Field-crop competitions, 1913 ..

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BULLETINS AT PRESENT AVAILABLE FOR DISTRIBUTION BY THE
~ DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTOJRE.

No. 7. — Flax.
„ 8. — Feeding Farm Animals,

,. 20. — Varieties of Fruit rerommended. (Revised.)
,. 25. — Orchard Oeansing.
„ 26. — Practical Poultry-raising.
,, 28. — Production of Eggs.
.. 29. — Poultry Industry on the Pacific Coast.
.. 30. — Guide to Bee-keeping in British Columbia.
.. 32. — Control of Bovine Tuberculosis in British Columbia.
., 33. — Fruit-growing Possibilities. Skeena River and Porcher Island Districts.
.. 34. — Fruit-trees and Black-spot Canker.
.. 35. — The Place and Purpose of Family Life.
.. 36.— The Preparation of Food.
.. 37. — The Preservation of Food.
,. 38. — The Con.struction of Silos.

., 39. — Natural and Artificial Incubation and Brooding.
.. 40.— Alfalfa.

., 41. — Labour-saving Devices In Household.
.. 42. — .\griculture in British Columbia.
.. 44. — Irrigation in British Columbia.
.. 45.— Agricultural Statistics, 1911.
„ 46.— Food and Diet— Part I.
„ 47. — Food and Diet — Part II.

48. — Exhibiting Fruit and V^etables.

49.— Market Poultry.

50. — The Art of Right Living.

51. — Information for Fruit-growers.

52. — Annual Report, Advisory Board of Women's Institutes.

Applications for bulletins should be addressed to the Secretary, Department of
Agriculture, Victoria. B.C.

VICTOBIA, B.C.:
Printed by William H. Ctllin, Printer to tbe King's Most ExcellMit Majesty.

1913.

16

APB

PROVINCE OF /BRITISH COLUMBIA

(BRIT

DEPAETMENT OF AaEIOULTURE

(LIVE-STOCK BRANCH)

FIELD-CROP COMPETITIONS

1913

BULLETIN No. 56

Questions asked by the members of Farmers' Institutes and answered

by the Provincial Soil and Crop Instructor. See 1914

Regulations, separate Circular

THE GOVERNMENT OF
THE PROVINCE OF BRJTISH COLUIIBIA.

PRINTED BY
AUTHORITY OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY.

VICTORIA. B.C.:
Printed by William H. Cullin^ Printer to the King's Most Excellent Majesty.

1914.

Department of Agriculture^

Victoria, B.C., December 13th, 1913.

Hon. Price Ellison,

Minister of Agriculture.

SiR^ — I have the honour to submit herewith for your approval Bulletin
No. 56, prepared by J. C. Readey, Field and Crop Instructor, dealing with
crop-competition work and containing valuable information as to how to
increase crop-production.

I have the honour to be,
Sir,

YX)ur oljedient servant,

WM. E. SCOTT,
Deputy Minister of Agriculture.

Field of corn — the soverd^n crop.

PROriNCE OF BEITISH COLUMBIA.

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

(live-stock branch.)

HON. PRICE ELLISOX,

Mitvister of Agriculture.

WM. E. SCOTT, W. T. McDONALD, B.SA., M.SA.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture. Live-stock Commissioner.

H. RIVE, B.S.A., J. R. TERRY,

Chief Dairy Instructor. Chief Poultry Insifructor.

A. KNIGHT, V.S.,
Chief Veterinary Inspector.

H. E. WALKER, B.SA., J. C. READEY, B.S.A.,

Agriculturist. Soil and Crop Instructor.

H. E. UPTON,
Poultry Instructor.

T. A. F. WIANCKO, S. A. K. WHITE, V.S.,

Dairy Instructor. Veterinary Inspector.

W. W. ALTON, V.S.,
Veterinary Inspector.

B. R. ILSLEY, V.S., WM. J. BONAVIA,

Veterinary Inspector. Secrei<ary of the Department.

THIS YEAR'S CROP.

A\

Bt J. C. R£Ai«T, Pbovxxcial Sen. AKD Caot LssTmccTom,

HILE oat on the work of jodging tlie crop oompedtioos tiie writo- has been
asked so many times resarding the probtems of soO-ciiItiTstioii, weed-eradica-
tion, and blight-control that this little puB^ileC bas been pnpaoed bt answer to a
popular demand. In addition to answerta^ the qufatluus so cwnwily aMoed, the
writer has ventured to offer a few criticisms of preralent inethodiL Tbe iriMrie
pamphlet has been inspired by a deep int^vst in the worfc; and by * most synqntbetic
appreciation of the difficulties and disappointments that sorroond tbe farmo', in
spite of his best aidearonrs.

IN GENERAL.

An encouraging number ot good crops woe shown tliis year, fidds of oats,
wheat, turnips, kale, and potatoes were diown that were a credit to the farmers and
to the Province. Hie acfaieTements tills year only demoastrate tlie poesibilitieiL
Xeit year we shall do better.

GRAIN-CROPS.
MrrHMks OF Ccxtitatiox.

Some ot our farmers do not cultivate thoroughly. Tbe great txe— c offered is
lack of time. The reascm really is that they try to coItiTste too mneh land for the
time at their di^MwaL Try lesa land, and ciOtivate It mete tboroo^ly. and watcb
results. Plough carefuDy. Dont nse tbe dl* hanow tx an banmring pupoaes;
it is a medial Implement. Tlie qpring-tootb cnltfratar is a safer Impififnt to ose.
Use the drag-harrow often to prepare a seed-bed and OMerw. the ■ujrtnie.

Selecttsq Ain> cuaxikg the Seeu.

The best crt^n are produced froa seed selected frNa the best plants. Tbe next
best from seed from the deanest; best-matared part of the IMd.

Fairly good returns may come from tb<woa^ deaning with tlie ftnning-fldD.

No matter what the method employed to obtain it, nottiing bat large, plaqi,
dean seed should be sown. Try it, and see.

Try thorough cultivation and more careful sdectkm of seed on a small plot for
next year's Crop Competition. See further on f<w paiticnlars.

WEn>s.
In the grain-growing districts, wild oats, wild buckwheat, tumbling arastard.
and lamb's quarter. Some of our famms are &obtg hevoie work in «efc'»i^ the
weeds. In ^ite of infested roadddes and slovenly nrightxHUs, their £ubs were
object-lessons in dean, hi^bhdass crops. Why are so many of oar tenners so carcieaB
about weeds? Tme^ weeds get in throat no fault of oar own, bat it is oar own
fault if they ov^run our farms. Some men can lake dmrge of a term in weed-
iofested districts, the farm itself polluted with the worst weeds in tlie ii«rritw and
catalogue, and in a few years dean it up and completely control tbe weeds. Some
farmers refuse to believe there are weeds in their crops until the weeds have tbe
mastery; thai tiiey appeal to the Government to prosecute tlieir riotenly m itbtmai ii
or to aoggest ronedies, and are surprised tiiat tbe weed expert eaanot by aoae anact-
cut rid the field of the nuisance. Weeds not otdy reduce the crop, bat tteir ejecdoa
is a mi^ty expensive proceeding when they gain a footliold. Xo doidit infectiaa by
weeds from outside soarces is a vexatioa, but tlie damage would be kws^'Wfd easily
by one-half if our farmers would cultivate less ground, cultivate it more tlionMi^iily.
in^tect their growing crops occasionally, and see that the forerunners of tlie weed
army are destroyed. Prevention is bettra* than cure. There are no siiort-cuts to a
cure; more thorough cultivation and pulling the first scattered weeds are good
methods of inevaition.

Smut.

Some fields of oats were visited that would lose one-fifth in yield from smut.
Every one is familiar with the formalin treatment for this disease, but ft is reprinted
here for reference.

This work must be done thoroughly. Every particle of surface of every grain
must come in contact with the solution to give full results. , Again — Be thorough.

Smut Formula. — One pint formalin to 42 gallons of water. Sprinkle or immerse.

POTATOES.

This crop has, generally speaking, been light. A good deal of damage has been
done by scab and blight. Crops that were planted early have often been very weedy,
owing to the wet weather after the cultivating season was over.

Selecting the Seed.

Best results are obtained by planting tubers from plants producing the largest
number of the desirable size and type of potato.

Heaviest yields are obtained from single, tall, strong-growing plants. Short,
heavily branched vines generally produce a large proportion of small potatoes.

Cut one or two strong eyes to the " set," leaving as much of the potato as possible
attached. In light soils plant deeply; in heavier soils plant shallow, and " hill up."

Do not allow the " sets " to dry before being planted. If necessary to cut ahead,
sprinkle the sets with slaked lime, plaster, or in some such way prevent drying.
Drying-out means a serious decrease in the yield.

Scab.
Immerse the potatoes for two hours in formalin and water, 1 oz. of formalin to
2 gallons of water.

Late Blight of Potato.

Spots appear on edge or tips of leaves and extend over the leaf. In moist
weather they present a dark, water-soaked appearance, with a purplish tint In dry
weather they are brown, without definite markings. Spots are watery and the leaf
wilts. Disease extends to the tissue of the potato, rendering it subject to rot.

The disease may be carried over in the potato. Some varieties resist the blight
more than others, but this is influenced by the locality in which the potatoes are
grown.

Controixino the Disease.

If possible, plant " seed " from non-infected tubers. When the potato-vines are
about 6 inches high, spray with Bordeaux mixture, and then spray with the same
mixture twice later, at intervals of about ten days. Do not plant potatoes on land
on which potatoes had been grown the year before.

Hoic to make " Bordeaux Mixture." — Dissolve 4 lb. of bluestone in 35 gallons of
water (or less, and dilute to 35 gallons). Slake 4 lb. of lime and add to the bluestone
solution, making a total of 40 gallons.

Xote ice//: Always dilute the bluestone solution before adding the lime. Apply
with a spray-pump.

Here is a cheap time-saver for use in spraying potatoes: GJet two old mower-
wheels (or other small wheels), attach shafts to the axle, and build a platform
between the wheels. Make the axle long enough that the horse between the shafts
can walk between two rows of potatoes and that the wheels straddle these two rows.
Fasten the spray-pump and barrel to the platform, use a T on the hose, and fasten
two nozzles to the rear of the platform so as to suit the width of the rows. Connect
the nozzles with the T. With a slow, reliable horse, one man can operate the outfit.

Soft Hot i?f Potatoes.

This rot should not be confused with the rot caused by the late blight.

The first indication of this disease is that the plant turns to a sickly yellow
colour; the leaves seem to contract and turn in on the edges, while growth is
retarded or stopped. If one of the affected vines be pulled up, it will be found that
they have become almost, if not quite, rotted off, while the " seed " will likely be

8

entirely decayed. If new tabers are formed they become infected, if infected at all,
through contact with the decayed seed-tuber.

The disease is believed to be due to a bacterial oi^anism. Its spread is brought
about by sound tubers coming in contact with infected soil or Infected tubers. The
bacteria seem to be able to excrete a substance that dissolves the skin of the potato,
and thus gains its entrance to the tuber.

In the tuber a dark line separates the diseased frofll the healthy portions. If the
skin over the diseased part is broken, a white watery fluid may be pressed out. In
later stages the entire tuber turns to a greyish, watery pulp. Dry storage will arrest
the disease, the affected parts becoming corky.

Prevent the disease by sorting the seed-tubers carefully both fall and spring.
Any tuber showing a trace of the disease should not be used for planting. Do not
plant potatoes two years in succession on the same ground. Soil may remain infected,
after a crop of diseased potatoes has been harvested, for three or four years. Careful
seed-selection and rotation of crops will overcome the difficulty.

The rigbt type. A 1913 kale-plant. Weight, 30% lb.

KALE.

This is a most valuable crop for soiling purposes. Cattle, sheep, swine, and
poultry relish it. Judging by the crops exhibited this year, it will grow most
successfully in this Province. A few plants were weighed and showed a growth of
from 27 to 31 lb. ; 4.900 plants may be grown per acre. An easy calculation shows
the immense yield possibilities of this plant. Very heavy crops were produced- We
would recommend our farmers to try this crop. Manure or fertilize heavily. Ask
for bulletin for particulars.

10

I

COMMERCIAL FERTILIZERS.

Large quantities of these are being used, and will be usedt Whether they pay or
not, depends on the circumstances under which they are applied.

Here are a few points to be considered: —

To get full value from their use, the land must be thoroughly cultivated.
Conserve the moisture in the soil, as the fertilizer is no jpse to the crop only in
solution.

The nitrates are very easily dissolved, potash not so much so, and the phosphates
only slowly soluble. Look out for leaching.

The proportionate amount of these that you would apply would depend on, first,
the kind of crop the soil has already produced; and, second, the kind of crop you
wish to grow. If the prec-eding crop has been a " potash-feeder," for instance, and
the succeeding crop of the same nature, the proportion of potash must be increased.

In short, supply those fertilizers that the soil lacks and that the plant needs.

Above all, be sure that the market value of the crop warrants the use of the
fertilizer.

SCORE-CARDS TO BE USED IN JUDGING THE CROPS.

Name of Vabiety.

Wheat, Oats, and Barley.

Possible Score.

General appeabaxce considebixg : —

1. Stand of crop

2. Type of plant, vigour, and uniformity of growth

3. Acreage, method of seeding, absence of lodging .
Freedom from weeds

Comments regabdino kinds found in cbop :

Freedom from smut, rust, blight, and insects

Freedom from other varieties and other kinds of grain

Apparent yield and qualitt of grain considering : —

1. Proportion of well-filled heads of plump grain of good quality.

2. Uniformity of maturity

Total

5

10

5

20
5

20
25

10
20

25

100

Name of Variety.

Potatoes.

Possible Score.

General appearance considering : —

1. Method of planting, stand of crop

2. Vigour of growth

Freedom from blight, scabs, and insects

Method and thoroughness of cultivation

Purity of variety •

Apparent yield considering: —

1. Number and weight of marketable potatoes per hill

2. Quality, colour, shape, and smoothness

3. State and uniformity of maturity and freedom from sunburn.

Total

7

8

15

20

. .

20

••

10

15

10

10

35

100

12

Nakk of Vakiety.

Kale, Mangels, Turnips, Carrots.

Possible Score.

General appearance considering : —

1. Stand of crop, method of planting

2. Type of plant, vigour, and uniformity of growth

Freedom from damage

Method and thoroughness of cultivation

Purity of variety

Apparent yield considering: —

L Size and uniformity of head (kale) or root
2. Quality, soundness, shape, and smoothness .
3- Uniformity of maturity

Total

15
15
15
10

15
20
10

100

"Same or Vasiett.

Red Clover and Alfalfa.

Possibk

! Score.

General appearance considering: —
1. Uniformity of crop (absence of blanlc spots and thin places) . .
2 Vigour of growth, profusion of blossom and leaves

20
20
25

3. Apparent vield

65

Freedom from weeds '.

25

Freedom from disease and insects .*

10

Total

100

Do not get discouraged. There are difficulties in every line of business.

Be proud of your business. You have every reason to be.

Stand for progress, quality of product, and business integrity. There is room
for improvement.

Let us stop pitying ourselves; stop growling about our conditions — for a little
while, and take a good, honest look at our intellectual equipment, our farm practice,
our business methods, and the other fellow's view-point. Reforms will follow.

14

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J

BULLETINS AND CIRCULARS AVAILABLE.

Date issued.

Xo.

Name.

May 21st, 1901

November, 190S

July 19th, 1913...-:..

March 17th, 1911

ApriL 1911

September, 1911

February, 1912

January, 1912

Xorember, 1911

January. 1912

February, 1912

February 26th, 1913. .

March. 1912

March 11th, 1912

June, 1913

May 7th. 1912

April 29th, 1912

December, 1912

January loth. 1913..

March 8th. 1913

September 3rd. 1913. .

March 8th, 1913

March 8th. 1913

April 15th. 1913

November ISth, 1913
November ISth. 1913
November 20th, 1913
December 13th, 1913

December 2nd. 1912. .
December 4th, 1912..

April 29th. 1913

December, 1913

September 9th, 1912..
September 16th, 1912
October 14th, 1913...

8 JFeeding Farm Animals (Dairy Cows).

25 Orchard Cleansing.

26 (Practical Poultry-raising.,(4th Edition).
30 Guide to Bee-keeping.

32 Control of Tuberculosis.

33 Fruit-growing Possibilities Skeena River.

33 ., „ (Reprint).

35 Place and Purpose of Family Life.

36 Preparation of Food.

37 Preservation of Food.

38 Preparation of Silos.

39 Natural and Artificial Brooding and Incubating (3rd

Edition).

40 .\lfalfa.

41 Labour-saving Devices.

42 Agriculture in British Columbia.

44 Irrigation in British Columbia.

45 Agricultural Statistics, 1911.

46 Food and Diet (Part I.).

47 .. (Part II.).

48 Exhibiting Fruit and Vegetables.

49 Market Poultry (1st Edition).

49 ., (2nd Edition).

50 The Art of Right Living.

51 Information for Fruit-growers.

52 .\nnual Rei»ort -\dvisory Board of Women's Institutes.

53 Care of Young Children.

54 The British Columbia Women's Handbook.

55 Hie Care and Marketing of Eggs.

56 Field Crops.

ClBCXXAKS.

1 Clearing Ix^ged-off Lands.

2 Results of Field-crop Competition. 1912.

4 Hints on Caring for School Gardens.

5 Field-crop Competitions, 1913-14.

CiBcuuai BrixETiNs.

2 Tuberculosis in Poultry.

3 Construction of Fresh-air Brooders.

4 Management of Turkeys.

VICTORIA, B.C.:
Printed tor Wujjam H. Ctijjx, PrlDter to the King's Most Excellent Majesty.

1914.

16

i

PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA

DEPAHTMEHT OF AGEICTJLTUEE

BOYS AND GIRLS'

FIELD-CROP COMPETITIONS

IN CONNECTION WITH FARMERS' INSTITUTES

BULLETIN No. 57

THE GOVEMIMENT OF
THE PROVMCE OF BRITISH COLUWIA.

PRINTED BY
AUTHORITY OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY.

VICTORIA, B.C. :
Printed by William H. CrLUX, Printer to the King's Most Excellent Majesly.

1914.

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UNIVERSITY OF CAUFORNIA LIBRARY