . II II Very productivat 4G6 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 Besides the above the following are also under trial: — Wilson's Early, Tecumseh, Kittatinny, Wilson Jr., Early Harvest, Crystal White, Gainor, Thompson's Mammoth, Lovett's Best, Child's Tree, Dallas and Brunton. Red and White Currants. There are 41 varieties of Red and White currants under test. Of these the following are the best hei'e : — Name. Date of Ripening. Growth of Plant. Size of Fruit. Quality. Productive- ness. Red Cherry London Red Raby Castle White (jrrape La Fertile La Conde June 20 20.... 21... 21... 21.... 22... 25.... 25.... 25 ... 25.... 26 ... 27.... 28.. . 2S.... Vigorous . . . Large medium M 1! Medium Large medium II II Medium II liarge medium Lnrge Medium II Good quality . . II II It i> • It Produ ctive. Prince Albert La Turinese Evatt's New White Cherrv Gondoin Red Large White Brandenburg. . . White Pearl Victoria Besides the above varieties, the following have been tested, but found less valu- able:— White Transparent, White Gondoin, Red Dutch, Knights Early Red, North Star, New Red Dutch, White Dutch, Fay's Prolific, Moore's Ruby, Versailles, No. 51 (L.S.) Langstraubige, White Esperen, Rankin's Red, Large White Erauendorfer, Verrier's White, Chenonceau, De la Rochepoze, Ringens, Beauty of St. Giles, Cham- paigner, English Red, Rouge Admirable, Large Red, White Kaiser, White Imperial. Black Currents. There are 44 varieties of Black Currants under test, been found the best here : — Of these, the followint' have Name. Dominion IMerveilie de la Gironde Middlesex Prince of Wales Boskoop Giant Black Naples London Lee's Prolific" Pearce Victoria Climax Date of Ripen- ing. July Growth of Plant. Vigorous Size of Fruit, Largo medium Large Very large . . . Large Medium Large medium Medium Large Medium Quality. Mild, good quality Slightly acid^good quality Mild, good quality Sweet, very good quality II II II Sweet, good quality II II ....•••• Mild, good quality ... . II II ..■•.. Sweet, good quality Mild, good quality Productive- ness. Productive. Besides the above, the following varieties have been tried, but they are not so desirable : — Lennox, Bang-up, Gewohnliche, Eclipse, Sterling, Kerry Perry, Ruler, REPORT OF MR. THOMAS A. 8HARPE SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 407 Madoc, Kentish Hero, Ambrafarbige, Cbarmer, Bcaudry, Ontario, Eagle, Lanark, Baldwin, Wood, Louise, Stuart, Kentville, Success, Star, Champion, Ethel, Parker, Monarch, Bella, Norton, Oxford, Climax, Orton, Henry. METEOROLOGICAL RECORD. ' Date of Highest Temperature. 1005. December 27 . . 1906. January 31 . . . Ffibniary 7, 11 March 27, ... April 29 May 2 June 2, 24 July 3 Augaist 16, 21. September 14. October 8 November 4, 9 December 4 . . 1907. January 21 February 24 . . March 26 Tempera- ture. 57 56 68 69 81 82 84 98 86 74 74 53 51 50 53 58 Date of Lowest Tempierature. December 20, 26.. January 20. . February 9. . . March 13 ... . April 12 May 7 June 29 July 25 August 16, 27 September 26. October 19 . . . November 15. December 31. Total January 15. February 3. March 18 . . Total Tempera- ture. 30 26 29 23 30 32 38 45 40 37 32 24 17 4 8 24 Rainfall. Inches. 4-26 4 4 2 2 7 6 2 1 6 9 10 63 0 5 7 25 68 04 04 40 40 36 04 32 18 30 29 30 61 30 26 1317 Snowfall. Inches. 21 2 13 36 37 6 2 45 Sunshine. Hours. Minutes. 17 12 38 102 125 167 134 165 294 228 117 78 51 21 1,525 90 74 95 260 48 30 42 42 06 42 is 36 36 54 12 06 I have the honour to be. sir. Your obedient servant, THOS. A. SHARPE. 7-8 EDWARD VII. SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 A. 1908 STATEMENT OF EXPENDITTJKE ON THE DOMINION EXPERIMENTAL FARMS, FROM JULY 1, 190G, TO MARCH 31, 1907. Central Experimental Farm. Livestock $ 642 37 Feed for stock $ 2,961 32 Supplies from cereal division 270 77 Grain screenings from grain distribution 535 12 $ 3,767 21 Less — Supplies to poultry division 326 OS Veterinary services and drugs Seed, grain, trees, &c Implements, tools, hardware and supplies Drainage and drain tiles Manure and fertilizers for experimental plots and horticultural and cereal divisions Travelling expenses Exhibition expenses Blacksmithing, harness supplies and repairs.. Bee division Wages: farm work, including salaries of officers in charge Wages: care of stock, including salary of herdsman. . *. Horticultural division, including salaries of officers in charge, also forestry 4,809 59 Poultry division, including salaries of officers in charge. . . .$ 2,654 36 Value of grain, &c., supplied by farm 326 08 2,980 44 Cereal division, including experimental plots, also salaries of officers in charge $ 3,200 35 Less — Value of material supplied for feed. .$270 77 " potatoes supplied for seed distribution 398 30 669 07 Care of ornamental trees and grounds, avenues, hedges, &c Office assistance, including English and French correspondence and mes- senger service Printing of office supplies and stationery Arboretum Distribution of trees and tree seeds Care of green-houses, seed testing, &c., &c Dairy branch, including salary of dairyman Contingencies, including $243.74 for roads Telegrams and telephones Steers, purchased for feeding experiments Books and newspapers. . , Cleaning land (removal of stone, &c-) 409 3,441 13 121 98 373 .92 617 69 16 50 236 10 1,216 27 809 20 813 80 145 32 3,541 76 2,930 83 2,531 28 1,071 49 4,483 40 709 14 1,188 25 69 78 1,118 76 851 01 332 60 186 82 1,100 89 132 26 59 C6 $ 36,441 24 410 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 Experimental Farm, Nappan, N.S. — Expenditure, 1906-07. Feed for stock $ 875 75 Veterinary services and drugs 25 Seed grain, seeds, trees, &c 237 51 Implements, tools, hardware and supplies 94 81 Manure and fertilizers 43 16 Travelling expenses 52 70 Exliibition expenses 300 63 Blacksmitliing, harness supplies and repairs 170 79 Salary of Superintendent 1,200 00 Wages, farm work, including experimental work with farm crops. . . . 1,277 25 Wages, care of stock 748 90 Poultry branch 163 85 Horticultural division, including experimental work with vegetables, fruits, forest and ornamental trees and flowers ; also care of grounds and salary of officer in charge 645 29 Distribution of seed grain, potatoes, &c 76 00 Contingencies, including postage, $84.45; repairs to dykes, $45 160 20 Printing and stationery 10 63 Books and newspapers 24 42 Telegrams and telephones 22 3^ Steers purchased for feeding experiments 2,188 37 Bee supplies. 15 90 Draining 15 00 Office help and messenger service including delivery of mail, $90. . . . 180 00 $ 8,515 73 Experimental Farm, Brandon, Man. — Expenditure 1906-07. Livestock ■ { Feed for stock ■ Veterinary services and drugs Seed grain, trees, seeds, &c ■ Implements, tools, hardware and supplies Travelling expenses Exhibition expenses Blacksmithing, harness supplies and repairs Bee supplies Salary of Superintendent Wages, farm work, including experimental work, with farm crops, &c. . Wages, care of stock Horticultural branch, including experiments with vegetables, fruits and flowers ; also care of Arboretum and grounds Forestry branch, including care of hedges .Poultry branch Office help, including delivery of mail, $229.75 Distribution of seed grain, potatoes, &c Distribution of trees and tree seeds Contingencies, including postage, $95.80 ^ Printing, and stationery Books and newspapers Telegrams and telephones Carried forward $ 7,632 91 $ 264 50 10 30 51 25 39 94 212 68 11 15 71 95 180 55 23 06 1,200 00 3,063 97 548 25 313 05 273 25 87-15 729 50 316 00 9 52 103 60 39 94 22 45 60 85 EXPENDITURE 411 « SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 Brought forward $ 7,632 91 Drainage and drain tiles 6 00 Manure and fertilizers 150 50 Steers purchased for feeding experiments 400 23 $ 8,198 61 Less — Value of grain supplied for grain distribution at Ottawa • 1,042 30 $ 7,156 34 Ji'XPERIMENTAL J?ARM, InDIAN HeAD, SaSK. — EXPENDITURE, 1906-07, Live stock $ 16 25 Feed for stock 31 07 Veterinary services and drugs. . t 58 60 Seed grain, seeds, trees, &e 15 89 Implements, tools, hardware and supplies 490 97 Travelling expenses 11 85 Blacksmithing, harness supplies and repairs 94 15 Salary of superintendent 1,200 00 Wages, farm work, including experimental work with farm crops. . . . 2,654 52 Wages, care of stock 620 65 Horticultural branch 180 00 Poultry branch 51 66 Forestry branch, including hedges 68 25 Office help, including delivery of mail, $90 652 50 Distribution of seed grain, potatoes, &c 139 66 Distribution of trees and tree seed 8 75 Conting,encies. including postage, '$372.33 407 63 Printing and stationery 47 19 Telegrams and telephones 29 85 Books and newspapers 3 50 Steers purchased for feeding experiments 292 85 Bee supplies. , 4 34 $ 7,080 73 Less — Proceeds of sale of steers purchased for feeding experi- ments $ 780 00 Value of grain supplied for grain distribution at Ottawa. 1,871 05 2,651 65 $ 4,429 08 Experimental Farm, Agassiz, B.C. — Expenditure, 1906-07. Livestock $ 1 00 Feed for stock 55 90 Veterinary services and drugs 8 15 Seed grain, seeds, trees, &c 67 52 Implements, tools, hardware and supplies 251 70 IFanure and fertilizers 143 35 Travelling expenses 33 25 Exhibition expenses 296 70 Blacksmithing, harness supplies and repairs 140 83 Salary of superintendent 1,200 CO Carried forward $ 2,198 40 412 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 Brought forward . .$ 2,198 40 Wages, farm work, including experimental work witli farm crops, vege- tables, fruit trees, vines, &c 2,150 80 Wages, care of stock 404 50 Poultry branch •. GO '76 Forestry branch, including care of hedges 65 15 Office help 90 00 Distribution of seed g.rain, potatoes, &c 83 00 Clearing land 17 50 Contingencies, including postage, $6S 84 52 Printing and stationery 15 98 Books and newspapers 14 50 Drainage and drain tiles 69 12 Telegrams and telephones ^ 2 60 $ 5,256 83 EXPEROIEXTAL FaRM, LaCOMBE, AlTA. — EXPENDITURE, 1906-07. Purchase of land $ 5,000 00 Horses 1,828 60 Implements, tools, hardware, d;e j 2,428 99 Harness 229 40 Feed for stock 107 j77 Travelling expenses 592 08 Salary of superintendent, 8 mos 800 00 Printing and stationery 5 90 Contingencies, including rent of house for superintendent, $160 186 35 $ 11,179 09 Experimental Farm, Lethbridge, Alta. — Expenditure, 1906-07. Horses $ 2,475 00 Harness 584 60 Fencing 590 25 Implements, tools, hardware, &c 2,775 80 Feed for stock 97 21 House and stable rent 218 16 Salary of superintendent, 8 mos 1,000 00 Printing and stationery 73 30 Travelling expenses 223 45 Wages, breaking land, &c., &c 55 80 Fuel for house for superintendent . 52 75 Lighting for house for superintendent 27 27 Water for house for superintendent 11 26 Telegrams and telephones 14 00 Seed grain 14 76 $ 8,213 61 New Farms Generally. — Expenditure 1906-07. Travelling expenses, &c., &c., of Director and Angiis Mackay inspecting lands $ 603 Q6 SUMMARY OF STOCK 413 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 Summary op Expenditure, 1906-07. Central Experimental Farm $ 30,441 24 Nappan Experimental Farm 8,515 73 Brandon Experimental Farm 7,156 34 Indian Head Experimental Farm 4,429 08 Agassiz Experimental Farm 5,256 S3 Lacombe Experimental Farm 11,179 ,09 Lethbridge Experimental Farm 8,213 61 New Farms, General 603 66 $ 81,795 58 General Expenditure.* Distribution of seed grain, potatoes, &c., from Central Experi- mental Farm, including labour, bags, printing, &c. . . .$ 5,286 23 Value of grain from Brandon 1,042 30 " grain from Indian Head 1,871 65 « potatoes from Cereal Division, C.E.F 398 30 $ 8,598 48 Less — Value of screenings charged feed for stock, C.E.F. . 535 12 ■ 8,063 36 Entomological and Botanical Division, including salaries of officers in charge 3,566 67 Chemical Division, including salaries of officers in charge 4,104 55 Salaries general, including — Director, Accountant, director's secretary and assistant accountant.. 5,024 96 $ 102,555 12 Printing bulletins and distribution of bulletins and reports. . 5,250 00 Less — Special sum in estimates for this item 5,250 00 $ 102.5.'>5 12 * These items are put under ' General Expenditure ' for the reason that they are incurred for general purposes. 414 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 Summary of Stock, Machinery, Implements, &c., on Hand April 1, 1007. central experimental farm, ottawa, ont, 19 Horses $ 18 Ayrshire cattle 17 Guernsey cattle 18 Durham cattle (Shorih-i.-iio) 18 Canadian cattle 19 Grade cattle • 138 Yorkshire swine 31 Berkshire swine 33 Tamworth swine 16 Shropshire sheep 10 Leicester sheep Farm machinery and implements Vehicles, including farm wagons and sleighs Hand tools, hardware and sundries Harness Dairy department, machinery, &c Horticultural and forestry departments, implements, tools, czc. Botanical department, implements, tools, &c Poultry department, 329 fowls Poultry department, implements, furnishings, &c Bees and apiarian supplies Chemical department, apparatus and chemicals Books in several departments Greenhouse plants, supplies, &c Furniture at Director's house Office furniture and stationery Experimental flour mill and electric motor . . • Experimental Farm, Nappan, N.S. 8 Horses $ 2 Holstein cattle 4 Yorkshire swine 25 Sheep Cu Fowls Bees and apiarian supplies Vehicles, including farm wagons and sleigjis Farm machinery Farm implements Hand tools, hardware and sundries Harness Furniture for reception room and bedroom for visiting officials. . . . Furniture supplies and books for office 3,986 m 2,105 00 2.100 00 4,095 00 1,540 00 720 00 1,508 00 42f) 00 393 00 300 00 190 00 3,375 40 1,158 00 1,203 05 605 30 550 25 871 35 7 35 694 75 213 50 434 SI 2,000 96 875 53 2.449 00 1.000 00 1.5 13 25 450 00 $ 34,848 50 $ 950 00 205 00 ■]20 CIO 306 00 73 75 42 15 400 75 663 50 275 00 356 50 237 00 159 50 243 75 $ 4,032 90 SUMilART OF STOCK ' 415 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 Experimental Farm, Brandon, Man. 12 Horses $ 4 Ayrshire cattle G Durham cattle 3 Guernsey cattle 11 Grade cattle 1 Tamworth pig: 2 Berkshire piirs 2 Yorkshire swine 57 Fowls Bees and apiarian supplies Vehicles, including farm wagons and sleighs Farm machinery Farm implements Hand tools, hardware and sundries Harness Furniture for reception room and hedroom for visiting officials Furniture supplies and books for office Experimental Farm^ Indian Head, Sask. 13 Horses $ 22 Durham cattle 19 Grade cattle 5 Berkshire swine 9 Yorkshire Wliite swine 50 Fowls Bees and apiarian supplies Vehicles, including farm wagons and sleiglis Farm machinery Farm implements Hand tools, hardware and sundries Harness Furniture for reception room and bedroom for visiting officials Furniture supplies and books for office 1,580 00 180 00 400 00 135 00 330 00 30 00 45 00 50 00 57 00 183 70 575 00 2.032 33 570 00 507 75 213 25 159 55 391 05 $ 7,500 23 2,015 00 1,575 00 530 00 121 00 140 00 54 00 55 00 498 00 3.061 00 602 00 369 40 199 00 476 50 348 00 $ 10,103 90 Experimental Fartii, Agassiz, B.C. 7 Horses 29 Durham cattle 15 Dorset hornnd sheep 3 Berkshire swine 3 Yorkshire "Wliite swine 35 Fowls Bees and apiarian supplies Vehicles, including farm wagons Farm machinery Farm implements Hand tools, hardware and sundries Harness Furniture for reception room and bedroom for visiting officials. Furniture supplies and books for office .$ 1.210 00 1,635 00 153 00 105 00 90 00 35 00 31 75 161 00 559 00 119 75 144 50 88 V5 116 no 254 50 $ 4,703 25 416 ♦ EXPERIIIENTAL FAR Alii, 7-8 EDWARD V!l., A. 1908 Experimental Farm, Lacombe, Alta. 6 Horses $ 1,828 60 Implements, tools, vehicles, hardware, &c 2,429 00 Harness 220 40 $ 4,487 00 Experimental Farm, Lethbridge, Alta. 10 Horses $ 2,475 00 Implements, tools, vehicles, hardware, office furniture, &c 2,775 00 Harness 584 60 $ 5,834 60 THOS. M. CEAMP, Accountant. 7-8 EDWARD VII. SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 A. 1908 Meteorological Obsekvations in 1906 at the Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa. Table of Meteorological Observations taken at tlie Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa, 1906 ; maximum, minimum, and mean temperature for each month, with date of occurrence, also, rainfall, snowfall, and total precipitation. Month. .5 3 c 2 << 4^ CO 0) m a; 6 Q 1 Snowfall. Total Precipita- tion. If -r G It > 3 e o O o o e in. in. in. in. January.. . 28-68 10 17 18-51 19-92 48-0 23rd -14-4 10th 0-26 9-25 1-18 14 0-35 18th February - 25 18 3- 1:6 21-92 14-22 460 21st —21-8 2nd 0-66 7-75 1-43 12 0-50 14th & 25th 2rth March 30 S3 12-87 17-96 21-85 47-0 29th — 3 2 24th 0-98 7-50 1 72 10 0-92 April 54 20 34-85 22 08 46 19 71 6 19th 17 0 7th 0 78 1-75 0-95 12 0-29 10th May 61 M 40 14 24-80 52 54 89-8 18th 28 8 11th 1 88 1-88 1.5' 0-4.5 2oth June 77 83 53 -Oi) 23-87 65 89 89-0 15th & 20th 36 6 i:th 4 85 . . 4-85 18, 1-05 8th July 8?. 34 56 04 26 2!) 69 18'93-6 22nd 44 2 5th 1 58 1-58 8 0-62 :¥)th August 84 04 57 07 26-9(i 70 55 96-6 19th 43 5 15th 2 43 2-43 9 0-74 20th September. 75 86 47-86 28 00 61 86 920 12th 32 2 25th 2 53 2 53 7 1-56 29th October . . . 56 42 35-86 20-55 46 13 75 8 4th 24 5 12th 3 5ii 356 10 1-22 6th November. 3S • 28 23-87 14-40 31 07 50-0 2nd 7 4 l.Hli 1 01 7-75 1-78 11 0 61 2(;th December. 20 70 3 -20 17-46 11-96 38-0 15th —25-2 8th 0-84 21-75 3-01 19[ 145 0-55 6th 21 -.36 55-75 26-90 Rain or snow fell on 145 days during the 12 months. Heaviest rainfall in 24 hours, 156 inches on September 29th. Heaviest snowfall in 24 hours, 5 50 inches on December 6th. The highest temperature during the 12 months, was 96''6 on August 19th. The lowest temperature during the 12 months, was— 25°2 on December 8th. During the growing season rain fell on 12 days in April, 15 days in May, 18 days in June, 8 days in July, 9 days in August, and 7 days in September. September shows the lowest number of days on which rain fell, viz : 7. Total precipitation during the 12 months, 26 "90 inches, as compared with 32 42 inches during 1905. 16—27 418 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 Rainfall, Snowfall, and Total Precipitation from 1890 to 1906, also the average annual amount that has fallen. Year. 1890. 1891 . . 1892. 1893 . . 1894 . . 1895. 1896 . . 1897 . , 1898 . . 1899 . , 1900 . . 1901 . . 1902.. 1903 . 1904 . . 1905 . . 1906 . . Total for 17 years Yearly average for 17 years , Rainfall. 24-73 30 19 78 79 05 01 53 18 ■75 86 48 21 31 23 27 21 24 24 33 29 29 25-94 26-43 25-95 23-71 21-36 446-95 26-29 Snowfall. m. 64-85 73-50 105-00 72-50 71-50 87-50 99-75 89-00 112 25 77 -25 108 00 97-25 101-75 8500 108-75 87-25 55-75 1496-85 88 05 Total Precipita- tion. m. 31 22 37 54 34 28 39 04 SO 20 35 76 31 50 33 08 35 97 41 63 40 27 38 91 36 10 34 92 36 79 32 42 26 90 596 53 35 09 Record of Sunshine at the Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa, for the year 1906. 1906. Months. Number of days with Sunshine. Number of days without Sunshine. Total hours Sunshine. Average Sunshine per day. •Tami'ii'V . 20 21 22 27 26 28 31 31 29 25 19 20 11 7 9 3 5 2 0 0 1 6 11 11 87 132 163 20G 201 224 272 273 215 138 95 72 5 3 7 8 8 0 4 7 8 6 8 6 2-82 T^f*V>rnarv 4-72 March April May June July 5-28 6-89 6-50 7-46 8 80 8-82 719 4 47 N^ovpmber 3-lJ December 2 34 0 Signed), VVILLIAiy [ T. EI .LI Ob, server. 7-8 EDWARD VII. SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 A. 1908 INDEX Page. Agriculturist— Report of the 47 Beef production, 1905-06 C6-74 1906-07 74-78 Remarks on scope of report 67 Feeding steers 67 Winter feeding, 1905-06 C7-68 Spring feeding 69-70 Baby beef, 1905-1906 7.1-74 1906-1P07 T7-78 Steer fe£>ding. 1906-1907 71-77 Extra ehoice n-s. inferior steers 71-75 Long feed vs. short keep steers.. .. ..7C-77 Dairy herds, the 4-9 Feeding the dairy cow 50 Summer feedimg 50 Winter feeding 50 Feeding, cost of 54 Breeding and feeding the dairy calf.. 51 Dairy cattle 49 Dairy cow records 52 Dairy cows, cost of feeding 54 Dairy herd report, July 1, 1905 to March 31, 1906 55 Dairy herd report, July 1, 1905 to March 31, 1907 57 Ayrshires 59 Canadians 59 Guernseys 59 Shorthorns 59 Grades 59 Dairy cows, experiments with 60-56 Gluten, oil me-al, cotton seed meal. vs. bran and. oats 60-64 Summary of experiment 64 Internaticmal stock food 64-65 Roots and ensilage 66 Farm, comparative sntatements of crops on, from 1899 to .1906, inclusive 82 Feed on hand, Ai.ng (See pork production).. ..78-80 Cerealist— Report of the 236 Acknowledgments 236 Barley, six-row 245 Beardless 246 Rarliest varieties of 246 Hulless 246 Most productive varieties of 24€ Test of varieties of 246 16— 27i 420 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 Page. Cerealist — Report of the— Con. Barley, six-row — Cou. Albert 246 Argyle 246 Bere 246 Black Japan 246 Blue Long Head 246 Brome 246 Champion 246 Claude 246 Common 246 Eclipse 246 Empire 246 Escourgeon 246 Hulless Black 246 Manchurian 245, 246 Mandscheuri 246 Mansfield 246 Mensury 236, 246 Nugent ■. .. .. 246 Oderbruch 246 Odessa ..^ 245 Royal .. .' 246 Sisolsk 246 Small Blue Naked 245,246 Stella 246 Summit 246 Taganroig 245, 246 Trooper 246 Yale 246 Barley, six-row winter :• 248 Zero 248 Barley, two-row 246 Beardless 247 Earliest varieties of 247 Hulless 247 Most productive varieties of •• 247 Test of varieties of 247 Archer Chevalier 247 Beaver 247 Brewer's Favourite 247 Canadian Thorpe 247 Clifford 247 Danish Chevalier 247 Dunham 247 Erfurt White 246,247 Fichtel Mountain 247 French Chevalier 247 Gambrinus 2461247 Gordon 247 Hannchen 247 Harvey 247 Hofbrau 246, 247 Invincible 247 Jarvis 247 Jewel 246, 247 Logan 247 Page. Cerealist— Report of the— Con. Barley, two-row — Con. Maltster 247 Old Irish 246, 247 Primus 247 Princess 247 Princess Svalof 247 Sidney 247 Standwell 247 Swan's Neck 247 Swedish Chevalier 247 Triple Naked 236 Beans, field 251 Beets, sugar 254 Carrots 254 Cereals in small plots 237 Crossing and selection of cereals 235 Descriptions of varieties of wheat .. .. 239 Early sowing, importance of 238 Emmer and Spelt 243 Test of varieties of 243 Common Emmer 243 Red Emmer .. .' 243 Red Spelt 243 Smooth Spelt 243 Thick Emmer 243 White Emmer 243 White Speit 243 White Bearded Spelt 243 Field Roots 252 Flax 252 Grading of grain 236 Grain sown in different quantities on sandy loam 249 Indian corn 255 Sown at different distances 255 Test of varieties of 2-55 Mangels 253 Mixed grain, plots of 250 Oats 243 Earliest varieties of 245 Most productive varieties of 245 Test of varieties of 244 Abundance 244 American Beauty 244 American Triumph 244 Atlantic '244 Banner A 244 Banner B t44 Bavarian 244 Bell 244 Bergs 243, 244 Black Beauty 244 Buckbee's Illinois 244 Chinese Naked 244 Colossal 244 Columbus Selected 244 IXDEX 421 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 Page. Cerealist— Report of the— Cow. Oats — Con. Danish Island 244 Daubeney Selected 244 Dinauer 244 Early Angus 244 Early Ripe 243. 244 Excelsior 244 Fichtel Mountain 244 Page. Cerealist— Report of the— Con. Rye, spring. 249 Winter 249 235 Carton's Abundance 244 Golden Beautv 244 Golden Fleece 244 Golden Giant 244 Goldfinder 244 Gold Rain 244 Green Russian 244 Holstein Prolific 243 Improved American 244 Improved Ligowo 244 Irish Victor 244 Joanette 244 Kendal Black 244 Kendal White 244 Kirsche 244 Lincoln 244 Oil Jlennonite "■*■* Milford Black 244 Milford White 244 Olive Black 244 Pioneer 244 Senisation 244 Siberian 244 Sixty Day 243, 244 244 Sorgenfrei Storm King 244 Swedish Ligowo 244 Swedish Select 244 Tartar King 244 Thousand Dollar 244 Tlola 244 Twentieth Century 244 Uberfluss 243 Virginia White 243. 244 Wav«rley 244 Welcome 244 White Giant Selected 244 White Wonder 243,244 Whiting 244 Wide Awake 244 Peas • 24S Earliest varieties of 248 Most productive varieties of 248 Test of varieties of 248 Potatoes, field plots of 256 Quality in wheat 236 Roots, field 252 252 238 238 Selection of cereals Spelt, See Emmer. Turnips Uniform test plots of cereals Weather Wheat, Durum or Macaroni 241 Test of varieties of 24- BelO'turka 242 Black Don 242 Charnovka -'*-' Goose 241, 242 Italian 242 Kahla 242 Kubanka 242 Mahmoudi 24- Red Indian 242 Roumanian 242 Velvet Den 242 Yellow Charnovka 242 Wheat, Spring 23S Earliest varieties of 241 Most productive varieties of 241 Test of varieties of 240 Alpha Selected 240 Aurora 239,240 Australian F 240 Bishop 240 Blue Stem 240 Bobs 239, 240 Chelsea 239, 240 Colorado 240 Colorado No. 50 239, 240 Ebert Selected 240 Gatineau 239, 240 Haynes' Blue Stem 240 Herisson Bearded 240 Hungarian White 240 Huron Selected 240 Laurel 240 Marquis 239, 240 Marvel 240 Outlook 240 Percy A 240 Persian Black 240 Preston A 240 Pringle's Champlain 240 Prospect E 240 Red Fern 240 Red Fife 237 Red Fife H 239, 240 Red Preston 240 Riga M 240 Spence Yellow 240 422 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 Page. Cerealist— Report of the— Con. Wheat, Spring^CoH. Stanley A 240 White Fife 237, 240 White Russian 240 Yellow Cross.. ..• 240 Yellow Fife 240 Yellow Queen 240 Wheat, Winter 242 In Alberta 242 Alherta Red 242 Kaasas Red 242 Padi 242 Turkey Red 237,242 Cliejnist— Report of the 149 Abitibi region, soils from l53 Ackmowledgem'eots 150 Agricultural tour in British Columbia .. 184 Apple pomace 170 Ashes from muck l&S Beet root products 167 Bluestone, commercial, analysis of.. .. 183 " and kerosene emiulsion of.. .. 181 Bordeaux and berosene emulsion of.. .. 182 " flour iBsnA kerosene emulsion of 182 British Columbia, agricultural tour in . . 184 Butter separator, " Ideal " 176 Carrots, lamalys is of 174 Caustic soda and kerosene emulsions of 181, 182 Chemist, report of 149 Clover, pease as a substitute for 156 Commercial bluestone 183 feeding stuffs 164 Conservation of soil moisture 150 Corn products 186 Cotton seed meal 167 Dog-fish scrap as a fertilizer 158 Feeds, analysis of . . . . 165 Fertilizer, pease as a, in the North-West 155 Fertilizing materials : Ashes from muck 163 Dog-flsh scrap 15'8 Fish-scrap liquor 159 Lime kiln ashes 163 Spent bone char.. ., 164 Tobacco ashes 162 Tobacco refuse 162 Wood ashes 163 Pish-scrap, use of, on the farm 160 liquor 159 from Shippigan, N.B 160 Flour, Bordeaux and kerosene emulsion. 182 Fodders and feeding stuffs : Apple pomace 170 Beet root products 167 Commercial feeding stuffs 164 _, . Page. Cliemist— Report of the— Con. Fodders and feeding stuffs— Con. Corn products ..... 1&6 Cotton seed meal 167 Feeds, analysis of 165 Malt sprouts 167 Meat meals for poultry 170 Oat products IftS Rice meal 166 Wheat straw and chaff, frozen 171 "Ideal" butter separator 176 Influence of inherited qualities in roots.. 174 Insecticides and fungicides : Bluestone, commercial .. 183 " and kerosene emuLsion.. .. 181 Bordeaux and kerosene emailsion.. .. 182 " flour and kerosene emulsion 182 Caustic, soda and kerosene emulsi:n,181, 182 Summer sprays 182 Winter washes 181 Kerosene emulsion, new forms of 181 " and bluestone emulsion 181 " and Bordeaux emnlsicn 182 " and caustic soda emulsion. .181, 182 " flour and Bordeaux emulsion.. 182 Letter of transmittal 149 Lime kiln ashes 163 Malt sprouts 167 Mangels, analysis of 172 Meat meals for poultry 170 Moisture, soil, conservation of 150 ." in orchard soils, control of.. .. 150 Muck, ashes from 163 New forms of Kerosene emulsion 181 Oat products 165 Orchard soils, control of moisture in.. 150 Pease from C. E. F. Orchards 157 as a fertilizer in the Northwest. 155 " as a substitute for clover 156 Poultry meat meals 170 Rainfall at Ottawa 150 Relative value of roots 172 Rice meal 166 Roots, relative value of 172 Samples received for examination and report 149 Soils from Abitibi region 153 Soil moisture, conservation of 150 Soil, Alberta, notes on character of.. .. 194 Spent bone char 164 Sprays, winter 181 " summer 182 Sugar beets for factory purposes 175 Summer sprays 182 Tobacco refuse 162 " ashes 162 Turnips, analysis of 173 i\nEX 423 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 Page. Chemist— Report of the— Con. Wi>M waters from f:irm homesteads. 196, 197, 19; Wheat straw and chaff, frozen, value of. 171 Winter washes 181 Wood ashes 1G3 Director — Report of the 2 Acknowlodgmenls 45 Bedford, Mr. S. A., resignation of.. .. 41 Bulletins issued during 1906 34 Calgary to Edmonton :M-35 Changes in the staff 43 Cramp. Thos. M., report of 409 Co-operative experiments by farmers throughout Canada 6 Correspondence 44 " at Branch Experimental Farms 44 Crops, action of fertilizers on S, 21 Edmonton to HuraboU 36 Ellis, Wm., reports of.. , 33, 416 Experiments with fertilizers on — Barley 8-12 Indian Corn 16 Oats 14 Mangels 18-21 Turnips lS-21 Wheat 10 Farm crops throughout the Dominion.. 5 Fertilizers, special experiments with. .. 8 J"'inaincial statement 409 Fixter, Mr. John, resignation of 43 Grain distribution of, for improvement of seed 6 Grain tests, table of, for each province. 33 Journeys through the West 34 Lacombe, new Experimental Farm at.. 35-43 Lethbridge, new Experimental Farm at. 43 Letter of transmittal 3 Meteorological observations 416 Prince Albert to Melfort 40 Ra.Lnfa,ll for past seventeen years 417 Regina to Prince Albert 39 Repiorts and Bulletins distribution of.. 44 Reports on journeys made 34-41 Seed grain, distribution of 6-7 Seed grain distribution, benefits of.. .. 8 Seeds, tests of vitality of 32 Statement of expenditure -^OQ Sunshine, records of 417 Summary of S'tnck, &c., on each Experi- mental Farm 414 Visit to Experimental Farm, Nappan, X.S 42 Visit to Experimental Farm, Brandon, Man 41 Pagr. Director — Report of the — Con. Visit to Experimental Farm, Indian Head, Sask : 41 Visit to Experimental Farm, Agassiz, B.C 42 Yukon, Experiments in growing farm crops in the 22-25 Yukon, distribution of seeds for test.. 22 Entomologist and Botanist — Report of the 201-234 Acknowledgments 204 Apple Maggot 219 Apple-tree caterpillar. Red-humped . . •• 227 Yellow-necked 227 Asparag-us beetles 213 remedies for 214 AspUlioius peniiciosus 220 Argyresthia frej/ella 231 thuiella 230 Barathra ciirialis 212 occidentata 212 Barynotus schocnherri on cabbage 212 remedies for 213 Bibio alhipcnnis 205 gracilis 205 Iristis 205 Bordeaux mixture, formula for potatoes. 210 formula for Codling Moth 217 Botanical collections 202 Botany, Division of 232 Brown-tail Moth in Nova Scotia .. .. 222 life history of 222. 226 a dangerous enemy 223 winter treatment 223 summer treatment 224 campaign against 225 Brown-tail rash 223 Bucculatrix thuiella 230 Buffalo Tree-hopper 219 Busck, A., on White Cedar Twig-borer.. 230 Cabbage Butterfly, Small White 211 remedy for 212 Cabbage post, a new 212 Cabbage worms 211 Carpocapsa pomouclla 216 Cedar, White, Twig-borer .. .... 229 Cephus occidentalis 209 Cereals, insect enemies of 205 Ccrcsa btibdhts 219 Chcrmcs abietis 229 Cherry Fruit-fly 228 Codling Moth 216 remedies for 216 Collections of insects and plants .. .. •. 201 Conotracfielus nenuphar 217 424 EXPERIMENTAL FARM.^ 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 Page. Entomologist and Botanist — Report of the — Con. Griddle, N., on Western Wheat-stem Sawfly 209 on Colorado Potato Beetle 209 on Cabbage Butterfly 211 Crioceris asparagi 213 diiodecim-pitnctata 213 Cutworm, Red-backed 206 Spotted 209 Cutworms in grain 206 remedies for 207 _ Cutworms in general crops, remedies for 207 Datana ministra 227 Dcrostcnes trlfancialus 231 Donations received 202 Elm-leaf Aphis 229 Entomological collections 201 Entomology, Division of 205 Entomoscelis adonidis 214 Epiircea rufa 229 Euproctis clirysorrhaca 222 Forest and shade trees, insect enemies of 229 Fruit crops, insect enemies of 216 Gypsy Moth in the United States 223 Harris, Wm., on cutworms 206 Hemerocampa leucostigina 227, 229 Hcmitelcs sp 231 Holland, W. H., on Colorado Potato Beetle 209 Hop Flea-beetle 215 Hyphantria tei-tor 229 June Bugs 220 LachitGsterna 220 fusca 220 Leaf-hopper, Red-edged 215 Lehia grandis 210 Lepidosaphes ulmi 219 Letter of transmittal 201 Meetings attended 203 Mytilaspis ulmi 219 Maple, Silver, seeds destroyed by Epurwa rufa 229 Marsh Flies 206 May Beetles 220 Nectaropliora solanifolii 210 Negundo Leaf-gall, Fleshy 220 Noctiia c-nigrum 209 NotoJophus antiqua 227 Oak-looper, Vancouver Island 229 Oncomctopia lateralis 215 Otiorhgnchus ocatus 221 rugifrons 212 sulcatus 212,221 Oyster-shell Scale 219 Palmer, W. R., on Cherry Fruit-fly.. .. 228 Paragrotis ochrogaster 206 Page. Entomologist and Botanist — Report of the- Co«. Paris green and bran for cut- worms 206, 207, 208 very little danger from use of 208 Peiitacncmus hucciilatricis 231 Plum Curculio 217 remedy for 218 Podisus spilt osir- 210 Polyporus sp 232 Potitia rapw 211 Potato Beetle, Colorado 209 enemies of 210 Potato-leaf Aphis 210 PsylUodes punctulata 215 Pyrethrum insect powder, for Cabbage Worms 211 Recurraria ihujaclla 230 Rhagoletis cingulata 228 pomonella 219 Roots and vegetables, insect enemies of 209 Rustic, S'pined 212 San JoS'S Scale 220 Schizoneura americana 229 Sdiizura conciiina 227 Sciaphiliis murlcatns 212 Sleepy Weevil 221 Spring Flies, injuring fall wheat 205 Spruce Gall-louse 229 Strawberry, ' one crop method ' to avoid White Grub injury 221 Sugar Beet Webworm 209 Tent Caterpillars 229 Therina somniaria 229 Tree-hopper, Buffa:lio 219 Tuckahoe, a Northwest 232 Turnip Beetle, Red 214 Tussock Moth, Red 227 White-marked 227, 229 Vegetables, insect enemies of 209 Vine Weevil, Blaok 221 Webworm, Fall 229 Sugar Beet 209 Vv^heat, fall, injured by Spring Flies.. .. 205 Wheat-stem Sawfly 209 White Grubs 220 controlling the 221 Experimental Farm, Agassiz — Report of Superintendent 377 Apples, report on, with descriptions of sixty new varieties fruiting 393,-398 Barley, experiments with 380 Test of varieties of 3'81 Beans, experiment's with 390 Bees, report on 379 Beets, experiments with 3SS IXDUX 425 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 Page. Experimental Farm, AksssIz— Coh. Blackberries, report on 40o Agawam 405 Early Cluster 405. Early King 405 Eldorado 405 Erie 405 Hansel 405 Lawton 405 Maxwell 405 Ohmer 405 Oregon Everbearing 405 Stone's Hardy 405 Snyder 405 Taylor 405 Taylor's Prolific 405 Blackberries additional list of 40G Broccoli, experiments with 391 Brussels Sprouts, experiments with .. .. 391 Cabbage, experiments with 391 Carrots, experiments with 385 Test of varieties of 3S5 Carrots table 392 Cattle 378 Cauliflowers, experiments with 391 Cherries, report on, with descriptions of eight new varieties fruiting 403-404 Clover experiments 387 Commercial orchards 404 Corn, Indian, experiments with 382 Corn, Indian test of varieties of 3'S3 Corn planted at different distances" .... 383 Correspondence 389 Crops, summary of 388 Currants, Black, report on 406 Black Naples 406 Boskoop Giant 406 Climax 406 Dominion 406 Lee's Prolific 406 London 406 Merveille de la Gironde 406 Middlesex 406 Pearce 406 Prince of Wales 406 Victoria 406 Currants, Black, additional varieties 'of. 40^-407 Currants, red and white, report en.. .. 106 Eyatt's New 406 Gondoin Red 406 La Conde 406 La Fertile 406 Large White Brandenburg 406 La Turinese 406 London Red 406 Prince Albert 406 Raby Castle 40^ Page. Experimental Farm, Aeassiz— Coji. Currants, rod and white, report on — Con. Red Cherry 406 Victoria 406 White Cherry 406 White Grape 406 White Pearl 406 Currants, red and white, additional varieties of 406 Distribution of seed grain, potatoes. &c. 389 Ditching 378 Field Roots ;. .. 384 Fodder crops, experiments with *87 Forest Trees i.78 Fowls S79 Fruit crops 478 Garden vegetables l«89 Horses 379 Hors« Beans, experiments with 388 Lettuce, experiments with 390 Live stock 378 Mangels, experiments with 385 Test of varieties of 385 Meteorological report 407 Millets, experiments with 388 Mountain orchards 378 New breaking 378 Nut-bearing trees, report on 378 Oats, experiments with 379 Test of varieties of 380 Onions, experiments with 392 Ornamental trees and shrubs 378 Parsnips 390 Pears, report on, with descriptions of fifteen new A^arieties fruiting 398 Pears, best commercial for growing at Agassiz 400 Pease, gardeoi, experiments with 390 Field, experiments with 382 Test of varieties 382 Pigs 379 Plums, report on, with descriptions of thirty six new varieties fruiting ..400-403 Plums, list of choice varieties of 403 Potatoes, experiments with 386 T-cst of varieties of 3S6 Potatoes early and late planted 387 Poultry 379 Pumpkins 392 Radishes, experiments with 389 Raspberries, Black Cap, report o-n.. ., 405 Ada 405 ■ Conrath 405 Gregg 405 Hopkins 406 Kansas 405 Mammoth Cluster 405 426 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 Page. ZTxperimental Farm, Agassiz — Con. Raspberries, Black Cap, report on — Con. Nemaha 405 OLder 405 Palmer 405 ProgresiS 405 Raspberries, Black Cap, ladiditional list of 405 Raspberries, red and yellow, report on. 404 All summer 404 Cuthbert 404 Duke 'of Brabant 404 French Vice-President 404 Golden Queen 404 Herbert 404 Large Yellow 404 Lord Beaconsfleld 404 New Pastolf 404 Northumberland Fillbasket.. .. .. .. 404 Pauline 404 Phcenix 404 Sarah 404 Raspberries, list of additional sorts. 404, 405 Samples distributed 389 Season, character of 377 Sheep 378 Small fruits 404 Soja beams, experiments with 3S3 Squash, experiments with 392 Summary of crops 388 Sunflowers 388 Sugar beets, experiments with 385 Turnips, experiments with 384 Test of varieties of 384 Turnips, table, experiments with 389 Vegetables 389 Weather 377 Wheat, spring 382 Experimental Farm, Brandon — Re- port of the Superintendent 303 Agropyrum tenerum 318 Apples 324 " Duchess of OMenburp-h 325 Hibernal 324 No. lOO 324 No. 179 324 " GroS'S-bred and Seedling 326 Arboretum 327 Annual Flowers 332 Awnless Brome grass 318 Barley, experiments with 310 Test of varieties of 310, 311 Different methods of preparing land for 311 Beans garden 329 Bees, experiments with 323 Page. Experimental Farm, Brandon — Con. Beets 329 Bronuis inermis 318 Cabbage, experiments with .. 330 Cannas 333 Carrots, experiments with 316 Test o.f varieties of 31G, 330 Cattle 321 CauMflower 331 Clovers, experiments with 319 Clovers, results of eleven years tests.. 319 Corn, Indian, experiments with 313 Test of varieties of 313 Corn sown at different distances apart. 314 Corn, sweet 331 Correspondence 335 Cows, ilength of milking period of.. .. 323 Crab apples 325 Crab apples, Hyslop 325 Crab appLes, Martha seedlings 325 Crab, Transcendent 326 Cucumbers 331 Currants 327 Dahlias 332 Distribution of seed grain and potatoes. Forest trees, shrubs, seeds 333 Emmer and spelt 305 Exhibition samples 334 Field roots, experiments with 314 Flax, experiments with 312 Flowers, experiments with 331 Fruit trees, experiments with 324 Gooseberries 327 Grasses, experiments with 318 Horticulture 324 Iris 332 Mailing List ' 325 Mangels, experiments with 315 Test of varieties of 316 Maple seed ^ 333 Meteorological report 334 Millets, experiments with 320 Narcissus 333 Oats, different methods of preparing land for 309 Oats, experiments with 308 Test 'of varieties of 309 Onions ^ . 330 Parsnips 330 Paeonies 332 Pease, field, experiments with 311 Test of varieties of 312 Garden 331 Philadelphus (Mock Orange) 327 Pigs, experiments with 323 Plums 327 INDEX 427 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 Page. Experimental Farm, Brandon — Con. Potatoes, experiments with) 317 Test of varieties of 318 Poultry, experiments v.itli 323 I'l/rus baccata 324 Raspberries 326 Roses 333 Rotation of crops 307,308 Samples for exhibition purposes 334 Grain reports on 312 Shrubs and trees, distribution of 333 Small fruits 326 Spelt. See Emmer 305 Squash and pumpkins 330 Steers, experiments in feeding 321, 322 Strawberries 326 Sugar beets, experiments with 317 Swine, experiments with 323 Tomatoes, experiments with 331 Tree distribution 333 Tulips 332 Turnips, experiments with 314 Test of varieties of 315 Turnips, garden 329 Vegetable garden 328 Visitors to the Experimental Farm . . . . 334 Weather 303 Wheat, different methods of preparing land for 306 Wheat Macaroni S04 Test of varieties of 304 Wheat, spring, experiments with COS Field plots of 306 Preventives of smut in £06 Test of fertilizers on 305 Test of varieties of 304 Experimental Farm, Indian Head, Sask. — Report of the Superintendent. 337 Alfalfa, experiments with.. 352 Ayropyrutn tctierum 352, 353 Annuals 366 Apples, Russian Seedlings 3G9 Cross-ibred' 369 Asparagus, experiments with 358 Awnles.3 Brome grass 352 Barley, experiments with 345 Field lots of 34G Test of varieties of 345, 346 Barley crop and average yield 317 Barley, comparison of field crops fgr past four years 317 Beans, garden, experiments with 3.'>8 Boets, experiments with 338 Breaking and backsetting 342 Brocoli 3)9 Bromus inennis 352 Brussels Sprouts 3j9 Page. Experimental Farm, Indian Kead, Sask. — Con. Bulbs 367 Cabbage, experiments with 359 Canary grass, experiments with 351 Oannas 356 Carrots, experiments with garden.. .. 359 Cattle 370 OauMflower, experiments with 350 Celery, experiments with 360 Oitrotts, experiments with 360 Ccxrn, Indian, experiments with 353 Test of varieties of 353 Corn, Indian seeding at different dist- ances 354 Oorn, garden 36O Correspondenoe 374 Crab apples, Siberian 369 Crops on Experimental Farm.. 333 Crops, summary of 357 Cross-bred apples 339 Cucumbers, experiments with 361 Currants, report on 370 Dahlias 366 Distribution of grain, potatoes, fores-t trees, &c 374 Emmer and Spelt 340 Excursions to farm 373 Experimental Farm crops 337 Feeding tests of cattle 370 Flax, experiments with. 351, 352 Flowers, report on 365 Forest trees and shrubs, distribution of 374 Fruit crop 369 Fruit trees 368 Grain, distribution of samples of.. .. 374 Gooseberries, report on 370 Grasses, experiments with 352 Hay crop 352 Horse beans, experiments with 351 Horses 372 Lettuce, experimeDts with 361 Ifangels, experiments with 355 Test of varieties of 355 Melons, experiments with 361 Meteorological report 375 Methods of preparing new ground.. ..341. 342 Millets, experiments with 351 Mixc'd Grain, crop of 350 Oat crop and average yield 344 Oats, experiments with 3!3 Field lots of "It Test of varieties of 343 Comparison of field crops for past four years 344 Onions, experiments with 362 428 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 7-8 EDWARD VII., A. 1908 Page Experimental Farm, Indian Head, Sask. — Con. Parsley 362 Parsnips, experiments with 362 Pease, experiments with fie'.d 34S Field lots of 319 Test of varieties of 34S Garden 340. 363 Test of varieties of 349 Perennial flowers, report on 366.367 Plums 369, 370 Potatoes, experiments with 356 Distribution of 374 Test of varieties of ; .. .. 356 Poultry, report on 373 Radish, experiments with 363 Rainfall 375 Raspberries, report on 370 Rhubarb, experim^ettts with 363 Roots, field, experiments v.ith 354 Rotation of crops, experiments in.. ..349, 350 Rye, fall 350 Rye, spring 350 Rye grass, western 352 Saskatchewan, northern trip through .. 374 Sage 364 Seed grain, distribution of 374 Seed selection, special' 373 Siberian Crab apples 369 Smut preventives, tests of 347, 348 Soja bean.s, experiments with 351 Spelt. See Emmer 340 Spinach, experiments with 264 Squash and Marrows 364 Steers, experiments with 370, 372 Strawberries, repiart on 369, 370 Summary of crops 357 Summer savory 364 Sugar beets, experiments with 356 Summer fallows 340, 341 Swine, report on 373 Tares, experim'ent with 351 Timothy .. 352 Tomatoes, experiments with 364 Trees and shrubs 367,368 Tree seeds, planting of 368 Turnips, experiments with 3.55 Table 364 Test of varieties of 355 Vegetable garden : 357 Weather 337 Western Rye Grass 352 Wheat, Macaroni 340 Wheat, Spring, experiments with 337 Field lots of 338 Comparison of tests for past four y«ars 339 Test of varieties of .. 338 Page. Experimental Farm, Indian Head, Sask. — Con. Wheat, Spring, experiments with — Con. Test of fertilizers for 339 Crops and average yield 339 Working land after first crop 342 Experimental Fiiriu, Nappan, N.S. — Report of the Superintendent 275 Acknowledgments 275 Apples 298 Barley, experiments with 278 Test >of varieties of 279 Beans, experiments with 291 Bees, experiments with 297 Buckwheat, experiments with 282 Test of varieties of 282 Carrots, experiments with 289 Test of varieties of 289 Cattle 295 Clover, experiments with 291 Corn, Indian, experiments with 283 Field crop of 284 Test of varieties of 283 Correspondence 302 Distribution of seed grain and potatoes. 295 Dog Fish Scrap, experiments with.. .. 292 Durum wheat 280 Emmer and Spe.lt, experiments with.. .. 280 Exhibitions attended 302 Experimental Farm crops 294 Fertilizers, experiments with 293 Garden Beans 299 Garden Peas 299 Grain, field crops of 2S2 Mixed, field crops of 2S8 Hay, crop 294 Horses 295 Horse Beans, experiments with 291 Lime and commercial fertilizer on Dyke lands 293 Livestock 295,296 Macaroni Wheat, experiments with.. .. 280 Mangels, experiments with 287 Field crops of 287,288 Test of varieties of 287 Meetings attend'ed 302 Meteorological record 277 Millet, experiments with 291 Mixed grain, field crops of 283 Oats, experiments with 277 Test of varieties of 278 Pears 198 Pease, field, experiments with 281 Test of varieties of 281 Pigs 296 Plums ZQS jyoEX 429 SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 Page Experiineutal Farm, Nappan, N.S. — Con. Potatoes, experiments with 290 Test of varieties of 290 Poultry 296 Season, character of the 275 Seed grain and potatoes distributed.. .. 295 Sheep 296 Soja beans, experiments with 291 Spelt. See Emmer 280 Steers, experiments with 295, 296 Strawberries 29S test of varieties 299 Sugar beets, experiments with 2S9 Test of varieties of 289 Summary of crops 294 Swine • .. .. 296 Tomatoes 300 Test of varieties of 300 Turnips, experiments with 284 Field crops of 285, 2S6 Test of varieties of 285 Vegetables, best to grow 301 Visitors 302 Weather 275 "Wheat, spring, experiments with.. .. 279 Test of varieties of 280 Durum, experiments with 280 Macaroni, experiments with 280 Fletcher, Dr. J., Entomologist and Bot- anist— Report of 201 Gilbert, A. G., Poultry Manager — Report of 257 Grisdale, J. H., Agriculturist — Report of 47 Horticulturist, Central Experimen- tal Farm— Report of the 97 Acknowledgments 100 Apples 112 Experimental shipment of, to Glasgow. 112 Hardy winter for North Ontario and Quebec 110 Originated at C.E.F., Ottawa 10€ Seedless in Canada 114 Adonis 107 Baxter 112 Calumet , 112 Canada Ba.ldwin 112 Choate 105 Claire 107 Congo 107 Crusoe 107 Dorval 107 Evans 104 Galetta 108 Holdfast 105 La Victoire 112 iM-endel 108 r.\0 vinicat Gara 3 5 85 00258 2946 -73 3piiiiiiii|iB: m i^Jf3viG*Jd^io*iO*J<*^ii**/<*-