Reports of the Director ...

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APPENDIX TO THE REPORT OF THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE

EXPEEIMENTAL FAKMS

REPOETS

OP THB

DIRECTOR - - -

ENTTOMOLOGICAL and BOTANICAL DIVISION -
AGRICULTURIST _ - _ - -

HORTICULTURIST _ _ _ - -

CHEMIST - - - - - -

CEREALIST -------

POULTRY MANAGER - - - ^-

SUPT. EXPERIMENTAL FARM, Nappan, N.S.

Brandon, Man.

Indian Head, Sask.

Lbthbeidgb, Alta.

Lacombe, Alta.

Aqassiz, B.C. -

Wm. SAUNDERS, O.M.G., LL.D.

II II II

J. H.'GRISDALE, B. AaB.
W. T. MACOUN

F. T. SHUTT, M.A.

C. E. SAUNDERS, Ph.D.

A. G. GILBERT

R. ROBERTSON

JAMES MURRAY, B S.A.

ANGUS MAC KAY

W, H. FAIRFIELD, M.S.

G. H. HUTTON, B.S.A.
TH03. A. SHARPE

FOR THB

YEAR ENDINa MARCH 31

1909

PRINTED BY ORDER OF PARLIAMENT

OTTAWA
PRINTED BY C. H. PARMELEE, PRINTER TO THB KING'S MOST

EXCELLENT MAJESTY
1909
[No. 16—1909.]

9-10 EDWARD VII.

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

A. 1910

APPENDIK TO THE REPORT OF THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE

EXPEKIMENTAL FAKMS

REPORTS

OF THE

DIRECTOR - - -

ENTOMOLOOrCAL and BOTANICAL DIVISION

AGRICULTURIST - -

HORTICULTURIST _ _ _ - -

CHEMIST ___---

CEREALIST -------

POULTRY MANAGER -----

SUPT. EXPERIMENTAL FARM, Nappan, N.S.

■I Brandon, Man.

■I Indian Head, Sask.

n LeTHBRIDGE, AlTA.

II Lacombe, Alta.
II Agassiz, B.C.

Wji. SAUNDERS, C.M.G., LL.D.

II H It

J. H. GRISDALE, B. Agr.
W. T. MA CO UN

F. T. SHUTT, M.A.

C. E. SAUNDERS, Ph.D.

A. G. GILBERT

R. ROBERTSON

JAMES MURRAY, B.S.A.

ANGUS MACKAY

W. H. FAIRFIELD, M.S.

G. H. HUTTON, B.S.A.
TUOS. A. SHARPE

FOR THE

YEAR ENDINQ MARCH 31

190 9

PRINTED BY ORDER OF PARLIAMENT

LIBRARY
ISEW YORH
BOX AM H

OTTAWA

PRINTED BY C. H. PARMELEE, PRINTER TO THE KING'S MOST

EXCELLENT MAJESTY
1909

[No. 16 — U.09.]

9-10 EDWARD VII. SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 A. 1910

APPENDIX

TO THE

REPORT OF THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE

ON

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

Ottawa, llarcli 31, 1909.

Sir, — I beg to submit for your approval the twenty-second annual report of the
work done, and in progress, at the several Experimental Farms.

Following the report of the Director will be found a report on the work done by
the Division of Entomology and Botany, with special references to the work of the
late chief officer of this Division, Dr. James Fletcher.

You will find also appended reports from the following officers of the Central
Experimental Farm : — From the Agriculturist, Mr. J. H. Grisdale ; from the Hor-
ticulturist, Mr. W. T. Macoun; from the Chemist, Mr. Frank T. Shutt; from the
Cerealist, Dr. C. E. Saunders, and from the Poultry Manager, Mr. A. G. Gilbert.

From the branch Experimental Farms there are reports from Mr. R. Robertson,
Superintendent of the Experimental Farm for the Maritime Provinces, at Nappan,
Nova Scotia; from Mr. James Murray, Superintendent of the Experimental Farm
for Manitoba at Brandon; from Mr. Angus Mackay, Superintendent of the Experi-
mental Farm for Saskatchewan at Indian Head; from Mr. W. H. Fairfield, Superin-
tendent of the Experimental Farm for Southern Alberta at Lethbridge; from Mr. G. H.
Hutton, Superintendent of the Experimental 1 Farm for Central Alberta at Lacombe,
and from Mr. Thomas A. Sharpe, Superintendent of the Experimental Farm for
British Columbia at Agassiz.

In these reports there will be found the results of many important and caret ully
conducted experiments in agriculture, horticulture and arboriculture, the outcome of
practical and scientific work in the fields, barns, dairy and poultry buildings, orchards
and plantations at the several Experimental Farms ; of scientific research in con-
nection with the breeding of cereals and in determining their relative value; of
research work in the chemical laboratories bearing on many branches of agricultural
and horticultural employment; and of information gained from the careful study of

the life histories and habits of injurious insects and the methods by which noxious
IG-li

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910
weeds are propagated and spread, together with the most practical and economical
measures for their destruction. In the report of the work of the Entomological and
Botanical Division will also be found particulars of the experiments and observations
which have been made during the past year in connection with the apiary.

The large and constantly increasing demand by the farmers of the Dominion for
the publications issued from the Experimental Farms, the rapidly extending corres-
pondence, and the readiness shown by farmers everywhere to co-operate with the work
of the Farms in the testing of new and promising varieties of cereals and other farm
crops, furnish gratifying evidence of the desire for information among this class of
the community, also of the high esteem in which the work of the Farms is held. It is
hoped that the facts brought together in the present issue will be found of much
practical value to the Canadian farmer and fruit-grower, and that they may assist in
advancing agriculture and horticulture in this country.

I have the honour to be, sir,

Yovir obedient servant,

WM. SAUNDERS,
Director of Experimental Farms.

To the Honourable

The Minister of Agriculture,
Ottawa.

9-10 EDWARD VII. SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 A. 1910

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

For the year ending IVtarcli 31, 1909

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR

WM. SAUNDERS, C.M.G., LL.D., F.R.S.C., F.L.S.

The season of 1908, although not everywhere favourable to the farmer, was, in most
parts of Canada, fairly satisfactory. The field crops of the Dominion are said to have
covered a total area of 27,505,663 acres, and to have yielded crops which, estimated at
average local market prices, would reach the value of $432,534,000.

In Ontario the season was not very favourable. The spring was exceedingly wet,
and the early sowing of grain was therefore impossible. When at length the seed was
all in, the weather changed, and unusual heat and rather severe drought prevailed
through the greater part of the summer and autumn. These adverse conditions
reduced the crops to considerably below the average except where the soil was unusually
rich and retentive of moisture. The results of this season have emphasized the neces-
sity for early sowing, and in those localities where early seeding was possible the
resulting crops were more satisfactory. The crop of winter wheat was 15,798,000
bushels, the average yield being 23-60 bushels per acre. Spring wheat gave an average
of only 15-80 bushels per acre and the crop was 2,259,000 bushels. The total crop of
oats was 103,821,000 bushels, with an average yield of 33-40' bushels per acre. The
barley, the total crop of which v/as 21,124,000 bushels, gave an average of 28-40
bushels per acre. The hay and clover, which occupies a larger acreage than any other
crop in Ontario, gave 5,187,000 tons, which brought an average return of $11.02 per
ton, or a total of $57,160,000.

In Quebec, where the acreage under crop is very much smaller than in Ontario,
winter wheat is not grown. Spring wheat gave an average of 13-50 bushels per acre,
oats, 23 bushels, and barley, 19-80 bushels per acre. These three cereals returned to
the farmers nearly twenty-two million dollars in all. Hay and clover, on account of
drought, gave a yield somewhat less than in Ontario, the total crop being 3,473,000
tons, valued at $38,198,000. The summer weather in this province was unusually dry.

In the Maritime Provinces, the winter was mild, the spring dry and the land
ready for seeding early. The season was favourable for growth, and the yield of most
crops has been up to or above the average. Spring wheat has yielded better crops
than in Ontario. In Nova Scotia the average has been 17-40 bushels per acre, in New
Brunswick 17-30, and in Prince Edward Island 14-25 bushels per acre, but oats, which
occupied a much larger area, have not averaged quite so well as in Ontario.
Dairying has been prosperous, cheese and butter bringing unusual prices. Apples
have been fairly plentiful and have been of better quality than usual bringing
higher prices. The exports of apples from Nova Scotia during 1908 are said to have
been the largest on record, amounting to nearly 600,000 barrels. Hay was a heavy
crop with lower prices. The yield of potatoes has been excellent.

In Manitoba the spring weather was suitable for early sowing, and all crops were
got in in good time and under favourable conditions. Good weather continued until
about the middle of July, when very hot weath-er set in, which lasted for two weeks.

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

This ripened the grain too rapidly, and the yields of some crops were considerably
reduced, especially oats and wheat. There were several degrees of frost on August 22,
which injured some of the later fruits. In the Brandon district, the season was a
favourable one and a good average crop was secured, in good condition. The total
wheat crop in Manitoba was 50,269,000 bushels, with an average yield of 17 bushels per
acre. This brought nearly forty-two million dollars into the pockets of the Manitoba
farmei-s. Oats yielded over fourteen millions and barley more than six and one-half
million dollars.

In Saskatchewan, the spring of 1908 was probably the finest season for seeding
which this province has had for many years. The weather was favourable at the out-
set and seeding was nearly three weeks earlier than that of 1907. The ground was
kept in a good condition of moisture by timely showers and growth was very rapid,
while, later in the season, hot weather prevailed, which caused the grain to ripen
rapidly. On July 25 the temperature rose to 94-5° F. This had an injurious effect on
some of the grain, causing it to shrivel. Subseqviently, the weather was very favour-
able for harvesting and threshing. At the Experimental Farm at Indian Head, the
trial plots of grain gave more than twice the crop of 1907, the varieties averaging 39
bushels 21 lbs. per acre. The total yield of wheat in this province was 34,742,000
bushels. The yield per acre was rather low, 14-50 bushels, but the total crop realized
nearly twenty-six million dollars.

In Southern Alberta, the crop of winter wheat was very good. The total yield for
the province was 3,000,000 bushels, and the yield per acre averaged 29-70 bushels.
The yield of spring wheat, of which there was harvested a crop of 3,842,000 bushels,
was larger than in any of the other provinces of the Dominion, averaging 22-60
bushels per acre. The ten varieties of winter wheat grown at Lethbridge under ' dry
farming ' methods averaged 40 bushels 20 lbs. per acre. A field of Kharkov wheat
also grown at Lethbridge of 23^ acres, sown at the rate of 30 lbs. of seed per acre
during the first few days of September and cut the last week in July following,
yielded at the rate of 54 bushels 11 lbs. per acre. The spring wheat on non-irrigated
land gave an average of 29 bushels 32 lbs. per acre, while on the irrigated land the
yield was 37 bushels 20 lbs. per acre.

At Lacombe, in Central Alberta, the season of 1908 was much more favourable
for wheat-growing than that of 1907. The crop was larger and most of the grain was
plump. Seeding was about three weeks earlier than last year, and the growth was
rapid until August, when cool weather and some frost delayed the matviring of the
grain. In 1907, the trial plots of spring wheat gave an average of 21 bushels 51 lbs.
per acre, whereas in 1908, the average yield was 33 bushels 34 lbs. per acre. Oats
gave a larger average yield per acre in Alberta than in any other of the western
province?.

In British Columbia the season of 1908 opened earliei*, and grain was sown about
ten days sooner than in 1907. The weather later in the season also was favourable to
the ripening of the grain, and it matured well and early. Oats, barley, peas, turnips
and mangels all gave heavier crops in 1908 than in 1907.

EXPERIMENTS IN AGRICULTURE, HORTICULTURE AND ARBORICUL-
TURE AT FORT VERMILION, ON THE PEACE RIVER.

In the annual report of the Experimental Farms for the year ending March 31,
1008. reference is made on page 6 to some experiments in agriculture, horticulture, &c.,
at Fort Vermilion, on the Peace River. These experiments have been continued by
Mr. Robert Jones, a practical farmer, who has had many years' experience in the
Peace River country. As already stated. Fort Vermilion is about 350 miles in a direct
line north of Edmonton, or about 700 miles by the mail route.

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR 7

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Under date of December 19, 1908, Mr. Jones reports on the results of the experi-
ments conducted, also on the condition of the crops in the Fort Vermilion district.
He says : ' The past season was, on the whole, very favourable for crops of all sorts
in this locality. The spring opened up about the middle of April and seeding was
under full headway by the 1st of May. Wheat was fully ripe by the ITth of August,
and the harvest was general by the 20th of that month. None of the wheat grown in
this district was frosted.'

Owing to delay in the mails, the seed of early-ripening wheat and other early
cereals, also seeds of many sorts of vegetables and fodder plants, sent to Mr. Jones
from the Central Experimental Farm at Ottawa for sowing, did not reach Fort Ver-
milion imtil June, hence they were held over to be sown in the spring of 1909. Mr.
Jones has given much of his time this season to the examination of crops grown by
farmers in the district, and has obtained samples from them which he has forwarded
to the Central Experimental Farm. He says that he thinks he is quite safe in es-
timating the wheat crop for the Fort Vermilion district for this year at 35,000 bushels,
with an average yield of 24 bushels per acre. The quantity of barley produced he
estimates at 5,000 bushels, with an average of about 60 bushels to the acre, and oats
about 4,000 bushels, making a total of about 44,000 bushels of grain for that district.

Experimental plots of turnips sown by Mr. Jones have given crops of over 16
tons to the acre, mangels 15 tons and white carrots 12^ tons, to the acre.

The hardy cross-bred apples produced at the Experimental Farm at Ottawa, also
some hardy Russian sorts, which were sent to Fort Vermilion in the spring of 1907
survived the winter of 1907-8, and have made good growth during the past season,
some of them as much as two feet. The plums which were sent at the same time have
made a still stronger growth. Mr. Jones says, when writing on October 15, 1908 :
' Although most of our native trees have been stripped of their foliage by frost, the
leaves on the apple and plum trees are quite green yet.'

About twenty-five varieties of black, red and white currants were also sent to Fort
Vermilion for test, with three varieties of raspberries and two of strawberries, and all
of these are doing well and making good growth. Many varieties of trees and shrubs
of the hardiest sorts suitable for shelter and ornament in northern districts were also
supplied. Those which survived the hardships connected with transportation and the
cold weather of the winter of 1907 — more than fifty varieties in all — are reported as
. doing well.

Writing on August 29, 1908, Mr. Jones says : ' My garden vegetables are promis-
ing large yields. Some of my carrots measure now three inches in diameter, and I
have cauliflowers at present which weigh 10 pounds each, also tomatoes of good size
which are almost ripe now. The yield of potatoes will be large ; the earliest ones were
ready for the table on July 13.'

The samples of wheat sent by Mr. Jones from Fort Vermilion were very fine, well
matured and very hea^•y• There were five samples in all and their dates of sowing and
harvesting were as follows : —

Name of Variety.

Preston . .
Ladoga . . . .
Ladoga . . .
Early Ri,c:a
Riga

Date of
Sowing.

May G...
April 31
May 4. ..
April 21 .
May 9...

When Ripe.

August 10.

August 17 .

When

Cut.

August

22..

Septem

ber 5

August

21..

ft

21..

II

29..

Weight

per
Bu.sliel.

Lbs.
64i
04"
t)4
63
641

Percent-
age of Ger-
mination.

100
92
99
9(i

ICO

8 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

No samples of Red Fife could be obtained. All the varieties in the above list are
earlier than Red Fife, and hence suit this district better. They have all been grown
from samples sent to settlers during the past few years for trial, from the Central
Experimental Farm at Ottawa.

Two samples of oats v.-cre received from Mr. Robert Jones, one of Banner, which
weighed 41J lbs. per bushel, and one unnamed sort which weighed 42 lbs. per bushel.
The Banner was sown May 16 and was ripe August 24. One sample of barley was
sent in, unnamed, which was sown May 16 and was cut August 12. This weighed 494
lbs. per bushel. There was also one sample of peas which was sown May 23 and cut
on August 12, weighing 64 lbs. per bushel. Besides these there were two samples of
beans which were plump and well-ripened.

From the dates of sowing and ripening, the absence of injury from frost and the
weights of the samples of the grain received, it is evident that the season of 1908 was
quite as favourable for crop growing in the Peace River District as it was in many
parts of Alberta and Saskatchewan further south. Writing on December 19, Mr.
Jones says : ' The farmers in this neighbourhood are busy at present hauling their
wheat to market, all of which is of the very best quality.'

Writing again on February 14, Mr. Jones says : ' The winter has been very
severe up to date, as the meteorological records will show. The snow is very deep,
which puts the idea of the wintering of stock outside out of the question. The live
stock at Fort Vermilion are in good condition, the feed supply being plentiful. The
lowest temperature was on February 7, when the thermometer dropped to 59-5° below
zero. 59° below zero was recorded on January 13, and 58° below zero on January
6 and 14.'

Table of meteorological observations taken at Fort Vermilion, Peace River District,
Alberta, from July 1, 1908, to March 31, 1909, showing maximum, minimum and
moan temperature, also highest and lowest, for each month, with date of occur-
rence; also rainfall, snowfall and total precipitation.

Month.

•July

August . . . .
September.

October . . .
November .
December.
January . .
February . ,
March

,;

,

-w

"y.

'c

i

CO

"he

-2

s

f^

s

K

Q

O

74-72

0

46-fi5

O

60-68

0

920

23rd

711il

43-35

57 26

85-0

5th

56-97

33-68

45-32

73-9

12th

42-03

20-48

31-25

59 0

11th

18-25

-110

8-45

41 0

6th

1-75

-17 75

-7-90

43-0

11th

-13 -5U

-36-67

-25 -08

14-4

1st

-4 10

-26 50

-15-32

18-2

19th

2517

407

14-47

43-4

25th

0)

o

1^

38

0

33

0

20

0

-15

0

-43

5

-51

0

59

0

-59

5

-26 0

y

A

xj-^

c

0)

•o.^

6

ci

c
'3

o

C5

03 O

Q

P^

Uj

H

•^

ffi

4th

2-30

2 30

10

100

17th
25th

2-O.T

2-05

11

0-73

& 2Cth

0-60

0

69

10

0 14

.30th

0-33

2-66

0

55

7

0-15

30ih

8-50

0

85

6

0-40

29th

2-50

0

25

4

0-15

13th

5 75

0

57

7

0-20

7th

1-50

0

15

5

0-05

8th

4 25

0 42

6

0-20

5-37

24-50

783

66

25th
15th

2nd

4th

28th

13th

22nd

2nd

5th

* No records of temperature or precipitation have been supplied for April, May
and June, 1908.

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

SoJiE weather observations taken at Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa, as compared
with those taken at Fort Vermilion, Peace River District, Alberta.

July.

Mean
Temp.

Highest
Temp.

Lowest
Temp.

Total
Precipita-
tion.

Heaviest

in
24 hours.

Total

Hour.s

Sunshine.

A verage
Sunshine
per day.

Ottawa

Fort Vermilion

71-44
GO 08

o

960
92 0

o

4!) 0
3S 0

2 77
2 30

0-97
1-00

284 0
301 0

9-16
9 -70

August.

Ottawa

Fort Vermilion

66-42
57-26

90-0
85-0

42 6
33 0

1 72
2-05

0-65
0-73

263-4
238-2

8-49
7-68

September.

Ottawa

Fort Vermilion

63-58
45-32

95-8
73-9

31-0
20 0

1-00
0-69

0 26
0-14

163-4
160 6

5-44
5-35

October.

Ottawa

Fort Vermilion

49 21
31-25

80-6
590

27 0
-150

2-28
0-55

105
0 15

131-4
127 6

4-23
4-11

November.

Ottawa

33-27
845

57-5
41-0

12 8

2-47
085

0-50
0-40

51 6
61-5

1-72

Fort Vermilion

205

December.

Ottawa

14-35

7 -'.JO

.53-0
430

-16-0
-570

4-38
0-25

0-70
0 15

74-7
68-5

2-40

Fort Vermilion

2-20

•January.

Ottawa.....

Fort Vermilion

13 23

-25-08

40 5
14-4

-ISO
-t,9 0

3-66

0-57

1-04
0-20

66-2
86-7

2-13

2-79

February.

Ottawa

15 - 55
-15-32

42-4

18-2

-16-4
-59-5

2 34

0 15

0-41

005

112 4
115 2

401

"Rnrt Vermilion

411

March.

Ottawa ....

T^ort Vermilion

24 10
11-47

.,4
43-4

- 3 0

-200

3-78
0-42

1-42
0-20

156-8
163 0

5 05
5-25

10

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

Rkcord of Sunshine at Fort Vermilion, i^eace Kiver District, Alberta, from May 1.

1908; to March 31, 1909.

Month.

Number of
days with
Sunshine.

Number of

days without

Sunshine.

Total hours
Sunshine.

Average
sunshine
per day.

•May

June

July

18
28
30
29
26
22
18
20
22
28
27

1
2
1

2
4
9
12
11
9
0
4

164-6

209-2

301-0

238-1

160 6

127-6

61-5

68-5

86-7

115-2

163-0

8-66
6-97
9-70

August

768

September

October

5-35
411

November

December

205
2-20

January

2-79

Febni:i:y

March

411
5-25

* No returns for April, 1908, and during May a record of the first nineteen days
only was kept, owing to supply of cards for sunshine-recorder having run out.

(Signed) WILLIAM T. ELLIS.

CO-OPERATIVE EXPERIMENTS BY FARMERS THROUGHOUT CANADA.

Another distribution was made this year from the Experimental Farms to
Canadian farmers of samples of seed of high quality for the improyemept of crops.
The object in view in this distribution was to ascertain by test the relative merits of
the different sorts under trial, as to qtiality, productiveness and earliuess in ripeninp-.
In conducting these trial plots, farmers everywhere have readily undertaken to co-
operate with the Experimental Farms and to report the results of their experiments.
These joint efforts have been productive of much good, and a great deal of information
has thus been gathered as to the suitability of these different varieties to the climatic
conditions prevailing in different parts of Canada.

During the season of 1908 the number of Canadian farmers who have united in
these .experiments was 38,748. The value of this work in all parts of the Dominion
has been abundantly demonstrated.

The samples sent from the Central Farm have weighed as follows: Wheat and
barley, five pounds each, and oats, four pounds, sufficient in each case to sow one-
twentieth of an acre. The samples of Indian corn, peas and potatoes have weighed
three pounds each.

DISTRIBUTION OF SAMPLES BY PROVINCES.

Name of Grain.

&

•c-i

.2

'■4J

u

en

>
0

New Brunswick.

3

0

i
2

1

c

(V

a

33

Alberta.

'3

a

5

■1-3

M

Oats

563

106

188

8

16

94

644
272
335
46
58
442

1,.595
188
704
32
251
861

5,925
1,481
2,546
238
409
2,842

2,009

593

449

40

356

2,159

393

165
491

17

56

738

1,289
466

2,485
38
68

1,340

536
184
600
15
16
554

45

Barley

14

Wheat

Peas

28
8

Indian Corn

18

Potatoes

321

Total

975

1,797

.3,631

13,441

5,606

1,860

5,686

1,905

434

Total number of samples distributed, 35,335.

REPORT OF TEE DIRECTOR

11

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Total number of packages ot each sort distributed: —

Oats 12,999

Barley 3,469

Wheat 7,826

Pea5 442

Indian corn 1,248

Potatoes 9,351

Total 35,335

The following list shows the number of packages of the different varieties which
have been sent from the Central Experimental Farm: —

Name of Variety.

Number

of
Packages.

Name of Variety.

Number

of
Packages.

Oats.
Banner

6,339

2,056

1,490

1,241

750

608

313

202

Peas.
Golden Vine

292

Wide Awake

Arthur

Total

150

Thousand Dollar

Improved LigONVo

442

T^aiii^h Inland

Indian Corn.

White Giant

Tartar King

Black Beautv

Total

12,999

357

322

Barley (Six-Rowed.)

2,087
718

540
124

Angel of Midnight '

Selected Learning

284

IVTensurv

Com pt en's Early ...

249

IVTansfiek^

Champion White Pearl

36

Total

(TWO-ROWKD.)

1,248

Potatoes.
Rochester Rose

Invincible

•

Standwell

Total ,

3,469

Spring Wheat.

3,454
2,221
952
421
404
374

2,734
2,259
1,624
1,198
614

Red Fife

Carman No. 1

Preston

Gold Coin

Pringle's Champlain

Early White Prize

Stanley ,

Everett

Percy

Money Maker

579

Huron

Late Puritan

343

Total

Total

7,826

9,351

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

Oats

Barley

Potatoes

Buckwheat

Experimental Farm, Brandon, Man. —
80 Wheat

240 Oats

54 Barley

329 Peas

40 Potatoes

55
53
24
17
1.34

743

283

12 EXPERIMENTAL FARUS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

Exoerimf-ntal Farm, Indian Head, Sask.— Experimental Farm Agassiz, B.C.—

'Wheat 204 Wheat and Rye. . 43

Oats 226 Oats 223

Barley 132 Barley 80

Peas GO Peas 107

Sundries (flax, rye, spelt) 23 Potatoes 271

Potatoes 630 Indian corn Gl

1,275 7H5

Experimental Farm, Lethbridge, Alberta— Experimental Farm, Lacombe, Alberta-
Wheat, oats and barley 104 Wheat 120

Potatoes 28 Oats 55

Barley 20

132 195

By adding the number of fanners supplied by the branch Farms to those supplied
by the Central Farm, we have a total of 38,748. The average number of samples sent
out each year for the past eleven 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 sals at
the end of the third year.

The critical point of thes-e 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 ijlot 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 with weed seeds and is 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, then
winnowing until most of the chaff is got rid of, and the grain made clean enough for
sowing.

Where 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 of grain or with weeds. Farmers are expected to harvest the product of their
exi^erimental plot separately, and store it away carefully, threshing it by hand either
with a flail or in such other manner as thay may prefer The results to be gained
will abundantly repay the cost of careful handling of the grain.

Every season after the regular free distribution of the samples has been provided
for, the snrnlus grain grown on the Experimental Farms not required for sowing is
sold to farmers in quantities of from 2 to 6 bushels or more each. In this way, a
con.siderable number of farmers are supplied every year with seed grain in these
larger quiMitities, especially from the branch Farms at Brandon, Manitoba; Indian
Head, Saskatchewan; and at Lethbridge, Alberta.

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
Farm.s. 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

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR

13

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

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 reported on here are the average propor-
tions 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,
showing the results by provinces, the total percentage of vitality is given, also the
percentage of strong and weak growth.

Eesults of Tests of Seeds for Vitality, 1907-8.

Kind of Seed.

Number

of
Tests.

Highest

Per-
centage.

Lowest

Per-
centage.

Per-
centage of
Strong
Growth.

Per-
centage of
Weak
Growth.

Average
Vitality.

Wheat

521

343

498

11

97

17

9

10

4

2

1

100 0

30
70
10
73 0
380
400
76-0
450
920
7G0
980

75-7
80-7
730
81-0

5-4
81
6-4
5-4

81-5?

Barley

100

100

97

100

100

98

88

100

0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

88
79
86
84
82
92
74
97
81
98

8

Oats

4

Rye.

Peas

4

5

Corn

7

Flax

'

•

?

Clover

3

Beans

0

Grass

86 0
98-0

0

Turniijs

0

tested,
tage . . .

Total number of samples
highest and lowest percer

1,513

100 0

10

Table showing Results of Grain Tests for each Province for 190Y-8.

Ontario.

Kind of Seed.

Number

of

Tests.

Highest

Per-
centage.

Lowest

Per-
centage.

Per-
centage of
Strong
Growth.

Per-
centage of
Weak
Growth.

Average
Vitality.

Wheat

Barley

131

86

104

100 0
100 0
100 0

220
300

180

77-4
80-2
86-4

5-9
10-4

5-7

83-4

90-7

Oats

921

Quebec.

Wheat.
Barley.
Oats. .

33
20
21

990
1000
100 0

220
87-0
370

79-5
87-7
841

41
7-3
6 4

83 6
950
90-6

Manitoba.

Wheat

63
43
69

100-0
100-0
100 0

72-0
570
16 0

88-2
82-5
81 0

4-6
6-4
3-4

92-8

Barlev

Oats ."

88-9
84-4

14

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910
T.\BLE showing Results of Grain Tests for each Province for 1907-8 — Coniimied.

Saskatchewan.

Kind of Seed.

Number
of

Tests.

Highest

Per-
centage.

Lowest

Per-
centage.

Percent-
age of
Strong
Growth.

Percent-
age of
Weak

Growth.

Average
Vitality.

Wheat

121

58

103

100 0
100 0
100 0

120
7-0
10

G7-4
TAG

58-0

Go
4-0
90

73 0

Barley

Oats

83 G
670

Albekta.

Wheat
Barley,
Oats. . ,

54
37
7G

99-0
970
97 0

3 0

210

10

G2-5
G9-5
40- 1

G-5

12-8
10-5

I

G9 0
823
.50-7

Nova Scotia.

Wheat

54

990

SO

74-7

4-5

79-2

Barley

50

99-0

590

79-4

8-7

88-2

Oats

51

100 0

570

83-8

4-6

88-5

Xkw Bucxswick.

Whp.at.
Barley.
Oats. .

SO

7

21

99 0

;i7 0

100 0

5-3 0
84 0
790

83-2
8G-4
881

4-5
61
30

87-7
92-5
91-2

Prince Edward I.sland.

Wheat

25
12
20

100 0
100 0
100 0

Gl 0
80-0
840

85-7
83-7
920

4-2
5-8
3 4

89 9

Bark'V

91-5

Oats

9.J 4

Results of Tests of Seeds for Vitality, 1903-9.

British

COI.UJIBIA

•

Wheat

Barley

Oats

10
30
33

100 0
100 0
100 0

90-0
77 0
790

94-9
880
91-5

2-6
91
3-3

97-5
95 2
94 9

Kind of Seed.

Wheat

llarley

Oats

Rye

Pea.s

Com

Flax

Bean.s

Clover

Tares

Total nnmber of samples te.sted,
highest and lowest percentage. . .

Number

of

Tests.

440

337

450

12

l.-)3

17

9

G

3

1

1,428

Highest

Per-

centage.

100 0

100

0

100

0

97

0

100

0

100

0

95

0

100

0

87

0

98 0

100

0

Lowest

Per-
centage.

24
11
37
57
G
58
52
30
70
98

GO

Percent-
age of
Strong

Growth.

8S-8
88-9
8G1
79-3

Percent-
age of
Weak

Growth.

2o
40
4 3
30

Average
Vitality.

91
93
90
82
74
81
80
78
83
98

•4

0

•5

3

■4

•6

•4

■0

3

0

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR

15

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Table showing Results of Grain Tests for eaeli Province for 1908-9.

ONTAniO.

Kind of Seed.

Number

of
Tests.

Highest

Per-
centage.

Lowest

Per-
centage.

Per-
centage of
Strong
Growth.

Per-
centage of
Weak
Growth.

Average
Vitality.

"Wheat .

112

86
99

100 0
100 0
100 0

66 0
610
650

89-7
85-8
91-4

2-7
7-2
3-3

92-4

Barley

Oats

93-1
94-7

Quebec.

Manitoba.

Sask.\tchewan.

Alberta.

Wheat

36
35
35

100-0
100-0
100-0

72-0
69-0
690

91-7
91-6

85-2

1-9
2-6
4-1

93 G

Barley

94-3

Oats

893

Wheat

46
31
43

100-0
100 0
100 0

830
87 0
78-0

91-8
94-9
91-4

r

1-8
1-6
3-6

93 0

Barley

Oats

96 6
95 1

Whe;it

86
51
71

100-0
100 0
100-0

62-0
11-0
370

92-4
89-1
88-4

2-0
3-1
3-9

94 4

Barley

Oats . . .

92-3
92 4

Wheat
Barley
Oats . .

72
76
84

100 0

100 0

97 0

560

67 -0
460

84-0
89-2
75-8

3 8

3-7
6 6

Nova Scotia.

Wheat
Barhy
Oats .

23
24
24

930
990
97 0

240
600
73 0

720
82-8
82-0

3-4
3-6

50

New Brunswick.

Whent

Barley

25

6

37

100 0

980

100-0

68-0
77-0
640

91-2

89-6

' 87-7

1-2
1-8
3-3

92-5
91 5

Oats

910

Prince Edward Island.

Wheat
Barlej
Oats . .

14

4

32

99 0
100 0
100 0

770
980
830

92-2
97 0
917

2-1

2-2
2-7

British Columbia.

Wheat
Barley
Oats . .

26
24
25

100 -0

100 0

930

46-0
730
710

88-8
91-4
80-4

2-7
2-8
6-7

(Signed) WILLIAM T. ELLIS.

16

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

METEOKOLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.

Table of meteorological observations taken at the Central Experimental Farm,

Ottawa, from April 1, 1908, to March 31, 1909, giving maximum, minimum and mean

temperature for each month, with date of occurrence; also rainfall, snowfall, and total

precipitation.

Month.

April. . .

May

June. . .
July.. . .
Aug . . .
Sept....

Oct

Nov

Dec...

Jan ....
Feb....
Mar. . . .

c3

45-59
68-44
79 64
83-27
79-12
77-19
60-00
38 86
23-49

22-10
25 16
32-90

6
a

27
47
52
59
53
49
38
27
5

4

5

15

be

a

P5

17
20
26
23
25
27
21
11
18

17
19
17

36
58
66
71
66
63
49
33
14

13

15
24

to

66
86
92
96
90
95
80
57
53

40
42
45

26th
26th

8th
30th
31st

Ist
17th
26th

1st

5th

6th

31st

o

5
30
40

49
42
34
27
12
-16

-18
-16
-3

cS
ft

4th

2nd

3rd

17th

25th

30th

10th

2Ist

6th &

25th

13th

1st

1st

k

+J

« 0

TJ-.S

•3

«*- 'Ti

,

v

0.^

d

fM .

Oi--

^

e3 0

■9. S

o
a

^-

5Cm

m

H

55

c

M

4-00

341

46'

31 .. ..

77

72

00

28

48 9-90
21 41-75

12 00
16-25
24 00

22-13 107-90

1-74
5-46
1-31

-77
-72
-00
-28
-47
•38

3 66
2-34
3-78

32 91

17

17

8

14

13

6

6

17

21

20
19
16

174

27th
1st
15th
17th
5th
2nd
26th
15th
18th

23rd
24th
25th

Rain or snow fell on 174 days during the 12 months.
Heaviest rainfall in 24 hours, 143 inches on May 1st. *

Heaviest snowfall in 24 hours, 7 00 inches on December 11th and 18th.
The highest temperature during the 12 months was 96 -O'' on July 30th.
The lowest temperature during the 12 months was — 18 0° on January 13th.

During the growing season, rain fell on 17 days in April, 17 days in May, 8 days in June, 14 days in
July, 13 days in August, and 6 days in September.

September and October show the lowest number of days with precipitation, viz.: 6 in each month.
Total precipitation during the 12 months 32 '91 inches, as compared with 38-18 inches during 1907-08;

Rainfall, Snowfall, and Total Precipitation, from 1890 to 1909; 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, January 1 to March 31.

190607

1907-08

1908-09

Total for 19 years and 3 months.
Average for 19 years

Rainfall.

24-73
30 19
23-78
31-79
2;3-05
27 -01
21-53

24 18
24-75
33-86
29-48
29-21

25 94
26-43
25-95
23-71

1-90
21-73
24-70
22-13

496 05

26 GO

Snowfall

64
73

105
72
71
87
99
89

112
77

108
97

101
85

108
87
24
72

134

107

85
50
00
50
50
50
75
00
25
25
00
25
75
00
75
25
50
50
75
90

1780.75
92 43

Total
Precipitation.

31
37
34
39
30
35
31
33
35
41
40
38
36
34
36
32
4
28
38
32

674
35

22
54
28
04
20
76
.50
08
97
63
72
91
10
92
79
42
34
94
18
91

45
26

•The 3 months from January 1 to March 31, 1906 are omitted in calculating the yearly average.

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR

17

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Record of Sunshine at the Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa, from. April 1, 1908,

to March 31, 1909.

Months.

April. . . .

May

June

Julj'

August, . .
September
October.. .
November
December.
January. .
February .
March

Number of
days with
Sunshine.

27
25
29
29
31
2fj
25
14
19
15
22
24

Number of

days without

Sunshine.

3

6

1

2

0

4

6

16

12

IG

G

7

Total h

ours

Sunshine.

194 6

20G

G

2!i6

5

284

0

263

4

163

4

131

4

51

6

74

7

66

2

112

4

156

8

Averapre
Sunshine
per day.

48
64
88
16
49
44
23
72
40
13
01
05

(Signed.) WILLIAM T.. ELLIS,

Ohserver.

COERESPONDENCE.

The correspondence carried on during 1908-9 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, 1908, to March 31, 1909 :—

Letters received. Letters sent.

Director 63,981 22,763

Agriculturist 2,789 3,524

Horticulturist 2,240 1,905

Chemist 1,899 1,861

Entomologist and Botanist 2,804 2,713

Cerealist 490 351

Poultry manager 3,489 4,042

Accountant 1,384 2,541

Total 79,082 39,700

Many of the letters received by the Director are applications for samples of grain,
or for the publications issued by the Experimental Farms; many of these are answered
by mailing the material asked for, accompanied in most instances by circular letters.
This will explain why the number of letters received by that officer so much exceeds
the nuihbor sent out.

DISTRIBUTION OF REPORTS, BULLETINS AND CIRCULAR LETTERS.

Reports and bulletins mailed * 282,026

Circular letters relating to samples of seed grain 50,717

Total 332,743

16—2

18 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910
Branch Experimental Fanns.

The correspondence conducted by the superintendents of the Branch Experimental
Ifarnis is also large, as is shown by the following figures : —

Letters received.

Letters sent

Experimental

Farm,

Nappan, N.S

2,965

2,700

Brandon, Man

3,067

3,044

Indian Head, Sask-. . . .

8,114

7,951

Agassiz, B.C

4,881

4,727

Lethbridge, S. Alberla.

1,250

1,239

Lacombe, C. Alberta. .

1,647

1,551

21,924 21,212

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 number of letters received is found to be 101,006,
while those sent out number 60,912.

SPECIAL EXPERIMENTS WITH FERTILIZERS.

In the Annual Report of the Experimental Farms for 1893, details were given, on
pages 8 to 24, of the result-s of a series of tests which had then been carried on iov.
some years, on plots of one-tenth acre each, with the object of gaining information
regarding the effects which follow the application of certain fertilizers and combina-
tions of fertilizers on the more important farm crops.

These experiments have been continued, and a summary of the results obtained
has been given each year, by taking the average yield of crops from the beginning of
the test, 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 pur^jose. For particulars regarding the clearing and preparing of
the land for crop in 1887-8 and its subsequent treatment, the reader is referred to the
earlier issues of this report.

VALUABLE INFORMATION GAINED.

From this long-continued series of tests some useful information has been gained.

These trials have shown that barnyard manure can be most economically used in
the fresh or unrotted condition ; that fresh manure is equal, ton for ton, in crop-
producing 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 making the best possible use of barnyard manure, 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 phosphate, if very finely ground, was a valuable fertilizer, which
gradually gave up its phosphoric acid for the promotion of plant growth. Many years'
exijerience has shown that mineral phosphate, untreated, is practically 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 proven to be of very little
value for this purpose.

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR 19

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Common salt, wlTich has long had a reputation for its value as a fertilizer for
barley, with many farmers, while others disbelieved in its efficacy, has been shown to be a
valuable agent for producing an increased crop of that grain, while it is of much
less use when applied to crops of spring wheat or oats. Land plaster or gypsum has
also proved to be of some value as a fertilizer for barley, while of very little service
for wheat or oats. Some light has also been thrown on the relative usefulness of single
and combined fertilizers.

CHANGES MADE 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 Nos. 4, 5, 6, Y 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.

Aft-er constant cropping for ten or eleven years, it was found that the soil on these
plots to which no barnyard manure had been applied, was much depleted of humus,
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 barnyard 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 additional information
has been gained as to the value of clover as a collector of plant-food, and also as to the
unexhausted values of the different fertilizers which had been used on these plots
since the experiments were begun. In 1905-6-7-8 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 places, 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 sprmg of 1901, and ploughed
under 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 also crops of Indian corn and roots
v.-ere 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.

IG— 2^

20

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

WHEAT PLOTS.

The seed sown on each of these plots from the beginning has been in the propor-
tion of about 1^ bushels per acre, excepting in 1894; and the varieties used were as
follows :— In 1888 to 1891, White Eussiaji, and in 1892-3, Campbell's White Chaff. In
1894, Rio Grande was used, and from 1895 to 1908, inclusive, Red Fife. In 1908, the
Red Fife was sown May 16, and was ripe August 18.

TABLE I.— EXPERIMENTS WITH FERTILIZERS ON PLOTS OF WHEAT.

Fertilizers applied each year from 1888 to
18'JS or 18;ii). No fertilizers used froin
that time to 1905. Clover sown in l.S9it
and each j ear after to 1905 with the grain
and ploughed under in the autumn. In
1905-6-7-8 fertilizers again applied as in
1898. Clover discontinued.

1

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 1S05-6-7-8, 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 1905-6-7-8, 15 tons per acre again
used

Un manured from the beginning

Mineral phosphate, untreated, finely
ground, 500 lbs. per acre, used each year
from 1888 to 1897 inclusive. In 18!'8 and
1899 a similar weight of the Thomas'
jihosijhate was used. No fertilizer use;i
from 1900 to 1905. In 1905-6-7-8 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 1898 and 1899, 500 lbs. of
the Thomas' phosphate were used in place
of the mineral phosphate. No fertilizers
used from 1900 to 1905. In 1905-6-7-8 fer
tilizers again used as in 1899

Barn-yard manure, partly rotted and ac-

tively fermenting,

mineral

ground,

together

to hent

SIX tons per acre

l>iios)>hate, untreated, finely

y'lO lbs. per acre, conii>o»ted

intimately mixed and allowed

for several days before using.

ap lied each year from 1888 to 1897
inclusive. In 1898, 500 lbs. of Thomas
li'.iO.-;i)hate were use I in jilace ot the min-
eral phosphate. No fertilizers used from
1899 to 1905. In 1905-6-7-8 fertilizers

again used as in 1898

Mineral 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 weie used in place of the
mineral phosphate. No fertilizers used
from 1900 to 1905. In 1905-6-7-8 fertili-
zers again used as in 1899

Average Yield

FOU

Twenty Years.

21st Season, 1908.
Variety,
Red Fife.

Yield

of
Grain.

Per acre.

Bush. lbs.

22

22
11

12

20^*8

36^ g

\o OZjj

Yield
of

Straw.

Per acre.

19 2,m

14 6^1

Lbs.

3800

3827
18G2

2001

2589

321G

2594

Yield

of
Grain.

Per acre.

Bush. lbs.

13 20

13 00
3 40

5 00

6 40

13 00

8 40

Yield

of
Straw.

Average Yield

FOR

Tvventy-oneYears.

Yield

of
Grain.

Peracrr. Per acre.

Lbs. Bush. lbs.

1260

1320
680

700

21 54Jf

22 2Jf
11 16|f

12 15

820

1220

1080

13 132\ 2505

Yield

of
Straw.

Per acre.

Lbs.

3679

3708

1806

1939

19 13i\

13 51 2522

3121

BEPORT OF THE DIRECTOR

21

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

TABLE I.— EXPERIMENTS WITH FERTILIZERS ON PLOTS OF WHEAT— CorjcZudc.-?.

c

c

Fertilizers applied each year from 1888 to
1898 cr 1899. No fertilizers used from
that time to 1905. Clover sown in 1899
and each year after to 1905 with the grain
and ploughed imder in the autumn. In
1905-U-7-S fertilizers again applied as in
1898. Clover discontinued.

8 M i n e r a 1 phosphate, untreated, finely
ground, 500 lbs.; wood ashes, unleached,
1,500 lbs. per acre, used each year from
1S88 to lSi)7 inclusive. In 1898 and 1899,
500 lbs. of the Thomas' phosphate were
used in place of the mineral phosphate .
No fertilizers used from 1900 to 1905. In
1905-6-7-8 fertilizers again used as in 1899.
Mineral superphosphate. No. 1, 500 lbs. per
acre, used each year from 1888 to 1899
inclusive. No fertilizer used from 1900
to 1905. In 1905-G-7-8 fertilizer again
used as in 1S99

10 Mineral superphosphate. No. 1, 350 lbs.,
nitrate of soda, 200 lbs. per acre, used
each year from 1888 to 1899 inclusive. No
fertilizers used from Ib'OO to 1905. In
1905-G-7-8 fertilizers again used as in 1899.

11 Mineral superphosphate, No. 1, 350 lbs.,
nitnite of soda, 200 lbs., wood ashes, un-
leached, 1,500 lbs. per acre, use; leach year
from 1888 to 1899 inclusive. No fertilizers
use from 19C0 to 1905. In 1905-6-7-8
fertilizers again used as in 1899

12|Unmanured from the beginning

13, Bone, finely ground, 500 lbs. per acre, used
each year from 18&8 to 1899 inclusive.
No fertilizer used from 1900 to 1905. In
1905-6-7-8 bone again used as at first. . . .

14 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
1905-6-7-8 fertilizers again used as at first.

15 Nitrate of soda, 200 lbs. per acre, used each
year from 1888 to 1899 inclusive. No
fertilizer used from 1900 to 1905. In
1905-6-7-8 fertilizer again used as at first.

16 Muriate of potash, 150 lbs. per acre, used
each year from 1888 to 1899 inclusive. No
fertilizer used from 1900 to 1905. In
1905-6-7-8 fertilizer again used as at first.

17 Sulphate of ammonia, ISOO lbs. per acre, used
each year from 1888 to 1899 inclusive. No
fertilizer used from 1900 to 190.5. In 1905-
6 7-8 fertilizer again used as at first

18 Sulphate of iron, CO lbs. per acre, used each
year from 1888 to 1899 inclusive. No
fertilizer used from 1900 to 1905. In 1905-
6-7-8 fertilizer again used as at first

19 Common salt (Sodium chloride), 300 lbs. per
acre, used each year from 1888 to 1899
incbisive. No fertilizer used from 1900
to 1905. In 1905-6-7-8 fertilizer again
used as at first

20 Land plaster or gyjisuni (Calcium sulphate),
300 lbs. per acre, used each year from
1888 to 1899 inclusive. No fertilizer used
from 1900 to 1905. In 1905-6-7-8 ferti-
lizer 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 1905-6-7-8 fertilizer again used
as at first. .

Average Yield

FOR

Twenty Years.

Yieia

of
Grain.

Per acre.

Bush. lbs.

12 2

12 S9.V

13 34^-f

14
10

12

13

13

42, t

15 27ia

14 9^

Sir

15 20rfV

0 f

12 39J{;

38if

12 50^

13 19/v

Yield

of
Straw.

Per acre.

Lbs

2179

1958

2802

2806
1829

2053

2591

2415

2216

2403

1989

1663

1926

1915

21sT Se.ason, 1908

Variety,

Red Fife.

Yield

of
Grain.

Per acre.

Bush. lbs.

6 40

5 20

7 20

8 —
2 40

7 40

11

9 —

8 40

0 20

G 40

7 40

5 20

Yield

of
Straw.

Per acre,

Lbs.

660

600

1080

1100
460

r4o

780

ICGO

780

800

720

700

820

700

Average Yield

FOR

Twenty-oneYears.

Yield

of
Grain.

Per acre.

Bush. lbs.

11 AV^\

12 18/t

13 16|f

14 \Uj

10 lOM

12 21l\

15 im

13 55.ff

15 l^r

12 41 5^

12 231

13 19

12 35A

12 56 A 1857

Yield

of
Straw.

Per acre.

Lbs.

2107

1893

2720

1704

1991

2506

2351

2327

1928

1G20

1873

22

EXPERIMEyTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

BAELEY PLOTS.

The quantity of seed sown per acre on the barley plots was about 2 bushels from
1889 to 1891, IJ bushels in 1892 and 1893, and 2 bushels from 1894 to 1908, 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,
Goldthorpe; 1893, Duckbill; and in 1894 to 1901, Canadian Thorpe, a selected form
of the Duckbill. Since 1902, Mensury has been sown. In 1908 it was sown May 16,
and was harvested on August 10.

TABLE II.— EXPERIMENTS WITH FERTILIZERS ON PLOTS OF BARLEY.

o

o

Fertilizers applied eacli year from 1889 to
1898 or 1899. No fertilizers used from
that time to 1905. Clover sown in 1899
and each year after to 1905 with the grain
and ploughed under in the autumn. In
1905-6-7-8 fertilizers again applied as in
1898. Clover discontinued.

Average Yield

FOR

Nineteen Years.

20th Season, 1908,
Variety,
Mensury.

Barn-yard manure, well rotted, 15 tons per
acre each year to 1898, inclusive. No
manure used from 1899 to 1905. In 1905-
6-7-8, 15 tons per acre again used

Burn-yard manure, fresh, 15 tons per acre
each year to 1898, inclusive. No manure
used from 1899 to 1905. In 1905-6-7-8, 15
tons per acre again used

Unmanured from the beginning

Mineral phosphate, untreated, finely ground
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 fi-om 1900
to 1905. In 1905-6-7-8 fertilizer 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, inclu-
sive. In 1898 and 1899, 500 lbs. of the
Thomas' phosphate were used in place of
the mineral phosphate. No fertilizers
used from 1900 to 1905. In 1905-6-7-8
fertilizers again used as in 1899

Barn-yard manure, partly rotted and ac-
tively fermenting, 6 tons i)er acre, min-
eral phosphate, imtreated, 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 1897, inclusive. In 1S08,
500 lbs. of the Thomas' phosphate were
used in place of the mineral phosjihate.
No fertilizers used from 1900 to 1905. In
1905-6-7-8 fertilizers again used as in 1898.

Mineral phosphate, imtreated, finely ground
500 lbs., nitrate of soda, 200 lbs., wood
ashe.s, unleached, 1,000 lbs. per acre, used
each year from 1888 to 1897, inclusive.
In 1898 and 1899, 500 lbs. of the Thon.as'
phosphate was used in place of the min-
eral phosphate. No fertilizers used from
1900 to 1905. In 1905-6-7-8 fertilizers
used as in 1899 , . . . .

Yield

of
Grain.

Per acre.

Bush. lbs.

37 29}|

38
15

A

2CH

17

io}5

t^O ^O ^ 7^

Yield

of
Straw.

Per acre

31 18^?,

29 SOj-V

lbs.

3007

3138
1479

1557

2220

2448

2453

Yield

of
Grain.

Yield

of
Straw.

Per acre.

Bush, lbs,

18 36

22 4
3 16

5 —

9 28

12 44

12 24

Per acre

lbs.

1200

1240
440

520

820

960

860

Average Yield

FOR

Twenty Years.

Yield

of
Grain.

Yield

of
Straw.

Per acre.

Bush. lbs.

36 32^

37 10

14 45i^

16 29H

22 40^^

30 22A

28 37A 2373

Per acre

lbs.

2917

2981
1427

1505

2150

2373

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR

23

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

TABLE II.— EXPERIMENTS WITH FERTILIZEES ON PLOTS OF BARLEY-

-Concluded.

10

11

12
13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

Fertilizers applied each year from 1889 to
1898 or 18!)9. No fertilizers used from
that time to 1905. Clover sown in 1899
and each year after to 1905 with the grain
and ploughed under in the autumn. In
J 895-6-7-8 fertilizers again applied as in
1898. Clover discontinued.

Mineral phosphate, untreated, finely ground,
500 lbs., wood ashes, unleached, 1,500 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 mineral phosphate. No fertilizers
used from 1900 to 1905. In 1905-6-7-8
fertilizers again used as in 1899

Mineral superphosphate No. 1, 500 lbs. per
acre u.sed each year from 1888 to 1899,
inclusive. No fertilizers used from 1900
to 1905. In 1905-G-7-8 fertilizers again
used as in 1899

Mineral superphosphate, No. 1, 350 lbs.,
nitrate of soda, 200 lbs. per acre, used
each year from 1888 to 1899, inclusive.
No fertilizers used from 1900 to 1905, In
1905-G-7-8 fertilizers again used as in 1899.

Mineral superphosphate. No. 1, 350 lbs.,
nitrate of soda, 200 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
1905-6-7-8 fertilizers again used as in 1899.

Unmanured from the beginning

Boce, finely ground, 500 lbs. per acre, used
each year from 1888 to 1899, inclusive.
No fertilizer used from 1900 tD 1905. In
1905-6-7-8 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
1905-6-7-8 fertilizers again used as at first.

Nitrate of soda, 200 lbs. per acre, used each
year from 1888 to 1899, inclusive. No
fertilizer used from 1900 to 1905. In
1905-6-7-8 fertilizers 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 1905. In
1905-6-7-8 fertilizer again used as at first,

Sulphate of ammonia, 300 lbs. per acre,used
each year from 1888 to 1889, inclusive
No fertilizer used from 1900 to 1905. In
1905-6-7-8 fertilizer again used as at first.

Sulphate of iron, 60 lbs. per acre, used each
year from 1888 to 1899, inclusive. No
fertilizer used from 1900 to 1905. In
1905-6-7-8 fertilizers again used as at first

Common salt {Sodium chloride) 300 lbs. per
acre used each year from 1888 to 1899, in-
clusive. No fertilizer used from 1900 to
1905. In 1905-6-7-8 fertilizer again used
as at first

Land plaster or gypsum (Calcium sulphate),
300 lbs. per acre, used each year from
1888 to 1899, inclusive. No fertilizer used
from 1900 to 1905. In 1905-6-7-8 fertilizer
again used as at first

Mineral suj^erphosphate, 500 lbs. per acre,
used each year from 1889 to 1899, inclu-
sive. No fertilizer used from 1900 to
1905. In 1905-6-7-8 fertilizer again used
as at first

Average Yield

FOB
NlMETPEN YeAKS.

Yield

of
Grain.

Per acre.

Bush. lbs.

24

23

29
15

25

22

23

20

20

^TV

7il

29 30tV

28}^
121*

17 8U

30A
32A
35-i-Tv

15i%

28 33i!^

21 391^5

22 11||

Yield
Straw.

Per acre

Lbs.

1900

1761

2357

2496
1236

1375

2109

2143

1770

1822

1559

1867

1521

1678

20th Season, 1908.
Variety,
Mensurt.

Yield

of
Grain.

Per acre.

Bush, lbs.

7 44

24

11 32

8 16
3 16

4 8

10 20

10

9 8

8 16

4 28

10 20

5 20

7 4

Y^ield

of
Straw.

Per;

Lbs.

480

400

920

800
420

540

640

520

560

580

480

720

540

400

Average Yield

FOR

Twenty Years.

Yield

of
Grain.

Per;

Bush. lbs.

Per acie

23 32i»

22 I85V

28 35

28 25ja
14 32WV

16 23,'^ 1327

24 41J5

22 li^

23 Oil

19 5^

19 25/7

27 37,"^

20 47^

21 23AJ

24

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

0-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

OAT PLOTS.

The quantity of seed sown per acre on the oat plots was about 2 bushels in 1889
and 1890; 1^ bushels from 1891 to 1893, and 2 bushels from 1894 to 1908, inclusive.
The varieties used ware as follows: In 1889, Early English; in 1890 to 1893, Prize
Cluster; and from 1894 to 1908, inclusive, the Banner. In 1908, Banner was sown
May 16 and the plots were harvested August 12.

TABLE III.— EXPERIMENTS WITH FERTILIZERS ON PLOTS OF OATS.

o

o

Fertilizers api:)lied each year from 1889 to
1898 or 1899. No fertilizers used from
that time to 1905. Clover sown in 1899
and each year after to 1905 with the grain
and ploughed under in the autumn. In
1905 G-7-8 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-
6-7-8, 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 100o-6-7-8, 15
tons per awe were again used

Unmnnured from the beginning

Mineral phosphate, untreated, finely ground,
500 lbs. per 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
1900 to 190.5. In 1905-6-7-8 fertilizer
again used as in 1899

Mineral phosphate, untreated, finelyground,
500 lbs., nitrate of soda, 200 lbs. per acre,
used each vear from 1888 to 1897, inclu-
sive. In 1898 and 1899, 500 lbs. of the
Thomas' phosph.ite were used in place of
the mineral phosphate. No fertilizers
used from 1900 to 1905. In 1905-G-7-8
fertilizers again used as in 1899

Barn-yard manure, partly rotted and ac-
tively fermenting, 6 tons per acre, min-
eral phosphate, untreated, finelyground,
500 lbs. per acre, composted together, in-
timately mixed and allowed to heat for
several daj^s 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-()-7-8, fertilizers again used as in 1898.

Mineral phosphate, untreated, finely ground,
5C0Ibs., nitrate of soda, 200 lbs., wood
ashes, imleached, 1,000 lbs. jier acre, used
each year from 188S to 1897, inclusive. In
1898 and 1899, 500 lbs. of the Thomas'
phosphate were used in i)hvce of the min-
eral )jhi)spliato. No fertilizers used from
1900 to 1903. In 1905-6-7-8 fertilizers
again used as in 1899 .'

Mineral phosphate, untreated, finely gruund,
500 lbs. wood ashes, unleached, 1,500 lbs.
per acre used each year from 1888 to 1897,
inclusive. In 1898 and 1899, 500 lbs. of
Thomas' phosphate were used in place of
the mineral phosphate. No fertilizers
used from 190O to 1905. In 1905-6-7-8
fertilizers again used as in 1899

Average Yield

FOR

Nineteen Years.

Yield

of
Grain.

Per acre.

Bush. lbs.

52 32r^g

55
34

25^
32: c

36 29Jj

48 22'^

49 2/„

49

43 32jV

Yield

, of
Straw.

Per acre

Lbs.

31G0

3336
1702

20th Season, 1908.
Variety,
Banner.

Yield

of
Grain.

Per acre.

Bush. lbs.

Yield

of
Straw .

Per acre

Lbs.

1923

2719

2766

31 26 1300

35 10
15 30

22 12

30 —

1400
580

940

1180

27 2

3111

2514

23 18

22 32

1080

940

960

Average Yield

FOR

Twenty Years.

Yield

of
Grain.

Yield

of
Straw .

Per acre. Per acre

Bush. lbs.

51 30,,^

54 2411
34 0;%

36 4?J

47 25

47 33

47 25J8

Lbs.

3067

3240
1G46

1874

2642

2682

3002

42 30iJ 2437

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR

25

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16
TABLE III.— EXPERIMENTS WITH FERTILIZERS ON PLOTS OF OATS— Concluded.

o

o
'A

Fertilizers applied each year, from 1889 to
1898 or 1899. No fertilizers used from
that time to 1905. Clover sown in 1899
and each year after to 1905 with the grain
and ploughed under in the autumn. In
1905-U-7-8 fertilizers again applied as in
1898. Clover discontinued.

10

11

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

AvBEAGE Yield

FOR

Nineteen Yeaks.

Yield

of
Grain.

Per acre.

9: Mineral superphosphate. No. 1, 500 lbs,
per acre, used each year from 1888 to
1899, inclusive. No fertilizer used from
1900 to 1905. In 1905-6-7-8 fertilizer
again used as in 1899. ...

Mineral superphosphate. No. 1, 350 lbs.
nitrate of soda, 200 lbs. per acre, used
eacli year from 1888 to 1899, inclusive.
No fertilizers used froml900 to 1905. In
1905-G-7-8 fertilizers again used as in
1899

Mineral superphosphate. No. 1, 350 lbs.,
nitrate of soda, 2u0 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
l'.t05-G-7-S fertilizers again used as in

1899

12,Unuiauured from the beginning

ISjEone, finely groimd, 500 lbs. per acre, used
each year from 1888 to 1899, inclusive.
No feitilizer used from 1900 to 1905. In
1905-6-7-8 bone again used as at first . . .

Bone, finely ground, 500 lbs., wood ashes,
unleached, 1,500 lbs. per acre, used eUch
year from 1888 to 1899, inclusive. No
fertilizers used from 1900 to 1905. In
1905-6-7-8 fertilizers used again as at
first

Nitrate of soda, 200 lbs. per acre, used each
year from 18!i8 to 1899, inclusive. No
fertilizer used from 1900 to 1905. In
1905-6-7-8 fertilizer again used as at first.

Muriaie of potash, 150 lbs. per acre, used
each year frou^ 1888 to 1899, inclusive.
No fertilizer used from 1900 to 1905. In
1905-6-7-8 fertilizer again 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 190.5-0-7-8 fertilizer again used
as at first

Sulphate of iron, 60 lbs. per acre, used each
year from 1888 to 18i;9, inclusive. No
ifertilizer used from 1900 to 1905. In
1905-6-7-8 fertilizer again used as at first.

Common salt (Sodium chloride), 300 lbs.
per acre, used each year from 1888 to
1899, inclusive. No fertilizer used from
1900 to 1905. In 1905-6-7-8 fertilizer
used again as at first

Land plaster or gypsum (Calcium sul-
phate), .'HOO lbs. per acre, used each year
from 1888 to 1899, inclusive. No fertili-
zer used from 1900 to 1905. In 1905 6-7-8
fertilizer again used as at first

Mineral superphosphate, 500 lbs. per acre,
used each year from 18S9 to 1899, inclu-
sive. No fertilizer used from 1900 to
1905. In 1905-6-7-8 fertilizer again used
as at first

Bush. lbs.

38 16}f

47 fsia

38 2:^/5
23 14ii

40 23i%

46 18H

40 21,«V

46 23

39 33if

40 &^

36 18^ff

37 15^8

Yield

of
Straw.

Per acre

Lbs.

1981

2557

2352
1450

1925

2275

20-17

2159

2736

2029

2011

2023

1894

20th Season, 1908.
Variety,
Banner .

Yield

of
Grain.

Per acre.

Bush. lbs.

19 W

22 12

14 24
10 ..

18 8

20

21 6

17 2

28 8

27 22

26 16

25 10

23 IS

Yield
of

Straw.

Per acre

Lbs.

740

940

600
380

520

640

<i80

700

900

860

1000

940

960

Average Yield

FOR

Twenty Years.

Yield

of
Grain.

Per acre.

Bush. lbs.

37 18.;

45 31M

37 16.^5
22 25M

34 8M

39 22/7

45 9/^

39 15^

45 25Ji

39 12M

39 Yt^^

35 33

36 20^1.

Yield

of
Straw.

Per acre

Lbs.

1919

2476

2264
1397

1855

2193

2564

2086

2644

1970

1960

1969

1847

26

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

The one-tenth acre plots of wheat, barley and oats had by the end of 1903 become
infested with several troublesome perennial weeds, hence it was thought 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 each wheat plot was sown with mangels, one-half of each barley
plot with potatoes, and one-half of each oat plot with carrots, computing the yields
of grain from a one-twentieth acre plot in each case. Similar hoed crops were sown
in 1905, 1906, 1907 and 1908, changing the position of the varieties from year to year.

INDIAN COKN 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 of having
the corn so well advanced when cut, that the ears 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 later-ripening sorts has been tried, and on the other, marked No. 2, one of the
earlier-maturing varieties. During the first four years, one cf 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 apart, and the No. 2 in hills 3 feet apart each way, with 4 or 5 kernels in a hill.
During the past eleven years, both sorts have been grown in hills.

In 1900 no crop of Indian corn was grown on these plots, but red clover was so^vn
in its place on May 5, in the proportion of 12 pounds per acre. This made r^ 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
again in 1903, and ploughed under in May, 1904. Corn was planted in 1905, 1906,
1907 and 1908. In 1908 it was planted on June 5, and cut for ensilage September 17.

EXPERIMENTS WITH FERTILIZEES ON PLOTS OF INDIAN CORN, CUT GREEN

FOR ENSILAGE.

o
Ps

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 1903 clover was again sown and
ploughed under in May, 1904. In 1905-
6-7-8 fertilizers again applied as in 1898.
Clover discontinued.

Barn-yard manure (mixed hor.se and cow
manure) well rotted, 12 tons per acre,
each year from 1888 to 1S98 inclusive.
No manure used from 1899 to 1905. In
1905 -6-7-8 manure was again used as at first
Barn-yard manure (mixed horse and cow-
manure) fresh, 12 tons per acre each year
from 1888 to 1898 inclusive. No manure
used from 1899 to 1905. In 1905-0-7-8
manure was again used as at first. ...
3 Unmanured from the beginning

Average Yield

FOR

Sixteen Years.

Per acre.

Tons. lbs.

16 272

15
G

572
989

I ^

I D

U

O u-

Per acre

Tons lbs

13 46

11 1431
5 160

17th Season, 1908.

P o

dJ

-is *

o

- IB
■J2.B be

HM

Per acre.

Tons. lbs.

12 260

10 1100
1 1100

IM

' a

O f

« bC-frrSi

o c.Sf^

Per acre

Tons lbs

8 1640

Average Yield

FOR

Seventeen Years.

r-' 0)
O vi_

'Z ° .

Per acre.

Tons. Ills.

15 1801

7 760 15 15
1 12Ci)i 6 407

bo

"z ° .

Per acre

Tons lbs

12 1552

11 921
4 1751

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR

27

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

EXPERIMENTS WITH FERTILIZERS ON PLOTS OF INDIAN CORN.

Fertilizei-s applied each year from 1888 to
1898 or 1899. No fertilizers used from
that time to 1905. Clover sown in 1000
in place of the corn and ploughed nndei
in May, 1001, before the corn was planted.
In 1903 clover was again sown and
ploughed under in May, 1904. In 1905-
G.7-8 fertilizers again applied as in 1898.
Clover discontinued.

10

11

Average Yield

FOR

Sixteen Ye.\rs.

c

CD

9

o
-a 0)

tJCC

> o

Per acre. Per acre

Mineral phosphate,untreated,fineIy ground,
800 lbs. per acre, used each vear from
1888 to 1897 inclusive. In 1898 and 1899
a similar weight of theThomas' phosphate
was used. No fertilizer used from 1900
to 1905. In 1905-G-7-8 fertilizers again
used as in 1899

Mineral phosphate, untreated, finely ground,
800 lbs., nitrate of soda, 200 lbs. per acre,
used each year from 1888 to 1897 inclu-
sive. In 189S and 1899, 800 lbs. of the
Thomas' phosphate were used in place of
the mineral phosphate. No fertilizers
used from 1900 to 1905. In 1905-6-7-8
fertilizers again used as in 1899

Barn-yard manure, partlj^ rotted and active-
ly fermenting, 6 tons per acre, mineral
phosphate, untreated, hnely ground, 500
lbs. per acre, composted 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 phosphate. No fer-
tilizers used from 1899 to 1905. In 1905-
6-7-8 fertilizers again used as in 1898 . . .

Minei-al phosphate, untreated, finely ground,
500 lbs., nitrate of soda, 200 lbs., wood
ashes, unieached, 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 phosphate. No fertilizers used from
1900 to 1905. In 1905-6-7-8 fertilizers
again used a.s in 1899

Mineral phosphate,untreated, finely ground,
500 lbs., wood ashes, imleached, 1,.500 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 mineral (ihosphate. No fertilizers
used from 1900 to 1905. In 1905-6-7-8
fertilizers again u.sed as in 1899

Mineral superphosphate. No. 1, 500 lbs. per
aero, used each year from 1888 to 1899 in
elusive. No fertilizer used from 1900 to
190.5. In 1905-6-7-8 fertilizer
as in 1899

Mineral sup'irphosphate. No. 1, 3S0 lbs.,
nitrate of soda, 200 lbs. per acre, used
each year from 1888 to 1899 inclusive. No
fertilizers used from 1900 to 1905. In
1905-6-7-8 fertilizers again u.sed as in 1899

Mineral sui)orphosp!iate. No. 1, .350 Ujs.,
nitrate of soda, 200 lbs., wood ashes, un-
ieached, 1,500 lbs. j'er acre, used each
jear from 1888 to 1399 inclusive. No
fertilizers use" from 1900 to 1905. In
1905-6-7-8 fertilizers again used as in 1899.

Tons. lbs.

again used

8 129

11 695

15 1425

14 1305

12 118

11 59

12 1448

15 1204

(M

G

0

. be

O u^

^5

<D

^a

17th Season, 1908.

r^l

i

"A

6

o <1>

bt)0

be

a

3 OTJ

Per acre. Per acre

Tons.lbsiTons. lbs.

5 1312

9 348

11 1975

11 347

9 1276

8 111

10 90

12 "330

4 40

6 1900

9 100

8 1720

6 400

5 1820

6 160

8 1700

c

r^

Average Yield

POU

Seventeen Years.

I ^

I 4)

. bC

rttn

Per acre.

Per acre

Tons.lbsiTons. lbs.

3 1200

7 140

6 740

5 1740

4 660

4 340

5 1000

7 140

7 1653

11 178

15 641

14 682

11 1429

10 1457

12 666

15 410

I s

Tons.lbs

5 1070

9 100

11 1314

10 1664

9 652

7 1654

9 1597

11 1731

28

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910
EXPERIMENTS WITH FERTILIZERS ON PLOTS OF INDIAN CO^'i— Concluded.

o
d

Fertilizers applied each year from 1888 to
18! i8 or 18'J0. No fertilizers used from
that time to 1905. Clover sown in 11)00
in (tlace of the corn and ploni^hed under
in May, 1901 , before the corn was planted.
In 1903 clover was again sown and
plouRlied under in May, 1904. In 1905-
(3-7-8 fertilizei's afjjain applied as in 1898.
Clover discontinued.

12iUnmanured from the beginning

13 Bone, finely grcuad, 500 lbs. per acre, used
each ye^ir from 1SS8 to 1899, inclusive.
No fertilizer used from 1900 to 1905. In
19J5-('>-7-8 bone again used as at firot. . . .

14 Bone, finely ground, 500 lbs., wood ashes,
unleached, 1,500 lbs. i^er acre, used each
year from 1888 to 1899, inclusive. No
fertilizers used from 1900 to 1905. In
1905 6-7-5 fertilizers again used as at first.

15 Nitrate of soda, 200 lbs. per acre, used each
year from 1888 to 1899 inclusive. No
fertilizer used from 1900 to 1905. In
1905-6-7-8 fertilizer again used as at first.

16!Sulphate of ammonia, 300 lbs. per acre,
used each year from 1888 to 1899, inclu-
sive. No fertilizer used from 1900 to
1905. In 1905-6-7-8 fertilizer again used
as at first

17 Mineral superphosphate. No. 1, 600 lbs. ,
muriate of potash, 200 lbs., sulphate of
ammonia, 150 lbs. per acre, used each
year from 1889 to 1899, inclusive. No
fertilizers used from 1900 to 1905. ^ In
1905-6-7-8 fertilizer again used as at first.

18 Muriate of potash, 300 lbs. per acre, used
each year from 1889 to 1899, inclusive.
No fertilizer used from 1900 to 1905. In
1905-(;-7-8 fertilizer again used as at first.

19 Double sulphate of potash and magnesia,
300 lbs. per acre in 1889 and 1890, (mu
riateof potash, 200 lbs., substituted, each
year since), dried blood, 300 lbs., mineral
superphosjihate, No. 1, 500 lbs. per acre
used each year from 18S9 to 1899, inclu-
sive. No fertilizers used from 190O to
1905. In 1905-6-7-8 fertilizers again used
as at first

20iWood ashes unleached, 1,900 lbs. per acre
used each year from 1889 to 1899, inclu-
sive. No fertilizer used from 1000 to
1905. In 1905-6-7-8 fertilizer again used
as at first

21 Bone, finely ground, .500 lbs., sulphate of
ammonia, 200 lbs., muriate of puta.sh, 230
lbs. per acre, used each year from 18S9 to

1899 inclusive. No fertilizers used from

1900 to 190".. In 1905-6-7-8 fertilizers
again used as at first .

AvEKAGE Yield

FOR

Sixteen Years.

u

^ ° .

TT 'S "^
P-i g o

Hci

Per acre.

Tons. lbs.
10 952

11 1372

12 1362

11 1G80

12 654

13 426

10 258

12 585

11 5

12 341

I 1=

<M a;

u

A ^

O)

Per acre

Tons lbs
8 1413

9 422

10 58

9 573

9 1406

10 156

7 1428

17th Sea.son% 1908.

O 0)

6pT3

o o

. a.
5 tD

Per acre.

Tons. lbs.
4 840

5 1960

7 1900

6 840

5 19C0

9 1200

7 3-10

9 571

8 123G

8 1400

8 1040

O U

•^H tail

Per a(

Tons lbs
3 700

4 I860

6 420

5 120

6 200

G 940

8 G4 9 1180

Average Yield

FOR

Seventeen Yeaks.

I «

u
. bo

"A o

> O

"A O

r^

Per acre.

Tons. lbs.
10 240

11 701

12 805

11 042

11 1904

13 1

5 940 9 1910

7 1G60

6 1020

2 IGOO

12 162

10 1713

12 38

Per acre

Tons lbs
S 783

8 1918

9 1609

9 76

9 982

9 1732

7 11G5

9 399

8 1082

7 1448

PLOTS OF MANGELS AND TURNIPS.

lu 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 gro^vth of mangels, and the
other hnlf to turnip^;, and these crops have been alternated from year to year. The
preparation of the land has been the same for both these roots. Until 1900 it was

REPORT OF TEE DIRECTOR

29

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

ploughed in the autumn after the crop was gathered, gang-ploughed deeply in the
spring after the barnyard manure had been spread on plots 1, 2 and 6, and after
gang-ploughing, the other fertilizers were 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 about
four pounds of seed were so^vn 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. It was then allowed to stand until the day before sowing, when it
was gang-xDloughed shallow or cultivated to kill weeds and loosen the soil, ridged,
rolled and so^vn. About three pounds of seed were sown per acre.

In 1900 and 1903, no crops of mangels or turnips were gTown, but clover was sown
in their place in May at the rate of 12 poimds 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 until 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.

From 1904 to 1908, inclusive, the roots were grown each year. In 1908 both the
mangels and the turnips were sown on May 20, and pulled on October 11. The yield
per acre has been calculated in each case from the weight of roots gathered from the
whole plot.

EXPERIMENTS WITH FERTILIZEES ON PLOTS OF MANGELS AND TURNIPS.

o

Fertilizers applied each year from
1889 to 1898 or 1899. No fertilizers
used from that time to 1905. Clover
sown in 1900 in place of the roots
and ploughed under in Maj', 1901,
before the roots were sown. In
1903 clover was again sown and
ploughed under in May, 1904. In
1905-6-7-8 fertilizers again applied
as in 1899. Clover discontinued.

Average Yield

FOR

Sixteen Years.

Mangels,

Weight

of Roots.

Per acre.

Barn-yard manure (mixed horse and
cow-manure) well rotted, 20 tons
per acre each year from 1889 to
1898 inclusive. No manure used
from 1899 to 1905. In 1905-C-7-8
manure was again used as at first.

Barn-yard manure (mixed horse and
cow-manure) fresh, 20 tons per acre
each year from 1889 to 1898 inchi-
sive. No manure used from 1899
to 1905. In 1905-6-7-8 manure was
again used as at first

Unmanured from the beginning. . .

Mineral phosphate, untreated, finely
ground, 1,000 lbs. per acre, used
each year from 1889 to 1897, inclu-
sive. In 1898 and 1899 a similar
weight of the Thomas' phosphate
was used. No fertilizer used from
1900 to 1905. In 1905-6-7-8 fertilizer
again used as in 1899

iTous. lbs.

21 1334

20 1765
8 1224

8 1143

Turnips,

Weight

of Roots.

Per acre.

Tons. lbs.

14 1848

15 115

7 27

7 1741

17th Season, 1908,
Varieties.

East Half W^est Half
Plot. Plot.

Turnips :

Purple

Top

Swede.

Weight

of Roots.

Per acre.

Tons. lbs.

4 720

4 540
2 160

Mangels
Mammoth
Long Red.

Weight
of Roots.

Per acre.

Tons. lbs.

13 1060

14 5S0
3 1680

1 1340 4 660

Average Yield

For

Seventeen Years.

Mangels,

Weight

of Roots.

Per acre.

Tons. lbs.

21 377

20 990

8 663

Turnips,

Weight

of Roots.

Per acre.

Tons. lbs.

14 605

14 846
6 1447

8 644 7 1011

30

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910
EXPERIMENTS WITH FERTILIZERS ON PLOTS OF MANGELS AND TURNIPS— Con.

c

5

o

o

Fertilizers applied each j'ear from
1889 to 18!)8 or 1899. No fertil-
izers used from that time to 1905.
Clover h-own in 1900 in place of the
roots and i)ioughed under in May,
1901, 1 Iff ore tlie roots were sown.
In 1903 clover was again sown and
plough(^d iinder in May, 1904. In
190r)-(]-7-8 fertilizers again applied
as in 1899. Clover discontinued.

AvER.\GE Yield

FOR

Sixteen Years.

Mangels,
Weight
of Roots.

Per acre.

Tons. lbs.

Mineral phosjihate, untreated, finely

round, 1,000 lbs., nitrate of soda,

250 lbs., wood ashes, unleached,

1,000 lbs. per acre, used each year

from 1839 to 1897 inclusive. In

1898 and 1899, 500 lbs. of Thomas'
phosphate were used in place of the
mineral phosphate. No fertilizers
used from 1900 to 1905. In 1905-6
7-8 fertilizers again used as in 1899] 14 1768

6 Barn-yard manure, partly rotted and
actively fermenting, 6 tons per
acre, mineral phosphate, untreated,
finely ground, 1,000 lbs. per acre,
composted together, intimately
mixed and allowed to heat for
several days before using, applied
each year from 1SS9 to 1897 inclu-
sive. In 1898, 1,000 lbs. of Thomas'
phosphate were used in place of the
mineral phosphate. No fertilizers
used from 1899 to 1905. In 1905-6-
7-8 fertilizers again used as in 1898. 17 877

Mineral phosphate, untreated, finely
ground, 1,000 lbs. sulphate of
pota.sh, 200 lbs. in 1889 and 1890
(substituted by muriate of potash,
2-50 lbs. in 1891 tmd subsequent
years), nitrate of soda, 200 lbs. per
acre, used each year from 1^80 to
1897 inclusive. In 1898 and 1899
1,000 lbs. of the Thomas' phosphate
were used in place of the mineral
phosphate. No fertilizers used from
1900 to 1905. In 1905-G-7-8 fertili-
zers again used as in 1899 12 1212

Mineral supnrphosphate, No. 1, 500
lbs., sulphate of potash, 200 lbs. in
1889 and 1890 (substituted by mur-
iate of ix)tash, 250 lbs. in 1191 and
subsequent years), nitrate of soda,
200 lbs. per acre, used each year
from 1889 to 1899 inclusive. " No
fertilizers used from 1900 to 1905.
In 1905-6-7-8 fertilizers again used
as in 1899 13 1952

Mineral superphosphate. No. 1, 500
lbs. per acre, used each year from
1889 to 1899 inclusive. No fertili-
zer used from 1900 to 1905. In 1905-
6-7-8 fertilizer again used as in 1899 9 1208
10 Nitrate of soda, 300 lbs. per acre,
u.sed each year from 1889 to 1899,
inclusive. No fertilizer used from
from 1900 to 1905. In 1905-6-7-8

fertilizer used again as in 1899 13 1725

n Sulphate of ammonia, 300 lbs. \oeT
acre, used each year from 1889 to

1899 inclusive. No fertilizer used
from 1900 to 1905. In 1905-6-7-8
fertilizer used again as in 1899 11 1916

Turnips,

Weight

of Roots.

Per acre.

Tons. lbs.

9 1484

17th Season, 1908,
Varieties.

Ea<=t Half
Plot.

Turnips :

Purple

To])

Swede,

Weight

of Roots.

West Half
Plot.

Mangels:

Mammoth

Long Red,

Weight

of Roots.

Average Yield

FOR

Seventee.v Years.

Per acre.

Tons. lbs.

Tons. lbs.

ISO

12 315

9 580

11 647

9 115

293

10 957

3 1480

5G0

4 1220

3 1020

540

Per acre.

Tons. lbs. Tons, lbs,

8 1160

9 80

8 1520

8 660

5 1700

6 180

Mangels:

Weight

of Roots.

Per acre.

Turnips:

Weight

of Roots.

Per;

14 1026

16 1889

12 7C0

2 1760 I 4 1580

13 1288

9 760

9 937

11 1335

8 ^755

10 1857

8 1462

13 811 8 18.37

11 1073

10 63

REPORT OF TEE DIRECTOR

31

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

EXPERIMENTS WITH FERTILIZERS ON PLOTS OF MANGELS AND TURNIPS-

Concluded.

o

o

12
13

14

15

16

If

Fertilizers applied each year from
1889 to 1898 or 1899. No fertiH-
zers used from that time to 1905.
Clover sown in 1900 in place of the
roots and ploughed under in May,
1901, before the roots were sown.
In 1903 clover was again sown and
ploughed under in May, 1904. In
1905-0-7-8 fertilizers again applied
as in 1899. Clover discontinued.

Average Yield

FOR

Sixteen Years.

Mangels.

Weight

of Roots.

Per acre.

18

19

20

21

Unmanured from the beginning. . .

Bone, finely ground, 500 lbs., wood
ashes, unleached, 1,000 lbs. per
acre, used each year from 1889 to
1899 inclusive. No fertilizers used
from 1900 to 1905. In 1905-0-7-8
fertilizers again used as at first . . .

Wood ashes, unleached, 2,000 lbs.
per acre, used each j'ear from 1889
to 1899, inclusive. No fertilizer
used from 1900 to 1905. In 1905-G-
7-8 fertilizer again used as at first.

Common salt (Soclitnn chloride), 400
lbs. per acre, used each year from
1839 to 181.-9 inclusive. No fertilizer
used from 1900 to 1905. In 1905G-
7-8 fertilizer again used as at first.

Mineial superphosphate, No. 1, 500
lbs., nitrate of soda, 200 lbs. per
acre, used each year from 1889 to

1899 incliLsive. No fertilizers used
from 1900 to 1905. In 1905-G-7-S
fertilizer.s again used as at first. .

Mineral superphosphate, No. 1, 3-50
lbs., wood ashes, unleached, 1,500
lbs. per acre, used each vear from

1889 to 1899 inclusive. No ferti-
lizers used from 1900 to 1905. In
1905-6-7-8 fertilizers again used as
at first

Mineral superphosphp.te. No. 1, 500,
lbs., muriate of jjotash, 200 lbs.
per acre, used each year from 1889
to 1899 inclusive. No fertilizers
used from 1900 to 1905. In 1905-6-
7-8 fertilizers again used as at first,

Double sulphate of potash and mag-
nesia, ;'>00 lbs. per acre in 1889 and

1890 (nuiriate of potash, 200 lbs.,
substituted each year since), dried
blood, 250 lbs., mineral super-
phos]jhate No. 1, 500 lbs. per acre,
used each year from 1889 to 1899
inclusive. No fertilizers used from

1900 to 1905. In 1905-6-7-8 ferti-
lizers again used as at first

Wood a.shes, unleached, 1,500 lb.s.,
common salt (Sodium chloride),
300 lbs. per acre, used each year
from 1889 to 1899 inclu.sive. No
fertilizers used from 1900 to 1905.
In 1905-6-7-8 fertilizers again used
as at first

Mineral superpliosphate. No. 2, 500,
lbs. per acre, used each year from
1889 to 1899 inclusive. No fertilizer
used from 1900 to 1905. In 1905-6
7-8 fertilizer again used as at first.

Tons. lbs.

7 277

12 389

11 109

9 1383

12 643

12 1802

12 1933

14 300

14 1992

14 547

Turnips,

Weight

of Roots.

Per acre.

Tons. lbs.
6 1973

8 1450

8 155

7 901

9 1507

10 728

10 1524

11 1127

10 521

10 1140

17th Season, 1908,

Varieties.

Eist Half
Plot.

Turnips :

Purple

Top

Swede,

Weight

of Roots.

Per acre.

Tons. lbs.
1 1500

2 0

2 20

3 200

4 1800

5 1740

4 1380

3 32i!

2 ISOO

2 1500

West Half
Plot.

iMangels :
Mammoth
Long Red,
Weight
of Roots.

Per acre.

Tons. lbs.
2 460

5 200

6 320

6 300

4 1380

6 420

8 1700

8 680

8 640

5 1300

Aver.age Yield

FOE

Seventeen Years.

Turnips,
Weig ht
of Roots.

Mangels,

Weight

of Roots.

Per

acre.

Ton.s. lbs.
6 1700

11

1558

10

1533

9

966

11

1745

12

1015

12

1499

13

1616

14

1207

13

1533

Per acre.

Tons, lbs,
6 1357

8 659

7 1441

7 330

9 936

10 199

10 810

11 138

9 1655

10 220

32 EXPERIMENTAL FARMH

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

The season of 1908 at Ottawa has been unfavourable for the trial plots of fer-
tilizers. The spring was exceedingly wet, so that it was impossibls to sow early. The
grain could not be got in until May 16, which is much too late for good crops in this
climate. There was again a considerable falling oS in yield both in grain ar 1 straw;
none of the plots of wheat, barley or oats reached the average of past years.

The weight of fodder cut from the plots of Indian corn was much less than
formerly, due partly to the late date of seeding, June 5, and partly to the unfavour
able season. The field roots also gave very inferior crops.

BULLETINS ISSUED DUKING THE YEAR ENDING MARCH 31, 1909.

Three bulletins were issued during the year, and a second edition of several others
of which the first edition was exhausted. Among these were Bulletin No. 37 on Apple
Culture, and Bulletin No. 35 on The Stave Silo.

The new bulletins were the following : — Bulletin No. GO, The Grades of Wheat
in the Manitoba Inspection Division, Crop of 1907. The first part of this bulletin,
' On the Milling and Baking Qualities of the Grades of Wlieat,' was prepared by Dr.
C. E Saunders, Cerealist of the Experimental Earms. This contains descriptions of
the samples and particulars regarding the cleaning and milling of them, also the
percentage of straight flour made from each. The results of the baking tests are also
given. The second part, ' A Chemical Study of the Grain and Elour of the Grades of
Wheat,' was prepared by the Chemist of the Experimental Farms, Mr. F. T. Shutt.
In it are presented the details of the analyses of the various grades of wheat, both as
received and as cleaned for milling. The analyses of the flours are also submitted,
with much useful information regarding their several constituents.

Balletin No. 61 of the Experimental Farm series was prepared jointly by the
Cerealist, Dr. C. E. Saunders, and myself. This treats of the results obtained on all
the Dominion Experimental Farms from trial plots of grain, fodder corn, field roots
and potatoes in 1908. This is the fourteenth issue of this special publication. There
are presented in this bulletin the results of a large number of experiments which have
been conducted at all the Dominion Experimental Farms during the season of 1908
with spring and winter wheat, oats, barley, peas, Indian corn, turnips, mangels, carrots,
sugar beets and potatoes. The average results are also given for the past five years
of the comparative tests of those varieties which have been long under trial, and these
records are arranged in the order of their yield.

These trial plots are conducted with the object of gaining information as to the
relative productiveness of the different sorts and their earliness in ripening in the
diff.erent climates of Canada. The returns show much variation in the weight and
earliness of the crops grown, and point to the importance of care in the choice of
varieties of seed for sowing.

Bulletin No. 5, second series : ' A List of Herbaceous Perennials tested in the
Arboretum and Botanic Garden of the Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa,' with
descriptions of flowers and other notes, by W. T. Macoun, Horticulturist and Curator
of the Arboretum and Botanic Garden. ■

This bulletin contains a list of the herbaceous perennials which have been tested
at Ottawa for the past twenty years. 2,116 species and varieties are recorded. These
ere arranged alphabetically under their scientific names, and in all cases where
common names could be found these have also been given, together with the name of
the country from whence the different species and varieties have been obtained.

This list of perennial plants is the result of much labour and painstaking effort
on the part of the author. He has given, in addition to the botanical and common
names of the species, the year when planted, the height to which the plant grows, the
time of blooming and the colour of the flow^ers ; also whether the plant is hardy or
tender. In the introduction to this bulletin, some very useful information is given,
including brief notes on the planting and care of herbaceous perennial plants.

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR 33

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Bulletins of the second series treat of such subjects as are of interest to a limited
class of readers, and are mailed to those only to whom the information is likely to be
useful. Copies may, however, be obtained by any otie desiring them, as long as the
edition lasts, on application to the Director of Experimental Farms, Ottawa, Canada.

Three pamphlets have also been issued during the year, giving useful informa-
tion, one ' On Preparing Land for Grain Crops in Saskatchewan,' by Angus Mackay,
Superintendent of the Experimental Farm at Indian Head, Sask. In this the settlor
is advised as to the best methods to adopt to ensure success in grain-growing in that
province.

The two other pamphlets have been prepared by Mr. W. T. Macoun, Horticul-
turist. In pamphlet No. 4 the following subjects are treated of : ' How to make and
use a hotbed and cold frame.' ' Top-grafting.' ' How to transplant a tree or shrub.'
* Protection of fruit trees from mice and rabbits, and care of injured trees.'

Pamphlet No. 5 gives information on ' Asparagus culture, ' Celery culture,' and
on ' Onion culture.' Copies of these pamphlets may be had from the Director of
Experimental Farms by any one desiring them.

VISITS TO THE BKANCIT EXPERIMENTAL FARMS.

Visits were paid to the branch Experimental Farms in the west during August
and September. I left Ottawa for this purpose on August 4.

EXPERIMENTAL FARH, BRANDON, MAN.

I arrived at Brandon on August 7. The spring weather here had been favourable
for the early sowing of all crops, and good weather conditions prevailed until the
middle of July, when two weeks of very hot weather began, which caused the grain to
ripen very rapidly. As a result the kernel became shrivelled and the weight of the
crop somewhat reduced. Notwithstanding this drawback, the trial plots of wheat gave
an average yield of 39 bushels 45 pounds per acre, and the oats gave an average of 102
bushels 27 pounds per acre. Everything on the farm was in gcod order, the horses and
cattle in good condition and the buildings and implements well cared for. A second
visit was made at Brandon on September 22 on the way ea.">t, when the grain was all
harvested and threshing was proceeding rapidly in the bright autumn weather.

EXPERIMENTAL FARM, INDIAN HEAD, SASK.

The season of 1908 was a fine one at Indian Head also, where I arrived August 8,
and remained until the 10th. Seeding had been completed some three weeks earlier
than in 1907, and the coming harvest was full of promise. The grain was ripening
fast. The weather during June and the first three weeks of July was very favourable,
and rapid growth was made. The weather subsequently became very hot, which
brought about a sudden ripening of the grain, causing it to shrivel more or less. The
weather was exceptionally favourable for harvesting and threshing, and the resulting
wheat crops gave nearly twice the number of bushels harvested in 1907. I called at
Indian Head again on the way home on September 19 and 20. On both occasions I
found the farm in excellent condition. The state of the crops, stock, buildings and
implements all gave evidence of careful and constant supervision.

EXPERIMENTAL FARM, LETHBRIDGE, ALBERTA.

A visit was paid to Lethbridge on August 17 and 18. Two sets of trial plots of
the most important farm crops were established here: one after the methods practiced
16—3

34 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

"9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

in connection with dry -farming (non-irrigated), the other on irrigated land. The
soil had been well prepared and the crops gave promise of an abundant harvest. Later
the ten varieties of winter wheat grown on non-irrigated land gave an average of 40
bushels 20 pounds per acre, while spring wheat under the same conditions gave 29
bushels 32 pounds per acre.

ISTo winter wheat was grown on irrigated land, but the plots of spring wheat under
irrigation gave an average yield of 37 bushels 20 pounds jier acre. Nearly all the
crops experimented with gave good returns. The alfalfa fields had become well estab-
lished and presented a promising appearance. All the fields and plots both on non-
irrigated and irrigated land had been well prepared, and the results were highly satis-
factory.

EXPERIMENTAL FARM, LACOMBE, ALBEilT.'^.

The Experimental Farm at Lacombe was reached on August 22, when the trial
plots of grain were looking remarkably fine. The season here also had been much more
favourable than that of 1907. Seeding had taken place fully three weeks earlier, and
had been followed by favourable conditions and a very rapid growth. Cool weather
in August delayed the maturing of the grain, which ripened, however, before frost.
The land on this farm also had been well prepared and got into a good condition of
tilth. The fertility of the soil was manifested by the strong and rapid growth of the
crops. The fourteen varieties, of spring wheat under trial gave an average of 33
bushels 34 pounds per acre. Oats ranged from 110 to 51 bushels per acre and barley
from 65 to 40 bushels per acre.

The forest, ornamental and fruit trees had all suffered more or less from the
severe winter. Many interesting ones, however, had survived and were making promis-
ing growth.

EXPERIMENTAL FARM, AGASSIZ, B.C.

Agassiz also was twice visited, first on August 30 and 31, and again on September
7 to 10.

The season of 1908 opened earlier than that of 1907, and grain was sown about
ten days earlier than in the latter year. The weather later in the season had also been
favourable to the ripening of the grain and it matured early. The average crop of
the fourteen varieties of spring wheat grown on the trial plots was 22 bushels 4 pounds
per acre, the average of the twenty-four plots of oats was 75 bushels 6 pounds per
acre, and the thirteen varieties of barley averaged 41 bushels 30 pounds per acre.
The general crop of apples was below medium ; the weather in the spring was cold
and showery and the fruit did not set freely. Plums gave a better average yield and
the fruit which ripened was of fine quality, owing to favourable weather. The com-
mercial orchards recently planted are doing well and many of the trees in the nut
orchard had very fair crops. In the various branches of live stock the animals were
all found in satisfactory condition.

EXPERIMENTAL FARM, NAPPAN, NOVA SCOTIA.

Owing to a lengthened absence in the Northwest, followed by a journey to Albu-
querque in New Mexico, where I went to represent Canada at an important ' Dry
Farming ' congress, it was near the middle of October before I returned to Ottawa,
when it was too late to see any of the crops on the Maritime Province Farm. For
these reasons the work at Nappan was not inspected this year. From the reports of
the superintendent, I learn that, notwithstanding a cold and wet sprinpj-vwhcat gave a
considerably higher average than in 1907, and that barley also gave a slightly higher
yield. Indian com gave excellent croi>s; with oats also, the average was very good.

REPORT OF TEE DIRECTOR 35

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

IRRIGATION AND 'DRY FARMING' CONVENTIONS.

ft

On August 11 and 12, 1908, I attended the Annual Convention of the Western
Canada Irrigation Association, which was held at Vernon, B.C. The meetings of this
association were large, and much practical information on irrigation was given. Mr.
W. H. Fairfield, Superintendent of the Experimental Farm at Lethbridge, was with
me. At the close of the meetings a series of excursions was arranged, which gave the
visitors an opportunity of seeing many of the finest orchards in the Okanagan valley.
The marvellous extension of the fruit interests in that valley was a great
surprise, and several days were spent in looking over some of the most important fruit
areas. Some of the earlier-maturing varietLes of peaches were rii^e at the time of our
visit, and abundant opportunities were afforded of testing the quality of these fruits,
which was pronounced excellent on every hand. The trees seemed healthy and vigor-
ous and gave good promise for the future.

From September 29 to October 3, I was present at the ' Sixteenth National Irriga-
tion Congress ' held in Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S.A. This congress was largely
attended by representatives from all parts of the United States, also from many
foreign countries, but the main part of the attendance was from those sections of the
country where the rainfall is scanty and where it is necessary to use every possible
means to economize the rainfall in order that crops may be grown. Exhibits were
made in connection with this meeting of various agricultural and horticultural crops
which had been grown under dry-farming conditions. Much useful information was
comiiivinicated at the meetings and a great deal of enthusiasm manifested. It was a
profitable gathering, and many facts learned there will serve a useful purpose in time
to come.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.

My grateful thanks are due to all the members of the staff for their kind co-opera-
tion with me in the various branches of the work conducted both at the Central Ex-
perimental Farm and at the branch Farms throughout the Dominion. The present
report is largely the result of their earnest efforts to render service to agriculture in
their different spheres of labour.

To those members of the staff who have aided me in those branches of the work of
which I have personal charge, I also tender sincere thanks ; to the farm foreman who
has carefully supervised the special tests of fertilizers on field crops and recorded the
results ; to the foreman of the distribution branch for his watchful care over the
distribution of the sam.ples of seed grain sent for trial to farmers in all parts of the
Dominion ; to the foreman in care of the lawns and ornamental grounds at the
Central Farm, for the taste and industry he has displayed, and to the foreman of the
greenhouses for his careful management of the plants and shrubs under propngation,
also for the useful work he has done in testing the vitality of seeds and in the taking
of meteorological records. I desire also to bear testimony to the faithful services of
my secretary. The employees also of all the farms have my thanks for the interest
they have manifested in their work and the careful manner in which they have dis-
charged their respective duties.

16— 3J

9-10 EDWARD VII. SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 A. 1910

REPORT

OF THE

DIVISION OF ENTOMOLOGY AND BOTANY

BY THE DIRECTOS, DE. WILLIAM SAUNDERS, C.M.G.

It becomes my painful duty to record the death during the year of a beloved
member of our staff, a most highly esteemed fellow worker, one whose urbanity and
kindly spirit endeared him to all. I refer to the late Dr. James Fletcher, Entomolo-
gist and Botanist to the Dominion Experimental Farms, who died, after a brief illness,
on November 8, 1908. He was born at Ashe, in the county of Kent, England, on
March 28, 1852, was educated at King's School, Rochester, and came to Canada in
1SY4 to fill the position of a clerk in the Bank of British North America. After two
years he gave up his position in the bank and became an assistant in the Library of
Parliament at Ottawa. Here he devoted much of his spare time to the study of ento-
mology and botany, and became, as years went on, a recognized authority in each of
these branches of natural science.

Prior to the organization of the Experimental Farms, Dr. Fletcher acted as Hon-
orary Dominion Entomologist to the Department of Agriculture, and in this capacity
published two reports, the first in 1884, the second in 1885. These reports dealt
chiefly with injurious insects and the remedies for their destruction.

On July 1, 1887, Dr. Fletcher was appointed Entomologist and Botanist to the
Dominion Experimental Farms and was then transferred from the position he had
occupied in the Library of Parliament to the staff of the Farms. He was thus enabled
to devote himself entirely to natural history and his work became the great pleasure
of his life. For twenty-one years the writer was intimately associated with Dr.
Fletcher from day to day and watched the development of his 'work with much
interest. In his capacity of Dominion Entomologist. Dr. Fletcher studied with gi-eat
assiduity the many problems which presented themselves in reference to insect life,
such as the life histories of many injurious insects which prey on the crops of the
farmer and by their depredations often materially lessen his profits, as well as the life
history and habits of the many parasitic species which feed on and destroy the farmer's
enemies and thus render him substantial service. He also experimented with the
remedies proposed for the destruction of the injurious species and thus tested their
efficacy.

As Botanist, Dr. Fletcher studied the value as fodder plants of such species of
grasses and clovers as can be grown successfully in the different parts of the Domin-
ion, He ascertained their value for the production of hay and recommended the most
promising of them for more general cultivation. These fodder plants were grown in

37

33 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

convenient plots at the Central Experimental Farm, where they could be shown to
visitors and their points of excellence explained. He also studied the subjects of rust,
smut and such other low forms of vegetable life as are injurious to our grain crops.
Dr. Fletcher also devoted much attention to another class of enemies with which the
farmer must wage war if he is to be successful in his work; I refer to the weeds which
infest his crops. These, if allowed to multiply, crowd the useful plants he is growing,
rob them of light and air and of the moisture they need, also of much of the fertiliz-
ing material in the soil which would otherwise contribute to their growth.

In both these divisions of Dr. Fletcher's work the field was practically unlimited,
and in preparing his Annual Reports from the large mass of material available, the
chief difficulty was to select the best and most useful.

Dr. Fletcher's first report after his appointment on the Farm staff, that for 1887,
may be considered in its general usefulness and the variety of important topics dis-
cussed as typical of the series. This begins with an article on the insects injurious
to cereal crops, in iwhich those affecting wheat claim first attention, followed by those
species which injure other valuable cereals. The species destructive to hay and clover
are next considered, then the worst pests which affect field roots and potatoes. Those
insects which are destructive to the apple crop were also dealt with, followed by those
which injure the grape, raspberry, currant and strawberry. A chapter was also devoted
to some of the worst insects affecting forest trees. In all these instances the most
useful remedies for the destruction of these injurious species were dealt with.

The twenty-one Annual Reports which were written by Dr. Fletcher together with
the excellent cuts with which the text was illustrated have been of great value to the
farmers of Canada by instructing them how to recognize their insect enemies as well
as their insect friends, and at the same time instructed them as to the most practical
measures to adopt for the destruction of the more injurious species treated of.

He also waged a constant warfare against weeds, and his reports and bulletins
containing instructions as to the best methods of destroying the different injurious
sjiecies are highly appreciated and followed by many of the most intelligent farmers
throughout the Dominion. Bulletin No. 28 of the Experimental Farm series on
Weeds, was written by Dr. Fletcher, in which one hundred and sixty-four of the
most troublesome weeds are mentioned and the best methods of destroying them. Dr.
Fletcher also prepared that beautiful illustrated work on Farm Weeds of Canada
published by the Seed Commissioner's Branch.

Bulletins on entomological and botanical subjects were prepared, either wholly or
in part, by him, of which ISTos. 3, 11, 14, 19, 23, 37, 43 and 46 are examples. His last
bulletin was 'No. 52, Insects Injurious to Grain and Fodder Crops, Root Crops and
Vegetables. From his busy pen there appeared also, from time to time, many com-
munications to agricultural and other papers giving accounts of the occurrence of
insect pests in various parts of the Dominion and the best methods to adopt for their
destruction.

For many years past Dr. Fletcher was invited, from time to time, to give evidence
before the Select Committee on Agriculture of the House of Commons. On these
occasions he rendered m«st acceptable service by bringing under the notice of the
conunittee details of some of the more important lines of work carried on by the
Division of Entomology and Botany.

During the past twenty-one years Dr. Fletcher carried on a large correspondence
with farmers in almost every part of the Dominion. He also attended farmers' meet-
ings in all the different provinces, where, in his addresses, he conveyed, in a pleasant
and forceful manner, much valuable information to his hearers.

In his position as Entomologist he was entrusted with the management of the
federal fumigation stations where arrnngimients are made for fumigating trees,
shrubs and other nursery stock under the San Jose Scale Act to prevent any further

/

REPORT OF THE DIVISION OF ENTOMOLOGY AND BOTANY 39

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

introduction of that terrible pest. During the past two years Dr. Fletcher was also
given the supervision of the spraying of orchards in the Indian reservations in British
Columbia, to prevent their becoming distributing points for injurious insects.

In 1885 he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, in which he took
an active part, in 1886 he became a Fellow of the Linnajan Society of London, Eng.,
and in 1896 he received the degree of LL.D., Honoris caxisa, from Queen's University.

Dr. Fletcher was kind and generous to all inquirers seeking information, espe-
cially to young students in entomology and botany, freely giving them much of his
valuable time in helping and encouraging them in their work. His was a busy life,
and tJie good work he has done will furnish a lasting memorial to his energy and
industry which wiU live long in the memories of those who have profited by his
instruction.

40 EXPERIMENTAL FARM 3

©-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

DIVISION OF ENTOMOLOGY AND BOTANY.

THE BROWN-TAIL MOTH IN SHIPMENTS OF NURSERY STOCK FROM

FRANCE, 1909.

Early in January, 1909, the officers of the Bureau of Horticulture of the Depart-
ment of Agriculture, Albany, New York, discovered nests of the living' larva? of the
Brown-tail Moth in nursery and seedling stocks imported from France. Mr. Geo. G.
Atwood, Chief of the Bureau of Horticulture, at once communicated this information
to the Division of Entomology and Botany of the Dominion Experimental Farms,
when the following circular was immediately prepared and sent to nurserymen and
others likely to be interested in this matter throughout Canada. Copies were also fur-
warded to newspapers and the agricultural press.

Central Experimental Farm,

Ottawa, January 19, 1909.

It has recently come to our knowledge through the kindness of Mir. G. G.
Atwood, Chief of the Bureau of Horticulture of the State of New York, that
about 75 nests of the young caterpillars of the Brown-tail Moth have been found
on apple, pear and cherry seedlings, and quince stocks, recently received in New
York State from France. The nests contained living caterpillars in the usual
winter form.

The infested stock so far as examined was paeked in or near Angers, France,
and it is probable that some of the larva} of this terribly destructive insect may
find their way into different parts of Canada and become established there unless
the utmost care is taken to promptly destroy them.

This insect has already done incalculable damage to orchards and woodlands
in some of the eastern States where many hundreds of thousands of dollars have
been spent during the past ten years in the endeavour to exterminate them, with
only partial success. The Brown-tail Moth has .recently been found in consider-
able numbers in pa.rts of Nova Scotia, where constant efforts are being made to
destroy them. It will be a great calamity to our fruit industry were this perni-
cious insect to become established in oiir important fruit districts, since this would
result in a heavy annual loss.

Kindly inform me if you have or v.-ill be importing from France this season
any of the seedlings or stocks referred to, as in such case I shall be glad to advise
you as to the precautions which should be taken to prevent this pest from becom-
ing established in your nursery. In case you have facilities for fumigating
nursery stock with hydrocyanic acid gas on your prem.ises, it would be well to
place all boxes of fruit seedlings and scock received in the fumigating chamber
for a sufiicient length of time to ensure the destruction of all insect life. In case
no fumigating chamber is available the cuttings from such seedlings and stocks
should be carefully burned.

I am mailing you with this a copy of the report of our late Entomologist,
Dr. James Fletcher, for 190G, in which you will find good illustrations of the
Brown-tail Moth in its different stages, including the winter nest of the young
caterpillars, the full grown larva and the male and female motlis, and on pages
222 to 227 the life history and habits of this destructive species are given.

5094-p. 40.

REPORT OF THE DIVISION OF ENTOMOLOGY AND BOTANY 41

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

I would strongly urge upon you the great importance of prompt attention to
this impending danger, and trust that you will heartily co-operate with the govern-
ment in the carrying out of such precautionary measures as it may be necessary
to establish to overcome the threatened invasion of this formidable foe.

Yours very truly,

WILLIAM SAUNDERS,
Director, Dominion Experimental Farms.

After undoubted nests of the Brown-tail Moth had been found in shipments of
French nursery stock imported into Ontario, the following additional circulnr \vas
sent to nurserymen and others:—

Division of Entomology,

Central Experimental Farm,

Ottawa, February 5, 1909.

NURSERYMEN — ATTENTION !

TJie Brown-tail Moth.

In view of the fact that a number of the winter nests of the Brown-tail Mo!h,
all of which contained living caterpillars, have recently been discovered i-.i
Ontario, in nursery seedling stock imported from France, it is extremely imp ir-
tant that all seedlings and stocks being brought in this season be carefully
examined in a good light to see if this very injurious insect is present in ship-
ments received. In New York State, 1,800 nests of the Brown-tail Moth have been
found within the past few weeks in cases of stock imported from France. Nests
have been found on apple, pear, plum, cherry, rose, quince, elm and Amelanchier.

As each winter nest of the Brown-tail Moth contains between two and three
hundred small caterpillars, about one-quarter of an inch in length, it can bo
easily realized that the danger of this pest becoming introduced is very great.
The nests are easily seen, being whitish in colour and situated between two or
three twigs or along the main stem of the seedling.

We should feel obliged if every nurseryman who has this winter imported
seedlings, or stocks, from abroad, would at once communicate with this Division,
so that, if necessary, an inspector may be sent to examine the stock, and this is
better done at the time the cases are opened.

The surest way to destroy the nests is to at once burn them as they are
found. All packing material in infested boxes should also be most carefully
burned, as well as the boxes, as there is danger of the small caterpillars having
left the nests and secreted themselves in the crevices of the cases. All trimmings
from stocks should also be promptly burned.

In the New England States, hundreds of thousands of dollars have been
spent in fighting the Brown-tail Moth. This insect was first introduced into
Massachusetts about the year 1890, and it is said to have been brought in on rose
bushes from Holland or France. It has now become very abundant and injurious.

It would be a great calamity if this dreaded pest established itself, in any
locality, from stock imported this season from France. It is hoped, therefore,
that all nurserymen will co-operate with the government in every way in their
power to prevent the Brown-tail Moth from being thus introduced.

The Entomological Division will be glad to receive from nurserymen, or
others, any communications on this subject, and to give any further information
desired as to the life-history of this insect and the precautionary measures which
should be adopted.

WILLIAM SAUNDERS,
Director, Dominion Experimenlal Farms.

ARTHUR GIBSON,
Chief Assistant, Division of Entomology.

42

EXPKRIMENTAL FARMB

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

The nurserymen generally were keenly interested in this threatened invasion of
Buch an injurious pest, and co-operated with the Division in every way in their i>ower.
They were thoroughly alive to the danger from such infested nursery stock, and were
grateful for the prompt way in which the department had undertaken the work of
inspection.

The thanks of the department are due to Mr. G. G. Atwood, Chief of the New
York State Bureau of Horticulture, who Avas most helpful in advising iis throughout
the season of shipments of nursery stock coming into Canada through New York
State. Most of the nurserymen, too, kept the Division well advised of any shipments
they had received. As soon as advice of arrival of such stock was received, Mr.
Arthur Gibson, Chief Assistant of the Division of Entomology and Botany, was at
once sent to examine the same. In this work of inspection it was of course neces-
sary to carefully examine all the material to see if any nests of the Brown-tail Moth
were present. As a rule these nests are very conspicuous, but occasionally a very
small nest, or one which had become broken, was found. To avoid the possibility of
any of these escaping required great care.

The following list of the stock examined, and the number of nests of the Brown-
tail Moth which were discovered, at each inspection, has been prepared by Mr.
Gibson : —

Date of
Examina-
tion.

•

^Nurseryman or
Consignee.

Nature of Stock.
i

Imported From.

Nests Found.

Jan. 26, 27

E. D. Smith, Winona, Ont.

150,000 fruit seedlings. . .

Orleans,

France

1 nf>st on plum.

28

C. F. W. Carpenter, Win-
ona, Ont.

27,000

Angers

ti

No nests found.

28

A. G. Hull & Co., St.
Catharines, Ont.

12,000

M

1

1 nest on pear.

29

Morris & Wellington.Font-
hill, Ont.

35,000

Orleans'

H

14 nests, 13 on pear,
1 on quince.

Feb. 4

Trappist Fathers, La
Trappe, Oka, Que.

2,000 „ 3,200
ornamentals.

Angers

It

No nests found.

» 10-13

Brown Bros. Nurserymen
Co., Brown's Nurseries,
Ont.

10,600 „ 86,000
fruit seedlings.

ti

II

1 nest on plum.

J. E. McCombs, Pelham

13,000 ,.

11

11

4 nests, 3 on pear,

Corners, Ont.

1 on apple.

B. W. Secord, Pelham

52,000 ..

II

II

4 nests, 2 on pear,

Corners, Ont.

2 on apple.

J. E. Crow, Ridgeville,

16,000

II

II

4 nests, 3 on pear,

Ont.

1 on apple.

J. Page, Ridgeville, Ont . .

18,000

II

II . ...

1 nest on cherry.

15

E. D. Smith, Winona, Ont.

150,000 fruit seedlings . . .
3,001) ornamentals.

Orleans

II

20 nests on pear.

.. 20-22 Morris & Wellington, Font-

56,000 fruit seedlings. . .

II

n

No nests found.

hill, Ont.

6,985 ornamentals.

Mar. 2 E. D. Smith, Winona, Ont.
3 C. F. W. Carpenter, Win-

40,300 fruit seedlings. . .
14,000

24 nests on apple.

Angers

II .....

8

. ona, Ont.

4

Morris & Wellington.Font-
hill, Ont.

600 omamentaLs 'Oi leans

It

No nests found.

17

Brown Bros. Nurserymen

10,550 gooseberry bushes Hexham,

England . .

If

Co., Brown's Nurseries,

Ont.

., 19, 20

II 11 . .

85,000 fruit seedlings. . .
2,000 ornamentals.

Anger.s,

France

66 nests, 42 on pear,
21 on plum and 3

)

on quince.

22 E. D. Smith, Winona, Ont.

53,000 fruit seedlings..

Orleans

II

17 nests on apple.

G. W. Robinson & Co.,

0,590 assorted roses, &c.

Boskoop,

Holland. . .

No nests found.

Hamilton, Ont.

23

J. A. Simmers, Toronto,
1 Ont.

6,950

II

II . . .

II

REPORT OF TEE DIVISION OF ENTOMOLOGY AND BOTANY
SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

43

Date of
Examina-
tion.

Nurseryman or
Consignee.

Mar. 20,30

n 30, 31

April 1

1-3

5

II 5, 6

6

II 7

14
IG, 17

II

18

II

23

II

24

fl

26

II

27-28

II

28

n

29

May

3

II

10

II

10, 11

•« 12, 13

11

W. O. Burgess, Queenston,
Ont.

Morris & Wellington, Font-
hill, Ont.

E. D. Smith, Winona, Ont.

W. Rennie Co., Ltd., To-
ronto.
G. M. Hill, rruitland,Ont.

Steele, Briggs Seed Co.,
Ltd., Toronto, Ont.

C. Macdonald, Toronto . . .

R. Brecken, Toronto

Estate of John Stewart,
Goderich, Ont.

Jos. Tweddle, S t o n e y
Creek, Ont.

Connor Floral Co., Hamil-
ton, Ont.

Graham Bros., Ottawa

Canadian Nursery Co.,
Points Claire, Que.

2G

A. Roszel, Pelham Corners,
Ont.

J. E. McCombs, Pelham
Corners.

Steele, Briggs Seed Co.,
Ltd., Toronto.

.J. W. Smith & Sous, Vine-
land, Ont.

Morris & Wellington, Font-
hil!.

J. E. McCombs, Pelham
Comers.

John Dobbie, Niagara
Falls, Ont.

J. Page, Ridgeville, Ont .

•J. E. McCombs, Pelham

Corners, Ont.
W. Baker & Son, Lon-

gueuil, Que.

B. W. Secord, Pelham
Corners, Out.

Brown Bros. Nurserymen
Co., Brown's Nurseries,
Ont.

Pointe Claire Nurseries,
Pointe Claire, Que.

W.C. Rei<!,B.-l]eville, Ont.

W. J. Kerr, Ottawa.

Nature of Stock.

50,000 fruit seedlings. .
(some birch).

60, 8G5 asst. shrubs & trees
3,815 M

24,800 asst. shrubs.

29,490

10,000 fruit seedlings...
10,800 .1 and

ornamental shrubs
2,300 gooseberry bushes
14,038ornamentalshrubs
1,300 gooseberry and
currant bushes.
715 ornamental shrubs
1,000
6,200 fruit seedlings. .

500 ornamentals.
7,225 gooseberry bushes

10,710 assorted shrubs. .
24,843 I,

575
37,160 ,1 and

trees.
20,000 fruit seedlings...

250 ornamentals

630 assorted roses. . . .
16,000 fruit seedlings. . .

1,250 assorted shrubs. .

12,360 ornamental shrubs

and trees.
20,000 fruit seedlings...

24,000

5,250 assorted shrubs. .
23,000 fruit seedlings...

2,250 ornamentals

300 assorted roses

30,000 fruit seedlings. . .

9,500

734 assorted roses

25,000 fruit seedlings. . .

124,7£0 assorted trees and
shrubs.

9,0.50

874 assorted roses

11,850 assorted trees and

shrubs.
7,000 fruit seedlings. . .
1,640 assorted shrubs

and trees.
1,.300 assorted shrubs. .

Imported From.

Angers, France ....

Orleans u

Alma Nurseries, Hoi

land.
Angers, France

Boskoop, Holland. . .

Angers, France

Orleans n

Carlyle, England

Boskoop, Holland. . ,
Hexham, England . ,

Boskoop, Holland. . ,

II . . .

Orleans, France

Hexham, England . ,

Orleans, France. . . .
Boskoop, Holland. . ,

France

Holland '.'.'.'.'.'.'".'.
Anger.--, France. . .

II II . . .

France

II

II

Oudenbosch, Holland
France

II

Hilligorn, Holland . .

Angers, France

II II

Orleans n

Angers n

Ussy, Calvadoes,
France.

Boskoop, Holland. . .
Ussy, Calvadoes,

France.
Leloire, France ,

Nests Found.

10 nests, 5 on plun\
3 on pear, 1 on
apple and 1 on
quince.
No nests found.

5 nests, 1 on sugar
maple 2 on rose
and 2 on gp'raea.
No nests found.

2 nests on pear.
No nests found.

8 nests on pear.
No nests found.

1 nest on Prunu«
pissardi.
No nests found.

3 nests, 1 on apple,
2 on pear.
No nests foimd.

2 nests, 1 on pear
and 1 on apple.
No nests found.

44 EXPERIMEMAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

From the foregoing statement it will be seen that, in the provinces of Ontario
and Quebec, 1,503,129 plants were examined. The larger proportion of this stock was
fruit seedlings — apple, pear, plum and cherry — either for grafting or budding. The
total number of nests of the Brown-tail Moth found in tha shipments made to the
two provinces named, is 196, all on stock imported from France. Of this number, 188
were found in Ontario, and 8 in Quebec. These occurred as follows : 100 on pear, 56
on apple, 28 on plum, 5 on quince, 1 on cherry, 2 on rose, 2 on spiraea, 1 on sugar maple
and 1 on Prunus pissardi. As each nest contains from 200 to 300 small caterpillars,
it can be easily understood how the above provinces would probably have become badly
infested by this extremely pernicious insect had these nests not been discovered and
destroyed.

Shipments destined for other parts of Canada, of which advice was received, were
at once reported to the provincial officers. Those for British Columbia were reported
to Mr. Thos. Cunningham, Inspector of Fruit Pests, Vancouver, B.C., and those for
Nova Scotia to Prof. M. Cumming, Secretary for Agriculture, Truro, N.S. Mr.
Cunningham has advised us that nests of the Brown-tail Moth were found by his
department on stock imported from France, but as yet we have no complete list of
his findings. Mr. E. R. Clarke, of Annapolis, N.S., reported to the Division, that he
had found one nest on stock which he had imported from France. . Prof. Cumming
stated, under date of June 14, that ' no Brown-tail Moth nests were discovered on
imported stock officially examined this year in the province of Nova Scotia.'

At the outset of the above work, the Ontario Department of Agriculture was
notified from time to time of the finding of the nests of the Brown-tail Moth in ship-
ments of nursery stock from France coming into the province. Through the kind co-
operation of Prof. C. C. James, Deputy Minister of AgTiculture for Ontario, and Mr.
P. W. Hodgetts, Director, Horticultural Branch, Mr. Harry Arnold, the San Jose
Scale Inspector for the township of Pelham, was instructed to assist Mr. Gibson in
examining some of the shipments received, chiefly those which came into the larger
nurseries in the above township. Mr. Arnold is a very careful worker, and his valued
help was very much appreciated. In a few instances owing to stress of other work
at Ottawa, which prevented Mr. Gibson from covering the whole ground, Mr. Arnold
examined several shipments alone. In these cases he reported that he had been most
careful in looking over the consignments.

Mr. Gibson further reports : ' Every nurseryman or firrn visited was asked
to be most careful to see that all packing (such as moss and paper) was burned as
soon as possible, also all cases in which stock had been received, particularly such in
which nests had been found. It was also pointed out that in New York State the
stock received in such cases was being dipped in a standard miscible oil, diluted with
ten to twenty parts of water. This was shown by experiments to be sufficient to kill
the caterpillars. As most of our nurserymen have not had any experience with these
miscible oils, they were told that the ordinary well-laiown kerosene emulsion, diluted
with nine parts of water, would probably answer the same purpose.'

' About the middle of January some of the nurserymen received shipments of fruit
seedlings from France. These arrived during a particularly mild spell of weather
and were at once heeled in, in the ground outside. When advice came from the Chief
of the Bureau of Horticulture of New York State that nests of the Brown-tail Moth
had been found in shipments from France, the ground in Ontario was frozen hard,
so it was impossible then to remove the stock which had been heeled in, to examine
it. Hence this work had to be done in spring as soon as the weather permitted. The
slock examined on the 18th, 26th, 28th (Mr. J. E. McComb's) and 29th April, and on
3rd and 10th May, had all been heeled in, outside, with the exception of that of Mr.
B. W. Secord's, which had been packed away in layers, with earth between, in a cool
cellar.'

' From the careful way in which all shipments of nursery stock were examined,
we have every reason to expect that every nest of the Brown-tail Moth present was

REPORT OF THE DIVISION OF ENTOMOLOGY AND BOTANY 45

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

found. Nurserymen and others, however, should watch as far as i>ossible this summer
all imported stock which has been planted out, and if any strange looking caterpillars
are noticed, send them at once to the Division of Entomology at Ottawa- It is im-
portant that this should be done, in case any stray caterpillars may have escaped. In
certain instances where broken nests had been found, the great danger of leaving
around any packing, of whatever kind, which had been in the case, was particularly
pointed out. If such packing were not destroyed before spring, it can very easily be
seen how some of these caterpillars might get out and establish themselves.'

In view of the widespread interest in the Brown-tail Moth in Canada at the
present time, the following account of the insect has been compiled by Mr. Arthur
Gibson, Chief Assistant, mainly from the report of the late Dr. Fletcher for 1906 : —

INTRODUCTION AND SPREAD IN AMERICA.

The Brown-tail Moth was introduced into America about the year 1890, at
Somerville, Mass. It is said to have been brought in on nursery stock imported from
Holland or France. It was not until 1S97, however, that it attracted particular atten-
tion, from its ravages upon pear trees. In Europe this insect has long been known as
a pest of fruit and shade trees; it is spoken of there as the 'common caterpillar.'
Since its introduction into Massachusetts it has spread into every New England
State except Vermont. The following is reprinted from the report for 1906 of tiio
late Entomologist and Botanist, Dr. James Fletcher: —

The 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 Kussell 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 Moth, filled with the liviiig 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,
Ihowever, is a more serious matter, and shows 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 passes the
winter as a very young caterpillar, and large numbers of these form colonies at the
tips of the branches of the trees upon which they have been feeding the previous sum-
mer. The eggs are laid during July, and, on hatching, the caterpilars 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,
from 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 tuber-
cles, one on each segment, which the caterpillars can elevate or depress at pleasure.

46 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910
A DANGEllOUS RNEMY.

*With the exception of the San Jose Scale, there are no t^o insects which have
attracted so much public attention, nor with regard to which so irucl; money has been
spent in America by the State and Federal Governments of the United States, as the
Gypsy Moth and the Brown-tail Moth. Both of tlicoe are pests introduced into
America from Europe — the Gypsy Moth about 1869, and the Brown-tail Moth some-
where about 1890. 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 made to introduce
European parasites says, in the Tear-book 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, elms,
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,
Df. Howard says, have been killed by the Brown-tail Moth.

THE BROWN-TAIL RASH.

* Not only are the caterpillars of this insect voracious feeders upon 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 ta a painful rash, which is very serious with some people, even although they
may not have actually touched the caterpillars. Dr. Howard's assistants who have been
working on this insect, have suffered very severely; and persons engaged in removing
the nests from trees in the winter 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 exterminated, 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-kno\\Ti 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 seaport in Maine is attributed by
Dr. Howard to vessels coming from the infested districts rather than by natural spread
by direct flight.

REPORT OF THE DIVISION OF ENTOMOLOGY AND BOTANY 47

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

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
before 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
during 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 recom-
mended 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
caterpillars 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
gallons. It is a very useful practice, however, among fruit-growers 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 water 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 range of
infestation ; and everybody 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
insect.

' The collection of these 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 buds 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.

' Specimens for examination may be sent to the Entomologist, Central Experi-
mental Farm, Ottawa. If so addressed, no postage will be required.

James Fletcher.'

48 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

Since 1906, the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture has been most active in
its endeavours to rid the province of this dreaded i)est. The following letter gives
concisely the present state of the Brown-tail Moth in that province.

Truro, N.S., June 14, 1909. — * During the year we have had reported to us as
destroyed, after a very careful search, about 750 Brown-tail Moth nests, as compared
with about 6,000 tv/o years ago, and 4.000 last year. I should also add that this
season's search was the most thorough which we have yet made. It would accordingly
appear that unless something unforeseen happens, we are making some headway in
fghting this pest. Practically all nests have been discovered between Middleton,
Annapolis county, and Digby, Digby county, and the majority in the vicinity of
Bear River, Digby county. — M. Gumming, Secretary for Agriculture.'

In another letter. Prof. Gumming stated that he had received a number of nests
from oak and other forest trees. For two years a bounty had been paid on every nest
collected, but during the present year this was discontinued, and instead, as is stated
by Pi-of. Gumming in a letter dated March 20 : ' We have now got down to what
might be termed house to house work, which is being done by graduates of our own
college.'

Mr. Gibson deserves great credit for the hearty enthusiasm he has thrown
into this work and for the patient and thorough examination he has made of an
enormous amount of material.

EXPERIMENTS WITH HYDROCYANIC ACID GAS TO KILL THE LAUV.E OF THE BROWN -TAIL MOTH.

(By Arthur Gibson, Chief Assistant, Division of Entomology and Botany.)

In order to test the value of fumigation with hydrocyanic acid gas, to kill the
caterpillars of the Brown-tail Moth, the following experiments were conducted: —

February 26, 1909. — Two nests on pear seedlings, which had been put in a large
wide-mouthed glass jar, with cheese-cloth covering, were fumigated at the same
strength as is used in the federal fumigation stations, viz. : 1 ounce of cyanide of
potassium, 1 ounce of sulphuric acid and 3 ounces of water, to every 100 cubic feet
of air space. The fumigation box which was used is 4 feet high, 4 feet wide and 8
feet long = 128 cubic feet. The amounts of chemicals used were li ounces cyanide
of potassium, 1^ ounces sulphuric acid and 3| ounces of water. The nests were
exposed to the gas for 45 minutes, and afterwards when opened and examined the
larvae were all found to be alive.

February 27. — Two different nests on pear fumigated. Ghemicals used: 2 ounces
of cyanide of potassium, 2 ounces of sulphuric acid and 4^ ounces of water, for the
128 cubic feet in box. Exposure 55 minutes; no larvae killed.

March 2. — The two nests fumigated on February 27 were again submitted to the
same strength, but the exposure was for 45 minutes. A few caterpillars had emerged
from the nests and were on the outside of the same. Result : none killed.

March 12. — The same two nests were fumigated a third time. The strength was
increased to 2^ ounces of cyanide of potassium, 2^ ounces of sulphuric acid and 7^
ounces of water to the 128 cubic feet of space. The exposure too, was lengthened to
one hour. Many of the caterijillars had left the nests and were resting on the sides
of the jar. One small parasite was found alive in the jar, just before the fumigation
took place. This, of course, had not been aifected by the two previous fumigations
to which these nests were subjected. Result: thirty dead larvae in the jar after the
fumigation, which was about one-fourth of the number of living caterpillars which
had occupied the nests.

March 15. — The remaining larvae in the same two nests were fumigated a fourth
time. The strength used was the same as on March 12, but the exposure was
lengthened to two hours. Many of the caterpillars were active on the sides of the
jar. Result: only twelve dead, although several others were apparently without much
life.

REPORT OF THE DIVISION OF ENTOMOLOGY AND BOTANY 49

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

March 16. — The bahince of the larva3 in these two nests were fumigated a fifth
time. The strength was the same as on March 12, but the exposure was lengthened to
three hours. The larva) were active in the jar before the fumigation. Result: 32
larva3 were found the following day to be dead, but the larger number were still alive.

March 18. — Two new nests on pear were fumigated at a strength of 3| ounces of
cyanide of potassium, 3^- ounces of sulphuric acid and 11^ ounces of water to the
128 cubic feet of space. This is three times the strength used in the federal fumiga-
'ticn houses for the destruction of the San Jose Scale on stock imported into Canada
under the San Jose Scale Act. These two nests had been kept in cold storage until
the day previous, and on bringing them into a warm office the larvae soon began to
leave the nests, and by the time the fumigation took place, by far the larger number
of the caterpillars had emerged. The fumigation lasted for one hour. Result : only
18 larvaj dead.

On March 19 it was discovered that the chamber was leaking somewhat. It was
at once tightened with new felt.

March 22. — The larvae from the two nests fumigated on March 18 were again
submitted to ths same strength, but the exposure was lengthened to two hours. Result :
about 30 larva) killed, the balance active.

March 29.— Other larva), not previously fumigated, but many of which had been
out of the nests for a considerable time, were exposed to the same strength of gas,
and length of time, as those fumigated on March 22. In this jar there were 55 living
larvce. At first it was thought that 50 of these had been killed, but a later examina-
tion showed that only 37 were dead and that the rest were reviving.

The above experiments, although not very extensive, go to show that fumigation
with hydrocyanic acid gas evidently cannot be relied upon as a practical remedy for
this insect when in its winter condition. At the above strengths, even when the
fumigation chamber was tightened, only a very small percentage of larvae which had
left the nests were killed. It would certainly require considerably greater strength
and much longer exposure to kill the larvse when within the nests, and, owing to the
tough, closely-woven nature of these nests, the outcome would be very doubtful.

The following notes on some of the more important injurious insects of the past
year have been compiled by Mr. Arthur Gibson, Chief Assistant, mainly from memo-
randa gathered by the Division of Entomology and Botany prior to the decease of the
late head of the Division, Dr. James Fletcher.

THE CHIEF INJURIOUS INSECTS OF 1908.

INSECTS INJURIOUS TO CEREAL AND OTHER FIELD CROPS.

(By Arthur Gibson, Chief Assistant.)

During the season of 1908 very few of the well-known insect enemies of gram
crops were injuriously abundant.

The Hessian Fly, Mayetiola destructor. Say. — From Manitob<.c a single report
came to the Division of injury by this insect. The only occurrence in Ontario which
came under our notice was of a rather important outbreak which occurred in some
wheat fields near Ottawa. Plants were noticed to be infested about the end of May,
and in some places the attack was quite serious. In fields where the soil was poor and
where the unfavourable weather conditions had weakened the plants, probably as many
as fifty per cent were infested by the Hessian Fly. In other fields where the soil was
better, the plants were stronger and better able to withstand the unfavourable condi-
tions of the season, and in these fields the loss from Hessian Fly would amount to
about five per cent. From collected material, both sexes of the flies emerged on June

16-^

50 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

20, 22 and 23. Prof. Bethime reports that this insect was present in 1908 in injurious
numbers, affecting winter wheat, in the counties of Norfolk, Brant and Essex in the
Niagara district. The postponement of the time of seeding of fall wheat, until towards
the end of September, has proved to be an important preventive remedy. By that
time the flics of the second brood will have emerged and be dead. Care should be
taken, of course, to prepare the land as well as possible for the crop, and it will also
be a good plan to sow strips of wheat in August, in periods of excessive abundance,
which should be ploughed under before the middle of September to kill all the con-
tained larvae. Land in which infested wheat has been growing should be put into
another crop the following year.

The Wheat Joint Worm, Isosoma tritici. Fitch. — In some parts of western
Ontario this insect was present in considerable numbers. One correspondent, Mr.
Sydney Cooper, of Mull, Ont., reports as follows : —

' September 3, 1908. As requested, I send you the wheat plants injured by the
Joint Worm. On further investigation I find that the country for miles around has
the Joint Worm in the wheat. Our thresher is quite observant, and he says that he
has not threshed one crop as yet which is free of it. He also states that in one in-
stance, as the sun was shining on a bin of wheat, it had the appearance of moving,
the insects were so thick.'

The adult insect is a true fly, with only two wings. It is very small, about one-
tenth of an inch long, jet black in colour, with pale legs. The females pierce the
straw and lay from six to twelve egg"s inside its tissues. These eggs hatch into very
small, slender, footless grubs, of a pale yellow colour, which when mature are about
one-eighth of an inch in length. As the young grubs grow they cause a distortion of
the stems a little above the first or second joints from the roots. Most of the grubs
pass the winter inside of the galls or swellings, but a few transform and appear as
flies in late autumn.

The following recommendations are taken from Bulletin 52, by the late Dr.
Fletcher: —

' There is apparently only one brood of the Joint Worms in Canada ; and, as they
pass the winter in the straw, for the most part so near to the ground that a large
proportion of the larvae are in the stubble left on the fields, they can be largely reduced
in numbers by burning over the stubble or by ploughing it down deeply. The broken
off hardened pieces of straw which become separated in threshing and cleaning should
be carefully gathered and burnt. Sometimes no apparent galls are formed, merely
slight swellings with a hard, thickened condition of the straws representing the galls.
These portions break off in threshing, and many are carried through with the grain.
Straw from an infested crop should be got out of the way, either by feeding or burning
before the ensuing spring.'

A regular short rotation of crops, while reducing the number of bad weeds and
preventing them from increasing, will also do much to reduce the numbers of the
Joint Worms. All recorded occurrences of Joint Worms in Canada have been of short
duration.

The Chinch Bug, Blissu^ leucoptervs Say. — Occasional records in Canada of this
jVery destructive insect have been made, but fortunately no serious outbreak has. as
yet, occurred, within the Dominion. In September, 1908, specimens of an insect wore
sent to the Division from Mr. R. Benedict, of Crowland, Ont., with the statement
that it had destroyed all the late oats in his district. The oats, he said, turned white
just after they had headed out, and thousands of the insects were on the ground.
When the specimens were examined, it was at once seen that they were the well-known
Chinch Bug, which has caused millions of dollars of loss to crops in a single year in
the United States. Writing further, under date of October .5, Mr. Benedict says:
'With regard to the Chinch Bug, I may say that the insects did practically no damage

REPORT OF THE DIVISION OF ENTOMOLOGY AND BOTANY 51

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

except to the late oats, of which, owing to the late season, there was quite a large
acreage. The damage was general over the county of Welland.'

Prof. F. M. Webster, of the Bureau of Entomology, Washington, D.C., who is one
of the leading American economic entomologists, and a high authority on insects
affecting cereals, writes, in the Annual Report of the Entomological Society of
Ontario, for 1898 : ' While the Chinch Bug, in all probability originally a neo-tropical
species, has as you know, spread northward over a portion of the Dominion of Canada,
and while it has not as yet been known to depredate upon your crops to any notice-
able degree, yet it may do so in the future, in which case it may be expected to first
make its presence known in your timothy meadows rather than in your grain fields,
and quite likely will work considerable injury before it is recognized by your agricul-
turists.'

The Chinch Bug when mature is about one-fifth of an inch long. It is blackish
in colour, with conspicuous white wing-covers. In the immature form, the young
bugs are mostly red, but the colour varies in the different stages. The winter is
passed in the adult state. In the United States the mature insects hibernate in clumps
of grass, under pieces of board, loose bark, stones, &c., and in the first warm days of
spring appear again, pair, and the females soon begin to lay their eggs, according to
most writers, either about or below the surface of the ground, among the roots of grass
or grain. Prof. Webster says : * It is more than likely that this varies with the condi-
tion, as the eggs are not infrequently found above ground about the bases of the
plants, and even upon the leaves, though I have never found them there, but have
often found them under the sheaths of grasses.' The eggs hatch in from two to three
weeks. In most areas in North America, where the Chinch Bug is destructive, there
are at least two broods, but in northeastern Ohio, which is just across the lake from
the Canadian border, Prof. Webster doubted the occurrence of a second brood of
young.

The Chinch Bug feeds on a number of different plants. It is recorded as feeding
on all kinds of grain, several of the native grasses, as well as on broom-corn, sorghum,
chicken-corn, rice, &c. In the western portions of the United States the damage is
done chiefly to wheat, barley, rye and com.

The remedies recommended for this insect are the cleaning up of all refuse in
autumn which might serve as hibernating quarters for the adults ; the making of deep
furrows around infested fields at the time the insects migrate in which they can be
killed by an application of kerosene emulsion; and the spraying of the outer edges of
the fields with the same material when the insects are leaving one crop to attack
another. If this latter is done it will stop the invasion for the time being and give
the farmer a chance to plough another deep furrow along the edge of the field to be
protected. The Chinch Bug is treated of very fully by Prof. P. M. Webster, in
Bulletin No. 15, new series, of the Bureau of Entomology, Washington, D.C.

The Grain Aphis, Macrosiphum granaria Kirby, which caused considerable alarm
in the northvv'estern provinces in 1907, owing to the supposition that it was the so-
called ' Green Bug,' was in 1908 very prevalent in many parts of Ontario and
Quebec. Towards the end of August reports of its presence in large numbers began
to come in, the complaints referring to its attacks on wheat. In his report, as
Entomologist and Botanist, on the insects of the year 1907, the late Dr. Fletcher says :
' Unfortunately for the Grain Aphis there is no practical remedy which can be applied
in a wholesale manner, but Prof. F. M. Webster, who has devoted much attention to
the insects which attack grain crops, has constantly drawn attention to the great
advantage of practising good agricultural methods in working land, such as the
adoption of a regular rotation of crops, so as to keep up the fertility of the soil, and
advises that care should be tai<:en to sow grain at the best time to secure a vigorous
growth, which will enable the plants to withstand the attacks of the aphis sufficiently
long to allow the natural parasites which always sooner or later appear, to increase,

16— 4i

52 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

so that the numbers of the plant lice may be reduced before serious injury is done
to the grain plants.'

In 1908 it was noticed, in many places, that towards the end of the season, the
parasites were present in large numbers and were quickly reducing the colonies of
\h? aphis, but some reports say that they did not appear soon enough to prevent some
damage.

The Clover-seed Midge, Cecido7nyia leguminicola Lint. — During the past season
the Clover-seed Midge has done serious damage in districts in Ontario, where clover
is grown for seed. Many complaints have been received from farmers of the presence
of the small, legless, pink maggots in their clover seed at t.hre.shing time, and sonic
anxiety has been felt as to whether these would mature, and affect the crop of next
year. In the samples received at the Central Experimental Farm, all the maggots
were dead and shrivelled up.

The life-history and habits of this insect are well known. There are two broods
in the season, corresponding with the two crops of clover seed. The eggs are laid in the
forming flower heads of the clover; when these eggs hatch, the maggots penetrate the
seed pocls and destroy the seed. When the larvae are full grown, about the end of
June, they leave the clover-heads and enter a short distance into the ground, to
change to pupae. The perfect insects, forming the second brood, emerge from the
ground, just as soon as the second crop of clover is coming into flovver, and the females
at once begin to lay their eggs amongst the forming blossoms. These eggs soon hatch,
and about the time the seed is ripe the maggots leave the clover and enter the ground
to pass the v.inter, whence they emerge again the next spring, just at the time the
clover comes into flower.

Experience has taught farmers that the practice of feeding off their clover fields
with cattle and sheep, until the beginning or middle of June, or cutting it before the
20th of that month, is the only way to secure an autumn crop of seed ; thus the
maggots of this first brood are destroyed by the cattle eating them, or they dry up
with the clover hay which has been, cut before they were mature enough to leave the
heads of clover and go into the ground to pupate and change to the perfect insect,
which is a small midge. If the clover is left standing in the fields till the end of
June, a sufficient time elapses for this latter process to take place, and the perfect
flies emerge again just in time to lay their eggs in the opening flowers of the second
crop. In this way the seed of the second crop is destroyed, as well as that of the first.

As mentioned above, in all the samples of clover seed received last autumn and
during early winter, the maggots were already dead and dried up; consequently there
would be no advantage in destroying, by burning, such material. At threshing time,
however, if the living maggots are noticed, it would be a good practice to have all
screenings swept up and burned.

The Hop Flea-beetle, Fsyltiodts punctutata Melsh. — This insect in 1908 again
did extensive injury to the hop plants in the large yards in British Columbia. During
the last three years it has been estimated that chls sinall black flea-beetle has destroyed
fully three-fourths of the hops grown iu British Columbia.

The following letters from the cori-eoi^undeuce received by the late Dr. Fletcher
show how extensive this outbreak was in 19US, in the large hop yards of Sir Arthur
Stepney, at Agassiz, B.C. : —

* Vancouver, B.C., April 23. — The flea-beetles since my last visit (to Agassiz)
two weeks ago have appeared in large numbers, and are now destroying the shoots of
vines which are some five or six inches high. They are also iii considerable numbers
in the iK)les. Mr. Wilson showed me your letter to him, advising the spray of whale-
oil soap, one pound in ten gallons of water. Fortunately we iiad a considerable supply
of this on hand, and I immediately tried the solution advised by you. with most
gratifying results. Outside of kerosene it is the only thing v.e have found so far that

REPORT OF TEE DIVISION OF ENTOMOLOGY AND BOTANY 53

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

kills the beetle practically wholesale. I am much obliged, indeed, for your suggestion,
as yesterday when I saw the results of our other experiments and the beetle covering
such a large area, I was in despair. I tliink the remedy is just in time to save things.
I have discovered that the beetles are not confined to the yard, having found a number
in the wood adjoining and also on nettles and other plants nearby. — H. C. Akroyd.'

Mr. Akroyd was written to on May 9 as follows : — ' I sincerely hope that the go^d
effects of the whale-oil soap spraying continues. I am sorry I did not ask you to add
to this wash 3 lbs. of arsenate of lead to eacli 40 gallons of wash. I cannot believe
that this beetle is immune from the effects of that poison. I am really much inter-
ested in this experiment and am determined that we will control this beetle. The
chief difficulty, I feel, is the occurrence of the beetle in the wood, which will mean
frequent relays of the pest from that source. I believe the whale-oil soap will kill
all the beetles it touches. The strength I advised of 1 lb. in 5 gallons of water (not
10 as you say in your letter), but if 1 in 10 answers so much the better because it
reduces both the cost and the risk of injury to the plants. — James Fletcher.'

' Vancouver, B.C., May 19. — At the present time the beetles have completely
devastated the whole of our yard with the exception of some 20 acres which we are
spraying daily. The spray suggested by you proves a great success, but it appears to
us we are unable to keep pace with the beetles, for the vines are covered with new
insects inside of 24 hours. We experimented in several ways with the whale-oil soap,
but found your suggestion of 1 lb. to 5 gallons of water the best. We have not, how-
ever, found so far the arsenate of lead to be advantageous. We have been using it
in the proportion of 1 lb. to 10 gallons of water. We have also been experimenting
with a bucket of kerosene to 80 gallons of wash, but this also does not seem to have
made any difference. The whale-oil soap we are using is made by the Royal Soap
Company of this city, and guaranteed to be 80 per cent whale-oil. We have five
sprayers — three of 45 gallons each and two of 90 gallons each — now in use on the
yard, and we have been endeavouring to save a portion of the yard, which was badly
damaged when we first commenced spraying. The only way I can see of saving the
yard this year would have been by spraying with your solution every 24 hours when the
shoot-s first appeared. Of course this would mean a very large outlay in horses and
sprayers. Mr. Wilson has written me this morning stating that the Horst Company,
have abandoned all hope of any crop this year. I personally went over their yards
about a week ago and found them practically devastated. I think I wrote you in my
last letter that the beetle had completely eaten up all tomato plants in the district. —
II, C. Akroyd.'

In a letter written early in July, Mr. Akroyd stated that the constant spraying
of the vines with whale-oil soap and water had the effect of curling up the leaves and
making them very brittle and tender. Spraying was tried with a slightly less propor-
tion of the whale-oil soap than recommended, but it was found that with less strength
it would not destroy the beetle. About the middle of July the beetles were reported
to have gradually diminished in numbers and that very few were seen on the vines.
Towards the end of the month the beetles had practically disappeared. In early
September, Mr. Akroyd visited the hop yards, and reported that more beetles were then
present but not in very large numbers. At that time coal-oil pans and tarred boards
were being used to keep the bec^tle in check. The vines which were sprayed most
extensively were reported by Mr. Akroyd, on September 4, to be bearing well, but the
crop as a whole would be small.

Wilting under date of May 28, Mr. Hulbert, of Sardis, B.C., reported that the
Hop Flea-beetle was doing great damage in the hop yards in his district. He stated
that he had been keeping his under control for several years by catching them on
tarred sheets, which are placed under the vines, and as these are jarred lightly with a
branch or light stick, the beetles fall off and adhere to the tar.

In a recent bulletin by Dr. F. H. Chittenden on this insect (Bulletin 66, part VI.,
Bureau of Entomology, Washington, D.C.), valuable information is given on its

54 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

habits in British Columbia, data for which have been furnished by Mr. H. J. Quayle,
of "Whittier, Cal., who made studies on the life-history of the flea-beetle in British
Columbia in July last. The beetle is a general feeder and besides the hop, is known
to fe?d on rhubarb, beet, cucumber, turnip, radish, cabbage, mustard, potato, and red
and white clover, as well as a number of weeds. The eggs, larvaj and pupai of the insect
were found by Mr. Quayle at a depth of from three to six inches from the surface of
the ground, and," it is stated by him, that the larvie apparently feed on the roots of the
hop as well as upon other plants growing in the yard. Dr. Chittenden says : ' The
abundance of the beetles when they appear early in the season on young plants, their
constant reappearance, and the constant new growth of the plants from day to day,
make it difficult to apply direct remedies with more than temporary benefit. Where
the hops are sprayed with kerosene emulsion or whale-oil soap for the hop aphis the
numbers' of the beetles are lessened. Among measures which give promise of value
are the institution of clean methods of cultivation, including deep fall ploughing,
treating hop poles in such manner as to prevent the beetles from hibernating in them,
and clearing all remnants from fields so as to leave them as bare as possible to prevent
the beetles from sheltering there in winter. Arsenate of lead, Paris green, kerosene
emulsion, whale-oil soap and Bordeaux mixture should receive further tests, as should
the employment of trap crops.' With regard to the trap crops, as the beetle is par-
ticularly fond of rhubarb, it is suggested in the above bulletin that this plant be
grown ' between rows, e.g. in the vicinity of woods, as an attraction, or lure, for the
beetles, it being believed that the beetles will concentrate on these plants and thus
give tlie crops an opportunity to grow to a sufficient height and strength to be able to
resist the ravages of the pest.'

INSECTS INJURIOUS TO ROOTS AND VEGETABLES.

These crops were affected to a considerable extent by insects during 1908. The
season in most districts was a remarkable one, owing to the long continued drought.
At Ottawa the months of June, July, August and September were particularly dry,
the rainfall from the end of May till the beginning of October being only 6-80 inches.
Roots and vegetables consequently suffered severely from this cause and from attacks
of various insects. Wire-worms were prevalent in land which had been in sod and
which had just been used for potatoes. The Striped Cucumber Beetle was reported
as being destructive in western Ontario. The Turnip Flea Beetle was very trouble-
some in many gardens. These small, very active, shining beetles did much harm to
young turnips and were also very destructive to the first sowings of radishes. Root
maggots were more abundant than in 1907. Plant lice were much in evidence during
the season. Towards the end of the summer, Swede turnips, cabbages and cauliflowers
were attacked in many districts by the Turnip and Cabbage Aphis. At Ottawa, early
in October, celery plants were severely injured by plant lice and many rendered useless.

The Small White Cabdage Butterfly, Pontia rapce L. — This well-known enemy
of market gardeners has been much inquired about. Its injuries during the past season
have been prevalent throughout Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick. The velvety
green caterpillars, are about an inch long, with a broken yellow line along each side,
and an unbroken one down the middle of the back. At first they eat the outside leaves,
but eventually bore right into the head of the cabbage. As soon as the first appearance
of the caterpillars is noticed, the plants should be dusted with pyrethrum insect
powder, 1 lb. in 4 lbs. of cheap flour, after the whole has been mixed together and
kept in a tight jar for 24 hours. As this remedy is so simple and has been recom-
mended so often the annual loss by this insect should not be allowed to take place.

Cutworms. — Early in the season, cutworms, as usual, wtro present in injurious
numbers in many districts throughout the Dominion. Reports of serious injury by

REPORT OF THE DIVISION OF ENTOMOLOGY AND BOTANY 55

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

these caterpillars came from British Columbia, but as no specimens were received,
it was impossible to say with certainty what the species was which was at work.

'Peachland, B.C., May 28, 1908. — I have a lot of garden stuff this spring and the
cutworms are devouring everything. Thousands of tomato and other plants have been
cut. Where the land is kept cultivated and no other crops growing between the peach
trees, they are climbing the trees. — H. W. Crawlky.'

' Peachland, B.C., June 20. — The cutworms here have caused a loss of thousands
of dollars in seeds and plants and labour, not counting the loss of the season's crops
of such things as tomatoes, cucumbers, melons, &c. Young fruit trees have suffered;
rhubarb, onions, strawberries, in fact evei-ything is attacked by them. — H. W. Crawlky.'

In Ontario the Dark-sided Cutworm, Paragrotis messoria Harr. and the Red-
backed Cutworm, P. ochrogaster Gn. were responsible for most of the damage. The
. - Greasy Cutworm, Agi'otis ypsilon Rott. was locally injurious in fields of corn, as was
also the Glassy Cutworm, Iladena devastatrix Brace.

The most effective remedy against cutworms is the poisoned bran 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 molass&s. After
mixing thoroughly, add the Paris green by dusting it on the surface and stirring all
the time. 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 bran
should be stirred in until the mixture will crumble easily and run through the fingers
without adhering. When required for garden use, all that is necessary is to sprinkle
a little of the 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 mixtvire rather
dry, and then distribute it by m.eans of a Planet Jr. or other wheel seeder. In field
practice, among such close growing crops as standing grain, the poisoned bran is also
serviceable. The mixture can be distributed by means of a paddle or shingle, and
can be thrown easily to a distance of 20 feet. When distributed in this way, there
is much less danger of chickens and birds picking it up than if it is placed in lumps.
Strange to say, the cutworms will devour the poisoned bran in preference to the
growing plants.

The Apple Leaf-hopper, Empoasca mali LeB. — In eastern Ontario and Quebec,
the ravages of the Apple Leaf-hopper, to potatoes, beans and many other kinds of
plants, were very serious ; in fact, this outbreak was one of the most important of the
year. This insect, which is very small, slender, pale greenish, about one-eighth of
an inch long when mature, is closely allied to the Thrip, which commonly attacks the
Virginian Creeper and causes the leaves to dry up and fall about the beginning of
August.

The Apple Leaf-hopper began to make its presence apparent towards the end
of June, by causing the leaves of the attacked plants to curl up and turn brown. The
injury is done by thousands of these small insects, sucking the juices from the leaves
and stems of the plant, which very soon blackens and fades. Some correspondents
have thought that the injury to potatoes was due to the ravages of the well-known
Potato Blight, a fungous disease, and have been surprised that the standard remedy
for that disease, viz. : spraying the foliage with Bordeaux mixture, had not had the
desired effect of stopping the injury. The young leaf-hoppers do not get their wings
for some timo after they hatch from the cgp;. It is during this stage that most of
the harm is done, and this is the only time when a remedy can be applied with much
success. As they are sucking insects, something which will kill by merely coming
into contact with their bodies must be used, such as whale-oil soap, one pound in
fi\"e gallons of water, or the ordinary kerosene emulsion. Potatoes which were sprayed
with both of these mixtures early in July, before the young leaf-hoppei-s had acquired

56 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

their wings, were freed from the jjest and not since injured to any appreciable extent.
As these insects feed on the lower side of the leaves, it is necessary, in order to reach
them with a spray, to attach the nozzle to a short joint of pipe about a foot long,
having an angle of about 45 degrees in it. This can be made by any blacksmith.
The severity of the outbreak of this insect in 1908, was doubtless much aggravated
by the exceptional drought and heat which weakened the plants and made them more
tlian usually susceptible to injury by the Apple Leaf-hopper and other insects.

The following letters will give some idea of the extent of the injury done by ihe
Apple Leaf-hopper.

' Aultsville, Ont., July 30, 1908. — The potato crop in this vicinity is attacked by
a very small green fly, which is present in enormous numbers and doing much damage.
They appear to work under the leaf, with the result that the leaves curl up and finally
die.— John PI. Ckoil.'

'Almonte, Ont., July 30. — I send a sample of some of our potato tops. Is it a
blight, or is it a trouble caused by the extreme heat? The trouble appears to effect
the older leaves first in most cases, as there will be more or less appearance of it near
the base of the stalk while the top is very thrifty and green. — J. K. Darling.'

The potato tops were carefully examined on arrival, and they showed the injury
caused by the Apple Leaf-hopper.

' Ottawa, Ont., July 30. — A little green fly is killing our scarlet runner beans.
Please tell me what will destroy it. — A. R. Ralph/

' Perth, Ont., August 1. — The potatoes in this vicinity are badly infested with a
small green insect. We should like to get some information concerning this pest. —
R. S. I-Iamer.'

' Lakefield, Ont., August 31.— I am writing in reference to the widespread failure
of the potato crop in our county — Peterborough. The weather has been favourable,
though rather dry in August. The potato beetle has been kept in check, and in some
cases plants have been sprayed with Bordeaux mixture, but the tops have withered
and the tubers are small. On a visit to Bobcaygeon, I found the same conditions
there. One grower here says that the plants have been destroyed by little green bugs.
—A. W. Mackenzie.'

Reports of great damage to potfitoes and other vegetables were received from
other points in Ontario and Quebec. Mr. Harold Jones, of Maitland, Ont., called
at the Division on August 22, and reported that the leaf-hopper was very bad on
potatoes in his district. He gave an instance of where nine potatoes only wore
gathered from nine hills. The presence of this insect in injurious numbers was also
reported from northern points in New York State.

The Destructive Pea Aphis, Nectarophora pisi, Kalt. — Early in August reports
were received from correspondents in Ontario and Quebec of serious injury to the
pea crop by a large green aphis, which suddenly appeared in enormous numlers.
From specimens received, and from an investigation in the Ottav/a district, it was
soon seen that the insect at work was the destructive Pea Aphis. This plant-lou?e is
pale green, with legs darkened, particularly at the joints, and has long honey tubes.
It clusters in enormous numbers at the tips of the shoots, beneath the leaves, and,
when very numerous, spreads over the whole plants of field peas, as well as upon the
flowering Sweet Peas. These insects, as already mentioned, appear suddenly in large
numbers, and very soon kill the plants by sucking their sap. The winged specimens
are rather large for plant lice, being about one-eighth of an inch in length, with a
wing expanse of nearly one-quarter of an inch.

* Lysander, Que., August 7, 1908. — I i-end specimens of a ]iale green insect v%hich
are covering my field peas. The plants are turning red and are withering uj). —

T. W. LONGMOOR.'

' Bedford Park, Ont., August 3. — A green insect has' appeared on the pea crop
in this neighbourhood. Some of the farmers are weeping and wailing because they

REPORT OF TUB DIVISION OF- ENTOMOLOGY AND BOTANY 57

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

are going to lose their pea crop. There are myriads of this iiiscc-t in this district. —
Sajiuel Wicks.'

' Vars, Out., August 5. — I am sending you a portion of a pea vine which is
infested with a small green insect. This insect is playing havoc with the pea crop in
some sections. My peas are being destroyed by this insect and some of the neigh-
bours' peas are also affected. — D. N. Johnstone.'

'Plainville, Out., August G.- — Please find inclosed a specimen of lou?e thnt is
attacking peas to such an extent that many fields will be scarcely worth harvesting.
Will you have the kindness to give their history? Are they likely to continue for a
number of years, and will it be safe to sow peas next year? While playing havoc
with later peas, they did not attack the early peas. — W. J. Westington, President,
Farmers' Institute.'

In reply to the above, Mr. Westington was informed that the Destructive Pea
Aphis was this year being attacked by several important parasites, and owing to this,
the injury was being stopped. As to whether it will be safe to sow peas again next
year, it v^^as pointed out that this would depotid upon the amount of destruction
v;rcught, generally, on the plant lice by the parasites during the autumn. In the last
outbreak, in 1889 and 1900, the attack lasted for two years, but it stopped suddenly,
just as it began, and in 1901, not a specimen of the insect was seen.

' Freeman, Ont., August 10. — You will be interested in knowing that we have an
outbreak of aphis in the pea fields about here. In most cases the little green lice are
so plentiful that no portion of the crop is spared. — Geo. E. Fisher.'

' Shawville. Que., August 31. — I have a large field of peas which has been
destroyed by a large green louse. They do not eat the leaf, but suck all the substance
out of the vines, and the plants dry up. The peas were a pretty heavy crop. Would
like to know what this insect is and the cure, as my crop is a total failure. My
neighbour's peas are also affected. — Andrew Sly.'

In the Ottawa district the Destructive Pea Aphis was particularly noticed on
Sweet Peas in gardens. From observations made after the middle of August, it was
noticed that several kinds of parasites were busily at work, and that the plant-lice were
thus being reduced rapidly in numbers. Lady-bird beetles and syrphus-flies were
doing the larger share of this good work, but two other kinds of parasites which had
never before been reared in the Division were present in considerable numbers. One
of these belongs to the Cecidomyid genus Aphidoletes, the members of which are
well kauwn on account of their habits of preying upon aphids. The other was a small
four-winged hymenopterous fly which proved to be an undescribcd species, and which
has since been described (Canadian Entomologist, March, 1909) as Megorismus
fletcheri of Crawford.

Remedies. — In the report of the Entomologist and Botanist for 1899, the late
Dr. Fletcher wrote as follows : — ' When an insect appears in stich large numbers as the
Destructive Pea Aphis did during the past season, and increases with such rapidity,
it is evident tliat it would l;c impossible to apply any remedy over such a large
acreage as was simultaneously attacked, in most places where the insect occurs; but
upon green peas and the flowering Sw.ect Peas in garden, the ordinary remedies used
against other plant lice were found to be quite effective against this one also. Upon
the Central Experimental Farm the Horticulturist had the plants sprayed with a
tobacco and soap wash made of ten pounds of tobacco leaves in half a barrel of water,
the liquid from which was strained off after a few hour?, and two pounds of whalo-
oll soap were added. V/hen the soap v.as all dissolved water was added to make forty
gallons, and tho. liquid was then applied with a spraying pump. Most of the plant
lice were found to be dead two days afterwards, and on such parts of the rows as
received two applications, the vines were quite cleared of the insects.'

In his report for 1901, in speaking of the work of the late Prof. Johnson, bo
says: 'Many remedies were experimented with liy Prof. Johnson, and it was found

58 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

that Avhat he has called the " brush and cultivator method " was the most effective
remedy. For this it is necessary that the peas should be planted in rows, and when
the insects are noticed the vines are brushed backward and forward with a good pine
switch, in front of an Iron Age cultivator, drawn by a single horse. In this manner
the plant lice which leave the vines quickly when these are shaken were covered up
as soon as they fell to the ground, and a large proportion of them destroyed. The
operation was not repeated until the third day, as it usually required over 48 hours to
destroy the insects v/hen covered with earth. All the practical methods were tried,
and it was found that the brush and cultivator method was the most eiiective.
Another method which was tried with considerable success, consisted of a brush which
dislodged the insects so that they fell into a pan containing coal oil and water drawn
between the rows of peas. In this way a bushel of plant lice were caught to each row
of peas 125 rods long. Spraying v/as tested by a thorough trial upon 100 acres, and
all sorts of insecticides for sucking insects were used, but this method was abandoned
because no spray could be, found which would destroy a large enough percentage of the
insects to warrant the expense of the operation.'

Root Maggots. — These troublesome insects were much inquired about during 1908.
From almost every province in the Dominion the complaints refer particularly to
ravi^ges to onions. In many instances, whole fields of onions were destroyed. In
British Columbia the maggots were still at work when the onions were taken up in
autumn. " Cabbages, cauliflowers and radishes were also much injured.

As these insects are so often inquired about, it has been thought wise to repeat
here wht the late Dr. Fletcher says in his Bulletin No. 52 of the Dominion Experi-
mental Farms series.

' The Cabbage or Radish Maggot, and the Onion Maggot, which for all practical
purposes may be treated of here as the same species, cause great loss in crops of cauli-
flowers, early cabbages, turnips, radishes and onions, almost every season.

' The maggots which are found attacking cabbages, radishes, cauliflowers and tur-
nips, and those in onions, and in beans and corn, are very similar, but they belong to
three different species, Phorhia hrassicoe, Bouche, attacking plants of the cabbage
family, Phorhia ceparum, Meig., infesting onions, and Phorhia fvsciceps, Zett.,
injuring beans and corn.

' Corn sown during a cold, wet period by which germination is unduly delayed, is
very liable to be attacked by the Corn-seed Maggot (P. fnsciceps). In such cases
it is well to wait for warm weather to re-sow and then push on the crop with a light
dressing of nitrate of soda, 200 lbs. to the acre.

' The perfect flies of all these maggots are very similar to the ordinary observer and
may be described as slender flies, somewhat smaller than the ordinary house fly, which
fly about close to the ground and lay their white eggs on the stems of the young plants.
Here after a few days the maggots hatch and work their way down beneath the soil,
where they lie close to the root or burrow into it, tearing the tissues with their hook-
like mandibles and living on the sap, thus soon reducing the root or stem to a rotten
mass. When full grown these maggots turn to reddish brown puparia in the soil close
to the rcots. The exact number of broods of these maggots which may he found in a
season seems to be rather complicated by the overlapping of broods, and the delay in
issuing of some individuals of each brood; but practically it may be said that cabbage
and radi:^h maggots do by far the greatest amount of harm during the month of June,
and car'y in July, and in many years their injuries are slight after that period. With
onions the injury continues throughout the season and is most noticeable in June,
August and September. The injury to beans and Indian corn is only in spring, and,
as a rule, is confined to plants wbich have been weakened by the seeds being planted too
deeply or by late frosts. However, in seasons of excessive abundance cabbage and
onion maggots m.ay be found all through the growing season, and cabbages and cauli-

REPORT OF THE DIVISION OF ENTOMOLOGY AND BOTANY 59

SLSSIONA'- PAPER No. 16

flowers arc cccasionally injured in autumn by the maggots attacking the heads of the
plants.

'Remedies. — Up to the present time it cannot be claimed that any perfectly effi-
cacious remedy has been discovered for root maggots. In certain years they seem to
be so extremely abundant that even the best remedies merely seem to prolong the lives
of the plants, and only a very small proportion of a crop can be saved. In ordinary
years, however, much can be done to protect crops liable to attack, and the following
are the remedies which have given the best results : —

' For Onions. — Wliite hellebore dusted along the rows once a week frona
the time the young plants appeared above the ground gave comparatively clean onions,
very few being attackc-d. Fresh gas lime broadcasted over onion fields at the rate of
two hundredweight to the acre had a similar effect; but, where the caustic lime came
in contact with the young onions, they were burnt out. A light dressing, between the
rows of onions, of the same material gave almost as good results as where it was dis-
tributed over the whole field. When onions have begun to form their bulbs, the earth
may be hoed or brushed away right down to the roots, and in some years the maggots
do not penetrate the bulbs. As soon as the earth is hoed away in garden practice, a
dusting along the rows with white hellebore makes the protection more complete.

' Dressings of salt, Paris green and plaster and wood ashes have been found useless
in protecting onions from the attacks of root maggots.

' For Cabbages. — (1.) Tarred Paper Disks.- — Pieces of ordinary tarred paper three
inches in diameter, with a slit running to the centre so as to allow of their being
placed around the stems of young cabbages and cauliflowers at the time of planting,
and pressed down close to the ground, will prevent to a large measiire the flies from
laying their eggs on plants so protected, or will kill the young maggots.

' (2.) Insect Powder. — About half a teacupful of a decoction of pyrethum insect
powder (four ounces to a gallon of water), or of white hellebore of the same
strength poured around the root of each plant, after drawing away the earth
right down to the root, will destroy any maggots which may have started to
work, Tlie earth should be put back again and the plants well hilled up, when new
rootlets will soon be formed. A light sprinkling of nitrate of soda or some special
fertiliser will encourage a quick growth and much help the plants to overcome attack.
Dressings of one ovmce to the square yard may be used for this purpose. Cabbage
plants should be examined late in June to see if the maggots are at work. The earlier
the treatment with insect powder or white hellebore is applied the more effective it
will be. If the mixture is applied to the roots with a force pump, although more liquid
is consumed, it has the advantage of dislodging many of the maggots so that their
injuries cease at once.'

' (3.) Cheese-cloth inclosures.- -A very effective and practical means of procuring
early radishes, cabbages and cauliflowers, perfectly free from root maggots, is by grow-
ing them beneath cheap frames made of light wood covered with cheese-cloth. A con-
venient size for small beds is 8 feet long, 2 feet wide and 2 feet high. This frame can
be made for about 25 cents, of one and a half inch square wood, nailed together at the
corners, and with the chee.se-cloth tacked on the outside. In such a frame five cauli-
flowers and two rows of radishes have been grown to perfection. The frame was kept
on from the time the young plants came up until the radishes were pulled.

' Cauliflowers were sufficiently advanced to require no further protection and the
frames were removed about the first of August.

* For Radishes. — The maggot which attacks the radish is the same species as also
attacks cabbages and turnips, the severity of attack on those different crops being
about in the order in which they are named, so that in years of light attack radishes
will draw oft" injury from the cabbages.

60 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

* Injuries to turnips are seldom severe, and in most instances a crop shows little
sign of this attack in autumn, even in seasons when the maggots may have been
found in considerable numbers in the spring.

' (1.) The Cook carbolic wash, consisting of one quart of soft soap, or
one pound of hard soap, in a gallon of water, with half a pint of crude carbolic acid
added, and the whole boiled together for a few minutes, to make the stock emulsion,
has proved over and over again an excellent remedy for radish maggots. The stock
emulsion can be kept in a closed vessel, so that dust and rubbish will not fall into it,
and, when required for use, one part of this mixture by measure is added to fifty of
water, and should be sprayed directly upon the growing plants from the time they
appear above the ground, once a week until ready for the table.

' (2.) White hellebore dusted along the rows of radishes once a week from
» the time they appear above the ground, has given good results in most years.

For Beans and Corn. — Injury to these crops in Canada is a rare occurrence. The
only remedy which can be suggested, is to sow these crops in good season in well
prepared soil and not deeper than one or two inches.'

During 1908, some experiments were conducted at the Central Experimental
Farm with several mixtures in the hope of obtaining something more definite in the
way of a practical remedy. The most encouraging results were obtained from a use
o-f sulphate of iron, two ounces to every gallon of vnter, applications made a week
apart from the time the onions appeared above ground.

IKSECTS INJURIOUS TO FRUITS.

Among the insects which have been most destcurtive to fruits during 1908, the
following may be mentioned : —

The Apple Maggot, RJiagoletes pomonella Walsh. — This insect continues to be
prevalent in certain districts in Ontario and Quebec. During 1908, it was again
present in injurious numbers at Como and one or two other points in Quebec pro-
vince. In Ontario, in Prince Edward county, it was much inquired about aiad did
serious damage in some orchards. Fortunately, when the Apple Maggot once gets into
an orchard its spread is very slow. The mature flies apparently do not fly away to any
distance for the purpose of egg-laying, but confine their attention to the trees nearest
to the place from which they em^erged. The female fly lays her eggs in the flesh of
the apple, by means of her sharp ovipositor. A single female may lay from 300 to
400 eggs, according to Quaintance. The eggs hatch within a week, and the maggots
become full-grown in from a month to six weeks. The maggot leaves the apple after
this has fallen to the ground and enters the earth just below the surface, where it
remains in the pupal stage until the following summer, when the fly emerges. As
the larva; do not leave the fruit until this has fallen to the ground, all windfalls
should either be carefully gathered by hand or a herd of pigs should be allowed to
run in the orchard from July, when early apples which arc specially susceptible to
attack begin to fall, until all fruit is gathered. Cattle and sheep are also useful for
such a purpose, and if allowed to pasture in the orchard, for a while, when the fruit
is falling, much good will be accomplished. If the windfalls are gathered and there
is no stock to feed them to, they should be buried in a deep hole with not less, than
three feet of earth on the top. As the larva; of the Apple Maggot work entirely
within the apple, it cannot be reached by any of the poison sprays such as are used
for in ects which feed on foliage.

The Codling Moth, Carpocapsa pomonella L. — This insect was again reported
as being very destructive in many distriots in Ontario and Quebec. Its injuries were
most apparent of course in unsprayed orchards. Growers who had regularly sprayed
their trees with the poisoned Bordeaux mixture were well repaid for their labours.

REPORT OF THE DIVISION OF ENTOMOLOGY AND BOTANY 61

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

In Canada, east of Toronto, where there is usually only one annual brood, thorough
spraying with the above mixture, three or four times in spring, the first application
to be made within a day or two after the blossoms fall, and the subsequent sprayings,
er.eh ten days apart, is a satisfactory and well-paying remedy for the Codling Moth.
West of Toronto there are two broods, the second of which is the more destructive.
It has been found that in addition to the spring spraying, as above mentioned, it is
there necessary to band the trees with burlap, sacking, or some other material which
will form a refuge in which the caterpillars will spin their cocoons. These bands
should be removed at short intervals of a week or ten days, after about the middle of
July, at v/hich time the caterpillars begin to spin their cocoons. The caterpillars
within the cocoons found may be destroyed by passing the bandages through a clothes-
wringer carried on a wheelbarrow. The bark beneath the band should be scraped
with a wire brush to kill any of the caterpillars which may have burrowed into the
bark.

The value of banding the trees has been demonstrated by many writers. In 1908,
a small experiment was conducted in an apple orchard close to Ottawa, a part of
which showed infestation by the Codling Moth. Twenty trees were banded on August
15. The bands were removed and ex^iJiiined on the following dates, with the results
as mentioned: —

Cocoons found.

August 31 129 -

September 8 24

" 15 49

" 23 GO

" 30 24

October 7 8

" 15 12

" 23 13

" 30.. 1

The windfalls under these trees were left undisturbed until after the experiment
ended.

Thk White-mahived Tussock Moth, Hemerocampa leucostigma S. & A. and the
Rusty Tussock Moth, Notolophus antiqua L. — A large number of inquiries were
received from the Maritime Provinces, chiefly from Nova Scotia, regarding these
insects. In most cases the letters were accompanied by the egg masses. Both of these
s-pecies, particularly the former, have been abundant in orchards in the above pro-
vinces for the last few years, and have in some instances been the cause of considerable
injury. The White-marked Tussock Moth is the more injurious and the better known
of the two, chiefly from its injuries to ornamental trees. In Montreal, Toronto,
Kingston and other Canadian cities it has attracted much attention from its attacks
to shada trees, many being entirely denuded of their foliage by the caterpillars. These
insects were treated of at some length in the late Dr. Fletcher's report for the year
ending March 31, 1908. The egg masses of these two Tussock Moths are quite different
in appearance. Those of the White-marked Tussock Moth are laid on or close to the
cocoon from which the female moth emerged and are covered with a frothy white
deposit, so that they cannot be seen without breaking up the mass. The eggs of the
Rusty Tussock Moth having no such frothy covering, are bare and easily distinguish-
able.

The remedies for these insects are the collection of the egg masses before
spring and the spraying of the trees with an arsenical poison as soon as the
young caterpillars are noticed. Orchards that are regularly sprayed with the poisoned
Bordeaux mixture will be kept free from the attacks of these and many other leaf-
eating insects.

62 . EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

Cankerworms. — In 1908, Cankerworms did serious damage in many of the or-
chards ill the Maritime Provinces. From Nova Scotia, particularly, many complaints
were received of the prevalence of these insects, correspondents claiming that the
injury had been very severe in many districts.

There are two kinds of caterpillars which attack apple trees, which are known as
Cankerworms, viz., the Spring Cankerworm and the Autumn Cankerworm. The
female moths of both kinds are wingless and have a very spider-like appearance.
Those of the Spring Cankerworm appear chiefly in spring and lay oval, pearly-white
, eggs, in irregular masses, beneath flakes of bark, &c. The moths of the Autumn
Cankerworm, on the other hand, api)ear late in the season (October and November),
and the females lay eggs which are brown, flattened at the top, like miniature tumblers
with caps on them, and stand close together in clusters of about 100 or more on the
outside of the bark. The males are delicate moths, with gauzy wings. The cater-
pillars of both species are slender brown, blackish, or green loopers, or ' measuring
worms,' about an inch in length when full grown, and with only six pairs of legs,
three pairs of which are on the front part of the body, the other three pairs at the rear.

The young caterpillars appear about ths time that the leafbuds open, and at that
time the trees shoiild be carefully examined, and, if any are found, the trees should
at once be sprayed with an arsenical poison. When the caterpillars are small they are
very easily killed by the ordinary poisoned Bordeaux mixture, or by Paris green
1 pound in 150 gallons of water, or arsenate of lead 3 pounds in 40 gallons of water.
When they are more than half an inch long, however, they are very difficult to kill with
any such poisons. At such times, Dr. Fletcher recommended as much as one pound
of Paris green in 100 gallons of Bordeaux mixture, and that this latter should be made
with five pounds of lime to the four pounds of copper sulphate in the 40 gallons
of water.

As the female moths crawl up from the ground to deposit their eggs on the trees,
all trees in orchards where the Cankerworms have been destructive should be banded
in autumn and spring with one of the mechanical tree protectors, or the moths may
be prevent'cd from climbing by being caught on bands of thick paper which have been
painted with an adhesive mixture, and tacked closely and firmly around the tree. A
mixture of castor oil two pounds and resin three pounds has been found satisfactory
for cold weather, but in hot weather it is necessary to add one more pound of resin.
These ingredients are heated slowly until the resin is all melted and the mixture is
then applied to the bands while it is warm. Another formula is five pounds of resin
and three pounds of castor oil for warm weather and equal parts by weight for cold
weather. As mentioned above, the most convenient way to apply these mixtures is
to paint them on bands of thick paper, but they may be applied to the tree without
injury to the latter. If this is done it is sometimes necessary to put on a second
coating if too much of the oil is absorbed by the bark. Printers' ink five pounds,
mixed with one gallon of fish oil, is ako much used in Nova Scotia, and the amount
mentioned will treat an acre of orchard.

The Chemical Division of the Dominion Experimental Farms recently carried on
some experiments in the hope of finding a more economical adhesive material which
could be used for such insects. Considerable progress was made, but the Chemist,
Mr. Shutt, has informed us that this work is not yet far enough advanced to make a
report upon. It is hoped, however, that when further experiments have been con-
ducted, some useful deductions may be made.

The Pear Leaf Blister Mite, Eriophyes pyri Nalepa. — This old enemy of the
pear is steadily spreading in the apple-growing districts of the southern portions of
Ontario. It occurs in every part of Canada where the pear is grown, but it is only of
late years that it has turned its attention to the apple, although in Europe it is well
known to attack that trer-. During ]908, it was much complained of, and infoi-mation
asked as to the best known remedy for its destruction.

REPORT OF TEE DIVISION Oi ENTOMOLOGY AND BOTANY 63

SISSIONAL PAPER No. 16

The Pear-Leaf Blister Mite, as its name implies, is not on i\isect, but a mite. It
is a microscopic creature, being only about Vi25 of an inch in length. Regarding the
life habits of these mites. Prof. Parrott, of the New York Agricultural Experiment
Station, says : ' The mites spend-the winter in the buds usually under the second and
third layers of bud-Scales. They frequently collect in colonies of fifty or more in little
depressions in the scales and are more or less concealed and protected by the pubes-
cence of the buds. As the buds burst, the mites move to the \infolding leaves in which
they burrow and establish new colonies. In October the mites abandon the leaves and
hide in the buds.'

The irritation caused by the mites burrowing into the leaves from below, induces
the growth of galls, or blisters. Within the blisters the eggs are laid; these hatch in
a few days and the young mites feed upon the juices of the leaf. If the blisters are
examined closely, tiny openings will be seen ; these are made by the mites on entering
and leaving the leaf. The chief injuries by the Blister Mite are to the leaves, but the
fruit stems and fruit are often attacked. Prof. Lochhead in writing of this pest, in
the Annual Report of the Fruit Growers' Association for 1008, says : ' The galls on
pear leaves are at first greenish, then reddish, afterwards bright red, and finally Avith
the death of the rffected tissues, brown or black, often most conspicuous on the sides
of the midrib. When the mites are very num-crous the injuries produce defoliation of
the trees. The colour of the galls on apple leaves is much less striking than that on
pear leaves. The galls are usually more abundant on the margins of the leaves, and are
at first greenish, soon becoming brownish, and only occasionally red. The coalescence
or merging together of several of the galls produce irregular-shaped dead areas, which
often rupture at the margin.' Quoting from Prof. Parrott, he says : ' About July
first the most striking effects of the mites upon the leaves appear, especially if there
is much yellowing of the foliage, as frequently occurs. Upon the upper surfaces of
such leaves the mite-infested spots are of a light brown or oi a dark green colour, and
are uniformly brown beneath. These spots are thickly massed, forming a dark, broad
band of irregular width along each side of the leaf, which contrasts conspicuously
with the intervening light yellow area about the main rib. To one standing on the
ground and viewing the leaves from beneath, this striping of the leaves is very
suggestive of the variegated foliage of certain ornamental plants.'

The remedy for the Pear Leaf Blister Mite is to spray the trees with the lime-
sulphur v.-ash just as the buds are swelling. Although the mites pass the winter hidden
away securely beneath the bvid-scales, the expanding of the buds in spring opens the
bud-scales sufficiently to allow the entrance of the spraying mixture.

DONATIONS TO COLLECTIONS OF INSECTS AND PLANTS.

Among the more important donations to the collections of insects and plants of
the Division of Entomology and Botany, which have been made during the year ending
March 31, 1909, the following may be mentioned: —

J. R. Anderson, Victoria, B.C. Pressed botanical specimens of DeJpliininm
menziesii, and other interesting plants.

G. Chagnon, Montreal, Que. A fine specimen of the noctuid moth Gi'apkipliora
fvrfvrata.

Nonnan Criddle, Treesbauk, Man. Many specimens of rare Manitoban lepidcplcra.

Horace Dawson, Hymers, Ont. Specimens of arctian and noctuid moths of
special interest, taken at Hymers.

W. A. Dent, Sarnia, Ont. Seeds and living roots of Dioscorea villcsa.

Rftv. H. Dupret, Montreal. Fine specimens of Chccrophyllum sativum, Anlhriscus
cerefolium, &c.

Miss B. Green, Fairview, B.C. Several pressed botanical specimens, including
Pedicidaris langsdorffii.

64 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARO VII., A. 1910

A. W. Hanham, Duncans, B.C. Four boxes containing collections of lepidoptera,
ccleoptera and hymenoptera, all in splendid condition, among which were many rare
specimens.

Rev. J. H. Keen, Metlakatlah, B.C. A good series of the rare Byrrid, Exoma
plenralis and other insects.

W. Metcalfe, Ottawa. Diptera and other insects collected in Ontario.

Mrs. D. W. Stewart, Renfrew, Ont. A botanical sheet of Medicago falcata.

Rev. G. W. Taylor, Nanaimo, B.C. Many specimens of lepidoptera, coleoptcra,
hymenoptera and a named collection of neuropteroid insects, all from British Columbia.

Rev. Frere Victorin, Longueuil, Que. Pressed botanical specimens of Ruhus
hispidus and Rtihus permixtus.

E. P. Vcnables, Vernon, B.C. S]pecimens of hemiptera and other insects from
British Columbia.

J. B. Wallis, Winnip>eg, Man. A fine series of Catocala coccinata, together with
acceptable noctuids, and named specimens of neuropteroid insects.

Miss E. Maude Warren, Kelowna, B.C. Living plant of Cypripedium occidentale
and botanical specimens of Oenothera muricata, Potentilla camphorum, and other
plants for the herbarium.

C. H. Young, Ottawa. Beautifully mounted specimens of micro-lepidoptera, some
of which have been only recently described.

THE APIARY.

The apiary is under the management of Mr. D. D. Gray, the farm foreman, whose
report I append herewith. The practical work of handling and caring for the bees
has been done by Mr. C. A. Burnside. It was thought best to reduce the number of
colonies in the apiary during the year, and some of the strong and healthy ones were
sold and the number on our stands was thus reduced to thirty-two.

REPORT OF APIARY FOR SEASON OF 190S-9.

I have to report a fairly successful year with the bees. The weather at the begin-
ning of the season was much the same as in 1907 — very wet and cold. The bees w^^re
put on their summer stands on April 24, coming from their winter quarters in good
condition.

They were put in the bee cellar in the fall of 1907, weighing an average of 56-4
pounds each, and, when put out in spring of 1908, the weight was 38-6 pounds each,
having lost an average of 17-8 pounds per colony during the winter, somewhat higher
than most years. The first supers were put on on May 27 and the extractor was started
on July 9.

An effort was made to retard swarming as much as possible; there was, however,
an increase of ten swarms during the season, the first coming off on June 20.

The bees were put In the bee-cellar at the close of the season on November 6, all
the colonies weighing over 50 pounds each.

An experiment was carried on during the winter to get some data as to the
amount of air-space required to winter the colonies satisfactorily.

As there is yet practically a month before the bees go out, and this the most trying
month of the year, nothing definite can be said at present as to the state of the
colonies; all save one appear to be in good condition.

D. D. GRAY.

9-10 ECV/ARD VII. SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 A. 1910

REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURIST.

J. H. GRISDALE, B. Agr.

Dr. William Saunders, C.M.G.,

Director, Dominion Experimental Farms,
Ottawa.

Sir, — I have the honour to submit herewith reports upon the horses, cattle, sheep,
swine and farming operations under my supervision during the past year.

I have to report a very successful year in connection with live stock, but the crop
returns in 1908 as in 190Y and 1906 fell very considerably below the average, due
largely, as in the previous years, to an exceptionally dry summer. The reports of the
returns from the different fields under cultivation attached hereto, indicate cleai'ly
the injurious effects of the dry weather upon all crops. The hay and corn crop
although light in quantity were rather exceptionally good in quality. The roots and
grain were both light and of inferior quality.

The work in my division was as usual carried on with the efficient co-operation
of the farm foreman, Mr. D. D. Gray, and the herdsman, Mr. Wm. Gibson. Mr.
Meilleur continues to do good work in the dairy. In correspondence and clerical
work I am indebted to Mr. L. Giguere for careful and intelligent co-operation.

During the year I have attended a large number of meetings in various parts of
Canada in addition to my regular duties on the Central Experimental Farm.

From April 1, 1908, to March 31, 1909, 2,789 letters were received and 3,524
despatched by the Agricultural Division.

I have the honour to be, sir.

Your obedient servant,

J. H. GRISDALE,

Agi-icuUvj-ist.

65

16—5

66 EXPERIMEyiAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

LITE STOCK.

The live stock now (Api-il 1, 1009) occupying the different stables and pens nndei
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 work-horses, as well as experi.ments to determine the comparative values of
different foods as forage for same.

The horses are usually 19 in number, made up of : —

Thirteen heavy horses of Clydesdale and Percheron blood.

Five heavy driving horses.

One light driver.

CATTLE.

There are representatives of fonr breeds of cattle, viz. : Shorthorn, Ayrshire,
Guernsey and Canadian. There are besides a number of grade cattle and steers. The
cattle are kept for breeding and feeding operations, mostly of an experimental
character. Pure-bred breeding animals are usually on sale, howevei", and a consider-
able 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 :-
Twenty-seven Shorthorns, including 3 bulls and 24 females.
Thirty-four Ayrshires, including 7 bulls and 27 females.
Fifteen Guernseys, including 2 bulls and 13 females.
Twenty-six Canadians, including 4 bulls and 22 females.

GRADE CATTLE.

At present the grades number 23 head, made up of 2 Shorthorn grades, 5
AjTshire grades, 8 Guernsey grades and 8 Canadian grades.

STEERS.

Thirty steers are under feed at present. They are of different ages and breeding,
and the number is made up of: 18 yearlings, 12 calves.

SHEEP.

Sheep are not kept in large numbers, only 31 being now in the pens. Two breeds
are kept, namely : Shropshire and Leicester.

There are 24 Shropshires, as follows: One aged ram, 1 ram lamb, 15 aged ewrs
and 7 shearling ewes.

There are 8 Leicesters, as follows: 5 ewes and 3 yearling ewes.

SWIXE.

One hundred and thirty-six swine of all classes are now in the pens, being fed
experimentally, or being kept for breeding purposes. The breeds kept are Berkshires,
Tamworths and Yorkshires.

REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURIST 67

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

The Yorkshires are 38 in number, including : Two stock boars, 3 young boars
and 33 breeding sows.

The Berkshires are 21 in number, including: Two stock boars, 13 breeding sows
and six young pigs.

The Tamworths are 14, including: One stock boar, 1 young boar and 12
breeding sows.

Sixty-three feeders, different sizes and breeds.

HORSES.

There are usually 19 horses io the stables. These horses are expected to do the
work in the various divisions during the year. The work on the ' 200-acre farm ' is
but a part of their duties. They work in addition for the horticultural and cereal
divisions, as well as upon the lawns and in the arboretum. In addition a large amount
of hauling or cartage in connection with the different divisions, as well as road-
making and messenger service, takes up much of their time.

HORSE LABOUR.

During the year from April 1, 1908, to March 31, 1909, the work done by the 19
horses kept in the stables here was equivalent to 6,574-9 days' work, distributed as
follows: Live stock, hauling feed, marketing stock, &c., 162-8 days; farm work
'200-acre farm,' 867 -1 days; draining and care of roads, including removing snow
and brealcing roads in winter, 156-1 days; manure on '200-acre farm,' 331-2 days;
horticultural division, 722 days; lawns, &c., 152-5 days; cereal division, 732-4 days;
bulletins and reports from and to farm offices, 44-1 days; poultry, 71 days; mail,
including milk delivery, 153 days; omnibus service, including three horses for
omnibus, two horses for general driving and horse for supervision of work, 2,467 days ;
work about greenhouse, outbuildings, sidewalks, exhibitions, &c., 715-7 days.

In estimating the cost of farming operations further on in this report, $3 a day
is charged for team and driver. To feed and care for the horses, costs 32^ cents per
horse per working day, and the driver receives an average of $1.72^ i)er 10-hour day.
It is evident, therefore, that the team and driver costs $2.37^ per day, leaving a
margin of 62| cents, or 31^ cents, nearly, per horse per day for wear and tear.

DAIEY CATTLE.

The herd of dairy cattle during the year 1908-9 consisted of 49 milch cows, all
told. They were:

Ayrshires 11

Guernseys 8

Canadians 11

Shorthorns 9

Grades (various breeding) 10

FEEDING THE DAIRY COWS.

The year 1908-9 has been probably the most trying year dairy farmers have
experienced since dairying became one of the chief agricultural lines of effort in
Eastern Canada. A very late spring was followed by a very dry summer, so that feed
was scarce, not only all summer, but all crops being very light, winter feed also was
far from plentiful. On this account dairy herds were materially reduced, going even
below low-level mark set the previous autumn. Feed prices have remained very
high. They have in fact ruled higher than for many years past.
■ 16— 5 i

68 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910
SUMMER I'KKDING.

As (lurliifj tlie invvious llinM- ycnrs, the dairy cattle wt-rc allowed only a very
small area lor pasture. They depended very largely upon soiling- erops and corn
silage.

A regular succession of crops was planned to supply the necessary forage.

A fourteen acre Held waa available for pasture for 50 head. This field had been
seecied down the previous year with the following mixture of seed per acre : — lied
eIo\er, 5 lbs.; alfalfa, 7 lbs.; timothy, 10 lbs.

This seeding made such a strong growth in late May and early June that it was
decided to divide the field, pasture the cattle on one half and cut the other part for
soiling purposes. This proved to be a very satisfactory plan and enabled us to materi-
ally increase the carrying power of the field.

For July, feeding i)rovision had been made by sowing a mixture of peas and cats
at the rate of ^ bushels ]xm- acre, ecpinl parts of each by weight. For later feeding,
corn was depended ui)on entirely. The fourteen acre field had yielded a good crop,
but the dry summer did nothing to encourage growth in July, August and September,
hcrce the pasture was merely an exercising ground. The hot dry summer affected
tlic milk flow very seriously and milk was produced at a considerably higher cost per
hundred pounds than usual.

WINTKR FKEDING.

The winter feeding was carried on under much more favourable conditions. The
new stable was in good shape, well ventilated and well lighted. Feed was scarce, but, in
the case of ens^lag(\ roots, straw and hay. of unusually good quality. Cattle came in
rather low in fleah but, with normal a.mounts of the above feeds, soon improved and
have seemed to require less meal or concentrated feed than \isual to insure good
results in the way of milk production.

The winter ration has be(Mi on the average about as follows: —

Lhs.

Ilt^y 5

Corn ensilage HO

Roots 10

Straw 4

^leal 7

The hay was mixed red clover and timothy. The corn silage was of good quality,
rich in grain and well preserved.

The roots were mangels, sugar mangels, sugar beets and turnips. They were
usually pulpfd and mixed w'ith the ensilage.

'.riie straw was of course oat, and was of extra good feeding (piality. since there
was a considerable percentage of gTeen oats. It was cut and mixed with the pulped
roots and ensilage.

The meal usually consisted of a mixture of 800 pomuls bran, 300 pounds gluten
and 200 pounds oil-cake meal.

The meal was scattered on the roughage mixture of roots, ensilage and cut straw
after it was before the cattle. The hay given was fed uncut after the other material
had been cleaned up.

Of course the amount of nuighage fed depends on the appetite of the cow. the
amount of meal is influenced rather by the amount of milk being produced by the
cow in question.

Tier meal ration is gradually increased after calving, until at three or four week-!
in milk she is supposed to be on full feed. The amount of meal is judged by the
milk produced. If she responds freely to increases in meal, she is fed the more libe'--

REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURIST 69

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

ally, usually up to that point whore an increase in meal does not seem to induce a
relatively liberal increase in milk flow. One pound of meal for four pounds of milk
is liberal feeding; one pound of meal for three pounds of milk, to leave a profit, neces-
sitates selling milk at a higher price than the average farmer may hope for. In this
connection it may be observed that the quality or composition of the meal ration is
usually an important factor affecting the milk yield. It is exceedingly important,
however, to remember that palatability in the meal as well as in the roughage is an
influence that is not infrequently underestimated. Variety in meals fed is advisable,
but variety should mean a blending of meals, not a substitution of one for another at
frequent intervals. To illustrate, it is much better to feed a mixture of bran, oatU,
barley, oil, meal, gluten, cotton seed meal, &c., than to feed any one of the.m for a time,
to be subse(iuently replaced by some other.

Generally speaking, the meal ration for dairy cows should be rich in protein,
palatable, easily digested and fairly finely ground, and blended to suit the roughage
ration with which it is fed. Meals vary greatly as to composition and effect upon
digestive organs of the cattle. While some are laxative, some are constipating in
effect, and while some seem to develop appetite, otliers have the opposite effect.

INDIVIDUAL cow RECORDS.

The records which follow are rather lower than usual for the reasons already
given that building operations interfered with the proper care of the herd. The butter
is valued at 26 cents per pound. It was really sold at from 25 to 35 cents per pound.

Some of the cows suckled calves part of the time, hence did not make as good
records as would otherwise have been the case.

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 1908,
save in the case of ensilage and roots, which are charged for at the rate usually
affixed in experimental feeding in all parts of America.

Pasture, per month $ 1 00 per cow.

Bran 20 00 per ton.

Gluten meal 28 00 "

Oil meal 32 00

Oats 25 00

Barley 22 00

Clover hay Y 00 "

Chaff 4 00

Roots and ensilage 2 00 "

In estimating the value of the product, 20 cents per pound is allowed for the
butter and 20 cents per 100 pounds for the skim milk. The butter sells at from 25 to
35 cents per pound.

The Central Experimental Farm dairy herd records as piven below, make only a
nuxicrate showing. No effort is being made just at present to get pnrticidarly large
yields from the cattle, the aim being now to get some good 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 possible.

70

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

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71

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

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EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

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REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURIST

73

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

DAIKY COW KECORDS.

KEEPING RECORDS.

An increasingly large number of dairy farmers avail themselves of the offer made
by this division to supply, free of cost, forms whereon to keep a record of the milk
produced each day, or one day in each week, by each cow. This fact points to pro-
gress along right lines. It is only when one knows the individuals in one's herd that
one can hope to improve the general quality^ of the herd.

The forms supplied are for week-long periods, as illustrated below, or for month-
long periods, as may be preferred by the dairymen. In addition, forms for sumjuarizing
the month's work as well as forms whereon to enter up the year's record are sent on
application.

DAILY MILK RECORD.

Herd belonging to (This form supplied free by Live Stock

Post office Division, Central Experimental

Record for week ending Farm, Ottawa, Ont. )

COWS.

Day.

Time.

—

Total
for day.

Suiirlav.

Morning. .

Evening. . . .

Monday

Morning

r

Evening.

Tuesday

Mornins'

Evening

Wednesday

Morning. .

Evening

Thursday.

Morning. .

Evening

Friday. ..

Morning. . .

Evening

Saturday

Morning

Evening

Week

—

—

—

Total.

Wm. Saunders, Director.

(Reverse)
Central Experimental Farm.

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
milk records of their individual cows. A study of such records will soon indicate
which cows should 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

74 ^ EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

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 to J. H.
Grisdale, Agriculturist, Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa, Ont. "

THE DAIEY HERDS AT THE CENTRAL EXPERIMENTAL FARM.

THEIR ORIGIN, GROWTH AND USE.

At the Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa, are to be found at present four herds
of pure-bred dairy cattle. They are Ayrshire, Guernsey, Canadian and Dairy Short-
horn. In addition a number of grades or cross-breds find room, bringing the total
of dairy cattle up to 130 to 140 head. The present herds date back about eight years.

PREVIOUS HERDS.

For four or five years previous to the founding of the present herds, only grade
cattle had been kept. These had been preceded by small herds of a few individuals
each of several breeds, chiefly of a beef-producing character, as Aberdeen, Angus,
Galloways, and Scotch Shorthorns, with a representative or two of Ayrshire, Jersey
and Holstein breeds. Tuberculosis was responsible for the utter destruction of these
various small herds. This insidious disease did, in fact, twice completely or almost
completely, clean out the cattle barns. It is only since the stables were remodelled
and improved as to lighting and ventilation in 1907, that it has been possible to com-
pletely eradicate all traces of this, the worst and almost unique disease against which
the Canadian live stock man has to contend.

FOUNDATION STOCK. ,

The foundation stock of the Ayrshire, Guernsey and Dairy Shorthorn herds were
purchased in Scotland, Guernsey and England, respectively, and no additions, save
an occasional bull, have been made since the original importation in 1901. The
French-Canadian herd foundation-stock was secured in the province of Quebec.

SELECTING THE BREEDS.

Since conditions were such as to preclude the possibility of keeping herds of all
the more important classes of cattle, it was thought advisable to select one of the
heavy milking breeds, Ayrshire or Holstein, one of the Channel Island breeds, Jersey
or Guernsey, and one of the various so-called dual-purpose breeds. Dairy Shorthorn,
Red Poll, Lincoln Red, &c. In addition, since we have in Canada a breed peculiar
to this country, the French-Canadian, it was only fitting that a herd of this breed
should find room on the Central Experimental Farm.

The alternative or choice of one from each of the groups of breeds mentioned,
was made after a careful study of the various considerations which might be supjKDsed
to influence the choice of a farmer as to the breed he should fix upon under such
peculiarities as to soil and climatic conditiona as maintain upon this farm.

REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURIST 75

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

DISPOSITION OF NATURAL INCREASE.

The herds have been gradually enlarged to their present dimensions by keeping
the best cow calves of each breed. The bull calves from the best cows are sold to
farmers or farmers' clubs for breeding purposes.

WHY CATTLE ARE KEPT.

The reasons for keeping cattle on the Central Experimental Farm are several
and important.

In the first place, farming in eastern Canada without live stock would be
exceedingly difficult, and is, in fact, practically impossible.

Further, it is desired to show as great a revenue as possible from the ' farm '
part of the Experimental Farm. As a means to this end, dairy cattle may be said
to be indispensable in eastern Canada.

Again, it is necessary to have the Experimental Farm as interesting and instruc-
tive as ijossible. Live stock of various classes will certainly do more than anything
else to add interest to the farm, for either the casual visitor or the owner.

It is probable, however, that the great need for experimental work in breeding,
feeding and caring for the various classes of live stock, was the most important reason
advanced for the upbuilding and maintaining of considerable herds of cattle here.

PAST EXPERIMENTAL WORK.

The lines of experimental work that have been carried on with dairy cattle up to
date have been quite varied and important. A few might be enumerated as follows : —

(1) Experiments to determine the number of dairy cattle that might be carried to
the acre of arable land on the average Canadian farm.

(2) Experiments in methods of feeding and caring for dairy cows.

(3) Experiments in ventilation of dairy barns.

(4) Experiments with various feeds, both roughage and concentrate, to determine
their values as feeds for dairy cows.

(5) Experiments in milking, methods and hours of operation.

(6) Experiments to determine cost of production of milk and butter.

(7) Experiments in breeding pure-breds and grades.

(8) Comparative study of breeds as to economy of production, hardiness and
fitness for Canadian conditions.

(9) The ' dual purpose ' cow. •

FUTURE EXPERBIENTAL WORK.

The work in the future will necessarily be along somewhat similar lines. This,
however, will not in any way detract from its value, but rather render it more vah.i-'l'le
since it is only by repeated experiments that we may hope to gain any really valuable
information about anything in agriculture.

BEEF PEODUCTION.

Between 40 and 50 steers of various ages were fed for shorter or longer periods
during the year. Some of the lines of experimental work followed were : —

1. Short-keep steers, cost of beef production therewith.

2. Value of some feeds for beef production.

3. Baby beef.

In most cases the common feeds were used, the most largely utilized being gluten
meal, oil-cake meal, wheat-bran and corn. For roughage, clover hay, corn ensilage,
roots (mangels and turnips) and some straw were as usual the regular feeds.

76 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910
SHORT KEEP STEERS.

A bunch of nine steers, average weight 1,145 pounds October 8, 1908, were fed as

indicated below, and left a very nice margin of profit, in spite of the high prices ruling
for meal feeds of all kinds.

Three-year Olds — Lot No. 1.

Number of steers in lot 8

First weight, gross, October 8, 1908 lbs. 9,160

First weight, average, October 8, 1908 " 1,145

Finished weight, gross, January 16, 1909 " 11,375

Finished weight, average, January 16, 1909 " 1,422

Total gain in 100 days " 2,215

Average gain per steer " 277

Daily gain per steer " 2*77

Daily gain per lot, 8 steers " 22-16

Gross cost of feed $125 30

Cost of 100 lbs. gain 5 61

Cost of steers: 9,160 lbs. at $3.50 per 100 lbs 343 50

Total cost to produce beef 468 80

Sold 11,375 lbs. at $5.35 per 100 lbs., less 5 per cent. ... 578 17

Profit 109 37

Net profit per steer 13 67

Average buying price per steer 42 94

Average selling price per steer 72 27

Average increase in value 27 33

Average cost of feed per steer 15 66

Amount of meal eaten by lot of 8 steers lbs. 3,696

Amount of ensilage and roots " 41,384

Amount of hay " 2,920

Amount of straw eaten and for bedding " 10,928

Meal consumed consisted of bran, 1,136-8 lbs.; gluten, 2,256-8 lbs., and oil meal,
802-4 lbs.

FEEDING YEARLINGS.

In contrast with the above may be noted an experiment with a bunch of four
yearlings purchased for $45 from a farmer near Ottawa, who found himself forced

to sell on account of scarcity of feed. The price paid looked very small but proved
to be high enough to allow of only a small profit after paying all expenses. Particu-
lars follow: —

Lot No. 2.

Number of steers in lot 4

First weight, gross, October 19, 1908 lbs. 1,890

First weight, average, October 19, 1908. '' 472-5

Finished weight, gross, April 28, 1909 '' 3,540

Finished weight, average, April 28. 1909 " 885

Total gain in 190 days " 1.650

Average gain per steer " 412-5

Daily gain per steer " 2-17

Daily gain per lot of 4 steers " 8-68

Gross cost of feed $ 88 60

Cost of 100 pounds gain 5 37

Cost of steers 45 00

REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURIST 77

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Total cost to produce beef $ 133 60

Sold 3,540 -pounds at $4.50 per 100 pounds, less 5 p.c. . . 151 33

Profit 17 73

Net profit per steer. 4 43

Average buying price per steer 11 25

Average selling price per steer 37 S3

Average increase in value 26 58

Average cost of feed per steer 22 15

Amount of meal eaten by lot of 4 steers lbs. 3.528

Amount of ensilage and roots " 34,628

Amount of hay " 2,824

Meal, about equal parts gluten meal and bran.

CORN, GLUTEN MEAL AND OIL MEAL EXPERIMENT.

In the experiment reported below, it will be noted that bran enters quite largely
into the meal ration in each case. In feeding such heavy meals as corn, gluten meal,
oil-cake meal, cotton-seed meal, &c., it has been found advisable to use a certain
amount of some light meal as an opener. In this case, bran has been so used. It will
be noted that the mixture of gluten and oil meal did not do nearly so well as did
either of the others. The steers, though quite as good quality if not superior to the
corn-fed and oil-meal fed lots, did not make as good gains. It is possible that some
other influence than the meal mixture fed should be held accountable for the small
gains. No other cause could be observed.

Lot— Corn Fed.

Number of steers in lot 3

First weight, gross, Feb. 15, 1909 lbs. 2,770

First weight, average " 923

Finished weight, gross, April 26, 1909 " 3,190

Finished weight, average " 1,063

Total gain in 70 days. . " 420

Average gain per steer " 140

Daily gain per steer " 2

Daily gain per lot 3 steers " 6

Gross cost of feed $ 34 24

Cost of 100 pounds gain 8 15

Cost of steers, 2,770 pounds at $4 per 100 pounds, less

5 p.c 105 28

Total cost to produce beef 139 52

Sold 3,190 pounds at $4.75 per 100 pounds, less 5 p.c... 143 92

Profit 4 40

Net profit per steer 1 47

Average buying price per steer 35 09

Average selling price per steer 47 99

Average increase in value 12 90

Average cost of feed per steer 11 41

Amount of meal eaten by lot of 3 steers lbs. 1.3«6

Amount of ensilage and roots " 8,820

Amount of hay " 504

Amount of straw eaten and bedded " 3,670

Meal consisted of bran, 346-5 pounds; ground corn, 1,030-5 pounds.

78 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VLU A. 1910

Xot — Oil Meal Fed.

Number of steers in lot 3

First weight, gross, February 15, 1909. . , .• lbs. 2,205

First weight, average " 735

Finished weight, gross, April 26, 1909 " 2,650

Finished weight, average " 883

Total gain in 70 days " 445

Average gain per steer " 148

Daily gain per steer " 2 *1

Daily gain per lot 3 steers " 6-3

Gross cost of feed $ 32 01

Cost of 100 lbs. gain 7 19

Cost of steers, 2,205 lbs. at $4 per 100 lbs., less 5 per cent. 83 80

Total cost to produce beef 115 81

Sold 2,650 lbs. at 119 60

Profit 3 79

Net profit i>ei' steer 1 26

Average buying price per steer 27 93

Average selling price per steer 39 87

Average increase in value 11 94

Average cost of feed per steer 10 67

Amount of meal eaten by lot of 3 steers lbs. 1,176

Amount of ensilage and roots " 7,350

Amount of hay " 420

Amount of straw eaten and bedded " 3,150

Meal consisted of bran, 546 lbs. ; oil meal, 630 lbs.

Lot on Gluten and Oil Meal.

Number of steers in lot 3

First weight, gross, February 15, 1909 lbs. 2,510

First weight, average, February 15, 1909 " 837

Finished weight, gross, April 26, 1909 " 2,830

Finished weight, average " 943

Total gain in 70 days , " 320

Average gain per steer " 107

Daily gain per steer " 1 -53

Daily gain per lot 3 steers " 4 -.59

Gross cost of feed. . . . .' $ 31 68

Cost of 100 lbs. gain 9 90

Cost of steers, 2,510 lbs. at $4 per lUO lbs., less 5 per cent. 96 40

Total cost to produce beef 128 08

Sold 2,830 lbs. at $4.75 per 100 lbs., less 5 per cent. ... 127 72

Loss 36

Net loss per steer 12

Average buying price per steer 32 13

Average selling price per steer 42 57

Average increase in value 10 44

Average cost of feed per steer 10 56

Amount of meal eaten by lot of 3 steers lbs. 1,050

Amount of ensilage and roots " 8,550

Amount of hay " 420

Amount of straw eaten and bedded " 3,654

Meal consisted of bran, 122 lbs.; gluten, 693 lbs., and oil meal, 235 lbs.

REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURIST 79

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

BABY BEEF.

Some further work has been done in the production of beef from steers ready for
the block at an early age.

Below follow reports upon two lots dropped in 1907.

STEER CALF EXPERIMENTS.

Limited Orowing Ration Lot.

Lot 1, Droppal May, 1907.

Number of steers in lot 5

First weight, gross, March 31, 1908 lbs. 2,520

First weight, average. . . . ' " 504

Finished weight, gross " 4,935

Finished weight, average " 987

Total gain in 393 days " 2,415

Average gain per steer " 483

Daily gain per steer *' 1-23

Daily gain per lot 5 steers " 6 -15

Gross cost of feed $132 92

Cost of 100 lbs. gain 5 50

Cost of steers: Value March 31, 1908 100 00

Total cost to produce beef 232 92

Sold 4,935 lbs. at $4.75 per 100 lbs., less 5 per cent. ... 222 72

Loss on lot 10 20

Loss per steer 2 04

Average valuation per steer 20 00

Average selling price per steer ; 44 54

Average increase in value 24 54

Average cost of feed for steer 26 58

Amount of meal eaten by 5 steers lbs. 4,585

Amount of ensilage and roots •' 41,915

Am-ount of hay " 3,535

Full fattening ration lot.

Lot 2— Dropped May, 1907.

Number of steers in lot 6

First weight, gross, April 1, 1908 lbs. 3,560

First weight, average " 593 -3

Finished weight, gross, Jan. 16, 1909 " 6,370

Finished weight, average " 1,061*7

Total gain in 290 days " 2,810

Average gain per steer •■ 468*3

Daily gain per steer " 1*61

Da^-iy gain per lot 6 steers '• 9*66

Gross cost of feed $ 169 25

Cost of 100 pounds gain 6 02 ,

Cost of steers: cost up to March 31, 1908 140 39

Total cost to produce beef 309 64

Sold 6,370 pounds at $5.35 per 100 pounds 340 80

Profit 31 16

Net profit per steer 5 19

Average value, March 31, 1908 23 40

80 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

Average selling price per steer $ 56 80

Average increase in value 33 40

Average cost of feed per steer 43 90

Amount of meal eaten by lot of 6 steers lbs, Y,192

Amtunt of ensilage and roots " 59,823

Amount of hay " 6,162

Meal eaten consisted of bran, 2298-5 pounds; gluten, 4204-5 pounds; oil meal, 185
pounds; corn, 504 pounds.

LIFE HISTORIES.

Below are summarized the experiments with calves dropped in 1907. All parti-
culars from birth to block are given. ,

LIMITED GROWING RATION LOT.

Dropped, 1907.

Number of steers in lot 5

First weight, gross, May 1, 1907 lbs. 420

First weight, average " 84

Finished weight, gross, April 26, 1909 " 4,935

Finished weight, average " 987

Total gain in 729 days. . . .- " 4,515

Average gain per steer 903

Daily gain per steer " 1-24

Daily gain per lot 5 steers " 6 -20

Gross cost of feed " $ 207 96

Cost of 100 pounds gain 4 66

Cost of steers, $5 each 25 00

Total cost to produce beef 232 96

Sold 4,935 pounds at $4.75 per 100 pounds, less 5 p.c. . . . 222 72

Loss on lot 10 24

Loss per steer 2 05

Average buying price per steer 5 00

Average selling price per steer 44 54

Average increase in value 39 54

Average cost of feed per steer 41 59

Amount of meal eaten by lot of 5 steers lbs. 6,735 •?

Amount of ensilage and roots, mixed " 63,055

Amount of roots -. " 3,710

Amount of hay " 6,565

Amount of straw eaten " 1,120

Meal consisted of bran, 1,882-5 pounds; oil meal, 1,207 pounds; gluten meal,
2,928 pounds; oats, 563:2 pounds; corn, 155 pounds.

Full fattening ration lot.

Dropped, 1907.

Number of steers in lot 6

First weight, gross, May 1, 1907 lbs. 640

First weight, average " 106

Finished weight, gross, Jan. 16, 1909 " 6,370

Finished weight, average " 1,061*7

Total gain in 626 days " 6,730

REPORT OF TEE AGRICULTURIST 81

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Average gain per steer lbs. 955

Daily gain per steer " 1 -52

Daily gain per lot of steers 9:12

Gross cost of feed $ 279 64

Cost of 100 pounds gain 4 88

Cost of steers, $5 each. . . .' 30 GO

Total cost to produce beef 309 64

Sold 6,370 pounds at $5.35 per 100 pounds 340 80

Profit on lot 31 16

Net profit per steer 5 19

Average buying price per steer 5 00

Average selling price per steer 56 80

Average increase in value 51 80

Average cost of feed for steer 46 60

Amount of meal eaten by lot of 6 steers , .lbs. 11,201

Amount of ensilage " 83,342

Amount of roots " 10,796

Amount of hay " 9,653

Amount of straw eaten " 1,522

Amount of skim milk " ' 9,828

Meal consisted of oats, 679 pounds; oil meal, 523 pounds; bran, 4,095 pounds;
gluten, 5.043 pounds ; corn, 861 pounds.

CALVES DROPPED IN 1908.

The calves secured in 1908 were not dropped till June, hence are about a month
younger than usual at this date, and are accordingly somewhat lighter weights. Only
one lot of five was secured.

STEER CALVES.

(Dropped June. 1908.)

Number of steers in lot 5

First weight, gross, June 15, 1908 Ihs. 545

First weight, average " 109

Finished weight, gross, March 31, 1009 '' 2,475

Finished weight, average " 405

Total gain in 290 days " 1,980

Average gain per steer " 396

Daily gain per steer " 1-36

Daily gain per lot 5 steers ** 'J -80

Gross cost of feed $ 75 50

Cost of 100 lbs. gain 3 81

Cost of steers : $5 each 25 00

Total cost to produce beef 100 50

Averag3 cost of feed per steer 15 10

Amount of meal eaten by lot of 5 steers lbs. 2,080

Amount of ensilage and roots " 15,753

Amount of hay " 1,815

Amount of straw eaten and bedded " 6,170

Amount skim milk " 8,533

Amount whole milk " 750

Meal consisted of bran, 607-1 lbs.; oats, 234-1 lbs.; oil meal, 499-2 lbs., and
gluten meal, 739-6 lbs.
16—6

82

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

During the year 1908-9 a large number of pigs have been bred and fed. Feed
prices have been high and pork prices rather low, but financial results have been fairly
satisfactory.

FEEDING OLD BROOD SOWS.

The practice of wintering sows outside, with no protection save small single board
cabins wherein to sleep, and feeding them very largely on roots and clover hay, has
been continued, with very satisfactory results. A statement as to the kinds and
amoi;nts of feeds, fed a bunch of 27 brood sows, is submitted below.

The estimated cost of feeding sows is made up by charging the following prices
for feeds : —

Bran $20 00 per ton.

Eoots 2 00 "

Shorts 20 00 "

Clover hay 7 00 "

COST OF WINTERING 27 BROOD SOWS.

Period.

From Nov. 1 to Nov. 30, 'OS

From Nov. 30 to Dec. 31, '08

From Dec. 31, '08, to Jan. 31, '09 .
From Jan. 31, '09 to Feb. 28, '09. .
From Fub. 28 to March 31, '09

No.

of

days.

30
31
31
28
13

Amount of feed consumed

Bran.

lbs.

1,400
1,200
1,350
1,210
800

Shorts.

lbs.

460
700
710
605
400

Roots.

lbs.

10,420

11,020

8.400

4,200

Clover
Hay.

lbs.

300
1^50
600
300

Totnl

cost of

feed.

25 35
?,2 82
3ii 33
30 76
18 65

Cost
per pig.

93
1 21
1 34
1 13

69

Cost
per
dav.

cts.

■1

•9

3

0

•3

* Refuse, tops, etc., at .?5.00.

Total number of days

Total tost of feed

Average cost y.er pig

Average cost per pig per day .

133

.$113 91

5 33

04

FEEDING YOUNG BROOD SOWS.

Old sows may usiially be fed on cheap rough feeds as indicated above. Young
sows, however, must receive a more liberal ration, and to a bunch of 25 young sows
fed outside and sleeping in small cabins, as in the case of old sows, it was found
necessary to feed rations considerably more liberal as to meal, in order to keep pigs
in uniform, thrifty, growing condition.

FEEDING EXPERHfENTS.

A n\uiiber of feeding experiments were conducted during the year. One is
reported below. The aim of this experiment was to gain some idea as to the compara-
tive value of gluten. Imperial (food flnur), and a mixture of oats, oil meal and Tmperia',
as meals to lend strength or weight to a finishing-off mixture. Incidentally it was
attempted to gain some data as to the value of potatoes when added to such rations
as are described below.

The whole feeding period was divided into three parts. This was done to permit
of the study of the values of feeds, &c., when no disturbing influence such as the
change from soTne other feed at first, or the variation in rate of grain due to satiety or
finishing-oflf at the end.

The different feeds were valued as follows : Barley, $27 per ton ; bran, $2() per
ton; gluten, $28 per ton; Imperial (feed flour), $32 per ton; oats, $2G per ton; oil
meal, $32 per ton, and small potatoes, $2 per ton.

REPORT OF TEE AGRICULTURIST

83

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

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84

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e-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

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SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

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86 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

The great value of a change in diet, especially if of a palatable character and
warmed \ip as in this case, is shown by a study of the following statement, prepared
from the last table: —

FINISHING PERIOD STATEMENT.

Total number of pigs 60

Total weight commencing lbs. 8,096

Average weight commencing " 161 '9

Total weight finishing " 8,757

Average weight finishing " 175 •!

Total gain in 7 days " 661

Average gain per pig " 13-2

Average gain per pig per day " 1 -88

Total amount of meal " 1,723

Total amount of potatoes " 1,723

Total cost of food for 7 days $24 07

Cost of 100 lbs. gain live weight 3 79

FINANCIAL STATEIIENT.

Below are submitted inventories and returns from the various classes of live stock
under my charge during the year April 1, 1908, to March 31, 1909.

Class.

Horses

Breeding Cattle

Steers

Sheep

Swine

Total

April 1, 1908.

No.

19

95
43
42

r.)9

.396

Value.

cts.

12,125 00

2,005 00

584 00

2,42G 00

17,140 00

April 1, 1909.

No.

19

123

30

31

130

328

Value.

$ cts.

14,615 OC

950 00

690 00

2,617 00

18,872 00

Returns.

Value.

$ cts.

3,944 94
4,497 39
3,729 23
105 30
2,744 47

15,021 33

Gross returns

made up of

increase

in value, value

of producta

and value of

animals sold.

$ cts.

3,944 94
G,987 39
2,673 63
211 30
2,935 47

10,752 73

SUMMARY OF LIVE STOCK OPERATIONS.

Returns.

Gross returns from animals of all classes, including value of products,

values of services and increases in value of young stock $16,752 73

Manure, 1,400 tons at $1 per ton 1,400 00

Total $18,152 73

Expenditure — Value of food consumed.

Meal, grain, &c $ 5,840 09

Hay at $7 per ton •. . 1,228 39

Roots and ensilage at $2 per ton 1,339 76

Vv^hole milk, 25,305 pounds at $1 per cwt. 253 05

Skim milk, 58,300 pounds at 20 cents per cwt 116 78

Straw, 140 tons at $6 per ton 840 00

Total cost of feed and straw $ OfAS 07

REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURIST 87

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Cost of labour in connection vith care of horses, cattle, sheep and
swine : —

Herdsman $ 720 00

One man 600 00

Three men at $528 1,584 00

Two men at $500 1,000 00

Extra help, teaming, ijcc 230 00

4,134 00

Total expenditure 13,752 07

Balance •. 4,401 66

Less cost of steers and new stock purchased, 1908-9 680 50

Net balance 3,721 16

SUMMARY OF FARMING AND LIVE STOCK OPERATIONS ON 200-ACRE FARJl, 1908.

Bcturns.

Total value of returns from fields .$ 3,615 93

Total value of returns from live stock 18,152 73

Total returns 21,768 Q'd

Expenditure.

Total cost of field operations $ 2,891 00

Total cost of live stock operations 13,752 07

Expended, buying stock 6»0 5(..

Total expenditure $17,323 57

Balance $ 4,445 09

88

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A, 1910

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REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURIST 89

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

The variety of crops grown and the varymg areas under each crop each year,
make it quite difficult to make a comparison of the returns of the different years, so
to simplify matters I would suggest that a fixed valuation be put upon the products
and the return of each year valued accordingly.

Fixing prices as follows: — Grain, $1 per 100 pounds; roots and ensilage, $2 per
ton; hay, $7 per ton; summering cattle, $8 per season; and an area used as pasture
for pigs, $15 per acre ; the returns from the ' 200-acre farm ' for the years mentioned
may be said to have been worth $2,776.66 in 1899; $4,110.21 in 1900; $4,434.72 in 1901;
$4,787.14 in 1902; $4,148.19 in 1903; $4,741.09 in 1904; $5,714.32 in 1905; $4,669.16
in 1906; $4,931.94 in 1907, and $4,631.33 in 1908.

Prices for all kinds of forage in 1908 were so very high that, had market prices
been allowed for the crop of 1908, the total value would have been much higher.

EEMARKS ON ROTATION EXPERIMENTS.

The true farmer will ever have two objects in view when managing his farm: to
so manage as to gradually but surely increase the margin of profit and, at the same
li.me, render his farm more productive. Many factors will necessarily unite to produce
such desirable results, but of one feature we may be certain, there will be followed on
such a farmer's farm a regular rotation of crops, for no other single practice in farm
management can compare with this in importance. The rotation or rotations adopted
will, of course, depend upon the line of farming followed, and to some extent upon the
character of the soil and the physical peculiarities of the farm as a unit, but a rota-
tion there will be.

Crop rotation means a certain succession of crops which regularly repeats itself
each time the course is run. It really means further, that the crops follow each
other in such order as to insure each having such supplies of plant food of such a
character as to aid in securing good returns from each particular crop.

Hence, in arranging a rotation, it is very necessary to have some knowledge of
the food requirements of different crops and to know something of the values of the
residues from the different crops included. Certain forage crops such as corn, roots,
potatoes and hay require an immense amount of food for stem, leaf and roof produc-
tion— that is an abundance of nitrates, as is found in clover or other sod turned
down, and in well-manured lands. Other crops, such as cereals, can get along best
with a lighter supply of nitrates but need more phosphates, hence do welPafter som.e
forage crop has taken up the superabundance of free nitrates found after sod. It is
evident, therefore, that a good rotation will include (1) meadow or pasture, (2) roots
or corn, and (3) some cereal crop.

Various combinations of these three classes are possible, and the natural aim of
experimental woi'k with rotations will be to determine (1), the comparative vali;es of
the rotations as soil improvers, and (2) their relative suitability for difl"erent lines
of farming.

Five or six years' experience with a rotation of five years' duration showed such
remarkable results here, that in 1904 it was decided to begin an experiment that would
include a variety of rotations.

ROTATION ' A.'

First year. — Land ploughed in August, well worked, ribbed in October, seeded next
spring to oats, and 10 pounds clover sown per acre, allowed to grow one year and
turned under as fertilizer for corn.

Second year. — Corn. Manure applied in winter or spring. Shallow ploughed,
com planted.

Third year. — Grain seeded down, 8 pounds red clover, 2 pounds alsike, 10 to 12
pounds timothy per acre.

Fourth year. — Clover hay, two crops expected.

Fifth year. — Timothy hay.

90 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

ROTATION ' B.'

First year. — Grain, land ploughed previous autumn. Seeded down, 10 pounds red
clover and 2 pounds alsike per acre.

Second year. — Clover hay, two crops expected.

Third year. — Corn, manured in winter, 20 to 25 tons per acre. Spring ploughed.

Fourth year. — Grain, seeded down red clover 10 pounds, alsike 2 pounds per acre.
Land fall-ploughed after corn, very shallow furrow.

Fifth year. — Clover hay, two crops. Late fall ploughed.

ROTATION ' E.'

First year. — Manured and handled as ' A.'

Second year. — Oats seeded down, 8 pounds red clover, 8 pounds alfalfa, 2 pounds
alsike, 8 pounds timothy per acre.
Third year. — Pasture. Cattle.

ROTATION ' z.'

First year. — Manure 12 to 15 tons per acre applied winter, shallow ploughed
in spring, well worked and planted to corn.

Second year. — Oats seeded down, 8 pounds red clover, 2 pounds alsike, 8 pounds
Alfa'fa and 8 pounds timothy per acre.

Third year. — Clover hay, two crops expected.

ROTATION ' S.'

Shallow ploughing, deep cultivation by means of stiff tooth cultivator or sub-
soiler.

First year. — Roots. Plough August, 4 inches deep, manure 15 to 20 tons per
acre, work at intervals, ridge up in fall, sow to roots in spring.

Second year. — Grain seeded down, 10 pounds red clover, 12 pounds timothy per
acre.

Third year. — Clover hay.

Fourth year. — Timothy.

ROTATION ' D.'

Deep ploughing. Manure applied 15 to 20 tons. Land ploughed late autumn 7
inches deep. Roots next spring.

Second, third and fourth year. — Same as ' S.'

ROTATION ' II.'

First year. — Manured in fall and manure ploughed in, well worked, sown to roots

next spring.

Second year. — Different grain mixtures suitable for feeding green. Different
grass seed mixtures suitable for pasture and soiling next year.

Third year. — Pasture. Swine.

ROTATION ' T.'

Sheep pasture.

Crops just as in ' S,' save that vario\is mixtures of grain and grass seeds are used
to test their value for sheep feeding and pasturing.

Four other rotations were tried for some time. They included no hoed crops,
however, and had to be discontinued as it was foimd impracticable to keep the land
f 'Vom weeds.

REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURIST 01

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

RETURNS PER ACRE,

To compare results under such varied crop and cultural conditions is a ratlier
difficult matter. The plan adopted has been to place an arbitrary and uniform valua-
tion on all products and on pasturing various classes of stock. Following this plan
the returns per acre have been about as follows, the average of four years' work: — ■

notation 'A.'
Average value of crop per acre, per annum $24 95

Rotation ' B.'
Average value of crop per acre, per annum 25 23

Rotation ' E.'
Average value of crop per acre, per annum 21 84

Rotation ' Z.'
Average value of crop per acre, per annum 26 44

Rotation ' S.'
Average value of crop per acre, per annum 28 10

Rotation ' D.'
Average value of crop per acre, per annum 28 05

Rotation ' B..'
Average value of crop per acre, per annum 28 78

Rotation ' T.'
Average value of crop per acre, per annum 20 95

PROFITS PER ACRE,

The values placed on products were, roots or silage stored, $2 per ton; hay, $7
per ton; grain, $1 per 100 pounds; oat straw, $4 per ton; pasturing cows, $1 per
month. Sheep and swine pastured, one cent per day.

In estimating cost of operation, labour is charged at prices paid, machinery is put
at 30 cents per acre, rent at $3 per acre and manure at $3 per acre.

Xet profits after paying all expenses were as follows per acre, the average of four
years : —

' A,' net profit per acre $ 9 76 .

' B,' " " 9 56

' E,' " " 6 20

' Z,' " " 10 30

' S,' " " 7 59

* D,' " " 7 43

' H.' " " 6 77

' T,' " " 3 48

92 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910
VALUES OF DIFFERENT ROTATIONS.

The averages used are for four years. A study of the various rotations would
lead one to remark upon them briefly as follows : —

Rotation ' A/ — This rotation has been in use here for 10 years and has proven to
be most excellent where carefully followed and cultural operations well performed.
Where all land was under cultivation, it would be found necessary to devote a certain
area to soiling crops. It might be extended to six years by leaving down to pasture
for two years instead of one.

Rotation ' B.' This rotation has been fairly successful here, but for certain
reasons not easily enumerated. I do not feel as though I could either criticise or praise
as yet and feel sure of my ground.

Rotation ' E.' This rotation would not be suitable for the average farmer, but
might suit the man who had to buy rough forage.

Rotation ' Z.' — This would be a most excellent rotation to put into practice
where sufficient rough land was available to serve as pasture. It is the rotation that
would most likely supply the greatest amount of forage of the very best description
for dairying or beef production. It is better suited for heavy than for light soils.

Rotation ' 8/ This is a rotation that has been in use for a number of years on
the Agricultural College Farm at Guelph, where it has given satisfactory results. It
is possibly open to the criticism of having too small a proportion of land under
grain. Where live stock is, however, the mainstay, this is a very minor fault. The
turning of a shallow furrow when ploughing sod has been found to be good practice
here when preparing for grain or corn. If preparing for roots, the regular plough with
sub-soiler is to be advised.

Rotation ' D.' This rotation is the same as rotation ' S ' so far as crops are con-
cerned. The results so far obtained show no advantage in favour of either shallow
ploughing and deep cultivation or deep ploughing.

Rotation ' H.' The area devoted to pigs (some 10 acres) xrhpve this rotation is
followed has given very satisfactory returns, and would, I feel confident, prove profit-
able to any who tried it.

Rotation ' T.' — Sheep. The returns from this rotation are not strictly compar-
able with those frcm the others since many side-experiments materially affect the
results. It has, however, proven very satisfactory for this class of stock.

As already stated, the rotation experiments have been under way for four years
now. Three out of the four years have been what might be called ' lean years ' in
the Ottawa Valley, hence these rotations can hardly be said to have yet shown what
they are capable of doing in the way of influencing crop production.

- The few facts given above are, however, strictly comparable each with the others,
excepting possibly ' T ' or sheep, where some rather disturbing conditions have been
introduced.

ROTATION EXPERIMENT.

The experiment to determine the values of different rotations as discussed above
is being followed up, and below the detailed report of the labour on each plot, and
the retnrn therefrom, will be found some brief notes on each field and on the rotation
as a whole.

REPORT OF TEE AGRICULTURIST 93

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

The rotations are as follows : —

Rotation 'A.' Five years clover hay, timothy hay, grain, corn, grain.

Rotation ' B.' Five years, clovej* hay, grain, clover hay, corn, grain.

Rotation ' E.' Three years, pasture, corn, grain.

Rotation ' Z.' — Three years, clover hay, corn, grain.

Rotation ' 8.' Four years, shallow ploughing, clover hay, timothy hay, roots,
grain.

Rotalion ' D.' Four years, deep ploughing, clover hay, timothy hay, roots, grain.

Rotation ' H.' Throe years, hog pastvire, roots, grain or soiling crop.

Rotation ' T.' Four years, sheep pasture, roots and soiling crop, grain, clover
hay.

In the descriptions of the rotations and fields that follow an effort is made to
give as concisely as possible, the location of each field, its size, the chai'acter of its
soii. its drainage and its general crop-history.

In the tables will be found all items of exp^diture. The manure is applied in
the same ratio to each field in each rotation. To illustrate : if to the corn land in
rotation ' Z ' 15 tons of manure per acre is applied; this is equivalent to 5 tons per
acre per annum, as ' Z ' is a three-year rotation. Then in applying manure to ' B,'
25 tons would be applied, as ' B ' is a five-year rotation. Since manure must vary
slightly in quantity each year, $3 per annum per acre is charged in each rotation.

COMPARATIVE VALUES OF ROTATIONS ON STOCK FARMS,

Supposing the average animal of the bovine species to consume 2,000 pounds
per annum, which, valued at prices given above, would amount to $37, a rough idea of
the relative value for stockmen of the different rotations may be arrived at.

94

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910
ROTATION

Location.

Description op Soil.

0
<

Crops.

Lot.

m

i

>>

-a

i

i

0

p. C.

0
S
0

m

>
0

id
1

w

p.c.

2
c

a

a

a

0

V
•n

3

r:!

.s s

Al

W.S. 3

L.S.I

A.S.14

W.P.G.S.1.

F.S. 1

F.S. 3

P.O.

30
30
10

{70

p. c.

45
65
15

20

35

p. c.

"5

20
10
30

p. c.
25

P.O.

Ac.

9-96

8-90

10-20

915

9-63

1907.
Grain . .

1908.

Haj^

Grain

Hay

Corn

Grain

$ cts.

59 76

53 40
61 20

54 90

57 78

$ eta.
12 95

A 2

Corn

Hay

13 60

A3

20
10

15

». . .

15

10

20

13 26

A 4 ]■

A 5

Grain

Hay

14 64
14 68

Aggregate. . .

Average per acre

47-84

287 04

G9 14

1.00

6 00

1 44

Average for f o\ir vears .

6 00

1 59

ROTATION

Bl

W.S. 4

L.S. 2

A.S. 15....
W.P.G.S.2.

F.S. 2

5
20
20
20

35

70
60
60
30

5

"5
15
30

50
5

40

5

5

15

5

10 00

8 82
10 20

9 15
9 93

Grain

Corn.. .

Grain ....

Hay

Hay

Hay

Grain

Hay

Corn

Grain

00 00

15! R8

B2

52 92i 1.^ fi.^

B3

61 20
54 90

59 58

288 60

13 26

B4

17 69

B6

15 31

Aggregate

48 10

72 77

Average per acre

1 00

6 00

1 51

Average for foar vear.'!

6 00

1 52

Rotation ' A.'

This rotation of five years' duration includes grain, hay (two years), grain and
com or roots, in the order named. The grain crop mentioned first comes after corn.
iWith the first crop of grain is sown 10 pounds red clover, one pound alsike and 10
pounds timothy per acre. The field is left in hay for two years, then in August of the
second year it is ploughed and cultivated at intervals till Octolier, when it is ridged
up and left till next spring. Oats are sown on this field, and with them red clover
seed at the rate of 10 pounds per acre. This clover is allowed to grow for something
over a year, or until corn-seeding ti.nie tlie following spring, when it is turned under
with a shallow 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 have not been very satisfactory this year. On ' Al ' a
crop of hay was grown. On ' A2 ' the crop grown was oats. The summer being very
dry, the crop was light. 'A3' was under hay and gave a fair crop. The season being
very dry, only one crop was harvested off each hay field. ' A4 ' was under corn and
gave a very light crop on account of dry weather; a large part of ' A4 ' is sandy soil.
' A5 ' gave a very light crop of grain, due entirely to lack of moisture.

REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURIST

95

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16
'A'

Items of Expense in Raising Crop in 1908.

Particulars of Crop in 1908.

Manual
Labour.

Horse Labour.

a
"-5

S
o

3

o
H

<
U

s

o

$ cts.

210 47

11 84

9 95

24 5G

14 92

C5

03

i3

c

8

6

Is

>

-♦J

0

H

i.

c^

£.
o

o
>

00

©

OS

a

Ot-H

.a
Q

a O

M

E

'$

CO

§

w

Hrs

54
95
30

12H

1994

500

10-4

9-48

CO

0

w

3 eS

0)

o

2

Hrs.

82

$ cts.

13 66

3 58
17 00

24 50

3 33

Hrs

7
2
4

9

2

24
0-5

5-88

$ cts.

17 85
29 03
10 00

39 57

63 74

160 19

§ cts.
"5'68

4 24

$ cts.

104 32

103 26
101 46

224 87

143 77

Lbs.

Lbs.

Lbs.
60,810

Lbs.

$ cts.

212 83
130 83
184 33

269 73

114 54

.$ cts.

21 46
14 70
18 26

29 48

11 89

$ cts.
10 99

21i

102

147

20

10,760
7,218

11,612

9,182

2 86

52,640

269,730
* 16, 000

8 31
4 92
3 03

3721

61 97

9 92

677 68

17,978

20,794

113,450

285,730

912 56

95 79

30 11

7-7

1 29

3 37

20

14 10

376

434

2,371

5,972

19 07

2 00

63

16 9

2 59

4 45

26

14 94

595

845

2,452

6,288

23 48

B'

734

20

12 24

3 33

11 75

60 83

3 17

10

2

14

15

2

30|

80|

4l|

2764

176|

11 65
28 37
15 95
86 76
56 39

"s'si

96 77
103 76
102 16
222 18
134 45

9 68
11 75
10 01
24 28
13 54

46,980

164 50
113 04
217 28
237 11

106 72

16 45

12 80
21 30
25 91

10 74

6 77

9,375

9,645

1 05

7Qi
365

62,080

' 237',il0
*6,000

11 L9

1 63

19

7,674
17,049

10,496

2 80

548

91 32

43

6O54

199 12

5 51

659 32

20,1*1

109,060
2,267

243,110

838 65

87 20

23 54

11-3

1 90

89

1259

4 12

11

13 70

354

418

5,054

17 43

23 28

>

1 81

49

17?

2 75

6-5

8-8

4 48

•29

15 14

576

1,007

2,534

5,759

**Green Feed.

Rotation ' B.'

This rotation of five years' duration includes grain, hay and corn or roots in the
order named, the first crop of grain following a crop of corn or roots. Red clover 10
pounds, alsikc 1 pound and timothy 5 pounds, is sown with the grain each time grain
is sown. When grain follows hay, the land is ploughed in the early fall. When corn
follows hay the land is ploughed in the spring, the spring growth of grass and clover
being ploughed in along with the manure which will have been applied during the
preceding winter.

The crops on this rotation were rather unsatisfactory. A large part of ' Bl *
consists of black muck, and hay, did not do well thereon this year. On ' B2 ' the
grain suffered from the dry sununer. Off ' B3 ' was harvested a good crop of mixed
luiy. ' B4 ' gave a small crop of corn on account of dry weather. The quality was
excellent. ' B5 ' gave a very light crop of grain.

96

EXPERIMEXTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910
ROTATION

Location.

Descbiption of Soil.

<

Lot.

•

a

S
1

1

J

-a

O
p. c.

P.O.

o

S

o

cS

m

p. c.

>
O

p. c.

i

a.
p. c.

Crops.

6

3

a

1

Seed, twine and use of
machinery.

D.l

E. G. P. S. 2
E. G. P. S. 4
E. G. P. S. C
E. G. P. S. 8

P.O.

20

20
30
fiO

P.O.

80
80
70
40

Ac.

2
2

2
2

1907.

Roots

Grain

Hay

n

1908.

Grain

Hay

ti . ...
Roots

$ cts.

12 00
12 00
12 00
12 00

S cts.
3 08

D.2

60

]). 3

D. 4

.■'."■.

—

210

200

Aggrega

te

8

4800

S-38

-

Average per acre in 19(
Average for four vears

)8

1

600

1 04

%

600

119

ROTATION

S. 1

E. G. P. S. 1
E. G. P. S. 3
E. G. P. S. 5
E. G. P. S. 7

20
20
30
GO

80
80
70
40

2

2
2
2

Roots

Grain ....
Hay

1) ......

Grain

Hay

1

Roots ....

12 00
12 00
12 00
12 00

308

S. 2

S. 3

••

110
210

S. 4

2-CO

Aggrega

te

8

48 00

8-88

Average per acre in 190
Average for four vf^ars.

8

1

600

111

600

1-21

Rotation ' D.'
(Deep Ploughing.)

This rotation is of four years' duration, and inchides gi-ain, two-years' hay, roots.

The grain crop follows roots, the root land being ploughed to a dei^th of about
seven inches, after the roots are harvested in the fall. With the grain is sown 10
pounds red clover, 1 pound alsike and 10 pounds timothy seed per acre. The clovei
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 deep seven-inch furrow.

' D2 ' and ' D3 ': These two plots were under hay this year; they gave fairly good
crops. ' D4: ' : This plot like its fellovN- ' S4,' was under roots. The mangel seed came
up well, but only a small crop was harvested on account of extreme drought.

' Dl ' : This i^lot was under oats.

Owing to the very dry season the root crop on ' Dl ' shows a loss on work, &c.

REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURIST

97

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16
•D.'

Items of Expense in Raising

Crop in 1908

•

Particulars of Cfiop in 1908.

Manual
labour.

Horse labour.

9

<

ce

"5d

u

©
©
1—1

3

s

,

o

bo

d

c

a

CM

4J

m
o

bb

4^

£

<

CO

§

'en

C

13

a5

3

O

O

£

<

^ ^

OJ

?

o

_c

B

o

>

o

O

o

-1

3 0

O

2

J3

o

OQ

o

c3

^

3

o

o

»

O

Hrs

Hrs

>

H

H

U

o

XII

M

pd

H

!>

Ah

Hrs.

$ cts.

$ cts.

$ cts.

$ cts.

$ cts.

Lbs.

Lbs.

Lbs.

Lbs.

$ cts.

$ cts.

•? cts.

6

1-00
3-17

2-83

1
3
U

191
9
5

8-73
3-45

1-88

1-38

26-44
20-72
18-81

13-22

10-36

9-40

2,3.56

2,674

28-90
36-26
37-80

14-45
18-13
18-90

1-23

19

10,360
10,820

7-77

17

9 -.50

1434

21-53

20
25i
3
6 9

70i
103S

13
10-7

26-15

62-28

31 14

....

59,8i6

59,810

7,476

10,041

59-81

29-90

*l-24

185^

28-53

40-21

1-38

128 25

2,356

2,674

21,180

162-77

81-38

23

3-56

5-02

-17

16-03

269

335

2,647

20-34

10-17

37-7

6 71

5-26

•19

19 46

727

599

3,150

26 12

. . . .

Loss.

'S.'

6
19

17

100

3-16

28-3

22-42

1

2|

14

20'

25

3

8

274
9
5

674

109
13

8-98

3-32

1 87

25-25

1-32

25-06
20-58
18-80
62-27

12-53

10-29

9.40

31 14

2,245

2,585

riJ470
10,945

55",566
55,500

27-62
40 05
38-50
55-50

13-81
20-03
19 25
27-75

•57
9-74

9-85

1494

*3-38

191i

29-41

49-42

1-32

126-71

2,245

2,585
323

22,415
2,802
3,189

161-67

80-84

24

3-67

6-17

-17

15-84

280

6,937

9,985

20-21

10-00

45-7

6-74

10 6

5-47

-19

19-38

675

602

26-14

Rotation ' 8.'
(Sballo-w Ploughing.)

This rotation is four years' duration, and includes grain, two-years' hay, roots.

The grain crop follo-ws roots, the root-land being ploughed (or cultivated) to a
depth of about four inches after the roots are harvested in the fall. With the grain
is sown 10 pounds red clover, 1 pound alsike and 10 pounds 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 four-inch furrow. If
manure is applied before ploughing, a subsoiler should be attached to the plough to
loosen up the subsoil to a depth of 8 or 9 inches. If manure is not applied, thisi end
is attained by means of a strong deep-reaching cultivator after the sod has rotted in
the fall, or the next spring.

* S2 ' and ' S3 ': These two plots were under hay this year. They gave fairly good
crops.

' 84 ' like its fellow ' D4 ' was under roots. The mangel seed came up well, but
only a small crop was harvested on account of drought.

' SI ': This plot was under oats.

Owing to the very dry season the root crop on ' S4 ' shows a loss on work, &c.

16—7

98

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910
ROTATION

Location.

Description of Soil.

Crops.

Lot.

S

p. c

40
10
30

1

§
p. C.

40
60
60

1

o

^
0

s

OS

s

>
0

i

u

cS

f4

0

p

H

c £

Is

E. 1

H. S. 1

L. S. 4

Moon

p. c.
■5"

y. c.

15
20

p. c.
5

p. C.

p. c.

Ac.

14 00
13-75
14-00

1907.

Corn

Pasture

Grain

1908.

Grain

Corn

Pasture

§ Cts.

84 00
82 50
84 00

$ cts.
21 56

E. 2..,.

21 27

E. 3

25 57

'

Aggrega

te

41 75

250 50

68 40

Average per acre.

1

6 00

1 64

Averao^e frtr fmir vpsir..

6 00

1 86

ROTATION

Z. 1.
Z. 2.
Z. 3.

W. S. 2.
L. S. 3 .
Obs. S..

40

40

15

5

10

60

io

20

10

60

20

16

....

Aggregate

Average per acri

Average for four years.

6-00 Corn .
5-8l!Hay..
4 2 Grain

10 01

Grain | 36 00

Corn 34 86

Hay 25 20

96 06

6 00

6 00

9 36
9 45
5 45

24 26

1 51

1 82

Botation ' E/

This 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 pounds red clover, 1 pound
alsike clover, 5 pounds alfalfa and 5 x>ounds timothy seed per acre. If weather permit-s,
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,
pasture is charged at $1 per month per cow. At this rate, the returns fall very far
short of what would have been the returns if a hay crop had been harvested, if we may
judge by the returns from ' Z3.' 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. It was expected that the
corn crop after the pasture would in a measure make up for the difference in favour
of the no-pasture rotation 'Z,' but the returns are on the whole a good deal short
of those from ' Z.'

Corn follows the pasture. Manure is applied durinsr the fall and winter and
turned under with the growth of clover and grass in the spring. Crops were all light
ir: 190S.

REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURIST

99

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16
•E.'

Items of Expense in Raising

Crop in 1908

•

Particulars op Crop in 1908.

Manual
labour.

Horse labour.

2

QO

"

0

»

<

T-H

r2

S

QJ

aj

d

i

'S

CO

c3 .
1)

H

U

0

K

O 3
O

tab

s

o
O

1-
o

OI

S

o

a

OS

0.
0

u

0

0

0.

O

6

5W

6

-3^

-3
o

CO

O

a

c3

0

0

'3

0

(0

g

^

Q

W

Hrs

>

H

H

a

0

00

W

tf

H

^

Ph

Hrs.

§ cts.

Hra

$ cts.

% cts.

$ cts.

$ cts.

Lbs.

Lbs.

Lbs.

Lbs.

$ cts.

$ cts.

$ cts.

44

7 33

3i

135

46 65

10 24

170 78

12 19

17,421

23,529'

221 2o

15 80

3 61

407

67 82

60"

343

122 67

294 26
109 57

21 40
7 83

357,49

;^57 43
100 00

25 95
7 15

4 57
* 67

478
11-44

451

75 15

C3^
152
3 44

589 32

10 24

574 61

. . . .

17,421

23,529

357,430

678 68

48 90

10 79

1 79

1 88

14 11

24

13 7G

417

565

81,563

16 25

1 17

17-53

9 3

6 79

■ 37

15 18

539

785

8,176

20 44

.. .

* Loss.

19

3 16

35 00

1 65

2
10

4

62
135

7

21 23

41 67

3 10

3 50

73 75

123 48

44 55

12 21
21 24
10 61

5,954

. 7,246

74 02
156 21

12 34

26 88
78 26

13

210

156,210

5 64

11

22,360
22,360

8 02

240

39 81

16
•99

204
12-7

7-9

66 00

3 50

241 28

5,954

7,246

156,210

230 23
14 38

117 48

13 79

1-49

2 49

4 16

21

15 07

372

452

1,396

9,757

7 33

86

53

2 97

3 79

18

12 35

485

766

2,038

9,689

23 42

7 94

Rotation ' Z!

This 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 during the fall or during
the -winter and spring, and the clover allowed to grow up through it, so facilitating
the turning under the whole mass of manure and spring growth and late fall growth
of clover, a few days before the corn is to be sovra. The furrow turned is quite shal'ow,
about five inches deep, and the land is then disc-harrowed, and the corn sown in rows
42 inches apart. It receives, later, the usual cultivation and care.

Grain follows corn, the land having been ploughed in the fall. With the grain
there is sown 10 pounds red clover, 1 pound alsike and 5 pounds timothy seed. The
bay 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
sufficient rough land for pasture, or to one desirous of keeping as many cattle as
possible on the land at his disposal, supposing him willing to grow roots and corn.
Crops all light in 1908.

16— 7^

100

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910
ROTATION

Location.

Description of Soil.

eS
_C
c3

Ac.

3-35
3 15
2-85

Lot.

72

s

a
a

S
>i

3

p. c.

20
20
50

s

p. c.

10
10
20

o
o

CS
1 — I

>

•
Crops.

Rent and manure.

Seed, twine and use of
maohinery.

H. 1

H. S. 1

H. S. 2

H. S. 3

p. C.

■ 30
25
10

p. c.

40
45

20

p. c.

p. c.

p. c.

1907.

Pasture

Roots

Oat hay

1908.

Roots

Oat bay

Pasture

$ cts.

20 10
18 90
17 10

$ cts.
2 50

H. 2.

4 09

H. 3

—

...

2 85

Aggregate

9-35

50 10

9 44

Average per acre in 1908

1 00

6 00

1 0)

Aver-iffe for four ve

ars

6 00

1 00

-

ROTATION

T. 1

S. S. 1

S. S. 2

S. S. 3

S. S. 4

10
15

15

90

85
100

85

1-51
2-44
3-27

3-50

Pasture

Hay & past'e

Green crop

& mangels

Oat&pea h'y

Roots

Hay

Hay & i)ast'e
H^iy

9 06
14 64

19 62
21 00

1 98

T 2

3 19

T. 3

T. 4

4 25

14 00

Aggregate

10 72

64 32

23 42

Average per acre in 1908

1-00

G 00

2 18

Averawe for four ve.iir.-s .

6 00

1 44

Rotation ' 11.'
(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 receive
the usual cultivation and are of varied character, including mangels, sugar mangels,
sugar beets and turnips, devoted to pork production for the most part, the 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 a.mount possible of consumption by pigs is charged to the
cattle at $2 per ton and tlie returns used to purchase meal for pork production.

The pasture area is divided into several parts, the seed being sown, as far as
possible, 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 growth is not Avasted.

' Hi ' : This field was this year under roots, mangels, sugar beets and sugar
mangels. Crop was very light.

' H2 ' : This crop was in oat hay.

*H3': This plot was used for pasture.

REPORT OF TEE AGRICULTURIST

101

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16
'H.'

Items of Expense in Raising Crop

IN 1908

•

Particulahs <

DF Crop in 1908.

Manual
Labour.

Horse Labour.

i.

00

o

6

<!

o

T-l

CO

Is

'Sb

fi

a)

^

S-i

a

3

3

a

ce.

2

•:-

ft

03

O

m

si

si

<4J

o
W

bb

o

o

cS

T-l

t

1

3
<

o o

^^

?:

^%

a

'5

o
O

s

S

cS

>

o

Si

^

OJ^

fl

^

OT

05

+=

S

s

o

o

Si

H

C8

1

6

r '§

o
o

Lbs.

a

>

cn

2
(1^

Hrs.

$ cts.

Hrs

His

$ Cts.

$ cts.

$ Cts.

$ cts.

Lbs.

Lbs.

Lbs.

$ Cts.

$ cts.

$ cts.

261

39 15

59

94

42 95'

104 70

31 25

80,720

80 80

24 11

*7 14

10

1 67

1

60

6

6 21

30
124

10 93

35 .59
19 95

11 30
7 00

63,000

63 00
42 75

20 00
15 00

8 70

8 CO

271

40 82

53 88' . . .

160 24

146,720
15,059

186 55

59 11

29

4 36

13-2
9-2

5 76i

17 35

....

19 95

6 00

44 3

6 79

4 41 ...

17 53

84

166

840

18,762

26 27

* Loss.

t rp >

165

24 75
4 00

3 33

1 00

38
4

2i

24

47

67

50

130i

12-2

8-9

20 60
3 55

15 62
2 12

60 84
25 38

42 82
31 00

39 76
10 40

13 09

8 85

60,250

60 50
42 09

44 35

55 72

39 53
17 25

13 55
15 92

* 23

24

12,025

4,100
15,925

32,050

0 85

20
6

47

7 07

215

33 08

49 89

160 04

60,250

202 66

86 25

14 62

20

3 08

4 3
61

4 65

14 93

2,989

5,620

18 90

8 04

32

4 69

4 18

16 10

_

424

1,S25

9,051

20 43

Loss.

Rotation ' T.'
(Sheep Farm.

This rotation of four years' duration includes roots, grain, hay and pasture.

The area devoted to sheep farming is rather limited: about 10-72 acres. This
area is not included in the ' 200-acre farm.' The whole field has been, for several
years, devoted to pasturing sheep, but it has been divided into four rather unequal
fields susceptible of further subdivision, and devoted to a rotation considered suitable
for sheep.

The root field is devoted to white turnips, Swedes, cabbage, kohl rabi, thousand-
headed kale, rape, &c. It comes after the pasture, the land being manured and ploughed
in the fall.

Grain follows on 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
as soiliug 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, Brome grass {B ramus inennis) and timothy are the clovers and
grasses used.

The crops on this rotation were very light this year.

102

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910
CROPS OUTSIDE THE ROTATION EXPERIMENTS.

Besides the crops and fields reported upon below, there were grown upon the ' 200-
aere farm' 4 acres of mangels and 8 acres of corn. A statement of the financial side
of this 12 acres of crops is as follows : —

Cost to operate 12 acres $162 87

Value of product, 242,560 pounds at $2 per ton 242 56

Profit 79 69

SEED GRAIN SELECTION.

An experiment to compare the values of seed oats (Banner) coming from regular
field crops and those coming from the hand-selected seed plots, was carried on in 1908.
A four-acre field was divided lengthwise into 16 plots of i acre each and sown as
below. The yield in pounds of clean grain is indicated in the first column. Seed was
sown May 6, 1908, and harvested August 11.

RESULTS FROM SELECTED OAT SEED, 1908.

Plot.

Yield, lbs.

Source of Seed.

1

224

C. E. F. seed. Heads hand-picked, fanned and ^rain hand selected.

2

230

Main crop 1907, fanned only.

3

273

1 Rtegular run as sold, fanned only.

4

281

1 Heads hand-picked and fanned only.

5

290

1 Heads hand-picked an 1 hand selected.

6

299

1 Regular run as sold, fanned only.

7

329

1 Same as No. 1.

8

337

f II

9

319

1 It

10

325

1 II

11

328

Begular run as sold, fanned only.

12

331

1 joyce 1

1 From hand selected seed plot.

13

344

J )ow Bros' t

1 From hand selected seed plot.

14

285

C. E. F. ,

1 Regular run as sold, fanned only.

15

255

It (

1 Main crop 1907, fanned only.

16

187

M 1

1 Same as No. 1.

All sown May 6. Cut Ausrust IL

9-10 EDWARD VII. SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 A. 1910

REPORT OF THE HORTICULTURIST.

(W. T. Macoun.)

March 31, 1909.

Dr. Wm. Saunders, C.M.G.,

Director, Dominion Experimental Farms,
Ottawa,

Sir, — ^I have the honour to submit herewith the Twenty-second Annual Report of
the Horticultural Division.-

While all the experiments conducted in 1908-9 are not referred to in this report,
there will be found the results of those which it is thought desirable to publish at this
time. There is also contained in this report records of other matters pertaining to the
work of this Division.

I have the honour to be, sir.

Your obedient servant,

W. T. MACOUlSr,

Horticulturist.

character of season.

Since the year 1898 a record has been kept in the Horticultural Division of the
first day when the frost was out of the ground sufficiently and the ground dry enough
to dig in the nursery at the Central Experimental Farm. The record is as follows :
1898, April 12 ; 1899, April 18 ; 1900, April 19 ; 1901, April 8 ; 1902, Maj;ch 31 ; 1903,
March 23; 1904, April 11; 1905, April 13; 1906, April 16; 1907, April 16; 1908,
April 17. The average date for the eleven years is thus April 11. Leaving out the two
exceptionally early dates in 1902 and 1903, the average date for the remaining nine
years is April 15.

On April 9, 1908, there was still about a foot of snow on the level, but by the 15th
it was all gone except in the drifts, and the frost was out of the ground. April was a
cool month, the highest- temperature being 66-5° F. on the 26th, and the lowest
5-5° F. on the 4th. The early part of May was cool and vegetation was very
backward, but during the latter part of the month the weather was quite warm, the
temperature being 86-8° F. on the 26th, and with abundance of rain the growth
was rapid. The last spring frost recorded was on May 2, when the temperature was
30-8° F. There was noticeably less frosts than usual in the spring of 1908.
By June 13 rain was needed, the grass being burnt in places. The strawberry crop
began to show need of rain on the 22nd, and was considerably injured by the drought.
The raspberries, which followed, were also much injured. From the latter part of
June until October 24 there was never enough rain. There were some very hot days
in June and July, the temperature rising to 92° F. on June 8, and 96°
F. on July 30. There was heavy rain on July 21, which improved vegetation tem-

103

104 ~ EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

porarily, but by August 1 rain was again badly needed. August was very dry. The
highest temperature was on the 31st, when it was 90° F. By the middle of Sep-
tember the drought was so severe that ornamental trees lost some of their foliage and
apples were dropping badly. The atmosphere was very smoky from extensive bush
fires. The dropping of leaves and fruit became worse towards the end of the month.
The first frost to kill tender plants was on September 30, although the thermometer
at the Farm recorded only 34° F. The highest temperature in September was
95-8° F. on the 1st. The drought was broken by heavy rains on October 24.
The highest temperature in October was 80-6° F. on the 17th, and the lowest,
27° F. on the lOtli. The autumn was warm and dry, and there being no very
severe frosts even throughout October, the season was very favourable for the ripening
of grapes. Apples, however, matured prematurely aiid were not as good as usual.
Snow fell on November 14, and was increased to about nine inches in depth by the
20th, but this was gone by the 27th, and there was no frost in the ground at that date.
November was an open month and the weather and soil good for late ploughing. The
weather became cold on December 1, and winter may be said to have set in on that
date. By the 4th there was sleighing again. There were no very cold days during
the winter, the lowest temperature being on January 13, when it was 18° F. ,
below zero. The weather was very changeable, with frequent snowfalls. There were
six thaws during the months of December, January and February. There was a good
covering of snow all winter, notwithstanding the mild spells and little or no frost in
the ground. On January 23 there was heavy rain, freezing as it fell, and trees and
shrubs became thickly coated with ice. Many branches of ornamental and forest trees
were broken, but few fruit ti'ees were injured. The weather in March was very change-
able, both rain and snow falling during the month. On the 31st there was still about
a foot of snow on the ground.

FRUIT AKD VEGETABLE CROPS.

The crop of apples was less than a medium one in Ontario and Quebec in 1908,
and the premature ripening of the fruit, owing to the warm, dry weather, injured the
keeping quality of it. The crop of pears was light except in southern Ontario, where
it was a little above medium. The crop of early peaches was a medium one on the
whole, and the quality good. Late peaches were a light crop. Plums were a light crop
on the whole. The crop of cherries was medium to good in quantity, but the size
below medium on account of the dry weather. There was an abundant and well
ripened crop of grapes, very free of disease. Bush fruits were a good crop in south-
western Ontario, but in eastern Ontario and Quebec the crops were below medium on
account of drought.

Strawberries were also plentiful in soixthwestern Ontario, but the crop was much
reduced in eastern Ontario and Quebec by the drought.

At Ottawa there was a' medium crop of apples, practically free of spot, but with
more codling moth than usual, though the percentage of fruit affected was not largo.
The fruit ripened prematurely owing to the drought and heat. There was a medium
crop of Americana and Nigra plums, and a few varieties of the European plums were
well loaded. A few varieties of cherries bore medium crops, but on the whole the crop
was light. The season was very favourable for the ripening of grapes, and while there
have been larger crops in previous years there was in 1908 a medium crop of well
matured fruit. Although the raspberries wintered well the crop was much reduced by
the dry weather, making the yield below medium. Gooseberries and currants were a
medium crop. Strawberries wintered well and promised a good crop, but the dry
weather caused the yield of this fruit to be below medium also.

In the eastern part of Ontario, including the Central Experimental Farm.
Ottawa, and in the province of Quebec, vegetables suffered somewhat from the severe
drought of 1908. Potatoes, especially, were very light, and almost a total failure in
some sections. Tomatoes ripened well in 1908 and the crop on the whole was good.

/

REPORT OF THE HORTICULTURIST 105

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

MEETINGS ATTENDED, PLACES VISITED, AND ADDRESSES GIVEN.

Every year some of the Horticulturist's time is spent in attending meetings of
fruit, flower and vegetable growers, and in most cases delivering addresses at them.
During the past year the following meetings were attended and addresses given : —

The annual meeting of the Ontario Fruit Growers' Association, Toronto, Novem-
ber 11, 1908 ; address, ' New fruits.' Annual meeting of the Ontario Horticultural
Association, Toronto, November 11, 1908 ; address, ' Perennial borders.' Annual meet-
ing of the Ontario Vegetable Growers' Association, Toronto, November 12, 1908;
' Irrigation and its effect on the growth of small fruits and vegetables.' Annual meet-
ing of the Quebec Pomological Society, Macdonald Coxiege, Quebec, December 2 and
3, 1908 ; ' Some results in plant breeding.' Annual meeting of Fruit Growers' Asso-
ciation of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, P.E.I., December 8 and 9, 1908;
'Hardy varieties of fruits,' 'Top grafting in relationship to hardiness,' 'Judging
fruit at exhibitions.' Annual meeting of Nova Scotia Fruit Growers' Association,
Middleton, N.S., December 14, 15 and 16, 1908; 'The life history of an apple tree,'
' Judging fruit.' Annual meeting of New Brunswick Fruit Growers' Association,
January 14 and 15, 1909 ; ' Hardy varieties of fruits,' ' Small fruits.'

In addition to these regular meetings, the short courses in horticulture at three ■
of the agricultural colleges were attended and addresses given. At the Agricultural
College, Truro, N.S., January 11, 12 and 13, 1909; ' Special methods for special condi-
tions,' ' Ten forms of winter injury,' ' Strawberry culture.'

Ontario Agricultural College, Guelph, Ont., January 28 and 29. 1909 ; ' Propaga-
tion of fruit trees and other plants,' ' Judging fruits,' ' Pruning,' ' Top-working.'

Macdonald College, Que., February 9-11, 1909 ; ' Cultivation and care of a young
orchard,' ' Management and care of a bearing orchard,' ' Improvement of plants,'
' Packages and marketing,' ' Ornamental trees and shrubs.'

From July 6 to 17, 1908, I was in attendance at the Graduate School of Agricul-
ture at Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y., and listened to between forty and fifty
lectures on subjects pertaining to agricultural and horticultural science and practice,
from which I obtained much useful information and inspiration to greater eifort. On
August 30 and 31, and September 1 and 2, I was with the Scottish Agricultural Cniu-
mission at Niagara Falls, St. Catharines, Beamsville, Grimsby, Winona and Toronto,
giving what information I could regarding the fruit districts and fruit growing in
Canada.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.

It is possible, once a year, through the annual report, to make public acknowledg-
ment of the aid given to me in my work by those who, in various capacities, are con-
nected with the Horticultural Division, and I desire to refer especially at this time
TO Mr. J. F. Watson, secretary; Mr. H. Holz, foreman; Mr. T. Horn, foreman in the
Arboretum and Botanic Garden ; and Mr. Horace Reid, who keeps many of the fruit
and vegetable records; all of whom have done their work well. The other men en-
gaged in the work of the Horticultural Division have been faithful, willing and
industrious.

I desire also to express my appreciation of the help given to me by horticulturists
throughout Canada and the United States at all times when asked for.

DONATIONS.

The following list of plants, seeds, &c., donated to the Horticultural Division
during the past year is published as an acknowledgment of the same and to constitute
a record. Many valuable and interesting things have been donated to the Central

106 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

Experimental Farm during the past twenty-two years, some of which have been
decided acquisitions : —

Sender. Donation.

Aumiot. A., Anse a Arnas, France Potatoes, 34 varieties.

Alexander, A., Hamilton, Ont Seed of Papaver urabrosum. Plants of Phlox.

Benson, Thos., Edmonton, Alta Potato seedling. Queen of Thanet, Queen of

the North.

Botanic Gardens, Durban, Natal Collection of seeds.

Botanic Garden, Adelaide, Australia Collection of seeds.

Brand, W. H., Jordan Station, Ont Target Brand fungicide oil.

Chambers, Wm., Carnavon, Ont Scions of No. 1 and No. 2. Seedling apples.

Clarke, M. S New variety of potato.

Crow, J. W., O. A. C, Guelph, Ont Scions of Coos Eiver Beauty Apple.

Dahl, Carl G., Atvidaberg, Den, Sweden.. ..Scions.

D'Arcy, Mrs. D., Sheenboro, Que Cuttings black currants.

Farwell, W. E., Orillia, Ont. Seedling potatoes.

Gellatly, D., Gellatly, B.C Seeds of Crack Proof tomato.

Hodgson, G. D. Hudson, Que Scions of seedling apple and crab apple.

Herb, M., Naples, Italy Seeds of 5 varieties onions.

Johnston, Asa A., Cowansville, Que Scions Kinkead apple.

Little, Prof. E. E., Ames, la., U.S Buds of Angouleme and Timme cherries.

Trees.

Leonard, E. K., Paradise, N.S Scions of apples.

Long, H. W., Milkish, N.B Sealsfoot potato.

Marks, John R., Clifton, P.E.I. .. ..Scions of Golden Crown apple

Mode, D. G., Vankleek Hill, Ont Scions of late keeping apple.

MacDougall, Dr. D. T., Carnegie Institution,
Tucson, Arizona, U.S Seeds of ORnothera Lamarkiana, and mutants.

McLennan, J. A., Lancaster, Ont Scions, No. 1 and No. 2, apples.

Niagara Sprayer Company, Middleport, N.Y.,

U.S Two- samples Niagara Brand Concentrated

Lime-Sulphur ; ten gallons Lime-Sulphur
Solution.

Phinney, Wm. S., Melvern Square, N.S Scions, Cox's Orange Pippin.

Peart, H. S., Jordan Harbour, Ont Canned goods.

Royal Botanic Gardens Silpur, near Cal-
cutta, India Collection of seeds.

Porter, Mrs. R., Parry Harbour, Ont. Potatoes.

Randall, J. de W., Niagara, Ont Figs.

Reid, Thos., Montreal, Que. . McDougall's Fruit Tree Wash and Insecticide.

Roeske, F. W., Ottawa, Ont Scions of seedling plums.

Rogers, J., Tilsonburg, Ont Potato, Rutling Rose.

Rowan, T., Macgregor, Man Scions, Willard plum.

Stevenson, E. B., Guelph, Ont 12 plants King Edward Strawberry.

Smith, A. W., Beachville, Ont Potatoes, No. 1 and No. 2.

Smith, T., Shirley Falls, Ont Wonderful potato.

Smith, P. E., Roxham, Que Onion seed.

Schwerdtfeger, R., Morrisburg, Ont Scions of seedling apple.

Vroom, C. N., St. Stephen, N.B Scions of crab apple.

Wagner, L., Branch la Have, N.S Wagner Potato.

Wilson, F. W. Port Hope, Ont Scions of Choate apple.

Wilson, J. Lockie. Toronto, Ont Onion seeds.

Witzell, E.. College Point, L.I., U.S Potatoes.

SEEDLING FRUITS OF CANADIAN ORIGIN RECEIVED FOR EXAMINATION IN 1907-8.

The number of seedlings sent in for examination in 1907-8 was not quite so great
as during the previous year, but some very good seedlings were received and descrip-
tions made of them. All originators of fruits in Canada are invited to send in speci-
mens of promising fruits to the Horticulturist in order that they may be described
and a record made of them. Some of the seedlings which have already been received
are so promising that they may in time take the place of the present commercial
varieties. There are new kinds fruiting every year, and it is important that their
merits should be generally known as soon as possible.

Following are descriptions of those received during the past year. Full descrip-
tions are published of the most promising and only partial descriptions of those not
likely to prove valuable: —

REPORT OF THE HORTICULTURIST

107

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

SEEDUNG P^RUITS RECEIVED FOR EXAMINATION IN 1907-8.

e
.a

S

a

8

42vi
427
428
429
430
431

432
433

431

435
436

437

438

439

410
441

442

443

444

4t.5
4M)
447

448

Province,

New Bruns-
wick

Quebec .

Ontario.

BritisVi Co
lumbia.

Ontario

Bricish Co
lumbia.

Name

and Address of

Grower or Sender.

J. W. Stephenson, "Fred-
ericton.

Henry Wilmot, Frederic-
ton.

Dudley Currie, Masin-
Quac.

3!. F. McLean, Upper
Sheffield.

It. p. Hitchcock, Massa.
^vippi.

.Jules Lagace, Fraserville.

E. E. Middleton, New
castle.

Geo. Binnie, Bunessan. .

R. A. Marribon, Catara-
qui.

T. H. Wootton, Williams

Corners.
C. L. Stephens, Orillia.

T. M. Hipwell, Oro.,

F. Birdsall, Birdsall.

F. Birdsall, Birdsall. . ,

H. N. Grant, Newton

brook.
R. Schwerdtfeger, Mor

risburg.

W. J. Green, Kaslo.

J. H. Cockle, Kaslo.

Description of Fruit.

Jos. Rowley, Cummings

Bridge.
Win. Judge, Orangeville

ft M . .

Jas. Tarry, Tarry's. ... . .

A. P. Anstad, Traill...

APPLES,

Burton.' See full description.

Belmont.' See full description.
See full description.
' Smith Pippin.' See full description.
See full description.

Below medium size, roundish to oblate ; greenish yellow,
washed with red on su>ny side ; subacid with a pleasant
but not high flavour ; quality above medium ; season early
to mid-winter ; not large enough nor good enough in quality.

Above medium size, oblong, angular ; yellow, well washed and
splashed with crimson ; subacid, not high flavour ; quality
good ; season probably early to late winter.

Medium size, roundish ; greenish j-ellow washed with pinkish
red on sunny side ; subacid with pleasant flavour ; quality
above medium to good; season mid to late winter; not
quite good enough.

'Fronrenac' Above medium size, roundish; yellow well
washed attractive crimson ; subacid with a pleasant but
not high flavour ; quality above medium to good ; season
evidently early to late winter ; not quite good enough in
quality.

' Crown.' See full description.

Below medium size, oblate ; yellow well washed and splashed

with crimson ; subacid, plea.sant flavour ; quality good ;

season evident^ early to mid winter. Has not as much

flavour as either Fameuse or Mcintosh.
Above medium size, roundish conical, angular; yellow well

washed with bright crimson ; subacid, pleasant flavour ;

quality above medium ; season mid to late winter. Not

good enough in quality.
'No. 1.' Large, roundish, angular; yellow well washed with

crimson ; mildly subacid and with a rather peculiar flav our;

quality above medium ; season evidei\tly December to mid

or late winter. Not suHiciently promising.
'No 2.' Medium size, yellow, splaslied and washed with

purplish red ; quality evidently good but past condition ;

season evidently autumn to early winter.
See full description.

'Red Cheek Dutch.' Medium size, roundish; pale yellow,
almost white, washed with bright red on sunny side ; acid
with little flavour ; quality medium; season mid October
proliably through November. Not promising.

'Elvin.' Above meduim size, roundish, greenish j^ellow,
washed and splashed with deep purplish red ; mildly sub-
acid with a pleasant flavour ; quality good ; season evident-
Ij' mid to late winter. Not sufliciently attractive.

Large, roimdish, slightly tapering and slightly angular ; pale
green well washed with deep crimson ; briskly subacid,
with little flavour : quality medium to above medium;-
.season evidently November ; not good enough in quality.

PLUMS.

'Rowley.' -See full description.

See full descrijition.
See full description.
See full description.

See full description.

CHERRT.

108 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

426. Burton Apple. — Above medium size; roundish to oblate; cavity narrow,
medium depth, russeted; stem short, moderately stout; basin open, medium depth,
slightly wrinkled; calyx quite open; yellow well washed with attractive crimson;
predominant colour crimson ; dots few, yellow, indistinct ; skin thick, tough ; core
small; flesh dull white, rather coarse, firm, moderately juicy; subacid, sprightly,
pleasant but not high flavour; quality above medium to good; season mid to late
winter. A handsome apple and a promising New Brunswick seedling. Seed obtained
from Nova Scotia by Mr. McLean ; fruit obtained from J. W. Stephenson, Fredericton.

427. Belmont Apple. — Medium size, roundish, angular ; cavity deep, medium
width, russeted. mostly on one side; stem short, moderately stout; basin medium depth
and width, wrinkled; calyx open; yellow with a slight reddish blush on sunny side;
dots obscure ; skin moderately thick, moderately tender ; core medium ; flesh dull white,
tender, fine grained, juicy; briskly svibacid, pleasant but not high flavour; quality
above medium to good; season mid to late winter. Tree said to have been planted by
the French about 100 years ago. Grown on farm of Henry Wilmot, Fredericton, N.B.,
and named Belmont after his farm. Received from Henry Wilmot, Fredericton, N.B.

428. Currie, Dudley, Masinquac, N.B., seedling from. — Above medium size;
roundish, conic; cavity medium depth and width, russeted at base; stem short, moder-
ately stout; dots few, yellow, distinct; basin open, shallow, wrinkled; yellow well
washed and splashed with bright crimson; skin thick, moderately tough; core medium;
flesh yellowish, firm, moderately juicy; subacid, pleasant but not high flavour; quality
above medivnn to good; season mid to late winter. A promising seedling. Tree grow-
ing along a line fence without cultivation. Fruit sent by Wm. H. Moore, Scotch
Lake, N.B., but grown by Dudley Currie.

429. Smith Pippin. — ^Tedium size; roundish; cavity medium depth and width,
rvTsseted ; stem short, moderately stout ; basin open, deep, nearly smooth, sometimes
lipped; calyx open; yellowish green with a red blush on sunny side; predominant
colour yellowish green; dots moderately numerous, gray, distinct; skin moderately
thick, moderately tender; flesh yellowish, crisp, tender, juicy; core small, closed;
flavour pleasant to mildly subacid; quality good; season evidently mid to late winter.
Specimens received from C. F. McLean, LTpper Sheffield, N.B.

430. Hitchcock, G. P., Massawippi, Que., seedling from. — Large ; roundish ; cavity
deep, medium width, russeted; stem short, stout; basin deep medium width, slightly
wrinkled; calyx open; yellow or greenish yellow; predominant colour yellow; seeds
medium ; dots numerous, gray, conspicuous ; skin moderately thick, tough ; flesh white,
tender, crisp, juicy; core medivim ; subacid, pleasant flavour; good quality; season mid
to late winter. A seedling grown without care. A pleasant dessert apple. Would be
quite promising if red. Specimens received from G. H. Hitchcock.

435. Crown. — Medium size; roundish conic; cavity deep, medium width, russeted;
stem short to medium, stout ; basin deep, medium width ; calyx partly open ; yellow
well washed with crimson; predominant colour crimson; seeds medium size, deep
brown, numerous; dots few, small, yellow, indistinct; skin moderately thick, moder-
ately tender; flesh markedly yellow, crisp, tender, juicy; core medium size; subacid,
sprightly, good flavoixr, somewhat like Northern Spy; good quality; season evidently
mid to late winter.

Has grown up under a Northern Spy tree. Evidently a seedling of Northern Spy.
Promising, although yellow flesh is not very attractive. Said to be higher coloured
than Northern Spy, but is not so good in quality.

Specimens received from T. H. Wootton, Wellman's Corners, Ont.

440. Grant, H. N., Newtonbrook, Ont., seedling from. — Above medium size;
roundish, conic; cavity open, medium depth; stem short, stout; basin medium width.

REPORT OF THE HORTICULTURIST 109

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

shallow, wrinkled; calyx partly open; yellow with a trace of pink on sunny side; dots
nvimerous, green, indistinct ; skin moderately thick, moderately tender ; flesh yellowish,
tender, juicy; core medium; subacid, pleasant flavour; quality good; season Nevember,
probably to January.

A good dessert apple, but not specially attractive in outward appearance.

444. Plum — Joseph. Seedling from Joseph Rowley, sr., Cummings Bridge, Ont.
— Form oval, flattened; very large; cavity shallow, medium width; suture a distinct
line, not depressed; apex rounded almost pointed; yellow more or less washed and
mottled with attractive red; dots numerous, yellow, distinct; bloom medium; skin
moderately thick, moderately tender; flesh yellow, juicy; stone above medium size,
oval, almost free; flavour sweet, rich, good; quality very good for an Americana plum.

An American plum of the largest size. Attractive in appearance and one of
the best in quality. Very promising.

Came up in Mr. Rowley's garden in 1904. Bore in 1907 one plum. In 1906 two
dozen plums. Measures 1| inches around base 1908. No American plum trees near,
but may have grown from a pit of American plum. September 24, 1908.

445. Plum Seedling from Wm. Judge, Orangeville, Ont. — Form goose egg shape;
medium to above in size, 2. by If inches; cavity shallow, medium width; suture a
distinct line, not depressed; apex rounded; yellow tinged with green; dots numerous,
indistinct; small, pale yellow; bloom whitish; skin modeTately thick, tough; flesh
greenish yellow, jviicy; stone medium size, long, cling; sweet, rich flavour, quality
good.

A plum somewhat between Yellow Egg and Coe's Golden Drop in shape. Promis-
ing.

446. Plum Seedling from Wm. Judge, Orangeville, Ont. — Form oval, slightly
flattened at ends; size medium, about size of Lombard, 1^ to 1% inches; cavity
medium depth and width ; suture a distinct line, very slightly depressed ; apex slightly
indented; dark purplish lilac; dots yellow, numerous, prominent; bluish bloom; skin
thin but tough; flesh yellowish, moderately juicy, rather firm; stone medium size,
roundish, cling; sweet, rich flavour. Quality good.

Much like Lombard in outward appearance but darker in colour and is of better
flavour than Lombard. A promising plum if better than Lombard. Domestica group.

447. Plum Seedling from Jas. Tarry, Tarry's, B.C. — Form oval, slightly longer on
one side than the other ; size above mediuoa to large, 1 J to 2 inches ; cavity mediuni
depth and width; stem medium length, slender; suture a distinct line, slightly de-
pressed; apex flattened, slightly indented; dark purple almost black with a blue bloom;
dots few, grey, indistinct; blue bloom, medium to heavy; skin thin, tough; flesh
greenish yellow, juicy; stone above medium size, oval, cling; sweet, good flavour;
quality good.

A promising plum ; not very rich, but of good quality and of good size. Domes-
tica group.

448. Cherry Seedling from Austad Emil, Trail, B.C. — Fruit large; heart shaped;
cavity medium depth and width; stem long. If to 2 inches, slender; apex indented;
suture an indistinct line; dark red or blackish showing brighter red through; dots
obscure; skin moderately thick, tender; flesh dull red, meaty, juicy; stone medium
size, cling; sweet, pleasant flavour; quality good; season evidently late July.

Seed planted in 1898 by A. P. Austad, Trail, B.C. A good cherry; evidently a
Bigarreau.

NEW OR LITTLE KNOWN APPLES IN THE PROVINCES OF ONTARIO AND QUEBEC.

A great many named varieties of apples fruit every year in the orchards at the
Central Experimental Farm, and from time to time descriptions are published in the

110 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

annual report of those which it is thought would benefit and interest fruit growers in
Canada. Following are descriptions of a few of these varieties : —

Crimson Beauty. — Below medium size; roundish to oblate; cavity deep, open;
stem long, slender; basin open, deep to medium; calyx closed; yellow well washed and
splashed with bright red; dots obscure; skin thin, tender; flesh white tinged with red,
moderately juicy; core medium; acid; medium quality; season evidently mid August.

Taken from an orchard on the old Sharpe Farm, Woodstock, N.B., and called
Crimson Beauty by the late Mr. Sharpe. Said to be in all the fruit stores in Wood-
stock. Specimens received from E. D. Smith, Winona, Ont. Procured at Woodstock,
N.B.

Dodd. — Above medium size; oblong; cavity shallow, medium width; stem short,
stout, sometimes lipped; basin medium depth and width, almost smooth; calyx open;
yellow, splashed and streaked with bright crimson; dots obscure; skin moderately
thick, tender; flesh white, crisp, tender, juicy; core medium; subacid, pleasant flavour;
quality good; season mid winter.

An apple of the Gravenstein type which appears to do well on Prince Edward
Island. A good apple.

Specimens received from A. McRae, Pownall, P.E.I.

Dyer (Pomme Royale'). — Medium to above medium in size; oblate; cavity medium
to deep, medium width; stem medium length, moderately stout; basin deep, medium
width; calyx closed; greenish yellow often vith a faint bronzy blush; dots numerous,
grey, distinct; skin moderately thick, very tender; flesh white, tender, melting, juicy;
core medium; seeds rattle; subacid, spicy, high, pear-like flavour; best quality; season
late September to mid October.

One of the best flavoured apples of its season.

La Salle. — Medium to above medium size; roundish to almost oblong, slightly
angular; cavity medium depth, medium width to open; stem short to medium, stout;
basin deep, open, slightly wrinkled; calyx open; greenish yellow, splashed and washed
with rather dull red mostly on sunny side; dots obscure; skin moderately thick, tough;
flesh dull white, tender, juicy; core rather large; subacid, not high flavour; above
medium quality; season evidently mid to late winter.

Originated on the Eraser farm, Lachine, P.Q. Was called Macdonald for a few'
years by one of the nursery firms.

Pensaukee Eusset. — Above medium size; oblate conical; slightly angular; cavity
open, medium depth; stem medium length, stout; basin medium depth and width,
smooth; calyx partly open; greenish yellow, heavily russeted, with a red blush on
sunny side; dots obscure; skin moderately thick, tender; flesh yellow, firm, juicy; core
rather small to medium; briskly subacid, pleasant flavour; good quality; season mid
to late winter.

A handsome russet apple which may prove useful. Larger than Golden Russet,
and tree seems hardier.

Rufus. — Medium size; roundish conical; cavity narrow, shallow to medium, rus-
seted; stem short, slender; basin narrow, medium depth, wrinkled; calyx partly open
or closed; yellow well washed with crimson; dots moderately numerous, yellow, rather
indistinct; skin moderately thick, moderately tender; flesh white with traces of red,
tender, moderately juicy to juicy; core medium; subacid, pleasant not high flavour;
above medium to good in quality; season December and through the winter.

An attractive looking apple of the Fameuse type. A promising apple for this
district.

Specimens received from Miss Joan Matheson, Perth, Ont.

REPORT OF THE HORTICULTURIST 111

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Trenton. — Medium to above medium size; roundish conical; cavity deep, medium
width, russeted; stem medium length, slender; basin open, medium depth, wrinkled;
calyx open; yellow, washed and splashed with deep rather dull red; dots obscure;
bloom pink; skin moderately thick, tender; flesh yellowish, rather coarse, crisp, break-
ing, tender, moderately juicy; core above medium; subacid, pleasant flavour; good
quality; season late September to early October.

Not as attractive looking an apple as Wealthy, nor as long a keeper. Season just
before Wealthy here, and may be useful on this account. Originated by P. C.
Dempsey, Albury, Ont. A cross between Northern Spy and Golden Russet.

APPLES ORIGINATED IN THE HORTICULTURAL DIVISION, CENTRAL EXPERIMENTAL FARM, OTTAWA.

There were 249 varieties of seedling apples fruited in the Horticultural Division
in 1908 that had never fruited before, making a total of 434 with those which had
fruited since 1903, when the first tree of the seedlings planted in 1900 bore fruit.
There were quite a number of good varieties among those which fruited in 1908, but
only five were named. The descriptions of these follow. Since publishing descrip-
tions of the Junco and Eric apples in the Report for 1907-8, it has been found that
these varieties had already been described under other names, hence the names and
descriptions of Junco and Eric are cancelled.

Cromer (Swayzie Seedling). — Above medium size; roundish, angular; cavity
medium depth and width; stem short, stout; basin medium depth and width, slightly
wrinkled ; calyx open ; green, thinly washed with pinkish red over most of surface ;
dots few, grey, distinct; skin thick, tough; flesh yellowish, firm, crisp, moderately
juicy; subacid, pleasant, spicy flavour; quality good to very good; season late winter.

Does not resemble Swayzie except somewhat in spicy flavour. Of Ribston type.

Danville (Lawver Seedling). — Above medium size; conical to oblong conical;
cavity medium depth and width, russeted; stem short, moderately stout, basin open,
deep, almost smooth ; calyx open ; greenish yellow well washed with deep crimson ; dots
few, yellow, distinct ; skin moderately thick, moderately tough ; flesh yellowish, tender,
juicy; core mediiim; subacid, sprightly, pleasant flavour; good quality; season late
November, probably to late winter.

Resembles Lawver a little in colour and in smoothness of skin. Flesh is tender
and of somewhat same character as Lawver. Seed not so large as Lawver.

Melba (Mcintosh Seedling). — Large; roimdish, slightly angular; cavity medium
depth and width; stem short, stout; basin deep, medium width, wrinkled; calyx open;
pale yellow well washed and splashed with bright crimson; dots few, white, indistinct;
bloom slight, bluish; skin moderately thick, moderately tough; flesh white, tender,
crisp, juicy, perfumed; core medium; brisidy subacid, pleasant, slightly aromatic
flavovir; good quality; season early to mid September.

A handsome apple of good quality. Resembles Mcintosh somewhat about cavity,
also in character of flesh and perfume and in aromatic flavour. May prove useful as
following Duchess.

Pinto (Wealthy Seedling). — Above medium size; oblate; cavity deep, medium
width; stem short, slender; basin deep, medium width, wrinkled; calyx closed; pale
greenish yellow washed and splashed with dull orange red; dots few, small, yellow,
distinct; skin thick, tough; flesh yellowish, tender, juicy; core medium; briskly sub-
acid, pleasant, aromatic flavour; good quality; season late October, probably through
November.

A good deal like Wealthy in flesh, also suggestive of Wagoner. Later than
Wealthy. Promising.

Radnor (Swayzie Seedling). — Above medium to large; roundish, slightly angular;
conic; cavity medium depth and width, russeted; stem short, stout; basin deep,
medium width, wrinkled; calyx open; greenish yellow to yellow with a faint bronzy

112 EJPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

pink blush; dots moderately numerous on sunny side, green, distinct; skin thick,
moderately tender; flesh dull white or yellowish, crisp, juicy, a little coarse; core
medium; subacid, spicy, high flavour; good quality; season evidently November and
later. A promising apple on account of size, flavour and firmness.

CHARACTERISTICS OF AVEALTIIY APPLE SEEDLINGS.

The Wealthy apple is such a well known variety in North America and has
proved itself so generally desirable, that it is thought it will prove useful and. interest-
ing to record at this time some of the characteristics of seedlings of tlie Wealthy
fruited at the Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa, Canada.

In the year 1898 seed was saved from Wealthy fruit grown at Ottawa. No special
selection was made of the fruit, though seed was not taken from poor or small fruit.
The male parent or parents being imknown; but as the Wealthy trees grew near trees
of the Duchess of Oldenburg it is probable that in some cases the Wealthy was pol-
len ized by that variety, although from the fact that the Wealthy is self -fertile it is
likely that a large proportion of the flowers were self-fertilized.

The seeds were sown in the autumn of 1898. They germinated the following
spring, and the trees were set out in nursery rows in the spring of 1899. In the spring
of 1901 and 1902 there were 153 in all of the best trees planted out. Most of these
■were planted 15 feet apart, but about one-third of them were planted 10 feet fii)ait.
Of the 153 trees set out only 11 have died or been winter killed, and there have been
some severe winters since they were planted. Of the 14:'2 remaining trees, 93 have
fruited, and it is interesting to note when these trees began to bear. One tree fruited
in 1903, five years after sowing the seed; one tree fruited in 1904, 19 in 1905, 22 in
1906, 11 in 1907 and 4-1 in 1908. Of these 98 seedlings, 93 have been described;
descriptions having been made of good and bad alike. It is from the data available
on our description blanks that the following results have been tabulated.

Some of the outstanding characteristics of these Wealthy seedlings are : First,
the hardiness of the trees, most of them appearing to be equal or superior to Wealthy
in hardiness; second, their early bearing habit; third, their great productiveness;
fourth, the very large proportion of seedlings bearing marketable fruit ; fifth, the
general resemblance to Wealthy in a large proportion of the seedlings, particularly in
colour and the rounded, regular outline of the fruit and character of flesh.

While fuller descriptions were taken, the characteristics given here refer only to
size, form, colour, acidity, quality, season and degree of resemblance to Wealthy. All
the descriptions were made by the writer, hence, as near as possible, the same standard
was followed throughout, but even so, the descriptions of the characteristics dealt with
may not always be true, as one's opinion in regard to acidity or ilavour, for instance,
may vary somewhat from one year to another. With the majority of the seedlings,
however, the description taken one season has been confirmed or altered in a second
season, and sometimes in a third season, in order that it might be as a-'curate as
possible.

The fruit of the Wealthy itself as grown at Ottawa may be described as medium
to almost large on young trees; roundish; yellow well splashed and washed and some-
times completely covered with crimson ; flesh yellowish, sometimes tinged with red,
crisp, tender, juicy, briskly subacid with a pleasant aromatic flavour; quality good to
very good; season late September, October and November.

In the following table are given the percentages of different characteristics, based
on the descriptions of 93 seedlings : —

REPORT OF THE HORTICULTURIST 113

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

CHARACTERISTICS OF NINETY-THREE WEALTHY APPLE SEEDLINGS.

Size — Per cent

Small 6-45

(Distinctly crablike, 5-37.)

Below medium '. 16-12

Medium 40-86

Above medium 26-88

Large 9-67

99-98

Wealthy is medium to almost large.

Form — Per cent.

Oblate 30-01

Eoundish 64-62

Conical 2-15

Oblong 3-22

100-00
Wealthy is roundish.

Colour — Per cent.

Green or yellow 0-00

Splashed or washed with crimson and red 79-56

" " pink or pinkish red 5-37

" orange or orange red 15-05

99-98

Percentage dull red 21-50

Wealthy is yellow, splashed and washed with crimson.

Acidity — ^ Per cent.

Sweet 16-12

Mildly subacid 1-07

Subacid ,34-40

Briskly subacid 38-70

Acid 9-67

99-96

Wealthy is briskly subacid.

Quality — " Ter cent.

Below medium 4-30

Medium 30-10

Above medium 46-23

Good 19-35

99-98
Wealthy is good to very good.

16—8

114 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

Season — ■ Per cent.

August-mid September 27-95

Mid September-October 30-10

October-November 23-65

December-February 8-60

December-April 9-67

99-97
Wealthy is in season late September, October and November.

Resemblance to Wealthy, more or less — Per cent.

In outward appearance 62-22

In flesh 45-55

In flavour 1^-44

No resemblance 22-58

(Percentage in this case based on 90 seedlings.)

Marked resemblance to Wealthy — Per cent.

In appearance 21-11

In flesh 14-44

In flavour 3-33

In appearance and flesh 11-11

In appearance, flesh and flavour 2-22(*)

(Percentage in this case based on 90 seedlings.)

(•Same season as Wealthy 1-11

Later season than Wealthy 1-11)

There are some interesting facts brought out in this table. Although Wealthy is
said to have been grown from 'cherry crab seed' only 5-37 per cent of the seedlings,
or 6 out of the 93 described, was distinctly crablike. The fact that 93J per cent of
the seedlings was large enough to be marketable is worthy of note. It is remarkable
that not one of the seedlings was entirely green or yellow, all having more or less red.
It is interesting to note that over 15 per cent was orange or orange red in colour; In
this connection it may be stated that quite a number of the seedlings had the peculiar
flavour of Sops of Wine or Haas, which are of this colour, and while the Sops of Wine
or Haas were in the same orchard with the Wealthy trees they were a considerable
distance away. It will be noticed that over 16 per cent of the apples was sweet, while
only one per cent was mildly subacid. There was over 65 per cent of the seedlings
above medium and better in quality, which is a remarkably large proportion, we thinlc.
Over 23 per cent of the seedlings was about the same season as Wealthy, and over 18
per cent later, which is encouraging in the breeding of hardy winter apples. The large
proportion of apples which bear more or less resemblance to Wealthy is worthy of
note.

INDIVIDUALITY OP APPLE TREES AS SIIOW^N IN THE ORCHARDS AT THE CENTRAL EXPERIMENTAL

FARM, OTTAWA.

There is a growing interest in the individuality of plants, and breeders of fruits
are now paying considerable attention to this interesting subject. Since the year 1898
records have been kept of the yields from each apple tree in the orchards at the Central
Experimental Farm. These records show that there has been a marked dift'erence in
the yields of trees of the same variety planted in the same year and in about the same
kind of soil. In some cases there have been only a few trees of a variety for com-
parison, but the difference in yield even between two trees has been very_ marked.
There is as yet little data to show whether these characteristics will continue in trees
propagated from them, but young trees are now growing at the Experimental Farm

REPORT OF TEE HORTICULTURIST

115

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

propagated from the best and the poorest yielders, and some useful information may
be obtained in the future. A few trees have also been top grafted.

The following tables will show the marked differences in yields between tree."? of
•the same age planted at the same time: —

Apples, Wealthy — Planted 1896 — ^Yield in Gallons.

Tree.

1899.

1900.

1901.

1902.

1903.

1904.

1905.

1906.

1907.

1908.

Total

Yield,

1899-1908.

1

2

1-0

2-0

1-75

9 0

7-5

3-25

7-5

2-25

•5

120

2.25

6.5

6.5

1.0

8.5

11-25

12-25

11-25

7-5

6-25

5-5

2-25

2-25

20

2

2
2

15
7
3

10

75

5

25

5

75

5

0

5

25

15
12
8
20
23
24
19
21
27
30
21
18
20
34
21
22
22

0
0
0
5
0
0
0
5
5
0
5
5
0
0
5
5
5

27-0'
7-5

'ie-o'

"2-o'
0-5

"8-5'
4-5

17
14

6

1

23

17

io

21
17
31
13
20
17
31
16

0
0
5
0
0
5

6'

0

5

0

5

5

0

5

5

1

8

7
28
13

5
19

5
20

8
10
13
19

8
16
23

0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
5
0
0
0
5

150

2 75

Dead.

1-5

140

11-5

■3-5"
2-25
1-75

18-5
2-5
1-25

140

25-0
1-75

Dead.
25-6

17

0

71
41-75

3

24
14
9
6
6
8
4
11

"4

13

15

12

1

5"

5

5

5

0

5

75

5

75

0

5

5

5

37

154

116

80

80

58

95

85

105

57

84

95

123

104

5

4

25

5

75

6

75

7

1-5

3-5

5-0

100

5

8

5

9

75

10

10
1-25

^5

IX

...

0

12

Removed.
3-0
0-5

5

13

14

15

4 25
2-5

4
0
3

4

1

5
5
5
0
0

0
0
75

16

30

14-6
7-5

5

17

8 5

16 0

590

Apples, McMahan White — Planted I8881 — Yield in Gallons.

Tree.

1898.

1899.

1900.

1901.

1902.

1903.

1904.

1905.

1906.

1907.

1908.

Total

Yield,

1898-1908.

1

2

620
420
32-0
35 0

'i'6'

290

'37-5'
4-5
9-5
90

83 0
6-0
49-0
34-5
55 0
46-0
19 5
270

20

12-5

18 0

40

490

0-5

40

90

147 0
98 0
55-0
63 0

'69-5'
190
53-0

1-5
23-0
63 5
340
610
43-0
39-5
15-5

141-0

116 0

56-0

670

'72'6'
14-0
54 0

400
300
108
69 0
98-0
96-0
37-0
35-6

124 0

114 0

9 0

49 0

75-6

'64-6'

11
17
81
31
54
52
20
21

0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

142

120 0
12-0
730

'si'o

■96-6'

753
579
515
459
354
568
163
391

5

3

5

4

5

5

5

6

29-0
0-5
7-0

5

7

8 -.

0
0

Apples, McIntosh Eed — Planted 1890 — ^Yield in Gallons.

Tree.

1898.

1899.

1900.

1901.

1902.

1903

1904.

1905.

1906.

1907.

1908.

Total

Yield,
1898-1908.

1

17-5
1-0

260
9-5

370
10-5

6-5
1-0

71-5
37-5

94-0
31-0

12-0
6 0

109 0
72 0

30
6 0

1090
230

160
330

501-5

2

230-5

Apples, Patten Greening — Planted 1892 — Yield in Gallons.

Tree.

1898.

1899.

1900.

1901.

1902.

1903.

1904.

1905.

1906.

1907,

1908.

Total

Yield,

1S98-1908.

1

270
2 0
20

130
1-0

2-0

6-0

31-0

350
14 0

1-5

6-5

190

1-5
190
40 5

0-5

710
24-0
22-0
120
17-5

15-0
55-5
67 0
15 0
21 0

8»-a

7-5
26 0
45 0
510

06 0
69 0
45 0
75-0

92-0

"6-5

13-0
0-5

30
82-0
710
480
74-0

138 0

'e-o'

120

502-5

2

276 0

3

3:^6-5

4

209 5

5

202- 5

IG— 8i

116 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910
PLUMS.

Owing to the failure of the European, and Japanese plums to produce fruit except
in favourable seasons over a large part of Ontario and the province of Quebec, more
attention is now being paid to the improved varieties of native and Americana plums,
but not nearly as much interest is being shown in them yet as they deserve. The
native wild plum, Prunus nigra, is represented by such varieties as Aitkin, Cheney,
and Odegard, although these were originated in the United States. While not as high
in flavour as some of the varieties of Prunus americana, the trees of the native varie-
ties are much tougher than the Americanas, and do not break down as easily, the
breaking of the trees in winter being a great weakness in some of the best varieties
of the Americana plums. The thick, tough skin of most of the Americana varieties
is the chief drawback to their more general use as canned fruit, but by removing the
skin by steaming before canning this objection may be overcome. The varieties of
Nigra plums have thinner skin than the Americana and are better for caiming on
this account. The native plums in eastern Ontario are, however, usually badly
affected with the spot or blight of the native plum — Cladosporium carpophilum — but
by thorough spraying with Bordeaux mixture this can be controlled.

Among the varieties on the market the following, in order of ripening, are among
the best: —

Americana and Nigra Plums. — Aitkin, Bixby, Mank-ato, Cheney, Wolf, Admiral
Schley, Brackett, Hawkeye, Stoddard. The Omaha, a plum of hybrid origin, is very
promising.

GRAPES.

The season of 1908 was one of the most favourable for grapes that has been
experienced during the past twenty-one years, and during the dry, warm autumn the
grapes ripened well, 118 varieties having matured. The crop was, however, not so
heavy as in 1907, although there was a fair amount of fruit.

One seedling of unknown parentage, but of decided merit, fruited this year. It
has been called MacTavish.

MacTavish. — Ripe Sei^tember 23, 1908. Bunch below medium to small, broad,
very compact, rarely slightly shouldered. Eruit medium size, roundish, pale green,
slightly tinged with purple when exposed to sun; skin thick, tough; pulp tender but
does not separate readily from seeds, which are rather large and usually three to a
fruit; juicy, sweet, good flavour, slightly foxy. Quality good to very good. Produc-
tive. Owing to its earliness and good quality this should prove a useful grape in the
north.

BUSH FRUITS.

Although the raspberries wintered well during 1907-8 and gave promise of a good
crop of fruit, it was reduced below medium by the extreme drought of July. The
gooseberry crop was also below medium. The mildew did not affect the English varie-
ties as much as usual. The crop of currants was but a medium one. The older plan-
tation set out in 1899 was rooted up in 1908 after the fruiting season was over. As
the bulletin on bush fruits was so recently published no details are given in regard to
varieties in this report.

STRAWBERRIES.

There is no fruit of which there are so many new kinds offered for sale each year
as the strawberry, and as it takes several seasons to determine whether a variety is a
valuable addition or not there is always a large number of sorts under test at the
Experimental Farm. In 1908 there were 207 kinds in the experimental plots.

REPORT OF THE HORTICULTURIST 117

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

There was a very severe drought during the strawberry season of 1908, and the
crop from this cause. was much reduced both in size of fruit and in total yield. The
effect of the drought was much more apparent on some varieties than on others. A
record was made of those which showed the greatest resistance to drought by holding
fruit of good size longest. As the early varieties had matured a large part of their
fruit before the drought affected the plants very much, the following kinds which were
most resistant when the drought was greatest are for the most part medium and
late : —

Armstrong, Barton's Eclipse, Beidler, Big Bobs, Buster, Commonwealth, Clyde,
Daniel Boone, Dora, E. H. Ekey, Gandy, Giant, Gibson, Glen Mary, Governor Kollins,
Great Ruby, Greenville, Hatch Experiment Station, Hood Biver, Hero, Joe, Luxury,
Miller, Mrs. Cleveland, Mrs. Fisher, Mrs. Miller, Murray, Nettie, New Dominion,
New Globe, Parson's Beauty, Pennell, Pocomoke, Ridgeway, Robbie, Ruby, Scarlet
Ball, Seedling from C. H. Smith, Yarmouth, N.S., Stevens' Late Champion, Sumiy-
side, Tennessee Prolific, Uncle Jim and Williams.

Of these varieties the most productive are Barton's Eclipse, Big Bobs, Buster,
Daniel Boone, Dora, Glen Mary, Greenville, Pocomoke, Tennessee Prolific and
Williams.

There were few promising new named sorts fruited in 1908, none of them being
promising enough to make it likely that they will take the place of the varieties which
have been recommended for the past few years.

Some very promising seedlings of the Bubach and Wm. Belt strawberries origin-
ated at the Central Experimental Farm are being thoroughly tested and compared
with the varieties above mentioned.

VEGETABLES.

The tests with vegetables continue to be an important part of the work of the
Horticultural Division. Varieties have been very thoroughly tested, and each year
the new kinds are compared with those which have been found to be the best of the
older ones. Several lines of work are in progress with a view to finding out the value
of selection in raising home-grown vegetable seeds. The results of selecting the
tomato are given in this report. The potato is such an important crop that each year
considerable space is devoted to that vegetable in this report.

It has been found that the ' List of best vegetables for farmers,' published from
time to time in the annual report is much appreciated. It was published last in the
report for 1906, and is reprinted again with the few changes deemed necessary.

farmers' list of best vegetables.

The results of variety tests of vegetables for the past eighteen years are sum-
marized in the following table, where a list is given of the varieties of each kind of
'vegetable which are considered the best to plant.

Asparagus. — Conover's Colossal is the best all round variety, but this is more
subject to rust than Palmetto or Argenteuil.

Beans. — Round Pod Kidney Wax, Keeney's Rustless Golden Wax or Wardwell's
Kidney Wax, for early crop; Early Refugee 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 best 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.

118 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

Brussels Sprouts. — Improved Dwarf is the most satisfactory.

Cabbage. — Early Jersey Wakefield (early), Succession (medium), Late Flat
Dutch, Houser, 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 v?eek
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. — Golden Self -Blanching (Paris Golden Yellow), Improved White Plume
(early). Perfection Heartwell, Triumph, Winter Queen, French's Success, London
Ked (late), are among the best.

Corn. — Early Fordhook, Early Cory (early), Crosby's Early, Golden Bantam,
Henderson'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. Golden Bantam is the best second
early for home use.

Cucumbers. — Peerless White Spine or White Spine, Cool and Crisp, and Giant
Pera are three of the most satisfactory slicing varieties. Boston Pickling and Chicago
Pickling are good pickling sorts.

Egg Plant. — New York Improved and Long Purple succeed best.

Lettuce. — ^Black Seeded Simpson, The Morse (early curled) ; Iceberg, New York,
Giant Crystal Head, Crisp as Ice, and Improved Hanson (curled cabbage) ; Improved
Salamander (cabbage) ; Trianon and Paris (Cos lettuce).

Melons, Musk. — Long Island Beauty, Hackensack and Montreal Market, of the
Nutmeg type; Surprise, Emerald Gem and Paul Rose, 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 Red Wethersfield are two of the best
onions in cultivation.

Parsnips. — Hollow Crown and Dobbie's Selected are both good sorts.

Parsley. — Double Curled is as good as any.

Peppers. — Cayenne, Chili and Cardinal are three of the best.

Pease. — Gregory's Surprise, Thos. Laxton, 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).
Excelsior (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 Early, Early Petoskey (white).
Early: Early White Prize, Irish Cobbler (white), Vick's Extra Early (pink and
white). Main crop: Carman No. 1 (white), Dooley (white), Vermont Gold Coin
(white). Money Maker (white), Burnaby Mammoth (pink and white).

Radishes. — Early: Scarlet White-tipped Turnip, Rosy Gem, French Breakfast,
Red Rocket (red). Icicle (white). Late: White Strasburg, Long White Vienna.
Winter : Long Black Spanish, Chinese Rose-coloured.

Rhubarb. — Linnaeus, Victoria.

Salsify. — Long White, Sandwich Island.

REPORT OF THE HORTICULTURIST

119

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Spinach. — Victoria, Thickleaved.

Squash. — Early: White Bush Scalloped, Summer Crook Neck. Late: Delicious,
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 vyhich are almost equal in excellence and
productiveness.

Turnips. — Early; Extra Early Milan, Red Top Strap Leaf.

Swedes. — Champion Purple Top, Skirving's Luproved.

POTATOES.

The year 1908 marked the third season in succession which- has been unfavourable
to the potato crop. There was never enough moisture for the potatoes from the middle
of June until the vines died, notwithstanding thorough cultivation. A severe attack
of thrips, which it seemed impossible to control satisfactorily, also checked the growth
of the vines. The vitality of the seed, which must have been considerably lowered by
the previous dry seasons and premature ripening, doubtless also had an unfavourable
effect on the crop. While the yields were not large, the tubers which formed were
clean, and most of them of good marketable size.

The potatoes in the uniform test plots were planted on May 21 in sandy loam soil
which had been manured the year previously for corn. The ground was thoroughly
prepared by ploughing and harrowing, after which the drills were opened 30 inches
apart with the double mould board plough. Sixty-six sets of each variety, having at
least three good eyes, made by cutting the potatoes, were dropped one foot apart
in the rows. These sets were covered with the hoe. The land was harrowed just as
the potatoes began to come up, to kill weeds. Thorough cultivation was given at
intervals until the vines of most varieties covered the ground, practically level cultiva-
tion being adopted, there being but a little soil drawn towards the plants. The vines
were sprayed with Bordeaux mixture six times and Paris green was used to destroy the
potato beetles. The potatoes were dug on October 5. There was very little scab or rot.
A much larger number of varieties than usual were tested in the imiform plots this
year, 154 sorts being grown. Tables follow of the twelve varieties which have
averaged highest in yield for the last five seasons, and the thirty most productive sorts
in 1908.

Twelve Most Productive Varieties of Potatoes ; Average of Five Years, 1904-8.

u

s

3

Name of Variety.

Number of

Years under

Test.

Season.

Colour.

Quality.

Average Yield

per acre,

1904- 190S.

1

Dooley

Carman No. 1 (new stock)

Vermont Gold Coin

Rural Blush

8

5

6

20

6

20

14

11

16

6

7

11

Medium

Medium late. .
It . .

Late

Medium . .
Late

II

Medium

Early

II

II

Medium

^Vhite

II

11 ... ......

Pink and reddish .

Pink and white

White

Good

Bush. Lbs.
268 24

9

267 31

3

263 7

4

2f)3 7

5

Morgan Seedling

Holborn Abundance

Sabean's Elephant

Canadian Beauty

Vick's Extra Early

Quick Crop

Crine's Lightning

Burnaby Mammoth

256 58

6

Medium

Good

245 31

7

239 22

8

Pink and white.. . .

II ....

11 ....
Pink with red eye .
Pink and white. . .

233 12

q

230 7

10

226 36

11
12

II -

It

226 36
224 50

120

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

Potatoes — Test of Varieties — Thirty Most Productive Varieties in Uniform Plots,

1908.

3

1

2
3
4

5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30

Name of Variety.

Quality.

Extra Early Hero

Woodbury's White Rose

From T. Rowan, McGregor, Man.

King Edward (Wilson's)

Early Harvester White

Nebraska

New Early Standard

Early Petoskey

White Beauty

Planet

White Giant

Pinnacle Beauty

Snow

Perfection

Johnson's No. 2 . . .

Improved Early Ohio

Barkley 's Seedling

Hick's Jubilee

Star of the East

New Reliance

White Ohio

Sutton's Sion House

Sutton's Prolific

Dalmeny Beauty

Sirdar

Solanum Commersonii Violet

Prince Albert

Sir John Llwellyn

Dewey

Immigrant

Good.

Good.

Medium.

Medium .
Good...'.

Good .

Medium.
Good . . . .

Total

Yield per

Acre.

Yield per

Acre,
Market-
able.

Bush. lbs. Bush, lbs

325

316

308

275

275

270

266

261

255

2.55

253

253

250

250

244

235

231

220

215

213

212

200

198

193

193

189

182

182

182

176

24

48

36
12
48
12
12

48
48
12
24

36
24
12
12

36
36
12
36
36
36

303
281
290
226
264
261
253
235
233
244
244

167
158
151
167
171
176
15S
171
1&8

24
36
24
36

48

24

12
12

12

239 48
237 36
220 ..
233
220
173
200
195

12

48
12

48

180 24
209 ..

12
24
48
12
36

24
36
24

Yield per
Acre, Un-
market-
able.

Bush. lbs.

24
35
17
48
11

8
13
26
22
11

8
13
13
30
11
15
57
19
19
33
13
33
39
41
26
17

6
24
11
17

12
36
24

48
12
24

48

Colour.

48
12

36
48
24
36
36
12

36

Pink.
White.

12 Pink or reddish.

12 White.

48

Pink.

24

12 I „
48 White.

Pale pink.

Pink.

White.

Violet.
White.

SMALLER- PLOTS OF POTATOES.

The number of varieties grown in plots smaller than the uniform test plots in
1908 was 119. Of these only the ten most productive are given.

Potatoes — Yields from Smaller Plots — Ten Most Productive Varieties — Thirty-three

Sets Planted.

u
S

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

Name of Variety.

Montcalm

Vulcan

The Cottar. .. .
King of Michigan

Noxall

Ireland

Dewey Rose

Orphans

Clyde

Ramona

Total

Yield per

Acre.

Bush. Lbs.

391
325
303
294
290
255
246
202
202
198

36
36
36
48
24
12
24
24
24

Yield

per Acre

Marketable.

Bush. Lbs.

338
299
277
2S1
286
220
206
193
ISO
136

48
12
12
36

48
36
12
24

Yield
per Acre,
Unmarket-
able.

Bush. Lbs.

52
26
26
13

4

35
39

8

13
61

48
24
24
12
2t
12
3fi
48
12
36

Photij ill F. T. Shutt.
Lilacs in the Arboretum, Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa, Ont.

Mviskmelon Plantation at Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa, Ont.
5094— p. 120.

Photo hv F. T. Shutt.

REPORT OF THE HORTICULTURIST

121

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

POTATOES CHANGE OF SEED.

The seasons of 1906, 1907 and 190S were three of the most unfavourable for pota-
toes that have been experienced in twenty-one years at the Central Experimental
Farm. Varieties which had been grown from the same stock year after year for
seventeen years showed no signs of deteriorating in vigour before 1906. The best
potatoes had been used each year for seed, and the continued selection had evidently
pi-evented deterioration. The season of 1906 was, however, very dry, and varieties
which had been yielding at the rate of over three hundred bushels per acre in some
cases gave scarcely half as much. The growth of the tubers had been stopped prema-
turely by the dry weather. These tubers were used for seed in 1907, and another
unfavourable season, combined with the poor seed, resulted in another poor crop. The
crop of potatoes was again small in 1908, but the tubers which formed were most of
them well developed when dug.

The crop of potatoes had been so poor in 1906, and the prospects for a good crop
in 1907 from the tubers not being thought favourable, it wa?^ considered desirable to
compare the results with imported seed. Accordingly, small quantities of tubers of
six well known varieties of potatoes were procured from the Experimental Farm,
Nappan, IST.S. As the best of the home-grown seed had been used in other experi-
ments before this imported seed was planted the results obtained that year are not
considered reliable, but it may be said that the average yield from the imported varie-
ties was almost twice as great as from the home-grown seed of the same sorts. In
1908 it was possible to make a fairer comparison, and the best seed from the im-
ported stock of the year before was compared with the best seed of the home-grown
stock. The results given in the following table show that the extra vigour and produc-
tiveness of the imported stock were still maintained to a marked degree.

Name of Variety.

Late Puritan

Rochester Rose

Early White Prize

Vick's Extra Early

Money Maker

Carman No. \

Average

Average difference in fav-
our of Napxjan seed . .

Seed from Nappan, N.S., 1907.

Total

Yield per

Acre,

C.E.r.,1908.

Bush. Lbs .

343

281
272
213
213
193

12

36
48
24
24
36

Yield

per Acre,

Marketable,

C.E.F.,1908.

C.E*F.!i908. C.E.F.,1908

Bush. Lbs.

332
242
201
195
191
182

12

48
48
24
36

253 ..
133 28

234 18
128 20

Yield
per Acre,
Unmarket-
able,

C. E. F. Seed, 1907.

Total

Yield per

Acre,

Bush. Lbs.

11
39
11
17
22
11

36
.36

18 42
5 8

Bush. Lbs.

118
90
123
150
118
103

48
48
12
12
48
24

119 32

Yi^ld

per Acre,

Marketable,

C.E.F.,1908.

Rush. Lbs .

110

88

96

127

114

99

48
36
24

105 58

Yield
per Acre,

Unmarket-
able,

C.E.F.,1908.

Bush. Lbs .

8
8
26
28
4
4

48
48
24
36
24
24

13 34

It has been found in Great Britain and Ireland that seed potatoes from the south
of England, where the season is comparatively hot and dry, do not produce nearly as
good crops as the Irish and Scotch seed grown in cooler and moister climates, and it
is becoming a common practice for English growers to use either Scotch or Irish seed.
While it is evident from the results at the Central Experimental Farm that potatoes
do not soon run out if the seed is carefully selected each year, and that providing
there is no great reduction in vigour, as has been the case during the past three
seasons here, large yields may be obtained from Ontario grown seed. The results
obtained in Great Britain and the results obtained from Nappan seed would indicate
that at least every few years it would be profitable for Ontario growers to import seed
from the Maritime Provinces or from the cooler and moister parts of Ontario and
Quebec, providing known productive varieties could be obtained.

122 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910
POTATOES — COMPARISON OP SPROUTED, CELLAR-STORED AND COLD STORAGE POTATOES.

It has been tbe practice of many market gardeners to sprout their seed potatoes,
as they have found that by sprouting them they will have new potatoes sooner. The
sprouting of potatoes is a well known practice also in Great Britain and Europe, both
early and late varieties being found to benefit by it, both in earliness and productive-
ness. A comparison was made in 1908 with an early and medium late variety at the
Experimental Farm, the varieties used being Rochester Rose, early; and Carman No.
1, medium late. Part of the tubers were spread out in a light room from April 1
until May 16 before planting. At the time of planting there were short, stout green
sprouts on the tubers. Part of the tubers were kept in the potato cellar, where the
temperature rose to between 50 and 60 degrees F. before planting time, by which time
the sprouts were beginning to grow. The remainder of the tubers were kept in cold
storage at a temperature of 40, and were quite dormant when planted. The tubers
were planted whole in rows two and one-half feet apart and one foot apart in the rows
on May 16. They were kept thoroughly cultivated throughout the season, the rows
being but slightly ridged.

- In the following table the results are given, which show an advantage in yield in
favour of the sprouted seed. A still greater advantage was shown in the greater earli-
ness of the crop from the sprouted seed. The extremely dry season caused all the
yields to be very small.

Name of Variety

Sprouted.

Stoked in Cellar.

Cold Stobage.

Total

Yield

per acre.

Yield
per acre

Market-
able.

Yield
per acre
Unmar-
ketable.

Total

Yield

per acre.

Yield
per acre,
Market-
able.

Yield
per acre,
Unmar-
ketable.

Total

Yield

per acre.

Yield
per acre.
Market-
able.

Yield
per acre,
Unmar-
ketable.

Rochester Rose.
Carman No. 1. . .

Bus. lbs.

198 ..
154 ..

Bus. lbs.

162 48
140 48

Bus. lbs.

35 12
13 12

Bus. lbs.

180 24
136 24

Bus. lbs.

145 12
118 48

Bus. lbs.

35 12
17 36

Bus. lbs.

180 24
110 ..

Bus. lbs.

162 48
105 36

Bus. lbs.

17 36
4 24

Average

176 ..

151 48

24 12

158 24

132

26 24

145 12

134 12

11 ..

TOMATOES.

CHANGES MADE BY SELECTION.

In the year 1901 seed was saved of the earliest ripe fruit of the Sparks Earliana
tomato, grown at the Central Experimental Farm. Selection from the earliest tomato
was continued each year until 1904, when several selections were made from the plants
of that year. One selection was a single tomato from the plant giving the largest
crop of early and most uniform fruit in 1904; another selection of a single tomato
was made from the plant giving the largest and most uniform crop, regardless of
earliness, in 1904; and a third selection was made of the earliest fruit from the plants
in the experiment in 1904, regardless of which plant it came from. A similar selec-
tion has been kept up each year since, the seed being taken from the first good tomato
produced on the individual plants giving the crop most like that desired, and the other
selection of the earliest ripe fruit from the plot or field of plants under experiment.
The results have become so marked that it is thought desirable to publish them to show
what can be accomplished by the market gardener, seedsman or plant breeder in the
selection of tomatoes. The experiment is being continued with the object of learning
whether after several years' selection certain strains from the diflferent selections will
remain more constant than others.

In the following tables the records are given of twenty-five plants from each selec-
tion, taken as they came in the plantation.

REPORT OF TEE HORTICULTURIST

123

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Selection from One Plant for Uniformity and Productiveness.

Date of First Ripe Fruit.

1S08.

Aug. 18.
.. 18.
„ 18
,. 18.

„ 18.

M 18;

„ 18.

>, 18.

,. 2.5.

■■ 24.

„ 1.5.

.. 17.

• M 18.

M 25.
„ 15.
4

23.

23.

14.

14.

27.

18.

25.

28

16.

Fruit Ripe

to

Au^ist 18,

1908.

July

II

Aug.

It
July

Aug.

II
July
Aug.

Total

Average, Aug. 14.

Lb3.
0
0
1
0
0
0

1

0
0
0
0

1

0
0

0

2

1

0
0
0

1

0
0
0

1

Ozs.

5

3

4
12

4

5

8
14

0

0

8

4

6

0
14
14

6

9

7

8

1
10

0

IH

8

Total Yield

of

Ripe Fruit,

1908.

18

U-Sfi

Lbs.
17
15
14
13
14
14
15
13
16
16
19
25
13
19
14
20
16
18
12
12
14
14
13
15
14

Ozs.

13

11

4

0

0

5
12

6

6

4

0

4

8|

8
14
14

2

9
15
12

1

6

2

71
10

Q o

-^ 'm '-5 13
5 E C

13

11

12

12

10

10

11

11

9

9

11

9

6

7

11

12

11

11

13

13

13

8

9

8

12

395
15

14
13-36

262
12-4

Selection from One Plant for Uniformity and Largest Crop of Early Fruit.

Date of First Ripe Fruit.

July 25 .

II 27.

1908.

18

27

28

29

22

22

Aug

4

July

22

24.

23.

Aug.

If

July
Aug.
July

Aug.
July

27...

4...
25...
23...
27 .

4 ..
27...
25...
23..,
27...
23...

Fruit Ripe

to

August 18,

1908.

Total

Average, July 26

Lbs.
2
1
1
1
1
1
0
2
1
0

0
0
2
0
1
0
1
1
0
0
1

Ozs.
3
1
4
4

0^

7
10

4

3

5

8

3

7

3

10
13

1

IH

13

3

0^
10

Sh

Hi

Total Yield

of

Ripe Fruit,

1908.

26
1

7
0-92

Lbs.
10
12
10
10
17
15
12
11
11
10
10
10
14
15
]3
9
17
16
20
14
15
11
11
15
10

7
13

4

2i

3
15

6
13

1

IH
5

7

Oh

2

H

12i

5h

328
13

14

2-48

» i m •

0^ be c

'~' to c

^ -U CD O

13

11

17
14
18
16
13
14
14
12
12
14
13
14

9
13
17
15
11
10
12
18
10

8
11

329
13 16

124

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910
Selection from Field for Earliest Ripe Fruit.

Date of First Ripe Fruit.

Fruit Ripe

to

August 18.

1908.

Total Yield

of

Ripe Fruit.

1908.

Number of As-
terisks, Repre-
senting Degrees
of Uniformity.

1908.
July 27

Lbs . Ozs .

1 12^
1 13
0 6

0 in

0 9

1 11^
1 8
1 8i
1 2
1 14
3 1
0 11

0 14

1 8i

0 14"

1 0

2 7
1 5i

0 13

1 1

0 4*

1 3l
1 Oi
1 9
1 4

Lbs. Ozs

17 4i
10 6

12 2
10 15i

9 7

10 7i

11 10

18 12*
20 2"
16 2
22 5

13 15
15 14
15 2i

9 lo-
ll 8
15 3

14 9i

11 10
10 7

9 14i
10 13i

8 6|
10 11

12 0

16

„ 28

M 25

„ 31 .

15
10
12

Aug. 17

July 25

13
15

Aug. 4

July 30

Aug. 16

July 27

14
18
12
11

„ 30

M 27

„ 27

Aug. 4

Jvily 22

15
12
13
14
10

Aue. 17

11

July 27 ....

11

Ausr. 4

13

July 28 . .

13

„ 28

Aug.l8

July 25 ... ...

9

12
12

„ 29

14

12

M 30

16

Total

32 Oi
1 4"48

329 6h

13 2'8

1

323
12-92

It will be seen from the above tables that in a selection from individual plants
each year the selection for earliness has resulted in plants which bear ripe fruit nine-
teen days earlier than the plants from the selection which has been made for produc-
tiveness, whereas, on the other hand, the plants from the selection for earliness and
uniformity without regard to productiveness, yielded 20- 45 per cent less than the
plants selected for productiveness, but the amount of ripe fruit up to August 18 was
46-11 per cent greater in the selection for earliness than that for productiveness.

Comparing the selection for earliness from the individual plant each year with
that where the selection was made from the first ripe fruit in the plot or field, it will
be seen that the average date of first ripe fruit is five days earlier where the selection
was made from the individual plant, although by August 18 the yield of fruit was
somewhat more from the field selection. The total yields were almost the same. At
each picking of tomatoes the relative uniformity of the crop was gauged by the eye,
three, two, one, and no asterisks being given according to the uniformity of the fruit.
"While this method could not give perfectly accurate results, it should be fairly reli-
able. The selection for uniformity for several years has not so far shown as marked
results as the selection for earliness. No check plots of unselected plants have been
used in this experiment.

SPRAYING.

Spraying to control insect pests and fungous diseases is now a regular practice
with the best fruit growers, but there is still a large proportion of the men that grow

REPORT OF THE HORTICULTURIST 125

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

fruit who, if they spray at all, do not do it systematically. If the results from spray-
ing to control the Apple Spot and some other diseases were as self-evident every year
as spraying to kill the San Jose scale and potato beetle there would be no diificulty in
persuading fruit growers of the importance of spraying, but sometimes when spot
does not happen to be troublesome those who do not spray may have as clean fruit as
he who does. But the experience of the most successful fruit growers is that it does
not pay to take chances, and that the best results follow, taking one year with another,
when spraying is done regularly every year.

EXPERIMENTS IN SPRAYING, 1908, TO CONTROL GOOSEBERRY MILDEW.

As good results were said to have been obtained elsewhere from the use of the
lime sulphur wash in controlling gooseberry mildew, a number of varieties of English
gooseberries usually more or less affected with the disease were sprayed in 1908 with
the lime-sulphur wash made here in the proportion of 12 lbs. sulphur, 12 lbs. lime and
40 gallons water, and the Niagara Brand lime-sulphur wash. The V-I Fluid was
also tried. In most cases five bushes of each variety were sprayed, leaving one bush
of each unsprayed. The bushes were sprayed on May 1, 1908, with the home-made
lime-sulphur wash when the leaves of most varieties were showing green and begin-
ning to expand. A second spraying was made with this wash on May 2, as it rained
within an hour after the first spraying. The Niagara Brand lime-sulphur and V-I
Fluid were both used on May 2. There was not nearly as much mildew in 1908 as
usual, but this was evidently not due to the spraying, as no difference in the amount
of mildew could be seen on the sprayed and unsprayed bushes, when notes were taken
on June 6 and also just before picking. As there was little inildew this year, even on
unsprayed bushes, no conclusions could be drawn from these experiments as to the
value of the lime-sulphur washes in controlling gooseberry mildew.

TO CONTROL APHIS.

Several mixtures were used in 1908 for aphis on apple trees, this insect being very
troublesome in 1908, appearing in great numbers on the young trees. Eighteen young
apple trees, in most cases, were sprayed with each mixture on July 28, with the fol-
lowing results : —

Flour Emulsion (5 lbs. flour, 4^ gallons kerosene, 36 gallons water) : —

July 29. — Aphis almost all dead on a few leaves and a considerable number dead
on many leaves.

McDougall's Insecticide and Fungicide Wash (^ pint to 5 gallons water) : —

July 29. — Aphis almost all dead on many leaves.

V-2 Fluid (latest brand) :—

July 29. — A considerable number of aphis killed but nor so many as with some
other insecticides. The V-2 Fluid used was not the one originally received, but an
improved mixture received from the company later.

Niagara Brand Lime-Sulphur Wash (1 gallon to 50 gallons water) : —

July 29. — Few, if any, aphis were killed.

Target Brand Fungicide (1 gallon to 100 gallons water) : —

July 29. — A considerable number of aphis were killed. It was not claimed that
this mixture would kill aphis.

Whale Oil Soap (1 lb. to 6 gallons water) : —

July 29. — Most of the aphis were killed where hit. Eight trees sprayed in this
case.

Of the mixtures used, the Whale Oil Soap and McDougall's Insecticide gave the
best results, both apparently killing what aphis were hit. It is very difficult to destroy

126 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

all aphis at one application ; indeed, it is almost impossible to spray them all with the
mixture when the leaves are curled.

DISEASES OF THE NATIVE PLUM (PRUNUS NIGRA).

Diseases of fruit were not as troublesome in 1908 as in some years, doubtless
owing to the warm, dry season. There are, however, two diseases to which attention
should be drawn, as they have proved so injurious to the native plum (Prunus nigra),
and have in many places in eastern Ontario and Quebec ruined the crops of that
fruit, which, where the European varieties of plums cannot be grown, is of consider-
able importance to settlers over a wide area of country.

Spot or Blight of the Native Plum (Cladosporium carpophilum V. Thumen). —
The almost complete absence of native plums during recent years in the Ottawa
district and elsewhere in Eastern Ontario and the province of Quebec, is due in a large
measure or almost entirely to the disease known as blight. The fruit forms and
reaches more than half its size, but colours prematurely. When affected by the disease
it shrivels and falls to the ground without ripening. If the fruit is examined when
half grown or later, small pale green or yellow patches will be noticed. These gradu-
ally enlarge until finally they are about half an inch in diameter, at which time the
blotches are darker in colour, of more irregular outline and are raised on the skin.
The Americana plums are not, as a rule, seriously affected with this disease, which is
principally confined to the Nigra varieties.

Eemedy. — This fungus is nearly related to the apple spot, and can be satisfac-
torily treated in much the same way. The trees should be sprayed with Bordeaux
mixture just after the blossoms fall, again two weeks later, and a third time two
weeks after the second application. It is also advisable to spray a fourth time with am-
moniacal copper carbonate just when the fruit is beginning to colour. The native
varieties ripen early, and if the ordinary Bordeaux mixture were applied the last time,
the fruit might remain stained. The ammoniacal copper carbonate does not leave a
noticeable stain on the fruit. This remedy has been very satisfactorily used by one
grower in particular near Ottawa, who has thus been able to grow native plums very
profitably, and at the Experimental Farm spraying with Bordeaux mixture has kept
the disease under perfect control. The Americana varieties may be top grafted on the
native ones, with the result that there will be less disease as the former are not as much
afl'ected as the native. All other plum trees not looked after or bearing poor fruit
should be burned; also all fruit which is. diseased.

Plum Pockets (Exoascus pruni Fckl.). — The disease known as plum pockets has
been recently very injurious to the native plum (Prunus nigra), the entire crop of
fruit in many cases being ruined by this disease. The mycelium of the disease which
causes the pockets is able to live for more than a year in the tree, and although the
pockets may not be produced one year the disease may be in the tree, and if conditions
are favourable the next year the tree may be covered with them. It is thus not neces-
sary for the disease to start from spores every year. The fruit is affected soon after
tlie tree has blossomed, and is indicated by the unnatural swelling and bladder-like
appearance of the fruit and by its unusual yellow colour. There is no stone in fruit
affected by this disease. When the spores of the disease which has been working in-
side the fruit appear on the surface they give the pockets a grey appearance. Later
on the pockets turn almost black and fall to the ground. The leaves and twigs are
also noticeably affected with this disease, the former becoming curled and unhealthy
looking and the twigs swelling unnaturally. There is no known thoroughly tested
remedy for this disease, but as it is closel.y related to the peach leaf-curl, which is
controlled by early spraying with Bordeaux mixture (4 lbs. bluestone, 4 lbs. lime and

REPORT OF THE HORTICULTURIST 127

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

40 gallons water), it is quite likely that the plum pockets may be prevented by its use
also. The most important spraying would appear to be just before the flower buds
open, and as soon as the petals fall. It may be said that in the orchard at the Experi-
mental Farm, where the trees are thoroughly sprayed every year, there has been no
plum pocket, and in another orchard of native plums near Ottawa which is well
sprayed each year there are few plum pockets ; whereas, in the vicinity trees along the
roadside have been badly affected. In addition to spraying, it is recommended to cut
back the trees which are affected, thus removing the diseased twigs; also to pick off
the pockets as soon as they appear.

FOREST BELTS. ^

The work in the forest belts at present consists mainly in recording the height
and diameter of the different kinds of trees, of preventing some of the more valuable
species from being smothered in the mixed plantations by the faster growing species,
and by lopping off branches and the removing of dead and fallen trees. The last table
showing the height and diameter of the trees was published in the report for 1906.
The table which follows shows the growth up to the autumn of 1908. Owing to the
dry weather of the past two seasons the increase in height and diameter of most kinds
of trees has been small.

128

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

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REPORT OF TEE HORTICULTURIST

129

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

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130 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

ARBORETUM AND BOTANIC GARDEN.

The additions to the Arboretum and Botanic Garden in 190S, while not very
numerous were mainly of valuable species and varieties. In addition to the plants
raised from seed at the Central Experimental Farm and the plants obtained from
nurserymen, a good collection received from the Arnold Arboretum in the autumn of
1907 was planted out in the spring of 1908. In this collection was a large number of
species of Crataegus, which with the many kinds received in previous years from the
Arnold Arboretum makes the number of species under test of this interesting genus
very large. The total number of trees and shrubs added in 1908 was 326, comprised
of 276 species and varieties, making a total of 3,280 species and varieties, represented
by 4,978 specimens, living in the Arboretum in the autumn of 1908. The number of
species and varieties of herbaceous perennials added was 198, making a total of 2,068
alive in the border in the autumn of 1908.

The winter of 1907-8 did not apparently cause more than the average amount of
injury. The summer season was very dry, and the plants in the herbaceous border
suffered badly from the drought, the growth not being nearly as strong as usual.

During the past year a bulletin on herbaceous perennials was published by the
writer under the title ' List of Herbaceous Pereimials Tested in the Arboretum and
Botanic Garden, Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa, Canada, with Descriptions of
Flowers and other Notes.' In this bulletin are recorded the names of 2,116 species
and varieties of herbaceous perennials tested at the Central Experimental Farm
during the past twenty years, with descriptions of a large proportion of them, includ-
ing their relative hardiness, time of blooming, height to which the plants grow and
colour of the flowers. Asterisks are also used to indicate their relative value from an
ornamental standpoint. Lists of the best sorts are given. The information contained
in this bulletin represents many years' work. While a general distribution of this
bulletin was not made, it will be sent free to any one applying for it.

ORNAMENTAL TREES.

There have been numerous inquiries from correspondents for information in
regard to the best hardy ornamental trees and shrubs. To meet these inquiries there
was published in the writer's annual report for 1897 a list of one hundred of the best,
with short descriptions of each. A part of this list was revised and republished in the
annual report for 1906 as ' A List of Best Thirty Hardy Ornamental Flowering
Shrubs.' Other lists, however, have been published since 1897, such as ' Some Good
Low Growing Flowering Shrubs,' in the report for 1899 ; ' A List of the Best Lilacs,'
in 1901 ; and ' A List of Deciduous Trees, Shrubs and Climbers with attractive Foli-
age, Bark and Fruit,' in 1903.

It is thought desirable to now publish 'A List of the Best Twenty-five Ornamental
Deciduous Trees,' and ' A List of the Best Twenty-five Ornamental Evergreen Trees.'
For the most part these are the same as were given in the list of 1897, with some revi-
sions and changes. The heights of the trees given in this list are not in all cases the
maximum height which these trees may reach, but are sufficiently accurate to be used
as a guide when planting.

LIST OF BEST TWENTY-FIVE HARDY ORNAMENTAL DECIDUOUS TREES,

1. Acer dasycarpum laciniatum. — Wier's cut-leaved maple (Canada), height 40 to
50 feet. This is a cut-leaved variety of the native silver-leaved maple, which origin-
ated in Europe, and is a very quick growing, robust tree, with large, deeply cut leaves,
and pendulous branches. It requires plenty of space to appear to the best advantage.

REPORT OF THE HORTICULTURIST 131

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

2. Acer platanoides. — Norway maple (Europe). Height 30 to 50 feet. The Nor-
way maple is one of the hardiest of ornamental trees. The dark green leaves appear
before those of our native hard maple and fall from two to three weeks later in the
autumn, but do not assume such a brilliant colour, the leaves having different shades
of yellow. When in flower this tree is also quite attractive.

3. Acer platanoides Schwedleri. — Schwedler's Norway maple. One of the best
ornamental trees. The leaves are large, and in the early part of the summer are of a
bright, purplish red, becoming duller as the season advances, and finally losing the
purplish tinge. The variety Reitenbachii, while not having so attractive foliage, re-
tains the purplish tinge throughout the summer.

4. Acer saccharinum. — Hard, or sugar maple (Canada). Height 50 to 70 feet.
The hard maple needs no description. Its clean, clear cut, green leaves, almost free
from insect pests, handsome form, delicately and highly tinted leaves in autumn,
recommend it as one of the best of hardy trees.

5. Acer tataricum Gi7inala. — Ginnalian maple (Amurland). Height 10 to 20 feet.
The deeply cut, pretty leaves of this little maple make it ornamental throughout the
summer, and in the autumn it rivals all other maples in the variety and brilliancy of
its colouring.

6. Aesculus Hippocastanum. — Horse chestnut (Mountains of southeastern Europe).
The horse chestnut is well known. At Ottawa all specimens have not proven hardy,
but if procured from northern grown stock they should do well. This tree is very
ornamental when in full leaf and flower.

7. Alnus glutinosa imperialis. — Imperial cut-leaved alder (Europe). Height 20 to
30 feet. The cut-leaved alder is a very distinct and graceful tree with deeply cut fern-
like leaves and pendulous branches.

8. Betula alba laciniata pendula. — European cut-leaved birch (Europe). Height
30 to 50 feet. One of the most graceful and hardy of all ornamental trees. The
pendulous branches, finely cut foliage and elegant form of this birch make it very
desirable. After it has been twenty years planted at Ottawa the top begins to die
back and the trees become unshapely During recent years it has been affected with
borers.

9. Catalpa Kaempferi. — Japanese catalpa (Oapan). Height 30 feet. In bloom
second week of July. Flowers yellow spotted with purple, and smaller than those of
the hardy catalpa. The leaves are purple veined. This is the hardiest catalpa grown
here.

10. Catalpa speciosa. — Hardy catalpa (United States). Height 30 to 40 feet.
In bloom fourth week of June. Flowers large, white, spotted with purple and yellow.
This tree is very handsome when the flowers are in bloom. The leaves are large and
heart-shaped. The seed pods which form during the latter part of the summer become
more than one foot in length. The whole tree is very tropical looking. To ensure
hardiness, trees should be obtained from northern grown stock, as but few specimens
have proved hardy at Ottawa. Tea's hybrid catalpa, while not quite so handsome is
about as hardy or hardier.

11. Cercidiphyllum japonicum. — Katsura tree (Japan). Height 30 to 50 feet.
The pyramidal shape and delicate heart-shaped leaves of this tree make it very attrac-
tive and ornamental. It is closely related to the magnolia family but is quite hardy
at Ottawa.

12. Crataegus Crus-gaUi. — Cockspur thorn (Ontario). Height 15 to 25 feet. In
bloom second week of June. Flowers white, tinged with pink. The leaves of this tree
are very ornamental, being thick, smooth and very shiny.

16— 9i

132 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

13. Elaeagniis an giisfi folia. — "Russian olive (South Europe, Orient). Height 15
to 20 feet. In bloom third week of June. Flowers small, yellow, very sweet scented.
This is a very ornamental tree with narrow silvery leaves and is perfectly hardy.

14. Ginkgo hiloha. — Maiden-hair tree (China). Height 20 to 60 feet. This odd
looking tree is a deciduous conifer with peculiar fan-shaped leaves. It is rather a
slow grower but eventually reaches a good size.

15. Larix europcea. — European larch (Europe). Height 60 to 80 feet. This tree
is more graceful than our native tamarac, and will succeed on a greater diversity of
soils.

IC. Larix leptolepis. — Japanese larch (Japan). The Japanese larch is as large
and is a more attractive tree at Ottawa when young than the European species, and
promises to be one of the best ornamental trees.

17. Platanus occidentalis. — Button-wood (Ontario). Height 50 to 60 feet. A
very handsome and striking native tree with large, deeply cut foliage. Its chief draw-
back is the lateness in leafing out in spring.

18. Prunus Grayana. — (Japan). Some of the species of cherries are very orna-
mental when in bloom, and this is one of the best. The tree is very hardy and grows
at least from twenty-five to thirty feet high. During the latter part of May this
species is covered with racemes of white flowers, and is a decidedly ornamental object
at that time. The tree is moderately upright in habit and of good shape, and remains
ornamental throughout the summer. Two other good hardy cherries are Primus
Padus Albertsii and Prnntis Maachii.

19. Pyrus Aucuparia. — European mountain ash, rowan tree (Europe). Height
20 to 30 feet. In bloom fourth week of May. Flowers white, borne in large clusters.
This is a very graceful lawn tree, remaining ornamental throughout the winter, when
it is covered with its scarlet fruit. The American species is also very good. It is a
smaller, more compact tree, flowering about one week later than the European.

20. Pyrns haccala. — Siberian crab (Siberia). Height 15 to 20 feet. In bloom
third week of May. Flowers white, tinged with bright pink. This compact little tree
bears such a profusion of flowers in spring that it is one of the most ornamental at
that time, and later in the summer when the highly coloured fruit hangs thickly
among the leaves it is again very handsome. This is one of the hardiest trees grown
here

Most of the crabapples make good ornamental trees.

21. Pyrus corona/ria fl, pi. — (Bechtel's flowering crab.) This is a charming,
double flowering variety of the native crabapple 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.

22. Crataegus coccinea. — Scarlet fruited hawthorn (Canada). Tree. Height 10
to 20 feet. In bloom fourth week of May. Flowers white, borne in great profusion.
This valuable native tree is ornamental in spring, stimmer and autumn. The flowers
are pretty, the leaves dark and shiny, and the fruit bright red and very showy.

23. Querciis rubra. — Red oak (Canada). A large, handsome tree, with very
glossy leaves which turn red in autumn and at that time render it very ornamental.
The leaves stay on the tree until winter. The red oak is the most rapid growing oak
v.hich has been tested. The golden leaved red oak (^Quercus rubra aurea) is one of
the best hardy yellow leaved trees.

REPORT OF THE HORTICULTURIST I33

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

24. Syringa japonica. — Japanese or Tree Lilac (Japan). Height 15 to 20 feet.
In bloom fourth week of June and first week of July. Flowers creamy white, without
lilac perfume, borne in very large panicles. This is the latest blooming lilac tested here,
being more than one month later than the common species, and being tall and of
tree-like habit is very noticeable. The species known as ^S^. amurensis resembles this
very much.

25. Salix pentandra (8. lauri folia). — LaLirel-leaved willow (Europe). Height 20
to 30 feet. The leaves of this willow are deep green and very shiny. Wlien given room
to develop symmetrically it makes a very handsome specimen on the ornamental
grounds.

UST OP BEST TWENTY-FIVE HARDY EVERGREENS.

1. Ahies concolor. — White fir (Colorado). Height 30 to 60 feet. This is a very
beautiful and striking species with large, flat, glavicous green leaves. Young trees of
this species should be obtained from northern grown stock.

2. Cupressus ericoides. — Heath-like retinospora (Japan). Height 2 feet. This
is a very pretty dwarf evergreen, with fine, soft, delicate green foliage, which becomes
of an attractive purjjish tinge in winter. In exposed places the leaves of this little
shrub are sometimes injured by winter.

3. Cnpressvs pisifera filifera. — (Japan.) This is a very distinct and beautiful
variety of retinospora, with drooping branches and slender thread-like pendulous
branchlets. This is the best retinospora tested at the Experimental Farm, where one
specimen is now nine feet high.

4. Cupressus pisifera plumosa. — (Japan.) A compact tree, and very ornamental
when young. Its branchlets are somewhat feathery in form. This tree is sometimes
injured by winter and occasionally killed outright.

5. Cupressus pisifera plumosa aurea. — (Japan.) One of the most beautiful golden
leaved evergreen shrubs in cultivation. It is of compact form and holds its colour
well. It also is liable to be injured by winter.

6. Juniperus communis fasti giata. — Irish juniper (Europe). Height 4 to 8 feet.
The Irish juniper is an erect, compact form of Juniperus communis with light green
foliage, silvery beneath. It makes a very attractive shrub on the lawn. The tips are
usually injured by winter, which affects its appearance for a time in spring.

Y. Juniperus Sahina tamarisci folia. — Tamarisk-leaved savin (Europe). Height
1 to 2 feet. This is a low growing variety with widely spread trailing branches and
attractive foliage.

8. Pinus Laricio nigricans (P. ausfriaca). — Austrian pine (Austria). Height 30
to 60 feet. A very handsome pine with dark green rigid leaves and upright branches.
This is a very compact growing species and one of the most beautiful.

9. Pinus montana Mughus. — Dwarf mountain pine (Mountains of Central
Europe). Height 2 to 10 feet. This is a very ornamental, dwarf, compact-pine. Its
height varies considerably, some specimens being quite dwarf and others attaining a
height of about 10 feet.

10. Pinus ponderosa. — Heavy wooded or bull pine (British Columbia). Height
50 to 80 feet. The bull pine is one of the most handsome species. The long, glaucous
green leaves, sometimes twisted into peculiar forms, and its erect habit give it a very
majestic appearance.

134 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

11. Pinus resinosa. — Red pine (Canada). Height 40 to 60 feet. Not unlike the
Austrian pine when young, but becoming less stiff in form as it becomes larger. The
leaves are also much softer than those of the Austrian pine.

12. Pinus sylvestris. — Scotch pine (Europe). Height 40 to 60 feet. A very rapid
growing pine with bluish green leaves. It is not so shapely as some of the other
species, but grows well in nearly all kinds of drained soils.

13. Pinus Strohus. — Wliite pine (Canada). Height 50 to Y5 feet. The white
pine is better known as a timber tree in Canada than as an ornamental tree, but when
it branches from near the ground, and has sufficient space to develop symmetrically,
it becomes one of the most graceful evergreens grown. The leaves, which preserve
their colour well in winter, are a very lively green.

14. Picea alba. — White spruce (Canada). Height 30 to 50 feet. A very beautiful
native species with glaucous green leaves and rather rigid branches, but making a fine
ornamental tree.

15. Picea alcochiana. — Alcock's spruce (Japan). Height 40 to 60 feet. This ia
a very ornamental Japanese species, and quite distinct from all others. The dark
green of the upper part of the leaves, and the bluish silvery green of the lower surface,
make it very attractive.

16. Picea excelsa. — Norway spruce (Europe). Height 50 to 75 feet. The Norway
spruce is one of the most popular evergreens planted, being a very rapid grower, of
graceful form, and doing well on a great variety of soils.

17. Picea pungens glauca. — Rocky mountain blue spruce (Western United States).
Height 40 to 60 feet. A very beautiful species with steely blue coloured leaves. One
of the most ornamental trees. It is a slow grower and takes some years before it at-
tains much height. As this tree varies in colour from green to blue in individual
specimens, in procuring young trees the blue variety should be ordered.

18. Pseudotsuga Douglasii. — Douglas fir (British Columbia). Height 50 to 75
feet. The Douglas fir is a very majestic and handsome tree, with foliage dark green
above and silvery beneath. The seed or young trees should be obtained from as far
north as possible, or high up on the mountains, as otherwise it is not likely to prove
hardy

19. Taxus cuspidaia. — Japanese yew (Japan). The Japanese yew has proved
perfectly hardy so far at Ottawa, and is a decided acquisition to the list of desirable
evergreens. It is of more upright habit than the Canadian yew and has attractive
dark green foliage.

20. Thuya occidentalis aurea Douglasii. — Douglas' golden arbor-vitse (United
States). This is a very beautiful form with bright golden coloured foliage and up-
right habit.

21. Thuya occidentalis compacta. — Compact arbor-vitse (United States). A dwarf
compact variety with bright green foliage.

22. Thuya occidentalis Ellwangeriana. — Ellwanger's arbor-vitse (United States).
This is a fine, compact, dwarf, vigorous variety with slender leaves and branches.

23. Thuya occidentalis Hoveii. — Hovey's arbor-vitae (United States). This is one
of the finest and most desirable varieties. The leaves are bright green and the branches
flat and parallel, giving the shrub a very remarkable and attractive appearance.

24. Thuya occidentalis pyramidalis. — Pyramidal arbor-vitae (United States). The
pyramidal arbor-vitae is a very compact upright grower, and its columnar form makes
it one of the most conspicuous objects on the grounds.

REPORT OF THE HORTICULTURIST 135

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

25. Thuya occidentalis luareana (T. occ. Sihirica). — Siberian arbor-vitse (Europe).
The Siberian arbor-vitse is a well known compact form with deep green, blunt leaves,
which keep their colour well in winter.

LILACS.

The many varieties of lilacs now offered for sale make it confusing for the
average person to know which kinds to purchase. In the Arboretum at the Central
Experimental Farm there is now a collection of 177 species and varieties, 148 of which
are forms of "the common lilac (Syringa vulgaris.) A list of twenty-five of the best of
these, with descriptions of the flowers, is given below in order to aid those who desire
to have the most beautiful of them. Many of the varieties are so nearly equal in
merit that it is difficult to choose aniong them, and opinions differ with diiferent
persons as to the relative beauty of each. The single flowered varieties appeal to some
persons, while by others those with double flowers are more admired, while still others
may like those with twisted or curled petals.

In preparing the list given below the aim has been to have in it as great a range
of colour as possible, and also to have the different types represented.

While the varieties of the common lilac are the most beautiful, there are some
very fine hardy species which bloom after the others are over. These include in order
of blooming, Syringa Bretschneideri, Syringa Josihcea, Syringa villosa, Syringa amu-
rensis, and Syringa japonica, bringing the blooming period to the month of July.

SINGLE VARIETIES.

Alha Grandiflora and Marie Legraye. — ^Panicles large, moderately loose; flowers
above medium size, single, white. Very free bloomers. These two varieties are very
similar and of about equal merit.

Aline Mocqueris and Gloire de Croncel are much alike. Panicles large, rather
loose; flowers large, single, purplish-mauve, brighter in bud.

Charles X. — ^Panicle medium size, compact; flowers medium size, single, purplish-
mauve, soon fading to lighter. A very free bloomer. Still among the best on account
of vigour and blooming habit.

Congo. — Panicle large, rather loose; flowers large, single, purplish-mauve, brighter
in bud. Much the same colour as Gloire de Croncel and Aline Mocqueris but with
livelier shades.

Delepin. — Panicle above medium size, moderately compact; flowers medium size,
lavender-blue, whitish about centre. Moderately free bloomer. The bluest lilac in the
collection.

Jacques Caloi. — Panicle large, loose ; flowers large, single, purplish-mauve in bud,
violet-mauve when opened. A very attractive shade.

Lovaniensis. — ^Panicle medium, compact; flowers medium size, single, light-lilac
with decided pink effect fading to almost white. A rare and attractive colour. One
of the best. Very free bloomer.

Madame F. Morel. — Panicles large, loose; flowers very large, single, purplish-
mauve suffused with paler shades and almost white about centre. Free bloomer. A
very good one.

Negro. — Panicle large, loose; flowers very large, single, bishop's violet. A free
bloomer. Not quite so bright in colour as Congo nor as rich as Toussaint L'Ouver-
ture, but flowers are larger.

136 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

BuheUa. — Panicle medium size, compact; flowers meditim size, single, purplish-
mauve suffused with lighter shades, buds brighter. In somewhat the same class as
Charles X., but is more attractive.

Toussaint-Louverture. — Panicle above medium size, moderately loose; flowers
above medium, single, darkest shade of bishop's-violet, almost purple. The darkest in
colour.

DOUBLE VARIETIES.

Charles Joly. — Large, loose panicle; flowers large, semi-double, twisted petals,
vinous-mauve, almost purple; free bloomer. One of the best.

Comte de Kerchove. — Panicles large, loose; flowers large, double, purplish-mauve
in bud and when opening, afterwards changing to lighter shades with more blue in
them. A very fine lilac.

OondorceL — Panicles large, moderately compact; flowers above medium size,
double, violet-mauve in bud, bluish-violet shading lighter when open. Free bloomer.
One of the best of those with bluish shades.

Emile Lemoine. — Panicles large, compact; flowers large, double, purplish-mauve
suffused with lighter shades in bud; heliotrope, shading to almost white in centre when
open. Free bloomer. Later than most. One of the best.

Georges Bellair and Wm. Robinson. — These are much alike. Panicles medium
size, compact; flowers above medium size, double, purplish-mauve in bud and when
opening, afterwards suffused with lighter shades and central petals tipped with white.
Both very good; very- free bloomers.

Jean Bart. — Panicle large, loose; flowers large, double with twisted petals, pur-
plish-mauve in bud, violet-mauve when opened shading to lighter. One of the best of
this type.

Madame Ahel Chdtenay. — Panicle above medium size, moderately loose; flowers
above medium, double, white. A free bloomer. The best double white tested here.

Madame Amelie Duprat. — Panicles medium size, moderately compact; flowers
above medium size, double, bright purplish-mauve in bud and of a lighter shade of the
same colour when open, suffused with paler tints. Very good. One of the best.

Madame Casimir Perier. — Panicle medium size, compact; flowers medium size,
double white. A very free bloomer. One of the best double white varieties.

Madame Leon Simon. — Panicle very large, compact; flowers very large, double,
purplish-mauve in bud, violet-mauve and bluish-violet when open. Very fine.

Marc Micheli. — Panicle medium size, moderately compact; flowers very large,
double, violet-mauve in bud, heliotrope shading to almost white in centre when open;
free bloomer. Very good. One of the best.

Grand-due Canstantin. — Is very similar to Marc Micheli.

Michel Buchner. — Panicle large, moderately compact; flowers large, double, violet-
mauve in bud, bluish-violet shading to almost white in centre when open. Very good.
One of the best.

President Grevy. — Panicle very large, moderately compact; flowers large, double,
light lilac in bud, violet-blue or lavender-blue when opened. A very striking variety.

President Viger. — Panicle large, moderately loose; flowers very large, double,
purplish-mauve in bud, bluish-violet shading lighter when opened. Fairly free
bloomer. Very fine.

9-10 EDWARD VII. SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 A. 1910

REPORT OF THE CHEMIST.

Frank T. Shutt, M.A., F.I.C., F.C.S., F.R.S.O.

Ottawa, April 1, 1909.
Dr. "Wm. Saunders, C.M.G.,

Director, Dominion Experimental Farms,
Ottawa.

Sir, — I have the honour to submit herewith the twenty-second annual report of
the Chemical Division of the Experimental Farms.

As heretofore, investigation and research in matters relating to the general agri-
culture of the Dominion have had our first attention, but there has been no neglect
in respect to those other branches of our work that bring us into direct touch with the
individual farmer and fruit grower — the furnishing of infornriation by correspondence
and the analysis of samples of an agricultural nature sent in for examination. The
larger number of the more important problems that we have been at work upon during
the past year are reported on, and brief reference may be made to them as follows : —

Wheat. — Continuing our inquiry on the influence of environment on the composi-
tion of wheat, we are able to present further evidence that the proportion of protein
in wheat is markedly affected by the moisture-content of the soil during the develop-
ment period of the grain.

Interesting data have been obtained from the analysis of the winter wheats,
Turkey Red and IQiarliov, grown at Lethbridge and Lacombe, Alta. The quality of
the wheats as grown under irrigation as compared with that of wheats from non-irri-
gated areas, is an important question that receives elucidation from this work.

A noteworthy fact in these analyses is that the percentages of protein from these
winter wheats are not appreciably lower than many we have obtained from Red Fife
as grown in Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

The influence of storage on wheat and flour has been studied from the chemical
standpoint. The work, which is as yet of a preliminary character, indicates a slight
increase in the percentage of protein due to storage, the increase being larger when
the samples had been kept as flour.

The first steps have been taken towards learning the effect of dampness on the
quality of the wheat. The present results indicate that wheat may remain very wet
for a considerable time without its composition being materially affected, provided
that there has been no heating or fermentation of the grain.

Boils. — A number of soils collected in the valleys of the Upper Columbia and East
Kootenay, B.C., have been submitted to analysis. From the chemical and physical
data of the examination, suggestions have been made towards the economic mainten-
ance of their fertility.

Certain alkali-affected soils from British Columbia have been examined, and
information respecting their reclamation given.

Further data as to the enrichment of soils through the growth of clover have been
tabulated. For the past six years a plot has been constantly in clover, and analyses
made from time to time show a continued increase in its nitrogen content. The total
increase in nitrogen during the period mentioned amounts to 375 lbs. per acre.

Inoculation for the Growth of Alfalfa. — Alfalfa hays from inoculated and un-
treated soils, at the Experimental Farm, Lacombe, Alta., have been analysed, with the
result that the alfalfa from the inoculated plot was found the richer in protein.

137

138 ' EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

Fertilizing Materials. — Under this caption we report upon various materials of
more or less fertilizing value, as follows : Dogfish scrap, muck, mussel mud, marl,
gypsum, wood ashes, black muck ashes, &c.

Fodders and Feeding Stuffs. — Information of interest and value to the farmer
and dairyman is afforded in the data and accompanying notes obtained from the
examination of a number of the more important feeds offered on the Canadian
market.

Field Roots and Sugar Beets. — The investigations to ascertain the relative feed-
ing value of field roots, the influence of heredity on. the composition of mangels and
the quality of certain varieties of sugar beets as grown on the Experimental Farms of
the Dominion during the past season, have been continued.

Insecticides and Fungicides. — A very considerable amount of investigatory and
analytical work has been done in connection with insecticides and fungicides. This
has been prompted by the numerous inquiries that have been received from fruit
growers and others respecting newly proposed sprays and a number of ready-made
commercial products that have recently appeared on the market for spraying purposes.
It is hoped that the various chapters under this heading may prove of value to that
large body of our readers who find it necessary to combat insect and fungus pests.

The subjects treated of include arsenate of lead, arsenite of lime, lime-sulphur
washes, formaldehyde and agricultural bluestone.

Rain and Snow. — Another year's determinations of the nitrogen compounds in
the rain and snow are reported. In certain respects they are extremely interesting
as showing that practically twice as much nitrogen (chiefly as free ammonia) was
found as in the rain and snow of the preceding year. This was traced to the smoke-
laden atmosphere which prevailed during the autumn months in the neighbourhood of
Ottawa, caused by the extensive bush fires which raged for so many weeks and which
resulted in such a large destruction of timber.

Well Waters from Farm Homesteads. — The examination of waters from farm
wells has always proved a popular feature, and farmers who have reason to suspect the
purity of their supply continue to avail themselves of the privilege of forwarding a
sample for analysis. To the results of the past year we have added some words of
advice respecting the all-important matter of the rural water supply.

Samples received for Examination. — In the following table we present a classifica-
tion of the samples received for analysis during the past year, and the provinces from
which they were sent.

Samples Received for Examination and Report for the Twelve Months ended

March 31, 1909.

Sample.

d
'.3

a

.SO

J

F— t

<

a

"g

1

CO

i

'5

2
O

a

a

Nova Scotia.

Prince

Edward
Island .

3

Number still
awaiting e x-
amination.

Soils

79

13

12

6
1

1
7
8

14

149
4

15
244

97

309

2G
2
13
33
40

42

7
1
2

2

9

3

10

13

7

8

■■■■;.

i

3
1

294

20

49

325

178

407

61

4

Manure and fertilizers

Forage plants and fodders. . .

Well waters

Miscellaneous including dairy
products, fungicides and
insecticides

2
«
4

9

"U
5

4

1

6

12

18

4

18

0

176

Totals

100

36

49

37

818

156

15

50

12

1,273

2G3

REPORT OF THE CHEMIST 139

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

It very frequently happens that the analytical work in connection with the inves-
tigations carried on by the Division entirely precludes the possibility of undertaking,
for the time, further work ; it should, therefore, be distinctly understood that the recep-
tion and acknowledgment by us of samples does not imply their immediate examina-
tion. The ever-increasing correspondence and number of samples forwarded, make it
more and more difficult to attend promptly to this branch of our duties, and we are
consequently obliged to ask our correspondents to exercise patience.

While every effort is made to furnish information respecting the samples of a
purely agricultural nature, we wish to advise our readers that it does not come within
our province to analyse and report upon samples of commercial fertilizers. Corres-
pondents desiring such analyses should communicate with the Inland Revenue
Department, Ottawa. Nor can we undertake the assays or analyses of minerals and
mineral waters. Questions relating to minerals may be addressed to the Department
of Mines, Ottawa. And, lastly, we cannot make any analysis the results of which we
do not consider of general value to the agricultural public. Examination in connec-
tion with suspected poisoning cases of animals is not undertaken.

Meat Inspection Division, Health of Animals Branch, Department of Agriculture.
— During the past year new and further work has been asked of us in the examination
of samples collected by the government meat inspectors at the various packing houses
in Canada. These materials include preservatives, dyes, spices and condiments, pick-
ling solutions and various drugs and chemicals used in the packing house business.
Our examination was made with the view of determining their nature, purity and the
character of adulteration, if present. To date, we have received in the neighbourhood
of 250 samples, the greater number of which have been analysed and reported upon.
The chemical and microscopical work involved in this investigation has, naturally,
made a large draft upon the time of the staff.

Acknowledgments. — To Mr. A. T. Charron, M.A., First Assistant Chemist, Mr.
H. W. Charlton, B.A.Sc, and Mr. A. Gordon Spencer, M.Sc, Assistant Chemists, I
desire to again tender my thanks for good and efficient work during the past year. In
my last report I referred to the various ways in which these gentlemen assisted in
and pushed forward the work of the Division, and it may therefore be only necessary
on this occasion to state that whatever degree of usefulness this Division inay have
attained to in its relations to the agriculture of the Dominion, is very largely due to
their skill, industry and hearty co-operation.

The clerical duties have been performed by Miss Olive Robertson, to whom I
would extend my thanks for much careful and faithful work.

I have the honour to be, sir.

Your obedient servant,

FRANK T. SHUTT,
Chemist, Dominion Experimental Farms.

140 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

WHEAT.

THE COMPOSITION OP THE GRAIN AS INFLUENCED BY THE SOIL MOISTURE CONTENT.

In studying the problem of the influence of environment — and more particularly
of climatic conditions — upon the composition of wheat, we have found that the moisture
content of the soil during the period of development markedly affected the percentage
of protein in the grain. Our results indicated that prolonged vegetative growth, as
induced by excessive moisture, defers the ripening process and allows the further
deposition of starch, resulting in a ' piebald ' or soft kernel. On the other hand, early
ripening of the wheat, such as is brought about by high temperatures and the gradual
lessening of the supply of soil moisture during the maturation of the grain, resulted
in a hard, glutinous wheat.*

If these conclusions are correct, then it might be conjectured that wheat grown
under irrigation in a semi-arid district would be more or less glutinous according to
the amount of water supplied during the growing, and more particularly, the ripening
period. To obtain information concerning this matter, areas irrigated and non-irri-
gated were sown last season on the Experimental Farm, Lethbrioge, southern Alberta,
with Red Fife and Kharkov wheats. This district is usually one of sparse precipita-
tion and one, consequently, where the methods of the so-called ' dry ' farming must be
practiced in parts where there is no prov;ision for irrigation. As a rule, irrigation is
necessary to obtain the best yields.

The object of the experiment was to ascertain what effect the added water on the
irrigated areas might have on the quantity and quality of the grain. The season,
during the earlier months, was unusually wet, and consequently not favourable to the
experiment in hand. Only one irrigation was found necessary, owing to the ample
rainfall referred to, and this was not made until July 16, immediately following the
second collection of soil samples for moisture-content.

The percentages of moisture in the soil of these areas, as determined at intervals
throughout the season, in samples taken to a depth of 14 inches, were as follows: —

Irrigated. Non-irrigated.

Per cent. Per cent.

May 14, 1908 16-56 15-61

July 15, 1908 - 8-78 8-11

August 17, 1908 10-37 6-38

Until July 15, therefore, the moisture-content was almost the same for both the
areas under examination, but subsequent to that date — that is during the ripening
period of the wheat — that of the irrigated was considerably higher than that of the
non-irrigated area.

The protein-content of the wheats grown on these areas may now be given. Red

Fife is a spring wheat ; Kharkov, a winter variety.

Protein,

(N X 5-7.)

Red Fife — Original seed from Brandon, Man 15-95 per cent.

" Grown on irrigated land 13-70 "

" Grown on non-irrigated land 16-37 "

Kharkov — Grown on irrigated land 12-31 "

Grown on non-irrigated land 13-12 "

a

* Report of the Chemist, Experimental Farm Eeport, 1907-8.

REPORT OF THE CHEMIST

141

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

In the case of spring wheat we notice a difference of more than 2-5 per cent and
with the winter wheat of 1 per cent protein, the richer wheat in both instances being
from the soil that partially dried out during the ripening period.

This experiment, therefore, furnishes further evidence to that obtained in northern
Manitoba, the details of which were fully discussed in last year's report, and tends to
show that the quality of the wheat of any season may be largely determined by the
character of the season. It seems more than probable that if there is a sufficiency of
moisture in the soil during the earlier part of the season to bring the wheat crop to
its full growth, then a grain richer in protein will result if the weeks following are
characterized by hot, dry weather, than if the weather during this period is cool and
wet.

Climatic conditions influence the quality of the wheat through the vegetative
processes — by shortening or lengthening the time which elapses between the formation
of the kernel and its maturity — the shorter the i)eriod the higher the protein-content
within certain limits. High temjjeratures, long days and absence of excessive mois-
ture during the ripening process, we have evidence, hasten the maturation of the
grain and increase its percentage of gluten. These are the conditions that prevail
in the Northwestern wheat areas in thos^ seasons which give the largest proportion of
first quality wheat, and we may therefore argue that in them we have an asset fully
equal in importance towards the production of the finest grain to that which we
possess in our fertile prairie soils.

WINTER WHEATS GROWN AT LETHBRIDGE AND LAGOMBE, ALBERTA.

Complete chemical analysis has been made of the flours of certain winter wheats
(Kharkov and Turkey Red) grown at Lethbridge and Lacombe, Alta., during the
season of 1908.* These flours have been made the subject of special study as to baking
qualities by the Cerealist, to whose report the reader may be referred for particulars
ds to bread-making values.

Previous to milling the protein-content of the whole wheat was ascertained, the
following data being obtained: —

Analyses of Wheats.

Laby.
No.

G563
6564
6565
6566
6567

Designation of Sample.

Kharkov (irrigated ) Lethbridge, 1908

II (non-irrigated) Lethbridge, 1908

Turkey Red No. 380 (non-irrigated)— Lethbridge, 1908
Turkey Red (after Timothy sod) — Lacombe, 1908 . . .
Turkey Red (after summer-fallow) — Lacombe, 1908. . . .

Moisture .

Crude
Protein.

(NxG-25)

P.O.

P c.

7-70

12-31

7 97

13 12

8-47

12.25

818

12 13

917

13 12

Ash.

p c.

•65
■50
■48
■79
■05

The interesting results for the two samples of Kharkov, showing the higher pro-
tein-content of the wheat grown without irrigation, have already been referred to in
our consideration of the influence of environment on the composition of the wheats,
and, therefore, require no further comment here.

Respecting the two Turkey Red samples grown at Lacombe, we have unfor-
tunately no data as to the moisture-content of the soils during the growing season.

* The wheats known as Kharkov and Turkey Red are, according to the Cerealist,
difierent strains of the same variety.

142

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

Ordinarily, we might suppose the ' timothy sod ' to be the drier soil and, arguing from
previous results obtained in this laboratory, premise that its wheat would be the richer
in protein. Such, however, is not the case, and the explanation may lie in the fact
that the excessive rains during the early part of the season kept all the land prac-
tically saturated, thus off-setting the effect of the growing sod of the previous season,
which undoubtedly tended towards the drying out of the soil.

Analyses of Flours.

o
bo

238
239
240
241
242

Designation of Sample.

Kharkov (irrigated), Lethbridge, 1908

M (non- irrigated), Lethbridge, 1908

Turkey Red, No. 380 (non-irrigated), Lethbridge, 1908..

II (timothy sod), Lacombe, 1908. . ,

II (after summer-fallow), Lacombe, 1908...

t-

0)

c'«

-4J

ci
* u

■^

■J X

o-n

d)

"5

m

%.^

XI

S

Ph

f^

Q

lin

P.O.

P.O.

p 0.

p.c.

p.c.

8 05

10-43

114

79 02

0 15

8-47

1112

1-08

78-65

0-12

8-60

10-72

1-05

78-93

0 15

8-76

10 -26

1-08

79-14

013

8 79

11-46

1-03

77-94

0-20

c.

61
56
55
63
58

The first feature to be noted in a consideration of the above data is that the pro-
tein-content of the flours follows very closely that of the wheat from which they were
milled. "We do not call attention to this as a discovery or a fact for the first time
noted; in all our work in which both the grain and its flour have been examined we
have invariably found this to be the case — the richer the wheat the richer the flour.
It is, however, a point worth emphasizing, not merely as showing that variations in
nitrogen-content occur in the endosperm or portion of the grain made into flour and
not solely in the parts of the grain removed in milling, but as making clear that in the
nitrogen-content of the wheat we have a gauge of the protein-content of the flour.
The recognition of this is of particular value in breeding and selection investigations
in which the quantity of the wheat is insufficient to mill, a comparatively small amount
only being required for the nitrogen determination.

It is noteworthy that the percentages of protein in these winter wheats are not
appreciably lower than many wc have obtained from Red Fife as grown in Manitoba
and Saskatchewan. There is little resemblance, so far as the amount of protein is
concerned, between the Kharkov and Turkey Eed and the ' fall ' wheats (e.g., Dawson's
Golden Chaff) more commonly grown in Ontario.

Gliadin, Gliadin-ratio and Wet and Dry Gluten.

Designation of Sample.

3

;2 0

Gl.DTEK.

Percentage of ^
minoidsin the
of Gliadin.

p

'is

Pi

Physical Characters.

o

fcO

.5
1

a

*0Q

Colour.

238

239
240

241

Kharkov (irrigated), Lethbridge, 1908

11 (non-irripated), Lethbridge, 1908..

Turkey Red, No. 380 (non-irrigated), Leth-
bridge, 1908

Turkey Red (after timothy sod), Lacombe,
1908

p.c.
4-67
4 56
4 67
4-56
4-90

P-
44
41
43
44
4?,

7
0
5
4

7

P-

35
37
34
34

38

c.
26
93
87
66
32

p-
11

12
11
11
12

c.
53
32
42
09
39

3
3
3
3
3

06
08
05
12
09

Good.

II
If
H
M

Good.
II

M
II

1. .

Slightly
yellow,
II

Good.

242

Turkey Red (after summer-fallow), Lacombe,
1908

II

REPORT OF TEE CHEMIST

143

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

The percentages of gliadin vary but slightly throughout the series, and though
somewhat lower than the figures we obtained from Red Fife representative of the
grades of 1907, they do not appreciably differ from many of the results from Red Fife
and other spring wheats previously examined by us.

As in former work, we find there is a close relationship between the protein-con-
tent and the data representing the wet and dry gluten. As regards the physical
character of the glutens we could detect very little difference between them ; all were
good in respect to resiliency and elasticity. The colour of the glutens from the two
samples of Kharkov were, however, slightly more yellow than that of the Turkey Red.

To obtain further information on the question of the relationship of composition
to volume of loaf, we made the determinations recorded in the following table. As
explained in Bulletin No. 60, it is held by certain investigators that the volume of
loaf is largely controlled by the amount of nitrogen-and-ash-free extract present in a
flour. The argument is that this extract being of the nature of sugar is capable of
producing gas under fermentation and the volume of gas so evolved determines the
volixme of loaf.

Flours — Solids, Ash, Nitrogen, &c., in Aqueous Extract.

Designation of Sample.

Percentages of Soluble Constitdents
OF Flours.

Cereal-

ist's
Marks.

i

be

f— «

m

H

OQ
<

a
t

<

Phosphor-
ic acid as
P.O5.

Nitrogen-
an d-ash-
free-ext.

Volume

of
Loaf.

238

Kharkov (irrigated). Lethbridere. 1908

6-79
6-26

7-25
7-61

7-77

0-42
0 43
0-40
0-46
0-42

0-27
0-23
0 27
0-29
0-29

0-161
0-178
0-110
0 156
0 147

0-163
0 119
0116
0 092
0 137

4-83
4-52
5-31
5-50
5-70

433

239
240
241
242

1. (non-irrigated), Leth bridge, 1908

Turkey Red, No. 380(non-irrigd), Lethbridge, 1908
II (after timothy sod), Lacorabe, 1908..
It (after summer-fallow), Lacombe, 1908

481
450
402
409

Comparing the Cerealist's numbers for volume of loaf with the data for the
nitrogen-and-ash-free extract, no direct relationship is to be observed, though there
is a well marked tendency in the series towards an inverse ratio — the higher the per-
centage of extract the smaller the volume of loaf. This is practically what we found
in studying the grades of wheat of 1907, the results of which were published in
Bulletin No. 60.

This series of flours was also utilized to further prosecute the inquiry respecting
any relationship that might exist between the ratio to total nitrogen of soluble ash
constituents and the shape of loaf — a matter fully discussed in Bulletin No. 60, Ex-
perimental Farm Series. In the following table we present these ratios and the
Cerealist's figures for the shape of loaf (i.e., height divided by diameter).

144

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910
Ratio to Total Nitrogen of Soluble Constituents, Shape of Loaf and Strength.

^

2S8
239
240
241
242

Designation of Sample.

Kharkov (irrigated), Lethbridge, 1908

1. {non- irrigated), Lethbridge, 1908

Turkey Red, No. 380 (non-irrigated), Lethbridge, 1908

II (after timothy sod), Lacxjmbe, 1908

II (after summer-fallow), Lacombe, 1908...

a

01

to

o

O

p.c.

1-83
1-95
1-88
1-80
2 01

Ratio to Total

Nitrogen of

Soluble.

4-4
45
47
3-9

4 8

c3

ad "*

11-3

11-

10-9

16-

170

16

11-5

19

13-7

14-

Cerkalist's
Marks.

a,
m

0-69
070
0 71
0-66
0 63

90
96
93

82
81

The data for the ' ash ' ratio of the first three numbers of the series differ but
very slightly, and the same is true for the numbers representing shape. Flour No.
241 has a low ash ratio and also a low number for shape. If this completed the exam-
ination, our work might be held to support the view that the ratio varied directly with
strength (in so far as the shape of loaf is concerned), but a notable exception exists
in No. 242, in which the ratio is the highest of the series with the lowest figure for
shape of loaf. We are, therefore, imable to say that this theory, advanced recently by
Mr. T. B. Wood, Cambridge University, receives unqualified support from these data.
It is possible, however, that with further investigation the irregularities or exceptions
may be capable of explanation, for it should be stated that in the larger number of
flours examined, we have found a aDrrelation — the higher latios associated with the
higher results for shape of loaf.

In concluding this brief review, it may be said that the data do not indicate, in
the samples examined, any special characteristic not possessed by Red Fife and other
spring wheats. Differences in composition there undoubtedly are, but these appear
to be, so far as chemistry can determine, merely differences of degree — indeed such as
might be found among a number of samples of wheat of the same variety grown uoder
varying climatic conditions.

INFLUENCE OF AGE ON WHEAT AND FLOUR.

It is a generally received impression that flour improves as to colour and strength
with age. To obtain definite information on this important matter, the Cerealist
instituted a series of experiments in 1907, as to the effect of storage on wheat and
flour. The chemical work was prosecuted with a view of discovering such changes as
might have taken place in composition and which might furnish an explanation for
variation in strength due to storage. Three members of the series were stored both as
wheat and flour, the remaining four being kept over as grain only. The storage was
for a period of sixteen months — from September, 1907, to January, 1909.*

* That part of the inv&stigation including all milling and baking tests, was carried
on by the Cerealist, in whose report will be found further particulars regarding the

improvement from the baker's standpoint.

REPORT OF THECEEMI8T

145

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

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3)

146 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

Protein. — A comparison of the protein data of the members of each group, inter
se, indicates a slight increase in the percentage of this important constituent due to
storage — the increases being larger when the samples had been kept as flour. One
exception occurs in the case of the Yellow Cross, in which the protein-content remained
practically constant whether the wheat was kept as grain or flour throughout the
entire storage period.

The slight increase in the percentage of protein might, we presume, be accounted
for by the destruction of some of the carbohydrates by slow oxidation during storage,
and no doubt the fact that flour presents a larger surface to the air, thus allowing
more rapid oxidation, furnishes the explanation for the change being greater in the
flour than in the grain.

Comparing group with group it is evident that the amount of protein is related
to the baking strength of a flour. Thus, in the Red Mfe group we have over 14 per
cent protein accompanied by baking values of more than 100, while Dawson's Golden
Chaff with a protein-content of less than 11-5 per cent has baking values less than 77.
Though the percentage of protein is an index of strength, we have not been able to
establish any definite ratio between these two classes of data.

Gli-adin. — A tendency towards an increase in this constituent is observed in a
number of the groups, showing a certain amount of parallelism between protein-con-
tent and gliadin.

Throughout the series there are no indications within the group that the quantity
of gliadin materially influences the baking strength. Differences in baking values
among the members of a group are at times quite marked, but the percentages of
gliadin for these same flours may not vary beyond the limits of experimental error.
It is, however, significant that the percentages of gliadin of the Red Fife group, rated
as the highest in baking strength, are decidedly higher — 1-5 per cent — than those of
the Dawson's Golden Chaff group, which, it will be observed, stands lowest in strength.
Again, Chelsea, Stanley A and Turkey Red all fall below 5 per cent in gliadin, and
the strength of their flours is considerably under 100 — the mark awarded to several in
the series containing 5 per cent and over of gliadin.

Gluten. — The general agreement between dry gluten and protein, regarding which
we have in past years furnished much evidence, is again to be noted. It follows,
therefore, that whatever we have said concerning the relationship of protein to baking
strength applies equally to dry gluten.

Nitrogen-and-ash-free Extract and Volume of Loaf. — A consideration of the
results from the determinations of the nitrogen-and-ash-free extract and the volume
of loaf indicates that if there is any relationship between the two classes of data it is
not as might have been expected — volume increasing with the amount of extract — but
rather the reverse, for in four of seven groups maximum extract is associated with
minimum volume of loaf.

REPORT OF TEE CHEMIST

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

NiTROGEN-AND-AsH-FREE Extract and Volume of Loaf.

147

Nitrogen-and-

Volume of Loaf

No of Sample.

Ash-free Extract.

(Cerealist's Marks).

p.c.

6143

3-39

433

6533

2 14

474

6532

4-45

395

5146

319

534

6535

308

539

6534

3.65

539

5147

• 4.28

402

6539

3 44

484

6538

2-G2

421

5144

3 85

402

6537

5 21

366

5145

3.67

415

6536

4.58

420

5148

3-26

374

6531

3-43

392

5149

408

485

6530

4 39

407

Ratio of Soluble Ash to total Nitrogen and Shape of Loaf. — These data lend no
support to the view that the shape of loaf is governed by the proportion of protein (or
total nitrogen) to- the soluble ash constituents, as will be evident from an inspection
of the following table.

Ratio to Total Nitrogen of Soluble Constituents and Shape of Loaf.

Ratio to Total Nitrogen of Soluble.

Shape of Loaf
(Cerealist's Marks).

No of Sample.

Ash.

Alkali as

Phosphoric acid as

K^O

P^O,

5143

60

20

16

•61

6533

70

20

16

•73

6532

40

15

11

•67

5146

7-6

21

21

•63

6535

7-4

22

20

•73

6534

6 0

19

15

•71

5147

6-4

16

17

•56

65:59

4.9

14

11

•75

6538

61

16

13

•70

5144

50

15

15

•60

6537

3-9

12

9

•68

5145

5 0

14

14

•65

6.536

4 7

14

11

•72

5148

00

18

20

■5ti

6531

70

17

16

•66

5149

5-9

17

17

•64

6530

50

14

12

■71

THE EFFECT OF DAMPNESS ON THE QUALITY OF WHEAT.

It sometimes happens in the wheat fields of northwestern Canada, that, owing to
inclement weather following the cutting of the grain, wheat becomc-s damp while in
the stook and may remain so for some weeks before it is threshed. Since such wheat
receives a lower commercial grade on account of the duller and paler appearance of
the grain in some cases, and because of the common impression that the moisture in
the grain has injuriously affected the gluten and thus -impaired the resultant flour for
bread-making purposes, it becomes a question of considerable importance to ascertain

16— lOJ

148

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

as carefully as may be, by chemical and baking tests, how far this contention may be
correct. Damp wheat which does not contain a large excess of moisture is known
commercially as 'tough.'

In October, 1908, Messrs. Joseph G. King & Co., lessees of the Canadian Pacific
Railway elevator, Port Arthur, Ontario, furnished us with three samples of such
wheats, describing them as follows: ' They grade respectively, " tough " No. 1, 2 and 3
Northern. We dried them, the wheats losing from 4^ to 5 per cent moisture. These
wheats had been wet at least eight or nine months, for they were from the 1907 crop.
These samples show no apparent signs of fermentation, and there was no evidence
when the wheats were received, either from appearance or smell, that they had been
heated.'

On being submitted to analysis the following results were obtained : —

Composition of * Tough ' Wheats.

Laby

No.

5958
5959
69C0

Designation.

Red Fife— Tough No. 1 Northern

It II II !N O. 2 ir

II II II No. 3 II

Weight
of 1,000
kernels

Moisture.

Fat.

Protein.
(Nx6.25)

Carbo-

Fibre.

Grammess.

p.c.

p.c.

p.c.

p.c.

p.c.

26-64

12-73

211

14-37

67-05

1-99

26 12

12 05

2-25

15 10

66-77

1-88

24-84

12-33

2 17

15-23

66-19

2-37

Ash.

p.c.

1-75
195
1-71

The data show that, as receivDd, all three wheats were normal as to moisture-con-
tent ; the drying in the elevator had evidently dispelled the excess of moisture.

In point of protein-content the wheats are all very satisfactory, and a general
survey of the analytical results reveals no abnormality as to composition.

Analyses of Flours. — Protein, Gliadin,

Treatment of Sample.

R^ d Fife-Original sample untreated

II 5 itjinutes in water

II 10 days damp

II 20 days damp

11 27 days damp

Laby.
No.

6608
6609
6610
0611
6612

o

246
247
248
249
252

Ash.

p.c.

Protein

(Nx5-7)

-59
•54
•54
•52
•55

p.c.

11-79
12 00
11 79
1150
11 70

Gliadin

(Nx5-7)

p.c,

5
5
5
5
5

22

20
22
11
13

ii

1-1.1

i§o

44-2
4:} 3
412
44 4
43 8

Wet.

p.c.

38 55
38 52
.S8-22
37 W
37 19

Dry.

p.c.

13-90
1409
13 14
12-31
1202

Ratio of

Dry
to Wet.

77
73
•90

-o»

09

REPORT OF THE CHEMIST

149

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Unfortunately the samples were not sufficiently large to allow of milling, and we
were therefore constrained to ascertain the character of the gluten from the ground
whole wheat, rather than from the flour, as is usually our custom. Our trials with the
gluten so prepared indicated in all three instances excellent quality; the glutens were
characterized by toughness and resiliency and might be considered as satisfactory.
From these results, therefore, it would seem that the wheats in question have not appre-
ciably suffered as regards quantity and quality of gluten, and this deduction is in
accord with the opinion of Joseph G. King & Co., who maintain thai; 'the moisture
floes not injure the gluten, provided fermentation has not taken place.'

The further prosecution of this investigation has been made with the co-operation
of Dr. Charles E. Saunders, Cerealist, who had instituted a series of experiments,
damping wheats artificially to ascertain what deterioration or change in bread-making
value might result from keeping wheat more or less damp for a longer or shorter
period before being milled.

The general method of treatment is outlined in the first column of the following
table. The range of temperature of the wheat while being kept damp was for the first
ten days between 40 degrees F. and 50 degrees F., for the subsequent ten days between
45 degrees F. and 58 degrees F., and for the last seven days between 47 degrees F. and
50 degrees F. In the sample that had been kept damp twenty days, mustiness was
noticed, and in that which had been damp for twenty-seven days, the mustiness was
more pronounced and sprouting had commenced. At the expiration of the treatment
periods, these wheats, the water-content of which ranged from 23 per cent to 28-5 per
cent, were spread in thin layers and allowed to dry spontaneously.* They were then
milled and the resultant flours submitted to chemical and baking tests.

* Further particulars regarding the treatment of these wheats together with ths
presentation and discussion of the milling and haking reisulte will be found in the current
report of the Cerealist.

Gliadin-ratio and Wet and Dry Gluten.

Gluten.

Aqueous Extract.

Physical Characters.

Ash.

Solids

d

CI

!

la

o

0.-0

itrogenand-

ash-free

extract.

Ratio to total nitro-
gen of soluble.

bo

s

Resiliency.

Elasticity.

Colour.

Ash.

_d

ir^ CO ,
tc — .O

GO

60

a

<

PM

^

J5

<; cs

m

p.c.

p.c.

p.c.

p.c.

p.c.

p.c.

•

Good

Good

Good . . .

•424

7-05

•123

•158

•31

4-sr,

4^8

17

13

93

II

It

Fair

M ...
tl ...
M ...

•343
•329
•344

6-79
6-63
7^17

•133
•131
•129

•133
•130
•132

•31
•31
•34

4^68
4.63
489

61
6-0
59

16
16
16

16
16
15

94

96

Fair

100

Almost poor,

Almost jxx)r.

M ...

•430

8-88

•150

•149

•34

6-51

4-7

14

14

86

tendency to

stickiness .

150

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

The data for the protein and gliadin are throughout the series very close, and
consequently show that the treatments which the wheats have severally received had
not affected the percentages of these constituents in the resultant flours. They offer
no basis for the differentiation of the flours as to quality, nor would great differences
be looked for frorti an inspection of the Cerealist's marks for strength, as with the
exception of the last member of the series these differ but slightly among themselves.

Considering the gluten data, it is rather significant that no falling off in
quantity or quality could be detected in the flour from the wheat that had been kept
damp for as long as ten days. In the case of the two flours (Nos. 6611 and 6612)
obtained from the wheats which were kept twenty and twenty-seven days, respec-
tively, in the damp condition, there was a slight falling off in the percentage of dry
•gluten and a noticeable deterioration in the quality, more especially in that of No.
■6612.

The slight inferiority observed in No. 6611 is not noticeable in the results ob-
tained by the Cerealist for baking strength. In the case of 6612, however, a gluten
of most decidedly poor quality, a very considerable falling off in strength is recorded.

The results for the nitrogen-and-ash-free extract throw no light upon any relation
that may exist between this datum and volume of loaf, as will be evident from the
following figures : —

NiTROGEN-AND- Ash-free Extract and Volume of Loaf.

No. of Sample.

Nitrogen-and-
Ash-free Extract.

Volume of Loaf.
(Cerealist's Marks.)

p.0.

6608

4-86

454

6609

4-68

471

6610

463

479

6611

4-89

521

6612

6-51

506

As regards the effect of continued dampness we cannot observe any regular varia-
tion in the amount of nitrogen-and-ash-free extract; indeed the variation is almost
inappreciable, except in the case of No. 6612 obtained from the wheat which had been
damp for twenty-seven days, in which the extract is about two per cent higher than in
the rest of the series.

The ratios of soluble ash constituents to total nitrogen do not vary within any
wide limits, and it is impossible from a study of such differences as do occur to detect
any influence of the treatment to which the wheat had been subjected or to establish
any direct relationship between these data and those for the shape of loaf. It is
worthy of note that the Cerealist's marks for shape of loaf differ but slightly through-
out the series. But he reports that in order to obtain a well shaped loaf from No.
6612 it is necessary that there should be a considerable reduction in the amount of
water added to the flour when malting the dough.

REPORT OF TEE CHEMIST

151

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Ratio to Total Nitrogen of Soluble Constituents and Shape of Loaf.

Ratio to total Nitrogen of Soluble.

No. of Sample.

Ash.

Alkali as K, 0.

Phosphoric acid
as P2O5

Shape of Loaf.
(Cerealist's Marks.)

6608
6609
6610
6611
6612

4-8
61
60
5-9
4-7

17
16
16
16
14

13
16

16
15
14

•69
•68

•68
•72
•68

Though this work must be regarded as of a preliminary character, we may safely
state that the present results indicate that wheat may contain an excessive amount of
moisture for some considerable time without its composition being very materially
affected, provided the temperature conditions are such that no heating or fermenta-
tion of the wheat takes place.

The baking qualities of these flours are more particularly commented upon by the
Cerealist; the writer has merely considered them with a view of learning what rela-
tionship, if any, might exist between the chemical data of these damp wheats and
their baking strength. ' ^

SOILS.

SOILS FROM THE UPPER COLUMBIA AND EASTERN KOOTENAY DISTRICTS, B.C.

During an agricultural tour in British Columbia, in the summer of 1906, the
writer journeyed by wagon from Golden, on the main line of the Canadian Pacific
Railway, to Cranbrook, on the Crow's Nest Pass branch of the same railroad, a dis-
tance of nearly 200 miles, visiting the ranches by the way, examining the soils and
otherwise obtaining information respecting the agricultural possibilities of this
district.*

In the course of this inspection samples of soil, more or less typical of virgin and
cultivated areas, were collected for further examination and analysis. The analytical
work has been completed during the past year, and we are, therefore, now in a position
to consider these soils as to the amount and availability of their plant food. It may
also be possible to deduce from the data certain rational and economic methods for
the up-keep of their fertility under general farming and fruit culture.

The areas from which the samples were taken lie for the most part within the so-
called semi-dry belt of British Columbia — a region in which sage-brush and bunch-
grass lands largely predominate. The scanty natural vegetation, specially noticeable
on the higher plateaus and benches, at first sight suggests the lack of soil fertility, and
the appearance of much of the soil would further support this view, as it is a light,
very loose sandy loam of apparently very poor quality. The very luxurious growth,
however, that is to be noticed on these lands following the application of water (by
irrigation) immediately dispels this impression. It was with the object of learning
how far the peculiar climatic influences of the dry belt had tended to an accumulation
of plant food in available form that this chemical work was chiefly undertaken.

* An account of this tour will be found in the Report of the Chemist, Experimental
Farms, 1906.

152

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDVMRD VII., A. 1910

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REPORT OF THE CHEMIST 153

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

The first five samples on the chart were from areas in the immediate vicinity of
Windermere — a village on the lake of that name situated about ninety miles south of
Golden. Driving from the north, the typical sage-brush country is entered some thirty
or forty miles before reaching Windermere, at v^hich place farmers and fruit growers
feel or admit the necessity of irrigation for the growth of crops geiierally. Here, as
indeed in almost all other parts of the dry belt, the results from judicious irrigation
showed that excellent crops could be secured and that the soil could not be devoid of
fertility. Nos. 4315 and 4317 are fine-grained, mouse-brown loams, taken from one of
the lower benches, representative of the first four inches of the virgin and cultivated
areas. The cultivated soil No. 4317 had borne six crops of oats without any applica-
tion of manure, and, as far as one could judge, had originally been uniform in all
essential particulars with No. 4315 — the virgin soil. The data show that both soils
are abundantly supplied with the essential elements of plant food, and mofe particu-
larly with nitrogen. The percentage of organic matter and lime are also excellent,
betokening soils of more than average fertility.

Comparing the soils, we do not find that the six years under crop has very
materially affected the amounts of ' total ' nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash, nor
would any very marked differences have been expected from so short a period of culti-
vation ; but when we turn to the amounts of ' available ' phosphoric acid and potash
very considerable differences are to be observed. Thus, the cultivated (and irrigated)
soil contains almost twice as much potash and almost five times as much phosphoric
acid in an available form as the virgin soil. Some years ago (1889), in examining
irrigated and non-irrigated soils from near Calgary, Alta., we noted the same
peculiarity, raising the question whether cultivation with irrigation did not materially
serve to increase the availability of these mineral elements. The point is deserving of
further investigation, for if the above deductions be correct we have at least one ex-
planation for the exceptional productiveness of these soils under irrigation — and
possibly also a warning that this fertility must be maintained by rational, judicious
cultural methods, or the excellent results obtained when these soils are at first tilled
will more or less rapidly disappear.

No. 4324 is a sample of the uncropped, unmanured soil from the first four inches
of one of the lower benches on the west side of Lake Windermere. In general appear-
ance it is very similar to the soils just discussed, being a fine-grained, loose, sandy
loam of a light chocolate-brown colour. A careful comparison, however, by one accus-
tomed to examining soils, indicates that it is somewhat less rich in organic matter,
and analysis bears out this conclusion. Similarly with the lower percentage of organic
matter we find a reduction in the amount of nitrogen present. Though in ' total '
phosphoric aeid and potash this soil would not rank with many of our richest loams,
the proportions of these elements that are more or less immediately available for crop
use are exceedingly good. The lime-content is also very satisfactory. From the
favourable physical condition of the soil as well as from its adequate stores of plant
food, we judge that with provision for water it should prove very productive.

No. 4320. — This is a further sample typical of the sage-brush land. It was taken
from an unbroken area on one of the lower benches on the east side of the lake some
two miles south of Windermere. In appearance and physical characters it is very
similar to the soils already described. The nitrogen-content betokens a soil of more
than average productiveness, while the percentages of phosphoric acid and potash both
' total 'and * available ' are quite satisfactory.

No. 4321, from the same ranch, was collected from a bench or plateau lower than
that represented by No. 4320 and from an area that had been under cultivation —
oats and other grains chiefly — for a number of years, but which had not been manured.
Compared with the foregoing it would appear to be somewhat richer in vegetable
matter, and the analysis bears out this view. In the amounts of phosphoric acid and
potash present it closely approximates No. 4320, but is considerably richer in lime.
The data support the practical experience of those tilling these areas that the lower

154 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

benches and * bottom ' lands are more productive than the higher benches, due very
largely, we believe, in the first place to their higher humus and nitrogen-content and,
secondly, to their being richer in lime.

No. 4314 was collected for a specific purpose. It was taken from what may be
described as a high bottom land, that is a depression, probably the site of a pond or
small lake on a plateau in one of the higher valleys. It was of a light-grey colour and
of a marly appearance. The crops had repeatedly failed and alkali was suspected.
The analysis proved the absence of all deleterious alkali, and showed in fact a marl
mixed with a considerable proportion of vegetable matter or muck, evidently the
deposition of years during which the soil was under water.

No. 4323, representative of the first four inches of sage-brush land on the Golden-
Windernjere road, between Vermilion and Macauley creeks. No marked differencea
were to be observed in colour or texture between this soil and the other samples we
have spoken of as ' sage-brush ' land. As regards composition its lime-content is much
lower than those of similar origin in the series ; it is also below the average in phos-
phoric acid. The percentage of nitrogen is extremely satisfactory, as indeed are the
proportions of ' available ' lime and potash.

To s\mi up these considerations, we may say that our knowledge of these soils of
the sage-brush areas, both in situ and in the laboratory, permits the following conclu-
sions and deductions : —

1. That they are for the most part light chocolate, or brownish, sandy loams of a
loose, almost ash-like character. The sand grains are chiefly very fine and the propor-
tion of clay is quite small. They are soils that are extremely easy to work, but careful
management is necessary when irrigating to prevent the cutting of deep channels and
the washing. away of the surface soil. There is no strong colour line of demarcation
between the surface and the subsoil, the former merging almost imperceptibly into
the latter. As might be expected, however, there is more humus, and consequently
the soil is somewhat darker, nearer the surface.

2. While the results of analysis do not show that uniformity in composition that
characterizes many tracts of northwestern prairie soil, the evidences from the chemical
standpoint are strongly indicative of a common origin.

Their nitrogen-content is exceedingly good and much higher than might be con-
jectured from their physical appearance. They are characterized by a large per-
centage of lime, a further feature betokening fertility. The amounts of potash present
are also very satisfactory.

The proportion of the mineral plant food constituents in available form is worthy
of special attention. Although the soils are not rich in total phosphoric acid, the
amount present that is more or less immediately assimilable is in all cases, save one,
far above the average. As already noted, the potash content of the soils is excellent
and the data denote a very large proportion of this store to be immediately available.
The figures for the available lime also are very good, indicating undoubtedly a high
degree of productiveness.

No. 4352. — A coarse sandy or gravelly loam, containing pebbles and small rock
fragments, collected at Proctor, on the Kootenay river, and characteristic of much of
the soil on both sides of the river as far as Nelson. A considerable amount of root
fibre is present, but the humus-content, judging from the indications, would be low.
The area from which the sample was collected had been recently burnt over in the
clearing of the land.

Compared with the typical sage-brush land this soil is, from the chemical and
physical standpoint, distinctly inferior. Experience has shown that this and similar
soils in East Kootenay have so far proved fairly satisfactory for fruit growing. But
it must be remembered that, as yet, there has been practically no demand upon their
fertility. Most of the areas so far cleared and planted have been brought under culti-
vation during the past five years — many of them more recently — and a very young or-
chards requirements as regards plant food are not excessive. Later, as these orchards

REPORT OF THE CHEMIST 155

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

come into bearing and greater demands upon the stores of fertility are made by the
growth of vegetables and small fruits, careful attention will have to be paid to the up-
keep of these soils — and particularly as regards their humus-content. While it will no
doubt be advantageous in many cases to use commercial fertilizers, green manuring,
i.e., the occasional growing and turning under of a green crop, will be found the
most rational and economic method to adopt for maintaining the soil in good heart,
even when a certain amount of barnyard manure is available. As a green crop for
this purpose clover, or some other legume, will be found more beneficial than buck-
wheat or rye, for the reason that the latter are not nitrogen-gatherers. Where diffi-
culty, however, at first exists in getting a catch of clover, owing to insufficient mois-
ture or other causes, these crops may be advantageously used.

Nos. 4347, 4348 and 4424 are virgin soils taken in the vicinity of Kaslo, East
Kootenay. They are all very similar — reddish clay loams — and scarcely distinguish-
able the one from the other.

No. 4347 is from the rising ground just above Kaslo. The sample represents a
depth of eight inches, below which there is a subsoil of gravel.

No. 4348 is a similar sample from a bench higher up.

No. 4424 was collected three miles above Kaslo from an uncultivated area, and
represented a depth of six inches. The area had been burnt over some few years pre-
viously, but was now covered with a strong native vegetation. The subsoil was gravel.

The analytical data indicate a very strong similarity between these soils ; indeed
in all essential particulars, and especially as regards nitrogen and potash, they are
almost identical. They would not be considered, judged solely from the chemical
standpoint, as ranking with our better soils, except with respect to phosphoric acid, in
which element they are well supplied. They are comparatively low in nitrogen and
lime, but the proportions of the mineral constituents that are available are very satis-
factory.

No. 4391 was collected on the Covert ranch at Grand Forks in the Boundary dis-
trict. It foiined a part of a large accumulation on one of the benches at the foot of
the mountain, amd resulted in part from heavy washing of the light loam of the upper
plateau by injudicious irrigation.

It is a black sandy loam of excellent texture, and evidently ofte particularly rich
in humus and nitrogen. It was producing, at the time of collection, large crops of
vegetables and fruits, and the chemical data corroborate this evidence as to its great
fertility. This instance may, however, serve to emphasize the result of careless and
excessive irrigation on steep slopes, for, an examination showed clearly the severe
denudation that the upper benches had received in the building up of this deposit.

ALKALI SOILS.

From time to time we are called upon to examine samples of soil suspected of
containing alkali. These, for the most part, are from the northwestern provinces and
the semi-dry belt of British Columbia. Our examination has not been exhaustive in
every instance, but sufficient analytical data wer^ always obtained to allow of a clear
diagnosis as to the nature of the alkali present.

Duchs, B.C. — This was forwarded for examination by Hon. H. Bostock. While
moist it had all the appearance of a rich soil, but on drying — as by simple exposure
to the air — evidence of alkali became apparent through the formation of a white
incrustation. The following data represent the water soluble constituents of the air-
dried soil : —

Per cent.

Carbonate of sodium -042

Chloride of sodium

Sulphate of sodium 2

Sulphate of calcium

Sulphate of magnesium 1

053
235
295
055

156

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910.

These results bear out the impression gained from an inspection of the air-dried
sample, viz., that it is highly impregnated with alkali. It is satisfactory to note that
the amount of carbonate of soda (black alkali) is very small; this simplifies the work
of reclamation. However, the quantity of sulphate of soda and sulphate of magnesia
(white alkali) present is so large that persistent effort would be necessary — probably
for a number of years — ^to make this soil suitable for crops in general.

Cranhrook, B.C. — Forwarded by E. A. Liezert, who states that the land is
covered with a heavy growth of tall grass (?), but that on bringing it under cultiva-
tion it proves unsatisfactory, many crops refusing to grow. We obtained the follow-
ing results from the analysis of the air-dried soil : —

Per cent.

Chloride of sodium -232

Sulphate of sodium -506

Total solids in aqueous extract, obtained directly -730

This, again, is a case of white alkali which, as we have pointed out in previous
reports, is not to be feared in the same degree as black alkali. Nevertheless, this soil
is so highly charged with saline matter — more or less injurious to vegetation — that
proper means for its reclamation would have to be adopted before the soil could be
cultivated with profit. _

Windermere, B.C. — Three samples of soil suspected of being impregnated with
alkali were received from this place. The statement of the sender was to the effect
that these lands had until the last few years yielded excellent crops, but that owing to
exhaustion or the presence of alkali (which until recently had not been observed)
these areas now were practically sterile. The appearance of the samples certainly did
not betoken exhaustion and the suspicion became strong that the trouble was due to
alkali. The examination comprised a determination of the plant food constituents
and a search for deleterious salts.

Analysis of Soils from Windermere, B.C.

Moisture

Organic and volatile matter.

Nitrogen .

Phosphoric acid

Potash

Lime

Available constituents —

Phosphoric ac d

Potash

Lime

No. 1.

p.c.

4
10

61

41

370

19

45

25

018
109
60

No. 2.

p.c.

1
12

81

14

330

22

40

28

008
02S
10

No. 3.

p.c.

2-66

15-55

■302

•17

•40

7 05

•006
•081

rs6

These soils were all from the ranch of Mr. R. R. Bruce, Windermere, valley
of the Upper Columbia. No. 1 was taken ' south of the high road,' and represented
the immediate surface soil over a considerable area receiving the seepage of higher
lands that had been liberally irrigated. No adequate drainage had been provided to
take off this water, and the result was that on evaporation soluble salts to an excessive
degree had accumulated in the surface soil. No. 2 was taken below No. 1, represent-
ing a depth of between 2 and 4 inches. No. 3 was collected at no very great distance
from No. 1, in a slight depression kept moist by seepage water. The sample repre-
sented merely the surface | inch.

REPORT OF THE CHEMIST 157

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

The results of the chemical analysis furnish satisfactory evidence that the reason
for the unproductiveness of this area is not to be found in any deficiency of the more
important constituents of plant food. Indeed, in certain particulars — and more espe-
cially as regards nitrogen — this soil must be judged as one decidedly above the average
and one which under favourable climatic conditions should prove most profitable
under cultivation. The high lime-content is worthy of remark; it is a characteristic
of soils of semi-arid areas, and may be considered as indicative of productiveness.

The explanation of the trouble was readily apparent when a search for deleterious
salts was made. In all three of the samples, and more especially in No. .3, consider-
able amounts of sulphate of soda,, sulphate of magnesia, chloride of soda and other
salts which might be included in the group forming white alkali, were found, and in
No. 1 a certain small amount of the more injurious carbonate of soda was also present.

Winona, Ont. — This is a rather remarkable instance of the occurrence of alkali.
It is most unusual in eastern Canada, as indeed in humid districts, to find an arable
soil saturated with saline matter; the constant rainfall preventing any such accumu-
lation. In a letter accompanying the sample, which, as we shall see, was heavily
impregnated with alkali, our correspondent says : ' There are here (Winona, Ont.)
about six (6) square yards of land which every spring become encrusted with white
alkali (?). It is grape land and this is the second year that I have planted vines on
the spot and they have died; they grow for a while — during cultivation — and seem
to do well, but subsequently die. This must surely be due to a salt or soluble mineral
matter in the soil. We are about thirteen (13) rods from the lake shore. What can
be done towards reclaiming the land ? '

Upon analysis the air-dried soil was found to contain the following amount of
saline material : —

Per cent.

Sodium chloride (common salt) -29

Calcium sulphate (sulphate of lime) -25

Magnesium sulphate (Epsom salts) -61

Undoubtedly the sulphate of magnesia is here the compound most harmful to
vegetation; the common salt and sulphate of lime in the above proportions cannot be
considered injurious — indeed both substances are used to a certain extent as fertiliz-
ing materials. Of course the surface soil after a period of drought, during which
cultivation had not been practiced, might contain much larger amounts of these
chemicals than we found and, hence, the injury to vegetation greater than that which
might be predicted from the present results.

If the affected area could be thoroughly drained and the soil then leached, further
accumulation of saline matter might be prevented. Provided the salts are being con-
stantly supplied by a subterranean source or spring, drainage suggests itself as the
most effective method for preventing saturation of the soil. Frequent cultivation will
of course be necessary in checking surface evaporation and jjreventing the rise of the
alkali. The various means that may be adopted in the reclamation of alkali soils —
drainage, leaching, cultivation, application of farmyard manure, &c. — have been fully
discussed in Bulletin 4, Series II, Experimental Farm, Ottawa, in which publication
we have also considered the more common forms of alkali found and their specific
treatment, and enumerated the crops most resistant to alkali. This bulletin should be
read by those who have alkali lands to reclaim.

THE NITROGEN-ENRI0HMENT OF SOILS THROUGH THE GROWTH OP LEGUMES.

In the report of this Division for 1905 we gave an account of certain experiments
that we had instituted in 1902 to ascertain the amount of nitrogen that could be added
to and become part and parcel of the soil through the growth and turning under of

158

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

clover. One of these experiments, still in progress, may be described as follows: A
plot 16 feet by 4 feet was staked off, and the sides protected by boards sunk to a depth
of eight inches. The surface soil to this depth was then removed, and in its place a
strictly homogeneous but very poor sandy loam substituted — the nitrogen content of
which was -0437 per cent. This was dressed with superphosphate at the rate of 400
lbs. per acre and muriate of potash at the rate of 200 lbs. per acre. It was then (May,
1902) sown with red clover. During each succeeding season the growth has been cut
and the material allowed to decay on the soil. At the end of every second season the
soil has been thoroughly stirred to a depth of four inches and the plot sown with clover
the following spring. In order to trace the influence of this treatment we have deter-
mined, at intervals, the nitrogen-content of this soil, the sample for analysis being
taken to a depth of four inches. The following table presents our results to date : —

Nitrogen Enrichment of Soil due to Growth of Clover.

Before experiment.
After two years. . .

It four II . . .

II five II . . .

II six M . .

Increase in nitrogen due to six years' growth.

Date of
Collection,

13 502
14-504
15-5()6
30 5-07
23-508

Nitrogen.

Percentage

in water-free

soil.

•0437

•0580
•0608
•0689
•0744

•0307

Pounds per
acre to a
depth of
4 inches.

533
7('8
742
841
908

375

Each succeeding season, it will be observed, has shown an. increase in nitrogen
content. After six years, despite losses by oxidation, &c., which must occur in such a
light sandy soil, this enrichment amounts to 375 lbs. per acre.

In these results we have direct and satisfactory proof of the manurial value of
clover. Although this nitrogen is not present in an immediately available condition
it is associated with readily decomposable organic matter and would be set free for tke
■use of succeeding crops.

INOCULATION FOR THE GEOWTH OF ALFALFA.

Certain striking results showing the value of inoculation for alfalfa on soils that
had not previously grown this legume were obtained on the Experimental Farm,
Lacombe, northern Alberta, during the past season. Mr. G. IT. Hutton, the superin-
tendent, furnishes the following particulars respecting the experiment : ' Two plots
of soil, side by side, alike as to quality and previous cultivation, were sown to alfalfa,
one of these plots being dressed with surface soil from a field that had grown alfalfa
on the Experimental Farm, Lethbridge, Alberta. The application was at the rate of
300 lbs. of soil per acre, the inoculating soil being broadcasted and harrowed in at the
time of seeding. Dates of sowing and cutting were the same and the crop from each
plot was cured under the same conditions and hauled at the same time. In fact in
every way, so far as possible, the treatment was identical. The inoculated plots yielded
at the rate of 7,200 lbs. per acre, while the uninoculated yielded at the rate of 2,560
lbs/

REPORT OF THE CHEMIST

159

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Although in our past work -with inoc-ulating materials we have obtained at times
considerable increases in yield following upon inoculation, we have never had hitherto
results so favourable to inoculation. The yield on the treated plots was almost three
times that on the untreated plots. No doubt the phenomenal success of the inocula-
tion was in a large part due to the absence, or practical absence, of nitrogen-fixing
bacteria in the original soil, but it is gratifying to note that this large increase of
yield was brought about by the method that we have advocated as probably the most
effective and cheapest, namely, the use of soil from an area that has recently grown
luxuriantly the legume about to be sown.

An inspection of the samples of alfalfa hay when received very clearly showed
that the plants from the inoculated area had been by far more robust, that is, taller,
stouter and greener, than those -from the adjacent uninoculated area.

Analysis of Alfalfa Hays.

Inoculated
plot.

Uninoculated
plot.

Moisture

p.c.

6-38
17 -81

1-11
36-72

27-89
10 09

p.c.
5-99

Protein

Tat ...

15-62
105

CJarbohvdrates

40 -75

Fibre.

25-60

Ash

11-01

100 00

100 00

The larger proportion of crude protein in the hay from the inoculated plot is a
matter of considerable importance, though not one of surprise, as we have in previous
work occasionally found the inoculated legume to be the richer in nitrogen.

The results in the field and laboratory, therefore, show that in this case inocula-
tion has not only increased the yield, but given a higher nutritive value to the fodder
produced.

FERTILIZING MATERIALS.

FISH SCRAP FROM DOGI'ISH REDUCTION WORKS.

Analyses of this product have been made annually since 1905, the results appear-
ing in reports of this Division. It is essentially a nitrogenous fertilizer, though con-
taining a notable amount of phosphoric acid.

The sample examined in September, 1908, was from the Government Reduction
Works at Shippegan, N.B. Its analysis afforded the following data : —

Analysis.

Per cent.

5-47

• 78

Moisture

Nitrogen 8-

Phosphoric acid 7-73

Total mineral matter 19-77

Mineral matter insoluble in acid -28

Oil 16-58

In certain important particulars this scrap is superior to samples previously
analysed, for while its nitrogen-content is fully equal to that in past years, the per-

160 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARI' VII., A. 1910

centage of pliosplioric acid is considerably higher. Hitherto we have found the phos-
phoric acid between 3 per cent and 4 per cent ; in this sample it is between 7 per cent
and 8 per cent. A notable improvement is also to be observed in the smaller amount
of oil present, the reduction being approximately from 25 per cent to 16 per cent.
Since the presence of much oil tends to delay the setting free in the soil of the fertiliz-
ing elements of this product, this reduction is a matter of considerable moment and
would raise the values for the nitrogen and phosphoric acid. Further, the percentage
of moisture is only about one-half that found in sajnples previously analj^sed.

The use of this material as a fertilizer for farm and garden crops was discussed
in our report for 1906, where formulae are to be found for the preparation of a
' complete ' fertilizer, by the addition of certain chemicals.

MUCKS, MUDS AND MARLS.

Much, St. Stephen, N.B. — Our correspondent (W. F. Todd) writes: 'We are
anxious to ascertain what manurial value this muck may have; please let us know its
nitrogen-content and values in potash and phosphoric acid.'

Brownish-black, apparently well decomposed, slightly acid, its analysis, made on
the air-dried sample, afforded the following data : —

Analysis of MucJc.

Per cent.

Moisture V-58

Organic and volatile matter 67-63

Mineral matter, including sand 24-79

100-00

Fertilizing constituents — ^^^ cent,

iSTitrogen 2-03

Phosphoric acid , -T^

Potash -15

This muck is of good average quality, and would be well worth using for its
nitrogen and humus-forming material. Its direct application to the soil would not
in all probability prove profitable, but it might advantageously be used after being
subjected to incipient fermentation, as in the compost heap. It also seems well
adapted (after being air-dried) to act as an absorbent in and about the farm build-
ings— a use that we have generally advocated as being probably the most profitable
means for the utilization of mucks. In the resultant manure there is not only much
plant food that might have been washed by the draining away of the li-quid from the
cowhouse, pigpen, &c., but the fertilizing elements in the muck itself are presented to
the crop in forms much more readily assimilable than as originally present.

The percentages of potash and phosphoric acid are, as might be expected, quite
small — indeed negligible — considering the muck as a fertilizer.

A further sample of muck from near St. Stephen, N.B., and sent in by another
correspondent (E. H. Barter), was found on analysis to have the following composi-
tion in the air-dried condition: —

Analysis.

Per cent.

Moisture i-ll

Organic and volatile matter 79-61

Mineral matter 12-68

100-00
Nitrogen 1-77

REPORT OF TEE CHEMIST 161

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

This was taken from the surface of a large area which it was intended to put
under cultivation.

This muck is almost entirely vegetable matter, the constituents, clay and sand,
which give stability, firmness and supply mineral plant food are practically absent.

In the reclamation of such an area, drainage is the first essential. At the outset
open ditches should be dug to remove surface water. After the soil has settled some-
what, it would be well to put in tile drainage. If feasible and not too expensive, the
addition of sand or clay, or, better, both, to be worked into the surface soil, is to be
advocated. Unfortunately it is but seldom that this part of the work of reclamation
can be followed out, the haulage distance being too great.

A dressing of lime or, still better, wood ashes, merely harrowed in, will be very
beneficial in supplying mineral plant food generally lacking in such soils. If wood
ashes are not obtainable, I would suggest basic slag 500 lbs., muriate of potash 150
lbs., per acre, broadcasted and harrowed in.

Although the soil is very rich in nitrogen very little of this element is present
naturally in an available condition, hence, it has been found that applications of barn-
yard manure are most useful. After a year or two they can be discontinued, as by
that time the manure will have inoculated the soil with the bacteria necessary for the
continued conversion of the soil plant food into available forms.

Much from Grand Manan, N.B. — This sample, as in the previous instance, was
forwarded with a view to obtaining information as to its reclamation. Mr. L. E.
Foster writes: ' What fertilizer would be best on this soil for potatoes? ' The air-dried
muck was submitted to analysis and the following results obtained: —

Analysis. Per cent.

Moisture 8-03

Organic and volatile matter 86-17

Mineral matter, including sand . 5-80

100 00

Nitrogen 1-50

This is essentially vegetable matter and would not be considered as a good potato
soil, though such land has, with proper treatment, frequently been made to give very
fair yields.

All that has been just said regarding the necessity of drainage and the value of an
initial supply of manure applies in this case, and in addition the following fertilizer
might be suggested: —

Basic slag. 300 to 500 lbs. per acre.

Sulphate of potash 100 "

Broadcast on the prepared land before planting and harrow in.

Mud from Mahone Bay, N.S. — This material, forwarded by Dr. Charles A. Ham-
ilton, represented the ' mud ' as brought up in the dredging of Mahone bay. The
object of the inquiry was to ascertain what fertilizing value it might possess, as large
quantities were available to farmers in the vicinity. The mud, dried by simple expo-
sure to the air, was found to have the following composition : —

Analysis. Per cent.

Moisture 9-56

Organic and volatile matter 26-85

Mineral matter, including clay and sand 63-59

10000

16—11

162 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

Fertilizing constituents — Per cent.

Nitrogen in organic matter -73

Phosphoric acid -24

Potash -32

Lime 82

The fertilizing value of the mud as dredged would be extremely low. The mineral
plant food constitvients (phosphoric acid, potash and lime), even in the air-driod
material, are present in exceedingly small amounts. The percentage of nitrogen is
certainly notable (-75 per cent on the water-free substance), but in all probability this
element does not exist in a readily available form for crop use.

It may be pointed out further, that certain sulphur compounds are present, and
this would necessitate an exposure of the mud to the atmosphere for some weeks pre-
vious to its incorporation with the soil, or injury to the crops might result.

An important matter in connection with the use of muds in general is that they
may very materially affect, beneficially or injuriously, the tilth of the soil to which
they are applied. The sample under discussion, it might be presumed, is adapted for
sandy rather than for clay loams.

Mussel Mud from Soxiris, P.E.I. — Sent by James Howlett, with a request for
particulars as to fertilizing qualities. It is stated that a large number of farmers in
the neighbourhood have access to the deposit, while others living as far distant as
twenty-four miles are using it.

Upon inspection it appeared to consist essentially of mussel shells, with a small
proportion of clay. The composition of the air-dried mud is as follows : —

Analysis.

Per cent.

Moisture -44

Organic and volatile matter 412

Clay and sand 9-70

Carbonate of lime 84-88

Oxide of iron, &c., by difference -86

100 00

Nitrogen, in organic matter -092

Phosphoric acid -13

This is essentially carbonate of lime, as we judged from the appearance of the
sample. The pi'oportion of clay, sand, &c., is not large, so that it can be considered a
mussel mud of very fair quality. The percentage of phosphoric acid is not larger than
that found in many soils. A number of mussel muds examined in this laboratory
have shown considerably larger percentages of organic matter and nitrogen, but this
deposit, nevertheless, has some value in furnishing these constituents.

The practice of depending entirely on such muds for the maintenance of fertility
is to be deprecated. Undoubtedly for a number of years increased yields will follow
its use, largely owing to the lime it supplies, but experience has shown that alone it
cannot prevent the soil from wearing out, and, sooner or later, the yields from falling
off. The analytical data, in proving that they are essentially a lime fertilizer, furnish
the explanation for this behaviour.

Marl from St. Raymond, Man. — Forwarded by David Langill, with a request for
information as to its general character and use. It had, approximately, the following
composition : —

*

REPORT OF THE CHEMIST 163

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Analysis.

Per cent.

Insoluble rock matter 37-30

Carbonate of lime 45-37

Oxide of iron, &c., by difference 17-33

100-00

In appearance tbis substance was a light yellow, brick-like, brittle mass, made up
largely of small stones or particles of rock ; the material easily disintegrates and falls
as an earthy sediment when placed in water.

Though not a first quality marl, it might be used beneficially on both heavy and
light loams deficient in lime.

'o'

Calcareous Deposit or Indurated Marl. — Sent by George E. Winkler, Penticton,
B.C., who states that it is found as a deposit from the waters of certain springs and
streams in his neighbourhood which are richly impregnated with carbonate of lime.

Its analysis afforded the following data : —

Analysis.

Per cent.

Carbonate of lime 72-99

Insoluble rock matter 18-74

Oxide of iron and alumina, 3-70

Phosphoric acid -15

Organic matter, by difference 4-42

100-00
If crushed, this material would no doubt be useful in furnishing lime to soils
deficient in this element. In its present condition, being so hard and refractory, its
application would result in very little benefit.

The percentage of phosphoric acid is so small that the deposit cannot be said to
have any value from the standpoint of a phosphatic fertilizer.

Further information respecting these deposits, which occur at many points in the
so-called semi-dry belt of British Columbia, will be found in the report of this Divi-
sion for 1904.

Gypsum. — A sample stated to be from Tobique, N.B., and sent in for examination
as to quality by M. A. Bourbeau, Victoriaville, Que., was found of excellent quality
containing 94-12 per cent sulphate of lime.

A specimen sent by Mr. PI. D. Buchannan, Sussex, N.B., and stated to be repre-
sentative of a very large deposit, was also submitted to analysis. It contained 94-40
per cent sulphate of lime.

When crushed or ground this forms the well known land plaster. The agricultural
value of this material depends largely upon the nature and composition of the soil.
As it is not a fertilizer in the commonly accepted meaning of the term, that is, it does
not furnish nitrogen, phosphoric acid or potash, it is very doubtful if it could be used
profitably on any poor soils unless associated with an application of barnyard manure.
It certainly furnishes lime, an element of plant food and, further, serves to liberate
potash from its inert stores in the soils. Possibly it may help to flocculate heavy soils
and thus improve their tilth.

In previous reports we have emphasized the advantage of using finely ground
gypsum in the stable. By this means it renders a most valuable service in preventing
loss of nitrogen as ammonia from the manure, and, of course, eventually finds its way
to the soil.

The crops apparently most benefited by gypsum are clover and peas.

16— Hi

164 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD Vll., A. 1910

Wood Aslies. — A sample sent by F. Seaman, !N'elson, B.C., and stated to be from
an ash pile from a sawmill using, chiefly, tamarae, fir and pine, but no hardwood. The
inquiry is ' of what fertilizing value would this ash be for fruit trees ? '

Analysis of Ashes, Nelson, B.C.

Per cent.

Moisture 8-31

Potash 7-99

Phosphoric acid 2-59

Lime 44-00

These ashes are evidently of good quality, the percentage of potash being consider-
ably above the average found in commercial samples.

In additio'i to the potash they contain, the amounts of phosphoric acid and lime
enhance the fertilizing value of these ashes, making them particularly serviceable for
fruits and vegetables on light lands.

A sample of ashes brought to the laboratory by Mr. F. T. Webster, Billings
Bridge, Out., and collected from an exposed pile of ashes at a sawmill, gave the follow-
ing results on analysis: —

Analysis.

Per cent.

Moisture 27-40

Insoluble in acid (clay and sand) 38-45

Fertilizing constituents —

Potash 2-20

Phosphoric acid traces

These ashes are admixed with sand, &c., and have been very seriously leached;
they still retain a large proportion of water. Their very low potash-content makes
them of little value, probably in the neighbourhood of $2 per ton.

Manure Ashes. — These resulted from the burning of a large manure pile at St.
Norbert, Manitoba. The manure had been accumulating for several years, and the
heap at the time when it caught fire contained about 200 cubic yards. The sample of
ashes taken for analysis was collected in September. The fire started in June, the
manure burning until extinguished by the rains at the latter end of August.

Analysis of Manure Ashes.

Per cent.

Moisture 4-57

Organic and volatile matter 7-31

Sand, &c., insoluble in acid 54-92

Oxide of iron and alumina 10-'91

Lime 8-65

Magnesia 4-43

Potash 3-40

Phosphoric acid 6-14

100-33

Valuing the potash and phosphoric acid at 5 cents and 5J cents per lb., respec-
tively— the prices they would bring when bought in the form of commercial fertilizers
— these ashes would be worth $8.45 per ton. Although this manure ash is seen to have
a high fertilizing value, the great loss that has ensued in the dissipation of nitrogen
and humus-forming material in the burning of the heap must not be overlooked. We

REPORT OF THE CHEMIST 165

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

have always considered that the great benefit, which all acknowledge as following the
judicious employment of manure, is due rather to the organic matter and the con-
comitant nitrogen it furnishes than to its percentages of mineral plant food.

Coiu Manure. — The analysis of this sample is interesting as the manure was from
a heap, the accumulation of ten years on a dairy farm. Our correspondent, at Rose-
bery, B.C., states that it could be purchased and laid down on his farm for about $2.50
I)er ton.

Analysis of Manure.

Per cent.

Moisture 80-90

Organic matter 15-35

Mineral 3-75

100-00

Fertilizing constituents —

Percentage. Lbs. per ton.

Nitrogen A'i 9-40

Phosphoric acid -41 8-20

Potash -26 5-02

Valuing the plant food at prices assigned to that in commercial fertilizers, we
find this manure would be worth $1.93 per ton. The plant food on one ton of average
cow manure is worth about $2, so that the present sample does not show much deteri-
oration. Such loss as there has been through leaching has been chiefly in potash.

Black Much Ashes. — This sample forwarded from St. Basile Station, Quebec, had
resulted, according to our correspondent, from the burning of an area covered with
black muck. The request accompanying the ashes was for a report as to their fertiliz-
ing value and the best means of employing them upon the land.

Analysis of Black Muck Ashes.

Per cent.

Mo4sture 4-YO

Organic and volatile matter 6-13

Mineral matter 89-17

100 00

Mineral matter insohible in acid, sand, &c 59 02

Oxide of iron and alumina 25-70

Lime 1-28

Magnesia trace

Potash -49

Phosphoric acid 2-94

Though not equal to the best unleached wood ashes, which contain in the
neighbourhood of 2 per cent phosphoric acid and 6 per cent potash, these ashes
certainly possess a notable fertilizing value.

These ashes can be used to advantage on sandy and peaty soils, for all kinds of
crops but especially for corn, clover, potatoes and cabbages. Their application may
be similar to that of ordinary wood ashes, namely, broadcasted on the prepared land
in the spring before seeding and harrowed in.

Boiler Scales and Flue Dust. — Many inquiries have been received from time to
time regarding the possible fertilizing value of the cleanings of the tubes and flues

166 EXPERIMENTAL FARMti

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

of steam boilers — large amounts of such material, commonly known as boiler scale —
accumulating in machine shops in the course of time, for which, apparently, there
has been no use. Though it was very doubtful if our examination would show any
appreciable amount of plant food, it was thought desirable to analyse a few samples,
in order to have data for the enlightenment of those seeking information on the
subject. The two samples examined were from Sydney Mines, N.S., and were
described as ' cleanings from the tubes and flues of steam boilers at No. 3 slope.'
They are similar in appearance being in the form of black, coarse granular powder,
not unlike coal dust.

Analysis Boiler scales and Flue dust.

No. 1. No. 2.

Moisture -71 -28

Organic and volatile matter 35-79 43-67

Mineral matter or ash 63-50 56-05

100-00 100-00

Nitrogen -20 -13

Phosphoric acid -14 -08

Potash .02 .04

Tlie amount of organic matter is noteworthy, but, unfortunately, this must be
largely in the form of coal dust and hence not in a condition to be of much value for
humus formation. The material might, however, prove useful on some lands for
improving their physical condition, as in lightening the texture of heavy and plastic
clays.

As to fertilizing value, very little can be said in its favour. The amounts of
phosphoric acid and potash are so small as to be negligible, while the percentage of
nitrogen is not larger than that found in soils of average fertility.

FODDERS AND FEEDING STUFFS.

Every winter for many years past we have submitted to analysis a number of the
more important feeding stuffs on the Canadian market. This work has been found
necessary in order to obtain the information to satisfactorily answer the inqviiries
we are constantly receiving respecting the composition and feeding value of the
various by-products and concentrated feeds offered for sale.

"WTiile the farmer or dairyman may feel himself comi)etent to decide on the
quality of such well-known and simple materials as bran and shorts, he finds himself
quite unable, from mere inspection, to say what the nutritive value might be of a
large number of the milling and manufacturing products that have appeared of
recent years, and for many of which high prices are obtain^d. The nature of the
material may be disguised by fine grinding. Thus, certain feeds, shown by analysis
to be essentially oat hulls and consequently comparatively worthless, have been
placed on the market in such a fine state of division that the naked eye fails to
detect their nature. The same has been found true in the ease of pea meal adulterated
with a large excess of jx'a hull. Again some ' mixed ' materials may present an
attractive appearance by reason of the presence of a certain amount of cracked corn
and yet the bulk of the feed made up of useless materials such as mill sweepings —
so that the whole has a much lower feeding value than might be supposed at first
sight. And then again there is a large list of manufacturing by-products, as from
the sugar beet factory, the starch and glucose factory, &c., some of them feeds of
concentrated character and of high nutritive value, and yet many of which are very
poor. For this whole class — in which appearance goes for very little — analysis is

REPORT OF THE CHEMIST

167

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

absolutely necessary. By no other means can the nature and worth of such feeds be
ascertained.

In the following table of data we present the results of the examination of forty-
one samples. These feeds of course do not represent all ths various brands offered for
sale, they are merely those respecting which we have received inquiries and which,
consequently, have been examined in the Farm laboratories. A few of them are not
commercial feeding stuffs, as apple pomace, respecting which information was sought
ns to their nutritive qualities. The tabulated information together with the sub-
joined notes will undoubtedly prove of interest to a large number of those who pur-

chase feeding stuffs.

Feeding Stuffs, 1908.

Name.

n
(J
7
8
9
10

Corn products —
Gluten feed . . .

11 Meal Jersey Brand

Corn meal ....

Wheat products —

Bran

Shorts, (Oglivie)

11 11 (Renfrew)

12 11 (Manitoba). . . .

13 Middlings, (Manitoba).
Oat products —

141 Oat feed

15l 11 .

I Pea products —
IG Whnlei peas, (Arthur

variety )

Pea meal

17

18
19

20
21
22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30
31

Particulars,

Brantford Starch Works, Brant
ford, Ont

St. Lawrence Starch Co., Port
Credit, Ont

St. Lawrence Starch Co., Port
Credit, Ont

•James Frier, Shediac, N . B

William Weld Co., London, Ont. . .

Wm. Wenman, Golden, B.C

R. J. M., Western Can. Flour Mills

11 Oglivie Milling Co..

F. S. Caldwell, Carp, Ont

Agricultural Division, C.E. Farm

Ottawa, Ont

J. P. Robinson, Whitney, Ont. . .

Pea bran (pure hulls)...
Split peas( without hull)
Cottonseed meal —
Cottonseed meal from

Barbadoes, lt)07

Cottonseed meal from

Barbadoes, 1S08

Cottonseed meal a (Owl

brand)

Cottonseed meal b
(Soper's choice)

Cottonseed meal

Miscellaneous feeding
stuffs —
Moulee (linseed feed( . .

Fine flax screenings,
No. 3

Small s£ eds from wheat.

Feed from wheat and
flax screening's

The TilsonCo. Ltd.,Tilsonburg,Ont
Graham Bros., llaileybury, Ont

Agricultural Division, C. E. F.,
Ottawa, Ont

Havelle Milling Co., (manufacturer)
(per Edwardsburg Starch Co)

O. McPherson, Lancaster, Ont

N. Sangster, manufactured by T.
Baird & Son, Ormstown, Que. . . .

Jas. Wilson & Sons, Fergus, Ont. . .

E. B. Elderkin, Amherst, N.S.

F. W.Broder & Co., Memphis, Tenn.
(manufacturer), per D . E . Taylor.

J. E. Soper & Co., Boston, Mass.,

(manufacturer), per D E. Taylor.

R.J. Messenger, Bridgetown, N.S.

Canada Linseed Oil Mills Co., (man-
ufacturer), per J .J. Riley

Jos. G . King & Co. , Port Arthur, Ont.

o

p.c,

5-93

6- 15

800

91^

10-58

10-33

6-85

6-69

618

9-21

7-92
6-67
7-46

816
4-73

5-41

8-80
7 84

7 -30
7-70
5-54
6 43

10-73

7-82

5-81

8-35
5-86

8-37

5-77
7 20

10-57

g

-^
o

3
O

p.c,
17 12

18
18

13
14
15
16
11

17
15

16
17

2-62
412

23 50

25-50
IGOO

1412

17-37

5-63

27-69

26-50
20 06

40-74

43-68
37-62

11-56

17 44
16 44

12 18

p.c
11-85

0-89
1-64

c3

O

u

Xi

p.c,
58-55

64
66

72

57
53
54
55
52

53

60
57
58

51-40

52 16

p.c.

9

10
11
10
19

9

7
9
6

62-57
53-53

104

1-74

124 41 09 31 05

32 16
31-24

4-90
713

1-30
1-32
0 44
0-94

5-84
4 17

9-93

8-07
7-91

9-71

18-41
10-53

5 90

39 44 35-23

49-49 21-45

34-65 51-29

61-46 0.97

30 83
38-34

28-06

26 35
32-29

47-55

29-55
45 40

53-74

19-97

18-69

804

6-75
9-87

18 09

12-85
16 02

12 35

p.c.
0-85
0-72

0 65

1 41

5-35
5-86
612
6-45
7 04

62
96
24
33

4-77
611

2-58

3 30

2-78

2 61
2-67
2-45
2-51

6 13
4 92

7-42

6-80
6-45

4-72

15-98

4 41

5 26

168

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

32
33
34

35

36
37
38
39
40
41

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910
Feeding Stuffs, 1908 — Concluded.

Name.

Particulars.

Cyphers — Daniel's egg

mash

Beat's milk albumen,

No. 1...

Bent's milk albumen,

No. 2

Feed No. I, from corn,

rye and barley malt

majjh

Feed No. 2, from pure

barley malt Tnash. . . .
Feed No. 3, from rye

and rye malt mash .
Apple pomace from

cannery

Apple pomace from

cider mill

Apple pomace from

cider mill

Feed No. 2, Walkerville

Distillery

Jos. Tardif, St. Louis, Montreal.
R. A.A.Johnston, Ottawa, Ont.

H. Walker & Sons, Walkerville, Ont.

Spratt & Schou, Burnaby Lake, B.C.
Col. D.W- Stevenson, Berwick, N.S.

S. Allen, Norwick, Ont

T W . Raphael & Co. .Montreal, Que,

o

p.c.

6
3
6

85
8
5

27

5 73

a
"Si

O

p.c.

01: 21

39; 41

72

19

83 17

14
1
3
5

12

D.C.

78

p.c.

53
16

52

05; 49

12 60-48

7-71
69 38
66-20
61-63

Si

p.c.
8-92

14-62

20-40

11-85

4-73

p.c.

4-64
32-34

2-31

1-31
3 80
1-23
0.37

14-61I 206

18-38
10-50

2 24

5-22

CORN PRODUCTS.

In commenting, in last year's report, upon the various feeding stuffs resulting as by-
products from the manufacture of starch and glucose, it was pointed out that the term
'gluten meal' -was being wrongly used by certain manufacturers, the material being
put out under this name being really of the nature of gluten feed. This cannot be
considered as accidental or of no consequence, for gluten meal has long been recog-
nized as a feed of the most concentrated character, with practically 35 per cent of
protein, whereas gluten feed has been equally well known as a much inferior article
containing from 15 per cent to 20 per cent protein. According to our analysis —
and we have thoroughly investigated the matter — there is only one Canadian firm that
puts a genuine gluten meal on the market, though there are several materials sold
under this name which should be branded as gluten feed. It is only this mis-branding
that can be objected to — gluten feed is an excellent; food and one that can be advan-
tageously used to increase the protein-content of the ration. It is, however, surely
misleading to sell it under a name commonly understood to carry with it double the
amount of protein present.

It "will be noticed that the Gluten Feed of the Brantford Starch Works and the
* Jersey Brand Gluten Meal ' (really a gluten feed) contain practically the same
amount of protein; the former, however, is the more valuable since it contains a much
larger proportion of oil or fat.

The analysis of the corn meal (No. 4) shows it to be genuine and of good quality.
It was sent from a shipment that was supposed to be adulterated by admixture with
ground corn cob.

WHEAT PRODUCTS.

Five samples of bran were examined. No. 5 is somewhat low in protein and fat,
though not sufficiently so as to warrant any suspicion of adulteration. Freedom from
the presence of any notable amount of oat hulls, sweepings, &c., is attested by the fact
that the percentages of fibre and ash are not excessive.

REPORT OF THE CHEMIST 169

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

With respect to Nos. 6, 7 and 8, it may be said all were genuine and of good
quality. In no instance was the foreign matter (fragments of hay and straw, weed
seeds, hulls, &c.) present in such quantity as to materially affect the feeding value of
the bran. Our work on genuine brans in 1903 furnished the following limits : Pro-
tein, 13-25 per cent to 15-31 per cent; fat, 3-60 per cent to 5-19 per cent, and fibre,
9-28 per cent to 10-93 per cent.

Bran sample No. 9 contained a very considerable proportion of oat hull and other
o3al, and, consequently, was of decidedly inferior quality. The analysis confirms the
opinion formed by inspection, for the protein is about 3 per cent lower and the fibre
8 per cent to 9 per cent higher, than in genuine samples.

As a class, shorts are characterized by somewhat higher percentages of protein,
fat and carbohydrates and a lower percentage of fibre, than bran. Shorts, therefore,
should constitute the superior feed. As produced from hard wheat by the modern
roller process, shorts have the appearance of finely ground bran. Under the older
milling methods shorts or middlings were quite floury. All the samples analysed were
of good quality. The limits obtained in 1903 for genuine shorts were: Protein, 15-15
per cent to 17 per cent; fat, 3-98 per cent to 6-23 per cent, and fibre, 3-82 per cent to
7-51 per cent.

OAT PRODUCTS.

It is among the by-products of the oatmeal mills and certain breakfast food
factories that we find the most worthless of the feeds upon the market. As a class
these so-called oat feeds are decidedly low grade, being characterized by a small per-
centage of protein and a high fibre-content due to the large proportion of oat hulls
and other offal from the mills they contain. Very few of these feeds are worth the
price asked, but yet they appear to compete successfully with bran and other products
of high feeding value.

Sample No. 14 was forwarded by a correspondent in Prince Edward Island, who
states that it was a product of the Tilson Company, Limited, and was invoiced at $20
per ton. It was found to consist essentially of oat hulls, with a protein-content of
2-62 per cent and fibre 32-16 per cent. These results establish its extremely low value
as a feeding material.

Sample No. 15, sent by a correspondent in Haileybury, Ontario, is said to be a by-
product of the rolled-oat mills and known by the name of ' X ' oat feed. It was sold
at $20 per ton. Analysis shows only 4 12 per cent protein; the fibre-content is 31-24
per cent. It is in the same category as No. 14— practically valueless for use as a part
of the meal ration.

PEA PRODUCTS.

Information having reached us that much of the pea meal being sold was adul-
terated by an admixture of pea hulls, a number of samples were submitted to analysis.
Genuine pea meal is a material of high feeding value, with protein in the neighbour-
hood of 25 per cent and about 5 per cent fibre. It is not a feed rich in fat. Many of
the pea meals upon the market appear to be of inferior quality, due to the presence of
pea hulls. The hull or bran of the pea is an extremely poor food, containing only 5
per cent protein and over 50 per cent fibre. Nos. 16 and 17 are genuine pea meals.
No. 21 gives the composition of pea hulls and No. 22 of split peas. Nos. 17, 18 and 19
nre examples of commercial pea meals that contain an admixture of pea hull.

COTTON SEED MEAL.

Cotton seed meal is not much used in Ontario, but is largely fed in the Maritime
Provinces, coming by water-freight from Florida and the southern States. There are

170 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

several qualities on the market, the better brands containing from 35 per cent to 40
per cent protein and some 10 per cent oil. Examples of inferior quality are not want-
ing, however, that run as low as 23 per cent protein and 5 per cent oil, due to the large
proportion of cotton seed hulls present. High grade meals are bright yellow and free
from hull, inferior brands are dark in colour and show coarse fragments of hull.

vSamples Nos. 23 and 24, from shipments from Barbadoes, are of inferior quality.
Their protein is scarcely more than half that in genuine cotton seed meal and, further,
they are very poor in oil and altogether too high in fibre.

jSTos. 25 and 26 are first-class genuine meals, the latter being somewhat the better
of the two. No. 27, though of good quality, is not equal in protein to the very best
brands.

MLSCELLANEOUS.

MouUe (No. 28). — This is a product of the Canada Linseed Oil Mills, Montreal,
composed chiefly of the ground cleanings of the flax shipments. Its constitution will
necessarily alter somewhat with the condition of the flax seed as received at the mills,
the cleaner the seed, the better the quality of the feed. For furnishing the nitrogenous
part of the ration it would, we think, be decidedly inferior to bran, the protein being
some 3 per cent less and in all probability not so digestible. The percentage of fat or
oil is comparatively high, evidently due to the flax seed present. This large propor-
tion of fat is, ixndoubtedly, the chief feature in favour of this material. The fibre is
decidedly high (from fragments of hay, straw, &c., present), and this fact detracts
from the value of the feed as a concentrate.

Elevator Products. — Nos. 29, 30 and 31 are from the Canadian Pacific Railway
Elevators at Port Arthur, Ontario (Joseph G. King & Company, Lessees). For
several years past analyses of these waste materials have been made (ground weed
seeds, cleanings, &c.) with a view of determining their nutritive value, the data being
published in the annual reports of this Division. The output of such refuse or screen-
ings must be very large, and there seems no good reason, provided the material is
palatable and the grinding has been sufficiently fine to prevent all possibility of weed
seeds growing, why it should not be sold as feed. One feature in connection with
such feeds appears to be the difficulty in keeping the meal uniform as to feeding
value, owing to variableness in the nature of the refuse accompanying the grain.
Great differences in composition are found among weed seeds, and consequently the
percentages of protein and of fat of the resulting feed will be notably affected by the
kind of weed seed predominating in the screenings.

No, 29. Fine Flax Screenings. — Though not quite so rich in oil as similar
material forwarded the year previous, it is still very high in this constituent, viz., 18
per cent. It is also rich in protein, so that the feed would rank among the best feed-
ing stuffs. No doubt these good qualities are dvie to the large amount of broken flax
seed present.

No. 30. Small Seeds from }Yheat. — Compared with No. 29, it is decidedly poorer
in oil, slightly lower in protein and contains more fibre.

No. 31. Wheat and Flax Screenings. — A material of fair feeding value, but dis-
tinctly inferior to Nos. 29 and 30, as evinced by its lower protein and fat.

No. 32. Cypher's- Daniel Egg Mash. — This contains a considerable percentage of
protein — the nutrient more especially necessary for egg production — but is not rich in
fats or phosphates.

Upon its condimental or medicinal properties we are unable to pronounce, but
considered simply from the nutritive standpoint the price quoted ($2.75 per 100 lbs.
f.o.b. Toronto) would appear to be too high. We consider that a ration of equal feed-
ing value could readily be compounded from materials ui^on the market at much less
cost.

REPORT OF THE CHEMIST 171

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

No. 33. Bent's Milk Alhuvien No. 1. — This is described as 'skim-milk in the dry
form without the sugar,' and is really a by-product of the milk sugar factory. It is
put forward by the manufacturers — The Bent-Croissant Company, Antwerp, N.Y.,
U.S.A. — as a concentrated food for poultry that may take the place of meat scraps
and animal meals. It comes in the form of a coarse granular powder, which, as far
as our experience shows, has excellent keeping qualities.

Our analysis shows that it is a highly nitrogenous food — the protein-content
being 41-21 per cent. It should, therefore, if used judiciously, prove a valuable addi-
tion to the ration of both laying and fattening stock. Skim-milk has been repeatedly
shown to have a special value for poultry feeding; it seems, therefore, that this ' Milk
Albumen ' may prove a ' convenient wholesome and palatable substitute ' when fresh
skim-milk is not readily obtainable.

Bent's Milk Albumen No. 2 is a product still more concentrated than the pre-
ceding sample analysed by us, showing 72-43 per cent protein. From what we can
learn, however, this brand is of more recent introduction and, consequently, experience
in its practical use in the poultry yard is as yet but limited.

Kos. 35, 36 and 37. These are by-products from the Walkerville distillery and
may be described as follows : No. 35 is ' the dried grains from a mash composed of
corn, rye and barley malt,' No. 36, ' the dried grains from a pure barley malt mash,'
and No. 37, ' the dried grains from a rye and rye malt mash.'

Dried distiller's grains furnish a feeding stuff of considerable value, possessing
a fairly high (though somewhat variable) protein-content, with a notable percentage
of fat. They are readily eaten by cattle and when purchased at a fair price have
given good returns with milch cows and fattening stock.

That the nutritive value of this class of feeds is by no means a fixed quantity
is evident from the analyses of the present series — the range in protein-content being
from 14-38 per cent to 19-69 per cent. It is important, therefore, that the purchaser
should assure himself by special inquiry as to the composition of the brand or brands
offered him.

No. 38. Apple pulp from Cannery. This is described as ' the refuse of apples
after being boiled and subjected to hydraulic pressure, the extracted juice being used
in the manufacture of jam and jellies.'

It will be seen that this pomace contains in the neighbourhood of 15 per cent
of dry matter, of which practically one-tenth is protein.

We should not consider that the nutritive value of this material was equal to
that of the ordinary farm roots or of com ensilage, but no doubt it could be used to
advantage, if sound, to furnish a par,t of the succulent ration of the milch cow, and
possibly also, to a certain extent, for other classes of farm animals.

The manurial value of this pomace is very small — practically negligible — as will
be observed from the following results : —

Per cent.

Nitrogen -22

Phosphoric acid -06

Potash .11

In our report for 1906, in speaking of a sample of pomace from a cider mill, the
composition of which we were publishing, we cited our correspondent's opinion as to
its feeding value. This was to the effect that it had proved very valuable in keeping
up the milk flow. Commencing with a pailful of pomace per day the quantity had
been increased to two feeds of half a bushel each, and omitting a feed meant a
falling off of about IJ lbs. at the next milking. Resp)ecting the present sample, Mr.
Schou writes as follows: 'We waited until oin* stock of roots (turnips and carrots)
was finished and then used the pulp. We were pleased to find the milk did not
decrease at all. Two small pigs used to eat all they could find and seemed to thrive
on it.'

172 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

No. 39. This as received was a sample of dried apple pomace from a cider mill.
It was perfectly sweet and quite attractive in appearance. While by no means a
fodder of high feeding qualities, it had been found a profitable feed quite palatable
to cows and sheep and, according to our correspondent, growing in favour in the
neighbourhood of the cider mill.

No. 40. Apple pomace from cider mill, the sample having been dried in the
autumn of 1907. The inquiry accompanying this pomace — as to its probable value as
a commercial cattle food — may be answered as follows. From appearances we should
judge that when ground this dried apple pomace would prove a palatable feeding stuff,
swelling on the addition of water and making a succulent fodder that could be used
to take the place, in part or wholly, of roots, com or other coarse fodders. As, how-
ever, its protein-content is small, its nutritive value would be decidedly low and this
fact would prevent ft from being used in the ration as a substitute for one or other
of the more concentrated foods, such as bran, oil cake, gluten meal, &c.

THE COMMERCUL FEEDING STUFFS ACT.

In concluding this brief review of our recent work on feeding stuffs it affords us
peculiar satisfaction to note that during the past two months a bill has been drawn
up and introduced in the House of Commons that will provide for a systematic and
comprehensive examination of the various by-products, &c., sold on the Canadian
market as feeding stuils and, further, necessitate the branding of such feeds by the
manufacturers with a guarantee setting forth the percentages of protein and fat the
feed contains. Such an Act has been constantly urged by the writer and others for
some years past as the best means for affording farmers the necessary information in
purchasing these feeds and for providing adequate protection against poor and worth-
less materials which may from time to time be offered for sale. The details of the
Act, which will be carried out as in the case of commercial fertilizers, under the
Department of Inland Revenue, have not at the time of writing been finally settled,
but undoubtedly the Act will pass. Its enforcement will assuredly effect a great
improvement on the existing condition of affairs and prove a very valuable assistance
and protection to the purchasers of feeding stuffs.

SPIKE-RUSH (SCIRPUS C^SPITOSUS).

At the request of the late Dr. Fletcher, Botanist of the Dominion Experimental
Farms, we submitted to analysis a sample of a species of Spike-rush received from
Mr. G. R. B. Elliott, of Barrington, N.S., with a request for information regarding
its nutritive qualities.

Analysis of Hay of Spike-rush.

Per cent.

Moisture 4-79

Protein 806

Fat 115

Carbohydrates 56-25

Fibre 27-56

Ash 2-19

100 00
Our report upon this examination was as follows : Although there is a fair pro-
portion of protein, considering the nature of the material, the nutritive value of this
sedge would not. in our opinion, be high. It is a coarse, rough plant, and is scarcely
likely to be palatable to animals; probably they would not eat it unless pressed by
h.unger. In acknowledging this report, Mr. Elliott wrote : * This sedge is the principal
vegetation and flourishes abundantly on extensive sphagnum and peat bogs in south-
west Nova Scotia. Around the edges of the bog where there is more water and high

REPORT OF THE CHEMIST

173

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

land influence it is crowded out by other plants, but in the harder central portions it
is easily the most prominent. Cattle turned out in the summer thrive on the various
wild plants they can pick up. They are seldom seen to browse on the leaves of bushes,
and the only other fodder for them is blue-joint grass. This does not occur in sufli-
cient quantities to sustain the number feeding upon it and they are forced to rely on
what can be gathered on the bog. Apparently, given the choice, they will always eat
blue-joint grass, but the sedge is often their principal feed. Cattle living on this food
are particularly well muscled and strong.'

THE KELATIVE VALUE OF FIELD EOOTS.

In this research we have determined, season by season, for a number of years past,
the percentages of dry matter and sugar in the following root crops, mangels, turnips
and cai*rots. It is thus possible, from a study of the results, to obtain a very fair
knowledge of the comparative feeding values of a large number of the more commonly
grown varieties.

The two chief influences affecting the composition of roots are those of heredity
and of season. If we could feel assured that the seed of any particular variety was
always from the same strain then we could say, in comparing the figures of that
variety from year to year, that the diiferences in composition to be observed were due
to seasonal characteristics. But, unfortunately, such is not the case — seedsmen are
not particular in this matter — and, further, confiision is frequently caused by the
constant renaming by seedsmen of well known varieties, and this fact makes identifi-
cation in many cases well-nigh impossible.

However, in spite of these difficulties, our work has made evident that the influ-
ence of heredity is to be observed among the varieties upon the market, for arranging
the roots of any one class according to order of merit (as based on dry matter and
sugar content) it will be found that any particular variety occupies practically the
same position year after year. This will be more apparent in discussing later in this
article the case of the mangels, Gate Post and Giant Yellow Globe, which we have
examined for the past nine years more particularly from this standpoint.

MANGELS.

In the following table are presented, in the order of feeding value, the data ob-
tained from the examination of twelve varieties of mangels grown on the Experi-
mental Farm, Ottawa, during the season of 1908. They represent those which in
previous trials had given the best results in the field, though there are one or two that,
judging from their names, are now analysed for the first time.

Analysis of Mangels, C. E. F., Ottawa, Ont., 1908.

Variety.

Perfection Mammoth Long Red .

Mammoth Red Intermediate

Half Sugar White

Half Sugar White (Vilmorin's) . .

Crimson Champion

Gate Post

Prize Mammoth Long Red

Yellow Intermediate

Jumbo

Selected Yellow Globe

Giant Yellow Intermediate . . . .

Giant Yellow Globe r.

Water.

Dry

Matter.

Sugar

in
Juice.

p.c.

p.c.

p.c.

86

86

13 14

7

07

87

22

12-78

6

34

87

37

12-63

4

22

87

86

1214

5

47

87

94

12 06

5

67

87

98

1202

4

94

88

00

]2-00

6

47

88

07

11-93

4

31

88

45

11-5?)

5

05

89

20

10-80

6

09

89

30

10 70

3

87

SO

34

10-66

4

47

Average

weight

of

one root.

Lbs. Oz.

2
2
2
2
1
1
2
1
1
2
1
2

9
0
3
7
9
11
4

10
15
12
14
4

174

EXPERIMENTAL FJ.RMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

It is to be observed that very considerable differences exist in this series : the
percentages of dry matter range from 13-14 to 10-66, a difference equivalent to 19 per
cent of the total dry matter; the sugar-content, from 7-07 to 4-47 per cent, a
difference amounting to 37 per cent of the total sugar. These results clearly indicate
the advisability of considering feeding value, in addition to yield per acre and keeping
quality, when selecting the variety to sow.

The averages for the past five years are given in the subjoined table, and the
differences to be remarked are, we think, for the most part to be attributed, to the
characteristics of the seasons of the different years.

Mangels — Average Composition — 1904-1908.

Year.

Number

of
Varieties

An-
alysed .

Average

weight

ot

one root.

Dry

Matter.

Sugar.

1904

10
17
16
10
12

Lbs. Oz.

2 11

3 9
2 7
2 11
2 2

p.c.
11 69

10 04
11-63
12-64

11 87

p.c.
6 -62

1905

467

1906

1907

5-93
746

1908

- 5-33

The averages for 1908 are seen to fall somewhat below those of the preceding
season.

Turnips. — Thirteen varieties have been analysed, and while the differences in
dry matter are very similar in amount to those observed in mangels, the sugar-content
throughout the series is most constant. This peculiarity has been noticed every season
since this investigation began.

A comparison of the results in the following table with those for this crop growni
in 1907 show that heredity is as i>otent in turnips as in mangels — the relative position
of a number of the better known varieties being the same for both years.

Analysis of Turnips, C. E. F., Ottawa, Ont., 1908.

Skirvings

Bangholni Selected ....

Hall's Westbury

Kangaroo

Good Luck

HalewotKl Bronze Top .
Jumbo

Hartley's Bronze Top.
Carter's Elephant .
Mammoth Clyde . .

Variety.

Perfection Swede

Magnum Bonum

Derby 90

Water.

Dry
Matter.

Sugar

in
Juice.

p.c.

p.c.

p.c.

88-30

11

64

1 74

88-96

11

04

1 24

89-32

10

68

1-43

89-47

10

53

1 42

89 71

10

29

1 43

89-83

10

17

1-33

90-35

9

65

1 54

90-40

9

60

133

90-78

9

22

1-33

90-87

9

13

2-88

90-92

9

08

ia3

91-28

8

72

1 43

91-44

8

56

1 34

Aver.ige
weight
of
one root.

Lbs. Oz.

1
9

10
2
6

11
1

11
4 8

O /

6 0
3 7
3 8

REPORT OF THE CHEMIST

175

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

In the next table the averages for the past four years are given. As in the case
of the mangels, the turnips of 1908 were -not quite equal in dry-matter-content to
those of 1907.

Turnips — Average Composition — 1905-1908.

Year.

Number

of
Varieties
An-
alysed.

20
20
14
13

Average

weight

of

one root.

Dry
Matter.

Sugar.

1905 ,

Lbs. Oz.

2 13

1 10

3 5
3 12

p.c.
10 09

12-18

10-14

9-87

p.c.
1 10

1906

1-78

1907 :

111

1908.

1-52

Carrots. — As in former years we do not find any very large differences in dry
matter and sugar among the varieties analysed. In this respect they differ markedly
from mangels and, to a certain degree, from turnips. The White Belgian, for some
reason we cannot^ive, falls from the first place it has occiipied for some years. The
Half Long Chantenay, which has been second for some seasons, now appears as first
on the list.

Analysis of Carrots, C. E. F., Ottawa, Ont., 1908.

Variety.

Half Long Chantenay

Giant \Vhite Vosges

Improved Short White .

Ontario Champion

Mammoth White Intermediate
White Belgian

Water.

Dry

Matter.

Sugar

in
Juice.

p.c.

88-39
88-62

88 76
88-9]

89 04

90 93

p.c.

11-61
11-38
11-24
11 09
10 96
907

p.c.

3-94
3-95
3 65
2 94
3-45
2 14

Average
weight

of
one root.

Lbs. Oz.

3

5

15

1
4

7

The averages for the past four seasons as given below, again emphasize the
approach to uniformity in the composition of carrots to which we have already
referred — the differences being such as to be practically within the limits of experi-
mental error. In the case of carrots, therefore, there does not seem that necessity
we observed with mangels to consider composition. Other factors, such as yield,
forkiness, and keeping qualities, are evidently of greater importance in selecting the
variety to be grown.

Carrots — Average Composition — 1905-1908.

Year.

Number

of

Varieties

An-

lysed.

A verage
weight

of
one root.

Dry

Matter.

Sugar.

1905

11

10

6

6

Lbs, Oz.

1 3
1 2
1 1
1 3

p.c.

10-25
10 -.59
10-30
10-89

p.c.
2-52

1906

3-36

1907

1908

302
3.34

176

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A*. 1910
INFLUENCE OF INHERITED QUALITIES.

The main points usually considered by the fanner in selecting the varieties of
roots — mangels, turnips, carrots — to be grown are yield per acre and keeping quality,
and, undoubtedly, these are very important matters. It must not be lost sight of,
however, that the nutritive value will depend largely on the percentage of dry matter
they contain, and more particularly on the richness of this dry matter in sugar —
and that in these particulars varieties are apt to differ considerably. It is true that
the character of the season, and more especially of the weather during the period of
ripening, has a potent effect on the richness of the root in sugar, but apart from this
there is a well marked tendency in roots to transmit to their seed their distinctive
qualities as regards dry matter and sugar. This fact, the influence of heredity, has
been recognized in the breeding of sugar beets for factory purposes, and, undoubtedly,,
might be employed in improving strains of roots for feeding purposes.

To ascertain how far certain varieties of mangels might maintain their relative
position in respect to dry matter and sugar, we selected in 1900 two well known
varieties, the Gate Post and Giant Yellow Globe, and have grown them side by side
on practically identical soil and under similar treatment since that year. The
analytical data of this series, therefore, show the degree to which heredity and varying
, seasonal conditions influence the condition of the crops. The Gate Post was chosen
as the representative of the richer mangels and the Giant Yellow ^Uobe as typical of
the poorer varieties.

Dry Matter and Sugar in Gate Post and Giant Yellow Globe Mangels.

f

Gate Post.

Giant Yellow Globe.

Seasons of Growth.

Average
weiffht

Dry

Sugar

Average
weight

Dry

Sugar

of
one root.

Matter.

Juioe.

of
one root.

Matter.

in
Juice.

Lbs. Oz.

p.c.

p.c.

Lbs. Oz.

p.c.

p . c.

1900

11 14

9-41

13 90

6
4
9

15
15
39

■ 3' '3"
3 9

8 19

9-]0

10 24

2 -64

]fi01

2 9

3 2

4 08

1002 ,

5-24

1903

3 3

12-93

7

38

3 13

10-89

617

1904

2 14

12-64

7

62

2 13

9-24

5-26

1905

2 13

VZ-Kfl

6

83

3 12

8-64

3-55

1906.

2 2

12-90

6

59

1 8

12-73

6-45

1907

3 10

12-53

7

25

2 7

io-;8

6-34

1908

1 11

12-02

4-94

2 4

10-66

4.47

Average for 9 years

12-17

6-70

10-05

4-01

The facts set forth in the above table, while showing the influence of season upon
the composition of the roots, clearly indicate that each variety has maintained,
during the nine years of the experiment, practically the same relationship to the
other. The Gate Post has always proven the superior root and it is interesting to
note that the difference in its favour in dry matter, approximately' 2 per cent,
coincides very closely with the difference in sugar-content. Since sugar is undoubtedly
the chief nutrient of value in roots, this result is worthy of note by those who largely
grow mangels for feeding purposes.

SUGAR BEETS FOR FACTORY PURPOSES.

Further data have been obtained respecting the quality of sugar beets as grown
in various parts of the Dominion. The varieties examined comprised Vilmorin's
Improved, Klein Wanzleben and Tres Riche, probably the three best sorts for the
purposes of the beet sugar factory.

Since climatic conditions during growth and maturity materially influence the
siigar-content of the beet, it might be supposed that considerable differences would be
found between roots grown at such widely distant points as the several Experimental
Farms. Our results, however, do not show any such differences. There is, indeed, an

REPORT GF THE CHEMIST

177

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

almost remarkable uniformity throughout the series, and we find that all the beets,
save those from Lacombe (northern Alberta), are of excelle)it quality and well suited
for sugar extraction.

The two highest records are from ISTappan, N.S., and Agassiz, B.C., but these are
closely followed by the results from beets grown at Ottawa, Ont., Lethbridge (southern
Alberta), Brandon, Man., and Indian Head, Sask. The season at Lacombe was par-
ticularly unfavourable, being extremely wet in the early part of the summer and very
cold weather, with frosts, setting in before the beets had begun to mature. These
conditions resulted in a very low i)ercentage of sugar and a low coefficient of purity.

A new feature in this work is the comparison of beets grown with and without
irrigation, on the Experimental Farm at Lethbridge. The results do not show any
great differences, due no doubt to the fact that the rainfall was ample during the
early part of the season, making but one irrigation necessary and that a rather late
one. With a dry season there is every probability of greater differences in sugar-con-
tent and weight of root being obtained. The larger yield from the irrigated plots,
unaccompanied by any marked falling off in richness, is worthy of note.

The exceedingly high percentage of sugar in the Klein Wanzleben, Raymond
' seed ' — the strain used by the growers for the sugar factory at Eaymond, Alta., is a
matter of peculiar interest. The analytical data are practically identical for both
irrigated and non-irrigated beets.

Sugar Beets grown on the Dominion Experimental Farms, 1908.

Variety.

I^ocality.

Vilmorips Improved .

Klein Wanzleben.

Tres Kiche

Nappan, N.S ,

Ottawa, Ont , . . .

Brandon, Man '.

Indian Head, Sask . .
Lethbridge, Alta., irri

gated

Lethbridge, Alta., non

irrigated

Lacombe, Alta

Agassiz, B.C

Nappan, N.S

Ottawa, Ont

Brandon, Man

Indian Head, Sask. . . .
Lethbridge, Alta., irri

gated ; . . .

Lethbridge, Alta., non

irrigated

Lethbridge, Alta., Ray

mond seed irrigated.
Lethbridge, Alta., Ray

mond seed non-irri

gated

Lacombe, Alta

Agassiz, B. C

Nappan, N.S . .

Ottawa, Ont

Brandon, Man

Indian Head, Sask . .
Lethbridge, Alta., irri

gated

Lethbridge, Alta., non

irrigated

Lacombe, Alta

Agassiz, B.C

Percent-
age of

Sugar in
J nice.

17

16
16
12

IG

17
11

17

17
IG
15
17

15

16

79
84
59
43

69

80
70
47

81
93
35
73

60

52

18 13

18
10
17

16
15

15
16

15

15
11
16

08
77
15

98
14

51
84

97

86
16
82

Percent-
age of

Solids in
Juice.

19-87
18 89

19
19

19

20
14
20

20
19
19
20

19

19

20

21
14
19

19

18
18
18

18

18
14

20

33

20

13

65

80
00

57
29
46
03

03

49

17

67
20
20

67

09
69
80

23

40
30
03

Co-effic-
ient of
Purity.

89
89
85
64

86

86
79
87

86

87
79
88

82

84

89

83

75
89

86
83
83
89

87

86
78
84

Average
Weiglit of
One Root.

Lbs. Oz.

15
6
8
5

13

13

5
13

14
1

7
8

1

15

1

15

7
1

1

7
7
4

13

.. 15

1 10

.. 15

Yield per
Acre.

Tons. Lbs.

16
20
18
10

10

9

11
12

12
15
20
10

12

9

12

10

8

10

11

18
18

7

505
1,400

432
1,780

374

454
176

816

90

800

1,184

196

790

1,503

1,740

770

1,218

328

1,430

200

1,224

1,708

14 1,601

9

14

8

1,602

160

1,688

16—12

178

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

In the results set forth below we have the averages for the past seven seasons of
the three varieties discussed. The data for the past year are, on the whole, very satis-
factory, betokening the fact that beets might be grown in Canada over a very wide
range, and that these, in point of richness, would be fully equal to those employed in
the United States and the continent of Europe for sugar extraction.

Average Percentage of Sugar in Juice in Sugar Beets Grown on the Experimental

Farms, 1908.

Locality.

Nappan, N. S

Ottawa, Ont

Brandon, Man

Indian Itead, Saak . .

Lethbridge, Alta — irrigated ....
II II nun-irrigated.

Lacombe, Alta

Agassiz, B.C

1902.

15.87
16.77

15.15

1903.

15.. S3
15.34
11.36
16.54

17.44

1904.

14.41
l(v91
16.62
15.24

8.10

1905.

16.52
12.45
11.09
14.94

17.32

1906.

17.08
14.37
15.50
14.91

14.23

1907.

15.44
16.99
15.92

13.34
17.65

1908.

17 53
16.30
15.82
15. 60
16.09
16.73
11.21
17.15

INSECTICIDES AND FUNGICIDES.

ARSENATE OF LEAD.

Though first proposed for the destruction of leaf-eating insects as long ago as
1892, arsenate of lead has only received general recognition in Canada as a substitute
for Paris green during the last three or four years. Judging, however, from the cor-
respondence regarding this insecticide during the past two seasons, it is growing
rapidly in popularity, having in certain districts already established an excellent repu-
tation among orchardists and potato growers.

Though possibly a somewhat slower poison than Paris green, it has properties
which gives it a certain advantage over this well-known insecticide. In the first place
it is non-injurious to foliage, and, therefore, the spray can be used at any desired
strength without fear of the leaves being in the least affected. Secondly, it has greater
adhesive powers than Paris green, and consequently the period of effectiveness of its
spray is longer. And, lastly, owing to its fine state of division it remains longer in
suspension than Paris green after being mixed with water, a matter that contributes
considerably towards a uniform application of the poison in the spray.

Arsenate of lead for insecticidal purposes is prepared and put upon the market
chiefly in the form of a paste, the spray being made by simply adding the required
weight of paste to the barrel of 40 gallons of water and stirring the mixture. The
strength of the spray, to be at once effective and economic, is as yet an open question.
Most entomologists, at the present day, advocate for codling moth, potato beetle, &c.,
from 2 lbs. to 3 lbs. of the commercial paste per 40 gallons of water, and the direc-
tions as printed by the manufacturers usually call for amounts within these limits.
As this insecticide is not injurious to foliage, larger quantities than these may be used
if desired, but such are, of course, more expensive. Certain authorities recommend 5
lbs. to 6 lbs. of the paste per 40 gallons, but it is doubtful if such a strength is neces-
sary for general use.

There are practical difficulties in the manufacture of commercial arsenate of lead
paste which may be said to almost preclude the po^ihility of turning out continuously
a product uniform in composition. The aim of the larger number of manufacturers,
however, is to place upon the market a paste containing, approximately, 40 per cent

REPORT OF THE CHEMIST 179

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

water, in which practically all the arsenic and lead present exist as the insoluble
arsenate of lead, and in which the impurities— soluble and insoluble — are present in
negligible amounts. The proportion of arsenic to lead will be determined largely by
the nature of the chemical used, the percentage of arsenic being higher when lead
nitrate is used than when lead acetate is employed as the precipitant.

We have not as yet any legal standard in Canada for lead arsenate paste, but
from the opinion of entomologists and others in the United States who have considered
the matter, it seems desirable that, to be accounted genuine, it should contain at
least 50 per cent of arsenate of lead, that the arsenic oxide should not be less than
12-5 per cent, that the water soluble forms of arsenic should not exceed 1 per cent,
calculated as arsenic oxide, and that there should be no admixture with foreign
materials to reduce or affect its strength.

In the table on the following page the analytical data obtained during the past
year from the examination of a number of brands of arsenate of lead sold in Canada:

16— 12i

180

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

eb

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iff paste.

iple in original contain

II ti II
in original package.

iple in original contain

tially dried out whi

ceived.

tially dried out wh(

ceived.

y fine white powder,
iginal container.

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Ont

Lyma

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TheT

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Electro," the Vreeland

Chem. Co., N.Y

Vanco," The Chemical
Laboratories Ltd., Toronto.

Grasselli's," The Grasselli
Chem. Co., Cleveland, Ohio
Swift's," Merrimac Chem.

Co. , Boston, Mass

Adler's," Adler Color and

Chem. Co., N.Y

Commercial," Powers-
Weightman -Rosengarten

Co., Phila., Pa.

Mercks," Merck & Co.,

N.Y

ot stated

Grasselli's Powdered," The
Grasselli Chem. Co., Cleve-
land. O

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CO

REPORT OF TEE CHEMIST 181

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

In order to arrive at. the insecticidal values of these brands it will be necessary
to take into consideration, first, the percentage of water present. Other things being
equal, the paste containing the least water will be the strongest. Secondly, the
percentage of arsenic oxide is of importance as determining the toxic value of the
paste. Thirdly, the amount of impurities — soluble and insoluble — not only as
affecting the strength of the paste but possibly also its effect on foliage, must be
taken into account. In every well-made paste, that is, one in which practically all
the arsenic and lead are present as insoluble arsenate of lead, the efficiency or strength
of any brand may be approximately arrived at by subtracting the sum of the water
and impurities from 100 — the larger the remainder the stronger the paste.

To determine the economic values of any number of brands it will be necessary
for the purchaser to calculate the cost per lb. of the arsenate of lead present in the
paste. An illustration may serve to make this clear. Two brands A and B, are
offered; the price of A, laid down, is 15 cents per lb., and it contains, approximately,
35 per cent of water and impurities; B is 12 cents per lb., laid down, and contains,
approximately, 50 per cent water and impurities. In the case of A, 65 lbs. arsenate
of lead cost $15, or 23 cents per lb., while in B, 50 lbs. arsenate of lead cost $12, or
24 cents per lb.

With respect to sample No. 7008, the manufacturers state in the circular
advertising this product: 'Our prices are based on 40 per cent moisture, if the
analysis shows a slightly higher percentage we accordingly adjust the weight of the
package to figure on 40 per cent moisture content.'

Samples Nos. 5981 and 5655 were received in a partially dried-out condition, so
that the analytical data do not indicate accurately the composition of the brands as
placed on the market.

No. 6764 is a powdered arsenate of lead, to be used in the dust form only. It is
not suitable for application with water as a spray and therefore is not directly com-
parable with the other brands analysed, which are all pastes.

HOME-MADE ARSENATE OF LEAD.

In view of the difficulty which the majority of farmers and fruit growers will
meet in obtaining,, generally, chemicals of a known composition — and this refers
especially to sodium arsenate — it is not at all probable that the home preparation of
arsenate of lead will become popular. However, as so many correspondents have
written us during the past year on the matter, and so many formulae have appeared
in agricultural publications, we thought it desirable to examine the necessary chemicals
upon the Canadian market with a view to establishing the correct proportions to be
used in the preparation of a safe spray. The chemicals employed are acetate of lead
(sugar of lead) and arsenate of soda, and it is desired to mix them in such proportions
that there is no excess of arsenate of soda in the resultant spray, for this chemical
has a scojching effect upon foliage. A slight excess of acetate of lead is necessary,
*in order to ensure the complete precipitation of the arsenic.

ACETATE OF LEAD.

This chemical is of fairly uniform composition, as will be evident from the
following data which were obtained from samples analysed in the Farm Laboratories
during the past year: —

182

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

Laby
No.

5977
5656
5657
5G58
5978

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

Analyses of Acetate of Lead.

Description.

Insoluble

in

water.

Baker and Adamson (C.P.) C. &. S. S. Co
Mercks (C. P.) W. E. Saunders & Co.. . .

' Brown,' Lymans, Limited. .

' White Crystals ' Lymans, Limitad. . . .

' Powdered ' Lymans, Limited

'Commercial' W. E. Saunders & Co.. .

%

•27
•27
3-81
■29
•39
•20

Lead
Oxide.

%

60-19
59 93
57 -72
58-35
58-23
58 07

ARSENATE OF SODA.

This chemical is found in two forms — crystalline and dry — the former naturally
containing less arsenic. From our analyses (see subjoined table) a very fair degree
of uniformity is to be observed in the crystalline variety as regards percentage of
arsenic oxide, the constituent which determines the strength of the sample for our
present purposes.

The case, however, is not so simple with arsenate of soda in the ' dry ' form,
for it is evident from the samples analysed that this is not a compound of constant
composition. Thus we find in the three samples analysed amounts of water varying
from 5-15 per cent to 27-59 per cent. This variability of composition is undoubtedly
due to the temperature employed in the drying of the chemical and the difficulty is
that the purchaser is not aware in buying the ' dry ' form to what extent the material
has been modified. This fact, of course, maizes it impossible to state with precision
the amount of the so-called ' dry ' arsenate of soda to be used in the formula. The
' dry ' arsenate of soda is also sold under the names ' crude ' and ' anhydrous.'
fhe term commercial is used for both the crystalline and dry arsenate, the latter,
however, is easily distinguished from the former by being in the form of a powder.

Analyses of Arsenate of Soda.

Laby
No.

Description.

5979
5980
5982
5763
5730
5983

' Com'l Crystals,' W. E. Saunders & Co

' Pure Crystals, ' ^lercks

' Puie Dry B P.'Mercks.". '.'.'.'.'.'.'.'. ' ". .'.'.'.".
' Com'] Dry Powdered,' Lymans Limited ....

II 11 Powers Weigh tmanllosen-
garten

Insoluble

Water of

Arsenic

m

Crystal-

oxide.

water.

lization.

(As.,05).

• %

%

%

-01

41 06

36 30

-03

38-99

36 08

-02

40-27

36-70

-08

27 59

44 22

1-49

8-29

03-53

1-52

5-15

53-81

Arsenious

oxide.
(AS2O,).

%
None.

-55
6-35«

8 -sot

* The total arsenic in No. 5730, is equivalent to 60-91 per cent arsenic oxide.
tThe total arsenic in No. 59S3 is equivalent to 01 03 per cent arsenic oxide.

Laboratory experiments have been conducted by us, using both forms of arsenate
of soda, to ascertain the proportions in which the chemicals must be employed in the
correct preparation of the spray. From the results the following formulae have been

REPORT OF THE CHEMIST

183

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

drawn up. With certain brands of the ' dry ' arsenate of soda less acetate of lead
would suffice than is indicated, but, that there may be no risk of injury to foliaga,
the formulae provide for an excess of lead even when the driest, or most modified,
brand of arsenate of soda is used.

Formulae for Arsenate of Lead Sprays.

A.

B.

Acetate of lead

22 ozs.
U .,

40 galls.

33 ozs.

Arsenate of soda (crystalline)

Arsenate of soda (dry, powdered)

Water

16i .,
Hi .
40 galls.

A. This spray is, approximately, equivalent in arsenical strength to 2 lbs. arsenate
of lead paste (50 per cent arsenate of lead) per 40 gallons.

B. This spray is, approximately, equivalent in arsenical strength to 3 lbs. arsenate
of lead paste (50 per cent arsenate of lead) per 40 gallons.

In preparing the spray, the arsenate of soda and acetate of lead are dissolved in
separate vessels, using in each case from 1 to 2 gallons of water — the exact quantity
is of no moment. When dissolved, pour the two solutions simultaneously into a
40-gallon barrel two-thirds full of water, and finally fill to the containing mark.
This method will ensure the precipitation of the arsenate of lead in a very finely
divided form which will remain in suspension much longer than if the precipitation
is made from more concentrated solutions and subsequently diluted.

ARSENITE OP LIME.

So far as Canadian exi>erience is concerned this is practically a new insecticide,
though its properties as an insoluble compound, harmless to foliage and an effective
poison for biting insects, have long been known. Thus, Lodeman, in his manual
' The Spraying of Plants,' 1896, wrote ' As an insecticide it is probably not surpassed
by any compound of arsenic; it is advisable to mix some colouring matter with the
poison to lessen the danger of mistaking it for some other article.'

Arsenite of lime is not upon the market, but its preparation is not a matter of
great difficulty. The method more commonly advocated involves, as the first step, the
formation of arsenite of soda by the boiling together of white arsenic and washing
soda (sal soda or carbonate of soda, in crystals). The proportions generally recom-
mended are white arsenic 1 lb., washing soda 4 lbs., water, 1 gallon. These compounds
dissolve very readily as the liquid approaches the boiling point, and further heating is
unnecessary when they have passed into solution. The result is a solution of arsenite
of soda. This cannot he used as a spray as it is strongly corrosive and would quickly
strip the trees of their foliage. It must he converted into arsenite of lime. '

The conversion of the arsenite of soda into arsesnite of lime constitutes the
second and very essential part of the process; it may be accomplished in one of two
ways as follows:

1. Thoroughly slake two pounds of good, fresh quick lime and stir into 40
gallons of water; then pour in with constant stirring of the lime water one pint of
the arsenite of soda solution. The spray is ready for use immediately as the forma-
tion of arsenite of lime takes place at once. This spray contains 2 ounces of white
arsenic or as much arsenic as one made by adding 4 ounces of Paris green to 40
gallons. The above proportions allow for a fair excess of lime, which serves the
double purpose of preventing injury to the foliage and of making visible the degree
of thoroughness with which the. spray has been applied.

184 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

2. With Bordeaux mixture. This is the more common method as it allows the
employment of a fungicide and insecticide in one spray. Bordeaux mixture made
according to the formula used so successfully for many years, viz.: 4:4:40, contains
a sufficient excess of lime to allow the addition of 1 pint of arsenite of soda solution
per barrel of 40 gallons, that is, the excess of lime in the Bordeaux converts all the
soluble arsenic into the insoluble arsenite of lime. All that is necessary is to simply
pour the requisite quantity of arsenite of soda (1 pint) into the barrel of Bordeaux,
stirring meanwhile. We have now Bordeaux mixture containing as much arsenic
(in the form of arsenite of lime) as the ' poisoned Bordeaux mixture,' in which
4 ounces of Paris green per barrel has been used.

If sprays of greater insecticidal strength are desired, our experimental work
shows that 1 quart (instead of 1 pint) of the arsenite of soda solution may be used
in either of the above No. 1, or No. 2, and the resultant sprays (now containing the
equivalent of 8 ounces Paris green per barrel of 40 gallons) will be found non-injurious
to apple and potato foliage.

Following upon our experimental work in the preparation of the above sprays, it
occurred to us that it might be unnecessary to first form the arsenite of soda, and
that the white arsenic, in proper portions, might be added directly to the lime
water (No. 1) or to the Bordeaux mixture (No. 2). This simplified method has
proved with us quite satisfactory, so far as the complete formation of arsenite of
lime and the non-injurious character of the spray to apple and potato foliage are
concerned. The two points to be regarded in this method of preparation are (1) that
the white arsenic must be in the form of powder, (if lumps are present they may
be crushed by rolling the arsenic between sheets of paper with a bottle) ; and (2) that
in order to insure complete conversion of the arsenic into arsenite of lime it is
desirable that thorough stirring at intervals for say an hour should follow the addition
of the white arsenic.

The formulae corresponding to the sprays, already described, but in the prepara-
tion of which white arsenic is used directly are as follows: —

Arsenite of Lime Sprays.

(A) Lime 2 lbs.

White arsenic (powdered) 2 ounces.

Water 40 gallons.

(Equivalent in arsenic to a spray containing 4 ounces Paris green per 40 gallons.)

(B) Lime 2 lbs.

White arsenic (powdered) 4 ounces.

Water 40 gallQns.

(Equivalent in arsenic to a spray containing 8 ounces of Paris green per 40
gallons.)

Bordeaux Mixture with Arsenite of Lime.

(C) Lime 4 lbs.

Copper sulphate 4 lbs.

White arsenic (powdered) 2 ounces.

Water 40 gallons.

(Equivalent in arsenic to Bordeaux containing 4 ounces Paris green per 40
gallons.)

(D) Lime 4 lbs.

Copper sulphate 4 lbs.

White arsenic (powdered ) 4 ounces.

Water 40 gallons.

(Equivalent in arsenic to Bordeaux containing 8 ounces Paris green per 40
gallons.)

REPORT OF TEE CHEMIST 185

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

At the time of writing this report experiments are in progress in conjunction
with the Horticultural Division to ascertain the relative efficiency of these sprays
from an insecticidal standpoint. We have proved by actual trial that all the sprays
described may be used without fear of injury to the foliage of apple and i>otato. If
we may assume that arsenic in the form of arsenite of lime is as effective for
irsecticidal purposes as that in Paris green, then these newly proposed sprays will be
cheaper than those containing Paris green — for white arsenic is quoted at 13 cents to
17 cents per lb., while Paris green varies from 21 cents to 30 cents per lb., according
to quantity purchased. The diiJerence in price of the arsenic in these two chemicals
is greater than even the above figures indicate, for the equivalent in arsenic of 1 lb.
white arsenic is 2 lbs. of Paris green, making the arsenic in Paris green approximately
four times as expensive as that in white arsenic.

COMMERCIAL BORDEAUX MIXTURES.

Analyses have been made of several brands of Bordeaux paste and Bordeaux
powders upon the market. The consensus of opinion among fruit growers appears
to be that the freshly prepared mixture has proved a more efficient fungicide than
the commercial preparations, and there is little probability from the present outlook
that the practice of making the Bordeaux mixture in the field, as at present in vogue,
is likely to give way to the use of the factory-made product. The results of this work
will, however, be of interest to many of our readers, as numerous inquiries have been
received regarding the nature and strength of these commercial preparations.

Grasselli's Bordeaux Mixture Paste. — (Laby No. 6760) is a smooth thick paste
of a pale blue colour. It contains 62-43 per cent of water, the equivalent of 15-38
per cent of sulphate of copper and 22-30 per cent of slaked lime.

In the preparation of the paste a sufficiency of lime has been used to precipitate
all the copper, and hence the resultant spray should be non-injurious to foliage.
Compared with the home-made mixture prepared from the commonly used formula,
4:4:40, the dilution of this paste according to the printed directions of the manu-
facturers would result in a much weaker spray.

Vanco Bordeaux Mixture Paste. — (Laby No. 7007.) This is manufactured by
the Chemical Laboratories, Ltd., Toronto, and is a brownish creamy paste. Its
analysis showed 40-48 per cent water, the equivalent of 24-94 per cent sulphate of
copper and 24-81 per cent of slaked lime. There was no free copper sulphate present.
This paste, it will be observed, is considerably stronger than No. 6760, just described.

CamphelVs Improved Bordeaux Mixture (Laby No. 6613) comes in the form of
a powder and is virtually a mixture of sulphate of copper and carbonate of soda and,
hence, is properly speaking a Burgundy Bordeaux. Its composition is 62-03 per cent
sulphate of copper and 33-38 per cent carbonate of soda. On the addition of water
there would be no copper sulphate left in solution.

Grasselli's Bordeaux Mixture Powder (Laby No. 6763). — This is a true lime-
Bordeaux, and consists of a mixture of anhydrous sulphate of copper and quick lime
in the proportion of, approximately, 50 parts of the latter to 30 parts of the former.
It is intended to be used only in the dust form.

Bordeaux-Lead Arsenate Mixtures. — These preparations are intended to act as a
combined insecticide and fungicide. Two samples have been analysed, both products
of the Grasselli Chemical Company, with the following results : —

Laby No. 6761 — Grasselli's Bordeaux-Lead Arsenate Paste. — A smooth, thick,
light-blue paste.

Laby No. 6762 — Grasselli's Bordeaux-Lead Arsenate Powder. — A very finely-
ground bluish powder.

186

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910
Analysis of Grassell's Bordeaux-Lead Arsenate Products.

Water

Hydiate of Lime,' '[da(bH),']'. ...V^.V. .'".

Oxide of Lime, (CaO) . . .

Cop[jer Sulphate Crystals, (CuSO^SHjO).

Copper Sulphate, Anhydrous, (CuSO^). . .

Oxide of Lead, (PbO)

Arsenic Oxide (AsjOj)".

No. 67G1.

No. 6762.

p. c.
57 07
19-59

13-62

5-89
3-40

p. c.

G-87

32-31

18-64

22-51

8-84

Neither of them show excess of sulphate of copper, indicating their non-injurious
character to foliage. With respect to the paste (No. C761) the directions state : ' No
general rule as to the amount to use can be given. Ten pounds to 60 (U.S.) gallons
are used for general spraying. For spraying trees having a delicate foliage, such as
peach trees, 10 pounds to 100 gallons of water will be effective.' It may be remarked
that at the rate of 10 pounds per 60 (U.S.) gallons the spray would be about one-third
as strong as that resulting from the 4:4:40 formula. The powder (No. 6762) is in-
tended to be used only in the dust form.

LIME-SULPHUR WASHES.

This spray, as pointed out in our last annual report, is now being widely used both
as an insecticide and a fungicide, not only on dormant wood but, in a diluted form,
during the summer.* There seems but little doubt but that the efficiency of the spray
depends upon the amount of sulphur present in the form of sulphides. We have,
therefore, in the examination of certain brands sold on the Canadian market, deter-
mined both the percentage of total sulphur in solution and that of the sulphur com-
bined as sulphide.

Lime-Sulphur Washes.

o

o

-§

6832
6935
6933

6934
6822

6766
6936

Brand and Manufacturer.

Vanco Lime-Sulphur Wash, Chemical
Laboratories Ltd., Toronto.

Lime-Sulphur Wash, St. Catharines
Cold Storage Co.

Lime-Sulphur Wash, GrasselH Chemi-
cal Co., Cleveland, U.S.A.

>

u
00

a

eg

<o

a,

1-314
1-304
1-133

1-129
1-279

1-280
1-280

Sulphur in
Solution.

o
H

p. c.
27-58
26-65
9-98

9-92
24-76

24-80
25-13

^^

p.c.
26-87
25-55
6-49

6-90
23-38

23-37
24 12

Sulphur PER 40

GALLONS

Spray diluted

for use.

As Sul-
phides.

lbs. oz.

Ibs.oz.

12 la

11 12

1110a

11 2

22 106

14 11

22 66

15 9

10 9a

9 15

10 9a

9 15

lOllo

10 5

Remarks.

Deep orange, red fluid,
clear, very slight deposi t

Light orange-red fluid,
considerable black de-
posit.

Deep orange-red fluid,
clear, very slight de-
posit.

* Particulars useful to those preparing the wash on the farm will be found on pages
169-170, Report of Chemist, for year ending March 31, 1908.

a Origitial wash diluted with eleven parts of water, as directed by manufacturer.

6 Original wash diluted with an equal volume of water, as directed by manufacturer.

REPORT OF THE CHEMIST 187

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Xos. 6832 and G935 are the product of the Chemical Laboratories, Limited,
T I'onto. One sample (6832) was procured from the manufacturers, the other (6935)
was sent us by a purchaser. For materials of this character, the samples shpw a very
satisfactory uniformity, both as to total dissolved sulphur and as to that present as
sulphides.

The directions are to dilute one volume of concentrated wash with eleven of
water. So diluted, the spray would contain the weights of sulphur (total and as sul-
phides), per 40 gallons, indicated in the sixth and seventh columns of the table.

ISTos. 6933 and 6934, forwarded by the St. Catharines Cold Storage and Forward-
ing Company, St. Catharines, Ont., were accompanied by the following particulars : —

' No. 3 (6933) 25 lbs. sulphur and 16 lbs. lime, boiled one hour.'
* No. 4 (6934) 22 lbs. sulphur and 16 lbs. lime, boiled one hour.'
' For use, dilute with an equal volume of water.'

These two washes are practically the same as to total sulphur-content, containing
about one-third of the sulphur in the samples just considered. The amount of sulphur
as sulphides is approximately one-fourth that in the other members of the series. As
sold, therefore, these washes are the weakest of the samples examined. Since, however,
in the preparation of the spray for use the directions are to dilute with an equal
volume of water — and not one to eleven, as for the other washes — the resultant sprays
are the strongest in the series.

The proportion of sulphur present as compounds other than sulphides is very
much larger than in any of the other brands. These compounds are sulphates, sul-
phites and thio-sulphates, and are considered practically of no value from the horti-
cultural point of view.

Nos. 6822, 6766 and 6936, are made by the Grasselli Chemical Company, Cleve-
land, Ohio, U.S.A., two of the samples being sent by the manufacturers, the third by
a purchaser. They are well prepared solutions, uniform as to composition and rich in
sulphides.

The more generally used formula to-day for the home-made lime-sulphur solution
for dormant wood reads as follows: —

Sulphur, powdered or as flowers 15 lbs.

Lime 20 "

Water 40 gallons.

The directions for the preparation of the spray are: Slake the lime with hot
water, avoiding excess, and while slaking add the sulphur by dusting it over the lime
and stir well together. On the completion of the slaking add more water to facilitate
stirring and boil for an hour. Strain and dilute to 40 gallons.*

If all the sulphur is dissolved, as it should be, the spray necessarily contains 15
lbs. of sulphur, practically all of which should be present as sulphides, per 40 gallons.
It is obvious, therefore, that such a spray will be somewhat stronger than the diluted
washes of the Chemical Laboratories, Limited, and the Grasselli Chemical Company,
and of about equal strength with those of the St. Catharines Cold Storage Company.
Hov/ever, sprays of any desired degree of concentration may be made from these com-
mercial preparations by a recognition of their sulphur-content and diluting accord-
ingly. The final cost of the spray ready for use (say, per barrel of 40 gallons) made
from any commercial lime-sulphur wash will depend upon the price of the wash
(including freight) and the degree to which it can be diluted to give a spray of a
desired strength.

* In connection with the home-made spray, it may be pointed out that our experiments
show (1) that provided the lime is ^ood there is no necessity to iise more lime than sulphur
ill order that the latter may be all brought into solution, and (2) that as soon as all the
sulphur is brought into solution boiling should cease, as continued boiling tends to increase
the proportion of sulphur compounds of less value than the sulphides.

188

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

AGRICULTURAL BLUESTONE.

Under variou? names substitutes for copper sulphate as a fungicide are continu-
ally being put upon the market. These are for the most part mixtures of sulphate of
iron and sulphate of copper. As we have rei)eatedly shown that the former is much
inferior as a fungicide to the copper compound, and especially so in the destruction
of smut spores in the treatment of wheat, these mixtures must be regarded as far
less efficacious than bluestone. Occasionally the claims made for these preparations
are of an exceedingly extravagant character, and the prices asked exorbitant and out
of all proportion to their composition. It is well, therefore, for the farmer and fruit
grower to remember, when these compounds are offered him, that sulphate of iron is a
very much cheaper material — and a much less valuable compound as a fungicide —
than bluestone.

In our last annual report the analysis of ' Anti-Fungi ' — a material of this nature
manufactured in New York and widely advertised in northwestern Canada for the
treatment of grain — was given ; this year we present data respecting three samples of
materials of like character forwarded to the laboratory for examination and report : —

Analysis of Agricultural Bluestone.

A.

B.

C.

Iron sulphate, Fe So. 7H2O

Copper sulphate, Cu SOi 5HgO

%
58°93
41-96

%
57 51
41-76

7

/o

49 51
52-83

100 89

99-27

102-34

A. ' Agricultural bluestone," forwarded by a correspondent in Brandon, Man.,
■who -writes as follows : — ' The wholesale house handling this compound state " that it
gives equally good results as sulphate of copper as a fungicide and is considerably
cheaper." ' The claim that it is the equal of sulphate of copper for fungicidal pur-
poses is far from correct, for it contains nearly 60 per cent sulphate of iron, a com-
pound, as we have pointed out, of much lower fungicidal qualities.

B. ' Agricultural powder J — This is most probably identical with the sample dis-
cussed in the preceding paragraph. It was sent to us by a large wholesale and import-
ing house in Montreal, who were anxious to know whether, as claimed, it could be
recommended to take the place of copper sulphate.

C. ' Copper sulphate hi-product.' — The firm sending the material under this
name state that ' it is about to be offered to the agriculturists and fruit growers of
Canada as a substitute for sulphate of copper,' and are anxious to know ' if it would
be effective in the making of Bordeaux mixture.' The data show the presence of sul-
phate of iron to the extent of almost 50 per cent. It would not, therefore, have the
same efficiency, weight for weight, as sulphate of copper for the treatment of wheat.
Further, we do not consider that this material could be used effectively as a substitute
for copper sulphate in the preparation of Bordeaux mixture, for not only would the
spray be of little value as a fungicide but the hydrated oxide of iron precipitated by
lime would tend to clog the nozzle, making the application of the spray a difficult
operation.

Samples * A ' and ' C ' had somewhat effloresced ; that is, lost a part of their water
of crystallization by exposure to dry air. This furnishes the explanation for the sum
of the amounts of their constituents being greater than 100, the percentages of iron
and copper sulphate being calculated to the crystalline form.

REPORT OF THE CHEMIST

189

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

FORMALDEHYDE.

Formaldehyde is being more and more used in the Canadian Xorthwest in the
treatment of wheat for the prevention of smut. It is fast taking the place of blue-
stone or copper sulphate — which for many years has been used so universally for this
purpose — because experience has shown it to be equally efBcacious as a smut preven-
tive and easier 'of preparation, mere dilution of the chemical being all that is neces-
sary. As regards its action on the vitality of the seed, it has been found less injurious
in the strengths recommended (1 lb. formaldehyde in 32 to 40 gallons of water) than
bluestone solutions (1 lb. bluestone dissolved in 8 to 12 gallons) that have been com-
monly employed for this purpose.

The extensive use of formaldehyde has resulted in a comparatively large number
of brands being put upon the Northwestern market. This fact and the inability of the
purchaser by mere inspection to determine the strength of the chemical, have led to a
number of samples being sent in for analysis.

Analysis of Formaldehyde Solutions.

o

o
.a
a

5537
6712
6736
6749
6819
6713
6737
6839
6754
6784

5554!
6723
6775
6783
6831

Sender.

W. H. M., Gilbert Plains, Man. .

G. E. H., Dalmeny. Sask

A. H., Howard, Sask

D. H., Boissevain, Man

J. M.. Elkhorn, Man

J, E. H., Dalmeney, Sask

A. H., He ward, Sask ".

W. H. M., Gilbert Plains, Man. . .

G. K., Petrofka, Sask

C. H. H., Alameda, Sask

C. E. F., Ottawa, Ont

A. T., Minto, Man

H. F., Hochstead, Sask

W. R. H., Swift Current, Sask. . .
R. B. P., Yellow Grass, Sask . . .
T. T., Laxdal, Sask

Manufacturer or Vendor,

1) tlO

The Montreal Chemical Works

The Standard Chemical Co

M II

It II

II II

The Martin-Boyle Wynne Co., Winnipeg, Man
II II II

II II II

T. Eaton Co., Winnipeg, Man . . .

Noyes Bros. & Cutler, St. Paul, Minn ,

National Drug and Chemical Co

Particulars not furnished

p. c.

37-76
36 40
37 -55
37-30
38 05
36-95
37-35
38-43
36-70
36 15
36 24

36 60
34-15
38-35
37-20

37 35

Our results, it will be noticed, are stated as percentages of formaldehyde ' by
weight,' and the figures are consequently somewhat lower than if they had been stated
' by volume.' According to certain authorities, a 40 per cent ' by volume ' solution
is equal to 37-3 per cent by weight. The guarantee usually found upon the label is
' Formaldehyde 40 per cent solution,' meaning 40 per cent by volume. We have been
asked by manufacturers to make our returns ' by volume,' so that purchasers may not
be led to infer that the brand is below the guaranteed strength. Our answer to this
request is, (1) that it is customary for chemists at the present day to state their results
in percentages by weight, and that it is desirable to have our data comparable with
those of other laboratories. (2) As the solution of formaldehyde is sold by weight and
not by volume, it seems only natural to expect that any statement as regards composi-
tion would express the results as percentages by weight.

The percentages recorded are very similar to those published in the report of this
Division for 1903 and 1905, at which times the various brands then upon the market
were analysed.

190

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

Though all the brands examined are not identical as to strength, there is a fair
measure of uniformity throughout the series. We do not consider any of the samples
markedly below standard strength save No. 6723, of which, unfortunately, we could
not obtain particulars as to brand.

THE FERTILIZING VALUE OF RAIN AND SNOW.

Since February, 1907, determinations have been made of the nitrogen compounds
in each fall of rain and snow that furnished, on the catchment area used, a sufficient
quantity for analysis. From the data so obtained and the precipitation results (rain
and snow in inches) we have been enabled to calculate, approximately, the amount of
combined nitrogen furnished to the soil, per acre, in the vicinity of Ottawa.

The first year's results in this investigation (March, 1907, to February, 1908,
inclusive) were given in the last annual report of this Division, and it was shown that
the total precipitation during that period — 24-05 inches of rain and 133 inches of
snow — had furnished per acre, 4-323 lbs. of nitrogen of fertilizing value.*

In the tables that follow we present the data of the year ending February 29,
1909, and it will be noticed that in certain respects they differ markedly from those of
the preceding year. The difference lies chiefly in the much larger amounts of nitro-
gen found in the rain, more especially in the months of September and October. We
shall in the discussion of the data offer a reason that will, we believe, satisfactorily
account for this abnormal richness of the rain in ammonia last autumn.

The monthly precipitations, the average amounts of nitrogen present as free am-
monia, albuminoid ammonia and nitrates and nitrites as obtained from the several
analyses, and the pounds of nitrogen furnished per acre, are set forth in the following
table : — ■

Rain and Snow at Ottawa, for the year ending February 28, 1909.

Month and Year.

1008.

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

1909.

January

February

Total for 12 months

Precipitation in Inches.

Rain.

•24
■34
•46
■31

•77
•72
DO
28
•48
•21

246

•72

22 99 96 25

Snow.

13 25
4^00

10 00
41 75

11 00
16 25

Total

as
Inches

of
Rain.

NiTKOGE.V.

In llnAlbu-
Free ; niinoid
Am- Am-
monia, monia.

■57
•74
•46
•31
•77
•72
•00
•28
•48
•^9

3 56
235

32 63

p. p.m.

262
702
492
288
453
638
839
531
337
267

•266
•212

p. p.m.

•029
056
•058
•052
•052
•061
•716
•171
•129
063

•124
043

In

Nitrates

and
Nitrites

p. p.m.

•183
•374
•174
•194
•114
•208
•897
•551
•171
•148

•129
•109

Total.

p. p.m.

•474
132
724
•534
•619
•907
•452
•253
•637
•478

•519
•364

Pounds
of

Nitro-
gen per

Acre.

•3S3
•446
•903
•159
•450
•354
•462
•197
•920
•476

•420
•194

8 364

The amount of nitrogen in the rain and snow at Ottawa during the year, it will
be seen, was 8-364 lbs. per acre — practically twice the quantity found in the preceding

•The reader is referred to this report (1908) for particulars respecting the method of
calculation and the proportions of the various nitrogen-compounds in the rain and snow
during; that period.

REPORT OF TEE CHEMIST

191

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

twelve months. Further reference to the foregoing data shows that the rain falling
in September, October and November was particularly rich in ammonia. A very-
severe drought prevailed during August, September and the first three weeks of Octo-
ber, the rainfall being considerably below the average for these months. This exces-
sive dryness of the weather allowed the bush fires, which are not unusual at this time
of the year, to spread and gain very considerable headway. Fires were common not
only in the district known as the Ottawa Valley but also over large territories in
Ontario and Quebec and the northern part of New York State. These fires raged
almost, continually, the rainfalls being very light for many weeks, so that for two
months, more or less, the atmosphere was heavily charged with smoke. Hundreds of
acres of forest were burnt and thousands of dollars worth of timber destroyed. So
dense was the smoke at times that for several days together at Ottawa it was difficult
to see clearly for many yards, and the irritation to the eyes and mucous membrane
of the nose and throat was excessive. Not until the heavy rain of the 24;th and 25th
of October was the atmosphere again cleared. This smoke naturally contained large
proportions of ammonia as a product of combustion, and hence the scanty precipita-
tions that occurred during these weeks were exceptionally rich in that constituent.
To this cause then we attribute the exceptional and phenomenally high results re-
corded in the table.

A further disturbing factor that we observed was the high winds that prevailed
from time to time, immediately before or during the early part, of a rain and when the
surface soil was dry. This happened repeatedly last year, both in the spring and
summer months, and especially did we remark instances during April and June.
Severe thunderstorms, almost cyclonic in their violence, are by no means uncommon
at Ottawa during the hot months, and it frequently happens that the rain is then pre-
ceded by a wind which may reach the velocity of a hurricane. As such usually occur
after .a period of longer or shorter drought, when the surface of the cultivated fields is
dry and loose, the air is filled with particles of organic matter, manure and debris of
various kinds. Naturally the rain falling through such an atmosphere has its nitrogen
content very greatly increased. Unfortunately there seems to be no plan or method
whereby this source of error can be eliminated or avoided, and it is quite possible that
a part of tha larger amount of nitrogen, recorded for the past year, is due to the
greater frequency of such winds during periods of dryness last summer.

Of the total amount of nitrogen, 8-364 lbs., 84 per cent, or 7-026 lbs., occurred
as free and organic ammonia, and 16 per cent, or 1-338 lbs., as nitrates and nitrites.

The nitrogen furnished by the rain was estimated at 90 per cent of the whole, or
7-528 lbs. per acre; that by the snow at 10 per cent, or -836 lbs. per acre.

The average nitrogen-content of the rain and of the snow is set forth in the
following table : —

Average Nitrogen Content of Rain and Snow — Amount of Nitrogen, per Acre, as
Free and Albuminoid Ammonia and as Nitrates and Nitrites.

TO

S'2

03

4)

Nitrogen.

Parts per

Million.

Percentage of Total.

Per Acre.

'S.S

l-H

E

.S

d

.-H =«

CQ

cS

.'2 c^

oi

m

a
.2

a
o

.11

m.-S

o

11

m.ti

1s =

".1
Hi C

o

S

S

e s

Total.

S

p s

As Free a

Albumi

Ami

3

a

I— 1

a

M

1— 1

h- 1

<

Lbs.

Lbs.

Rain

64

22-99

1-270

•149

•278

1-703

75

9

16

7 026

1 388

Snow

25

96-25

■277

•050

•141

•468

59

11

30

•527

•226

192

EXPERIMENTAL FAR3IS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

As pointed out in our discussion of this subject in the last annual report, rain is
very much richer in nitrogen compounds than snow, but comparing the above with
similar data for the year previous, the present results show a much greater difference.
This is due to the smoke-laden atmosphere of the autumn months to which we have
already referred. The largest increase is in the free ammonia, which, taking the
average for twelve months, is between three and four times that recorded for the year
ending March, 1908.

The average composition of the snow is remarkably close to that of the preceding
winter, though, the snowfall (96-25 inches) being less than that of 1907-8 (133 inches),
the total amount of nitrogen thus furnished is not as large.

HART'S CASEIN TEST.

This method for determining the percentage of casein in milk was devised at the
Wisconsin Experiment Station, and has for its object the valuation of milk, presum-
ably in conjunction with the results of the Babcock test, for cheese-making purposes.
It is stated to be ' accurate, simple, and requiring but a shore time to make the test.'*

The principle of the test lies in the precipitation of the casein or curd by acetic
acid while the fat is kept in solution by chloroform. A centrifuge is required to make
the separation complete, and the amount of curd, appearing as a small, white pellet,
is, subsequent to a whirling of 7 or 8 minutes, read off in the graduated tube in which
the test is made.

Our purpose in examining this process was to merely ascertain how closely it
might give the percentage of casein or curd in fresh milk and milk to which preserva-
tives had been added; no attempt was made to learn how far the method might be
useful in the practical valuation of milk for cheese making.

Results with Hart's Casein Tester.

1908.

June 26. ,

July 6 . ,

July 8...

Fat, by Babcock

Total protein, by chemical analysis

Casein, by chemical analysis. .

Curd, by Hart's Tester, in fresh milk

It II in milk, preserved

with formaldehyde

Fat, by Babcock

Protein, by chemical analysis

Casein « h

Curd, by Hart's Tester, in frpsh milk

II II in milk pre.served

with corrosive sublimate

Curd, by Hart's Tester, in milk preserved

with bichromate of potash

Fat, by Babcock

Protein, by chemical analysis

Casein • <i .... ....

Curd, by Hart's Tester, in Ire.sh milk . .

II 11 in milk pre .served

with formaldehyde

Curd, by Hart's Tester, in milk preserved

with bichromate of potash

Curd, by Hart's Tester, in milk preserved

with corrosive sublimate . .......

Illuminata.

3 8
2-65
1-95
2 20

2-3

Alice.

4

78
95
00

4

35
91
92

80

2

4

92

88

0

QueeTiie.

0-2
3 68
2 89
2-90

3-4
0 15
3-90

2-83

2 50

3 8

5
15

89
79
0

3-7
3-3
3 5

•This method is fully described in Bulletin 156, Wisconsin Experiment Station, and the
necessary instructions for conducting the test are issued by the Fargo Creamery Supply
House, St. Paul, Minn., who have the apparatus for sale.

REPORT OF THE CHEMIST 193

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

As will be seen by an examination of the tabulated data, three cows were em-
ployed, one of which was giving an exceedingly rich milk, the two other milks of
average quality. In addition to the testing of the fresh milk on three separate occa-
sions, milk preserved by (1) formaldehyde, (2) corrosive sublimate, and (3) potassium
bichromate — substances used in conjunction with composite testing by the Babcock
method — was examined.

The data of the investigation include percentages of fat by Babcock test, the per-
centages of protein and of casein, or curd, by chemical methods and the results from
Hart's tester. The accuracy of the Hart test will be determined by the degree of
accord between its results and the percentages of casein as ascertained by chemical
analysis.

Fresh Milh. — In two of the seven determinations the diiferences between the
chemincal results and those with the Hart's tester were less than one-tenth of one per
cent ; in two, between one-tenth and two-tenths, and in the remaining three cases the
differences ranged between two-tenths and three-tenths. It seems therefore that with
fresh milk the percentage of curd obtained by the test is, for all practical purposes,
sufficiently close to the amount actually present. Our work, however, showed that it
was necessary to follow the directions carefully if satisfactory results were to be
secured.

Milh containing Preservatives. — We find that the presence of the preservatives
formaldehyde, corrosive sublimate and potassium bichromate, seriously interfered with
the accuracy of the test. They keep the pellet more or less loose and spongy, and thus
give readings considerably higher than those obtained with the same milk to which no
preservative has been added. Further, concordant duplicate readings were found
difficult to obtain — a fact that indicates the unreliability of the test made under these
conditions.

WELL WATERS EROM: EARM HOMESTEADS.

Though we received during the year 178 samples of water only 96 were submitted
to ' a complete sanitary water analysis.' Of the remainder, some were specially ex-
amined as to the presence of ' alkali ' or an excessive saline content, while many by
reason of the small quantity sent, dirty corks or containers, &c., had to be rejected.

Of the 96 now reported on, 40 were from Ontario and 33 fi'om Quebec; the remain-
ing 19 being from the other seven provinces of the Dominion.

As regards their quality, we adjudged 26 as pure and wholesome, 32 as suspicious
and probably dangerous, 26 as seriously polluted and 12 as saline. The particulars
of the analyses, with a condensed pronouncement as to quality, are given in the ap-
pended table.

While it may be impossible to say anything new regarding the importance of pure
water and the danger that lurks in the barnyard well, having brought such matters
before our readers in every succeeding annual report ^ince the institution of the
Experimental Farm system, we do not apologize for again issuing a word of warning
to those drawing their supply from shallow wells situated in the vicinity of farm
buildings or of accumulations of filth. The results of twenty years' investigation have
shown unmistakeably that it is quite exceptional to find a water from such a source
free from pollution. Almost invariably in such waters the evidences of the presence
of excrementitious matter are clear and strong. It is well to remember that a soil
may become so saturated with organic filth that it can no longer perform its office of
purification, and that under such a condition the water that passes through it on its
way to the well must.be unwholesome and a menace to health. Every one ought to
know now-a-days that many serious disorders, prominent among which is typhoid
fever, are frequently conveyed by polluted water — indeed that such is by far the most
common means of disseminating many germ diseases and causing an epidemic.

16—13

194 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

It has been advised that wells danprerously near possible sources of pollution
should be lined say to a depth of 10 feet from the surface with puddled clay, or, still
better, cement, so that the water entering the well must first travel through a con-
siderable depth of soil. This undoubtedly would be a safeguard of considerable value,
but it is by no means absolute, for even if the water entering such wells were free
from disease-producing germs, it would still in all probability be loaded with the
products of the partial decomposition of excrementitious matter, which must certainly
be more or less injurious to health.

The installation of a water system that will furnish an abundant and pure supply
on the farm homestead, is a matter that should receive more intelligent consideration
than it does at present. No very great outlay is required to establish such a system
in the majority of cases, and it would mean not only health for the farmer and his
family and thrift for his stock, but it would make possible a bathroom, the con-
venience of having fresh water always on hand for culinary and drinking purposes,
and the disposal of the household sewage by the septic tank system.

We do not generally advise the household filter in cases of suspected water, as it
may readily become clogged and it is then useless or may indeed be a source of danger.
The most efficient filters are those containing animal charcoal, but even these require
cleaning from time to time to retain their purifying action. Our experience goes to
show that boiling for five minutes all the water required for drinking purposes is the
most effective means of destroying germ life, and it is this simple and inexpensive
method that we accordingly advocate when fear is entertained as to the purity of the
supply. If the boiled water is exposed to the air for a few hours it will lose its insi-
pidity and become palatable.

Farmers desirous of having their supply analysed may apply to the Experimental
Farm, Ottawa, for the directions necessary to follow in collecting ^and shipping the
sample.

REPORT OF THE CHEMIST

195

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

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16— 13J

196

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9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

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9-10 EDWARD VII. SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 A. 1910

REPORT OF THE CEREALIST.

Charles E. Saunders, B.A., Ph.D.

Ottawa, March 31, 1909.
Dr. Wm. Saunders, C.M.G.,

Director Dominion Experimental Farms,
Ottawa.

Sir, — I have the honour to submit herewith the sixth annual report of the Cereal
Division.

While the season of 1908 was not favourable at Ottawa for cereals, good progress
was made in the work of selecting and fixing the best types from among the thousands
of new cross-bred sorts which are gTown on the Central Experimental Farm every year.
The propagation of those new varieties which had shown themselves of fixed character
in the year 1907 did not progress as rapidly as could have been wished last summer,
but some increase was obtained in all cases, and not infrequently a very good yield.

During the months of August and September I visited all the western branch
Experimental Farms for the piirpose of inspecting the crops of grain grown tmder
various climatic conditions and becoming at the same time more familiar with the
special needs of each district. The time spent in this way was found to be very pro. It-
able, valuable information heing gathered in regard to some of the problems connected
with the growing of cereals.

In the winter months much of my time was occupied in the selection of the most
desirable individuals from the large number of cross-bred plants gathered during the
harvest. Milling and baking tests also formed an important part of the winter's work,
special attention being given this year to problems in connection with the storage of
wheat and flour, and the effect of dampness on wheat. While a very considerable
amount of work will yet be required before some even of the simplest problems in
these directions will be solved, the work which has been done in the cereal and chemical
laboratories on this Farm has already brought to light many facts of interest and
value. Altogether these investigations promise to be of quite unusual importance
from a commercial point of view.

It is with pleasure that I record my indebtedness to Mr. Geo. J. Fixter, the fore-
man in charge of the field work of this Division, for the careful and capable manner
in which he has discharged his duties during the year.

Some of the chief results of the experiments and tests carried on from April 1,
1908, to March 31, 1909, are presented in the following pages.

I have the honour to be, sir.

Your obedient servant,

CHARLES E. SAUNDERS,

Cerealisi.

199

200 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

VISITS TO BKANCH EXPERIMENTAL FARMS.

As soon as the harvest at Ottawa was well enough advanced to permit me to
leave this Farm, I started on a trip through parts of central and western Canada for
the purpose of inspecting the cereal crops at the branch Experimental Farms and
becoming better acquainted with the varying conditions of soil and climate in some
of the more important sections of the west. Problems in connection with the trans-
portation, grading, cleaning and milling of wheat and oats were also studied. The
principal points visited were Port Arthur, Winnipeg, Brandon, Indian Head, Leth-
bridge, Lacombe, Calgary, Agassiz, Vancouver and Victoria. Information which will
be of value in connection with the work of this Division was acquired at all of these
points. At Agassiz I met the delegation of Scottish agriculturists and editors who
were travelling through Canada.

CROSSING AND SELECTION OF CEREALS.

A few new crosses were made last summer, the most important being between
Onega wheat (a very early variety from northern Russia) and Early Red Fife, and
between Early Red Fife and Kubanka (perhaps the best of the durum wheats for
bread or macaroni). Some crosses were also made between different strains of
selected Red Fife wheat, to see if any noteworthy results can be obtained from such
crossing within the limits of a single variety.

The selection of the most promising plants from the small plots of unfixed, cross-
bred cereals was carried on as usual. There are now on hand over 300 new cross-bred
varieties of wheat, oats and barley which are being propagated for test in larger plots.
Among these are many sorts of remarkable interest.

The selections from the principal named varieties of cereals which have been
made during the past few years were again subjected to careful study and comparison
for the purpose of eliminating all but the very best strains.

METHODS OF SELECTION.

Attempts to improve cereals by some form of selection, either with or without the
additional aid of cross-breeding, have lately attracted so much attention in Canada
that some general review of the methods available seems desirable, as well as a clear
statement of the procedure followed in the work of cereal breeding and improvement at
this farm.

SELECTION WITHOUT PREVIOUS CROSS-BREEDING.

Ordinary varieties and commercial mixtures of grain show so much variation
in character, when the individual plants or heads produced from them are carefully
studied, that it is sometimes possible to obtain from them improved types or strains
by some simple method of selection without having recourse, first of all, to cross-
breeding to produce great variations.

The meaning of the term variety as applied to cereals is pretty well understood,
but the word strain may need some explanation. This word is used to signify a
subdivision of a variety. Even when we possess pure seed at the start, we may bj
selection obtain types which, though very clearly similar to each other, have certain

REPORT OF THE CEREALIST 201

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

points of distinction. These selections within a single variety are usiially termed
strains. If, however, the original seed with which we commence our selection experi-
ments consists of a mixture of clearly distinct sorts, then selection if properly carried
on will enable us to isolate these various types, some of which may never before have
been grown in a pure state. Under such conditions we may obtain by selection new
varieties.

Selection may be practised in two rather distinct ways. We may either carry on
repeated selection year after year with a view to obtaining slight but repeated advances
in some particular direction, or we may once for all pick out a number of specially
promisii^g plants or heads or seeds and propagate from each of these separately, with-
out further selection, but retaining, after a few years' study of them, only that strain
which has proved best. By one method we try to improve the whole mass as such;
by the other we merely seek to discover, from the study of its descendants, which was
the best plant . in the whole original mass and to retain ultimately only the pure
descendants of that plant, all the inferior strains being discarded.

The method of repeated selection is the same in principle whether we choose each
year the largest or heaviest or hardest kernels or the largest or earliest heads — or on
whatever character we may base it. At first sight this system seems so full of promise
that one is not surprised at the number of experimentalists who have made use of it.
It fits in so well with the Darwinian ideas which have dominated the whole realm of
biology for so many years. If natural selection has done so much, why may not
artificial selection accomplish even more and in far shorter periods of time? While
no one can set the limits of what can be done by repeated selection in any direction,
the results which have been obtained have proved that the advancement is usually
much too slow for ordinary purposes. This method was most carefully tested in
Sweden, at the famous experiment station at Svalof, but was finally abandoned as
practically useless. Other workers elsewhere have been equally disappointed. While
it certainly is of value in some cases, one must beware of expecting too much from it
and must clearly recognize "its sharp limitations and the dangers which always attend
its use.

Of late years some new ideas in regard to the origin of sjoecies have been made
prominent, especially by DeVries ; and we have been led to think less of the importance
of griidual changes in large masses of plants and more of the value of sudden changes
in individuals. We now recognize that each plant has a measure of individuality,
usually slight and unimportant, but occasionally so striking as to be easily observed.
As these points of individuality are often transmitted to all the descendants of the
original plant, we are generally able to obtain some strains of unusual value by
keeping separate the progeny of each selected individual which was chosen because
of some element of apparent superiority over the others. This second method of
selection may perhaps not inappropriately be termed DeVriesian.

Personally I am a firm believer in the superiority of this method over the first,
or Darwinian, whenever the original seed with which the work is commenced is in
pure condition, true to name; because the method of repeated selection has some
serious disadvantages, quite apart from the fact that the improvements effected by it
are much too slow. In the first place one is obliged to decide every year, when the
time for selection arrives, which are the best seeds or heads or plants (as the case may
be), the decision being based on appearance or weight or some such characteristics;
while one is unable to take into consideration that quality which is perhaps the most
important of all, namely, the power of these selected individuals to transmit their
own peculiarities to their progeny. Animal breeders know that the best looking
animal does not always prove the most satisfactory parent.

In the second method of selection the original choice of a number of individuals
is open to the same objections as were urged against the first method. But in the
second method the original choice is only of a provisional nature, the final selection of

202 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

the best strain not boinc: made nntil after all the most promising strains have been
propagated and studied for several years.

Both systems of selection have been used in the work of the Cereal Division, but
the method of repeated selections for the improvement of varieties has been abandoned.
A fevp years ago, when plots produced by the two methods were sometimes grown side
by side, the difference in uniformity of appearance was strikingly in favour of the
plots which had each been bred from a single plant.

The greatest danger in any form of repeated selection is that desirable qualities
may be lost in one direction while a gain is being made in another. If, for instance,
we always select the largest seeds, these may be the product of the plants with the
smallest heads, and we may in time materially reduce the productiveness of the
selected grain. If the largest heads are chosen, these may come from plants with
unduly long straw, which may be undesirable. Earliest heads, if we are selecting for
earliness, may be from plants of otherwise poor quality. Again, in wet seasons one
necessarily selects those individuals which can best withstand an excess of moisture
and in dry seasons one must choose the opposite class, the work of one year thus
conflicting with that of another. The danger of selecting false heads or kernels of an
undesired variety in mistake for unusually large heads or kernels of the desired sort
is very great, when the work is being done by any one but a well-trained specialist.

The advocates of repeated s-election may object, however, that undue emphasis
is being laid on the dangers of this method, and that in actual practice it has been
found to give excellent results in some cases. Of course it is true that striking
improvement can easily be produced by the selection of heads, for instance, even for
a single season, provided that the grain with which the experiment is started is badly
mixed. Strictly speaking, however, this is not improvement but purification, and such
instances can scarcely be said to furnish a fair argument. Purification of seed is of
great importance, but a fair test in regard to the improvement of a variety cannot be
begun until after pure seed has been obtairLed.

One other kind of instance should be mentioned. If for a long series of years we
carefully select any particular type of head or seed we may filially reach a point where
the greater part of our selected crop consists of the descendants of that plant which
in the first year was the most productive of all those of the desired type. In other
words, the selection of best typical heads year after year may ultimately bring us very
close to the point which we could have reached by the other method of selection in a
much shorter time and with very much less labour.

While fully admitting the value of the ordinary method of the selection of heads
for the purpose of purifying mixed grain and for the maintenance of the seed in a
high state of purity, it does not seem to me to be the best way to bring about real
improvement in any variety. The selection of good typical heads, rather than of
heads which are in any way unusual, seems to be the safest and best plan for farmers
who wish to keep their seed quite true to name. If a strain of different type is being
sought for it is best to breed a number of separate strains, each started from a single
plant which appears to possess the desired qualities. One can thus usually obtain, at
a single step, some distinct and permanent advantage and can make* sure before the
final choice of one particular strain is made that in effecting an improvement in ono
direction nothing essential has been lost in other ways.

The work which has been done in the Cereal Division with Red Fife wheat may
serve as an illustration of the practical value of this method. It was desired to obtain
a selected type of this wheat which should ripen earlier than the original variety but
still retain its striking ability to produce strong flour. Early-maturing heads were,
therefore, picked out, and from each of these a new strain was produced. For several
years the new strains were studied in the fields, and having been at last reduced to
four they were subjected to milling and baking tests. As a result of these tests it was
made clear that the selections B, H and M, which are still being grown, are genuine
Red Fife so far as baking strength is concerned. Strain M does not show any par-

REPORT OF THE CEREALIST 203

SEXSIONAL PAPER No. 16

ticular earliness, and H is only a trifle ahead of ordinary Red Fife, but B is distinctly
earlier. Though the advantage of Red Fife B is usually only a few days, and under
some conditions may be scarcely noticeable, it is likely to be of great importance for
certain sections of Canada. This wheat is to be introduced under the name of Early
Red Fife as soon as practicable.

SELECTION OF CROSS-BRED VARIETIES.

A full description of the method of cross-breeding in cereals was published in the
annual report of last year. It is unnecessary, therefore, to give any of the details in
this connection. It may be worth while, however, to point out that cross-breeding is
usually essential for the production of radically new varieties, and that by this method
we may fairly expect to produce any new combination we desire of the characteristics
of existing sorts.

Cross-breeding must of course be followed by selection for several years in order
to obtain fixed types. The best method of selection under these circumstances is
similar in principle to that which has just been described. The seed of each original
cross-bred plant is sown in a separate group. At harvest time the most promising
plants in the group are selected. These are carefully studied during the winter
months and those of least desirable character are rejected. The seed of each plant
retained is sown the next season in a group by itself, and this process is repeated for
as many years as may be necessary, until finally one or more fixed, uniform groups
are produced from each original cross-bred plant. As many of these groups as are
desired may be retained, but each must be propagated as a separate variety, for none
will be exactly like any of the others.

Usually from four to six years elapse before groups are obtained which are quite
fixed in regard to the eight or ten characters which are commonly observed in cereals.
If the work were done on an enormous scale, some fixed types could be obtained at an
earlier stage.

SEED SELECTION FOR FARMERS AND SEED GROWERS.

The task of producing new varieties of cereals or of isolating the best strains of
older sorts seems to belong to the seed specialist; though certain parts of this work
are i>erfectly feasible for any enthusiastic farmer who desires, and can spare the time,
to make a hobby of it. Most seed growers, however, would probably do better by testing
on their farms a few different varieties of grain, choosing those most suitable to their
own conditions, and then confining their attention to the maintenance of the purity
of each sort grown. This, of course, presupposes that at least a small quantity of seed
of each sort can be obtained in pure condition to begin with. This can usually be
done without very much difficulty.

For the maintenance of the purity of his grain some such method as the follow-
ing— which will be found both easy and effective — may be followed. The farmer
should choose a particularly clean and fertile piece of land for his special seed plot.
In sowing the grain it is advisable to stop up about every eighth spout in the seed
drill, so as to facilitate walking through the standing grain later in the season. If
only a few pounds of pure seed are available the first season a small plot must be sown,
but when a larger quantity of seed is on hand, one or two acres (or more) may be
sown as a special seed plot — ^^enough to provide all the seed required for the following
year. The seed plot should be gone through once or twice during the growing season
and everything that looks false to the desired type of grain should be removed. This
should be done again just before the grain is cut. The task may appear formidable
to any one who has not tried it; but it is really by no means difficult. If the special
seed plot covers only a small fraction of an acre, it is imperative that the crop should
be threshed by hand, as otherwise it will almost certainly be seriously mixed with

204 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

ether seed when passing through the threshing machine. For the threshing of larger
quantities the machine should be cleaned out as thoroughly as possible before the
operation is begun and the tirst few bushels of seed that pass through should be
rejected. It is highly desirable to thresh the special plot after some totally distinct
grain, so that if any seeds remain in the machine and are carried over into the special
grain they may he easily seen and separated. Wheat, barley or oats could, for in-
stance, advantageously follow peas. The seed grain should be well cleaned in a fan-
ning mill, and as much of it as is to be used the next year for the special seed plot
should be hand picked during the following winter : an easy matter considering the
.small quantity required.

The main portion of the seed may be used for the general farm crop of the next
year without any further preparation than that given by the fanning mill.

In this way any farmer can keep his seed grain in excellent condition, and can
maintain its purity with the minimum of labour and with no danger of altering the
characteristics of the variety by errors in selection. This method will be found far
more satisfactory in the great majority of cases than the time-honoured custom of a
change of seed every few years, with its attendant dangers of new weeds and unsuit-
able types of grain.

SPECIAL DISTRIBUTION OF SEED GRArN".

In order to meet the wishes of farmers who grow seed grain for sale (and who are
specially interested in obtaining samples of seed of the highest possible degree of
purity and of the very best strains, to serve as the foundation stock for their varieties)
a limited distribution of the newest and choicest strains has been commenced, from
the office of the Cerealist. The grain thus distributed is all produced by the most
careful and scientific methods of selection available, and may be depended upon to
exhibit a degree of purity practically unattainable when large quantities of different
varieties are dealt with.

It should be distinctly understood that the quantity of this special seed on hand
in any season will necessarily be very small, and that the distribution is intended only
for farmers who are in the habit of growing seed grain for sale and who do not con-
sider it ' too much troubl.e ' to give particular care to seed of unusual value.

MILLING AND BAKING TESTS.

Tests of a number of varieties of wheat grown at the different Experimental
Farms, and of wheat stored under varying conditions, were carried on during the past
winter'. The publication of the full results of these experiments is reserved for some
future time, but a brief synopsis of some of the most important parts of the work is
here given. A complete explanation of the methods by which these tests are carried
on has already been given in Bulletins 57 and 60 of the Experimental Farm Series.

VARIETIES OF SPRING AND WINTER WHEAT.

Some of the most interesting varieties of ordinary spring wheat, durum wheat
and winter wheat are reported upon in the following table. All the samples were
grown in the year 1908.

The total yield of flour cannot readily be determined, with sufficient accuracy for
publication, when a small experimental flour mill is used. The figures for break flour
are given, however, as they furnish a fair guide as to the relative hardness of the
different samples tested.

REPORT OF THE CEREALI8T

205

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

The colour of the inside of the loaf, given in the last column, has usually a fairly-
close relationship to the colour of the flour, esi)ecially when wheats of thfi same class
are compared.

S

s

bo

a

245
246
244
243
251

230
237

238
239
240
241
242

Variety.

Spring Wheats.

Red Fife H

It

Marquis

Chelsea

Stanlej' A

Durum Wheats.

Kubanka

II •• .....

Whiter Wheat.

Kharkov

Turkey Red No. 380 ......'.'.'..

II (Comuiercial Seed)

Where Grown.

Brandon

Indian Head

Brandon

It

Indian Head

Lethbridge (not irrigated) . . . .
Indian Head

Lethbridge (irrigated)

II (not irrigated)

II II . . .

Lacombe (after timothy sod). .

M (after summer fallow

fco

c3

u

s

<h

o^

^

"^ 3

E g

uS

o^

.B'^

0 a

£ a.

'rt o

o — '

pq

W

O

12

07

98

' 11

!t8

98

12

97

100

9i

83

95

9i

84

99

^

80

K5

H

96

81

11

90

96

!4

96

97

10^

93

98

12

82

85

Hi

81

85

While too much weight must not be given to determinations of baking strength
in any single season, since so many circumstances influence the quality of wheat, the
above table furnishes some instructive details. The high position taken by Marquis
wheat is noteworthy. In both strength and colour it was unsurpassed by Red Fife H,
grown either at Brandon or Indian Head. Chelsea is somewhat disappointing in
regard to strength this year, its rank in this respect having been considerably higher
in some former tests. Stanley A is an improved strain of the original Stanley wheat.
Though still of only medium (or sometimes above medium) strength, its rank for
colour is with the very best varieties.

The sample of Kubanka grown at Lethbridge shows considerably less than the
usual strength of this variety, the Indian Head sample being about normal. Of these
two samples that grown at Lethbridge was the finer in appearance, and would have
been expected to show superior baking strength.

The two samples of Kharkov wheat (which is undoubtedly the same variety as
Turkey Red) show some difference in favour of that which was grown without irriga-
tion. The two samples of Turkey Red gi'own at Lacombe under diiferent conditions
were practically identical, perhaps partly owing to the unusual rainfall which occurred
in the early summer and which saturated all the land with moisture, no matter how it
had been treated during the previous year.

EFFECT OF STORAGE ON WHEAT AND FLOUR.

A number of new tests carried on with samples of different kinds of wheat and
flour confirmed in a general way the conclusions previously reached in regard to the
effect of storage.

The special series of tests, which was commenced more than a year ago with
perfectly fresh samples of wheat, has now reached a point where results of value are
being obtained. Without entering into the full details, it naay be explained that seven

206 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

samples of wheat are being kept under ordinary conditions of storage, and three
samples of flour (produced from three of the samples of wheat when they w*re fresh)
are being kept under ordinary office conditions, i.e., without being subjected to severe
cold in the winter. Portions of the seven lots of wheat are ground at intervals of
several months and the whole ten samples of flour are tested together in the baking
laboratory.

It has been established thus far that when the material is kept over in the form of
flour there is a more rapid improvement in colour and in strength than when it is
kept as wheat. The changes that occur are not always regular, and a few exceptional
cases were fovind. In every instance, however, there was a gain in water-absorbing
power, and as a rule this gain was considerable, amounting sometimes to more than
four per cent after sixteen months of storage. There was also invariably an improve-
ment in the shape of the loaf. In regard to volume of loaf some irregularities oc-
curred for which no satisfactory explanation can be offered at present.

It is the intention to continue this investigation, and also to commence another
series of tests, in the effort to obtain further light on some of the more obscure points.

DAMP WHEAT.

Wheat may be subjected to dampness under a great variety of conditions, and
much research work will therefore be necessary before satisfactory answers can be
given to all the questions which naturally arise in regard to the effect of dampness on
the yield, colour and baking qualitiees of the flour made from damp wheat.

As a first study in this important matter, the experiments of which an account is
here given were undertaken.

A quantity of pure Red Fife wheat (of the strain known as Red Eife H) grown
on the Indian Head Experimental Farm last season was obtained in November. This
wheat was an excellent sample of Red Fife, and would no doubt have graded No. 1
Hard. The whole quantity was cleaned for milling and the first portion (milling
number 246) was taken out. On November 13 the remainder of the wheat was soaked
in water for five minutes. The water was then drained off and a portion of the wet
wheat was spread out in a thin layer to dry in an ordinary heated room. This con-
stituted the second portion studied (milling number 247). The remainder of_the
wheat after being thoroughly drained was placed in a loose cotton bag and put into, a
covered vessel which was not quite air-tight. The wheat was examined almost every
day, and was shaken up each time so that some fresh air might have access to it, but
was not removed from the bag. A thermometer was kept with the wheat. During the
following ten days the temperature of the wheat varied from 4 to 10 degrees Centi-
grade (about 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit), the average being about 7 degrees C. (45
degrees Fahr.). The quantity of moisture present in the wheat during this period was
about 23 per cent. In spite of the presence of this large proportion of water no musty
odour was developed. On November 23 a portion (milling number 248) of the wheat
was removed and allowed to dry spread out in a thin layer in an ordinary, warm j-oom.
A little more water was then added to the wheat remaining in the closed vessel, and it
was kept for ten days longer, until December 3, at a temperature of 7 to 14 degrees C.
(about 45 to 58 degrees Fahr.), the average for the period being about 12 degrees
C. (54 degrees Falir.). The quantity of moisture present in the wheat during
this second period was about the same as during the first. The temperature
being higher, however, a slight musty odour was prodiuced. This was noticed for the
first time on November 30. On December 3 another portion (milling number 249)
was removed and treated like the others. The remainder of the wheat was then kept
for seven days longer, with the occasional addition of small amounts of water, until
a very strong musty smell was developed and some signs of sprouting were observed.
Moisture determinations, made in the chemical laboratory, showed that the amount of
water present in the wheat during this period ranged from about 23 per cent, at the

REPORT OF TEE CEREALI8T

207

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

beginning, to over 28 per cent at the close. The kernels of wheat were so soft as to
be easily cut in two with the thumb nail. The temperature during these last seven
days varied from 8 to 10 degrees C. (about 47 to 50 degrees Fahr.). On December 10
the whole of the remainder of the wheat (milling number 252) was removed from the
vessel and dried off like the other lots.

The five samples of wheat were kept under uniform conditions for some time and
then ground. The samples of flour were stored together for several weeks and finally
subjected to baking tests.

The table following gives some of the most important details brought out in the
study of these samples.

No figures in regard to the flour yield are here given as the differences observed
were very slight — quite within the limits of the possible experimental variations.

All the flours, before testing, contained not far from 8 i>er cent of moisture. The
figures given in the table have been recalculated, where necessary, on the basis of 8
per cent of moisture.

s

tlO

1

How Sample was Treated.

^ Weight of dry
o" wheat, per mea-
sured bushel.

Water absorbed
in making
dough.

Water retained
by bread, one
hour after bak-
ing.

Volume of loaf
from 100 gram-
mes of flour.

Shape of loaf,
(height divided
by diameter).

O

£

X

H

P

o

(4-1

o

Xi
60

a

£

02

p. c.

p. c.

c. c.

246

Original sample

621
61

65

40-5

454

69

94

93

247

Wet for five minutes

64-5

40

471

68

97

94

24S

Damp for ten minutes

60i

G4-5

40-3

479

68

97

96

249

Damp for twenty days

60

605

36-6

521

79.

98

100

252

Damp for twenty-seven days. . . .

, -^Si

56

33-5

506

68

76

86

The effect of the water in destroying the brightness and richness of colour of the
wheat was very marked, the samples kept damp for the longer times having, when
dried again, almost the appearance of soft wheats. They did not, however, show any
noteworthy increase in the proportion of break flour obtained from them.

The action of the moisture, as shown in the table, caused a decided lowering of
the weight per bushel, from the very beginning.

The later samples also show less water absorption in making dough, though the
difference in this respect is trivial until No. 249 is reached. In regard to volume,
shape and texture, the bread made from the damp wheats was better the longer they
had been exposed to the (supposed) adverse conditions, until No. 249 was reached.
After this there was a sudden falling off. The figures for baking strength (which are
an attempt to express under one head the average conduct of the flour in all respects)
show an unmistakable improvement vp to No. 249. This sample, though slightly
musty when very damp, showed no mustiness in the bread. Indeed the bread produced
from it was distinctly the most attractive, except that it had perhaps a somewhat less
rich flavour than the bread made from the samples with lower numbers. No. 248 was
distinctly superior to the original sample and No. 247 slightly so. No. 252 produced
very poor bread of rather dark colour and slight musty flavour. The colour of the
bread from the other four samples was practically uniform. The baking tests were
repeated several times and showed a striking agreement between the different bakings
in regard to all the samples.

208 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

The conclusion which must be drawn from this series of experiments is tiiiil
dampness in wheat although very injurious to its appearance does npt necessarily
injure, but under some conditions actually improves, the intrin&ic value (to the bakfT^
of the straight grade flour produced from it. No doubt injurious action of the mois-
ture would commence earlier at higher temperatures than it did in this series of
trials, but on the other hand it should be remembered that the amount of moisture
present in the wheat in these tests was greater than that usually found in 'damp' or
' tough ' wheat. '

EFFECT OF VARIOUS INGREDIENTS IN BREAD.

The determinations of the baking strength of flour which have been made in thi.s
laboratory have always been based on what may conveniently be termed ' plain ' bread.
Nothing is added to the flour except water, salt and yeast, and a quantity of cane
sugar so small that it is probably all decomposed by the action of the yeast before the
fermentation of the dough is ended.

Most of the home-made bread produced in Canada is probably essentially ' plain,'
but commercial bakers almost invariably add one or more ingredients to their dough
either to produce some special effect on the lightness, colour or flavour, or to make
their product comply with the requirements of the law so as to be sold as ' fancy '
bread.

The question naturally arises, therefore: whether the relative positions of various
flours in regard to strength will remain unchanged when other materials are added in
bread making. Considerable work has been done, in this laboratory, on this problein ;
but it comes up in so many different aspects that it would be premature to draw many
conclusions at present. In a general way it appears that most flours are affected
similarly when any additional substance is added to the dough. There are cases, how-
ever, where on.e flour is improved in strength by the addition of some substance whit-ii
produces little or no effect on another flour.

Among the substances, other than water, yeast, salt and sugar, which are some-
times added to the flour or dough in bread making, the following may be mentioned:
Lard, butter, cotton-seed oil, milk, evaporated milk, malt flour, malt extract, diastase
and potatoes.

All of these are quite unobjectionable, provided the bread produced satisfies the
taste of the consumer.

SMALL PLOTS OF CEREALS, &c.

The small plots grown in 1908 included several hundred of cross-bred origin which
were not quite fijied in character, as well as nearly 150 new cross-bred varieties of fixed
type but not yet named. Many new, selected strains of older varieties were also grown.
The small plots of new or little known named sorts were as follows : —

Spring wheat. — B arietta, Gyangtse, Onega, Red Cedar, Rust-free Russian and
Seven Nations.

Durum wheat. — lumillo and Pellissier.

Oats. — Chinese Naked and Victory.

Barley. — Early Indian, Gyangtse, Karim, Kars, Kutais, Leader, Leh, Taganrog
and Vologda.

UNIFORM TEST PLOTS OF CEREALS, &c.

The most important varieties of cereals, field roots, &c., which are obtainable
commercially are annually grown in test plots along with the cross-bred and selected

/

•^:

v^

y: I

\

5094— p. 208.

Early ripening varieties of Spring Wheat.

1. Mai-quis

2. Stanley (Selection A).

3. Early Red Fife.

REPORT OF THE CEREALIST 209

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

sorts produced at this farm and other varieties obtained from various sources. The
objects of these tests are to determine the rekitive 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 test plots of grain are one-sixtieth of an acre and those of field roots one-
hundredth of an acre.

The number of these test plots grown during the past season was as follows :
Spring wheat, 36; durum wheat, 4; winter wheat, 20; emmer and spelt, 10; oats, 55;
six-row barley, 20; two-row barley, 25; peas, 22; spring rye, 2; winter rye, 3; field
beans, 4; flax, 4; turnips, 13; mangels, 12; carrots, 6; sugar beets, 3; Indian corn, 26,
making a total of 265 plots, and representing about 250 varieties.

For some years the number of plots has been steadily reduced by the elimination of
the less desirable varieties. A large increase in the number will occur as soon as the
new cross-bred varieties produced during the last few years begin to take their places
in these larger plots.

WEATHER.

While the spring of 1908 was not perhaps unusually cold at Ottawa, so large a
quantity of rain fell at short intervals throughout April and May that seeding was
very seriously delayed. Warm weather followed almost as soon as the seed was in
the ground, and the prevailing character of the summer was dry. Early autumn was
very dry.

Such conditions were extremely unfavourable to cereals and distinctly adverse
to almost all farm crops; so that the yields obtained were in many instances far
below the average.

SPRING WHEAT.

The test plots of wheat could not be sown until May 6, owing to the continued
wet weather. The seed was used at the rate of about IJ bushels to the acre. The soil
was a loam of variable character. Owing to the drought which followed the wet
weather those portions of the field which were of a somewhat heavier character than
the others became so hard that the growth of the young plants was almost stopped.
The yields of the following varieties (which suffered most severely) are not published,
as they would give no fair indication of their productiveness under average con-
ditions : Alpha Selected, Aurora, Bobs, Downy Riga, Ebert Selected, Hungarian
White, 7 E 3. Some of these plots were also injured by the larva of the Hessian fly.

The variety designated Early Red Fife is an early strain of Red Fife selected by
the Cerealist in the year 1903 and propagated from a single plant. It was recorded
in previous publications as Red Fife B.

Varieties without names are new cross-bred sorts produced by the Cerealist, but
which are not yet ready for distribution. Those varieties which have a letter after
the name are new strains propagated from single selected plants.

The yield per acre is expressed in pounds and also in bushels of 60 pounds.

The character of the straw is indicated by marks on a scale of 10 points, according
to the proportion of the plot standing erect at harvest time.

* Varieties and selected strains produced at the Central Experimental Farm are
marked with an asterisk.

16—14.

210

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

Spring Wheat — Test of Varieties.

6

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23

Name of Variety.

Bishop A.*

VVhite Russian . . . ,

Preston H.*

Stanley A.* ,

Red Fem

Percy A.*

Red Fife M.*

Yellow Cross*

Chelsea*

Pringle'sChamplainC

Red Fife H.*

White Fife C*

9G.*

Early Red Fife*

Yellow Queen*

Spence Yellow*

Yellow Fife*

Prospec-t *

Huron Selected * . . . .

Gatineau*

Marquis*

Early Russian *

Outlook*

Date

of

Rijien-

iug.

Aug. 2.
M 10.

o

II O.

M 7.

,- 10.

« 7.

„ 14.

., 1.

„ 3.

„ 3.

„ 14.

.. 14.

,1 10.

.. 7.

n 3.

July 29.

,, 29.

M 31.
Aug. 6

H 20.

.. 10.

M 2.

M 10.

C3
CO

Q ^

to

96
89
93
96
93

100
87
89
89

100

100
96
93
89
84
84
86
92

106
96
88
96

Average
Length

of
Straw,
Includ-
ing
Head.

Inches.

36
36
34
40
40
36
38
37
34
33
38
38
39
36
38
33
36
32
30
28
36
32
34

Strength
of Straw

on a

Scale of

10 Points.

10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10

d
> o

In.

H

Sh
3|
3i
3|
4

3i
3

34
3.^

3i
3i
3

H
H
3i

3

I

3|
32

Yield

jjer
Acre.

Lbs.

1380

1320

12!(0

1290

1260

1230

1230

1230

1200

1200

1140

1140

1110

1050

1020

930

900

840

780

750

750

720

720

(U

Yield

per
Acre.

23 ..

22 ..

21 30

21 30

21 ..

20 30

20 30

20 30

20 ..

20 ..

19 ..

19 ..

18 30

17 30

17 ..

15 30

15 ..

14 ..

13 ..

12 30

12 30

12 ..

12 ..

ei oi a

Lbs.

60.i

60

59

58

62i

60i

59|

62|

6l{

61|

60^

60^

57

62

61i

63|

62

eoi

59i
59"
60|
62i
59|

Rusted.

Badly.
Considerably.

Badly."
Considerably.
Badly.
Considerably.

Badly.

II

Slightly.

Considerablj'.

Badly."
Considerably.
Badly.
Considerably.

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, Red
Fern, Huron and Bishop. The first four of these are hard red wheats with bearded
heads. Bishop is a very early white wheat and is beardless. Of the five varieties
Red Fern and Pringle's Champlain are probably the best for the production of strong
flour.

Somewhat lower in yield, but superior in the strength of their flour are Red Fife
and White Fife, both beardless.

Among the varieties which have not yet been tested for many years in succession,
but which have proved very productive, may be mentioned Chelsea and Marquis, both
early, beardless sorts. Marquis produces the stronger flour of the two for baking
purposes.

Earliest Varieties of Spring Wheat. — Some of the very early kinds of spring
wheat grown on this farm are not at present being distributed or recommended for
general cultivation. Farmers applying for very early sorts should remember that
extreme earliness is frequently associated with a rather small yield, short straw,
liability to rast, or some other defect to which the more vigorous wheats are less
subject.

The earliest wheats which are included in the regular distribution of seed grain
from this farm are Marquis, Stanley and Chelsea (beardless and having red kernels),
and Preston, Huron and Pringle's Champlain (bearded and having red kernels).
Bobs and Bishop are early beardless sorts which are not generally distributed, because
the pale colour of their bran would cause them to be graded below their actual value
in the Manitoba Inspection Division. Bishop is perhaps the earliest of the eight
varieties mentioned; but they are all earlier than Red Fife.

REPORT OF THE CEREALI8T

211

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

DUKUM OR MACARONI WHEAT.

The different varieties of durum wheat are by no means identical in quality,
though they are usually considered to be so. Some are particularly good for the
making of macaroni, and excellent bread (of a rich yellowish colour) can be made
from others, but some of the varieties are not very good for either of these purposes.
Kubanka (probably identical with Beloturka) is one of the best for bread making
and for macaroni.

The extreme hardness of these wheats and the yellowish colour of the flour pro-
duced from them make them quite unpopular at present with both millers and bakers.

Farmers who grow durum wheat should obtain one of the best varieties and
should exercise great care to prevent the grain from becoming mixed with wheat
which is to be sold for the making of ordinary flour.

As a rule the durum wheats suffer less from drought and from rust than other
sorts. They may, therefore, prove useful in some cases, especially in any rather dry
districts where rust is apt to be severe. They are not, however, to be recommended
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 milling
purposes.

Several of the varieties which have been shown to be inferior to the others have
been discontinued.

The plots of durum wheat were sown on May 6, the seed being used at such a rate
as would be equivalent to 1| bushels per acre of seed of high vitality. The climate at
Ottawa is usually too damp for these wheats and the seed saved is generally of rather
low vitality. The soil was a loam of fair quality which, however, became very dry,
soon after the young plants had appeared above the ground. On this account growth
was seriously interfered with, and only a very small crop of grain was obtained.

The yield per acre is expressed in pounds and in ' bushels ' of 60 pounds.

Durum Wheat — Test of Varieties.

Date

nf

Ripen-

Average

Length

of

Strength
of Straw

^1

Yield

Yield

per

ed

after
ig.

Name of Variety.

o

Straw,
inckid-

on a Scale
of 10

per
Acre.

per
Acre.

\\^-\

Rusted.

ing.

d

ing
Head.

pomts.

>

^S^-o

Inches.

In.

Lbs.

CD xn

3 X!

Lbs.

1

2

(xoose

Beloturka

Aug. 7.
,. 10

93
96

30
34

10
10

2i

2i

750
630

pa 1-;

12 30
10 30

62
62i

Considerably.

s

Kubanka

„ 10.
M 17.

96
103

34

26

10
10

2h

570
570

£ 30
9 30

61i
61"

4

Roumanian

Badly.

The variety called Roumanian has given the highest average yield during the
past five years. It is, however, of poor quality for bread and probably also for
macaroni and should not be grown for any but feeding purposes.

WINTER WHEAT.

The plots of winter wheat were sown on August 31, 1907, the seed being used at
the rate of about 1| bushels to the acre. The soil was a rather light loam.
16— 14J

212

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

The young plants made good growth in the autumn, hut some of the plots suffered
rather severely during the winter and early spring. A good yield was obtained, how-
ever, from most of the varieties.

The yield per acre is expressed in pounds and also in * bushels ' of GO pounds.

Winter Wheat — Test of Varieties.

.a

g

Name of Variety.

1 American Banner,

2 Dawson's Golden Chaff

3 Jones' Winter Fife .

4 Gold Coin

5| Early Windsor

6|Egypt|an Ajnber
y -

8

9
10
11
12
13
14
15
IG
17
l.>

Early Red Clawson.

Abundance.

Imperial Amber ....

Invincible

Red Chief

Pro.sperity ...

Reliable

Red Velvet Chaff....

Silver Sheaf

Tasmania Red

Kharkov

Turkey Red No. 380

Date

of
Ripen-
ing.

July 19,

I, 19.

M 18.

., 20

,- 19.

M 18.

,■ 19.

„ 19.

„ 20.

„ 20

„ 23.

„ 22

,. 23.

M 21.

M 22.

„ 23.

„ 22.

1. 24.

as

323
323
322
324
323
322
323
323
324
324
327
32G
;-!27
32."i
320
327
320
328

Average
Length

of
Straw,
includ-
ing
Head.

Inches.

52

53

54

52

50

53 ♦

53

50

54

52

54

52

54

53

54

52

41

46

Strength

of Straw

on a Scale

of 10

points.

10

10

10

10

9

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

9

10

8

8

8

10

Eld

h o

0)

In.

3i

2i
3

2h
2i

3

2i

3

3|

'■it
3h
3|
31

H
3

2i
3

Yield

per

Acre.

Lbs.

3,480
3,450
3,420
3,270
3,270
3,090
3,000
3,000
2,!^50
2,670
2,670
2,640
2,520
2,490
2,460
2,100
2,100
1,740

Yield

per

Acre.

3 ^

pa ^-5

58 ..

57 30

57 .

54 30

54 30

51 30

50 ..

50 ..

47 30

44 20

44 30

44 ..

42 .

41 30

41 ..

35 .

35 ..

29 ..

^-c.

a.;:

CL c; tio

3.SJ

Lbs.

61

60

62

61

61

62|

60

61

62^

61i

61

61

63

61J

6U

62i

62|

61^

Rusted.

Slightly.

Considerably.

Badly.

Considerably.

Slightly.

Recommended Varieties of Winter Wheat. — The climate of Ottawa being rather
too severe for the regular production of good crops of winter wheat, the average yields
obtained here would scarcely serve as a satisfactory guide for farmers in southern
Ontario. Some recommendations in regard to varieties of winter wheat may, how-
ever, be given.

One of the best varieties in the field is Dawson's Golden Chaff (beardless). It
has the disadvantage, however, of giving flour which is low in baking strength and
therefore suitable for crackers, cakes, &c., but not for light bread. The gluten content
of this variety is not high enough to make it quite satisfactory for the production of
rolled wheat and other similar cereal products, though it is used for these purposes.

Turkey Red (bearded) yields the strongest flour, but does not as a rule give in
Ontario as large a yield of grain per acre as some of the other sorts.

Egyptian Amber (bearded) and Tasmania Red (bearded) give good yields of
grain and produce very good flour for bread making.

Imperial Amber (bearded) is another variety which can also be recommended both
for its high yield and the very fair strength of its flour.

EMMER AND SPELT.

The plots of Emmer and Spelt were sown on May 6, the seed being used at the
rate of about 120 lbs. (or four bushels by measure) to the acre. The soil was a rather
stiff loam which became quite hard during the very dry weather. The yield of all the
varieties was therefore very poor.

REPORT OF THE CEREALIST

213

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Common Emmer (often incorrectly called ' Speltz ') is one of the best varieties,
being less coarse and containing a larger proportion of kernel than most of the other
sorts.

Emmer and Spelt — Test of Varieties.

^ 1

Name of Variety.

1 Double Emmer.

2
3
4

5
6

7'

8

f)

10

Common Emmer
Smooth Spelt . . .

Red Spelt

Red Emmer . . .
Thick Emmer . . .
White Spelt.. ..
White Emmer. . .

9 J .3

9K2

Date of

Ripe-

ning.

Aug.

2

n

2

tl

20

tl

20

n

19

21

20

26

6

7

? So

o =*

88

88

106

106

105

107

106

112

92

93

Average]
length of
strawin-
cluding
head.

eS O

o a

Inches.

30

28
24
26
28
26
24
30
26
20

ce-s

Average
Itsngth

aa ^ 5. of head.

m

10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10

Inches.
If

n

3

2i

3
2

Yield

per
Acre.

Lbs.

990
810
750
720
630
570
390
360
360
180

Lbs.

30^

36

27

26^

32i

27"

25

27

34

29i

Rusted.

Considerably.
Badly.

Considerably.

OATS.

Owing to the wet weather the plots of oats could not be sown until May 15 and
16 — ^much later than the usual time. The seed was used at the rate of about 2
bushels x>er acre for most varieties, but in greater quantities whenever the oats were
of unusually large size. The soil was a rich loam.

Considering the unfavourable character of the season, a fair crop was obtained
from most of the varieties. Slight variations in the character of the soil made, how-
ever, unusually large variations in the returns.

Abundance and Joanette were so unfortunately situated that the yields obtained
from them were altogether misleading and are therefore omitted from the following
table.

The yield per acre is expressed in i)ounds and also in ' bushels ' of 34 pounds.

* Varieties and selected strains produced at the Central Experimental Farm
are marked with an asterisk.

214

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

Oats — Test of Varieties.

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

Name of Variety.

IjDanish Island

2 Dinauer

3 GoHen Beauty ,

4 Welcome

■5 Virginia White

6 White Giant Selected'
7|Twentieth Century. . .

8J Swedish St^lect

9,fiarton's Abundance . ,

10 Piont-er (black) ,

11 Swedish Ligowo

12 Improved American. . ,

13 Siberian

14 Thousand Dollar

15 Daubeney Selected*. . .

16 Fichtel Mountain

17j Whiting

18 Early Ripe

19 Gold Rain

20Goldfinder..

21 Green Russian

22 Excelsior (black)

23 Improved Ligowo

24 Wide Awake

25 Tlola (black)

26 White Wonder

27! Irish Victor

28lMennonite

29,Milford White*

iiO Black Mesdag

31'Banner B*

32 Tartar King

33 Bergs (black)

34 Sixty Day

35 Storm King

36 Golden Giant

37 Lincoln

38 Colossal

39Kirsche

40 Bell (black).

41

42

43

44

to

Atlantic .

Kendal White*

American Triumph
Chinese Naked

Aug. 6,
„ 10.
M 10.
„ G.
n G,

M S.

M 6.

M G.

M 8.

M 5.

., 5.

„ 6.

,. 8.

M 6.
July 29.
Aug. 10.

„ G
July 30.
Aug. 5.

.- 14.

„ 6.

,. 10.

,> 5.

„ G.
July 30.

„ 31.
Aug. 5.

M 3.

„ 5.
July 29.
Aug. 6.

M 5.

II O.

July 24.
Aug. 5.

,1 17.

.1 6.

„ 8.

„ G.

., 12.

,1 3.

II 8.

,1 G.

,. 8.

tlD

fi-s

o 43

83

87
87
82
82
84
82
83
85
82
82
83
85
82
75
87
82
76
82
91
83
87
82
82
75
76
82
80
82
75
83
81
80
70
82
94
83
85
83
8;)
80
85
83
85

C O

^ 5 =«
^^ ^

bD

C4
O

Inches.

39
38
38
44
44
40
40
38
40
38
40
34
36
36
38
40
34
38
34
45
35
42
36
35
41
42
36
30
36
35
34
35
33
30
33
44
29
38
29
3S
28
29
27
28

o

-02 0

10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10

5
10
10
10
10
10

8
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10

8
10
!0
10
10
10
10
10
10

bo

a
a

y^ .

--§

0/

w

In.

7

7

G|

7

7

8

Gh
5S

51
«l
6^
6

6

7

6^
6

7

7h

7

6

I*

7h.

7

8

6|

7h

6
6

7
9

H

7

H

6
6

u

a,

13

Lbs.

3210
30! )0
3090
30-0
3030
3030
3000
2970
2910
2850
2820
2730
27.30
2700
2610
2580
2580
2.550
2520
2490
2490
2460
2430
24.30
2310
2280
2190
2160
21.30
2070
2040
2040
1980
1920
1890
1830
1830
1710
1530
1440
1410
1260
1080
870

<
t-l

a

3 JD

94 14

<)0 30

90 30

90 30

89 4

89 4

88 8

87 12

85 20

83 28

82 32

80 10

SO 10

79 14

76 26

75

30

75

30

75

. ,

74

4

73

8

73

8

72

12

71

16

71

16

67

32

67

2

64

14

63

18

62

22

60

30

CO

60

58

8

56

16

55

20

53

28

53

28

50

10

45

42

12

41

16

37

2

31

26

25

20

bo

c3

Lbs.

35

33

33

35i

35|

32i

35|

36|

36

35^

35^

32^

34^

.35J!

33"

33

34

28J^

37i

32^

36
34

35i
.3l|
40i
3li

3-'|

35

32^

32

35

36i

29|

37

31

32

35

32

31

33f

35

33

53

Rusted.

Badly.

Considerably.
Badly.

Considerably.
Badly.

n

Considerably.

Badly."

II
Considerably.
Badly.

Considerably.
Badly.

Considerably.
Badly.

Most Productive Varieties of Oats. — Among the most productive kinds of oats
■which have been grown for several years at this farm the following varieties deserve
special mention : Twentieth Century, White Giant, Garton's Abundance, Thousand
Dollar and Banner among the white varieties. One or more of these kinds can be
obtained from any good seedsman. Golden Beauty and Mennonite are very produc-
tive yellow oats, but do not seem to possess any points of superiority over the best
white varieties. Among the black oats Excelsior and Pioneer, comparatively new
varieties, have given large yields, but not so large as the most productive white sorts.

Earliest Varieties of Oats. — The varieties called Sixty Day and Early Ripe are
extremely early in ripening, but cannot be recommended to take the place of the later,
standard sorts. Selections from these two varieties are now being propagated in
order to obtain types of fixed character. These may be useful in certain special cases.

REPORT OF THE CEREALIST

215

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Somewhat less early, but probably more satisfactory as a rule, are Daubeney
and Tartar King. These oats are obtainable in commerce, but farmers will usually
find some of the later and more productive varieties to be on the whole more profitable.

SIX-ROW BARLEY.

The plots were sown on May 7, the seed being used at the rate of about two
bushels to the acre. The soil was a rather heavy loam.

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.

Six-Row Barley — Test of Varieties.

,

aa

j3 - _;

^

c« - bb

>i

^ ca

.w

®

03

■^ . c

s

ri

bo— ^

bo

i-4

U

o.S

Strength
of

3 .

^1

<

o

<

Si

Name of Variety.

<4-l

o

V 2

05 t- a

Straw on a

s.^

s.

^-^^

Rusted.

^

i^

U 3

Scale of

-a

'w

■^ts

a

1.2

32

0) «4^ .^

> o o

10 points.

> o

%

z>

►5 S"^

^

Q

z;

<

*11

>^

>^

^

Inches.

Ins.

Lbs.

D Si

P3 I-;

Lbs.

1

Stella*

July 29.

83

35

10

3S

2730

56 42

47

Slightly.

2

Manchurian A*

■. 27.

81

30

10

3

2580

53 36

46J

ft

8

Odessa

M 27.
„ 29.
.- 29.

81
83
83

32

;-2

28

10
10
10

H
si

3;

2370
2370
2340

49 18
4J 18

48 36

47
45
47

H

4

Tro(>per*

f)

Oberbruch

II

(^

IVlandscheun .

.. 27.
„ 27.

81
81

30

28

10
10

3

2|

2220
2220

46 12
46 12

46

46i

7

Nugent*

H

8

Claude*

M 2").

79

27

10

H

2it;o

45 ..

4-H

It

9

Champion (beardless). .

M 2.3.

77

28

10

2h

2130

44 18

40

Considerably.

10

Esccurgeon

.. 25.

79

27

10

•)3
■^4

213C

44 18

48i

Slightly.

11

Mensury

M 27.

81

30

10

3

2130

44 IS

47

II

12

Small Blue Naked ....

M 31.

85

24

10

3

2040

42 24

57^

Considerably.

l.S

Yale* .

M 31.

85

34

10

2h

19S0

41 12

47

II

14

Empire*

•1 27.

81

25

10

2h

1800

37 24

47

Slightly.

1'.

Mansfield*

M 29.
M 2.5.

83
79

28
20

10
10

2i

2

1800
1710

37 24
35 30

47i

47

ir>

Black Japan

Considerably.

17

Blue Long Head

Aug. 2.

87

26

10

3i

15G0

32 24

40^

liadly.

18

Albert*

M 1.

8(j

24

10

H

1440

30 ..

4o

Slightly.

19

Bere

,Tuly31.

85

24

10

3|

1140

23 36

44

Considerably.

20

Eclipse

Aug. 3.

88

25

10

'^h

810

16 42

48

Badly.

Most Productive Vaneties of Six-row Barley. — Among the most productive sorts
which have been tested for several years at this farm are Mensury, Odessa, Nugent
and Stella. Mensury and Odessa are obtainable from most seedsmen in Canada.

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
Men?urj- and Odessa.

Beardless Six-row Barley. — Champion is the most productive variety of beardless
barley that has been grown here. It ripens early, but usually gives a poor yield and
is not to be recommended. It is obtainable in commerce.

Hulless Six-row Barley. — The most productive variety of hulless six-row barley
which has been tested at this farm is Hulless Black. This is a bearded sort and can
be obtained in commerce. It ripens early, but has weak straw and gives a small yield.

216

EXPERIMENTAL FARAIS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

TWO-KOW BAELEY.

The plots were sown on May 7 and 11, the seeding being, unfortunately, interrupted
by rain. The seed was used at the rate of about 2 bushels to the acre. The soil was
a loam of rather heavy 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-KoAV Barley — Test of Varieties.

X!

6

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

1»

19

20

21

22

23

Name of Variety.

Caucasian HuUess. .

Hannchen

Clifford*

Black Two-row. . . .
Swedish Chevalier .

Old Irish

Princess

Archer Chevalier.. .

Beaver*

Canadian Thorpe. .
Early Chevalier* . . .

Sidney*

Danish Chevalier. ,

Primus

Swan's Neck

Gordon*

Brewer's Favourite

Hofbrau

Standwell

French Chevalier. .

Jarvis*

Jewel*

Invincible

Date

of
Ripen-
ing.

July

Aug.

a)

27. 81
31.! 81
31. 85
10. 95
89

M 1.

82

„ 10.

91

„ 12.

97

July 31 .

85

Aug. 10.

95

July 25.

75

Aug. 3.

84

„ 10.

91

,. 13.

94

M 8.

89

July 30.

80

Aug. 10.

115

n 10.

91

„ 13.

94

.. 1.

82

M 3.

.S4

„ 14.

95

„ 13.

94

Average
Length

of
Straw,
includ-
ing
Head.

Inches.

32
24
42
30
32
28
27
30
40
29
3(5
32
3.5
28
27
27
27
25
30
30
32
25
25

Strength
of Straw

on a
Scale of
10 points.

10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10

bo

a

Iffi

In.
3|

H

4

4i
31
4
3i

3

4

3i

^

3|

3|
3

3i

4i

3|

3i^

4

3i

3i

Yield

per
Acre.

Lbs.

2430
2130
2040
18!'0
1860
1830
1830
1770
1770
1740
1710
1650
1530
1530
1530
1500
1410
1410
1410
13S0
12G0
1230
1170

Yield

peF
Acre.

J3
3

J2

k1

50 30

44 18

42 24

39 18

38 30

38 6

38 6

36 42

36 42

36 12

35 30

34 18

31 42

31 42

31 42

31 12

29 18

29 18

29 18

28 36

26 12

25 30

24 18

eg ID tiC

-&:

Lbs.

61

49

4(if

47

48

48i

4S|

49

4:H

48

49

48^

404

49i

46|

471

47

48

49

49i

46i

48i

48|

Rusted.

Slightly.
Considerably.

Badly."

ti
Considerably.
Badly.

Slightly.

Badly.

Slightiy.

Considerably.

Badly.

Considerably.
Badly.

Slightly.

Considerably.

Badly.

Most Productive Va/rieties of Two^ow Barley. — The following varieties are among
the most productive: Hannchen (a Swedish selection of the famous Hanna barley).
Swan's Neck, Standwell, Clifford, Canadian Thorpe, Invincible and the different
strains of Chevalier.

Earliest Varieties of Two-row Barley. — The earliest sorts among those thoroughly
tested at this farm are Hannchen, Beaver and Jarvis.

Beardless and Hulless Two-row Barley. — The varieties of beardless and of hulless
two-row barley which have been tested at this farm have not, as a rule, shown sufficient
strength of straw to make them profitable sorts for farmers to cultivate. This past
season the variety known as Caucasian Hulless did very well, but the weather was
of unusual character and this barley has not yet been grown here long enough to
determine its strength and yield under average conditions.

PEAS.

The plots of peas were sown on May 14, the seed being used at the rate of two or
three bushels to the acre, according to the size of the pea. The soil was a rather
heavy loam.

REPORT OF TEE CEREALIST

217

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

The yield i)er acre is expressed in pounds and also in ' bushels ' of 60 pounds.
* Varieties and selected strains produced at the Central Experimental Farm are
marked with an asterisk.

Peas — Test of Varieties.

Name of Variety.

Prussian Blue. . .
Arthur Selected*.
Piiragon*

4 Mackay*

5 Prince*

6 White Marrowfat

7 Canadian Beauty . . . .

8 Chancellor. ... . . . .

9 Victoria*

lOj English Grey

lli.Agnes*

12 Daniel O'Rourke . . . .
ISPicton*.

14 Wisconsin Blue . ....

15 Black-eye Marrowfat.

16 Early Britain

17 Zulu

18| Archer*...

19, Golden Vine

20 Gregory*

•— <

Date

of
"Ripen-
ing.

03

Q bb

C t-
. 3

Ai

ig.l3.
, 11.

91
89

. 17.

95

. 17.

95

. 17.

95

, 21.

99

. 21.

99

. 10.

88

, 20.

98

, 20.

98

■ 21.

99

- 17.

95

. 17.

95

, 19.

97

, 21.

99

, 20.

98

, 19.

97

, 21.

99

, 20.

98

- 22.

100

Character

of
Growth.

Inches.

Strong —

58

II ....

42

It ....

45

II ....

34

II ....

36

II ....

50

II ....

65

II ....

45

II ....

50

If ....

55

It ....

43

It ....

50

II ....

36

■ ti ....

48

II ....

50

II ....

55

II ....

48

It ....

50

It ....

38

II ....

45

fco
s
a>

> o

be

c:

(BT!

bco

> O

In.

2i
2i

2i

2|
2i
2i
2|

If

2i

2h

2

2

n

2i

2
2

2i

Yield

per

Acre.

Lbs.

2280
2220
2190
2010
2010
2010
1770
1770
1710
1650
1620
1620
1590
1590
1.530
15.30
1440
1410
1230
1020

Yield

per
Acre.

3 XI

P3 1-5

38 ..

37 ..

.36 30

33 SO

33 30

33 30

29 30

29 30

28 30

27 30

27 ..

27 ..

26 30

26 30

25 30

25 30

24 ..

23 30

20 30

17 ..

c3 <E -

M to cS

<1 3 m

be s- S

Lbs.

62i

634

63i

62i

62'

62^

63

63^

63i

6]-

62i

624

62|

624

62"

60i

58

63i

63^

63

Size of Pea.

Medium.

Large.

.Small.
Medium.

II
Large.
Small.
Large.
Medium.
Large.
Medium.
Large.
Medium.
Small.
Medium.

Most Productive Varieties of Peas. — Prussian Blue, Chancellor, Arthur and
Golden Vine can be recommended as good, productive varieties of peas. During the
past five years at this farm Prussian Blue has given the largest yield. Golden Vine
has not done so well as usual during the last two or three years, but it is a variety
which can usually be depended upon. One or more of the varieties here mentioned
can be obtained from almost any seedsman.

Earliest Varieties of Peas. — Arthur, Chancellor and Prussian Blue are among the
earliest sorts.

SPEING RYE.

Two plots of spring rye were sown on May 6, the seed being used at the rate of
about 1^ bushels to the acre. The soil was a rather heavy loam.

The yield per acre is expressed in jwunds and also in ' bushels ' of 56 pounds.

Spring Rye — Test of Varieties.

1

Name of Variety.

Date
of
Ripen-
ing.

to
a

O

d

87
87

Average
Length

of
Straw,
includ-
ing
Head.

Strength
of Straw

on a

Scale of

10 points.

o

be

a
m

^-5

Yield

per

Acre.

Yield

per
Acre.

<D

Lbs.

56
57

Rusted.

1

Ottawa Select

Aug. 1.
„ 1.

Inches.

54
54

10
10

In.

3i
3

Lbs.

1,950
1,800

1 3
pa h^

34 46
32 8

Slightly.

2

Common. .

213

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

WINTER RYE.

Three plots of winter rye were sown on August 31, 1907, the seed being used at
the rate of about li bushels to the acre. The rye made good growth in the autumn,
stood the winter well, and gave a large crop of grain. The soil was a light loam.

The yield per acre is expressed in pounds and also in ' bushels ' of 56 pounds.

#

Winter Rye — Test of Varieties.

tc Average

b>

Date

3> S

Length

Strength

0)

^-oi^ .

of

y^

of

of

■C

Yield

Yield

Kf^

u

Name of Variety.

Ripen-

"1^

Straw,

Straw on

IT) C^

per

per

■e s ii"B

Rusted.

^

ing.

^g

includ-

a Scale of

2^

Acre.

Acre.

tog's g

^

d

ing

10 point.-*.

> O

■5 S^-o

Is

^

Head.

<

^

Inches.

In.

Lbs.

W rn

Lbs.

pa 1-5

1

Dominion

July 20.

324

64

8

4i

4,590

81 54

58^

Slightly.

2

Mammoth White

.. 20.

324

64

10

4|

4,320

77 8

58

II

3

Thousandfold

.. 20.

324

60

10

4i

3,360

60 ..

59i

II

OATS SOWN IN DIFFERENT QUANTITIES PER ACRE ON CLAY LOAM.

The tests carried on in previous years having shown that less than two bushels
and moi^e than 2^ bushels -per acre of Banner oats should not be sown on clay loam in
this climate, the experiments were confined this past season to 2 and 2^ bushels only.
The evidence thus far is in favour of using 2^ bushels of seed.

The results of the past season are here given.

The oats were sown on May 16, and were ripe August 6.

Name of Variety.

Banner oats.

Quantity

Sown
per Acre.

Bushels.
2

Number

of days

from

Sowing to

Harvesting.

82
82

Yield
per Acre.

Bush. Lbs.

52

55

2

20

FIELD BEANS.

Four plots of field beans, one-sixtieth of an acre each, were sown on May 27.
The soil was a rather heavy loam.

The yield per acre is expressed in pounds and also in ' bushels ' of 60 pounds.

1

Variety.

Distance

between

Rows.

Date

of

Ripening.

Number

of

Days

Maturing.

Average
Length

of
Plant.

Average

Length

of

Pod.

Yield

per
Acre.

Yield

per
Acre.

Weight

per

Measured

Bushel

after

Cleaning.

1

Marrowfat

Inches.

20
16
20
16

•

Aug. 31..
M 15..
» 30..
„ 1:6..

Days.

96
80
95
91

Inches.

20
13
18
12

Inches.

4i
4

Lbs.

1,770
1,590
1,500
1,230

■S ffl

pq 1-1

29 30
•26 30
25 ..
20 30

Lbs.
64

2

Norwegian Brown

White Field

60

63^

65

4

California Pea

REPORT OF THE CEREALIST

219

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

FLAX.

The plots of flax were one-sixtieth of an acre. The seed was sown on May 28,
at the rate of 60 pounds to the acre. The soil was a rather heavy loam.

The yield per acre is expressed in pounds and also in 'bushels' of 56 pounds.

Some of the varieties grown in previous years have been dropped, as new, selected
strains derived from them are being propagated.

Name of Variety.

Xovarossick ..."...
White I'loweriiig

Higa

Yellow Seed

Date

of
Ripening.

Aug. 20.

.. 10.

„ 10.

-, 17.

No. of

Days

Maturing.

84
74
74
81

Average
Length

of
Plants.

Inches.

18
22
22
23

Yield

per
Acre.

Lbs.

660
630
510
480

Yield

per
Acre.

m ^

11 44

11 14

9 6

8 32

Weight

per

Measured

Bushel

after

Cleaning.

Lbs.

54^
55
56
54i

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 the 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 from one-hundredth of an acre.

The soil on which the field roots were grown was a heavy 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.

TUENIPS.

Two sowings were made of each variety, the first on May 22, and the second on
June 5. The seed was used at the rate of about 4 pounds per acre. Before sowing,
the land was made up in drills 2 feet apart and rolled with a heavy land roller, which
flattened the drills nearly one-half, leaving a firm seed bed. When the young plants
were about 3 inches high they were thinned out, leaving them about 7 inches apart
in the rows.

The roots were pulled on October 24.

220

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

Turnips — Test of Varieties.

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

ID

a

Name of Variety.

1 Perfection Swede

2 Hall's VVestbury

3| Hartley's Bronze

4 Halewood's Bronze Top
5'Magnuu) Bonuin

6 Mammoth Clyde

7 Jumbo

8

9

10

11

12

Kangaroo

Good Luck

Skirviiigs

Bangholm Selected.
Carter's Elephant . .

Yield

Yield

per

acre

per

acre

from

fr

im

IstSc

JWlIlg.

2nd t-

owing.

Tons.

Lbs.

Tons.

Lbs.

32

1,300

21

30

700

28

1,200

30

200

20

400

28

700

19

900

28

600

22

27

1.300

21

900

27

200

20

1,.500

27

200

17

1,000

26

1,700

21

1,100

26

600

18

100

24

1,500

16

300

20

1,100

15

1,60J

The average yield from the first sowing was 27 tons 1,033 lbs. per acre,
average yield from the second sowing was 20 tons 467 lbs. per acre.

The

MANGELS.

Two sowings were made of each variety, the first on May 22, and the second on
June 5. The seed was used at the rate of about 6 pounds per acre. Before sowing,
the land was made up in drills 2 feet apart and rolled with a heavy land roller to make
a firm seed bed. When the young plants were about 3 inches high they were thinned
out, leaving them about 7 inches apart in the rows. The roots were pulled October 21.

Mangels — Test of Varieties.

Name of Variety.

1 Half Sugar White

2 Selected Yellow Globe

3 Gate Post

4!Giant Yellow Globe

5jPerfection Mammoth Long Red

6|Yellow Intermediate

7iGiant> Yellow Intermediate . . .
8 Prize .Maumioth Long Red

9
10

Mammoth Red Intermediate
Crimson Champion

Yield

per acre

from

1st Sowing.

Tons.

29
26
25
23
23
22
22
21
20
17

Lbs.

1,700
1,100

■200
1,500

300
1,700

200
1,700
1,600

900

Yield

per acre

from

2nd Sowing.

Tons.

15
21
14
13
12
10
14
11
12
11

Lbs.

1,200
300

1,700
300

1,700

700
300
900

The average yield from the first sowing was 23 tons 690 lbs. per acre.
The average yield from the second sowing was 13 tons 1,310 lbs. per acre.

REPORT OF THE CEREALIST

221

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

CAKEOTS.

Two sowings were made of each variety, the first on May 22, and the second on
June 5. The seed was used at the rate of about 6 pounds per acre. Before sowing,
the. land was made up in drills 2 feet apart and rolled with a heavy land roller to make
a firm seed bed. When the young plants were about 3 inches high they were thinned
out, leaving them about 5 inches apart in the rows. The roots were pulled October 22.

Carrots — Test of Varieties.

Name of Variety.

1 1 Ontario Champion

2J Mammoth White Intermediate.
3 Giant White Vosges

Iiiiproved Short \V[iite.
Half Long Chantenay. .
White Belgian

Yield

Yield

per

acre

per acre

from

from

1st Sowing.

2nd

Sowing.

Tons.

Lbs.

Tons

Lbs.

26

1,500

16

1,400

26

1,400

21

1,000

22

600

17

1,400

21

1,900

21

1,800

18

1,900

18

1,500

15

1,500

15

500

The average yield from the first sowing was 22 tons 133 lbs. per acre.

The average yield from the second sowing was 18 tons 1,267 lbs. per acre.

SUGAR BEETS.

Two sowings were made of each variety, the first on May 22, and the second on
June 5. The seed was used at the rate of about 6 pounds per acre. Before sowing,
the land was made up in drills 2 feet apart and rolled with a heavy land roller to make
a firm seed bed. When the young plants were about 3 inches high they were thinned
out, leaving them about 5 inches apart in the rows. The roots were pulled on
October 23.

_ Sugar Beets — Test of Varieties.

u

(S

S

Name of Variety.

1 Vilmorin's Improved .

2 French Very Rich. . . .

3 Wanzleben

Yield

per acre

from

Ist Sowing.

Tons.

20
18
15

Lbs.

1,400
200
800

Yield

per acre

from

2nd Sowing.

Tons.

8

13

9

Lbs.

1,100

1,800

700

The average yield from the first sowing was 18 tons 133 lbs. per acre.
The average yield from the second sowing was 10 tons 1,200 lbs. per acre.

222

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD Vil., A. 1910

INDIAN CORN.

The com was sown with the seed drill in rows 35 inches apart, and was also sown
in hills 35 inches apart each way. When the plants were about 6 inches high they
were thinned out, leaving them from 6 to 8 inches apart in the rows, and leaving four
or five plants in each hill. The seed was sown June 2, and the corn was cut green for
ensilage September 10. The yield has been calculated from the weight of crop cut
from two rows, each 66 feet long. The soil was a heavy loam.

For the making of ensilage the corn 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 serious frost.

In Canada the ton contains 2,000 pounds.

Indian Corn — Test of Varieties

S

1

2
3

1

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

Name of "Variety.

Superior Fodder

Mammoth Cuban

Pride of the North

Eureka

Salzer'8 All Gk.ld

Champion White Peail. .

Selected Learning

Wood's Northern Dent, .
Early Mastodon . .
White Cap Yellow Dent
Compton's Early . . . .

Angel of Midnight

North Dakota White

Longfellow

Character

of
Growth.

Very Strong .
It *

Strong

Very Strong.

Strong

II

II

Very Strong.

Strong

Medium

II . . . • .

Strong

Medium

Height.

Leafiness.

Inches.

130

Very leafy

120

M

120

It

1.S2

II

130

II

120

Leafy

130

Very leafy

124

II

127

II

120

It

115

Leafy

100

ti

110

11

103

II

Condition
when Cut.

Late milk.
No cobs . .
Late milk.

Early milk
Doughy . .
Late milk
Early milk
Late milk.
Cobs glazed
Late milk. .
Cobs glazed

Weight per

Acre

grown in

Rows.

Tons.

Lbs.'

21

900

20

920

19

720

19

170

18

1290

18

520

18

520

17

870

17

650

16

1110

16

450

15

1570

15

30

13

1170

Weight per

Acre

grown in

Hills.

Tons. Lbs.

23 750
23 1300

21 1780

22 110

530
170

19 1160
28 760
18 1400

20 1800
18 1400

450
760

23
19

16

17

15 1020

The average yield from the rows was 17 tons 1,348 lbs. per acre.
The average yield from the hills was 20 tons 1,242 lbs. per acre.

indun corn sown at different distances.

Three varieties were chosen for this test: Champion White Pearl, Selected
Leaming, and Longfellow. The seed was sown June 2, and the corn was cut for
ensilage September 10. 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.

REPORT OF THE CEREALIST

223

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Name of Variety.

Champion Wliite Pearl .

Selected Learning.

Longfellow .

o
a

Inches.

21
28
35
42
21
28
35
42
21
28
35
42

Character

of
Growth.

Strong

Very strong.

Strong

Very strong.

Strong . . ,

a

be s

Inches.

100
122
120
132
102
115

mo

127
102
102
103
114

Condition
when Cut.

Late milk

Early milk

Glazed

Yield,
per Acre.

c
o

21
20
18
20
19
20
18
15
16
18
13
16

1,659
1,595

620

420
1,123
1,736

520
1,020

508

96

1,170

1,370

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 visually filled with
potatoes, such varieties heing grown as are likely to be of service in the annual
distribution 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 23 to 29, and were harvested September 28 to
October 3. The soil was chiefly a rather heavy loam.

On account of the very dry weather during the summer and early autumn the
yield of potatoes was small.

The yield per acre (of sound pvotatoes only) is expressed in pounds and also in
* bushels ' of 60 pounds.

e

12

Variety.

1 Money Maker

2 Twentieth Century. . .

3 Gold Coin

4 Dooley.

5 Rochester Rose

6 Carman, No. 1

7 Dalmeny Beauty

8 Late Puritan

9 Ashleaf Kidney

10 Irish Gobi ler

11 Burpee's Extra Early

12 Early White Prize ...

13, Early Manistee

HlEverett

Time of Maturing.

Medium

Mid-season to late,
II II

II II

Very early

Mid-season to late,

Medium

Mid-season to late,
II II

Early

Very early

It n ........

Medium

Early

Colour.

White

Pink..

White

Pink.

Yield, per
Acre.

Lbs.

14,520

12,240

11,700

10,920

9,t)00

8,460

8,2,S0

7,680

6,840

6,720

6,180

5,7(;o

4,!t80
3,900

Yield, per
Acre.

Bu.shela.

242
204
195
182
160
141
138
128
114
112
103

96

83

65

9-10 EDWARD VII. SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 A. 1910

REPORT OF THE POULTRY MANAGER.

A. G. GILIJERT.

Dr. Wm. Saunders,

Director Dominion Experimental Farms,
Ottawa.

Sir, — I have much pleasure in submitting to you the twenty-first annual report
of the Poultry Division of the Central Experimental Farm.

Before giving a detailed description of the work of the past year, it may be well
to note certain erroneous impressions, on the part of numerous correspondents, in
regard to profitable poultry-keeping. Unless refuted, these incorrect conclusions are
calculated to seriously retard the development of the poultry branch of farm work.

The correspondence of the past year also shows that, to be of benefit to the
greatest number of inquirers, the experiments conducted here should be, to a great
extent, of a practical nature.

It is hoped that the following report, while also dealing with other subjects, will
correct the wrong conclusions referred to and afford information as to the latest and
best methods of poultry management.

The experimental work of the year was of its usual varied character. Some new
experiments were undertaken, while others were continued from previous years. In
carrying on certain experiments, such as testing the efficiency of trap-nests as a
reliable means "of distinguishing good from poor laying fowls, conclusions reached are
unavoidably slow. Interesting experiments are noted as follows : —

1. An experiment in feeding frozen and sound wheat to different pens of fowls.
Results so far are in favour of the sound wheat. Details of the experiment will be
found on a following page.

2. Continuation of experiment in keeping nineteen Buff Orpington hens in an
unheated house with cotton front, with the object of ascertaining the suitability of a
fowl-house of this pattern for the colder winter districts of Canada.

3. Results showing the decided advantage of having chickens hatched out early in
'he snf.son.

4. Continuation of experiments showing the advantage in breeding from good
rather than from poor egg-laying strains of fowls.

Several tables give results of other experimental work.

I have to acknowledge the receipt of incubators sent for trial from Wm Tamlin,
Twickenham, London, England; from the Peerless Manufacturing Company, of
Pembroke, Ontario, and from the C. J. Daniels Manufacturing Company, of Toronto.
These machines are all heated by hot water. The Cyphers Manufacturing Company,
of Buffalo, New York, sent an electro-bator and electro-hover, the first for hatching
chickens and the second for rearing them, by electricity, the latter being taken from
the wires supplying light to the main poultry building. The use of electricity marks
an important step forward in the artificial hatching and rearing of chickens. The
tests were very satisfactory.

I have again the pleasure of bringing to your attention the efficient discharge by
my assistant, Mr. Victor Fortier, of the many duties devolving upon him during the

225

16—15

226 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

past year. Many useful lines of experiment have been conduct-ed by him, including
artificial and natural incubation. He has also compiled the tables relating to experi-
mental work to be found in the following pages. He has in addition carried on a large
French correspondence and has attended numerous meetings of farmers' institutes
and poultry shows in the province of Quebec, also being present at the Poultry
Institute held at Guelph last February.

Mr. Summers was, as usual, careful and competent in recording results from the
trap-nest system, and from the hatching of chickens by hens and incubators as well
as in the feeding of different experimental rations.

Mr. Deavey was faithful and energetic in the care of the poultry and poultry
houses, as well as in the other duties entrusted to him.

Ill-health on the part of the writer prevented him from attending several meet-
ings during the winter season. He had, however, the pleasure of attending and speak-
ing at the meeting of the Farmers' and Dairymen's Association of New Brunswick,
held in Fredericton, N.B., during the month of March last.

The appointment of Mr. Ronald Pelletier as stenographer and typewriter, of
English and French to this Division, has given greater opportunity for the quick
despatch of replies to a large and rapidly increasing correspondence.

I have the honour to be, sir,

Your obedient servant,

A. G. GILBERT,

Poultry Manager.

REPORT OF TEE POULTRY MANAGER 227

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

EEPORT OF THE POULTRY MANAGER.

The rapid development that is taking place in jKiultry-keeping, as a profitable
branch of agriculture, is well instanced by the large and increasing demand on the
part of farmers and others for information. This demand has been met with all
possible despatch and liberality from our Division.

The favourable opinion of the farmers of the country towards the poultry branch
of their farm work, is forcibly shown by the following quotations from an official
publication entitled, ' Crops and Live Stock of Ontario,' which, for many years past,
has been issued annually under the auspices of the Ontario Department of Agricul-
ture. It gives the opinions of farmer correspondents, at diiferent points of the pro-
vince, on the value of poultry-keeping. In the issue of last year the opinions of fifty-
three individuals are given. Of this number fifty speak favourably of poultry-keeping.
Some of these favourable comments are as follows : —

The correspondent at Harwick, Kent, Ont., says : * Poultry are the best paying
thing on the farm, but they take careful looking after.'

The correspondent at Sydenham, Grey, says : ' Poultry are selling high. In fact
the economically-kept poultry farm is the best money-maker just now, the cost of
equipment being taken into consideration.'

The report from Minto, Wellington, says : ' Good, well-bred poultry, if properly
attended to, will give their owner a clear profit of one dollar per hen. We get $4
apiece for our Bronze turkey cockerels, and $3 for pullets, and so on.'

Many more quotations might be given, but the foregoing are sufficient to show the
farmers' appreciation of poultry-keeping as a profitable branch of farm work.

SOME USEFUL LESSONS LEARNED FROM A VARIED CORRES-
PONDENCE.

The careful reading of this correspondence leads to the conclusion that the great
majority of those who intend to begin poultry-keeping, or who ask as to its possibili-
ties, have a very imperfect conception of how profitable poultry-keeping should be
conducted. It may be beneficial to many such inquirers, as well as to those Avho have
recently commenced poultry-keeping, to note and comment upon some of these
erroneous impressions. The more common of these impressions are noted as follows : —

EUKOR NO. 1 AND COMMENT THEREON.

That poultry-keeping, unlike other branches of business, can be successfully
undertaken without any previous knowledge of it.

Comment thereon. — A thorough knowledge of the latest and best methods of
poultry-keeping by the intending poultry keeper, particularly if he aims to be a spe-
cialist, is requisite to success. The two following letters may serve to illustrate right
and wrong estimates of poultry-keeping. The first reads : ' Dear Sir, — Kindly send
me all information as to the most up-to-date methods of keeping poultry. I intend to
take up the business when I know something about its proper management.'

The second correspondent says: 'Dear Sir, — I have just purchased 100 Barred
Plymouth Rock pullets. Please tell me how to manage them, for I know nothing about
poultry-keeping.'

16— 15i

228 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VI!., A. 1910

It is plain that tlie first correspondent, who appreciates the necessity of a certain
amount of previous knowledge, is more likely to succeed than the second, who has
purchased one hundred birds without knowing how to properly manage them.

The question of how or where a knowledge of poultry-keeping can be acquired is
frequently asked. It may be gained in the following ways : —

A. By beginning with a few birds, of an approved type, and learning slowly but
surely from experience, aided by the practical instruction supplied by the Poultry
Division of the Experimental Farms' System and by the agricultural press.

B. By attending a course of poultry-keeping at one of the agricultural colleges.

C. By serving an apprenticeship at a paying poultry plant.

The farmer beginning poultry-keeping has a decided advantage over others, for
he has been more or less accustomed to poultry on the farm from his earliest years,
and probably has a certain knowledge of their management. He should find both A
and B easy and congenial methods. To judge from letters received from such, what
they most need is to learn the great difference there is — from an economic stand-
point— ^between: the pure-bred bird and the nondescript, with latest and best methods
of poultry housing and management. These details have been described in reports of
this division for some years past, and are taken up to a certain extent in the follow-
ing pages. Too many farmers think that good results may be obtained from any kind
of fowl, with little or no care. Specialists, however, fully realize the necessity of
having pure-bred stock and of caring for them in the best possible way. But who are
the specialists, and wherein do they differ from the farmer?

As a rule specialists reside near enough to the city to have ready access to the
best paying customers there. Specialists are to be found in all classes of the com-
munity; some are clerks, others mechanics and not a few storekeepers. All are expert
in obtaining eggs in winter and many in rearing chickens of the most approved market
types. In winter they sell their eggs and in the summer or the fall a superior quality
of poultry, at the highest prices, because their eggs are strictly new-laid and their
poultry carefully killed and plucked, thus presenting an inviting appearance. Many
specialists take prizes at different fall and winter shows throughout the Dominion for
the best-dressed specimens of poultry. In many instances they buy birds from farmers,
fatten them for a short time and win prizes with them. It will at once be evident
that the specialist, as described, enters into lively competition with the farmer, who,
in too many eases, instead of following the example of his rival, sells his eggs or
chickens for a price frequently much below that paid to the former. A well-known
specialist, who resides near the city limits, informed the writer that during the past
two winters he had had no difficulty in obtaining 60 cents per dozen for new-laid eggs
during the short period when very high prices prevailed. ' In fact,' he said, ' many
people came to me and were glad to get the eggs at that high price, because they knew
they could be relied on as being strictly new-laid.' In too many cases the farmer
saves up his eggs until he has enough to make it worth while to take them to market.
This practice prevents his receiving the highest price. By the time enough are saved
most of the eggs are stale. Storekeepers and private purchasers suspect such to be the
case and value them accordingly.

On several occasions during the past winter of 1908-9, 50 cents per dozen was paid
on the markets of this city for strictly new-laid eggs. In the case of poultry, the most
carefully killed, plucked and dressed birds were in the best demand. Some one may
say that it is not easy for the purchaser to distinguish new-laid from stale eggs. But
the market buyer of to-day is much more expert in detecting the difference between
the stale and the fresh, than was the buyer of past years when new-laid eggs in winter
were comparatively unknown and a superior quality of poultry a scarce article.

The advantage in cost of production is with the farmer. — But the farmer has a
distinct advantage over the specialist, for he has his grain, straw and roots at cost.
All these the specialist has to buy. In addition, farmers situated near cities have

REPORT OF THE POULTRY MANAGER 229

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

exceptional advantages, as they are not only in a position to obtain the same high
values as the specialist by producing an equally good article, but should make a larger
margin of profit.

Recapitulation. — Farmers should be keenly alive to the following points, viz. : —

1. That pure-bred fowls, of the utility varieties, are better for their purposes than
nondescripts.

2. That these fowls require proper housing and management.

3. That farmers near good markets have exceptional opportunities to obtain the
highest prices for strictly new-laid eggs and the superior quality of poultry.

4. That farmers are able to enter into favourable competition with any rivals.

5. That whether near a city market or not, the new-laid eggs should be sold as
quickly as possible. Special effort should be made to do this in winter or in summer.

6. That clean-looking and neatly put-up new-laid eggs and well-dressed poultry,
of good quality, will sell better than any other kind.

SECOND ERRONEOUS IMPRESSION, AND COMMENT THEREON.

The second erroneous impression on the part of many poultry keepers is, that
having secured a prolific egg-laying strain of fowl, no effort is necessary to perpetuate
the excellence of that strain.

Comment. — Experience has clearly shown that continued careful and skilled
breeding is necessai'y to retain or develop prolific egg-laying characteristics. The
term prolific is not used as referring to those phenomenal egg-layers with records of
200 to 210 eggs per year each — rare specimens of which are sometimes exploited — but
to refer to hens, from which, by selection, we may obtain an average of from 100 to
120 eggs each per year. It may be claimed that many fowls, under ordinary condi-
tions, lay that number of eggs. But the experience gained in many years, by breeding
from layers selected by trap-nest tests, does not verify that assertion. There is reason
to believe that, in numerous cases, the number of eggs laid by a specially good hen or
two in a pen, have been noted and the laying qualities of the remainder have been
rated as of the same exceptional merit.

The remark may be frequently heard, from an enthusiastic but inexperienced
poultryman, ' I have a hen which I believe lays an egg every day.' But what about
the merits of the other fowls in the same pen? The impression conveyed is that all
the other inmates of the pen are equally extraordinary layers. The trap-nest, with its
mechanically correct record, is the surest means of proving which are the best, the
worst and the indifferent layers. Only fowls of one of the varieties which have been
shown to be good layers of large eggs, as well as of correct market type, should be
selected, and these should be carefully mated before being placed in the breeding pen.
It is of paramount importance that the male bird, mated with the selected layers,
should also come from a family of proved prolific layers, as otherwise there might be
retrograde rather than progressive influence. Careless or haphazard mating of old,
young or untried birds is not likely to result in success.

In establishing a strain of prolific layers of large eggs — in combination with good
market type — the following breeds may be suggested, viz. : —

For eggs and flesh. — Select one of the best utility types, such as Barred Plymouth
Rocks, White Wyandottes or Buff Orpingtons.

For eggs only. — A choice may be made of any of the following : White Leghorns,
Black Minorcas, Andalusians or Black Hamburgs.

A rule important to observers is that none but the best layers of the varieties
named, should be chosen. Where it is possible to make a selection by trap nests, such
fowls should be preferred.

230

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

Careful selection of cocJc hird necessary. — Too much care cannot be taken in
selecting a cock-bird to head the breeding pen. The mistake is frequently made of
purchasing a cock-bird derived from a family of inferior layers to mate with hens of
proved merit. Such action is surely detrimental.

Hens rather than pullets. — Unless absolutely unavoidable, pullets should not be
used to breed from. They are really undeveloped fowls, and no such immature speci-
men should be found in a breeding pen.

ERRONEOUS IMPRESSION NO. 3, AND COMMENT THEREON.

A third erroneous impression — especially common among the farming community
— is that any sort of building is good enough for the housing of poultry.

Comment thereon. — As a result of this impression poultry-houses dilapidated,
lice-infested, ill-ventilated, unclean and improperly furnished are sometimes met with.
It is hardly necessary to remark that in such cases the birds are unprofitable. Poultry-
houses are now made which are easy and cheap of construction, while of the most
approved patterns. Plans of different styles of poultry-houses have been published
from time to time in previous reports of this Division. Perhaps the most inquired
for is the house with cotton front, as shown by frontispiece illustration in report of
last year and the house with cotton above and below the window. Both houses face
south. The interior fittings of both are very much the same. A circular showing
diagrams of the first named pattern of house with directions as to construction is in
course of preparation. When issued it will prove a useful guide to those who con-
template the erection of a structure on this plan. The second style of house is also
much inquired about. The following illustration shows the cotton frames above and
below the windows of one of the houses of the Pembroke, Ont., Poultry Plant, where
it has been severely tested for four years with satisfactory results.

This illustration shows the cotton panels above and below the windows, at the
plant of the Poultry Yards of Canada, Pembroke, Ont.

REPORT OF THE POULTRY MANAGER

231

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

The following illustration shows the interior arrangement of one of the compart-
ments an outside view of which is given above.

it*

immmmM

Showing cotton frame in front of roosting place, held partly open ; also
showing roosts, dropping board and nests.

The inside plans of both patterns of house are very similar, the greatest differ-
ence being in the arrangement of the cotton, used as a means of securing ventilation
by diffusion of air, rather than by draught. In the first style of house the whole
front is cotton; in the second the cotton is placed above and below the windows.

FOURTH WRONG IMPRESSION, AND COMMENT THEREON.

That little or no change in the composition of rations is necessary during the
winter season.

Comment. — This is, unfortunately, a very common error among poultry keepers.
In previous reports of this Division the necessity of variety in rations, and of moderate
exercise, especially during the winter period of close confinement, has been
forcibly pointed out. Experience has emphasized the need of these for the following
reasons : —

1. As a means of keeping the birds in good health.

2. As an incentive to egg production.

3. As a preventive of feather-picking and egg-eating.

4. As likely to strengthen the germs of early spring eggs used for hatching
purposes.

Fowls confined to limited quarters and fed with unvarying monotony during the
winter season on one or two kinds of grain only, are frequently attacked with inflam-
mation of the intestines. Perhaps there is no ailment more frequently described and
a remedy asked for by correspondents during the winter and early spring months. A
brief description of the symptoms of this ailment may be useful. The affected fowl,
apparently in good health a short time before, is noticed lying on its side, unable to
vise its legs, which are stretched out. There is spasmodic flapping of the wings. The
bird has an anxious and distressed appearance. It has high fever and, frequently,
diarrhoea. From this disease, many recover. An effective remedy is a change of food
and locality. The diet of all the remaining fowls should also be at once changed.

232 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

We are frequently advised to take our cue from natural conditions in the ^winter-
housing and feeding of our birds. It would doubtless be well for both the poultry and
the poultry keeper if this good advice were more extensively practised. A hen running
at large during the summer season supplies herself with a variety of food. She
supplies herself with all that is requisite to make the egg, egg-shell, to grind up the
food in her gizzard and to keep herself in robust health. In picking up this variety
of diet, she has to make some effort, which means exercise. She keeps her body almost
free from lice by vigorously dusting in dry and fine earth, preferably road dust. She
exhibits a decided preference for roosting in the branches of trees, where she can have
plenty of fresh air, rather than going into a stuffy poultry house. And we should learn
our lesson from the foregoing, as to the proper feeding, treatment and housing of our
birds. It is evident that the nearer we come to the natural, in the treatment of our
fowls, the greater will be our sviccess. The following information is given in response
to numerous inquiries for the same : —

A PROPER RATION FOR USE DURING WINTER,

A frequent request received is for a suitable ration for use during the winter
season. The following will be found to give satisfactory results, whether given by the
hopper or by other methods — :

Morning. — Wheat, or at times buckwheat, in quantities of. 8 to 10 pounds to 100
hens. Scatter in the litter on the floor of poultry-house or scratch-shed.

Noon. — Steamed lawn clippings or clover hay three or four times per week. If
thought necessary, give 5 pounds of oats to 100 hens. Scatter in litter on floor of the
pen or house.

Afternoon. — Mash composed of such ground grains as are in most abundance.
Mix these with hot water and feed when cool, in quantities of 3 or 4 ounces to each
hen. The following ground grains have been found to be effective when mixed into
mash, with one part of meat meal :

Shorts 2 parts.

Ground oats 1 "

Cornmeal 1 "

The above ground grains mixed in the proportions specified, will be found suitable
for feeding by the hopper method also. A full description of this method was given
in the report of 1906. The usual practice is to intimately mix the ground grains and
to put them into one compartment of a hopper, usually divided into three parts. The
second division of the hopper is frequently filled with ground oyster shells and grit,
and the third with beef scrap, a coarser form of the meat-meal used in the wet mash.

The following whole-grain ration has been found an effective egg-producer during
the past two winters, viz. : One-third wheat, one-third buckwheat, one-third oats. The
grains were fed in conjunction with roots, cut bone and grit — at the rate of 3 to 5
pounds per day to 24 hens.

PROPER FOOD AND TREATMENT FOR YOUNG CHICKENS.

As pointed out in many previous reports, the farmer who hatches out his chickens
during the first week in May will get the best results in steady growth and early
maturity of the chicks. The following method of feeding will be found suitable for
hen or incubator-hatched chickens : —

For the first thirty-six honrs after hatching, little or no food should be given.
The chicks require careful brooding more than anything else. Much depends upon

REPORT OF TEE POULTRY MANAGER 233

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

their vitality. Some may be the better of a little food; if so, a few stale bread crumbs
may be given.

Second and third days. — Stale bread soaked in skimmed milk and squeezed dry,
or one part of finely-chopped hard-boiled egg and three parts of stale bread crumbs.
Feed no more than the chickens will eat up without waste. If the chicks are hearty,
feed every two or three hours. Continue this for a day or two, and then add granu-
lated oatmeal. Continue the stale bread soaked in milk and granulated oatmeal foi*
ten days, when finely-crushed corn may be added to the foregoing with advantage.
After fourteen days give whole wheat, in small quantity at first.

As the chicks grow older, they should be given a mash composed of stale bread,
shorts, oatmeal, ground meat, &c. Finely-cut bone or meat will be found a great
incentive to growth at this stage.

On the chickens becoming eight weeks of age, their feeds may be reduced to three
times per day. Care should be taken that they are generously fed the last time for the
day. For drink give them skimmed milk and water. When the hen-hatched chickens
are fully feathered, their mothers should be removed from them. The chickens will be
found to return to their coops as usual, where they may be allowed to remain until
removed to more commodious quarters in colony houses. On the incubator-hatched
chickens becoming too large for the brooders they should be removed to colony houses.

MOULTING OF THE HENS IN SUMMER.

How the hens may be made to moult during the summer months is a question
that is frequently asked, particularly at the beginning of the summer season. The
following treatment has been successful here for several years. During the early part
of July — after the breeding season is over — the fowls were placed on half the usual
rations for 15 or 20 days. The effect of this treatment was the stoppage of egg produc-
tion and the loosening of the old feathers. At the end of 15 or 20 days, the full rations
were resumed. A little linseed meal may then be added to the mash with benefit.
Before the beginning of operations to bring on the moult, the cock -birds were removed
from the breeding pens and placed in compartments by themselves. The hena were
then allowed to run in small fields where they could find insects, clover, grass, &c. In
the feeding of the fowls during moult, care should be observed that they do not become
too fat. The fowls are more apt to become over-fat from too generous feeding during
the moult than after they have recommenced laying.

EXPEEIMENTAL WORK 'OF THE YEAR

The close of the fiscal year ending March 31, 1908, found different pens of fowls
selected and mated for breeding purposes, as follows : —

Male. Females.
No. 1 house, pen 1 — White Plymouth Rocks 1 16

u a

2 — Buff Orpingtons 1 14

3— White Leghorns 1 16

4 — White Leghorns 1 16

5 — Black Minorcas 1 12

6— White Orpingtons 1 12

7 — Faverolles 1 12

234 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

House No. 2 contained spare cockerels for breeding purposes, also a pen of Black
Hamburg hens and three pens of White Leghorns.

Male. Females.

House No. 3, pen 20 — Light Brahmas 1 4

" " 2^^— Mixed 1 11

" " 25— White Leghorns 1 7

" " 26— White Plymouth Rocks 1 10

« " 27— S. G. Dorkings 1 11

Cotton front house No. 32, without scratch-shed and unheated. — Contained 1
cockerel; 7 pullets and 13 hens, Buii Orpingtons.

No. 1 Double house with scratch-shed, unheated. — Containing pens 33 and 34.
In pen 33, were 1 cockerel and 24 hens. Barred Plymouth Rocks. In pen 34, were
1 cock and 22 hens. White Wyandottes.

No. 2 Double house, unheated. — Containing pens 35 and 36, with scratch-shed of
cotton. Pen 35 held 1 cockerel and 20 pullets, Barred Plymouth Rocks. Pen 36 con-
tained White Wyandottes : 1 cockerel and 17 pullets. For full description of this
house, see Bulletin No. 54, figure 44.

Many of these birds had laid well during the previous winter, and continued to
do so, while others commenced only on the approach of spring weather. The records,
which in all cases were secured by the use of trap-nests, are published in the tables
following.

EGGS SOLD FOR HATCHING PURPOSES.

As usual, in the spring there was a greater demand for eggs for hatching purposes
than could be supplied. The eggs, which were sold at one dollar per setting, were
carefully packed in small boxes designed for safe carriage. The purchaser paid
express charges. In most cases the eggs arrived in ,good order. One hundred and
eighty-four settings of eggs were sold during the season.

HATCHINQ OF CHICKENS BY NATURiVL AND BY ARTIFICIAL MEANS.

As in previous years, chickens were hatched by both natural and artificial means.
The results corroborated those of many previous years, and showed that when the
germs of the eggs are weak neither hens nor incubators will satisfactorily hatch them
out. It has been said by unthinking enthusiasts, in favour of natural means, that a
hen will hatch out a weak germ that an incubator will not. Experience gained by the
writer, in many years of careful investigation, leads to the conclusion that one of the
greatest drawbacks to successful poultry-keeping is breeding from constitutionally
unsound parent stock. If the incubator does nothing else than kill weak germs, it is
indispensable to the best interests of up-to-date poultry-keeping.

i

IMMATURE SPECIMENS SHOULD NOT BE BRED FROM.

There is reason to conclude that injurious, rather than beneficial, resvilts follow
the too common practice of breeding from pullets, and that still more hurt is done
when young cockerels are mated with them. Pullets and cockerels are immature
specimens, and as such should not be placed in a breeding pen. Those who desire the
best and earliest layers and the meatiost cockerels for early market, should breed only
from well-matured and vigorous specimens.

WEAK OFFSPRING THE RESULT OF WEAK BREEDING STOCK.

It is safe to express the opinion that, if more attention were given by poultry
keepers throughout the country to the proper housing and feeding of their poultry

REPORT OF THE POULTRY MANAGER

235

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

during the winter season, following this in spring by the mating of none but robust
and well-matured birds, there would be fewer cases of so-called White, or other kind
of Diarrhoea. The experience of each year emphasizes the opinion, so freely expressed
on previous occasions, that if the farmers would allow their fowls a run outside in
spring before commencing to save their eggs for hatching purposes, better results
would follow. Chickens hatched during the first week of May are certainly the best
for farmers.

The following tables give the results of hatching by natural and artificial methods
during the spring and early summer of last year: —

Table No. 1. — Number of Chickens Hatched by Hens.

Date

Eggs were

Set.

1908.

April 17...
« 23...

,. 25...
May 2...

Description of Eggs.

B. P. Rocks and White Wyandottes.
B. P. Rocks, White Leghorns and

White Wyandottes

Black Minorcas, Buff Orpingtons,

Faverolles, Light Brahmas, White

Wj'andottes

Black Minorcas, Black Hamburgs,

FaveroUea and S. G. Dorkings .

No. OP

Eggs .

Chickens.

"o

-o

S

u

a)

"

Is

>^

T)

j^

hr^

J3

C3

0)

22

-a

"S-IS

m

1

-a

a
Q

P
u

a;

p. e.

43

6

14

2

9

12

28

73

1

9

6

18

39

53i

69

4

6

2

13

44

63f

60

0

9

7

11

33

55

Remarks.

Eggs were laid by
hens kept in
unhealed and in
warmed houses .

Table No. 2. — Number of Chickens Hatched by Incubator.

•
Description of Eggs.

No OF Eggs.

Chickens.

o

0) .

11

&^

13

so
o *^

Date

Eggs were

placed in

Incubator.

*3

0)

cc

215
177
153

i
6

09

fcc

at
.2

T3
ID

Remarks.

1908.
April 22....

Barred and White Plymouth Rocks,
White Wyandottes, Buff Orping-
tons and White Lesrhorns

48
46
32

38
15
24

36
11
34

93

105
63

p.c.

59|
\\\

Eggs were laid by
hens kept in unheat-
ed and in warmed
houses.

„ 23....
„ 30....

Barred and White Plymouth Rocks,
White Wyandottes, White Leg-
horns, S. (t. Dorkings

Burred and White Plymouth Rocks,
White Leghorns, White Wyan-
dottes, S. C. Dorkings

GROWTH OF THE CHICKENS.

The naturally-hatched chickens were placed with their mother hens, in coops
outside; if hatched in an incubator, they were put into brooders. With food and
treatment as outlined in a preceding page, they made satisfactory progress. It was

236 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9^10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

a noticeable feature that there was only one ease of White Diarrhoea among tlie in-
cubator-hatched chickens. Previous to use, the incubators and brooders were sprayed
with a well-known disinfectant. Care had also been taken, after the chickens came
out of the shells, to prevent them falling from the tray of the incubator to the nursery
below, where the temperature was several degrees lower, as there was reason to suspect
that this gave them a chill, which past observations point to as a predisposing cause of
White Diarrhoea. Precautions against chill were continued after the chickens were
placed in the brooders.

Further close observation is being made and interesting results are expected.

DEMAND FOR SPARE STOCK.

Towards the fall, the chickens were well matured and the spare birds were sold
for breeding purposes. The birds sold numbered 66 males and 69 females of different
varieties.

WHEN THE PULLETS COMMENCED TO LAY.

The first pullets to begin to lay were all hatched during the first week in May.
They laid their first eggs as follows : —

Buff Orpington pullet, first egg on October 28, 1908.
' Barred Plymouth Eoek pullet, first egg on November 26, 1908.
White Leghorn pullet, first egg on November 27, 1908.

White Wyandotte pullet, first egg on December 7, 1908. ,

White Orpington pullet, first egg on December 17, 1908.

NUMBER OF EGGS LAID DURING YEAR.

The following is a list of the number of eggs laid during the different months of
the year: —

1908—

April .• 2,837

May 2,433

June 1,015

July 1,690

August 1,084

September 801

October 179

November 48

December 620

1909—

January 1,122

February 1,463

March 2,119

15,411

EXPERIMENTS IN FEEDING FROZEN WHEAT (WHOLE AND GROUND)

TO POULTRY.

With the view of ascertaining the value of frozen as compared with sound wheat,
when fed to poultry, the following experiment was conducted from February 20 to

REPORT OF THE POULTRY MANAGER

237

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

October 31 of last year. Two varieties of fowls, namely, White Plymouth Rock
pullets and White Orpingtons, were selected, 22 of the former being taken, and 10
hens and 4 pullets of the latter. The White Plymouth Rocks were again divided into
two groups of 11 each and the Wliite Orpingtons were also divided into two groups of
5 hens and 2 pullets each, one group of each variety receiving frozen and the other
sound wheat. The different groups were kept in separate pens. The frozen wheat
was fed both whole and ground fine. When given whole, it was scattered in the litter
on the floor of the poultry-house; when ground, it was made a part of their mash.
Experience had shown, that when fed alone, the frozen wheat sometimes caused loose-
ness of bowels, therefore the frozen grain, when whole, was mixed with oats. The mixture
of whole grains then stood, half frozen wheat and half sound oats, with the ground
frozen wheat mixed with cornmeal and ground oats. Details of the experiment will
be found in the following tables, which show the number of eggs laid by the different
^oups per month; average number of eggs laid per fowl during the experiment, and
the gain or loss in weight by the different groups, the whole making an interesting
and instructive experiment. The four tables of results are as follows : —

Table 3. — Showing Results from Feeding Frozen Wheat, Whole and Ground, to 11
White Plymouth Rock Pullets, from February 20 to October 31, 19 8.

Year.

Months.

Total

of
eggs
laid.

Weight of Bir'Js
at dates named.

Remarks.

1908.

ci

3

16

o

59

i
§

2
3
Hi

34

1-5

52

an

P
to
D

39

-a

s

m
9

S
■%
o
O

February 20.. 74i lbs

March 6 73| ..

M 20 71 M

April 6 70 ,.

October 30. ..51 „

Two pullets died
during the experi-
ment in month of
May.

An average of 42J
eggs per pullet.

Nnmber of
eggs laid. .

147

113

469

This table should be compared with No. 4, showing results from birds fed on
sound grain only.

RATIONS FED TO ABOVE GROUP OF FOWLS.

Whole grain; one-half frozen wheat, one-half oats, mixed. Fed morning
evening thrown in litter on the floor of the house.
Wet mash, every third day at noon.
Cut bone, every third day at noon.
■ Beets, every third day at noon.
Grit, broken oyster shells, and roots in regular supply.
The composition of the wet mash was as follows: —

Ground frozen wheat 1 part.

" oats 1 «

" barley 1 "

" Corn 1 "

Beef scraps took the place of cut green bone from April 24.

The birds were given, at each time of feeding, all the food they could eat.

and

238

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

Table 4 (Continuation of Frozen Wheat experiment). — This table shows the results
from 11 White Plymouth Rock pullets fed on sound grain only. This table should
be compared with No. 3.

Table 4. — Results from 11 White Plymouth Rock Pullets fed on Sound Grain only

from February 20 to October 31, 1908.

Year.

Months.

Total

of

eggs

laid.

Weight of Birds
at dates named.

Remarks.

1908.

a.

00

s

0)
X2
O

o

o

February 20.. 73 lbs.

March 6 74 „

„ 20 .. ..73^ M

April 3 74 „

October 30.... 68 ..

One pullet died in
month of May.

An average of 60
eggs per pullet.

Number of
eggs laid . .

29

108

162

122

43

76

49

43

25

657

With the exception of substituting sound wheat for frozen, the ration in this case
was the same as that shown in No. 3 table.

More eggs were laid by this group of pullets fed on sound grain than the first
group with frozen wheat as a part of the ration.

Table 5 (Frozen Wheat experiment continued). — Showing results from 7 White Or-
pingtons (5 hens, two years old, and 2 pullets), which were fed frozen wheat as
part of their rations, as described in No. 1 table. Compare with table 4 following.

Table 5. — Results from 7 White Orpingtons : 5 hens, two years old, and 2 pullets, fed
with frozen wheat from February 20 to October 31, 1908.

Year.

Months.

Total

of
eggs
laid.

Weight of Birds
at dates named.

Remarks.

1908.

42

<
46

<D

'a
13

CO

be

<

(.1

£

s

a

02

o
o
O

February 20. 34^ lbs

March 6 2S| ,.

„ 20 23 n

April 3 22 n

October 30.... 19 i.

One hen Hied in
month of May.

Averajre of 20 eggs
per hen.

Number of
eggs laid . .

21

32

6

14

7

0

181

Table 6 (Continuation of Frozen Wheat experiment). — Showing results from a group
of 4 White Orpington hens and 3 pullets fed on sound gi-ain. Compare this with
preceding table.

Table 6. — Results from a group of 4 White Orpington hens and 3 pullets fed on sound

grain from February 20 to October 31, 1908.

Year.

Months.

Total

of

eggs

laid.

Weight of the Birdts

at different dates
during experiment.

Remarks.

1908.

^ 1 February.

CO 1

1

58

i

s

CO

So
<

u

■%

CO

o
o

o

February 20.. 40 lbs

March 6 39.<! ,-

„ 20... ..S8| ..

April 3 39^ ,.

October 30... 34.^ „

One hen died dur-
ing the month of
May.

Average 30 J eggs
per hen.

Number of
eggs laid . .

61

30

15

27

0

5

0

214

REPORT OF TEE POULTRY MANAGER

239

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

DEDUCTIONS FROM ABOVE EXPERIMENT.

The birds fed on sound wheat laid the greater number of eggs. The birds on
frozen wheat (fed whole and ground as described) lost weight.

The fowls fed on sound gi-ain presented a more healthy appearance towards the
end of the experiment.

EXPERIMENT WITH COTTON-FRONT HOUSE CONTINUED FROM 1907.

The report of last year gave results for five months of egg-laying by 19 Buff Orping-
ton pullets which were placed during November, 1907, in a recently constructed
poultry-house with a cotton front. This small structure faced south, and, at the time
of its construction, was of advanced type. Views of this building, with an explanation
of its interior, will be found in the report of 1907-8. The following table gives
the results in egg-laying for the complete year, and also shows the average monthly
maximum and minimum temperatures, as noted by self-registering thermometers, for
the winter months.

Table 7. — Cotton-front Poultry-house, unheated. Contained 19 BuS Orpington
hens, hatched between April 25 and May 28, 1907. Details of egg-laying, tempera-
tures and composition of rations. Compare this table with No. 8.

Months.

^S

Average temperature
of house.

Average temperature
of roosting room.

Remarks,

Maximum.

Minimum.

Maximum.

Minimum.

1907.

November

December

1908.

January

February

March

April

34
125

230
160
222
221
193
12G
138
13G
141
39

No record . .
II

above zero.

35 3
42-2
52-3

or 93 eggs pe

No record . .
II

above zero.

8-5

7-8

21-7

r hen.

No record . .
II

above zero.

34-5

30

521

No record. .
II

above zero.

22\S
29-6
32-5

2 hens laid fewer than 50

eggs each.
10 hens laid over 50 eggs each.
7 .. 100
1 hen laid 31 eggs.
1 II 144 eggs.

May

'

June ... .

July

August

September. . .
October

Total ...

1,7G5

RATIONS FED TO ABOVE FOWLS.

Morning and evening. — Whole grain: ^ wheat, ^ oats. Thrown in litter on floor
of house.

Noon. — Ground grain: 1 part corn, 1 part barley, 1 part oats, 1 part wheat bran.
2 Every third day : Ground raw bone. After April 24 replaced by meat scrap.
3. Every third day : (In winter) raw vegetables.
There was a constant supply of gravel and oyster shell.

240

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910
QUANTITIES OF FOOD CONSUMED FOR THE YEAR.

Whole grain 1,060 pounds.

Ground grain 255

Vegetables 228

Ground raw bone 82

Gravel 50

Oyster shell 49

NOTES ON FOREGOING EXPERIMENT.

The birds were in perfect health during the winter. There was not a case of
frost bite in the coldest weather. This, doubtless, was due to the cotton-covered frame
which was let down, in front of the .roosting place, on cold nights.

The number of eggs laid was greater than that from hens of the same variety, age
and strain, kept in a warmed house.

The eggs, in early spring, were more fertile than those from hens kept in warmed
houses.

When the weather was unusually severe the fowls were given snow instead of
water.

Table 8 (Heated house). — Showing the egg laying of 11 Buff Orpington hens, one-
year old, from November, 1907, to end of October, 1908.

November
December .

January. .
February
March . . .

April

May

.1 une . . . .

July

August. . . .
September
October . . . .

Months.

Total

1907.

1908.

Eggs laid.

44

70

112

64
84
108
44
29
58
38
29
0

086

Temperature of the house. Average temperature of
"^ the house.

Maximum.

Minimum.

No record

above zero.

54
56
58

No record

above zero.

24
22
30

or 62^ eggs per hen.

Maximum.

No record

above zero.

46-8
473
49-8

Minimum.

No record . .

above zero.

34-5
35-2
39

The birds in this experiment were kept in a warmed house.

The average monthly maximum and minimum temperatures of the building
during the winter months are also given. This table (8) should be compared with
the foregoing table 7, when results will be found in favour of the system of keeping
poultry in unheated, well-ventilated houses.

NOTES ON above EXPERIMENT.

Rations fed to the above fowls were the same as given to the birds in the cotton
front house, as shown in table No. 7.

REPORT OF THE POULTRY MANAGER

241

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

The experience gained in this case is clearly in favour of the unhealed house
system of poultry-keeping.

The experiment also shows a gain of 10 eggs per hen over the same number of
fowls of 1907. This may, however, be the result of breeding from the best layers, as
shown by the trap-nest.

BENEFIT OF TRAP-NEST SELECTION.

EXPERIMENT IN UNHEATED HOUSE, HAYING TWO DH'ISIONS WITH SCRATCH-SHED ATTACHMENT

TO EACH DIVISION.

The following experiment was carried on in an unhealed house, divided into two
compartments, with a scratch-shed attachment to each. The compartments were
numbered 35 and 36, respectively. The first contained 14 Barred Plymouth Rock
hens, the second 10 White Wyandottes. Details are shown. in the following table of
results : —

Table 9 — ^Pen 35. — Showing results ascertained by trap-nets, from 14 Barred Ply-
mouth Rock hens, two years of age.

1907.

1908.

"5

r—i
■1-

bo

Hen

...

(No.
of Leg-

(h

^

i.

>>

-«^

3

of

O

Reir.arka.

band).

>
o

o

o

G

3
1)

1

<

7
3
4

ED
02

o
O

1

13

5
13

9
15

7

7

14

20

10

4

7

9

17

7

11

"li

4
10

9

11
2

51
40
59

71)
125

3

1

6
6

1
17

4

5

13

K)

6
21

11

8

11

16

13

7

16

18

19

17

20

18

19

18

21

173

14

IS

91

n

7

1?

69

Died May 29.

29

3

18

17

8

4
16

16
9

4

11

15
10

59
113

32

3

16

5

7

10

42

8

18

15

18

3

9

9

13

8

5

106

50

5
8

11

20

1
6

7
18

7
8

6
11

' 7

37
99

.51

6 ....

i5 . . .

6S

14

19

2

19

16

18

12

9

8

117

82

1
106

13

8

4
137

2
143

6

6

4

84

72

10

44

Total.

97

118

182

111

102

1,162

or 83 egg.s per hen.

The rations given to above fowls were the same as shown in Table 7.

QUANTITY OF FOOD CONSUMED.

Whole grain 864 pounds.

Ground grain, made into mash 203 "

Vegetables, &c 186 "

Cut bone 87 . "

Ground oyster shells 43 "

Grit 43 «

REMARKS ON ABOVE TABLE.

The gain in the number of eggs, by breeding from stock selected by trap-nest
records, is shown to be 13 eggs per fowl over the results for 1907-8.
IG— 16

242

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

Table 10 — Pen 36. — This pen was one of the two compartments in the heated house
mentioned in preceding table 9. This compartment had also a scratch-shed at-
tached, and contained 10 White Wyandotte hens, two years of age.

19

g

>
o

07.

a

o

0

1908.

.'S

CO

tD

i/D

1

Hen
(No.
of Leg-
band).

b
1

1-5

Si
a;

13

18
9
19
20
9
14
18

"l2

132

a.
<^

14
12
10
19
19
10
10
18
12
16

6

"ie

4
18

1

10
17
17
16

6

12

"2

10
3
8

14

8

■•3
60

14
19

""9
13

"7

21

9

12

104

<

8
8

"is

11
4
7
3

20

74

£

-^

GQ

19
19

'""9
20

0
0

"7

Remarks.

20
21

3
2
5

16

11

10
10
14
3
9
5
4
8
9

1-3'

;t;

r-f-

95
145
70
70
93
129
70

23

26
28
55

3

1

14

14

18

5

16

19

Died Aupust 18. Acute inflam-
mation of crop.

65

4

—

Sick during December, 1907.

72

78
81

2

11

16

21
11

103

12

.. 1. 1907.

12

59

85

72

Total.

140

105

24

970

Average number of eggs laid per
hen— 97.

The rations fed to above pen of fowls were the same as those described in Table 7.

QUANTITY OF FOOD CONSUMED.

Grain 531 pounds.

Mash of ground grains . . . . 127 "

Cut bone 56 "

Beets 127 "

Ground oyster shells 30 "

Grit 29 "

BENEFIT OF BREEDING FROM SELECTED STOCK.

Table 11 — Pen 34.— Showing the number of eggs laid by 27 White Wyandotte pullets
hatched in May, 1907, under observation from November, 1907, till October, 1908.
The parent stock from which these pullets were bred laid an average of 62| eggs
each per year.

1907.

190S.

Total of eggs laid
during the year.

Remarks.

27 White

Wvandotte

Pullets.

u

ID

S

>
0

0)

XI

s

0

Q

96

195

.
>>

u
eS

J5
165

236

<

300

348

a
3

"3

£c

3

<
192

S

©

160

i

1
0

7 hens laid over 100 eggs
each.

12 hens laid over 50 eggs
each.

8 hens laid less than 50
eggs each.

Best hen laid 157 eggs.

Poorest hen laid 27 eggs.

Average 80 eggs. Again
oflo^ egcrs per pullet
over 1906-7 birds.

Total of eggs laid
per month. . . .

94

315

50

2,151

The pullets, in this instance, show an average of 80 eggs per yed^each, a gain of
5 eggs per pullet over the number of eggs laid by their parent stock. Incidentally the
advantage of breeding from trap-nest-proved good layers is made evident.

REPORT OF THE POULTRY MANAGER

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

RATIONS.

The rations fed were the same as those shown in table 7, pen 32.

243

QUANTITY OF FOOD CONSUMED.

Grain 1,338 pou

Mash 321

Cut bone 109

Beets 263

Ground oyster shells 45

Grit 42

ids.

LATE-HATCIIED CHICKEXS UNDESIRABLE.

The following experiment shows the inferiority of late-hatched chickens. It is a
continuation of the experiment described in table 21, page 260, of last year's report,
which showed the unsatisfactory egg-laying on the part of 8 Barred Plymouth Rock
and White Wyandotte pullets, hatched in July, 1907. The record of these fowls for
last year, when they were hens, is shown in the following table, and is almost as
unsatisfactory as that of the previous year. The experience gained emphasizes what
has frequently been stated in previous reports, that late-hatched chickens are not
likely to be profitable to farmers. Details are as follows: —

Table 12 — Pen 22.— Warmed house.
White Wyandotte hens.

Record of eight Barred Plymouth Rock and
They were late-hatched chickens.

Description of
fowls.

1907.

1908.

Total of eggs laid
durinp; the year.

Remarks.

Barred Plymouth . .
Rock and White. . .
Wyandotte hens. . .

S

>
o

Si

S
Q

e3

D
C

t-5

D
t-.

i

S

c

3

4

15

42

i

JO

S
2

2
o

1 hen died May 26,
1908.

Total of eg-gs laid
each month

3

43

41

41

39

36

17

0

283

Average 40? eggs per
hen.

BREEDING FROM GOOD AND POOR EGG-LAYING STRAINS OF FOWLS.

An experiment to find out whether good and poor egg-laying characteristics are
transmitted from parents to their progeny, was commenced in the spring of 1905. At
that time two small groups of good and bad layers — proved so by trap-nests — were
selected and put into separate pens, which were side by side. The results of the
experiment on these birds, as pullets and hens, for two years and six months are given
in the report ending March 31, 1908. Trap-nests were used to procure correct records.
Results for year ending October 31, 1908, are shown in the two following tables: —

16— 16J

244

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

Table 13. — Results from five White Leghorn pullets, descendants of a good egg-laying
strain- These pullets were hatched on May 26, 1907 ; they are the third generation
from a parent stock of good layers.

>>

.o

1907.

1908.

T3

'3

m

to

to ^

^ z

Hen No.

>

o

12;

0
0

S

a

>>

3

J2
O

^

S

6
c

>^

16
4

-t5

<

12

1

S

si
o

Remarks.

53

0

8

3

19

14
15

19
18

18
11

16
10

8
6

lOfi
91

a 66

83

0

1

15

18

16

9

3

13

78

84

0
0

(

t

2
16

11
15

17
19

13
19

9
16

1
6

13

66
107

96

11

Total of eggs lai'l

each inonth. ....

0

16

41

70

91

77

60

24

46

23

0

0

448

A.verage of 89| eggs
per hen.

Rations given were of such a nature as to induce egg laying, particularly during
the winter season.

Table 14. — Results from five ^Yhite Leghorn pullets, descendants of a poor egg-laying
strain. Pullets were hatched May 26, 1908. The third generation from parent
stock of poor layers.

Hen

No.'

i
>

o

1907

0
0

0
0
0

0

g

s

o

CD

fi

8
16
0
0
0

24

1

1908

6
5
0
0
0

11

>>

3

a

1

?1

3
1-7

3
6d

3
<

B

Total
of eggs

laid
by each

hen.

Real irks.

1

10

8
5
7
0

30

1-.

4

17
14

4

51

11
7
15
14
13

IG
14
12
8
10

3

7

66
75
49
46
27

6

12

2

13

25

3

54

13

12

2

0

0

60

60

263

Average 52f eggs per hen.

Rations and temperature of house were same as those given to the good layers.

NOTES ON THE RESULTS OF THIS EXPERIMENT.

Results so far ascertained show the progress made in breeding from the two
different strains of fowls. The development of the good and bad characteristics was
not as pronounced, owing to delay in obtaining suitable male birds to match with the
original pulfets selected by trap-nest. After two years' careful selection, male birds,
bred from our own females of proved merit as egg layers, are now available. When
mated with our own pen of proved good layers, these male birds will, doubtless, prove
factors in building up strains of great excellence. The great importance of having
the male birds which are to be so used, the descendants of prolific egg-laying paren-
tage was noted in report of last year. A male bird bred from a iX)or egg-laying strain
is also available for mating with a pen of poor layers next breeding season. Results
in this case also will be of interest.

REPORT OF THE POULTRY MANAGER

245

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

LIST OF STOCK ON HAND MAECTI 31, 1908.

o

s

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

13

16

17

18

20

24

25

26

27

32

33

34

35

36

Breed.

White Plymouth Rocks.

Buff Orpingtons

White Leghorns

Black Minorca s. . .
White Orpingtons

Faverolles

Black Haiiibiirgs. .
White Leghorns.. .

o

o
O

Light I'rahinas

:Mixed Pullets

White Leghorns

White Plymouth Recks

S. G. Dorkings

Buff Orpingtons

Barred Plymouth Rocks

White Wyandottes. . . . j

Barred Plymouth Rocks

White Wyandottes

Capons

For breeding and eating purposes.

Totals .

10

a

16
5

10
5
4
7
4
5
5

4
13
23
22

10 125

9
I-
(S

U

o
O

2
24

26

3
P-l

9

l(i
6

•7
8
5
3
5
5
5
2

11
7

10
7
7

20
17

o
H

16
14
16
16
12
12
12

7

10
10

5

4
11

7
10
11
20
23
22
20
17

2
34

Remarks.

150 311

Poor egg laying strain.
Good II II

Unhealed house.

In different pens.

VISITORS.

Among the numerous visitors to our department during the year, we had the
pleasure of receiving calls from Mr. Alex. Prain, of Homolea, Perthshire, Scotland.
Mr. Prain, who was a member of the delegation of Scottish agriculturists visiting
Canada last summer, is a leading expert and judge, and owner of a large poultry
plant. He, with other members of the commission, was very much interested in noting
the evolution from the old method of housing poultry during the winter season in a
closed and partially heated building, to the unheated house with a front of cotton
rather than of boards. Mr. Prain, on his return to Scotland, was kind enough to send
us several settings of eggs from his best pens of White Orpingtons. Another visitor
was Miss Fried, a young poultry expert of Russia, who was sent by the Russian
Department of Agriculture to inquire into Canadian methods of poultry-keeping.
Miss Fried speaks excellent English, and her two visits to our Poultry Division were
most enjoyable, and, I trust, mutually beneficial. A third visitor was Miss Edwards,
of England, a specialist in Buff Orpingtons, who was attending the Women's Inter-
national Congress which met in Toronto. We also had the pleasure of a visit from
]!\[r. Wm. Brown, son of Prof. E. T. Brown of the Poultry College, Theale, Eng. Mr.
Brown is making a close examination of poultry-keeping from both Canadian and
American standpoints. Many other poultry-keepers who arrived with different excur-
sions of farmers were interested visitors.

EXAMINATION OF 'SICK BIRDS.

Several ailing birds were sent for examination to Dr. Higgins, Pathologist of the
Veterinary Laboratory, Experimental Farm. With his usual kindness, Dr. Higgins
gave us his opinion of, and in several cases reported on, the different ailments of the
birds examined by him.

9-10 EDWARD VII. SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 A. 1910

EXPERIMENTAL FARM FOR THE MARITIME

PROVINCES.

Nappan, N.S., March 31, 1909.

To Dr. Wm. Saunders, C.M.G.,

Director Dominion Experimental Farms,
Ottawa.

Sir, — I have the honour to submit herewith my report of the operations on the
Experimental Farm for the Maritime Provinces, at Nappan, N.S., for the year
ending March 31, 1909.

The summer season of 1908 was not particularly favourable, being notable for its
extremes, in both wet and dry weather.

Beginning in the cpring with a long cold and wet period, all spring-sown crops
were more or less late in being sown, which is always a disadvantage. The weather
was, however, quite suitable for the hay crop, which is of first importance in this
locality, and which in 1908 gave the best yield obtained in many years. Midsummer
was extremely dry, with the result that most of the grain and root crops were below
the average, although some of the early sown grain was fully up to the average. The
latter part of the summer was again quite wet, and resulted in good growth of after-
math, and pasture was better than usual. The season ended with the most remarkably
fine weather seen for many years, which gave the farmers a better opportunity for
getting all their fall farm work completed, than is usually the case, the latter being
important, on account of the shortness of the season.

The apple crop was better than usual, both as to quantity and quality of fruit.

It is again my pleasure to acknowledge the services of Mr. Thomas Coates, farm
foreman, and Mr. Robert Donaldson, herdsman, who have well and faithfully per-
formed the tasks allotted to them during the past year.

WEATHER

April, 1908, oi>ened with a snowstorm which continued until the night of the 2nd,
7 inches of snow falling during these two days. Snow fell on the 3rd, Sth, 19th and
21st ; 2 inches falling' on this latter date.

Eain fell on the 7th, 9th, 15th, 18th, 19th, 28th and 29th, the heaviest rainfall
being on the 19th, when 1-01 inches fell.

From 1° to 22° of frost was registered every night this month until the 26th,
when the thermometer went to 41°. No frost was registered after this date.

May was an unusually wet month, rain falling on 14 different dates, the heaviest
fall being on the 27th, when -95 inches fell. From the 19th to the 26th the weather
was fine. Seeding was begun on the 20th of this month. The thermometer registered
frost on the 7th, 12th, 16th and 20th.

The first week of June was wet, rain falling on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th, and
again on the 12th, 13th, 14th, 16th, 17th, 20th and 22nd, the weather from this date
being fine until the night of the 30th, when a light rain fell. On the 7th, the ther-
mometer registered 78°, on the Sth 79°, on the 9th 78°, on the 10th 79°, and on the
11th 80°, dropping on the 12th to 59°.

July was very warm, with no rain in the early part of the month. The thermometer
registered above 80° on 11 different dates, going as high as 91° on the 8th. The
rainfall was very heavy during the latter part of the month, rain falling on 10
different dates, the heaviest being on the 20th, when 1-31 inches fell.

247

248

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

August. — The first half of this month -was very wet, 4-48 inches of rain falling
up to the 16th; the heaviest rain being on the 2nd, -when 2-07 inches fell. The
thermometer registered 80° on the 11th and 14th, respectively.

September -was fijie and fair practically all the month, 1-65 inches of rain falling,
the heaviest being on the 3rd, when -91 inches fell. The weather was favourable for
harvesting, and very good for the growth of roots. No frost was registered during this
month.

October opened with a two days' rain. The balance of the month was fine and dry
until the 30th, when 1-27 inches of rain fell. On the 5th, 6th, 13th, 21st and 22nd,
6°, 4°, 4°, 12° and 7° of frost were recorded, respectively.

November was a dry month, the total precipitation being 1-1 inches. Eain fell
on the 12th, -41 inches falling, and 6 inches of snow fell on the night of the 18th.
Frost was registered from the 1st to the 8th, and again from the 13th to the end of
the month, 8° being the lowest recorded on the night of the 8th and again on the 18th.

The first half of December was stormy. Rain or snow fell on seven different
dates previous to the 16th. The heaviest rainfall was on the 12th, 1-11 inches falling.
The heaviest snowfall was on the 14th, when 4 inches fell. The thermometer dropped
to zero on the 6th, and on the 23rd and 24th, 5° and 8° below were registered,
respectively. Frost was recorded every day during this month.

Janauary, 1909. — This was a month of fine winter weather. Rain fell on 3
different dates and snow on 6 different dates. The heaviest snowfalls being on the
26th and 31st, 6 inches- falling on each day. The rainfall on the 6th spoilt the sleigh-
ing until the 23rd, on and after which date, 15 inches of snow fell.

February. — The weather during this month was quite seasonable, with more than
usual intense cold, being notable for its sudden changes in temperature, varying from
26° below zero to 49° above within a period of a very few days. The most sudden
change was from 23° below on the 4th to 49° above on the 6th. Snow fell on 3
different dates, the heaviest fall being 12 inches, on the 16th.

March was a very fine month, the mercury dropping only once below zero, being
5° below on the 2nd. With the exception of a very few light rainfalls, the weather
was clear until the 24th, when 10 inches of snow fell, making sleighing for only one
day. A light rain on the 26th took the snow away. The ground was about bare
practically all the month.

METEOROLOGICAL RECORDS.

Month.

Degrees of Temperature F.

Sunshine.

1908.

April

Mav

Highest.

640
74-0
800
91 0
80-0
790
730
550
520

550

490
50 0

Date.

30

24

11

8

11

11

16

4

7

6
6
5

Lowest.

100
27 0
230 '
400
360
35-0
200
20 0

- 8-0

—13-0
— 2C, 0

— 5 0

Date.

2
7
4
28
29
20
21
22
24

17
2
2

Mean.

33-96
49-03
58-15
65-31
61 44
58-04
48 43
35-63
21 00

16-40
17 58
28-59

Hours.

June

July

Autiust

September

October

248-5
256 0
176-5

November

115 0

December

1909.

January

February

118-0

83 0

102-0

March

124 5

The record of sunshine was taken only from August 1.

REPORT OF MR. R. ROBERTSON

249

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

PRECIPITATION

Month.

April

May

June.'.

July

August ....
Sept^^irber.
October.. . .
November.
December.

January. .
February .
March .

1908.

1909.

Totals .

Rain Fall.

Inches.

07
.08
•41

73
•35
•G5
•73
•41

14

1^61
2-45
2 09

31-72

Snow Fall.

Inches.
13-

6^
11-

19-
14 •

20

83-

Total
Precipita-
tion.

Inches.

37

08
41
73
3.5
05
73
01
24

3-51

3-8.5
409

40 02

EXPERIMENTS WITH OATS.

Experiments -were asrain conducted this year -w-ith the leading varieties of oats,
■which were grown in uniform test plots of one-fortieth acre each. Twenty-fo-ur
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 turnips were grown the previous year (1907),
for which crop twenty-five loads of barn-yard manure per acre were applied with the
manure-spreader. The land was ploughed in the fall (1907) and harrowed in the
spring (1908) with the spring-tooth and smoothing harrows, until a fine tilth was
made. The seed was sown on May 21 with the seed drill at the rate of 2i bushels
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 additional fertilizer was used on these plots this season. The grain started
well, as did also the grass seed, but owing to the heavy rains in the latter half of July,
and first half of August, the grain was beaten down and consequently did not fill.
The straw showed a slight amount of smut.

250

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

The following yields were obtained : —

Oats — Test of Varieties,

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

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.

Wide Awake

'Goltifinder

White Giant

Storm King

Banner

Abundance

Irish Victor

Danish Island

Golden Giant

Thousand Dollar

Kendal White

Siberian

Milford White

(iolden Beauty

Twentieth Century

Pioneer

Lincoln

American Triumi)h

Improved American..,

Improved Ligowo

Tartar King

Vh^inia White

Joanette

Swedish Select

bo

a

'S

a,

Aug. 24,

„ 31.

.. 27.

.- 24.

M 26

., 27.

„ 27.

„ 27.
Sept. 4.
Aug. 24.

M 27.

M 26.

.. 27.

.. 26.

„ 24.

.. 24.

ti 26.
Sept. 5.
Aug. 31.

,- 24.

" 26.

>, 24

>, 24.

„ 24.

bo

o
6

95
102

98
95
97
98
98
9S
106
95
98
97
98
97
95
95
97
107
102
95
97
95
95
95

o a

it

In':hes.

Character

of

Straw.

44
38
40
36
42
40
36
42
32
34
40
34
40
34
38
32
32
44
42
36
38
86
32
36

to 46 Stiff.

1. 43

u 44:

I, 40

.. 46

.. 441

.. 40

.t 46{

.. 36

tt 38[

M 43

II 36 Medium.

H 44 Stiff. . . .

. 38|

.. 42|

It 38 II

„ 36

n 48 ..

.. 461 ..

I. 40

„ 42

■I 40 Medium.

ti OOi ir

M 40 Stiff

c3

bp

t-5

Inches.

6 to 7

6 „ 7
8

•7

7

Kind

of
Head.

6 r

6 ,
6 ,
6 ,
6 ,
6 ,
6 .
6 ,
6 ,
6 ,
6 ,
6 ,
6 ,
6 .

5 ,

6 ,
6 ,
6 ,
6 ,
6 ,
6 ,
5 ,

Branching
Sided . . .
Branching
Sided .
Branching

Sided ..
Branching
Sided ..
Branching
Sided .. .
Branching

Sided ....
Branching

>

cS

2

O

Si

.4J

Ci^

CD

-o

0)

0)

^

><

Lbs.

4,280
5,000
4,800
4,400
4,120
4,040
4,200
3,680
3,H40
3,240
2,920
4,320
3,040
3,200
3,120
4,400
4,600
3,920
3,320
2,920
3,720
3,800
3,72fj
3,080

D

74

J2

1-5

4

71 26

71 6

70 00

G8 28

68 8

67 2

65 30

65 30

64 24

64 4

63 18

62 32

62 12

61 26

61 6

60 20

59 14

58 28

57 22

55 30

52 32

49 14

47 2

-— £

f- 3 eS

^ ^ 3>

■^ O

Lbs.

32

30

32

35

32

31*

325

33

30

32

30

28

34

32

30

34

32

33

31

30

32

30

32

29

EXPEKIMENTS WITH BAELEY.

Twenty-four varieties of barley were sown (thirteen of six-rowed and eleven of
two-rowed), in uniform test plots of one-fortieth acre each. The land was a clay loam
on which turnips were grown the previous year (1907), for which crop twenty-five
loads of barn-yard manure per acre were used. No manure or other fertilizer was used
for this crop. The land was ploughed in the fall of 1907, thoroughly worked up in
the spring, and sown May 21, with seed selected from picked heads of the previous
year's crop, sown at the rate of 2 -bushels per acre.

Seven pounds Mammoth Red clover, 3 lbs. Alsike clover and 12 lbs. Timothy
seed per acre was sown at the same time. Slight smut was noticeable.

REPORT OF MR. R. ROBERTSON

251

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Following were the yields obtained: —

Six-rowed Barley — Test of Varieties,

S

a

1
2
3
4
5
6
/

8
9
10
11
12
13

Name of Variety.

bo

a

'a

cS

Q

Nug^ent

Stella

Odessa

Mensury

Blue Long-head

Trooper

Mansfield

Oderbruch

Claude

Albert.

Champion

Yale.

Empire

to
6

Aue:.

19

rt

20

17

20

20

17

20

17

17

19

15

20

19

0)

— (

rn

HH

u-t

hn

o

c

■^

-^

u

■J

c

o

a.

1-1

.rt

Inches.

90
91
88
91
91
88
91
88
88
90
86
91
90

32
36
30
33
34
30
36
30
30
36
41
26
35

to

Character

of

Straw.

36
40
36
[16
38
34
38
36
34
3S
45
30
38

Stiff.. ..

If ...

Medium

Stiff.. . .

II ...

Medium

Stiff'.'. . .
Medium
Stiff.. . .

a

a)

bo

a

Inches.

2i

to

2i

2i

3

2i

2i

3

3

2

c3

bo

Lbs.

3,880
4,240
2,680
4,000
3,400
2,600
3,600
3,200
2,440
2,800
3,080
3,000
3,120

u

O
2

Ol

bo u ^
aJ 5 ea

>

.a

pa i-:i

45 40

45 20

43 16

42 44

42 24

41 .32

41 32

40 40

40 20

33 16
37 24
36 32

34 8

Lbs.

47

48

47i

47

41

49

47

48

47

47i

40

46

46

Two-rowed Barley — Test of Varieties.

•. •

■

. , 1

^'2

TJ

&:

? 2 bo

i

Name of Variety.

U-l

bb
s

5

bo

Character
of

c3
IB

w

o

c3
i3

m

o

U
<

o

Weight per mc
sured busl
after cleanin

^
;!

Pd

6

%1
J.I

Straw.

bo

c

2

Inches.

Inches.

Lbs.

43

D

.a

Lbs.

1

French Chevalier

Aug

. 21
21

92 32 to 36
92 30 1, 34

Medium . .
II

3 to 4

2i 1. 4

3,080
3,680

57
50

40
20

48^

2

Danish Chevalier

50'

3

Beaver

21

92 30 .. 33

3 II 3i

3,800

49

8

48i

4

Jar vis

20
19
20

9135 11 38
90 30 1. 34
9130 .1 33

Stiff

tl

M

2 -1 2\
2 II 2i
2 ,i2|

3,920
3,000
2,800

48
47
43

16
24
16

47i

5

Gordon

46

6

Invincible . ..

47i

7

Standwell

21

21
21

92 36 II 40
92 36 II 40
'.I2j26 II 30

II .....
If

Medium. .

2 11 1\
2\ 1, 3i
2| .1 3|

3,240
2,600
2,720

42
42
40

44
24
40

47

8

Clifford

48

9

Swedish Chevalier

48

10 Sidney

21

92i32 1, 36

Stiff

2 II 3

2,680

40

00

'Sk

11

Canadian Thorpt

21

92J32 II 38

11

2\ II 3

2,480

35

20

EXPERBIENTS WITH SPRING WHEAT.

Fifteen varieties of spring wheat were sown in uniform test plots of one-
fortieth acre each, on a clay loam soil on which turnips were grown the previous
year (1907). The land was ploughed in the fall, thoroughly worked up in the spring,
and sown May 20, at the rate of 1| bushels per acre, together with 7 lbs. Mammoth
Red clover, 3 lbs. Alsike clover and 12 lbs. Timothy seed per acre.

The seed wheat used was from selected heads of the previous year's crop.

The grain made very good growth and ripened well.

The straw was clean and no smut or rust was noticed.

252

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

The following were the yields obtained: —

Spring Wheat — Test of Varieties.

I-

(L>

s

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

L4

15

Name of Variety.

WTiite R ussian

Red Fern

Percy

White Fife

Huron

Chelsea

Marquis

Pringle'd Cham plain.

Bishop

Riga

Hungarian White. . .

Preston

Red Fife

Stanley

Bobs

ST-n

.

u

03 c«

ClO

a

b <D

a

^w

c

<* 5

uh bo

o c

-§

d

C o

w

'A

^

Inches.

Sept

. 5

108

36 to 40

II

2

105

.38 „ 42

II

2

105

36 1. 40

II

5

108

38 1, 42

Aug.

31

103

35 ., 40

II

28

100

36 „ 40

It

31

103

40 „ 40

tt

28

100

38 „ 42

IT

26

98

42 „ 4G

tl

26

98

38 „ 42

II

31

103

36 M 4(1

II

31

103

36 H 40

Sept

2

105

36 „ 10

„

4

107

44 „ 43

Aug.

31

103

36 ., 40

Character

of

Straw.

Stiff.

r

u 1

C3

01

M

C4-I

o

.a

■4-3

to

a

i>

1^

Inches.

2i to 3i

3

, 3i

•4

. 3

3

. 4

2

• 3

2

, 3

2

, 3

2

. 3

2

, 3

2

, 3

2

. 3

3

, 3i

2

, 3

2^

■ 3

2

. 8

Kind

of
Head.

Beardless
Bearded .
Beardless

M

Bearded .
Beardless

II
Bearded .
Beardless

II
Bearded .

II
Beardless

^

?

£

<

«4H

O

g

*J

Oi

JS

bo

T3

'S

*

^

>H

J3

Lbs.

pa 1^

J 4.480

44 00

4,600

43 20

3,640

42 00

4,120

41 20

4,400

40 40

3,880

39 20

4,280

39 00

3,800

38 40

4,020

36 40

3,720

36 20

4,000

36 00

3,240

35 20

3,480

34 40

4,320

33 00

3,760

32 40

^ 0* ti

S a r-
fe 3 5

Lbs.

60^

60

61

6D

60

61

60

6U

60

61

61

60

61

59

61

EXPEEI^IENTS WITH DURUM OE MACARONI WHEAT.

Four varieties of Durum, wheat were grown in uniform test-plots of one-fortieth
acre each. The land was similar in character to, and received the same treatment as,
the spring wheat plots, and was sown May 20.

Following were the yields obtained: —

Macaroni or Durum Wheat — Test of Varieties.

u
s

Name of Variety.

1 Goose

2 Roumanian

3 j Yellow Gharnovka.
4iMahmondi

bo

1)

«4-l ^

03

Sept.

be

C

d

u^ be
O C

CO c

Inches,

105 34 to 38

105 40
108 36
107 32

43
40
36

73

a

w

o
bo

Character

of

Straw.

a

Inches.

3tiflF

i;^ to 2

It

2 „ 2i

It

II

2 11 2^
1^ .. 2

Kind

of
Head.

Bearded.

_bo

Lbs.

3,200
3,400
2,600

2,840

d

j J ^

o

G 30 ■-

*= s c

<

u

0) 0^

C

-a

Tn i; ,^,

>5

4=

3

X

«

<rA

28

00

26

40

25

20

21

20

Lbs.

60
60
58
58

EXPERIMENTS WITH EMMER AND SPELT.

Two varieties each of Emmer and Spelt were sown May 20, 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 plots is given in pounds, as, with the ordinary threshing,
the chaff is not separated from the kernels and the result cannot well be compared
with the other sorts of wheat which are threshed clean.

REPORT OF MR. R. ROBERTSON

253

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Following were the yields obtained : —

Emmer and Spelt — Test of Varieties.

^n5

73

6d

bo

2S

03
ID

u
u

1

•*- bo

Character

Kind

<

Name of Variety.

•^1

0 c

of
Straw.

J3

■a

of
Head.

a

T3

a

.2

C "o

a

(D

3

cS

6

Qi -

CB

^

Q

^

1-^-S

yA

>H

Inches.

Inches.

Lbs.

1

Common Emmer

Aug. 28..

99

30 to 36

Stiff

1 to ]|

Bearded

2,240

2

Red Spelt

Sept. 10..

112

40 „ 46

11 ....

3 „ 4

Beardless. . .

2,000

s

Red Emmer

„ 8..
,. 10..

110
112

36 .. 40
36 M 40

It ....
II

3 .1 4

Bearded .. ..
Beardless. . .

1,560

4

White Spelt

1,480

EXPEKI^IENTS WITH PEAS.

Eighteen varieties of peas were sown in uniform test plots of one-fortieth acre
each, on a clay loam soil on which turnips were grown the previous year (1907). The
land was ploughed in the fall, well worked up in the spring, and sown on May 22,
with the seed drill, at the rate of 2 to 3 bushels per acre. The ground was also seeded
down to clover and timothy at the rate of 7 lbs. Mammoth Red clover, 3 lbs. Alsike
and 12 lbs. Timothy seed per acre.

The following yields per acre were obtained : —

Peas — Test of Varieties.

u

Name of Variety.

I

8

9

10

13
14
15
16
17
18

1 Arthur

2 ]:>aniel O'Rourke

3 Picton

4 Prince

5 Agnes

6 White Marrowfat

Mackay

Chancellor

Archer

Gregory

11 Wisconsin Blue ......

12 English Grey

Black-eye Marrowfat.

Paragop

Prussian.Blue

Golden Vine

Victoria . . . .

Early Britain

Date

of

Ripening.

Q bD
C

o ■-

. 3

Character

of
Growth.

Sept.

8..

109 Fair

tl

5..

106 Poor. .. .

tl

8..

109 Fair

It

7..

108

11

tl

8..

109

tl

11

5..

106

tl

M

9..

no

11

II

5..

106 Poor

tl

8..

109 Fair

11

9..

110 Poor

M

7..

108

II

tl

5..

106

tl . . ...

II

8..

loy

Fair. .. .

It

7..

108

Poor

II

lOS

II

II

4..

105

11

If

8..

109

M

II

5..

106

11

Average

Length

of

Pod.

Inches.

2 — 2|
1^—2
2 — 2|
li— 2
2 -2^
2 —3
2 —3
1^-2
2 — 2i
2 — 2i
2 —2i
2 —2^
2-2i

n—2

l|-2
2 —2^
2 -2i

Yield

Size of Pea.

per

Acre.

Bush.
Lbs.

Medium

20 ..

Small

18 40

Medium

18 .

II

16 40

II

15 20

Large

II

14 40
14 20

Small

14 ..

Medium

13 20

M

12 40

It

12 ..

It

11 20

II

10 40

II

9 20

Small

8 ..

It

7 40

Medium

7 ..

II

6 40

c^ o) bb

" 3 C

p, I— (

bo I. 4j

Lbs.

62

61^

62

61

61

61

61

6H
60

co^

60
61
60
60
61
62
60
60

254

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

EXPEEIMENTS WITH BUCKWHEAT.

Five varieties of buckwheat were sown in uniform test-plots of one-fortieth acre
each. The land was a clay loam that had been in corn the previous year (1907), and
had received a dressing of barn-yard manure in the fall of 1906. The seed was sown
on June 18 and cut on September 4. No manure or fertilizer was used for this crop.

The following yields were obtained: —

Buckwheat — Test of Varieties.

in

Length

c«'3 to

ill

i

s

1

Name of Variety.

Character

of

Soil.

Date

of

Sowing.

Date

of

Ripening.

1.

of
Straw,
inolud-

ing
Head.

Yield

per.

Acre.

Weight per
sured b
after clea

Inches.

n 1-1

Lbs.

1

2
3
4

Tartarian ...

Rye Buckwheat. .

Japanese

Grey. ....

Clay loam . .
ti

II . .
11
ti . .

June 18..
,1 18..
1, 18..
H 18..
II 18..

Sept. 4..
4..
4..
4..
4..

78

78
78
78
78

34—38

36-40
3(5—40
35-38
38-42

41 32
40 ..
28 16
21 24
19 8

48
48
48
48

5

Silver-hull

48

EIELD CKOPS OF GRAIN.

Four acres of field grain were sown in one-acre lots. The land was a clay loam
and had been in roots the previous year, for which crop, manure at the rate of twenty
cart loads per acre had been applied. This land was ploughed in the fall and sown
May 22. Clover and timothy seed were sown with this crop.

The results obtained are as follows, allowing 40 lbs. x>er bushel for mixed grain,.
48 lbs. per bushel for barley and 34 lbs. per bushel for oats : —

1 acre Waverley oats .
1 II Pioneer oats .. ,
1 II Odpssa barley.
1 II Mixed grain . .

Crops.

Yield
per Acre.

Bush. Lbs.

45

50 10

35 24

38 10

Weight

per
Bushel.

Lbs.

34

34
18
40

FIELD CROP OF MIXED GRAIN.

Six acres of mixed grain were sown. The land was a clay loam in only a fair
state of fertility, the previous crop having been clover hay with a light aftermath,
turned under in the fall. This was sown on !May 26 with a .mi.xture of Waverley oats,
2 bushels; Odessa barley, 1 bushel, and Prussian Blue peas, J bushel, sown at the
rate of 3 bushels per acre.

The yield was 43 bushels per acre, at 40 lbs. per bushel.

REPORT OF MR. R. ROBERTSON

255

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

FIELD CEOPS OF BUCKWHEAT.

Two acres of buckwheat were grown on a clay loam in a good state of fertility,
the previous crop having been ensilage corn. The variety used was Silver-hull. The
land was sown June 18, and yielded 36 bushels 24 lbs. per acre.

FIELD CROPS OF GRAIN ON MAESH.

Fifteen acres of oats were sown on ordinary marsh (or dyke) soil of a rather
sandy nature, on which timothy hay had been grown for a term of years, yielding
an average crop of about 1 to 2 tons per acre. This was sown with three different
varieties of oats, Pioneer, Sensation and Black Tartarian at the rate of 3 bushels per
acre. The land was not by any means uniform, making a comparison of varieties
uncertain. The total yield was 692 bushels 32 lbs., an average of 47 bushels per acre.

EXPERIMENTS WITH INDIAN COEN.

Fifteen varieties of Indian corn were sown in uniform test-plots. The land was
a- clay loam on which clover hay had been grown the previous season, the aftermath
having been left on the ground, on top of which, in the fall of 1907, was spread stable
manure at the rate of about 20 tons per acre, and was ploughed in the spring of 1908
after a fairly good growth of grass had started. This was well worked up, but not
deeply, and complete fertilizer at the rate of 400 lbs. per acre was added, sown broadcast
and harrowed in. On June 6 this was sown in rows 36 inches apart and also in hills 36
inches apart each way, harrowed over with a smoothing harrow before coming up,
and again just as some of the first plants were coming through the ground. From
this on, a one-horse cultivator was used about once each week, until the corn was
three to four feet high. When the plants were about six inches high, they were
thinned out in the rows from 4 to 6 inches apart, and from 3 to 6 plants left per hill
where in hills, the hand hoeing necessary being done at this stage. This crop made
very good growth throughout the season and was very satisfactory, being harvested
September 28.

Following were the results obtained: —

Corn — Test of Varieties.

g

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

Name of Variety.

Wood's Northern Dent . .

North Dakota White

Champion White Pearl. .

Mammoth Cuban

Superior Fodder

Anjrel of Midnight

."^alzer's All Gold

Early Mastodon

Longfellow

Pjureka

Pride of the North

Selected Learning

White Cap Yellow Dent.

Compton's Early

Early Butter

to

'S

In.

94
81
102
84
92
82
92
99
88
96
80
83
80
80
85

Leafinpss.

Very leafy. .

II . .

Fairly leafy.

Leify . . . . .
Fairly leafy.

Very leafy.
Med. leafy. .
Fairly leafy.

Very leafy . ,
Fairly leafy

When

Tas-

selled.

Aug. 20.
,. 20.
Sept. 5.

In Silk.

Aug. 15.

Sept.

20.
13.
20.

Sept. 1.

Sept. 3.

Aug. 15. Sept. 1

Sept. 3.

Aug. 20. Sept. 3,

Condition
When Cut.

Late milk. .
Soft glazed,
Watery. .

Glazed .
Watery.
Early milk
Glazed .
Watery,

II

Late milk
Watery
Glazed .
Late milk

Weight

per

acre

gi-

own

in

rovs.

Tons.

Lbs.

2r,

470

2(5

250

25

1,700

25

1.1.50

25

50

24

1,170

24

950

23

1,8.50

23

1,.300

23

1,0.«0

23

200

22

l,(i.'i0

21

1,450

21

900

21

570

Weight

per acre

grown

in hills.

Tons. Lbs .

25
21
23
2S
22
21
23
24
21
22
22
20
22
24
22

1,1.50

1,230

1,300

30

1,650

900

750

400

570

1,870

1,430

1,800

1,080

1,500

1,100

256

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

INDIAN CORN SOWN AT DIFFERENT DISTANCES APART.

In this experiment, the soil and its treatment were identical with the previous
test, except that no commercial fertilizer was added. Sown June 8, and harvested
September 28, with the following results: —

Name of Variety.

Longfellow.

Champion White Pearl.

Selected Leaming.

170

750
200

25 1,700

26 1,200
GOO

GO
200
300
25 l.COO

FIELD CROP OF INDIAN CORN.

Two acres of Indian corn were grown as a field crop in three lots, one of 1 acre,
and two of i acre each. This land was also a clay loam in a good state of fertility,
having grown clover hay the previous year. This was manured on the sod in the fall
of 1907 at the rate of about 20 tons per acre, and left until about June 1, 1908, when
a fairly good growth of grass had started, when it was ploughed, well cultivated and
sown in rows 36 inches apart.

This was gone over twice with a sm'oothing harrow before the corn was up, and
cultivated with a one-horse cultivator at intervals of one week for four weeks. This
was sown June 6 and cut September 30 to October 1: 1 acre of Longfellow yielded
20 tons 1,000 lbs; i acre of Dakota White at rate of 22 tons 1,375 lbs per acre, and
2 acre Learning at rate of 26 tons per acre.

EXPERIMENTS WITH TURNIPS.

Twelve varieties of turnips were sown in uniform test plots on June 8, and a
duplicate set on June 22. The land on which this crop was grown was a heavy clay
soil in rather poorer condition than generally used for this experiment, which had been
in hay the two previous years. This was ploughed in the fall of 1907, and again in
the spring of lOOS, well cultivated, and barn-yard manure applied at the rate of 20
tons per acre. This was ploughed under and again thoroughly cultivated. Complete
fertilizer at the rate of 500 lbs. per acre was sown broadcast and harrowed in, and
the field rowed up into rows 24 inches apart. The plants were thinned out to 1 foot
apart in the rows as soon as they were sufficiently n'latured. On account of the
continued wet weather, hoeing was very difficult, and cultivation was not by any means
as thorough as usual. The crop was pulled on October 24, with the following results : —

REPORT OF MR. R. ROBERTSON

257

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Turnips — Test of Varieties.

S

]

Name of Variety.

Magnum Bonum.

2 Kangaroo .

3 Jumbo

4 Mammoth Clyde

5 Derby

6|Pefpction Swede. ......

7|Halewood'8 Bronze Top.
8 Banghtjlni Selected

Hall's Westbury

Hartley's Bronze

Good Luck

Skirvings.

9
10
11
12

1.3 J Carter's Elephant.

Yield per Acre.

1st Plot.

Tons

. Lbs.

28

1,750

2S

1,420

28

1,255

28

925

28

595

28

430

28

100

27

1,770

27

1,275

27

450

24

675

23

1,355

23

1,025

Bush. Lbs.

962
957
954
948
943
940
935
929
921
907
811
789
783

30

ih
45
15
30

io

15
30
15
15
45

2nd Plot.

Tons

Lbs.

23

860

24

675

22

55

23

200

22

1,705

22

550

23

1,025

20

1,250

23

1,850

23

530

23

530

21

75

19

1,600

Bush. Lbs.

781
811
734
770
761
742
783
687
797
775
775
701
660

15
15

45
30
45
30
30
30
30
15

FIELD CEOP OF TUENIPS.

Six acres of turnips were grown as a field crop in lots of 1 acre each. The land
varied from heavy clay to light sandy soil, including some black muck, about an equal
proportion of each being in each different acre. This land was ploughed in the fall
of 1907, well worked up in the spring of 1908, manure at the rate of 20 tons per acre
spread on the surface and ploughed under. It was again thoroughly cultivated and
sown in rows 24 inches apart. To one-third of each acre was added complete fertilizer
(Bowker's Square Brand) at the rate of 500 lbs. per acre, to another third complete
fertilizer at the rate of 250 lbs. per acre, the remaining third of each acre having
manure only. On account of the continued cold, wet and backward weather, this
crop was only finished sowing June 23 ; from this time on for the next three weeks
extreme drought was experienced, which resulted in slower growth of this crop than
tisual. Then, just when thinning and hoeing for the first time, such heavy and con-
linued rains were experienced as to make it quite impossible to work on the field for
some weeks, with the result that practically all this crop received only one hoeing
and one cultivating before attaining such growth as to render further cultivation
impracticable, and the land was thus left in a baked and unsuitable condition, some-
what weedy. From this time out, the season was particularly good for growth, but
owing to the baked and otherwise poor state of the soil, this crop did not make nearly
as good growth at this season of the year as usual, when conditions are favourable.
The following table shows the dates of sowing, harvesting and yield of varieties: —

16—17

258

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

Field Crops of Turnips.

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

Name of Variety, How Fertilized, Size of Plot.

Yield per Acre.

Purple Top Swede— (Pulled October 26).

J acre. Manure and fertilizer, 500 lbs. per acre .

only.

250

Cost per acre of 500 lbs. fertilizer at $30 per ton S 7 50

Value per acre in crop over manure only, GO bush. 18 lbs.

atGc 3 62

Loss per acre $ 11 12

Cost per acre of 250 lbs. fertilizer at $30 per ton $ 3 75

Value per acre in crop over manure only, 6 bush. 18 lbs.

at 6c 0 38

Loss per acre $ 3 37

Kangaroo — (Pulled October 28).

J acre. Manure and fertilizer, 500 lbs. per acre.
I II II II 250 II

II 11 only

Cost per acre af 500 lbs. fertilizer at $30 per ton $ 7 50

Value per acre in crop over manure only, 37 bush., 42 lbs.

at 6c... 2 24

Loss per acre $ 5 26

Cost per acre of 250 lbs. fertilizer at -^SO per ton $ 3 75

Value per acre in crop over manure only, 29 bush. 20 lbs.

at 6c.,.., : 176

Loss per acre $ 1 99

Magnum Bonum — (Pulled November 3).

^ acre. Manure and fertilizer, 500 lbs. per acre

^ 11 II II 250 II

I II 11 only

Cost per acre of 500 lbs. fertilizer at $30 per ton $ 7 50

Value per acre in crop over manure only, 4 bush. 30 lbs.

at 6c 0 27

Loss per acre $ 7 23

Cost per acre of 250 lbs. fertilizer at $30 per ton $ 3 75

Value per acre in crop over manure only, 43 bush. 30 lbs.

at 6c 2 61

Loss per acre.

1 11

Jnvicte— (Pulled November 4).

J 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 in crop over manure only, 118 bush. 14 lbs.

at 6c 7 09

Loss per acre $ 0 51

Cost per acre of 2.50 lbs. fertilizer at .$30 per ton $ 3 75

Valu°- per acre in crop over manure only, 112 bush. 32 lbs.

atGc 6 75

Gain per acre $ 3 00

Tons.

21

23
22

Lbs.

372

1,990

Yield per Acre

20

812

680

12

20

371

672

51

18

610

643

30

Bu.sh.

706
772
766

Lbs.

12
48
30

21

692

711

36

19

1,816

663

36

24

426

707

06

23

556

776

06

23

224

770

24

19

1,472

657

52

REPORT OF MR. R. ROBERTSON

259

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Field Crops of Turnips — Concluded.

Name of Variety, How Fertilized, Size of Plot.

Hartley's Bronze — (Pulled November 10).

4 acre. Manure and fertilizer, 500 lbs. per acre

I .. M ., 250 1,

I II II only

Cost per acre of 500 lbs. fertilizer at $.S0 per ton $ 7 50

Value per acre in crop over manure only, M busb. at 6c. . 3 24

Loss per acre $ 4 26

Cost per acre of 250 lbs. fertilizer at $'30 per ton $ 3 75

Value per acre in crop over manure only, 24 bush. 56 lbs.

at6c 150

Loss per acre $ 2 25

Halewood's Bronze Top — (Pulled November 13).

J acre. Manure and fertilizer, 500 lbs. per acre

3 II II II ZoO II

^ II II only

Cost per acre of 500 lbs. fertilizer, at $30 per ton $ 7 50

Value per acre in crop over manure only, 98 bush. 6 lbs.

at 6c 5 89

Loss per acre $ 1 61

Cost per acre of 250 lbs. fertilizer at $30 per ton $ 3 75

Value per acre in crop over manure only, 49 bush. 48 lbs.

at Gc 2 99

Loss per acre $ 0 76

Yield per Acre.

Tons.

Lbs.

22

1,414

756

54

21

1,650

727

50

21

174

702

54

Yield per Acre.

Bush.

Lbs.

22

1,864

764

34

21

966

716

06

19

1,968

666

18

EXPERIMENTS WITH MANGELS AND SUGAR BEETS.

Ten varieties of mangels and four varieties of sugar beets were sown in uniform
test plots, in duplicate lots two weeks apart.

The land chosen for this experiment was a light clay loam with some sand, in a
very moderate state of fertility, the previous crop having been potatoes. This was
ploughed in the fall and, having been well cultivated in the spring, 20 one-horse cart-
loads of barn-yard manure per acre were spread on the surface and ploughed under.
This was again well cultivated, and complete fertilizer (Bowker's Square Brand) at the
rate of 500 lbs. per acre sown broadcast and harrowed in. The land was run into
rows 24 inches apart and the first series of plots were sown May 25. Owing, we
believe, to the extremely cold and wet weather, this series of plots started very badly, in
fact but few plants came vip until three or four weeks after sowing, when it was
considered advisable to harrow up this crop and replant. In the meantime the series
of plots that will hereafter be termed ' 1st sowing ' were sown June 8. These started
fairly well. A duplicate plot was sown June 22. This was planted with a Planet Jr.
seed drill in bunches 12 inches apart in the rows, and from four to six seeds in each
bunch, and, later on, thinned out, leaving one plant in each spot. This crop was
pulled October 20, and the yield calculated in each case from the weight of roots
gathered from two rows, each G6 feet long.

The following are the results obtained: —

16— 17i

260

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

Mangels — Test of Varieties.

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

S

a

Name of Variety.

Prize Mammoth Long Red . .

Mammoth Long Red

; Gate Post

Yellow Intermediate

I Giant Yellow Intermediate .
(i| Mammoth Red Intei mediate
7|Half T-ong Sugar White

8 Crimson Champion

9 Giant Yellow Globe

lOlSelected Yellow Globe

Yield

per Acre.

Ist Plot.

Tons.

Lbs.

21

570

20

1910

20

755

19

1105

18

1620

17

815

Ifi

S35

15

1350

14

1535

13

1735

Yield
per Acre.

Ist Plot.

Bush. libs.

709
69S
679
651
627
580
547
522
492
462

30
30
15

45

i5

15
30
15
15

Yield

per .

^cre.

2nd Plot.

Tons.

Lbs.

13

1720

13

1225

15

360

16

1660

15

1845

11

770

14

1040

13

730

12

915

11

935

Yield
per Acre.

2nd Plot.

Bush. Lbs.

462
453
606
.561
530
379
4H4
445
415
382

45

45
30

30
15
15

Sugar Beets — Test of Varieties.

1

Name of Variety.

Yield
per Acre.

1st Plot.

Yield
per Acre.

1st Plot.

Yield
per Acre.

2nd Plot.

Yield
per Acre.

2nd Plot.

1

Vilmorin's Improved

Tons. Lbs.

16 505
15 1845
12 90
11 1430

Bush. Lbs.

541 45
530 45
401 30
390 30

Tons. Lbs.

11 1760
15 360
11 110
10 615

Bush. Lbs.
396

9.

Jumbo

506

3

4

Wanzleben

Freiich Very Rich . ,

368 30
343 45

EXPERIMENTS WITH CARROTS.

Six varieties of carrots were sown in uniform test-plots. These plots were
along.side of, and sown under the same conditions as the mangel and sugar-beet plots.
The following are the yields obtained: —

Carrots — Test of Varieties.

S

Name of Variety.

Improved Short White

White Belgian ...

Ontario Champion

Giant White Vosges

Half Long Chantenay

Mammoth White Intermediate

Yield
per Acre.

1st Plot.

Tons. Lbs.

21 1725

21 1100

20 1150

18 465

17 1475

16 175

Yield

per

Acre.

1st

Plot.

Bush.

Lbs.

728

45

718

20

687

30

607

45

591

15

536

15

Yield

per Acre.

2nd Plot.

Tons.

Lbs.

15

855

14

545

17

485

17

1640

15

380

11

1925

Yield
per Acre.

2nd Plot.

Bush. Lbs.

514
475
574
594
606
398

15
45
45
00
20
45

REPORT OF MR. R. ROBERTSON

261

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

EXPERIMENTS WITH POTATOES.

Twenty-five varieties of potatoes were grown in uniform test plots. The land was
a heavy clay from which soiling crops had been cut for the two previous seasons.
Barn-yard manure at the rate of 20 loads per acre had been applied in the summer of
1907. This was ploughed in tlie fall of that year, well worked up, ploughed again in
the spring of 1908, again worked up, and complete fertilizer (Bowker's Square Brand)
at the rate of 400 lbs. per acre applied. It was run in rows 30 inches apart, and the
sets planted one foot apart in the rows. The drills were harrowed down and rowed
up twice before the plants came up. Bordeaux mixture (mixed with Paris green)
was sprayed on three times during the season.

There was no blight or scab, but a considerable quantity of rot. The potatoes
were planted June 13 and dug October 8. The yield per acre has been calculated
from the crop obtained from two rows each 66 feet long.

The following are the yields obtained: —

Potatoes — Test of Varieties.

S

1

Name of Variety.

Rochester Rose

2 pjverett

3 Ashleaf Kidney

4 Money Maker

5 Empire State

6 Reeves' Rose

7 Vermont Gold Coin.

8 Vick's Extra Early .

9 Oooley

10 Early Manistee

11 Hoi born Abundance.

12 Canadian Beauty

13, Carman No. 1

14 American Wonder

15 Dreer's Standard

16 Burnabv Mammoth.,

17 Irish Cobbler

181 Late Puritan ,

19 Country Gentleman . .

20
21
22
23
24
25

State of Maine.

Uncle Sam

Early White Piize

Morgan Seedling

Twentieth Century. . .
Dalmeny Beauty

Total

Yield

per

Acre.

Bush. Lbs.

448 48

444 24

424 36

404 48

391 36

389 24

380 36

378 24

376 12

360 48

343 12

332 12

314 36

310 12

301 24

299 12

297 00

290 24

277 12

275 00

272 48

250 48

239 48

237 36

226 36

Yield per
Acre of
Sound.

Bush . Lbs.

448 48

422 24

411 24

380 36

380 .S6

380 36

378 24

378 24

376 12

354 12

323 24

314 36

314 36

310 12

290 24

292 36

297 00

283 48

251 48

266 12

253 00

242 00

226 36

235 24

224 24

Yield per
Acre of
Rotten.

Bush . Lbs.

22 00

13 12

24 12

n 00

8 48

2 12

6

36

19

48

17

36

""'li'

'6('i

6

36

6 36

15 24

8 48

19 48

8 48

13 12

2
2

12
12

Yield per
Acre of
Market-
able.

Bush . Lbs.

319 00

277 12

308 00

204 36

257 24

224 24

28? 48

255 12

286 00

286 00

222 12

173 48

222 12

189 12

162 48

173 48

180 24

178 12

171 36

178 12

169 24

198 00

132 00

176 00

160 36

Yield per

Acre of

Lnmarket

able.

Bush . Lbs,

129 48

167 12

116 36

200 12

134 12

165 00

96 48

123 12

90 12

74 48

121 00

158 24

92 24

121 00

138 36

125 24

116 36

112 12

105 36

88 00

83 36

44 00

94 36

59 24

63 48

Form and Colour.

OblonpT, Dark, Pink.
Round, Flat, White.

'1 II
Long, White.

Dark, Pink.
Oval, White.
Long, White.
Flat, Round, White.
Oblong, Pink.
Round, White.
Long, Pink.
Flat, Round, White.
Long, White.
Round, White.
Long, Pink
Round, White.
Long, White.
Oblong, Pink.
Round, White.
Oblong, White.
Long, White.
Oblong, Pink.
Oblong, White.
Round, White.

CLOVER EXPERIMENTS.

Experiments were again conducted this season, to determine the gain, if any,
from growing clover with grain crops for the purpose of ploughing under the growth
of clover made during the season, for the benefit of future crops. The ground chosen
was the land on which similar clover experiments had been carried on for the past
three seasons. The soil was a clay loam in a fair state of fertility. Three kinds of

262

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

grain in twelve plots of one-fortieth acre each were grown, and each of these series
of plots was treated in the same way. Six idiots were seeded down at the time the
grain was sown, June 20, and six plots with grain alone. These plots were sown in
a similar manner last season, and those seeded to clover this year had been seeded
to clover the previous season also, and those not seeded to clover this year had not
been seeded to clover the previous year. No fertilizer had been used except the clover
turned under. Each of the two previous years had a particularly light crop, both
seasons being unsuited to clover growing.

Clover Experiments.

No.

Name of Variety and how seeded.

Pringle's Champlain Wheat — (Sown June 8. Cut Sept. 14th)

Without Clover

With Clover

Without Clover

With Clover

Odessa Barley — Sown June 8th. Cut Sept. 1st).

Without Clover

With Clover

Without Clover

With Clover

Pioneer Oa^s— (Sown June 8th. Cut Sept. 11th).

Without Clover

With Clover

Without Clover ,

With Clover

Yield

per

Acre.

Bush.

Lbs.

13

40

14

40

14

00

17

40

16

32

22

24

21

32

31

12

34

04

4.5

10

44

24

51

OG

EXPERIMENTS WITH INOCULATED CLOVER AND ALFALFA.

Experiments were again conducted with clover and alfalfa, sown side by side,
each treated and un-treated with nitro culture to determine the value to be derived
from nitro culture as c-ompared with untreated seed, and also to compare the value
of clover and alfalfa as grown in this section. Four half-acre plots were used for this
experiment, the land being in a rather poor state of fertility and not having previously
had manure. These plots were sown June 20. No difference was found in the plots
treated and untreated in either case. A small portion, running right across all four
plots, that had received a dressing of air-slaked lime previously, showed a decided
improvement over the other parts, indicating that, on this particular piece of land, the
application of lime would probably bave been bonefieial. A poor stand was obtained
on all the plots, and at date of writing the crop would api)ear to be entirely killed out.
An extreme and prolonged drought immediately after this crop was sown, may account
to some extent for the poor stand of both.

This experiment was duplicated in a small way in the season of 1907, with one-
fortieth acre plots each, on clay soil in a good state of fertility, under-drained and
with a good supply of humus. In this case both clover and alfalfa, treated and
untreated, grew well and passed the winter fairly well, some parts of the plots being
fairly good, while others were entirely killed out. This was cut three times in the
season of 1908, giving a light crop at each cutting. In neither case were there any
noticeably good effects from the use of the nitro culture.

REPORT OF MR. R. ROBERTSON

263

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

EXPERIMENTS WITH EUN-OUT LAND.

With a view to determine the practicability of restoring land badly run-out,
where a very limited amount of manure is available, this experiment was commenced
in the season of 1906, on a field of 8 acres of heavy clay, with some little loam,
particularly deficient in hmnus. This field had grown grain and been sown to
grass sixteen years ago, since when it had been lying in so-called pasture, growing
extremely little after the first few years. This field was practically a square block,
and had been used for pasture, where animals had been getting the better part of their
feed in the stables. Consequently the corner nearest the buildings received consider-
ably more droppings from the cattle during this time than the opposite corner, at
least they showed the two extremes in condition. With a view to making each plot as
nearly equal in fertility as possible, the field was divided into eight parts of 1 acre each,
and numbered 1 to 8. Nos. 1 and 8 being designated plot 1 (2 acres) ; Nos. 2 and 7
plot 2 (2 acres); Nos. 3 and 6 plot 3 (2 acres), and Nos. 4 and 5 plot 4 (2 acres).

On plot 1 no fertilizer was used, on plot 2, 300 lbs. complete fertilizer per acre
was used. On plot 3, 600 lbs. complete fertilizer (Bowker's Square Brand) per acre
was used, and on plot 4, 10 one-horse cart-loads of manure were used.

In the season of 1906, this field was sown with peas, oats and vetches mixed together
and sown at the rate of 3 bushels per acre. They were allowed to grow until about
August 1, when the entire crop was ploughed under. This was repeated in 1907.
In 1908 (this season) it was sown with Waverley oats, Odessa barley and Prussian
Blue peas, mixed together and sown at the rate of 3 bushels per acre, together with
clover and timothy at the rate of 10 lbs. clover and 12 lbs. timothy seed per acre.
This field has now the appearance of being in a fairly good condition for crop growing.
The take of clover and timothy is quite good, and will be left for clover hay this
following season, the intention being to continue growing crops of grain and clover
hay alternately for a term of years, without any addition of fertilizer of any kind.

The yield obtained this season was as follows : —

0

i

How Fertilized.

Yield per
Plot (2 acres).

Weight
per Bush.

1

•
No fertilizer used

Bush. Lbs.

61 04

78 OS
82 05
95 04

Lbs.
40

2
3

300 lbs. fertilizer per acre

600 M >,

40
40

4

10 one horse cart loads manure

40

EXPERIMENTS WITH FERTILIZERS ON MARSH.

The land used for these experiments was the ordinary marsh (or dyke) soil on
which hay (timothy and June grass) had been grown for at least ten years. It was
ploughed the fall previous, well worked up and sown June 9, with oats, the variety
used being ' Sensation,' at the rate of 3 bushels per acre. Two acres were used and
numbered No. 1 and No. 2. On each acre was a series of 36 plots of one-thirty-sixth
acre each.

On both acres the lime was used alike, air slaked, sown on the surface and harrowed
in. On acre No. 1 all the fertilizers were sown separately on the surface and
harrowed in. On acre No. 2, all fertilizers (excepting lime) were sown on the surface
after seeding and not harrowed in.

264

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

The following were the results obtained :-

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

g-

CO

No.

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

10
11
12

13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
2.S
24

25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36

3 casks

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

Fertilizer Per Acre.

lime, IOC lbs.
100 lbs.
100 lbs.
100 lbs.
only .
200 lbs.
200 lbs.
200 lbs.
200 lbs.
lOu lbs.
100 lbs.
only...

muriate of potash

sulphate n

muriate of potash, 500 lbs. basic slag,
sulphate n n ■■

muriate of potash

sulphate u

muriate of potash, 500 lbs. basic slag,
sulphate n 500 «

muriate n' 500 lbs. bone meal .

sulphate h 500 n

B.

No lime, 100 lbs. muriate of potash

II 100 lbs. sulphate «

.1 100 lbs. muriate m 500 lbs. basic slag .. .

II 100 lbs. sulphate u 500 n

Check. No fertilizer used

No lime, 200 lbs. muriate of potash ,

II 200 lbs. sulphate n

II 200 lbs. muriate n 500 lbs. basic slag. . .

.. 200 lbs. sulphate .> 500 u

II 100 lbs. muriate of potash, 300 lbs. bone meal.
100 lb"!, sulphate .■ 500 i.
Check. No fertilizer used ...

300 lbs.

300

300

.SOO

300

300

300

300

.300

300

300

300

fertilizer, 100 lbs.
100 lbs.
100 lbs.
100 lbs.
only ..
200 lbs.
200 lbs.
200 lbs.
200 lbs.
100 lbs.
100 lbs.
only . . .

0.

muriate of potash,
sulphate n
n^uriate n ,

sulphate h ,

500 lbs. basic slag.
500

muriate of potash
sulphate n
muriate u ,

sulphate n ,

muriate u ,

sulphate n ,

500 lbs. basic slag .

500

500 lbs. bone meal .

500 ..

Fertilizer

Harrowed in

Yield

Per Acre.

58
59
63
72
70
64
50
72
73
67
65
74

51
49
64
66
6i
63
62
67
66
65
61
69

55
55
63
61
67
66
70
76
77
76
81
84

Fertilizer

not

Harrowed in

Yield

Per Acre.

Bush. Lbs. Bush. Lbs.

8

10
18
18
32
20
28

2

26
22
22

30
26
20
24
14
18
16
20
24
22
14
30

2
8
18
32
18
24
32
8
10
26

24

79
72
80
70
69
75
74
79
86
83
84
85

56
52
63
68
55
64
72
73
74
75
74
75

70
67
73
72
69
67
79
80
82
82
81
83

32

ie

32
30
6
4
14
28
22
24
26

4
32
18
28

2
20

2

22

24

14

8
20

30
26
14
16
2
20
18
22

FURTHER EXPERIMENTS WITH LIME AND COMMERCIAL FERTILIZERS

ON MARSH OR DYKE LANDS.

This experiment, which has been carried on for the past two years, was repeated
this season. The land was ploughed in the fall of 1907, and sown in the spring with
Sensation oats. It was divided into 12 parts of one-twelfth acre each. Clover and
timothy seed was sown at the rate of 10 lbs. clover and 12 lbs. timothy seed per acre
on all the plots, while lime (air-slaked), and commercial fertilizer (Bowker's square
brand) was applied as below.

REPORT OF MR. R. ROBERTSON

265

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Experiments with Fertilizers on Marsh Land.

CO

No.

9
10
11
12

Fertilizers Per Acre.

3 casks lime, 800 lbs. basic slag

3 II 400 lbs. bone meal

3 II only

3 II 400 lbs. Bowker's fertilizer (square brand)

Yield
Per Acre.

Bush. Lbs.

52
62
60
67

20

28

No lime, 800 basic slag

M 400 bone meal

Check, no fertilizer used

No lime, 400 lbs. Bowker's fertilizer (square brand).

49
59
53
63

14
22
18
30

6 casks lime, 800 lbs. basic slag

6 II 400 lbs. bone meal .

6 II only

6 II 400 lbs. Bowker's fertilizer (square brand)

51
61
60
61

30
02
24
14

The casks of lime used were the ordinary casks in which lime is sold in this
vicinity, weighing about 400 lbs. or 5 bushels.

Crop of Hay on Marsh, 1908, where above Experiment with Fertilizers had been

carried on in 1907.

1

2
3
4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

Fertilizers per Acre Used Previous Year, 1907.

3 casks lime, 800 lbs. basic slag

3 II 400 lbs. bone meal

3 It only

3 .1 400 lbs. Bowker's fertilizer (square brand)

No lime, 800 lbs. basic slag

M 400 lbs. bone meal

Check, no fertilizer used

No lime, 400 lbs. Bowker's fertilizer (square brand)

6 casks lime, 800 lbs. basic slag

6 M 400 lbs. bone meal

6 II only

6 II 400 lbs. Bowker's fertilizer (square brand)

Yield

per Acre,

Hay.

Tons. Lbs.

2
2
2

2
2
2
1
2
2
2
2
1

1,280

1,400

1,000

1,075

776

752

1,816

105

980

1,040

440

1,720

SPECIAL EXPERIMENTS WITH FERTILIZERS.

Experiments having been carried on for five years previous to 1904, without any
change of fertilizer per plot for the entire period, it was decided to discontinue the
use of fertilizers, with a view to determine to what extent the fertilizers already
applied would continue to supply plant-food for the crop.

The field was seeded to grain, two series of plots each, oats, barley, wheat, peas
and mixed grain; each series running across the various plots where different
fertilizers had been used. With each kind of grain was sown Mammoth Red clover
at the rate of 10 lbs. per acre; on the other series of plots the grains were sown alone
without clover. This was the fifth crop since receiving any fertilizer. The ground
was ploughed in the spring and cultivated thoroughly. The plots were one-eighth
of an acre each. The following yields were obtained from these plots : —

266

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

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REPORT OF MR. R. ROBERTSON 267

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

HAY CROP.

The hay crop was unusually good both on upland and marsh, the season being
quite suitable. Thirty-three acres on upland, yielded 67 tons 975 lbs.; 32 acres on
marsh yielded 60 tons 950 lbs.

SUMMARY OF CROPS GROWN, EXCLUSIVE OF UNIFORM TEST PLOTS

OF GRAIN AND POTATOES.

Hay,

Tons. Lbs.

Upland hay 67 975

Marsh hay 60 950

127 1,925
Grain.

Bush. Lbs. Lbs.

Mixed grain 613 21 24,541

Oats. 962 21 32,729

Barley 61 24 2,952

Buckwheat 73 . . 3,504

63,726
Turnips.

Bush. Lbs. Tons. Lbs.

Turnips (field crop) 4,298 43 128 1,923

Turnips (test plots) 128 40 3 1,720

4,427 23 132 1,643

Mangels.

Bush. Lbs. Tons. Lbs.

Mangels (test plots) 65 10 1 1,920

Corn.

Tons. Lbs.

Corn (field crop) 48 1,625

Corn (test plots) 6 960

55 585

GRAIN AND POTATO DISTRIBUTION.

As in past years, grain and potatoes were distributed to farmers on application.
The following number of 3-lb. sample bags were sent to the various applicants: —

Oats 240

Barley 54

Wheat 80

Buckwheat 40

Potatoes 329

Total 743

268 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

HORSES.

No change has been made in the number of horses in the past year. All are in
good condition, and consist of three teams of draft horses, one express horse and one
driver.

CATTLE.

The stock, at present, consists of 53 grade Shorthorn steers and one grade Short-
horn milch cow.

The steers were purcha'sed in November and put under experiment on November
16. After fasting over night, and before receiving any feed on the morning of the
16th, they were weighed and found as stated below. They are still on hand, having
been under experiment 135 days to date, March 31. They are expected to be ready
for market in the latter part of May or first of June.

They were fed large quantities of roots and clover hay at first, with a view to
getting them in proper condition to make the best use of meal feeds, and were freed
as to lice and dirt.

No meal was fed for the first three weeks, after which they began to receive one
pound per day, which was increased from month to month, at the same time decreasing
the quantity of roots, until at the finish they will receive seven pounds of meal per
day per steer, a few pounds of corn ensilage (instead of roots), and all the hay they
will eat, about 15 lbs. each per day.

Lbs.

Total live weight of 53 steers, Nov. 16, 1908 56,400

Total live weight of 53 steers, March 31, 1909 66,420

Increase. 10,020

Average daily gain per steer 1-40

COMPLETION OF STEER FEEDING EXPERIMENT OF 1908.

Finished since last Report.

On making my report to March 31, 1908, the 68 steers under experiment were
still on hand. The following is a continuation and conclusion of said experiment : —

Experiment with Steers, 1908, Unfinished in last Report.

Lbs.

Total live weight of 68 steers, Nov. 16, 1907 67,875

Total live weight of 68 steers, March 15, 1908 78,355

Increase to March 15, 1908 10,480

Total live weight of 68 steers, April 30, 1908 81,785

Increase to April 30, 1908 (total) 13,910

Financial Results.

Original weight of 68 steers, 67,875 lbs., at 42%ooc. per lb. . $2,891 47
Weight at finish, 68 steers, 81,785 lbs., at 5S%ooc. per lb. . 4,784 42

Balance $1,892 95

Cost of feed for lot 165 days 1,570 80

Net profit $ 322 15

Daily rate of gain per steer, 1-23 lbs.
Cost of 1 lb. gain, 11-20 cents.
Cost of feed per day per steer, 14 cents.
Profit p3r steer, $4.73.

REPORT OF MR. R. ROBERTSON 269

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

SHEEP.

Sheep are not kept in large numbers, only 23 being now in the pens. Two breeds
are kept, namely, Shropshires and Leicesters, and their grades.

There are 11 Shropshires, as follows : 10 aged ewes and 1 ewe lamb.

There are 7 Leicesters, as follows: 6 aged ewes and 1 aged ram.

There are also 4 aged grade ewes and 1 grade ewe lamb.

Owing to the small area of pasture the flock has not been materially increased,
only the desirable ewe lambs have been kept, the others were sold.

POULTRY.

The breeds of poultry on the farm consist of Barred Plymouth Eocks, White
Wyandottes, White Leghorns, Black Minorcas and Buff Orpingtons.
The pens are made up as follows : —

Cocks. Hens.

8 B. P. Rocks 704 88

W. Wyandottes. 1 4

W. Leghorns 1 10

Blk. Minorcas 1 6

The number of eggs laid by the different breeds during the year. is as follows: —

Eggs. Average.

8 B. R. Rocks 704 88

4 W. Wyandottes 300 75

6 W. Leghorns 444 74

3 Blk. Minorcas 210 70

4 B. Orpingtons 268 67

BEES.

This past winter the bees did not do well. The mild weather in the early winter
kept the temperature of the cellar above 50° until February, causing more or less
disturbance among the bees, producing dysentery, with which all hives were more or
less affected, and forcing us to put them on their summer stands at the first
opportunity. This was done on March 24, one month earlier than is usual with us.
Abundant stores were in most of the hives, yet, although containing a good number
of bees when put out, during the latter part of April and May, a great many bees
died, leaving us ill-prepared to take advantage of one of the best clover seasons we
have had in Nova Scotia for many years, the month of July being especially fine
bee weather. From five hives, spring count, 210 lbs. honey was sold and some kept
on hand to stimulate the bees at brood-rearing time, if needed.

To gather some data on the difference between wintering bees on the coarser
honeys stored by them in the fall, compared with sugar syrup, six colonies were
experimented on for this purpose.

Three colonies were left alone with their own stores, and three colonies had their
stores extracted and had sugar syrup fed them, by a Miller feeder.

At the present time, March 31, all colonies are quiet, and notes will be taken on
the effect of the different feeds during the early spring and brood-rearing time.

On a bright mild day in early March, the colonies were all taken from the cellar
and given a cleansing flight and put back in the cellar the same day.

APPLES.

Last season proved favourable for fruit trees. The absence of spring frosts was
followed by a good setting of fruit, and th-e open fall assisted in the ripening of the
late varieties. The apple crop on the farm was a fairly good one, the fruit was clean,
well coloured and of good size, especially the winter varieties.

* Not mentioned above.

270

EXPERIMES'TAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

STKAWBEERIES.

The strawberry plants came through the winter well and a fair crop of fruit
was picked.

The size of the plots of each variety was 164 x 5 feet.

Following are the yields from 20 of the most productive varieties: —

Variety.

John Little. . . .

Clyde

Poeomoke

Princess

Swindle

Capt. Jack . . .
Beder Wood . . .

Warfield

Hood River ....

Crescent

James Vick

Sen. Dunlap . . .

Beverly

Glen Mary

H. W. Beecher

Williams

Parker Earle. . .
Bomba . . ....

Lovett

Barton

Dates when Picked and Yield.

July 4.

Qts.

1
3

July 8.

Qts.

7
8
6

7

2h
6
8
10
5
6
2
7
4

5i
6
3
6
6
4
4

July 11.

Qts.

12

13

9

11

7

11

9

7

11

10

8

4

7

6

6

5|
6

3

7
8

July 14.

Qts.

6
7

10
2

10
6
2
3
3

n

7
2
6
5
5
4
3
4
4

July 23

Qts.

2
1

1

n

2

1
1
1

4i
1

Yield

per

Plot.

Qts.

30

29

26

25

23^

23

23

2.3

22

21

19

18^

18^

18^

18

17

17

17

17

17

Yield

per

Acre.

Qts.

1.5,840

15,312

13,728

13.200

12,408

12,144

12,144

12,144

11,616

11,088

10,032

9,768

9,768

9,768

9,504

8,976

8,976

8.976

8,976

8,976

GARDEN PEAS.

Ten varieties of what we consider the best garden peas were sown in plots each
33 feet long by 2i feet wide. The seed was sown in rows 2^ feet apart, 2 inches deep
and 2 inches apart in the rows. As each variety became ready for use the date was
recorded and the yields of green pods from the several pickings entered.

The yields were as follows: —

Variety.

D.\TE OF Picking and Yields.

Tot.il Yield
from
Plots.

August 7.

August 14.

Prosneritv

Lbs. Ozs.

11 8

12 0
10 8

9 4
9 8
9 6
10 4
10 8
8 0
7 8

Lbs. Ozs.

3 0

1 8

2 8

3 4

2 0

4 0

3 0

1 8
3 0

2 8

Lbs. Ozs.
14 8

Gradus

'J^hoinas Laxton

13 8
13 0

Clianii»ion

Station

12 8
11 8

Telephone

American Wonder

]3 6
13 4

Strataj^em

12 0

Earliest of All

Notts Excelsior

11 0
10 0

REPORT OF MR. R. ROBERTSON

271

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

GAEDEN BEANS.

On June 9 six varieties of beans were planted in rows 36 feet long, dropped 2
inches apart in the row. A duplicate plot of each variety was planted and allowed
to ripen.

The following yields of green beans were obtained: —

Variety.

Date of

Picking and

Yields.

Total

Aug. 5.

Aug. 10.

Aug. 18.

Plots.

Golden Skinless

Dwarf Wax

Lbs. Oz.

12 0

10 8

11 0
10 8
10 0

8 0

Lbs. Oz.

3 8

4 0
4 0
2 4
4 0
4 0

Lbs. Oz.

2 8

1 0

2 8

1 0

3 8

2 0

Lbs. Oz.

18 0
15 8

II Matchless

■1 Extra Early

Fame of Vitrj'

17 8
13 12

17 8

Emperor of Hussia

14 0

TOMATOES.

The seed for the test plots was sown in the hot-bed on March 30. The plants
were transplanted to strawberry boxes on April 24, and planted in the open, 4 feet
apart each way, on June 6. There were 20 varieties planted and eight plants of
each used.

The yields were as follows: —

(D

B

3

Variety.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

in

20

Spark's Earliana (C.E.F.)

Earlibelle

First of All

Ponderosa ,

Chalk's Early Jewel

Earliana

Early Atlantic Prize

Imperial

Golden Queen

Spark's Earliana (Graham Bros.).

Early Hustler

Perfection

June Pink

Success

Livingstone's Globe.

Plentiful

Beefsteak

Beauty

Dwarf Champion.
Mikado

Ripe Fruit.

Lbs.

im

162|

131

87

53^

99

66|
47
117
83
.SOi
58|
29
52i
44
62
30
31
31

Green Fruit.

Lbs.

185J

186""

131

171

203i

156

19:)

177i

186

107^

141

145^

114

127

97
100

72
104

85

65

Yield
per Plot.

Lbs.

373f
348|
2G2
258
257
255
246i
244l
233
224i
224
176
172|
156
149i
144
134
134
H6
96

272 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

CORRESPONDENCE.

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

During the year 2,965 letters were received and 2,700 sent out, exclusive of
reports and circulars mailed with samples of grain.

AGRICULTURAL MEETINGS.

During the year I attended and delivered addresses at the following meetings: —
Sussex Dairy School, April 1 to 3, 1908; Caledonia, N.S., April 8, 1908; Kempt,
N.S., April 9, 1908; Maitland, N.S., April 9, 1908; W. Caledonia, N.S., April 10,
1908; Brookfield, N.S., April 11, 1908; Greenfield, N.S., April 13, 1908; Pleasani
River, N.S., April 13, 1908; New Germany, N.S., April 14, 1908; Barss Corner, N.S..
April 14, 1908; Bridgewater, N.S., April 15, 1908; Hebeville, N.S., April 15, 1908:
Blockhouse, N.S., April 16, 1908; Middle Stewiacke, N.S., June 29, 1908; Norton,
N.B., July 9, 1908; Middleton, N.S., December 15 to 17, 1908; Pugwash, N.S.,
December 21, 1908; Wallace Bay, N.S., December 22, 1908; Fox Harbour, N.S.,
December 23, 1908; Middleboro, N.S., December 24, 1908; Summerside, P.E.I.,
March 9 to 12, 1909; Fredericton, N.B., March 17 to 20, 1909; Sussex Dairy School,
March 22 to 25, 1909; Chatham, N.B., March 26 to 29, 1909.

I also travelled with the Scotch Agricultural delegation from August 14 to 22,
1908.

EXHIBITIONS.

An exhibit of farm products was made at the N. S. Provincial Exhibition at
Halifax, at the Chatham Exhibition, Chatham, N.B., and also at the P.E.I. Exhibi-
tion at Charlottetown. I also attended the Musquodoboit Agricultural Society's
Exhibition, the Pictou County Exhibition, the Antigonish Agricultural Society's
Exhibition, the Sackville and Westmoreland County Exhibition and the Kentville
Exhibition.

VISITORS.

The usual round of visitors, in groups varying in number from a few to 500 or
600 visited the farm during the past summer.

I have the honour to be, sir.

Your obedient servant,

R. ROBERTSON,

Superintendent.

9-10 EDWARD VII.

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

A. 1910

EXPERIMENTAL FARM FOR MANITOBA

Dr. Wm. Saunders, C.M.G.,

Director of Experimental Farms,
Ottawa.

Brandon, March 31, 1909.

Sir, — I have the honour to present herewith the twenty-first annual report of the
Experimental Farm for Manitoba at Brandon, giving the results of experinieru:s
"undertaken during the past year.

The winter of 1907-8 in Manitoba, was one of the mildest on record. The weather
in the fall continued mild and open until about the first of December, and, although
during that month the temperature dropped below zero on several occasions, the
weather was particularly pleasant and free from storms. January gave us the only
severe weather of the winter, when, for a week, the temperature varied from 18° to
46° below zero. The snowfall was usually light, and there was scarcely a continuous
ten days of good sleighing all winter.

Spring opened about the first of April, and, the light snowfall being general
throughout the west, there was an absence of floods and the land dried off rapidly.
Work on this farm started on April 13, but in some parts of the province it was
general neirly a week earlier. Seeding conditions have seldom been more favourable
in Mfinitoba than they were in 1908. There was an abundance of moisture to start
germination, the soil warmed up immediately, and occasional showers maintained a
strong healthy growth. Throughout April and May the crop prospects could not
have been brighter, and they continued so in some districts until well into the summer.
In other parts, very little rain fell for two months after seeding, and the crop was
seriously affected. Throughout Manitoba, the yields of wheat, oats and barley, the
principal crops, were well up to the average of recent years. In some of the northern
districts considerable damage was done by early frosts, but this was not serious
except in limited areas. The first frost to be registered here was on August 14, when
two degrees was recorded. There was no perceptible damage done except to corn on
low land, and to some of the tenderest garden plants. On August 22, the temperature
fell to 29 degrees, but again there was very little damage done. Some of the latest
wheat showed a little sign of frost, probably received on this date, but the injury
was very slight. After this date the weather got much warmer, and during the first
half of September, unusually high temperatures prevailed with no further frost until
September 23, when we had nine degrees. By this time all crops were safe from
danger. During harvest and the early part of the threshing season, the weather was
ideal, and most of the crops were harvested in excellent condition. Even smutty
grain was very little tainted, as the grain was in such excellent condition when
threshed.

On the Experimental Farm, harvest started on August 11, three weeks earlier
than the year previous. Most crops were not as heavy as in 1907, but were harvested
with less expense and were quite satisfactory. The unusually warm weather
experienced just as grain was starting to ripen, no doubt reduced the yield considerably
and in some cases injured the quality.

Late fall weather was open and the ground being well supplied with moisture in
Manitoba more than the 'usual amount of fall ploughing was done. The year
throughout has been a good one for the Manitoba farmer; the yield of grain has been
well up to the average, the season was favourable to securing it in good condition,
and prices for all classes of grain were highly satisfactory.

16—18

274

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910
EXPERIMENTS WITH WHEAT.

Sixteen varieties of wheat were sown April 18, on uniform plots of one-twentieth
of an acre each. The land was a clay loam, summerfallowed in 1907, and in excellent
condition at the time of sowing. The grain was sown at the rate of one and a half
bushels per acre. Weather and soil conditions were ideal throughout most of the
growing season, and an excellent growth was the result, with very little rust, no
smut, and very little lodging.

Several varieties are included this time for the first year. Marquis and Chelsea
are cross-bred varieties that promise well as early wheats of good quality. Minnesota
No. 188 is a strain of Preston that has given particularly good results in Minnesota.
Registered Red Fife is a strain of Red Fife that has been selected for seven years
by a member of the Canadian Seed Growers Association.

WHEAT-^TEST OF VARIETIES.

Name of Variety.

1 Marquis

2 Chelsea

3 Preston .

4 Red Fife H.

5 Registered Red Fife.

6 Bishop.

7 White Russian.

8 White Fife.

9 Huron .
10 Percy A

lllPringle's Champlain.
12 Stanley .
13
14
15
16

Red Fern

Riga

Minnesota 1S8

Hungarian White.

fee

a

• ft

a
<v

Aug.

12
12
13
18
18
14
19
20
12
15
13
16
15
14
14
13

116
116
117
122
122
118
123
124
116
119
117
120
119
118
118
117

o g

In.

41
42
45
38
38
46
42
41
43
47
38
47
46
45
42
40

a>

o
eS
St
eS

-a
O

Stiff.
Fair.
Stiff.

Fair.
Stiff.

T3

w

o

bo

c

In.

3i

3i

3^

3

3i

3|

32

3|

3i

3|
3i
3A

3

3|

Kind

of
Head.

Bald. . . .

It ...
Bearded
Bald . . .

It ...

II ...

It ...

II ...
Bearded
Bald . . .
Bearded
Bald . . .
Bearded
Bald . . .
Bearded

u
02

O

Yield

per

Acre.

6c - Jj

Lbs. 3

4,550 49

4,170 45

4,990

4,610

5,150

4,700

4,840

5,030

4,930

4,740

4,850

4,270

4,990

4,210 36

4,440 36

4,830 34

45
41
40
40

39
37
37
37
37
37
36

10
30
10
30
50

20
50
50
40
30
10
50
30

30

-"5

^ "= 5
01

Lbs.

64^

6H

61

63

61

60

61

62i

59i

59

61

59

62i

60

59

61

Rusted.

Very slightly.
Slightly.
Considerably.
Very slightly.

Slightly.

Considerably.

Slightly.
Considerably.

Slightly.
Considerably.

WHEAT— TEST OF VARIETIES.

AVERAGE OF FIVE YEARS.

Following is a list of a number of the leading varieties of wheat and their average
yield on this farm for the past five years.

Variety.

[Average Days
Maturing.

Preston

Red Fife

Huron

White Fife

Pringle's Champlain

Stanley

Percy

White Russian

Red Fern

Average Yield
per Acre.

REPORT OF MR. JAMES MURRAY 275

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

STANDAKD AND COMMERCIAL GRADES OF WHEAT.

There is, every year, a proportion of the grain of this province that, if sold, grades
low, and in consequence the price is greatly reduced. On account of the small price
that it will bring on the market, there is always a temptation to use the low-grade
grain for seed and sell the grain of good quality, as there is an opinion, still quite
prevalent, that badly frozen grain, or grain that for other reasons grades low, makes
rlmost, if not quite as satisfactory seed as high-class grain.

In order to get some more definite information on this matter, seed of all the
commercial grades was secured from the Chief Grain Inspsctor, Winnipeg, and
sowings were made of each under uniform conditions. The conditions for growth, as
regards weather and soil, were ideal, and the results that we secured this year may be
considered as representing what might be expected under the most favourable conditions.
There was a marked difference in yield between the No. 1 Hard and No. 2 Feed —
the two extremes. Experiments of this kind require to be conducted for several years
before the results are of much value, and it will, therefore, be repeated before drawing
any definite conclusions.

EMMER AND SPELT.

These wheats which are unsuitable for milling, but are used to a limited extent
as feed for stock, have been grown here for a number of years. The average yield
for the last four years of Common Emmer was 3,405 lbs. per acre; Red Spelt, 2,655
lbs. ; Red Emmer, 2,552 lbs. ; while White Spelt produced only 1,955 lbs. The grain
grown through the country by the name of Spelt or Speltz, is, properly speaking,
Common Emmer, by far the best of this class of wheats. Common Emmer alone was
grown this year on the Experimental Farm, the yield being at the rate of 2,210 lbs. of
grain per acre.

SMUT PREVENTIVES.

During the past twenty years, various chemicals have been tested to secure one
for the prevention of smut in grain crops. Little difficulty has been experienced in
controlling this disease in wheat or oats, but no practicable method has yet been
introduced that will entirely prevent it in barley. The formalin treatment has been
found, after numerous trials, to be highly satisfactory. Formalin can now be secured
almost everywhere; it is inexpensive, the solution is easily prepared, and its efficiency,
when properly applied, is beyond doubt. One pound of formalin is sufiicient to make
thirty-two gallons of solution, and this quantity will easily cover forty bushels of
wheat, or about twenty-eight of oats. Dipping and sprinkling have given equally
good results, but carelessness in either method of treatment is sure to bring dis-
appointment.

Bluestone has also been found effective as a re-agent for destroying smut, but
its use has not been attended with quite as satisfactory results as formalin. A
bluestone solution of the proper strength is prepared by dissolving one pound of
bluestone in six gallons of soft water. As with the formalin solution, it makes no
difference how this solution is applied so long as every kernel of grain is thoroughly
moistened.

Other treatments that have been on trial as preventives of smut include those
with sulphide of potassium, sulphate of iron, agricultural bluestone, massel powder,
anti-fungi, salt, and hot water. None of these have proven to be nearly as effectual
as either formalin or bluestone. The hot water treatment and sulphide of potassium
both effectively prevented the disease, but the methods of application are too tedious
to permit of either treatment coming into general use. Agricultural bluestone and
anti-fungi are both mixtures of copper sulphate and iron sulphate, and their effective-

16— 18J

276

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

ness is dependent upon the proportion of sulphate of copper that they contain,
sulphate of iron being of little value as a fungicide.

The wheat that was used in the tests this year was not very smutty, and even
the untreated grain shows a very small ijroportion of smut.

Following are the results of this year's tests : —

Treatment.

Formalin dipped

II sprinkled .

Bluestone dipped . . .
II spiinkled

Anti-Fungi dipped .

Not treated

Smutty Heads

in

9 sq. feet.

none

Good Heads
in

9 sq. feet.

490
566
499
495
405
492

Yield per Acre.

Bush.

40
40
39
38
3S
38

Lbs.

10
20
20
50
50
50

FIELD CROPS OF WHEAT.

Variety.

White Fife

Percy

Stanley

Red Fife (1)

M (2)

Preston (1)

" (2)

Pringle's Champlain

Number

of
Acres.

4
3
4
9
4
6
12
4

43

78
71
43
1

83

Preparation of Land.

Fall ploughing,

II
Summerf allow .

II

II

II
Fall ploughing
Summerfallow .

Days

Maturing.

102
99
115
123
123
117
117
119

Yield

per

Acre.

Bush

. Lbs.

31

36

27

20

27

12

35

32

29

21

35

15

24

36

13

Total Yield.

Bush.

140
. 82
130
345
130
215
288
175

Weight

per
Bushel.

Lbs.

63
60f
59
60

61i

'58"

REPORT OF MR. JAMES MURRAY

277

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

EXPEEIMENTS WITH OATS.

Twenty-six varieties of oats were grown under uniform conditions on plots of
one-twentieth of an acre. Although good yields were secured, they would have been
greater but for the extremely hot weather experienced during the ripening season.

The Registered Banner oats were secured from a member of the Canadian Seed
Growers Association who had been selecting them for eight years.

The seed was sown May 7, on clay loam summerfallowed in 1907.

Oats — Test of Varieties.

Name of Variety.

1 Registered Banner. . .

2 White Giant . .

3 Danish Island . . .

4 Improved American.

5: Banner

6; Irish Victor

7I Abundance ,

8f Lincoln

9 Siberian -

10 Wide Awake

11 Twentieth Century.

12 American Triumph. .

13 Virginia White

14 Goldfinder

1.5 Improved Ligowo .

16 Golden Beauty

17 Kendal White

18 Thousand Dollar . . .

11) Danbeney

20lSwedish Select

21 1 Joanette - . . . .

22 Pioneer . .

231 Storm King.

24 Tartar King

25 Golden Giant

26Milford White

? h,

-^W

Date

oi

--C

_ 60

Char-

«4H

Ripen-
ing.

4 b

Z ct

0 s
5 '-5

acter of
Straw.

-; ^

- 0

^ G

a-

y

In.

1-1
In.

Aug.

19

104

53

Stiff....

9i

1^

103

48

tl . . . ^

8i

n

19

104

50

II ....

9

M

17

102

49

tt ....

8

H

19

104

51

It ....

9

II

18

1'3 49

It ....

7i

11

19

101

49

Fair....

8

It

17

102

48

II ....

7*

II

21

100

48

II I . . .

81

tl

18

103

48

Stifif....

8

11

18

103

48

n ....

n

II

18

103

49

Fair ....

8J,

II

18

103

49

Stiff....

8

It

29

114

50

M ....

^l

„

1(5

101

49

Fair

8

11

26

111

48

Stiff

8

tl

20

105

58

Weak.. .

9

,,

17

102

51

Fair....

8

,,

10

ii5

44

Stiff....

7

II

IS

103

49

Fair....

n

It

21

IOC.

43

Stiff....

8

It

20

105

51

11 ....

9

tl

18

103

49

,,

8

tl

17

102

47

Fair....

8

11

30

115

53

II ....

11

11

20

105

46

tl ....

8^

Kind

of
Head.

Branching

Sided.

o .

Lbs.

4,135
3,935
4,295
4,775
5,250
4,325
4,575
4 235
4,135
3,985
4,715
4,.^35
3,9.35
4,420
4,095
3,460
3,960
3,^75
2,()85
4,195
4,340
4,080
5,580
2,7.^5
4,330
4,150

Yield

per
Acre.

33
1

Bus. Lbs

119 19
110 21
115 15
115 15
113
111
109 19
107 27
107 27
106 11
105 15
104 29
104 29
102 12
100 5
98 8
98 8
97 27

97
97

17
7

95 SO
94 24
91 26
91 21
90 10
89 24

0) _- -
^ X -G

Lbs.

36

35

36

35

36

35

36^

374

35i

37"

38

35J

39

35i

3'.)

37

37

39

374

404

36"

38

404

404

30'

354

Rusted.

Very slightly.

Slightly.
Very slightly.

II
Considerably.
Very slightly.

Slightly.
Very slightly.

Slightly.

Badly.

Very slightly.

Slightly.

Considerably.

Very slightly.

Slightly.

Considerably.

Verj' slit'Jitly.

Considerably.

Very slightly.

Badly.
Slightly.

Field Crops of Oats.

Variety.

Banner (1)

.. (2)

.. (3)

Goldfinder

Daubeney

Thousand Dollar

No. of acres.

4-41
8 42
8 16
2- 19
2-50
3 05

Preparation of Land.

Summerfallow.

Spring ploughing

Yield per acre.

Bush. Lbs.

86
70
77
76
70
76

29
10
15
09
24
24

Total Yield.

Bush. Lbs.

383
592
632
167
181
234

278

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

Oats — Test of Varieties.

average yield for five years.

Following is a list of a number of the leading varieties of oats and their average
yield on this farm for the past five years: —

Variety.

Improved American .

Banner

White Giant

Danish Island

Golden Beauty

Goldfinder

Siberian

Abundance

Golden Giant

Lincoln . .

American Triumph . .

Wide Awake

Daubeney ,

Average days

Average

yield

Maturing.

per acre.

Bush.

Lbs.

109

123

89

110

122

3

109

118

15

110

117

15

112

116

18

113

114

10

111

113

31

110

U3

21

114

113

18

109

112

29

110

112

3

110

110

13

96

86

32

Daubeney is a particularly early variety, ripening usually about two weeks earlier
than Banner. It is particularly adapted to late districts or sowing late in the season.
It is a white oat with a very thin hull, but the average yield is considerably below
that of many other sorts.

EXPEKIMENTS WITH BARLEY.

The season was a favourable one for barley and good crops of good quality were
secured. The yield from the two-rowed varieties was scarcely up to the average, as
these were just ripening during our very warm weather, while the six-rowed varieties
were ripe earlier, and the yield was not affected to the same extent by the excessive
heat.

Fourteen varieties of six-rowed, and eleven varieties of two-rowed barley were
sown May 26. The plots were one-twentieth of an acre each, the land being clay loam
that had been summerfallowed in 1907.

Six-Eow Barley — Test of Varieties.

Name of Variety.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

Odessa

Mensury

Blue Long Head.

Albert

Mansfield

Yale

No. 21

Empire

Claude

Trooper

Stella

Nugent

Oderbruch ,

14 Champion .

bo

bb

0

'2

a

c

>.3

Ti be

o

W

n.

* -s

t!

C4-I

"sS

Ss

J=T3

11

o

Si

o

be -3

bo

C

0/

Q

^

In.

o

hJ

In.

Aug. 21

87

41

Fair . . .

3

„ 21

87

45

II ...

3

„ 24

90

38

11 . . .

3

u 20

86

3-(

It ...

3

„ 22

88

39

tl . . .

2J

2|

,. 21

87

42

ti ...

„ 22

88

46

Stiff . . .

3

„ 20

86

43

Fair . . .

2i

„ 20

86

41

t» . . .

2^

M 21

87

37

Stiff . . .

2i

,. 19

85

40

II ...

3

>, 20

86

40

Fair . . .

2i

M 19

85

37

Weak . .

2i

.. 18

84

37

Stiff . . .

2|

Kind

of
Head.

Bearded .

Beardless .

02

bo

Lbs.

3,360
3,130
3,520
2,970
2,670
2,990
3,410
3,480
2,290
2, .530
2,560
2,440
2,220
1,940

Yield

per

Acre.

3

61
59
57
56
56
56
56
52
52
49
48
47
45
32

^
12
38
44
42
42
22

2
24
14
18
36

4
20
24

c8 a) be
fi 2-5
a, ■-
? i> S

be L. .W

Lbs.

50*
50|
43

49

49i

48"

49.i

47

50

50

481

52

45

Rusted.

None,

Very slightly.

None.

Very slightly.

None.

Very slightly.

None.

Very slightly.

None.

REPORT OF MR. JAMES MURRAY

279

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Two-Row Barley — Test of Varieties.

1

2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11

Name of Variety.

Swedish Chevalier.
Danish Chevalier .

Standwell

French Chevalier .
Canadian Thorpe. .

Gordon

Beaver

Sidney

Clifford

Invincible

Jarvis

60

'S

<D

d
Q

Aug. 26

tt 28

.. 27

M 25

.. 24

M 26

M 25

M 24

., 24

t, 25

M 25

C

^'

Tfl

r^

C^

4J

r^

M

&r

c

s

-3

-4J

o

^

In.

5

o
O

92

40 Fair . . .

4

Bearded.

94

36 „ . . .

•^

93

42 Stiff.. ..

^4

91

46 „ . . .

3f

90

38 „ . . .

3

92

44 „ . . .

3

91

40 Fair....

Sh

90

43 Stiff. . . .

Sh

90

45

M ..

3

91

40

M . . .

3

91

45

M , . .

4

-a

so
a

(J

In.

Kind

of
Head.

. 1 , ,

?

te ffl be

E^

iix: s

4J

m

(4-1

o

Yield

c g c

.»^

per

^■n ?

Acre.

1rn£S

|g1i

J5

Lbs.

«

3

m

J2

Lbs.

M

h^l

3,200

54

8

51

3,460

50

40

51

3,120

49

28

40i

3,360

42

24

50

2,590

41

42

50^

3,500

41

32

48^

2,500

41

22

50*

2,720

41

12

50

3,030

36

42

48i

5,160

36

12

50i

2,980

35

40

48|:

Rusted.

None.

Very slightly.
II

None.

BARLEY — AVERAGE YIELD FOR FIVE YEARS.

Following is a list of a number of the leading varieties of barley and their
average yield on this farm for the past five years.

Six-EowED.

Variety.

Odessa . . .
Yale . .
Mensury .
Mansfield
Claude . .
Empire . . ,

Average Days
Maturing.

Average Yield
per Acre.

Bush.

63
61
61
60
59
58

Lbs.

40
32
22
22
42
38

Two-EowED.

Variety.

Averagf> D»ys
Maturing.

Average Yield
per Acre.

Swedish Chevalier

Standwell

Jarvis

94
92
90
92
90
91

Bush. Lbs.

60 24
59 42
58 38
57 26
56 8
55 18

Danish Chevalier

Cordon '

Canadian Thorpe

280

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

Field Crops of Barley.

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

Variety.

Number

of
Acres.

Preparation of Land.

Yield
per Acre.

Total Yield.

Odessa

9-33
5-71
8-31

Summerfallow

Sown on corn stubble

Summerfallow

Bush. Lbs.

65 44
46 45
49 39

Bush.
615

Mensury (1)

268

(2)

414

EXPEKIMENTS WITH PEAS.

The pea crop at present is not given a place among the imi)ortant grain crops of
Manitoba, but it has merits which warrant its receiving more attention than it has
hitherto been accorded. Being a leguminous crop, it is able, like the clovers, to
utilize to a great extent, in its growth, the nitrogen of the air, and undoubtedly stores
some of it in its roots. The root system, unfortunately, is not nearly so extensive as
that of red clover or alfalfa, and the amount of vegetable matter left in the soil in
the form of root fibre is, therefore, not so great as with these crops. It is, however,
considerable. The pea crop does not draw heavily on the land, which is therefore left
in good condition for the succeeding crop. There is now no difficulty in harvesting
peas with the harvester attachment to the mower, and threshing is accomplished with
the ordinary threshing machine.

The grain is very rich in protein and is unsurpassed as feed for hogs and cattle
when fed in conjunction with other grains deficient in this constituent. Mixed with
oats and fed to milch cows, it gives particularly good results, and as a producer of
high quality of bacon it has few equals. The straw, if cut before fully ripe, is
excellent for sheep feed, and does not collect in the wool to the same extent as the
straw from other cereals.

Eighteen varieties were sown under uniform conditions on May 2, on one-
twentielh of an acre plots. The soil was a clay loam summerfallowed in 1907, and the
seed grown at the rate of from two to three bushels per acre, according to size of the pea.

Peas — Test of "Varieties.

CD

9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18

Name of Variety.

Paragon

Mackay

Prince

English Grey

Early Britain

(xrcgory

Prussian Blue

Picton

Victoria

Arthur

Archer

Wisconsin Blue

Ch-mcellor

(Jolden Vine

Daniel O'Rourke.. . .
Black-eye Marrowfat

Agnes

White Marrowfat. . . .

Date of
Ripen-
ing.

Sept.

Aug.
Sept.

Number
of days
Matur-
ing.

4
2
5
7
6
3
2
4
9

31
6
3
1
7
6

13
7

12

125
123
126
128
127
124
123
125
130
121
126
124
122
128
127
134
128
133

Character ^^'^f^
of growth. g^°^^_

Rank. . .
Medium

Rank. . .
Medium

V. R,ank
Medium
Rank. . .
Medium

It
Rank. . .

V. Rank
Medium
V. Rank

In.

55
51
48
52
50
60
54
50
G6
48
60
54
56
58
60
71
50
73

Weight

of
Straw.

Lbs.

4720
4930
4640
4720
5330
4740
4460
4690
5220
3710
4900
42.30
2560
2820
3220
6360
5310
4420

O
A

o

+:>
tc

In.

2i
2i
2i
2|
2i
2h

2?

2i

2i

2i

2

2

2

2Ji

2l

2h

Size of
pea.

Medium

Large . .

Medium
Small. . .
Medium

Small.

Large
Medium
Large . .

Yield per

acre.

Bush. Lbs.

58

1

57

50

57

40

56

20

54

30

52

40

52

20

51

50

51

20

49

50

48

20

44

30

44

41

20

39

40

37

20

34

50

34

40

Weight

jier
bushel.

Lbs.

63i

62i

63

6U

60|

62

63

63i

63

63

63i

65'

05

65i

64|

62i

60i

62

50y4-iJ. 280.

REPORT OF MR. JAMES MURRAY

281

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Peas — Test op Varieties.

average yield for five years.

Following is a list of a number of the leading varieties of peas and their average
yield on this farm for the past five years.

Variety .

Mackay

Gregory

Early Britain

Prince

Pictoii

Arthur

Victoria

Paragon

Prussian Blue
English Grey .

Average days

Average

' yield

maturing.

per acre.

Bush.

Lbs.

130

56

58

129

53

36

129

53

04

331

52

44

129

50

48

124

50

46

129

50

26

126

50

23

123

48

02

131

47

04

Field Crops of Peas, 1908.

Variety.

Number

of
Acres.

Preparation

of

Land.

Days
Maturing.

Yield
per Acre.

Total Yield.

Weight
per Bushel.

Arthur

2-47
2-58
1-85

Fall ploughing . .
It

127
126
130

Bush. Lbs.

25 55
24 02
31 53

Bushels.

64
52
59

Lbs.

Golden Vine

64

Daniel O'Rourke

62^

EOTATION EXPEEIMENTS.

In 1899, some experiments were started to test the feasibility of eliminating the
hare summerfallow from the system of farming in the province, by substituting the
ploughing-down of some leguminous crop every third year. On account of the land
wnere these tests were in progress being repeatedly flooded, the work of the first three
years was lost, and these trials were started again in 1905. The following tables
give the system of rotation, with the yields, and other particulars of the crop pro-
duced in 1908.

282

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

Rotation Test.

Number.

1906,

1907.

1908.

1

Wheat

Wheat

Oats

Wheat

Peas.

2

Tares.

3

Red Clover.

4 .

1

II

Oats

Barley

Alfalfa and Alsike.

5

Peas

Tares ...

Red Clover

Wheat.

6

7

Wheat

Barley

8

Alfalfa and Alsike. . .
Wheat

n

9

Peas

10 .

I'ares

Oats.

11

Red Clover

Wheat.

12

Alfalfa and Al.-ike. . .

Wheat

Oats

Barley.
Wheat.

13

Summer fallow

It It

ti II

Oats

14

15

16

Barley

Wheat

Barley

II

17

Rotation Test.

s

s

Name of Variety.

Date of

Sowing.

Date of
Ripening.

Days

Maturing .

Length of
Straw.

Yield per
Acre.

Weight

per

Measured

Bushel.

1

*Peas

In.

Bush. Lbs.

Lbs.

9,

*Tares

S

*Red Clover

4

* Alfalfa and Alsike

Wheat, Red Fife H

5

May 2 ....
II 2. ..

II 2

■1 2. ..

1. 2

II 7

II 2

June 1 . . .
May 2

ti 2

,1 2

II 2. ...

II 2

Aug. 24....
M 24....
,1 24....
1. 2.3....
II 24....
,1 22....
1, 24....
1. 25....
n 24....
II 24....
II 24....
,1 23...
1. 24....

114
114
114
113
114
107
114
85
114
114
114
113
114

41
42
45
39
41
43
42
36
40
43
43
37
36

33 25

32 53

33 5

34 30
27 10
57 22
24 15
41 42

35 35
35 45
3l> 25

23 55

24 15

60
60

7

60

8

60

q

60

10

11

Oats, Banner

Wheat Red Fife H

Barley, Mensury

40
60
48

13
14

Wheat, Red Fife H

60
60

15

60

16
17

If II ...

60
60

•^Ploughed under in August.

EXPERIMENTS WITH INDIAN CORN.

Corn is not largely grown as a fodder crop in Manitoba, but the acreage is
increasing as the usefulness of the crop becomes better known. It is the heaviest
producer of fodder that we have, and although the large-growing varieties do not
approach maturity in this climate, the smaller varieties become sufficiently mature
to make excellent feed, which is relished by all kinds of cattle. Small quantities may
also be fed occasionally to horses and pigs.

Com thrives best on rich warm soil with a slope to the south, but it will give a
good accoimt of itself on any fertile well-drained soil. Liberal manuring before
sowing and frequent cultivation from the time the seed is sown until the crop is four
feet high, is essential to the best results. Harrows may be used to advantage every

REPORT OF MR. JAMES MURRAY

283

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

few days until the stalks are six inches high, and the one or two horse cultivator
afterwards. Cultivation should be deep at first, and shallower as the season advances
and the ground fills with roots. In this climate the crop should be left standing as long
as possible without its being frozen. This crop is undoubtedly handled to the best
advantage by being made into silage. When used in this way, it is ready at
all seasons without further preparation than that required when it is cut into the silo.
There are at present few silos in Manitoba, but the number of inquiries received
regarding them would indicate that there is likely to be more in the near future. The
stave silo will probably be more generally built than any other kind, as it is cheaper
to build and gives good satisfaction. Bulletin No. 35 of the Experimental Farms
deals with the construction of such silos, and could be read to advantage by those
contemplating building one.

A new stave silo was built this year on this farm to take the place of the old
square silos which had outlived their usefulness. The silo is outside at the north of
the barn, the entrance being in the middle of the basement stable. Thirteen feet of
concrete extends to the ground level, and a superstructure of twenty- foot staves rests
on this foundation, giving a total height of thirty-three feet. The diameter is
eighteen feet, so that the capacity is about 175 tons of silage. Our corn was cut into
the silo on September 19 and 21, but there was not nearly sufficient to fill it. The
variety grown this year for the silo was Northwestern Dent, and although it will be
found in the variety test to have produced the lowest yield per acre of all those under
test, I consider it a satisfactory variety. The corn was well-cobbed, and at the time
of cutting it was in the firm dough stage and an excellent quality of silage was
produced.

Sixteen varieties were grown in the test of varieties this year. They were sown
on June 4, on clay loam summerfallowed in 1907, the rows being 40 inches apart.
The yield per acre in each case is calculated from the product of two rows each 66
feet long.

Indun C!orx — Test of Varieties.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

Name of Variety.

Longfellow .

Salzer's All Gold

Superior Fodder

Early Mastodon

Compton's Early

Angel of Midnight

Pride of the North

Champion White Pearl

Eureka. .

White Cap Yellow Dent. . .

Mammoth Cuban ,

Wood's Northern Dent. . .

North Dftkota White

Selected Leaming

North Western Dent (Da

kota seed)

North Western Dent (Mani

toba seed)

Date of
Sowing.

June 4 . . .

- 4...

M 4 ..

M 4...

M 4...

n 4...

M 4,..

„ 4...

.. 4...

,> 4...

M 4. .

M 4...

M 4...

M 4...

M 4...

.. 4...

Character

of
Growth.

Rank ....
Very rank

II

II
Rank ....
II ....
Very rank

Rank ....
Very rank

Rank

Fair

Height.

In.

86
98
97
95
96
78
87
96
102
84
85
86
88
94

72

72

Leafiness.

Very leafy

II
Fairly ....
Very leafy
Fairly . . .
Very leafy

It

Fairly

II ....
Very leafy

II

II
Fairly

Condition
when Cut.

.^ilk

Not in tassel

Tassel

Silk

Tassei .'.'.' .'.'.'

Silk ..'.'.'..'.'.

11

Not in ta«sel

Tassel

Silk

II

Late milk. . .

Weight
per Acre

Grown
in Rows.

Tons. Lbs.

22 550

21 966

19 1,204

19 808

18 1,026

18 630

17 1,838

16 1,660

16 274

15 1,680

15 294

15 96

14 1,700

13 334

10 1,780

10 1,186

284

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910
Indian Corn Sown Different Distances Apart.

Variety.

Longfellow

II

II

II

Selected Learning . ...

It

ti

ti

Champion White Pearl
11 II

II II

It It

Longfellow

Selected Learning. ..
Champion White Pearl

Distance
Apart.

Inches.

24
30
36
42
24
30
36
42
24
30
36
42
Hills

Height.

Inches.

84
84
84
84
90
90
90
90
94
94
96
96
86
94
96

Growth.

Rank , .

Very rank

Rank

II ....
Very rank

Condition
when Cut.

Silk . .

II . .

II . .

II . .

II . .

M . .

II

II . .

Tassel

n

ir

Silk . .

It . .

Tassel

Yield
per Acre.

Tons. Lbs.

20
20
19
17
19
18
16
14
22
19
17
18
17
14
16

1,910

128

1,160

1,815

1,600

432

560

052

550

1,336

320

192

848

1,700

76

EXPERIMENTS WITH FIELD ROOTS.

The acreage in field roots in Manitoba is gradually increasing from year to year
as the value of the crop as a feed and a condiment for all classes of stock comes to be
appreciated. While all classes of roots give abundant yields of good quality, turnips
will probably continue to be the most largely grown as they are less easily injured by
frost in spring or fall than mangels or sugar beets. When well-saved, mangels and
sugar beets will keep better than turnips and are more relished by cattle and hogs.

The past season has been a good one for all kinds of roots and good crops have
been harvested. As usual, two sowings were made this year about two weeks apart,
and, as has usually been the case here, the earlier sowings gave the better results. The
land on which the roots were grown produced a crop of potatoes in 1907, and was
given a dressing of farm-yard manure. Sowing on the flat was practised, as the land
retains the moisture somewhat better this way than when it is drilled up. The soil
was well packed before sowing and the seed sown with a Planet Junior drill in rows
30 inches apart, and when, the young plants were two or three inches high they were
thinned out to about nine inches apart.

REPORT OF MR. JAMES MURRAY

285

S* SSIONAL PAPER Mo. 16

EXPERIMENTS WITH TUENIPS.

Thirteen varieties of turnips were sown this year on clay loam under uniform
conditions. The first sowing was made May 4 and the second May 19, both lots being
pulled October 23. The estimate of the yield per acre is made from the product of
two rows each 66 feet long.

Turnips — Test of Varieties.

5

Name of Variety.

4

5

€

7

8

9

10

11

12

1.3

1 [ Hale wood's Bronze Tup

2; Hartley's Bronze

3 Perfection Swede

Derby . .

Kangaroo

Skirving's

Mammoth Clyde

Good Luck

Hall's Westbury

Carter's Elephant

Magnum Bonum

Bangholm tjeleeted . . .

Jumbo

1st Plot
Sown.

M.ay

2nd Plot
Sown.

May

19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19

1st Plot
Pulled.

Oct.

23
23
23
23
23
23
23
23
23
2H
23
23
23

2nd Plot
Pulled.

Oct.

23
23
23

Yield per Acre.

1st Plot.

Tons. Lbs.

38
35
33

23 32

23 32

23 31

23 29

23 29

23 29

23 27

23 27

23 26

23 26

1,880
4S8
792

1,472
944
56.S

l,Gt)4

1,136
344
912
120

1,856
8

Bush. Lbs.

1,298

l,17t

1,113

1,091

l,0,s2

1,042

994

985

972

915

902

897

866

48
12
12
24
48
24
36
24
12

36

48

2nd Plot.

Tons. Lbs.

26

536

29

344

26

800

32

1.52

27

648

26

1,328

29

1,136

22

1,936

30

1,512

22

1,672

29

1,928

29

1,400

27

1,968

1

Bu-h. Lbs.

875
972
880

1,069
910
888
985
765

1,025
761
908
!.90
932

36
24

12
48
48
36
36
12
12
48

48

EXPERIMENTS WITH MANGELS.

Eleven varieties of mangels were sown this year on clay loam under uniform
conditions. The first sowing was made May 14, and the second May 28, both lots
being pulled October Y. The estimate of yield per acre is made from the product of
two rows each 66 feet long.

Mangels — Test of Varieties.

s

Name of Variety.

1 Ideal

2 Giant Yellow Globe . .

3 Gate Post ....

4 Yellow Intermediate. .

5 Perfection Mammoth
Long Red

Prize Mammoth Long
Red

Mammoth Red Inter-
mediate

8 Half Sugar White ....

9 Selected Yellow Globe

10 Giant Yellow Inter-
I mediate

11 Crimson Champion. . .

1st Plot
Sown.

May 14 .

M 14.

„ 14.

„ 14.

„ 14.

M 14.

„ 14.

M 14.

n 14.

M 14.

,. 14.

2nd Plot

1st

Plot

1
2nd Plot

Sown.

Pulled.

Pulled.

May 28.

Oct.

7.

Oct. 7 .

M 28.

II

7.

.1 7.

„ 28.

IT

7.

II 7.

M 28.

II

7.

1. 7.

M 28.

M

7.

II 7.

,- 28.

tl

7.

II 7.

.. 28.

II

7.

M 7.

M 28.

It

7.

.1 7.

M 28.

M

7.

II 7.

M 28.

,,

7.

II 7.

M 28.

"

7.

II 7.

Yield
per Acre.

1st Plot.

Tons. Lbs,

44 1496

40 1840

35 1280

34 1168

32 1736

31 40

26 272

23 992

23 200

21 768

14 1040

Yield
l>er Acre.

1st Plot.

Bush. Lbs.

1491 36

131 14 .

1188 . .

1152 48

1095 36

1034 ..

871 12

783 12

770 ..

712 48

4S4 . .

Yield
per Acre.

2nd Plot.

Tons. Lbs.

24 l.'^68

31 832

28 760

27 17<'4

26 8

30 1248

Yield
per Acre.

2nd Plot.

19
30
20

808
720
392

25 688
12 1344

Bush. Lbs.

822 48

1047 12

946 ..

928 24

866 48

1020 48

646 48

1012 . .

673 12

844 48

422 24

286

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII
EXPEKIMENTS WITH CAEKOTS.

A. 1910

Six varieties of carrots were sown this year under uniform conditions on clay-
loam. The first sowing was made May 4, and the second May 19, both lots being piillod
October 27. The estimate of yield per acre is from the product of two rows each 66
feet long. The carrots were sown in rows 18 inches apart, and when the plants were
two or three inches high, they were thinned out to about four inches apart.

Carrots — Test of Varieties.

g

Name of Variety.

1st Plot
Sown.

Improved Short White
Mammoth White In-
termediate

Giant White Vosge.= . .

Half Long Chantenay.

Ontario Champion. . . .

61 White Belgian

May 4 .

., 4.

„ 4.

.. 4.

.. 4

M 4.

2nd Plot
Sown.

May 19,

. 19,

„ 19

„ 19

„ 19

1, 19

1st Plot
Pulled.

2nd Plot
Pulled.

Oct. 27.1 Oct. 27.

27.
27.
27.
27.
27.

27.
27.
27
27

27

Yield
per Acre.

let Plot.

Tons. Lbs.

15 360

13 1280

11 440

10 1120

10 680

9 1300

Yield
per Acre.

1st Plot.

Bush. Lbs.
506 ..

454
374
352
344
322

40

40
40

Yield
per A.cre.

2nd Plot.

Tons. Lbs.

12 1960

11 1760
11

12 200

10 240

11 1320

Yield
per Acre.

2nd Plot.

Bush. Lbs.
432 40

396
366
403
337
388

40
20
20
40

EXPEKniENTS WITH SUGAE BEETS.

Only three varieties of sugar beets were grown this year, all of which are con-
sidered suitable kinds to grow for sugar production. As there are, at present, no beet
sugar factories in Manitoba, all the sugar beets grown are used for stock feeding.
They are relished by all classes of stock, hogs being particularly partial to them.

Samples of the three varieties from here were sent to Mr. F. T. Shutt, Chemist
of the Experimental Farms, for analysis, and the results are given herewith.

Average weight of one root

Sugar in juice

Solids in juice

Co-efficient of puiity

Wanzleben.

1 lb. 7 oz.
ir)-.35
l!)-46

78-88

Vilmorin's
Improved.

1 lb. 8 oz.
16 -.09
19-33
85-8

French
Very Rich.

1 lb. 7 oz.
15-51
18-69

82-98

These results are very similar to those of last year, and we may conclude that the
season was fairly suitable for the production of sugar.

The sowings were made on clay loam on May 14 and 28, and the roots pulled
October 7. The estimate of yield per acre is from the product of two rows each 66
feet long.

REPORT OF MR. JAMES MURRAY

287

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Sugar Beets — Test of Varieties.

3

Name of Variety.

Klein Wanzleben. . . .
French Very Rich . . .
Vilmorin's Improved.

1st Plot
Sown.

May 14 .

2nd Plot
Sown.

May 28.

1st Plot
PuUed.

2nd Plot
Pulled.

Oct. 7.

Oct 7.

Yield
per Acre.

1st Plot.

s
o

20
18
18

1,184

Yield
per Acre.

1st Plot.

3
686

1,224 020
432,607

.0
>-i

2t
24
12

Yield
per Acre.

2nd Plot.

H
24
14
15

840

Yield
per Acre.

2nd Plot.

814

1,568492
360 506

.J2

48

EXPERIMENTS WITH POTATOES.

The season was a favourable one for potatoes, and good yields were secured
although many of them were below the average of recent years. Nearly all the
varieties ripened and produced tubers of good size and quality. The land on which
the potatoes were grown produced roots the year previous, and was given a coat of
manure after the roots were harvested. The soil was clay loam. Potato beetles made
their appearance as usual, but were controlled by spraying with Paris green.

Twenty-nine varieties were grown, under uniform conditions, this year. They
were planted on May 25, in rows three feet apart, with the sets about a foot apart in
the row. The estimate of yield per acre was obtained from the product of one row
66 feet long.

Potatoes — Test of Varieties.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27
28
29

Name of Variety.

Average Size.

Ashleaf Kidney

American Wonder .

Reeve's Rose

Holborn Abundance

Irish Cobbler

Bumaby Mammoth.

Everett

Late Puritan

Canadian Beauty. . .
Early White Prize .

Rochester Rose

Country Gentleman
Morgan's Seedling. .

State of Maine

Carman No. 1 .... .

Uncle Sam

Twentieth Century.
Dreer's Standard ...

MacQueen

Collin's Seedling . . .

Money Maker

Dooley

Vermont Gold Coin.

Empire State

Manitoba Wonder .
Improved Honeoye

Rose

Early Manistee ....
Vick's Extra Early.
Dalmeney Beauty . .

Large

n

Medium to large.

Small to medium

Medium

Small to medium
Medium to large

Large

Small to medium

Medium

Medium to large

Large

Medium to large

Large

Small to medium

Large

tl

Medium to large
Large

Medium

ft

Small to medium
Large

Total Yield
per Acre.

528
465
454
447
432
421
418
418
414
414
414
410
410
407
403
392
377
374
370
355
352
348
341
315
308

282
238
207
190

Yield

per Acre

of

Marketable.

Bush. Lbs. ! Bush. Lbs.

40
40
20
40
40

20
20
20
40
40

26
20
40

20
40

26

26

20
20
10
40

509
447
429
41S
366
399
377
399
396
388
388
385
403
385
385
366
341
352
352
330
322
319
319
297
286

238
212
179
161

40
20

40
40
40
40

40
40

30

40

40

20
40
40
20

Yield
per Acre
of Un-
marketable.

I

Bush. Lks.

18
18
25
29
66
22
40
18
18
25
25
25
7
22
18
25
36
22
18
25
29
29
22
18
22

44
25
27
29

20
20
40
20

20
20
20
40
40
40
20

26

40
40

26
40
20
20

20

40
30
20

Form and Colour.

Long ; white.
Long, round ; white.
Flat, oval ; light pink.
Round ; white.
Flat ; white.
Flat, oval ; pink.
Long, oval ; pink.
Long, round ; white.
Round ; white.
Round, oval ; light pink.
Long, round ; light pink.
Long ; pink.

II 11

Flat, oval ; white.
Flat ; white.
Flattish, oval ; white.
Flat ; red.

Flattish, oval ; white.
Long, round ; white.
Round ; white.
Round, oval ; white.
Round ; white.

It M

Long ; white.
Long, round ; red.

Ix)ng ; pink.
Round ; white.
Flat ; pink.
Oval ; white.

283

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

Among the best varieties for early use are: Everett, Early White Prize, and
Bovee; for general crop Dreer's Standard, Uncle Sam, State of Maine, Late Puritan,
and American Wonder.

EXPERIMENTS WITH GRASSES AND CLOVERS.

The past season has been favourable in this district for securing good crops of hay,
and generally throv;gh the province, good average crops were obtained. The spring
and early summer weather was warm with suiBcient rain to give the grass a good start,
and on this farm excellent crops were secured. Even the old meadows gave a good
return.

A number of one-fifth acre plots of grasses, clovers, and mixtures were seeded in
the spring of 1907 and were a good catch the first season. They were sown without a
nurse crop, and the mower run over them twice during the summer to cut the weeds,
the cuttings being allowed to remain on the ground. All came through the winter
with little or no winter-killing, although the snowfall was particularly light, and a
splendid stand was the result. j

The yield of cured hay per acre is given in the following table: — •
Grasses and Clovers — Test of Varieties.

Crop.

Alfalfa I. H

Alfalfa

Common Red Clover

Alsike

Timothy

Western R5'e (^rass

Western Rye (jiass and Common Red Clover

Timothy & Alsike

Timothy and Common Red Clover

1st Cutting.

Tons. Lbs.

COO
300
1,800
l,(iOO
1,700
1,050
875
1,900
1,850

2nd Cutting.

Tons. Lbs.

700

800

1,000

1,875

Total Crop.

Tons. Lbs.

3
3
3

2

1

2
2

1
1

1,300

1,100

800

475

1,700

1,0.50

875

l.iiOO

1,850

The alfalfa marked ' I. H.' was grown from seed ripened at Indian Head in 190G.
Both lots of alfalfa came through last winter without any winter-killing, so that it
is impossible to say whether there is any difference in hardiness.

Additional plots were sown in the spring of 1908 as follows : Grimm's alfalfa,
Turkestan alfalfa, alfalfa and timothy, alfalfa and rye grass, orchard grass, and
perennial rye grass. All of these were sown by the same method as was tried here
last year with equally good results. By this method the seed is mixed with two or
three times its bulk of coarsely chopped wheat or barley, and sown in the same way as
grain, only considerably shallower. This system of sowing is calculated to give par-
ticularly good results with alfalfa which, in this climate, should always be sown with-
out a nurse crop. With the other clovers it should give equally good results. The
clover seeds remain uniformly mixed with the cliopped grain, are evenly distributed
over the ground and covered to a satisfactory depth, where germination is surer than
where the seed is broadcast. About five acres of alfalfa was sown in the way outlined
during the past season and an excellent stand resulted.

REPORT OF MR. JAMES MURRAY 289

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

NURSE CROPS FOR CLOVERS.

In last year's report reference was made to several trials that were made with
different nurse crops for clovers and grasses. Red clover, alsike, timothy, rye
grass, and a mixture of timothy, red clover and alsike, were each sown with oats,
barley and spring rye as nurse crops. Each of these was also sown without a nurse
crop. The crops of grain were all heavy and badly lodged, but all grasses and clovers
made a good start, although not nearly so strong a growth as where no nurse crop was
used. The th^-ee nurse crops gave results in the following order: (1) oats, (2) spring
^JG, (3) barley. The oat crop was the heaviest of the three, but not only was the
stand of grasses and clovers better with it at the close of the season than with the
others, but they stood the winter better and came out stronger in the spring and
produced a heavier crop of hay. The timothy, rye grass, and red clover came
through the winter in good condition, and from each a good crop was cut. The
alsike was almost completely killed out, and the mixture of timothy, red clover and
alsike was also badly winter-killed. These two were, therefore, ploughed up.

Twelve acres of oats were seeded down in 1908 to a mixture of eight pounds of
red clover and four of timothy, and a splendid stand was the result. The grass and
clover in this instance were sown with the grass seed attachment to the grain drill.

CLOVER SEED.

With some crops it is a considerable advantage, in growing them in climates to
which they are not native, to have the seed produced under conditions as nearly alike
as possible to those where the crop is to be grown. This is notably true of corn,
of various kinds of trees and shrubs, and of some kinds of vegetables. The same is
probably true of such legumes as red clover, alsike and alfalfa, which have been
grown with varying success in Manitoba for some years. An effort was, therefore,
made last year to mature seed of red clover and alsike, and with good success. About
half an acre of each of these clovers sown in the spring of 1907 was allowed to ripen,
and about fifty pounds of each kind of seed was secured. The clovers were threshed
with a small threshing machine, the concaves being set as close as possible. The yield
is low, but doubtless much of the seed was lost in threshing. The seed is of good
quality and will be sown in the spring.

CATTLE.

There are two breeds of cattle represented in the herd now on this farm,
viz. : Shorthorn and Ayrshire. There are besides a number of grade cattle and steers.
These cattle are kept mainly for breeding and feeding work of an experimental
character, but a few breeding animals are sold from time to time.

The cattle on hand at present are: —

Shorthorns, two bulls and eight females.

Ayrshires, two bulls and three females.

Grades, eight Shorthorn arid three Ayrshire.

Steers, for experimental feeding, forty head of three-year olds.

290 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910
EXPERIMENTS IN FEEDING STEERS.

Reference was made in last year's report to an experiment that was under way
in the fattening of cattle outside with little or no shelter as compared with fattening
in comfortable stables. The experiment was not at that time sufficiently far advanced
to give any definite results. In referring in the 1907 report to the conditions leading
up to this experiment, the following paragraphs appear: —

' For a number of years the cattle-feeding business in Manitoba has been on the
wane owing largely to the low prices that have ruled for beef. The squall profits to
be realized have been out of proportion to the amount of capital required for buildings
and equipment, and the cost of labour. The value of the manure, which is considered
by many cattle feeders as equivalent to the cost of labour, is not generally regarded
so in Manitoba. The inducement to feed cattle has to be, therefore, that it offers a
better market for the coarse grains than to sell them directly off the farm. The
tendency to grow more oats and barley is becoming greater every year as their useful-
ness as cleaning crops is demonstrated, and, as diversified farming becomes more
general, their growth will be stimulated further.

One of the deterring factors to the more extensive feeding of steers has been
the amount of capital required to house them in comfortable quarters. Buildings of
any kind are expensive, and those that are strictly essential are generally all that the
average farmer cares to build. He is quite reasonably averse to putting money into
buildings in which to feed stock wlien the profits from feeding are, at most, meagre.
To overcome this serious objection, a system of feeding has been advocated with which
the cattle are allowed to run outside without any shelter. The strongest advocates of
this system are men who have been practising it successfully for several years. By
this method, the stock, steers of about 1,100 to 1,300 pounds, kept in the open
throughout the winter, are fed straw and chopped grain and allowed abundance of
water. The claim is made that steers handled in this way make good gains economic-
ally, do not suffer from the cold, and can be handled with far less care, and with
the outlay of much less capital, tha^i when comfortable quarters are provided.

So important did this question appear that it was considered advisable to initiate
some work to test the feasibility of the system, and to compare the average returns
with those obtained by feeding in a comfortable stable. Accordingly a carload of
three-year old steers were purchased and divided as evenly as possible into two lots,
eight head being put outside and eight in the stable. Those outside were given no
shelter other than that afforded by poplar and oak scrub and several coulees, no sheds
or wind-breaks being provided. The only outlay by way of equipment was the plank
required to make a trough in which to feed the grain.'

The inside lot were started on December 5, on a ration consisting of silage, 25
pounds ; straw, 8 pounds ; hay, 4 pounds ; roots, 10 pounds ; grain, 4 pounds. The
grain ration was increased from time to time until by the first of April each animal
was receiving 10 pounds of grain.

The outside lot had oat straw before them at all times, and were fed grain in the
same proportion as those inside. The steers were all dehorned, and were fed their
grain in a trough 16 feet long, 3 feet wide and high enough off the ground to prevent
them getting their feet in it. During the last three weeks of the exi)eriment, coarse
slough hay was substituted for the straw, the supply of which gave out. The grain
was fed twice daily and water was available in a neighbouring coulee.

Three of the steers that were stabled had to be dropped from the test before it
was complete, so that five only are included in the results. Both lots were sold April
20, for $4.25 per hundred. In considering the results which follow, it should be borne
in mind that the winter of 1907-8 was an unusually mild one, the mean temi)erature
of January and February being 10-5 and 9-2, respectively, above the average. The
mean temperature for the five months the cattle were on feed were as follows :
December, 13-3; January, 7-3; February, 7-4; March, 10-0; April, 39-0.

REPORT OF MR. JAMES MURRAY

291

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Test op Feeding Steers.

Outside.

No. of steers in lot

First weight gross

II average

Finished weight gross

II average

Total gain in 138 days

Average gain per steer

Daily gain per steer

II lot

Gross cost of feed

Cost of 100 lbs. gain

Cost of steers, — 8,848 lbs. at 3gC

Total cost to produce beef

Sold, — 14,135 lbs. at 4^0. less 4 per cent

Profit on lot

Net profit per steer

Average buying pi ice per steer

II selling price per steer

II increase in value

II cost of feed per steer

Amount of meal eaten by lot

II straw

M hay

II millet

II corn fodder

8

8,854 lbs.

1,10G ,1

10,G30 M

1,.328 „

1,77(5 II

234 II

1« II

12-8 ,1

$100

5

276

377

483

5ti

7

34 56
54 21
19 05
12 59
8,892 lbs.
8 tons.

6 M

1 ton.

1 M

76
67
50
26
71
45
05

5,695 lbs. at 3Jc

6,950 lbs. at' 4c. less 4%'. '.

Amount of ensilage and roots

Inside.

5
5,695 lbs.

1,139 „

6,950 „

1,390 M

1,2.55 ,1

251 I.

1-81 M

905 ,.

.1 77 95

6 20

177 97

255 92

283 56

27 61

5 52

35 59

56 71

21 12

15 59

5,390 lbs.

5,680 II

2,S40 M

25,850 „

The comparative net profit as given in this statement takes no account of labour,
or interest on investment. When these items are considered, the showing is much
more favourable to the outside lot. The labour incident to feeding those outside was
very much less than to the stabled lot, as the straw was drawn to them once or twice
a week with a sleigh, the grain drawn to the feed-room once a week, and the manure
taken away in sleigh-loads direct to the fields twice during the winter. The manure
was nearly all saved, as the cattle spent most of their time around the straw pile.

There is a notable advantage in favour of those fed oiit-side, when the investment
for shelter is co^nsideretl. While no sheds were provided this year, and the results do
not indicate that they were necessary in such a mild winter where good natural shelter
from winds exists, they may be found to be an advantage under different conditions
where less natural shelter obtains, or when temperatures are more extreme.
Undoubtedly shelter of some kind from cold winds must be provided. Extreme cold
was not nearly so discomforting as a more moderate temperature with a high wind.

Definite conclusions can not be drawn from the results of a single experiment,
and the one above outlined is being repeated this year. Twenty steers are being fed
outside and twenty inside. Of those inside, sixteen are getting the same treatment
as was accorded under the same conditions last year, and four are in a loose pen in
the stable, being fed exactly the same as those outside. A scale has been installed in
the outside feed lot and the cattle are weighed at intervals to ascertain at what season
the greatest gains are made, and what effect extreme temperatures have on the rate
of gain. This information should be a guide as to the methods of feeding.

The mean temperature this winter has been much lower than a year ago, but
weather conditions generally have not been unfavourable for work of this kind.

16—19^

292 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910
SWINE.

The herd at present consists of 55 head as follows : —

Yorkshires. — 1 stock boar, 2 breeding sows, 23 young pigs.
Berkshires. — 1 stock boar, 1 breeding sow, 14 young pigs.
Tamworths. — 1 breeding sow.
Crossbreds. — 12 feeders.

During the year a considerable number of pure-bred pigs have been sold for
breeding purposes in this district and throughout the province.

FROZEN WHEAT FOR PIGS.

There is occasionally a considerable quantity of wheat in some parts of Manitoba
and other parts of the west that is frozen and of little value for any other purpose
than as feed. Last year some frozen wheat was obtained and fe 1 to several lots of
young pigs to get some further information as to its value as feed for pigs, and how
it could be fed to best advantage.

Twenty pigs, averaging about sixty pounds in weight, were divided into four lots
of five each. Lot 1 was fed frozen wheat chopped and soaked for twelve hours;
lot 2, frozen wheat chopped and fed dry; lot 3, frozen wheat and barley, equal parts,
chopped; lot 4, oats and barley, equal parts, chopped.

The experiment cannot be regarded as entirely satisfactory as all the pigs made
poor gains and became unthrifty early in the experiment. The feeds above mentioned
were continued ^or three months. At the end of that time it was found that the
following amounts of grain were required to make one pound of gain:
12| lbs. of frozen wheat soaked for twelve hours.
71 " « dry.

9i " " and barley.

5^ " " oats and barley.

From these results no definite conclusions can be drawn, as none of the pigs
throve properly, owing probably to some cause other than the feed they were receiving.
It may be mentioned, however, that the wheat as a single feed was not relished, either
when fed dry or soaked; that the pigs fed on it as an exclusive grain ration were less
thrifty than those receiving some other grain in conjunction or a mixture of grains
with no wheat included.

PASTURES FOR PIGS.

Last year several different kinds of pasture weee used for young pigs and breeding
stock, viz, : brome grass, rape, peas, and a mixture of oats, barley and peas. The
brood sows were maintained in good breeding condition on brome pasture, no grain
being fed until late in the season, when the pasture became short. The young pigs
made good growth on the other pastures, with a very light grain ration, and, when
put in pens to be finished in October, were in particularly good heart, gaining at the
rate of one pound for every two and one-half pounds of grain fed.

WINTERING BROOD SOWS.

As most of the pigs raised in Manitoba are from spring litters, it is of the
greatest importance that the breeding sows be brought through the winter in condition
to produce strong healthy pigs. In such a severe climate as we have in Manitoba
there is a temptation to house them comfortably and not pay sufficient attention to
their requirements for exercise. The consequence frequently is that the young come
weak and with very little vitality. For a number of years on this farm, the brood sows
were confined during the winter in comfortable pens nine feet square, with the result

REPORT OF MR. JAMES MURRAY 293

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

that litters were usually small and weak. The plan was then adopted of allowing
them to run all winter in a large yard, shelter being provided by building a frame-
work of poles and threshing a stack of straw over it. The sows were brought inside a
week or two before due to farrow. The change in management resulted in the litters
being larger and the young pigs strong and vigorous from birth.

In the winter of 1906-7 the sows, four in number, were confined during the
winter, as before. During April three sows farrowed, giving twenty-two pigs, all of
which died within an hoxir of birth. The other sow was then turned out and, not
farrowing until several weeks later, produced nine pigs, six of which lived and did well.

During the winter of 1907-8 the same sows were again given the run of a large
yard with shelter imder a straw-stack and fed a limited grain ration, largely composed
of bran, and a liberal supply of mangels. Each sow farrowed a healthy litter of pigs
and raised an average of eight. During the past winter they have been accorded the
same treatment and have again given birth to strong vigorous pigs, the four raising
thirty-five pigs.

BEES.

There was an unusually heavy i)ercentage of loss with the bees in the winter,
only five of the fifteen hives put into winter quarters coming out alive. They were
put on their summer stands April 16, when the temperature was about 60°. All of
these made strong colonies, throwing six new swarms, all of which did well through
the summer. The season was a good one for honey, and the colonies averaged 76
pounds, spring count. As we had considerable clover this year, much of the honey
was from that source and was of excellent quality, being of a lighter colour and a
milder flavour than that usually gathered in this province from wild flowers. The
clover bloom is available earlier than most of the wild flowers, and the season of
profitable gathering was, therefore, extended considerably. The first honey was
extracted July 16, which is about two weeks earlier than usual here. Eleven hives
were put into winter quarters on November 17.

APPLE OKCHARDS.

It is much to be regretted that a continuation of blight has played havoc with our
apple orchards, and, although the usual method of cutting out affected wood has been
constantly followed, it has proved of no avail, as trees only slightly attacked last year
succumbed this year. A better method would seem to be, the rooting up of all trees
showing signs of infection. This is a most unfortunate set-back to apple culture on
this farm, as so many of our most promising trees are either killed outright or badly
infected. It would seem that trees in both sheltered and exposed positions are equally
liable to infection. As an immediate result of blight the crop of fruit was small.
Carleton is the only cross-bred variety which has so far showed no indication of
being infected.

Amongst the heaviest croppers were: Martha crab, Tonka and a Beautiful Arkad
seedling. No. 179 fruited heavily but the fruit, which promised to be of good size
and quality, was unfortunately stolen before it was ripe. Hibernal and Repka Kislaga
both fruited lightly, producing ripe fruit, possessing size and quality. Transcendent
and Hyslop also fruited lightly, while the following varieties ripened fruit of medium
size and fair quality: Eastman, Alberta, Derby. Tony, Dean, Pioneer, Ruby, No.
171, No. 132, Elsa. Carleton seedling fruited heavily with fruit of fair quality and
medium size. Seedlings of Progress, Auroraj and Prairie Gem fruited lightly, but
the fruit was of poor quality.

294 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910
PLUMS.

A fairly good crop of plums was secured, and owing to the absence of severe
frosts during September, practically the whole of the crop was ripened. The Major
plum, a selected native variety, was the first to ripen, and was picked on August 16.
Pits of the earliest varieties were saved and planted this fall with the hope of obtain-
ing early ripening seedlings.

CURRANTS.

The old plantation of currant bushes was done away with last spring, and a new
plantation set out consisting of 15 black, 14 red, and 11 white varieties. The bushes
were planted in rows 6 feet apart each way, thus allowing for cross cultivation. The
majority of the bushes grew well during the summer and a small quantity of fruit
was picked.

GOOSEBERRIES.

Seven varieties of gooseberries were planted in the spring, but out of these only
three, varieties grew, viz.: Companion, Rideau and Carman.

RASPBERRIES.

A new plantation of raspberries containing thirteen varieties was planted this
year, but did not take at all well. However, a small proportion of the plants made
satisfactory growth.

The three varieties of blackberries planted all did well.

ARBORETUM.

A large amount of thinning was done during the spring and fall in the arboretum,
the more ordinary varieties of trees and shrubs being taken out, giving the better
specimens more ground and air space. Each one remaining was re-labelled this year.

The following is a list of trees and shrubs received and planted in the nursery in
the spring of 1907, with notes on their growth in 1907, and their conditions in the
spring of 1908 : —

1 Black Elderberry (Stevenson). Pair growth, killed to ground.

1 Siberian Almond (Stevenson). Dead.

1 Silver Maple (Stevenson). Fair growth, wintered well.

1 Mountain Ash (Stevenson). Good growth, wintered well.

3 Acer pictum (Japan). Fair growth, killed at tips.

6 Acer saccharinum (Dempsey). Fair growth, wintered well.

4 Acer saccharinum (Dempsey). Fair growth, slightly killed at tips.
1 Acer platanoides purpurea. Fair growth, killed to near ground .

3 Acer platanoides Schwedleri. Dead.

1 Acer tartaricum var. Aidzuense. Dead.

2 Acer tartaricum var. Aidzuense. Weak growth, wintered well.

4 Acer spicatum. Dead.

10 Abies balsamea, 3 alive, 7 dead.

1 Amelanchier vulgaris. Dead.

2 Amelanchier vulgaris. Fair growth, wintered well.
1 Ampelopsis self-fastening. Dead.

3 Betula alba laciuiata. Dead.

REPORT OF MR. JAMES MURRAY 295

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

10 Berberis Thimbergii. Fair growth, killed at tips.
6 " aquifolia. Five good growth, wintered well. One dead.
4 " Seedlings of cross-breds. Fair growth, slightly killed.
2 " Canadensis. Fair growth, killed at tips.

1 Cornus purpusa (Japan). Wintered well.
1 " " Killed at tips.

1 « " Half killed.

1 " " Dead.

6 " Spathii aurea. Two dead. Four killed to ground.

2 Clematis vitalba. Dead.

2 " flammula. Dead.

2 " viticella. One dead. One good growth, wintered well.

2 Crataegus carrieri. Killed to ground.

2 " arkansana. Fair growth, half killed.

2 " arnoldiana. Good growth, wintered well.

2 " apiosa. Fair growth 1907. Dead 1908.

2 " coccinoides. Killed at tips.

1 " submollis. Fair growth, killed to near ground.

1 Clethra alnifolia. Dead.

2 Lonicera mundeniensis. Good growth, wintered well.

2 " virginalis alba. Good growth, wintered well.

2 " alpina. Good growth, wintered well.

2 Celastrus scandens. Killed to near ground.

2 Euonymous linearis. Killed to . near ground.

2 " Bungeana. One slightly killed at tips. One killed to near ground.

2 " alatus. Dead.

2 " Sieboldiana. Half killed.

2 " Europaeus ovatus. Half killed.

2 Fraxinus Mandschuricus sapporo. One dead, 1 killed to near ground.

2 ^'^ Bungeana. Dead.

2 Hydrangea paniculata grandiflora. Killed back one-half.

2 Ligustrum amurense. Fair growth, killed to near ground.

2 Philadelphus coronarius aurea. Fair growth, killed to near ground.

2 " Manteau d'Hermine. Dead.

2 " Mont Blanc. Fair growth, killed to near ground.

2 Picea concolor. Dead.

2 Douglas fir. Dead.

2 Pyrus mougeote. Fair growth, killed at tips.

2 Picea Alcockiana. Dead.

2 Prunus Alleghenensis. Fair growtli, killed to near ground.

2 Ptelea trifoliata. Killed to ground.

4 Quercus rubra. Three dead, 1 killed to near ground.

2 " Palustre. Fair growth, killed to near ground.

2 Ehamnus davuricum. Fair growth, killed at tips.

2 Rhus cotinus. Dead.

2 Rhodotypus Kerrioides. Killed to near ground.

2 Rubus fasiciilatum chinense. Killed to near ground.

2 Syringa Pekinensis. Good growth, wintered well.

2 Spirea callosa superba. Fair growth, killed to near ground.

2 Picea pungens Kosteriana. Good growth, wintered well.

2 Aristolochia sipho. Dead.

2 Syringa Madame Cassimir Perier. Good growth, wintered well.

2 " Chas. Joly. Good growth, wintered well.

2 " Chas. Xth. Good growth, wintered well.

296 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

2 Syringa INficliael Buchner. Good growth, wintered well.

2 " Emile Lemoine. Good growth, wintered well.

2 " Jacques Calot. Good growth, wintered well.

2 " La Tour d'Auvergne. Good growth, wintered well.

1 " alba grandiflora. Good growth, wintered well.

2 " Congo. Good growth, wintered well.

2 " Souvenir de Ludwig Spath. Good growth, wintered well.
2 " !Mdlle Fernande Viger. Good growth, wintered well.

1 Spirea Anthony Waterer. Fair growth, killed to near ground.

2 Eulalia Japonica. Dead.

2 " " variegata. Dead.

2 " " Gracillima. Dead.

2 " " Zebrina. Dead.

10 Black Hill Spruce. Nine dead, 1 alive.
2 Pyrus floribunda. One dead, 1 good growth, wintered well.
2 Catalpa speciosa. Fair growth, dead.

2 Golden-leaved Poplar. One killed to near ground, 1 killed back one-half.

The following were received from Ottawa and placed in the nursery this spring : —

3 Caragana Tragacanthoides.

2 Euonymus Europaeus ovata.
2 Phellodendron amurense.
2 Pyrus maulei Sargenti.

4 Philadelphus multiflorus plenus.

2 Caragana pygmaea.
4 Japanese Walnut.

3 Cadet Seedling Plums.

2 Spirea Menziesi.
50 Syringa Emodi.

3 Lonicera Regeliana.

4 Abies Remonti.

FLOWER GARDEN.

In dealing with the flower garden, the value of the hardy i)erennial flowers and
herbaceous plants with reference to their adaptability to this climate, forces itself for-
ward more and more as we look upon the results of their growth which repeat them-
selves each year. Their culture requiring, as it does, a minimum of expense, both for
seed and labour, should commend them to larger use in the flower gardens of Manitoba.
It was a source of great pleasure to see the beautiful and lavish display of bloom and
foliage made by the Paeony, in whose favour as a plant pre-eminently adapted to this
country, too much cannot be reiterated. Then, again, the Iris is much to be desired
for its divergence of colouring and earliness of bloom. Amongst other perennials
equally desirable, may be mentioned, Delphinium (Larkspur), Lychnis, Baby's Breath,
Columbine, Monk's Hood, Canterbury Bells, and Phlox. A consignment of the latter
was received from Ottawa last spring and made a splendid showing of bloom this
summer.

In the annual garden, the usual method of propagating the seed in boxes in the
propagating house and transplanting to the open was adopted. Nevertheless, there
are many varieties raised in heat in the early part of the spring which can be grown
and flowered in the most satisfactory manner without any artificial aid. From
sowings made in the ojjen ground dviring the latter part of May and early in June,
the flowering will be somewhat later than with plants brought forward under glass,
but, as they receive no check from the very commencement, they will not be greatly
behind their nursed relations.

5094- p. 296.

/■

REPORT OF MR. JAMES MURRAY 297

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

The following is a list of flowers grown this year: Verbena hybrida, Antirrhinum
mains m<fnum, tall varieties, Dianthus chinesis heddiivigii and laciniatus, Petunia
liyhrida, Salpiglossis, Ten weeks stocks, Chrysanthemum coronarium, Gaillardia,
Tagetes patula. Zinnia, Pansy in variety, Celosia, Thomson's and plumosa. Lobelia,
Ageratum, Scabious, tall and dwarf; Balsam, Sweet Sultan, and Phlox drummondi,
and the following varieties of Asters : Earliest Parisian, Giant Comet, Semple's,
Trufi"aut's Paeony, Queen of the market, Japanese mixed, Victoria and Dwarf Queen.
The above were sown in boxes in the greenhouse from April 7 to 10, and planted out
on June 17, while the following were sown in the open on June 5 : Poppies, Iceland
Japanese Pompon, White feathered, Danebrog and the Shirley, Antirrhinum, Clarkia,
Dianthus in variety, Bartonia, Phacelia, Portvilacca, Stocks, Gaillardia, Nasturtium,
Pansy in variety, Eschscholtzia, Nicotiana, Godetia, Celosia, Mignonette, Marigold,
Candytuft, Asters in variety. Coreopsis, Abronia, Everlasting Flower, Sweet Sultan,
and Phlox drummondi.

Notwithstanding a dry summer, a fairly good display of bloom was obtained,
though, unfortunately, the Asters were quite a failure, owing in part to some disease
attacking the bud, and in part to the dryness of the season. In addition to the
above annuals, twenty-seven different named varieties of Sweet Pea were grown and
were much admired.

DAHLIAS AND CANNAS.

A consignment of each of these was received in the spring from Ottawa, and
were at once put into frames and planted out as soon as danger from frost was
practically over. The Dahlias made a good show and included such varieties as
Austin Cannell, Prince Imperial, Kynerith, Ernest Glasse, Prince of Orange, Mrs.
Peart, Mrs. Clark, Empress of India, Miss Anne Jones, Cannell's Gem, Crimson
Beauty, Perfect Vallon, Grand Duke Alexis, Mrs. Chas. Turner, Harry Stredwick,
Lady H. Grosvenor, Matchless, Mrs. Moore, Capstan, Wm. Agnew, Louis Harlot,
Kingfisher, Wm. Pearce, Double Claret, Hedon, Iridescent and Constance. A yellow
and a pink variety were both received from Mr. Wolverton, of Nelson, B.C.

The Cannas made a striking show of foliage, and the f ollov/ing varieties bloomed :
America, Captain Druyon, Leonard Vaughan, Allemania, Explorateur Crampbel,
Deputy Ravarin, Miss Berthine Brunner, and Pennsylvania. The variety Wm.
Saunders was also received from Ottawa and grown in the superintendent's house,
where it produced a most beautiful bloom.

The following additions to the perennial garden received from Ottawa were
planted this spring: Nineteen named varieties of Perennial Phlox, twenty-one of
Paeonies, Spitrea filipendula, Oenothera fruticosa, Hermerocallis, Spirea aruncus,
Campanula macrantha, Aconitum napellus bicoloo*, Cimicifuga racemosa, and Iberis
coresefolia.

BULBS.

Tulips and Narcissus were planted in the fall of 1907, and protected with a
covering of strawy manure which was removed as soon as possible in the spring.
Tulips made a splendid show. The Narcissus came through the winter without injury,
but failed to bloom. The Tulip bulbs were taken up as soon as their blooming period
was over and heeled in. In August they were again taken out of the ground and
dried off, and stored until the latter end of September, when they were again planted,
the largest bulbs only being used.

A fine succession of bloom for the house was easily obtained from Hyacinths,
Narcissus and Tulips. Any good garden soil will do and pots or tins with holes
knocked in the bottom is all that is necessary to plant the bulbs in. After planting.

2£ 8 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

place them away in a cool, dark cellar, taking an occasional look at them to see that
the earth in the pots is not getting too dry, and if necessary, giving water, and after
they are well rooted, they may be brought into heat in succession and watered freely.

ROSES.

Although most of our roses were killed back to the ground last winter, they made
very good growth last summer and some bloom was obtained. The Rosa Rugosa,
sometimes known as the June rose, and the hardiest variety we have, gave a profusion
of sweet-scented roses in June, and the following produced bloom on wood of this
season's growth: New Century, Philemon Cochet and Rugosa alba (both white),
bloomed during August, while the Dwarf Crimson Rambler came into bloom on July
12, and continued to bloom till late in the fall. Early in September, Lady Helen
Gould produced a bloom of great excellence.

VEGETABLE GARDEN.

The land used as a vegetable garden was ploughed and harrowed as early as
possible in the spring and levelled with the rake before each plot was sown, the rows
being set two and a half feet apart to admit of horse cultivation.

A favourable spring permitted of a fairly early seeding, and with a few exceptions,
germination of the various seeds was uniformly good, though owing to the depreda-
tions of the pocket gopher, especially amongst the early peas, carrots and beets, the
best results were not obtained. Various methods of getting rid of this pest were
resorted to, trapping eventually proving the most successful.

The small seeds were all sown with a Planet Junior drill and with good results,
though great care must be taken to ascertain that the drill is in perfect working order.
As soon as the seed had germinated sufficiently to indicate the rows, frequent use of the
wheel hoe was made until such time as the horse cultivation was possible. Weeds
were thus kept down, moisture conserved, and a minimum amount of hand work
required.

ONIONS.

Two varieties of seed onions. Large Red Wethersfield, and Danver's Yellow
Globe, were sown on April 8. The former germinated well; the latter very unevenly.
The yield was further reduced by a severe attack of the onion grub, Danver's Yellow
Globe, through weak germination, being the greater sufferer. Spraying with kerosene
emulsion soon after the appearance of the grub checked its ravages to a great extent.
Although Shalots and Yellow Dutch Sets were grown in adjacent rows, they were
scarcely injured by the grub, and produced a good yield of well-ripened bulbs. It
would seem from this that the onioij grub has a decided preference for plants grown
from seed. As a preventive of the onion grub, as soon as the seed has germinated,
dusting the rows two or three times with powdered hellebore, or sowing soot or salt
between the rows, is recommended.

With the object of growing a uniform sample of medium-sized bulbs for pickling
purposes, the Silver Skin was not sown until June 17, with a satisfactory result.

PARSNIPS.

Elcombe's Giant and Student were the two varieties of this most useful vegetable
for winter purposes grown. They were sown on May 1, and' pulled on October 7, the
former variety yielding at the rate of 256 bushels and 40 pounds per acre of excellent
quality, and the latter 210 bushels and 50 pounds of fair quality.

REPORT OF MR. JAMES MURRAY 299

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

SALADS.

Lettuce and radish were grown for this purpose, and with the object of maintain-
ing a succession of these, sowings were made at intervals of ten or fourteen days, with
fairly good results. The following varieties of lettuce were grown: Wheeler's Tom
Thumb, Cos Trianon and Neapolitan, all of which were crisp and very firm. All
the Year Round and May King were inclined to be soft in texture, while Stubbornhead
was slightly bitter.

Early Scarlet White-Tipped radish sown on May 1 was fit for use on June 1,
and yielded an excellent crop of well-flavoured roots. Olive Scarlet made rapid
growth, producing a large crop, poor in flavour and lacking in firmness. Black
Spanish Winter sown on June 17 produced an enormous crop of coarse roots.

A very late sowing of Early Scarlet Tvirnip radish was made on August 10,
following a rain, and although growth was slow, good palatable roots were available
up to September 30, notwithstanding several sharp frosts.

CARROTS.

Early Scarlet Horn sown on May 4, and French Horn, on the 13th, germinated
well, but, owing to the depredations of the pocket gopiher, the yield was greatly
reduced. The quality of both the varieties was below the average.

PEAS.

This crop was also damaged by the pocket gopher, especially the variety Wm.
Hurst, sown on May 4, which, being the first sown, suffered most. A fair crop of a
good quality of peas was available for use on July Y. Following this variety, Nott's
Excelsior was sown on May 15, producing a fair crop of good qiiality by June 10.
On May 23 a sowing of Gradus and American Wonder from home-gi-own seed of 1907
was made, a full crop resulting, the former being fit for use July 23, and the latter
five days earlier. Another sowing of these two varieties was made as late as July 18.
The seed was soaked in water for 12 hours previous to sowing, and, although the
weather and the ground were dry, a fair germination was obtained and an acceptable
crop of peas to hand by August 20.

BEET-ROOT AND BEANS.

It was deemed desirable to make two sowings of these vegetables, and fortunately
so in the case of the beet root, as the popket gophef. showed his partiality for it.
What were left of the first sowing made on May 15, were used during the summer.
Egyptian and Early Blood turnip were fit for use on July 13, and Nutting's Dwarf
Improved a week later. Of the second sowing of the above varieties made on ]May 27,
the following results were obtained: Egyptian at the rate of 536 bushels per acre.
Early Blood turnip 591 bushels. Nutting's Dwarf Improved, 517 bushels. In each
variety, the roots were too large to insure good quality.

Beans were sown on the same dates as the beet-roots, a satisfactory succession
being obtained from the following varieties in the order following: French Dwarf
Extra Early, Emperor of Russia, Dwarf Wax Everyday, Fame of Vitry and French
Dwarf Matchless.

CORN.

Four varieties of this much appreciated vegetable were sown on May 27. Earliest
Devitt's Sugar being fit to use on August 16, and proved of excellent quality. Burpee's
Golden Bantam, coming in a week later, was also of excellent quality. Pocahontas
was fit for use on the same date as the latter, and produced a heavy yield, but lacked
the quality of any of the preceding varieties. Hiawatha, which was not fit for use

300 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

until September 1, was also of poor quality. Matured cobs of each of these varieties
were secured. The two varieties of KafHr corn (Red and White), sown on the same
date, failed to mature.

CABBAGE.

Of the two early varieties of cabbage sown on Ajoril 6, and planted out on June
1, Very Early Paris Market produced heads compact in shape, solid and of good
flavour, by July 1, a week earlier than Early Jersey Wakefield, which is also of good
habit and quality. Two very desirable later varieties are Large Flat Drumhead and
Fottler's Improved Brunswick, each of which produced large shapely heads.

Eed cabbage for pickling purposes was sown and planted out on the same dates
as the above and yielded small but well-shaped heads of good quality and flavour, fit
for cutting on September 11.

Another sowing of seeds was made on May 19, and planted out on July 12. The
following were the varieties : Summer Danish and Long Island 2nd, fit for use on
August 10, and Volga or Russian and Nonesuch, fit for use September 17. Each of
these varieties produced shapely solid heads of average weight. Red Wonderful did
not head out well.

A fair crop of Brussel's Sprouts was fit for use on September 16.

TOMATOES.

Seeds selected at Ottawa of Spark's Earliana as well as Graham's Earliana were
sown on April 6, and planted out June 19. In point of earliness there was no differ-
ence between the two varieties, ripe fruit having been picked off both on September
1. Spark's Earliana was decidedly the better-shaped tomato. Both varieties produced
heavy crops from which a quantity of ripe fruit was gathered.

CELERY.

Although celery has seldom been grown here successfully, owing, supposedly, to
want of means for irrigation, it was decided to give it another trial this year, which
resulted in well-bleached, crisp heads of fair size and excellent quality .being obtained.
The method adopted was as follows: A trench 12 inches deep by 12 inches wide was
made, six inches of well-rotted manure was placed in the bottom and well trodden,
and was covered with six inches of soil. The celery, which had been grown in boxes,
was planted in this trench on June 29, and well watered until the plants were estab-
lished. It was afterwards watered once a week, earth being drawn around it at once
to prevent excessive drying out, and at the same time bleaching the celery. Paris
Golden Yellow, Giant Pascal and Rose Ribbed Paris were the varieties grown.

SPINACH.

Spinach, so desirable for its earliness, was sown on May 4, and was fit for use on
June 19, producing a heavy crop of very acceptable early greens.

TURNIPS.

White Milan turnip was sown on May 15, and fit for use July 1. The crop was
poor in both quality and flavour.

RHUBARB.

It being desirable to give the test plots a year's rest, no rhubarb was taken from
them. The bed of Tottle's Improved, which had been hitherto kept for seed purposes,
was used, and produced a large quantity of nicely flavoured rhubarb. The first
cutting was made on May 20.

REPORT OF MR. JAMES MURRAY 301

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Two large roots of rhubarb were put into barrels and covered lightly with earth
and placed in a warm cellar with the idea of providing a winter supply, on October
20. A fortnight later another large root was dug up and exposed to the weather until
it was frozen solid. It was then placed in the cellar and watered occasionally. This
root produced stalks 15 inches long by December 20, being far ahead of the roots
placed in the barrels.

AGEICULTUEAL MEETINGS.

During the year a number of farmers' meetings have been attended and addressed
on some agricultural subject. At the following seed fairs, I judged the grain or
assisted in that work and addressed the meeting afterwards : —

Swan Lake, December 14; Virden, January 11; Elkhorn, January 20; Oak
Lake, January 21; Strathclair, February 2; Hamiota, February 3, Oak River,
February 4.

The subjects discussed at these meetings related mainly to the successful growing
of grain, grasses, clovers and corn, but some other branches of work on the farm were
also given attention. At the Convention of Agricultural Societies and Grain Show
held in Winnipeg, February 15 to 18, I acted as one of the judges of the grain, and
, gave before the convention a resume of some of the most important experiments
conducted here during the past year. At the Manitoba Winter Fair and Fat Stock
Show held in Brandon March 9 to 12, I discussed ' The Production of Beef with
minimum labour and expense,' paying particular attention to experiments under way
at this farm.

A Farmers Institute meeting was also attended at Melita on February 9, which
was very successful.

VISITORS.

During the year many thousand visitors have inspected the work under way at
the Experimental Farm, many of whom were farmers from Manitoba and other pro-
vinces. Several press excursions from the United States paid close attention to the
Farm during their stay in Brandon. The most interested and critical group of
visitors was the Scottish Agricultural Commission, sent to Canada to study agTi-
cultural development and education. They spent several days in Manitoba visiting
various places, spending one forenoon at the Farm. At your direction, I met them in
Winnipeg and accompanied them during the tim-e they spent in this province. They
took a particular interest in everything pertaining to the agricultural welfare of this
part of Canada, and, while impressed with its possibilities, did not regard our present
system of farming with much favour, as they considered it too prodigal of our soil
fertility.

DISTRIBUTION OF SAMPLES.

The distribution of samples of grain, jwtatoes, trees, and shrubs, &c., has been
continued, and during the past year the following material has been sent out: —

Seedling trees and shrubs, packages 274

Potatoes in 3-lb. bags , 134

Wheat in 3-lb. bags 55

Oats in 3-lb. bags 53

Barley in 3-lb. bags ' 24

Peas in 3-lb. bags 17

Maple seed in 1-lb. bags 10

Rhubarb seed in 1-lb. bags 4

Ash seed in 1-lb. bags 5

Caragana seed in 1-lb. bags 5

302

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

COEEESPONDENCE.

Since the last report 3,067 letters were received and 3,044 despatched, irrespective
of circulars.

METEOEOLOGICAL EECOED EOE BEANDOK

Months.

1908,

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

1909.

January

February

March

H

ffhest

Temperature.

Day.

Deg.

13

81

5

9

82

5

26

88

5

9

93

5

20

91

5

15

93

5

9

74

5

60

9

26

38-9

20

39-9

19

29-9

23

38

9

Lowest

Temperature.

Day.

Deg.

2

— 1

1

3

14

9

29

13

40

22

29

28

22

30

8

30

— 6

1

6

—34 3

11

—50-4

7

—35-3

17

—24-2

Total
Rainfall.

Inches.

64
14
97
22
09
73
67
08

12-M

Total
Snowfall.

Inches.

1

6
12

11

9

13

55i

Hours

bright
Suubhine.

Hours.

199
231
202
316
270
223
123
74
82

120-8

981

134-6

2,077-5

I have the honour to be, sir.

Your obedient servant,

JAMES MUEEAY,

Superintendent.

9-10 EDWARD VII. SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 ' A. 1910

EXPERIMENTAL FARM FOR SASKATCHEWAN

Experimental Farm, Indian Head, Sask., March 31, 1909.

Dr. Wm. Saunders, C.M.G.,

Director, Dominion Experimental Earms,

Ottawa.

Sir, — I have the honour to submit to you the twenty-first annual report of the
operations on the Experimental Farm for the province of Saskatchewan, at Indian
Head, Sask., during the year 1908.

The past year was one of great disappointment for crops over the greater part of
the province, and, following the crop of 1907, which was a very serious failure, the
outlook in many districts has been rather disheartening.

In the eastern portion of the province, rain was abundant in nearly all districts
during the greater part of the growing season and grain of all sorts gave small yields.
The sample, however, was good and commanded the best price going.

In the eastern portion of the province rain was abundant in nearly all districts
early in the season, and crops made a rapid growth up to July 8 when hot, dry
weather set in, and continued all through the month and up to August 12, when heavy
rain was followed by a slight frost, which injured v.'heat on fallow land. The hot
days of July 24 and' 25, no doubt, also injured a good deal of grain.

Spring opened from April 10 to 15, and seeding became general during this
period. Land was never in better condition, and a great deal was sown up to the
24th when rain and snow delayed work for a few days. Seeding was completed early
in May.

Wheat harvest commenced about August 20, with oats and barley a week earlier.
The weather continued fine and the crop was easily secured early in September.

Threshing started from September 15 to 20, and continued with little or no delay
until completed in October.

Grain crops on the Experimental Farm were very promising for heavy yields,
especially in straw, all through the season, but the hot, dry month of July and the
cold snap of August 12 told against the wheat crop the same as all over the province.
Oats, barley and peas gave good yields and fine samples. The hay crop was extra
good. While roots, potatoes and corn suffered greatly in yield from the dry, hot July,-
the quality was extra fine.

WHEAT EXPERIMENTS.

Wheat tests were not satisfactory either in plot or field lots. The plot tests were
on fallowed land not uniform in quality of soil, and, when the hot winds of July 24
struck the lighter soil, they ripened up the straw quickly, which resulted in a good
deal of small, shrunken grain with yields greatly reduced.

The field lots were sown on fallowed land, and on Brome-sod, broken and backset
the previous year. The grain on the fallows was heavy and very promising \ip to
July 25, when it was injured by the hot winds, and, the slight frost following on
August 12, the injury to the yield and quality was considerable.

The grain on the Brome backsetting, strange to say, did not suffer from either
of these causes, but from wire-worms working in the soil and thinning out the grain
as it came above the surface.

Test of Varieties.

Seventeen varieties of spring wheat were sown on April 16 on clay loam, mixed
near the edge of coulee with considerable sand and gravel, which in ordinary years

304

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

would make little difference to the crop, but which with the dry, hot winds of July.,
ripened the crop prematurely. This was specially noticeable in the Durum wheat,
which usually ripens along with Red Fife and other late sorts. The size of the plots
was -one-twentieth acre each.

Wheat — Test of Varieties.

u

0

Name of Variety.

1 Huron Selected.

2 White Fife

S Chelsea

4 Marquis B

5 H uron. ......

6 Bobs

7 Bishop

8 Stanley

gjPercy A

10 Preston.

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

White Russian

Stanley A

Red Fife H

Riga

Pringle's Champlain.
Hungarian White . . .
Red Fern

Date

of
Ripen-
ing.

Aug.

21
20
21
15
21
13
21
15
15
15
16
15
21
15
16
15
21

^''^

^ cS

5 *

m .

iW

>, bo

as SD

^ c

•" a

1'^

be o

oS

^

►^

In.

127

50

126

49

127

43

121

45

127

44

119

43

127

44

121

46

121

45

121

45

122

48

121

52

127

48

121

43

122

44

121

48

127

48

Character

of

Straw.

Strong .
Medium
Strong

at

X

be

In.

3?
3i

"h
3i

3|

3

3

3

"2

3
3
3
3
4

Kind

of
Head.

Bearded
Bald....

tf ...

tl ...

Bearded

Bald.. .

11 ...

M ...

II . .

Bearded
Bald....

M ...

M ...

M ...

Bearded

be

Lbs.

5,260
3,080
4,420
5,210
5,5W
3,280
5,080
3,340
5,180
4,820
4,900
3,480
5,100
5,340
5,360
3,100
3,940

Yield

per

Acre.

£ <^ bL

t- 3 e«

* o

Bush. Lbs.

50
50
48
46
45
43
41
38
37
36
36
35
35
33
32
32
31

40
20
40
20
20
20
20
20

40

20

40
40
40
40

Lbs.

60i

57|

61i

G3i

60i

5!>4

62

58|

57

62i

58^

50

59^

56

58

59

58i

Test of Wheat in Field Lots.

Eight varieties were sown in field lots on April 13 to 16 on clay loam. The
fallowed land was ploughed 7 inches deep before the end of June, 1907, and cultivated
2 to 3 inches deep as required, to kill weeds during the growing season.

The backsetting land was broken shallow in May and early June, and backset in
August, and disked several times before and after, to kill any roots of grass that
might have escaped in the ploughing.

Wheat — Test of Varieties in Field Lots.

Name of Variety.

Marquis.
Preston .

Bobs

Stanley A

Chelsea

Huron Selected

Red Fife

Percy A

Red Fife H...

Size.

Acres.

II

a

2'
li
231
2|
4

Date

of

Sowing.

Date

of
Ripen-
ing.

April 13

„ 13

„ 14

„ 14

,. 13

u 14

„ 13

.. 17

n 14

„ 13

Aup

17
23
21
11
17
17
17
31
17
29

>> bo

126
131
129
119
126
125
126
136
125
138

^■^bo
bo o

In.

43
50
50
43
45
46
47
54
47
47

Character

of

Straw.

Strong

-a

bo

a

1-^

Kind

of
Head.

In.

3
4

33

H

3h

3

3

^

Bald.. ..
Bearded .

Bald....;

11 . . • .

II . . . .
Bearded .
Bald

Yield

per

Acre.

<H — ;*
■^ == g

be ^ ^
•t: :3 «*.<

Bush . Lbe,

37
33
32
32
30
29
29
29
25
22

.be.

Lbs.

52

63

37

62i

40

CO

22

6.S:

5

58i

38

OOi

36

6:H

16

(Hi

40

60'

4

<5li

REPORT OF MR. ANGUS 2IACKAY

305

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Wheat — ^Average and Total Yields.

Variety.

Cultivation .

Acres.

Yield
per Acre.

Total Yield

Marquis

Preston

Preston

Backsetting.

Fallow

Backsetting.

It

It

It

Fallow. .. .."
Backsetting.
Fallow

2i
4i

2

23|

2i •

4

Bush. Lbs.

37 52
33 37
32 40
32 22
30 5
29 38
29 36
29 16
25 40
22 4

Bush. Lbs.

88 21
252 8
141 20

Bobs

Stanley A

Chelsea

Huron Selected

Red Fife

Percy A

Red Fife H

24 17
20 4
59 16
44 24

680 27
68 27
88 16

49

1,467 00

An average of 29 bushels, 56 lbs. per acre.

Wheat — Five Years Comparison of Field Lots.

The average yield per acre, and time taken to mature, of five varieties of wheat
grown in field lots under similar conditions for the past five years are given below: —

Variety,

Average
Days to
Mature.

Days

earlier than
Red Fife.

Average

Yield
per Acre.

Preston

130-

127-6

1.33-

130-

130-

8-
10-4

Bush. Lbs.
37 19

Huron

Red Fife . - .

37 14
31 5

Stanlev

8-
8-

30 45

Percy •

29 42

Durum Wheat — Test of Varieties.
Four sorts were tested. Sown April 16, on clay loam.

Name of Variety.

Yellow Ghamovka

Goose

Kubanka

Roumanian

bb

c

Date

m ki
>>3

of
Ripen-

ing.

O

o

^

Aug. 15

121

„ 15

121

M 15

121

,. 15

123

sT

'V

'Tl

c«

u

0)

^^

CO'JH 1

VM

be

o

_c

J= 5
be o

a a

In.

53

55
52
55

T3

c3

Si

Character

Uh

U-l

of

O

Straw.

J=

be

C

(U

1-1

In.

Weak ....

3

II ....

3

O

ti ....

O

Medium. .

3

Kind

of
Head.

Bearded .

bo

Lbs.

4,080
4,34)
3, 940
3,160

Yield

per

Acre.

M-G bi)

Bush. Lbs.

40
37
33
30

20

Lbs.

62
60i
62
60^

16—20

306

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

Fall Wheat.

For the first time in all the tests made with winter wheat since the farm started
the crop came through safely from spring-killing. The grain was considerably
shrunken and the yield not heavy. Date of seeding, September 18, 1907 ; ripe and cut,
August 4; name of variety, Turkey Red; straw strong, 47 inches long; heads bearded,
Si inches in length; yield 27 bushels per acre.

Last fall (1908) Turkey Red fall wheat was sown on August 13, 21 and 31, and
Kharkoiv fall wheat on September 19. Kharkov is a purer strain of Turkey Red

EXPERIMENTS WITH OATS.

TEST OF VARIETIES.

Twenty-six varieties were sown May 5 on fallowed land. A few varieties were on
lighter soil than others and suffered from the hot, dry July. These were Kendal
White, Lincoln, Milford White, Swedish Select, Swedish Select (regenerated),
Virginia White and Joanette. Plots were each one-twentieth acre.

Oats — Test of Varieties.

bb

60

fend

1

^'Z bb

c

Name of Variety.

1

0

Character
of Straw.

a)

0

Kind of
Head.

Yield
per Acre.

1^ oQ a

t-i ■-' OP

B

■4-'

d

bo
<v

In.

bo

I

In.

Lbs.

50

Lbb.

pa

^

1

B inner j.

Aug.

22

100

50

"Medium. .

10

Branching

4,000 115

10

39

2

Danish Island

H

18

105

50

It . .

9

n

3,000 110

20

38^

3

American Triumph

tl

20

107

52

II . .

9

II

3,600 104

04

39f?

4

Golden Giant

II

II

19

18

lOG
105

52

48

Strong

Weak ...

11
9

Sided

Branching

3,300 98
.3,100 98

28
28

34

5

Twentieth Century

3.5i

6

Storm King (Agassiz seed). .

II

22

109

50

Strong.. . .

12

.Sided. ...

2,960 94

04

38^

7

Siberian

II

II

20
18

107
105

47
40

Weak....
Strong . .

8
8

Branching
II

2,420 91
3,620 8*>

26
14

40i

8

Goldfinder

35

9

Irish Victor

11

17

104

42

11 . .

9

II

3.020 87

22

37

10

Abundance

II

22

109

50

Medium. .

10

II

3,000 87

2

32i

11

Storm King (I. Head seed).

11

22

109

50

Strong

10

Sided

3.840 87

2

39

12

Improved American

II

17

104

45

11 . .

8

Branching

2.860 85

10

36^

n

Tmoroved Xjisrowo

II
If

17
17

104
104

40

47

11 . .

rr
1

8

It

M

3,640 82
3,600 75

32
30

36

14

White Giant

3.Hf
35J

15

Croldftn Bfiftiitv

II

11

19

17

106
104

54
51

Medium . .
Strong. . . .

10
9

II
II

3,800
2,640

73
71

18
26

If)

Regenerated Swedish Select.

34i

17

Mdford White

II
II
II

17
17
15

10 »
104
102

51
51
44

11 . .

II

II

11
9
8

Sided

Branching
Sided

2.040
2,760
3,080

71
70
68

6

20

8

37

IS

Swedish Select

37

I'.l

Wide Awake

34i

9.0

Kendal White

H

17

104

41

II

9

Branching

3,460

67

22

32i

*>!

Tartar Kinsf

II
II

17
18

101
100

47
40

II

II • .

10

8

Sided

M ....

4,440
3,300

67
07

2
2

37|

9.9.

Thousand Dollar

36i

9S

Lincoln

II
11
11
If

17
13
1.5

15

104
100
102

10^

48

40

■ ' 42

37

II

II

II . .

H . ■

9

7
8
7

Branching
Sided. . .
Branching
Sided

3,160
2,920
3,700
1,720

62
62
57
46

32
12
22
16

31i

94

Virginia White

40

915

Pioneer

31

9n

Joanette

37*

Test of Oats in Eield Lots.

Six varieties were sown in fields on fallowed land from May 1 to 7; 2 J bushels
were sown to the acre on account of rather low germination. Banner oats, which
usually head all varieties in yield, did not sustain their good reputation. This may
have been caused by weak vitality in the seed, and larger acreage sown.

REPORT OF MR. AXGUS MACEAT

307

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Oats — Test of Varieties in Field Lots.

Name of Variety.

Wide Awake

Danish Island . . . .

White Giant

Improved Ligowo .

Banner

Tartar King

be

to

c

a

s

<t>

,

^

a,

o

o

CO

P5

t4-l

<+-(

o

o

o

03

0)

«

-«^

N

cS

cS

CQ

P

P

Acres.

3f

May 4.

Aug. 19.

4i

„ 2.

„ 18.

4S

M 4

„ 18.

U

■1 1.

„ 13.

27?

„ 6.

M 24.

H

., 5.

„ 18.

a

107
108
10()
104
110
105

CO*

o.S
tic o

p

In.

40

48
40
48
50
49

Character
of Straw.

Strong . .

Medium.
Stronsr. . .

■T3
D

be

a
a;

In.

8
9
8
8
9
9

Kind
of Head.

Branching

Sided

Yield
per Acre.

x>

to

a

n

95 30

90 12

90 6

78 20

78 ..

"78 ..

*^ p f^

a) « ^
o

be ^ 4S
■!r; 3 **.•

Lbs.

33

38i

34|

38

37i

37

Oats — Average and Total Yields.

Wide Awake

Danish Island

White Giant . . .
Improved Ligowo.-

Banner

Tartar King

Variety.

Cultivation.

'Fallow..

Acres.

51

Yield

per Acre.

^

CO

p

^

m

(-:!

95

30

90

12

90

6

78

20

78

, ,

78

Total Yield.

4,163

.a
a

pa

359 20

421 22

420 28

353 22

2,165 16

442 ..

An average of 81^ bushels per acre.

Oats — Five Years Comparison of Field Lots.

Tile average yield per acre and time taken to mature, of four varieties of oats
grown in field lots under similar conditions for the past five years are shown below : —

Variety.

Wide Awake. . ..

Banner

Tartar King

Improved Ligowo

Average
day.s to
Mature.

116-6
116-8
113 8
114-8

Average

Yield

per Acre.

Bush. Lbs,

88
86
75
74

6
11

7
27

16— 20J

308

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910
EXPERIMENTS WITH BARLEY.

' The barley tests in plots and field lots were, as a rule, satisfactory. All were too
far advanced in July to be injured to any great extent by the hot weather, but it is
quite possible that without the heat the yield might have been larger.

Having little rain or dew after harvest, the sample in most cases is bright in
colour and plump.

Uniform Plot Tests.

In this test, 14 varieties of six-rowed and 11 varieties of two-rowed barley were
sown on May 5, at the rate of 2 bushels of seed per acre. Soil, clay loam fallowed the
previous year. All the plots were one-twentieth acre in size.

Six-Rowed Barley — Test of Varieties.

(4
O

-£2

s

55

]

2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

10
11
12
13
14

Name of Variety.

Black Barley . .

Trooper

Stella

Yale -

Mensury

Albert

Blue Longhead

Empire

Odessa

Claude

Oderbruch

Mansfield

Nugent

Champion

^"'d

tlO

be

a

B.S

^S

Ck

Q^

^.s

01

oS

■*J

a "

a

c5

S B

Q

^

I-;-'

Inches.

Aug.

7

94

38

II

7

94

43

II

7

94

32

11

7

94

44

M

4

91

43

II

7

94

46

If

4

91

38

If

4

91

45

It

4

91

38

II

4

91

42

If

4

91

39

II

4

91

36

II

4

91

40

II

4

91

45

Character

of

Straw.

Medium

Weak.

Medium

II
Strong..
Medium

Strong . .
Medium

Length

of
Head.

Inches.

Weight

of
Straw,

Lbs.

2,000
2,120
2,260
1,900
3,420
2,540
1,700
2,820
1,860
2,060
1,940
2,320
2,780
2,600

Yield

per
Acre.

Bush. lbs.

72
59

55 40

45 40

45 20

45 20

45 20

44 8

42 44

41 32

40 40

38 36

37 4

35 40

75 .S

fern

ID <a

<D

Two-RowED Barley — Test of Varieties.

s

3

1

2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11

Name of Variety.

Danish Chevalier .
Swedish Chevalier

G-ordon

Stand well

Clifford ..

French Chevalier.

Jarvis

Sidney

Invincible

Canadian Thorpe .
Beaver

t«

bb

11

a

m.S

la

ft

P%

^.s

<0

hc.2

^

C3 U

a

o

<u d

Q

^

i-^--^

Inches.

Aug. 15

102

40

1. 17

104

42

7

94

44

-. 17

104

42

8

95

57

,- 15

102

38

1. 7

94

43

6

93

40

.. 14

101

40

7

94

44

7

94

42

Character

of

Straw.

Medium
Weak .
Medium
Weak .
Medium

Length

Weight

of

of

Head.

Straw.

Inches.

Lbs.

4

2,200

H

2,320

3

3,000

3

3,560

3i

1,680

3*

2,360

3|

2,700

3|

1,520

3i

3,4(10

3

2,760

3i

2,240

Yield

per

Acre.

Bush

lbs.

60

59

8

56

12

54

8

52

24

48

16

47

4

46

12

41

32

40

37

44

-' 3 C

St03 «*

Lbs.

REPORT OF MR. ANGUS MACK AY

309

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Barley — Test of Varieties in Field Lots.

Seven varieties were sown in field lots. Mensury in this test gave much the best
return.

„

S3

M

<4-l

o

, ^^

Name of Variety.

o

bb

_g
o

•4-1

0)

be

.s

"S

S

C

0)

bE

a

be o

c«

w

o

-s

bo

1

H

C4-I
O

Oi

jight per mea
ured Bushe
fter cleaning.

^

6

a a

cS

s

fl

"^

►c * "

cc

ft

ft

^

h-l

O

In.

w

tH

Acres

Inches

Bush. Lbs."

Lbs.

Mensury

3
2
5

May 4 . .
" 7..
.. 6..
M 6..

Aug.

8

96

44

Strong . . .

II ...

Medium . .

9i

6 rowed.

59 ..

m

Claude

8
20
20

93
104

104

40
46

47

3
3
3

6-rowed.
2-rowed.
2-rowed.

49 ..
47 41

47 22

50

Standwell

52

Invincible

53i

Sidney

4h

4 G..

8

92

48

Strong . . .

3

2-rowed.

44 8

52^

Canadian Thorpe

4?

II 7. .

17

100

43

. . .

3

2-rowed.

42 4

51i

Mansfield

1|

II 7. .

8

93

38

m

6-rowed.

39 42

49^

"Barley — Average and Total Yields.

Variety.

Cultivation.

Acres.

Yield

per
Acre.

Total Yield.

Mensury

Claude

Standwell

Invincible

Fallow

tl

tl

It

tl

II

II

14^
3
2
5

n

Bush. Lbs.

59 ..
49 ..
47 41
47 22
44 8
42 4
39 42

Bush. Lbs.

855 28

147 ....

95 34

237 14

Sidney

Canadian Thorpe

198 36

199 43

Mansfield

69 37

35i

1,804 bush.

An average of 50| bushels per acre.

Barley — Five Years Comparison of Field Lots.

The average yield per acre, and time taken to mature, of seven varieties of barley
grown in field lots under similar conditions for the past five years will be fovmd below.

Variety.

Claude

Mensury .
Mansfield.

Invincible ,

Sidney

Standwell

Canadian Thorpe.

Average

A verage

days to

Yield per

Mature.

Acre.

Bush. Lbs.

101-6

56 16

100-6

56 10

101-

54 30

109-4

45 44

103-2

42 35

10S2

41 5

105-2

39

310

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910
EXPERIMENTS WITH FIELD PEAS.

Peas were sown on root land of the previous year, and were successful in every
way. The land had been fallowed for the roots and 10 to 12 loads of manure applied
per acre. After the roots and com were taken from the field, the ground was ploughed
6 to 7 inches deep and well harrowed, and the small plots and larger lots of peas sown
in the spring without further cultivation. After sowing, the land was rolled with an
ordinary roller. This was done to allow the crop to be cut with a Pea Harvester,
which consists of four or five teeth attached to an ordinary mower, which lift the vines
in front of the mower knife.

After being harvested and lying in bunches on the land, a pea crop is liable to
be carried by winds to any part of the farm, and to overcome this danger it is
necessary to allow the crop to get dead ripe, then cut with harvester or pull by hand,
and stack the same day. Peas, unlike other grain, do not suffer if left for a week or
ten days after they are ripe, unless heavy and continuous rains take place, which is
hardly possible in this province.

UNIFORM PLOT TESTS.

Eighteen varieties of peas were sown on one-twentieth acre plots, 2 to 3^ bushels
of seed being sown according to size of peas. They were sown on clay loam.

FIELD LOTS.

Three varieties, Arthur, White Wonder and Golden Vine, were sown on April 23,
alongside the plot lots, the land being clay loam and prepared in the same way. Yields
per acre: Arthur, 38 bushels; White Wonder, 39 bushels, and Golden Vine, 42 bushels.

Peas — Test of Varieties.

o

•—1

Ph

o

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

Name of Variety.

(rregory

Mackay

Golden Vine

Chancellor

Prussian Blue ....
Dan O'Rourke. . .

Paragon

Arthur

Picton

English Grey

Wisconsin Blue

Prince

Early Britain

Archer

Black-eye Marrowfat
White Manowfat . . .

A^es

Victoria

Date of

of
Sowing.

April 22
22
22
22
22
22
22
22
22
22
22
22
22
22

May 4

April 22
M 22

May 4

Date of
Ripen-

Number
of days
matur-

ing

ing.

Aug.

20

120

22

122

18

118

15

115

22

122

18

118

22

122

15

115

18

118

21

121

24

124

22

122

18

118

18

118

24

112

24

124

10

110

22

110

C h aracter

of

Growth.

Strong .

c5
b<
-«^

O

be

a

t-3

In.

55
60
50
50
50
45
60
50
45
50
55
55
50
40
50
55
45
45

In.

Size of

Yield per

Pea.

Acre.

JZ

m

«>

3

,o

M

1-3

Medium

48

40

Large...

48

40

Small. . .

46

M . .

45

20

Medium

45

20

Small . .

45

Medium

44

Large...

43

40

Medium

42

20

Large. . .

42

Small . .

41

20

It

40

40

It

39

20

Medium

37

Large...

36

40

It

35

20

Large.. .

33

20

Medium

32

40

Weight

per
Bushel.

Lbs.

64i

64i

64i

63

64

64

63i

63|

64^

62*

65

03^

63

64

64

04

64i

65

REPORT OF MR. ANGUS MACEAY

311

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

SMUT TESTS.

In 1907, two bushels of smut dust was obtained from King's elevator, Fort
William, and sown on five plots of fallowed land, each 8 feet square. After sowing,
the dust was well raked in, and then Eed Fife wheat treated as follovv's, was sown.
In 1908, Red Fife was again sewn on these plots, fwithout any further application of
smut dust.

Eesults in 1907 and 1908.

IS

S

3

Quality of Seed.

Treatment.

No. 1 Northern

II

II

Shrunken and poor. .

Bluestone, 1 lb. in 10 gals, water
Formalin, 1 h 40 h

Not treated

Bluestone, 1 lb. in 10 gals, water
Formalin, 1 " 40 n

Smut Heads in
Plot.

1907.

44
52
81
SO
36

1908,

2

12
23
42
57

Alongside the plots sown with smut dust were five plots of equal size, not treated
with the dust, resulting as follows: —

Quality of Seed.

1 No. 1 Northern

2i

-Sf ..

4 Shrunken and poor

51

Treatment.

Bluestone, 1 lb. in 10 gals, water .
Formalin, 1 u 40 n

Not treated

Bluestone, 1 lb. in 10 gals, water.
Formalin, 1 n 40 n

1907.

8

3

11

0

30

5

5

8

3

25

1908.

Ill the spring of 1908, the stubble of the preceding crop was gang-ploughed 3
inches deep and the seed sown.

The above tests were undertaken to prove whether dust blown from threshing-
machines, or smut-balls falling from grain and remaining in the soil, would cause
more smut in the crop than would otherwise be the case.

Although the amount of smut dust used may api>ear excessive, yet it is not more
than may settle about threshing machines when grain is badly affected.

On comparing the two years result, it looks very like a verdict for smut remain-
ing in the soil and injuring following crops.

The only smut test conducted outside the above was treatment with Bluestone
versus Formalin of No. 1 Feed wheat of 1907 crop, and a jilot sown with good Red
Fife bluestoned in spring of 1907 and sown in 1908. A plot of No. 1 Northern,
untreated, was gown for comparison.

Quality of Seed and Treatment.

No. 1 Feed, Bluestone, 1 lb. to 10 gals, water
II Formalin. 1 n 40 n

Treated in 1907

Untreated, No. 1 Northern

Smut Heads
in 8 ft.
square.

Yield per
Acre.

312

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

It will be noticed that while the bluestoned grain in this test was not as free
from smut as that treated with formalin, the results of using bluestone versus
formalin in the Smut Dust Test favoured the bluestone considerably.

It will also be observed that wheat treated one year in advance of sowing is not
ruined for seed, as many suppose. This is the second test of this nature, both
resulting the same way.

Treatment for smut is of such vast importance to this province that I may be
permitted to dwell longer on this matter than I otherwise should. In the spring of
1908, on account of the large bulk of the seed wheat in the country being of low
grade and weak vitality, it was thought advisable to recommend formalin instead of
bluestone, which in former years was generally successful when properly applied.

On the Experimental Farm, all the wheat sown, except the test plots, was treated
with formalin, with the result that we never before had the quantity of smut in all
the varieties that was present last harvest. The seed for the field lots was treated
with formalin, 1 lb. in 30 gallons water, well soaked in going through the pickler and
covered after treatment as recommended. The seed for the plot lots was dipped five
minutes in the solution and allowed to dry in the bags.

In former years, bluestone was invariably used, and generally little or no smut
was found in the crops. One pound bluestone in 10 gallons water for clean seed, and
1 lb. in 5 to 7 gallons of water if at all affected with smut, was applied.

For oats and barley, formalin has been found the most effective, and for years
has been the only remedy used.

I draw attention to the yields in the smut tests, sown with No. 1 Feed Wheat,
which go to prove that bluestone is not more injurious to seed wheat than formalin.

ROTATION OF CROPS.

These tests were commenced in 1899. Below is given the order of rotation for
the past three years, with yields, &c., of each plot. The plots are each one-half acre
in size, the soil being clay loam.

The preparation of the soil for the 1908 crop was ploughing 5 to 6 inches deep
in fall when grain was removed, and cultivating shallow in the spring.

ORDER OF ROTATION.

d

1906.

1907.

1908.

1

2
3

4

Oats.

Wheat.

Oats.

Wheat.

Barley.

Wheat.

Oats.

Barley.

Wheat.

Barley.

Alsike.

Peas.

Tares.

Red Clover.

Alfalfa.

Summer-fallow.

Peas.

Tares.

Alsike.

Red Clover.

Alfalfa.

Wheat.

Oats.

Wheat.
Barley.
Fallow.

tt

It

Oats.
Wheat.

tl
11
II

II

Wheat.

M
It

r
(

II

Peas.

7

Tares.

8
10

Alsike.
Red Clover.
Alfalfa.

11

Wheat.

13

14

tf

15
16
17

It
II

Oats.

18

Emmer.

10

Oats.

?0

Wheat.

21

Barley.
II

s

s

m
d

I— «

1

a.

f— t
fi
si

m

5094— p. 312.

REPORT OF MR. ANGUS MACKAY

313

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

EoTATioN Tests.

S

Name of Variety.

1
2
3
4

5

G

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

Wheat

Peaa

Tares

Alsike

Red Clover

Alfalfa

Wheat

Oats

Emmer .
Oats. . .
Whear .
Barley.

Character
of Soil.

After peas ....

After tares

After alsike

After red clover.
After alfalfa

After fallow.

After oats.

Date

of

Sowing.

Aug

17.

t?

17.

It

17.

It

17.

II

17.

Mav 11.1

II

11.

It

26.

tl

26.

tl

26.

Apl.

17.

II

14.

If

15.

M

15.

II

17.

It

17.

May

8.

II

10.

tl

10.

Apl.

17.

May

10.

II

10.

Date

of
Ripen-
ing.

Aug. 24.
24.
24.
29.
29.

60

CD 's-i

o

12;

129
129
128
134
134

o.S

Ins.

48
47
44
48
46

i
w

o
bo

Character

of

Straw,

Yield

per
Acre.

s

1^

Ins.

Bush.
Lbs.

Medium . .

3

31 16

Strong . . .
II ....

3
3

32 ..

30 .36

II ...

3

29 50

II ....

3

31 40

cS bo
4; i— I e
M 01. S
l^J2 B

-§§

^J

Lbs.

51

60

63

62i

63

Cut July 15 ; ground too hard to plough them under.

II II II II II

Ploughed under September 15.

Aug. 29.
24.
24.
29.
29.
29.
29.
29.
29.

134
132
131
136
134
134
114
112
112

46
51
49
50
33
36
33
34
40

Strong. . .
Medium.

Strong

Cut green on account of wild oats appearing in crop.

Aug. 15.
15,

9:;

97

30
30

Strong

3
3
3
3

2i
2i
7

^4

35 42

36 32
31 40
31 10
14 36
14 6
46 4

52 "2

64
62
62i

58
58

1,284

27 36
22 20

FALL EYE.

For several years a few acres of fall rye have been sown with good success. In
1907 the plot of IJ acres was extremely heavy and lodged greatly, and in 1908 a good
seeding was found on the ground, and, without cultivation or harrowing, this was left
for a second crop, the result both in straw and grain being satisfactory, considering
the work put on the plot. Cultivation two or three inches deep would no doubt have
increased the crop greatly.

For early pasture in the spring, or for fodder or hay before other crops are avail-
able, fall rye is very satisfactory.

Fall Rye.

Size of Plot,

Acres.

Date Sown.

Volunteer
Sept. 8...,

Length

Date Ripe,

of

Straw.

In.

^ug. 4....

65

4 . . .

05

Character

of

Straw.

Medii

Length

of
Head.

In.

Yield
per Acre.

Bush. Lbs.

27
55

10
20

Weight
per Bushel

after
Cleaning.

Lbs.

57

57

314

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

FLAX.

This test was made on fallowed land, the seed being sown on May 13. One
variety, from seed not germinating properly, gave a very small yield.

Flax — Test of Varieties.

Name of Variety.

Size
of

riot.

Date

of

Sowmg.

Date

of

Ripening.

01 ti

d

11

o.c
V a

Weight

of
Straw.

Yield
per Acre.

Weight

per

Measured

Bushel

after

Cleaning.

Common

Acres.

tt
II
II
II

21

May 13. . .

„ 13. . .
„ 13. . .
,, 13. . .
.. 13. . .
„ 13. . .

Aug. 17. . . .

M 17

„ 17. . . .
.. 17. ...
I. 20. . . .
„ 26

96

96
96
96
99
105

In.

26

28
28
29
26

27

Lbs.

3,720
3,660
2,080
2,360
1,520

Bush. Lbs.

22 28
21 24
14 36
13 32
6 4
18 12

Lbs.
54

Riga

55

Improved Russian

White Flowering

Yellow Seeded

Common

56
53i
54i
54i

GRASSES AND CLOVERS.

All the various plots or fields of grass and clover that gave a crop the preceding
year came through the winter and spring better than ever before. Red Clover sown
with Western Rye Grass in 1906, came through the two winters and springs safely,
as did also the Red Clover sown in 1907, and gave a good crop. These are the first
crops of Red Clover ever obtained on the Farm.

The alfalfa tests gave good yields, with the exception of the common sort sown
in 1905.

An extra good plot of Turkestan alfalfa was left for seed and threshed with
ordinary threshing machine, giving a very small yield of seed. A part of a second
plot alongside, after taking off first crop for hay, was left for seed, but did not even
fill before frost came and destroyed it.

The variety of alfalfa called ' Grimm ' has proven the hardiest of all the strains
of alfalfa tested on this Farm. This variety, named after a German farmer who
brought it to Minnesota about 1860, is supposed to have come originally from Norway.
If reports are true, it has succeeded in Minnesota beter than all other kinds.

Yields of Hay and Clover, 1908.

Variety.

Western Rye Grass

W. Rye Grass and Red Clover ....
W. Rye, Red Clover and Timothy

Meadow Fescue

Timothy

Brome Grass

Year Sown.

Acres.

1906

4i

10f)6

7

v.m

2^

1904

\

1905

1899*

i

Date Cut.

July 16.
13.
18.
21..
21.,
21.

Yield per Acre.

Tons. Lbs.

2
2

2
0
1
I

1,536
360
1,875
1,122
1,100
800

* Renewed by ploughing shallow in 1904.

REPORT OF MR. ANGUS MACEAY

315

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Alfalfa.

Source of Seed.

Year Sown.

First Crop.

Second Crop.

Date Cut.

Yield
per Acre.

Date Cut.

Yield
per Acre.

1904 .

July 4

., 4

-i 4

., 2

M 2 . ..

M 2

„ 2....
M 4

Tons. Lbs.

2 346

2 1,120

1 1,000

3 90
3 705

2 1,636
2 368
2 1,640

Aug. 6

>, 6. ...

„ 6

,. 6

.- 6

„ 6

„ 6

M 7 .. .

Tons. Lbs.
1 153

Common

Common

Minnesota (Grimm)

New York

Samarkand (Turkestan)

1904

1905

1905

1905

1905

1905

1905

0 1,540

0 1,540

1 955
1 1,227
1 1,023

Nebraska

1 358

Common

1 45

INDIAN COEN.

The Indian corn tests were far from satisfactory. Wire worms worked in the
plots after the seed was sown, making a second seeding necessary; then, just as a
good start was made, the dry July occurred, followed by frost on August 13, which
stopped further progress.

The varieties giving the very low yields are those most injured by wire worms.

The corn was planted in the hills 3 feet apart each way, and the rows were also
3 feet apart. The yields were computed from the weight of two rows each 66 feet long.

Following the test of varieties of corn in hills and in rows, are given the results of
a test of three varieties sown in rows at four different distances apart, and also the
average results of this test for the past ten years.

Corn — Test of Varieties.

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

10
11
12
13
14

Name of Variety.

Compton's Early

Longfellow . . . .

Champion White Pearl

Selected Learning. . .

Wood's Northern White Dent.

Angel of Midnight

White Cap Yellow Dent

Superior Fodder

Salzer's All Gold

Karly Mastodon

Mammoth Cuban

North Dakota White

Eureka . .

Pride of the North .

Character
of Soil.

Clay Loam

Date of
Sowing.

May 18

Height.

Inches.

55
58
62
57
50
54
52
50
50
60
65
58
55
66

Conditions
when cut.

Tasselled.. . .

Nottasselled
It . . .
r.asselled.. . .
Xnttasselled
Tasselled.. . .
Not tasselled

Weight

per acre

grown

in rows.

Weight
per acre

grown
in hills.

Tons. Lb.s. Tons. Lbs.

12

n

11
9
9
9
8
8
8
8
5
3
3
2

750

1540

1,210

1,170

920

810

1,490

280

280

fi(/

],.5.o0

1,920

1.70O

1,8.'?0

I
10

8
7
9
8
9
7
7
9
7
8
7

1,3H0

1,510

350

1,380

300

700

170

l.Sf'O

1,400

1,1S0

810

960

170

630

316

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910
Corn — Test of Seeding at Different Distances.

Name of Variety.

Selected Learning.

Longfellow

Champion White Pearl.

Character of
Soil.

Clay loam

Date of
Sowing.

May 18.

Rows.

Distance
apart.

Inches.

21
28
35
42
21
28
35
42
21
28
35
42

Height.

Inches.

50
50
50
50
55
55
55
55
58
58
58
58

Weight per

acre

grown in rows.

Tons.

14
10

6

G
13
10
10

9
11
13
11

8

Lbs.

1,600

263

556

1,296

1,347

1,964

489

1,803

632

1,632

1,338

230

Corn — Test of Seeding at Different Distances — Average for Ten Years ending 1908.

Name of Variety.

Selected Leaming.

Longfellow.

Champion White Pearl.

Distance
between rows.

Inches.

21
28
35
42
21
28
35
42
21
28
35
42

Weight per

acre

grown in rows.

Tons.

15

14

12 .

10

16

14

13

12

14

12

12

10

Lbs.

818
604
652

748
1,612

299
1,383
1,539

164
1,428
1,547
1,9h5

REPORT OF MR. ANGUS MACKA7

317

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

FIELD EOOTS.

On account of the hot, dry July, all varieties of roots were small, and the yields
below the average of ordinary years.

The roots were of extra good quality, and dry weather in the fall when lifting,
permitted their being stored in the cellars in good condition.

The yields were computed from the weight of two rows each 66 feet long and
30 inches apart.

Turnips — Test of Varieties.

+3

3,

u—

O

d

Name of Variety.

Character
of Soil.

1st Plot
Sown.

2nd Plot
Sown.

1st Plot
Pulled.

2nd Plot
Pulled.

Yield
per Acre
Ist Plot.

Yield
per Acre
1st Plot.

Yield
per Acre
2nd Plot

Yield
per Acre
2nd Plot

1

Carter's Elephant . .
Perfection

Clay loaui

May 13

May 23

Oct. 12

Oct. 12

00

C 00

O -^

H >^
19 1072
18 432
17 584
17 5H4
16 1528
15 1944
15 1944
15 1812

15 888
15 360
14 1832
14 1436
13 532

"m m

651 12
607 12
576 24
576 24
558 48
532 24
532 24
530 12

514 48
506 00
497 12
490 36
442 12

§ 3

H J

16 1000

15 1680
20 524
19 412

17 980

18 960
17 1904
25 556

17 584

16 604
15 IOl'O

19 280

20 788

1 i

r 550 00
528 00

3

Derby Bronze Top. .

675 24

4

Hall's Westbury . . .

640 12

5

Kaneraroo ....

583 00

6

Jumbo

616 00

7

Mammoth Clvde..

598 24

8

Bangholm Selected .

842 36

9

Hale wood's Bronze
Tom

576 24

10

Skirving's

543 24

11

Hartley's Bronze. .

517 00

1^

Good Luck

638 00

IS

Maernum Bonum.. .

679 48

Mangels — Test of Varieties.

o

o
6

Name of Variety.

Character
of Soil.

1st Plot
Sown.

2ud Plot
Sown.

1st Plot
Pulled.

2nd Plot
Pulled.

Yield
per Acre
1st Plot.

Yield
per Acre
1st Plot.

Yield
per Acre
2nd Plot

a »

♦
18 36

♦

12 1212

14 644

12 948
18 960

*

11 704
11 440

Yield
per Acre
2nd Plot

1

0

Giant Yellow Globe
Yellow Intermediate
Perfection Mam-
moth Long Red

Clay loam

May 13

May 22

Oct. 6

Oct. 6

03

§ J

EH Hi

19 544
17 1904

17 1376

17 56

16 736

16 604
16 340

16 76
14 1832
14 1832

GO 00

« Hi

642 24

598 24

589 36

567 36

545 36

543 24
539

534 36
497 12
497 12

1 s

*

600 36

3

♦

4

Prize Mammoth
Long Red

Mammoth Red In-
termediate.

Giant Yellow Inter-
mediate

420 12

5

477 24

6

417 48

7

Gate Post .

616 00

8

Selected Yellow
Globe

*

q

Half Sugar White..

....

378 24

10

374 00

•Destroyed by wire- worms.

318

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD Vll., A. 1910

Cakrots — Test of Varieties.

O

o

Name of Variety.

Character
of Soil.

1st Plot
Sown.

2nd Plot
Sown.

1st Plot
Pulled.

2nd Plot
Pulled.

Yield
per Acre
1st Plot.

Yield
per Acre
1st Plot.

tn EC

3 ^

pq hI
334 24
312 24
305 48

272 48
250 48

239 48

Yield
per Acre
2nd Plot

Yield
per Acre
2nd Plot

1

9

Giant White Vosges
Half-longChanteuay
Ontario Chanfipion.

Clay loam

April 22

May 6

Oct. 12

Oct. 12

o5

o -o
H iJ

10 64

9 744

9 348

8 3G8
7 1048

7 388

CO

§ J
H Hi

8 500
5 824

7 1576

9 348
5 956

8 1820

1 i
pa iJ

275
180 24

8

259 36

4

Improved Short
White

305 48

5

White Belgian

182 36

6

Mammoth White
Intermediate

297 00

Sugar Beets — Test of Varieties.

Name of Variety.

Vilmorin's Improved .

Wanzleben

French Very Rich . .

Character
of Soil.

Clay loam

1st Plot
Sown.

May 13

>nd Plot
Sown.

May 23

1st Plot
Pulled.

Oct. 10

2nd Plot
Pulled.

Oct. 10

Yield
per Acre
1st Plot.

B
O

H

10 1780

10 I9t;

7 1708

Yield
per Acre
1st Plot.

363
336 ?6
261 48

(Second seeding destroyed by wire- worms).

POTATOES.

The yields of potatoes were smaller than those of any preceding year, but the
quality was excellent. The hot, dry July no doubt caused the poor returns, as frost
did no injury during the growing season.

Yields were computed from weight of two rows each 66 feet long and 30 inches
apart.

REPORT OF MR. ANGUS MACKAY

31d

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

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320 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910
SUMMARY OF CROPS, 1908.

Wheat:

Bushels.

10 varieties, 49 acres 1,467

11 half -acres, rotation test 160

21 uniform test plots 40

1,667

Oats:

0 varieties, 51 acres 4,163

2 half-acres, rotation test 49

27 uniform test plots 104

4,316

Barley:

7 varieties, 35 J acres 1,804

2 half-acres, rotation test 25

25 uniform test plots 60

1,889

Peas:

3 varieties, 5^ acres 214

18 uniform test plots 37

251

Fall Rye 60

Flax 52

Potatoes 92

Roots 2,500

Tons.

Corn ensilage 30

Hay:

Western Rye Grass 25

Western Rye Grass and Red Clover 22

Alfalfa 12

Cut in coulees 15

... ■^■.

00

o

05

be

O

CS
CO

w

a

-0

5094— p. 320.

REPORT OF MR. ANGUS MACEAY

321

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

THE VEGETABLE GARDEN.

Nearly all varieties of vegetables suffered from the dry weather in July, beans
and tomatoes excepted. No frost injured the garden stuff, and all varieties sown
matured with the exception of melons and the ordinary varieties of table corn. The
native variety (Squaw Corn), as usual, ripened. More tomatoes ripened in the open
than in any previous year.

ASPARAGUS.

A good crop was obtained from the old beds of Barr's Mammoth, Barr's Elmira
and Conover's Colossal. In use from May 13 to July 9.

Beans — Sown May 15.

Variety.

Golden Wax

Dwarf White Wax....

Bush Green Pod

Bush Butter

Davis Wax

Black Speckled

Challenge Black Wax.
Currie's Rust-proof . . .

Dwarf Wax

Dwarf Kidney

Emperor of Russia

Extra Early

Early Six Weeks

Haricot Extra Early. .

Haricot Matchless

Erench Extra Early . .

Wbite Field

Black

Broad

Seed from.

Indian Head.

In

July

Aug.
July

Aug.
July

Aug.
July
Aug.

26.
26.
27.
25.
25.

4.
28.
24.
26.
25.

1.
25.
28.
27.

1.
26.
15.

1.

1.

Pulled.

Aug. 31.
„ 31.
Sept. 4.
4.
4
Aug. 21
u 21.
,. 21
21.
4.
4.

Aug. 31.

,. 31.

M 31.

Sept. 4.

M 4.

4.

.. 12.

4.

Sept.

Remarks.

Good crop.
. ' Did not germinate.
. Long wax.

"
, Good crop.

I Long green.

Large pod.

Long wax.

tt

Long, fine quality.

Short green.

Green.

Long green.

Long wax.

Long green.

Medium wax.

Small green.

Good crop.

Medium ftrop.

Beets — Sown May 6; Pulled October 10.

Variety.

In use.

Yield per Acre.

Globe XXX .

July 17....
.- 14...
.. 16....
- 18....
M 17....

1,462 bushels.
1,396

836

785 II

655 II

New Cardinal

Early Blood Turnip

Danvers Half-long •

Black Prince

Cabbage — Sown in Hot-house April 3; Set cut May 18; Taken up October 10.

Variety.

Early — Ey. Jersey Wakefield . .

Early Winningitadt. . . .

Paris Market

All Seasons

Late — Marble Head Mammoth

Large Drumhead

V/orld Beater ,

Autumn King

Winter Drumhead

Mammoth Red Rock . . .

16—21

Average
weight.

10 11
9 1
9 .

loi !

10 ,
9 ,

11 ,
10 ,

7 .

3S

1

1

1

1

1 . . - , -

1

Remarks.

Large, solid.
Medium, solid.
Large, solid.
Solid liead.s.

11
Large, solid.

Solid heads.

322

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

Cress — Sown May Y.

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

Variety.

Extra Curled Juno 10

Fine Triple-curled
Champion Curled

Cauliflower — Sown in Hot-house April 3; Set out May 18.

Variety.

Early-
Early Snowball

Dwarf Erfurt

Dwarf Paris

Early Snowball

Earliest Erfurt

Late —

Veitch's Autumn Giant.

Walcheren

Lenormand

Remarks.

Very fair.

It
Fair.
Very fair.
Good crop.

Did not germinate.

II II

Very fine heads.

Carrots — Sown April 21; Pulled October 10.

Variety.

Half-lung Dan vers. .

Chantenay

Chantenay Half-long
Early Scarlet Horn. .
Nantes

Yield Per Acre.

Cucumbers — Sown in Hot-house April 19; Set out May 30.

Variety.

Early White Spine

Long Green

Chicago Pickling

Giant Pera

Improved Long Green

Prolific

Everbearing

In use.

July 12

II 10

.. 8

II 16

I. 24

I. 18

.1 16

Ripe,

August

15..

11

15..

If

12..

M

18..

tl

22 .

II

18..

II

16..

Length.

7 inches
6 .1 .

8 I. .
12 u

5 II .
11 II .

Remarks.

Fair crop.

II
Good crop.'
Fair crop.
Good crop.

REPORT OF MR. ANGUS MAC KAY

323

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Corn — Sown May 15.

Variety.

Early Sweet. ..
PeepO'Day....
Golden Bantam

Eureka

White Squaw .
Earliest Dent . .
Red Squaw

Sept. 22.

6.

6

1.

Aug. 18.

M 28.

.. 13.

Date Ripe.

Did not mature.

September 20.
Did not mature.
September 10.

Celery.

Variety.

Sown in
Hothouse.

Set Out.

Weight of
Six Heads.

White Plume

Paris Golden Yellow

Giant Pascal

April 9

„ 3

„ 9

.. 9

.. 9

H 3

June 2. . . .

„ 2

.. 2

u 2

„ 2

M 2

12 lbs.
in „
10 „

Paris Golden Extra Select

Golden Self-blanchine

12 ,.
10 ..

Brandon Prize

U 1.

Crop of good quality and yield. White Plume fit for use in August ; other kinds,
September 8.

Citrons.

Colorado Mammoth and Small Green were sown in hot-house April 19; set out
May 30. A good crop; average circumference, 14 inches.

Chevril.

An annual plant grown for its leaves, which are used in salads and garnishing.
Sown in open May 7; in use July 1. Gave a good crop of fine quality.

Lettuce — First seeding May 7 ; second seeding June 7. First seeding in use June 11 ;

second seeding in use July 10.

Solid Head

Denver Market

Big Boston

Toronto Gem

All the Year Round.

Cream Butter

Half Century

Mav King

Head

16— 21i

Variety.

Remarks.

Heavy crop.

Very fine.

Fair.

Heavy crop.

Did not germinate.

Fair crop

Very good crop.

Good heads.

324

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910
Melons — Sown April 9; Set out May 30.

Variety.

Circumference.

Remarks.

Musk Melons .

Earliest of All

16 in.
19 „

Poor crop.
Fail' crop.

Early Hackensack

Water Melons

Early Canada

22 „

18 „

15 M

Fair crop.

Earliest Sweet . . .

Fordhook

Good crop.

No melons of any variety matured.

Onions — Sown in Hot-house April 9; Transplanted to Garden May 15. Also sown
in open April 21. All ripe and pulled October 2,

Variety.

Large Red Wethersfield
Connecticut Large Red ,

Early Red

Northland

Yellow Globe Dan vers. .
Prize Taker

Yield

per

acre.

Sown in

hot house.

-

Sown

in open.

19.5 bushels

195 bushels.

171

134

1G2

92

1-10

127

125

80

115

173

Parsnips — Sown May 6.

Variety.

Guernsey

Elcomb's Giant.
The Student. . . .

September 8
10
14

Yield per acre.

472 bushels.

387

310

Parsley — Champion Curled, sown April 14; in use June 6. Good quality.

Pepper — Long Ked Pepper, sown in hot-house April 3; set out May 30; matured
September 20.

REPORT OF MR. ANGUS MACKAT

825

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Peas — First Sowing May 6; Second Sowing May 14.

Variety.

Anticipation

American Wonder

Admiral

Burpee's Profusion

Gradus

Horsford's Market Garden.

Laxton's Charmer

Leviathan

Nott's Excelsior

Queen

Perfection

Yorkshire Hero

Surprise.

Stratagem

Shropshire Hero

Dwarf Telephone

Seed from

Indian Head.

First sowing.
In use.

Indian Head..

Indian Head.

July 27

M 28

>, 26

.. 28

>, 18

„ 26

M 26

„ IS

„ 18

H 21

„ 2i;

M 26

M 27

,t 26

M 20

,. 28

Remarks.

Very good crop.
Heavy crop.
Fair crop.

It
Wrinkled, large pods.
Very good.

It
Large, wrinkled.
Large, well-filled.
Fair crop.
Large, fine pods.
Large, wrinkled.
Good crop.
Large, wrinkled.

ti It

Very good.

The peas in the second sowing were in use about three days later than the first
seeding.

Eadish — Sown May 7.

Variety.

In use.

Remarks.

TTrprifli T^rfa.lcffmh

.June 10

,1 16

.1 11

M 11

tt 11

It 20

Good quality, large.

Early Scarlet

Good crop and quality.

Rosy Gem

It It

Olive-shaoed

Large, fine.

White-tipped

Verj' good.

Icicle ...

Large, white.

Rhubarb.

Old beds in use from May 16. The crop from two roots was kept track of during,
the season, resulting in a total weight of 48 pounds for the two plants.

Squash — Sown in Hot-house April 9; Set out May 19.

Variety.

Crookneck

Boston Marrow.
Warty Hubbard
Orange Pie

Ripe.

Aug.

15

It

14

It

15

,,

15

Size.

Length, 10 in .
Circum. 34 in.

23 in .

21 in .

Average weight.

13 lbs.
Olbs.

Remarks.

Fair crop.
Good crop.

326

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

Spinach — Sown May 7.

Variety.

In use.

Remarks.

Bloonisdale

June 20

M 18....

Good crop.

Victoria .

It

Sage — Sown May 7 ; in use July 30.
Sorrel — Sown May 7; in use July 6.

Table Turnips.

Variety.

In use.

Pulled.

Yield per acre.

Golden Ball.

July 1

n 10

Oct. 1

.. 1

933 bushels.

Purple Tod

606 ..

Tomatoes — Sown in Hot-house April 9; Set out May 18; Pulled September 18.

First of All

First of All

Early Ruby

Earliana

Earliest of All

Golden Jubilee . . .
Early Baseball. . .

Diadem

Spark's Earliana*.
Spark's Earliana.

Variety.

Green.

July

4.
25.
24.
10.

8.
24.
19.
2'».

4
14.

First Ripe.

Aug. 20.
Sept. 4.

4.

1.
Ang. 24.
Sept. 4.

1.

6.
Aug. 20.
Sept. 1 .

Yield from
9 plants.

65 Lbs.

56

84

85

60

50

80

40

80

75

* The seed of this variety is the result of six years selection by Mr. W. T. Macoun, Horticulturist,
Experimental Farm, Ottawa, who saved seed from only the earliest and smoothest samples of fruit. The
fruit raised from this seed was smoother and, as will be seen above, ripened 12 days earlier than that
grown from seed of the same variety obtained commercially, thus showing the advantages of careful
and rightly directed selection.

REPORT OF MR. ANGUS MACK AT

327

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

THE FLOWER GARDEN.

The flower garden was very satisfactory. Both annual and perennial sorts giving
lots of bloom, some well through September.

Annuals — Sown in Hot-house April 2 and 3; Set out May 27.

Variety.

In Bloom.

From

To

Asters, 10 varieties.. . .■. . .

July 12..
June 30..
July 8..
1..
14..
June 2r>, .
July 11..
June 25. .
July 1 . .

Sept. 24

Aug. IH

Sept. 28

t, 24

M 3

Balsam

Daisy

Nasturtium, 4 varieties..

Portulaca

Stocks . . . .

ti 28

Verbena

Zinnio. . . .

„ 28
Alio- 16

Petunias

Sept. 30

The following armuals were sown in open : —

Variety.

Alyssum

Antirrhinum

Brachycome.. ....

Bartonia Aurea . . . ,

Clarkia

Celosia, 3 varieties.
Chrysanthemum . . .

Campanula

Coreopsis ,

Candytuft

Calendula

Date Sown.

May 10.
M 18.
., 18.

M 18.

M 18.

>i 18.

In Bloom.

From

Julv 12. . .
M 30...
u 20...
>, Ifi...

M 16...

Auff.12...

18.
18.
10.
18.

19.,
19.,
10.
19.

Eschscholtzia [May 19 .

Godetia

Gaillardia picta

Mignonette

Nicotiana afBnis

Phlox, two varieties

Poppy, four varieties

Scabiosa, three varieties

Salpiglossis .

Sweet Sultan (Centaurea)

Sweet Peas, 27 varieties

18 July 18

12.
24.
10
24.

July 11.

,j >, 30.
Aug. 1.
July 8.
Aug. 2.

10 July 28.,

19.
19.
19.
19.

18.
30.
30.
10.
18.

To

Aug. 30

Sept. 28

., 24

>- 20

„ 24

.. 24

.. 24

Aug. 20

Sept. 26

-. 26

Aug 30

Sept,
Aug.
Sept

28.
30.

29.
3.

29.

10.

Aug. 22.

Sept.

29.
10.
26.
29.

Perennials Planted 1908.

Variety.

Cannas .
Dahlias
Gladioli
Panaies .

Planted

In Bloom.

To

Sei)tember 10.
It 15

10.
October 20.

328

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

Old Perennuls.

Variety.

Clematis Recta.

Columbine

Delphinium . . . .

Helianthus

Iris

Lychnis

Oriental Pojjpy .

Tulips

Paeonies

In Bloom.

From

June 30...
8..

July 8..
M 26.,

June 1 . .
>. 30.,
.. 30..

May 23..

June 24.,

To

Ausrust 7.
July 20.
August .m
September
July 16.
August 5.
July 16.
June 20.
July 18.

29.

Perennials Planted in Spring, 1908.

The following plants were received from the Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa,
and set out early in May: —

Oriental Poppy ' Mahonej'.'

" ' Salmon Queen.'

Spiraea filipendula fl. pi.
Oenothera fruticosa.
Hemeroeallis, species.

Spiraea aruncus.
Campanula macrantha.
Aconitum napellus bicolor.
Cimicifuga racemosa.
Iberis correaefolia.

Bulbs Planted in Fall, 190S.

The bulbs comprised in the following list were received from the Central Experi-
men:al Farm, Ottawa, and planted on October 22.

tulips.

ICO Chrysolora (pure yellow).

100 Due van Tholl (crimson).
100 " (gold-laced).

50 Keizer's Kroon (scarlet and yellow).

50 Cottage Maid (rose pink and white).

50 Artus (brilliant scarlet).

50 Joost von Vondel (cherry-red white feathered).

50 Pottebakker (yellow).

50 " (white).

50 " (scarlet).

50 Proserpine (carmine rose).

50 Double superfine (mixed colours).

50 Gloria solis (red with gold).

50 Gesneriana spathulata (scarlet and blue).

50 L'Immaculae (white).
100 Parrot (mixed).

CROCUSES.

150 Blue and purple.
150 Large yellow.
100 Striped and variegated.
50 White of all shades.

REPORT OF MR. ANGUS MACKAY 329

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

OTHER BULBS.

50 Chionodoxa gigantea. (Glory of the Snow.)
10 Colchicum autumnale. (Meadow Saffron.)
50 Galanthus Elwesii. (Giant Snowdrops.)
50 Galanthus nivalis. (Snowdrops.)
5 Frittillaria Imperialis.
10 Leucojum vernum. (Snowflake.)
10 Leucojum aestivum.
50 Spanish Iris.
50 Scilla Sibirica. (Squills.)
10 Bulbocodium vernum.

FEUIT CROP.

Currants and gooseberries were infested with the Currant Maggot (Epochra
Canadensis), and a good deal of the fruit fell before maturing.

Raspberries and strawberries gave fairly good fruit, the dry July being rather
against them.

In larger fruits, the Siberian varieties of crab-apple were all well loaded with
fruit, some of the better sorts having apples of good size.

The native plum trees were well loaded, and, with one or two exceptions, ripened
their fruit. The cross-bred plum ' Aitkin ' gave a heavy crop.

The winter of 1907-8 and the spring of 1908 proved disastrous to a large number
of the cross-bred apple trees, most of the losses being replaced in May by trees sent
from Ottawa for the purpose.

A small orchard of cross-bred plum trees was set out in May last, also some fresh
plots of currants, gooseberries azid raspberries. Details of these are as follows: —

CROSS-BRED APPLE TREES.

Sent by the Experimental Farm, Ottawa.

20 Jewel. 12 Osman. 10 Columbia.

20 Josie. 10 Tony. 3 Carleton.

20 Magnus. 12 Prince. 5 Charles.

20 Robin. 3 Mecca. 12 Alberta.

25 Silvia. 10 Pioneer. 10 Norman.

5 Jewel. 15 Golden. 10 Kent.

CROSS-BRED PLUM TREES.

Prom Prof. N. E. Hansen, Experiment Station, Brookings, S.D.

1 Sapa. 2 Wakapa. 3 Hanska.

2 Enopa. 4 Yuteka. 4 Wastesa.
2 Eyami. 6 Winnipeg. 2 Wabanka.
4 Huya. 2 Opata. 1 Skuya.

2 Assiniboia. 2 Owauka. 4 S. D.'No. 32.

4 Topa. 6 Tokeya.

330

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

Raspberries and Blackberries.

From Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa, except Sunbeam, which was sent by
Prof. Hansen : —

Columbia raspberry.
Cuthbert raspberry.
Marlboro raspberry.
Schaffer raspberry.
Conrath raspberry.
Palmer raspberry.
King raspberry.
Cardinal raspberry.
Munger raspberry (black).

Older raspberry (black).
Golden Queen raspberry.
Ruby Red raspberry.
Hilborn Black Cap raspberry.
Sunbeam raspberry.
Eldorado blackberry.
Mesereau blackberry.
Ancient Briton blackberry.

Currants,
From Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa.

Black Currants.

Saunders.

Ethel.

Topsy.

Winona.

Bang Up.

Ogden.

Ontario.

Eclipse.

Kerry.

Lee's Prolific.

Magnus.

Climax.

Beauty.

Merveille de la Gironde.

Eagle.

Red Currants.

Moore's Early.

Rankin's Red.

Large Red.

Cumberland Red.

La Conde.

Red Grape.

Raby Castle.

Red English.

Greenfield.

Cherry.

New Red Dutch.

Long Bunch Holland.

Benwell.

Red Jacket.

Victoria Red.

White Currants.

White Dutch.

Large White.

White Kaiser.

^^^lite Grape.

White Cherry.

Large Wh. Brandenburgh.

White Pearl.

Wentworth Leviathan.

Terrier's White.

Gooseberries.
From Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa.

Industry.
Downing.

Houghton's Seedling.
Companion.

REPORT OF MR. ANGUS MACK AY

331

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

TEEES AND SHRUBS.

Although the winter of 1907-8 was disastrous throughout the province to many
trees (especially Cottonwoods) from unripe growth of previous year, on the Experi-
mental Farm no loss or injury took place. Trees and shrubs among the hardy varieties
came through in good condition.

It may be said, in connection with the distribution of trees and shrubs, that,
notwithstanding the immense number of the former sent out by the Forestry Farm,
situated near Indian Head, the applications received by the Experimental Farm far
exceed what can be supplied. In 1908, 932 applications from this province and Alberta
were filled. This year (1909), 900 applications from Saskatchewan alone will be filled,
with as many more received that cannot be supplied.

SHRUBS PLANTED.

The following shrubs were received from the Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa,
Ijist spring, and planted out during May: —

4 Caragana tragacanthoides.
2 Euonymus Europeus ovatus.
2 Phellodendron amurense.
2 Pyrus Maulei Sargenti.
2 Philadelphus multiflorus plena.
4 Juglans Sieboldiana (Japanese
Walnut).

50 Syringa Emodi (for hedge).

50 Thunberg's Barberry (for hedge).

25 Ginnalian Maple (for hedge).

3 Lonicera regeliana.

4 Abies remonti.

EXCURSIONS TO THE EXPERIMENTAL FARM.

On July 28 and 29, excursions were run by the Department of Agriculture at
Regina, from all points on the Canadian Pacific Railway from Fleming, on the east,
to Caron, on the west; from all points along the Regina and Areola and the Soo and
Estevan lines in the province; and from Regina north along the Canadian Northern
Railway.

A lunch was provided by the Minister of Agriculture, Hon. W. R. Motherwell,
and prepared and served by the Indian Head Hospital Directors, with the generous
assistance of the ladies of the town and district.

Mr. J. Bracken, Superintendent of Fairs and Institiites, who had charge of the
excursions, and a number of the staif from the department were in attendance during
the two days and gave valuable assistance in looking after the comfort of the visitors.
Superintendent Murray, of the Brandon Experimental Farm, and G. H. Greig,
Commissioner of Live Stock, were also in attendance. All regretted that the Hon.
Mr. Motherwell could only be present a short time.

Over thirty suitable conveyances were engaged by the department, and these, with
numerous private conveyances were kept busy during the two days showing the large
crowd over the farm.

No injury was done to anything, although the flower and other plots were con-
tinuously surrounded.

332 ' EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910
PEEPARING LAND FOR GRAIN CROPS IN SASKATCHEWAN.

During the growing season of 1908, almost the entire western portion of the pro
vince suffered from dry weather, and the majority of the new settlers, either from
unfamiliarity with the methods of cultivation for the conservation of moisture, or
through a desire to bring the greatest possible area under cultivation, naturally
suffered a severe disappointment.

In some districts, where in former years moisture had been abundant and proper
cultivation had in consequence been neglected in the effort to * get rich quick,' the
partial failure of the crop proved an expensive lesson.

For many years, commencing in 1888, the methods of conserving moisture by
* breaking and backsetting ' and by ' summer-fallowing ' — now called ' dry-farming '
for a change — have been recommended and universally adopted by the older settlers
but to very many of the new settlers they are unknown. The latter, I trust, may be
benefited by the following explanation of the methods which, for a great many years,
have proved uniformly successful for every district in the province of Saskatchewan.

BREAKING PRAIRIE SOD.

The success or failure of a new settler often depends on the method employed in
the preparation of the land for his first crop, and it is, therefore, of the utmost
importance that the question of ' breaking ' or ' breaking and backsetting ' be given
the consideration it deserves.

For some years past, the general practice throughout the country has been to
continue breaking three or more inches deep so long as the teams can turn over the
sod; then, in the fall, to disk the topsoil, and sow grain on the spring following. From
the breaking so done before the end of June, a good crop of wheat, oats or barley is
usually obtained, but no amount of cultivation will ensure even a fair crop on this
land in the next succeeding year. After the first crop has been cut the soil is usually
in a perfectly dry state, and remains so, in spite of any known method of cultivation,
until the rains come in the following spring. If they are insufiicient or late, as is
frequently the case, failure of the crop must be the result.

BREAKING AND BACKSETTING.

Breaking and backsetting is the true way of laying the foundation of future
su-ccess in the greater number of districts throughout the province, and while this
method does not permit of as large an acreage being brought under cultivation in a
year, it does permit of more thorough work and ensures better results in the long run.
The anxiety of nearly all settlers to sow every acre possible, regardless of how or
when the work on the land has been accomplished, may be given as the reason for
breaking and disking to a large extent superseding the older, better and safer plan.

Breaking and backsetting means the ploughing of the prairie sod as shallow as
possible before the June or early July rains are over, and, in August or September,
when the sod will have become thoroughly rotted by the rains and hot sun, ploughing
two or three inches deeper in the same direction, and then harrowing to make a fine
and firm seed-bed. From land prepared in this way, two good crops of wheat may be
expected. The first crop will be heavy, and the stubble, if cut high at harvest time,
will retain sufficient snow to produce the moisture required, even in the driest spring,
to germinate the seed for the next crop. The stubble land can readily be burned on
a day in the spring with a hot, steady wind, and the seed may be sown with or without
further cultivation. In a case where the grass roots have not been entirely killed by
the backsetting, a shallow cultivation before seeding will be found advantageous, but
as a rule the harrowing of the land with a drag-harrow after seeding will be sufficient.

REPORT OF MR. ANGUS MACKA7 333

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

The piincipal objection to breaking and backsetting is urged with regard to the
backsetting, which is, no doubt, heavy work for the teams, but, if the disking required
to reduce deep breaking, and afterwards the ploughing or other cultivation that must
be done in an effort to obtain a second crop be taken into consideration, it must be
conceded that in the end ' breaking and backsetting ' is the better method.

When two crops have been taken from new land it should be summer-fallowed.

SUMMER-FALLOWS AND SUMMER-FALLOWING.

Among the many advantages to the credit of the practice of summer-fallowing
may be mentioned : the conservation of moisture, the eradication of weeds, the prepara-
tion of land for grain crops when no other work is pressing, the availability of summer-
fallowed land for seeding at the earliest possible date in the spring, and the minor
advantages of having suitable land for the growing of pure seed, potatoes, roots and
vegetables at the least cost and with the greatest chance for success, and that of being
able to secure two crops of grain with little or no further cultivation.

Summer-fallowing has undoubtedly some disadvantages, but so long as the growing
of grain, and more particularly wheat, remains the principal industry of the province,
it will be necessary to store up moisture against a possible dry season, to restrain the
weeds from over-running the land, and, on account of the short seasons, to prepare at
least a portion of the land to be cropped, in the year previous to seeding, A well-
made summer-fallow is the best means to this end. Among the disadvantages are :
the liability of the soil to drift, the over-production of straw in a wet season (causing
late maturity and consequent danger of damage by frost), and, it is claimed, the
exhaustion of the soil. The two former may, to a great extent, be overcome by
different methods of cultivation, and, if the soil can be prevented from drifting, I
am satisfied that one of the reasons for the latter contention will disappear.

Various methods are practised in the preparation of fallow, and where the aim
has been to take advantage of the June and July rains and to prevent the growth of
weeds, success is almost assured. Where the object has been to spend as little time
as possible on the work, failure is equally certain.

In my annual report for 1889, the following was submitted for the consideration
of the settlers. Since then many experiments have been conducted on the Experimental
Farm with different systems, and again- 1 submit what, on the whole, have been found
to be the most successful methods for the cultivation of the soil in Saskatchewan.

From Report of 1889 (December 29).

* The year just past has been one of extremes, last winter was one of the mildest
on record, and March was so very fine that thousands of acres of grain were seeded
from 15th to 31st, and at no time in the history of the country has the ground been
in better condition for the reception of the seed. Immediately after seeding, however,
exceptionally high winds set in, followed by extreme drought during the entire
growing season. In many places the crops were injured by the winds, and finally
almost ruined by the succeeding dry weather. In some localities, however, where the
farming had been done in accordance with the requirements of the country, the crops
did fairly, and considering the excessively dry weather, remarkably well.

' The Experimental Farm suffered in company with every other farm in the
country. Perhaps very few suffered as much from winds, but the dry weather,
though reducing the yields, did not prove as disastrous as to many others. In this
portion of the Territories at least, every settler knows the importance of properly
preparing his land. For several years after the country became open for settlement,
every one imagined that grain would grow, no matter how put in, but now the man is
devoid of reason who thinks he is sure of a crop without any exertion on his part. It

334 . EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

is true that since 1882 we have had one year in which the land required little or no
preparation for the production of an abundant crop, but only too many realize the
loss in the remaining years from poor cultivation.

* Our seasons point to only one method of cultivation by which we may in all
years expect to reap something. It is quite within the bounds of possibility that some
other and perhaps more successful method may be found, but at present I submit that
' fallowing ' the land is the best preparation to ensure a crop. Fallowing land in this
country is not required for the purpose of renovating it, as is the case with the worn-
out lands in the east; and it is a question as yet unsettled how much or how little the
fallows should be worked, but, as we have only one wet season during the year, it has
been proved beyond doubt that the land must be ploughed the first time before this wet
season is over if we expect to reap a crop in the following year. The wet season comes
in June and July, at a time when every farmer has little or nothing else to do, and
it is then that this work should be done. Usually seeding is over by first of May,
and to secure the best results the land for fallow should be ploughed from 5 to 7
inches deep as soon after this date as possible. Land ploughed after July is of no use
whatever unleses the rains in August are much in excess of the average. A good
harrowing should succeed the ploughing, and all weeds and volunteer grain be kept
down by successive cultivations. A good deal of uncertainty is felt with regard to a
second ploughing; some holding that it is useless; others maintaining that it is an
injury ; while others again have found it to give from five to ten bushels per acre more
than one ploughing. So far the exx)eriments on the Experimental Farm have shown
that by far the best returns have been received from two ploughings, and more notice-
ably was this the case when the first ploughing had been completed in May or June.
Without doubt, two ploughings cause a greater growth of' straw, and consequently in a
wet year the grain is several days later in maturing, causing greater danger from
frost; but taking the seasons so far passed (1884 excepted), two ploughings with as
much surface cultivation as possible in between, may be safely recommended.

' Above all, it is of the greatest importance that the first ploughing be as deep as
possible, and that it be done in time to receive the June and July rains.'

From Report of 1906.

' In view of the fact that every year brings to the Northwest many new settlers
who are unacquainted with the methods of breaking up and preparing new land for
crop, a few suggestions with regard to this very important work may not be amiss.

' 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 covered with bluffs.

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
b§ 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 Eandall
harrow to cut up every piece of unrotted sod, will complete the work.

REPORT OF MR. ANGUS MACEAT 335

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

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 irregularities on the surface, and
make a fine, even seed-bed.

' 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.

SUMMER FALLOWS.

' The true worth of properly prepared fallows has been clearly demonstrated in past
years in every grain-growing district of Saskatchewan.

'The work of preparing land for crop by fallowing is carried on in so many ways in
different parts of the Northwest, that perhaps a few words on some of the methods
employed 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 grown and in many cases, bearing fully
matured seed. It is then ploughed.

' By this method, which, no doubt, saves work at the time, the very object of a sum-
mer fallow is defeated. In the first place, moisture is not conserved because the land
has been pumped dry by the heavy growth of weeds; and, secondly, instead of using
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 pani-
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 fallows or of fall or spring
cultivation.

' As has been pointed out in my previous reports, early and thorough work on
fallows 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 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;
surface 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. ISTot sufficiently
stirred to enable soil to retain the moisture.

' Third Method. — Ploughed shallow (3 inches) before the last of June ; surface
cultivated 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) before the last of June; surface
cultivated during the growing season.

336 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

' Result. — Sufficient moisture conserved for a dry year, and not too much for a wet
one. Few 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 15, 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 must 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
moisture put there by the June rains, and ploughing imder 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.'

DRY FARMING.

During the past two years the term ' dry farming ' has been applied in Alberta
to what was formerly known in the west as ' summer-fallowing.'

With the exception of the addition of the use of a soil-packer, there is no change
in the methods formerly employed, when the spring rains and frequent cultivation
were depended irpon for the packing of the soil.

A packer is, without doubt, a most useful implement on the farm, and where from
any cause the soil is loose, it should be used. It is, however, an expensive implement,
and within the means of comparatively few of the new settlers. Fortunately, early
ploughing and frequent shallow cultivation may be depended upon to produce equally
satisfactory results.

CULTIVATION OF STUBBLE.

When farmers summer-fallow one-third of their cultivated land each year, as they
should, one-half of each year's crop will be on stubble. For wheat, the best preparation
of this land is to burn the stubble on the first hot, windy day in the spring, and either
cultivate shallow before seeding or give one or two strokes of the harrow after seeding;
the object being to form a mulch to conserve whatever moisture may be in the soil
until the commencement of the June rains.

The portion intended for oats or barley should be ploughed four or five inches
deep, and harrowed immediately; then seeded and harrowed as fine as possible. In
case time will not permit ploughing, good returns may be expected from sowing the
seed oats or barley on the burnt ground and disking it in; then harrowing well.

FALL PLOUGHING.

With regard to fall-ploughing, it may be said that, as a rule, on accoimt of short
seasons and dry soil, very little, work can possibly be done in the fall, but if the stubble
land is in a condition to plough, and the stubble is not too long, that portion intended
for oats and barley may then be ploughed, if time permits.

It is, however, a mistake to turn over soil in a lumpy or dry condition, as nine
times out of ten it will remain in the same state until May or June, with insufficient
moisture to properly germinate the seed, and the crop will be overtaken by frost.

REPORT OF MR. ANGUS MAC KAY

337

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

CATTLE.

The herd of cattle at present on the Farm consists of 27 pure-bred Shorthorns
and 21 grade animals, 8 of the latter being three-year-old steers bought for feeding
tests.

On December 3-4, 1908, the entire herd was tested for tuberculosis and was found
to be free from the disease with the exception of one. steer bought shortly before for
feeding test. This animal was killed, and on examination by the health inspector, its
thoracic glands were found to be affected.

FEEDINa TEST.

A test was made for the sixteen weeks from December 7, 1908, to March 29, 1909,
of the comparative feeding values of Western Eye Grass and Alfalfa in fattening
cattle.

Two lots of 4 three-year-old steers were made up, but, owing to one animal in
lot 2 becoming sick during the test, it was withdrawn from the lot, and lot 1 was also
reduced to three steers to keep the numbers equal.

Each steer was fed a daily ration of 1 pound of ground linseed throughout the
test, and 4 pounds of meal for the first four weeks, increased to 6 pounds for the
second four weeks, and 8 pounds during the last eight weeks of the feeding period.

In addition, lot 1 received all the Western Rye Grass they would eat, and lot 2
all the Alfalfa they wanted. The weight of both Western Rye Grass and Alfalfa
consumed daily per head was about 22 pounds, and the cost of feed has been figured
on this basis.

The meal used consisted of two parts of barley to one of wheat.

Following will be found particulars of the weights and gains of each lot; the
quantity and value of feed consumed; and the financial results of the transaction.

WEIGHTS AND GAINS DURING TEST.

Lot 1.

Lot 2.

Weight.

Gain.

Weight.

Gain.

Start of test

Lbs.

3,115
3,310
3,500
3,670
3,800

Lbs.

Lbs.

3,315
3,400
3,540
3,710
3,845

Lbs.

End of first month
End of second mont
Phid of third month
End of fourth mont

195
190
170
130

1
1
]

85

1

1

40
70
35

Total gain during test

685
228

r
1

>30

Average gain

per head

77

Total weight and estimated value of feed consumed

Lot 1.

Lot 2.

Western rye grass. .
Ground linseed . . .
Meal

7,392 lbs. at $5 per ton . .

33() lbs. at 4c. ])er lb

2,184 lbs. at Ic. per lb. . .

$ cts.

18 48
13 44
21 84

Alfalfa

Ground linseed . . .
Meal

7.392 lbs.

336 lbs.

2,181 lbs.

at $5 per tun . .
at 4c. per lb. . .
at Ic. per lb.. . .

$ cts.

18 48
13 44

21 84

Total cost

.^3 76

Total CO.
Cost per

^t

53 76

Cost per head . .

17 92

bead

17 92

16—22

338 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910
Summary of the Financial Kesults of the Transaction.

Lot 1. Lot 2.

Weight at start 3,115 lbs. ^^,315 lbs.

Value at 3c. per lb $93,45 $99.45

Costoffeed 8 53.76 $.53.76

Total cost $147.21 $153.21

Total cost per head $49.07 $51.07

Weight at finish 3,800 lbs. 3,845 lbs.

Less 5 p.c. shrinkage 190 lbs. 192 lbs.

Net weight 3,G101bs 3,653 lbs.

Value at 5c. per lb $180.50 $182 65

Valueperhead $60.17 $60.88

Net profit $33.29 $29.44

Net profit per head $11.10 " $ 9.81

HORSES.

Ten draft horses, with three light animals for driving: and scuffling, constitute
the working force on the farm. Two of the draft animals are very old, and only able
to do light work. One draft brood mare was purchased late in March of the present
year.

SWINE.

Two breeds are kept on the farm — Yorkshire "Wliites and Berkshires. Eollowing
is the number of each at present : 1 Berkshire boar and 2 sows ;. 1 Yorkshire boar and
3 sows; a young litter of 8 Yorkshires; and 20 grade pigs, which include a litter of 11.

During the year ending March 31, 1909, 14 pigs were sold to farmers for breeding
purposes, and 18 were sold for pork.

POULTRY.

Very poor success was ob.tained last year with poultry. At present the breeding
pens consist of 2 Barred Pljonouth Rock cockerels and 21 pidlets; a Black Minorca
cockerel and 13 pullets, and a Buff Orpington cockerel and 5 pullets.

BEES.

Eight hives of bees came safely through the winter of 1907-8 and increased to
14 during the season. Two young swarms were sold in the fall and 12 put in the
cellar for the winter, with from 30 to 40 lbs. honey each. The only cellar available
is in my house, and neither the temperature nor ventilation is suitable for bees

Although the season was favourable for honey, only a few pounds were obtained
in 1-lb. sections during the season.

DISTRIBUTION OF SAMPLES.

A distribution of samples of the products of the farm was made in the spring to
residents of Saskatchewan and Alberta.

Following is a list of samples sent out : —

Wheat, 3-lb. bags 204

Oats, 3-lb. bags 226

Barley, 3-lb. bngs 132

Peas, 3-lb. bags CO

Sundries (flax, rye, spelt), 3-lb. bags 23

Potatoes, 3-lb. bags G30

Garden peas, 1-lb. bags 190

Garden corn, |-lb. bags " 9

Koot seeds, bags 35

REPORT OF MR. ANGUS MACK AT

339

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Small seeds, 350 bags containing 5,025 packets of flower, garden and shrub seeds.

Tree seeds, Maple 780

" Ash 36

Shrub seeds 140

Parcels.

Tree and shrub seedlings . . 900

Express parcels of trees and shrubs 32

Crab apple and plum seedlings 208

Rhubarb roots 154

COERESPONDENCE.

During the 12 months ending March 31, 1909, 8,114 letters were received and
7,951 mailed from this office.

In letters received, reports on samples are not included, and in letters mailed,
circulars of instructions sent out with samples are not counted.

METEOROLOGICAL RECORDS.

r

Month.

Tempekatckes.

Rainfall.

Snowfall.

•

Briprht

Maximum.

Minimum.

Mean.

Sunshine.

1908.
April

Date.

20

9

25

25

20

7

8

2

13

20

3

20

o

76

86

85

944

88

94

74

58

40

40
35
43

Date.

1
2
8
22
12
27
29
30
31

6
12
16

O

—10
21
34
41
33
20
11
—14
-32

-47
—36
-11

o

37 -40

Days.

4
6
17
5
6
6
6

In.
1-45

In.

500
0-75

Hours.
181-4

May

49
57
64
59
54
37
27
23

90
82
70
00
10
80
95

4-:^

1

5
0
1
0

1

46
44

71
87
64
GO

241

217
301
279
212
122
69
51

2

June

8

July

August

September

October

November

3

"'o-56 '

0-50
4-00
800

700
600
200

7
2
8
3

December

0

1909.
Januarv

-3-90

2-34

19-50

. .

78-5

February. .

IVIarcH .

79-4
137 -7

50

13 17

33-75

1,972 3

I have the honour to be, sir,

Your obedient servant,

ANGUS MACKAY,

Superintendent.

16—2^

9-10 EDWARD VII.

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

A. 1910

EXPERIMENTAL FARM FOR CENTRAL

ALBERTA.

Experimental Farm, Lacombe, Alta., March 31, 1909.

Dr. Wm. Saunders, C.M.G.,

Director, Dominion Experimental Earms,
Ottawa.

Sm, — I have the honour to submit to you my second annual report covering the
operations of the Experimental Farm for Central Alberta, at Lacombe, for the year
1908.

The winter of 1907-8 was mild and was followed by an early spring. The early
part of the season was particularly favourable, seeding operations commencing three
weeks earlier than in 1907. Spring work continued without interruption from bad
weather until finished on April 29. Growth was rapid and uniform, very large heads
of all grains being produced, but cool weather in August delayed the maturing of the
grain, and late crops of wheat were injured by frost. The quality of the grain is this
year much superior to 1907, excellent samples of wheat, oats and barley being produced.

Fruit trees matured their season's growth better than in 1907, and the majority
of the trees and shrubs made good growth during the year.

Though sufficient frost came early in November to close the land to the plough,
fall work generally was further advanced than in 1907, owing to the fact that harvest
operations were conducted with greater facility, leaving farmers free to direct their
energies toward fall work.

EXPERIMENTS WITH WINTER WHEAT.

All plots in the variety tests of winter wheat were on black clay loam on brome
sod from which a hay crop was taken in 1907. After the hay was harvested, the land
was ploughed and well cultivated at intervals for about three weeks, and seeded to
winter wheat on August 10 and 11. The season of 1907 was unusually wet during
July and August, hence it was impossible to bring the brome grass as thoroughly
under subjection as in a nonnal season. The consequence was that the brome persisted
in growing, which retarded the growth of the wheat and reduced the yields.

All plots were one-sixtieth of an acre.

Fall Wheat — Test of Varieties.

Name of Variety.

lIKarkov

2 Turkey Red

3 Reliable

4 Red Velvet Chaff

5 Early Windsor

6 Red Chief

7 Abundance

8 Dawson's Golden Chaff.
9|Prosperity

Date

Date

of
Ripen-
ing.

60

.5

C4H

Kind

m
(4-1

Yield

of
Sowing.

o

o.S
^-3

■8°

03

O

bo

a

of
Head.

o

per

Acre.

d

r--

o

^ .,

42

In.

In.

Lbs.

CO CO

pq 1-5

Sept. 4.

Aug. 14.

345

36

Stiff. .

21

Bearded

4,080

16 .

M 4.

„ 13.

344

37

2h

)t

4,200

16 .

Aug. 21.

.. 11.

35G

41

3.^

It

4,080

16 .

„ 21.

.. 11.

35G

32

3

Beardl's

4,920

15 .

M 20.

., 10.

3.5G

32

2i

l>

6,120

14 .

,. 21.

„ 10.

S55

38

2r,

II

4,020

14 .

M 20.

„ 11.

357

35

9

(1

5,e40

13 .

■■ 20.

„ 10.

350

37

21

II

4,440

11 .

,. 20.

,. 11.

357

35

H

tl

5,040

11 .

c3 ffl 60

CO CO T V „

s ^ Libs

61
63
6i
60

m\

58
61
59
58i

842

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

SUMMER-FALLOW COMPARED WITH SOD PLOUGHED UNDER FOR

WINTER WHEAT.

A series of experiments have been begun to gain information as to the relative
crop from winter wheat sown on summer-fallow as compared with seeding on sod
ploughed under, from which a hay crop has been taken that same season. Notwith-
standing the low yields secured on brome sod this year, it is proposed to continue
the work with brome, and also to include timothy sod, and special attention will be
given to a comparison of the latter with summer-fallow. While brome is conceded
a high place in making a permanent pasture and supplying hay of value for dairy
cattle, it is not thought desirable to include it in a rotation of crops. Following are
the results of three varieties of wheat on brome sod as compared with summer-fallow,
and one of the same varieties on timothy sod. It is well to remember in considering
these yields that, in the case of timothy, a yield of hay of about 2J tons per acre was
secured in 1907. (2) That the season of 1907 did not permit (on account of heavy
rains) the sod being subdued with the usual effectiveness, and (3) that in addition
to the sale crop of wheat, a crop of grass seed was also secured, the seed on timothy
sod amounting to four bushels per acre.

Name.

Cultivation.

No. Days Maturing.

Yield.

Dawson's Golden Chaff

Reliable

Abundance

Reliable

Abundance. . .

Summer-fallow

II

II

Brome Sod

359
366
360
358
357
356
353

Bu5h. Lbs.

56
49
46
16
13

Dawson's Golden Chaff

,,

11

t( 11

Timothy Sod

20 30

WINTER WHEAT— DATE OF SOWING.

Experiments to determine the best time to sow were begun in 1907 and the
results are herewith reported. It is proposed that this work be carried further in
1908-9. Seeding was begun August 1, 1908, and continued till September 12, seedings
being made one week apart. Two varieties were used, namely, Turkey Red and
Dawson's Golden Chaff, and these were sown on both timothy sod and summer-fallow.
Following are the yields of wheat sown at different dates on sod in 1907 : —

Winter Wheat — Dates of Sowing.

Name.

Date of Sowing.

Date Cut.

Yield.

Turkey Red.

Ausr. 7

Auff. 8

Bush. Lbs.
19 30

II

1. 14 ...

,1 21

1, 8

„ 8

14
18

,1 28

1- 10

II 12

14

Sept. 4

8

Dawson *8 Golden Chaff

Au». 7

„ 7

30

M II

1. 14

1, 21

II 8

„ 8

19

14 15

„ 28

,1 10

15 30

Sept. 4

II 12

8 30

REPORT OF MR. G. H. HUTTON

343

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

WINTER WHEAT— QUANTITIES OF SEED PER ACRE.

Not having sufficient land in condition for winter wheat no tests were conducted
with quantities ■ of seed on summer-fallow. Owing to the fact that the timothy sod
v/as not well subdued, more seed was used than would be necessary under average
conditions. In 1908, when weather conditions permitted, a thorough working of the
sod, seed was sown from 15 lbs. per acre up to 120 lbs., each plot being seeded one
peck heavier than the preceding one. This experiment was also repeated on summer-
fallow, but results of yields are not, of course, available for this report.

Winter Wheat — Quantities of Seed per Acre.

Variety.

Turkey Red.

Quantity of Seed.

Date Sown.

Date Cut.

Yield.

1 bushel

li ••

2

24

Aug. 21

Aug. 12

M 11

n 10

M 8 ■..

Bush. Lbs.
23 30

ti

11

21
25
26

EXPERIMENTS WITH SPRING WHEAT.

All plots of spring wheat looked very promising until late in July, when blight
appeared on those plots marked with an asterisk. The wheat Chelsea gives evidence
of being a good yielder and is also a wheat of good quality. Downy Riga ripened
earliest and was a good sample.

The land was all timothy sod ploughed after the hay was cut, and well worked
during the fall. Seed was sown on April 10 at the rate of 1^ bushels per acre. The
soil was a clay loam of medium quality.

All plots were one-sixtieth of an acre.

Sprlng Wheat — Test of Varieties.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

1>

13

Name of Variety.

Chelsea

Bishop

Preston

Huron

Pringle's Champlain.

Stanley

White Russian

Hungarian White. . .

Downy Riga D

White Fife

Marquis

Percy A

*Red Fern

14,*RedFifeH.

,

sTt)

fcc

s

Sf>

' p

^B

r/-W

0)

c3 S

•<- 6c

n =«

o C

■o^

«'2

■S

13 -

Q

^

In.

Aug. 21.

133

45

M 21.

133

47

„ 21.

133

40

- 21.

133

44

M 22.

134

45

„ 21.

133

50

„ 25 .

137

50

,, 22

134

46

M 10.

122

38

M 25.

137

48

., 21.

133

35

M 21.

133

42

„ 22

134

41

„ 25.

137

3Si

1

Character

of

Straw.

Medium.

Medium.
Stiff

T3

iS
0)

w

o
a

In.

Kind

of
Head.

Beardless
Bearded

Beardless

H

3

3

n

3

3i

3| 1 Bearded
3i Beardles.s
3"
oa

3^ Bearded
3| Beardless

u

Lbs.

3,900
6,120
4,800
3,810
4,680
5,610
5,340
5,f^40
4,440
6,720
3,660
3,420
2,760
3,420

Yield

per

Acre.

3 _0

46 ..

43 ..

39 ..

37 30

36 ..

35 30

35

32

31

31

30

28

28

18

s g-=

. ^ !o c3

Lbs.

61|

61

6U

62

6U

61"

58i

6lS

63i

57*

63""

60^

(Oh

58i

Rusted.

None.

Slight}
None.

Slightly.
None.

Slightly.
None.

344

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910
SPEING WHEAT IN FIELD LOTS.

Five varieties of spring wheat were sown in field lots on stubble land, which had
been fall ploughed. Growth was rapid, heavy crops of straw were produced, but the
grain did not mature before frost, and the yields of all the varieties, particularly
Red Fife, were consequently reduced.

Spring Wheat in Field Lots.

Variety.

Percy . .
Stanley
Preston .
Huron . .
Red Fife

Character
of Soil.

Clay loam

Size
of Plot.

Date
Sown.

Date
Maturing.

Days
Maturing.

Yield.

Bush. Lbs.

li

Apr. 11..

Aug. 27..

138

31 37

li

u 11..

u 28 .

139

30 15

li

., 11..

,. 28..

139

27 19

li

u 11..

» 27 .

138

26 21

li

u 11..

Sept. 7. .

149

12 45

Rust.
Smut.

None.

TIMOTHY SOD VERSUS SUMMER-FALLOW FOR SPRING WHEAT.

After the hay was harvested in 1907, the land was ploughed and worked throughout
the fall. Two varieties of spring wheat were sown on April 10, at the rate of IJ
bushels i)er acre. On the day following, the same two varieties were sown on land that
had been under corn and roots in 1907. The corn of that year did not succeed, and
the land was ploughed in August, so that this section was practically summer-fallow.

It will be noticed that the wheat sown on the sod matured a week earlier than that
on the com and root land.

Spring Wheat on Timothy Sod.

Name,

Date Sown.

Date Cut.

.5

'u
D

JO'S

o

Yield
per Acre.

April 10....
AprH 10....

Aug. 21

Aug. 21

133
133

Bush. Lbs.
39

Stanlpv

33 30

Spring Wheat on Corn and Root Land of 1907.

Name.

Stanley.
Preston.

Date Sown.

April 11.,
April 11 .

Date Cut.

Aug. 28.
Aug. 28.

.S

3

139
139

Yield
per Acre.

Bush. Lbs.

30
27

17
19

In the case of the grain on what was practically a summer-fallow, the difference
given in length of time maturing does not represent as great a difference as really
existed, since frost cut off the development of the latter grain, which never matured
as did the grain on sod, which escaped untouched.

ar(»

5094— p. 344.

REPORT OF MR. G. H. BUTTON

345

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

EXPEEIMENTS WITH EMMER AND SPELT.

Red Spelt and Common Emmer were sown on April 15, on clay loam, ploughed
timothy sod in the fall of 1907.

Experiments with Emmer and Spelt.

Name.

Common Emmer.
Red Spelt

be

c

&

TJ

Date

3

rh

Character

r.l

of

^«2

of

*^3
ho

Ripening.

ceS

Straw.

So

«

(^

1-^
In.

In.

Aug. 29..

136

39

Weak ....

1.?

Aug. 29..

136

40

Stiff

H

Kind

of
Head.

Bearded. .
Beardless .

Yield.

Lbs

2400
3180

Weight

of
Straw.

Lbs.

6900
6220

EXPERIMENTS WITH RYE.

One variety of fall rye was sown on August 21, 1907, and was harvested on July
30, 1908. A plot of spring rye was sown April 10, and harvested on August 14.

The seed of both was sown on timothy sod at the rate of 1^ bushels per acre.
Eollowing are the yields : —

Experiments with Rye.

Name.

Spring Rye ...

Fall Rye, Mammoth White

No. of days
Maturing.

126
344

Yield
per Acre.

Bush. Lbs.

41

27

14

48

Weight
per Bushel.

Lbs.

561
55

EALL SOWING OF OATS.

On November 9, in 1907, just previous to the land freezing up, a plot of Tartar
King oats was sown on well drained, summer-ploughed and well-worked timothy sod.
Many argue since oats volunteer so readily, that time could be saved by fall seeding.
A plot was sown in the spring of 1908 beside fall-sown oats which grew well and
ripened early, but none of the seed sown in the fall germinated. Winter conditions
of climate were unfavourable, and the vitality of the seed was destroyed.

EXPERIMENTS WITH OATS.

In average yield the results of the experiments with oats were not as satisfactory
as in 1907. The straw, however, stood better, and the grain was of better quality.

The seed was sown on April 15, at the rate of about 2 bushels per acre, on timothy
sod ploughed in 1907, after the hay crop was taken off, and well worked during the
fall. The soil was black clay loam.

Twenty-four varieties were sown on plots of one-sixtieth of an acre each. All
made good growth and produced a fair yield. None of the varieties rusted. Pioneer
again takes first place in point of yield, but, since it is a black oat, it cannot be recom-
mended for general cultivation, but for feed only.

346

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

Oats — Test of Varieties.

9-10 EDWARD Vll., A. 1910

S

S3

Name of Variety.

1 Pioneer ...

2 Banner

SMilford White...

4 Siberian

5 Abundance

6 Lincoln

White Giant.

8 American Triumph.

9 Thousand Dollar. . .

10 Improved American

11 Wide Awake

12 Improved Ligowo. .

13 Irish Victor

14 Golden Beauty

1.5 Gold Finder

16 Golden Giant

17 I'Twentieth Century.
18 [Kendal White

19 Danish Island

20 Joanette

21 Storm King

22 1 Tartar King

23 Swedish Select

24 Virginia White . .

be

a

'a
a
a.

o
a>

oS

Q

Aug.

22.

22.

22.

22.

21.

21.

21.

21.

20.

21.

21.

l(i.

19.

23

28.

2S.

21.

18.

20.

19.

18.

20.

21.

19.

bo

S3

o
5^<

129
129
129
129
128
128
128
128
127
128
128
1-23
12fi
127
130
135
128
125
127
126
125
127
12S
126

h ^

u^ be

o a

■5.2

1^

In.

42
56
52
38
48
42
42
46
40
42
38
40
31
37
47
36
40
37
48
30
40
41
42
38

Character
of Straw.

Large Stem.
Strong

Med. Strong
Medium . . .

Strong.

Med. Strong

Strong

Medium ....

Stronp'.

Medium

Strong

be

a

o

In.

11
10

»i

9

83

m

9

Si

lo:^

8i

Hi

11
11

9

8
10|

9
10

9

81

Kind

of
Head.

Branching

Sided'.' ...
Branching

Sided.....
Branching

Sided.....
Branching

CO

«.-■

o
be

Lbs.

7,140
7,980
5,460
4,920
4,650
5,640
3,600
5,100
3,720
3,750
3,900
3,540
3,660
4,080
4,3S0
3,960
4,620
2,880
5,040
2,880
2,640
4,380
4,770
3,660

>-5

2

D
«

111-6
90 ..
88-8
77-22
75 ..
74-4
74-4
63-28
68-28
67-32
67-2
65-10
65-10
63-18
60
60
60
60
60
51-6
50-10
49-14
48-18
44-4

0^ .^

be

Lbs.

37

33^

37

38

33i

35

40

37i

373

39^

40

39

40

3S5

37

34i

38"'

39i

.35^

36i

37|

•Soi

.39i

36|

OATS— TEST OF VAEIETIES IN FIELD LOTS.

Four varieties of oats were sown in field lots on April 24, on rather lower and
heavier clay loam than that on which the variety tests were conducted. The straw
grew an extremely heavy crop and the heads were of good size, but did not develop
a good quality of grain ; owing to the heavy straw growth and lower land ,they did not
ripen before frost. There was no rust on these plots.

Oats in Field Lots.

Variety.

SoU.

Banner Black clay .

Thousand Dollar

Danish Island

Ligowo

Size

of
Plot.

Date Cut.

Sept. 11..

Aug. 31..

>, 30..

.- 29. .

Days
Maturing .

129
128
128
127

Length

Length

of

of

Straw.

Head.

In.

58

10

53

8

50

8

47

7i

Yield

per
Acre.

Bush. Lbs.

62 20

59 21

58 2()

55 16

REPORT OF MR. G. H. BUTTON

347

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

OATS— QUANTITIES OF SEED PER ACRE.

Two varieties of oats were sown, both branching, with varying quantities of seed
per acre. Both were sown on April 18, on black clay loam that had been in timothy
the year previoiis, and was fall-ploughed and well worked.

Oats — Quantities of Seed -per Acre.

Name of Variety.

Thousand Dollar

I

H tl ....

1^

„ ,,

2

tl (1

n

II II

3

M II ....

3h

II It .....

4

Banner

1

li

2

" )

2i

3

3i

4

Bush.

per
Acre.

Date

of

Ripening.

Aug. 18.

M 17.

M 16.

,. 15.

,. 14.

„ 14.

M 13.

.. 25.

„ 21.

>, 23.

M 22.

M 16.

„ 14.

M 13.

Days

Length

of
Straw.

Maturing.

In.

122

41

121

42

120

-10

119

38

118

37

118

39

117

36

129

46

125

45

127

42

126

41

120

40

118

39

117

m

Character

of

Straw.

Medium.

Length

of
Head.

7-6

7

7-4
7-4
7
6
6

9S
10

9^

9

8

7
8

Weisrht

of
Straw.

Lbs.

2,820
3,240
3,000
3,000
3,060
3,720
3,000
3,480
4,080
3,720
3,840
3,900
3,780
3,000

Yield.

Bush. Lbs.

42 12

44 4

49 14

52 32

51 6

60 —

58 8

56 16

67 2

68 28
75 30
79 14
72 12
56 16

OATS— DATES OF SOWING.

Two varietie.s of oats were sown, commencing April 14, and continuing at weekly
intervals until May 5. These first sown oats were seeded while frost was not more
than 5 inches below the surface, though the land was in good condition. All plots were
on timothy sod and were seeded at the rate of two bushels per acre.

Oats — Dates of Sowing.

Name.

Thousand Dollar

It

M

M

II ••....

II

Banner

M

M
M

Date

Date

Sown.

Ripened

April 15

Aug. 20

„ 21

„ 22

M 28

M 21

May 5

.. 25

April 14

„ 18

M 21

.. 21

„ 28

M 24

iVlay 5

H 28

be
a

127
123
115
112
126
122
118
117

m

O

-C

be

B

1-^

Ins.

40
38
37
36

38i
38"
36
35-8

Characte

r Length

of

of

Straw.

Head.

Inches.

Stifif .. . .

8i

II ....

9i

Medium

9

M

8

Stiff....

9

M ....

. 8f

Medium

M

8 ■
. 8|

Kind
of Head.

Branching

Weight

of
Straw.

Lbs.

3,720
6,900
4,800
4,140
3,000
3,240
\,W0
4,140

Yield.

3

P3
68
52
90
67
61
72
75
75

28
32

2

26
12
30
30

348

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910
EXPERIMENT WITH SOIL-PACKING FOR OATS.

Much discussion has been carried on of late in regard to the merits of the soil
packer. We have used the form known as the pulverizer and results would seem to
indicate the value of this machine. The soil on this farm is a heavy vegetable mold
in most places inclining to clay, but in certain limited areas inclining to sand. On
account of the large percentage of humus it contains, the soil is rather loose in texture.
The packer fills up the larger air spaces and leaves a surface mulch, preventing the
evaporation of moisture from the surface. The soil is pressed into contact with the
seed and the rise of moisture by capillarity to the seed is facilitated, hence germination
takes place more promptly and w-ith greater uniformity than when the soil is not so
packed. This test was made on fall-ploughed stubble land that was left as ploughed
till spring, then worked down, and, after seeding, the packer loaded with stone passed
once over the plots to be tested. Two varieties of oats were used and two different
quantities of seed sown. All were sown on May 7, and all ripened August 29.

Soil Packing.

Name.

Banner, 2 bushels . .
li 2^ If . .

tt 2 M . .

ti 2i II

ThousandDollar, 2bus
II II 2^ II

II II 2^ II

If II 2fi II

Soil.

Packed . . .

•I . .

Unpacked

11
Packed . . .

Unpacked

Days
Maturing.

Length

of
Straw.

Character

of

Straw.

Length

of
Head.

Inched.

Inches.

114

48

Stiff

8^

114

46

II

8

114

44

If

6^

114

43

II

6

114

46

11

71

114

45

It

7

114

44

tl . . . .

6

114

42

6

Kind
of Head.

Branching'.

Weight

of
Straw.

Lbs.

3,480
4,200
2,940
2,760
4,620
3,240
2,940
3,000

Yield.

2 Ji

m '^

00 ..

95 10

61 26

86 16

67 2

84 24

54 24

70 20

FARM- YARD MANURE APPLIED TO THE LAND.

Banner and Thousand Dollar oats were sown on April 22 on stubble land to which
well-rotted barn-yard manure was applied at the rate of 10 and 20 tons per acre. No
safe conclusions can be drawn on such questions from a single experiment. The
presence of manure may dry out the soil the first season after application, while its
effect may be beneficial to succeeding crops.

Oats — Manure.

Variety.

Banner

Thousand Dollar .

Manure.

Bushels.

Date Cut.

Days
Maturing.

Yield

Bush.
Lbs.

20 tons....

2

Aug. 21..

121

84 24

10 II ...

2

,1 21..

121

83 28

None

2

,1 21..

121

97 2

2<>-tons....

2

11 21 . .

121

87 12

10

2

1, 21..

121

88 8

None

2

., 21..

121

79 14

Wright
Straw.

4080
3750
3000
4770
6000
38 iO

REPORT OF MR. G. H. BUTTON

349

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

EXPEEIMENTS WITH BAKLEY.

All comparative test-plots of barley were grown on fall-ploughed timothy sod.
The yields and quality were both satisfactory, though the former did not reach as
high an averageas in 1907. Birds reduced the yields of most varieties to quite an
extent, these being the first plots to mature. No allowance has been made, however,
for loss sustained in this way. Seed was sown at the rate of about two bushels per acre.

Thirteen varieties of six-rowed barley were sown on April 17, in plots of one-
sixtieth of an acre each on fall-ploughed timothy sod. The soil, as with other plots,
was a black clay loam.

Eleven varieties of two-rowed barley were sown on April 17, under similar con-
ditions. No rust occurred on any of these plots.

Six-Rowed Barley — Test of Varieties.

i

Variety.

Date
Ripened.

1 Mansfield. ..: . Aug. 5..

2 Blue Long Head I n 7..

3 Mensury i 7..

4 Odessa n 4.

5 Stella I. 5.,

6 Albert 5..

7 Claude n 5.,

8 Nugent n 4 . ,

9 Champion n 4 . ,

10 Yale M 6.,

Xl En>pire ■> 4. ,

r2|0derbrucli n 5..

IS'Trooper i> 5. ,

Days

Maturing .

110
112
110
109
110
110

no

109
109
111
109
110
110

Length
of Straw.

47
36
40
37
36
44
40
39
38
36
39
38
35

Character
of Straw.

Stiff..

Fairly

Stiff..

11

ir

Fairly

Stiff.'.

Lencrth
of Head.

2i

2|
H

3
2i

2|
2i

2|
2|

Kind of
Head.

Bearded

Beardless
Bearded

Weight
of Straw.

5820
41'80
6.20
4440
3780
41120
4200
4!'20
4200
3600
6060
4110
.S600

Yield.

3 -^

pa K-i

62 24

60 00

47 24
45

43 36

43 36

41 12
40

33 36

33 36

31 12

29 »

23 36

Two-EowED Barley — Test of Varieties.

s

1

2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11

Name of Variety.

Invincible

Sidney

Standwell

Swedish Chevalier

Gordon

French Chevalier. .
Canadian Thorpe . .
Danish Chevalier. .

Clifford

Jar vis

Beavtr

Date of
Ripening.

Aug. 12.,
n 10.,
„ 11.
,. 12.,
8.,
8.,
7.
„ 12.
5.
6.
4

>.3

=* -s

/^ ci

— kr-l

o
6

117
115
116
117
113
113
112
104
110
111
109

Length

of
Straw,
includ-
ing
head.

Inches.

43
43
42
38
46
42
42
41
38
36
46

Character
of Straw.

Medium to weak

Medium

Stiff.

Medium

Stiff'.' . "".'.'.'.

It

Medium. Stiff.
Stiff

•a

to

a

In.
3

H

2|
2i

n

3

H

3i

Kind
of Head.

Bearded

Yield

per
Acre.

S J2

pa J

56 42

5.) . .

53 36

52 24

43 36

37 24

33 36

32 24

27 24

21 12

18 36

350

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910
BAKLEY— TEST OF VARIETIES IN FIELD LOTS.

Two varieties of six-rowed and two varieties of two-rowed barley were sown on fall
ploughed stubble land. The crop grew well and ripened early, producing a fair yield
of grain of good quality.

Barley — Test of Varieties in Field Lots.

"Variety.

Six Bowed.

Mansfield

Mensury

Two Rowed.

Sidney

Invincible

Soil.

Black clay
loam . . .

Size of
Plot.

Acres.

n

2

oi

"3

' ate
Sown.

April 24..
n 24..

24..

24..

Date Cut.

Aug. 7.

15.
17.

Days
Maturing.

105
105

113
115

Yield.

Bush. Lbs.

66 2

49 42

45
40

36
17

BARLEY— QUANTITIES OF SEED PER ACRE.

Two varieties of barley, Invincible representing two-rowed varieties, and Mensury
the six-rowed, were sown on April 21, on timothy sod, using from 1 to 3 bushels of
seed jjer acre in each case. As the quantity of seed per acre increased, the length of
head and length of time required to mature decreased.

Barley — Quantities of Seed per Acre.

Variety.

3

Dai,e
Ripened.

bo

a

cS

O

Length

of
Straw.

Character

of

Straw.

Length

of
Head.

Weight

of
Straw.

Yield.

Bush. Lbs.

Invincible

n

1
H

2

24

3

1

H

2

f

Aug. 18..
., 15..
u 13..

.. 12..
„ 11 .
„ 10..

8..

5..

5..
5..

119
IIG
114

113
112
111
109
lOG

106
lOG

48
46
45

42
40
44
42
41

40
38

Medium

n ....

Medium to
weak

M ....
It ...

Medium

11 ....

Medium to

weak

II ....
II ....

5

4i

4h

3i

3

3

3

2^

2

2

4,350
3,690

3,180
4,410
3,360
4,740
4,920

3,600
3,780
4,320

38 6
44 18

35

49 18

42 24

Menhurv

26 12

33 36

11

26 12

31 12

32 24

REPORT OF MR. G. H. BUTTON

351

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

BARLEY— SOWN AT DIFFERENT DATES.

The same two varieties of barley were sown under the same soil conditions as for
the test as to quantities of seed. The resiilts are fairly unifonn and point to the
advantages of the early seeding of barley. Too much advantage is often taken of the
comparatively short time necessary for barley to mature, the seeding is delayed and
then it does not have an opportunity of doing itself justice either in yield or quality
of grain produced.

Barley — Sown at Different Dates.

Variety.

Mensury

Invincible .

ib

01

o

Datf-

Date

3

O

Character

of

Straw.

(4-1

o

Weight

of
Straw.

a

Sown.

Ripened.

00

be

cS

P-,

c

a

3

c3

0)

(D

Bush.

O

h^

^

Lbs.

2

Apr. 17 . .

Aug. 5 . .

100

40

Medium . .

H

6,120

2

„ 24..

8..

104

4o

II . .

2h

4,560

2

May 1..

M '8..

90

41

It

2i

3,780

2

8..

.. 10. .

94

34i

tl . .

2

2,040

2

Apr. 17.

n 12..

117

43

Medium to
weak . . .

3

4,950

2

M 24..

1. 12..

110

35^

It . .

3

2,670

2

May 1 . .

„ 14..

105

35

tl . .

2-8

2,100

2

8..

„ 20..

104

34

It

2

4,860

Yield.

Bush. Lbs.

47 24

30 ..
27 24
20 ..

56 42

34 18

31 12
26 12

EFFECTS OF A DIRECT APPLICATION OF MANURE UPON BARLEY.

As a result of the tests with manure as applied before ploughing the stubble for
spring grain, it would appear that the best place to apply manure is not on stubble for
grain, but preferably upon hay stubble, taking a crop of hay before breaking.

Manure as Applied to Mensury Barley.

Variety.

Manure.

Quantity.

Date Sown.

Date
Ripened.

Days
Maturing.

Yield.

Mensury

Tons.

20
10

None.

Bush.

2
2
2

Apr. 22

-, 22

,- 22

Aug. 7

M 9

„ 11

107
109
111

Bush. Lbs.
23 36

23 36

40

EXPERIMENTS WITH FIELD PEAS.

Eighteen varieties of field peas were sown on April 14, on one-sixtieth acre plot*
on black clay loam.

The soil was similar to that on which other grains were tested, and had been
ploughed out of timothy sod the summer of 1907. Growth was somewhat irregoilar and
unhealthy in appearance.

352

EXriUUMKNTAL FA liMH

Peas — Test of Varieties.

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

1

•2

:i

4

t)

(',

7

H

i(

10

11

12

i:{
ij

15

1(>

17
18

Variety.

WincoiiHiji l$liio

KngliHh tirny

Victoria

Karly Britain

I'liriiKon

Ak'iii*«

(Joldfii Vine

I'icton

Ctiaiicollor

White Marrowfat

I'rince

Mftckay.

Daniel O'Rourke

(JreKory

Black ry(i Marrowfat

I'rtiHaian Blue

Archer

Arthur

Date
Ri|Miii(t(l

\n(?. 21..

M 21..

.. 24..

.. 21..

" 21.,

.. 21..

M 21 .

M 21..

M 19..

M 21..

M 21..

M 21..

.. 21..

.. 21..

n 21..

M 21..

M 21.

.. 18..

«<*<

12!)
12!)
i:!2
12<»
12!)
12!)
12!)
1 J!)
1 137
12!)
12!)
12!)
12!)
12!)
12!)
12!>
12!)
12G

Charact(3r

of
Growth.

Medium Stroufif,

Meditiin

Stronjr

Medium

Strong

Medium

(I

M

II

Strong

MfMlium

Strong

Medium

Strong ,

II

Medimn

Lengtli

Length -

of

of

Straw.

Pod.

Inclu'B.

InclioH.

:<!)

2

43

2;

2.

47

■M

2

■M',

2

48

2

40

1!

:w

1;

:<2

1?

42

4

41

2

48

13

3(i

4(i

»>

3G

2

40

*» ,

43

1;

31

li

Yield
1)1 T Acre.

BuhH. Lbs.

10
16
15
14
14
13
13
13
13
12
12
12
12
10
10
11

9

8

30
30

EXPETITMENTS WITH ALFALFA.

• One acre of alfalfa was sown in the late spring of 1907, on land that had produced
a crop of oats in 1J)QG. This land was fall-ploughed and well cultivated <lurinp: the
spring up to th(i time when the alfalfa was seeded. The seed was used at tlie rate of
nhout 15 pounds per acre, and was sown without a nurse crop. Soil secured from Mr. W.
IT. Fairfield, Superiuteudent, Experimental Farm, Lethhridge, from a field where alfalfa
had h(!come well estahlished, was used at the rate of ahout 100 pounds per acre to
inoculate three-quarters of the acre. Otherwise there was no dilT«u"cnce in soil or
treatment. The soil containing the necessary hacteria was sown by hand, the man
sowing the soil being guided by stakes set to mark the boundary of the three-quarters
of an acre. This was the only division in the areas.

During the balance of the season of 1907, the young plants were clipped back three
times, the cutting bar of the mower being tilted uj).

The plants came through the winter in good condition, no winter-killing being
experienced. The line of demarcation between the inoculated and the uninoculated
parts of the plot became very apparent as growth progressed. Two cuttings v/ere nuido
(luring the season, the first on July 113, and the se(!ond on August 25. The alfalfa was
cut in the morning, after the dew was off, and was raked up and put in small piles
that afternoon. These piles were left undisturbed for two or three days, then, by placing
a fork inidernenth, were turned bottom side up and left for two or throe days more
and then hauled to the barn. This system saves the leaves to good advantage, which
is most important, as they contain two and one-half times as much nutrients as the
same weight of stem. Every man who rears live stock on his farm is strongly advised
to try alfalfa. Soil for inoculation purposes can bo secured from this farm by
applicants living in the district it is intended to serve, i.e., in Alberta from (Calgary
north. Soil is sent in lots of 100 pounds to each applicant and is placed f.o.b. car at
Lacombe, applicants paying freight.

Alfalfa not inoculated, Experimental Farm, Lacombe, Alberta, Aug., 190S.

'^^

■S:.A^-

^■.^^^'

vv ■;*■.•.

Alfalfa inoculated (with soil), Experimental Farm, Lacombe, Alberta, Aug., 1908.
5094— p. 352.

REPORT OF MR. G. H. BUTTON

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Alfalfa — Inoculated and Non-Inoculated.

353

Weight.

Green per Acre.

Dry per Acre as hauled.

Inoculated.

Non-
Inoculated.

Inoculated.

Non-
Inoculated.

First Cutting

10,320

8,080

4,880
2,080

4,160
3,040

1,960

Second Cuttinor

560

Total

18,400

6,960

7,200

2,520

An experiment is now under way comparing the merits of inoculation by means
of soil from an alfalfa field and by means of culture supplied by the Bacteriological
Laboratory, Department of Agriculture, Edmonton, Alta.

EXPEEIMENTS WITH EED CLOVER.

Three acres were sown to Ked Clover without a nurse crop in June of 1907 on
fall-ploughed oat stubble, land a black clay loam.

The seed was used at the rate of about 8 or 10 pounds per acre and, though it
did not germinate in large proportion, gave a fair stand. Like the alfalfa, it was also
clipped during the season and came through the winter in good condition. While
none of the land was inoculated, the field produced evidence, during the summer of 1908
that bacteria were present in places. The colour of the clover growing on these spots
was a dark healthy green, while perhaps only three or four feet away plants would
not be more than one-third as high and of a pale yellowish green ; nodules could also
be found present on the roots of the vigorous plants, while none were to be found
elsewhere.

Both with Red Clover and alfalfa, the results thus far secured point to the advis-
ability of inoculating and indicate that while inoculation would probably come about
naturally in time, larger profits can be secured by hastening the introduction of the
necessary bacteria by special means. One cutting only of Red Clover was made during
1908, that on Jiriy 31, and when the crop was cured it made exactly one ton of hay
per acre.

EXPERIMENT IN WEED-CONTROL BY MEANS OE CHEMICAL SPRAYS.

Having some difficulty in controlling Ball Mustard (Neslia Paniculata L.), and
having read of the success of Prof. Bolley, of North Dakota Experimental Station in
controlling this weed, an experiment was conducted with iron and copper sulphates
applied as a spray. In Bulletin No. 80 of the North Dakota Station, Prof. Bolley
advises the following strength of solution : ' For destroying mustard 75 to 100 pounds
of iron sulphate per acre is necessary to be dissolved in 50 gallons of water, when it will
be ready for use. Twelve to 14 pounds of copper sulphate dissolved in 50 gallons of
water are needed per acre in field spraying.' This strength of solutions was applied
by means of a hand sprayer, but while the weeds were effectually destroyed the cereals
were also injured. Prof. Bolley asserts that it is possible to achieve the former result
and yet escape the latter. If iron sulphate can be effectively used it can be laid down
in quantities at a sufficiently low rate, that it would become a practical and practised
method of weed control in the weed-infested districts.

16—23

354

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII.. A. 1910
EXPERIMENTS WITH INDIAN CORN.

Fourteen varieties of corn were sown in rows 35 inches apart on May 28, on land
broken out of timothy sod the preceding season. Frequent cultivation was given
throughout the early summer, but on August 20 a frost nipped it and it was cut- on
August 22, while still immature.

Three varieties were sown in drills at different distances, under similar conditions
of soil and cultivation.

Corn — Test of Varieties.

u

CD

S
P

1

2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

10
11
12
13
14

Name of Variety.

Character

of

Soil.

Longfellow

North Dakota White

Ootnpton's Early

Superior Fodder

White Cap Yellow Dent.

Angel of Midnight

Early Mastodon

Selected Learning

Mammoth Cuban

Pride of the North

Wood's Northern DuiD.

Salzer's all Gold

Eureka

Champion White Peui 1 . .

Clay loam

Date Sown.

May 23.

M 28.

.. 28.

„ 28.

M 28.

H 28.

„ 28.

M 28.

„ 28.

M 28.

„ 28.

„ 28.

., 28.

M 28.

Date Cut.

Aug. 22.

,. 22.

,. 22.

M 22.

„ 22.

,. 22.

>, 22.

M 22.

„ 22.

M 22

>, 22

M 22.

M 22.

n 22.

Height.

In.

56
53
51
57
56
48
61
57
51
54
53
58
53
53

Weight
per Acre.

Tons. Lbs.

11 880
11

10 1120

10 680

9 480

9 480

8 1160

8 280

7 1400

7 960

6 1640

6 1200

6 320

5 1880

Indian Corn — Test of Seeding at Different Distances.

Name of Variety.

Distance

between

rows.

Height.

Yield per Acre
grown in rows.

Longfellow

In.

21
28
35
42
21
28
35
42
21
28
35
42

In.

63
64
64
65
62
65
58
60
64
66
66
64

Tons. Lbs.

9 920

9 4S0

II ■

14 1480
16 560

Champion White Pearl

9 1800
10 680

9 480

9 13t)0

Selciited Leaming

11 440

11 880

12 640

13 1720

ROOT CROPS.

All the root crops of 1908 were grown on land from which a crop of Brome Grass
had been taken in July of 1907, afterwards ploughed and manured and worked
thoroughly till frost came. In the spring of 1908 the land was again thoroughly disked
and a splendid catch was secured. .The heavy rains of June favoured rapid growth
and frequent cultivation kept them growing, so that a good crop was harvested. The
yields were computed from the weights of roots on two rows, each 66 feet in length
and 30 inches apart.

REPORT OF MR. G. H. BUTTON

355

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

TURNIPS.

Twelve varieties of field turnips were tested this year. TEe seed was sown on black
clay loam, drills 30 inches apart, and plants were thinned to a distance of about 10
inches in the row. All varieties did well and were practically free from disease.

Turnips — Test of Varieties.

3

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

Name of Variety.

Mammoth Clyde. . .
Hartley's Bronze.. .
Hall's Westbury . . .

Kangaroo

Skirvings

Jumbo. .

Good Luck

Bangbolm Selected
Magnum Bonum. . .
Perfection Swede. .
Carter's Elephant.
Halewood's BronzeTop

1st Plot

2nd Plot

1st Plot

2nd Plot

Sown.

Sown.

Pulled.

Pulled.

June 2. .

June 15.

Oct. 26.

Oct. 27.

„ 2..

M 15.

M 26.

M 27.

,. 2..

.. 15.

n 26.

n 27.

H 2..

.. 15 .

„ 26.

., 27

.. 2..

1, 15.

.. 26.

., 27.

.. 2..

„ 15.

M 26.

,. 27.

M 2..

M 15.

„ 26.

.. 27.

„ 2..

M 15.

.. 26.

„ 27.

M 2.

„ 15.

M 26.

„ 27.

.. 2..

., 15.

., 26.

u 27.

„ 2..

., 15.

„ 26

., 27

.. 2

„ 15

„ 26.

„ 27.

Yield per Acre.

1st

Plot.

Tons. Lbs. |

31

304

30

720

29

80

22

220

21

240

20

392

20

128

18

960

18

168

16

1,792

15

1,548

13

796

1st Plot.

Bush. Lbs.

1,0.-^8 24

1,012 —

»ti8 —

737 —

704 —

673 12

668 48

616 -

C02 48

563 12

525 6

446 36

2nd Plot.

Tons. Lbs.

24

840

37

1,240

26

272

14

1.436

13

400

16

1,000

19

940

23

992

17

584

15

96

19

1,732

9

1,536

2nd Plot.

Bush. Lbs.

614 —
1,254 —
871 12
490 36
440 —
550 —
649 —
783 12
576 24
.5(11 36
6(;2 12
325 36

MANGELS.

Ten varieties of mangels were sown on clay loam, the first seeding being made
on April 16, and the second on April 30. Cool weather delayed somewhat the growth
of the roots first sown. They were all pulled September 28.

Mangels — Test of Varieties.

B

3

1

2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

Name of Variety

Giant Yellow Intermediate

Gate Post

Giant Yellow Globe

Prize Mammoth Long Red

Half Sugar Mangel

Perfection Mammoth Long Red

Yellow Intermediate

Mammoth Red Intermediate. . . ,

Selected Yellow Globe ,

Crimson Champion ,

Yield
per Acre,
1st Plot.

Yiela
per Acre,
1st Plot

Yielo
per Acre,
2nd Plot.

Yifld
per Acre,
2nd Plot.

Tons. Lbs.lBush. Lbs. Tons. Lhs.lBush. Lbs.

14
17
17
14
14
13
14
9
11
10

1,568

848

1,552

612

512

1.456

1,920

1,360

1,-584

768

492
5J>0
6' 12
475
475
457
498
322
393
346

48
48
32
12
12
36
40
40
4
8

21
20
17
16
16
16
15
13
12
11

59J
1,888
1,21)0
1,440

736

31

1,680

48

1,6! 16

1,936

709
(^?H
586
.557
545
53S
528
434
428
398

52
8
40
20
36
52

8
16
56

CARROTS.

Six varieties of field carrots were tested. Two sowings were made of each variety,
the first on April 16 and the second on the 30th. They made a splendid growth and
gave heavy yields. They were sown on clay loam in rows 30 inches apart and were
thinned out to about 5 inches apart in the rows. These roots were all pulled
September 29.

16— 23i

356

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

Carrots — Test of Varieties.

u

<D
S

s

Name of Variety.

Giant White Vosges

Improved Short White

Ontario Champion

White Belgian

Half Long Chantenay

Mammoth White Intermediate

Yield
per Acre.
1st Plot.

Tons. Lbs.

17
17
16
13
16
12

496

848

32

1,808
736

1,344

Yield

per Acre.

1st Plot.

Bush.

Lbs.

574

56

580

48

533

52

463

28

545

36

422

24

Yield

per

Acre.

2nd Plot.

Tons.

Lbs.

19

720

18

1,312

17

848

16

32

15

624

14

512

Yield
per Acre.
2nd Plot.

Bush. Lbs.

645
621
580
533
510
475

20
52
48
52
24
12

SUGAR BEETS.

Three varieties of sugar beets were sowb on clay loam, and two sowings were
made of each variety, the first on May 18 and the second on June 1. The yields were
not particularly heavy, and as will be seen from results of an analysis made by Mr.
F. T. Shutt, Chemist of the Dominion Experimental Farms, which is added in con-
nection with table giving yields, they were low in sugar-content. These roots were
all pulled October 1.

Sugar Beets — Test of Varieties.

Name of Variety.

White French, very rich ,
Vilmorin's Improved. . . .
Klein Wanzleben

Yield
per Acre.
1st Plot.

Yield
per Acre.
1st Plot.

Yield
per Acre.
2nd Plot.

Yield
per Acre.
2nd Plot.

Sugar

in
Juice.

Tons. Lbs.

12 640
9 1,7)2
7 1,488

Bush. Lbs.

410 40
328 32
258 8

Tons. Lbs

14 IfiO

11 176

8 124

Bush. Lbs.

469 20
369 36

287 28

1116

11-7

107

Solids

in
Juice.

14-3

14-8
14-2

Co-
efficient in
Purity.

78-04
79 05
75-80

POTATOES.

Twenty-seven varieties of potatoes were planted on fall-ploughed timothy sod,
which had been manured at the rate of about 20 tons of barn-yard manure per acre
before ploughing.

Among those tested as to quality Rochester Rose, Holborn Abundance, Ashleaf
Kidney and Table-talk were best.

Planting was done on May 22 and 23, and the jwtatoes were dug on September 30.
Planting was done in rows 30 inches apart, and cuttings with from two to three eyes
each were planted 1 foot apart in the rows. The soil was a black clay loam. The
yield per acre has been calculated from the weight of crop produced from two rows
each 66 feet long. No rot was observed on any of these plots.

REPORT OF MR. G. H. BUTTON

357

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Potatoes — Test of Varieties.

Yield per Acre

Name of Variety.

Ripened.

Size.

Total Yield.

Form and Colour.

Marketable.

Un-
marketable.

Bush.

Lbs.

Bush.

Lbs.

Bush.

Lbs.

«

Ashleaf Kidney

Country Gentleman

Table Talk

Reeves' Rose

Sept. 8..

8..
„ 10. .

9..

8..

9..

9..

9..

8..

9..

9..

9..

8..

8..

6..

8..

9..
It 10..

8..

8..

8..

9..

8..

8..

8..

8..

9..

9..

Medium . .

11

M

It . .

11

tl . .

,1 ..

11 . .
II . .

Small ..'.'.

It ....

Medium. .

Small ..'.'.

Medium . .

It

Small . . .' ;

Medium. .

It . .

Small ...'.'
Medium . .

It . .
11 . .
II . .

266
253
248
246
239
237
230
225
227
225
211
210
210
210
109
208
195
188
187
184
172
165
159
159
145
139
118
124

25
14
25
39
36
36
01
33
01
14
01
29
14
14
51
22
57
02
15
43
32
56
06
02
52
43
19
54

250
227
223
221
168
226
195
203
215
203
147
178
189
194
77
184
186
169
149
175
155
149
151
146
131
132
113
106

26
55
35
59
31
27
31
28
58
09
43
55
13
06
44
12
10
14
48
19
17
21
09
19
19
44
10
10

15
25
24
24
71
11
34
22
11
22
63
31
21
16
32
24

9
18
37

9
17
16

7
12
14

6

5
18

59
19
50
40
05
09
30
05
03
05
18
34
01
08
07
10
47
48
27
24
15
35
57
43
33
59
09
44

White, long.
Pink, oval.
White, oval.
Red, ovol.

Everett

Uncle Sam

Irish Cobbler

State of Maine

White, oval.
White, round.
White, oval.

Early Manistee

Red, long.
Pink, long.
White, long.
White, oval.
Red, oval.
White, oval.

H II

Rochester Rose

Money Maker

Vermont Gold Coin

Biurnaby Seedling

Holborn Abundance.. . .

Twentieth Century

Empire State

Late Puritan

Pioneer

Early White Prize

Carman No. 1 .

American Wonder

Vick's Extra Early

Dooley

Dreer's Standard

Canadian Beauty

Dalmeny Beauty

Morgan Seedling

British Queen .■ .

tl M
It 11
M It
tt It
It II
11 U

Pink, lon^.
White, long.
Pink, long.
White, oviil.

FEUIT TREES.

The orcliard of Russian, American and cross-bred apple trees planted in the
spring of 1907, numbering in all about 350 trees, has shown a fair degree of hardiness,
a large proportion of them having survived the winter of 1907-8 and made a fair
growth during the season.

The writer last season saw matured Duchess apples grown on the farm of the late
Thos. Daly, of Clover Bar, near Edmonton, Alta., and Martha crab apples which were
produced by W. J. Barclay, of Lacombe. At the time of writing, March 29, 1909, most
of the trees in the orchard now are living, many have successfully passed two winters,
and it is hoped that many of these will come on and produce fruit in due time.

PLUMS.

Following are the varieties of plums set in 1907: —

1. Aitken.

2. Cheney.

3. De Soto.

4. Compass Cherry Plum.

5. Seedlings of Carsterson Plum.

6. Fifteen native plums from Brookings, South Dakota, Nos. 7 to 21, inclusive.

CHERRY.

South Dakota No. 3 Imp. Sand Cherry.
" " No. 5 " "

358 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

SMALL FRUITS.

As sufficient time has not elapsed since this farm was started to bring bush fruits
to fruiting age, it will perhaps be sufficient for this report to say that no difficulty
has so far been experienced in growing and fruiting red, white and black currant
bushes in Central Alberta. Gooseberry bushes have sometimes winter-killed. Rasp-
berries usually kill back partially, though not seriously.

STRAWBERRIES.

Owing to the work of cutworms, only a few plants were left of the six varieties
set out in 1907. These few fruited in 1808, producing a fair crop of fruit of good
quality. The varieties were: —

Lorett. Haverland.

Senator Dunlop. Parson's Beauty.

Beder Wood. Pocomoke.

Twenty-five other varieties were received from the Central Experimental Farm,
Ottawa, in the spring of 1908. Most of these grew fairly well; of a few varieties
scarcely a representative is left. Plants of eight of the same varieties were secured
locally, most of which are living and making a free growth. These should fruit during
the coming summer.

VEGETABLE GARDEN.

The hardier vegetables did well, but the season was not favourable to the more
tender sorts, such as tomatoes, beans, &c. Only a limited variety of the different
vegetables were tried and these are named in their order of merit.

BEANS. BEETS.

Matchless Early Blood Turnip.

Every Day. Egyptian.

Emperor of Russia. Nutting's Dwarf Improved.

Green Pod Hodson.

Edible Podded.

CARROTS. CELERY.

Chantenay. Giant Pascal.

French Horn. Rose Ribbed Paris.

Paris Golden Yellow.

CORN. CAULIFLOWER.

No varieties matured. Early Snowball.

Extra Selected Earliest Erfurt.

CABBAGE. LETTUCE.

Early Jersey Wakefield. Cos Trianon.

Paris Market. Neapolitan.

Fottler's Improved Brunswick. Wheeler's Tom Thumb.

Large Flat Drumhead. All the Year Round.

ONIONS. PEAS.

Paris Silver Skin. Melting Marrow.

Large Red Wethersficld.
Danvers Yellow Globe.

RADISH. TABLE TURNIPS.

Early Scarlet White Tipped. White Milan.

Extra Selected Earliest.

REPORT OF MR. G. H. BUTTON

359

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

FLOWER GAEDEN.

A number of the annual flowers were tried in the hot-bed, but greater success
resulted from sowing in the open. Bloom was somewhat late, and, owing to the early-
frosts, rather short-lived, but was for a time very fine.

Variety.

Abronia Umbellata.

Ageratum

Alyssum ,

Amarantus

Antirrhinum

Asters

Brachycome Iberidifolia

Balsam

Candytuft

Calendula

Celosia

Clarkia

Chrysanthemum Coronarium .

Coreopsis

Dianthus

Eschscholtzia California

Gaillardia

Godetia .

Helichrysum lucidum

Lobelia

Larkspur ,

Mignonette

Nasturtium

Nicotiana . ;

Phacelia

Phlox Drummondii

Poppy

Portulaca Grandiflora

Salpiglossis

Scabiosa

Stocks

Sweet Peas

Verbena

Tagetus

Zinnia

Remarks.

Medium.

Fine.
Medium.

II
Fine.
Medium.

II
Fine.

Medium.

Fine.
! Medium.

Fine.
Poor.
Medium.

II
Fine.

Medium.

Fine.

Medium.

Very Fine.

Medium.

Fine.

Medium.

PERENNIALS.

Pansies sown in the hot-beds or, later, in the open produced fine bloom. Carnations
also did well.

CANNAS AND DAHLIAS.

On account of the short season neither the Cannas nor Dahlias bloomed.

BULBS.

In October, 1907, a large collection 'of bulbs was received from the Central
Experimental Farm, Ottawa, and were set out before the ground froze. They were
protected during the winter by a covering of coarse barn-yard manure, about 6 inches
deep. Tulips, Crocuses and Snow Drops succeeded in order mentioned, the first
making a splendid showing.

360

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

TKEES AND SHRUBS.

THE ARBORETUM.

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

The following is a list of those trees and shrubs planted in the spring of 1907,
giving the name, number planted and number surviving one winter.

Name.

A. Negundo, (Manitoba Maple).

A. Platanoi'ies Purpxirea

A. Platanoidetj Schwedleri

A. Saccharinuin

A. Spicatum

A. Tataricum

A. Tataricum Ginnala

A. Tataricum Aidzueiise

Amicjanchier (Juneherry).

A. Vulgaris.

Aristolochia ( Birthivort).

Aristolochia Sipho .

Abrotanum.

Artemisia (Southernwood).
Berheris (Barberry).

B. Aquifolium

B. Canadensis

B. Heterophylla

B. Lycium

B. Thunbergii . .

B. Seedlings of hybrid Barberries.

Bctula (Birch).

B. Alba, (White Birch). . . .
B. Alba Laciniata Pendula.

B. Lutea

B. Populif olia

Calycanthus (Carolina Allspice).

0. Floridus.

Caragana.

C. Arborescens

C Arboresoens Nana

C. Frutescens

C. Frutescens Macropliylia

C. Grandiflora .

C. Mollis Glabra

C. Pygmaea

C. RecJowsky

C. Spinosa

Catalpa.

C. Cordifolia . ,
C. Koempferi.
0. Speciosa. . .

Celastruf. (Bitter Sweet).

C. Articulatus.
C. Scandens . . .

Received.

2,188
2
2
6
4
6
9
9

2

2
2
2
30
6

0

4

4

10

10

1,088
2

70
4

10
4
4

1

4
4
2

Living.

2,0.S.5
0
2
0
4
0
0
8

2

2
2
2
30
0

0
0
4
6

10

1,046

4
10
4
4
6
1

REPORT OF MR. 6. E. BUTTON

361

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

No.

Name.

Clematis.

C. Flammula.

C. Vitalba

C. Viticella .,

Clcthra (Sweet PepperbushJ.

C. Alni folia

Cornus (Bogwood).

C. Alba Sibirica Spaethii. . .
C Alba Sibirica Variegat a.
C. Purpurea.

Cofoneaster.

C. Acutifolia...
C. BaciUaris. . .

C. Fricrida

C. Laxiflora

C. Nigra

C Tomentosa . .
C. Integerriraa.

Crataegus.

C. Apiosa

C. Arkansana.
C. Arnoldiana
C. Carrierei. . .
C Coccinoides.

C. Collira

C Fecunda

C. Spathulata.
C. Submollis. . .

Cytisus (Broom).

Hirsutus. .
Nigricans
Triflorus . .

Diervi.lla (Weigelia).

D. Florida Van Houttei .

Elacagnus.

E. Anprustifolia .
E. Umbellata...

Euonymus.

E. Alatus

E. Bungeanus

E. Europaeus Ovatus.

E. Linearis

E. Sieboldiana

F. Bungeana . . . .
F. Mandshurica.

G. Triacanthos Inermis . .
H. Paniculata Grandiflora

Fraxinus (Ash J.

Gleditschia (Honey Locust).

Hydrangea.

Received.

Living.

2
4
2

0
0
0

6
2
4

6
2
2

1
2
2

2

2
2
2
2
2

o

id

2
2
2

1

2

9

6
2
4

5
2
1
1
2
2
2

0
1
2
2
2
1
1
2
1

10

10

1

1

2

2

3

1

2

2

4

4

4

4

2

«>

2

1

362

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

No.

Name.

Received.

Living.

^oZreu^erta.

2

K. Paniculata

Lespedeza.

2

1

1

L, - ?

2

0

Ligustrum (Privet).

1

ij Amiirpnsfl . «

2

2

Loniccra (Honeysuckle).

1

L. Albert!

2
4

4
17
20
3
4
2
2
2

2

2

L. Alpina

L. Fenzlei

4
4

4

L. Grandiflora

17

f)

L. Grandiflora Rosea

20

6

L. Grata

3

7

L. Morrowi

4

8

9

10

L. Sempervirens ... .

L. Voronesh No. 133

L. Flavescens .... .... .

0
1
0

Lycium [Matrivmny Vine).

1

2

0

IfeiUia (Ninehark).

^

N. Opulif olia Aurea

2

i

Philadelphus {Mock Orange).

1

4
3
2
4

0

?

P. Grandiflorus

2

s

P. HybriduM Lenioinei Mont Blanc

2

4

P. Hybridus Lemoinei Manteau d'Hermine

2

Populus (Poplar).

1

P. Angustifolia

3

2

3

2

2

1

Ptelea (Wafer Ash).

2

1

1

P. Trifoliata

2

1

Pyn s.

1

3
4
2
1
4
4

3

2
3
4
5

a

P. Floribunda .

P. loensis

P. Mongeoti ,

4
2
1
3
4

Quercus (Oak).

1

Q. Alba

20
2
4

17

2
3

Q. Palustria

Q. Rubra

2
3

Rhamnus (Buckthorn).

1

R. Davurica

4
4

4

2

R. Iiausula

4

REPORT OF MR. G. H. BUTTON

363

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

No.

1
2
3
4

5
6

7

8

9

10

11

Name.

R. Kerrioides .

Rhodotypos.
Rhus (Sumach).

Received.

R. Cotinus.

Rihes.

R. Aureum

Rohinia (LocuH Tree).

R. Pseudacacia. .

Rosa (Rose)

R. Cinnamomea

R. Humilis

R. Lucida Alba

R. Lutea ....

R. Rugosa flore pleno .

R. Rugosa

R. Spinosissiina hispida

R. Tomentoaa

R. Virginiana .

Rubus.

R. Fasciculatum C'hinense

Salix (Willow).

S. Rosmarinifolia
S. Voronesh

Sambucus (Elder).

S. Nigra aurea nova.

Spiraea.

S. Ariaefolia

S. Arguta

S. Callosa Superba .

S. Japonica Bumakla Anthony Waterer

S. Opulifolia

S. Sorbifolia

S. Van Houttei

Symphoricarpus (Snowberry),

S. Mollis

Syringa (Lilac).

S.

s.
s.
s.
s.
s.
s.
s.
s.
s.
s.

12 S.
14 S.
16 Is.

Amurensis

Boussingault

Japonica

Josikea eximia

Pekinensis ,

Vulgaris Abel Carrierpi

■I Alba Grandiflora . .

11 Charles July

II Charles X ,

II Condorcet

■I Congo

II Dr. Troyanovvski . . . ,

II Francisqup Morel ...

II La Tour d'Auvergne .

Living.

20

2

1
1
3
1
6
2
2
3

2
5

1
2
4
1
2
2
4

12

2
1
1
3
1
6
2
2
3

2
5

1
2
4
1
2
2
3

2

2

2

2

1

0

2

2

o

5

2

2

2

2

6

6

6

6

3

3

4

4

1

1

1

1

2

2

364

EXPERIMEyTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD Vli., A. 1910

16. S. Vulgaris Leon Simon

17 . S. II Louis Henry

18. S. 11 Louis Spath

19. S, .1 Madame Abel Chatenay

20. S. .. H Briot ...

21. S. II II Casimir Perier . ...

22. S. II II Lemoinei

23. S. 11 Mademoiselle FernandeViger.

24. S. 11 Michel Buchner

25: S. 11 Jacques Calot

26. S. 11 Lemoinei

27. S. 11 Rothamagensis Meten.^i.*

28 S. 1, Rubella Plena

29. S. II Souvenir de L. Spath

30. S. II Prince de Beauveau

1.
2.

1.

1.
2.
3.

T. Eurepaea platyphyllos .
T. Europsea

V. Dentatum.
V. Sargenti . .
V. Venosum..

1.
2.

1.

2.
3.

1.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

1
2.
3
4.

Tilia (Basswood).

Ulmus (Elm).

U. Ameiicana.

Viburnum (Arrow Wood).

Vitis.

V. Riparia.

Abies (Fir).

A. Balsamea.
A. Concolor .
A. Remonti. .

Retinospora.

Retinospora phunosa aurea.
Retinospora filifera

Junipcrus (Juniper).

J. Communis Aurea.

J. Sabina

J. Sabina Variegata.

L. Leptolepis.

Larix (Larch).
Picea (Spruce).

P. Alba...

P. Alfockiana . . .

P. Engelmanni

P. Excelaa Pygmie i

P. Nigra

P. Pungens

Pinus (Pine).

P. Sylvestris . ,
P. Resinosa . . ,
P. Strobus . . . .
P. Ponderosa.

2
2
2
2
2
4
2
4
4
4
2
1
1
4
1

2
2

312

4
2
1

20
2
4

25

24
4
2
2
G

10

6

S
4
8

2
2
2
2
2
4
2

'4

4
2
1
1
4
1

269

4
1
2

0
0
0

0
0

1
1
0

\%
2
2
0
5
3

0
0
2
0

REPORT OF MR. (}. II. BUTTON

365

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

No.

1.

1.
2.
3.
4.
r.

Name.

Pseudotsuya.
P. Douglasii

Thuja (Arbor VitceJ.

P. Occidentalis Boothii

P. It Columbia

P. •■ Globosa

P. 11 Hoveyi

P. n

Received.

Living.

1

0

2

1

4

4

6

2

12

12

CATTLE.

The number of cattle kept has not been increased during the year. There are two
dairy cows and a yearling heifer.

HOKSES.

Four heavy draft and two general purpose horses are kept. A yearling filly, the
progeny of one of the heavy mares, is developing well. These horses have been in
good health during the year, and are in a thrifty condition at present .

CORKESPOXDENCE.
From April 1, 1908, to March 31, 1909, 1,647 letters were received and 1,551 mailed.

MEETINGS ATTENDED.

During the year I addressed the annual convention of the Alberta Agricultural
Fail's Association in Calgary in January; also the Convention of Farmers' Institute
Fairs Association in Calgary in January as well as the Convention of Farmers' Insti-
tute Delegates in Calgary the same month. I was also one of the instructors with
the travelling Stock Judging School, which was under the direction of the Provincial
Department of Agriculture.

I attended the three-day school held in Morinville on February 8, 9 and 10, and
Camrose and Daysland from February 18 to 25. These schools were well attended.
Two cars of live stock were taken from place to place by the Department for demon-
stration purposes.

I assisted also as one of the lecturers in connection with the ' Short Course in
Agriculture ' inaugurated by the Provincial Department, and held in Lacombe from
March 1 to 13. The attendance was large, and the interest was maintained throughout.

I also addressed several meetings of agricultural societies during the fall and
winter.

DISTRIBUTION OF SA^IPLES.

The first annual distribution of samples of grain from this farm, covering central
Alberta, was begun this year. There was not a very large number of applications for
grain, but applications for trees still continue to be received. The number of these
distributed will of necessity be left for the report of next year.

Our potatoes were, unfortunately, caught by frost in the cellar, and under the
circumstances the applications, which numbered 166, are being filled from the Brandon
Experimental Farm.

366

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910
INOCULATED SOIL.

Soil inoculated for alfalfa is being distributed in lots of 100 pounds to each
applicant, for making a start in the culture of this crop. Quite a number are taking
advantage of this offer, and it is expected that alfalfa will be tried this year over a
wider area, and under more widely varying conditions than heretofore.

Following is a list of the samples of grain distributed to date: —

Wheat, 5-lb. bags 120

Oats, 4-lb. bags 55

Barley, 4-lb. bags 20

A small quantity of grain has been sold for seed.

BUILDINGS AND FENCING.

During the year improvements have been made which include a mile of woven-wire
fence which was erected on the east and north boundaries of the farm, thus com-
pleting the outside fencing. A building has been erected to provide a granary, engine-
room, work-room and museum. This is a substantial building 30 x 40 x 18, having a
12-inch concrete wall as a foundation, the cellar being 7 feet in the clear and being
floored with concrete. This building adds much to the equipment, and also to the
appearance of the farm.

METEOROLOGICAL RECORD.

Months.

Date.

Highest
Temperature.

Date.

Lowest
Temperature.

Precipitation.

Total hours
Sunshine.

1908.

April

May

20th....

7th....

25th

23rd....
l!)th....
13th....

8th....

4th....
12th....

17th....
19th . . .
31st ....

71
84
79
86

m

85
74
69
42

40

6
6
4
3
4
8
8
8
6

Ist....

1st....
27th ....
27th....
20th ...
2fith ...
29th ....
3nth ....
3Ist ....

7th....
12th....
10th....

—5

27

30

35

26

14

7

—5

—31

—56

1
4
4
7
5
4
4
2
5

1

0

2
8
2
2

912

215

1

37

305

4

0

25

72

219-48
202 -86

June

2019

July

314 34

August

September

October

November

December

1909.

January

292 42
217-7
112 2
133 3
13.3-3

116 9

February

47-2
52-3

-47-6
—21-2

•3
•345

191-

March

171-8

I have the honour to be, sir,

Your obedient servant,

G. H. HUTTON.

9-10 EDWARD VII. SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 A. 1910

EXPERIMENTAL FARM FOR SOUTHERN

ALBERTA.

Lethbridge, Alta., March 31, 1909.

Dr. Wm. Saunders, C.M.G.,

Director, Dominion Experimental Farms,
Ottawa.

Sir, — I have the honour to submit my second annual report of the work done on
the Experimental Farm for Southern Alberta at Lethbridge for the year ending
March 31, 1909. This is, however, the first report of the crops grown on the farm, as
on account of the land being virgin prairie, it was necessary to devote the first spring
and summer to breaking the sod, consequently a crop could not be harvested until
the following season.

The winter of 1907-8 was, in general, normal. Kange stock wintered well.
Although land in Southern Alberta is being settled rapidly there is still a great deal
of land unfenced, and on these areas thousands of cattle and horses pasture the year
round.

The season of 1908 has been a very satisfactory year for grain in nearly all parts
of Southern Alberta. Winter wheat established itself well in the autumn of 1907,
and came through the winter in particularly good condition. The heavy rains of
June brought the crops to a high state of perfection. Spring wheat, oats and barley,
although yielding well, were inferior to the winter wheat.

The growing season was somewhat longer than usual. The last frost recorded in
the spring was on the morning of May 2, when the thermometer registered 32°, and
the first one in the autumn was on September 23, when 32° was recorded. Three days
later, on the 26th, a killing frost occurred, the mercury going down to 19-2°. Harvest
was rather early, as the first winter barley was cut July 23, and the first winter wheat
on July 24.

The results given in the following report will be of particular interest to the
many new-comers in the district, because it is the record of the first crop ever raised
on this land. In the spring of 1907, the entire farm was virgin prairie, except some
ten acres that had been broken the previous autumn.

Of the 400 acres in the farm, a strip of 100 acres on the extreme east side is
irrigable. The remaining 300 acres is non-irrigable.

TWO FARMS.

Recognizing that the problems of the non-irrigated, or the ' dry ' farm, are
distinct in great measure from those of the ' irrigated ' farm, the work on each has
been kept separate. As a matter of fact, two experimental farms are being operated.
Their object is, not to compare the relative merits of the two systems, but to study
their individual problems. To aid in doing this, and to prevent confusion, the report
is divided into two parts. Part 1 deals with the results from the non-irrigated or
* dry ' farm, and Part 2 with the results from the irrigated farm.

368

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910
PAET I— THE NON-IREIGATED OR ' DRY FARM.'

P repa/iation of the soil. — The sod was broken 3 or 4 inches deep in May and
June of 1907, and in August of the same year most of the land on which the crops
mentioned below were raised, was backset.

Owing to an unavoidable delay in obtaining a gasoline engine for the small
threshing machine, it was not possible to begin threshing the uniform test-plots until
September 22. As the first grain was cut July 23, and remained out in shock until
threshed, it is reasonable to suppose that exposure to weather, &c., appreciably reduced
the yields.

EXPEEIMEis^TS IN WINTER WHEAT.

On August 31, 1907, ten varieties of winter wheat were sown on sandy loam at
the rate of 30 lbs. per acre in plots of one-sixtieth acre each. The Turkey Red No.
380 and the Kharkov are practically the same variety.

Winter Wheat — Test of Varieties (Non-Irrigated).

Name of Variety.

Turkey Red (No. 380, from Kansas)

Kharkov

Abundance

Turkey Red (Alberta grown)

Karlj' Windsor

Prosperity

Red Velvet Chaff

Reliable

Dawson's Golden Chaff

Red Chief

-a

3

^^

Date of

Q'^

0 - £

«4-t

o

Kind of

o .

Yield

Ripening.

^ 3

i3 cj

Head.

.J3 cS

per Acre.

d§

J5

In.

hJ

1908.

In.

Lbs.

Bush. Lbs.

July 29...

333

42

2

Bearded . .

5,00fi

53 4

M 30...

334

43

2

It . .

4,1S1

52 49

„ 29...

333

44

3

Beardless.

3,59(i

44 4

„ 30...

334

42

n

Bearded .

4.834

43 56

u 30. . .

334

46

4

Beardless.

3,4S7

43 .30

„ 29...

333

50

2

n . .

4,100

40 19

M .30...

334

4.S

2h

Bearded . .

4,485

.37 50

M 29..

333

47

3

.1

3,930

32 0

„ 29...

333

48

2i

Beardless.

3,497

29 37 i

„ 29...

333

47

3

M . .

4,132

26 7k

5:0 K

J'

1 s

;5o

Lbs.

63^
03

ou

(531

m
fill

61
Glf
60|
60

Average yield 40 bushels 20 lbs. per acre.

It may be well to point out that, although Turkey Red (No. 380 from Kansas)
yields 15 lbs. per acre more than the Kharkov in this experiment, yet in two tests of
field lots where there were three and four acres respectively in the fields, Kharkov
outyielded the Turkey Red No. 380 in both cases.

Field Lot of Winter Wheat.

A field of 1Z\ acres of backsetting was sown with IGiarkov at the rate of 30 lbs.
of seed per acre, during the first few days of September. It was cut the last week in
July and yielded at the rate of 54 bush. 11 lbs. per acre.

AN EXPERIMENT IN BREAKING VS. BREAKING AND BACKSETTING.

The fact that backsetting prepares the land very much better for the second crop
is borne out by the following experiment: —

The field was broken about 3 inches deep in May, 1907. In August, part of it
was backset 2 inches deeper than the breaking, and the whole piece was sown with
three varieties of winter wheat. The sowing was done at right angles to the ploughing,
so that each variety was sown partly on land merely broken and partly on backsetting.
The three varieties resemble each other very closely. The last variety is the ordinary

5094— p. 3G8,

REPORT OF MR. W. H. FAIRFIELD

369

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Turkey Red, commonly grown under the name of Alberta Red, from tlie best locally
grown seed that could be obtained. The first two are pure improved strains of the
same, obtained from the Kansas Agricultural College, where they have been carefully
selected and bred.

It might not be out of place to mention here that the word Alberta Red is often
used in a sense that is not technically correct, for it is the term used in the Manitoba
Grain Act in describing the various grades of hard red winter wheat. For example,
the Act states that ' No. 1 Alberta Red shall be hard, pure red winter wheat, sound,
&c., &c.,' consequently, any hard red winter wheat may be called Alberta Red, but on
account of there being but one variety of this class of wheat, the Turkey Red, grown
widely up to the present time in the district, the term Alberta Red has been used to
apply to this one variety, whereas it is properly applicable to any hard, red winter
wheat.

Test of Breaking and Backsetting.

Variety.

Breaking.

Breaking and
Backsetting.

Increased
Yield

per Acre
when

Backset.

Area.

Yield
per Acre.

Area.

Yield
per Acre.

Kharkov ,

Acres.

4-36

4-77
5-09

Bush. Lbs

50 32

51 38
45 17

Acres.

2-86
313
3 34

Bush. Lbs.

54 27
51 .53
47 41

Bush. Lbs.

3 55

— 15

2 24

Turkey Red, No. 380

Turkey Red (Alberta-grown^seed)

The average increase in yield in these experiments, apparently due to backsetting,
is 2 bush. 8 lbs. per acre. It should be made plain, however, that this increase in the
first crop does not represent all that is gained by the backsetting. In addition, all the
native grass is killed and the land is in very much better condition in every way for
a second crop.

To ascertain the quantity of seed most profitable to sow, an experiment, to be
continued for a number of years, was begun with the following results: —

Winter Wheat — Rates of Seed Per Acre.
Area of plots used, one-eighth acre each. Variety, Turkey Red.

•

Amount of Seed per Acre.

Wei ht
of Straw
per Acre.

Yield
of Grain
per Acre.

Lbs.
15

Lbs.

5,128
4,760
5,6.S0
5,528
6,216
5,544
6,280
5,440

Bush.

50
54
56
59
61
60
60
60

Tibs.

30

0
48
12
12
16
48

0

45

60

75

90

105

120

Although the plots sown at the rate of 60 lbs. of seed and upward per acre gave
the heaviest yields, it must be borne in mind thcit we had a favourable season, as,
although the amount of rain was not abundant, it came at such a time as to insure a

16—24

370 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

strong growth and a high degree of development in the winter wheat. In a season
somewhat dry, the fields having thick stands are the first to show the efi^ects of drouth.
So it would hardly he wise for farmers in the district to change the customary amount
of wheat sown (from 30 to 60 lbs. per acre) until a few further seasons' testing fur-
nishes more reliable conclusions as to the best amount of seed to sow under the condi-
tions in this district.

EXPERIMENT WITH DIFFERENT DATES OF SEEDING.

The first wheat was sown on August 15, 1907, and sowings were made twice a
month from then to December 1, at the rate of 30 lbs. per acre with the following
results : —

Date of Sowing.

Yield
per Acre.

Aug. 15

Bubh.

46
54
38
38
28
25
12
11

Lbs.
51

Sept. 1

0

„ l(i

48

Oct. 1

0

„ 15

32

Nov. 1

41

11 1,5

16

Dec. 1

20

It might be of interest to mention here that the present indication (March 31) for
the crop of 1909 is, that the sowing made August 15 is going to do better than that
of September 1.

THE CULTURE OF WINTER WHEAT.

As there are a great many letters being received asking for infomiation con-
cerning the best method of cultivation for winter wheat, when to sow, the quantity
of seed to use, &c., a brief outline of the method in vogue in this district is here given.

Although a winter wheat known as Odessa has been grown in the Cardston and
Pincher Creek districts for the last twenty years or more, the first hard winter wheat
raised on a commercial scale was not sown until the fall of 1901, when llr. E. E.
Thom.pson, then of Spring Coulee, imported a car of Turkey Red from Nebraska.
Although there have been further importations of the same kind of seed into the
province, most of the four million odd bushels threshed this past season are from that
first car of seed.

For sieven seasons this wheat has been sown from July to December', the seed
varying in quantity per acre from two pecks to six pecks and more. Naturally, some
failures have been met with, but one important fact has been established beyond
question, that the district is peculiarly adapted to the growing of hard winter wheat.
Of the details, such as the best mode of preparing the ground, the best time to sow,
and the right quantity of seed to use, much is still to be learned. In all agricultural
experiments, the average of a number of seasons is required before reliable conclusions
may be drawn.

PREPARATION OF THE LAND.

If sod is to be used, it should be broken in May and June, while the soil is moist
and before the rainy season is over. May breaking usually gives better results than
June breaking. The sod should be rolled or flattened down as fast as it is broken, to
facilitate the rotting process. It is the custom to break 3 J to 4 inches deep and

REPORT OF MR. W. H. FAIRFIELD 37I

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

prepare a seed bed by the use of a disk, drag harrow and float. The latter is a con-
trivance made of four or five 2-inch planks a foot wide, 12 to 16 feet long, laid flat-
ways and lapped to resemble somewhat a washboard. This implement, when weighted
with stone or sods added to the weight of the driver, crashes quite effectively small
pieces of sod which, when dry, could not be broken up well with the drag-harrow.
The float should be followed immediately with the harrow, for evaporation takes place
very rapidly from the land when the surface is left too smooth. If the floating is
done just before seeding, the seed-drill will, of course, roughen the surface. A light
harrowing immediately after seeding is advisable.

BACKSETTING.

Although it is not customary to backset in this district, it is a practice that cannot
be too highly recommended. When backsetting is to be done, the sod should be broken
as shallow as practicable and immediately rolled or flattened down by a Aveighted float.
The earlier the breaking after the grass has started growth, the better will be the
results. In the latter part of July or early in August the land is again ploughed
(with stubble bottom ploughs), about 2 to 3 inches deeper than it was broken. A
seed bed can then often be prepared by the use of the harrow only, but a disk should
be used if the condition of the ground requires it. Special attention should be called
to the importance of harrowing each day's ploughing at night before leaving the field.
If an engine is used, the harrow should be attached to the plough, or if horses are
used on a sulky or gang plough, one section of a harrow should be attached so that the
land is harrowed as fast as it is turned. In fact, this practice of harrowing land
immediately after it is ploughed should always be followed. Too much stress cannot
be laid on this point.

TIME TO sow. .

Although our results for this season would indicate that September 1 is the best
date to sow, this is one of the questions that will require some further years' experience
and observation before a reliable opinion can be offered.

QUANTITY OP SEED TO SOW.

This, as well as the proper time to sow, is a point about which we have not
suflicient data at hand to draw very satisfactory conclusions. It is reasonably safe to
assume that thin sowing will fill better in a dry season, while in a normal or wet
season, medium to heavy seedings will fill equally well, besides producing a larger yield.
It is not wise to go to extremes either way. Thirty to 60 lbs. or 45 to 60 lbs. is prob-
ably the approximate amount of seed to sow per acre.

TREATING FOR SMUT.

Winter wheat should be treated for smut just as conscientiously as is spring grain.
Either the formalin or bluestone method is satisfactory, providing that the work is
done carefully. Very smutty grain should never be used for seed, for, even when
treated thoroughly, some smut is apt to appear in the resulting crop. If seed wheat
is treated every year whether any smut can be found in it or not, the trouble will be
kept in subjection. With either method used, it is important that each kernel be
thoroughly wet. As to the strength of the solution, it should be strong enough to kill
the smut spores, but not so strong as to injure the vitality of the grain. The strength
of solution most often recommended is 1 pound of formalin in 32 gallons of water,
and in the case of bluestone, 1 pound thoroughly dissolved in 6 gallons of soft water.
The sacks into which the grain is to be put after it is treated should have been dipped
into the solution also.

16— 24i

372

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

HARROWING THE GROWING GRAIN.

The land is not apt to become crusted much in the fall, but should it become so
in the spring after heavy rains, it is a commendable practice to harrow it.

EXPERIMENTS WITH SPRING WHEAT.

Sixteen varieties of wheat were sown on April 13, 1908, at the rate of about one
bushel per acre, in plots of one-seventieth acre each, on backsetting. The land was a
sandy loam.

Spuing Wheat — Test of Varieties (Non-Irrigated).

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

Name of Variety.

Percy A

Red Fife H

3|Chelsea ■. .

Preston

White Russian. . . . . .

Pringle's ChamplaiTi .

Bishop ....

White Fife

Marquis . .

Hungarian White . . .

Huron

Rud Fern

Stanley

Kubanka (durum). - .

Gatineau

Riga

^T3

bo

c« rt

a

S-4 QJ

Date

<4_ to

of

ftj

o a

Ripening.

•s^

d

(» c

J5

Hl-S

1908.

Inches.

Aug. 10..

119

40

M 17..

126

37

M 10..

119

36

6..

115

36

., 10..

119

36

7..

116

38

3..

112

33

.> 10. .

119

33

,- 7..

116

34

M 10..

119

38

M 10..

119

33

7..

116

36

., 10..

119

38

M 17..

120

36

>. 10..

119

37

4..

113

36

Character

of

Straw.

Strong..

It . .

Medium

Strong .

Medium
Strong. .
Medium

II
Strong .

Weak . .
Medium

T)

n

Weight

^

of

3 Straw.

B

a

1-1

In

Lbs.

4

3,220

3J

t 2,660

3J

^ 2,625

3J

t 3,290

4

3,045

3J

^ 3,640

3J

\ 2,800

3J

[ 3,430

•6i

; 2, .520

'6i

, 2,450

'Si

i 2,170

4

2,870

3

2,870

2i

I 2,310

3^

I 3,220

3

2,030

Yield

per

Acre.

Bush. Lbs.

35 ..

33 50

33 15

32 40

30 55

30 20

30 20

30 20

29 10

29 10

29 10

29 10

29 10

26 50

22 10

21 ..

? J: to
3 a

Lbs.

58
60
60

58

57

58

60

57i

62|

59|

60|

60

594

64

58

62

Average yield 29 bushels 33 lbs. per acre.

FIELD LOTS.

Owing to an accident in threshing, the yield from, a field sown on June breaking
and one on backsetting cannot be given. A field of fresh breaking, that is, broken in
April, double disced twice, harrowed and immediately sown on April 15, at the rate
of about one bushel per acre, yielded at the rate of 17 bush. lY lbs. per acre. This
practice of sowing spring grain on land freshly broken, although not as common now
as it was a few years ago in this district, should be discouraged, as the yields are
usually not satisfactory and the land is in poor condition for a second crop.

REPORT OF MR. W. H. FAIRFIELD

373

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

EXPEEIMENT WITH DIFFERENT AMOUNTS OF SEED PER ACRE

(NON-IRRIGATED).

Area of plots used, one-twentieth acre each; variety,- Red Fife; sown April 21,
1908 :—

Amount of Seed per Acre.

Lbs

15

30

45

60

75

t)0

105

120

Weight of

Straw
per Acre.

Lbs.

1,120
1,240
1,940

2,280
2,280
2,680
2,860
2,780

Yield of

Grain
per Acre.

Bush. Lbs.

16
24
29
30
32
32
32
31

40
0
20
40
0
20
40
20

EMMER AND SPELT.

One plot each of one-seventieth acre was sown with Common Emmer and Red
Spelt, respectively, on April 13, and cut August 22, thus taking 131 days to mature.
A poor stand was obtained from both. The soil was a sandy loam.

Emmer and Spelt — Test of Varieties (Non-Irrigated).

1

s

Name of Variety.

Length of
_ Straw,
including
Head.

Character

of

Straw.

Length

of
Head.

Weight

of
Straw.

Yield

per
Acre.

1

Common Emmer

Inches.

Inches.

Lbs.

2,100
2,100

Bush. Lbs.
37 10

2

Red Spelt

39

Strong

4

37 10

374

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910
EXPERIMENTS WITH OATS.

Twenty-four varieties of oats were sown on April 17, on sandy loam, at the rate
of about two bushels per acre, on one-seventieth acre plots on backsetting.

Oats — Test of Varieties (Non-Irrigated).

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

16

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

Name of Variety.

Improved American

Banner

Abundance

American Triumph.

Irish Victor .

Golden Beauty

Danish Island . ...
Improved Ligowo .
Kendal White . . . .
Twentieth Century .

.Joanette

White Giant

Wide Awake

Tartar King

Goldfinder ,

Lincoln , . .

Siberian

Golden Giant

Pioneer

Virginia White

Milford White

Swedish Select ,

Thousand DoUar. . .
Storm King

Date of
Ripening.

A

1908.

ug. 1 . ,

M 2 .

M 4.,

.. 4..

u 1..

t. G.

,. 2.

,- 1.

„ 2.

M 2.

,. 5.

M 2.

M 1.

M 2.

-.. 8

„ 3.

u 2.

n 14.

M 7.

n 2.

., 5

.. 1.

„ 1.

M 7.

6d

c

o

105

106
108
108
105
110
106
105
106
106
109
106
105
106
112
107
106
118
111
106
109
105
105
111

Length

of
Straw,
includ-
ing
Head.

Inches.

38
40
40
42
39
36
38
36
38
36
30
38
31
32
32
36
36
34
33
38
36
36
36
40

Character

of

Straw.

Strong.

Medium

Weak,.
[Strong.
Medium
Strong.
Medium

Strong.
Weak . .
Strong.
Medium

Weak

w

o

c

(U

In.

8
9
7
7
7
8
8
6
7
7
7
8
6
7
8
7
7
10
7
7
8
7
6
8

Weight

of
Straw.

Lbs.

3,745
3,570
3,255
3,482
3,640
3,185
3,570
3,570
3,010
3,220
2,520
2,380
2,310
2,450
3,220
2,800
3,220
2,205
3,010
2,030
2,870
2,590
2,730
2,310

Yield

per

Acre.

OQ

3

X>

m

1-1

85

15

80

10

80

10

74

21

74

4

73

3

72

2

72

2

70

.

64

24

63

28

63

28

63

28

63

28

61

26

60

30

59

24

58

23

57

22

57

22

55

20

55

20

55

20

51

16

Average yield 65 bushels 23 lbs. per acre.

S §
•7 3

o

Lbs.

EiELD Lots of Oats — Sown on Backsetting.

Variety.

Banner .

Tartar King. ...
Thousand DoUar.

Area.

Acres.

•6

•5

•0

1

9

Date of
Seeding.

April 17..

,. 17 .

M 18..
May 29..

.. 30..

Amount of
Seed used
per Acre.

Lbs.

130
65
65
65
65

Yield
per Acre.

Bush. Lbs.

80
65
78
40
37

26
30
17
3
25

REPORT OF MR. W. H. FAIRFIELD

375

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

EXPERIMENTS WITH DIFEERENT QUANTITIES OF SEED PER ACRE

(NON-IRRIGATED).

Area of plots one-twentieth acre; Tartar King Oats; sown April 22: —

Variety.

Date of

Seeding.

Amount of

Seed
per Acre.

"Weight
of Straw
per Acre.

Yield
of Grain
per Acre.

Tartar ElinGr

April 22....
.. 22....
.. 22....
., 22....
,. 22....
M 22....
.. 22....
.. 22....

Lbs.'

15

30

45

60

75

90
105
120

Lbs.

1260
1580
1600
1760
1960
2520
20ii0
1900

Bush. Lbs.
39 14

51 6
53 18

GO 20

55 30

62 32
60 20

55 30

Unfortunately, the gophers damaged these plots of oats so that the results cannot
be relied upon implicitly. This may account for the yield from the plot seeded at the
rate of 75 lbs. per acre being apparently irregular.

EXPERIMENTS WITH BARLEY.

Thirteen varieties of, six-rowed and eleven varieties of two-rowed barley were sown
on April 22, at the rate of about 1^ bush, per acre in one-seventieth acre plots on
backsetting. The land was a sandy loam.

Six-Row^ED Barley — Test of Varieties (Non-Irrigated).

Name of "Variety.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

Blue Long Head .

Claude

Empire

4 'Mansfield

Albert

Odessa

Mensury

Stella

Nugent

Yale

Oderbruch

Trooper

Champion .... .

Date of
Ripening.

July 31.

H 30.

M 30.

M 30.

M 31.

>. 31 .

M 30.

M 31.

M 30.

,. 31.

n 30.

M 31.

M 30.

^"2

60

f^

c

■S43

t>^S

2^

^1

o.S

•o§

6

§.2

In.

100

33

99

36

99

35i

99

m

100

38

100

33

99

34

100

40

99

34

100

39

99

30

100

39

99

40

Character

of

Straw.

Stiff...,

It ....

Medium

Stiff" . . .
Medium

Stiff'.'...

II . . . •
II ....

II . . .

Medium
Stiff....

T3

-^

S)

K

0

Weight

^

of

to

Straw.

fl

a-

i-i

In.

Lbs.

2i

3,570

H

2,590

ox

2,590

^i

2,730

3

3,570

2i

3,290

3

2,135

3

2,485

'^i

2,310

0

2.730

2i

1,750

H

2,280

2

2,240

Yield
per Acre.

Bush. Lbs.

56
55
48
42
39
37
37
37
36
32
30
29
20

42
20
10
14

8
44
44

9
22

4
30

8
20

ce O

a 2

a.

bo

a

■3
i)

I— «

a

(4

S)

<I>

m cS

Lbs.

43
44

48
48
41
49
44
48:
47
51
47
49
45

Average yield 38 bushels 36 lbs., per acre.

376

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910
Two-Rowed Barley — Test of Varieties (Non-Irrigated).

1
2
3

4

5
6
7
8
9
10
11

Name of Variety.

Swedish Chevalier.

Invincible

Sidney

Stand well

Danish Chevalier. .
French Chevalier. .

Gordon ...

Clifford

Canadian Thor|)e. .

Jarvis

Beaver

Date
of
Ripen-
ing.

July 31

H 30

,. 30

„ 31

-. 30

„ 30

M 30

„ 30

» 30

„ 30

„ 30

o

6

100
99
99

100
99
99
99
99
99
99
99

Length

of
Straw
includ-
ing
head.

Inches.

28
34
37
34
41
38
42
38
27
42
37

Character

of

Straw.

Medium

Stiff.

Medium
Stiff....

T)

c3

&

a

g

«4^
O

•^5

Yield

j3

-w

per

bo

be

Acre.

a

<u

h^

^

rj

In.

Lbs.

a. m
« Hi

2f

3,710

55 20

3

3,430

53 46

2i

4,270

51 2

n

3,640

49 28

4

3,780

45 10

2^

3,990

43 36

3

4,095

41 27

3

3,255

41 27

3

3,430

40 40

4i

4,340

35 0

4

2,590

30 50

>- OS

bo

c

^ <1> c/"j O

Lbs.

46

49

49f

45

49i

53"

53^

49

45i

53

46

Average yield 44 bush. 20 lbs. per acre.

A test of different quantities of seed per acre was so interfered with by gophers
that the results were not considered worthy of record.

WINTER BARLEY.

Seed of an interesting novelty for this part of the country was received from the
Kansas Agricultural College, in the form of winter barley. A small plot was sown
August 31, along with winter wheats. A good stand was obtained in the fall, but
during the winter a considerable portion died. The remainder was ripe July 23, and
yielded at the rate of 23 bushels, 43J lbs. per acre.

EXPERIMENTS WITH PEAS.

Although a fair stand of peas was obtained, they lacked vigour and thrift all
through the growing season and the results were disappointing. It has been suggested
that this lack of vigour may have been due to the soil being deficient in the proi)er
bacteria and that inoculation might have a beneficial effect.

Seventeen varieties were sown on April 15 at the rate of about two bushels per
acre, this varying slightly on account of differences in the size of the grain, in plots
of one-seventieth acre each on sandy loam.

REPORT OF MR. W. E. FAIRFIELD

377

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Peas — Test of Varieties (Non-Irrigated).

Si

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14.

15

16

17

Name of Variety.

Paragon

Archer

English Grey

Prince

Agnes

Prussian Blue

Early Britain

Golden Vine.

Arthur

Wisconsin Blue

Mackay

Daniel O'Rourke. . .

Chancellor

White Marrowfat. . .
Black-eye Marrowfat

Victoria

Gregory

Date

of

Ripening.

Aug.

M

July
Aug.

1..
3.,
2.5..
1..
3..
1..
1..
1..
1..
1..
I..
1..
1..
1..
4.,
4.,
1.

CO

>>

tS

■■a •

Weight

Yield

of

per

-^"S

Straw.

Acre.

E»n

p^

^

Lbs.

Lbs.

108

2,887

1,312

110

2,007

1,313

101

2,275

1,295

108

2,502

1,278

110

3,3G0

i,2no

108

2,730

1,190

108

2,747

1,172

108

2,747

1,172

108

1.995

1,155

108

3,115

1,155

108

2,362

1,137

108

2,782

1,137

108

2,117

1,102

108

2,852

1,068

111

2,715

1,060

111

3.256

888

108

2,135

735

Yield

per
Acre.

u

. S a^ a
.rt i, a a.

Bush. Lbs.

21 52

21 53

21 .'55

21 18

21 0

19 50

19 32

19 32

19 15

19 15

18 57

18 37

18 22

17 48

17 40

14 48

12 15

Lbs.

64 i

65'

62|

65

1:43

654

63|

64|

63

65i

64

63

63i

63|

63i

65

64^

Average yield 1 9 bush. 3 lbs. per acre.

EXPERIMENTS WITH RYE.

One half-acre of winter rye was sown the first week in September, 1907. There
was a good stand and a large quantity of straw was obtained, but the yield of grain
was light, being at the rate of 26 bush, and 28 lbs. per acre.

A small plot of one-seventieth acre of spring rye was sown and yielded at the rate
of 23 bush, and 42 lbs. per acre.

EXPERIMENTS WITH INDIAN CORN.

Fourteen varieties of corn were planted in a sandy loam on May 22. Two rows
of each variety were planted in hills, with 3 feet between rows, and another two rows
of each variety planted with the seed a few inches apart in the row. They were all
cut September 17. The yield of green fodder per acre in each case was computed from
two rows each 66 feet long.

378

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910
Indian Corn — Test of Varieties (Non-Irrigated).

o

Name of Variety.

1 North Dakota White..

2
3
4
5
fi
7
8
9

10
11
12

13
14

Angel of Midnight

Superior Fodder

Mammoth Cuban

Salzer's AU Gold

Kureka ....

Early Mastodon

Selected Learning

Pride of the North

Compton's Early

Longfellow '. .

White Cap Yellow Dent,

Wood's Northern Dent. .
Champion White Pearl*

Size of Plot.

2 rows, 66 ft.
Long, 3 ft . be
tween rows —

Height

In.

48

48
38 to 42
48 to 54
36 to 40
36 to 48
42 to 48
42 to 48
42 to 52

48
40 to 48
48 to 54

42 to 52

42 to 48

Condition
When Cut.

Weight per

acre grown in

rows.

Weight per

acre grown in

hills.

Tons. Lbs.

Tasselled.
Ears . .

No

Very few small
ears

No ears

7
6
6
6
5
5
5
5
5
5
4

1840
1800
1310
210
1880
1880
1770
1440
1000
1000
179C

4 1680
4 690
3 1370

Tons. Lbs.

3
3
5
5
5
4
3
4
6
3
4

1480

1710

120

1110

10

1680

1480

30

650

490

250

4 360

5 1110
5 670

Average yield of 14 varieties in rows : 5 tons 1,408 lbs. per acre,
hills : 4 tons 1,225 lbs. per acre. *One row partially destroyed.

Average yield of 14 varieties in

EXPERIMENTS WITH TURNIPS.

On May 5, twelve varieties of turnips were planted in a sandy loam, in rows 30
inches apart, on backsetting, the same again on May 19. After being thinned, they
were attacked by the flea-beetle so severely that the stand was badly affected. This
accounts to a great extent for the low yields obtained. The yield per acre in each
case was computed from two rows each 66 feet long. They were all pulled October 16.

Turnips — Test of Varieties (Non-Irrigated).

o

Name of Variety.

II Kangaroo.

2

o
O

4

5

6

7

8

9
10
11
12

Hall's Westbury

Hartley's Bronze

Halewood's Bronze Top

Good Luck

Mammoth Clyde ,

Magnum Bonum

.Jumbo

Perfection Swede

Skirving's

Carter's Elephant

Bangholm Selected ....

Yield
per Acre
1st Plot.

Tons. Lbs.

10

10

10

9

1648

1.516

788

1.536

216

236

1840

1444

520

1200

408

296

Yield
per Acre
1st Plot.

Bush. Lbs.

360 48

358 36

316 28

325 36

303 36

270 36
264

257 24
242
2i0

206 48

171 36

Yield

per

Acre

2nd Plot. 1

Tons

i. Lbs.

3

600

7

256

5

1484

6

144

3

1392

7

256

5

560

3

1392

5

824

4

976

5

164

1

1828

Yield
per Acre
2nd Plot.

Bush. Lbs.

no

237 36

191 24

202 24

123 12

237 36
176

123 12

180 24

149 36

169 24

63 48

REPORT OF MR. W. H. FAIRFIELD

379

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

EXPERIMENTS WITH MANGELS.

Ten varieties of mangels were sown on May 4, and again the same number on
May 18, in rows 30 inches apart and 66 feet long on backsetting; the soil was a sandy
loam. Both plantings were pulled October 16. The yield in each case was com-
puted from the weight of roots obtained from two rows each 66 feet long.

Mangels — Test of Varieties (Non-irrigated.)

s

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

Name of Variety.

Gate Post

Giant Yellow Globe

Selected Yellow Globe

Perfection Mammoth Long Red

Yellow Intermediate

Giant Intermediate

Crimson Champion

Half Sugar White

Mammoth Red Intermediate . . .
Prize Mammoth Long Red

Yield per Acre.

1st Plot.

Tons. Lbs .

13
13
13
12
11
11
11
11
10
10

1,984

796

136

24

1,760

1,496

1,496

1,364

1,912

1,780

Bush. Lbs .

446
446
435
400
396
391
391
389
365
363

24
36
36
24

36
36
24
12

2nd Plot.

Tons. Lbs .

896
1,160
1,860
1,200
1,556
500
100
1,404
1,728
1,576

Bush. 'Lba .

281
286
231
220
292
275
168
323
228
259

36

36

20
24
48
36

Average yield per acre : First so-vving 12 tons, 275 lbs.; second sowing 7 tons, 1,398 lbs.

EXPERIMENTS WITH CARROTS.

Six varieties of carrots were sown on May 4 and the same number again on May
18, in rows 66 feet long 20 inches apart, on backsetting; the soil was a sandy loam.
Both plantings were pulled October 16. The yield in each case was computed from
the weight of roots obtained from two rows each 66 feet long.

Carrots — Test of Varieties (Non-irrigated).

S

Name of Variety.

Giant White Vosges ,

Improved Short White ,

Ontario Champion ,

Mammoth White Intermediate.

White Belgian

Half Long Chantenay

10
9
8
7
6
4

Yield per Acre.

1st Plot.

TCHIB. libs .

1,186
77
1,107
1,404
1,068
1,425

Bush. Lbs.

353
301
285
256
217
157

6
17

7
43
48

5

2nd Plot.

Tons. Lbs,

1,405

1,405

1,068

58

930

296

Bush. Lbs .

256
256
217
234
115
204

44
44
48
18
30
55

The average yield, first sowing, was 7 tons, 1,711 lbs. per acre ; second sowing, was 6 tons, 860 lbs.
per acre.

380

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910
EXPERIMENTS WITH SUGAR BEETS.

Four varieties were planted on May 6 and the same varieties again on May 20,
in ro^YS 20 inches apart, in sajidy loam that had been backset. Both plantings were
pulled October 2G. The yield in each case was computed from the weight of roots
obtained from two rows each 66 feet long. Average specimens of roots from each
variety were sent to the Chemist, Mr. Frank T. Shutt, and the per cent of sugar in
juice and co-efficient of purity were obtained from the results of his analyses.

Sugar Beets — Test of Varieties (Non-irrigated).

£
s

1

Name of Variety.

Klein Wanzleben (Seed from Ray

mond )

French Very Rich . .

Wanzleben

Viluiorin's Improved

Yield per Acre.

1st Plot.

2nd I

«

X.

«

C m

00

C 00

O Si

s

O S>

H ^

^

H >A

10 770

346

10

5 1,543

9 1,602

326

42

4 1,801

9 1,503

325

3

4 1,227

9 454

307

36

4 1,5S1

P3 ^

192 23

163 21

153 47

159 41

Sugar
J nice .

p.c.

18 08
15-86
16-52
17-80

5 o

c
O

83-4

86-2
84-7
86-2

Average yield per acre for the three varieties ; 1st sowing 9 tons, 1,582 lbs.; 2nd sowing 5 tons, 13 lbs.

It is encouraging to the patrons of the Raymond factory to note that the crop
from seed furnished by the Knight Sugar Company, in the above test, was superior
to that from the other seeds, (which include another strain of the same variety), both
in yield and sugar-content.

EXPERIMENTS WITH POTATOES.

The season was not very favourable for potatoes. The crop all through the dis-
trict, including that on the Experimental Farm, was light.

Twenty-two varieties were planted May 19 on sandy loam that had been backset
the previous season. The rows were 66 feet long and two and one-half feet apart. All
the varieties were dug October 6. The yield in each case was computed from two rows
each 66 feet long.

REPORT OF MR. W. H. FAIRFIELD

381

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Potatoes — Test of Varieties (Non-irrigated).

3

1

2

3

4

5

€

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

Name of Variety.

Empire State

Holborn Abundance
American Wonder. .

Dreer's Standard

Vermont Gold Coin .

Carman No. 1

Country Gentleman .
Morgan Seedling. . . .

Rochester Rose

State of Maine

Canadian Beauty. .

Everett

Reeves' Rose

Burnaby Mammoth.

Uncle Sam

Vick's Extra Early.

Late Puritan

Early White Prize .
Dalmen^' Beauty . . .

Money-Maker

:rish Cobbler

Ashleaf Kidney

A verage
Size.

Large .
Medium
Large . .

Medium
Large . .

Medium

ti . .

Large . .

Total

Yield

per Acre.

m

a
W
138
132
127
127
121
118
118
117
IIG
116
116
115
114
114
112
110
107
103
100
94
92
85

36

36
36

48
48
42
36
36
36
30
24
24
12

48
24
6
36
24
48

Yield

per Acre
of Sound .

a

.a
1-5

138

36 ■

132

127

36

127

36

121

.

118

48

118

48

117

42

116

36

116

36

116

36

115

30

114

24

114

24

112

12

110

107

48

103

24

100

6

94

36

92

24

85

48

Yield

per Acre

of Rotten.

3

cq
None.

Yield

per

Acre

of Market-

able.

ji

»

tn

3

XI

a

1-1

107

48

92

24

96

48

94

36

101

12

94

36

74

48

75

54

77

. .

96

48

77

72

46

77

61

36

96

48

77

63

48

57

12

53

54

48

21

72

36

70

24

Yield
per Acre

of Un-
market-
able.

3

pa

30
39
30
33
19
24
44
41
39
19
39
42
37
52
15
33
44
46
46
46
19
15

x>

48
36
48

48
12

48
36
48
36
44
24
48
24

12
12
12

48
24

Form

and

Colour.

Longwhite
Round II
Long ti
Oval M
Round M
Flat _„
Long pink

Oval white
Long pink-

Flat _t.
Long pink
Oval white

M II

Round II
Flat „
Oval II

Average yield 113 bushels 45 lbs. per acre.

FLAX.

A plot of seven-tenths of an acre was sown with flax at the rate of about 30 pounds
per acre, on backsetting. The yield was low, being only 9 bushels per acre.

ALFALFA.

Four plots of alfalfa of one-fourth acre each were sown on June 9 and 10, with
locally-grown seed, at the rate of 5, 10, 15 and 20 pounds of seed, respectively, pe? acre.
Part of each of these plots was inoculated with soil from an old alfalfa field. An
irregular piece containing a little over an acre joining these plots was sown at the
same time, with the same kind of seed, at the rate of 12 pounds per acre. All of this
plot was inoculated. A good stand was obtained. The plants on all tha plots were
clipped once during the summer, but, although the crop was thrifty, a great deal of
growth was not made. No difference between the portion inoculated and that not in-
oculated could be noticed, but it is to be expected that the effect of this inoculation
will be more apparent next season.

382 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910
ALFALFA SOWN IN ROWS.

With the object in view of raising seed and also of ascertaining whether it would
be possible to increase the yield on non-irrigated land by this means if an abnormally
dry season were met with, a little over an acre was sown in drills 28 inches apart
on June 10. The same kind of seed was usted as in the previous experiment and the
soil was all inoculated. During the sxunmer the space between the rows was cultivated
to kill weeds and also to stimulal^e the growth of the alfalfa. As would be expected,
the cix)p made a much more vigorous growth than that made in*the plots sown in the
usual way. For* a fuller discussion of the question of inoculation, see Part U.

CLOVERS.

Small plots of one-fiftieth acre each were sown with Red, Alsike and White clover.
'Good stands were obtained.

GRASSES.

On June 10, a half-acre each was sown with Western Rye Grass and with Brome
Grass and a quarter acre with Timothy, at the rate of six pounds per acre in each case.
A good stand of Timothy was obtained but the other two grasses were thin.

APPLE ORCHARDS.

Three orchards were set out with the trees placed 15 feet apart each way. The
first contains cross-bred varieties and 54 were set out. The second contaiins seed-
lings of the cross-bred varieties and 66 were set out. The third consists of standard
varieties and 110 were set out. The majority of these established themselves fairly
■well.

A windbreak was planted on the north, west and south sides of the block contain-
ing these three orchards. It consisted of a row of Caraganas two feet apart and four
feet inside of these was planted a row of eottonwoods set four feet apart in the row.
A space of thirty feet was left between the cottonwoods and the first row of apples.

RHITBARB.

Nineteen varieties of rhubarb were set out on one side of the orchard. For a
list of these see under this heading in Part II.

PART II.— THE IRRIGATED FARM.

PREPARATION OF SOIL.

The preparation of the soil for this season's crops on the irrigated portion of
■the farm was the same as on the non-irrigated, except that the backsetting was done
later in the previous season when the ground was somewhat dryer, so that, when the
crops were sown in the spring, the soil was more loose and in not quite so good a con-
dition as was the non-irrigated farm. The raw prairie was broken during May and
June in 1907, and the backsetting was done in September and October of the same
year.

REPORT OF MR. W. H. FAIRFIELD

383

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

WINTER WHEAT.

A field lot of 3^ acres of Kharkov was the only winter wheat sown on the irri-
gated farm. The rate of seed used per acre was thirty pounds. On account of the
seed-bed not being in the best of condition, only a fair stand was obtained in the
fall of 1907. In the early winter, some horses broke in and pastured the young plants
o5f very closely, so, taken as a whole, the field did not have as favourable conditions
as did the various field-lots of wheat on the non-irrigated farm. The field was irri-
gated once on July 10 and was cut August 3. The yield was 41 bu. and 5 lbs. per acre.

EXPERIMENTS WITH SPRING WHEAT.

Thirteen varieties of spring wheat were sown April 14 in Vio acre plots on sandy
loam that had been backset. The seed was used at the rate of about one bushel and
one peck per acre. The plots were irrigated once on July 11.

Spring Wheat — Test of Varieties (Irrigated).

s

1

2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

10
11
12
13

Name of Variety.

Chelsea

Percy A

Pringle's Champlain

Marquis

Preston .

Hungarian White. . .

Huron

Bishop

Red Fern

Red Fife H

White Fife

Stanley

White Russian

1

Date

0.5

•<- £p

of

a 3

Ripening.

bo.3

<D a

'iZ

1-3-

Ins.

Aug. 15 . .

123

36

■■ 15..

123

36

u 10..

118

36

M 10..

118

31

1. 10. ,

118

34

n 10.

118

36

n 15..

123

32

„ 8..

116

34

,- 10..

118

36

„ 17..

125

36

M 17..

125

34

.. 17..

125

36

„ 18..

126

36

Character

of

Straw.

Medium
Strong .

II . .
Medium
Strong .
Medium
Strong .
Medium

II
Strong .
Medium

T3

®

w

Q

Weight

J3

of

60

Straw.

C

H)

Ins.

Lbs.

3i

2,660

3|

3,080

3i

3,010

3|

2,030

3^

2,905

3

3,500

3^

2,870

3

3,010

3^

3,220

3

2,695

Sh

2,870

H

2,345

4

2,555

Yield

per Acre.

.fl

^

^

pa

1-3

44

20

43

10

43

10

43

10

42

35

42

, ,

40

50

38

.30

37

20

34

25

30

20

22

45

22

45

fep3 i

® CO c«

Lbs.

64

63i

63^

64

63

62^

63

64

63

62i

63'

61i

61

Average yield per acre 37 bushels 20 lbs.

FIELD LOT.

One acre of Red Fife was sown April 15 at the rate of one bushel and two pecks
per acre. The field was irrigated July 15 and cut August 22. The yield was 38 bush,
and 20 lbs. per acre.

EXPERIMENTS WITH DIFFERENT AMOUNTS OP SEED PER ACRE.

The area of each plot was one-tenth acre and they were all sown with Red Fife
wheat on April 20 and irrigated July 15.

Amount of Seed per Acre.

Weight of

Straw
per Acre.

*

Yield

per Acre,

Gi'ain.

15..

Lbs.

Lbs.

2, .360
2, .540
2,460
2,720
2,830
2,740
2,820
2,450

Bush. Lbs.
30

30

35 40

45 -

34 30

60

40

75.

40

90

38 50

105 ;

37 40

120

30 20

384

EXPERUIENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

EXPERIMENTS WITH OATS.

TEST OF VARIETIES.

Twenty-four varieties of oats were sown on April 16 and 17 in Vto acre plots on
sandy loam that had been backset. They were irrigated July 11.

Oats — Test of Varieties (Irrigated).

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.

Improved American
Banner

Irish Victor

Abundance

Danish Island

Improved Ligowo. .

Goldfinder

Joanette.. .

American Triumph .

White Giant

Pioneer

Kendal White

Twentieth Centurj- .
jolden Beauty . . .

Milford White

Golden Giant

Wide Awake

Virginia White

Lincoln

Storm King

Siberian

Swedish Select

Thousand Do'lar. . .
Tartar King

Date

of

Ripening.

.-Vug. 8
., 10

8

7

M 15
8

M 18

M 20

8

„ 10

" 17

H 14
8

M 10

„ 14

M 21

,. 15
8
M 14
,. 15
M 18
„ 15
8

^

^'O

to

a

£ »

-t=_a

o.a

-c-o

60^

,

s o

o

£ a

^

h^---

Ins.

114

38

116

40

114

38

113

41

121

38

114

37

124

34

125

30

114

37

115

36

122

35

119

38

113

38

116

36

119

40

127

38

120

38

113

38

119

38

120

42

123

38

120

38

113

36

112

32

Character

of

Straw.

Strong

Medium

Weak .
Strong

n

Medium
Strong

Medium
Strong

Medium

Weak

rt

0/

w

o

Weight

.a

be

of
Straw.

a

0)

Ins.

Lbs.

8

3,010

7

3,010

8

2,450

8

3,255

8

3,220

7

2,310

7*

2,835

7

2,730

8

2,625

8

2,590

7

2,730

7

2,100

•8

2,660

7

2,450

8

3,325

9

2,380

7

1,890

8

2,450

8

2,240

8

3,080

8

1,190

7

2,170

8

1,680

7

2,100

Yield

per
Acre.

s
88

J

18
18

82

12

81

11

80

10

78

8

77

7

74

4

71

1

70

0

67

32

64

24

64

24

63

28

62

27

61

26

59

24

58

23

57

22

55

20

47

12

45

10

43

8

33

28

0, (c g

be w ^
^^ So C4

Lbs.

37|

39|

39

36

39

40i

39|

38|

33

38

39

40

40

39

39

31i

41

39i

39§

36

38i

41i

40

41i

Average yield per acre 65 bush.

Field lots of oat^ sown on baclcsetting and irrigated once.

Variety.

Banner

II

Tartar King

Area.

Acres.

1-8
5-2
11

Date

of

Seeding.

April 18.,
,1 IS..
II 20..

Amount of
Seed used
per Acre.

Lbs.

70
80
80

Date
Irrigated.

July 16.
I, 16.
II 15.

Yiold
per Acre.

Bush. Lbs.

81
83
75

19

15

3

6094- p. 384.'

REPORT OF MR. W. H. FAIRFIELD

385

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

EXPERIMENTS WITH DIFFERENT AMOUNTS OF SEED PER ACRE,

The area of each plot was one-twentieth acre and they were all sown with Tartar
King oats on April 22 and 23 and irrigated July 14.

Variety.

Date

of

Seed ins:.

TjMTtar King April 22.

„ 22.

„ 22

p 22.

., 23

„ 2:>

.- 23.

.. 23.

Date
Irrigated.

July 14.

M 14

M 14.

M 14.

.. H.

.. 14.

,. 14

„ 14.

Amount
Seed
per Acre.

of

Lbs.

15
30
45
60
75
90
105
120

Yield
of Straw
per Acre.

Lbs.

2,720
2,6G0
2,420
2,260
2,960
2,440
2,200
2,340

Yield
of Grain
per Acre.

Bush. Lbs.

60
51
61
69
74
64
68
66

20
26
26
14
24
4
8
10

EXPERIMENTS WITH BARLEY.

TEST OF VARIETIES.

Thirteen varieties of six-rowed and eleven varieties of two-rowed were sown April
21, at the rate of about 1^ bushels per acre, in one-seventieth acre plots on backsetting.
They were irrigated July 11. It may be stated that the irrigation of the uniform test-
plots of wheat and oats as well as of barley was unavoidably delayed a few days, on
account of a break in the Irrigation Company's main ditch, caused by the excessive
floods in June. In the case of the barley plots, the effect of the delay is quite
apparent. The two-rowed varieties, being later, were not so far advanced on July 11,
when they were all irrigated, as were the six-rowed, and, therefore, had not suffered
so much from drought. This, doubtless, is the reason that they yielded better than
did the six-rowed varieties.

Six-Rowed Barley — Test of Varieties (Irrigated).

g

5

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

Name of Variety.

Claude

Mansfield

Blue Long Head . ,

Yale

Odessa

Empire

Mensurj'

Nugent

Oderbruch

.Albert

Sf-lla

Champion

Trooper

Date

of

Ripening.

Aug. 5.

.July 29.

Aug. 7.

1.

1.

3.

July 29.

„ 29.

Aug. 1 .

July 29.

.. 29.

>. 29.

,. 29.

.

bb

1"^

05 'r*

be
O ^

bo o

.

c a

o

^-^

^

^

In.

106

30

99

32

108

26

102

.SO

102

32

104

30

99

34

99

32

102

32

99

30

99

32

99

34

99

32

Character

of

Straw.

Stiff.....
Medium.
Stiff.. . .

Medium.

Stiff.. ..
Medium.

bo

c

In.

n

3*

2h
oS

21

3

3

H
3
3
3

n

Weight

of
Straw.

Lbs.

2,450
2, .520
1 ,890
2,520
1,995
2,100
2,1.^5
2,030
1,820
2.800
2,030
1,3.S0
1,680

Yield
per Acre.

Bush. Lbs.

59
49
45
45
44
37
37
36
36
30
30
27
24

38
28
10
10
23
44
9
22
22
30
30
34
38

05.5

^ 3 C

k ^ '^

be t. S

I? Sis

Lbs.

48

52

45

.V2i

50i

51

48

:m

5l|

46

51

48i

49

Average yield 38 bushels 44 lbs.

16—25

386

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910
Two-Rowed Barley — Test of Varieties (Irrigated).

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11

Name of Variety.

Standwell

Sidney

Swedish Chevalier
Danish Chevalier.
Canadian Thorpe.

Gordon

French Chevalier..

Clifford

Invincible

Jarvis

Beaver

Date

of

Ripening.

lug. 8.

u 6.

„ 6.

„ 3.

,. 3.

.- 1.

„ 3.

„ 3.

t, 6.

„ 1.

M 8.

No. of

Days

Maturing.

109
107
107
104
104
102
104
104
107
102
109

Length
of Straw,
including

Head.

In.

30
30
26
30
26
32
30
32
28
36
S2

Character
of Straw.

Medium

Length

Weight

of

of

Head.

Straw.

In.

Lbs.

3

3,360

2S

2,450

4

3,360

4

3,080

21

2,170

2h

2,730

3

3,045

3^

2,870

3

3,115

4

3,395

3i

1,855

Yield .

per Acre. .

^

y

Bush

.Lbs.

70

0

62

34

61

12

45

10

43

36

42

14

40

5

36

22

35

11

32

39

28

21

cS^ a

« 3 2 'a

■f, ^ M 01 S

Lbs.

53

55

54i

53|

51

53i

53i

52

55

64

49

Average yield, 45 bush. 15 lbs.

FIELD LOT.

One and a half acres of Mensury barley were sown on May 29, at the rate of
about 14 bushels per acre. The field was irrigated on July 18. It yielded at the rate
of 30 bush, and 7 lbs. per acre.

EXPERIMENT WITH DIFFERENT AMOUNTS OF SEED PER ACRE.

The area of each plot was one-twentieth acre, and they were all sown with Mensury
barley April 22, and irrigated July 14.

Lbs.

15..

SO..

45.,

60..

75..

90.,
105.,
120.,

Aii.ount of Seed per Acre.

Yield

Yield

per Acre,

per Acre,

Straw.

Grain.

Lbs.

Bush. Lba.

1,580

32 4

2,380

35 20

1,800

37 24

2,200

39 28

2,800

37 4

2,540

39 8

2,140

34 28

2,900

35 0

EXPERIMENTS WITH PEAS.

TEST OF VARIETIES.

As on the non-irrigated farm, the peas did not do as well as expected. The
average yield per acre of the eighteen varieties grown on irrigated land is practically
the same as that of the seventeen varieties tested on the non-irrigated farm.

The eighteen varieties were sown April 14, on sandy loam that had been backset,
at the rate of about two bushels of seed per acre, some varieties a little more, depending
on the size of the grain. The size of the plots was one-seventieth acre. They were
irrigated July 11.

REPORT OF MR. W. H. FAIRFIELD

387

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Peas — Test of Varieties (Irrigated).

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

Name of Variety.

Victoria

Mackay

Paragon

Archer

Black-eye Marrowfat ,

Gregory ,

English Grey

Arthur

White Marrowfat . . .

Early Britain

Prince

Golden Vine

Picton

Agnes

Wisconsin Blue

Prussian Blue

Daniel O'Rourke . . .
Chancellor

Date

of

Ripening.

Aug

17..
15..
10..
17..
20..
20..
10..
10..
18..
10..
15..
15..
15..
15..
15..
10..
15..
10..

No. of

Weight

Days

of

Maturing.

Straw.

Lbs.

125

3,080

123

2,782

118

2,852

125

2,310

128

3,062

128

2,712

118

2,012

118

1,680

126

2,730

118

2,5.57

123

2,082

123

1,802

123

2,170

123

2,187

123

2,.537

118

1,942

123

3,027

118

2,012

Yield
per Acre.

Bush. Lbs.

25
23
22
21
20
20
20
19
19
19
18
17
17
17
17
15
14
14

40

37

27

0

8

8

8

50

50

24

57

48

30

12

12

28

53

18

bo

"3

Lbs.

65
64i
65
65

64j

63i

66|

64i

64

64i

65""

m"

66
65^
64
64i

Average yield 19 bush. 12 lbs. per acre.

EYE. ,

A small plot of spring rye was sown on April 17, and was irrigated July 11. It
grew about 4 feet high, was ripe August 20, and yielded at the rate of 16 bush, and
14 lbs. per acre.

EXPERIMENTS WITH INDIAN CORN.

TEST OF VARIETIES.

The object in view in growing this corn was to learn what varieties will produce
the most green fodder. Fourteen varieties were planted May 21, on sandy loam that
had been backset. Two rows of each variety were planted in hills with 3 feet between
rows, and another two rows in drills, with the seed a few inches apart in the drill.
The crop was irrigated July 22, August 1 and 10. All varieties were cut September
17. The yield in each case was computed from two rows, each 66 feet long, the com
having been weighed as it was cut.

IG-

-25. t

388

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910
Indian Corn — Test of Varieties (Irrigated).

Name of Variety.

Pride of the North . . . .

Mammoth Cuban

Ang-el of Midnight

Chanpion White Pearl .

Conipton's Early

Eureka

North Dakota White . . .

Early Mastodon

Longfellow

lO.Superior Fodder.

11
12
13
14

Sal/.er's All Gold

Selected Learning

White Cap Yellow Dent.
Wood's Northern Dent. .

Height.

Inches.

70—78

6G

CO

6(5—72

fiO— 66

70—76

64

72—78

66

66-72

64—72

72

66—72

66—72

Condition
When Cut.

No ears .......

Early milk . .
Barely in milk

No ears

Harly milk. . .

No ears

Barely in milk

No ears

•> ......

Early milk.. . .

Barely in milk
No ears

Weight

per acre

giown in

rows.

Tons. Lbs.

14

13

12

12

12

11

11

11

10

10

9

9

9

8

Weight

j)er acre

grown in

hills.

Tons. Lbs.

160
1,940
l,9(i0
1,300

2011
1,870
1,210

880
1,7S0
],5(i(>
1,360

260
40

610

13
12

8
9
10
10
9
9

10
7
7
8
6
8

400

i,ri60

500
1,910

3:)0

1,010
40

260

350
1,510

740
1,160
1,200

830

Average yield of 14 varieties in rows ; 11 tons 652 lbs.

i> II hills ; 9 tons 872 lbs. per acre.

. TUKNIPS.

Twelve varieties of turnips were sown, but they were so badly injured by the
turnip-fly soon after they came up, that before their injury was noticed, the crop was
practically destroyed.

EXPERIMENTS WITH MANGELS.

TEST OF VARIETIES.

Ten varieties were sown on May 4, and again on May 18, in rows 30 inches apart
on backsetting. The crop was irrigated four times: July 22, August 1, 10 and 29.
Both plantings were pulled on October 10. The yield in each case was computed
from the weight of roots from two rows, each 66 feet long.

Mangels — Test of Varieties (Irrigated).

s

Name of Variety.

1 Gate Post

2 Giant Yellow Globe

3 Perfection Mammoth Long Red .

4 Giant Yellow Intermediate

5 Half Sugar White

6 Yellow Intermediate

7 Crimson Champion

8 Prize Mammoth Long Red

9 Mammoth Red Intermediate....
10 Selected Yellow Globe

Yield
per Acre.
1st Plot.

Tons. Lbs.

19
18
17
17
17
15
14
13
12
11

1,864
828

1,772
716
56
360
248
928

1,344
836

Yield
per .Acre.
2nd Plot.

Tons. Lbs.

13
13

8
12

6
11

7
8
7

7

532

400

3()8

1,202

2-6

1,100

1,444

1,5.56

652

1,972

Average yield first sowing, 15 tons 1,495 lbs.

II Becoud sowing, 9 tons 1,350 lbs. per acre.

REPORT OF MR. W. E. FAIRFIELD

389

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

EXPERIMENTS WITH CARROTS.

TEST OF VARIETIES.

Six varieties were sown on May 4 and the same again on May IS, in rows 20
inches apart, on backsetting. The crop was irrigated four times ; July 22, August 1,
10 and 29. Both plantings were pulled October Ig. The yield in each case was com-
puted from the weight of roots from two rows each 66 feet long.

Carrots — Test of Varieties (Irrigated).

.D
B

Name of Variety.

Yield
per Acre.
1st Plot.

Ontario Champion

Giant White Vosges

Improved Short White

Mammoth White Intermediate

Half Long Chantenay

White Belgian

Tons. Lbs.

16
15
15
14
12
12

868
1,145

947
1,997
1,740

790

Yield
per Acre,
let Plot.

Bush. Lbs.

547
519
515
499
429
413

48
5

47

57
0

10

Yield
per Acre.
2nd Plot.

Tons. Lbs.

11
11
11
11
10
6

205

1,265

1,463

641

592

1,088

Yield
per Acre.
2nd Plot.

Bush. Lbs.

371
387
391
377
343
218

35
45

3
21
12

8

The average yield first sowing was 14 tons 1,247 lbs. per acre.
II second sowing was 10 tons 890 lbs. per acre.

EXPERIMENTS WITH SUGAR BEETS.
test of varieties..

Eour varieties were planted May 6 and again May 20, in rows 20 inches apart,
in sandy loam that had been backset. They were irrigated three times on July 22,
August 1 and 10. Both plantings were pulled October 13. The yield in each ease
was computed from the weight of roots obtained from two rows, each 66 feet long.
As was done on the non-irrigated farm, average specimens of roots from each variety
v^^ere sent to the Chemist, Mr. Frank T. Shutt, and the percentage of sugar in juice
and the co-efficient of purity were obtained from the results of his analyses.

Sugar Beets — Test of Varieties (Irrigated).

s

Name of Variety.

French Very Rich

Klein Wanzleben (seed from Raymond).

SjWanzleben

4 Vilmorin's Improved

Yield per Acre.

1st Plot.

a
o
H

14
12
12
10

1,601

1,740

790

374

1st Plot.

I J

pq 1-^

493 21

429 ..

413 10

339 34

Yield per Acre.

2nd

Plot.

n

S

3

H

1-3

5

1,920

9

1,503

10

1,721

9

454

2nd Plot.

198 40

325 3

362 . .

307 36

Sugar

in
Juice.

p. c.

15-97
18 13
15-60
16 69

O

P.O.

870
89-9
820
86 7

Average yield per acre of the four varieties. | J'^^^* ^^^^'"^^ = ^l ^^^^ H^G |bs.

° -^ *^ (.Second m 8 tons 1,899 lbs. per acre.

390

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910
EXPEEIMENTS WITH POTATOES.

■TESTS OF VARIETIES.

Twenty-five varieties of potatoes were planted on May 19 on sandy loam, that had
been backset the previous season. The rows were two and one-half feet apart. They
were irrigated three times on July 22, August 1 and 10. They were all dug October
9. The yield was computed in each case from the weight of potatoes obtained from
two rows each 66 feet long.

Potatoes — Test of Varieties

(Irrij

^ated).

i

Name of Variety.

Average Size.

Total Yield
per Acre.

Yield

per Acre,

Marketable .

Yield
per Acre,
Un-
marketable .

Form and Colour

1

2

Early Manistee

Holborn Abundance

Rochester Hose

Very large

Medium

Large

Bush.

453
275
275
270
268
264
264
259
257
255
255
250
250
242
235
235
226
226
222
217
213
208
204
202
160

Lbs.
12

36

24

36
24
12
12

48
48

24
24
36
36
12
48
24
28
36
24
36

Bush.

426
242
253
257
248
244
253
237
237
231
246
242
231
224
228
217
216
209
211
202
189
184
195
192
101

Lbs.
48

24
36
12

36
36

24

24

48

48

9

12
24
12
16
4S
36
12

Bush.

26
33
22
13
19
19
11
22
19
24

8

8

19
17

6
17
10
17
11
15
24
24

8
19
59

Lbs.
24

12
48
48

43
12
48
48
48
36
36
36
27
36

24
12
12
48
48
24

Flat, pink.
Kound, white.
Long, pink.

4

Money Maker

Reeve's Rose

Ro»md, white.

15

Long, pink.

6

IT

American Wonder

CJariiiaTi No. 1

Long, white.
Flat, white.

8
9

Late Puritan

Morgan Seedling

Country Gentleman

Ashleaf Kidnev

Long, pmk.
tl II

10
11

11 . . .'

II II
Oval, white.

!*>

State of Maine

tl

M

II II

13
14

Twentieth Century . . .

Bumaby Mammoth

Uncle Sam

Irish Cobbler

Dreer's Standard

Canadian Beantv.

Flat, white.
Long, pink.

15
16
17
18

11 ... .....

II

H

II II
Flat, white.
Oval, white.
Long, pink.

19

Vermont Gold Coin

Vick's Extra Early

Early White Prize

Everett

Dooley

Round, white.

20

Flat, white.

21

22

9S

Medium

II

Large

II

Medium

Oval, white.
Long, pink.
Round, white.

24
95

Empire State

Dalmeny Beauty

Long, white.
Oval, white.

Average yield for the 25 varieties, 7 tons 867 lbs., or 247 bushels 47 lbs. per acre.
There was no rot in any of the varieties.

FOEAGE CHOPS.

ALFALFA.

On account of the land being so new, it was thought best not to plant a very large
area of alfalfa, for this crop usually thrives better on older land. Consequently only
about five acres were so^vn. The ideal preparation of the soil for alfalfa is to summer
fallow a field on which at least one or two crops of grain have been raised. The seed
should be sown in May or early in June, without a nurse or cover crop.

The alfalfa plots were all irrigated on August 4 and 5 and again on October 8
and 9 so that the ground might be thoroughly wet for the -nnnter and to avoid the
necessity of having to irrigate before the first cutting was made in the spring.

REPORT OF MR. TF. E. FAIRFIELD 391

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

INOCULATION.

It has been found in this province that to make alfalfa thrive it is necessary for
the land on which it is sown to be inoculated with the germs of certain bacteria that
live on the roots of the plant. The simplest way to do this is to take some soil from
an old alfalfa field and scatter it over the surface of the land to be sown, at the rate
of 100 or 200 pounds per acre.

This is worked into the soil as the seed bed is being prepared. Nearly all of the
ground on which the alfalfa was sown was inoculated this way but some was left un-
treated. All of the plots sown came up well and a good uniform stand was obtained.
The plants were clipped once with a mowing machine but they had not made sufficient
growth to make it worth while to rake up what was cut. The second growth was 6
to 10 inches high at time of frost.

No difference could be noticed between that which was inoculated and that which
was not till about September, when the latter began to appear less thrifty and did not
make within two to four inches as much growth. The difference in the colour of the
foliage was particularly striking.

A small plot was sown with seed that had been treated with a culture furnished
by the Provincial Department of Agriculture, Edmonton, but there was no noticeable
effect on th-e growth resulting from this treatment.

EXPERIMENTS WITH DIFFERENT AMOUNTS OF SEED.

Six plots of one-fourth acre each were sown at the following rates of seed; 5, 10,
15, 20, 25 and 30 pounds per acre. A good stand was obtained on all of them.
%

DIFFERENT KINDS OF SEED.

Small plots of one-fiftieth acre each w^re sovm. with the following kinds of alfalfa
seed; home grown seed, taken from a field that had itself been grown from locally
threshed seed, so that it will be starting the third generation of plants grown in the
district, Turkestan seed supplied from the Central Farm, and seed bought on the
market under the name of Turkestan.

MIXTURE OF ALFALFA AND GRASSES.

Plots of one-quarter acre each were sown with mixtures of Alfalfa and Brome
grass. Alfalfa and Timothy, Alfalfa and Western Rye grass and Alfalfa and a mix-
ture of all three grasses. A good stand of alfalfa was obtained m each case but the
grasses were very thin. These were all irrigated along with the other plots of alfalfa.

CLOVERS.

Small plots of one-fiftieth acre were sown with Eed, Alsike and White clover
and a good stand was obtained on all three plots.

GRASSES.

A quarter of an acre of timothy and a half-acre each of Brome grass and Western
Bye grass were sown. The seed in each case was sown at the rate of 6 pounds per acre.
A rather poor 'stand was obtained, as germination was feeble owing to lack of showers
after the seeding was done. Half of thes^e plots were top-dressed with some very
coarse barn-yard manure in November. These plots were irrigated at the same time
that the alfalfa plots were.

HAY.

About thirty loads of native hay were cut on the farm. In addition to this, a
small field was sown with a mixture of wheat and peas and was cut green for feed.

392 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

TREES AND SHRUBS.

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

A strip two rods wide just inside the boundary fence on all four sides of the farm
was broken and backset in 1907 preparatory to setting out three rows of trees. The
two outside rows were planted in the spring of 1908, with various arrangements of
Cottonwood, elm, ash, l^anitoba maples, willows and evergreen trees. The inner row
is to be set later with smaller trees and shrubs of various kinds. A large supply of
trees and shrubs were received from the Central Farm and these were set in the
nursery, to be available for transplanting later.

As a whole the material in the nursery, set out in the spring of 1907, wintered
in a very satisfactory manner.

APPLE ORCHARDS.

As on the non-irrigated farm three orchards were set out, the trees being placed
15 feet apart each way. The first consisted of cross-bred varieties ,of apple and 51
■^vere S'-^t nut. The second consisted of seedlings of the cross-breds and 63 were set
'out. The third consisted of standard varieties and 48 were set out. Most of these
established themselves fairly well.

STRAWBERRIES.

Eorty-eight varieties of strawberries were obtained in the spring and set out
in rows 3 feet apart. Fifty plants each were set out in double roavs 50 feet long,
with the exception of ten varieties where only twenty-five plants each were received.
Most of the varieties were shipped from Ontario by mail and some of them were in
poor condition when they arrived, so that a good stand was not obtained in all cases,
in fact in a few instanoep all the plants died. But the plants that established them-
selves sent out runners which will be used in the spring to fiill in the blank places in
the rows. The following is a list of the varieties of which there are some plants living.

Tennessee Prolific, Glen Mary,

Buster, Williams,

Warfield, Ridgeway,

Haverland, Bismark,

Early Beauty, Steven's Late Champion,

Senator Dunlap, Senator Dunlap

(from locally grown plants),

William Belt, William Belt

(from locally grown plants),

Aroma, Splendid,

Ruby, Beder Wood,

Carrie, Abingdon,

Parson's Beauty, Fountain,

Bubach, Brandy wine.

Uncle Jim, Clyde,

Irene, 3 W's,

Gandy, Wild Native,

Staples, Pocomoke,

WorhFs Wonder, Chipman,

Nettie. Elba,

Van Deman, King Edward,

Aug Luther Minute Man,

REPORT OF MR. W. H. FAIRFIELD 393

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

VEGETABLES.

A fairly large assortment of vegetables were planted and the results as a whole
were fair, but on account of the newness of the land some kinds did not do as well
as they otherwise would.

All the hardier varieties of vegetables tested did well, such as lettuce, radish,
spinach, cabbage, cauliflower, turnips, beets, carrots, parsnips, peas, &c., &c.

The Squaw corn produced a good crop and ripened seed. Several of the earlier
varieties of sweet corn produced a good supply of roasting ears.

But two varieties of tomatoes were tried. These were Spark's Earliana and the
same variety from a strain of seed selected at the Central Experimental Farm. The
latter ripened a few tomatoes.

English Vegetable Marrow was ready for use August 20, and was quite prolific.

Cucumber — McKenzie's Prolific was ready for use August 20 and was a good
bearer.

Several Golden squash and a few Hubbard squash were matured.

RHUBARB.

Roots of the following varieties of rhubarb were supplied from the Brandon
Experimental Farm in the fall of 1907, and were set out in the spring of 1908 : —

Early Crimson. Queen.

Brabant's Colossal. • Magnum Bonum.

Victoria. Prince Albert.

Tottle's Improved. Paragon.

Strawberry. Tobolsk.

Koyal Albert. Sangster's Prince of "Wales.

Giant. Early Prince.

Marshall's Linnaeus. Early Scarlet.

General Taylor. Excelsior.

Scarlet Nonpareil.

FLOWER GARDEN— ANNUALS.

Several varieties were started in the hot-bed, but those sown in the open gave more
satisfactory results on the whole, although they were somewhat later in coming into
bloom. The showing made by them in the latter part of the summer was good and
they were admired greatly by visitors. The outside sowing was made on May 28 and
29. The following is a list of the flowers planted : —

Abronia urabellata. Ageratum.

Antirrhinum. Asters.

Balsam. Brachycome.

Calendula. Chrysanthemum coronarium.

Clarkia. Dianthus.

Eschseholtzia californica. Godetia.

Nasturtium. Poppy.

Salpiglossis. Scabious Major mixed.

Scabious Dwarf mixed. Stocks.

Sweet Sultan. Tagetas.

MEASUREMENT OF IRRIGATION WATER.

To ascertain the exact amount of water used in irrigating the farm, a box two feet
deep was placed in the lateral canal that supplies water to the farm. A Lalli Water
Register was purchased and installed. An attempt was made to keep a continuous
record of the depth of water passing over the box at all times during the summer.

394 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

There were, unfortunately, numerous breaks in this record, one of the principal causes
being that the clock movement was not reliable. On account of these breaks, it was
found that it was impossible to compute the quantity of water used with any degree
of accuracy. This was certainly unfortunate, for information along these lines will
be of value to the users of water in the irrigated districts of the province.

A Friez Water Register, which is very highly spoken of by engineers and irriga-
tion investigators in the Western States, has been purchased, so that it is hoped our
measurements of the water for the coming season will be more satisfactory. The
Lallie instrument will be thoroughly gone over and put in good working condition.
Two registers are required, as the water for the Farm is supplied by two laterals from
the company's ditch, on account of the railroad cutting the irrigated farm into two
portions.

HORSES.

We have eight work horses weighing about 1,400 pounds apiece. These are com-
mon grade stock but they are young and serviceable. In addition to the above, a team
of lighter horses are kept for driving. This team is not idle a great deal, for our being
nearly four miles from the post office, in addition to other necessary driving, gives
them quite a little to do.

Two of the mares were with foal when the horses were purchased in 1907, but
as they had been bred on the open range, the sires of the two colts were unknown.
The colts are now two years old but they are of inferior quality. During the summer
and fall of 1907, the horses were allowed to run on the range on Sundays and another
of the mares got with foal, dropping a filly in August.

CATTLE.

Two grade cows are kept to supply milk to the families living on the farm. A
heifer calf of one of these cows has been raised and is now nearly a year old.

TRACTION ENGINE.

A twenty horse International gasoline traction engine was purchased in the fall,
and in March a Cockshutt engine gang-plough was obtained. The working of the
machine is very satisfactory.

MEETINGS.

During the year I addressed Institute meetings at Gleiehen and Taber, attended
seed fairs where I acted as one of the judges, also speaking at the meetings on the
conclusion of the judging at the following places: Irvine, Cardston, Macleod, Nanton,
Gleiehen and also at Gainsborough and Cardiff in Saskatchewan. I acted as one of
the judges at the Provincial Seed Fair at Calgary.

On August 10 to 11, I was in attendance at the annual convention of the Western
Canada Irrigation Association at Vernon, British Columbia. On September 11 and 12
1 travelled with a delegation of Scotch farmers as they were passing through this
portion of the province. On October 6, I attended a meeting in Winnipeg of the Grain
Standards Board of v/hich I am a member for Alberta.

I had the pleasure of being present at the conference of those interested in the
westward shipment of grain, held at Calgary, February 3 and 4. I also attended the
conference of Institute Workers of Alberta held at Calgary in January. On February
23, 24 and 2.5, I was in attendance as a delegate at the Trans-lfissouri Dry-Farming
Congress held at Cheyenne, Wyoming, where I delivered an address.

REPORT OF MR. W. E. FAIRFIELD

395

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

DISTRIBUTION OF SAMPLES.

The samples of -wheat contained 5 pounds and those of oats and barley contained
4 pounds. There -were in all 104 of these sent out to applicants. There "were 28
samples of potatoes and 178 small packets of tree seedlings sent out.

SALE OF GEAIK

In disposing of the surplus of Kharkov and Turkey Red -winter -wheat, a rule
was m,ade limiting each applicant to not more than four bushels. This is sufficient to
so-w from four to seven or eight acres and so provide the recipient -with ample seed for
the folio-wing year. IJp to March 31, 119 of these four bushel lots together -with 10
two bushel lots have been sold.

CORRESPONDENCE.

For the twelve months ending March 31, 1909, there were 1,250 letters received
and 1,239 letters were sent out, not including circulars.

METEOROLOGICAL REPORT.

Months,

Highest
Temperature.

Lowest
Temperature.

Total _
Precipitation.

Bright
Sunshine.

1908

April

May

Day.

19
7
25
30
I
6
8
7
8

%

31

Degrees.

81-1
85-4
86-2
91-6
94-9
91 0
76-6
73-5
67 2

48-8
56-2
65-5

Day.

1

1
22

6
27
26
28
11
31

7
12

7

Degrees.

00
300
38-9
33-7
35 6
19 2
10 5
— 3 8
-28-3

—45-4

—28-5

3 5

Inches.

0-688
2-595
7-009
0-365
0-904
0 575
0-572

Hour

202
184
253
360
322
217
149
122
143

8.

4

5

June

July

August . . .

Sentember

8
1
9
6

October

8

Decern ber

0-36

0-3
0-2
0-5

1

1909
•Tanuarv

120 0

Febrnarv

122-9

M.&;rch '.

194-2

Totals . . .'

14-068

2393.^

In the above, 10 inches of snow is computed as one inch of precipitation.

I have the honour to be, sir,

Your obedient servant,

W. H. FAIRFIELD,

Superintendent.

9-10 EDWARD VII. SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 A. 1910

EXPERIMENTAL FARM FOR BRITISH COLUMBIA.

KEPORT OF THOMAS A. SHARPE, SUPERINTENDENT.

Agassiz, B.C., March 31, 1909.

To Dr. Wm. Saunders, C.M.G.,

Director of Dominion Experimental Farms,
Ottawa.

Sir, — I have the honour to present herewith my report for the year ending March
31, 1909.

The winter of 1907-08 was very mild, with no severe storms, but the spring
opened in April with cold winds from the north, northeast and northwest, accompanied
by showers of rain which kept the ground cold and wet, and the gro^vth was very slow.
Many fields of mangels had to be sown twice, and in some instances, three times.

The cold wet weather prevented the pollination of fruit blossoms, and as a con-
sequence, most varieties of fruits were a light crop. The wet spring favoured the
meadows and pastures, and hay was a good crop on most farms. In June, the weather
turned dry, and from June 1 until September 30, the precipitation was the lightest
for some years, and for the whole year, from April 1, 1908, to March 31, 1909, the
precipitation has been the lightest we have had since records hav^e been kept at this
station.

Com did not make much growth until July and was so late that even the earliest
of the Flint varieties failed to ripen.

The dry summer favoured the curing of the clover crop, which is often very diffi-
cult to save in ordinary seasons, and what fruit was raised was, owing to the bright
warm summer and autumn, very fine in quality and appearance.

The yield of grain and roots was about the average and of superior quality, and
the weather very favourable for harvesting. November was as usual wet, the rainfall
amounting to very nearly seven and a half inches, but the lowest temperature recorded
was 32 on the 27th. December was mild with more than the average sunshine, and,
for the month, a very light rainfall. January began mild, but a cold rainstorm set
in and the weather turned colder, the rain freezing on the limbs of the trees, until they
were so weighted that many trees were split, had their limbs broken ofi', or the whole
tree overturned. The thermometer registered five degrees below zero on the 8th, which
was the lowest record here since 1894, and the only time we have had zero since that
date.

Fortunately the ice storm only extended about eight miles east and a like distance
west of this place and consequently the damage done to orchards was not extensive.
The rain froze on the ground, covering it with a coat of smooth ice several inches
thick, and fall wheat and clover suffered. February and March were mild and pleasant,
but there is not much growth yet either in meadows or fruit trees.

CLEARING.

A very little clearing has been done, and no ditching this year.

398 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910
CATTLE.

Since my last report, all of the cattle have been tested with tuberculin by Dr.
Tolmie, the Government Veterinary Inspector, and I am pleased to report that there
were no reactions. Several young bulls have been sold for breeding purposes, and a
number of animals have been fattened and sold for beef. ^ There are still on hand one
stock bull, one young bull, sixteen females and two steers, all in good health.

SHEEP.

The flock of sheep consists of one ram, seventeen ewes and one lamb, at this date.
During the year several lambs were killed by dogs or wild animals, several rams were
sold to head flocks, and several to the butcher. All of our flock are registered Dorset
Horned.

PIGS.

The stock of pigs at present on the Earm consists of one very fine Berkshire sow
received from the Central Experimental Farm herd, and twenty-seven pure bred York-
shires. Since my last report, a number of both breeds and both sexes have been sold
as breeders, and in every instance so far as heard from, the animals sold have been
satisfactory to the purchaser.

HORSES.

The stock of horses remains the same as at my last report, viz. : three teams of
young work horses, and one of those horses originally bought at the beginning of the
Earm work. This horse is still useful as a cart horse on the farm. We have also one
general purpose mare.

BEES.

Last season was not a very good one for bees, but thirteen swarms went into the
winter with a fair supply of stores, eleven have wintered, and at this date are busy
on sunshiny days.

NUT PLANTATION.

The nut trees are all making a strong growth, and many of them fruited this year.
The English Walnut is quite hardy here, and our trees are producing a few nuts each
year. A few trees of the Franquette variety have been planted and are doing very
well.

The Black Walnut grows very well, and the trees are commencing to bear. These
nuts are not of mi;ch value commercially, but once the tree gets well established, it is
pretty well able to take care of itself, and many rocky hillsides could be turned to
future profit, if planted with any or all of the different varieties of walnut.

The Japanese Walnut is a strong grower, with luxuriant foliage, and makes a
very fine shade tree. It begins to bear when quite young and bears regularly and very
freely, the nuts being borne in clusters, ranging from five to as many as sixteen. This
nut has a moderately hard shell, but the kernel is easily removed, is very sweet and
richly flavoured, and the tree is quite hardy.

The nuts from our trees have been distributed to fanners and planters through-
out the province, and reports are beginning to come in of trees making strong, healthy
growth. They will make very handsome shade trees, as well as produce abundant
crops of nuts.

REPORT OF MR. THOMAS A. 8HARPE 399

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

The different varieties of chestnuts have grown well, but the tree blooms so late
in the season that the nuts do not always come to maturity. The tree, however, makes
a fine spreading shade tree, with a wealth of handsome foliage.

The butternut grows into a thrifty spreading tree, but, up to the present, our trees,
although they have a spread of from 25 to 30 feet, have not produced more than
a cluster or two of nuts each. Perhaps, with greater age, they may become more pro-
ductive.

The shell-bark hickory makes a fine growth, and two of our trees have produced
nuts.

The Pecan trees make a fair annual growth, but have not yet borne fruit.

Filberts. — The plantation of Filberts has made a splendid growth, and each
variety produces a few clusters of nuts each year, but the only really productive sort
in a collection of over forty named varieties is Pearson's Early Red. The bushes of
this variety do not grow as large as many of the others, but they fruit freely every
year. The nuts range from five to ten in a cluster; this nut is small, but very fine in
flavour. It is almost impossible to get ripened nuts, owing to the blue jays which
come in flocks and carry off the fruit.

MOUNTAIN ORCHARDS.

These orchards bore a heavy crop of apples and a fair crop of pears, plums and
peaches on the highest bench, and a fair crop on No. 2, but the bears were so plentiful
that none of the fruit got ripe. The crop of wild berries was a light one and the bears
were driven in to the orchards on both sides of the river, and much of the fruit on
the level, as well as that in the mountain orchards', was taken. There were nineteen
bears killed in this vicinity during the autumn.

When the trees were small they got the fruit by bending the limbs down, and
did not do the trees much harm, but, now that the trees are older and have grown large,
the bears climb up the branches, their weight splits or breaks many branches down,
and the trees are being gradually destroyed.

FOWLS.

We have had, during the past year, five pens of pure-bred fowls. Rhode Island
Red, White Wyandotte, Barred Plymouth Rock, Buff Orpington and Black Minorcas.

We have an excellent strain of Rhode Island Red fowls; they have laid well;
their eggs are large, they hatched well, and the chickens were strong; not one
of them died from sickness, although some were taken by hawks. The chickens
mature early, are quiet and easily handled. WTien mature, they are about the size of
the "^Hiite Wyandottes. All accounts received from those who bought Rhode Island
Red eggs here for hatching were good hatches and strong chickens.

All of the other breeds mentioned we have had for several years, and they have
varied but little as to results, comparing one year with another.

The Black Minorcas are good layers of large eggs, their chickens are perhaps
rather delicate the first six weeks of their lives, but after that, are usually strong and
healthy, but they do not make a good table bird.

Barred Plymouth Rocks are good layers, as well as large, plump table birds. They
are larger than the Rhode Island Reds and White Wyandottes, but do not mature as
early as these two breeds.

The Buff Orpingtons are fine large fowls and good layers; they are quiet in
disposition, good table birds, and mature at about the same age as Barred Plymouth
Rocks.

The White Wyandottes are also good layers, quiet and easily handled, the chickens
arc strong and easily raised and mature early.

400

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

In most cases, it is the strain, together with the care and feed, as much as the
breed which produces good or poor layers.

The fowls are kept confined, each breed in a separate pen with a yard attached,
from January 1 to July 1. During the balance of the year they are at large. While
they are in pens, the hens of one pen, each breed in its turn, are at large. We think
tliat giving them tliieir liberty, one day in five, when they have the range o(f the fann,
and eat grass and insects of different kinds, will be likely to ensure a better hatch and
stronger chickens.

The hens are fed mixed grain, wheat, oats, peas and barley; about one-half wheat,
one-quarter oats and one-quarter of peas or barley. In winter they have a cabbage-
head or turnip to pick, also small potatoes boiled and mashed with any chop we may
have. They also get any milk there is to spare. They have also fresh water, grit and
broken clam shells always before them.

The pens are cleaned once a week, when fresh chaff or straw three or four inches
deep is put on the floors. The whole of the inside of the building is cleaned by
spraying several times a year with whitewash, to which is added carbolic acid. The
roosts are frequently washed with Cooper's Sheep Dip. The hen houses and fowls
are almost free of insects of any kind. The yards are frequently limed and dug over,
keeping them pure and clean. It is more necessary to pay particular attention to keep-
ing the hen houses and yards clean in this climate, as we have considerable mild, wet
weather.

There has been no sickness of any sort among the fowls this year, except a few
cases of what appears to be rheumatism, caused, probably, by the wet weather in the
spring and autumn.

We find dampness much more trying to the fowls than bright, frosty weather.

There is a good demand for eggs for setting, and for any birds, either male or
female, which there are to spare.

EXPERIMENTS WITH EALL WHEAT.

Six varieties of fall wheat were sown in the variety test. The previous crop was
peas on a clover sod, and the land was in very good condition, but the winter was
rather unfavourable, and the plots suffered from the freezing and thawing, many
plants being thrown out and the yield thus reduced. The seed was treated with
formaldehyde and there was no smut. The seed was sown at the rate of one and a half
bushels per acre, and the size of the plots was one-fortieth of an acre each.

Eall Wheat — Test of Varieties.

to

^-'

T3

li

rit tb

g

■« oi

cS

(^

ii ^

0)

« -r. -^

Name of Variety.

Date
of

Date

of

Char-
acter of

0

J3

Kind

of

4J

Yield
per

t pen
ed bu
Clean

Sowing.

Ripening.

0
6

J""

Straw.

til

a
In.

Head.

Acre.

Weigh
sur
after

In.

3 ^

Lbs.

1-3

PQ 1-5

Turkey Red

Oct. 15...

.July 28...

285

40

Stiff . . .

4

I'.earded. .

2780

24 40

G4

Abundance

.. 15...
M 15...

" 27;;'

285

284

42
41

If ....

n ....

3
3

Beardless.

3800
3-180

23 40
23 20

r,3

Dawson's GoldenChaff

Kharkov

„ 15...

285

38

Weak . .

2i

Bearded. .

2C.40

22 40

(;4

Red Velvet Chaff....

„ 15...

285

39

Stiff. ..

3i

Beardless .

1840

21 ..

G3i

American Banner

„ 15...

285

43

t1 ....

3

II

2G40

20 20

63

«0

o

00

o

05

o

be

c3

S

m
ft

cf
0)

5)D

>

o

s
s
be

h

<u
o

-^

5094- p. 400.

REPORT OF MR. THOMAS A. SHARPS

401

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

experi:m:en'ts with fall rye.

Eour plots of one-fortieth of an acre each of fall rye were sown alongside of and
under the same conditions as the fall wheat. The rye plants are hardier and these plots
did not suffer as much as the wheat plots and the jaeld was much better. The grain
is not of much value here and there is no market for rye straw, so that it is not much
sown.

Fall Rye — Test of Varieties.

bb

^.•^

73

^

cS"* bo

a

g ss

<«

cj

a jz c

Date

Date

Char-

0;

Kind

U-i

Yield

)erm

bus

eani

Name of Variety.

of

of

-CT3

acter of

O
J3

of

o

per

r"so

Sowing.

Ripening .

o

Straw.

SO

Head.

Acre.

-g,-^

6

a
t-3

Qi
^

I-?

In.

In.

Si

Bush.
Lbs.

Lbs.

Mammoth White

Oct. 15....

July 20..

282

G2

6

Bearded . .

2680

34 16

5S|

Giant

M 15...
,. 15...

H 24...
M 25...

281

282

GO
59

6
6

II . .
It

2580
3800

32 28
28 32

60

Thousand Fold

&9i
59

Emerald

M 15...

,. 24...

281

GO

6

II . .

3010

27 48

EXPERLMENTS WITH SPRIN'G WHEAT.

Fourteen varieties of spring wheat were sown on April 10. The previous crop
was corn, which followed clover, and, the clover stubble having been manured with
about ten tons of barnyard manure per acre and carefully prepared for the seed wheat
and the seed treated with formaldehyde, there was, if the season proved favourable,
every reason to hope for a h^eavy crop. The growth was strong and the heads long and
promising, but enough midge appeared to survive, to considerably injure the crops,
many of the heads being only half filled or the grain shrunken. The plots were one-
fortieth of an acre each and there was no rust.

Spring Wheat— Test of Varieties.

u

s

1

2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

10
11
12
13
14

Name of Variety.

Date

of

Ripening.

Chelsea

Marquis

Riga

Bishop . . . .

Stanley

Percy

Huron

Preston

Hungarian White . .

White Russian

Red Fern

Pringle's Champlain

Red Fife

White Fif©

16—26

Aug. 11..
8..

II 15. .

M 14..

,1 13..

,1 13..

II 13..

I, 10..

.1 13..

I- 12..

II 14..

11 14..

II 11..

II 11..

Cffi

^■^

73

s

cs -n

a

n aj

d

m ^

^ be

Char-

o

o s

acter of
Straw.

O

.

c u

a

o

a> S

a>

^

I-3'"

1-3

In.

In.

122

46

Stiff . . .

4to4i

119

45

t» ....

3A to 4

126

42

tl

2ito3

125
124
124

42
46
44

II
II
II .

'^X.

'^

3"to4.

124

44

(1 .

3 to 34

121

46

II .

4

124

44

II .

3 to 4.

123

46

II .

3.\....

125

46

II .

3 to 3*

125

48

It .

...'3 to 4.1

122

44

,

8 to ol

122

44

II .

...

3^ to 4

Kind

Yield

of
Head.

o
"fcc

per
A ore.

0)

CO

3

M

iJ

Beardless.

2520

30

II

2760

28

40

It

2.320

28

It

31(.0

27

20

It

.3080

25

20

It

2520

24

40

II

2880

22

Bearded . .

26S0

20

40

It . .

2!)<S0

20

20

Beardless .

3920

18

Bearded . .

3120

18

II . .

3 +80

16

40

Beardless .

3280

15

20

It

3560

14

••

■" I- 7
be _ «

►5 « ««

Lbs.

65

64|

63*

64|

63

64

64

64

63

62i

64*

63i

63

62i

402

EXPEIiniEXTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910
EXPERIMENTS WITH OATS.

Twenty-four varieties of oats were sown in this test. As in previous years, the
oats followed a hoed crop, the land having produced a crop of corn in 1907 and clover
in 1906. The clover had received about twelve tons of barn-yard manure to the acre,
the winter before it was broken up for the corn. The land was ploughed as early
as possible in the season and harrowed to start any weed seeds, then harrowed and
disked before the seed was sown.

The size of the plots was one-fortieth of an acre each and the soil was a sandy
loam. The seed was sown on April 10, at the rate of two and a half bushels per acre.

All the seed was treated with formalin, and the crop was very free from smut,
tlie grain being plump and bright.

Oats — ^Test of Varieties.

3

Name of Variety.

1 Wide Awake

2 Abundance. .

3 Golden Beauty

4 Improved Ligowo
6 Improved American

6 Golden Giant

7 Pioneer

8|White Giant
9 Lincoln . . . .

10 American Triumph

11 Kendal White

12 Banner

1.3 Twentieth Century

14 Danish Island

15 Milford White . . . .

16 Goldfinder

17 Tartar King

18 Siberian

19 Swedish Select . . .

20 Storm King

2illrish Victor

22 Joanette

23
24

Virginia White. .
Thousand Dollar

a
(5

Aug.

7
8
9
4
11
11
4
9
7

118
119
120
115
122
122
115
120
118
9i 120
5i 116
116
118
115
116
115
115
119
116
il4
117
114
117
116

o c

Ins.

41
40
38
46
38
41
46
39
37
41
46
38
41
36
38
42
40
36
40
41
38
44
40
38

=« 5

■■m

o

Stiflf

Medium
Stiff .

Weak .
Stiff ..

Medium
Stiff .

■x:

ce

w

o

be
c
s>

In^

9 to 10
10
11
10
10
12
10
10

9
10

9

11

9 to 10

9

9
11
12

9
11
12
10

9
12
10

Kind

of
Head.

Branching

Sided. . .
Branching

Sided....
Branching

Sided....
Branching

Sided.....
Branching

'S

Lbs.

3,040
2,740
2,440
2,260

2,5i;o

3,220
2,840
2,240
2,650
2,520
2,650
2, .320
3,040
2,040
2,850
3,090
2,280
2,360
1,890
2,040
1,960
2,97f
2,360
2,000

Yield

per
Acre.

pq k1

87 2

86 16

85 30

84 4

83 18

81 26

81
81

16
6

80 30

78 28

76 16

75 30

75 20

75 10

74 24

74 14

73 4

71 26

67 22

67 2

65 30

64 14

60 ..

50 20

S-c
t> S s

— - a; —

bet; ^

, bi

Lbs.

36i

33|

35

38

361

331

384

36i

37

36

34i

37'

34

37i

34i

37|

33^

36;^

38
36
35
35
35f

Rusted.

Very little.
No rust.

Very little.

If
No rust.

Very little.
No rust.

EXPERIMENTS WITH BARLEY.

The soil of these plots was sandy loam which had been planted to corn in 1907,
which followed a clover crop, and had recei\-«d a dressing of about twelve tons of
barn-yard manure per acre on the clover sod.

This was harrowed and cut with the spading harrow to break any lumps and
fine it before ploughing. The corn crop was a very good one and the land was in
good condition for the barley.

It was ploughed in autumn after the corn was removed, and disked and harrowed
repeatedly before the barley was sown. The plots were one-fortieth of an acne each
and the seed was sown at the rate of two and a half bushels per acre. The seed was

REPORT OF MR. THOMAS A. SHARPE

403

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

treated, as in former years, witli formaldehyde, and there was no smut or rust on this
crop. The weather was very dry and hot when the grain was ripening, which hastened
the maturing a little, but the sample was very fair and bright.

Thirteen varieties of six-rowed, and eleven varieties of two-rowed barley were
sown in this series of plots. All were sown April 10.

Srx-ROWED Barley — ^Test of Varieties.

g

5^

Name of Variety.

Blue Longhead

: Trooper

; Odessa

Mensury

I Oderbruch . . . .
i Empire

Stella

Albert

9 Yale

10 Nugent

11 Mansfield

12 Claude.

13. Champion

.-.

G

Date

0

of

Rip

enmg.

o

^

JulT

r 28..

108

29..

109

29..

109

28..

108

28..

108

31..

111

28..

108

29..

109

30..

110

30..

110

29,.

109

29..

109

24..

104

g $

CO*-'
—, fco

o c

■S'-B

C O

<o a

In.

34

38
42
42
42
43
3G
40
40
38
42
40
38

Character

of

Straw.

StiEf,

Length

of
Head.

Inches.

2ito3
" 3^

2^

4

3

2i

3i

3

2h

3i
3

Weight

of
Straw.

Lbs.

2,120
3,640
2,520
2,560
2,080
2,880
2,400
2,600
2,400
2,420
2,228
2,720
2,600

Yield

per
Acre.

Bush. Lbs.

55 40

49 8

47 24

46 32

44 28

8

8
24

44
40
39
37
36 32
35 40
33 16
30 40

c3 'oj ^

fePQ §

Lba.

43

49i

50

471

5U

50i

50"

53

49^

48i

49i

52"

41

Tavo-rowed Barley — Test of Varieties.

£
7^

1
2
3

4
5
6
7
8
9

10
11

Name of Variety.

Danish Chevalier .

Sidney

Stand well

French Chevalier .

Invincible

Beaver

Jarvis .

Swedish Chevalier

Clifford

Canadian Thorpe .
Gordon

Date

of

Ripening.

Aug. 1.,

3.

3.

3.

3.
July 31.
Aug. 1 .

3.

1.

3.
July 31.

bo

C

d

I ^

<*- to
o c

bcji;

o a
1-^ —

Character

of

Straw.

In.

112

40

114

42

114

39

114

38

114

41

111

40

112

48

114

40

112

44

114

40

111

43

Stifif.

Medium

Stiff....

Medium

Stiff....

Medium

Stiff..

Med ium

Stiff....

Length

of
Head.

Inches.

3^ to 4

4i .
2^ to 3

4

3
3^ to 4

4i
3| t5 4i

4

3
3to3i

Weight

of
Straw.

Lbs.

3,000
3,150
2,280
2,400
3,080
2,800
3,480
2,360
2,880
2,940
2,640

Yield.

per

Acre.

Bush. Lbs.

58

16

52

34

52

24

51

32

50

40

50

—

49

28

49

8

48

36

42

14

38

16

o

a.

'IS 0 **-•

Lbs.

51

51i

51

52i

50^

53

5H

50i

53|

31

51i

16— 26 J

404

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

EXPEEIMENTS WITH PEAS.

Seventeen varieties of peas were sown in the test plots this year. The land was
a sandy loam which had been in clover in 1906, and received a dressing of about
twelve tons per acre of farm-yard manure in the winter of 1906 and 1907. This was
turned under in the spring of 1907 and planted with corn. The land was clean and
in good condition when prepared for the i)eas, and, as will be seen by the results, the
crop has been a very fair one. No doubt the yield would have been better but for
the drought in midsummer, when the peas were filling. All were sown April 10, the
large varieties at the rate of three bushels per acre and the small varieties at the rate
of two and a half bushels per acre.

Peas — Test of Varieties.

S

1

2
3

4
5

(;

7
8
9
10
11
12
13
H
15
IC
17

Name of Variety.

Early Britain

Chancellor

Agnes ,

Paragon

Victoria

Picton

Daniel O'Rourke ....

Wisconsin Blue

Black-Eye Marrowfat

Prussian Blue

Golden Vine

Mackay

Gregory

Aitlnir ,

Eiigli h Grey

Piince

White Marrowfat

bb

a

Date

of

Ripening.

to .-,

■- c3

«4-l ^

d

Length
Straw.

Length

of

Pod.

Size of
Pea.

Yield

per

Acre.

Inches.

Inches.

Bush . Lbs.

Aug. 7..

119

53

3

Medium .

51 20

„ 9..

121

50

2i

Small . . .

50 40

M 12..

124

56

3

Large

49 20

1. 10..

122

64

3^

Medium.

48 40

M 10. .

122

48

3

Large....

47 40

,. 11 . .

123

54

3

Medium .

46 30

3..

115

50

2h

Small . . .

46 20

9..

121

53

3

It ....

46 ..

„ 10..

122

60

3i

Large

44 ..

5..

117

48

2l

Medium .

43 ..

9..

121

54

^

Small . . .

42 20

6..

118

48

3

Medium .

42 ..

7..

119

63

2-\

It

' 41 ..

7..

119

50

2i

Large.. . .

40 40

„ 10 .

122

52

3

Medium.

40 ..

» 12..

124

44

3

Large

38 40

„ 11..

123

54

3

ti

37 10

D XI

.,-1 Qj CO q;>
/I- -. 3 "— •

^ a Jo

Lbs.

EXPERIMENTS WITH INDIAN CORN.

This has been a very unfavourable year for Indian corn. The spring was wet
and cold, both before seeding and for a considerable time after, and, when the corn
did come up, much of it was pulled by the crows, although the seed had been carefully
tarred before planting which had protected it in prev^ious years.

After the weather turned warm, a drought set in, which prevented as fine a growth
as we usually have. The crop was light in consequence, the ears very immature in the
early varieties and only formed in some of the late varieties.

The yield per acre was computed from the yield of sixty-six feet of two rows
in both hills and drills. The drills were three feet apart and, where necessary, the
stalks were thinned to about six inches apart. The hills were 3 feet apart each way
and three or four stalks left in each hill. The corn was all planted May 19 on a clover
sod which had a good aftergrowth on it in the fall. During the winter about ten
tons per acre of barn-yard manure was applied and broken up fine with the disk and
dragged before ploughing, fourteen varieties were planted in this test.

REPORT OF MR. THOMAS A. SHARPE

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Indian Corn — Test of Varieties.

405

c

Name of Variety.

Compton's Early

Longfellow

Champion White Pearl . .

Selected Learning

White Cap Yellow Dent.
Superior Fodder.

7i Pride of the North .

8
9
10
11
12
13
14

Angel of Midnight

Mammoth Cuban

North Dakota White . .

Early Mastodon

Eureka'

Wood's Northern Dent.
Salzer's All Gold

Characte

r

of

Leafiness.

Growth

Strong . .

. Very

11 . .

II

n

. Medium . .

Medium

M . .

It

It . .

II

II . .

Fair.. . .

. Very

Medium

II

Fair....

It

11

. Medium. .

Weak . .

II . .

Strong .

It . .

Weak . .

It , .

II

II . .

When

Tas-

sellfcd.

Aug.
Sep.

Early
Milk.

28 Oct.
4
8
1
5
5
5
1
1
1
2
3
5

8..
8..
8..

8..

Aug. 2;

Condition

When Cut.

Oct. 8.

Late Milk. .

Ears formed

Early Milk.
Ears formed

II
Roasting ear
Early milk..
Ears formed
Early milk..

Weight

per Acre

grown in

Rows.

Tons. Lbs.

12

12

12

11

11

10

10

10

9

9

9

9

7

7

1,300
1,740
1,190
1,320
1,100
1,5G0
1,340

240
1,800
1,.580

881

40

1,840

300

Weight

per Acre

grown in

Hills.

Tons. Lbs.

13
11
12
12
12
10
10
10

n

10

10

9

7
7

.510

880

640

1,850

1,900

1,120

1,230

1,780

1,450

1,130

1,350

1,690

630

1,950

INDIAN COKN SOWN AT DIFFERENT DISTANCES BETWEEN ROWS.

Three varieties of Indian corn were planted in this test. The seed was planted
on land prepared for this variety test as in former years; the distances apart were
21, 28, 35 and 42 inches in each case.

The rows planted closer together gave the heaviest yield per acre but the corn
was much greener and not so well developed a's it was where the rows were farther
apart, up to 35 inches apart, but the corn was as well matured and as well developed
at this latter distance as at 42 inches between the rows. The stalks were thinned to
about six inches apart in the rows in each case.

Indian Corn — Different Distances Apart.

Name of Variety.

Distanc
Apart.

Date
^ of
Sowing.

Condition When Cut.

Date

When

Cut.

Weight
per Acre
Grown in

Row.s.

Weight

])cr Acre

Grown in

Hills.

Selected Learning

21 inches
28 1,

do II

42 1-
21 .1
28 „
35 ,1
42 ,1
21 ,1
28 II
35 1.
42 M

. May 19.

. II 19.

,1 19.

II 19.

II 19.
. „ 19.

■1 19.
. 1, 19.
. „ 19.
. II 19.

,1 19.
. ,1 19.

Ears formed

Oct. 9..
.1 9..
1, 9..
1- 9..
1, 9..
II 9..
II 9..
1, 9..
1. 9..
.1 9..
II 9..
1. 9..

Tons. Lbs.

20 1485
16 1094

14 1880
11 345
19 408
16 611

10 160
13 1980
19 1223

15 205
13 1900

11 1591

Tons. Lbs.
21 1840

16 109J

II 11

15 810

II II

Champion White I'earl

II " "

If II

Early milk.

Ni- ears formed

Very green, ears formed .

Ears formed

Karlv milk . ...

11 723
20 731
lb- 528
10 760
13 494

Longfellow

Small cobs formed

Ears formed

18 19C3

10 ir-20

Early milk

13 D20

Roasting ear

10 6&0

406

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910
EXPERIMENTS WITH TURNIPS.

Thirteen varieties were sown in thds test, which was made alongside of the mangels.
The soil was the same and the preparation of the soil the same. As in former years,
the Elephant was one of the best, being a heavy cropper and the roots even in size
and smooth with small tops and very little waste. The year has been unfavourable foi
turnips as the roots made little growth until late in the season, after the rains came
and the weather became cooler. As in previous years, two sowings were made, the
first on May 9 and the second on May 23, and all were pulled and weighed on October
31. Two rows of 66 feet each was the size of the plot weighed in the field for this test,
but the whole crop was weighed as it was hauled to the root cellar, and the result of
the field was practically the same as that of the plots.

Turnips — Test of Varieties.

J2

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

Name of Variety.

Elephant (Carters) - .

Kangaroo

Jumbo

Skirvings

Magnum Bonum

Mammoth Clyde

Halewoods Bronze Top .

Good Luck

Hartley's Bronze

Hall's Westbury

Perfection Swede

Bangholm Selected

Derby

Tons.

28
28
27
25
25
24
21
21
21
20
19
19
17

Yield per Acre.

First Plot.

Lbs.

1552

232

1968

1744

1612

48

1032

768

240

128

1600

1072

716

Bush. Lbs.

959

937
932
862
860
800
717
712
704
668
660
651
578

12
12
48
24
12
48
12
48

48

12
36

Second Plot.

Tons. Lbs.

30

588

1098

28

496

941

36

26

800

880

21

240

704

25

292

838

12

25

292

838

12

21

240

704

22

1012

750

12

20

11S4

686

24

22

852

739

12

19

1992

666

32

17

848

580

48

21

243

704

, ,

Bush. Lbs.

EXPERIMENTS WITH MANGELS.

This has been an unfavourable year for mangels, as the cold rains in spring pre-
vented the germination of the seed and the stand was uneven in consequence. Eleven
varieties were tested under the same conditions. The land was a light sandy loam and
had been in clover in 1906, receiving a dressing of about ten loads of manure on the
clover stubble. This was turned under early in the spring of 1907, and, after careful
preparation, planted in corn. Ploughed and put in good condition early in the spring
of 1908, the mangel seed was sown dn two sowings, the first on ]\Iay 9 and the second
on May 23 and all were pulled on October 21. The drills were thirty inches apart and
in June, when. the plants were well established, they were thinned, where necessary,
to about six inches apart in the row. The yield per acre was computed from the yield
of two rows each sixty-six feet long. Where there was a fairly even stand, the earliest
sowing has yielded the best crop, but, as the first sowing suffered more from the un-
favourable spring weather, the comparison, this season, is not a fair one.

REPORT OF MR. THOMAS A. SHARPS

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Mangels — Test of Varieties.

407

1^

<D
g

2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11

Name of Vakiktt.

Perfection Mammoth Long

Red

Mammoth Red Intermediate

Gate Post

Giant Yellow Globe

Prize Mammoth Long Red . .

Jumbo

Giant Yellow Intermediate..

Crimson Champion

Yellow Intermediate

Half Sugar White

Selected Yellow Globe

Yield per Acre.

1st Plot.

Tons

. Lbs.

26

1,196

26

932

20

1,712

19

940

19

16

18

1,224

17

980

17

848

17

584

15

1,152

14

1,832

886
882
695
649
633
620
583
580
576
519
497

Bush. Lbs.

36
12
12

36
24

48
24
12
12

2nd Plot.

Tons

. Lbs.

19

808

18

960

18

1,224

19

412

17

320

17

452

16

12

1,396

288

19
16
13

1,600

1,528

928

Bush. Lbs.

646
616
620
640
572
574
556
404
660
558
448

48

24
12

12
36
48

48
48

Description
of Variety.

Long red.
Large oblong red.
liong red.
Round yellow.
Long red.
Long oval white.
Short oblong yellow.
Oblong crimson.
Oblong yellow.
Oblong white.
Globe shape yellow.

EXPEKIMENTS WITH CARROTS.

Six varieties of carrots were sown in drills thirty inches apart, two sowings
cf each variety being made, the first on May 9 and the second on May 23. The soil
was a light sandy loam and had received a dressing of about twelve tons of barn-yard
manure per acre on a clover stubble, and ploughed in the fall of 1907, and thoroughly
worked up with disc and harrow before planting the carrot seed. As in previous years,
the Improved Short White was the best yielder, and the roots arc smooth and easily
harvested. The yield per acre w^as computed from the yield of two rows, each 66 feet
long. All the plots were pulled on October 21.

Carrots — Test of Varieties.

Name of Vakiett.

Improved Short White

Giant White Vosges

Mammoth White Inter-
mediate

White Belgian . .

Ontario Champion

6|Chantenay

Yield per Acre.

1st Plot.

Tons

Lbs.

29

1,796

28

660

26

1,328

26

800

22

352

16

1,000

Bush. Lbs.

996
944

888
880
739
550

36
20

48

12

2nd Plot.

Tons

. Lbs.

24
26

312
1,724

20
24
17
15

1,976

576

1,112

1,212

Bush. Lbs.

805
895

699
809
585
520

12
24

36
36
12
12

Description
of Variety.

Short smooth white.

Long white.

Short smooth white.

Short thick red.

408

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

POTATOES.

Twenty-five varieties of potatoes were planted in this test, on a light sandy loam
that was cultivated in the summer of 1907 to get rid of grass and had been manured
that spring. The land was in fine tilth when the seed was planted on April 22, and
there was a promise of a heavy crop, but the sandy land soon showed the effect of the
hot, dry weather and the tops dried up before the roots were matured. The yield was
computed from two rows of 66 feet each, dug September 23 and 24. The seed was
planted in drills two and a half feet apart, about one foot apart in the drill. The seed
was cut to two eyes each. There was no rot in any of the varieties and the tubers are
smooth, of average size and of very fine quality.

Potatoes — Test of Varieties.

1
2
3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

Name of Variety.

American Wonder..

Late Puritan

Vermont Gold Coin .

Carman No. 1

Morgan Seedling. . . .

Burnaby Mammoth . ,

Everett

Holbom Abundance.

Country Gentleman .

Empire State

Dooley

Twentieth Cent\iry . .

Early White Piize..

Reeves' Rose

Uncle Sam

Moneymaker

State of Maine

' Rochester Rose

l.flj Irish Cobbler

20|Dreer's Standard. . . .
21 1 Early Manistee

22 Canadian Beauty. . . .

23 Ash-Leaf Kidney....

24 Vick's E.xtra Early.

25 Dalmeny Beauty ....

Dug.

Sept. 24.

M 24.

., 24.

>. 24.

„ 23.

M 23.

u 23

>. 24.

>. 24.

M 23.

,. 24

„ 25.

,t 23.

,. 24

„ 23.

.. 23

.. 24.

.. 24

,. 24.

» 25.

M 25.

M 24.

.. 25.

„ 25.

I. 25.

Total Yield
per acre.

Bush. Lbs.

435 36

407 00

391 36

390 56

367 36

365 12

360 48
352

347 36

338 48

320 40
319

316 48
316

314 36
314

312 24

294 48

272 48
272
272

268 24
264

2.55 11

216 32

Yield

per

acre
market

of
able.

Bush.

Lbs.

370

16

355

00

352

36

336

323

16

310

36

270

36

288

40

285

284

288

30

271

10

247

246

12

2J5

24

257

20

266

44

224

218

18

234

231

12

236

12

224

30

200

162

24

Yield per

acre of
Unmarket-
able.

Bush. Lbs.

65 20
52
39

54 56

44 20

54 46

90 12

63 20

62 36

54 48

32 10

47 50

69 48

69 48

69 12
56 40
46 40

70 48

54 30
38

40 48

32 12

39 30

55 11
54 8

Form and Colour.

Long, flat white.
Long, white.
Oblong, white.
Round, white.
Long, pink.
Oblong, rose.
Long, red.
Round, white.
Oblong, pink.
Long, white.
Oblong, white.
Round, white.
Long, white.
Round, rose.
Round, white.
Long, white.
Long, pink.
Oblong, rose.
Round, white.
Long, white.
Rouud, red.
Ohlong, flat white.
Oblong, white.
Round, rose.
Round white.

FODDER PLANTS.

The following fodder plants were sown in plots of one-fortieth of an acre each.
The land was a light sandy loam that had been given a dressing of stable manure,
at the rate of ten loads per acre, which was well worked into the soil with spading
harrow and drag and the seed sown May 8.

Plot 1. White Round French Millet.— Stalks 18 to 24 inches long, heads 2 to 4
inches. Season too dry and crop light; weight of crop dried, 183 lbs.; 3 tons 132 lbs.
per acre.

Plot 2. Italian Millet.— Stalks 26 to 30 inches long and fairly leafy. Weight of
crop, 297 lbs.; 5 tons, 1,880 lbs. per acre.

Plot 3. German Millet. — Stalks 20 to 24 inches long, and fairly leafy, heads
2 to 5 inches. Weight of crop, 131 lbs. ; 2 tons, 124 lbs. per acre.

REPORT OF MR. THOMAS A. SHARPS 409

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Plot 4. Pearl Millet. — Stalks 22 to 2-8 inches long, heads very short, a poor stand.
Weight of crop, 116 lbs. ; 2 tons, 640 lbs. per acre.

Plot 5. Horse Beans. — Sown in drills 21 inches apart. Cut October 8. Length
of stalk, 16 to 22 inches, fairly well podded, jwds 1^ to 3 inches long. A very uneven
stand. Weight of crop, 300 lbs.; 6 tons per acre.

Plot 6. Horse Beans. — Sown in drills 28 inches apart. A very imeven stand,
and a light poor crop. Weight of crop, 210 lbs. ; 4 tons, 400 lbs. per acre.

Plot 7. Horse Beans. — Drills 35 inches apart. Stalks 20 to 24 inches long, pods
short and not well filled. Weight of crop, 198 lbs.; 3 tons, 1,920 lbs. per acre.

SUMMAKY OF CEOPS.

Tons. Lbs. Tons. Lbs.

Hay 80 1,588

Ensilage (com) 89

Total — 160 1,588

Boots —

Mangels 8 1,020

Turnips 36 1,700

Carrots 6 1,245

Total — 51 1,965

Fall wheat, 36 bushels 1 160

Eye, 7i bushels 420

Seed oats, 130 bushels 2 420

Seed barley, 28 bushels 1,346

Seed peas, 118 bushels 3 1,080

Spring wheat, 7 bushels 420

Mixed grains grown for feed. ... 14 80

SAMPLES DISTELBUTED.

Packages.

Scions and cuttings 302

3-lb. samples of seed potatoes 271

3-lb. samples of oats 223

3-lb. samples peas 107

3-lb. samples barley SO

3-lb. samples spring and fall wheat and rye 43

3-lb. samples of Indian corn 61

Nuts, tree seeds, and bulbs 485

1,572

COEEESPONDENCE.

Letters received 4,881

Letters despatched 4,717

GAEDEN VEGETABLES.

This has been the most unsatisfactory season for vegetables in many years. The
ground was kept cold and wet by the frequent showers and lack of sunshine all
through the spring, and several plots of the smaller seeds had to be resown, as the seed
did not germinate at all, or so feebly that they were valueless, as, when the hot, dry
summer weather set dn, many of them were not well rooted and never made a vigorous
growth.

410 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910
Table Beets — Sown April 21.

Extra Early Egyptian Blood Turnips. — Only a few seeds germinated. Eit for
tabic July 28. Sweet, but not crisp.

Early Blood Turnip.— Fit for the table July 28. Very dark blood-red, sweet
and of fine flavour.

Crimson Globe. — A rapid grower and superior in quality, fit for table July 28.

Eclipse. — A quick grower, very smooth shaped, darlv red, of good flavour, fit for
table August 10.

Long Blood. — Fair quality, but not as good as the early varieties, owing to the
very hot, dry weather when making most of their growth.

Table Turnips — Sown April 21.

Milan Early Purple Crown.— Fit for table June 16. Very crisp, very sweet, of
fine flavour, one of the best.

Early Snowball. — Very small, a quick grower, sweet and pleasant, fit for table
June 18.

Early White Strap Leaf. — Early, very white, crisp, sweet. Fit for table June 20.

Early Stone. — Good, if forced or grown very rapidly, but not tender or crisp this
year, as they made most of 'their growth when the ground was dry and hot. Fit for
table July 8.

Golden Ball. — ^A strong grower and smooth, with a fair flavour. Fit for table
July 22.

Radishes — Sown April 7.

Early Scarlet Turnip. — Very rapid grower and very crisp, sweet and pleasant.
Fit for table May 18.

Early Scarlet Tipped. — Fit for table May 18; very smooth, sweet, crisp and
pleasant.

Crimson Globe. — Round, smooth and handsome, crisp, sweet and good. Fit for
table May 20.

Olive Gem. — A rapid grower and very flne quality. Fit for table May 20.

Long Black Spanish. — Sown July 16. Very poor growth owing to drought, roots
small, tough and poor.

Scarlet China. — Roots of faiv size, but hot and of rather poor flavour.

Lettuce — Sown April 13.

Simpson's Early Curled. — A rapid grower, leaves crisp and very fine. Fit for
table use May 20.

Iceberg. — A vigorous, rapid grower, forming solid heads of crisp, fine flavour;
a very good variety. Fit for table May 29.

Early Prize Head. — A very fine early-heading variety; heads solid and crisp;
very sweet and good. Fit for table May 30.

Paris White Cos. — Very fine quality, crisp, sweet. Fit for table July 18.

Garden Peas — Sown April 20.

Rennie's Extra Early. — Fit for table June 20. Peas of medium size; pods well
filled; vines 24 to 30 inches long and productive.

Alaska. — An early productive variety of very &ne flavour. Fit for table June
27; vines 24 to 30 inches and productive.

REPORT OF MR. THOMAS A. 8HARPE 411

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Thomas Laxton. — Fit for table June 30; pea large, pods long and well filled, ^of
very superior quality.

American Wonder. — Fit for table July 4. Vines very dwarf but productive; pods
medium length, well filled; pea medium size with very fine flavour.

Gradus. — Vines 2 J to 3 feet; fairly productive; pods long and well filled with
large, very finely flavoured peas. Fit for table July 6.

Nott's Excelsior. — Vines 12 to 14 inches and productive; pods long and well
filled. Of very good quality. Fit for table July 6.

British Wonder. — Fit for table July 8, Vines 24 to 30 inches and very produc-
tive; pods long and well filled with large peas of very superior quality.

Queen. — Fit for table July 12. Vines 2^ to 3 feet long and productive; pods
very long; pea very large and of very fine quality.

Duke of Albany.— ^Vines 3 to 3 J feet and moderately productive; pods medium
length and well filled with very sweet, fine-flavoured peas. Fit for table July 16.

Beans — Planted April 20.

Extra Early Valentine. — Fit for table July 8. Pods round, plump and fine
flavoured. Vines very productive.

New Round Pod Kidney Wax. — Fit for table July 14. Pods 4 to 5 inches long,
round, firm, crisp and stringless; a very good variety. Vines strong growers and
productive.

Dwarf Black Speckled. — Fit for table July 14. Pods small and thin. Vine a weak
grower and not productive.

Stringless Green Pod. — Fit for table July 20. Pod 4 to 6 inches long; crisp, plump
and stringless. Good flavour and vines strong and prodtictive.

Wardwell's Kidney Wax. — Fit for table July, 24. Pods 4 to 6 inches long, plump,
stringless and of very good flavour. Vines vigorous! and productive.

Dwarf Emperor of Russia. — A strong grower and productive. Pods 3 to 5 inches
long, plump and crisp. Fit for table July 24.

Prolific Golden Wax. — Plants vigorous and fairly productive. Pods medium
length, plump, crisp and stringless with good flavour. Fit for table July 26.

Refugee. — Vines strong and fairly productive. Pods 3 to 5 inches long, plump
and crisp variety. Fit for table July 26.

Keeney's Rustless Wax. — Fit for table last of July. Vine a vigorous grower and
productive. Pods long, crisp and of very fine flavour.

California Pea Bean. — A strong grower and fairly productive. Pods 4 to 6
inches long and fairly well filled with handsome yellowish-white beans of excellent
quality. Ripe August 28.

Canada Field. — Vines fairly strong and productive. Pods 3 to 5 inches long and
well filled with fine, white beans. Ripe last of August.

Cabbage.

Seeds sown in beds in open garden April 17 and transplanted June 4.
First and Best. — A good true header, head solid and of medium size, good quality
with a delicate flavour. Fit for table July 8.

Extra Early Paris Market. — Heads small but solid, crisp, white, of fine flavour,
a very good variety. Fit for table July 10.

Early Jersey Wakefield. — Fit for table July 10, heads very solid, crisp, fine
quality; a very good variety.

412 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

Glory of Enkhuizen. — Fit for table August 4. Heads round, mediiun size, very
solid and very sweet, crisp and white.

Early Winningstadt. — Heads large, pointed, solid, crisp, and very good quality.
Fit for table August 24.

Danish Ball Head. — Heads round, medium size, solid and good quality. A very
even crop and a regular header. Fall and winter variety.

Fottler's Drumhead. — Heads large, flat, very heavy and solid. An even crop, a
regular header and an excellent keeper.

Giant Brunswick. — A regular, even header; heads very large, flat, round, solid,
very crisp and white and of very good quality; an excellent late or winter variety.

Mammoth Red Rock. — Heads large, very solid and heavy, very deep red colour
and of good flavour. A good keeper.

Netted Savoy. — Heads of medium size, very solid and heavy; of very delicate
flavour; one of the best. Fit for table early September and keeps well.

Savoy Drumhead. — Heads large, flat, circular and solid, very crisp and sweet,
very fine quality, and a good winter keeper.

Carrots — Sown April 13.

Early Scarlet Horn. — Stump rooted and a good cropper, grows rapidly and is very
sweet. Fit for table June 19.

Chantenay. — A rapid grower and a good cropper, very crisp and sweet. Fit for
table June 29.

Half Long Scarlet Luc. — Fit for table early in July, crisp and good.

Cauliflowers.

Sown in open beds April 21 and transplanted June 6. The summer was so dry
and hot that the cauliflower plants did not head well and did not endure long after
the head developed.

Selected Extra Early Dwarf Erfurt. — Heads very small, but firm, crisp, very white
and sweet. Fit for table late in July.

Extra Early Snowball. — Fit for table July 30. Heads of fair size, very white,
firm, crisp and sweet.

Lenormand Short Stem, — Heads large and firm, white, crisp and good. Fit for
table by the middle of August; stands the heat very well.

Autumn Giant. — Fit for table middle of September. Heads large, firm and
white, sweet and of very pleasant flavour.

Brussels Sprouts.

Seed sown in open beds April 17 and transplanted June 2.

Improved Half Dwarf. — A medium growth but thickly set with solid sprouts of
very fine flavour.

Giant. — A tall growing variety and stalk well set with large firm sprouts of excel-
lent quality, a good keeper.

Brocoll

Sown in open beds April 17, transplanted June 2.

Early White. — A very reliable heading sort, heads medium large, solid, white,
sweet and delicate. Fit for table early in August.

Walcheren. — Fit for table middle of August. Heads large, very compact, white,
crisp and very good flavour.

REPORT OF MR. THOMAS A. SHARPS 413

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Table Corn.

Planted in hills three feet apart each way. May 8.

Golden Bantam. — Stalks short, ears short, but filled out to tip, com very sweet
and of pleasant flavour, remaining tender for a long time. Fit for table August 4.

Premo. — Stalks strong and moderately tall, ears fairly large and very perfect, com
very sweet and tender. A very fine variety. Fit for table August 8.

Ringleader. — Stalks of medium size, vigorous and productive, ears of medium size,
very well filled out to tip ; corn very sweet and tender. Fit for table August 12.

Early Market. — Stalks fairly tall and stout. Ears 6 to 9 inches long, corn sweet
and remains in good table condition for a long time. Fit for table August 22.

Early White Cory. — Stalks short but productive. Ears from 4 to 6 inches long ; a
good size and well filled out, grains large, very sweet and finely flavoured, very good
variety. Fit for table August 14.

Crosby's Early Sugar. — Stalks of medium height, stout and productive, ears 6
to 9 inches long, well filled out to tip with plump grains, very sweet and of a delicious
flavour. Fit for table September 8.

White Rice Pop Corn. — Stalks 36 to 44 inches long, ears slender and from 3 to 5
inches long, sometimes four ears on a stalk. Ripe early in October.

Onions — Sown April 13.

Large Red Wethersfield. — Medium size, solid, even in size and mild flavoured. An
excellent keeper.

Trebons Large Yellow. — A good cropper, onions solid, mild, sweet, pleasant, but
many go to necks and do not ripen well.

Red Wonder. — An early ripening variety of medium size and good quality, a good
keeper.

Yellow Globe Danvers. — A good main crop variety as it bottoms evenly with small
necks. Bulbs solid and crisp, of a good flavour and an excellent keeper.

Australian Brown. — An early variety and an even grower; bulbs very uniform
in size and a very good keeper.

Pumpkins — Planted May 18 and 19.

Large Field. — A very strong grower and productive. Pumpkins large, and very
thick meated.

Jumbo. — A strong grower; pumpkins very large, coarse, only fit for stock feed.

Quaker Pie. — Vines vigorous and very productive. Fruit of medium size, creamy-
yellow in skin and flesh, which is thick and fine grained.

Large Cheese. — Vines strong and productive; pumpkins large, orange colour, flesh
yellow, fine grained, of very good flavour.

Squash.

White Bush Scalloped. — Vines bushy and very productive. Squash 3 to 6 inches
in diameter. Fit for table August 10. Of very pleasant flavour.

Giant Crookneck. — Vines vigorous and very productive, squash much larger than
the common crookneck. Fit for table August 20.

English Vegetable Marrow. — Vine a strong grower and very productive, squash
10 to 16 inches long, skin greenish-yellow, flesh thick, of very fine flavour. Fit for table
August 29.

414 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

Delicata. — Vine a very strong grower and very productive. Squash small, 5 to 6
inches in diameter, globular, solid and fine grained, a good keeper and of fine quality.

Golden Hubbard. — Similar to the Green Hubbard, but reddish-orange, skin very
thick fleshed, fine grained and of fine table qualities, a good keeper.

Delicious. — Vine medium in growth and productive. Squash 7 to 15 pounds in
weight, and thick fleshed, of very fine quality for table and a good keeper.

Celery.

Sown in open beds April 13 and transplanted June 24. The land, being a sandy
gravelly loam, is not good for celery, and this summer was so dry and hot that the
plants did not grow until late and the quality was not very fine.

White Plume. — A fair grower, stalks firm and pleasant in taste. Fit for table
September.

Giant Pascal. — A strong grower with large solid heads of very good flavour; a
late variety and a good keeper.

New Rose. — A very handsome grower and very finely flavoured, crisp, sweet and
nutty.

APPLES.

The spring was very unfavourable for all the large fruits. The weather during
March, April, May and the first half of June was cold and showery, the prevailing
winds being north and northeast, with very little sunshine, and the fruit did not set.
There have been no new varieties to report this year, but several that have fruited for
several years are worthy of a place on the list of fruits adapted to British Columbia.

Beauty of Bath. — Tree a strong grower and a regular producer of fair crops.
Fruit of medium size, greenish russet with a blush. Flesh white, crisp, mildly acid.
Season last of July.

Lord Sudley. — Tree a healthy free grower and productive. Fruit of medium size,
bright yellow, striped and splashed with bright red. Flesh white, crisp, juicy, very
pleasant, with a sprightly flavour. Season August.

American Rambour. — Tree a healthy strong grower, and a regular cropper. Fruit
above medium size, very handsome, with red stripes over an almost clear yellow skin.
Flesh yellowish, firm, juicy, mildly acid, very pleasant. Season September.

Cornish Gilliflower. — Tree a fair grower and a regular producer. Fruit of
medium size and very uniform, skin russet yellow, with a fine blush. Flesh yellowish,
crisp, fine-grained, juicy, with a rich flavour. Season November to February.

Red Reinette. — Tree a strong spreading grower and a regular producer. Fruit
of medium size, very uniform. Skin bright yellow, with a handsome blush in the sun.
Flesh yellowish white, fine-grained, crisp, juicy, mild, pleasantly sub-acid. Season
December and January.

Red Eiser. — Tree a strong grower and a fine producer. Fruit above medium size,
very uniform, smooth and handsome, yellow with bright red over nearly the whole
surface. Flesh yellowish white, crisp, fine-grained, juicy, mild, pleasantly acid, of
good flavour. Season January and March.

Queen of the Pippins. — Tree a strong upright grower and a regular producer of
heavy crops. Fruit of medium size or above and fairly uniform. Skin bright yellow
splashed with bright red. Flesh yellowish white, firm, crisp, aromatic, mildly acid.
Season November to February.

COMMERCIAL ORCHARDS.

No additions were made to the commercial apiole orchard, but several varieties
have been budded and these will be planted out as soon as they are fit.

REPORT OF MR. THOMAS A. SHARPE 415

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Several of the first planted trees bore fruit this year.

The twelve trees of Ontario produced this year 305 lbs. of fruit, 228 lbs. No. 1
large handsome apples without a blemish, 40 lbs. of No. 2, smaller than No. 1, but
clean and fine fruit, and 37 lbs. of more or less blemished apples. Eleven out of the
twelve trees of this variety planted in the spring of 1905, fruited this year, and all
made a fine healthy gTOwth. These trees were two years old when planted.

Jonathan. — Produced 80 lbs. No. 1, good size, well coloured and without blemish,
and 30 lbs. No. 2, good colour and clean, but too small to rate as No. 1. Eight trees
fruited, two died and the other two made a fine growth.

Salome. — Produced 67 lbs. of fruit aU of which was full size, well coloured and
free from blemishes. Only four trees fruited, but all made a fine healthy growth and
are very promising for another year. These trees were all one-year old when planted
in the spring of 1905.

Mother. — This variety produced 45 lbs. No. 1, large well coloured handsome
apples and 9 lbs., smaller but well coloured apples. Eleven trees made a healthy
growth and nine trees produced each a little fruit. This variety produced a few
apples in 1906, the second year after planting and a few again in 1907.

Monmouth Pippin. — Eleven trees are alive and have made a strong growth; one
is dead. Eour trees fruited and produced 52 lbs. of apples, 40 lbs. of which was No. 1,
and 12 lbs. smaller apples, but without blemish.

King. — The twelve trees of this variety planted in the spring of 1905 have grown
very well, and this year five trees fruited, producing 44 lbs. of fruit, 36 lbs. extra
large and handsome, very well coloured and free from blemish; 8 lbs. No. 2, perfect
and well coloured, but smaller than the No. 1.

Grimes' Golden. — The twelve trees of this variety planted in the spring of 1905
are all alive and in fine thrifty condition. This variety commenced fruiting the
second year after planting, having produced several apples on several of the trees in
1906, and again in 1907. In 1908 four trees produced 20 lbs. of fair, smooth apples
of good size, all No. 1.

Aiken. — Of the twelve trees of this variety planted in the spring of 1905, ten
are alive and in thrifty condition. There were 12 lbs. of fruit produced this season,
but all of it was too small to grade any better than No. 2 for this variety. The foliage
is not as luxuriant as on most of the other varieties in this orchard and a dry summer
affects it more readily, as shown by the fruit being small and poor.

The "Winter Banana, Wagener, Coxs', Orange Pippin and Rhode Island Greening
are too young to bear but look very promising, and fruit may be exx)ected on some of
them next year.

Apple Orchard No. 4.

This orchard is composed of varieties which were not considered of sufficiently
high commercial value to include them in the commercial orchard, and yet were
deserving of further comparative test. Four trees will be planted of each variety
selected. Some of these have been procured and a number will be propagated here from
varieties which are not very much known in the west, but which, on further trial, may
be desirable commercial varieties in other sections of British Columbia, if not here,
as the climate and conditions vary so widely in such comparatively short distances.
Scions of a great many apples have been sent out from time to time for a number of
years, and those who received them are beginning to report progress. Some of the
varieties not commonly listed by nurserymen are giving satisfaction as producers of
good fruit and as being adapted to the conditions where they are planted. It is
partly with a view to have scions true to name for carrying on this work that some of
these varieties are being continued in this new orchard.

416 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

^ PEARS.

The pear crop was a very light one this year and there are no new varieties to
rc'jyort on. The trees have not been troubled with disease or insects, they have made
a satisfactory growth and are promising for another year.

Of the varieties reported on in previous years, that are not generally known in
this province, the following deserve mention.

Marguerite Marillat. — Tree a strong upright grower, and a regular hearer. Fruit
large, obtuse, pyriform. Skin a greenish yellow, sprinkled with gray dots and a hand-
some blush on the sunny side. Flesh white, juicy, swe<3t, buttery, very pleasant
flavour. Season, last of August and early September.

Marie Lesueur. — Tree a strong grower, with very luxuriant foliage; a free pro-
ducer. Fruit above medium size, obovate, acute, pyriform, skin greenish yellow, with
a few patches of russet. Flesh white, buttery, very juicy, sweet, of a very pleasant
flavour. Season early September,

Delpierre. — Tree a fair grower and a regular producer. Fruit moderately large,
obovate, acute, pyriform. Skin yellowish, sprinkled with brown dots. Flesh whitish,
juicy, fine grained, sweet, vinous, of good flavour. Season, September.

Conference. — Tree a vigorous grower and a free producer. Fruit large, oblong,
pyriform; skin dull yellow with patches of russet. Flesh whitish, juicy, buttery,
sweet, of very fine flavour. Season, early October.

Bon Vicaire. — Tree a strong upright grower with very rich foliage. Fruit large,
oblong, pyriform; skin greenish yellow with small stripes and patches of russet, and
a bright red blush in the sun; flesh whitish, fine grained, juicy, sweet, with a very
fine aromatic flavour, a very good variety. Season, early October.

Durondeau. — Tree a free, slender grower, and a free producer. Fruit above
medium in size, acute pyriform. Skin yellow nearly overspread with a warm russet
and a handsome russet blush in the sun with many brown dots. Flesh white, very
fine grained, juicy, sweet, vinous, with a rich flavour. Season, October.

Pierre Corneille. — Tree a vigorous upright grower and an early and free producer.
Fruit of medium size, obovate, acute pyriform; skin a rich russet. Flesh whitish,
buttery, melting, juicy, very sweet, with a rich high flavour; a very good variety.
Season, October.

Eva Baltet.— Tree a strong healthy grower with fine foliage; fruit large, obtuse
pyriform, stalk short and fleshy. Skin greenish yellow with many brown dots and a
russet red blush on the sunny side, yellowish, juicy, buttery, sweet and fine flavour.
Season, October.

Fondante Thirriot. — Tree a slender but vigorous grower, and a very free pro-
ducer. Fruit large, obtuse pyriform. Skin greenish yellow with many gray dots.
Flesh white, juicy, fine grained, sweet, vinous. Season, last of October and early
November.

Ferdinand Gaillard. — Tree a strong vigorous grower, and an early and free
producer. Fruit of medium size, obttrse pyriform; skin, handsome greenish yellow,
freely sprinkl'ed with russet dots, and sometimes a faint blush. Flesh yellowish.
juicy, melting, sweet, somewhat vinous and perfumed. Season, early November and
December.

Alexander Lucas. — Tree a vigorous upright grower aiid an early bearer. Fruit
large, obovate, obtuse pyriform. Skin greenish yellow with many russet dots, and
small patches of russet about stalk and calyx and a reddish cheek in the sun. Flesh
white, very juicy, sweet, buttery, vinous, aromatic. Season, November and December,

Doyenne Madame Corneau. — Tree a sflrong upright grtower and an early and free
producer. Fruit of medium size, obovate, skin greenish yellow, with splashes of russet

REPORT OF MR. THOMAS A. SHARPE 417

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

.and many gray dots. Flesh white, very juicy, fine gra-ined, ahiiost buttery, very
sweet with a fine pleasant flavour. Season January to March.

President Fortier. — A free grower and producer. Fruit above medium size,
obovate, acute, pyriform; skin smooth, yellowish green, freely sprinkled with gray
dots. Flesh whitish, very juicy and very sweet, with a rich pleasant flavour. Sea-
son, January and February.

L'Ineonnue. — Tree a vigorous, upright grower, and an early and very free pro-
ducer. Fruit of medium size, oval pyriform. Skin, yellow with a few patches of
russet and freely sprinkled with russet dots. Flesh white, juicy, melting, very sweet
with a rich pleasant flavour. Season, January to March.

There are several others of very considerable merit which require two or three
years longer to show whether they would be commercially profitable, or only suited
to the amateur.

PLUMS.

The plum crop was light in some varieties, especially those which bloomed the
earliest, but the dry, clear summer developed the fruit in a healthy way and there was
very little rot. Many of the varieties in our experimental orchards are too small to be
profitable and not small enough to be classed with the damsons. There are, however,
a number of very superior plums in the newer varieties of the ' domestica ' class and
these will be propagated and given a more extended trial in the commercial plum
orchard.

COMMERCIAL PEAR ORCHARD.

A commercial pear orchard was begun in the spring of 1907 and will be added to
from time to time as varieties of suflicient merit are tested in the experimental orchard.
The following varieties are planted: Doyenne du Cornice. Bartlet, Beurre Clairgeau,
Princess, Dr. Jules Guyot, Howell and Emile d'Heyst. Several varieties have been
grafted and are in nursery and will be planted later on.

COMMERCIAL PLUM ORCHARD.

A small commercial orchard of select plums of good size and quality, and resistent
to the rot, has been planted and the trees have mostly done very well. This orchard
will be enlarged with several of the newer European varieties. The following varieties
are already in this orchard : Niagara, Duane's Purple, Washington, Curlew and Prince's
Red Gage. All these are strong growing and productive varieties, fine looking and
good shippers, and are very regular and free producers and fairly resistant to the plum
rot. A number of other valuable varieties are being propagated and will be planted out
later on.

CHERRIES.

The weather was wet and cold for some time previous to, during, and after the
cherries blossomed and the crop of fruit was very small in consequence. No new
varietios fruited, for, although several young trees blossomed, no fruit set.

The Heart and Bigarrcau cherries are not a commercial success in this valley,
owing to the frequent recurrence of unfavourable weather in spring when the trees
are in bloom and also to the showery weather when the fruit is ripening.

The following is a list of the most satisfactory sorts : Angleterre Ilative, Olivet,
Empress Eugenie, De Planchoury, Von der Natte, Shadow Amarelle and Vladimir.

16—27

418 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

PEACHES.

Two varieties (named) and one seedling' poach on the level land bore, this year,
a few peaches each. The seedling fruit is above medium size, yellowish-white with
a red cheek, but was taken before fully matured and, consequently, no description can
be given. The trees Amsden, Hale's Early, Early Silver and Early Orawford in the
second and third mountain orchards had a small crop but these were taken before quite
ripe.

APRICOTS.

The weather was wet and cold with cold winds during the blossoming of the
apricot trees and no fruit set.

MEDLAES.

The medlars were very late in blooming this year, not being fully out until June,
but they set a full crop as usual.

MULBEERIES.

All the mulberry trees set a full crop of fruit, but, the trees being on light sandy
land the dry hot weather affected them and the fruit was smaller and less juicy* than
in former years.

PERSIMMONS.
Two persimmon trees blossomed and set fruit but did not develop or mature.

SMALL FRUITS.

The hot, dry weather which we had from the last of June until well on in August
was very trying to all the small fruits. The raspberries, red and white, and blackcaps
suffered most, in fact were almost a failure. The currants and blackberries suffered
very little, as will be seen in the following reports: —

RED AND WHITE CURRANTS.

All the better sorts of red, white and black currants bore a good crop of fine fruit.
The bushes had been well mulched in the autumn previous, and pruned during winter,
and the currants were nearly ripe before the dry weather began.

REPORT OF MR. THOMAS A. SHARPE

419

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

The following are the varieties which we find best here, out of 41 sorts tested.

Name.

fee

•S

June 23.
M 23.

M 25.
M 25.
„ 25.
„ 2G

M 26.
u 27
- 27.
M 28.
„ 18.

„ 28.
„ 28.
,. 28.

Growth

of
Plant.

Size of Fruit.

Quality.

Productive-
ness.

Red Cherry

Vigorous —

ir ...

Large, medium..
II

Large

II

Large, medium..
II . .
II

Medium

II

11 ........

Large, medium..

Large

Medium

11

Sweet, very good quality

II 11 ....
11 II ...
11 II ....

Verv Erood Qualitv

Productive.

London Red

II

White (Jrape

Rahy Castle

La Fertile

II It

II II

Prince Albert

Evatt's New

Sweet, ffood quality

La Turinese

A little acid, good quality. . .
II II ...

Sweet, good quality

Very good quality

Gontloin Red

Large White Branden-
burg

White Pearl

Victoria

II II

Besides the above, the following varieties have been tested but found less valuable
here. White Transparent, "White Gondoin, Eed Dutch, Knight's Early Eed, North
Star, New Red Dutch, White Dutch, Fay's Prolific, Moore's Ruby, Versailles, No. 51
(L.S.), Langstraubige, White Esperin, Rankin's Red, Large White Frauendorfer,
Verrier's White, Chenonceau, De la Rochepoze, Ringens, Beauty of St. Giles, Cham-
paigner, English Eed, Rouge Admirable, Large Red, White Kaiser, White Imperial.

BLACK CURRANTS.

There are forty-four varieties of Black Currants under test ; of these the following
have been found the best.

Name.

Dominion

Middlesex

Merveille de la Gironde

Prince of Wales

Boskoop Giant

Black Naples

London

Lee's Prolific

Pearce

Victoria

Climax

Date of

Ripen-

ing.

July

3..

o

II

,,

3

tl

6

II

6

M

6

„

6

tl

6

11

7

II

7

II

1

Growth

of
PLmt.

Vigorous

Size of Fruit.

Large medium

Quality.

Mild, sweet, good quality

Slightly acid, good quality

Large jSweet, very good quality

Very large u h

Large 'Sweet, good quality

I Medium large. | n n

Medium I Mild, good quality

Largo . . .
Medium .

Sweet, good quality.
Mild, good quality . .

Productive-
ness.

Productive.

Besides the above there are the following varieties which are not so good,
being lacking in one or more quality. Lennox, Bang Up, Gewohnliche, Eclipse, Ster-
ling, Kerry, Perry, Ruler, Madoc, Kentish Hero, Ambrafarbige, Charmer, Beaudry,
Ontario, Eagle, Lanark, Baldwin, Wood, Louise, Stuart, Kentville, Success, Star,
Champion, Ethel, Parker, Monarch, Bella, Norton, Oxford, Orton and Henry.

16— 27i

420

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

BLACKBERKIES.

The blackberries w^re a good crop and good in quality, not suffering from the
dry, hot weather as did the raspberries. They are always satisfactory shippers, as
they hold their position firmly in the boxes and will thus carry a considerable distance
without injury to the berries. They command a ready sale and good prices. The fol-
lowing are some of the varieties found most satisfactory here: —

^'ame.

Date of
Ripen-
ing.

Growth

of
Plants.

Size of Fruit.

Quality.

Productive-
ness.

Early King

Agawani

July 18

M 20
„ 22

„ 22
„ 23
M 23
M 23
1, 24
,. 25
,. 27
M 27
„ 28
Aufr. 1 to
Oct. 1..

Vigorous

It , .

n . .

n . .
11 . .

"

If

't . .
II • •
II . .
II . .

II . .

Large

Large medium
Very large

Large

Firm, sweet, good quality . . .
Firm, good quality

Productive.

El(Joi«,do

Firm, sweet and very good qua-
lity, perhaps the best we have
Firm, sweet, good quality . . .

Firm, good quality

Firm, very good quality

Firm, good quality

Stone's Hardy

II

Maxwell

,1

Erie

Taylor

Ohiiier

Large medium

11

II

II
Medium

•1 ....

,,

Tecumseh

II 11

Snyder

II 11

Firm, sweet, good quality

Firm, good quality

Very firm, fair in quality
when very ripe

Lawton

Taylor's Prolific

Oregon Everbearing . .

II

11

,1

Besides the above, a number of other varieties have been tested but none of these
are equal in quality here to those on the list.

RED AND YELLOW RASPBERRIES.

There have been 75 varieties of red and yellow raspberries under test, and although
many of these have proven inferior here, there are a large number which give good
crops of fine berries.

The following have been uniformly good for a number of years.

Name.

Phoenix

Pauline

Duke of Brabant

Northumberland Fill

Basket

All Summer

London

Saiah

Cuthbert

Herbert

French Vice-President

Oolden Queen

L^rge Yellow

Date

of

Ripening

Tune 23.
II 25.

1. 25.

July 1.
1

2.

4.

rjrowth

of
Plant.

Vigorous.

Size

of

Berry.

Large

Quality.

Firm, sweet, good quality.

Firm, sweet, good. Continues long in

bearing

Firm, good quality

Very large Firm, a little acid but good quality. . .

Medium.. Firm, sweet, good quality, continues

long in bearing

Firm, good quality

Firm, sweet, rich flavour, very good
quality, continues long in bearing,
one of the most desirable

Large .... Firm, sweet, very good quality

[Medium . . jFirm, good quality

I Very large Firm, sweet, good quality

'T rge .... jFirm, sweet, very good quality

I II ! Firm, good quality

Produc-
tiveness.

Produc

tive.

REPORT OF MR. THOMAS A. SHARPE

421

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Besides the above the following varieties have been tested, all of which are, with
US, lacking in some one or more desirable qualities. Battler's Giant, Paragon, Charles,
Hornet, Carter's Prolific, Belle de Fontenay, Baumforth's Seedling, Muskingum,
Turner, Franoonia, Hudson River Antwerp, Thompson, White Antwerp, Columbia,
Arnold's Hybrid, Red Herrenhauser, Sugar of Metz, Carleton, Empire, Sharpe, Muriel,
Craig, Autumn, Surprise, Kn'e\'its Giant, La Mercier, Guinea, Garnet, Mary, Peircy,
Fastolf. Marlboro, Clarke, Heebner, Norwich Wonder, King, Chili, Garfield, Shaffer's
Colossal, Queen Victoria, Sir John, Cariboo, Col. Wilder, Brinckle's Orange, Goliath,
Lizzie, Miller, Minnie, Beehive, Spineless Yellow, Ye'llow Antwerp, Malta, Bamet,
Lady Anne, Nonpareil, Billard's Perpetual, Prince of Wales, Champion, Crimson
Beauty and Hansel.

BLACK CAP RASPBERRIES.

Last season was very trying for the Black Cap raspberries. From the tim^ that
they were two-thirds grown until past their ripening, the weather was so hot and dry
that the berries dried on the canes and of the 19 varieties here under trial, not one
was up to the usual size or quality or even worth picking.

METEOROLOGICAL RECORD.

Date of Highest
Temperature.

1908.

April 29

May 12

June 30

July 21

August 18. . . .
September 5 .

October 7

November 12
December 16 .

1909.

January 27. .
February 21.
March 25

Totals .

3

a,
S

D

73
70
91
92
96
79
74
57
56

46
50
71

Date of Lowest
Temperature.

April 21 & 28.

May 30

June 13

July 21

August 31

September 29.
October 13. . . .
November 27.
December G . .

•January 8.
Feliruary 9.
March 19. .

c3

a,

33
35
41
42
42
36
32
32
20

15
30

Rain-
fall

Inche

■60
•66
•28
■60
•24
•90
•93
•45
•42

3-28
538
23

42-77

Sno'w-
fall.

Inches.

115

125

Sunshine.

Hrs.

Min.

117

24

119

48

164

.

244

6

298

24

102

42

91

18

48

30

63

12

27

12

39

30

128

42

1,444

48

Total rainfall for year ending March 31, ir09 42 77

Total snow fall reduced to rainfall 1 25

Total precipitation 44 02

Total precipitation for year ending March 31, 1908 55 40

I have the honour to be, sir.

Your obedient servant,

TIIOS. A. SHARPE,

Superintendent.

9-10 EDWARD VII.

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

A. 1910

INDEX

Page.

Agriculturist, report of the 65

Beef production 75-78

Baby beef 79-81

Cattle, general remarks 66

Dairy 67

Feeding the dairy 67

Grade 66

Steers 66

Pure bred breeding 66

Crops, comparative statement of from

1899 to 1908 dncluisive 88

Dairy Cattle —

Feeding 67

Herds 69-74

Herd records for year 70-72

Dairy cow records 73

Financial statement of 200 acre farm. 86
Horses —

Number and breeding 66

Used for 67

Distribution of labour 67

Cost of labour 67

Letter of transmittal 65

Live stock, general 66

Live stock, inventories 86

Live stock, summary of operations.. 86
Rotations, comparative values of, on

stock farms 93

Rotations, exDeriments with 92

Rotations, reports on 89-101

Stables, ventilation of.. 75

Swine-
Breeds kept 66

Feeding Sows 82

Number on hand 66

Pig-feeding experiments 82-86

Cerealist— Report of the 199

Acknowledgments 199

Baking Tests 201

Barley, six-row 215

Beardless 215

Earliest varieties of 215

Hulless.. .. 215

Most productive varieties of 215

Test of varieties of 215

Albert 215

Bere 215

Black Japan 215

Blue Long Head 215

Champion 215

Claude 215

Eclipse 215

Empire 215

Escourgeon 215

Manchurian 215

Mandscheuri 215

Mansfield 215

Mensury 2'5

Nugent 215

Oderbruch 215

Odessa 215

Small Blue Naked 215

Stella 215

Trooper 215

Yale 215

. V Page.
Cerealist — Report of the — Con.

Barley, two-row 216

Beardless 216

Earliest varieties of 216

Hulless 216

Most productive varieties of 216

Test of varieties of 216

Archer Chevalier 216

Beaver 216

Black two-row 216

Brewer's Favoiirite 216

Canadian Thorpe 216

Caucasian Hulless 216

Clifford 216

Danish Chevalier 216

Early Chevalier 216

French Chevalier 216

Gordon 216

Hannchen 216

Hofbrau 216

Invincible 216

Jarvis 216

Jewel 216

Old Irish 216

Primus 216

Princess 216

Sidnev 216

Standwell 216

Swan's Neck 216

Swedish Chevalier 216

Beans, field 218

Beets, sugar.. , 221

Branch Farms, Visit to 200

Bread 208

Carrots 221

Cereals in small plots 208

Corn, see Indian corn

Crossing and selection of cereals.. .. 200

Damp wheat 206

Distribution of seed grain 204

Effect of storage on wheat and flour.. 205

Emmer and Spelt 212

Test of varieties of 213

Common Emmer 213

Double Eramer 213

Red Emmer 213

Red Spelt 213

Smooth Spelt 213

P^eltz 213

Thick Emmer 213

White Emmer 213

White Spelt 213

Field Roots 219

Flax .. .. 219

Grain sown dn different quantities on

clay loam 218

Indian corn 222

Sown at different distances 222

Test of varieties of 222

Mangels 220

Milling and Baking Tests 204,

Oats 213

Earliest varieties of 214

Most protluctive varieties of 214

Test of varieties of 214

424

EXPERIMESTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

Page
Cerealist — Report of the — Con.
Oats— Con.

Abundance 213

American Triumph 214

Atlantic 214

Banner B 214

Bell 214

Bergs 214

Black Mesdag 214

Chinese Naked 214

Colossal 214

Danish Island 214

Daubeney Selected 214

Dinauer 214

Early Ripe 214

Excelsior 214

Fichtel Mountain 214

Garten's Abund-ance 211

Golden Beauty 214

Golden Gdant 214

Goldfinder 214

Gold Rain 214

Green Russian 214

Improved American 214

Improved Ligowo 214

Irish Victor 214

Joanette 213

Kendal White 214

Kirsche 214

Lincoln 214

Mennonite 214

Milford White 214

Pioneer 214

Siberian 214

Sixty Day 214

Storm King 214

Swedish Ligowo 214

Swedish Select 214

Tartar King 214

Thousand Dollar 214

Tlola 214

Twentieth Centurv 214

Virginia White 214

Welcome 214

White Giant Selected 214

White Wonder 214

Whiting 214

Wide Awake 214

Peas 216

Earliest varieties of 217

Most productive varieties of 217

Test of varieties of 217

Potatoes, field plots of 223

Roots, field 2W

Rve, spring 217

Winter 218

Seed distribution 204

Seed selection for farmers 203

Selection, Methods of 200

Spelt, See Emmer.

Storage, Effect of, on wheat and flour. 20i

Turnips 219

Weather 209

Uniform test plots of cereals 208

Wheat, Durum or Macaroni 211

Baking Tests of 205

Test of varieties of 211

Beloturka 211

Goose 211

Kubanka 211

Roumanian 211

Wheat, Spring 209

Baking Tests of 2W

Earliest varieties of 210

Page.
Cerealist — Report of the — Con.

\V heat. Spring — Con.

Most productive varieties of 210

Test of varieties of • 210

Alpha Selected 209

Aurora 209

Bishop A 210

Bobs 209

Chelsea 210

Downy Riga 209

Early Red Fife 209-210

Early Russian 210

Ebert Selected 209

Gatiueau 210

Hungarian White 209

Huron Selected 210

Marquis 210

Outlook 210

Percy A 210

Preston H 210

Pringle's Champlain C 210

Prospect 210

Red Fern 210

Red Fife B 209

Red Fife H 210

Red Fife M 210

Spence Yellow 210

Stanley A 210

White Fife C 210

White Russian 210

Yellow Cross 210

Yellow Fife 210

Yellow Queen 210

Wheat, Winter 211

Baking Tests of 205

Recommended varieties of 212

Test of varieties of 212

Cliemist — Report of the 137

Acetate of lead, analysis of 182

Acknowledgments 139

Agricultural bluestone, composition of 188

Agricultural powder, composition of.. 188
Alfalfa, inoculation for the growth

of 137-158

Alfalfa hay from inoculated and un-

inoculated plots, composition of.. .. 159

Apple pomace from cider mill 168-172

Apple pulp from cannery 168-171

Arsenate of lead, analyses of 178-180

Arsenate of lead sprays, formulae for. 183

Arsenate of lead, home made 181

Arsenite of lime sprays 183

Arsenite of lime and Bordeaux mix-
ture 183

Arsenate of soda, analyses of 182

Ashes from manure 164

Ashes from muck 165

Ashes wood, from Nelson, B.C 164

Ashes wood, from Billing's Bridge,

Ont 164

Bents' Milk albumen 168-171

Boiler scales and flue dust, composition

of .. 166

Bordeaux mixture and arsenite of lime 183
Bordeaux mixture, Campbell's Im-
proved 185

Bordeaux lead arsenate mixtures.. ..185-186

Bordeaux mixture powder, Grasselli's. 185

Bordeaux mixture paste, Grasselli's.. 185

Bordeaux mixture paste, Vanco.. .. 185

Carrots, composition of 175

Copper sulphate bi-product 188

Corn products 167-168

I^'DEX

425

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Page.
Chemist — Report of the — Con.

Cottou seed meal 167-169

Cypher's Daniel Egg Mash 168-170

Dogfish scrap, composition of 159

Elevator dusts 167-170

Feeding stuffs Act 172

Fertilizing materials 138-159

Ashes from manure, composition of.. 164
Ashes from muck, composition of.. 165
Ashes wood, from Nelson, B.C.. .. 164
Ashes wood, from Billing's Bridge,

Ont 164

Boiler scales and flue dust, composi-
tion of 166

Fish iscrap from dogfish reduction

works, composition of 159

Gypsum from Tobique, N.-B 163

Manure (cow), composition of.. .. 165
Marl from St. Raymond, Man., com-
position o+' 162-163

Muck from St. Stephen, N.B., com-
position of 160

Muck from Grand Manan, N.B., com-
position of 161

Mud from Mahone Bay, N.S., com-
position of 161

Mud (mussel) from Souris, P.E.I.,

composition of 162

Flax screenings 167-170

Flax screenings and wheat 167-170

Flours from winter wheats grown at
Lethbridge and Lacombe Alta. .142-143-144

Flour, influence of age on ..144-145

Fodders and feeding stuffs, composition

of 138-166-167-168

Apple pomace 168-172

Apple pulp from cannery 168-171

Bent's milk albumen 168-171

Corn products 167-168

Cotton seed meal 167-169

Cypher's Daniel Egg mash 168-170

Elevator dust 167-170

Fine Flax screenings 167-170

Moulee 167-170

Oat products 167-169

Pea products 167-169

Small seeds from wheat 167-170

Spike— rush 1"2

Wheat and flax screenings 167-170

Wheat products 167-169

Formaldehyde 189

Gypsum from Tobique, N.B 163

Hart's Casein test 192

Inoculation for the growth of Alfalfa. 137-158

Insecticides and fungicides 138-178

Acetate of lead, analyses of 182

Agricultural bluestone 188

Agricultural powder .^ 188

Arsenate of lead, analysis of 178-180

Arsenate of lead, home-made.. .. 181
Arsenate of lead sprays, formulae

for 183

Arsenate of Soda, analysis of 182

Arsenite of lime sprays 183

Arsenite of lime and Bordeaux mix-
ture 183

Bordeaux lead arsenate mixtures. .185-186
Bordeaux mixture powder, Camp-
bell's Improved ■• 185

Bordeaux mixture paste, Grasselli's. 185
Bordeaux mixture powder, Gras-
selli's 185

Bordeaux mixture, paste, Vance. .. 185
Copper sulphate bi-product 188

Page.
Chemist — Report of the — Con.
Insecticides and fungicides — Con.

Formaldehyde 189

Lime sulphur washes 187

Legumes, enrichment of soils through

the growth of 157-158

Lime sulphur washes 187

Mangels, composition of 173-174

Manure ashes, composition of 165

Manure (cow) composition of 165

Marl from St. Raymond, Man, composi-
tion of 162-163

Meat Inspection Division, samples

from 139

Moulee, composition of 167-J70

Muck ashes, composition of..» 165

Muck from St. Stephen, N.B., com-
position of 160

Muck from Grand Manan, N.B. com-
position of 161

Mud from Mahone Bay, N.S., com-
position of 161

Mud (mussel) from Souris, P.E.I,, com-
position of 162

Oat products 167-169

Pea products 167-169

Pomace (apple) from cider mill.. ..168-172

Pulp (apple) from cannery 168-171

Radn, fertilizing value of 138-190

Roots, influence of inherited qualities. 176

Roots relative value of 173

Carrots, composition of 175

Mangels, composition of 173-174

Turnips, composition of 174-175

Samples received for examination and

report 138

Small seeds from wheat 167-170

Snow, fertilizing value of 138-190

Soils alkali, from Cranbrook, B.C 156

from Ducks, B.C 155

from Windermere, B.C.. 156
from Winona, Ont.. .. 157
Soils from Upper Columbia and East

Kootenay, B.C 137-151-152

Soils, enrichment of through growth of

legumes 157-158

Spike-rush, analysis of 172

Sugar beets for factory purposes.. .. 176

Turnips, composition of 174-175

Well waters *rom farm homesteads. .138-193

Wheat and flax screenings 167-170

Wheat, effect of dampness on the qua-
lity of 147

Influence of age on 144

Influence of environment on the compo-
sition of 137-140

Products 167-168

" Tough ", composition of 148

Winter, grown at Lethbridge and
Lacombe, Alta 141

Director — Report of the 3

Acknowledgments 35

Bulletins issued during 1908 32

Bulletin on the Grades of Wheat.. .. 32

Bulletin on Herbaceous Perennials 32

Bulletin on crops for 1908 33

Contents of General Report 3

Convention, Irrigation and dry farm-
ing 35

Co-operative experiments by farmers

throughout Canada 10

Correspondence 1"

426

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

Page
Director — E-eport of the — Con.
Correspondence at Branch Experimen-
tal Farms 18

Crops, action of fertilizers on 18

Crops in British Columbia 6

Centraa Alberta 6

" Manitoba 5

" Maritime provinces 5

Ontario 5

Quebec 5

" Saskatchewan 6

Distribution of seed grain by pro-
vinces . ! 10

Distribution of seed grain, number of

packages sent out 11

Ellis, Wm., reports of.._ 12-17

Experiments with fertilizers on

Barley 22

Indian Corn 26

Oats 2t

Mangels 29-31

Turnips 29-31

Spring Wheat 20

Farm crops throughout the Dominion. 5

Fertilizers, special experiments with.. 18
Fort Vermilion, Peace Kiver —

Experiments at 6

" with barley G

" beans 8

" oats 8

" peas 8

" " spring wheat. ... 7

" fruits 7

" " vegetables 7

" " hardy trees.shrubs

and plants.. .. 7

Ladoga wheat at 7

Meteorological records at 8

Season of 1907-8 7

Weather compared with Ottawa 9

Wheat produced in this district.. .. 7
Grain distribution of, for improvement

of seed 10-12

Grain tests for germination, table of,

for each province 13-15

Journeys through the West 33

Letter of transmittal 3

Meteorological observations 16

Pamphlets Issued.

Grain crops in Saskatchewan 33

Hot-bed and cold frame ' .. 33

Asparagus, Celery and Onions.. .. 33

Peace River Experiments in

Agriculture and Horticulture at.. .. 6

Peace Iliver, Experiments in

grown at 6

Rainfall for past nineteen years.. .. IG

Reports and Bulletins distribution of. 17

Reports on journeys made 33

Seed grain, distribution of 10

Seed grain, distribution, benefits of 12

Seeds, tests of vitality of 12

Sunshine, records of 17

Experimental Farm, Nappan, N.S.. 34
Visit to Experimental Farm, Brandon,

Man 33

Visit to Experimental Farm, Indian

Head, Sa.sk.. 33

Visit to Experimental Farm, Agassiz,

B.C 34

Visit to Experimental Farm, Lacombe,

Alberta 34

Visit to Experimental Farm, Leth-

bridge. Alberta 33

Paob.
Director— R-eport of the— Con.
Vitality Tests of seed grain and other

seeds 12

Entomological and Botanical Divi-
sion—Report of the 37

Agrotis ypsilon 55

Aphidoletes sp 57

Apiary 64

season of 1908-9 64

Apple Leaf-hopper 55

remedies for 55

Apple Maggot 60

remedies for 60

Blissus Icucopterus 50

Brown-tail Moth in Shipments of Nur-
sery Stock from France 40

Nursery Stock examined, for nests

of., •. 42

Account of, in America 45

Experiments with hydrocyanic acid

gas, to kill the larv* of 48

Cabbage and Radish Root Maggot 58

Cankerworms 62

remedies for 62

Carpocapsa pomonella 60

Cecidomyia leguminicola 52

Cereal and other Field Crops,

insects injurious to 49

Chief Injurious Insects of 1908.. .. 49

Chinch Bug 50

remedies for 51

Clover-seed Midge 52

remedy for 52

Codling'Moth 60

remedies for 61

Experiment in banding trees for

larvte of 61

Corn-seed Maggot 58

Cutworms 54

Dark-sided 55

Glassy 55

Greasy _ 55

Red-backed 55

remedy for 55

Dark-sided Cutworm 55

Destructive Pea Aphis 56

remedies for 57

Donations to collections of insects and

plants 63

Empoasca mali 5a

Eriophyes pyri 62

Euproctis chrysorrhoea 45

Experiments with hydrocyanic acid
gas to kill the larvie of the Brown-
tail Moth 48

Fletcher, Dr. James — Notice of death

of 37

Fruits, Insects Injurious to 60

Gibson, Arthur — Circular to

nuserymen re Brown-tail Moth.. .. 41

Report of, re inspection of nursery

stock 42

Account of the Brown-tail Moth in

America 45

Experiments with hydrocyanic acid
gas to kill the larvse of the Brown-
tail Moth 48

Chief Injurious Insects of 1908.. .. 49

Glassy Cutworm 55

Grain Ajihis 51

Gray, D.D., report by 64

Greasy Cutworm 55

Hadcna dcvastatrix 55

INDEX

427

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Pare.
Entomological and Botanical Divi-
sion— Report of the — Con.

Hcmerocarnpa leucostigma 61

Hessian Flv 40

Hop Flea Beetle 52

remedies for .. .. 53

Hydrocyanic acid gas, experiments
with, to kill the larvis of the

Brown-tail Moth 48

Insects injurious to Cereal and other

Field Crops 49

Insects injurious to Roots and Vege-
tables 54

Insects Injurious to Fruits 60

Isosoma tritici 50

Joint Worm, Wheat 50

Macrosiphum granaria 51

Mayetiola destructor 49

Megorismus fletcheri 57

Nectarophora pisi 56

Notolophus antiqiia 61

Onion Root Maggot 58

Paragrotis mcssoria 55

Paragroiis ochrogaslcr 55

Pear-leaf Blist«r Mite 62

remedy for 63

Phorbia brassiccB 58

Phorbia ceparum 58

Phorbia fusiceps 58

PoJitia rapce 54

Psylliodes puvctulata 52

Red-backed Cutworm 55

Rhagoletis pomonella 60

Root Maggots 58

Cabbage and Radish 59

Corn-seed 59

Onion 59

Remedies for 59

Roots and Vegetables, Insects Injurious

to ■ 54

Rusty Tu«sock Moth 61

remedies for 61

Saunders, Dr. W. — Notice of death of

Dr. James Fletcher 37

Circulars to nurserymen re Brown-
tail Moth ..40-41

Small White Cabbage Butterfly 54

remedy for 54

Striped Cucumber Beetle 54

Turnip and Cabbage Aphis 54

Turnip Flea Beetle 54

Wheat Joint worm 50

remedies for 50

White-marked Tussock Moth 61

remedies for 61

W'ireworms 54

Experimental Farm, Agassiz— Report

of Superintendent 397

Apples, report on 399-414-415

Apricots 418

Barley, experiments with 402

test of varieties of 403

Beans, Garden 411

Bees, report on 398

Beets, Garden 410

Blackberries, report on 420

Agawam 420

B-irly King 420

F.ldorado 420

Erie 420

Lawton 420

Maxwell 420

Ohmer 420

Pack.
Experimental Farm, Agassiz — Con.

Blackberries, report on — Con.

Oregon Everl>eariug 420

Stone's Hardy 420

Snyder 420

Taylor 420

Taylor's Prolific 420

Tecumseh 420

Brussels Sprouts, experiments with.. 412

Carrots, experiments with 407

test of varieties of 407

Carrots, table 412

Cattle 398

Cauliflowers, experiments with 412

Celery 414

Cherries, report on 417

Commercial orchard apples 414-415

pears 417

plums 417

Corn, Indian, experiments with.. .. 404

Corn, Indian, test of varieties of.. .. 405

Corn planted at different distances.. 405

Correspondence 409

Crops, summary of 409

Currants, Black, report on 419

Black Naples 419

Boskoop Giant 419

Climax 419

Dominion 419

Lee's Prolific 419

London 419

Merveille de la Gironde 419

Middlesex 419

Pearce 419

Prince of Wales 419

Victoria 419

Currants, Black, additional varieties

of 419

Currants, red and white, report on.. 418-419

Eyatfs New 419

Gondoin Red 419

La Conde 419

La Fertile 419

Large White Brandenburg 419

La Turinese 419

London Red 419

Prince Albert 419

Raby Castle 419

Bed Cherry 419

Victoria 419

White Cherry 419

White Grape 419

White Pearl 419

Currants, red and white, additional

varieties of 419

Distribution of seed grain, potatoes,

&c 409

Ditching 397

Experimental Farm crops 397

Field Roots 406-408

Fowls 399

Fruit crops (1<-">1

Garden vegetables 409-414

Horses ;J08

Lettuce, experiments with 410

Livestock 398

Mangels, experiments with 406

Test of varieties of 407

Medlars 418

Meteorological report.. .. 421

Mountain orchards ,399

Mulberries 418

Nut-bearing trees, report on 398

428

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII.. A. 1910

Page.
Experimental Farm, Agassiz — Con.

Oats, experiments with 402

Test of varieties of 402

Onions, experiments with 413

Peaches 418

Pears, report on 416

Peas, garden, experiments with.. .. 410

Field, experiments with 404

test of varieties 404

Persimmons 418

Pigs 398

Plums, best varieties for B.C 417

Plums, report on 417

Plums, list of choice varieties of.. .. 417

Potatoes, experiments with 408

Test of varieties of 408

Poultry 399

Pumpkins 413

Radishes, experiments with 410

Raspberries, Black Cap, report on.. .. 421

Raspberries, red and yellow, report on 420

All Summer 420

Cuthbert 420

Duke of Brabant 420

French Vice-President 420

Golden Queen 420

Herbert 420

Large Yellow 420

Lord Beaconsfield 420

Northumberland Fillbasket 420

Pauline 420

Phcenix 420

Sarah 420

Raspberries, list of additional sorts.. 421

Fall Rye, experiments with 401

Samples distributed 409

Season, character o'' 397

Sheep 398

Small fruits 418

Sprouts, Brussels.. .. 413

Squash, experiments with 413

Summary of crops 409

Swine .- 398

Turnips, experiments with 4Ub

test of varieties of 406

Turnips, table, experiments with.. .. 410

Vegetables 409

Weather ^»;

Wheat, spring 401

Test of varieties 401

Wheat Fall •• ...••. 400

" ' test of varieties 400

Experimental Farm, Brandon— Re-
port of the Superintendent 273

Agricultural Meetings 301

Apples 293

" Martha 293

" Repka Kislaga 293

" No. 179 293

" Cross-bred and Seedling 293

Arboretum 294

Annual Flowers 296

Barley, experiments with 278

test of varieties of 278

Barley, average yield for live years.. 279

Barley, field crops of 280

Beans garden 299

Bees, experiments with 293

Beets 299

Cabbage, experiments with 300

Carrots, experiments with 286

test of varieties of 286

Cattle 289

Page.
Experimental Farm, Brandon — Con.

Celery 300

Clovers, experiments with 288

Corn, Indian, experiments with 282

Test of varieties of 283

Corn sown at different distances apart. 284

Corn, sweet 299

Correspondence 302

Crab apples 293

Martha 293

Crab, Transcendent 293

Currants 294

Distribution of seed grain and pota-
toes 301

Forest trees, shrubs, seeds 294

Emmer and spelt 275

Farmers' Institute work 301

Field roots, experiments with 284

Flower Garden 296

Fruit trees 293-294

Grain, samples of distributed 301

Grasses, experiments with 288

Herbaceous perennials 294

Horticulture 293

Mangels, experiments with 285

test of varieties of 285

Meteorological report 302

Oats, experiments with 277

test of varieties of 277

Oats, field crops of 277

Onions 298

Orchards 293

Parsnips 298

Paeonies 297

Peais, field, experiments with 280

test of varieties of 280-281

field crops of 281

Garden 299

Pigs, experiments with 292

Potatoes, experiments with 287

test of varieties of 287

Raspberries 294

Rhubarb 300

Rotation of crops 281-282

Shrubs and trees, distribution of.. .. 301

Small fruits 294

Spelt. See Emmer 275

Spinach 300

Steers, experiments in feeding 290

Steers fattening outside.. 290

Sugar beets, experiments with 286

Sugar beets, test of varieties of 287

Swine, experiments with 300

Tomatoes, experiments with 300

Tree distribution 301

Turnips, experiments with 285

test of varieties of 285

Turnips, garden 300

Vegetables 298

Weather 273-302

Western Rye Grass 288

Wheat, spring, experiments with.. .. 274

Field, crops of 276

Preventives of smut in 275

Test of varieties 274

Standard and Commercial grades of. 275

Experimental Farm, Indian Head,

Sask.— Report of the Superintendent. ."03

Alfalfa, experiments with 314-315

Annuals 327

Apples, Russian Seedlings 329

Cross-bred 329

Asparagus, experiments with 321

INDEX

429

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

Page
Experimental Farm, Indian Head,
Sask — Con.

Barley, experiments with 308

Field lots of 309

test of varieties of 30!>

Barley, average and total yield.. .. 309
Barley, comparison of field crops for

past five years 309

Beans, garden, experiments with.. .. 321

Bees, report on 338

Beets, experiments with 321

Breaking and backsetting 332

Bulbs.. .. .. 328

Bromus inermis 314

Cabbage, experiments with 321

Carrots, experiments with field 317

" test of varieties 318

" experiments with garden.. .. 322

Cattle , 337

Cauliflower, experiments with 322

Celery, experiments with 323

Chevril 323

Citrons, experiments with 323

Clover, Red 314

Corn, Indian, experiments with 315

test of varieties of 315

Corn, Indian, seeding at different dis-
tances 316

Corn, garden 323

Correspondence 331

Crab apples 329

Cress 322

Crops on Experimental Farm 303

Crops, summary of 320

Cross-bred apples 329

Cucumbers, experiments with 322

Currants 330

Deep breaking 335

Distribution of grain, potatoes, forest

trees, &c 338

Excursions to farm 331

Experimental Farm crops 320

Feeding tests of cattle 337

Flax, experiments with 314

Flowers, report on 329

Forest trees and shrubs, distribution

.of 331

Fruit crop 329

Fr\iit trees 329

Grain, distribution of samples of.. .. .338

Gooseberries 330

Grasses, experiments with 314

Hay crop 320

Horses ^ 338

Land, working after first crop. .333-335-3.3()

Lettuce, experiments with 323

Mangels, experiments with 317

test of varieties of 317

Melons, experiments with 32)

Meteorological report .3.39

Methods of preparing new ground.. 332

Oats, expei-dments with 30G

Oats, average and total yields 309

Field lots of. .307

test of varieties of 30G

Comparison of field crops for past

five years 307

Onions, experiments with 324

Parsley 321

Parsnips, experiments with 324

I'eas, experiments with field 310

Field lots of 310

test of varieties of 310

Garden .325

test of varieties of 325

Page.
ixperimental Farm, Indian Head,

Sask— Coii.

Perennial flowers, report on 327

Pigs, report on 338

Plums 329

Potatoes, experiments with 318

Distribution of 338

test of varieties of 319

Poultry, report on 338

Preparing land for Grain Crops in

Saskatchewan 332-3.36

Radish, experiments with 325

Rainfall .305-339

Raispberries 330

Rhubarb, experiments with 325

Roots, field, experiments with 317

Rotation of crops, experiments in.. .. 312

Rye, fall 313

Rye grass, western 314

Sage 326

Season, character of 303

Seed grain, distribution of 338

Shallow breaking and back setting. . 3.34

Crab apples 329

Smut preventives, tests of 311

Spinach, experiments with 326

Squash and Marrows -. .325

Steers, experiments with 337

Summary of crops 320

Sugar beets, experiments with.. .. 318

Summer fallows 3.33-.335

Swine, report on 338

Tomatoes, experiments with 326

Trees and shrubs 331

Tree seeds, planting of 331

Turnips, experiments with 317

test of varieties of 317

Vegetable garden 321

Weather 303

Western Rye Grass 314

Wheat, Macaroni 305

Wheat. Spring, experiments with.. .. 304

Average and total yields for 1908.. 305

Field lots of 304

Comparison of tests for past five

years 305

test of varieties 304

Working land after first crop.. ..333-335-336

Experimental Farm, Lacombe, Alta.

— Report of the Superintendent 341

Alfalfa, experiments with 3.52

Apple Orchards 357

Barley, experiments with 319

" test of varieties of 349

" effects of direct manuring on. 351

Buildings described .366

Carrots, experiments with 355

" test of varieties of .356

Cattle 365

Cherries 357

Clover, Red, experiments with ,353

Corn, Indian, experiments with.. .. 354

Correspondence 365

Currants.. 358

Distribution of Samples 365

I'^mmer and Spelt, experiments with.. .345

test of varieties 345

Fencing 366

Flower Garden 359

Gooseberries 358

Horses 365

Inoculated Soil, distribution of 366

Mangels, experiments with 355

test of varieties of 355

430

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VI!., A. 1910

Page
Experimental Farm, IJacombe, Alta.

Con.

M^Tuuie, Farmj'ard, applied to laud.. 348

Meetings 365

IMetoorol-ogical Records 367

Oats, expeiinient.s with 345

Test of varieties of 346

Test of varieties in tield lots 346

Fall sowing of 345

Quautities of seed per acre 347

-Dates of sowing 347

In packed and uuijacked soil 343

Orchard, apple 357

plum.. 357

Peas, experiments with 351

test of varieties of 352

Plum trees 357

Potatoes, experiments with 356

test of varieties of 357

Raspberries 358

Rye, experiments with 345

Small Fruits 358

Strawberries 358

Sugar Beets, experiments with 356

Trees, forest 360

Treee and Shrubs 360-365

distribution of 3(i5

Turnips, experiments with 355

test of varieties of 355

Vegetables, Garden ^58

Weather 341

Weed control by sprays.. .. 353

Wheat, spring, experiments with.. .. 343

test of varieties.. .. 343

field lots of 344

" sod vs summer fallow for.. 344

" winter, experiments with.. .. 342
" " sod vs summer fallow

for 342

dates of sowing.. .. 342

" " rates of seed per acre. 343

Experitnental Farm, Lethbridge,
Alta. — Report of the Superinten-
dent 367

Two Farms 367

PART 1. NON-IRRIGATED OR

"DRY "FARM 368

Alfalfa 381

Apple Orchards 382

Back setting 371

Barley, experiments with 375

Test of varieties 375-376

Winter.. 376

Beets, sugar, Experiments with 380

Breaking vs Breaking and Backsetting. 368

Carrots, experiments with 379

Cattle 394

Clovers 382

Corn, Indian, experiments with.. .. 377

Test of varieties 378

Correspondence 395

Distribution of Seed Grain 395

Emmer and Spelt 373

Test of varieties of 373

Engine, Traction 39'

Flax 381

Flower Garden 39.?

Grasses 3S2

Grain, sale of 395

Horses ■ 39'

Mangel's, experiments with 379

Test of varieties of 379

Page.
Sxperiniental Farm, Lethbridge,

Alta.— Con.

Meetings.. 394

Meteorological Reports 3!;5

Oats, experiments with 374

Test of varieties 374

Field lots of 374

Differeuts quantities of seed 375

Orchards, Apple 382

Peas, experiments with 376

Test of varieties 377

Potatoes, experiments with 380

Test of varieties 381

Rye, Winter :i77

Rhul>arb, experiments with 378

Sugar Beets, experiments with .380-

Trees and shrubs 392

Weather 367

Wheat, Spring, experiments wnth . . 372'

Test of varieties 372

Different amts. of seed per acre.. .. 373

Field lots of 372

Wh?at, Winter, experiments with.. .. 3G8

Test of varieties 368

Field lot of 3G8

Rates of seed per acre 369

Different dates of seeding 370

Culture of 370-371

PART 2. IRRIGATED FARM

Ar)ple Orchards

Alfalfa 390-

Barley, experiments with

Test of varieties 385-

Field lot of

Rates of seed per acre

Beets, sugar, experiments with .. ..

Test of varieties

Carrots, experiments with

Garden

•Clovers

Corn, Indian, experiments with

Test of varieties '.

Table

Forage crops

Alfalfa

Inoculation

Rates of seed

'Kinds of seed

M'lxture alfalfa and gras<^K.'s

Clovers

Grasses .

Hay

Irrigation water, measurements of.. ..
Mangels, experiments with

Test of varieties

Oats, experiments with

Test of varieties

Field lots of

Rates of seed per acre

Orchards, apple

Peas, experiments with

Test of varieties

Potatoes, experitneuts with

Test of varieties

Rye, spring

Rhwbarb

Strawl>prries

Sugar Beets, experiments with

Turnips

Vegetables

Water, irrigation, measurements of..

382

392

.391

38.5-

386

386

386

389

38»

389

393

391

387

388

393

390

3^!1

391

391

391

391

391

391

391

393

388

388

384

381

384

385

392

386

387

390

390

387

393

392

3<S9

388

393

393

IXDEX

431

SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16

2(50
'>80

_ . Page

Experimental Farm, I^etlibridge,

Alta. — Con.

Wheat, wTinter, experiments with.. .. 383

"^ spring, experiments with.. .. 383

Test of varieties.. .. 383

" ;; Field lot 383

Rates of seed per acre. 383

Experimental Farm, Nappan, N.S.—

Report of the Superintendent.. .. 247

Acknowledgments 2-17

Alfalfa inoculated, experiments with.. 262

Apples 269

Barley, experiments with 250

test of varieties of 251

Bees, experiments with 269

Buckwheat, experiments with 254

test of varieties of 254

Carrots, experiments with

test of varieties of ,

Cattle [ 268

Clover, experiments with 261

Corn, Indian, experiments with.. .. 255

Field crop of 256

test of varieties of 255

Indian Corn, sown in rows at different

distances 256

Correspondence 272

Distribution of seed grain and potatoes 267

Durum wheat 252

Emmer and Spelt, experiments with. 252

Exhibitions attended 272

Experimental Farm crops 247

Fertilizers, experiments with 263-266

Garden Beans 271

Garden Peas .. 270

Grain, field crops of 254

Grain, fields crop on Marsh 255

Mixed, field crops of 254

Hay, crop 267

Horses 268

Inoculated Clover and Alfalfa, experi-
ments with 262

Lime and commercial fertilizer on

Dyke lands 264

Live stock 268-269

Macaroni Wheat, experiments with. . 252

Mangel<; experiments with 259

Test of varieties of 260

Meetings, agricultural, attended.. .. 272

Meteorological records 248

Mixed grain, field ci-ops of !. 254

Oats, experiments with

test of varieties of

Peas, field, experiments with

Potatoes, experiments with

test of varieties of

Poultry 269

Rainfall 249

Season, character of the 247

Seed grain and potatoes distributed.. 267

Sheep 2C0

Spelt. See Emmer 2.52

Steers, experiments with [\ 268

Strawberries _ ' 270

test of varieties of.. .'. 2~n

Sugar beets, experiments with 259

test of varieties of ' ,'' 260

Summary of crops '. \\ "' 267

Tomatoes ' '_' " 2~i

test of varieties of .'. '.". [\ 27]

Turnips, experiments with.. .'." .'.' ,, 2"^'

Field crops of \\ " o"

test of varieties of V. ".* .. 257

249
250
253
261
261

Experimental Farm, Nappan, N.S.—
Lou.

Visitors

Weather

Wheat, spring, experiments' with.'.'

test of varieties of

Durum, experiments with.. .'.'
Macaroni, experiments with..

Entomological and Botanical Division
— Report of

Fairfield, W. H., Superintende'nt,"Ex-
p«rim,ental Farm, Lethbridge, Al-
berta—Report of

Gilbert, A. G., Poultry Manag'er— Rel
port of

Grisdale, J. H., Agriculturi'st— Report

Hutton, G. H., Superintendent ' Ex-
perimental Farm, Lacombe, Alberta
— Report of

Page.

272

247

251

252.

252

252

37

367

225

65

341

Horticulturist, Central Experimen-
tal Farm— Report of the 103

Acknowledgments "' jq^

Apples, new or little known' in

Ontario and Quebec jog.

Descriptions of '. ,' " hq

Apples, originated in the Horticultural

Division jjj

Descriptions of '. . .. .. '' " jjj

Characteristics of Wealthy " Seed-
lings 112-114

Apple trees, individuality of 114

Seedlings received for examination in.

1908 106

Arboretum and Botanic Garden 1,30

Bush Fruits \' " jjg

Character of Season 1908-9.'.' .*.' .*.* "' 103

Cherries.. .. t " "' jq^

Donations "' "' jqc

Forest Belts ' i'>7.ioa

Fruits, bush ......." II3

Fruits, seedling of Canadian "origin
received at Ottawa for examination

in 1908 iQg

Fruit and vegetable crops.'.*.'. 104

^^fpes ;; :; ^g

Lettuce ^g

Lilacs '' " jor

Meetings attended and addresses given. 105

Plumis 11c

Diseases of j^g

Potatoes '/_ " " 219

Thirty most productive varieties in

uniform plots, 1908 120

Twelve most productive vari'etie'sj

average for 5 years ' jjg

Yield from smaller plots, 1908.. .'. .".' ]20

Seedling Fruits of Canadian origin..' 106

Received for examination 1908.. ..' 106

Spraying to control fungous diseases'. 124

Strawberries, descriptions of ng

Tomatoes * " ^90

Selections for uniformity, productive-
ness and earliuess J23

^Trees, list of ornamental jjq

Evergreen \ '' j^g

Vegetables * " j'j^

Crops of ' '" '" jqI

Tackay, A., Superintendent Experimen-
tal Farm, Indian Head, Sask., Re-
POit of 303

432

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS

9-10 EDWARD VII., A. 1910

Page.
Macoun, W. T., Horticulturist of the
Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa,
Ont., Report of 103

Murray, James, Superintendent Experi-
mental Farm, Brandon, Man., Re-
port of 273

Poultry Manager — Report of 225

Acknowledgments 225

Artificial hatching and rearing of

chicks 234-235

Building up hardy and prolific egg

laying strains of fowls 234-241

Breeding pens made up 2.33

Beginning of winter laying 236

Breeding from good and poor egg

laying strains of fowls 243

Cotton front house severely tested.. .. 239

Diseases of Poultry 231-245

Deductions from trial of cotton front

house 240

First pullets to tegin laying 2.36

Frozen Wheat Experiments 236

Hatching by hens 235

" incubators 235

Incubation results 235

Late Hatching 243

Lessons learned from correspondence.227-232
List of stock at end of year 245

. Page.
Poultry Manager — Report of — Con.

Latest style of poultry house 230

Moulting in summer 2.33

Number of eggs laid during the year.. 236

Poultry house with cotton front. . . . 239

Progress of the chicks 235

Rations fed to difierent groups of

hens and chickens 232-236-243

Sick birds 245

Sale of stock 236

Trap nest selection 241

Visitors 245

White diarrhoea of young chicks.. ..2.35-236

Robertson, R., Superintendent, Experi-
mental Farm, Nappan, N.S., Report

of 247

Saunders, C. E., Cerealist, Report of.. 199

Saunders, Wm., Director, Report of.. .. 5

Report of Ento-
mological and Botanical Division 37

Sharpe, Thos. A., Superintendent, Ex-
perimental Farm, Agassiz, B.C.. Re-
port of 397

Shutt, F. T.. Chemist, Report of 137

PUBLICATIONS OF TSE EXPERIMENTAL FARMS.

Kasy applications are receiTed from time to time for back munbers of the
Annnal Eeporta and Bulletins of the Experimental Farms. In the following list
the issues are named of which some copies are still available. These may be had
on application bs long as the stock holds ont.

EHGUSH EDITION.

Annual Eeports for the years 1889, 1890, 1891, 1892, 1893, 1894, 1895, 1897, 1898,
1899, 1900, 1901, 1902, 1S04, 1905.

Bnlletins B"os. 2, 3, 6, 7, 9, 12, 13. 14, 16. 18, 20, 21, 28, 31, 32, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38,
39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 49, 51, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61.

General Index to Seports and Bulletins from 1887 to 1901, inclnaive.

FRENCH EDITION.

Annual Eeports for the years 1892, 1893. 1894, 1895, 1896^ 1897, 1898, 1899, 1900,
1901, 1902. 1904- 1905. Interim, 1906, 1908.

Bnlletins Not 23, 28, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 4J^ 43, 44, 45, 46, 48, 49, 50,
61, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 6a 61.

New York Botanical Garden Libra

3 5185 00258 2953