‘Handle with
EXTREME CARE
This volume is BRITTLE ©

and cannot be :
- Photocopy only if necessary

Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2009 with funding from
University of Toronto

http://www.archive.org/details/reportsof1887cana

OF THE

DIRECTOR. — - « ‘ Proressor SAUNDERS
ENTOMOLOGIST anp BOTANIST - Mr. FLETCHER
CHEMIST - - - - Mr. SHUTT
HORTICULTURIST - - Mr. HILBORN

FOR

1887.- : IS40,

Printed by Order of Parlinnent.

OTTAWA:
PLINTED BY MACLEAN, ROGER & CO., WELLINGTON STREET.
1888,

613425
Sel SS.

APPENDIX

TO THB

REPORT OF THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE

oN

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS.

Orrawa, 31st December, 1887,

Srz,—I have the honour to submit for your approval the following report of the
progress made in regard to the establishment of Experimental Farms inaugurated
by you last year, with an outline of the work accomplished on the Central Experi-
mental Farm during the current year. Appended you will also find reports from
the Chemist, Mr. Frank T. Shutt, from the Entomologist and Botanist, Mr. James
Fletcher, and from the Horticulturist, Mr. W. W. Hilborn. In all of these I trust
you will find much information useful to the public and specially useful to the
farmers and fruit-growers of the Dominion of Canada,

I have the honour to be,

Your obedient servant,

WM. SAUNDERS.
To the Honourable

Minister of Agriculture.

1*

ea ne Ba NC Bs

ge 3 ee ee 0 ee

TT f
“t
ini ;
em i ba ATT & Py |
ay pena fe bet han
iy ‘ie : sid eh
| tN hi, Hie i a ty) &

He wD aaa
Tas ; aie Pitgaie Nyt, ie) ‘

ey, ;
ij ; , ;
es fh
fs } eat - alnt RA}
hes i “bed
Ee eee tery ae (25 =

ROUALL M nv i

:
‘ic ;
‘
:
a
4
ae
ry
;
4 ¢
4
-_ ‘
*

CENTRAL EXPERIMENTAL FARM.

The land purchased for this important central station comprises in all 466 acres.
It is very conveniently situated near the boundary line between the Provinces of
Ontario and Quebec, in the Township of Nepean, Carleton County, less than three
miles from the Parliament Buildings, at Ottawa, and can be reached by good roads
in several directions, also by water and by rail. The land lies high, being from
forty to eighty feet above the adjacent rivers, and is so placed that part of it drains
to the Rideau River and a part to the Ottawa River. The north front of the farm
occupies a commanding position, overlooking the city of Ottawa, the highest point of
land being thirty-two feet higher than the main entrance to the Government buildings,
The land has that desirable variety of soil which will make it very suitable for the
purposes of an experimental farm, including within its area every grade from heavy
clay to light sandy loam, much of the larger part, however, is either a dark sandy
loam of good quality, or a friable clay loam.

On taking possession of this farm, which comprises a number of small holdings,
the dividing fences were found to be well pagked with surface stone collected from
the fields; there were also many heaps at different points and large boulders scat-
tered over the surface. While this farm is much less stoney than most of the land
in the immediate neighbourhood of Ottawa, nevertheless much labour and expense was
entailed in clearing the fields of surface stone. These stones have been got together
in piles, a part of them has already been used in improving the roads on the farm,
and the remainder will all be useful for a like purpose. In every field there were
also many stumps, chiefly pine, either single or in groups, while at the rear end of
the farm there were about 140 acres un which the pine stamps were very numerous
and the greater part of this area was also covered with a second growth of poplar
and birch. With the aid of dynamite which has been freely used, all these stumps—
some four or five thousand in number—have been entirely removed, the second
growth trees rooted up and burnt, and the whole of this heretofore waste land brought
under the plough and it is now ready for crop.

Virgin Soil for Experimental Purposes.

As a result of this clearing the Central Experimental Farm will have the great
advantage of a large quantity of virgin soil, on which experiments can be conducted
to test the relative value of fertilizers on different sorts of crops, which will permit
of important conclusions being reached, comparatively free from the errors which
are necessarily associated, to a greater or less extent, with all lands on which fertili-
zers have previously been used, or with soils more or less exhausted. This feature
will add very much to the value and usefulness of this most important section of the
work in experimental farming, for no knowledge is more eagerly sought or more
highly appreciated by intelligent farmers than accurate information regarding the
effect of different feitilizers on crops. This vantage ground will be at once taken
up, and a series of experiments are being planned to be begun next spring, including
tests with barnyard marure in different stages of decomposition, mineral phosphates,
both raw and manufactured, animal phosphates, wood ashes, nitrate of soda and
various mixtures of fertilizing salts. ‘These will be associated with similar plots on
which the same crops will be grown without manure for the purposes of comparison.
By continuing these experiments with the same crops on the same land for a number
of years, the possibilities of error in the conclusions which may be reached regard-
ing the usefulness of certain fertilizers as special food for particular crops will be
reduced toa minimum,

Within this newly cleared tract there are a number of acres of peaty soil, repre-
sentative of avery large areain both Quebec and Ontario, on which experiments
with some varieties of grasses for meadow and permanent pasture can be carried on
with great advantage.

Draining.

To bring the land referred to, as well as some other parts of the farm, into good
condition, a thorough system of drainage was early devised, and before the close of
the season 6 miles and 46 yards of tile drains had been laid, also 489 yards of box
and open drains, including all the larger main drains, which will be required to com-
plete the entire system of drainage. Some unlooked for expense has attended this
work, from the fact that in many places ledges of rock were met with from two to
four feet below the surface, which necessitated much blasting. The work, however,
has been carefully aud thoroughly done, and the land thus put in order will give
increased returns, and will also aid in demonstrating the value of under drainage.

Grading and Fencing.

A substantial new fence has been erected, enclosing the entire farm. Owing to
the irregularities of the ground this has necessarily involved much grading, in order
to avoid unsightliness and give areasonably neat appearance to this part of the
work. The roads along each side of the farm approaching the higher ground were
hemmed in on either side by high banks, and when the snow drifted badly in
winter, these cuttings became filled to such a depth as to make the highway at times
impassable. These banks have been cut down, the roads widened, and the material
thus obtained used in filling the hollow places along the fence line. These improve-
ments have added much to the appearance of the property, increased its value, and
at the same time removed the obstacles to winter travel.

Plans.

A complete topographical plan was prepared at the outset, giving the relative
heights all over the farm, which has been of much service in determining the best
course for the main drains, and has been found very useful in other respects. A
careful plan of the prospective farm, including locations for buildings, roads, shelter
and forest belts, &c., has also been prepared by an eminent landscape gardener.
This approved plan is being followed as a guide in all work, so that any part once
completed will need no further modifying, a condition of things which can scarcely
exist without some well devised plan as a guide. y

Horses, Waggons, Implements, &c.

The necessary supply of horses required for permanent work, with implements,
waggons, &¢., were purchased in season for spring work, and from the second of
May, when operations began, until frost put an end to farm labour, both horses and
men, supplemented by such additional temporary help as was needed, have been
kept actively employed,

Buildings.

A temporary office and a seed testing house were provided early in the
year, and, as soon as practicable, work was begun on the permanent buildings.
Dwellings for the several officers composing the working staff are being erected, and

substantial barns and stables are now approaching completion, which will provide
the accommodation necessary for the farm horses and room for a sufficient number of
animals to permit of the conducting of such experiments as may, from time to time,
be found desirable in the interest of stock-raising in this country. From this source
it is also expected that surplus stock can in time be had, both of pure bred and grade
cattle to test in the different climates of the several Provinces in which the other
experimental farms will be located. A temporary laboratory has been fitted up for
the use of the chemist in the city which will serve a useful purpose until the per-
manent laboratory can be erected, which it is hoped will be done during the coming
ear.
+ The temporary office is quite inadequate to the requirements of the work, but
better facilities for transacting business with the public will no doubt before long
be provided. The proposed agricultural museum which is to occupy the upper storey
of the new office building is also much needed, so that space may be had in
which to store samples of the grain and other products of the Experimental Farms,
where visiting farmers will have the opportunity of comparing the different
varieties, and of gaining much useful information regarding their respective merits,
and of the success attending the zrowing of different crops under the varying
climatic and other conditions which obtain in different parts of the Dominion’ of
Canada. The structure erected for the time being for seed testing and propagating
and in which valuable work has been done, is now altogether too small to meet the
public demand for this class of work, and much useful experimental and preparatory
work, which might be carried on, did space permit during the winter, has necess-
arily been deferred until better accommodation can be provided.

Water Supply.

Recognising the importance and value of an abundant supply of water for all the
purposes required in connection with this farm as well as for fire protection, satis-
factory arrangements have been made with the city authorities of Ottawa for obtain-
ing a supply from the Ottawa waterworks. A water main, five inches in diameter,
has been laid from the city tothe highest point on the farm; hydrants have been
located near the barns and stables and similar protection will be afforded to the other
buildings as the work progresses. From the main, suitable pipes can be laid,
to all buildings where water is required.

Arboretum and Botanic Garden,

Sixty-five acres of very suitable land are to be devoted to the important purposes
of an Arboretum and Botanic garden where all the useful trees, shrubs and plants of
the Dominion, as far as climatic conditions will permit, will be brought together, their
growth carefully noted and a knowledge of many other facts acquired, so that
useful data in regard to forest questions may be accumulated for future guidance.
Such varieties of foreign trees and shrubs as can be obtained will also be tested, for
the purpose of ascertaining the relative value of each and every sort for timber
and fuel as well as for shelter and ornamental purposes. Canada has been the last of
the more important British colonies to undertake this useful department of public
work, and it is hoped that by entering on it with vigour and enthusiasm, that although
last, our country will not long remain least in this very necessary branch. There is
no country where the knowledge obtainable in relation to tree culture can be put to
more important and useful purposes, and the establishment of this section will pre-
pare the way for the dissemination of much needed information regarding tree culture
and the most serviceable trees to plant over this wide domain, which Canadians will
- not be long in turning to practical account, A large accumulation of suitable material

for planting this arboretum, including many hundreds of varieties of trees, shrubs
and plants, has already been made, and the stock will be materially increased during
the coming summer.

Dow’s Lake.

Along the northern front of the Central Experimental Farm thers is a fine sheet
of water, an enlargement of the Rideau Canal, known as Dow’s Lake. The useful-
ness of this water stretch has in the past been much interfered with on account of
the presence of a large number of unsightly stumps which protruded above the sur-
face. As soon as winter had put an end to all operations in the field, and by the
emptying of the canal the level of the water was lowered some four or five feet,
choppers were set to work, and the stumps, over 2,600 in number, were cut down to
the ice level and removed. As a result of this clearing the lake will in future be a
beautiful sheet of water, affording a convenient and unobstructed approach to the
farm and will also add very much to the attractiveness of its surroundings.

Bulletins.

During the year two bulletins have been issued, giving details of the work car-
ried on in testing the vitality and germinating power of seeis, the importing and
distribution for test of early ripening wheat from the northern part of Russia, and
the results of the trial of a large number of varieties of spring wheat, barley, oats,
potatoes and other field crops on the Central Experimental Farm. The bulletins
also contain a brief summary of the work done in horticulture and forestry, showin
that very large collections of fruit trees, vines and young forest trees have been
obtained and planted on the farm for test, further particulars regarding the fruits
will be found in the appended report of the Horticulturist, Mr. W. W. Hilborn,
Reference is also made in the bulletins to the results of correspondence with institu-
tions engaged in similar work in other parts of the world, by which means large
collections of the seeds of useful and hardy trees, shrubs and plants have been
obtained and sown, giving a crop which will add much to the interest of the collec-
tions at the farm, and p:ovide for the testing of these usefal products in other parts
of the Dominion, especially in the treeless regions of the North-West. The demand
for these publications has been so great that a much larger edi.ion has been required
than was at first anticipated. Several additional bulletins are now in process of
preparation,

Acknowledgments.

In the arduous work of clearing, grading, preparation of the land and planting I
have been ably aided. Valuable help has been rendered by Mr. Wm. M. Blair of
Truro, N.S., the superintendent of the experimental farm for the Maritime Provinces,
who directed portions of the work in progress during the early part of the summer,
also by Mr. A. Mackay of Indian Head, N.W.T., superir tendent of the experimental
' farm for the North. West Territories, who took charge of the planting of a large col-

Jection of the seeds of forest trees and shrubs. Able assistance was also given by
Mr. 8. A. Bedford of Moosomin, N.W.T., who undertook the forest tree planting and
who subsequently pushed forward the clearing of the land with much vigour and
ability, and by Mr. W. W. Hilborn who while carefully attending to his horticultural
duties aided also in the oversight of other departments of the work in progress, But
my acknowledgments are specially due to the farm foreman, Mr. Jobn Fixter, who
has been untiring in his devotion to the work and who has brought his practical
knowledge to bear on the varied operations he has had in charge during the season
with the best results, and to his persevering industry in carrying out the plans
devised much of the present advanced condition of this part of the farm work is due,

OTHER EXPERIMENTAL Farms.

Since my appcintment in October, 1886, as Director of the Canadian Experi-
mental Farms I have been three times to the Maritime Provinces and twice to Mani-
toba, the North-West Territories and British Columbia. These journeys were under-
taken for the purpose of gaining information as to the character of the soil, the
nature of the climate and the present condition of agriculture in the several Prov-
inees, also to examine the most promising of the sites offered for the proposed experi-
mental farms, so that information might be available which would aid in determining
where they might be best located, for the present and future benefit of the resident
farmers. Although this labour has been beset with many difficulties, it is hoped
that the careful attention which has been paid to this important part of the under-
taking will prepare the way for the selection of suitable lands in desirable locations
where the work contemplated car be carried on to the greatest advantage and where
it will give that constant and needed stimulus to agriculture which is required.

For THE Maritime Provinces.

A site for the experimental farm for the Maritime Provinces has been selected at
Nappan, Nova Scotia; a very central point for the three Eastern Provinces, The
farm consists of 302 acres in all, and combines a sufficient area of cleared land for all
farm and horticultural experiments, with wooded land for shelter from prevailing
winds. It has a suitable soil of varied character, and a sufficient proportion of both
“ English ” and “ broad leaf marsh” land to meet the requirements for stock. It has
excellent railway facilities, the main line of the Intercolonial crosses the front of the
farm, which is not more than half a mile from the railway station at Nappan, The
central position of this farm, and its railway advantages will make it easy of access
to visitors from all the Maritime Provinces, it is also so situated as to climate as to
be fairly representative of the largest area of territory in the three Provinces. It is
intended as soon as possession can be had that prompt preparations shall be made
for spring work. New varieties of cereals, grasses and hardy fruits are much needed
in some parts of the Maritime Provinces, these lines of experiments will early claim
attention. It is hoped that the other experimental farms which it is proposed to
establish will also be selected in time to admit of active operations as soon as the
spring season opens.

WM. SAUN DBRS, F.R.S.C., F.L.S., F.C.S.
Director Experimental Farms.

REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGIST AND BOTANIST.

(James FiEeroner, F.R,S,C., F.L.S.)

To Prof. W. SAuNDERs,
Director of the Dominion Experimental Farms,
Ottawa.

Sir,—I have the honour to submit herewith a report of observations on injurious
insects, chiefly during the year 1887, with the methods of prevention and remedy
which I have suggested when their ravages have been brought under my notice. My
last and second report as Dominion Entomologist covering the year 1885, was issued
by the Hon, Minister of Agriculture as an appendix to his report in the spring of 1886.
Since that time no opportunity has been lost to distribute information concernin
injurious and beneficial insects amongst those engaged in farming and horticultura
Operations, Through the generosity of the Hon. Minister 1 was allowed to have
1,000 copies of my last report printed separately, for distribution amongst my
correspondents. Ths number he again increased at the request of the Committee on
Agriculture and Colonization to 11,000 in English and French. The whole of the
issue has been exhausted, and I trust that the information distributed by this means
amongst the farming community may have been found useful. I have to thank the
press, particularly the French press of Lower Canada, {or drawing the attention of
their readers to this publication, also the clergy of the Province who aided me
materially in this work. Although no report upon injurious insects was prepared last
year, the Government has published in full some evidence upon the same subject
which I had the honour of giving before the Select Committee om Agriculture and
Colonization during the last Session of Parliament. As that report will be distributed
widely amongst the constituents of Members of Parliament, 1 am in hopes that the
facts there related may be found useful to those who may read them. Up to the Ist
of July last, my work as Dominion Entomologist had to be performed in addition to
my duties as accountant in the Library of Parliament. This necessarily curtailed my
opportunities for gathering and disseminating facts concerning the injuries com-
mitted by insects and the most suitable remedies. Since my transfer to your depart-
ment as Entomologist and Botanist at the Central Experimental Farm, other pressing
work connected with the office has taken up the greater part of my time; but plans
have been laid for execution during the ensuing season, by which it is hoped that
some of the usual attacks by insects will be anticipated and the farmers reminded
beforehand of such preveutive remedies as have been found useful in the past. Up to
the present this has been done chiefly by means of letters addressed to the press ;
but upon one subject, the Clover-seed Midge, which demanded special attention, it was
thought advisable to issue a printed letter giving an enlarged figure of the insect, and
the most successful method of dealing with it. This was sent to farmers in chose
districts where clover is grown for seed. For the future I believe that all infurma-
tion of this nature will be most advantageously conveyed to the agricultural c.asses
in the way which you have proposed, namely, by inserting it in the Bulletins to be
regularly issued from the farm. In this way it will come into the hands ef all whe
receive ee bulletins, which will be doubtless fully appreciated and carefully
preserved.

During the past autumn efforts were made to gather together from the woods
and fields in this locality, as large a collection as possible of the roots of our native
plants. These were carefully removed and placed in nursery rows preparatory to

; 9
——— Ss] SSS E5
such time as arrangements can be made for their permanent location in the Botanic
garden. Large quantities of the seeds of our local forest trees were collected and
planted in the autumn, as well as others received from different parts of the Dominion,
A large collection of seeds of indigenous plants of all kinds has been got together,
either collected by the officers or presented to the institution by sympathisers out-
side. As soon as circumstances will permit, the work of laying out such part of the
Arboretum and Botanic garden as you may decide upon, will be pushed forward
with vigour. The plants and seeds now in hand form the nucleus of a nice and
interesting collection. Collections of seeds have been received from the Department
of Agriculture, Washington, U.S. A.; the Arnold Arboretum, Boston, U.S. A.; the
Royal Gardens, Kew, England; the Imperial Gardens, Tokio, Japan ; and Dr. Regel,
of St. Petersburgh, Russia.

Promises of co-operation and assistance, accompanied by collections of native
seeds, have been received from Mr. J. Walker, of Calgary, Mr. N. H. Cowdry, of
Macleod, N.W.T., and Rev. W. A. Burman, of Griswold, Manitoba.

Particular attention will be paid to the examination and cultivation of our
native grasses. Many of the seeds collected by yourself in the North-West Terri-
tories last year, from apparently desirable species, are already planted, and give
promise of satisfactory results. As relating to this subject,1 beg to repeat some
words used by Prof. Macoun, when transmitting a large collection of seeds and bulbs
which he had gathered for us in British Columbia; “I am delighted that you are
going to grow these plants. It is the only way to understand some of our difficult
species, and I‘have-no doubt that before very long you will be ableto solve in this
way, many of the difficult problems which now bother us. The botanist who often
has to work with imperfect and badly-preserved specimens, will now be able to
examine the plants at all stages of growth. I wish you every success, and believe
that your farm will be a great benefit to the country and to science.”

In addition to the above, reference collections of preserved entomological and
botanical specimens will of course be necessary for the advantageous prosecution of
entomological and botanical work. Temporary cases have already been provided,
for the former, and no effort will be wanting on my part to build up, with all
expedition, a collection, showing the injurious and beneficial insects which affect
our crops.

The value of having an extensive collection of our indigenous Canadian plants
is easily apparent. Already numerous enquiries have been received concerning the
identity and economic uses of wild plants, and it is most desirable that all such
enquiries should receive prompt answers. To further this end, whichI consider one
of great importance, I have much pleasure in presenting to the farm museum my
own Herbarium, comprising upwards of 3,000 species, collected in Canada, mainly by
myself.

: I beg also to announce that Dr. Selwyn, the Director of the Geological and
Natural History Survey, has kindly given Prof. Macoun permission to fill up many
of the deficiencies from the duplicates of his own vast collections in the National
Museum, as soon 48 our museum is built and we arein a position to receive and
reserve the specimens. Similar promises have been received from Dr, T. J. W.
urgess, of Hamilton, and Mr. J. Dearness, of London, Ont. Some rare species have
already been received from the latter gentleman.

The acknowledgment of the importance of economic entomology and the allied
sciences is daily becoming more apparent. These investigations for many years
(with the notable exception of Miss Ormerod’s excellent work in England) were
almost entirely confined to this continent. Now, however, systematic study of insects
and plants is being carried on, with the object of obtaining remedies for injurious
species, in many parts of the world. In England, by Miss Ormerod, who continues
to issue her most excellent annua] reports, as well as smaller pamphlets, whenever
occasion calls for them. In the same country there has appeared from the pen of
Mr. C. Whitehead, a series of five reports on insects injurious to the leading crops.
These reports have a peculiar value, from the fact that their author is not only a good

1

10

entomologist and botanist, but has also had a long experience asa practical farmer
in one of the best farming counties of England. In Belgium, Germaay, France and
Russia, good work is now being done in this line. Nor are our sister colonies behind
hand. In South Australia, Mr. Frazer S. Crawford has studied the fangous and
insect pests which attack the apple and pear, and his admirable report is an impor-
tant contribution to science. The fungous “ coffee leaf disease,” Hemileia vastatriz,
80 injurious in Ceylon, has been reported upon by Mr, Marshall Ward, and the same
disease has been investigated in the island of Fiji by Mr. P. J. Storck, with the
satisfactory result of discovering what promises to be a successful remedy, Briefly,
this consists in placing vessels containing a mixture of carbolic acid and water at
short intervals through the coffee plantations. Mr. Storck found that the vapour
given off had a most destructive effect upon the injurious fungus. I mention this
fact, because the Hemileia being somewhat of the same nature asthe Fusicladium or
“black spot” on the apple, I am under the impression that good results might follow
its application here in years when this disease is prevalent.

The Government of New Zealand has issued its report of the Joint Codling
Moth Committee, and in Surgeon General Balfour’s “ Agricultural Pests of India,”
published by order of the Secretary of State for India, the planters of that Empire
have a concise and convenient source of reference concerning most of the diseases
which attack vegetation.

In the United States, in addition to the varied and effective work which is
keing done at Washington by Prof. C. V. Riley and his staff of able assistants, of
which it is not too much tosay that it is the most important in the world, there is
a vast amount of work being prosecuted in this line at the various State Agricultural
Colleges and Experimental Farms,

In the Dominion of Canada I may perhaps be permitted to mention the Entomo-
logical Society of Ontario, from whose members I receive much assistance in carry-
ing on the work which devolves upon my office. Their annual reports, published by
the Ontario Government, are valuable repositories of the latest discoveries and most
successful methods of treating insect enemies.

Besides Ontario the only other Province which has recognized the necessity of
having economic entomology siudied, is British Columbia. During the past year the
Rev. Geo. W. Taylor has been appointed Provincial Entomologist and [ anticipate
much.good from this selection. The appointment will naturally give the farmers of
that Province a means of obtaining information much more quickly, than when they
had to write and receive a reply from Ottawa. In some cases before an answer could
be obtained the attack had proceeded too far for the successful application of any
xvemedy. In addition to this there is always the possibility of error creeping in through
correspondence, which would be avoided were it possible to visit the infested district.

The report submitted herewith covers the observations of the season of 1887 ; but
it has, on some occasions, been found necessary to refer to correspondence which took
place during the previous summer. In carrying on the investigations here recorded I
have been much assisted by other students in the science of entomology, and I wish
specially to acknowledge my indebtedness to Mr. W. H. Harrington, uf Ottawa, not
only for aid in the identification ot Coleoptera and Hymenoptera, in which orders he is
a high authority ; but also for invaluable assistance which he with Prof. Guignard,
also of Ottawa, rendered me in the work of correcting the proof and seeing through
the press my last report. his had to be done at the time whenI was absent from
Canada officially attending the Colonial and Indian Exhibition, to lay out and arrange
the Canadian garden in which were exhibited the useful and ornamental plants of the
Dominion. To Miss Eleanor A, Ormerod, the entomologist of the Royal Agricultural
Society of England, my thanks are also due for copies of many valuable reports and for
advice on several points with regard to the treatment of insect attacks. To Prof.C. V.
Riley and his assistants at Washington, particularly Mr. J. B., Smith, [ am also much
indebted for the identification of specimens, as also to Mr, Henry Edwards, of New

11

—_—

York, and Prof. A. R. Grote, of Bremen, Germany, who have spared no pains in deter-
mining for me some difficult species of moths.

Finally I beg again to thank my many correspondents for their assistance in
the past and to request a continuance of the favour for the future. I am more than
ever convinced that if my work is to be of use to the country, much of the information
made use of and distributed through this means, must be derived from practical men,
actually engaged in the cultivation of the soil. In this way theory as such, will be
eliminated as much as possible and will make way for practical experience, the most
important element of all success. Moreover, this experience will be gained under
ordinary circumstances and with the usual methods which are found practicable on
the average Canadian farm. Thus the most applicable remedies will be discovered
and made known as promptly and widely as possible. If suggested remedies fail,
the reason must be sought for, and if they prove useless, farmers must be warned
against them, so that no time may be lost which might be better employed.

The subjects treated of in the following pages are those concerning which I
have been most frequently asked for information. These in no way represent all the
facts which have been contributed by correspondents from all parts of the country.
These have been tabulated and will be of use at some future time when full credit

will be given for all original observations.

I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your obedient servant,

JAMES FLETCHER, F.RS.C., F.LS.,
Entomologist and Botanist of the Dominion Experimental Farms.

CEREALS.
WHEAT.

Had it not been for the exceptionally good crop of wheat in Manitoba and
the North-West Territories, the output of this staple crop would have been con-
siderably below the average To the excessive drought which prevailed over the
greater part of Canada this shortage was mainly due; but there were also many
complaints of the fungous diseases, rust, smut, and bunt. The “ Wheat Midge”
attacked wheat more or less in every section heard from. The Hessian-fly was
reported from a few localities, but it is probable that in some of these cases the true
depredator was the Wheat-stem Maggot. This last named is apparently on the in-
crease in the districts where it has been observed.

The Wheat Midge, “the Weevil” (Diplosis tritici, Kirby.)

Attack.—When the wheat is in blossom in the month of June, tiny yellow
Midges with black eyes, may be found, particularly as evening comes on, flying over
and laying eggs in the florets of the wheat. These eggs in about a week hatch into
small reddish-orange maggots which lie inside the chaff and suck the juices from the
swelling kernel. When mature they leave the ears of wheat and penetrate about an
inch beneath the surface of the ground, where they remain for a time, and either pro-
duce the perfect Midges that same summer or remain dormant until the next spring.
Prof. F. M. Webster, of Purdue University, Indiana, a close observer and energetic
worker, writes: “It has been supposed that these larve when fall fed either entered
the ground and remained until the following June, or remained ensconsed in the

12

heads ; in any case not further attacking the grain, although the latter might remain
unthrashed until winter. But since I came to Indiana I have not only reared the
adults from volunteer wheat until in November, but have found the larve on and
about young wheat plants growing in a field sown among growing corn. Fuarther-
more it is known that the insect affects the seeds of grasses also.” In the report of
the United States Entomologist for the year 1885, p. 319, Prof. Webster records
having observed the adult flies from 20th May right through the season up to Sep-
tember. It would appear then that there are sometimes two broods in the season,
the second brood subsisting on volunteer wheat.

Remedies.— Under this heading I would first of all draw attention to the careless
practice of farmers in not destroying the dust and rubbish from the threshing
machine, when they know their crop to have been infested with this insect. I have
over and over again seen the ground beneath the machine coloured quite preceptibly
by the pups which have remained in the ears when the crop was carried.

The greater part of these pupe, although apparently much dried up, are yet ina
condition to mature if left undisturbed on the ground. I would strongly recommend
that the wise precaution taken by Nova Scotian farmers should be more widely
adopted. Col. Blair, of Truro, N.S., tells me that “it is the usual custom in Nova
Scotia for good farmers to gather up all the rubbish from the threshing machines,
and take it out on to a cross road or other hard ground and burn it. This is a
means not only of destroying the larvee of the ‘ Weevil ” and other insects, but also
the seeds of pernicious weeds.”

Although so well known from its injuries, it would appear from late develop-
ments that after all the life-history is not yet thoroughly understood. It is to be
hoped that now this is recognized, efforts will be made to fill up the missing links,
and perhaps in this way a more practicable remedy may be devised than has yet
been discovered, for that portion of the summer brood which hibernates in the
ground. Deep ploughing directly the crop is cut has been advocated, and would
probably be attended with good results, especially where the field can be left un-
touched until after the time that the perfect Midges mature the next year. Another
method which should receive more attention is the cultivation of such varieties of
wheat as are found to be least attacked. Mostof these, however, partaking much of the
character of the variety known as “goose wheat,” are of poor quality; but it is
within the bounds of possibility that by careful hybridizing, the quality might be
improved without at the same time rendering them susceptible to the attacks of the
Midge. Amongst the better varieties almost free from the attacks of this insect, the
fall wheat known as the Democrat is one of the most highly esteemed.

For many years the Midge has been so bad in the Province of Nova Scotia that
in some districts no efforts are made to grow wheat. Mr. James Clark, writing from
Tatamagouche, N.S., writes concerning one variety of wheat which is not attacked :
“Tt is five years since I began to grow ‘Midge-proof wheat,’ and in that
time it has given me the best satisfaction of any variety I ever had, having fever
been infested with either Midge or rust, bothof which are very common here. It gives
very fair returns. I have had as high as 20 tol. The only objection I have to it
is that it is rather coarse-grained, and if it could be improved a little in that way
would be a great benefit to the farmers. I do not know of any other variety that is
altogether Midge and rust proof.”

The Wheat-Stem Maggot. ‘“ Wheat bulb-worm’”’ (Meromyza Americana, Fitch.»

Attack.—Some time before the wheat should be ripe the ear and top portion of
the stem turn white. Upon examination the stem will be found to be severed just
above the top joint by a transparent green maggot.

There are probably three broods of this insect ina season. The egg is laid on
the young plants of fall-wheat in the autumn, and the maggots work their way down
the centre of the stem to the base where they lie all the winter, and turn to pups the

——

. ————
ee

18

next spring. During May and June the first brood of flies appears, and the eggs are laid
on the young stems of the wheat plant. These in due time hatch to the green trans-
parent maggots which produce the characteristic appearance of the attack described
above, t.¢. the withered and bleached ear, which has gained for it one of its local
names, “Silver-top” This was the insect referred to in my last report as the “ Joint
worm,” under which name it is probably better known in Canadathan any other. The
perfect flies of the second brood appear in the beginning of July. There was a gap in
the life-history of this insect until quite lately, when Prof. Webster discovered that the
gap between July and the time when the eggs were laid in autumn, was filled up by
a brood which passed through its transformations in volunteer wheat; this brood
probably also lives in some of our native or cultivated grasses. This is an important
discovery, for if it be trae that the fly will deposit at once in volunteer wheat, it
suggests a trap which may be set by preparing beforehand near infested fields a strip
of wheat to which the July brood will be attracted to lay their eggs, and which may
then be ploughed in.

The perfect insect is a pretty little active yellowish fly about one-fifth of an inch
in length with three dark stripes extending right down its back. It has a habit of
resting with the fore part of its body very much raised up.

From the reports which I have received during the past two years I fear that
this insect is decidedly increasing. Besides the operations of the July brood, which
are easily recognized, I am convinced that much of the injury to fall wheat laid to
the charge of the Hessian-fly, is in reality done by the autumn brood of thie species.
It is reported chiefly from Ontario, from Tuckersmith, Huron, by Mr. John Burgess,
from Pembroke by Mr. A.1. White, and especially from the district around Ottawa. A
severe attack is also reported by Mr. D. James, of Thornhill, York County, who
says “It is working in the variety of wheat known as ‘goose’ spring wheat. In
my fields it is three or four times worse than last year; at a rough estimate about
every thirtieth head is affected.”

OATS,

Oats as a rule have suffered little from insects. One attack of the grain
Aphis, Siphonophora avene, Fab, was reported by Mr. D. James, of Thornhill:
“ There is an Aphis which is attacking my oats pretty badly in some places. They
cluster around the stems of the head of oats, taking the substance that the grain
should have.”

In Vancouver Island Mr. Henry King tells of a serious attack of Wireworms by
which he lost a whole field of oats, and from Manitoba it is reported that late oats
were injured by grubs.

BARLEY.

Where reported on is stated to be free from all insect attacks, but a few cases of
smut have occurred.

PEAS.

This crop still remains virtually exempt from the attacks of the Pea Weevil,
(Bruchus pisi, L.,) but in some districts it was very seriously affected by the
drought. In the County of Prince Edward, where peas are now largely grown for
seed, there was much anxiety owing toasudden failure in the peacrop. There
were various theories rife at the time to account for the failure, and at the request of
Dr. J. M. Platt, M.P. for Picton, I was instructed to visit the locality and investi-
gate the trouble.

Upon arriving at Picton, Dr. J. M. Platt kindly gave me every opportunity for
examining the pea fields and discussing the matter with the growers. The condition

14
es ae

of the pea fields at the time of my visit (the first week in July), may be briefly
summed up as follows :—

The early varieties were all ripe and nothing could be seen except that
the crop was thin. The late varieties were just beginning to produce
their fruit, the peas in the primary pods being well formed, but for the most part
few others. The fields presented the following aspect. In low spots the vines,
although somewhat faded from the great heat and want of rain, were healthy and
well-grown, but on gravelly knolls or in sandy uplands were in some places quite
dead, or were in such a state that recovery was considered impossible.

The plants themselves over large areas were found to have been injured at the
eollar, immediately on the level of the soil, and consisted in fact of an apparently
healthy top and root, but having these two portions separated by a short piece of dead
stem at the collar. This injury J attribute almost wholly to the heat of the sun. As the
plants faded for want of moisture, they drooped and left their bases exposed to the
direct rays of the sun as well as the heat refracted from the parched earth. Upon
the roots of the leguminose, the natural order to which the pea belongs,
are found tuber-like organs the nature of which until lately has not been understood.
Upon the pea-plants in question these were found to be particularly well developed,
but in many instances were in a state of partial decay. One of the theories preva-
lent in the distriet was that the trouble was due to a fungous disease, and there were
certainly indications that this view might be correct. Upon the roots bearing decayed
tubers, many showed a fungous mycelium emanating from those bodies and running
along the adjacent roots. Another feature was the patchy nature of the fields, and
further, most of the farmers stated that this “disease” showed itself first in small
spots which then increased in an ever-widening circle; or again, that it would run
in a straight line along the side ofa fence. Now all of these would point to the
ravages of a parasitic fungus. A microscopic examination of the tubers on the roots
did not, as might have been expected, give an easy solution to the mystery, for the
organization of these bodies is exceptional in vegetable morphology, and they con-
tain bodies known as “ bacteroids” which mnch resemble the reproductive organs of
some fungi. In discussing the matter with Dr. Platt we came to the conclusion
that these bodies might be normal structures of the plant, as, although disproportion-
ately larger and of quite a different configuration, they bore a close resemblance to
the tubers upon the roots of other leguminose, There were, however, several points
which seemed to indicate that something more than drought was affecting the crops,
such as the occurrence of a few dead plants together, amongst other healthy vines,
and the reiteration by farmers of the fact that when once the disease showed itself
in a field it spread rapidly from a given centre.

The nature of the information gathered from pea-growers in this instance was
very contradictory. ;

Upon my return to Ottawa I despatched a series of specimens to my friend,
Prof. W. G. Farlow, the eminent American authority of Harvard University, who
upon this, as on many previous occasions, rendered me great assistance and kindly
forwarded me an article detailing the recent discovery of the nature of the tubers
referred to.

He writes: “I have examined your specimens; they are such as are
found in a large number of leguminose. They have generally been supposed
to be due to bacteria, but within six months or a year, papers have been published
which throw new light on the subject, and seem to show conclusively that the
tubers are not due to bacteria but are normal structures containing reserve material.
With this I send by mail a copy of the ‘ Berichte der Deutschen Botanischen Ges-
elschaft’ for January, 1887, which contains a good paper by A. Tschirch, with a
cea This will give you the information you need.” This article shows that these

odies are reservoirs for nitrogenous meterials which are lsid up during the active
growth of the plant previous to the formation of seed. When, however, these latter
are formed, a transfer takes place and the nitrogenous matter collected in the root
tubers is drawn off and provides the large supply which is found in the seeds of

15

leguminose. Now, applying this to the above case, all can be understood with ease,
The large development of these tubers on the roots of the pea-plants in Prince
Edward county showed what is well known, that this district is exceptionally well
adapted for the production of good peas. The failure of the plants to produce seed
was due to the injury in the stem mentione! above, by which the supply of nitro-
genous material in the root tubers was cut off. These latter again being unable to
perform their functions began to decay. Dr, Farlow wrote concerning some of these
damaged tubers: ‘The tubers I examined were somewhat decayed on the oatside
and had on them some small mould like Fusisporium which, however, had nothing to
do with causing the tubers.”

With regard to the nature of the supposed attack alluded to above, I feel con-
vinced that it was mainly a result of the exceptional drought, and the fact that it
appeared upon gravelly knolls and uplands first, would merely be due to the greater
aridity of the soil in those spots. The occurrence of a few dead plants, amongst
healthy vines, might have been due to attacks by insects previous to the examination.

Tn confirmation of the above opinion as to the injury being due to the drought,
I quote the following from the August agricultural returns of the Ontario Bureau of
Industries: ‘This crop was, of course, more or less injured by the prevailing
drought, but on the whole there are larger areas from which good reports come of
peas than of wheat, Wherever the seed was sown early, and on good soil, the crop
made progress sufficient to cover the ground, and in a measure retain the moisture
before the severe drought set in, while what was sown later, and on poorer soil,
grew sparsely and did not afford shade to the roots of the plant.”

I may mention that some of the growers who had used salt upon their fields
claimed that their crops were better than where this had not been used.

HAY AND CLOVER.

HAY,

Notwithstanding the dry weather the crop of hay in many localities is reported
as up to the average in quantity and above it in quality,

Two reports only of serious injury to the hay crop have been received—one
from New Brunswick of the ravages of the Army-worm, the other from various parts
of the Provinces of Ontario and Quebec. ‘The exact nature of this last attack is not
yet understood, and 1 must again refer to it by the popular name used by correspon-
dents and mentioned in my last report, viz., “ Joint-worm.” It is possible, however,
that it may be due to the attacks of a mite

“ Joint-worm.”

Attack.—Exactly similar to the attack of the Wheat-stem Maggot, the top por-
tion, together with the head, withering and turning white just before the seed
is ripe.

In the first week of July I found at Desoronto, Ont., stems of Timothy hay (Phleum
pratense, L.), and Kentucky Blue-glass (Poa pratensis, L.), injured in the way
described. Upon examination it was found that the stem had been severed, and was
decayed immediately above the top joint. In some of the stems small white mites
were found, but in others were the larve of some minute hymenopterous fly. Un-
luckily, owing to the excessive heat which occurred just at that time, 1 was unable
to get these specimens home safely.

Mr. W. Brodie, of Toronto, writes to me as follows :—“ In addition to a dipter-
ous larva which attacks the timothy, we have found here a mite very common and
very injarious. We have collected the ova, the immature and the adult forms. [i

16

has been common in the counties around Toronto for some years, and has done much
injury to timothy, 3 species of spear grass and to Triticum repens, L. Farmers knew
of it and said it was ‘the blight.’ About June I demonstrated to all, that it was the
work of a mite, and read a short paper on it before the Natural History Society of
Torunto, and showed specimens of the injured culms and the living mites.”

In the beginning of July, I received throuzh the Hon. Minister of the Interior a
letter and specimens of timothy injured in the manner described above, and for-
warded by Dr. Ferguson, M. P. for North Leeds, with the statement that it had been
common for years in all good seasons. ‘ When there are great drought and a small
crop the insects have not appeared, but when the growth is vigorous and there is a
good deal of moisture, they have appeared almost invariably.”

Remedy.—The remedy suggested by Dr. Ferguson is probably the best that can
be adopted. He says: “When this attack is general the course here has been to
put the mower in and cut the crop. Usually, however, the attack is not general,
although sufficiently so to enable anyone looking at the field to see the white tops
here and there where the insect has attacked the stem.” And again, writing later,
he says: “It always appears when we have a luxuriant growth resulting from
frequent showers and followed by great heat. Many of our meadows are attacked -
I should judge, to at least, five per cent. of the stalks. The effects are never evident
until after the head is fuily out of the blade, As none of our spring wheat is suffi-
ciently forward yet, I have not been able to get a sample in the grain stalk.”

Dr, Ferguson is of the opinion, with many others, that the injury is done bya
worm in the stem. Ifthis view is correct, it may possibly be the “ Wheat-stem Mag-
got” that is the culprit.

In the third report of Prof. Lintner, State Entomologist of New York, just
issued, he describes a mite as attacking timothy, so that “the infested places looked
as if they had been scalded.” The mite he refers to, however, is black with red legs,
whilst those referred to above, are white and transparent.

The Army-worm (Leucania unipuncta, Haworth.)

Attack.—A_ brown striped Caterpillar destroying
all the leaves of grass and cereals. When occurring in
large numbers, migrating in bodies from one food
patch to another.

During the past summer sensational accounts
appeared in the newspapers to the effect that the whole
hay crop on the Sackville marshes in New Brunswick,
was being demolished by the caterpillar known as the
Army-worm. This caterpillar (Fig. 2) is produced from
)), eggs laid by a light brown moth (Fig. 1), with a slight metallic
lnstre, about an inch in length, when the wings are closed, with a
small white spot on each wing. I have never been able to trace
more than two broods of this insect in Canada; but in the United
States they have three. The eggs are laid in the autumn, and like
many of the Cut-worms pass the winter as very small caterpillars.
In the following spring they attack the young grass and grain
crops. The moths from these caterpillars appear in July, and the
eggs laid by this brood produce the moths in August and September.

Upon the appearance in the press of the items referred to above,
I ut once wrote to the infested district for reliable information, and
through the kindness of Prof. Burwash and Mr. W. F. George, both
of Sackville, N.B., I found that these accounts were much exagge-
rated. Prof. Burwash writes, after extensive enquiry amongst the
farmers of Westmoreland County: “I find that reports vary con-
siderably as to the extent of injury. The most careful and accurate

1%

——_—_—_——— ———™
observers say that two, or at most three per cent. of the whole hay crop would be
a liberal estimate. Of course in some places the damage is much greater, Allag ee
in saying that the worm does not touch the grass newly ‘laid down,’ that it is con-
fined to the old meadows, of which we have a great many here; some of our marsh
not being broken up for ten or more years. This year, in order to avoid its ravages,
the farmers have ploughed a great deal, which they would not otherwise have
disturbed.”

“The worms ‘work’ about the lowest part of the stalk, among what they call
here the ‘ moss,’ that is the dead leaves, &c., which cover the ground, so that by
far the greater part of them are out of sight. Indeed unless they are very numerous
their presence is only detected by the unthrifty appearance of the grass, untila
closer observation and ‘rooting’ about the grass brings them to light. However,
when they are very numerous they may be seen climbing stalks, but they always
look as if they were ‘out of their latitude.’”

Mr. George writes: “In some localities they damaged the English grass to a
eonsiderable extent by eating all the fine grass and clover in some places, not leay-
ing anything green standing. This did not extend over large areas and only occurred
where the marshes are not well drained. I am quite confident that thorough drain-
age and good cultivation will prevent the ravages of the Army-worm in this
locality.”

i T. J. Leeming, of Charlottetown, P.E.I., sends me the following dates for
some of the stages of this insect in the Maritime Provinces: “August 19th, at Great
Burin: Hay field entirely devastated by the Army-worm; caterpillars of all sizos,
August 29th: On shore at Trepaney, Nfld., Army-worm abundant; they appear to
avoid clover; on ground that has suffered from their depredations the clover
patches stand out untouched. September 8th: The larvee taken at Trepaney 29th
August, pupated to-day. October 17th: Arrived at Charlottetown 6 a.m. during
the night the Army-worm moths obtained at Trepaney, August 29th, came out.”

Remedies.— Although only complained of in certain localities, this insect is very
wide-spread all over Canada, and may generally be found in low spots. This would
show the reason why the attack is so severe in marsh lands where the caterpillars have
a suitable habitat and an abundance of food. The remedies which have been found
most successful are systematic drainage of low-lying lands, by which they become an
unsuitable habitat for the young larve, and the moths are probably prevented from
laying their eggs there. When the attack has been very severe in any locality
much good may be done by burning the old grass and stubble in the autumn or
spring; in this way not only are many young larye destroyed, but the old stems,
which seem to be the favourite place for the spring brood to lay their eggs, are also
removed. The conditions which seem most favourable for the undue increase of the
Army-worm are a dry autumn, followed by a wet spring and summer. Whenever
the first of these occurs, therefore, it would be well to adopt the precautionary
measure of burning over the meadows.

The worms may be prevented from marching from one field to another by
ploughing a deep furrow across their path. This should be cleaned out so as to
leave one edge perpendicolar, and holes may be dug in it at intervals, into which the
worms may be shovelied and killed by covering them with earth and pressing it
down. Prof. Riley also suggests dusting the plants on the opposite sile of the ditch
with a mixture of Paris Green and Flour or Plaster, so that if any worms succeed
in crossing the ditch they will be killed by feeding upon the plants so poisoned. This

mixture should be in the proportion of one of Paris Green to 25 or 30 of the other
materials,

OLOVER,

Clover as a hay crop has been short, owing to the drought and to winter killing.
There was little seed reaped, but I am pleased to find that this was not owing to the
ravages of the Clover-seed Midge, Some complaints of injuries by this insect have

Q%*

18

ee

come in, but most of my correspondents agree that losses by this cause are much
less than they were a few years ago. This improvement is due to the general adop-
tion through the clover seed districts of the method of feeding off their clover before
the middle of June and reaping the seed from the second crop. Mr. T. Farrow of
Bluevale, Ont. writes: “ For the last two or three years there bas been none, or
scarcely any clover seed after mowing, but last season there was a little, not enough
though to make it worth threshing out. The seed on the pastured fields has been ex-
ceedingly good. Alsike seed was very good and yielded well, notwithstanding the
great drought of last summer.”

Clover was, in the Ottawa district, considerably damaged by the larvze of the com-
mon Clouded Sulphur Butterfly (Colias Philodice, Godt) which this year appeared in
enormous numbers. The caterpillars were also destructive to a great number of other
leguminous plants in the seed beds of the Experimental Farm, species of Cytisus, Cara-
gana and allied plants, having to be constantly watched and kept clean by the use of
Hellebore and Pyrethrum. Towards autumn large numbers of these caterpillars were
found dead in the fields, bearing a cluster of the bright yellow cocoons of a small
perecitio Ichneumon Fly (Meggsrismus nubilipennis, Ashm). I am indebted to Mr. W.

. Ashmead of Jacksonville, Florida, for the identification of this and many other
microhymenoptera.

As usual during hot, dry, summers a large amount of injury was done to grass
crops by grasshoppers, but there were no complaints of excessive injury.

ROOT CROPS AND VEGETABLES.

Root crops all over the country seem to have suffered more from the drought
than any others, the result of the absence of autumn rains being very perceptible in
the gross returns,

TURNIPS,

Turnip Flea-beetle “Turnip Fly,” (Phyllotreta vittata, Fab.)

From all quarters come in complaints of injury by the Turnip Fiea-beetle.

Attack.—Small shining black beetles, with yellow markings on the wing covers
which eat the seed-leaves of turnips and all other crucifers, directly they appear above
the ground,

These troublesome little beetles live in the larval state upon the roots of plants
of the Mustard and Cress family, to which the Turnip belongs. The grub is described
by Dr. Cyrus Thomas (Illinois Rep. VI, 159) as “a minute, slender grub, with six
tiny feet on the anterior segments and an anal pro-leg; white, with a faint, dark
medial line along the anterior part of the body; a horny light brown head anda
brown spot on the posterior extremity. This state lasts about seventeen days when
it changes into a naked white pupa in a little earthen cocoon near its feeding place,
in which it remains but a short time. From the observations made, Dr. Shimer is of
the opinion that they live exclusively on the roots and underground stems of cruci-
ferous plants.”

Remedies.—These will come under three heads:

1. Selection of varieties the least liable to attack. One variety which has been
recommended is the ‘‘ Grey Stone,” it is claimed that this is even obnoxious to the
beetles and that if sown amongst Swedes it will keep the beetle away. I have not
experimented in this line.

2. Judicious management in the time of sowing the seed, This will vary in
different localities. Some of the beetles appear early in the spring and attack any
cruciferous plants they may find. If turnips are sown too early they will be des-
troyed. There is then a short time when very few of the mature beetles are to be

19

seen, This is when the second brood is in the larval condition beneath the ground.
This period is what the farmer must discover for his own neighborhood and take
advantage of his knowledge to get his turnips up and “into the rough-leaf”’ before
the beetles appear again. This period is, for this part of Canada, about the middle
of Jane, a little later in the Maritime Provinces and earlier in the west.

3. Active poison. I have tried some experiments with Paris Green and have had
most satisfactory results, A mixture was made of 1 part of Paris Green to 50 of Land
Plaster and this was sown along the rows of turnips, directly they appeared. A single
application was found sufficieat and the plants soon pushed out their little bud of
rough leaves and were not afterwards injured by the beetles.

A Turnip Aphis—(Aphis brassicae, L.)

Attack.—Clusters of grey plant-lice, situated all round the bases of the stems and
beneath the leaves of Swede turnips from which they suck the juices. Not noticed in
numbers until late in the autumn when many of the turnips were found seriously
injured and past recovery. Complaints of this injury have been received from Van-
Ouver Island, Quebec and Nova Scotia, all of which were after the manner described
above.

Remedies. —Of several remedies experimented with, the most satisfactory results
were obtained with a Kerosene Emulsion made of the ordinary strength for general
application, viz : Kerosene or refined coal oil 1 pint, common laundry soap $ 0z,, rain
water, } pint. The soap was boiled in the water till all was dissolved, then the
boiling soap suds were poured into a watering pot containing the kerosene and
eburned with a garden syringe until the emulsion was complete. This generally
takes about 5 minutes but sometimes longer. When this emulsion is made it can be
bottled up for future use. When using it either as a wash for sponging trees or for
spraying, it must be diluted with 9 times the quantity of water. Should the oil in
the emulsion after a time separate it is well to warm it and by violently shak-
ing the bottle it will again become fit for use. In diluting the emulsion use warm
water. With the Aphides above mentioned the wash was syringed amongst the
clusters and one application was found sufficient, Single experiments with Pyrethrom
both dry and in solution were found unsatisfactory, but possibly the material experi-
mented with may not have been fresh.

The Red and Black Turnip Beetle (Entomoscelis adonidis, Fab.)

Attack—A showy scarlet beetle, with three black stripes down its back, and a
black patch on the collar, about two-thirds as large as the Colorado potato beetle; but
narrower in outline. Hating the leaves, t

I collected on turnips at Regina in August, 1885, several specimens of this
showy beetle. They were sluggish in their habits like most of the Chrysomelids,
including their relative the Colorado potato beetle, They were not in sufficient
numbers to do much injury, but were thick enough to show that with an increased
cultivation of their food plant, they might develope into a troublesome pest. The
specimens collected on the North-West prairies cannot be distinguished from speci-
mens in my collection from Austria, in Europe. Should a remedy become necessary
an application of Paris Green would be the most convenient.

POTATOES.

Potatoes have not escaped the effects of the dry weather in Ontario
and Quebec, and ei of good quality they are very small, and there is a serious
shortage in the crop. Insect enemies have also levied tribute.

22%

: 20

—=—=

The Colorado Potato Beetle (Doryphora decemlineata, Say) has made itself apparent
in Nova Scotia and Manitoba in such numbers as to demand the attention of farmers.
Specimens of the true Colorado beetle were sent to me by Mr. E. H. Struthers which
had been collected in St. James’s west of Winnipeg. Paris Green still remains the
standard remedy for this pest, and the most advantageous way to apply it is by
mixing a teaspoonful in a pail of water and shaking it over the vines with an ordi-
nary whisk. Wisps of straw and hay or small boughs which I frequently see used
by farmers are a mistake, and waste more time and poison than would pay for many
whisks. Of course all beetles which attack the plant in the same way as the
Colorado beetle may be treated in a similar manner, Of this class are a small flea-
beetle which Rev. G. W. Taylor reports as riddling the foliage of potatoes at Victoria,
B.C., and also one of the Blister Beetles (Zpicauta maculata, Say) specimens of which
have been sent to me from different localities in the North-West Territories.

His Honour Lieutenant Governor Dewdney writes in July last: “I enclose here-
with three specimens sent by our Indian agent at the Blackfoot Crossing, Gleichen,
which he states were found in his garden. hey appear to be in numbers.and have
been particularly destructive to his potatoes, having destroyed 50 hills in a very
short space of time, apparently the potatoes are destroyed in a similar way as by
the Colorado bug in the east; but much more rapidly.”

About the same time in 1886 I also received specimens from Mr. Acton Burrows,
then Deputy Minister of Agriculture for Manitoba, which had been “ sent in by Mr.
S. W. Chambers, farming instructor on the Blood Indian Agency, Fort Macleod, and
which he said were working sad havoc in the gardens on the reserve,”

In the larval state, the beetles of this family are parasitic on other insects, but
in the perfect condition they eat vegetable food. The present species I have also
taken in numbers at Stillwater, Montana, where it was feeding on the Grease-wood
(Sarcobatus vermiculatus. Tor.)

Wire-worms, which are the larvee of the Skip-Jack beetles (lateride) have not
been complained of as attacking potatoes, except in one instance, where they
were very severe in their attack. Rev. G. W. Taylor, of Victoria, B.C., tells me of
a farmer who lost nearly every tuber on an acre planted to potatoes. The best
remedy for these troublesome insects is a frequent use of the hoe, by which all weeds
are kept down, and care must be taken to remove all the injured potatoes at once
when dug. If this be dono, and the crop at once carted from the field, the Wire-
worms are carried away with the potatoes, and as they very soon leave the tubers
when the latter are removed from the soil, they can be gathered up from the bottom
of the cart and destroyed.

CARROTS.

Carrots and parsnips are little troubled with insects as a rule. During
the past year I have received from several quarters, the beautiful larve of the com-
mon Black Swallow-Tail Butterfly (Papilio Asterias, Fab.), which had been found
commonly upon both of the above plants, as well as upon the fruiting stems of
parsley. In addition to this, specimens of the leaves of carrots were sent to me by
Mr, EK, D, Arnand, of Annapolis, N.S., in 1886, which were simply swarming with a
species of Aphis. Again during the past summer, Mr. Josiah Wood, M.P., of Sack-
ville, N.B, sent me leaves of both carrots and parsnips in exactly the same con-
dition. Unluckily the species could not be identified from the crushed state in
which the contents of both packets were received. All that could be seen were
wingless females. I hope next year to get some winged specimens and identify the
species. The first mentioned attack was cleared off by a visitation of large numbers
of one of the beneficial ‘“‘ Lady-Bird” beetles (Coccinella transversoguttata, Fab.), and
did nor appear again the following season. The most serious attack upon the carrot
crop to be recorded was by the

21

Carrot Fly, “ Rust Fly” (Psila rose, Fab.)

Attack—1. Early in the season the leaves of young carrots turn reddish, and
the roots will be found to be blotched with rusty patches.

_ 2, Carrots stored for winter use will be found to contain long transparent white
maggots, which bore holes in every direction.

During the past season I have received no report of injuries by this insect, but
in 1886 itdid a great deal of damage, particularly to roots stored for the winter. Mr.
F. B. Caulfield, of Montreal, says, in February, 1887: “They must be pretty numer-
ous in this district, for nearly all the carrots that I have seen exposed for sale are
more or less attacked.” Mr. Thomas Henderson, of Nepean, Ont., when enquiring
for a remedy, states: ‘The Early Horn Carrots in my garden are badly attacked,
nearly every root shows signs of their presence, at any rate two thirds are seriously
injured for the market.”

In a garden at Ottawa I found the young plants badly attacked in the spring of
1886, but the injury was checked and did not again recur.

Remedies.—The remedy applied above was as follows: Immediately upon the
detection of the injary, sand saturated with kerosene (coal oil) was sown along the
rows, this was repeated 5 or 6 times with one week intervening, and was always put
on immediately after the carrots had been thinned out. Upon consulting Miss
Ormerod, she was kind enough to send me the following advice which was subse-
quently adopted: ‘‘ My view of the best way to prevent P. rose from doing damage is
so to manage operations that there may be the smallest possible number of
chinks or cracks in the ground down which the flies may travel to start mischief at
the roots. I always advise that the greatest amount of thinning that can be managed
should be done as early as possible, and give good waterings after thinning, and from

* time to time to drive the surface soil together.”

Where carrots are stored during the winter in sand or earth this of course must
be treated to destroy the pupz which leave the roots and enter the soil to pass their
last preparatory stage. Miss Ormerod suggests that this earth might be put into a
wet manure pit or soaked with gas water so as to prevent the hatching out of the
flies. Should neither of these methods be convenient, at any rate it might be buried
in a deep hole dug in the ground for the purpose.

CABBAGE,

The value of the cabbage crop has been very seriously diminished during
the past year or two. During the last season where no efforts were made to put
a stop to their depredations, the caterpillars of the imported White Cabbage Butter-
fly utterly ruined whole patches of this vegetable. Nor were the Anthomyian flies
or Root Maggots mach less injurious.

“The Cabbaga Worm,” Imported White Cabbage Butterfly (Pieris Rape, L.)

Attack.—Velvety green caterpillars about an inch in length with a broken
yellow line along each side and an unbroken one down the middle of the back, At
first eating the outside leaves but eventually boring right into the heart of the cab-
bage. ‘Lhese, after three or four weeks, produce the white butterflies s0 common in

ardens.

‘ Notwithstanding all efforts to keep it down, and the great prevalence of the
infectious disease known as flacherie, in all the districts to which it has penetrated in
Canada, this injurious insect continues to spread. In every garden in the Ottawa
district last season great damage was done, unless special efforts were exerted to pre-
vent the loss. Nor were its ravages confined to the cabbage alone, Turnips and
many wild cruciferous plants were attacked, Mr. A. T. White, writing from Pem-
broke says, “‘a year ago last summer [ had a field of turnips that was so badly
attacked that they literally stripped the leaves and left only the stalks, Last season,
however, we had none or <0 little that they did really no damage.”

22

A curious fact which has been observed by more than one correspondent is
mentioned by Mr. R. Brodie, of St. Henry, Montreal, an extensive and successful
_ grower of cabbages. ‘Strange to say, the green worm does not trouble me much
where we have the cabbage and cauliflower in large fields, but if we plant a few
‘convenient for the kitchen, especially where they are in any way shaded, the worm
makes short work of them.” Mr. Andrew Hickey, of Ottawa, also confirms this
observation, saying “they only attack the outside rows of the field.”

Remedies.—Several of the remedies which are from time to time recommended
were experimented with. Iced water syringed right into the heads of cabbage had
no effect whatever on the caterpillars infesting them. Boiling water was found to
be almost impraticable for application on a large scale, although when used many of
the caterpillars were destroyed without great injury to the plants. After trying several
substances, the greatest satisfaction was given by a mixture of | part of Pyrethrum
insect powder diluted with 5 times the quantity by weight of common flour, weaker
dilutions gave good results, but this was decidedly the most successful.

The pure powder was used but was not appreciably more efficacious than the
above. This powder can be quickly applied by means of one of the numerous
instruments sold under the name of “ insect guns,” but these should have the tubes
properly bent down so that they may not clog with the powder.

A sample packet of Hammonds “slug shot’”’ was sent to me by the manufac-
turers for trial. This I found very useful against the caterpillars and propose to
make a more extensive use of it next season.

The Cabbage Maggot (Anthomyia brassice, Bouché).

Attack—One or more white maggots burrowing into the stem of young cabbages
when freshly set out. About the beginning of Jaly, freshly transplanted cabbages
occasionally assume a bluish green appearaace and the leaves become faded and
flaccid during the heat of the day. This is generally a sure sign that the root is
attacked by the maggot. When, as is sometimes the case, it is desirable to preserve
some new or choice variety, the plants should at once be taken up and the roots
examined. Ifthey are only slightly injured they may be washed in strong soap
suds and replanted, care being taken to remove the soil immediately around where
the plant was growing before. Very successful experiments were carried out in this
line during the past summer, the plants after two or three weeks showing no differ-
ence from those not attacked.

The parent of the maggot is a small fly, closely resembling the common house-
fly but smaller and with longer wings, which flies about close to the ground and lays
its eggs close to the stem of the newly planted cabbage, thrusting its ovipositor
beneath the soil.

This insect is one of the most troublesome pests the market gardener has to deal
with. Mr. R. Brodie, of Montreal, says: ‘The Cabbage Maggot has been very des-
tructive to our cabbages and cauliflowers in this neighbourhood these past few years,
but especially the last season.” The same information comes from almost every
quarter. Mr. J. Lang, of Barrie, says: “A large number of people round this part
complain of this grub which destroys their cabbages,”’

Remedies —These consist chiefly in putting something round the young cabbages
at the time of transplanting to destroy the natural odour of the plant, Sand saturated
with coal oil (a large cupful to a pailful of dry sand), a little sprinkled round each plant
has produced good results; and gas-lime when procurable, applied in the same man-
ner, is even more efficacious. Late planting has also been attended with good results.
Mr. Brodie, of Montreal, has also found the following treatment beneficial: “ In 1885,
I planted two acres of early cabbage and lost about half of them by the maggots
This was a great loss as I ploughed in about 75 tons of manure to the acre. The
past season (1886) I put cabbage in the same land, and manured in the drill and
applied a fertilizer composed of Superphosphate of Lime, Ammonia and Potash in

“23

the drill also; after the plants were set out I put about a tablespoonful of Nitrate
of Soda around each plant, leaving one row without any Nitrate of Soda or the above
mentioned fertilizer, and this was the only row that was any way destroyed by the
maggot. I think, probably, it was the Nitrate of Soda that prevented the maggots
from destroying the plants, for a field of cauliflower treated in the same manner,
with the exception of the Nitrate of Soda, was partly destroyed by the maggot. I
did not apply the Nitrate of Soda as a preventive of the maggot, but to give nitrogen
to the plants when the land was cold in spring. I got this idea from an article in
the Rural New Yorker by J. J. H. Gregory.”

Fresh unrotted manure and particularly cow-manure seems to attract these flies
to plants grown in soil so fertilized.

ONIONS.

Onions have again suffered from the attacks of Root Maggots, and Cut
worms. Under the latter heading the only new item of important information is
the successful use of a Kerosene Emulsion, as described in Prof. Riley’s annual
report for 1885, p. 272. “If the worms should appear in great numbers by migration
from the surrounding fields, we would sprinkle the fields at night, while the worms
are at work, with a diluted emulsion of Kerosene. Mr. J. B. Smith shows that pure
Kerosene has been tried at Goshen with the effect of killing the worms, and simply
blackening, but not killing the onion tips. We are not satisfied, however, that the
free use of pure Kerosene would not seriously injure the plants, and we recommend
instead an emulsion as being safer and much cheaper, while just as effective in killing
the worms. For the proper preparation and application of the emulsion a good
force-pump is needed, but beyond this no apparatus is necessary.’’

The best formula for this emulsion is given under the heading “A Turnip Aphis,”
p. 19, and is the one recommended by Prof. Riley.

The Onion Maggot (Phorbia Ceparum, Meigen).

Attack.—A white maggot which bores into the bulb of the onion from beneath
and destroys it. When not feeding it generally lies outside the onion in a chamber
of wet mud, which is kept moist by the juices of the decaying bulb.

Remedies.—The most successful remedies up to the present time are of a deterrent
nature by which the perfect females are kept from laying their eggs on the young
plants it is wished to protect.

Mr. E. Bell, of Archville, grew a very good crop of onions, which he considered
were much protected by sowing broadcast over the bed, once a fortnight, a light
sprinkling of gas-lime, Unluckily he was unable to keep the application up regular-
ly throughout the seacon, and a proportion of the crop was lost. From what we saw
of the effects of this remedy we feel confident that good results would follow a per-
sistent application of this material. Great care must however be taken not to put it
on too thickly, as it is extremely caustic, and a light sprinkling just erovgh to colour
the soil answers the purpose.

A greater degree of success attended the application of a Carbolic wash detailed
in the next paragraph,

The Radish Maggot (Anthomyia raphani, Harr).

Attack.—Very similar to the attack of the Onion Maggot.

emedies.—The sprinkling of gas lime at short intervals over the beds had a like
good effect in protecting radishes as was noticed with onions; but the best results
were obtained by the use of the carbolic preparation mentioned in my last report, as
devised by Prof. A. J, Cook, of Michigan. “Take two quarts of soft soap and boil

24

it in rain water until all is dissolved, then turn in a pint of Crude Carbolic Acid.
When required for use take one part of this mixture with fifty of water and
when mixed well together sprinkle directly upon the plants. This was done once
every week and perfectly clean radishes were obtained. The first application was
made two days after the seed was sown and before any of the young plants had
ppeared above the ground.

As a good effect probably due to not using green cow manure, I give the
experience of Mr. G. A. Knight, of Mount Tolmie, Victoria, B.C., a careful and
painstaking observer who knows most of the insect pests and has tried many experi-
ments. He says: “I have used no cow manure this year, what I had was mostly
horse manure bought from farmers. I have had better radishes this year than I
have ever had in this Province before. My turnips are good but I had a great time
with the Flea-beetle as usual. I sowed three or four times and sowed plenty of lime
on them as soon as they came up and now I havea pretty good crop. I used no
preventive on the radishes against the maggot.”

Mr, Ferrier, of Barrie, has had successful results by treating these troublesome
insects with a strong Kerosene emulsion. His method of applying it, was to pour the
diluted emulsion along the rows with a watering can,

FRUITS.

The fruit crop of the year, with the exception of grapes, has been rather below
the average. This deficiency too, it must be acknowledged, is largely due to the
attacks of injurious insects. The most notable attacks reported are those on the
apple tree. The Canker Worm and “Shot Borer” in the Maritime Provinces,
the Tent Caterpillars from Quebec to the Pacific, the Codling Moth and Oyster-
shell Bark-louse from the Atlantic to the Pacific, as well as many less important
and more local attacks to other fruits. The Plam Curculio still does considerable
damage. Perhaps one of the most important discoveries of late years in economic
entomology is the application of Paris Green and other arsenical poisons for pre-
venting the ravages of the Codling Moth and Plum Curculio.

APPLE.

The Codling Moth (Carpocapsa pomonella, L.)

Attack.—A white or pinkish caterpillar, about ? of an inch in length, boring
into the centre of the apple and injuring it considerably. (Fig. 3.)

25

————eee—————eeEEeEEeeeeeeeee—————eE——;—;—;—;——————_——————

Remedy.—This insect is so well known to fruit growers that very little need be
said of it. Hnquiries as to the best methods of treating it are received constantly.
I have no hesitation in saying that for this, as well as for the Canker Worms
(Anisopteryx vernata and A. pometaria, Harr.) and the Plum Curculio (Conotrachelus
nenuphar, Herbst) the most economical and certain remedy is spraying the trees
with Paris Green or London Purple. As beirg of a more uniform strength the former
is preferred.

As to the efficiency of this remedy, if properly applied, there can be no doubt.
Prof. Forbes gives the following as a summary of his systematic and thorough
experiments for 1885 “attending only to the picked apples and condensing our
statements of results to the last extreme, we may say that under the most unfavour-
able circumstances, Paris Gi een will save to ripening, at a probable expense of 10 cents
per tree, seven-tenths of the apples which otherwise must be conceded to the Codling
Moth.” (Forbes Miscellaneous Essays on Economic Entomology, 1886, p. 41.)

Mr. B. Gott, of Arkona, Ont.,says: ‘“ Notwithstanding a certain amount of trouble
and the great care necessary in applying these poisons I am satisfied that with proper
caution and if properly applied they may be used as deterrent remedies against the
two chief enemies of our plum and apple crops.”

There are however certain difficulties in the way of obtaining satisfactory results
from this remedy. The amount of the poison to be used isso small that it seems
almost impossible to induce fruit growers to use it only of the strength recommended
and to stop applying it when the tree has received enough.

Then again there seems to be a difficulty in always obtaining the poison of a
regular strength (7.e. containing always the same proportion of arsenious acid.)
Mr. C. R. H. Starr writing from Port Williams, Nova Scotia, says. ‘“ We were less
troubled with insects this season than in some previous years. Our chief enemy
the Canker-worm has been kept in check by printer’s ink or a substitute for that
article and Paris Green or London Purple. Many of our orchardists have not had
satisfactory results from the latter method, the great difficulty being in the uncertain
strength of Paris Green. Take my own experience for instance. I made the attack
when leaves and blossoms were about half or less out, the worms hardly visible,
using +1b. to a kerosene cask full of water. On some trees this seemed to be
sufficiert, at that early stage, but later finding in some quarters that they had grown and
were doing much damage, I doubled the quantity (7. e.) $1b. to the same cask, with the
result of bringing off nearly all the leaves and of course fruit as well. Some of my
neighbors about the same time used 1} lbs. to the same quantity of water without
serious effects. Some of our farmers have decided they are liable to do more harm with
Paris Green than to allow the Canker-worms to have it their own way. Many have
gone back to the paper bands and ink, I have used a composition made of the com-
ponent parts of printer’s ink with satisfactory results, and at very trifling cost compared
with theink.”

In the above experience Mr. Starr would have been wiser to repeat the weak
application, rather than to double the quantity of poison.

The efficiency, and when properly applied, the safety with which these arsenical
compounds can be used upon vegetation, have now been established without a doubt
by the experiments of Professors Riley, Forbes and Cook, I therefore give below what
I consider the most useful proportions of Paris Green, the only one of these compounds
with which I have experimented to any extent. Iregret that as yet I have not com-
pared the different makes of pumps and nozzles for the distribution of these poisons,
so I am not in a position to recommend any one above the others. Paris Green is an
arseniate of copper said to contain about sixty per cent. of arsenious acid. It is there-
fore very poisonous and must be keptout of the way of children and domestic animals,
It is also very corrosive and if used too strong or carelessly, will injure the foliage of
plants, This material can be used as an insecticide in two ways, either as, —

C1.) A dry application:

One part of Paris Green may be mixed with from 25 to 50 of land plaster or
eommon flour. This is useful on all plants of which the foliage is not used as food.

CII.) A liquid application :

(a.) For Codling Moth, Plum Curculio and the young Canker-worm, not more
than from 2 to 4 oz. in a barrel of water (40 gallons) or in smaller quantity, $ to 4
oz, in a pail of water. To be applied as a fine spray by means of a force pump. The
foliage must not be drenched, but the spray should only be allowed to fall upon the
trees until it begins to drip from the leaves.

(6.) For general use on mature foliage :—

3 tb Paris Green,
50 gallons water.

Or in smaller quantities the following formula may be used, which is almost in

the same ratio as the above :—
4 oz. Paris Green.
1 pailful of water.

First mix the Paris Green separately with a small quantity of water, then add
to the whole supply. All washes containing Paris Green must be constantly stirred
to keep it in suspension or it will sink to the bottom.

For the Codling Moth, liquid application (a) should be sprayed upon the trees as
soon as all the petals have tailen from the flowers, For the Canker-worms the ones
of which hatch out during a comparatively long period, two applications should be
given of liquid application (a), one before the buds open, and the other as soon as
the petals have fallen. For the Plum Curcalio, liquid application (a) should be sprayed
over the trees as soon as the young plum has formed. This may be repeated a fort-
night later.

With the above, as with all attacks by injurious insects, the great secret of suc-
cess is prompt action, and when making trial of this remedy let the spraying be done
exactly at the time, and in the manner recommended, The spring applications are
of the greatest importance. Prof. S. A, Forbes, State Entomologist of Illinois, who
was one of the first to systematically investigate these remedies, in comparing his
operations for 1885 and 1886, writes to me: ‘ Our work of 1886 differed in the time
and number of applications from one to three, early in the season. The general
result was almost the same as the year before, going to show that these early appli-
cations are the only ones that are effective and necessary.”

Frequent enquiries are made, and occasionally misstatements appear, as to the
possible danger of poisoning the consumers of fruit and crops, protected with these
arsenical poisons, which it is urged may be absorbed by the plants. These state-
ments are however quite inaccurate as a very elementary knowledge of vegetable
physiology will show. The two plants most frequently enquired about are the
potato when treated for the Colorado beetle, when it is suggested that the tuber
may absorb arsenic from the soil; and the apple when treated for the Codling Moth,
when fear is expressed that the poison may be absorbed through the stigma and laid
up in the seeds. With regard to the first it must be borne in mind that the tuber of
the potato is not a root, but a repository of prepared nutriment for feeding the next
year’s growth, in fact a winter bud, a form of consolidated vegetation found in many
plants as a means of carrying them over the winter. The starch with which it is
stored is not laid up from anything that can be taken in through the roots; but is
manufactured in the leaves from the liquid and gaseous food of the plant taken in
through the roots and leaves, and is then passed down again through the tissues of the
plant and laid up as starch in the tubers.

With regard to the second statement, it should be remembered that the stigma
of a flower is without any epidermis and is exceedingly delicate, so that any corro-
sive poison like arsenic, in even a very week solution, would be much more likely to
injure the stigma than to be absorbed, and further than this, even in the natural
operation of fertilization, the stigma is a passive member and absorbes nothing.
The activity is on the part of the pollen which pushes out its fovilla-bearing

24
OOOeeeeo—OOOOOeeeeeeeeeaeaeaeeeeeeeeee TT OO

pollen tubes and protrudes them through the tissues of the stigma down the style
into the ovary. In corresponding on this matter Professor Forbes says: “ Of course
you will have no trouble in proving by the highest authority that there is no possi-
bility of the poisons being absorbed by the plants,” which statement, with the follow-
ing letter from Professor A. J. Cook, should, I think, set this contention at rest.

‘©22nd November, 1887.

“ Dear Str,—In 1871 I used Paris Green on potatoes just as strong as I could
and not kill the plants. I also put the poison on the ground where it would be
washed to the roots of the plants. I had both vines and tubers analysed by a very
eareful chemist, and not a trace of arsenic was found either in foliage or tubers. In
this case the opportunity for absorbtion of the poison was ten to one more favorable
than in the common use for the destruction of the potate-bug. (D. decemlineata.)

“Tn 1881, six years ago, when I found the arsenites were a certain specific
against the Codling Moth larve, I applied a very concentrated mixture of London
Purple at two separate times to some apples. The foliage was totally destroyed by
the application, so strong was it. It was made thus strong on purpose for a test.
The middle of August the calyx of each of 100 (one hundred) apples was cut out;
by holding the knife so as to remove a funnel-shaped piece. Two different analyses
were made and not a trace of arsenic was found. [ have now used the arsenites for
eight years in this warfare and know that it is safe and wonderfully efficient. Yes,
I think that less than 1 1b. to 100 gallons will do. My last recommendation is
3 1b. to 100 gallons of water. The important thing is to make the application early
enough, as soon as the blossoms are well off the tree; and second, to make it so
thorough that every apple—the calyx—shall receive its mite of the poison.”

Upon this matter being brought under Professor Cook’s notice, he wrote a letter
to the Rural New Yorker (vol. 46, page 784, 26th Nov., 1887) which is well worthy
of perusal by any one interested in the subject.

The Apple Aphis (Aphis mali, Fab).

itack.—Green plant-lice clustered around the’ outside and in between the
young leaves of the opening buds in spring; alsoin large numbers beneath the
leaves in autumn.

Remedies.—This insect which frequently appears in vast numbers in spring is
produced from small black shining eggs which are laid the previous autumn on the
twigs and branches of the apple tree. This is apparently the only mode of hiberna-
tion and suggests the direction in which we may look for a remedy.

Before the discovery of the value of Kerosene emulsions, the usaal method of
treating this insect was to syringe the trees at the time the eggs were hatching with
a strong soap or tobacco wash. This was attended with a large measure of success
and may be used where it is not convenient to use the emulsion.

The efficacy of weak emulsions of Kerosene for plant lice makes it imperative
that all fruit growers should become familiar with the best way to use them.

Prof, A. J. Cook, in Bulletin 26, of the Agricultural College of Michigan, states
as follows :—

“T have found nothing so satisfactory in treating plant lice as the Kerosene
and soap mixture. To make this [ use one-fourth pound of hard soap, preferably
whale-oil soap, and one quart of water. This is heated till the soap is dissolved,
when one pint of Kerosene oil is added and the whole agitated till a permanent
emulsion or mixture is formed. The agitation is easily secured by use of a force
pump, pumping the liquid with force back into the vessel holding it. I then add
water so that there shall be Kerosene in the proportion of one to 15.”

(N.B.—This mixture although differently prepared gives the proportion of
Kerosene to the water almost identical with that mentioned on page 19.)

28

“ On Snow Ball * we find that this mixture in the proportion of one to eight, used
just before the plant lice eggs hatch is astonishingly efficient. A twig not treated
and one from the same bush that had been treated were each put into a glass bottle
ina warm room. Ina few days the one bottle was alive with the newly hatched
lice, while in the other only one live louse was found. Bushes side by side, the one
treated the other not, give equally satisfactory results. This early treatment is
absolutely necessary in such cases as the Snow Ball, and is to be recommended on
the score of economy in case of nursery stock and fruit trees. It is easier and
requires less of the liquid to thoroughly drench a leafless tree than one in full foliage.
It is also less difficult to make the application very thorough, which is all important.
We have just applied this liquid to orchard trees where the buds were literally
covered with lice, and we find the lice totally used up.” ‘

These plant lice are so exceedingly prolific that were there not some natural
check imposed upon them, they would soon overrun all vegetation. We find, how
ever, that they provide food for several kinds of predaceous insects and there is
seldom a heavy visitation of Aphis without a corresponding appearance of its
enemies. Some of the most useful of these are the following: —

The larvee of the Syrphide, a class of beautiful and active flies
marked with yellow and black (Fig. 4), which may be seen in the
summer around flowers, poised apparently motionless in mid-air
for a few seconds, then, darting a yard or so, stopping again, and
dashing off suddenly in another direction, The larve are elongated
brownish maggots, with the front segments much smaller than
the rest and capabie of being extended some distance to the
rigkt or left. These larvee, which may generally be found crawling upon the stems
of plants infested with aphides, destroy enormous numbers of plant lice.

Perhaps the most industrious and business-like destroyers of these injurious
insects are the numerous species of the Lady-Bird Beetles (Coccinellide )

Fig. 5 represents the Fifteen-Spotted Lady-Bird (Anatis 15-punctata, Oliv) a
large and abundant species. It varies much in appearance; at d, é, f,g, are shown
four of the different forms under which it is found; @ shows the larva devouring a
grub of the Colorado potato-beetle and 6 is the chrysalis.

(Fig. 5.)

I frequently receive accounts of how much these active little friends have assisted
the fruit-grower ; but sometimes, unfortunately, their presence in numbers amongst
infested crops is misunderstood and they are mercilessly destroyed by those who are
not acquainted with their habits. Other beetles which have shown them-
selves vigorous assistants to the fruit-grower in British Columbia, are the Soldier-
Beetles (Telephoride ) Mr. G. A, Knight writes from Vancouver Island, “the amount
of green flies this spring was awful, and they threatened small apple trees with com-
plete destruction. I was preparing for war when an army of soldiers made their
appearance and fought the fight forme. I never saw such quick work. In one
week there was not a green-fly to be seen, and the beetles disappeared almost as
suddenly as they came. They are the same kind} as cleared my black currant bushes
when you were here in 1885. Since they went the Lady Bugs have kept the green-
flies in check.”

*Note.—Viburnum opulus or Common Guelder Rose.
Note.—(Podabrus comes, Lec.)

29

Mr. P. T. Johnson, nurseryman of Victoria, B C., also speaks of the good offices
of this same beetle. “I want to tell you about the Aphides on the apple and cherry trees
this year. They came out in the spring in great numbers and | thought we were
going to have the usual trouble; but almost immediately afterwards, I noticed a
beetle something resembling a house fly but double as long and of a deep grey colour
come out of the earth in myriads. They ascended every apple and cherry tree and
quickly cleared them of the Aphis.”

Besides there beetles there is a family (Aphidius) of small parasitic flies belonging
to the Braconidae which feed entirely upon the green flies. In examining a colony
of Aphides some will generally be found which are much larger, of a different colour,
and with the body swollen and rounded. These after atime fasten themselves
to the leaves and die, and a little later the parasite, a tiny four-winged fly, emerges
through a hole in the back.

Tent Caterpillars (Clisiocampa Americana, Harr ; disstria, Hubn, and Californica, Pack.)

These caterpillars have appeared in great
abundance all over Canada during the past
season and seemed to attack the foliage of
of almost every kind of deciduous tree. The
‘ “7 apple, of course, cams in for its share of
Fig. 6. attack.
The habits of these different species are very similar, and the same remedies
will apply to all. The larva of the American Tent Caterpillar (C. Americana) Fig. 6) ia
known from the Forest Tent Caterpillar (C. disstria, Hubn) by having the

Y
x

% a>

Fig. 9.

white stripe down the back unbroken, while
in the latter it is broken up into white blotches,
each consisting ofa large and a small spot joined
at their ends, as shown at Fig. 9. There is one

ao
i—)

of these blotches on each segment, The Western Tent Caterpillar (C. Californica) is
found in British Columbia and closely resembles (’. Americana. The two eastern
species differ in their habits. They are both found in orchards, bat C. Americana
forms in the fork of one of the small branches a tent-like web into which the caterpil-
lars retire when they are not feeding, while C. disstria (Figs. 9 and 10) weaves a silken
mat on the side of the tree to which the whole colony returns torest. From these nests
silken paths lead up all the main branches to the foliage. As the caterpillars approach
maturity they take to wandering extensively, and as I noticed during the last sum-
mer they can traverse long distances. I have frequently observed in the same nests
specimens of the two species of all sizes, a somewhat remarkable fact, considering the
difference in their habits.

The western species was sent to me by Dr. Trew, of New Westminster, who
states: “I send you some specimens of one of the pests of apple trees in this province,
nor are its ravages confined to the apple, as the parent mota will lay its eggs on the
twigs of plums, pears, roses and even raspberries at times; but the apple is its
favourite, and so far as my observation goes, Russets and Red Junes are preferred,
perhaps because of earlier foliage; although Pearmains are early they seem to
escape visitation.”

Remedies—F rom the regular babits of these caterpillars, retiring to their nests
when not feeding, they are, with a little care, comparatively easily dealt with, when
they do not occur in overwhelming numbers.

During the winter all egg masses, which can then be easily seen, should be removed.

If this be not done the conspicuous nests of the American Tent Caterpillar
should be cut off as soon as observed and destroyed.

The Forest Tent Caterpillars, which generally rest in masses on the trunks
of trees, can be either crushed with any hard instrument or they may be swabbed
with a mop dipped in coal oil.

Daring last summer an experiment was tried of puffing Pyrethrum powder into
a nest of the American Tent Caterpillar, which was in the fork of a small apple tree
in my garden, and a few of the caterpillars were killed. The larger number, how-
ever, remained perfectly still in a lethargic state inside the web for over a week,
After that time they gradually began to recover and all left the nest, and two days
later I found several of them, still thickly covered with the powder, on some ragp-
berries about 60 feet distant, apparently nove the worse either for their fast or for
the powder.

This remedy then is not practically useful for these caterpillars.

Paris Green, sprinkled over the foliage where they were feeding, gave much
more satisfactory results.

The Oyster-shell Bark-louse (Mytilaspis pomorum, Bouché. )
Attack.—Minute insects furnished with a beak and protected by a waxy scale,
~ which is about +, of an incb in length and shaped like an eiongated oyster-
“@ shell. Fig. 11. The young lice are hatched in spring, and are active for a
i fewdays. They then migrate to the young shoots of the apple, and in-
serting their beaks into the bark, remain there for the rest of their lives.
They are gradually covered with the scale from which they take their
name, and which is exuded from their bodies in a soft state as they grow.
<4 Under it the eggs are laid, after which the mother insect dies. ,
This pernicious insect is now found injariously abundant in every Pro-
vince of the Dominion. From its insigniticant appearance and small size
it is frequently overlooked ; but there is no doubt that it does an immense
amount of injury in our apple orchards.
a Remedies —There is only one aunual brood of this insect in Ganada,
4) and the young lice emerge from the protecting scale about the Ist of June,
This is the time they are least protected, and the greatest efforts should be
= putforth to reduce their numbers. By reason of their protecting scale,
they are very difficult to treat with insecticides during the greater part of
the year, few substances being sufliciently penetrating to reach them be-
Fig. 11. neath their scales. The most effectual remedies have been found to be

31

Kerosene Emulsions (as described at page 19), Daring the winter the trees should
be examined and the scales scraped off as far as possible. Small trees may also then
be sponged with the Kerosene Emulsion preparatory to spraying them at the time
the young lice appear. In Saunders’s “Insects Injurious to Fruits,” syringing with a
solution of washing-soda in water is recommended, to be applied about the time the
young lice leave the scale. ‘ This solution is made by dissolving half a pound or
more of sodain a pailful of water. Painting the branches and twigs with linseed
oil, has also been found successful. As a precautionary measure, every young tree
should be carefully examined before being planted, and if found infested, should be
thoroughly cleaned.”

An interesting observation was made at New Westminster, B.C. Mr. A. J.
Hill, who has kindly assisted me in collecting aud giving information concerning
injurious insects in his neighborhood, sent me in April last, twigs of apple trees
handed in by Mr. C. G. Major, of New Westminster, which were thickly covered
with this insect. Noticing an old scale of the year previous had been perforated by
a parasite, I placed the twigs in a glass jar, and soon after had the great pleasure of
finding large numbers of the beautifal little Chalcid (Aphelinus mytilaspidis, LeBaron),

This is a minute yellow fly, which is parasitic upon the scale insect, and has in
some instances largely reduced its numbers, It is shown greatly enlarged at Fig. 12.

Pear-blight Beetle, “ Shot-borer,” “ Pin-borer” (Ayleborus dispar, Fab).
(Xyleborus pyri, Peck, of American authors.)

Attack.—A small, blackish beetle boring into trunks and limbs of apple
trees, In the latter case generally entering at a bud and boring right round
the stem in the wood near the bark, then inside this another burrow is run,
after which a short perpendicular shaft is frequently sunk. Sometimes the
first burrow runs in for a short distance, and then branches irregularly in
different directions.

Fig. 13.

Fig. 13 shows the female of this beetle enlarged and of the natural size,

During the last three or four years frequent complaints have been received from
the Annapolis Valley, in Nova Scotia, of the depredations of a small borer which
was attacking the apple trees. This, from the size of the holes whence the mature
beetles have emerged, has locally been described as the “ pin-borer,” or ‘“‘shot-borer.”
During the past summer, owing to the kindness of Mr. T. E. Smith, of the Nova
Scotia nurseries, Cornwallis, N.S., I have been supplied with a good series of the
perfect beetles, as well as much useful information concerning this and many other
injurious insects. I find that the culprit is the above named insect, which is a small
dark brown beetle, not more that $ of an inch in length, with Jegs and antenna of a
much lighter colour, and having the whole body covered with short hairs.

Mr. Smith says: “Ithink the ecgs are deposited early in June, as I have seen
in the same burrows, eggs, larve in all sizes, and the beetle. The eggs and larve
are white. I have seen the beetles fly from tree to tree in June, and I think they
only attack diseased trees. I have not tried the soap wash recommended. I have

had so few in my own nursery that I had no trouble in cutting off all the injured
limbs and burning them. I have never found them trouble the pear.”

From this fall series of specimens the somewhat important scientific fact has
been ascertained that this and the rare X. obesa, Iuec., are the same species.

Mr. J. B. Smith, of Washington, who kindly confirmed the identification of the
specimens, writes to me: “ The Xyleborus is pyri, ie. the female is; the male is
obesa. This proves what Mr. Schwarz has long claimed, that obesa was but the
male of pyri. Both of these are equal to the European dispar, Fab. Obesa is
extremely rare, only two or three specimens being known thus far.”

Mr. Schwarz also called the attention of the Entomological Society of Washing-
ton to the probability of the above identity on April 1, 1886.

In Jacquelin du Val and Fairmaire’s “Genera des Coléoptéres d’Kurope,” there
are beautiful enlarged figures of both the male and female under the name of Bos-
trichus dispar.

The male and female differ considerably. In the female, fiz. 13, which is about
$ of an inch in length, the thorax is large, very convex and rounded, and comprises
about 4 of the insect, it is much roughened in front with coarse protuberances, the
elytra are furrowed, and each one bears about six stripes of punctures and rows of
hairs. They slope off slightly behind, but not nearly so perceptibly asin many
insects of the same family. Hach tibia, or shank, is much widened and
flattened towards the end, bearing at the extremity a spine, and on the
outer margin some teeth and bristles pointing outwards. These are no doubt a
great assistance to the beetles in moving about in their burrows, which the mature
beetles frequent much, retiring quickly out of sight on the approach of danger. The
tarsi, or feet-joints, are very slender as compared with the shanks,

The male of this beetle is much smaller than the female, seldom exceeding one-
tenth of an inchin length. The thorax is quite differently formed, being much flatter
and instead of being higher than the base of the elytra, slopes sharply down to the
head. The tibim, too, are less inflated. Altogether it is quite a different looking
beetle and was as above stated at one time supposed to belong to a different species.

The injaries committed by this small beetle are very great compared with its in
significant size, and I have had the statement made to me several times that it seems
to poison a large area of wood around its burrows when these are in the solid wood.
In the young limbs the burrows cut through their tissues so that they are completely
girdled. Some specimens injured in this way which were sent to me by Mr. Smith and
Me. J. D. Ells, of Sheffield Mills, N.S., had as many as five tunnels in a length of 44
inches. Mr. HK. KE, Dickie also sends specimens from Cornwallis, N.S, He says: “Itis
doing much damage to our apple trees in this part of King’s County ; wedo not know it
is in the tree until the leaf begins to fade.” Mr. T, KE. Smith writes from the same
locality : ‘‘I send by this mail specimen of apple twig borer, of which we were talking
last winter. One of my neighbors says he has lost about forty fine healthy apple
trees, mostly Gravenstein and King of Tompkins. They attack the butt, and in
some cases well into the limbs of young and bearing trees a foot in diameter,* mostly
on the north side of the tree. 1lrecommended plugging with wooden pegs such holes
as were visible, to stop their supplyof air. We found this too tedious and used
fine cut nails. Those that were plugged in on Saturday were coming out in
other spots on Monday. We are now going to try scraping and using a thick coat of
whitewash with a mixture of Paris Green. Some are trying a coating of tar, others
bore a hole and fill with paraffine and fill up.”

The plugging up of the holes would, of course, be useless, as discovered by Mr.
Smith, and the last two remedies would bo very injurious to the trees. The thick
coat of whitewash with Paris Green would probably be a useful remedy. I suggested
applying at once a thick soap wash to be prepared as directed on page 19 of Saun-
ders’s Insects Injurious to Fruits, and known in my correspondence as “‘ the Saunders
Wash.” It is as follows :—

* Mr. Smith has since written, ‘‘I think after all they only attack diseased trees.”’

33

“Soft soap reduced to the consistence of a thick paint by the addition of a strong
solution of washing soda in water is perhaps as good a formula as can be suggested ;
this, if applied to the bark of the tree during the morning of a warm day will dry in
a few hours and form a tenacious coating not easily dissolved by rain.”

Some of the fruit growerr in the Annapolis valley, who have considered this
matter, state that the beetle attacks perfectly sound and healthy trees.

Mr. W. H. Hartwick, of Canard Station, Nova Scotia, “ found them in young and
perfectly sound trees.” Mr. F.C, Johnson, of Port Williams Station, gives the same
testimony: “I detected them first in a sound healthy tree by seeing the sap flowing
from the wound. I plugged the hole up and stopped the attack.” It is probable
that the beetle was here killed by the plug. Mr. J. L. Gertridge who has studied
this pest closely, 15 positive that he has found them in both old and young trees.
Now I have rece’ved specimens of this borer in its burrows from several of
these localities ana there is one character noticeable about most of the specimens,
viz., that the bark is hardly visible on account of being covered with the Oyster-shell
Bark-louse. It has therefore oecurred to me that the trees which are suffering so
severely from this little beetle, had already been reduced to a low state of vigour by
this last named pernicious and frequently everlooked enemy.

I am advising all the Nova Scotia fruit growers to use special efforts to rid them-
selves of the Bark-louse, when I believe some of the other pests will be cleared out
at the same time.

Prof, Saunders tells me that during a journey made through Nova Seotia last
summer he had the opportunity in company with Mr. C. R. H. Starr, Secretary of
the Fruit Growers Association of Nova Scotia, of examining several apple orchards
in which the trees were suffering from this pest, and in no instance did they find
any traces of the ravages of these beetles in healthy trees; those affected had
invariably been injured by bark-lice or borers, or had become stunted and diseased
from some other cause.

The tenacity of life of this beetle is remarkable. I have found them alive in their
burrows out of doors, during the winter, which is not very surprising ; but of the
samples sent me in the beginning of June by Mr. Smith some were put. on one side
as museum specimens, and as the beetles were showing in the central perpendicular
tunnel described above, alcohol was poured over them and they were put away as
dead. To-day (Feb. 25tb)* in examining them I find to my surprise some of the
specimens alive. Thesespecimens were sent upon their first appearance in June,
and have been kept in a heated study every since. Amongst the sections of
apple wood sent me was part of a branch 24 inches in diameter, from which

-/ emerged not only the beetle under consideration, but several of the small and
injurious Apple Bark Beetle (Monarthrum mali, Fitch). ‘Che habits of this
~ last named are very similar to those of the above and the same remedies
would be applicable to both. This is a very small, slender beetle about
fo of an inch 1n length, It is shown much enlarged at Fig. 14.

Fig. 14.

The Red humped Apple-tree Caterpillar (Gdemasia concinna, Sm. and Abb.)

Attack.—Yellow and black caterpillars with red heads and a hump behind the

——

x eat are still alive and active April 5th,

34

fourth segment, about one and a quarter inches in length when full grown. They all
remain together from the time they are hatched until mature, and are very ravenous,
When occurring on small trees they frequently strip every leaf before they are dis-
eovered. This is a particularly objectionable looking larva and emits a strong acid
odour when touched. When full grown they fall to the ground and spina light
cocoon amongst the leaves on the gronnd in which they remain as larve until the
next spring. The perfect insect appears about Ist July and is a brownish moth,
expanding about an inch and bearing on each of the wings a conspicuous spot and
several longitudinal streaks,

Specimens of the caterpillars have been sent to me from three or four localities,
amongst others from Mr, (. A. Patriquin, of Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Mr. W. A.
Macdonald, agricultural editor of the Farmer's Advocate, London, Ont., and Mr, A.
McNeill, M. P., of Wiarton, Ont, The experience of the last named was that of all
the rest, he says: ‘I enclose an exceedingly ugly caterpillar which has been very
troublesome for a year or two among my apple trees, stripping the leaves from a
young shoot, in an incredibly short time, It commences operations generally near
the point of a branch, and if not observed for a few days works great mischief.”

One collection of five specimens was sent in, of which all were found to be para-
sitised by the Ichneumon fly Ophion purgatum, Say, and at Ottawa several specimens
of Limneria Guignardii, Prov., were bred from this species.

GRAPES.

The grape crop of the past season has been exceptionally good, and although
a few specimens of injurious insects have been sent in, there have been no complaints
of serious injury.

An interesting but severe occurrence of the “ Tomato gall of the Grape” has
been brought under my notice in the garden of Captain D. K. Cowley, of the Rich
mond Road, Ottawa, This I hope specially to investigate for a remedy next year,

The Grape-vine Leaf Hopper (Hrythroneura vitis, Harris.)

Attack.—Small four-winged active insects one-eighth of an inch long. The
upper wings striped with deep brown and yellow. Generally keeping beneath the
leaves, and sucking the sap, so as to leave them white and withered. This trouble-
some little creature has not been so abundant on the grape during the last year or
two as upon the Virginian creeper (Ampelopsis quinquefolia, Michx.), for which in the
Ottawa district it seems to a large extent to have deserted the cultivated grapevines.
It shows a marked preference for the wild grape (Vitis riparia, Michx.), where that
species is grown.

This grape-vine leaf-hopper, with one or two other species, generally found with
it attacking vines, and all known by the inaccurate name “ Thrips,” hibernates in the
perfect state und lays its eggs on the young leaves when they iirst open.

Remedies.—Destroying all winter shelters, such as dead leaves and rubbish,
doubtless prevents the mature insects from hibernating in close proximity to vines ;
as they fiy easily, however, this is insufficient. Several experiments have been tried
for a remedy, and the one which gives the most promise of success is a weak Kerosene
Emulsion in the proprortion of 1 of kerosene to 30 of water, to be applied at the
time when the young bugs have just hatched. Mr. John Lowe, the Secretary of the
Department of Agriculture, tells me that he has never failed to drive these insects
off his grape-vines by simply applying powdered sulphur, which, when liberally
applied to the vines, gives off, on warm days, a perceptible odour of sulphurous acid
gas which keeps the insects away.

35

The Grape-vine Looper (Cidaria diversilineata, Hubn.)

Fig. 17.

Attack.—Slender light-green or pinkish loopers (or measuring-worms)—Fig. 17
eating the leaves of the grape and Virginian creeper in June and July,

The moth of this caterpillar (Fig. 18) is very prettily marked with brown lines
on a bright ochre ground. When at rest it much resembles a dead leaf. It has a
eurious habit of curving the abdomen up between the wings, which also gives it an
unmothlike appearance. !

Mr. T. E. Smith, writing from Cornwallis, N.S., says: “I send you some cater-
pillars which I have found for the last three years upon one lot of my grape-vines.
I have watched and hand-picked them very carefully, but I find them increasing in
numbers. While at rest they extend themselves from the edge of the leaf they are
feeding on and resemble a small filament or the end of a tendril. When full-grown
they attuin quite a large size.”

Remedies.—These caterpillars can be easily kept down by sprinkling either
hellebore or a very weak mixture of Paris Green in water over the foliage.

The Beautiful Wood Nymph (Zudryas grata, Fab.)

Fig. 19. Fig. 20.

Attack.—Bright coloured, voracious caterpillars, destroying the leaves, The
body is blue, crossed with broad orange bands and narrow black streaks. Head,
orange. The perfect insect of this caterpillar is one of our most beautiful moths.
It may be frequently found during the day time resting on the leaves of the grape,
with two of its legs extended in front of it. The wings, when expanded, cover
nearly two inches. The upper wings are pearly white, bordered with rich seal-
brown, edged inside with green. The lower wings are orange, and have a broad,
pow band along the hind margin. The body is orange, with a black stripe down
the back.

These caterpillars are very voracious and have been numerous in some parts of
Ontario during the past summer. Mr. Stanley Spillett, of Nantye, Ontario, says:
“JT take the liberty of sending you some worms which are eating the leaves of my
grape vines here. If not interfered with they would destroy all the foliage, We
do not know of any remedy for their destruction.”

A mixture of Paris Green in water was recommended and proved quite success-
ful. Hellebore or dry Pyrethrum powder would probably have answered as well.

RASPBERRIES,

Raspberries suffered much from the dry weather so prevalent last season. Early in
the spring the Red Spider (Tetranychusjtelarius, L) showed itself in’many places, and

gave trouble all through the summer, although vigorously assailed by a small Lady-
bird beetle, Scymnus punctatus, Melsh.

The young shoots were attacked by the larve of an Anthomyian fly. The eggs
of which were evidently laid in the axil of a leaf, and when hatched the maggot
ate its way down inside the stem, leaving a thin discoloured track for six
or eight inches. When mature it turned into a brown puparium and passed
the winter inside the stem (this was in the breeding jars). The mature insect
which is a small black and extremely active fly about half as big as a
house-fly has not yet been identified. The presence of this enemy is first shown
by the tip of the young shoot fading and hanging over, much in the same way as
when attacked by the Raspberry-cane borer (Oberea bimaculata, Oliv.) except
that when stems are injured by this latter, the two rings made by the female,
and between which she deposits her egg, are plainly visible. The only practicable
remedy for both of these is at once to cut off the stem below the seat of injury.

The Pale Brown Byturus (Byturus unicolor, Say.)

Attack.—An active greyish brown beetle about one-sixth of an inch
in length, which eats into the buds and destroys the flowers.

Early this spring these little beetles appeared innumbers and assailed
the Raspberry bushes, doing a great deal of harm.

Remedy.—The only remedy tried was hand-picking. It is nocturnal in
its habits, and in the morning each flower seemed to have its o¢cupant.
In my garden at Ottawa, all the first flowers were destroyed. The beetle
seemed to be particularly attracted to a seedling bush of the White-flowered Fig, 21.
Scented-raspberry, Rubus Nutkanus, Mocino, flowering for the first time last year. Not
a single flower of the first blossoms was perfect. As this bush was separated some
distance from the rest, Pryethrum was dusted over the buds in the evening, ard by
this means perfect flowers were obtained. No fruit, however, was formed on this
bush, but whether this was due to the insect powder keeping away bees and other
insects, I am unable to say.

Red Raspberries at Ottawa were in some spots severely attacked by an aphis,
by which all the young flowering shoots were thickly covered. Observing that many
of the aphides showed signs of being parisitised I collected some shoots and had the
pleasure of breeding many specimens of the minute Proctotrapid Lygocerus stigma-
tus, Say, and two examples of a tiny midge, Diplosis aphidimyza.

These parasites were kindly identified for me by Mr. W. H. Ashmead. He says:
“The Diplosis is a common parasite on aphides in the old country, but not before
known in this country, Osten Sacken not recording it in his recent catalogue. I
have reared another species here from an aphid on hickory, Schizoneurus caryecola,
Ashm, and I find a record of Prof. Comstock having reared a species from a coccid
in California.”

CURRANTS.

Currants of all kinds were little troubled by insects. The value of Hellebore
for the Imported Currant worm (Nematus ventricosus, Hartig.) is now universally
known. Nevertheless there is frequently considerable loss from carelessness on the

art of the growers who wait until the injury is done before they procure the Helle-
ore. An effort was made last season with good results to prevent this loss, ky writ-
ing letters to the press in the middle of May warning fruit growers to be on the alert.

My attention has been drawn by Rev. C J. Young, of Renfrew, to the fact that an
erroneous idea prevailed wiih regard to Hellebore. He writes: ‘Some people here
have an idea that ‘Hellebore’ has a deleterious effect on the bushes and prevents
them from bearing, so are shy in using it; as a consequence the ‘currant and goose
berry worms are worse than ever this year and have stripped many a bush of its
leaves already.”

White currants were again attacked at Ottawa by the Currant Weevil (Antho-

Ps
sc SaaeSS

nomus rubidus, Say) and in a few instances black currants were also injured. The
Spiny Caterpillar of the Currant (Grapta Progne, Cram.) appeared abundantly but
readily succumbed to a weak treatment of Paris Green.

The Currant Bark Louse (Lecanium ribis, Fitch).

Attaek.—Brown, polished, bark-lice thickly clustered on the stems; beneath
these in their early stages are small lice bearing a beak with which they suck the
sap of the plant.

One of the severest attacks reported by this large scale insect, which infests
the red and white currants, occurred at Ste. Anne de Beaupré, PQ. Mr. Magloire
Simard writes me that he procured a supply of young white currant bushes, and
the next year they were entirely covered with these bark lice, of which he sent me
some specimens. Upoa the branch he sent me I was pleased to find -that many of
the insects had been destroyed by some smal! parasite, as was evidenced by the
perforated scales,

Remedy.—Sponging or spraying the bushes before the leaves expand with a
strong soap or alkaline wash, or with a kerosene emulsion (1 of kerosene to 15 of
water), would be the best way to clear them of these pests.

STRAWBERRIES.

The only serious injury reported by insects to strawberries was from Cowans-
ville, P.Q., and was referred to me by Mr. L. A. Woolverton, the editor of the Cana-
dian Hortiexltwrist, in the beginning of June.

The Strawberry Weevil (Anthonomus musculus, Say).

Attack.—Very small brown beetles, j, inch in length, with a black blotch, bor-
dered with white, in the centre of each wing-case. The head extended into a beak,
which is slightly curved and nearly half as long as the body. These beetles bite off
the buds and flowers of strawberries, or injure them so much by puncturing the stems
that they dry up.

Remedies.—Very little is known of the life history of this insect, so preventive
remedies only were suggested. These were the Kerosene Emulsion (see page 19),
and the Carbolic Wash (see page 23).

FOREST AND SHADE TREES.
HARDWOODS—MAPLES, OAKS, ETO.

One of the most remarkable visitations of the year was the appearance in enor-
mous numbers of the Tent Caterpillars, already alluded to on a previous page. In
the immediate neighborhood of Ottawa the forest presented a most peculiar aspect.
The leaves were riddled and cut up so that on some trees there could not bave been
more than half the amount of green vegetation to perform the functions of the foliage.
This was particularly the case on the Quebec side of the river and along the river
banks. Considerable alarm was expressed by farmers who did not understand the
habits of these insects, lest when they had consumed all the foliage of the maples,
oaks, aspens, &c., they should destroy the graincrops. This was probably due to the
fact that they were incorrectly spoken of as the “ Army Worm.” ‘The idea, however,
took such hold in the district that some of the farmers proposed burning their fences

38
ee _—_———_ ss eee eee SS

to kill the caterpillars and to remove their means of migrating from the woods to the
fields, and [ found it necessary to write io one of the leadiug farmers living in the
district infested, to ask him to explain the nature of the insect and prevent such
absurd destruction.

The colony of the Maple-Leaf Cutter (Incurvaria acerifoliella, Pack.) mentioned
in my last report as present at Ottawa, still continues to increase to an alarming
extent No parasites have as yet been observed.

ConIFERZ,
PINES,

As a consequence of the hot dry summer, bush-fires have been very prevalent
throughout the timber districts, and there is such anxiety amongst lumbermen that
it is proposed, as soon as possible, to prepare a bulletin treating specially of the
insects injurious to Pine timber, In this will be collected together as much as is
known, or can be ascertained, as to the lives of the insects, and the most successful
methods adopted by lumbermen to protect their property. Extensive correspondence
is now being carried on, and it is hoped tiat before very long some useful information
will be ready for distribution. The two insects which probably commit the most
serious ravages on felled pine timber, or upon standing pine trees when they have
been injured by fire, are the two Long-horned beetles known as Monohammus confusor,
Kirby, and MM. scutellatus, Say, the first is grey mottled with darker tufts of hair, and
the latter is black with white marks. The life of these insects is briefly as follows :
The egg is laid in a crevice or hole in the bark; when it hatches the grub eats its
way into the cambium layer of the sap wood, and here spends the greater part of the
first year. As winter approaches it penetrates into the solid wood. In the spring
of the next year it eats further into the solid wood, and probably turns to the pupa
or third stage the next spring and emerges as a perfect beetle in the summer of the
third year.* Directly a fire passes through a forest the trees are brought into a
condition suitable as food for these beetles, and it is marvellous how soon they dis-
cover them and begin to deposit their eggs.

The important point to discover then is how late in the year do these beetles la:
their eggs, because when a fire occurrs after the period during which eggs are laid,
the trees will not receive injury from the borers until the next year. Owing to the
prevalence of early fires this year lumbermen are forced to employ many more men
in the shanties to prevent their logs being destroyed.

There seems to be conclusive evidence that logs kept shaded during the summer
are very much protected against the borers. Ina recent visit to Lindsay and Fenelon
Falls, Ont., through the kindness of Mr. J. A. Barron, M.P., I was enabled to meet
several of the lumbermen and foremen of that locality, and obtained much valuable and
practical information. I found that they had no confidence in the operation known
as “rossing,” which consist of cutting a groove along the top of the log as they say
‘to let the rain in,” but all seemed to agree that keeping the rays of the sun off the
logs, by covering them with boughs of Balsam Fir, as explained by Mr. W. G. Perley,
M.P., of Ottawa, before the Select Committee on Agriculture and Colonization last
year, does decidedly protect against wood-boring beetles.

* Norz.—Since writing the above, I have had an opportunity of examining standing pine injured
oa fire last spring, Larve of all sizes were found from half an inch to one and three-quarters in length.
hese latter, I should suppose, must be almost full-grown. Where they had been at work beneath the
bark was plainly visible. After entering the solid wood they had penetrated to distances varying from
one to ten inches. From the above observations it is now uncertain whether, under favourable circum-
stances, these large borers may not possibly pass through all their stages in one year Arrangements
have been made for a further study of this matter during the ensuing season. My thanks are due to
Mr. Berkeley Powell (of the firm of Perley & Pattee) and Mr. W. R. Thistle, lumbermen of the Ottawa
district, who have rendered me much assistance in this investigation. They themselves accompanied
me to Pembroke and drove me through portions of their extensive limits which had been burnt at
different times during the last year. By their kindness in placing horses and men at my disposal, I was
enabled to visit distant points, and, when necessary, to fell trees for examination.

39

Any good effects which have been derived from “rossing,” I am of the opinion
are from the bark separating from the tree, and by the consequent drying up of the
cambium layer, upon which the young and tender grub feeds,

The Red-Pine Gall-Weevil (Podapion gallicola, Riley.)

An interesting discovery was made at Aylmer, P.Q., last summer, upon the
occasion of a visit paid to that locality with Mr. W. H. Harrington.

Upon the twigs of the Red Pine, we found large numbers of oval galls about i
inch in length, in which upon examination we discovered specimens of this weevil,
and I have since found that instead of being, as generally supposed, a very rare
species, it is extremely abundant throughout the Pine forests in the County of Ren-
frew, Ont. In no instance could I find a tree of the Red-Pine which had not most of
its small branchlets distorted by the swellings caused by this insect, and there was
abundant evidence of its operations in former years. In the young cones of the trees
at Aylmer were also found numerous examples of the small Scolytid, Dryocetes
affaber, Mann, which had destroyed probably two-thirds of the cones. This species
also bores in the terminal shoots of the White Pine.

SPRUCE,

From British Columbia I have received some larva which have produced the
moth known as Halisidota sobrina, Stretch, a pretty brown moth spotted with silvery
white spots on the upper wings and with under wings almost wholly white. These
larve were sent by Rev. George W. Taylor as committing great depredations on the
spruces there. In the box with these caterpillars were twigs of the Donglas fir.
I found, however, that they fed with perfect indifference upon either Canada balsam
fir or white spruce, and all came to maturity except two specimens, which were
parasitised. ‘Chis will doubtless be treated of in full in Mr, Taylor's forthcoming
report as Provincial Entomologist.

From the Province of Quebec comes a woeful tale of the destruction of the
spruce forests.

The Spruce Bark Beetle (Dendroctonus rufipennis, Kirby).

Attack.—A small cylindrical beetle, with deep-brown wing cases and head and
thorax almost black, which bores a hole through the bark of a healthy spruce tree,
antil it reaches the sap wood, here it runs a tunnel about two or three inches in

- length beneath the bark, and lays at short and regular intervals eggs which hatch
into white grubs. These eat out channels at right angles to the primary tunnel, so
as to destroy the sap-wood beneath a large square of bark.

I have received several letters on this subject, and have also had specimens sent
me which, through the courtesy of Mr. Schwarz, of Washington, have been identified
as the above named beetle.

The attack appears to be most prevalent in the townships of Orford, Newport
and Eaton, and Windsor, Dudswell, &c,, in the Eastern Townships. It is also most
probably the same insect as is complained of in New Brunswick, and which was
mentioned at page 30 of my last report. The following interesting letter, giving
arenes eos has been received from Mr. Joseph Andrews, of Windsor

ills, P.Q. :—

“T¥ will give you the result of my observations for the last eleven years. In the
month of June, 1875, I cut a spruce tree on my farm for the purpose of making
shingle, and when I came to remove the bark I found the white or pulpy part of it
one mass of white maggots, about 4 of an inch in length. As the tree, to judge from

40

the outside, was perfectly healthy, I was surprised to find such an amount of corrup-
tion inside, so I began to investigate, and in every part of the tree I founda great
number of small beetles or borers still at work. Their manner of proceeding was
this. They would bore through the bark until they came to the soft pulpy part of
the new annular growth of new wood just forming and bore a tunnel from 1 to 34
inches, At very short intervals they would form a little cell on each side of the
main passage and deposit a small white egg (in this way ++" 1_), and do
it with wonderful precision, and where tens of thousands of these borers would
attack a tree you may be assured they made short work of it; but still there are some
parts of the country that do not seem to suit them. I have noticed that in some
parts where there is a deep, dry, light, loamy soil, every spruce tree of any size is
totally destroyed, whilst on the other hand, where you find a wet, gravelly bottom,
you will rarely find a spruce tree affected.

“‘T would also mention that although the borer works up to the tops of the trees,
it is not the young shoots which are first attacked, but they begin near the groand
first and work up.”

The only remedy which can be suggested as yet for this evil is prompt cutting
of the timber as soon as the injury is observed.

AMERIOAN LAROH, OR TAMARAO,

The Larch Saw-fly (Wematus Hrichsonii, Hartig.)

This insect is still found in large numbers in the Provinces of Quebec and New
Brunswick ; but the reports which come in appear to me to be satisfactory. It is
true it is widening its area of destruction ; but there are many places where two or
three years ago it was plentiful in which it does not now occur.

In the Ottawa district last spring the perfect fly was very abundant, but although
the larva were looked for very closely few could be found, and efforts to
secure a supply for study were unsuccessful, even in an isolated grove where the
females had fear seep Ovipositing. ‘The egg-bearing twigs, in the summer, after the
time the eggs should have hatched, showed very few cases of defoliation. All reports,
however, were not of this nature. Prof. Saunders observed them as ‘ very abund-
ant in parts of Nova Scotia, especially in the County of Cumberland where the trees
in many localities were almost entirely denuded of their foliage.” Mr. G. U. Hay
writes: “Iam not so sure that the ravages of the worm which infests the larch tree
are less this year in some parts of New Brunswick than in previous seasons. During
a recent visit I made to Miscou and Shippegan, I observed a very large proportion of
the trees wholly or partly defoliated. This also was the case along the Intercolonial
Railway from Bathurst to St. John, At Norton, about 25 miles from St. John, many
trees were wholly defoliated.

As an off-set against this intelligence I found, during the past summer, that a
tamarac swamp at Dalhousie, N.B., which, in 1884, was almost defoliated, was en-
tirely free of these larva,

BIROH.
The Birch Saw-fly (Hylotoma dulciaria, Say).

Attack.—Yellow false caterpillars with orange heads and 6 rows of black spots
down the back, and a short black oblique dash above each leg along the sides.

eee ————————e—E———E—

These larve were first observed in injurious numbers at Quebec in 1885 by Rev.
T. W. Fyles, of South Quebec. During the past season Mr. H. M. Ami, of the Geologi-
cal and Natural History Survey Staff, sent me specimens in September from Quebec,
with the intelligence that they were taken at Chandiére Railway Bridge, seven miles
from Quebec, where, as in Eastern Quebec, they were in myriads,”

4*

42

REPORT OF THE CHEMIST.

(Frank T. Saort, M.A., F.C.S.)

Orrawa, 10th February, 1888.
Prof. Wm. SAUNDERS,
Director, Dominion Experimental Farms,
Ottawa.

Sir,—I have the honour to submit to you my report on the character and extent
of the work done by me since my appointment to the office of Chemist to the Experi-
mental Farms of the Dominion in August last,

On 10th August, 1887, at the request of the Minister of Agriculture, I accom-~
panied you on a short tour through the Kastern States, with a view to the inspection
of the laboratories, both as to fittings and the latest forms of apparatus, of the more
principal agricultural stations and universities ; the object of gaining such informa-
tion being that we might be able the better to equip our permanent laboratory (not
yet built) with the most modern improvements for analytical work and work of
research in all the branches of agricultural chemistry.

Proceeding first to New York, I was extremely gratified to find that the
American Association for the Advancement of Science was holding its annual
session. During my two days’ stay in that city I was therefore enabled to hear read
and discussed many valuable papers by some of the foremost men in science in
the United States, and also to meet personally many of the chemists engaged in
agricultural work in various parts of the country, many of whom very courteously
invited me to inspect their laboratories and gave me every information in their
power. My subsequent travels proved their kindness to be of great benefit to me in
this respect, and to these gentlemen I would tender my thanks.

As emphasizing what I have just said with regard to the value of hearing read
and discussed scientific papers upon subjects of almost universal interest and
importance, and as this city has lately been visited with a severe epidemic of typhoid
fever, I think it may not be out of place here to refer to a paper read on The Causes
of Typhoid Fever, and the means of eliminating such causes, by Dr. Albert R. Leeds,
of New Jersey. He instanced many cases of typhoid fever in various towns which he
had traced to an impure and contaminated water supply. He clearly showed that in
such cases as he had examined, the investigation proved that the water used by
persons suffering from this disease was contaminated by the excreta of other victims
of typhoid. 1n some instances the source of the trouble was many miles distant
from its direful effects.

The cause of typhoid fever is generally believed to be due to a bacillus, of which
usually there is a large number in water infected, and probably the most practical
portion of this paper was the means proposed by the author to rid the water of these
bacteria, rendering it fit and wholesome for drinking purposes. The process con-
sists simply in adding half a grain of alum to each gallon of the water to be used.
By this process all the peaty matter is precipitated along with the Bacteria, leaving
a water brilliant and limpid, and better than distilled water. The alumina is all
taken out by the precipitation, and chemical tests failed to reveal its presence in the
supernatant liquid. A contaminated water from Mount Holly examined by the
author containing 8,000 bacteria per cubic centimetre showed after this treatment
only 8 bacteria per c. ¢., this water then passed through two sterilized filter-papers
was rendered entirely free from bacterial life. Many other interesting and instructive
papers and discussions were listened to, but the time at our disposal was altogether

—ooooo

43

too short to reap such benefit as is obtainable by attending the full session of such an
important scientific society.

Whilst in New York I visited the Chemical and Mineralosical Laboratories of
the Columbia Schools of Mines, and found them admirably adapted and fitted up for
work in all the branches of these sciences. It is here desirable to point out that
necessarily, there is a difference in the appointment of those laboratories intended for
teaching purposes only and those in which analytical work purely is carried or,
remembering of course that in many features all laboratories must be similar both in
arrangement and forms of apparatus. As of special interest in the laboratory just
named, I would mention as worthy of notice a water-bath, about ten feet in length,
which could be heated as ordinarily by Bunsen burners, or more quickly by a steam
coil connected with the heating apparatus of the building. In less than two minutes
after the steam was turned on, the water in this bath would be raised to the boiling
point, thus saving a great expenditure of time and economizing fuel. Another
feature was the slate-covered benches, which resisting the action of acids and alkalies,
always preserve an even and untarnished surface, a condition very desirable but
impossible to keep when the working benches are simply of wood. When, as here,
there is a strong up-draft in the flue, an open draught cupboard can be used. Thisis
very desirable, as when the front of the cupboard is enclosed with doors, the operator
is always more or less hampered in his manipulations.

The Connecticut Agricultural Experimental Station at New Haven was next
visited. The chemical laboratory here is about 36 feet by 29 feet with working
benches on two of the sides and in the centre. As there were several chemists
working in this laboratory the tables in the middle of the room made it much too
cramped for comfortable work. Iron sinks were situated at the ends of the two
central tables, from which the waste water was conducted to a cesspool and from
thence over the land. A special room for the balances is here dispensed with, each
chemist having his balance on the portion of the bench or table allottedto him. This
arrangement although economizing time is not to be commendably endorsed, as a
delicate balance must in a short time be seriously injured by the fumes necessarily
present where a number of analysts are working.

Our next visit was to the Experimental Station at Amherst, Mass. Here a build-
ing has recently been erected which is entirely devoted to the chemical work of the
station. The two laboratories are fitted up with all modern improvements, both as to
apparatus and fittings. The larger laboratory is 19 by 16 feet, the smaller 17 by 12
feet. Wherever possible the arrangement of having two laboratories in the place of
one, is most desirable, for many analytical operations cannot be conducted with success
where other chemical work is being carried on. This is particularly necessary, for
instance, in water analysis, which requires an atmosphere free from ammonia and
hydrochloric acid, necessarily present in the air of a general working laboratory.
A feature of special interest here was that the ceilings were lined with wood. The
plan of lining both the walls and ceiling of our new laboratories with wood is one 1
would strongly recommend for the reason that plaster ceilings and walls are attacked
by acid fumes, soon becoming dirty in appearance and small pieces of the surface
whitewash scaling off may spoil an analysis by falling into vessels which are being
used, a catastrophe which can be seen is not easily preventable where such ceilings
are used. The gas in this laboratory, both for heating and illuminating purposes, is
made from gasoline (light petroleam) on the premises. The plant is extremely sim-
ple and very nearly automatic, Air is drawn over the surface of gasoline which is
placed in a tank sunk some feet below the surface of the ground at suitable distance
from the building. The resulting mixture of air and gasoline vapour forms the illu-
minating gas, In order that such gas can be used economically as a fael the carbon
should be completely burnt, and a further supply of air is required to bring about a
total combustion. In the Amherst apparatus the same arrangement which draws
the air over the gasoline supplies an extra blast of air to the burners. Dr. Goessman,
the director, assured us that the process had now been in operation for over a year
Come excellent satisfaction. Gas by this method costs about $1.00 to $1.25

4

44

per 1,000 feet, according to the price of gasoline. I have dwelt somewhat at length
upon this method of manufacturing gas, a8 it does not seem improbable but that we
shall have to adopt some such system for the Jaboratories of the farm.

The laboratory of the Bussey Institute, near Boston, is of good size, about
27 by 40 feet, and is furnished with a large fume cupboard of good width, the floor
of which is of brick and the front enclosed with sliding glass doors.

It was thought desirable whilst in Boston to see the laboratorics of the Institute
of Technology. In all the branches of Applied Science this institution was found to
be very well equipped as to apparatus, appliances and models. The laboratories
intended for pupils are very large and capable of accommodating over one hundred
students at once. There was no shelving for bottles upon the tables; the students
keeping apparatus and chemicals in the drawers and cupboard assigned to each of
them. The waste water, containing as a matter of course, often large quantities of
corrosive chemicals, is conducted by means of an open pitched gutter, which can be
examined at any time by removing certain of the floor boards. This arrangement
obviates the expense of removing the pipes from time to time and has some features
to recommend it where students are engaged in studying chemistry practically, but
on the other hand it is to be noted that there would be a great likeliness of foul
odours arising into the laboratory unless a large flow of water was continually kept
running.

The question of the purity of the water supplied to our Canadian cities and towns
I deem of such importance that I venture to bring before the Government, through
you, the work of Mrs. Ellen H. Richards, who, at the time of our visit, was engaged
in the laboratories of the above institution upon the analysis of a large number of
the waters of the state, under the direction of the State Board of Health, This
work is of a most useful and important character, and it can hardly be too strongly
emphasized that such an investigation into the condition of our water supplies
should be commenced ard systematically carried on from time to time. In this
connection I would also refer to the work in water analysis inaugurated some years
ago, and since carried on, by the members of the Society of Public Analysts in
England. The result of their labours has been to bring about greater uniformity in
methods of water analysis, and with greater uniformity in methods has come greater
uniformity and reliability in the interpretation of the results of such examinations,
Standards of purity by which waters may be judged have been proposed in England
and are satisfactory for English waters; but these can scarcely be applied with
accuracy to a large number of Canadian waters, owing to the different character of
the source of the supply, and before we can make and adopt standards for ourselves
more data are required.

As pure water is an indispensable article of diet, without which health cannot
be preserved, and as impure and contaminated water has been proven to be the
source of so many diseases, it becomes a matter of the greatest importance that all
public water supplies should be examined and reported upon by competent chemists,
and that farmers and others not drawing from such supplies should have an oppor-
tunity offered them—perhaps at a small cost—of having their water examined.
That wells in the country should be examined may, by some, be thought to be
unnecessary, but [am convinced that there is much impure water drunk in the
country, owing to the ignorance of many digging their wells in the barnyard or in
close proximity to a source of contamination. In many instances where the soil is
sandy the wells often act as a cesspool for draining a large adjacent area, and if in
such area excreta or urine are allowed to lie, the consequence is that the water is but
a more or less diluted sewage.

From Boston I went to Washington in order to see the laboratories of the
Bureau of Agriculture, as well as to attend the Fourth Annual Convention of the
Association of Official Agricultural Chemists. This association, as its name implies,
consists of analytical chemists connected with the United States Department of
Agriculture, or any State Experimental Station or educational institution having
cflicial control over fertilizers, and who are engaged in analytical work and research

45

upon soils, cattle foods, dairy products, and other materials of agricultural industry.
However, other chemists are welcomed to the meeting, and discussion invited from
all who may be present, The result of these annual conventions and the publica-
tion of the proceedings has been fraught with much good; greater accuracy and
uniformity in the processes and results of analyses has been brought about, and thus
much benefit bestowed upon the agricultural population. Interesting and valuable
reports were read by the chairmen of the several committees appointed at the
annual meeting last year. These reports were on the analysis of cattle foods, fer-
tilizers and dairy products.

Dr. W. H. Wiley, Chemist to the United States Department of Agriculture, very
courteously conducted me through the laboratories, which are in the basement of the
building and are now much too small for the number of chemists working and the
amount of analytical work in progress. The tables ranging round the sides were
amply supplied with water and gas, and being covered with white tiles about €
inches square, presented a very clean and nice appearance. A central table, with a
large sink in the centre, is furnished with filter-pumps of an improved kind to the
number of ten, thus allowing the prosecution at the same time of a large number of
analyses which require this useful and indeed indispensable adjunct. Special places
were set apart for apparatus for the determination of nitrogen by Kjeldahl’s method
and Soxhlet’s extraction apparatus. This method, where space allows, of setting up
pieces of apparatus in a permanent manner saves very much of the analyst’s time.

There were special rooms for photography, storing of chemicals, apparatus, &.
Distilled water is here continuously made in connection with the stean heating
apparatus,

A short visit was paid to the Laboratories of the famous John Hopkins’ Univer-
sity, Baltimore, but as they are intended and fitted up for students’ work, I shall not
go into details. There are here also special rooms for photography, gas analysis
and combustion work—the latter supplied with large hoods over the furnaces to
carry off the gaseous products of combustion.

On returning to Ottawa I elaborated plans as to the size and arrangements of
our laboratories, and submitted them to you. They are now with the Government
Architect. It was thought most desirable to have two laboratories—a large and a
smaller, and in connection with them a balance room which could also be used as an
office for the Chemist.

As the building of these could not be begun last autumn, it was deemed advisable
to procure temporary accommodation for laboratory purposes in the city of Ottawa,
A suitable room, though small, was obtained in the Russell House Block, the neces-—
sary gas and water fixtures were put in, and a certain quantity of chemicals and
apparatus procured.

Besides the work incumbent upon one in superintending the fitting up and
arranging of the new laboratory, I have been enabled to make the following reports
—which will indicate the nature of the chemical work upon which I have been
engaged.

REPORT No. 1.

OrrTawa, 3ist October, 1887.
Prof. Wm. SAUNDERS,
Director, Dominion Experimental Farms,
Ottawa.

Dear Sin,—As requested by you, I have made a caroful analysis of the marl sent
in for examination by Mr, Holland, of Ottawa, and find its composition as follows:—

46

Calcium carbonate (carbonate of lime).........-sececceessssceeees 60:00
Organics matter) :stc.c.cscesousewevstesetse ss Wcecietoajnewsonossie/ocscconen 25°42
Sand and silicia...,....,-...00..000 pebcbae sonenancee Besslsiantes ‘ciaciwactas 6:55
Alumina and OxidGsOfirON..cecosescesessescteeccocceseotssenssensnvase 3:33
MORGUE Cree seetectssssncnetosssaccsechsccussduaccncasenancassedsecteheeeees mr iObh
Magnesia, &Cisicccc: <coctescecoedses auseadanescertecatvanes saasoandecdes Sey sibs

100-00

No phosphoric acid could be detected, and only traces of the alkalies were
present.

The specimen, about 6 or 8 inches in size, is one of shell marl, showing a large
number of small shells and also at one side a considerable amount of peat. The
whole was fairly sampled and the analysis made on the quantity so obtained.

In commenting upon its value as manure, I would say that asa rule the fertiliz-
ing power of a mar! depends, to a large extent, upon the amount of carbonate oflime
it contains, although the value of those marls which contain phosphoric acid and
potash would be enhanced thereby. The application of such marl as the one analyzed
would be of especial benefit to a peaty soil which is deficient in lime.

Besides acting as a manure, mar! is cften useful in altering the mechanical con-
dition of the soil. The addition of mari to a sandy soil has the effect of making the
soil heavier and better adapted for holding manure and moisture, and conversely its.
action on clay is to produce a more pliable and easily worked soil. As carbonate of
lime is not at all caustic, its application, even in excess of the amount needed, cannot.
result in any injury to vegetation,

I remain, Sir,
Yours very truly,

Frank T. Saurt, M.A., F.C.S.,
Chemist, Dom. Exp. Farms.

REPORT No. 2.

Ortawa, Ist November, 1887.
Prof. Wm. Saunpers,
Director, Dominion Experimental Farms,
Ottawa.

Dear Sin,—As instructed by you, I have made an analysis of the alkaline water-
sent by Miller Christie, Esq., of Manitoba, for examination, and find as follows :—

Solid matter per Imperial gallon, 465:22 grains, the percentage composition of
which is tabulated below:

Time! (CaO)... 2ncsesscecccosseevns cave HodsoanS sovsccesseceseccsccassce 10:55
Magnesia” (MigQ)) ::2.cc-:<cc.cccsocecteoteuten tees pcocodbadéaoaoasaonace 7:25
Sodan(NagO)iascsccrsscccves ecavectcesreeceusses ssenvesscraccucencessn a Ol00
Sulphuricvacid (SOs) ert-c....cscarteese eeesnecececcerees ccenccesces 22°15
Chioninezrsce es one as ness ssecosscnccainnossreccessacesareceee aceees 28°08
Allumingyand Oxidelotiron:..-<-seeeersten es ceree seat eeee aes 52

Water of hydration, small quantities of carbonic acid and
organic matter undetermined.........sccesceeees Seecaebaese « «589
100-00

Examination with the spectroscope showed sodium ¢o be the only alkali present.

47
—— ———————————————————————————————— ————— Es

Calculating from thése figures on the supposition that the chlorine is combined
with the sodium, and the magnesia with the sulphuric acid, we arrive at the follow-
ing :—

Per cent,
Sodium chloride (common Salt).........ccccscsccsssssssccesseseeeee 46°27
Magnesium sulphate..............00. Rusehatescuas stucucsesees ecbsceses 21°75

The other constituents would then be—calcium sulphate, calcium hydrate and
sodium hydrate.

The water was slightly akaline to test paper, and on standing the supernatant
liquid becomes quite clear, leaving a calcareous deposit at the bottom of the jar. This
deposit effervesces strongly on addition of an acid:

Owing to the fact that lime had been added to this water, the composition of its
saline matter has been altered from its original condition. The above figures, there-
fore, do not represent accurately either the actual compounds existing in the water
in its natural state or in their true proportions,

In all probability the alkali exists to a large extent as carbonate, and the effect
of adding lime to such water would be to produce carbonate of lime and caustic soda,
thus rendering the water much more akaline than before the treatment.

With regard to the elimination of the akali, whether it exists as hydrate, carbo-
nate or chloride, from the water, it may be pointed out that owing to the great
solubility of the salts of the alkali metals, it is impossible to suggest any practical or
economic method whereby the alkali may be got rid of by precipitation.

The addition of an acid would not be efficaceous in the removal of the alkali.

The only method for rendering the water free from this saline matter and con-
sequently fit and wholesome for use, is, I believe, distillation.

In districts where such alkaline water only is obtainable, a small distillation
apparatus might be kept constantly at work. This apparatus, if attached to the or-
dinary cooking stove in the kitchen, would entail but little extra expense. It might
be of the simplest eharacter, consisting of a vessel of tinned or galvanized iron. This
vessel would be furnished with a lid, tightly fitting and large enough to allow the
vessel to be easily cleaned when necessary. A suitable tube and condenser for the
condensation of the steam, could be easily attached to this boiler. The water so
obtained, while entirely free from saline matter, would taste rather flat, owing to the
fact that it would have parted with its dissolved oxygen during the process.

I an, Sir,
Yours very truly,

Frank T. Saurt, M.A., F.CS.,
Chemist, Dom, Exp. Farms.

REPORT No. 3.

REPORT ON THE ANALYSIS OF THE WATER SUPPLY OF THE CITY
OF OTTAWA,

Orrawa, 12th January, 1888.
Prof. Wu. SAUNDERs,
Director, Dominion Experimental Farms,
Ottawa.

Sir,—At your request I have made an analysis of the water supplied to the
city of Ottawa by the Waterworks, and have the honour to present you herewith my
report thereon.

48

The samples were taken by Mr. Surtees, the City Engineer, and myself, on the
22nd December, as follows:

A.—From east side of slide channel, between 200 and 300 feet above mouth of
aqueduct and about 600 feet from the north branch of the Rochester Creek, taken até
a depth of about 5 feet below the surface.

B.—From mouth of clear water pine or inlet, in front of screen, at a depth of
10 feet below the surface.

C.—From the tap in pumping: house.

D.—From the tap in basement of City Hall.

OHEMICAL ANALYSIS,

The following table shows the results of the chemical analysis :

GRAINS PER GALLON. Parts par MILLION.

afe|o|o s[e|ol|»
Colour in 2-fOOt tube .cccce coeceecesene covers Dark yellow. Dark yellow.
Smell at 100° Fu... cesses vee nate Slightly peaty. Slightly peaty.
Ohlo@rine\eccccscssccece ces sos “035 “035 035 = '035 5 “B *b “6
Phosphoric acid...... .... aseccsodvaneupikasas> None. None.
Nitrogen in nitrates and nitrites.. ...... -0080 | *0103 | -0126 | *0109| 1152 | °1482 | “1811; .1564
Free Ammonia ..... ....06 seececee e secens coves “0014 | *0014 | ‘0007 | +0007 "02 *02 “OL “OL
Albuminoid ammonia. ....ccce ceccee seeees “0091 | +0084 | *0084 | *0084 “13 “12 “12 “12

Oxygen absorbed in 15 minutes
Oxygen absorbed in 4 hours . ....
RSOUICS recsnancectall-caashcescccsoseniescrencnctinces
Hardness a8 Oa0O,g occ. .cees cesses ceeee

"1912 | *1610 | 1708 | *1629 | 2°732 | 2°372 | 2°430 | 2°327
*3519 | *3507 | °3507 | *3507] 5°028 | 5°010 | 5 O10 | &-01e
3-80 3°70 3°92 3°92] 54°0 53°0 | 56:0} 56°0
1°64 1°40 1°65 1°65 | 2374 20-6 22°1 22°1

The first conclusion to be drawn from these results is that all the above samples
are very similar as to their quality, that from the elide channel being somewhat the
worst, owing no doubt to its containing a slightly larger quantity of suspended
matter. The other three may, for all practical purposes, be considered identical.

Colour in the 2-foot Tube.— By this test pure water is colourless. The presence
or organic matter, especially of a vegetable origin, in solution renders the appear-
ance, under these circumstances, of a green, yellow or brown tint, varying in deptk
according to the amount of such matter contained.

Smell at 100° F.—The result of this examination may reveal the presence of an
injurious quantity of organic matter, but on the other hand a very bad water may
not have any objectionable odour. This test is only of importance as a sapplomen-
tary one.

Chlorine in Chlorides.—The presence of chlorine in considerable quantities indi-
cates the existence of sodium chloride derived either from this salt naturally present
in the soil through which the water passes, or from contamination with sewage.
mae small amount found shows that all these samples of water are tree from sewage
pollution.

Phosphoric Acid.—Phosphorie acid, except in very slight traces, would indicate
contamination with sewage. My results in this particular confirm the opinion as te
the absence of sewage expressed in the preceding paragraph.

Nitrogen in Nitrates and Nitrites—Oxidized nitrogen as nitrates or nitrites in @
water points as a rule to contamination with animal organic matter or sewage. The
abundance of vegetable life, however, may decompose and assimilate these salts, and
hence the absence of such nitrogen cannot be considered as negative evidence as to
such pollution. Analysts differ as to the value to be assigned to this datum in form-
ing an opinion on the quality of a water, but the small quantity evinced by the

49

analysis taken in conjunction with the other results adds an additional proof with
regard to the absence of sewage pollution.

Free Ammonia.—A large quantity of ammonia, except in water from deep wells,
would probably indicate the recent contamination with sewage. The exceedingly
smali amount present again shows this water to be free from pollution of this sort.

Albuminoid Ammonia—Oxygen absorbed in 15 minutes and 4 hours at 80° F.—
By both of these determinations we are enabled to infer the relative quantity of
organic matter present in the sample of water under examination. To estimate the
exact amount of organic matter in a water or to ascertain with certainty what part
of such is of animal or vegetable origin, is not only difficult, but impossible.* Organic
matter of an animal origin is generally conceded to be more dangerous in a water
than that derived from vegetable growth; yet that decomposing vegetable matter
has a toxic effect has repeatedly been shown It is as yet an undecided question if
decomposing organic matter, whether animal or vegetable, is of itself poisonous apart
from those low forms of life which cause such decomposition, and which are held by
many to be the direct cause of disease. Bacteria require organic matter for their
growth and development, therefore we may argue that water containing a large
quantity of such matter is likely to contain a greater number of these micro-organ—
isms, than water possessing but traces of organic matter.

This so-called albuminoid ammonia is evolved when a water containing organie
matter is boiled with an alkaline solution of potassium permanganate, and hence the
quantity found is a measure of the organic matter present. Much albuminoid am-
monia from a waiter giving but little free ammonia points strongly to the excess of
vegetable organic matter. Many waters contain less than ‘V5 parts per million, and
‘1 part per million causes a water to be looked upon with grave suspicion, while -13
p. p- m. would, according to Wanklyn (the deviser of the process), condemn a water
for drinking purposes. In applping this standard of purity to a water we must,
however, take into consideration its source, and therefore we should not be justified
in condemning the Ottawa water without additional data, because it yields ‘13 parta
of albuminoid ammonia per million, though we must judge it impure in this respect.

The amount of oxygen absorbed during a stated interval at a stated temperature
from a given amount of an acid solution of pot. permanganate again gives us @ mea-
sure of the organic matter present. The more oxygen absorbed the greater the
quantity of the decompositing organic matter. The excessive amount of oxygen se
absorbed by this water emphasizes in a most unmistakable manner the conclusion
arrived atin the preceding paragraph.

Drs. Tidy and Frankland have suggested the following scale for classifying
upland surface waters from results obtained by this method :

Section 1—Upland surface water:

Class— Water of great organic purity, absorbing from permanganate of potash
not more than 1 part of oxygen per million parts of water,

Class 2—Water of medium purity, absorbing from 1 to3 parts of oxygen per
million parts of water.

Class 3—Water of doubtful purity, absorbing from 3 to 4 parts of oxygen per
million parts of water.

Class 4—Impure water, absorbing more than 4 parts of oxygen per million
parts of water.

Section 2 is a classification for waters other than upland surface. The limit of
the amount of oxygen absorbed is exactly one-half of that in the corresponding clasa
in Section 1.

Judged by this standard it is obvious that the Ottawa water in its present con-
dition is unfit for drinking purposes owing to the large excess of dissolved vegetable
organic matter.

That the organic matter is vegetable in its origin is borne out by the fact that
the ratio of the amount of oxygen absorbed in fifteen minutes to that absorbed ir

*Nichols’ ‘‘ Water Sapply,’’ pag> 36.

50

four hours is nearly as 1: 2, whereas if the matter were of animal origin the ratio
would approach 1: 15,

_ Although vegetable organic matter, as before stated, cannot be considered as
injurious as that of animal origin, yet the excessive quantity here found is quite
sufficient to render highly necessary a purification of the water before being used for
drinking purposes.

The absence of organic matter as derived from sewage may or may not be at-
tributable to the fact that for several days previous to the 22nd of December the:
day upon which the samples were taken, the temperature was considerably below the
freezing point, and consequently the water of the Rochester Creek had ceased to
flow. If previously the city water was polluted from sewage matter brought down
by this creek the larger volume of water, together with the swift current of the
river would easily account for the absence of such contamination at this date,

We shall now apply the standard of purity proposed by Drs, Muterand Wigner,
velebrated English analysts, in order to ascertain the relative degrees of purity of
the Ottawa water.

Dr, Muter’s scheme takes into consideration and assigns values to the amounts
of free ammonia, albuminoid ammonia, and the oxygen absorbed in 15 minutes and
four hours. He proposes that the following limits, ‘supposing no other considera-
tion intervenes to modify the analyst’s opinion of the sample,” should be observed :

First-class water.............+2. sopectenecescncocosetceses’ Up ston: G0IGGPTOCS
Second class Water.........ccesccssccerssccsescveee voveee Up to 40 do
Undrinkable water............ssseccsscceesescceseeseeeee OVEr “40 do

By this classification the Ottawa water would rank as undrinkable, its value
being 1-61.

Mr. Wigner’s scale includes a value for each of the determinations enumerated
in the table of results, The limits by this scheme are as follows :

Hxtreomely pure water.........cescecs:ceesccescnsscaccssac cacovecncssses 1D
Wirst-Class WAter.......... .......-cccacocsoscsscccacsesevssecssbsaceecces =e 40
Second-class water .....-- .....s0000 senses cesensnancnhencasesecsedinsse== smo
Third-class water beyond..........c0:ccceceees ceoreresseerecssssesseeees 69

The Ottawa water, according to this scale, gives a valuation of 134°5, being
entirely condemned for drinking purposes.

We must, however, remember that those standards were proposed for English
waters, the sources of which are altogether different from many of our Canadian
waters, and therefore great care should be used in interpreting the results of an
analysis by these standards. But even considering the source of the Ottawa supply
we must look upon it with grave suspicion and strongly deprecate its use as a potable
water without previous purification.

It may not be uninteresting to compare this water with thatsupplied to Torcnto.
Dr. W. Hodgson Ellis, Professor of Applied Chemistry and Public Analyst, Toronto,
has for some time past made thorough analyses of the Toronto water, and in an.
exhaustive report to the Toronto City Council last June proposes for the comparison
ot waters a scale to illustrate the “average degree of impurity.” Applying this

scale to the results of his analyses, Dr. Ellis tabulates as follows:
Average degree

of organic

impurity.
Bell buoy (Lake Ontario) ........00...scecceessecce-ssccereccsecescnsece 22
Pumping swells. vaccesccccccc-s-cecsrecensieccetaeccceloccennceseicncscsa=cMMeeee
RGser WO .caccessecet estes ste cbalasesecastaccetesi acces deuctecausdeomucecnce uae
Hydrant set. cea senpect access rie - ce veaeroecentesaeies se senctocersacheins-anereol

Eastern gap (Toronto Bay)......c-.ssesesssescseseesseeersseses seeee 3D

By this scale the Ottawa water would equal 188.

51

BIOLOGICAL EXAMINATION,

A microscopical examination of the deposit of this water, which has been allow-
ed to settle in a suitable vessel, reveals the presence of vegetable débris, algae, diatoms
and infusoria, but not insufficient quantities to condemn the water from this cause
alone.

It has been before observed that the organic matter of a water serves as food for
bacteria, and consequently the number of these organisms in water gives a measure
of the organic purity of a water. For the purpose of this report we may classify
bacteria into pathogenic and non-pathogenic forms. To distinguish between these
is a matter of great difficulty and often requiring some months of arduous work. The
number of bacteria, apart from their nature, in a given volume, is, however, of much
value, as will be seen from the results of Prof. R, Ramsay Wright’s investigation on.
the water of the Torontosupply. Some of his results are tabulated below.

Number of Bacteria per Cubic Centimetre.

No. 1—Bell buoy (Lake Ontario, mouth of inlet pipe)......... 0
No. 2—Eastern gap (Toronto Bay)......ccssseersecereccereeceeeee 5,000
No. 3—Reservoir.......... Soasnanssccuvessaroces caeecsl-ccossaceéscer cls 10

No. 4—Tap in School of Science ............scecessecseesseeereeees 17

From these figures he draws, among others, the conclusions that the water No.
2 is unfit for drinking purposes ; that the water at the Bell buoy is pure from _ bacterial
life and sewage contamination ; at the time of examination that the tap water in this
respect compares very favourably with that of New York, London, Berlin and other
cities.

I have subjected to such an examination the four waters enumerated above, the

samples being taken on the 5th inst., with the following result.
Bacteria per c. c.

WAiantcadasniinecs accdaassesuaslieapsas> ore Sedeoncodte saskigeaves casesuirssiese 135
genccsu cave peanuartneseusecsrsthoe sary incestosscasconcceces sec tenseoeasssi= 100

From these numbers I am unable to make any distinction between these waters.
as to their degree of organic purity.

Those who have made such investigations the object of research give it as their
opinion that water containing but 50 micro-organisms per ¢. c. would be ranked as
very pure, while a water containing 1,000 per c. c. should be subjected to some clean-
sing operation before use for drinking purposes.

The present analysis shows that the Ottawa water is surcharged to a dangerous
extent with vegetable organic matter. Whether this is temporary or not it is im-
possible to say from one analysis. It is very reasonable to suppose that the character
of the water has been affected by the long continued drought of the past summer,
and we may expect therefore that the water may improve rather than deteriorate, I
would suggest that analyses be made of the water at regular intervals, in order to
gain information on this most important point.

As the majority of the citizens have but the city water to draw from, it may
not be out of place to suggest some means whereby they may render the water com-
paratively free from any noxious principle it may contain.

By far the greater number of bacteria in fluids are killed below the temperature
of boiling water, and especially is this true of most of the pathogenic forms, Their
spores, 48 a rule, are capable of sustaining their vitality at temperatures which are
fatal to the parent forms, yet, if the water is boiled for a few minutes, from 2 to 15,
we may insure the death of nearly or quite all of these micro-organisms, This boil-
ing, however, will not remove the dissolved organic matter. Effective filtration not

52

only abstracts suspended matter, but removes by adhesion and oxidation much of
this dissolved organic matter. Sand filtration on the large scale lessens the amount
of organic matter in solution according to the thickness of the filtering medium, and
the rate at which the water passes through the medium.

Some of the best filtering materials for domestic purposes are animal charcoal
and spongy iron, which latter Bischop has shown to be capable of destroying bacterial

ife,

Dr. Albert R. Leeds, of New Jorsey, in a paper before the American Association
for the Advancement of Science, at its last session, upon the causes of typhoid fever,
and the means of eliminating such causes, proposes a method to rid water containing
the typhoid bacillus by adding one-half grain of alum to each gallon of the water to
be used. By this method, he says, all the peaty matter is precipitated along with
the bacteria, leaving a water brilliant and limpid. The alumina is all taken out by
the precipitation, and chemical tests failed to reveal its presence in the supernatant
liquid. In a contaminated water containing 8,000 bacteria per c. ¢c., the author
showed that after this treatment the water only contained 8 bacteria per cubic centi-
metre.

Respectfully submitted.

Frank T. Suutt, M.A.,, F.C.S,,

Chemist Dom. Exp. Farms.

REPORT No. 4,

CrenTRAL EXPERIMENTAL Farm LAporatory,
Orrawa, 4th February, 1888.

“Saline water from boring 170 feet deep on base line in Section 31, Township 4,
Range 1, west, Manitoba. Strong spring in abundant supply.” Sent by Mr.
John Lowe, Acting Deputy Minister, Department of Agriculture.

Prof. Wm. SAUNDERS,
Director Dominion Experimental Farms.
Stz,—As the result of my analysis of the above saline water, I have the honour
to report as follows :—
Constituents expressed in parts per 1,000 of the water—

Sodium (NS) ss2ccecaencssccnscescccsccsoteencessenveseceencs seaceraso OLDS
Magnesium (Mip)) ccccsosescacesesureeconleercensesisosesseescces apeces es MEONLLE
CalGiumy (Cas) iiss. cccoceass-0netenessceneseroscencececsas eecceeeeers secee 1°180

Iron and Aluminium (Fe. & Al.), (traces) .

Silicon (Si.), (slight traces).

Chlorinostisesscscess. measeeasslsdodectucsacessccanccssedsoonsass sieacsersee LOSESO
Sulphuric 7A cidi(SOV, )retsecseeseonscone tosses sceeessenacwnccecentens - 2122
Carbonic Acid (CO 3), (traces).

21-237
Total solid contents by direct experiment, dried at 180° c., 21:198

From the above it may be deduced that the principal compound is common salt,
amounting to 17°153 parts per 1000, or 1200'71 grains per gallon. The remaining
solid compounds consist of magnesium and calcium sulphates and chlorides, with
small quantities of carbonates of these metals, the latter (carbonates) being held in
solution as the more soluble bicarbonates.

53

The water is but faintly alkaline to test papers. Experiment shows no volatile
alkali to be present.

To the query as to whether “if condensed, would products be useful as a ferti-
lizer ?”—I must answer that as a direct fertilizer, salt is not considered to be of any
value. Most plants differ from animals in not requiring salt as an essential constitu-
ent of their food. On certain soils, however, salt is beneficial to some extent as an
indirect fertizer, liberating lime and potash—essentials for plant growth. This, how-
ever, may be raore economically brought about, in the majority of cases, by other
compounds, ¢. g., gypsum. Salt again is sometimes used to arrest rank growth in
soils too rich in nitrogenous matter. To the second part of the question I would
reply that as a source for obtaining common salt this water would not be of any com-
mercial value.

With regard to the third question proposed, “could the salt be neutralized by
any chemical substance?” my reply must again be in the negative. Salt is itself a
neutral body ; and being an exeeedingly soluble one cannot by any chemical means
be precipitated in order to render the water fit for drinking purposes,

The only method to obtain from this saline water a potable one would be by dis-
tillation—such as I suggested in my last report on saline water—the condensed pro-
duct being free from all dissolved solid matter.

Respectfully submitted.

Frank T. Saourt, M.A., F.C.S.,

Chemist, Dom, Exp. Farms.

I am now conducting a series of analyses with a view of ascertaining the relative
qualities of certain wheats, and also, if possible, to find out what effect, if any, clim-
atic influences, variety of soil, &c., have upon the constitution or composition of the
same wheat. The results of these analyses will also show the comparative values of
the Red Fyfe wheat, as grown in our North-West, and the newly imported Ladoga
(Russian) wheat, as grown in Russia and the several Provinces of our Dominion.

All of which is respectfully submitted.

FRANK T. SHUTT, M.A., F.C.S.,
Chemist, Dom. Exp. Farms.

54

REPORT OF THE HORTICULTURIST.

(CW. W. Hivzorn.)

Prof. Wau. SAUNDERS,
Director Dominion Experimental Farms,
Ottawa,

Sir,—I have the honour to submit herewith a report relating to the progress
made under your direction in the Horticultural Department of the Central Experi-
mental Farm. ;

The cultivation of fruit, still in its infancy, is becoming of great importance in
the Dominion.

The great variation in soil and climate in different parts permits of the growth
of a very large number of varieties to great perfection. While we cannot grow the
more tender sorts of trees in the colder portions of Canada, many of the small fruits
can be grown profitably, and it is hoped that the limits within which large fruits
can be grown will shortly be extended much further north and west.

With that end in view a large number of Rassian fruits have been secured for
trial at the Central Experimental Farm. A collection is also being made of hardy
western and native seedling fruits, to which will be added a great number of seed-
lings originated on the grounds, many of them from seeds which have ripened as
far north as such can be obtained. These added will make a collection of which
much may be expected.

Possession of the farm was obtained so late in the autumn of 1886 that there
was no time to prepare land for orchard planting, and being unwilling to lose one
season’s growth a very large and valuable collection was ordered of apple, pear, plum,
cherry and other fruit trees, which were received in the spring and planted in nursery
rows in suitable soil. There they received suitable cultivation, and notwithstanding
the severe drought which prevailed during the whole season, the trees made a satis-
factory growth and formed such a mass of fibrous roots that the transplanting of
them to the orchards can be done with little or no risk, and with but slight check to
their growth.

APPLES,

Canadian apples command the highest prices in foreign markets and are not
surpassed in any part of the world for flavour, colour, keeping and shipping qualities,
we need not, therefore, be afraid of successful competition.

The demand for the apples of this country for export is increasing much more
rapidly than the supply, and will, it is believed, continue to do so as the knowledge
of their superior qualities becomes better known; more attention should therefore
be given to this fruit in those localities where it grows to such perfection,

The collection at the Experimental Farm already consists of 903 apple trees,
297 varieties, of which 174 are from Russia and other parts of Northern Europe. Of
these trees 216 were planted out in orchard last autumn to test the relative merits
of fall as compared with spring planting.

A fine piece of sandy loam was selected for the orchard; it was manured early
in the season, well ploughed and the soil got into good condition for planting. This
plantation will be extended early in the coming spring. Those which were put out
last autumn were planted thirty feet apart each way, the trunks loosely wrapped in
tarred paper and earth drawn up around the base of each tree to the height of from
twelve to fifteen inches.

55

CRAB APPLES.

Of this fruit the collection contains 26 trees, of 12 varieties, chiefly of A mericam
origin, most of which should succeed in this locality.

PEARS.

Pears cannot be grown over as large a portion of the Dominion as apples, yet
there are many localities where they can be produced in great perfection. The
attempts at their cultivation in the Ottawa valley has not yet been attended with
much success.

In order that a thorough test of them may be made on the Experimental Farm
a collection has been secured consisting of 298 trees of 101 varieties, 45 of which are
from Northern Europe. Farther additions will be made to this list in the way of
seedlings and supposed hardy sorts, and it is hoped that some at least will be found
which will endure the severe winter weather in this locality and prove valuable not
only here but also in other colder portions of the Dominion.

e

PLUMS.

Large crops of wild plums are grown in this vicinity; thoy succeed very well
indeed, but to what extent the improved varieties in cultivation will prove hardy is
yet an experiment.

The experience of fruit growers here would indicate that as far as tested there
are none of the improved sorts that will endure more than a few years at most. In
the course of the farm work that, however, will not be taken for granted, but speci-
mens of many of the leading varieties have been obtained for trial and comparison
with the native seedlings.

The collection at present consists of 197 trees of 72 varieties, 32 of which are
from Russia and other parts of Northern Kurope.

No pains will be spared in making a collection of native seedlings and in the
endeavour to raise the standard of that fruit much above its present level.

CHEBRIES,

Cherries have not been planted very extensively around Ottawa. Greater
interest will, therefore, be felt in our collection of 155 trees of 71 varieties, 54 of
which are from Russia and other parts of Northern Europe, among which are some
very hardy and valuable sorts of the Ostheim and Vladimir families.

PEACHES,

It is not expected that peach trees will endure the severe winter climate in this
locality, hence the number of trees planted of that fruit is small, 25 in all, of 1L
American varieties.

APRICOTS.

Of this fruit seven trees only have been obtained consisting of four varieties, two
Chinese and two European.

This completes the list of large fruits obtained in the spring of 1887. Most of
the trees are large enough to plant in the orchards, which will be done in the coming
spring,

A carefal record will be kept of every tree, and such information as is gained

which promises to be useful will be reported on from time to time.

56

SMALL FRUITS,

These can be grown over a much greater area than large fruits, in fact, wherever
wheat or other grain will succeed many small fruits can be grown very successfully.

In the great North-West of Canada these desirable fruits should be tried exten-
sively and may be planted in every settlement with good prospects of success.

GRAPES,

Grapes succeed remarkably well in the Ottawa Valley, although the seasons are
somewhat shorter than in Western Ontario they appear to ripen earlier and are of
the best quality.

All varieties must be laid down and protected during winter; in this way even
the more tender sorts can be successfully grown.

The collection at the farm contains 891 vines of 127 varieties. The greater
portion of them have been planted ten feet apart each way to be trained on trellis, a
number have been planted to be trained in another form, and another lot in rows four
feet apart and two to three feet apart in the row after the French system, these will
be tied to short stakes, well pruned back so that the fruit spurs may be near the
ground, A fine location has been selected for the vineyard on a high piece of sandy
loam sloping to the south.

CURRANTS,

The currants are planted in rows six feet apart and four feet apart in the rows.

All of the leading varieties have been obtained in large enough quantities to test
their value for market purposes. The collection consists of 865 bushes of 20 varieties
of the standard named sorts of red, black and white, to which may be added nearly
100 new seedlings, some of which are very promising.

GOOSEBERRIES.

The plantation of this fruit contains 251 bushes of 30 named varieties and about
50 most interesting unnamed seedlings, many of which are of Canadian origin,

RASPBERBIES.

The raspberries were all planted in rows six feet apart and from two to four feet
apart in therows. 50 to 100 plants each of all the leading varieties were obtained
to test their market value. A special plantation was also made to grow young
plants irom for future planting. In all 3,650 plants have been secured, containing
38 named varieties, and about 200 unnamed seedlings, most of which have been
originated by Prof. Wm. Saunders, and among them are many hybribs between the
black and red varieties,

Quite a number of these bushes produced fruit last season of a very large size
and fine quality, showing also great productiveness. There was one worthy of
special attention. The fruit was large, salmon yellow, of very fine quality and
wonderfully productive. Should the plant retain these qualities on further trial,
and prove to be healthy and hardy, it will deserve to stand high on the list of yellow
raspberries, There are also some very interesting hybrids between the raspberry
and blackberry in this collection, but none of them have yet fruited.

BLACKBERRIES.

Until recently there were no blackberries in cultivation hardy enough to prove
valuable except in the most favourite localities. Among the newer introductions
there are several hardy sorts that promise to succeed wherever raspberries can be
grown,

67

=~

The collection on the farm contains more than 500 plants of 20 named sorts;
these were planted in rows six feet apart and from three to four feet apart in the
rows.

Ait of the above small fruits except the grapes have been allowed fall possession
of the land to the exclusion of any other crop. The land occupied by them is a fine
sandy loam, but was not in good condition, and was very weedy at the time of plant-
ing with a large number of Canada thistles. The one-horse cultivator was freely
used between the rows and all weeds cut out with hoes from between the plants until
the end of August, which had the effect of thoroughly destroying the weeds, and
also caused the soil to retain moisture enough to keep the plants growing nicely; after
this cultivation was discontinued to give the new wood time to ripen up in order to
enable the plants to stand the cold and trying winter. For further protection the
soil was ploughed up toward the rows of plants which will be worked down again in
spring.

STRAWBERRIES. \

The plantation of strawberries consists of 90 named varieties and about 5) un-
named seedlings. There are 20,900 plants in all. These have been planted in rows
three and a half feet apart and one foot apart in the rows. | Most of the blossoms
and all.runners that first made their appearance were odt off, When the plants
gained sufficient vigor to send out several runners at once those were allowed to grow
and form plants thus making the rows about one foot in width at the end of the
growing season. i

The weather was very dry and hot during the period of their growth, but the
frequent cultivation they received enabled them to withstand the drought and make
very satisfactory progress.

Late in the autumn after the ground had frozen to the depth of two or three
inches they were mulched with coarse manure and straw, most of which was put
between the rows with just enough ever tho plants to nearly cover them from sight.

Many varieties were planted in sufficient quantities to test their value for market
purposes. They are in a favourable condition to give a full crop of fruit in 18838,
when they will be watched with much interest, as a large number of the varieties
have never fruited before in this vicinity.

W. W. HILBORN,

Horticulturist.

ea
APPENDIX TO THE REPORT OF THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE.

——

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS.

PP ORL S

OF THE
DIRECTOR . - = . . - Wm. SAUNDERS, F-R.S.C., F.LS.,
F.C.S.
CHEMIST - - - - - - F. T. SHUTT, M.A., F.I.C., F.C.S.
ENTOMOLOGIST and BOTANIST - - - Jas. FLETCHER, F.RB.S.C., F.L.S
HORTICULTURIST - - - - - W. W. HILBORN.
POULTRY MANAGER - - - - A. G. GILBERT.
SUPT. EXPERIMENTAL FARM, Nappan, N.S. - Wm. M. BLAIR.
do do Indian Head, N.-W.T. Angus MACKAY.
do do Brandon, Manitoba Ss. A. BEDFORD.
FOR

SSS:

ALSO, BULLETIN 4 OF THE EXPERIMENTAL FARM.

Drinted Dy Orsler of Darlinment

OTTAWA:

PRINTED BY BROWN CHAMBERLIN, PRINTER TO THE QUEEN’S MOST
EXCELLENT MAJESTY.

1889.

a 8 |

7 a : *
“ ’ M :
~ i '
7 2
rut
i

nest 4 H ® :
“van | ' 4 bg
on ’ * | :

* y,

35, ae Pa er nae ary f ~4 Mee aye
Th ™ ine : rh) a oe ae
Ae ss aol gh age iz, ps Bis PCCM 1 im ra 7 Lo a me ae ;
ee yk are ater) emma Wa AD att san
By iP ttn, Pia) ae: fey
RAs fest ye ae ee Sao ee one”
td oe Weekes 0 ee TS A
7 A ee es ee ae
Vinal eet thud nat ee Mae

in Bin pz q 7

, y rs : : om
Ret

rc meh et ener He MES & MPO OE ee

r ‘i. - a
ba tinny ta 7a a ia Anat
»
is
ay > ar a tee
ae 2 . e oy
way Mra» BR EM SY ee AT Oe a eae
th pe A ' ; a
~~ :
| 7 }
’

APPENDIX

TO THE

REPORT OF THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE

ON

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS.

Orrawa, 30th January, 1889.

S1z,—I have the honour to submit for your approval the following report re-
lating to the establishing and equipping of the several Experimental Farms in the
Maritime Provinces, Manitoba, the North-West Territories and British Columbia,
with some particulars of the work accomplished at the Central Experimental Farm
during the year past.

Appended you will also find reports from the Chemist, Mr: Frank T. Shutt,
from the Entomologist and Botanist, Mr. James Fletcher, from the Horticulturist,
Mr. W. W. Hilborn, and from the Poultry Manager, Mr. A. G. Gilbert. Reports
of progress are also presented from Mr. Wm. M. Blair, Superintendent of the Experi-
mental Farm for the Maritime Provinces, at Nappan, Nova Scotia; from Mr, A:
Mackay, Superintendent of the Experimental Farm for the North-West Territories
at Indian Head; and from Mr. 8, A. Bedford, Superintendent of the Experimental
Farm for Manitoba at Brandon. In all of these I trust you will find much infor-
mation useful to the farmers of this Dominion, and evidences of satisfactory pro-
gress in this important work of Experimental Farming in which you are so deeply
interested.

I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your obedient servant,

WM. SAUNDERS.
The Honourable

The Minister of Agriculture,
Ottawa,

5b—1}

ah : M
i Vil - ‘)
dA ee h a
\ i Sau Ws f ae. 'Y iid a3 :
‘ a -s " ~

e bi
if i ) i oy ; be i a
f ; La : a tt
™ tae sed i‘ it wie 4
Th 4 { hier i ie v4 see ial, ant hea Ma dant
Ai ad Pie
= . ‘ re
F ki “
fi CaM Sa eo

F had c.8 Heats OF ele tae a
. ¢ j
bs , (p ey Seti | i Pa 1 trate inal V4,
Px di : ry pal i 7
a
of 40a es (pagel j
ee i ‘ irae , bi
; Chisiueetjaci Ps Juve The pas Ae
ri x 5 .
.

ey

aa : r A “a weir. “Ae ri) Oi Gr Tel
| ey a a

(Lily Pupie etd Cte ; 7 a i
; fc lee.2 ‘ é 7} te 7A) } er | ie

4 a i

ms : jaws: vd past 1 gi ey Won) tol iis

; i i pe « - = é ' as . pil , j wi ra
j Pama arise ee. peepee. 5, a ‘ aa :

; . @ ipvae ot “i ‘se ai ’ nich Gye
. : Si fis alee
Sal, ihe : banih: ae. Aree eae a me
ee) ‘
nd $ la i ja GT

xt 7. lod
= , : ; r o sy dow deaoterer a

“th i 2 chy
a f
. ; T it i '
Sn 7
- Pits t
ra
so
“> 4 if
4 a. t 2a ye i
'
\
ol eT arn

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS.

Since the last annual report was submitted, much progress has been made to-
wards establishing the several Experimental Farms, and in their organization and
equipment. In pursuance of this object journeys have been made eastward as far as
Halifax. Nova Scotia, and westward to Victoria, British Colambia. The agricultural
needs of the different sections in the provinces and provisional districts compcesing
the Dominion of Canada enquired into, so that in the location of the Expsrimentat
Farms the positions chosen should, as far as is practicable, be representatie of the
larger areas of tillable land, and the soil on each farm of that varied character
which would make it suitable for the many different classes of experimental work
which it is desired should be carried on at each point.

EXPERIMENTAL FARM FOR THE MARITIME PROVINCES.

To obtain information of a character sufficiently reliable to justify reeommenda-
tions as to the most desirable points for the location of an Experimental Farm to
serve the purposes of the three Maritime Provinces jointly, three visits were made
to these Provinces at different seasons of the year and farms were inspected in each
province.

In Prince Edward Island the district in the neighbourhood of Charlottetown was
visited, and the work being carried on at the Government Stock Farm near Charlotte-
town enquired into. In New Brunswick the lands lying along the route of the In-
tercolonial Railway irom Sackville to St. John were examined, special attention
being paid to the beautiful valley farms in Sussex, and to those in the immediate
vicinity of Sackville. In Nova Scotia all the more important points on the lines of
railway were visited, from the. boundary line of New Brunswick to Halifax, from
Spring Hill Junction to Parrsboro’, from Truro to Pictou, and from Windsor Junction
to Bear River. Much attention was given to the examination of the soil, to such
topographical features of the country as would have a bearing on the prevailing
winds, which in many districts materially modify the climate, and to other important
features essential to the successful working of an experimental farm, Since for many
reasons it was expedient that the farm for the Maritime Provinces should be within
easy reach of the farmers in each province, special attention was given to inspecting
lands in the border Counties of Westmoreland, in New Brunswick, and of Cumber-
land and Colchester in Nova Scotia. During most of these journeys I was accom-
panied by Col. Wm. M, Blair, whose intimate acquaintance with the agriculture of
the Maritime Provinces, acquired by a life-long experience there, was of great service
to me.

While many arguments could be presented in favour of the selection of an average
farm, there were good reasons for seeking to combine in the land to be recommended
points of advantage which would permit of experimental work being conducted
which would be both generally and specially useful. The advantages sought were:
Suitable soil of varied character; reasonable shelter from prevailing winds with com-
parative freedom from early frosts; a central location easily reached by visitors
trom each of the Provinces, and near the main line of travel. The land finally
chosen was at Nappan, Nova Scotia, within half a mile of the station on the Inter-
colonial Railway, about eight miles from the boundary of New Brunswick, and a
point easily reached from Prince Edward Island, The land consisted of two farms
gontaining in all about 300 acres, nearly 10) acres of which is wooded with spruce,
larch, beech, maple and other useful trees, the remainder cleared and almost free of

stumps. The cleared land may be divided into three classes, approximately as fol-
lows: Marsh or dyke land, valuable for hay production, 50 acres; lower upland, 50
acres, and higher upland, 100 acres. The soil is chiefly clay loam, more or less
mixed with sand, becoming heavy or light as the clay or sand predominates, with
some parts gravelly ; and with a subsoil in the main varying from clay to gravelly
clay, with more limited areas of a sandy or gravelly character. Taken asa whole
this farm fairly represents the better class of farms adjacent to the boundary of the
two larger provinces, while at the same time the wooded land is so placed as to
furnish excellent shelter for orchard and other purposes. Most of the upland lies on
a commanding slope, facing the west, overlooking the inlet from the Bay of Fundy
from which an extensive view can be had of the surrounding country. The Inter-
colonial Railway passes through the lower part of the property. Geographically its
position is central for the three provinces, it combines the necessary variety of soil,
with a fair proportion of marsh or dyke land to supply hay for feeding stock, while
the uplands are very suitable for the growth of cereals, grasses, roots and fruits, or
for pasture, Possession of the land was obtained early in the year and as soon as
practicable after spring opened from 30 to 40 acres were got ready for crop, a number
of varieties of cereals were sown and a large assortment of fruit trees, vines and
ornamental trees planted. Plans were prepared for a stable and barn, and dwellings
for the superintendent and farm foreman, and these buildings are now in course of
erection. During the summer underdraining and general preparation of the land for
future work has been energetically carried on, fuller details of which will be found
in the appended report of the superintendent in charge, Mr. Wm. M. Blair.

THE MANITOBA EXPERIMENTAL FARM.

Prior to the selection of a site for an experimental farm in Manitoba, two visits
were made to that Province, and the character of the land and the conditions sur-
rounding agriculture there, carefally enquired into. The investigations extended
from Selkirk, 21 miles east of Winnipeg, to the western boundary of the Province,
including special inspection of farms about Selkirk, Winnipeg, Stonewall, High Bluff,
Portage la Prairie, Carberry, Brandon, Oak Lake and Virden, The country north of
Brandon was also examined as far as Binscarth, and from this point along the line
of the Manitoba and North-Western Railway to Portage la Prairie. In addition to
the railway journeys these inspections have involved over 500 miles of driving,
which has given excellent opportunities for becoming acquainted with the character
of the soil and the condition of the settlers over a large part of the Province.
During most of these inspections I was accompanied by Mr. 8. A. Bedford and Mr,
Angus Mackay, both of them well known practical farmers, who have been success-
ful in the North-West and have had many years of experience there. From these
gentlemen I received much valuable information.

Among the primary requirements to be combined in a site for an experimental
farm for Manitoba are a variety of soil, a sufficient supply of water of good quality
and a situation within convenient reach of a railway. With these advantages secured

there are good reasons for preferring a location near one of the larger centres of

population, such as Winnipeg, Portage la Prairie or Brandon, and much time was
devoted to the examination of farms in these districts, so that no points should be
overlooked which might aid in forming a correct judgment. Among the farms
which combined many advantages was one near Brandon, which was finally chosen

for the purpose. This farm consists of 640 acres of land, lying north-west of

Brandon, and within a mile and a half of the business centre of that place. It isa
beautiful site; the land slopes nicely to the south, and the farm is well seen from
the Canadian Pacific Railway for several miles, and can also be seen from the city.
The land extends to the Assiniboine River, which is always a considerable stream,
and from the higher land a fine view of the entire farm can be had. The lower
portion, next the river, contains from 150 to 200 acres of excellent meadow land,
which produces annually a strong growth of native grasses. Tho soil on this flat is

ray
SSS eS SSS

a rich, dark, clay loam, from 2 to 3 feet deep, with a clay subsoil, and lies from 10
to 20 feet or more above the usual level of the river. Beyond this the slope
upward is continued, beginning with a dark, heavy, clay loam, which gradually
changes to a rich sandy loam, averaging 12 10 15 inches deep, with a subsoil varying
from sandy to clay. This includes from 200 to 250 acres and leads to the foot of the
bluffs which form the boundary of the valley. ‘he bluffs vary in the angle they
present to the land below, some of them rise with a gentle slope to the top, others
are more or less precipitous, the spaces between them being broken up by ravines
or coulées in which grow a great variety of shrubs and plants with a few small
trees. These ravines will afford excellent sheltered locations for testing fruit or
forest trees or shrubs. The soil on these slopes is a sandy loam, much of it of very
good quality, from 9 to 15 inches deep, resting on a gravelly ciay subsoil. On some
of the heights, which include about 100 acres, the soil is of poorer quality, with mure
or less gravel mixed with the loam, on other parts is found a gocd, dark, deep sandy
loam.

A never failing spring of excellent water issues from the higher land in one of
the ravines in sufficient quantity to fill a 2-inch pipe, and the point from which this
arises is high enough to admit of the water being carried to the upper storey of
such buildings as may be erected on the lower slope. A second spring of almost
equal volume arises from a bank on the road allowance adjoining this property
which could also be utilized if required.

The river valleys in all parts of Manitoba and the North-West are more subject
to frost than the higher lands, the difference in temperature usually varying from
two to four degrees, but the Assiniboine valley at this point being nearly two miles
wide, with gradually sloping banks, it would not probably be subject to tempera-
tures as low as would prevail in valleys of lesser area. A slightly increased ten-
dency to frost would make portions of this farm fairly represent the more frosty
districts north while the height of land which would be freer from frost than the
surrounding country, would better represent the more southern portions of Manitoba.

The advantages possessed by this site are many. It has a large area of soil
which fairly represents the great grain-growing districts of Manitoba. The shel-
tered ravines in the bluffs represent to some extent the bluff country. It has every
variety of soil needed for experimental purposes, and an abundant and never-failing
supply of good spring water which can be conveyed to almost any part of the farm
below the bluffs. It is very central for the larger number of farmers settled along
the main line of the Canadian Pacific Railway, and when the railway now building
from Brandon to Rapid City is completed, this farm will be easily reached from all
the northern settlements in the Province. Should the proposed line to the south be
built it will be equally accessible to that large farming district. Further, the quan-
tity of land still unsettled between Brandon and the United States boundary to the
south, coupled with the vast stretches of excellent land situated north and west of
Brandon, offer homes for tens of thousands of settlers; probably in no part of Mani-
toba is there so large an unoccupied belt of almost uniformly fertile land: The farm
is in full view of the passing trains, so that all travellers and settlers passing
through can see it, and being but 14 miles from the business centre of Brandon,
it is within walking distance of that city.

Brandon is 132 miles west of Winnipeg, 76 from Portage la Prairie and 27 from
Carberry. It is 32 miles east of Oak Lake, 48 from Virden, and 78 miles east of the
Manitoba boundary.

Possession of this farm was not had until the beginning of July. Since then
very satisfactory progress has been made under direction of the energetic superin-
tendent, Mr. S. A. Bedford. The farm has been greatly improved, a large area of
land ploughed and prepared for crop next year, between 3 and 4 miles of fence
erected, rouds graded, trees planted, buildings repaired and other important improve-
ments made, Further details of this work will be found in Mr.S. A. Bedford’s
report which is appended,

EXPERIMENTAL FARM FOR THE NORTH-WEST TERRITORIES,

To acquire the information necessary to enable me to report on suitable sites for
the proposed Experimental Farm for the North-West Territories two journeys were
made to that country, one in December, 1886, the other in October, 1887. During
these visits a wide area of country was traversed, careful examinations of the soil
were made and diligent enquiries concerning the climatic conditions which have
obtained since the first settlement of the country. The entire district from Mooso-
min to Fort Qu’Appelle, a distance of 121 miles, was driven over, frequent examina-
tions of the soil made and inquiries instituted regarding the water supply and other
conditions affecting agriculture, especially in the vicinity of Moosomin, Wapella,
Whitewood, Broadview, Grenfell, Wolseley, Indian Head, Qu’Appelle and Fort
Qu’Appelle. Similar investigations were also made in the neighbourhood of Regina,
Moose Jaw and Calgary, Medicine Hat and other important stations along the main
line of the Canadian Pacific Railway. Inspection was made of portions of the Moose
Mountain settlement and the following Indian Reserves :—Crooked Lake, near Broad-
view, the Assiniboine, near Wolseley, Piapot’s and Muscowpetung’s, near Regina,
and the Sarcee Reserve, near Calgary. While enquiring into the agriculture of the
districts named, in addition to railway travel more than 400 miles of country was
driven ovér, which afforded opportunities for accumulating many facts needed as
aids in this enquiry. During the period of the latter visit an excellent opportunity
was afforded of seeing the agricultural products of many of the localities named at
the agricultural exhibitions then being held, twelve of which I had the privilege of
attending.

Notwithstanding the excellent crops which have been obtained during the past
year or two, at many points in the far west, it was thought best, seeing that the
great bulk of the population is at present found in the eastern part of the Territories,
that I should pay particular attention to that part of the country situated between
the Manitoba boundary and Moose Jaw.

Since by far the larger part of the land open for settlement, probably two-thirds,
or three-fourths within the limits named, is open prairie, it was deemed best to sug-
gest that an open prairie section be obtained for the purpose of an Experimental Farm,
rather than one with sheltering bluffs of trees, with the view of showing what can
be done by tree planting to provide the shelter needed in the open country. Other
important points were also considered, such as average condition of climate, character
of soil, water supply, central location, accessibility, &c. In order that an Experimental
Farm in that country may be seen and easily reached, it must be located near a line
of railway. The settled portions of the plains in the Territories within the railway
belt, may be said to lie within a distance of 188 miies, that is from the Manitoba
boundary to Moose Jaw. Beyond this the settlements are few in number, are
placed at long distances from each other with a comparatively sparse population,
and by far the larger number of the inhabitants within the 188 miles referred to are
settled in the eastern part of this area, For the first 20 or 30 miles within the
boundary, the soil and the conditions of agriculture are similar to what is found in
the adjoining lands in Manitoba, but west of this changes occur and the climate be-
comes gradually drier. The greater part of the soil, whether clay or sandy loam, is
dark in colour and in most places rich in organic matter from the Manitoba line to
within a few miles of Regina, where it changes to a heavy clay loam of a yellowish
brown colour. This loam is strong and fertile, and when sufficient moisture is avail-
able, will give excellent crops of grain and roots. This soil covers a large area
extending westward and scuthward, but is singularly uniform in character; north
and west o7 ibis belt, much of the soil resembles that found in the eastern part of
the Territories,

In conducting an Experimental Farm the work should eventually cover all
branches of agricuiture ard horticulture which promise to be useiul to the farmers
in the territory or province in which it is located. The land should be suitable for
the growth of a great variety of cereals, grasses and other jield crops, roots and

8; Oc ST[T=qQqQ&Q°Q&QQ

vegetables, also small and Jarge fruits and forest trees of many different sorts. Whilo
some of these products will thrive on a heavy clay soil, others will not succeed on
such soil, hence it is most important that such a farm should possess a variety of
sandy and clay loams, so as to admit of the testing of all desirable classes of pro-
ducts. The farthest western point within the settled belt referred to along the line
of railway, where suitable soil was found, associated with other necessary and
favourable conditions was near Indian Head where several desirable sections of land
were examined and with other sites further east duly reported on. Finally section
19, Township 18, Range 12 west, was chosen as the site for the Experimental Farm for
the North-West Territories. The land adjoins the town of Indian Head on the
easterly side, it lies north of the railway, which skirts its boundary for about a mile.
The surface is slightly undulating, sloping towards the south, excepting at the north-
east corner where the land inclines to the north, nearly all of this farm can be well
seen from the railway.

Through this section, running in a winding irregular manner are two coulées
or ravines, which occupy, including their sloping banks, probably 30 acres. In one
of these a smail creek flows during the early spring months fed by a chain of three
lakes which are 6 miles distant: one of these is a mile and a half Jong, the other two
about half a mile each. This creek dries up during the heat of summer, but by means
of two dams built across this coulée a small lake is formed and a good supply of
water is retained, ample for the requirements of stock and for general farm purposes
during the season. At the date of my second visit, October 5, 1887, there was in
this coulée a large reservoir of clear water, in some places several feet in depth. The
other coulée has a running stream flowing through it during the spring months, sup-
plied with water from springs in the Squirrel Hills, 6 or 7 miles south of the town.
Good water is obtained in abundance in the town at a depth of from 25 to 30 feet,
but on the Experimental Farm it has been found necessary to dig to the depth of 80
feet or more to obtain a good supply.

The soil is of excellent quality, The north half of the section is covered with 3
black friable clay loam, mixed with a little sand, from 1 to 3 feet in depth, with a
yellowish brown clay sub-soil. The larger part of the south half has a heavy clay
loam with a clay sub-soil. It has also about 80 acres of sandy loam, mixed with
some gravel on the higher knolls. There are 40 acres unbroken along the railway
track of sandy loam mixed with gravel, and the remainder of the section, excepting
about 30 acres, included in the coulées has been under cultivation for several years
past. Along the banks of the coulées the soil is variable, but chiefly sandy loam, and
the inclination of the banks is such as to admit of cultivation to the water’s edge,
except in a few places, while the winding course of these ravines give gentle slopes
with every aspect. There were no trees or shrubs growing on this land ; it was all
bare prairie.

The slopes in the coulées will be advantageous as starting points for tree plant-
ing, also for garden vegetables and fruits, because during the summer the soil in such
situations is more moist during the dry period, and in winter the snow lies deeper in
the ravines than it does on the exposed pairie. The ravines would also afford some
shelter and good pasturage for cattle.

The town of Indian Head has a population of about two hundred, possesses fair
hotel accommodation and has a flour mill and elevator. It is 104 miles west of the
Manitoba boundary, 74 miles east of Moose Jaw, 44 from Regina and 105 north of
the boundary of the United States. Itis in the centre of a large and thriving agri-
cultural settlement, extending to the Qu’Appelle River and north of this through the
Pheasant Plains for about 20 miles and south of the Canadian Pacific Railway for
about 10 miles. A good trail runs vid Qu’Appelle to Prince Albert, and another
through the Pheasant Plains to the Methodist Colony and the Montreal and York
Colonies. Not only is the situation of this farm central, but the soil is of that varied
character which would represent the sandy and clay loams which cover the greater
part of the land east of this, also the area which lies to the north and north-west,
while the heavy clay loam on the south half of the section, although different in

10

colour and texture, would sufficiently represent the large belts of clay loam to the
west and south. The supply of water, which is of much importance in the North-
West, is ample, of good quality and not difficult to obtain. Its nearness to Indian
Head, less than one mile, brings the farm within walking distance of hotels where
visitors can obtain accommodation, also affording excellent facilities for obtaining
mail matter and supplies in general.

The district has a good record of crops and it is rare to find so many desirable
features for experimental work in agriculture, horticulture and forestry combined in
a single section of bare prairie land as are found in the farm referred to. It may
appear at first sight that a section of land comprising 640 acres is an unnecessarily
large area to devote to experimental purposes, but when the requirements of pasture
are considered, and the fact that in order to farm successfully in the North-West
one-third at least of the cultivated land should be in summer fallow every year, also
that the experiments in forest tree planting will in time cover a very large surface,
it will be seen that much more land will be needed there than would be required in
a farm for similar purposes located outside of the prairie country. The magnitude
of the territory is such and the interests at stake so important that a sufficient quan-
tity of land for satisfactory work in all these departments should be provided.

The relatively short distance between the two farms selected as sites for the
Experimental Farms for the North-West Territories and Manitoba—182 miles by
rail—will naturally raise the question as to the necessity for two farms so near each
other, In the remarkson the Experimental Farm for Manitoba, the chief reasons are
given which influenced that selection. The Brandon site fairly represents the Pro-
vince of Manitoba also the country for nearly 30 miles into the Territories, beyond
this changes begin to take place in the climate, which become more marked by the
time Broadview is reached. From thence westward towards Moose Jaw the climate
is very different from that which prevails in Manitoba, the rainfall is usually less and
occasional hot winds prevail during the summer, which are, I believe, unknown
further east. These and other climatic peculiarities, oblige the farmers in tha Terri-
tories beyond the narrow belt to which reference has been made, to adopt different
methods in treating the soil to prepare it for crop. There are aiso important differ-
ences in the soil itself as to texture and character. The farm at Indian Head has soil
which represents these peculiar characteristics which the Brandon farm has not.
Further the farm at Indiam Head isan open prairie section, was without a tree or shrub
when purchased, while the Brandon site is partly a valley farm with sheltered ravines
clothed with shrubs and small trees. The question of forest tree growing is of very
great importance to that vast country included in the Territories as well as to
Manitoba, but experiments carried on at Brandon, while reliable for Manitoba, would
be no safe guide to the farmers on the wide stretches of prairie in the Territories,
The differences of climate, soil and situation are abundantly sufficient to warrant
the establishment of the two farms, and with experimental operations in agriculture,
horticulture and forestry carried on at each, a vast amount of useful and practical in-
formation will soon be gained which will be of great value to farmers in every part
of that country and meet in large measure the varying conditions to which they are
individually subjected. Where the differences referred to clearly exist, the question
of distance between the two farms is nots matter of much importance, as the special
operations to be carried on at each point can be made quite as useful and instructive
with the farms only 182 miles distant from each other 2s they would be were they
500 miles apart. The climate and other variations referred to, while important
in their influence on field crops, fruits and forest trees, have comparatively little
effect on stock, hence the work carried on in this direction, may, with judicious
economy, be varied so as to avoid unnecessary repetition, and different lines of ex-
periment with different classes of animals, conducted at each place.

Possession of the Indian Head farm was had early in the spring, when the super-
intendent, Mr. Angus Mackay, beganthe work. Evidence of the vigour with waich
this has been carried on will be foand in Mr. Mackay’s report, which is appended.
The change in the appearance of the place is most marxed, sume v r, useful results

11

in grain tests have already been obtained, especially with two rowed barleys, several
varieties of which have been tried; the grain produced has been plump and bright,
With an average weight of 54 pounds to the bushel and would no doubt command
very good prices in the English market for malting purposes. Some very promising
sorts of early ripening oats have been tested and several varieties of wheat, including
the early ripening Ladoga from Russia. With the large acreage of land which has
been summer fallowed and got into good condition for crop next year, there will bo
abundant facilities for carrying on many other important tests which could not be
begun earlier for want of suitably prepared land. The forest tree and fruit tree
plantations have stood the summer very well and it will be interesting to know how
they will stand the test of the winter. The farmers of that country are also deeply
interested in the results of the tests being made with different varieties of fall wheat,
full particulars relating to all these points may be found in Mr. Mackay’s report.
Plans for suitable buildings for this farm were prepared during the winter, the con-
tracts let and the work is being pushed forward as fast as circumstances permit.

EXPERIMENTAL FARM FOR BRITISH COLUMBIA.

Two visits were made to British Columbia, the first in December, 1886, the
second in September, 1887, for the purpose of enquiring into the conditions of agri-
culture there and of ascertaining where suitable sites for an experimental farm for
that Province could be found whick would combine such advantages as were needed
to make such an institution generally useful to the farmers of that country. During
these visits 1 had the opportunity of examining many farms on Vancouver Island as
well as on the mainland. On the Island, farms were inspected in the vicinity of Vic-
toria, also in the farming districts of South Saanich, Somenos and Chemainus, travel-
ling to the terminus of the island railway at Nanaimo.

On the mainland the fertile delta lands of the Fraser River were examined and
diligent enquiries made into the character and capabilities of the land in many other
districts which the time at my disposal would not permit me to visit, particularly
with regard to those comparatively large areas of meadow and prairie lands on the
south side of the Fraser River and extending to the United States boundary, includ-
ing the Langley Municipality and the districts of Chilliwack and Sumas. On the
north side of the Fraser River the country situated along the line of the Canadian
Pacific Railway from Vancouver and New Westminster eastward to Fort Yale, a dis-
tance of about one hundred miles, was made a special subject of enquiry, and the land
carefully examined at every promising point.

The requirements which it was thought desirable to embody in this site were:

Ist. Land of good quality, combining an area of meadow land suitable for stock-
raising and grain-growing, with higher meadow and bench lands suitable for fruit
culture.

2nd. Land situated high enough above the banks of adjacent rivers to prevent
its being overflowed during the highest floods,

3rd. Accessibility by rail and water.

4th. A central location which would be fairly representative of the greater part
of the farming lands in the coast climate.

Of all the farms visited and examined none appeared to combiae so many ad-
vantages asa part of the land composing the Agassiz farm, adjoining the station
known as “‘ Agassiz,” on the mainland and also on the line of the Canadian Pacific
Railway. The land offered here for the purposes of an experimental farm and which
was finally chosen as asite for that institution, consists of about 300 acres immediately
adjoining and opposite the railway station and fronting on the track for about half a
mile. Along the western boundary runs the road leading to the Harrison Hot
Springs, which are five and a half miles distant. About thirty-five acres of this land
has been brought under cultivation, including nearly three acres of orchard, the
young trees in which are coming well into bearing. There are about 200 acres of
prairie land which was cleared many years ago and is now covered with a growth
of fern and small underbrush, There area few acres of higher bench land partly

wooded, which would be well suited for fruit growing, and rearly fifty acres of tim-
bered land, containing fine specimens of Douglas fir and cedar. The farm is protec-
ted on the north by a mountain which rises more or less precipitously immediately
in rear of the bench land.

The soil, with the exception of that on the bench land, varies from a rich sandy
loam mixed with clay, to a loam, almost entirely clay, from nine to twelve inches in
depth, with a porous subsoil, in some places sandy, in others sandy clay, resting on
gravel which is found from tive to eight feet below the surface, and affords good
natural drainage. The bench land inclines towards the south and is covered with a
dark sandy loam of good depth and quality with a variable subsoil. All of this land
is sufficiently elevated to prevent its being overflowed by the Fraser River, even in
the highest floods.

Good water can be obtained anywhere at a depth of fifteen to twenty feet in the
underlying gravel. There are also several small springs along the base of the moun-
tain in the rear which might be utilized if required,

Agassiz is situated seventy miles east of the town of Vancouver and sixty-two
miles from New Westminster near which are the fertile delta lands of the Fraser
River, estimated at from 75,000 to 100,000 acres. It is 28 miles from Mission and
44 from Port Haney where by crossing the river the agricultural municipality
of Langley is reached. There is also a steamboat landing within two miles of the
experimental farm, where the river steamers call twice a we3k during the season of
navigation, by which means the farming districts of Chilliwack and Sumas can bo
easily reached. Eastward the distance to Hope is 18 miles, to Fort Yale 32 miles,
aod 86 miles to Lytton, noar which point the drier central area of tillable land in
British Columbia begins. It will be seen that this site is very central, having clus-
‘ering around it some of the best agricultural districts on the mainland, It is also
on the railway which is the great highway for travel through that country and is
accessible by water, while in the character and variety of the soil, its good natural
draiuage, the ease with which the greater part of the land can be brought under
cultivation and its freedom from danger of flood, are advantages seldom found com-
bined in one site.

The clearing of heavily timbered land in British Columbia is a most labourious
«nd expensive undertaking, costing from fifty toone hundred dollars an acre and
upwards, and occupying much time, Had an uncleared lot been selected the time
required to bring such land into condition for tillage, would have delayed farm
operations there to any extent for several years. With the selection made no such
delay will be necessary, and the farm may soon be made useful to the agriculture
and horticulture of that Province,

Delay which has been unavoidable has occurred in the acquiring of the property
so that nothing could be done on it until very late in the season. Nearly 100 acres
have been cleared of the small undergrowth, and about twenty acres ploughed, and
thus sufficient land has been made available for such experimental work as it may be
thought desirable to undertake there during the coming season,

CENTRAL EXPERIMENTAL FARM,
Seed Testing.

The work of testing the germinating power and purity of agricultural seeds for
the farmers throughout the Dominion, afforded much occupation during the winter
months, and there were many practical points arising out of these tests which in-
volved much correspondence. The number of samples received for test during the
winter of 1886-7 was 187, while the winter of 1887-8 brought 795, an increase
which points to the growing usefulness of this part of the work, and the appreciation
in which it is held by the farmers, The tests last year included 446 specimens

Z

Ppa EEE

of wheat, 80 of barley, 146 oats, 26 peas, 59 grass seeds, 6 rye, 5 Indian corn, and 27
of vegetable seeds.

The early autumn frosts which injured the grain in many parts of Manitoba and
the North-Wert Territories, have left many of the settlers with nothing but frozen
grain for seed. It has been frequently demonstrated that grain which has been
frozen to some extent, does in the fertile soils of the western prairies, often produce
very good crops, the fertility of the soil proving a sufficient offset to the weakened
vitality of the grain, where the freezing has not been very severe, but to what extert
the grain may be frozen without destroying its usefulness for seed, can only be de-
termined by actual test in each case. Realizing the important bearing of this ques-
tion on the harvest of next year, arrangements were early made for grain testing,
and the farmers of Manitoba and the North-West Territories were invited through
the press to send samples of frozen grain to the Central Experimental Farm, to be
tested for vitality and vigour of growth. A large number of samples have already
been received and reported on, and others are daily arriving. The tests thus far
completed, indicate that nearly one-third of the frozen grain of which samples have
been sent, would if used as seed next year be almost certain to result in partial or
complete failure.

In the Maritime Provinces frequent rains during the harvest period have injured
the vitality of much of the grain, especially of the oats and barley, which, in many
instances, sprouted before it could be saved. Some samples have already been re-
ceived for test, and more are expected; the importance of sowing good seed possess-
ing a full measure of vigour and vitality is becoming better understood by careful
farmers every where.

Seed Distribution.

This also has been actively carried on, involving much correspondence and labour.
2,150 sample bags were sent out by mail during the early part of the year; 1,529 of
these were Ladoga wheat, the remainder barley, both two-rowed and six-rowed, also
oats and forest tree seeds. Each sample was accompanied by a circular of instruc-
tion, and a series of printed questions with blank spaces for replies, which when
filled and returned will supply much useful information regarding the varieties dis-
tributed for test. From the small bags of Ladoga wheat sent out by mail during the
spring of 1887 many farmers have now a good stock for future sowing, ranging in
the more successful cases from 20 to 100 bushels. Useful and prolific sorts of grain
may thus in a short time be made available to the general public at comparatively
small cost, and with new and promising varieties frequently introduced, and the in-
formation thus gained freely distributed, farmers in all the Provinces of the Domin-
ion will be kept well informed as to the most prolific sorts for their respective district‘s
and in this way, the average yield of the farms over the entire Dominion may soon
be materially increased.

Experiments with Cereals.

During the past season forty-nine varieties of barley have been tested, including
twenty of the two-rowed sorts, Twenty-six of these barleys have been grown in field
plots, the dates of sowing, germinating and harvesting recorded, also the quantity of
seed used and the yield. All of the varieties have also been grown as single plants,
fifty kernels being planted in each instance in two rows of twenty-five each with one
foot of space between each kernel and two feet between each variety. Several of the
best examples of each sort were gathered for exhibition purposes, and one of each
threshed and cleaned separately, the number of ears and individual grains counted
and the percentage of yield thus ascertained. Three or four of the most vigorous of
the remaining plants were similarly treated, and the others were all harvested to-
gether and like records obtained. Thus the yield of a single selected plant of each
sort has been ascertained, aiso the average of three or four of the next in vigour as
well as the average of the remainder.

14

A similar course has been pursued with seventy-four varieties of spring wheat,
fifty-six of which have been grown in field plots, also with eighty varieties of oats, of
which sixty have been tested in field culture. By these experiments a very large
sum of most valuable information has been obtained relating to the earliness, pro-
ductiveness and vigour of all these different sorts, the results of which will be given
to the public as fast as they can be arranged and properly compiled.

Similar tests are in progress with more than 100 varieties of fall wheat sown as
single plants and eight varieties of the same in field plots. Twenty different sorts of
rye have been similarly sown, four of them in field plots.

The labour involved in the separate planting, care in noting time of germinating,
relative vigour of plants, dates of ripening and in separately harvesting, curing,
weighing, threshing and cleaning all these different sorts of grain has been very
great, but all has been carefully and systematically done and the results reached will
be reliable as to the outcome of this season,

Tests have also been made with different fertilizers on wheat on the permanent
plots laid out for this purpose, of which there are twenty in all, of one-tenth of an
acre each. These tests have included experiments with barn yard manure, both
rotted and fresh; mineral phosphates raw and treated, wood ashes, ground bones,
nitrate of soda, and mixtures of these fertilizers, with unfertilized plots for compari-
son; as this land was part of what was cleared last year and hence had never been
under cvop before, the experiments will need to be several times repeated before re-
liable deductions can be drawn from them. It is proposed to sow the same variety
of wheat on these plots from year to year, using the same sort and weight of fertilizer
each season, and to institute during the coming year similar experiments with barley
and oats.

Experiments have also been carried on in hybridizing cereals, particularly
wheat, and several crosses produced from which it is hoped that useful new varieties
will eventually be obtained.

Corn.

Fifty-three varieties of corn have been grown, but since through delay in transit
the seed did not arrive for two or three weeks after the usual time of sowing, these
could only be tested for the weight of fodder produced up toa given period, Experi-
ments have allo been conducted with twelve varieties of corn planted in rows three
feet apart two rows of each. In one row the grains were planted four inches apart,
in the other one inch apart, and the relative weights of the product noted.

Experiments with different fertilizers and combinations of fertilizers were made
on sixteen plots of corn of one-tenth of an acre each, one-half of each plot being sown
with Mammoth Southern fodder corn in rows, the other half in hills with Canada
Yellow corn. Records have been taken of the weight of the crop produced in each
case. These plots are also intended to form part of the permanent experimental
work of the farm.

Sugar Beets.

Four varieties of sugar beets have been grown side by side in plots of equal size
and the weight of the crop on each plot ascertained. The seeds of three of these
varieties were sent to the Central Experimental Farm for test by Wilfred Skaife,
fisq., President and Manager of the Berthier Sugar Beet Factory at Berthierville,
Quebec, under Nos. 1, 2 and 3. These were samples of the seed which had been
imported for distribution among the farmers who were engaged to grow sugar beets
for the factory. The seed from Wanzleben with which these were compared was
obtained from Haage & Schmidt, seedgrowers, Erfurt, Germany, and is said to yield
“the greatest percentage of sugar of all beets.” Samples of the roots grown from
each of these were submitted to the chemist of the Experimental Farms, Mr, T. F.
Shutt, and an analysis made of them, the particulars of which will be found in his
report. The Wanzleben variety yielded the smallest percentage of sugar, the other

>:

OO EE“.

15

three were found to be fully up to the average in the proportion of sugar they con-
tained.

Other Root Crops.

Seed of many differ ent varieties of carrots and mangolds were obtained and
sown on the 7th of May under similar conditions and in nearly uniform soil. They
came up about the 22nd of May and were making promising growth when they were
almost entirely destroyed by the severe storm which passed over the farm on the
6th of June. These plots covered about six acres of ground: Part of this land was
subsequently sown with turnips and yielded fair crops. Another smaller field in
which mangolds and carrots were sown for feeding purposes escaped the severity of
the stor.o and produced good returns.

Hay.

The hay crop was fairly good, but the area had been much lessened by the
ploughing up ef such portions as had nearly run out, and the total product was about
fifty tons. To provide for renewal of this crop some timothy was sown in the
autumn, with rye, to which the clover will be added in spring, and more land will be
seeded with grass and clover during the coming season, with spring grain.

Potatoes.

One of the special features of the experimental work during the past season has
been the testing of a large number of varieties of potatoes. No less than 251 sorts
of this useful tuber have been grown side by side under similar conditions. Notes
have been taken on the weight of the seed planted, the growth of the plants, whether
vigorous or weakly, and the yield of each. The process of testing the quality of
these numerous varieties is still going on, and will take much time to complete.
Careful notes are being taken on that important point. The result of this will be
the accumulation of a large store of useful information, which will have a practical
bearing on this crop. In addition 237 new varieties have been produced from hy-
bridized seed, among which are some of much promise. These will require to be
grown for one or two more seasons before their relative merits can be definitely
ascertained. All of those varieties which have been grown and do not promise
fairly well, will be discarded and the tests conducted next year with the selected
sorts, supplemented by such of the newer kinds as may be obtainable.

Fruit Trees and Vines.

Several large orchards have been planted with standard varieties and new sorts
of extra hardy fruits, chiefly from trees planted last year in nursery rows. Many of
these have made fair growth and promise well. Additions of new varieties have
also been made to the vineyard and to the small fruit plantations. and new plots of
strawberries and raspberries planted. Full particulars of this work will be found in

_the report of the horticulturist appended.

Forest Trees.

Portions of the northern and western boundaries of the farm have been laid out
for forest tree clumps, and some of these have been planted. They include two
mixed clumps containing 1,321 trees, composed of ten or twelve different varieties,
which have been put out along the northern boundary, and clumps along the western
line of black walnut 618 trees, butternut 269, Scotch pine 415, and smaller groups of
European larch and oak. Work will be continued in this direction in the spring,
and additional clumps planted with young trees from the nursery rows.

A considerable degree of attention has been given to the question of growing
forest trees and different methods are being tried. Young trees have been grown
from seed, seedlings have also been purchased from nurserymen who make aspecialty
of growing forest trees from seed; young trees have also been taken from the woods
and planted in nursery rows. Obtained from these three ditferert sources there are

Ib

now more than 100,000 trees on the Central Farm, many of them large enough for
clump planting. Itis propo-ed tosend a good proportion of these young trees
next season to the experimental farms in Manitoba and the North-West Territories.

Among the principal deciduous trees which have been grown from seed ars
black walnut, butternut, elm, ash, oak, maple, locust, chestnut, and catalpa. A
special form of screen was built last spring for the purpose of growing evergreen
trees from seed, as they need partial shade in order to grow them successfully. Under
this screen there was sown beds of Riga pine, a very valuable timber tree from
Northern Russia, a straight growing variety of the Scotch pine which is very hardy
and promises to be useful in the North-West. Toe seed was obtained from trees in
one of the Russian Government forests near Riga, A number of other promising:
varieties of pines and spruces have also been planted. Many thousands of young
trees have grown from the seed sown, and it is hoped that a foundation has thus been
laid for plantations of the hardiest sorts of valuable timber trees suitable for the
colder parts of the Dominion. Two or three years more of growth will be required
before these evergreen trees will be large enough to send out for planting.

Avenues, Hedges, &c.

Tho larger trees which have been planted out in avenues and rows bordering
the main roads on the farm number 879, of which 287 are elms, 365 sugar and. red
maple, 66 Norway maple, 84 linden, 23 ash, 38 mountain ash and 16 catalpa. A
hedge of Norway spruce composed of 1,427 trees, planted three feet apart, has beer
planted along the southern boundary, covering more than three quarters of a mile,
while the hedges of Arbor Vitae contain 5,207 trees, planted fifteen inches apart, and
extend in all toa length of nearly a mile and a quarter. A very large proportion of
these trees have made fair growth, are now well rooted, and will probably make a
good showing next year. ‘The avenues and hedges will soon add much to the beauty
and attractiveness of the farm. Groups of ornamental trees, both deciduous and
evergreens, have also been planted about the several dwellings.

Draining.

This very necessary work has been continued during the year, and since the
spring opened three and a-half miles and 189 yards of tile drains have been !aid.
Five main outlets each eight inches in diameter are now provided, which it is be-
lieved will be sufficient to promptly relieve the entire farm of surplus water. There
are a number of small branch drains yet to be laid, but hereafter much of the work
in this department can be done during the less busy periods in the year by the farm
hands. The eatire system of drainage thus far completed covers more than ten miles.

Road making and grading.

The numerous and unsightly stone piles which last spring greeted the eye at
almost every point, have been turned to good account by burying them in the roads,
the largest boulders have been placed in the bottom, these covered with smaller ones,
reserving such stones as were easily broken for the top. These latter were broken
and spread, the surface rounded and covered with sand or earth. In this way the
main roads have been very substantially made, and the stone disposed of where it
will always serve a good purpose. Some necessary grading for the roads and about
the farm buildings and dwellings has also been done.

Buildings.

Since the last report was presented, much progress has been made with the
buildings. The commodious stable has been finished and the farm horses comfort-
ably housed, and in the barns there is now provided accommodation for stock. A
new root house 100 by 25 feet has been built, anda poultry building erected and
stocked with a good selection of the most promising breeds of fowls. ‘Tho dweilings
for the officers composing the working staff, and a cottage for a stableman have

17

been finished, and the new chemical laboratory with the adjoining office building and
museum are now approaching completion, so also is the structure to be used as astore
house for seeds and for seed testing and propagating. The additional space which
this will give for the important work to be carried on in seed testing is greatly
needed ; the increased accommodation soon to be provided will, it is expested, meet
all the necessary requirements in this direction.

Pou try Department.

A special building of a substantial and convenient character has been provided
for poultry, and a number of choice specimens of the leading varieties reared during
the summer from eggs obtained in the spring, The great increase in the exports ot
eggs and poultry within the past few years and the ease and success with which
fowls are kept shows that Canada is well situated for producing enormous supplies
of these valuable commodities. Experiments will be conducted at the Central Farm
with the object of ascertaining the relative merita of the different breeds for egg lay-
ing and especially winter laying and as table fowls, and, by crossing the more pro-
mising sorts, endeavour to find out what strains will be most hardy and profitable for
farmers in different parts of the Dominion. This department is being managed by
an prpevonied poultry breeder, Mr. A. G, Gilbert, whose report will be found ap-
pended,

Donations and Exchanges.

During the year, a further gift of a large collection of the seeds of trees, shrubs
and plants cf Europe and Asia have been received, through the kindness of the
Director from the Royal Gardens at Kew. Mr. Chas. Gibb, of AbbotsforJ, Quebec,
to whose liberality we are already so much indebted, has generously donated another
large collection of seeds from Russia, An acknowledgment’is also due to the Hon.
Norman S. Coleman, U. S. Commissioner of Agriculture, for some new varieties of
grain and fodder plants, and a further consignment of sceds of several varicties of
trees have been received from the Royal Agricultural College at Tokio, Japan. Ex-
changes of publications have been made with nearly all the Experiment Stations of
the United States, and with some of those in Europe.

Seed Grain from India.

Among the seed grain obtained for test at the Central Experimental Farm,
the first season were 28 varieties which were selected from grain offered for sale at
the Corn Exchange in London, England, representing the produce of the principal
grain growing countries of the world ; among these there were found different varie-
ties of wheat from India, under the following names: Indian Kurrachee, Indian
Hard Calcutta, Indian Red Calcutta, and Indian Club Calcutta. ‘These varieties
proved to be unexpectedly early in ripening, competing closely in this respect with
wheat obtained from high latitndes in the northern part of Russia. The Indian
wheats ihus far tried do not, however, compare well in vigour or fertility with those of
northern countries. Subsequently, though the courtesy of Cul. T. U. Denison, of
Toronto, I was permitted to peruse some correspondence between Arch Deacon Deni-
son, cf Taunton, England, and a Moravian M ssionary labouring in the higher altitudes
of the Himalaya Muuntains, Mr. A. W. Heyde, of Kyeland, in tho Kangra D.strict.
From the information contained in these letters, it was evident that there are in that
country early ripening varieties of both wheat and barley, which it would be desir-
able to test in Canada. Under instruction of the Minister of Agriculture, corres-
pondence was opened with the Government of India, and though the kind interest
taken in the subject by the late Viceroy and Governor General of India, Lord Dat-
ferin, enquiries have been instituted in the districts to which reference has been
made, and also in a general way throughout the Empire, for the purpose of ascer-
taining what Indian grains are likely to ba suitabie for ex, orimental cultivation in
Canada.

5b6—2

18

A communication from the Under Secretary to the Government of India at Simla,
under date of 9th Octobor, encloses the following printed note prepared by the Reporter
on Economic products to the Government of India, and also states that “ the Govern-
ments of the North-Western Provinces, and the Panjab have been asked to instruct
the directors of agricultural departments in their respective Provinces to obtain a
supply of seeds of the grains mentioned in the note” to be forwarded to Canada.

NOTE ON INDIAN GRAINS, &., LIKELY TO PROVE SUITABLE FOR EX-
PERIMENTAL CULTIVATION IN CANADA,

Pia Written ia connection with a correspondence recently before the Government of
noala,

Climate of Canada.

“T yenture to think that the suggestion made by Professor Saunders for sending
the seeds of plants grown in Spiti and Lahoul to the Dominion of Canada will not be
found as hopeful a project as the sending of seeds of plants grown during the winter
months at lower altitudes if not even from some parts of the plains of India. It is
proposed to try the Indian seeds in Manitoba and in the plains to the north-west.
The following table shows the mean temperature and rainfall of the summer or agri-
cultural months in Manitoba :—

—— April. | May. | June. | July. | August; Sept. |October.

Mean temperature 20°2 51°2 63°6 65-9 64°8 §1°3 40°C

do rainfall......< oe s000 seve Searleassace 0 80 2°72 3°84 2°75 2°12 3°73 0°54

By April the snow disappears and ploughing commences; and by the ead o.
July, harvest has generally begun, In September night frosts occur, and often of
such severity as to destroy the crops. The farmer of tl%e north-western tracts of
Canada has, therefore, to fear more the frosts of spring and autumn than the extremes
of climatic changes between summer and winter. The snow is dry, and although
not heavy, it is sufficient to protect fruit trees and winter crops; while the soil is
rich and warm, and the summer nights have refreshing dews. Thus the agrizul-
tural season may be said to be from the latter end of April to the middle or end of
August. There is a sudden rise in temperature and rainfall in May, the temperature
steadily increasing until July and August.

Corresponding climates of India.

In India we have two crops, the rabi or spring crop, and the kharf or autumn.
‘The former is sown in October and November and ripens in February to March; the
latter is sown and reaped in the intervening months. The crops of the plains of
india that might prove useful in Canada would, therefore, be some of the spring
crops of the Panjab that mature in from three to four months. The depression of
temperature in the middle of the rabi season might preclude crops that require a
longer period such as plains wheat, but the minor crops that are sown in December
and January and riper in March to April sre grown under a climate like that of
Canada, viz, with an increasing temperature till harvest time. The autumn crops
of the plains would be altogether unserviceable. This distinction of rabi and kharif
seasons prevails throughout the lower Himalaya, the effects of a marked rainy
eason overcoming to a certain extent the influences of temperature. Above 10,009
teet tho shortness of the warm weather and less monsoon influences force a summer
season crop which, in some respects, resembles that of Qanada; but the cultivation

above that altitude is scanty and poor, so that it is doubtful whether any crops occur
in Spiti and Luhoul (the regions specially mentioned by Professor Saunders, and
wnich are above 10,000 fect in altitude) that would be worth sending to Canada,
excepting the wheat and barley of those localities.

** Of the stations situated on the inner ranges, Kailang (the capital of Upper
Lahoal) is on the one side or to the south of Spiti; and Leh, on the Indus across
tne middle or great Himalaya, is to the north of Spiti. The climate of Spiti is nos
systematically recorded, and hence the selection of Kailang and Leh. Bat it ia
believed there two points will exhibit the cbaracteristic features of the higher
Himalayan regions specially mentioned by Professer Saunders—or the Himalayan
regions that have as a rule only one c:op a year. Zanscar to which the Professor
alludes is an unimportant valley between the two points selocted.

Simla and Murree on the outer ranges may be accepted as representing tho
Himalayan tracts that have both aspring and an autumncrop. Of the Panjab plains,
Sialkot and Multan have been chosen as having during the winter and spring seasons,
a climate that closely resembles the summer of Manitoba; while Pithorsgarh in
Kumaon (in the North-Western Provinces) is intermediate between the plains and
the higher Himalayan regions where a fairly good agricaltural system prevails.

A comparison of these tables of temperature and rainis!! will show that the
crops that matare in Leh and Kailang during July and August might be sent to
Canada ; that practicaliy all the crops gruowoin Mur:ee and Simls, but more espe-
cially those sown and reaped from Januzry to June, might also be seat; that of Mul-
tan and Sialkot it would be safe to send only the crops reaped in eurly spring, e. g.,
those sown in October and November and reaped in March; and that of Pitboragarh,
all the crops that are sown in October to Junuary and reaped in April to May,
might be sent. It will be thus observod thut in toe regions named both rainfall and
temperature approximate, during the periods specified above, to those of Cunada; so
that the number of Indian agricultural prooueis whica might be grown in Canada is
increased very considerably beyond the list toat could be tarnished were ulleutiou tv
be confined solely to Spiti, Lahoul and Zanscxr,

“ The following are the principal crops that might be sent to Canads, grcuped
under four heads, obtained by reducing tae seven regions discussed above to tour.
Thue, by uniting Leh and Kailang into one, we have a representation of the upyver
agricultural Himalayan region; Simla and Murree corresponding to the second or
intermediate Himalayan region; Pithoragurh, to the toird or Lower Himaiayan
region; and Multan and Siaikot to the fourth, or the division of the plaias winca
possess crops that might be tound suitable tor Canada, The high rainiall in the
countries to the east und south-east of Kumsoa would render it in ail provavility
bopeiess to procure ¢rOps irom those parts ot India even although io point of icu-
perature they may have a winter climete not uniike the summer of considerable pu_-
tions of Canada.

‘The following table displays tbe temperature and rainfall of four stations on tko
Panjao Himalaya, two on the outer and two un the inner ranges :—

20

eS

a

008'9 |eg.¥|8-6¢|z0.11 |e-02 Th GE [L-TL|L0- L/P LIFE -€1% Sole. eral lites srneeadlen tle tle ole.79 Fava eadces seer essere: CHOBMINY UL [BL
‘ NO owmpy jo 488q) qivd w10qI

098 /FZ.E|T-E8]ET-6 |%- $8189.11 19-98161-€]4.06|8T+1/6-F8/E9-1|0-LL198 T/4 G9/8L-110 SOlIP.1]7-BS|F8- 0/Z-£9/9+ Ol T- £9109: O18: FL see eee AONTVIS

08h |84.0/9-98/9%-T 1%.68/22-% |9-16/6€-0/6-€6/8F-0/2-88/FS-0/L GLI1S- Ol OLILzZ-o]f-RG1BP-019.4G197-019-9GILO-O1T-G9ITT-O} ze AL] eects eee sees sees UB)
ne ee

008'9 |60.9]-99]10-FI |9. 99/860 |e-e9leF- zle.12| 8-£19 T9/42-F/0-L9102 £1 BElOp-€[4 Seles &18-8e|22-1/2-€F GU T|\LeGh|STe8 | he BO| ree te eres conan sates COLIN

000‘ |20.9|F. 19/Z1-81 |6.79]08. GE |Z-F9/L8-2|T-L91L9- FIF-e6128-Z1h-89170-€19-GFl14- ZIL-1FIPS Z19-01|90 1/8 Ft lee-0/8.8F/ LE: 116-99 o* B[OUS

SS SS Se

000‘01 99. 0|F-F9/48-0 }€-09|96-0 JI. 19]08-1]1-F9/cL-1|8-91 |Pe-e|F-OEIEE E12. 6° |L0-€]6-81/L9-1|Z-12|09-0/T+F2199+0/0+ZEl0F-O| Leap] erreet eters eres BOB

009‘TI|e€1.0]F-29|0F-0 |Z-09!9F-0 19.19102'0'0.99|0T-Ol[-21160 018-0F161-0 0.18 £2- 0\€ -61/€2-0/8-L1/80-0|%-€2/E0.019-O€/ZF-O|L.Obj rrretteteteree steeeeeee teens YOrT

|
|
a |

|S | es | || =] Je PS | yd a ee Ey | | a Se

te] a} po) |) |) eo! |) al zi/a w| i=
E 2 oO iy o 2 oO & o fe Ss by o S ® 2 ra a 2 bs ra By a 2 |ao
5 || tp |) ti 5 B 5 SSR ED fee ERA Se ES Tee tet Sy ER | PTE) SSE TE ER ERT Te [eee
| NEL My Fa litres ey Nf eb Sy et A eset Ween th eth eg cer Te eS Wi 1) ES Wee ee er AES picze |) 5 Heh
a aa ate) s 2 ae |e |e) elPl/ol| Plo] elalel|oa|] Pla)| ee) eo! Ff] a) Bis
Oe NEN BS eB EP ee See te cen ea er ee Snes ay erat eae
» = t+ ot o ® > + > re - + _ = + 2 + oa
5 z H q 2 F F | E Ale Wes
3 3 $ $ 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 ae

g : fe 5 ( 273
o * @®
=) || oI) ff | af | Pe Eee
S
2 44dag ‘Sny ‘Ainge ‘ouns “fey audy “2 BIY qed uBe “00q “AON 7920
cy
"NOSYSG AluvHy TvaAsQ NOSVAg avy TVOS

“1, Toe Carer Crops of THE HIGHER Nortu-WeEsTERN HIMALAYAN REGIONS
THAT MIGHT BE FOUND SUITABLE FOR NORTH-WEST CANADA,

In the upper tracts of Lahoul only one crop is got; it is sown in May and reap-
ed in September. The crop consists of barley, wheat, and buckwheat—-barley being
the chiet. But Lahoul is not self-supporting although Spiti is; wheat, bariey and
rice are regularly imported from Kulu, There are no vegetables or minor crops
grown, peas are Cultivated to a certain extent.

“Ist, Wheat.—There is said to be grown a peculiar form with six tiers of grains
to each ear; this is met with in the district of Patten in Lahoul and from Kibbar
downwards to Spiti.

“2nd, Barley.—In some parts of Lahoul a double harvest is got, barley oceupy-
ing the soil for only about ten weeks, This form of barley is known as tangzad, and
is probably the best form to send to Canada, It is followed by the form of buck-
wheat known as bosotan. This ripens in two months. In bad years the buckwheat
does not ripen, so that the practice of taking only one crop is considered safer; a
barley which requires a longer time to ripen is in that case sown in one field and the
ordinary form of buckwheat in another, both sowings occurring in May. Parched
barley flour made into porridge is the everyday food of the people of Spti. It is
also eaten boiled with butter and green herbs into a kind of soup; wheat flour is
generally eaten in this way in Lahoul.

“3rd, Buckwheat.—There are two species of this grain grown in the Himalaya,
with perhaps several cultivated forms under each, which are known to the hill tribes:
The species are (a) Fagopyrum esculentum and (b) #. tataricum. Much contusion ex-
ists in the vernacular names given to these plants, and it is probable that the orgal or
daran (referred, by Stewart, to F. emarginatum—a form now reduced to F’. esculentum)
may be F. tataricum. Stewart gives the following Panjab vernacular names for F,
esculentum—Kala triimba; Chin, in the Jhelam basin (chin, china, or chena is by
most authors given to Panicum miliaceum) Karma, bres, Kaiti, Brapi, drawo in the
Chenab; Bres, Katt, phaphra in the Ravi; Adihé in the Bias; Bras, phdphrd, ugcizal,
tsabri in the Sutlej, Kathé irdo, in Spiti; Frdo, rjao, in Ladak; Kaspat in the Pan-
jab—the bazaar name.

“For the other form most of the above names are also given, but orgal or wgal
seems more frequently applied to it.

“‘ Buckwheat may be said to be the staple food with the Lahoulis; it is boiled
whole and eaten as gruel, or roasted and made into flour, which is then baked into
cakes and mixed with chawg beer and formed into dumplings.

“ 4th —The inferior millet—China or (Chena?) Panicum Miljaceum—is said to
be grown to a small extent in Spiti. But up to 7,000 feet most of the millets are also
grown, and it may be doubted which might succeed best in Canada. Seed should be
got in Kulu or Simla.

“There are no fruit trees to speak of in Upper Lahoul and Spiti; the apricot
grows, but does not seem to fruit weil, and the same remark may be made of the
walnut. Both these fruits might, however, succeed in Canada, and although they
doubtless are there already our higher Himalayan kinds might prove better suited
to the colder tracts of Canada than the European forms of these fruits which are
generally cultivated in Canada and America. The Himalayan horse-chestnut would
also probably thrive; the fruits of the last mentioned tree are in the Himalayan tract
sometimes used to feed horses.

“The system of cultivation pursued in Lahoul and Spiti is simple, and the pro
duce not of the first quality. The field is artificially irrigated; when the water has
soaked in, the seed is scattered broadcast and ploughed. Except perhaps a little
weeding nothing mora is done, although every now and then as required the field is
flooded from the neighbouring rivalet, The irrigation pursued in these higher Him-
alayan tracts would perhaps uot be 89 necessary ia Cunada, since in the latter coun-
uy the rainfall is greater than in Lahoul and Spiti. Imported rice is used along

22

with barley in the brewing of tae beer known as chawg. Many wild plants ave eaten
as vegetables, but none are cultivated. Thus there is nothing of much value in
Lahoul ; but, passing lower down the hills into upper Kalu, there are crops of greater
importance which may be added to the above. About 24 per cent. of the cultivated
area of Kuln produces two crops, but although every field is not twice cropped there
is both a kharif and a rabi season. A spring or radi crop is rarely grown in land to
he cultivated in the kharif season with rice, of the rabi crop 92 per cent. consists of
wheat and barley in the proportion of 3 of the former to 1 of the latter; of the re-
maining acreage 5 per cent. is under poppy and I per cent. under tobacco, leaving 2
per cent. for lentils and oil-seeds. Of the autumn or kharif crop 83 per cent. consists
of the following crops: rice 25 per cent., maize 12 per cent. saridri (Amarantus pani-
culatus) 14 per cent. The last mentioned plant ia known around Simla as bathu or
chau. Kodra (Eleusine corocana) 8 per cent.. Kathi, (Fagopurum esculentum) 6 per
cent., Kodra is one of the grains from which Sur (spirits) or lvgri (beer) is commonly
made; bread is also prepared from its fiour, but for the purpose of Canadian cultiva-
tion, it may be doubied whether the Amarantus, buckwheat or millets, would ever
likely meet With favor. They do not yield grains which Earopesns wouid seem
likely to eat readily, and it would therefore be desirable to send such crops as might
be expected to meet with favour. Among these an important place should be given
LOT

“Sth, Rice (Oryza sativa).—Taia is the most important of the autumn crops in
Kula, but it can only be growa where water is plentiful. All irrigated land is devot-
ed to this crop. The rice is first sown in flooded nurseries and then transplanted
when some seven or eight inches in height, It is dibbled into the inundated ground,
the plants being about six inches apart each way, and the field kept flooded for at
least two months afterwards. There are three forms of rice met with in Kula, and
these are known as basma/é. jatu and su‘adasg, the first-mentioned being the finest and
most expensive kind, Bat ine rice from Yarkand would succeed far more likely in
Caneda than any Indian form. The winter in Yarkand is too severe for wheat and
barley to be sown in autumn, but a summer wheat, barley and rice are sown and
may be seen being reaped in adjacent fields.

“ Thore remarks regarding rice are equally applicable to the hill rices of Simla,
Murree and Pithoragarh, although it is probabie that the rices from the higher alti-
tudes of Kuln would be preferable to any others. In most parts of India s rice is
lmnown as the G0 days’ rice becanse it only occupies the soil for that period. It is not
known whether a form exists on the hills that possesses this property, but such rice,
if it does exist at high altitudes, would be preferable for Canada to any others.
Plains’ rice would in al! probability be quite unsuited unless Sialkot or Multan pos-
sess a form grown in sixty days during the coldest months,

“6th, Putsrs —There are several pulses grown at Kula, and most of these
would succeed well in Canada; but it is probable those from the plains or lower hills
would grow equally well. In Kulu the following are grown Kult (Dolichos bijiorus) ;
mah (Phaseolus radiatus) : matar or kalon (Pisum arvense) ; masur (lentils, Eroum
lens); gram, chold (Cicer arietinum). Glycine soja, the Soy bean, is said to be grown
in Yarkand, and would perhaps do in Canada if seed from Alpine stock were procur-
ed. Of the pulses perhaps none would be so much appreciated as gram. Experiment
alone will determine whether it will succeed, but as a cold season crop it is grown
throughout India, and in Kute it is also cultivated as a rabi crop; so that it seems
possible it would succeed weil enough in Canada if seed trom Simla or Kulu were
procured,

“The form most likely to prove suitable is the waite kind generally known as
Kabuli, but there is a truly Alpine species, Cicer ssonjaricum—a pare white seed
much appreciated in India ior sweetmeats—grown at altitudes from 4 to 12,000 feet,
chiefly in Kulu and Ladak. ;

“7th, Maizz or Indian corn.—This is a comparatively recent crop in India, hav-
ing come origicaliy trom America; but as the result ot Indian cultivation several
well marked forms have been produced, the most striking being those which grow

23 -

high up the Himalayas, It is doubiful, however, if even these would succeed in Canala,
but as the grain could easily be procured in Simla, or better still in Kulu, it mizhs
be worth while sending a selection of samples. Maizo from the plaims would b>
quite useless, but if procurable Yarkand stock would be better than Himalayan.

“8th —In Kulu and in most parts of the hill stations Jpomet Batatas sweet pota-
toes, are grown. [n Kulu they are known as Kachd %. It seems probable these may
have been introduced into Canada already, but if not they might be worth urying.

“9th —The Jerusalem Artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus) grows 0 freely ut 8,000
fect in Simla, that it is perhaps worth while mentioning it in this list.

“Potatoes are also of course grown all over the hills, even up to 12,000 fee: at
Kailang. An indigenous tuber that is even more extensively grown may be added
to the above list of higher Himalayan products, namely :—

“10th — Colocasia antiquorum, the ghuiya, an aroid, the corms of which are largely
eaten by the hill tribes, and grown up to 9,000 feet in altitude, After boiling they
are rendered wholesome, especially if a little acid be added to the water in order >
dissolve the mechanically poisonous crystals which are contained in the cells of most
aroids.

Il.—Twe INTERMEDIATE HIMALAYAN REGIONS.

(Represented in these notes by Simla and Murree).

Havirg included Kulu in the previous remarks, the plants of the present region
have been practical'y disposed of. Millets, rice and pulses oceupy the land after the
removal of the rabi (or winter) wheat and barley. It is commonly stated that
several forms of Chenopodium are grown at high altitudes in Lahoul. This may bs
the case, but they seem more prevalent at about 7,000 to 9,000 feet. They are sowa
about midsummer and ripen in autumn.

11th.— Chenopodium album the betu sag of the plains of India; the gua-say, lunak,
irr, cr Kala bathu of the Panjab hills; and the em of Ladak, yields a small grain but
the leaves are also eaten as a spinach. There are many very distinct varieties.

IIl.—Tue Lower HimaALaYAn REGIONS.

“Tn addition to what has been said regarding Kulu and Simla rices, it may be
here added that some of the forms of Kumaon rice hold a high place in point of
quality. The bésmati and hunsraj rices of Kumaon sell for 5 to 6 seers (12 bs.) for
the rupee (2 shillings.) The wheat of this region also might be sent with some
hope oi its succeeding. Millets, pulses and ground tubers and bulbs are also exten-
sively giown, as weil as a large number of forms of gourds, pumpkins, melons, and
cucumbers. The cucumbers of the lower hills attain a largo sizo (? according to
some writers these are melons not cucumbers) and with the hill tribes constitute an
important article of diet. Although Canada already possesses a large number of
these vegetables, it is probable that some of the Indian forms would be esteemed as
valuable additions. Tne seed might be procured from Kumaon. Tho Soy bean
(Glycine Soja or bhut) is largely grown and ripens in October. This is perhaps the
most nutritious of ali pulses and the one that hitherto has commended itself most to
Europe. It seems probable that Canada would be found too cold for it, but seed
might be procured in Kumaon both of the black and of the white variety.

IV.—Tue P.LAInNs.

“The above remarks have to a large extent covered all that need bo said here.
It seems very doubtful if any of the plains’ wheat, rice or barley would grow in
Canada; but any of the other minor rabi crops which aro sown in December and
January, and ripen in March or April might be added to tho list given, such as the
rabi pulses, more particularly gram and glycine. It seems probable that of all the
crops recommended gram (especially the white Kabuli form—Cicer Soongaricum)

stands the best chance of proving useful, and thorefore seed from all four regions
might be furnished of that plant.
GEORGE WATT,
leeporter on Economic Products.
Simi, 21st May, 1888,”

“Tn a letter since received from Lahore from E, B. Steedman, Esq., Director of
Agriculture, Panjab, information is conveyed of the despatch of four boxes contain-
ing seven bags of wheat and seven of barley for experimental test, in this country
and since then advice has been received of another box containing samples of barley
and gram which has been sent from Calcutta, Mr, Steedman says “TI also forward
copies of notes received as to the cultivation of the different samples sent. It must
be remembered that the conditions of cultivation in Lahoul and Spiti are very
diffrent from those in the other tracts of Kangra, Palampur, Kulu, Seoraj and
Simla. In Lahoul and Spiti the wheat and barley are sown in the spring aftor the
snow melts and are reaped at the end of the summer. In the other tracts they are
sown in the autumn and are in the ground through the winter. Lahoul and Spiti
are also almost beyond the area affected by the monsoon rains. They receive only
a slight rainfall between 15th June and 30th September, while in the five other tracts
the rain is heavy during these months. “ Kungi,” the disease mentioned, is rust and
is brought on by damp, cloudy close weather. We do not suffer very much from it
in the Panjab proper, but 1 am not able to say to what extent crops suffer in the
Himalayan Districts. In one or two places the outturn seems to me to be put much
too low in the notes. I expect that from 8 to 12 maunds—a maund of grain weighs
80 pounds—for wheat and 10 to 14 maunds for barley is a fairer estimate of the
annual outturn.” —

The following ere the notes referred to by Mr. Stecdman:

Brier Nove ON THE CULTIVATION OF WHEAT AND BARLEY GROWN AT HriaH ELEVA-
TICNS IN THE SIMLA DIsTRIOT.

Wheat.

« About the 14th July the grass on the field is cut down with a sickle and scattered
about. The grass rots within three weeks and serves a3 manure. From 15th August
to 14th September the land is tilled, and from 15th September till 14th October the
wheat is sowa. The land is ploughed a second time before ths sowing, sometimes 2
w-ck before if time admits. The land is manured for a month and a half after the
wheat sprouts. Reaping commences by 11th Jane, and ends about 28th July. The
wheat is sometimes subject to a disease called “ Gandi Garyim” the effect of which is
to maks the grain round and black and to reduce it in weight. Itis then useless
for human consumption. Wheat is generally cultivated on Barani lands of high
elevution. Three and one haif seers* of seed produce about one maund (40 seers) of
wheat.

* A seer is equal to two pounds,
Barley.
‘«- The same remarks apply to barley, except that barley is not so subject to the

disease above mentioned as wheat, and that five and one-half seers of seed produces

about two maunds of barley. =
. COLDSTREAM,

Deputy Comnvissioner,
Srna, 10th Jaly, 1888.

25

Norte on THE CULTIVATION oF WHEAT AND BARLEY IN THE Kanara Districr,
AVERAGE ELEVATION, 3,000 FEET.

_ Sees Answer as regards Barley
Question. Answer as regards Wheat Cultivation. Cultivation.

“Nature of land|[s sown in both irrigated and unirrigated|[s sown in both irrigated
used lands. .| and unirrigated |ands.
Sowing time. |From 1st November to 15th December.|from 15th October to
If the rains are seasonable the cropis| 15th November in both
sown at once, but if the rains hold off the] kinds of land.
sowings are deferred till the third week!
in January, after which no wheat is sown.

Harvest time. {From Ist to 20th May in irrigated, and/From 20th to 30th April.
from 20th April to 10th May in unirri-
gated lands.

Manuring and|Both kinds of Jands are manured, but only) Both kinds of Jands are

irrigation the irrigated lands are watered, namely,, mavured and irrigated
the lands are manured before ploughing; as wheat land.
and irrigated afterwards. After plough-
ing the seed is sown, and irrigation is
not resorted to till plants are well up on
the ground. If the January and Feb-
ruary rains fail, further irrigation is
called for.

Average pro-/Tho maximum produco per acre is eight|Same remarks as wheat.

duce per acre.| mauads, and tha minimum two maunds.

Diseases. (n unirrigated Ianda the wheat crops are|No disease at all,

not sabject te sny discase, but in irrigated

Igada, it the January and February rains

ere heavy tho crops generally suffer by|

a disease called “ kungi” which dries up

the grain and reduces it to dust.

“ NoTE oN THz CULTIVATION OF WHEAT 4ND BARLEY IN THE PALAMPUR DisTRIcT,
AVERAGE Evgvartion, 3,000 Frsr.

Wheat.

“ An acre of irrigated land yields about five maunds of wheat. Manure is used,
but not in sofiicient quantities. The time for sowing is the first three weeks of
January, and for harvesting last week of May and first week of June. The wheat is
cubject to a disease called “ kungi,” which occurs when there is a failure of rain.

Barley.
“ An acre of irrigated land yields about eight maunds of barley. Manure is not
available in sufficient quantities. The corn is sown in Asanj, i.e., September and
October, and the crop is cut in May.

Norse on THE CULTIVATION OF WHEAT AND Bar.eEy In LAHoUL, AVERAGE ELEVATION,
11,000 Frer.

“Sown in Besakh (March and April) cut towards the end of Asanj (beginning
of October). For wheat a stony (pathreli) soil is preferred, and tor barley a clean,
clayey soil free of stones, Fur both crops the soil is abundantly manured, and the

26

lumps of earth are broxen down. Both are irrigated. When the shoots are six
inches high, weeding is performed; a week after weeding is finished a watering is
given, and afterwards waterings are given at intervals of tea or twelve days till the
harvest is ripe. The crop is weeded again when the ears begin to form. The average.
outturn is fivefold. Both crops are sometimes, but rarely, attacked by a disease
which blackens the ears and grain,

“ In sowing, the pebbles are first cleared out of the soil ; then manuro is applied:
then the land is ploughed and the seed sown, and the soil levelled with a roller.

The seed now sent was grown in Keirdang and Gookir villages.

“ Note oN CULTIVATION OF WHEAT AND BARLEY IN THE SPITI VALLEY.

The average altitude sbove the sea of the cultivated land in Spiti is 11,000 feet.
The fields are irrigated by channels fed by the Mountain torrents. Both wheat and
barley are sown in April ; if the snow lies late earth is thrown upon it to make it
melt quickly. Both crops are manured plentifully with cattle, goat and sheep dung.
The first watering is given 40 days after sowing, and thereafter waterings are given
at regular intervals till the crop ripons. The harvest is reaped in August.

“The Nono (Governor of Spiti) puts down the outturn as 20 fold, but Major
Hay’s estimate is probably more correct, t. e, 14 to 1 for barley and 10 to 12 to 1 for
wheat. The crop is liable to be injured by frost, but seems to be subject to no kind
of disease.

Nore on CuLtivation oF WHEAT AND Bariey IN Kuwv.

The grain sent was produced at an elevation of 7,000 feet above the sea, about
100 miles to the North of the Village from which the Seoraj grain was obtained, in
the Biss Valley.

“The barley is sown between 5th and 25th September, and reaped from 15th
Jane to 14th July; wheat sowings go on during the whole of September, the harvest
is reaped at the same time as that of barley. Manure is thrown on the soil, and also
sheep and goats are penned on the field before sowing, for both crops. The soil is
not irrigated. A too heavy snowfall is fatal to the crop; heavy rain causes the dis-
ease called Kungi, before described ; and in case of drought in April or May a green
insect ( here called Mangnw) attacks the ear. The outturn of wheat averages from
5 fold in bad seasons to 10 fold in good; and of barley 8 fold to 16 fold.

Norte on Cuttivation oF WHEAT AND BARLEY IN SEORAJ.

“The grain sent was produced at an elevation of about 7,000 feet above the sea,
in the Sutlej Valiey.
Wheat.

“ Ploughing commences about August 15th. The seed is sown between 5th and
25th September, and the harvest reaped in July. A comparatively poor soil is pre-
ferred. The land is manured before sowing commences, generally by sheep being
penned on it for some nights. No irrigation is used. The outturn is reported as 4
fold but is probably greater. The crop is subject to a disease called Kungi described
as a red dust gathering on the ear, due to excessive moisture in the soil at sowing
time.

Barley.

“ Ploughing commences about 15th August. Sowing goes on from the end of
September to the b=ginning ot November. Reaping begins generally about the end of
Jane. A rich soil is necessary. No manure is given till the young shoots are 5 or
6 inches high, when manure that has been collected and kept is thrown on the field
as atop dressing. No irrigation is used. The outturn is reported 6 fold but is
probacly greater. Kungi (described above) is the only disease to which it is liable.

True Copy.
PESTOUJI, Sup:riniendent.”

Orrice oF Drreotor oF LAND RECORDS
AND AGRICULTURE, PANJAB,
LAHORE.

ce

The-e agricultural products of India which have heen collected with so much
care by the Government of India for the benefit of Canada, will be distributed among
the several Experimental Farms, where they will be carefuliy tested and reported on.
It is expected that eome of these varieties of grain so long and successfully cultivated
in India, will prove useful in the provinces comprising this wide Dominion.

Exnrsits oF Farm Propucr. ©

Special exhibits of the products grown at the Experimental Farms were dis-
played at the Provincial Exhibition at Kingston, the Industrial Exhibition at
Toronto, the Western Fair at London and tbe Central Canada Fair at Ottawa. The

‘collections contained specimens of the different varieties of grain grown at the

Central Experimental Farm, about 200 sorts in all, including bunches of heads from
the field plots, as well as single plants of each sort. Large collections of potatoes
were also shown, as well as field roots, fodder plants and beans. Photographs were
also displayed of many varieties of strawberries and raspberries grown on the farm
and represented exa:tly of the natural size. Sampies of grain grown on the Experi-
mental Farm at Indian Head, N.W.T.. were also shown and collections of native
grasees from both the Manitoba and North-West Farms. A small display of fruit
consisting of some fine specimens of appjes, pears end plums obtained from a small
orchard on the Experimental Farm at Agassiz, British Columbia, was also an attrac-
tive feature. These exhibits attracted much attention, the various articles were
arranged 60 2s to be as instructive as possible. This effort to convey practical
information to the visiting farmers was much appreciated and very favourably spoken
of; while none of the collections were eutered for competition, that shown at the
Industrial Exhibition at Toronto, was awarded by the Directors a silver medal and a
diploma in recognition of its excellence and usefulness,

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS,

My warmest thanks gre due to all the officers of the Central and branch Experi-
mental Farms for the willing aid they have rendered in carrying on the important
work we have in hand. The records of what has been accomplished are shown
more in detail in the several reports appended. On the Central Farm the growth of
the different varieties of cereals and other crops have been watched with the most
careful interest by the farm foreman, Mr. John Fixter, to whose accurate records J
am indebted for much of the information gained.

WM. SAUNDERS, F.RS.C., F.LS., F.C.S.,
Director Experimental Farms.

(Feank T. Snort, M.A., F.LC., F.C.8.)

L.: BORATORY OF THE CENTRAL WXPERIMENTAL Farm,
Ortawa, ist December, 1883.

Wa. Saunpers, Esq., F.R.S.C., F.LS., F.C.S.,
Director, Dominion Experimental Farms,
Ottawa.

Srr,—I have the honour to submit to you the second annual report on the work
of the Chemical Department of the Experimental farms accomplished by me since
last February, the date of my first report. This report consequently contains but
the result of nine months’ labour. It consists of first an epitome of the chemical
analysos made of various substances relating to agriculture, and secondly, an account
of my inspection of English and Continental Laboratories, and of some of the Ex-
perimental Stations of Germany visited during the past summer.

WuHeat.

In the concluding paragraph of my last report mention is made of a series of
avalyses of various wheats, chiefly the Red Fife and Ladoga varieties—then just
hegun. The original Ladoga grain was imported from Russia and was grown ina
latitude some 600 miles north of that of Ottawa, where the summer is consequently
much shorter than in our North-West Provinces. During the summer of 18873
large number of farmers in the various Provinces of the Dominion cultivated this
wheat from samples supplied to them by the Experimental Farm at Ottawa. Accom-
panying the samples was a request to sent in a report on the growth, yield and
longth of time required by this wheat to mature. It was also requested that a speci-
men of the grain reaped from the sample be forwarded to tae Farm. By this means
it was expected that definite and reliable information would be obtained as to
whother this wheat ripens earlier than the Red Fife and would thus be likely to
escape rome of the early frosts occasionally so detrimental to the wheat crop of the
North-West. All important as the questions of yield and early ripening are, there
remains another of equal consequence—the composition of the wheat. This could only
be ascertained by chemical analysis, To arrive at the respective values of the Red
Fife and Ladoga wheats from the chemical standpoint—was then the object of the
investigation, In February, when the work was begun, we were unable to obtain
the flour of the Ladoga wheat manufactured by the Roller process. The analyses of
all the samples was consequently made on the whole grain, and are thus strictly
comparable. My report on this work was completed last June, but publication has
been deferred in order that the results of some direct determination of the gluten in
Red Fife and Ladoga flours, from samples of these varieties of wheat lately ground
might be added. This report wili be issued in bulletin form for distribution among
the agricultural population and others interested in this important matter. It con-
tains, in addition to a full account of the constituents of the wheat, the deductions
which may be drswn therefrom. I shall here, therefore, give but a synopsis of the
extent of the work and the conclusions reached.

Twenty-eight samples of wheat were analysed, as follows: twelve of Ladoga,
six of Red Fife, three of Saxonka, two of Kubanka and one each of the following

23
REPORT OF THH CHEMIST.

29

varietios, Onega, Red Fern, Clawson, Wellman’s Fife and Blue Stem. The Ladogs
specimens inciude the original importation from Rassia and grain gcown from thi:
seed in the North-West Territories, Manitoba, Nova Scotia and New Brunswicx.
One sample of the Red Fife was grown in Ontario; the others in the North-West
Territories and Manitoba. Of the other wheats I need not here make further men-
tion, as full and detailed accounts of their composition appear in my report before
mentioned. After a thorough examination into the composition and physical quaii-
ties of these wheats I am enabled to draw the following conclusions :—

1, That the Red Fife and Ladoga wheats have an almost equal proportion of
gluten, as determined by chemical analysis; the difference being however in favour of
the latter variety.

Z. That by the cultivation of the Ladoga grain in the North-West a marke2
increase in the percentage of gluten has taken place in some instances.

_ 3. That there appears to be a direct ratio between the percentage of albumin-
oids and the weight of grain, viz., the heavier the individual grain the greater the
proportion of albuminoids.

4, That with respect to size, weight and hardness of the grain, the Ladoga com-
pares very favourably with the Red Fife.

5. That the Manitoba hard wheats (Red Fife and Ladoga) most certainly
equal in value the best grown in the States of Minnesota and Dakota; and this deduc-
tion is made from my own and Prof. Richardson’s results.

6. That the crode yluten as determined by mechacical means is present in the
Ladoga and Red Fife flours in almost identicai proportion.

Su@ar Beers.

During the past summer several varieties of sugar beets have been grown at the
Central Farm. Nos. 1, 2 and 3, are from seeds sapplied by Wilfred Skaife, Esq., presi-
dent and manager of the Berthier Sugar Beet Factory of Berthierville, P.Q. The
Wanzleben variety was from seed purchased from Haage & Schmidt, seedsmen of
Erfurt, Germany.

On analysis they are found to contain the following amount of sugar :—

ING3 ies ac cessss-505 Saccccccccvesescccnsccesccccsrcocscccssscse 1 D2 per Cent.
INOS Ose arpecaapeee eaveces ocescces secsee esevecsssen Sccose poesia 0 sf
IN Up, Bagecteonasennosaecot seadeaeesecrs-ctsesestessacacconmlcc UU) as

The quantities of sugar in different varieties of sugar beets may vary much.
The minimum percentage is about 8, and the maximum about 15; the greater number
of specimens yielding between 11 and 12 per cent. The first three of those examined
possess therefore an average amount, while the Wanzleben variety falls below the
mean.

As the beetroot sugar industry promises to be one of great importance in
Canada, the investigation into the value of the respective variotios of sugar beets
will be continued during the ensuing year.

Magu.

During the past year several samples of this fertilizer have been received for
analysis accompanied with a request for information as to its value and use. As
large deposits of this mineral occur in different parts of the Dominion which are of
eusy access to agriculturists, [ propose as soon as time permits, to write a bulletia
thut will pat betore the farming community the true worth of this substance and at
the sume Ume give full instructions as to the most advantageous methods of its use
and application as a fertilizer. Ia the meantime I insert here the following reports
lately issued as being of general importance :—

LaBoRATORY OF THE EXPERIMENTAL Farm,
Ortawa, 8th November, 1888,
7. A. Bargon, Esq., M.P.,
Lindsay, Ont.
Dear Sir,—I have submitted the sample of mar] sent by you to chemical analy-
sis, which shows it to have the following compo-ition :—

MOIS (UO ieneemasaecencteancaksctesedanesesa-ne S dé dbadonsosssacagdscodaca °20
Volatileand organic matter.....-..50.. .-.c-.-sececesseee ce =-eee= GT
ClaygandgsAnd rerccscaccacncisescesee sans eoseeaienssenisecssseucien da nciatenn *50
bree) (CEO) 6 etanctnancacoco seco CEL eeee Seooaneedsecs |sSebesaSanacsee 53°27
Wilewean gies (Cule{O) yecannencannssscoascust coos aacacsosbsen Sates soan0Ns: a
IronjandAduming (He, O77 All O)))-.csen-serse2celeen(acesnacesee “39
PAURLIGS dancers cnescecesiasceess seen seep ecu saseraccssanm) acsees ees casei COds
Carbonicjacidl (CO) ies cesemehepsesteeeeelelntatenonedacceeaaesc-rep eho OU
bosphorich acids (Zs Oe) pacusacensccosstoase sabsere sSeeoeon osboabos -28
Solubloysilicar(SiO 3) scnccoassnaceseresIeeearacscsscanesecneise eeeenee =m
99-84

Carbonate of lime (CaCO;) 95°12.

This is an exceptionally pure specimen of marl, consisting essentially of car-
sonate of lime. Phosphoric acid is present in small quantities, but the alkalies are
to be found only in traces.

The value of marl as a fertilizer depends, 1st, on its chemical composition, and
2nd, on its mechanical texture,

The important ingredient of marl is lime, present in the form of a carbonate.
The presence of phospnoric acid and the allkalics, especially potash, increases the
value of this fertilizer, as both are essential ingredieuts of plant food. But besides
supplying these elements (lime, phosphoric acid and potash) directly for the growth
of plants, marl has a tendency to liberate the combiuved phosphoric acid and potash
in soils that have been hitherto insoluble and unavailable ior piant use. Mar! also
promotes, though slowly, the oxidation of humus in peaty soils, converting the inert
nitrogen of the same into an active form.

Its mechanical condition should be such as to allow it to easily disintegrate
when exposed to the weather, and thus be in a condition to mix thoroughly with the
soil. Its application then to clayey soils is to render such mellower and lighter to
work, and ai the same time to allow the roots and rootlets of the plants more easily to
penetrate and thus gain nourishment from an increased area. Its influence on sandy
soils is to render them heavier and vastly improve their absorptive powers for mo.s-
ture and manure.

Marl may therefore be advantageously and profitably applied to soils known to
be detiviont in lime and also to clays and sandy loans, both tor the supplying of this
element and the improvement of their mechanical condition.

The best time for application is in the autumn, the marl being then carted on to
the fields and spread. The action of the atmosphere, the rains and frost during the
ensuibg winter should then thoroughly disintegrate it, and thus allow a perfect
mixing with the soil in the spring.

Frank T. Suort, M.A., F.CS.,

Chemist, Domini n Experimental Farms.

Without giving in extenso, the reports written on the following specimens analysed
by me, I will bere simply state their composition, and add such remarks as may bo
necessary to a correct knowledge of their value and use, in addition to those von-
tained in the foregoing report.

‘The following table snows the composition of a specimen of mar! forwarded for
examination and report by Mr. J. GH. Vanderlip, of Krin, Ont. :—

31

IMIGISEIN A tcesennarencsecncasecneees 0) Sasgengooosttinssoseendsa Seoncob: coches 30
Organic and volatile matter....... 2:28
Clay and sand (:neoiuble in acid) 77
Iron and slumina (Fe,0,, Al,O3) “50
ibm: (OA) cccosancencseosasocceeenccesoce Saveccscee Cerccscerecascrs sce 51-61
Mere nes ig GMO) )eacesnsnascancnucsesenenceaneneds pascaciscucsssacesansas 132
Carbonic Acid (CO. )........ccscesseecesseee seesccscnee Renate esas avees) | 40°40
Paosphoric Acid (P,0;).... sootds “20
Soluble Silica (SiO,) “24

10-33

The large percentage of carbonate of lime, 92°16 per cent. and the small quantity
of insoluble matter, make this a marl of great value as a fertilizer. Its easy dis-
integration by water will allow it, after exposure to the weatnor, to freely mix with
the soil.

This sample was taken from a swamp, and it contains 2:29 per cent. of organic
matter due tothe accumulation of vegetable matter while the marl was being deposited.
This would possess nitrogen in a form more or less readily convertible into plant
food. The notable quantity of phosphoric acid, evidently derived from the same
source, also enhances its value.

Mr, Robert Armstrong, Kirkfield, Ontario, sent in two samples of marl which
he wished to have analysed and reported upon with the view of introducing them as
fertilizers in his locality,

No. 1:—

Waitin Oreseseccssecensseesoesaceceses soevavesetassaseseelaunsssceasnen-=se SLOLOS
Organic matter.......... .... soceeececonts = COS SCE ACEC GIEDEU OECD 60L
Wis ysand BRNO. 2.553 -2-sctecccxesseas cicacsseees eisensacceeceracslsacasdes 1-27
Tron and alumina (Fe,0,, Al,O3).....cccssecseeee ceoctooBececntte “40
MGM Gi (CaO) vase coeens dsscce asccesseesvasensececGo¥ocsas Beneeecalieneensas 41-35
Mite nesia: (Mo@)).. 5. ses-s.cessceceveccccssnescecacers Saehee as Massaescs 00
Soluble silica (SiO,).........000 eoscccsccceceuescces Semdacecesencas ses oti
Phosphoric acid (Ps0g) ....-.c0sssscoee 5 peccenose 5S RCOCOCCOE EEC 26
Carbonic acid (CO,).....c.se.e-eeee Bepeedenceeenas peetencsaies aseads 33°00
AVES OS....0.s0-cescscce seeeceseeccces Saeuseescssiscctsdesdeccaccancecccave “U6
99-64

Carbonate of lime (CaCO,) 73°83. =

This is a very fair sample of marl, though not equal in value to either of the
foregoing examples.

No. 2:—

Moistare......-....-ce00 pesseeearcseeaces sctecccenccccescccccccccscccoesecs 4°03
Oreanie MALLET: .c.cc0.s-nccocces cscaseccves © eeeceescsccccee scccee secs AdOL
Wlayrand sand: --ssececsesc--nac-sense sence reccscessccccsersccseccssescss = S'S
ironvandialuminal(Ke.O;) AIS O2)sccscassestesercess soo secese ee “t4
Higvimie| (CAO))< stesnessstcessesoscssccsseceone SRC ROR COC CUS SOIIONE eesscoee 30°09
Magnesia (MgO).............000 rosencoactascte’ = ecesceceoceioceoeccece 1:06
OUP OBNICA TSIM.) acca cecsaccccs«cacesaraelsstnerscucscecesdeesecses ‘04
Phosphoric acid (P.05)..-...ss00 SECCREOCAE CORCEOD euessossvesesescas U5
Carbonic acid (CO,)......-...06. so sccsevsscecbisiascssuess sescs soos 2000

100713

Carbonate of lime (CaCO,) 65-53.

This marl is very hard and of a slaty nature, and does not disintegrate or crum-
ble in water. It is therefore of little value to agriculturists in its present condition,

32

—————————— —

and could not be recommended as a remunerative fertilizer. If, however, the marl
were first well burnt it would be found to be more amenable to the action of the
weather. Its application, if easily and cheaply obtained, might then be attended
with profit.

RIveR AND Swamp Mops.

Four samples of “mud” or “ muck” from different localities in Prince Edward
Island have been received and analysed. This investigation has established vy
scientific proof the great value of tbese materials as fertilizers. That itis well
worthy of the attention of farmers, in whose neighbourhood these muds are found,
can no longer be matter of opinion or speculation. From these remarks, however, it
must not be inferred that all samples ot mud or muck have the same value. As wu
have seen in the case of marl, specimens from different localities vary in their com-
position and hence the necessity and importanee of a chemical analysis in each case
before conclusions as to the intrinsic worth can be drawn. ;

The organic matter which swamp mud and like substances contain, is the result
of the partial decay of plants. Organic matter a3 2 food for plants, depends for its
value upon the percentage of nitrogen it possesses. The nitrogen of such humus is,
as has been already stated, more or less easily converted into forms which can be
used by plants, according to the amount of rainfall, temperature and condition and
composition of the soil, and the nature of the nitrogen-holding substance. Tho
amount of nitrogen, therefore, in a sample, is of paramount importance, and this is
only obtainable by means ofan analysis, Although phosphoric acid and potash
appear to be always present (and when in notable quantities certainly to its enhance-
ment asa fertilizer) itis chiefly as a nitrogen supplier that this mad must be
considered and valued, From the relatively high percentage of nitrogen that these
samples contain, I have no hesitation in affirming that their application to all soils de-
ficient in nitrogen, whether clays or sands, especially where wheat or other grain
crops sre to be grown, will be attended with marked success and profit.

The samples analysed are all from the vicinity of Cardigan Bridge, P.H.I. It
would therefore be unwise to infer that all “ muds ” of that island or of the Maritime
Provinces are of equal value. Before generalizations can be made many more
samples must be examined, and these from various localities. Tne analytical evi-
dence from those already investigated, however, points strongly to the fact that wo
have in these swamp and river muds, a very valuable nitrogenous fertilizer.

The analysis of sample sent by Mr. J. W. Alley, of Cardigan Bridge, PELL,
gives the following results :—

IMGIStOTCbsssscosessccsacussosctecatarsetscetscesonsancteesarectsecitesaqcrommmmlaae
(OES eccobiedaseacnocsuoccoScadodacsen ‘socnop uooencuicccagorcsconscosnosononos WEA
DidnGreacscseceeceseccescscerte eres Se scssicacasdicccnncs sassessoccsasecaseresMmDoncics
Organic matter............... sacscassueect tecsscaccerarscscccasccecc ssc omeml(LMiC

Oxide of-ron and! AlUMINAsccccosssecoceecessccesceonlectescliccecacasctmmOr26

WAM Gs. seceatsneacactevacsiccvacoccccecsvevsl scetevs cassevecewecuccuceeecereamlOG

MAE NEAIA veveceras cores: occacecescavecesesasecdscsccecceslacsesceecceneces 63
BAUIKALIGHSsesessesestessceccsesceasssces Sesadecscacesscurnscecaccrenadecents “43
Chlorin@iecassocsesscoctcccessaceseserccsterttsustescecssscecsccscsieitssee 66
WOlUD OM MIGR toccerencee ves occ ccriceccesaesesca-ca=caweccisianscrecsabances 29
Phosphoric acid...... .. plactousccucnlncadtesteconssesestesies poSoAnCid alee l4
Carbonic acid, &c...... Teds csacsvecaeneneees eifaceesiesenecite sesccosaacac 69

100-00

Nitrogen in organic matter, ‘254 per cent.
Insoluble in acid (clay and sand), 75:99 per cent.
Common salt corresponding to chlorine, 1-08 per cent.

3

Three specimens from Mr, F. D. McCormack, of the same place, are tabulated
below :—

—- No. l. No. 2 No. 3.
MEOIBLMEG foeeseenecaiassuntocst scesrese.a" scloceocecesncenicescuocencckisascecstecenee® 2°28 1°57 12°34
Clay and sand (insoluble in acids). 68°22 76°30 4°07
Organic Matter. ....-...ccce seer rcoes-cvee 14°68 7°32 72°06
Oxide of iron and alumina....... ......-....- 10°16 7°68 3°60
ENN G4 so venceve cesses cassee auceorecuces: 6 croctanongrouaseasaaoetans 91 2°76 3°75
Magnesia... Beexatireornesteevesnsconscaseliemeeers “89 “81 *25
Alkalies.... Sectner teccenecononteeaeanneetees 1°02 *88 “99
Chlorine... ... “83 “40 Traces.
Soluble silica........ 28 20 60
Phosphoric acid ...... wos sccceccee eocce: 16 Traces. *55
Carbonic acid, GC —.....0. .crcccese sveeeee 52 2°08 1°79
100-00 100°00 100-00
Nitrogen in Organic MAtter.eresreccesseaccesee vereeees @ cane?) encvee serconae= 336 243 1°70
Common salt, corresponding to chlorine.. ...., cs sr acreecenon 1°45 "66

By a consideration of these figures it will be seen that Mr. Alley’s sample and
No. 2 closely approximate each other.in their composition and consequently in their
value. No. 1 stands higher than these two on account of the greater percentage of
nitrogen, phosphoric acid and alkalies. No. 3 is the best of all, and must be ranked
as a first-class nitrogenous fertilizer. LPesides the large quantity of this element
which it possesses there is present over three times the amount of phosphoric acid
found in the other samples. Under the term alkalies are included the oxides of
potassium and sodium, commonly known as potash and soda, The value of potash
far exceeds that of soda from an agricultural standpoint, for potash is an essential
component of, and occurs in considerable quantities in, all plant tissues, while
soda is absorbed by plants only in very small amounts, and most certainly cannot
be substituted for potash as a plant food. Itis, therefore, of importance in most
instances to ascertain the relative percentages of these substances present ina
fertilizer, so that its correct value may be arrived at. Contrary to my expectations
I found the amount of potash so small in comparison ‘with that of the soda as to
render a separation of the two of little value. e find a reason for this excess of
soda when we notice the chlorine present—the two being evidently combined as
common salt. This salt is, no doubt, derived directly or indirectly from sea water.

Besides supplying nitrogén, humus—a generic term used to denote the result of
partial decay ot vegetable matter whether in soils, peat or swamp muck—may be
considered of value from the products of its ultimate decay in the soil; chief among
which is carbonic acid, most useful in conjunction with water in rendering soluble
other plamt tood. It forms an admirable absorbent of moisture and ammonia, and
from its mechanical texture and lightness is of great value in mellowing heavy clays
and in “binding ” sandy soils.

Although the application of peat and allied materials directly to the soil must
in most instances be beneficial, yet for profitable use such substances as ¢ontain
humus should first be submitted to a process of fermentation, whereby, as has already
been pointed out, the nitrogen may be converted into an easily assimilable form.
This, to some extent, is brought about by a simple exposure to air in heaps, but much
more quickly by compositing with dung, fish, &c. £ would therefore suggest to
farmers who live in the vicinity of these river and swamp deposits to compost it
during the winter with farm yard manure and then spread the result on the fields in
the spring before ploughing,

5b—3

Since writing the above I have received the following information :—The sample
sent by Mr. Alley is from the bottom of the Cardigan River, the deposit where it
was dug being sbout six feet in depth: He reports that farther down the river there
are beds which extend for long distances, some approximating 20 feetindepth. Mr.
McCormack reports that samples I and I[ are river mud taken at different spots in
the vicinity of Cardigan Bridge. Sample III is from a swamp, the deposit boing
about three feet deep. The swamp is flooded during the greater part of the year.

Sort.
One sample of soil was analysed by me during the past year. It was forwarded
by Dr. Bell, of the Geological Survey. I append the letter asking for my examina-

tion and report on the composition of the same, as both appear to me to be of suffi-
cient general importance as to merit their insertion here.

Letter from Robert Bell, M.D., LL.D., Assistant Director of the Geological Survey of Canada.

GxoLOGICAL Survey, Orrawa, 3rd May, 1888.
FRANK T. Suurt, Esq., M.A., F.C.S.,
Chemist Dominion Experimental Farms,
Ottawa,

Dear S1r,—I beg to send you a sample of soil from the Halibury Farm, on the
west side and near the north end of Lake Temiscaming, and to ask if you will have
the kindness to make a chemical examination of it. I spoke to our own chemist,
Mr. Hoffmann, about it, but he said it was more in your line than his and recom-
mended me to send it to you. I think it of importance to know something about
the nature of the soil from s chemical point of view, as it prevails throughout a
large tract around the above lake, and, in spite of its very light colour, it is capable
of produging good crops, The sample I send was collected by myself immediately
below the vegetable mould in a newly cleared piece of land. When ploughed up for
the first time this soil looks hard and “cloddy” but soon falls to powder under the
influence of the weather. It is not confined to any particular level, but is found ai
all heights and on both sides of the lake. Its almost white colour forms a singular
oontrast to the bright green of the vegetation growing upon it and I am curious to
know if you can discover any ehemical reason tor the fertility of what might be
taken for an unpromising soil. I shall, therefore, feel obliged if you can spare time
to examine-it and let me know the result, as I should like to refer to it in my report
on the geology, &c., of the district. I may mention that attention is being directed
to the country around Lake Temiscaming as a field for colonization. Many families
have already settled there and some townships have been surveyed on both sides of
the inter-provincial boundary.

I am, dear Sir, yours respectfully,
Ropert BEut.

ANALYSIS AND REPORT,

MOONSGUEO Foc coin. sacacouqod-c-oo sn cert cose eeetira tte setoeseeetree 1-79
Clay and sand (insoluble in hydrochloric acid)...... Seowesers 77-20
Volatile and organic matter.........,..ssecscocssssessrecsessersees 3°70
lron and alumina (Fe, 05, Al,U3)..ccccsseccssecsscenseesee 12°37
ine (ORO) pce eee eee: cot sooe ee wensSevecscocseeucieGestecees 1°12
Magnesia (MgO) is icteeacsésocaseschetessnadeeveated-osteseupioeeesee hy EEBUES
Phosphoric acid.......- peapactieseseceascss soncoodg seeeeeeeVOry heavy traces
Alkalies (KO, Na,O)...........00 <pagoncacodbaob coostinnacenstd :
Solublejsilicay(Si@ Wye... 2-1. lceceereets cect eeetceere eee eeeeee 03
Carbonic acid and undetermined...... ScoSsaoodoodadd cececees ose 2:96
100-00
Nitrogen inorganic Mattor!. ic. seresesececoatisesstuevesterenace 087

Carbonate of lime (CaCo,g )........ssesscececscececoees peccsccest 5 2-00

—- ee

85

8

Sulphates and chlorides are absent.

The soil is a clay loam of a light colour, and contains but little sand,

“T regret that the time at my disposal has not allowed me to make a more com-
plete analysis, but from the figures already given the soil shows itself as one con-
taining in fair proportions all the elements conducive to plant growth. Its mechan-
ical condition or texture seems favourable to pan growth. I think it should be one
that is sufficiently loose to allow the root fibres and air to freely penotrate and ‘at
the same time retain heat, moisture and fertilizing materials. The physical condi-
tion of a soil as well as its composition must be considered when endeavouring to
ascertain its relative fertiitly. Indeed, the one is well nigh as important as the
other ; hence the value that is to be placed upon the latter portion of this report.”

At the time of making the above report 1 was about leaving for England, and
consequently could not make as full an analysis as I desired. Sufficient however was
done to show that the scilis by no means an unfertile one, though not ranking as
first class. Dr. Bell’s testimony as to its fertility, bears out the result of my
examination.

REPORT ON WELL WATER FROM ANTRIM P.O., ONT.

LaAsoraToRy OF THE HXPERIMENTAL Farm,
Ortawa, 2nd April, 1888.
Witiiam Saunpers, Haq. F.R.S.C.,
Director, Dominion Experimental Farms,
Ottawa,

Sir,—I have the honour to report as follows respecting the quality of the well
water of Mr, R. C. Sparrow, Antrim P.O. The well is said to be dug 25 feet and
then bored to the extent of another 25 feet. Ac-urate information as to the naturo
of the soil and the proximity of the well to the barnyard or other source of contami
nation is wanting.

Chemical Analysis.

Free ammonia, parts per million.......,.... 2-18
Albuminoid ammonia SeMacctacs con ° ot
Oxygen absorbed in 15’ at 80 F. “ Co repedsenAne 4°58

ce « in4hrs.at30F. “ ce ginwersescsscs 7:82
Chlorine Seiliesciten siteestn yh OU (0)

Total solids cs Gs Vedsocconoc | Ue asetty)

Phosphates, very heavy traces.

The water has a disagreeable odonr, is slightly yellow and contains small quar-
tities of sediment.

This water I must unhesitatingly condemn as a potable water, and would advise
the immediate discontinuance of its use for drinking purposes and watering cattle,

Not knowing the exact position of the well, I am unable to say whether cleaning
it out would be of much value. I am inclined to think, however, from the composi-
tion of the water, that the well acts as a cesspool to sume degree, and in such case
would probably have to be abandoned.

Respectfully submitted,
Frank T. SHurr, M.A., F.C.S.
Chemist, Dominion Experimental Farms.

5b—3h

36
Saas SSS eS SSS. SSSSSSSSEEE_=

It is hardly necessary for me perhaps to emphasize the tremendous importance
both to man and beast of a pure water supply. I called attention to this subject in
my last report, and suggested that an opportunity should be afforded to farmers (a
small fee being charged if found necessary) of having their drinking water analysed.
When the new laboratories are completed a special set of apparatus will be devoted
to this work, and every facility for prosecutiag this branch of chemical work will be
furnished, Those desirous of having a sample of water examined should first write
for instructions for collecting and sending the same.

TRIP TO THE CONTINENT FOR THE PROCURING OF APPARATUS, THE.
INSPECTION OF LABORATORIES, &C.

In the month of June last I left Canada for a ehort tour in England and Germany
for the purpose of selecting the apparatus required in our new Laboratories and, at
the same time, of inspecting the fittings and appointments of laboratories of universi-
ties, technical schools and institutions akin to our Experimental Farm, where analyses
and experiments of an agricultural nature are carried on. At the same time it was
intended to note the character and method of carrying out of agricultural experi-
ments in these countries.

With regard to apparatus 1 may state that after visiting the chief houses in
Germany I was enabled to make such a selection as was immediately required for
use, and to such an extent as the means at our disposal would at present permit. I
may point out that by thus ordering direct from the manufacturers not. only is the
quality guaranteed but also a great saving in coat effected.

As in my last report, I shall now give but an outline of the size and general
appointment of the laboratories visited during the summer and pass over such details
as would not be of interest save from a strictly scientific standpoint.

University College, Liverpool.

In England my first visit was paid to the Liverpool University College. The
new chemical laboratories of this institution were erected in 1886, and have been so
constructed and finished that for completeness, general arrangement and the intro-
duction of modern improvements they stand among the very first in England.

The building is large and handsome, being constructed, in Romanesque style, of
brick and terra cotta. There yet remains to be added to it two large laboratories
before the completion of the design. The cost as it now stands, exclusive of site, was
£16,000.

On the ground floor there is a theatre for practical work—the only one of the
kind I believe in existence. Tne dimensions are 48 ft, 6 in. by 42 ft. 6 in, and is 19
ft. 6 in. in height. Here a large number of students can perform simultaneously
with the demonstrator all experiments in qualitative analysis, and for the purpose
of teaching large classes in this work it is said to answer admirably. For this end the
benches are arranged in ascending and concentric tiers—the demoastrator’s table
being so placed as to be in view of the whole class, The benches are in sections,
and thus form segments of the tiers, each bench accommodates two students, being
8 ft. long. They are fitted with gas and water supplies, fume chamber and cupboard
for the storing of chemicals and apparatus. The preparation room js connectec with
the theatre. A lavatory, sulphuretted-hydrogen room, rooms for gas engine, dynamo
and storage purposes occupy the rest of this floor.

The lecture theatre is on the second floor and giving accommodation to 212
students. Apparatus and diagram rooms, a private laboratory and museum complete
this floor. Still higher are to be found rooms for microscopic and spectroscopic work.
The building throughout is supplied with warm, fresh air, heated in underground
channels by means of hot water piping. Tne heated air rises in vertical flues or passages

37

in the walls. Before entering to the rooms it passes through a spray of water to
cleanse and moisten it—its currents being accelerated by a fan driven by the gas
engine. Ventilation is secured by gas burners, and by means of a furnace at the
base of a shaft, down which all fumes and vitiated air pass.

The organic laboratory, at present being used for quantitative analysis, is 28 ft. by
24 ft. Its walls are lined with glazed brick, The rooms throughout are supplied
with hot and cold water, steam, hot air baths, tume chambers and evaporating niches.
The working benches are of pitch pine with waxed walnut tops, presenting a very
handsome appearance and at the same time withstanding the corrosive action of strong
acids and alkalies. The gas and water taps are arranged in front of the benches, just
below the top. The pipes from the same lead to nozzles issuing from the bench top
st the back of the table; a most desirable arrangement and one we have adopted in
the new Farm laboratories.

The details of the laboratory fittings, &e., were worked out by Dr. Campbell
Brown, the Professor of Chemistry, who by his valuable counsel has enabled the
architect, Mr. Waterhouse, R. A., to design and construct this model of laboratories.

Owens College, Manchester.

The laboratories here were also designed by Mr. Waterhouse, in conjunction
with Prof. Roscoe. The College, of which the laboratories form a part, is a magni-
ficent pile in stone. Two large laboratories, each 50 ft. by 30 ft., and 29 ft. high,
furnish accommodation for qualitative and quantitative work, and afford working
places for about 100 students. On the same floor are balance rooms, rooms for gas
and organic analysis, library and organic-chemistry lecture room. The lecture
theatre, holding about 400 students, has adjoining it a lecturer’s laboratory and is
supplied with sinks, draught closets, &c. A laboratory for medical and evening
classes is in the basement, where are also a metallurgical laboratory furnished with
furnaces, lavatory, dark rooms for photographic an@spectroscopic work, store rooms,
&c. Evaporation niches are placed at intervals in the walls of the laboratories, and
porcelain hoods to carry off fumes, and sulphuretted hydrogen closets are on each
bench. All these are connected by glazed earthenware piping with the draught of
the main chimney, which also carries away the vitiated air of the rooms. Fresh air
is supplied by a down shaft, being drawn over hot water pipes and entering the
rooms through gratings in the walls. Prof. Dixon, ably assisted by Dr. Cohen, has
charge of the chemical department.

Manchester Grammar School—Chemical Laboratory.

Here, although the area is limited, accommodation is afforded for about 90
students in the laboratory—the arrangement being apparently perfect. The usual
draught closets are found on the tables and between the windows. A special room
is devoted to operations with sulphuretted hydrogen. The lecture room, apparatus
room, preparation room and balance room are on the same floor—the second. A
foul air shaft with central smoke flue withdrawa all noxious gases from the rooms
and draught places,

Yorkshire College, Leeds.

This college, together with University College, Liverpool, and Owens College,
Manchester, is affiliated with Victoria University—now so widely known for the ex-
cellency of its science degree. Applied science in all its branches, as well as the fine
arts and languages is here taught. I shall, however, as heretofore, confine myself to
a brief description of the accommodation for teaching chemistry.

On the ground floor is the chemical lecture theatre, 65 feet long by 37 feet wide.
It will seat nearly 400 students, Its lecture table is 21 feet long, amply supplied
with all necessaries, and behind it isa draught closet, blackboard and a diagram
frame, which latter is let down through a slit in the ceiling from a room above by
suitable machinery. The table in the draught closet just mentioned can be run

38
ea_“=@$q?V«@OSS————Ss—esa=$qsqS3o7$“qm=—

either into the lecture room or into a preparation room behind it. A special labora-
tory, combustion room, metallurgical laboratory, museum and photographic room
complete the accommodation devoted on this floor to chemistry,

On the first floor is the main chemical laboratory—the finest in the Kingdom.
It is 62 feet long and 59 feet wide, and is used for both qualitative and quantitative
work, the only division being a row of five columns—an arrangement highly spoken
of. The benches provide room for about 50 students, and are furnished with water
and gas, vacuum pumps, &c. At one end of this laboratory is the sulphuretted hy-
drogen room, distillation and engine rooms. The draught closets are situated be-
tween ten windows—there being nene on the tables. Evaporation niches and places
for distillation are ranged along one wall. Diatilled water is conveyed by glass
tubing from the still reservoir to glass taps in the columns before mentioned, from
which it can be drawn off by the students. The walls of the laboratory are lined.
with white, glazed brick. The steam cupboards are of heavy brass and are of very
substantial make. Dr. Arthur Smithells, the professor of chemistry, was away when
I called, but through tke kindness of the secretary I was shown over the college.

The City and Guilds of London Central Technical Institution, South Kensington, London.

This building was erected for the advancement of technical education, and by
the adoption of the latest improvements in fittings, ventilation and heating is to-day
one of the most efficient of all technical colleges.

As many of the details of the laboratories here are much the same as those
already mentioned I shall not repeat them. The chemical lecture room, with
attached preparation room, is on the ground floor. On the second floor are two large
laboratories for advanced work, and also one for special operations. An electro-
chemical laboratory, crystallography room, another lecture room and a room for
experiments involving unpleasant smells, furnished with a large flue, occupy the rest
of this flat. The third floor consists of a large laboratory for junior students, dark
room, balance room, photomeiric and polariscope room and a laboratory for gas.
analysis. The chemical fittings throughout were planned by Dr. Armstrong, the
professor of chemistry, and are excellent.

The Chemical Laboratory, Cambridge University.

This building was not quite ready for occupation when I visited it, neverthelese
it had so far progressed as to be very evident that when finished this aniversity
would possess a laboratory furnished with all the facilities and conveniences required
at the present day in all the branches of chemical work. Before deciding upon the
plans Professors Dewar and Liveing visited all the newly erected laboratories on the
continent. The architect, therefore, with their assistance, has been able to erect a
well arranged building thoroughly equipped throughout, for as has been said “a
careful study of the plans of the chief continental and English laboratories recently
erected has led to the adoption of every appliance which has proved successful.” Its
estimated cost is about£31,000. There is laboratory accommodation for 175 students
working at once. The draught closets are here placed in the windows, and each is
furnished with a separate flue. This plan is in vogue at Munich. The drains from
the bench sinks and wastes are iron troughs, pitched on the inside, and run just be-
low the floor, the boards of which in such places are movable. This is to allow easy
access at all times to any part of the drains which may be temporarily choked The
bench tops are of finished teak, a wood very highly spoken of for this purpose.

To enter into a detailed account of the various rooms for chemical work in this
magnificent building, would occupy more space than is at my disposal, 1 can there-
fore but say that in addition to lecture rooms and students’ laboratories, there are pro-
vided rooms for special operations ; as for instance, there are two rooms for conducting
experiments with easily inflammable materials, distillation of ether, &c., and another
for working with chlorine and bromime. The usual store rooms, preparation and
specimen rooms are throughout the building.

39

ool EES

The laboratories of the Universities ot Oxford and King’s were also seen, but
require no special comment here.

AGRICULTURAL LABORATORIES, &., IN ENGLAND.

In England among those visited were the laboratories of Sir John Lawes and Dr.
Gilbert, at Rothamsted, of the Royal Agricultural Society, Hanover Square, London,
Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester, the Agricultural College, Downton, an¢
those of the Aylesbury Dairy Company, London.

Experimental Farm and Laboratory of Sir John Lawes, Rothamsted, Herts.

For the past fifty years, unassisted by Government aid, Sir John B. Lawes,
associated with Dr. Gilbert, has carried out experiments in agriculture upon his
estate in Hertfordshire. Such has been the work of these gentlemen, that one may
say that its value is incalculable. It is consulted, not only in England, but throyehout
the world, as of standard authority in questions of agricultural practice and science.
Investigations extending nearly over half a century, and conducted with great skill
and the utmost thoroughness and accuracy, have yielded results whieh may be said
to have revolutionized the scieneo of agriculture.

are rresent laboratory erected in 1855, where the chemical portion of the work
is conducted by Dr. Gilbert with the aid of ten assistants, is found now to be too
small. Consequently a new laboratory is about to be built, as well as another store-
100m, where can be placed the almost innumerable samples, which having accumu-
lated during so many years, fill to overflowing the present quarters.

I was conducted over the farm and laboratory by Dr. Gilbert,to whom I wish
to return my best thanks for his kindness in explaining to me the nature of the
various experiments they were carrying out. It would be impossible to give any
detailed account of these here, and it must suffice if I now merely outline some of
the more striking ones.

In wheat, experiments have been made by growing it consecutively in the same
soil for forty-five years. Tosome plots have been added farm-yard manure, to others
artificial fertilizers, and inone instance the wheat has been grown without any
manure. This latter plot yielded last year 14% bushels of wheat, an amount equal to
the average of the first 18 years, obtained from the same plot, showing the immense
amount of fertilizing material in the soil which is gradually and from year'to year
rendered fit for plant food by the various atmospheric agencies. The value, how-
ever, of fertilizers is demonstrated by the fact that from some plots on which they
had been used, an average of 45 bushels was obtained. The experience here has
been that other things being equal, nitrogenous fertilizers, and especially nitrates
(as nitrate of soda), are of the greatest value to the wheat crop.

A very important and interesting experiment with wheat is one in which five
years ago the plot was uncropped—the grain being left to fall when ripe upon the
ground and sow itself. Two years ago a few stunted cars were to be seen, but now
not a single one. The rapidity with which the weeds have grown and choked tho
wheat entirely out of existence is amazing. From this result Sir J. Lawes infers
that our wheat of the present day is of artificial development, and if the land were
left uncultivated, fields would soon become so overrun with hardy weeds that the
' artificial crops would become killed out,

Another interesting and important experiment is that with grasses. The field
in which this is conducted is of seven acres, and is divided into 20 plots. When
observations were first made, in 1856, the hervage was uniform. Since then by the
application of different fertilizers, comprising farm-yard manure, super-pLosphate of
lime, ammonium and potassium salts, the growth ot the trae grasses and leguminore

40

has been greatly modified. While on one plot there is now to be seen only a single
kind of grass, on another we find several with one or two sorts predominant, and
80 On.

Much of the work undertaken at Rothamsted may be indicated as follows, but
many investigations of a special nature cannot here be touched upon.

Field experiments, including comparative experiments with different fertiliz-
ers ; rotation experiments, both with and without manure; experiments on growing
the same crop year after year on the same land, with and without various fertilizers.
The plants experimented with include those of all farm crops. Analyses, either
partial or complete, are made of all the products of such investigations.

Experiments with soils. Over 1,650 samples of soil have been submitted to mechan-
ical analysis. These specimens were taken at depths of 9, 18 and 27 inches, and, for
spocial purposes, from two to four times this latter depth. Many have been subjected
to full chemical analysis, Also the absorptive capacities for water and ammonia of
many samples have been ascertained.

Rainfall and drainage experiments. To estimate the rainfall a gauge of one-
thousandth of an acre and two other smaller ones are used. The nitrogen, present
as ammonia and nitric acid, the chlorine and sulphuric acid have been determined in
a number of the samples. Three drain gauges of one-thousandth of an acre are in use,
The quantity of water percolating through 6, 40 and 20 inches of soil is ascertained.
The water so collected is frequently analyzed. Besides these large gauges there are
several series of smaller ones, arranged when special investigations are being carried
on with fertilizors, &e.

Experiments with animals. Since 1847 several hundred animals have been ex-
perimented upon—chiefly oxen, sheep and pigs. Elucidation on the following points,
amongst others, has been sought:

1, The amount of food, and of its several constituents, consumed in relation to
a given live weight of animal within a given time.

2, The amount of food, and of its several constituents, consumed to produce s
given amount of increase in live weight.

3. The proportion and relative development of the different organs or parts of
different animals.

4. The proximate and ultimate composition of the animals in different conditions
as to ege and fatness, and the prdbable composition of their increase in live weight
during the fattening process.

5. The composition of the solid and liquid excreta in relation to that of the fooa
consumed.

6. The loss or expenditure of constituents by respiration and cutaneous ex-
halation.

Other investigations include the determination of the losses and changes which
take place in the making of ensilage ; the value of various substances as food-stuffs
for fattening, production of milk, etc., etc.

Experimental Farm of the Royal Agricultural Society, Woburn.

At the Experimental Farm of the Royal Agricultural Society at Woburn, a
similar work was begun in 1877. The primary object was to test by actual farm
practice the accuracy of the estimated values of manures obtained by the consump-
tion of different kinds of foods. Experiments on the continuous growth of wheat
and barley, similar to those at Rothamsted, are also being made. A field of 16
acres is devoted to rotation experiments, There is also ground set apart for experi-
ments in the growth of grasses and clovers, and a field for experiments with per-
manent pastures. Altogether there is about 50 acres uncer experiment.

Without inserting a iarge number of tables it is difficult to give an account of
the results of these experiments, It is gratifying to learn, however, that similar

41

results in the main have been obtained at Woburn as at Rothamsted, Thus, plots
unmanured for eight years, produced last year 23 bushels of wheat to the acre, show-
ing that the amount of reserve fertility is hard to exhaust. Where*only ammonium
salts or nitrate of soda is used alone an increase in the produce has been obtained.
It would appear that on the season depend the relative values of these two forms of
nitrogen; nitrate of soda being used with greater advantage than ammonium salts in
dry weather, the reverse being true in a wet season. Mineral manures alone give no
appreciable increase over the unmanured plots. A combination of mineral fertilizers
and ammonium salts or nitrate give the best results. On certain plots the nitrogen-
ous fertilizer was omitted for a single year, the result being that the yield scarcely
exceeded that of the unmanured plots. The renewed application the following year
gave in return again the same increased yield. The analyses of the farm are made
by Dr. Voelcker and his assistant, Dr. Leather, in the Society’s laboratory in London,
where also samples of linseed cake, fertilizers and of all kinds of agricultural pro-
ducts are examined for the members of the Society.

Rotation experiments with the ordinary four course of roots, barley, seeds,
(clover, &c.) wheat, were inaugurated in 1877, and acomparison made of the produce
when manuring with various fertilizers, including decorticated cotton cake and
maize meal. They also include the comparison between manuring with the dung
obtained by feeding certain quantities of these latter materials, and artificial manure
calculated to contain the same amount of fertilizing constituents.

The results show that the maize meal did not produce more than the cotton-seed
cake, relatively much richer in nitrogen—owing, no doubt, to the unexhausted sup-
ply of the element in the land operated upon. There appears to be a slight advan-
tage in favor of manuring with the materials direct rather than with the dung
obtained by feeding these materials—the amounts of both being calculated to con-
tain the same proportion of nitrogen, potash and phosphoric acid.

At neither of the foregoing institutions are pupils taken. Sir John Lawes says
that “ experimenting and tuition cannot run together successfully. Our work is in
one direction ; others must take up that of tuition.’’ This conclusion has been arrived
at by all engaged in strictly experimental work and the principle has rightly been
adopted upon our Dominion experimental farms.

The Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester.

This college was established at Cirencester, in 1845, under Royal patronage. It
is well equipped for teaching the principles and practice of agriculture, having
attached to it a mixed farm of 500 acres—400 acres of which are arable. The college
buildings proper include a museum, lecture theatre, class rooms, chemical and biolo-
gical laboratories, private rooms, dormitories studies, chapel, dining hall, library,
&c. The tarm buildings, erected at a cost of £4,000, are furnished with modern
appliances, are very compact and include stables, piggeries, cattle boxes, &c.

The dairy, built in 1885, is a separate building of substantial structure. It com-
prises rooms for (a) the cooling and setting of milk and raising of cream, (4) the
mechanical separation of cream by centrifugal force, and the churning and making
of butter, and (c) for the manufacture of cheese of various kinds. It is furnished
throughout with the modern appliances and utensils supplied by the Aylesbury
Dairy Company. The dairy is worked on strictly scientific principles, the milk of
each cow being weighed every morning and evening. Milk analyses are made and
arecord taken of the feeding and milk produced. The cow house is a separate
building, well equipped with double stalls, to which the water is laid on. The breeds
are—Shorthorns, Jerseys, Guernseys, Ayrshires, Red Polls and Kerries, and are
excellent specimens of dairy cattle. A herd of about 500 Cotswold sheep are main-
tained—the produce from which is regularly sold. The farm is managed by a rent-
paying tenant, but the college reserves to itself its use for instraction of the students
in practical agriculture, It is said that “ the practical business character,of the farm

42

is more thoroughly ensured by undivided attention and large outlay of private capi-
tal.” Classes are held every day upon the farm by the Protessor of Agriculture and
the Farm Bailiff.

A certain amount of experimental and research work with the cultivation of
cereals, grasses, &c., and the comparative values of artificial fertilizers, in which the
senior pupils assist, form a part of the work of the college, though necessarily where
so much of the time of the professors is taken up in tuition, it cannot be prosecuted
on any extensive plan. A botanic garden in which are representatives of the natural
orders of plants, trees and shrubs, affords the students an instruction of great practi-
cal value,

The college course for the diploma extends over two years and one session,
though there is a special course of one year for “out-students.” An attendance of
about 80 students is usual,

A very large staff of professors and lecturers is engaged in teaching agriculture
and its allied sciences.

The College of Agriculture, Downton.

This college affords instruction in all the branches of agriculture, and possesses
a large mixed farm for practical tuition in general farming and dairying. The farm,
consisting of some 600 acres, is worked by the college,, About 120 acres are in pas-
turage, supporting a dairy of 40 cows. A heavy stock of Hampshire Down sheep is
kept—the flock numbering in July about 1,200. Two hundred acres are devoted to
wheat growing. Tho dairy is fitted with the newest appliances and is managed on
business principles. Other features of the farm are the breeding Of pigs and
poultry.

The laboratories comprise one for chemical work and one for natural history,
and are well suited for their purpose. The museum contains a collection of all sub-
stances related to agriculture, There is here also a botanic garden and aboretum.
The academic course is for two years, but students are advised to stay another year
in order to perfect themselves in agricultural practice. A fair amount of experi-
mental work is done here, but necessarily it cannot be undertaken on any large scale
owing to its interference with the tuition and affairs of the students. The professors
and lecturers number eight, and among them are some of the highest authorities on
agricultural subjects in England,

To Professor Wrightson, the president and professor of agriculture, I owe many
thanks for providing me with all information regarding the college.

LABORATORIES AND EXPERIMENTAL STATIONS IN GERMANY.

Not a little of the time I spent on the continent was devoted to the inspection
of chemical apparatus manufactured by the larger houses in Berlin, Bonn, Xc., &e.
As the result of this I have been enabled to make such a selection of apparatus—it
being ordered from six different firms— as would best fulfil our present requirements
and at the same time come well within the appropriation for the purchase of the
same.

Berlin.

The famous laboratory of the university here, presided over by Dr. Hofmann, of
world-wide celebrity, was first visited. It was erected in 1866 on Georgen Strasse,
at 9 cost of £32,000. The laboratories sre very large, two being 48 tt. by 31 f., &

\ third, for special work, 47 ft. by 24 ft, with combustion room attached. The

arrangements here are somewhat out of date and inconvenient, many improvements
in laboratory fittings having been made since the date of its erection. Thus there
are no passages proper, the rooms being used fur such. This causes great inconven-
ience and annoyance to workers—especially to those engaged in the “ balance room.”
Like the great majority of German buildings it is built on allsides of a central “ hof”
or quadrangle, a plan which has been adopted recently in some large buildings in
England as one that affords more light to the rooms than any other. The usual
rooms for storage and for special operations are all found here, but as much better
arrangements have already been described, | may now pass on.

The second chemical laboratory of the university, sitaated on Dorotheen Strasse,
where Drs. Rammelsborg and Friedheim are professors, was also seen, as were also.
those of the Berg Akademie, Invaliden Strasse, and of the Landwirthschaftliche
Hochschule, where Drs, Fernandez and Knorre respectively are professors. These
laboratories are all well adapted to their purposes, and in point of furniture, appli-
ances, apparatus, &c., leave little to be desired.

Special mention must be made of the laboratories of the Polytechnikum or Royal
Technical High Schoo!, Charlottenburg, near Berlin.

Some idea of the magnificence of this building may be obtained on learning that
its frontage is 670 feet, and the eastern and western wings 270 feet deep. The
edifice is of stone, and four storeys high. It contains five hofs or internal open
courts. The finishing of the interior is very handsome, Its erection and equipment
cost over £400,000.

The chemical laboratory, together with the photo-chemical laboratory, consti-
tutes another building, about 200 feet square, including two “hofs,” The celebrated
Professors Liebermann and Vogel have had their respective laboratories supplied
with every appliance of modern invention for facility and convenience in prosecutin
their researches and teaching their students. Everything here is of the best material,
and bears the stamp of a high degree of finish. The beauty combined with the sub-
stantial nature, which both interior and exterior present, makes a visit to the poly-
lechnikum a most pleasing and instructive one.

Halle.

The laboratory of the Chemisches Institut of which Professor Volhardt is pre-
sident is old, and consequently does not present those features so characteristic of
modern institutions. ‘Lhe Experimental Station here, however, is doing @ most
thoroagh and reliable work in original research in agriculture.

Leipsic.

The University of Leipsic, so justly celebrated, stands out as the most prominent
institution of the city. Professor Stohmann, the professor of agricultural chemistry,
most courteously showed me over his laboratories, He is engaged in a series of
experiments on the heat of combustion of chemical substances, the result of which
throw great light upon the value of feeding stuffs.

Méckern.

The Experimental Station at Méckern is devoted to experiments with animals,
with the view of elucidating the relative worth of different cattle foods, Prefessor
Kuhn, assisted by six chemists, is engaged chiefly in what is known as “ Respiration
Experiments,” for which a most elaborate and costly apparatus is provided. The
foods are accurately analysed, as is also all the products after digestion. These
researches require great care and skill, and time, but the results obtained are of
universal importance to agriculturists. Kjeldahl’s method for the estimation of nitrogen
is solely used here. This process has become of general acceptance throughout
Germany for the determination, both quick and accurate, of this element.

44

Gottingen.

The Experimental Station, under Professors Henneberg and Tollens, is part of
the University system, though its buildings and grounds are distinct and separate.
The laboratories, which are well suited to the work of a station, as well as those of
the University proper, were inspected. Special forms of apparatus for extraction of
fat by Soxhlet’s method, the determination of nitrogen by Kjeldahl’s process, and for
estimation of fibre in plants, foods and agricultural products, were here seen, and so
commended themselves to me that itis the intention to introduce them at our
new laboratories. ‘he relative value of potash, phosphoric acid and nitrogen as
food for potatoes, wheat, rye, barley, Indian corn and grasses, is ascertained in the
experimental plots. Other experiments conducted here are trials with subsoil, i.e.,
growing plants in a soil devoid of humus. It is the practice here to leave on the
outside of the plot a strip about two feet wide, the growth of which is not included
in the experiment, thus avoiding any errcrs that might occur through the action of:
light, air, &.

* Among a host of different experiments on various lines, I noticed some in which
a bearded wheat was being developed by selection and breeding. Such a wheat is
required in Germany, where small birds in large quantities do great damage to the
grain crop. It has been found that a heavily bearded wheat is proof to a large ex-
tent against the attacks of these marauders. The Wunderschéa wheat, of which
there are both summer and winter varieties, is a bearded wheat of great prolificness,
and has been brought to its present marvellous state of perfection at this station.

A very convenient plan has been adopted here of laying tramways (upon which
trucks are run) in the walks between the experimental plots. These tramways lead
into the buildings where the produce of the plot is stored.

Stuttgart and Hohenheim.

The Polytechnikum at Stuttgart contains large chemical laboratories fitted up
for teaching both qualitative and quantitative analysis. The usual lecture rooms and
other rooms for special purposes are also found here.

Not many miles from Stuttgart is Hohenheim, where isa large Agricultural
College and an Experimental Station. These are distinct and separate buildings.
The college was a sch.oss or castle occupied by Duke Charles in 1768, and since de-
voted to its present purpose. A large number of students is in attendance. A well-
tilled farm surrounds the college, upon which the students receive instruction in
practical agriculture.

The experimental station, at some little distance from the college buildings, con-
sists chiefly of chemical laboratories, under the control of Professors Wolff, Behrend
and Riess. There is here a very large acreage under experiment—the plots being
numerous and large. I noticed that trials with wheat, oats, barley, grasses and all
kinds of root crops were being made, A label on each plot indicated the fertilizer
and the amount of such, used. Ata glance could be seen the effect of the omission
in one case of potash—in another, of phosphoric acid, and so on. In another series
was evident the result of soil exhaustion by continuously growing the same crop
year after year. A day was spent here in taking notes on these instructive experi-
ments,

Darmstadt.

There is a very well arranged and handsome laboratory at the experimental
statioc here—now three years old, It may be looked upon as a model for chemical
research in agriculture, It is well appointed, with plenty of light, and the apparatus
and fittings are of the most approved kind. The special character of the work is
ascertaining the value of different fertilizers as plant food, which is conducted by
Professor Paul Wagner, assisted by a staff of expert chemists, The experiments are
carried out for the most part in zine pots of different sizes and of special construc-
tion,

45

The ground behind the station—some half acre—is laid out in plots, between
which run tramways similar to those at Géttingen. Part of the lot is covered by a
glass house, into which the tramways run. The experiment pots can thus be easily
and quickly placed under shelter when such is required. As to the great value of a
scientific investigation, in which the experimentalist has full control over all the cir-
cumstances, Prof. Wagner speaks as follows:—‘‘ We must obtain information about
the whole process of the nutrition of plants and clearness as to the influence of every
single factor on the action of manure, and clearness can only be gained through
experiments which have been carried out on scientific principles, with full eontrol
over all influencing circumstances and with the employment of scientific expedients.
Practical field experiments cannot do this, they can only, in conjunction with exact
and critical investigation, help to enrich the science of exact knowledge.” Again:
“The farmer cannot examine into the correctness, or the reverse, of the experimental
results, the investigator must do this himself; but the farmers ought to try, by
extended observation, by judgment based on intimate knowledge, and, if necessary, by
well devised, carefully executed and logically interpreted field experiments, in what
way scientific investigation, on the conclusions or advice derived from this, are to be
turned to good account under the special conditions of soil or of cultivation on his
farm.”

As a result of such detailed and scientifically conducted experiments I may refer
to the recognition of the fact, which is now thoroughly established beyond doubt, that
the legumino:# can and do take their chief supply of nitrogen from the air. For
many years this was disputed, and it was only by such means as [| have alluded to
that Professors Hellriegel, Wolff and Wagner have been able to prove incontestably
that such is the case. This fact is of paramount importance to agriculture. It divides
farm crops into “nitrogen increasers” (clover, peas, vetches, lupines, &c.,) and
“ nitrogen consumers” (cereals, grasses, roots, &c.,) the latter depending on the soil
for their nitrogen, while the former increase the nitrogen already contained in the
soil. We now see plainly how it is that a crop of clover benefits the succeeding crop
of wheat—a plant that absorbs all its nitrogen from the soil in the form of nitro-
genous salts. EH. Bréal (Compt. rend. 107) has shown that the absorption of nitro-
gen by some leguminose is very great—the total nitrogen in the case of lucerne
amounting to twenty-five times as great as that in the seed.

Bonn.

The experiment station at Bonn is entirely devoted to chemical research and
analyses. Its director, Dr. A. Stutzer, conducted me over the laboratories, in which
were all the necessary fittings and apparatus for carrying on the work of scientific
investigations in agriculture. Some new forms of apparatus for the analysis of food-
stuffs were seen here, which appeared to answer their purpose admirably.

The laboratories of the University here are commodious, and were erected on
the same plan as those at Berlin, with slight modifications. As I have already
indicated the nature of the Berlin laboratories, it will be unnecessary for me to de-
ascribe those at Bonn.

Aachen (Aixz-la-Chapelle).

Before bringing to a ciose this brief account of chemical laboratories in Germany,
some mention must be made of the very fine laboratories in this city.

The plan upon which this handsome edifice is constructed is particularly good.
The subsidiary laboratories and rooms are grouped about the central lecture theatre,
the quantitative laboratory connecting directly with the balance room, with labora-
tories for gas analysis, organic analysis, &c., being to the right, and the qualitative
laboratories to the left. The rooms are lighted from the roof as well from the sides,
and additional light obtained from two open courts.

The structure presents a handsome appearance, being faced with stone, and was
of costly erection.

46

The lecture rooms and laboratories under the direction of Prof. Landolt have
been fitted up in the most complete manner; the tables being supplied with water,
gas, exhaust, blast, steam and electricity. The ventilation and heating arrangements
are especially good. The warm air is forced in by a fan and the foul air exhausted
by sa similar contrivance. The temperature of each room is made known to the en-
gineer, who controls the appliances.

Ensilage Lxperiments.

Some time was spent in examining into the various methods now in use for the
making of ensilage, the value of which as a fodder is now recognized, During the wet
seasons, when it is impossible to obtain a properly sun-cured crop, it is now quite
feasible to preserve it in such a condition as to be excellent food for cattle. Tho
experiments carried out at the experimental farm ot the Royal Agricultural Society,
show that for feeding purposes, ensilage, properly made, equals in value the ordinary
curedcrop. During the next season we purpose inaugurating experiments in ensilage
making and feeding at the Central Experimental Farm, the result of which will, no
doubt, be of great value to Canadian farmers.

All of which is respectfully submitted,

FRANK T. SHUTT,

Chemist, Dominion Experimental Farms.

> AT

REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGIST AND BOTANIST.

(James Fietouer, F.R.S.C., F.L.S.)

To the Director of the
Dominion Experimental Farms,
Ottawa.

S1z,—I have the honour to submit herewith a report upon the more important
insects and plants which have come officially under my notice during the year 1888,
Those al ees of insects which have been unduly abundant and injurious since I last
reported to you are characteristically Farm Insects, The injuries to fruit trees have
all been by well known species. Tent Caterpillars have been reported as more than
usually abundant in Nowa Scotia, the Eastern Townships of Quebec, and in British
Columbia. No new remedies have been discovered for a more successful mode of
keeping these pests in check than those now in use.

The Pear-blight Beetle (X. dispar, Fab.) locally known as the “ Pin-borer,”’ and
the “‘ Shot-borer,” is apparently extending its ravages beyond the Annapolis Valley
in Nova Scotia, as I have received specimens and a report of damage done in the
orebard of Mr. C.C. Gregory, Antigonish, N.S. Spraying apple trees with Paris
green for the Codling Moth, is in all instanses reported of favourably, where it has
been tried. The Plum Curculio and the Black Knot are reported to be increasing
owing to the neglect of growers to use the well known remedies.

Of insects injurious to forest and shade trees there have been no new attacks
worthy of special mention. In accordance with your instructions lam making a par-
ticular study of the insects injurious to pine timber. There are some points not as
yet cleared up, and the results of some experiments undertaken during the last sum-
mer cannot yet be seen. In view of the above I deem it advisable to postpone for a
short time, the presentation of a report upon Timber-borers.

In June last I had an opportunity, through the kindness of Mr. Mossom Boyd, of
Bobcaygeon, to visit some timber limits which had been burnt by forest fires, or cut
over, in other months of the year than any I had before been able toexamine. In
this way I was able to clear up some interesting points of which there was previously
some doubt.

In the Botanical Department preparations have been made for laying out
the roads and beginning the work in the Arboretum and Botanic Garden as soon as
spring opens. Large numbers of plants from northern climates have been grown
from seed, and are now ready to be located in their proper places in the garden,

Large and valuable collections of seeds and plants have been received from the
following :—

Mr. C. Gibb, Abbotsford, P.Q., chiefly Russian species.

Dr. G. M. Dawson, Ottawa, a collection of seeds of rare alpine plants from the
Rooky Mountains, and also some living plants ef Piaus ponderosa and Pseudotsuga

ouglassit.
ies Alice Williams, Victoria, B.C,, a collection of seeds of wild flowers of Van
couver Island,

Major Walker, Calgary, a collection of seeds of native grasses.

Rev. W. A. Burman, Griswold, Man., a collection of native grasses, and various
other plants as well as insects.

From the Arnold Arboretum, Boston, a collection of seeds of 123 species of plants
suitable for a northern climate.

From Mr. R. W. Starr, Port Williams Station, N.S., seed of the Beach Pea,
(Lathyrus maritimus) which he suggests may be useful for growing on sandy shores

_to keep the sand from blowing abuut.

48

From Prof. J. Macoun, roots of rare native plants for cultivation.

From Mr, N. H. Cowdry, collection of native plants and insects from the North-
West Territories.

From the Imperial College of Agriculture, Tokio, Japan, seed of several species
of forest trees,

From the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, England, a large collection of seeds of
trees, shrubs and plants, natives of Europe and Asia.

More than 50,000 young forest trees were planted out in the spring, the greater
part of which did well. One consignment which wus delayed was badly injured
thereby. On the western and northern boundaries of the farm there were planted by
your instructions mixed clumps of forest trees, and most of the avenues and hedges
were set out.”

Upon the experimental grass patches, many of the best English pasture grasses
as well as several of our native north-western grasses, were planted out for study.
These were for the most part grown in the conservatory during the winter, and then
pricked out in the spring, and thus a considerable saving of time was made. Careful
notes have been taken of all these species; but itis too soon to make any report
upon them until they have passed a winter in this climate. Fak

In preparing the present report I have endeavoured as much as possible t
make it useful to the agriculturist. All unnecessary technicalities have been eli-
minated and only such information has been included as [ deemed would be useful.
The terms by which the different stages of insects are known, are familiar to most
people, but it may not be amiss to repeat that insects pass through four stages, the
egg, the larva, tho pupa or chrysalis, and the imago or perfect insect. The larva of
a two-winged fly is called a maggot, of a four-winged fly or a beetle, a grub, of a
moth or butterfly, a caterpillar. The larvae of the other groups have no distinctive
names,

I have the honour to be, Sir, your obedient servant,

JAMES FLETCHER,

Entomologist and Botanist to Dom. Exp. Farms.
Orrawa, 1889

CEREALS.
WHEAT.

The Wheat Midge, “The Weevil,” “The Fly,” “The Red Maggot” (Diplosis
tritici, Kirby.)

Attack.— When the wheat is in the milk, small orange-red maggots may be
found at. the base of the scales of chaff lying against the forming grain, from which
they suck the moisture and prevent it from filling out properly.

Although in some districts the Wheat Midge is reported as having been less
troublesome than usual, the amount of annual loss attributable to its ravages is still
very large. In Nova Scotia this is particularly the case, and enquiries concerning
its habits are frequently received, In response to an application trom the Farmers’
Institute of Colchester, N.S., a short account was prepared of the habits of this pest—
as far as known—and tho best stenssto adopt to reduce its ravages. This account was
read at their annual meeting, and was afterwards published in the Colchester Sun, a
newspaper which makes a specialty of agricultural topics.

The Wheat Midge is most widely known in Canada under the inaccurate desig-
nation of “ Weevil” a term which must be discouraged because it belongs to another
class of insects altogether. The Weevils are hard-shelled beetles, while the Wheat
Midge in its larval state is a legless maggot, and in its perfect state a delicate gnat-
like creature with gauzy wings.

Iam assured that in some parts of Nova Scotia the cultivation of wheat has
been abandoned, owing to the attacks of this minute foe. The life history of the

49

Wheat Midge as at present understood is as follows: During the month of June, jast
when the wheat is in blossom, tiny yellow Midges with black eyes and yellow bodies
may be seen flying over the fields, particularly on dull days or towards evening.
Large numbers also of the same Midges may be seen in houses as soon as the lamps
are lighted. These are the Wheat Midge, and the parents of the Red Maggot of the
Wheat.

The body of the female is prolonged into a long slender tube, which can be
extended or drawn in at pleasure. With this tube, which is called the ovipositor,
she pushes her minute eggs down between the chaff of the green wheat-ear. In
about a week these eggs hatch into small transparent yellowish maggots, which at
once attack the forming grain. Gnawing through the outer skin of the kernel of
wheat they extract its juices and prevent it from filling out properly. As these
larve grow older they gradually become darker in colour, until they acquire the tint
which has given them the name by which they are best known in Hngland “ the
Red Maggot cf the Wheat.” Grain injured by the Midge has a characteristic shrivel-
led appearance, known amongst millers as “fly struck.” There are sometimes
four or five maggots to each grain in an ear. As soon as the maggots are full grown
they either work their way up between the scales of chaff and fall to the ground,
or remain in the ears until after the crop is carried. Those which fall to the ground,
and these are by far the most numerous, penetrate about an inch beneath the surface
where they spin a small cocoon of exceeding thinness, which fits so closely to their
bodies that it is sometimes thought to be only the skin hardened, in the same manner
as takes place in many other flies when they pass through their pupal or quiet state.
It was generally supposed until lately that the perfect flies from these pups did not
appear until June in the following spring, This, however, is not always the case, for
during last summer, on a warm damp evening in August, and again in the beginning
of September large numbers flew into my study and were killed at the lamp. Prof.
Webster, of Purdue University, Indiana, and a special agent of the United States
Department of Agriculture, tells me that he, on one occasion, bred considerable
numbers of perfect Midges in July, from heads of wheat which had been badly .
attacked by the Red Maggot during the previous month, and that off and on during
the rest of the summer until November, he caught the perfect insects atlarge. Inthe
Report of the Entomologist of the United States Department of Agriculture for 1884
the same observer records as follows :—‘‘ From the 4th to 15th September I not only
found larvz in considerable abundance under the sheaths of volunteer wheat, but
adults, too, in the same situation, and also on the outside of the plants and hovering
about the upper leaves. From a quantity of this wheat placed in a breeding cage, on
September 7 appeared three or four adults.” Not only then did these maggots ot June
produce perfect flies that same summer, but there was a second brood which had time
to lay eggs in the young fall wheat. That these insects have a double life-history—
living both in the ears and later in the season in the shoots of tae young wheat
plant,—is an important discovery made by Professor Webster and gives us another
means of checking their ravages.

He writes, ‘Cecidomyid larve were found in volunteer wheat and I could only
breed D. tritici from them, Larve found in other young wheat were also Cecidomyid
and not distinguishable from those of D. tritici, but did not rear the adults from them.
They were under the sheath of the young plant, but I think near or just above the
surface of the ground.” It is a most important point to find out exactly what is the
life history of this pest, because that is the only means by which we can hope to
obtain a complete remedy. The condition and locality where it passes the winter
are of course valuable items of information; we have seen that some of the maggots
of the first brood leave the grain before it is cut, and it is probable that most of them
pass the winter in the state of larvze beneath the surface of the soil and that the
emergence of the perfect flies in large numbers the same year is an exceptional thing
due to unusual climatic conditions. Besides those which winter in the ground, others
remain in the ears of wheat and are harvested with it. By far the larger proportion
sida se grain before it is cut, and it is probable that all would follow this course

—4

vv

if the crop were left standing long enough. Iam led to this conclusion by finding
that of those which are left in the harvested wheat, although many produce the per-
fect flies, a considerable number are dried up and do not come to maturity. This
points to the advantage of cutting the crop as soon as it can be done without injury
to the grain, 80 as to remove as many as possible of the insects from the fields. When
the wheat is threshed the red encased larvze are separated from the grain and fall down
beneath the machine amongst the rubbish and dust, frequently in such numbers as to.
give a perceptible colour to the refuse. This should of course all be carefully swept
up and burnt. If swept aside and left lying in a heap till spring, it will merely form
a hotbed of mischief from which injury wiil be sown in every direction. Not only
will these small insects endure a long period without moisture, but they can withstand
the opposite condition of excessive moisture with impunity. Indeed, Dr, Fitch in
one place speaks of them as amphibious. A moist warm season in June is always
more productive of Midge injuries than a dry one, and their ravages are most severe
in low lying fields.

Remedies.—1. Deep ploughing directly the crop is carried so as to bury the
larvee so deep that the flies cannot work their way out through the soil.

2. The burning in bad years of all the chaff, dust and rubbish known as “ scroen-
ings,’ or “ cavings’’ from beneath the threshing machine. If it is objected that this.
is too wasteful, it should be remembered that by the small luss thus sustained a much
greater saving is made in the quantity of the crop the following year.

If not burnt it should at all events be used as litter for stables or as an absorbent
of liquid manure, when it will be carried to the manure pile, or it may be put under
cattle in yards.

3. Clean farming, including the brushing of all grasses along the edges of fields.

4, The cultivation of such varieties of wheat as are found to be least attacked.

The Army Worm (Leucania unipuncta, Haw).

Attack, A brown striped cater-
pillar, eating the leaves and strip-
ping the stems of grasses and many
other low plants. When attacking
cereals frequently cutting off the
heads. When full grown over
one inch and a-half in length, and
when occurring in large numbers
migrating in bodies from one food
patch to another. When full grown
the caterpillars burrow iuto the
ground and turn to light brown chry-
=~ salids, from which in about two or
yt WQ three weeks the mothsemerge, These
: are of a soft satiny-brown colour

Fig. 1. sprinkled with minute black specks Fig. 2.
and with a small but distinct white spot in the middle of each upper wing. They are
very active. When the wings are closed the moth measures about an inch in length,

Of the many accounts which have been reported of injuries to grain crops by the
“ Army Worm,” two only have proved to be the work of that species, one at Ottawa,
the other at Lake Temiscaming. The term seems to be applied indiscriminately by
farmers to any caterpillars which occur in large numbers. The Forest Tent Caterpillar,
the Larch Saw Fly, the Clover Cutworm and various other Cutworms, all having been
referred to during the past year, as “the Army Worm.” The life history of the true
Army Worm in Canada is probably as follows: The eggs are laid in the autumn and
hatch in ten or twelve days, after teeding for a short time the small Caterpillars be-
come torpid and pass the winter beneath tufts of grass and other low herbage. In the
following spring they complete their growth, and I think produce the moths in June.
Caterpillars collected on 15th July upon wheat growing on the Experimental Farm

——— eee

em fH

were then about half grown and increased in size very rapidly, pupating by the end
of the month and producing moths in August. The eggs laid by the motas of this
brood, I imagine, produced larve which were found hibernating in October.
Although several caterpillars were collected from wheat at Ottawa, there was no
serious attack, the caterpillars not being sufficiently numerous to “ march,” and the
injury could hardly be perceived. Moreover a large proportion of those collected
for observation were found to be parasitised by Tachina flies. In the fields too they
were destroyed in large numbers by a small hymenopterous parasite, which Prof,
Riley has decided is a new species (Apanteles leucanie, Riley MS.S.) Small bundles
of whitish silken cocoons could be seen in every direction, attached to the stalks
of wheat, together with the emptied bodies of the dead larvee from which the grubs
had emerged before spinning their cocoons. There were sometimes as many as 17 of
the parasites from one caterpillar.

The other occurrence of the army worm referred to, was of a much more serious
nature. Mr. A. Laperriére, J.P., writing from Entremonts, Lake Temiscaming, on
6th August says: ‘‘ You will find. in a small box which I am sending yon to-day,
some caterpillars, which are by the millions in the grain of my neighbour, Mr. Alfred
Miron. ‘These caterpillars began by devouring the leaves of the grain, then they
climbed up the stalk to the head and cut it off at the base. They al-o attack Indian
corn and Timothy. More than half the crop is destroyed already, and before the
rest is ripe it will also probably be lost. Made experiments with Dalmatian Insect
Powder, and it killed the caterpillars at once; but of course this is much too costly
for general application.” The caterpillars sent by Mr. Laperriére arrived in good
order and produced moths in September.

Upon the receipt ot these larve, ashort account of the habits and the usual reme-
dies was despatched to Mr. Laperriére, but before they were received the insects bad
finished their work and disappeared. None of the caterpillars sent from Lake
Temiscaming were parasitised ; but from the large numbers present and the frequent
experience of the past, I considered myself justified in encouraging the farmers in
this new settlement with the hope that they would not receive another visitation
next year. Professor Lintner in his first report, at page 147, writes as follows when
speaking of another grass-feeding species which had suddenly appeared in vast num-
bers: “We may venture to record our belief that they will not continue hereafter.
Indeed, many years may pass before we shall see it again in injurious numbers. Had
it been as first supposed, a visit from the army-worm, we could have predicted that
it would not recur the following year, tor the immense hosts of that species are al-
ways attended by their parasitic foes, which so effectually destroy them that it seems
impossible that two ‘army-worm years’ can follow in the same locality.”

Remedies.—When the caterpillars appear only in moderate numbers, they have
an aburdant food supply and do not then acquire the habit of “ marching”
which is merely moving from one place where all the food has been devoured, to a
fresh pasture, When, howeser, their appearance is excessive they must of necessity
move on to some other place or starve. They may be prevented from marching
from one field to the other by ploughing a deep furrow across their path. This
should have the edge nearest to the field to be protected, perpendicular or slightly
overhanging. Along the trench so formed, pits must be dug about twelve feet apart.
When the caterpillars come to the trench they are unable to climb up the opposite
side and after a few trials, waik along till they fall into the pits, when they may be
destroyed by covering them with earth and tramping it down. If these pits are not
dug, when the caterpillars occur in large numbers, the trench will soon be filled and
they will walk over on the bodies of their fellows. 1n case any of the worms succeed
in Crossing the ditch, a narrow strip of the plants on the opposite side of the trench
should be dusted or sprinkled with a strong mixture of Paris Green dilated either
with 25 times its weight of flour, ashes, or iand plaster, or mixed with water as
strong as 1 ounce to a pailful of water. The plants so poisoned must of course be
sacrificed as soon as the caterpillars disappear, and should be mown down and
burnt.

5b—44

52

A preventive remedy much relied upon, is the burning of all stubble and old
grass in autumn and spring, in localities where the moths have been observed. The
young caterpillars pass the winter beneath such refuse and many will thus be
destroyed together with many other injurious insects. The moths of the early brood
also Jay their eggs by preference upon the old dead stems, and if these are removed
they will seek some other place to lay. Systematic draining of low lands is very
beneficial, the natural habitat of the species being thus rendered unsuitable for the
young larve, ;

The Wheat-stem Maggot ‘‘ Wheat Bulb-worm ” (Meromyza Americana. Fitch.)

Attack —Some time before the wheat should be ripe, the ear and top portion of the
stem turn white. Upon examination the stem will be found to be severed just above
the top joint by a slender transparent green maggot + of an inch in length. When
full-fed it works up to the upper portion of the sheath and turns to a flattened pupa
from which the fly emerges in July. 3

In autumn the same green maggots may be found low down in the base of the
stems of fall wheat just above the root.

The perfect insect appears in the latter part of May and June, and is a pretty
little greenish-yellow fly, one-fifth of an inch in length, with shining green eyes and
three dark stripes extending right down the back. The hind thighs are thickened,
and when the fly is at rest the fore part of the body is much raised.

In addition to the above two regular broods, Professor Webster has detected a
supplementary brood in volunteer wheat.

The attacks of the summer brood of the Wheat-stem Maggot were not so mani-
fest in the wheat fields last season as in the three previous years; but upon the
experimental wheat plots here, where some fall wheat had been sown in the spring
but had not headed out, great injury was done. Strong plants with from 50 to 75
stems being entirely destroyed. This destruction was mainly due to the attacks of
Meromyza, but the plants were also found to contain many of tho lary and puparia of
the Hessian Fly. These larve are easily distinguishable. The larve of the latter
being shorter and whiter with a dark green central stripe and not having the black
horny mouth parts of the Wheat-stem Maggot, which also attacks the centre of the
stem tearing the tissues and causing them to decay, whilst the Hessian Fly larve
lie outside the stem beneath the sheath of the leaf. As noticed by Professor Webster
plants attacked by the Hessian Fly do not turn yellow in the autumn, but assume a
much deeper shade of green, whilst the leaves of shoots attacked by Meromyza turn
yellow and die pefore winter.

My attention has been drawn by Prof. Webster to a very full and correct
account of this insect by Prof. Forbes in the thirteenth report of the State Hntomo-
logist of illinois, a copy of which I have only lately been able to procure.

Remedies. Natural—l observed with much pleasure in July last that a large num-
ber of the pups were the hosts of a parasite belonging to the Hymenopterous genus
Celinius. A specimen of this beneficial insect was sent to Prof. C. V. Riley and sub-
mitted to Mr. L. O. Howard, who writes as follows: ‘This may be a new species
if subsequent rearing of a series of individuals shows the points in which it varies
from CO. meromyz@, Forbes, to be constant. From the single specimen submitted it
would be rash to describe a new species, as the differences are entirely colorational.
It differs from typical 2. meromyze in having the head and prothorax dark honey-
yellow (instead of black) and in having the parapsidal sutures of the meso-notum
also bordered with dark honey-yellow. At present it may be considered a variety
of C. meromyze, although rearirg of additional specimens may prove the variation to
be so vonstant as to deserve a specific name.”

I have also bred the other species of the same genus, C. meromyze, Forbes,
from specimens of infested volunteer wheat sent to me by Prof. Webster from
Indiana,

53

Artificial—1. For the summer brood the affected heads may easily be collected
by hand as they’are very conspicuous in the fields. If it is thought that they con-
tain parasites, instead of burning them they may ke enclosed in avy suitable
receptacle and covered with fine gauze until the flies emerge. If parasites are pre-
sent they are easily recognized by having four wings and slender horns or feelers in
front of their heads. ae

2. For the brood which follows the summer brood and which has been detected
in volunteer wheat and also probably occurs in grasses, a strip of wheat might be
sown very late in spring so as to be ready for the July brood to lay their eggs upon,
and this strip might be ploughed in during August.

3. Sowing late. Prof. Forbes writes (loc. cit.) p.27: ‘The discovery of an
autumnal brood puts us in a position to suggest more effective measures. For reasons
detailed under the head of ‘ life history’ (where dates of appearance are given) it is
very likely that delay in sowing until after the first frosts of autumn will wholly pre-
vent injury by this insect; and certainly the general substitution of spring for win-
ter wheat, for even a single season, would greatly diminish in numbers, or perhaps,
very nearly obliterate both this species and the Hessian fly.”

The Celinius mentioned above was quite plentiful in the summer brood and I am
inclined to think thut the sudden diminution in the numbers of this pest must be due
to its attacks. This favourable appearance of things is not only at Ottawa. Mr. D.
James, of Thornhill, Ont., who was one of the first to assist me in the investigation
of this insect, writes: ‘I am glad to say that the Wheat-stem Maggot is not nearly
so bad this year as last. In fact there were so few ‘silver topa’ that it settled all
uneasiness as to its spread. I can’t account for its disappearing, it may be only tem-
porary. I would be inclined to attribute the apparent declension to two things: 1st,
the very small acreage of fall wheat (and, consequently. very little stubble) grown
in this county in 1887; 2nd, to the unusually dry fall of 1887, the farmers sowiny
very little fall wheat and the wheat on the stubble not sprouting, 7. e., what is called
volunteer wheat not giving the brood any opportunity of being hatched.”

The Grain Aphis—(Siphonophora avene, Fab.)

Attack.— Green, yellowish, or blackish plant lice attacking various kinds of
grain on the leaves aud roots in the early spring and late in the autumn. As soon
as the grain heads out the plant lice crawl up and cluster around the ears, where they
suck the juices of the stem, preventing the grain from filling. An occurrence of this
jnsect in injurious numbers took place in July at Hotremonts, Lake Temiscaming.
Mr. A. Laperriére writes: “ I send you a spike of bearded wheat taken from one of
my fields. You will observe upon examining it thatit is swarming with plant lice
on the grains. All the crop of this spring’s sowing is infested by it. Is it possible
to get a remedy for this troublesome pest which attacks the standing crop ?”

The specimen ear of wheat forwarded had certainly been severely attacked, no
less than 3Y dead aphides being attached to it. Every one of these, however, had
been destroyed by parasites, probably a species of Aphidius from the appearance of
the punctured skins, I have no doubt, therefore, that the attack in that locality was
brought to an end by the agency of these useful little parasites.

Plant lice are remarkable for their fecundity and the rapidity with which they
come to maturity. Inthe Annual Report of the Entomological Society of Ontario,
for 1878, Prof. Saunders writes as follows:—‘‘ People are often puzzled at finding
their trees or plants swarming with plant lice, where a week or two before there was
scarcely one to be found. As a general rule an aphis, during the summer season,
reaches maturity in ten or twelve days from birth, after which it produces every day
two young ones, which, contrary to the general rule with insects, are born alive.
This rate of increase is maintained for a considerable period, from fifteen to twenty
days or more; the young begin to produce in like manner in from eight to ten days,
and so on through the third, fourth, and sometimes up to the twentieth generation in
one season, Some idea may be formed of the numbers which in a short time this rate

54

of increase would produce, from a calculation of Curtis, a celebrated English ento-
mologist, who has computed that from one egg only, there would. be produced in
seven generations, taking 30 as the average of each brood, the enormous number of
729,000,000, so that were they all permitted to live, everything on the face of the
earth would in a short time be covered with them. Indeed sometimes the possible
rate of increase is even greater than this. Dr, Fitch, the State Entomologist of New
York, has ascertained by actual experiment that in the case of the grain aphis, the
wingless females become mothers at three days old, and thereafter produce four little
ones every day, so that even in the short space of twenty days, the progeny of one
specimen, if all were preserved from destruction, would number upwards of two
millions.”

It might naturally be supposed that insects with such prodigious powers of in-
crease do sometimes a great deal of harm. This is the case, but if we can keep
them in check for a time, as a general thing, nature soon comes to our aid. These
insects form the food of several predaceous kinds, and whenever the plant lice in-
crease largely, their enomies are attracted. The small parasitic Ichneumon flies be-
longing to the genus Aphidius are particularly useful in reducing their numbers.
The Coccinellide or Lsady-birds devour vast numbers both when in the larval state
and as perfect beetles. The Syrphus flies and other Diptera also help; so that as
much surprise is sometimes called forth by the sudden disappearance of hosts of plant
lice as is evoked by their sudden increase,

emedies.—It is quite evident that no application can be made to the wheat
plant by which these insects can be destroyed when the wheat is in ear.

Immediately a crop which was infested has beon carried, the land should be
cultivated and all grasses should be cut down from the edges of the fields. After an
attack no grass or grain crops should be grown on that land for the next year.

As the Grain Aphis attacks cereals in the autumn, winter and early spring, fields
should be examined at these seasons, to see if they are present. If detected, top
dressings of guano, salt, or gas-lime are recommended.

Rolling or feeding off with sheep are also said to be useful.

Weeds in Grain.

Millers complain that there is a much greater proportion than there ought to be
of “dirt” in the shape of weed seeds in wheat sent them by farmers. Of samples
sent to me for identification, by far the largest proportion of this seed was found to
be of the Polygonum convolvulus, or Black Bind-weed, sometimes called “ Wild Buck-
wheat,” This is a naturalised weed from Europe, and has now spread over the
whole of Canada, Although only an annual, it seems to be extremely hard to eradi-
cate, and is very troublesome. Great care should be taken to have all seed grain
thoroughly cleaned. There is much foul seed which may be separated from seed
grain with ao ordinary fine sieve, if farmers will only take the necessary trouble.

Perennial Sow-thistle (Sonchus arvensis, L.)

Communications have been received from three different localities enclosing
specimens of this plant for name. Mr. W. L. Herriman, of Lindsay, writes on
23rd June: ‘I wish you would tell mo the name of the enclosed plant, and
how it may be exterminated from cultivated fields. It is very persistent, the
field where this grew was ploughed five times, ro the man told me. It grows close
and kills out everything else.’ On 23rd August, Mr. Hiram DVoxsee, of Hoard’s
Station, sends a specimen, he says: ‘Enclosed please find a plant that has been for
some three years spreading on low bottom land on my farm here. 1 find it difficult
to exterminate.” Mr. John Willock writes from Fenelon Falls on September
8th: ‘Enclosed you will find a weed about which we would like to know parti-
culars, so far it is confined to about two rods square, the ground was in wheat the
year before last, when we first noticed it. There was no wheat growing amongst it.

55

the leaves lay so flat tothe ground. Last year it was turnip ground, and well
attended to, but this spring was put in barley, and the weed sprang up as briskly as
ever.” This is also an introduced species which has been brought to America in seed
grain. It is decidedly spreading. Im Canada, Professor Macoun records it as
“abundant along road sides and in fields from Newfoundland throughout the
Maritime Provinces and Quebec, at Ottawa, London and Hamilton.” The only
remedy we can suggest for this pertinac‘ous weed is constant vigilance and summer
fallowing.

OATS,

The oat crop in Ontario was not reported to have been injured by insects ; but
smut and rust were mentioned by some correspondents. In some parts of Quebec
late oats were injured by the wet weather, and locusts were also troublesome in the
same crop. Mr. S, Mireault, writing from St. Jacques, County of Montcalm, and
enclosing specimens of Melanoplus femur-rubrum, M. bivittatus and Dissosteira Carolina,
says 2s follows: “ As insects, and especially the grasshoppers, are doing much damage
in this locality as well as in many others in the Province of Quebec, and as they
threaten to destroy our crop of oats by their incessant depredations, I have thought
it wise to obtain some exact and precise information concerning them, and with this
end, send you some specimens of the injurious kinds. Grasshoppers appeared early
this year. They were observed in considerable numbers in the beginning of June,
At that time they were small, but since then they have increased much in size as
well as in numbers. Hay has suffered little from these insects; but they have
invaded our oat fields and destroyed them in an alarming manner. And they even
threaten complete devastation. At this moment I believe that half the crop has
been sacrificed to the voracity of these insects, and the only thing which can save
the other half will be a concourse of providential circumstances which we pray for.
This is how they behave: They attack the oat when it is in. flower and cut the
stem which supports the grain, and destroy even the whole panicle. We have
observed in certain localities that all the spikes or panicles had succumbed to the
voracity of these insects. We have remarked that these insects are of different
colours and I send you specimens of each.”

This kind of atteck upon the panicles of oats has been noticed several times
before and is done chiefly by M. femur-rubrum in this locality. The amount of the
trop so wasted is sometimes very great. (Vide page 63.)

BEANS.
The European Bean Weevil (Bruchus granarius, L.)

Attack.—Small slate-coloured beetles found in hollow chambers beneath the skin
of seed beans. Sometimes as many as three in one bean, Seed
so injured will generally germinate; but produces only a
sickly plant, and if known to be infested should not be
used.

Some infested seed of the large Windsor Broad Bean was
sent to me for examination. This seed was imported from
England and was found to contain living specimens of the
European Bean Weevil, Many of the beans had two beetles
in them; but a few contained three. The ease with which
; these insects may be introduced into a country renders it

tb Fig. 3. essential that care should be taken not to sow infested seed.
“" The eggs are said to be laid by the parent beetle on the bean-pods while they are
young and soft. The grubs feed inside the seed, sometimes destroying the greater
part of the contents, but seldom injuring the germ. The grub is full grown by the
time the beans are ripe and turns to a pupa inside the seed. Before it makes this
change, however, it gnaws away the substance of the bean up to the skin and only
leaves a thin film over its hole,

56

Miss Ormerod has observed that ‘‘ the pupa is contained in a cell, a coating made
apparently of small bits of bean agglutinated together. When the bean is dry this
case or cocoon is very slightly observable, but when damped it parts from the wall
of the gallery and you may quite readily pick out your beetle with this case cling-
ing like a bag round it and only open at the mouth end.” The perfect insect (Fig-
3) emerges in the spring soon after the beans are sown, It is a small black or dark
brown beetle covered all over with a very short appressed grey pubescence and also
has the wing covers ornamented with patches and dashes of white. The abdomen
exceeds the wing-cases in length and bears upon its upper surface, just beyond their
tips, two small black spots. The first pair of legs and three or four of the basal
joints of the antenne are reddish, the others black. Upon the hinder part of the
thorax is a small fulvous patch.

The beetle resembles the well known Pea Weevil in shape, but is rather smaller,
being only one-eighth of an inch in length, It is darker in colour and, like it,
is a very active little creature.

From the habits of these insects, of remaining inside the seed until they are
nerfect, they are very liable to be carried from one country to another. This is
illustrated by the fact that no less than eight species were collected amongst foreign
produce sent to the Philadelphia Exhibition in 1876.

Remedies.—In the sample of Broad Beans referred to above, soaking them for
twenty-four hours in water was found to drown every specimen of the weevils.
When, therefore, a sample of seed is found to be infested, this simple expedient at
the time of sowing the seed will be found efficacious. When the supply of seed on
hand will permit it, it is better to keep the beans over until the following year in
some close vessel. The beetles will emerge the first spring and die without injuring:
the beans further. A similar plan is that practiced with the Pea Weevil, of keeping
the seed peas shut up in a close vessel in a warm room during the winter, when the
weevils wil emerge and die long before the seed is wanted for sowing. The remark-
able freedom of peas in Canada from the attacks of the Pea Weevil, during the
last few years, is attributed by some to the care taken by seed merchants to poison
all weevils contained in seed peas, by subjecting them for some time, in large closed
receptacles, to the poisonous fumes of bisulphide of carbon,

PEAS.

The pea crop throughout the districts where peas are most grown bas been good
and little troubled by insects, the most serious attack was by the Clover Cutworm,
but this was complained of over a limited areaonly, The dry weather caused in seme
localities the condition mentioned at some length in my last year’s report. Mr, F.
Birdsall wrote on 25th July that many of the fields in the vicinity of Birdaalls, Ont.,
were badly affected. The top of the vines was green but the root dead. Numbers
of the vines had only a single pod upon them and this seldom contained more than
one pea.

The Pea Weevil (Bruchus pisi, L.).

Throughout the greater part of Canada the pea crop still remains exempt from
the attacks of this once dreaded insect, Mr. T, B., Townshend writing from Alder-
shot, Ont., says: “The old enemy which used to be so fatal to the pea crop, the Pea
Bug, or Pea Weevil, has not troubled us for some time, in fact has quite disappeared.”
It has not been entirely absent, however. In the Ontario Bureau of Industries
return 24, we find a note that “ the crop has been very free from bugs, excepting in
the County of Essex, and in portions of Kent and Lambton.” The ravages formerly
committed by this insect have, however, put our peagrowers and dealers upon
their guard, and if the seed is subjected to the bisulphide of carbon treatment or
kept over in closed vessels until another season, there is no reason why this insect
should again develop into a “first class pest.” Should there be any doubt as to
whether seed peas contain weevils or not, before sowing the whole lct should be

57

thrown into water when the injured seed wili float, but the sound peas will sink to
the bottom. All those that float should be burnt at once, orifin large quantities
may be fed to pigs.

The Clover Cut-worm. The Cabbage Mamestra (Mamestra trifolii, Esp.).

During the month of August I received many enquiries concerning some green
caterpillars which suddenly appeared in the counties around Hamilton, Ont. Speci-
mens were sent to me from several localities and the following description was taken :
They were thick green caterpillars with black or grey marks, very variable in the
depth of the colour of the markings, some specimens appearing almost green while
others were quite dark above. Length, two inches. General appearance—a dark
green noctuid caterpillar with a very narrow dorsal stripe, a broken sub-dorsal stripe
of yellow, edged above by velvety black blotches (the black line not quite as continu-
ous as the yellow), a broad pink infrastigmatal band, narrowly edged with white
above and below. Above the upper white, a black line which spreads out into a
black blotch around each spiracle. The whole body mottled with white on a smooth
green surface, giving a somewhat glaucous shade to the green. The narrow dorsal
stripe consists of an aggregation of these mottlings, and the dorsal space has them
shadowed with black, giving that area a darker appearance than the rest of the body.
Legs and pro-legs concolorous with the body. Head, small, green bearing on the
upper part of the face and*on the cheeks clouds of white mottlings. Some of
these caterpillars were simply pale green with fuscous markings, othere were green,
with clear brownish or black markings, some had the mottling all over the body so
shaded with brown as to suggest the appearance of tho Army-worm. Intermediately
tinted specimens between all these colours occurred. The caterpillars sent to me
were nearly all found to be parasitised either by a large yellow Ichneumon Fly called
Ophion purgatum, or by a large Flesh-Fly which Prof. Riley has identified as a species.
ot Sarcophaga near to sarracenie. When these caterpillars were first sent tome I
took them for the Fall Army-worm (Laphygma frugiperda, Sm. and Abb.) a species
which sometimes occurs much in the same way as this didin August. Of all the
lary sent to me I only succeeded in getting three to the pupa and these will not
emerge until next spring.* I am indebted to Prof. Riley for the identification of these
caterpillars as the larvee of Mamestra trifolii. Prof. Riley writes: “ Your letter with
notes on a noctuid larva is to hand. So far as I can judge from your description the
larva which you have is that of Mamestra trifolii. It is cortainly not that of Laphyg-
ma frugiperda nor of Prodenia lineatella. The coloration of trifolii is quite variable
though the general pattern of the more prominent markings is substantially the
same as in the larva which you describe. The general colour varies from a pale
yellowish green to a rather dark greyish or brownish green. The larva of lineatella
differs from the description which you give in several important details. roth eee ro
M. trifolii is probably single-brooded with you. Herein Washingtcn and in Missouri
it is double and sometimes treble brooded. Jn Germany it is single brooded.”

This injurious insect has been treated of under the name of Cabbage Mamestra
(M. chenopodii, Albin) and illustrated upon a coloured plate by Professor Riley 1n his
annual report as State Entomologist tor the United States for the year 1883, p. 123.
From this account we find that the species is common all over Europe and in North
America and the caterpillars were not noticed as specially injurious on this continent
until 1876, when they sttacked many kinds of garden vegetables, and were particularly
severe on cabbages ; they however feed upon a variety of plants, amongst which are
mentioned by authors: celery, lettuce, cabbage, asparagus, spinach, parsley, clover, sow-
thistle, goosefoot (or “lamh’s quarter's,” Chenopodium album, l.), &c. The name of
this insect is derived from its attacks upon the clover and it is also known to be very
destructive to peas, which, belong to the same natural order. As will be seen by the
following extracts, nearly all the attacks began upon peas. Ina letter kindiy for-

trifolii.

* These specimens have emerged in my study, since the above was written and prove tobe M.

58

warded to me by the Hditor of the Toronto Weekly Mail, Mr. John Puckridge, writ-
ing on 9th August for himself and several other farmers, says: ‘ I herewith enclose
specimen of a caterpillar which is now serioasly damaging our field peas. They be-
gan by firss cutting off the stalk some four inches above the ground several weeks
back, The pea plant apparently died; but in a short time two or three stalks shot
up and after a time grew until they blossomed and podded well. The dry weather
came again when this pest made a second attack, eating the foliage and even barking
the pea-pod now full-grown and near ripening. We thivk of pulling ours for fodder
although they should yield 20 bushels or more per acre. Kindly inform us if this is
the Army Worm and the best means to be adopted for their extermination. The
caterpillars sre of different shades of colour and sizes; but we suppose that this
arises from the various periods of hatching.”

Mr. F, B. Carlow, writing 7th August from Warkworth, says: “ I send you a
caterpillar which is totally destroying the turnip crop in our neighbourhood. They
were in the pea fields first and as soon as the peas were harvested they went directly
to the turnip field. I have tried to kill them by applying Paris green and hellebore
to the leaves. Our neighbour, Mr. Douglas, has sifted ashes over his crop of turnips,
but all these experiments failed. This morning I have started to pull up the turnips
that are the worst with them and draw them out of the field. Iam then going to
plough around the turnip patch.”

Mr. John Kay, writing from Paris on 15th August, says:—‘I send you a
Caterpillar that has madeits appearance here within the last week—a perfect glutton.
They are very fond of Mangold Wurtzel and they strip the leaves on short notice,
leaving the bare stalks. I have advised dusting air-slacked lime on the root crops.
To-night [ learn that they have made their appearance on the turnips. As they are
in thousands their ravages may affect all our root crops,” and later, 25th August, he
writes :—“ One farmer says I mixed + lbs. Paris Green with 200 Ibs. of finely ground
Paris Plaster (Gypsum) and sprinkled over 2 acres of Mangold when the dew was
on the leaves, but it did no good. Another farmer says that these Caterpillars came
off the peas, having eaten all the leaves they then stripped his mangolds, which are
now worthless. The Caterpillars bore into the ground and make a cocoon, of which
I send you some specimens. I am informed that the pupa remains here only a short
time when they appear as light-coloured moths.”

Mr.S Hinman, writing from Dundonald on 24th August, says:—‘“ Enclosed I
send you & specimen of a green worm that has been doing a great injury to the pea-
crop in this vicinity; it has destroyed hundreds of acres in this part.”

Remedies—As these Caterpillars had the same habits as the true Army-worm,
ploughing a furrow across their path was recommended, and where the crop would
allow itsprinkling with Paris Green. Ploughing. late in autumn, was also recommended,
because this insect passing the winter as a chrysalis, by this treatment
the chrysalids would be brought to the surface or disturbed, and
would probably suffer from the frosts of winter. However, from the remarkable
way in which the larvee were infested by parasites I feel confident that next
season there will not be a severe attack. When attending the meeting of
the County of Wentworth Farmers’ Institute, at Oaklands, near Hamilton, on
29th August, several farmers spoke to me of this pest, and some specimens bearing the
eggs of Flesh Flies were handed me by Mr. T B.Townshend. Writing on the 10th Sep-
tember, with reference to the same matter, this gentleman says:—‘* When you were
at Oaklands the pea fields were literally swarming with the pests, and | could readily
have rent you a bushel of them. The specimens I banded you were, however, a fair
sample. You pointed out to me a small protuberance on the head of one of them
as the egg of a parasite, which would eventually destroy the caterpillar. I find on
enquiry that as the insect advanced to maturity many of them were observed to
have these little lumps or protuberances on the head, and we hope this natural
enemy may have performed a work that will free us from future trouble with this
caterpillar, The appearance of the insect so late in the season enabled us to reap the
bulk of our pea crop without any damage, and Iam glad to say it isa good crop.

59

The later fields were but a small percentage of the whole, and but few of them esca-
ped; indeed one of my neighbours had two fields literally destroyed After eating
the leaves they appeared to feed on the fleshy part of the poda, leaving ovly the
inner membrane covering the grain and soon after the pod would dry up.”

HAY AND CLOVER.

The hay crop in most districts has suffered severely from climatic influences.
The excessive drought of last summer and the light rainfall of this spring had a
marked effect upon the hay crops in Ontario and parts of Quebec, while in the Mari-
time Provinces and Lower Quebec the crop was even more seriously affected by ex-
cessive rains. Clover in Ontario is reported as winter-killed in some localities, but
this is generally attributed to the drought of 1887, owing to which the plants went
jnto hibernation in a weakened condition. This lack of sap and a consequent fatality
was noticeable amongst all plants, and even many forest trees succumbed in rocky
districts. The drought of the whole summer of 1887 was exceptional, there was a
very light snowfall in the winter and almost no spring rains. By the Ist of July the
want of moisture began to be apparent, but it was not until about i0th August that
any rain came. At this time a fall of temperature took place over the whole of
Ontario and occasional showers occurred.

HAY.

“ Silver-top of hay,’ —An unknown enemy.

An attack of considerable interest, because up to the present time the depredator
has escaped actual discovery, has for many years been observed in hay. Various
conjectures have been made as to the cause of the injury, but so far it must be ac-
knowledged that this is not positively known—spring frosts, the maggots of some
grass-eating flies, mites, plant bugs and during the last summer, with perhaps more
reason, species of Thrips have all been accused. At first sight this injary is exactly
similar to that of the summer brood of the Wheat-stem Maggot (Meromyza Ameri-
cana). The top portion of the flowering stem turns white, before the time it should
ripen, and dies without forming seed. Upon splitting the stem it will be found that
the topmost section has been injured just above the top joint, but in a different man-
ner to the stems of wheat, injured by Veromyza. Instead of the tissues being gnawed
they are merely shrivelled ard discoloured, as if the juice had been sucked out of
them. This injury is only to the base of the top section of the stem and tho envelop-
ing sheath is uninjured. With a slight pull the culm parts at the injured spot and is
easily drawn from the sheath. This attack is first apparent in the beginning of June,
when the flowering stems of Kentucky Blue-grass (or June grass, Poa pratensis) turn
white at the time of flowering. The injured stems are very noticeable at first, but
soon become hidden by the other stems growing up and over-topping them. Later
in the month Timothy (Phleum pratense) and Couch Grass (Triticum repens) are
similarly attacked, and upon the Central Experimental Farm, Poa serotina and Lriti-
cum caninum showed the same injury to a limited extent. I failed to find any insect
inside the stems, at the seat of injury, although examination wes made early in the
month. Various suspected species of Hemiptera or plant-bugs were caged over
growing plants of grass and although several of these punctured the leaves and stems
for food, none made an injury similar to that described above. I did not myselt find
any species of Thrips, but Prof. Saunders informs me that he did in a casual investi-
gation he made. Upon a previous occasion I had detected in small numbers, both
hymenopterous and dipterous larve in injured stems, as well as mites, but this season
at Ottawa, none of these were found and I am therefore under the impression that
these are not the cause of this attack. In Prof, Forbes’s thirteenth Illinois report at
page 22, the following appears as a note to his article upon Meromyza Americana :

“ An injury precisely similar to that done to wheat by the Wheat Bulb-worm is
extremely common in Blue Grass and Timothy throughout the State, and may pos-
sibly be due to this species; but the escape of the insect is so prompt that I have
rarely been able to find it in any stage after the injury becomes evident through the

; 60

whitening of the head of grass. Indeed a single pupa found beneath the sheath of a
stem of Timothy which had been injured in this way is the only direct evidence I
have of the character of the insect responsible for this mischief. This pupa was cer-
tainly dipterous and very similar to that of Meromyza, but differed in the proportions
of the segments, and especially in the size and distinctness of the terminal ones. I
am consequently doubtful if it was that of Meromyza, but think it more likely that it
belongs to a species of Chlorops likewise very abundant earlier in the season. On the
other hand the great abundance of the fly of Meromyzain May, in regions where very
little winter wheat and not much rye are raised, makes it almost certain that the
larvz live in something else than these grains.”

In my report for 1885 I quote some information given to me by Dr. Brodie of
Toronto who succeeded in finding some larve which he felt sure. were those of a
species of Chlorops, and in 1887 he writes: ‘In addition to a dipterous larva which
attacks the Timothy, we have found here a mite very common and very injurious.”

Now, from the above observations and some others to be mentioned below, made
by trained entomologists, it is perfectly certain that there are injuries to grasses by
different insects, the effects of which are very similar in appearance and all of which
would be classed under the head of ‘“ Silver-top”; but for each of which a different
treatment might be necessary. In the same way Miss Ormerod tells me that there
are attacks upon wheat in England, very similar to those we suffer from in the case
of Meromyza Americana. During the past year the opinion has gained many adhe-
rents that one of these injuries, by which the panicle and top portion of flowering
grasses is destroyed, is due to the attacks of a species of 'Thrips. These are minute,
slender insects rarely exceeding two or three millimetres in length and are sometimes
very active, leaping and taking flight with great agility. They havea habit of running
about with the binder portion of their bodies raised up when they are disturbed, in
the same way as the Staphylinide or Rove beetles. Their structure is peculiar, so
that naturalists have had difficulty in classifying them apd they have been placed in
various positions. In Prof. Comstock’s new “ Introduction to Entomology” the fol-
lowing description is given: ‘ But the structure of the mouth and the, character of
the wing throw them out of any of the accepted orders. And now the majority of
entomologists agree in assigning them the rank of a distinct order. As to the posi-
tion of this order, it seems to me that it is the lowest living representative of one of
the lines of development of winged insects, of which line the Hemiptera is the cul-
mination,

“The body is long. The head is narrower than the thorax, without any distinct
neck ; the eyes are large, with conspicuous ocelli; there are also usually three sim-
ple eyes. The ventral side of the head is prolonged into a conical beak, which ex-
tends beneath the prosternum. ‘The form of the mouth parts can only be made out
by dissection and the use of the high powers of the microscope. The mandibles are
long bristle-like, curved, and somewhat flattened at the base, and taper to a point;
they are furnished with well-developed palpi; the labial palpi are distinct but less
conspicuous; the labrum is furnished with a curious appendage at its tip; and the
labium is deeply emarginate. The three thoracic segments are well developed.
The wings are laid horizontally on the back when not in use; they are very narrow,
but are fringed with long hairs, which diverging in flight, compensate for the small-
ness of the membrane. This fringing of the wings suggested the name T'hysanoptera
by which the order is designated in many entomological works. In some species the
wings are wanting. The legs are well developed, but are furnished with very pecu-
liar tarsi; these are two-jointed, and are bladder-like at the tip. This character sag-
gested the name Physopoda. ‘The abdomen is more or less spindle-form ; it is termi-
nated in some genera by a long slender segment; in others the females are furnished
with a four-valved ovipositor, which lies in a groove on the ventral aspect of the
abdomen. The larva resembles the perfect insect but has no wings and is sometimes
red or a different colour from the imago. The pupa is more like the perfect insect
with rudiments of wings and the antenne are turned back on the head, It is much
less active than either larva or imago.”

ee — eee

There seems to be very little accurately known of the life-histories of these
insects and there has been great difference of opinion as to their food and habits.
Some observers claiming that they were carnivorous, whilst others maintained that
they were herbivorous. In an excellent paper by Professor Osborn, of Iowa, read
before the Entomological Club of the American Association for the Advancement of
Science at the Cleveland meeting, and since published in Insect Life, No.5, a résumé
of our knowledge of these interesting insects is given, together with the opinions of
some of the leading entomologists on their habits, and Professor Osborn’s own care-
ful investigations. From the study he has given the question, his conclusions are
valuable as throwing light upon a question which must now be seriously considered
by Canadian farmers, since the injury known as “silver top” is decidedly increas-
ing, and may be due to the attacks of these insects. Professor Osborn’s conclusions
are as follows:—

“That the Thripide asa group are normally herbivorous, and their presence on
cultivated plants is a source of danger.

“That they feed mainly on the exuded nectar or secretions of plants, when these
are abundant, and on pollen, and at such times may do little or nodamage. That
they will upon occasion attack the tissues of the leaves’ or the essential parts of the
blossoms and pierce‘them for their contents, and at such times may cause serious
damage.

“That of the recorded species there are two, at least, which must be looked upon
&8 carnivorous in certain stages at least.”

Prof. Osborn also gives a list of 22 species which have been reported as injurious
to vegetation, and Prof. Comstock has named one, trom this habit, which there is
every probability will prove to be the cause of one of the attacks upon our Canadian
hay crop.

: In June last affected stems of Timothy were sent to Prof. J. A. Lintner, State En-
tomologist of New York, for his opinion, His answer was as follows: “ It is identical
with what I have been investigating in our own vicinity—the whitening of the heads
and the blackening, and shrivelling of the stalk just above the upper joint, the
shrivelled stalk sometimes found on carefully removing the sheath, to be folded back
upon itself for about one-twelfth of an inch. Itisa Thrips attack, which is as exact
as Ican say at present, similar to that which has been for so long a time observed
on June grass, and which [ was not at first inclined to accept as Thrips attack, but
of which there can now be no reasonable doubt. We do not know the Thrips of the
June grass, nor is there any reason for accepting this one on the Timothy as the
same. It may, however, prove to be identical, with its operations more recently
extended to the Timothy.”

Later Prof. Lintner writes on the same subject: “I cannot give you much addi-
tional information of the Thrips. The June grass species or an allied one did con-
siderable injury to Timothy, in Albany County in June. It was probably the same that
you had in fimothy, and is presumably the Grass-eating Thrips (Limothrips poapha-
gus) of Prof. Comstock, lately briefly described in his ‘ Introduction to Entomology,’’
1888, p. 127. This description is as follows: “ Another common species I have
designated in my ‘ Notes on Entomology,’ as the grass-eating Thrips, ZLimothrips
poaphagus. The injury caused by this pest often attracts attention, although the
insect itself is rarely observed. It infests Timothy and June grass, causing the
head to turn yellow and die before maturity. These dead heads are very abundant
every year. By pulling the head from its sheath, the stalk will be found to be
shrunken in the tender part just above the joint, where the juice has been sucked
from it; and in this place if the examination be made soon after the turning yellow
ot the head the insect can also be found. The adult female is light yellow in colour,
measures from 1 m.m. to 1$ m.m. (0°04 inch to 0°05 inch) in length, and is remark-
able in lacking the long spines on the veins of the wings.’

In Europe these little insects are charged without hesitation with serious injury,
to hay and grain crops. In Mr. C. Whitehead’s second report to the English Goy-
ernment, 1886, he says: “Although very small indeed, this little creature does an

62

infinity of harm to wheat, oats and barley plants in some seasons and in some
localities. Being so tiny its action upon cereals is frequently unnoticed, and the
results are attributed to other than insect agencies or they are frequently called
blight, or supposed to be due to an abnormal state of the plants.

“Upon close examination of aftected plants, it will be found that the Thrips
have taken up positions under the coverings or case or corolla, of the seed of corn*
within the slits of the seeds, and are sucking the juices from them with their short,
stout beaka. It has been supposed that they are attracted by the pollen, but it is
certain that their chief attraction is the sweet fluid of developing seeds.

In 1886, Prof. Ch. Lindeman published a very complete article upon ‘“ Species
of Thrips living on cereals in Middle Russia, which appeared in the Bulletin de la
Société Impériale des Naturalistes de Moscou. In this the author states that his
investigations have convinced him tha: only two, of five species he mentions, have
an agricultural importance. These are

T. secalina. Of this the first generation appears in May and lasts till June, the
larvee living upon the ears of rye. The second generation appears at the end of
June and lasts until the beginning of August, living upon the stems and ears of
summer wheut and varley. The third generation appears at the beginning of August
upon the stems, the same as the last,

The winged females lay no eggs in the autumn, but hibernate under stones, in
hollow straws, &. The eggs are large, + mm. long, and are laid separately at some
distance from each other. The larve remain on the same stem where they hatch
from 5 to 15 together beneath the same leaf-sheath. Pups as well as the larve live
only on the sap of cereals. A microscopical examination of the contents of the
crop revealed no trace of cells or of vegetable tissue, only a thickish liquid with
chlorophyll granules. Prof. Lindeman considers the species distinct from 7. cerea-
lium, which is the one referred to above by Mr. Whitehead.

The damage by T. secalina is much less than that caused by Palcothrips frumen-
taria, Bd., the other species which he mentions. This causes great damage by punc-
turing the ovaries of rye, wheat, barley and timothy. The females lay eggs in May
and June, in heaps sometimes as many as 27 together between the palex or on the
rachis of rye. Larve appear at the end of May, and like the adults feed upon the
ovaries, destroying from 80 to 90 per cent. of them on the ears attacked. Pups were
first seen on 4th July. The second and last generation appeared on 10th July. The
grains of rye were then ripe, so the insects migrated to the ears of summer wheat,
The larve were observed by 17th Jaly, and the aduits by the end of August, when
they went into hibernation,

Dr. Lindeman recommends as remedies for these grain eating species, fall plough-
ing, burning ot the stubble and heavy rolling.

Remedies.—A fact which has been generally noticed amongst my ccrrespon-
dents, who have reported this attack, has been that it was most noticeable upon old
and exhausted meadows. ‘This naturally suggests breaking these up and laying them
down to some other crop. An old timothy field upon the Experimental Farm was
found to be badly attacked by what for the present I prefer still to speak of indefi-
nitely as “Silver-top.” When no cause for this injury could be discovered, it was
ploughed up, and the result will be noticed during the coming year. This is the
only remedy which can be suggested, until »omething more definite is discovered.
The cause of the injury must be looked for immediately the heads of grasses begin to
turn white, and the description given above should enable a careful observer to detect
whether it is a Thrips or not.

* This word is used in England in the-same way that we use ‘‘grain.’’

Locusts—“ Grasshoppers” (Acridide.).

Fig. 4.—Melanoplus femur-rubrum, Burm.

One of the remarkable occurrences of injurious insects during the past season
was the appearance of vast numbers of locusts of several species. This is frequently
the case in dry seasons, not only these conditions check the growth of vegeta-
tion, but also are very favourable to the development of insects. They are usually
spoken of as “grasshoppers,” but all the short-horned species are generally designated
“ Locusts” by Entomologists. In the eastern part of Ontario they were very abun-
dant, and during the month of August attacked every green plant that came in their
path, even going into the woods and attacking the forest trees. Upon the Experi-
mental Farm they were extremely troublesome. In Western Ontario they were re-
ported as attacking clover and timothy, In Manitoba and the North-West Territo-
ries there was no excessive superabundance complained of; but in British Columbia,
Iam informed by Rev. G. W. Taylor, the Provincial Entomologist, that they occar-
r€d in large numbers and were very injurious. He writes “ possibly the names of
our Victorian species may be of interest to you. The specimens were identified
for me by Mr. Lawrence Bruner, which is a guarantee of the correctness:of the
determinations.

1. Circotettix undulatus, Thos.

2. Arphia tenebrosa, Scud,

3. Melanoplus scriptus, Walk.

These three, particularly the last two, are to be found until late into November,
the last named is one of our most abundant species, and is much like your eastern
MM, femur-rubrum.

4. Melanoplus bivittatus, Say. Abundant.

5. Trimerotropis vinculatus, Scud. This is a rare species which I have only col-
lected in one place.

5. Camnula pellucida, Scud. Abundant,

6. Dissosteira Carona, L. Not injeriously abundant,

7. Tettix granulatus, Kirby. Occasionally taken.

8. Gryllus neglectus, Scud. Very abundant.

9. Ceutophilus castaneus, Thos. Not uncommon.

10, Myrmecophila oregonensis, Bruner.

This last, scientifically, 1s an extremely interesting little species, but has no
economic importance,”

In some parts of the Province of Quebec locusts appeared in large numbers and
enquiries concerning them were frequent. Their numbers gave rise to the impres-
sion that they were the Rocky Mountain Locust, The occurrence of this last species
in that Province is however extremely improbablo, if not impossible, although during
the last few years the Lesser Locust, M. atlanis, Riley, has been wne of the most
abundant species as far east as Ottawa. The specimens sent to me for identification
from the Province of Quebec were, M. femur-rubrum, M. bivittatus, and D. Carolina,

in the neighbourhood of Ottawa, the hay fields were noticed to be swarming with
young locusts in the beginning of June, and trouble was feared from their numbers.
By the beginning of Juiy the first specimens of the perfect winged locusts were
taken, and from that time on, until the frosts of autumn, countless myriads com-
mitted serious depredations upon almost every green plant. Hay was cut in the
beginning of July, and they then forsook the meadows and went to the fields of grain
and other produce. The foliage of bushes, fruit trees, and even forest trees was de-
voured by them; nothing seemed to escape. Their numbers were so great that ordinary
remedies were useless, In an effort to protect the experimental grass plots and a

64

large patch of tobacco, the mixture of bran, sugar and arsenic, as proposed by Prof.
Riley, was used. It was readily eaten, and certainly killed large numbers, but the
dead bodies were soon disposed of by the survivors, and when one was ki:led a
thousand took its pace. Mechanical apparatus for catching and destroying the per-
fect locusts would have been the only way to deal with them. Iam, however,
strongly of the opinion, that, if the hay fields had been cut sbout the 20th June, in-
stead of in the beginning of July, that the hay would have been just as good and
enormous numbers of these locusts would have been destroyed. At that time they
were in 3 condition when they require shade, and, moreover, have no wings with
which to move from one field to another. In a close-growing crop, like hay which
covers the ground thickly, there is very little active vegetation at the roots, and a
great deal of moisture is kept from evaporating. As soon as the hay is cut, ail that
is left on the field, above the surface, is at once dried up by the action of the air and
the sun, and the plant does not shoot up again for some weeks. In wet seasons, of
course, this is a little sooner than in dry ones. The latter part of last June and the
month of July were excessively hot and dry in this section, and what grass was left upon
the fields after the hay was cut, could not possibly have supported the large num-
bers of locusts which afterwards devastated our crops. By leaving the hay standing
until the Ist July, they had reached the final stage in which they can fly, and they
were thus enabled to migrate from field to field, which they could not possibly have
done in their earlier stages by hopping. It must be remembered that their wings do
not grow gradually until they reach their fullsize, but appear suddenly after the Mast
pupal moult in the same way as those of plant-bugs or butterflies. Amongst the Orthop-
tera the successive stages of development from the egg to the imago are somewhat dif-
ferent from what we see in other orders of insects. Locusts pass through seven stages.
The egg, two larval stages, three pupal stages and the perfect form. In the larval
stages there is no appearance of wings; after the second moult, however, small
wing pads appear, which increase gradually during the two succeeding moults, but
when the pupal life is completed, and just before the insect moults the last time and
becomes a perfect locust, the wing pads, even in the large species, are only about a
quarter of an inch long. When the last moult takes place, however, and this only
takes a few moments when the time comes, from these short wing-pads are unfolded
copious gauzy wings, Over an inch in length. In a few hours these harden, and are
ready to transport their bearer from place to place upon its mission of destruction,
CLOVER,

In the November bulletin of the Ontario Bureau of Industries Mr. Blue writes
as follows : ‘‘ The winter and spring were trying on fields already thinned by drought
and the second dry summer left the crop in a very unsatisfactory condition, so far
as any prospect of seed was concerned. The Midge was almost everywhere, and
while a few correspondents in the Lake Erie and Lake Ontario Counties speak of a
fair quantity of seed, the majority of returns describe the crop as a complete fuilure.
Where any seed was obtained it was generally where fields were pastured until the
middle of June.”

The Clover-Seed Midge (Cecidomyia leguminicola, Lintner).

Attack—Small footless, orange Maggots which eat out the contents of the clover
pods and thus destroy the seed.

It is somewhat disappointing to find that the Clover-seed Midge instead of being
reduced to the place of a second class pest by the concerted action of the growers of
clover seed, has actually made headway during the past summer. This is the more
remarkable because its life history is so well understood, and although it is well
known by all that to secure a crop of clover-seed, the crop must be cut or fed off
before the Maggots are full grown, yet farmers do not adopt this simple method.
There are two broods of this midge in the season, corresponding with the two crops
of clover-seed. The eggs are laid in the forming flower heads of the clover ; when
they hatch the maggots eat their way into the seed-pod and destroy the seed. When
full grown, which here is about the end of June, they leave the heads of clover and

65

penetrate a short distance into the grornd, Here after a time they change to pupz
and the perfect flies emerge in August, just at the time the clover is heading out
again, and therefore just in the condition toserve their progeny as food. Now it is
manifest that if the first brood can be destroyed in any district by the systematic
and concerted action of all the growers, the second crop of clover-seed must be to a
large measure exempt from the attacks of the Midge. It has been proved conclusive-
ly that if clover be either cut or fed off before the middle of June the young larve of
the Midges are destroyed.

Mr. ‘I. Farrow, of Bluevale, Ont., who has tried many experiments, in observing
this insect for a succession of years, has written as follows:—‘I am the only one in
this section who has any clover-seed. I have 30 acres. Twenty acres I pastured
until the middle of June. The other ten acres I left for crop. The hay on this was
cut about the first week in July and then left for a crop ofseed. The summer, as
you know, turned out very dry, in consequence of which there was not as much
growth as there would have been had the season been damper. However, the seed
on the pastured 20 acres was very good and fine. No Midge atall.”

Again Mr. Robert Wilkie writing from Blenheim, Ont., on the 4th January,
1889, says: ‘‘ Very little seed has been threshed here as yet. I have heard of only
two lots, one was pastured until early in June, when the stock was turned off and
the crop allowed to go to seed. Thirty acres produced 50 bushels of seed ; but another
piece of ten or twelve acres which was cut for hay the first time produced about the
same quantity of seed.” y

Now these are only two of a great many letters which might be cited to prove
that by the adoption of this simple and inexpensive method one of our most remu-
nerative crops may be saved. It is true that occasionally, even without taking this
precaution, good crops of seed may be raised but they cannot be relied on.

FIELD CROPS AND VEGETABLES.
ROOTS.

Root crops in most districts are reported as good, and no new attacks of impor-
tance by injerious insects have been complained of. In some places potatoes were
injuriously affected by rains in September and October, but as a general thing there
was very little Potato Rot, and root crops were saved in good order,

TURNIPS.

Turnips were affected by the droughtin June and July andthe Turnip Flea,
Beetle in many places destroyed the young plants so that they had to be sown again-
After the middle of June dry weather setin and the plants could not get well
started. Towards the middle of June a phenomenal appearance of Cut-worms occur
red and it was only with the greatest difficulty that enough plants could be saved
for acrop. These Cut-worms were chiefly of three species, Agrotis subgothica, Hadena
arctica and Agrotis volubitis, Their attacks were most severe here on the farm ina
sandy field, and turnips, mangold wurtzel, cabbage and cereals were most attacked.
Paris green and finely ground apatite, 1 to 50 and later 1 to 25, were sown along the
yows, but with no appreciable effect upon the Cut-worms.

Striped Flea-beetle, “Turnip Fly” (Phyllotreta vittata, Fab.).

Attack.—Small active shining black beetles, with yellow markings on the wing-
covers, which eat the seed-leaves of turnips and all other cruciferous plants directly
they appear above the ground. When disturbed they hop from the leaves ‘o some
distance, As is always the case in dry seasons many complaints have come in of the
depredations of fiea-beetles upon the turnips. These are not, probably, all by the
Striped Flea-Beetle (P. vittata,) but as this is the commonest species, and the most
successful treatment will apply for all, the description given above will serve to
identify the attack.

Dr. J. T. Steeves, Superintendent of the Provincial Lunatic Asylum, St. John,
N.B., writes in July last: “1 enclose with this specimens of flies, millions of which

have invaded our turnip field this summer and destroyed nearly all our young
5b—5

66

turnips, and also the mangolds and beets. We have sown early and late, in the
same field three times; all were eaten up excepting our garden patch, a large patch
which was sown very early, these were not touched. From these we obtained
several barrels of plants, which we transplanted, and these a huge grub devoured.

“Ts there any remedy that we can use against these enemies, they are very
numerous and hop off like fleas when disturbed. Of course we shall lose our crop
this year; but what can be done to prevent disaster next year? I have advised our
farmer to prepare his drills this autumn and have them all ready to receive the seed
as soon as the frost is fairly out of the ground in the spring, and sow early. Most, if
not all, the farmers in Lancaster parish, situated on the west side of the St. John
River, near its mouth, have suffered from the same foe.”

In the Ottawa district the species which attacked the turnips was P. vittata, the
same as was sent by Dr. Steeves, but I am under the impression it must have been
some other insect which destroyed the mangolds and beets. The grub mentioned by
him was undoubtedly one of the many species of Cut-worms. These are very partial
to mangolds and may have been the culprits.

In the far west the same or a similar beetle occurred followed also by a Cut-
worm. Mr, Tl. H. Fullerton, writing from Calgary, N. W. T., says: “‘The farmers
in this vicinity have been greatly annoyed by flies this year on field turnips as well
as on all garden stuff. What the fly left, a sort of grub took, eating the plant off
close to the ground. I have some turnips four times sown and would be glad to hear
of any remedy you may know of for another year.” The life history of these Flea
Beetles seems to be as follows :—The perfect insects pass the winter beneath rubbish
or clods of earth in the fields. In the early spring they come forth and feed upon
some of the many cruciferous plants which then have foliage, as various biennial
weeds. The eggs are Jaid soon after and as stated by Dr. Thomas (Illinois, Rep. VI,
p- 159) the larva feeds upon the roots of cruciferous plants and when full-fed makes a
small earthen cocoon near its feeding place. From the time the egg is laid until
the perfect beetle emerges, it takes about a month, and there are probably three or
four broods in the season, for perfect beetles were taken upon cruciferz in the seed
beds at the farm right through the summer. The European Turnip Flea-Beetle (P.
nemorum, Chev., is stated by Mr. C. Whitehead (Rep. on In, Inj. to Roots and other
crops, 1887) to lay its eggs beneath the leaf, and he says that the young larve mine
the leaves, when full-fed dropping to the ground and pupating in the earth close to
the tarnip plants. It is further stated that the beetles “ arrive in a rapid succession
of generations throughout the summer, if itis hot anddry and if other circumstances
are favourable, when it is believed that there are as many as six generations,”

Remedies.—In England agricultural methods of prevention are relied upon al-
most entirely. The land is ploughed and manured in the autumn so as to produce a
good seed-bed. In the spring it is merely cultivated; this destroys weeds but does
not open up the land, which would allow too much moisture to evaporate and would
also make shelters for the insects after they had been attracted to the fields. Beneath
the wing-covers of the beetles are folded-up ample gauzy wings with which they can
fly long distances, and they are doubtless attracted to their food by the sense of
smell. Mr. Whitehead advises that “rolling down the land immediately after the
drill should be adopted, as it tends to keep in the moisture and to level the earth in
the drills, so that the seed may come away as rapidly as possible.’ He also advises
that “plenty of seed of the preceding year’s harvest should be used, carefully ex-
amined as to its germinating powers, and as to its freedom from other and worthless
seeds. From three to four pounds per acre may be putin. The importance of hav-
ing seed of full germinating* power cannot be too strongly insisted upon.”

*I draw particular notice to this statement of Mr. Whitehead’s with regard to the value of seed-
testing. Mr. Whitehead is an extensive and successful farmer, who has been all his life a practical
farmer. Canadian farmers who can send seed of all kinds to the Exper mental Farm to be tested, free
ofall charge, even postage, have no excuse whatever for sowing or even buying bad seed. The re-
turos as to the germinating quality of seeds can generally be sent back in about a week.

67

As the beetles pass the winter in the perfect state, early sowing in a district
where they have been abundant the previous season is not always successful, although
some of the Nova Scotian farmers have great faith in it.

In the Ottawa district the most successfal crops have usually been grown from
seed sown from 15th to 20th June. Judicious management in the time of sowing so
as to get the young plant into the rough leaf, in between the broods of the beetle is
one of the best methods of prevention. The great injury to the young plants is done
by the beetles attacking the seed-leaves, which are stores of nourishment laid up in
the seed for the use of the young plant. What an important office they fill can be
easily seen by cutting them away from any young seedling, As soon as the rough
leaves or true leaves are formed, in all ordinary seasons, the plants will grow more
quickly than the beetles can destroy them. For this reason, as soon as the tur-
nips appear above the ground some quick-acting fertilizer such as superphos-
phate should be applied so as to push on the young plants past the state when they
can be destroyed by the beetles. A most satisfactory result followed the mixing of
1 lb. of Paris green with 50 of plaster and sowing it along the rows. Dusting with
lime or dust when the dew is on the leaves is largely practised; but if Paris green
is added in the above proportion all the beetles are killed which attack the crop.
The time of appearance of the different broods will vary in different localities, and
this‘@an only be learned by observation in each locality. -

The Turnip Aphis (A. brassice, L.) abundant upon Swede turnips last autumn,
was only reported as injurious once; this was in Victoria, British Columbia, where,
however, it confined itself to the Swedes, and did not touch other varieties,

POTATOES. .
i Potatoes in the west are reported to have suffered severely from the
T attacks of a Flea-beetle, but no specimens have been sent in. Crepidodera

cucumeris, Har. (Fig. 5) a small black flea-beetle with yellowish antenne

and legs, frequently attacks potatoes in the way described, i.e. by eating
Fig. 5. small holes in the foliage. This same beetle has been sent to me by Mr. E.
D, Arnaud, of Annapolis, N.S., who found it in numbers upon his young tomatoes
as soon as they were set out. He had tried a weak solution of carbolic acid, but
without much effect, The Colorado Potato Beetle was very destructive in many
districts. A correspondent writing from the Eastern Townsbips of Quebec in the
beginning of Jane, says: “I never anywhere saw the potato beetles so thick. The
beetles are upon every plant and the eggs are abundant on the other side of the
leaves. Unless something is done there will be a total destruction of the potato
crop.” Upon receipt of this letter I at once wrote a letter for the St. John’s News
urging upon agriculturists the importance of destroying the first brood and recom-
mending the application of Paris green in the proportion of a teaspoonful to a pail
of water. There should be no trouble with this pest, the liquid Paris green mixture
meeting all requirements of the most exacting practical farmer. The time required
for applying it is short, the cost is small, the results are certain, and there is no in-
jury to the plant. The potato beetle has been mentioned in reports from all the east-
ern Provinces of Canada and from Manitoba, One correspondent, writing from Lake
Temiscaming, says: ‘‘The Colorado potato beetle has played great havoc with my
potatoes ; out of nine bags of seed sowed last spring I shall not have five bags of
crop; this is too bad, but not expecting them to turn up here I had no Paris green
by me. I have it now, though, and shall be ready for them next spring.” Specimens
of the grey blister beetle (Hpicauta cinerea, Forst) have been sent for identification
On several occasions, and Messrs. Thomson & Fraser, florists, of Winnipeg, sent me
specimens of the black blister beetle (#. Pennsylvanica, De G.) as the perpetrators of
“considerable damage amongst potatoes,”

“ Black-worms,”’ Thousand-legged worms—(Julide).
A small species of Julus has been sent in twice during the season as injuring

potatoes. This is the same species as in my 1885 report I indentified as J. caruleo-
5b -54

68
SS

cinctus, Wood. It is arather small species, scarcely an inch in length, and banded
alternately with dark brown and bluish rings. It was stated that it had injured the
surface of growing potatoes in August by eating out shallow furrows on the surface
of the tubers, and Mr, R. Brodie, of St. Heary of Montreal, writes that he has had
several different plants attacked by it. He writes: ‘ Another thing which is getting
to be a serious matter with us is the injury done by the ‘ black worm’ mentioned in
your 1885 Report. Our rotten manure heaps are full of them; they begin with our
early potato sets in spring after they are planted, and the corn in the hills. We
have to put shingles under the melons or they will eat into them when they are
barely ripe. They also attack tomatoes and windfalls under our apple trees. I hope
we will soon get a remedy for this troublesome pest. Some talk of using salt, but I
am afraid the quantity of salt it would take to kill them would destroy the growth
of plants also.”

In June I received specimens of the same Julus from Principal A. H. Mackay, of
the Pictou Academy, N.S. He writes: ‘I send you to-day a species of Julus found
eating the seed corn of the young growing plants. They are very abundant in this
particular corn patch in agarden here. Ido not know whether they do much dam-
age or are likely to do so;. perhaps they only destroy the old exhausted grain of
corn.” F

From what is known of the habits of these creatures I fear there is no doubt that
they must be considered as injurious. After detailing several attacks, Miss K. A.
Ormerod in hr report for the year 1885, says: ‘‘ from reports sent in during the
last three years it appears that millipedes live on most of our common root crops,
such as mangolds, potatoes, carrots, onions, &c., likewise on young wheat and on
various crops, on which they feed as the case may be—at the roots, as of peas; or at
what they can reach, as celery; or on ground-fruit as strawberries. The fact of their
feeding on wheat was observed more than forty years ago in the case of Julus Lon-
diniensis, and without entering at too great length on details, everything confirms the
fact that they are general feeders, consuming living and decayed vegetable and
animal! substances.”

Mr. Whitehead, in his report upon hop insects (1885), says: “ It is commonly
held that these thousand-legs are merely attendants upon decay-and do not them-
selves create it; but the formation of their jaws adapted for gnawing and biting
preves clearly that they are active sources of injury to plants.”

These creatures are not insects but belong to the myriapods. They have no
wings, and although so well provided with legs cannot walk fast nor for long dis-
tances. When therefore their babits are better understood a remedy should be forth-
coming. It is quite exceptional their occurring in large numbers. It is stated in
Nova Scotia that they are always abundant where sawdust has been used as a vehicle
for liquid manure; this then should be discarded as much as possible. They are
nearly always found in damp places which would point to the advantage of draining
low lands. “Frequent cultivating during the summer would also be beneficial.

Miss Ormerod found that salt and water killed Julide in a short time, and she
therefore advises the treatment of land or manure heaps with salt, nitrate of soda,
caustic lime or gas lime. Traps are also suggested, made by placing slices of man-
golds, carrots or vegetable marrow upon the ground, an expedient which is tried
with good results in Germany.

The large species of Julus, two inches and a-half in length by nearly a quarter of
an inch in width which is sometimes found under rotten logs is pamed Julus Canadensis.
It has never so far been found injuring vegetation.

CABBAGE,

Cabbage insects during the past season, with the exception of the work of cut-
worms in the spring, have not been so troublesome as usual.

The Anthomyian root maggots were decidedly less destructive in every locality
reported from, not only in cabbages but also in onion beds. Where the earth was

69

kept well hoed up to the collar much better crops of cabbage were grown than
where planted in the ordinary way. The most serious pest during the past year in
Eastern Canada has been fie

“The Cabbage Worm.” The Imported White Cabbage Butterfly (Pieris Rape, L.)

Fig. 6.

Attack—Velvety green caterpillars, about an inch in length, with a broken
yellow line along each side and an unbroken one down the middle of the back. At
first eating the outside leaves, but eventually boring right into the heart of the cab-
bage. These, after three or four weeks prodace the white butterflies so common in
gardens. Fig. 6 male, fig. 7 female.

Renewed experiments with pyrethrum insect powder mixed with four times its
weight of common flour, have proved to be most successful, and I consider this to be
undoubtedly the best remedy for this insect. Cabbages treated three times were
perfectly free from worms. The applications were made by puffing a small quantity
of the powder into the heads in the middle of July and at the beginning and end of
August. Mr. R. B. Whyte, of Ottawa, writes: ‘‘ Lastspring, on your recommendation,
I tried the effects of insect powder as a remedy for the ravages of the cabbage-worm.
For several years previously I had great difficulty in growing cabbage, and always
lost a large part of the crop. A few days after the first appearance of the worm I
applied the powder by means of a small bellows, such as druggists sell for 15 cents. I
walked along the rows compressing the bellows once and sometimes twice about 8
inches above each plant. One ounce of powder, costing less than 10 cents, entirely
cleared 150 plants. On examining the plants three days afterwards, not a single
living worm could be found. Three or four weeks afterwards | noticed that another
tb was beginning to hatch out, sol applied the powder again, with the same
results.”

When attending a meeting of the Frontenac Farmers’ Institute, held last Junein
Kingston, the statement was made that gardeners were giving up growing cabbages
owing to the trouble they experienced with this insect. I strongly advised them to
try the pyrethrum remedy, and some of those present said that they woulddoso. Ina
late letter from Mr. Alexander Ritchie, the Secretary of the Institute, the following
encouraging words appear: “ We have more cabbage this year than we ever had
before, and scores of others say the same, sll due to your remedy for the cabbage-
worm.”

A satisfactory discovery I have made during the past season is that the small
parasite which is so useful in the United States, Pteromalus puparum, is present in
many parts of Canada and at Ottawain very large numbers. Mr. W. H. Harrington
took it at Sydney, Cape Breton, Professor A. H. Mackay sent it to me from Pictou,
Nova Scotia, and I found it in very large numbers in the conservatory of the Experi-
mental Farm at Ottawa, infesting chrysalids of P. Rape which had fed upon
mignonette. I was unable to detect the females in the act of stinging the larve;
bot frequently found them perched upon the newly formed pup, and I now have
about 40) infested pure for distribution to localities where as yet the parasite has not
been observed.

Club-root of the Cabbage (Plasmediophora brassice, Wor.)

A disease of cabbages which is very little understood by farmers is Clab-root. I
have received three communications concerning it. It is usuaily supposed to be the

70

work of insects, but this is not the case. It is a distortion of the tissues of the cab-
bage root owing to the presence of a parasitic fungus. In Mr. Worthington G.
Smith’s “ Diseases of Field and Garden Crops,” (1884) is given an elaborate account of
this pest. In this he says: ‘until the last six or seven years no one knew the cause
of Club-root; but in 1876, after three years constant attention, Mr. Woronin, a Rus-
sian botanist, as completely explained the nature of the Club-root in turnips and
cabbages as the Rev. M. J. Berkeley expounded the murrain of potatoes in 1846.”

“The observations made by Mr. Woronin, which have several times been con-
firmed by others as well as ourselves, seem to place the fact beyond all doubt that
clubbing is caused by a fungus (p. 94). The family to which this fungus belongs is
known by the name of slime-fungi (Myxomycetes) which are most remarkable from
the fact that they do not form cells, tissues, nor mycelium, during the time of active
growth ; but the protoplasm remains during that time free and collected into smail
amceba-like masses. When mature, however, small pieces are separated from the
mass, a Cell- wall is formed and the small pieces become spores for the re-production of
the plant.” Fungi, it must be remembered, even the microscopic species, are plants.
Spores of fungiare analogous to seeds in higher vegetables. I received from Rev.
Mére Marie St, Augustin, of Sillery, P.Q., some roots of young cabbage badly in-
fested with this fungus—the roots and the galls of the fungus were also attacked by
the Cabbage Root-maggot, and these had naturally been accredited with all the injury.
In the letter which accompanied the specimen is the following : “Tsend you ina small
box a specimen which is commonly called ‘ potato of the cabbage ’ without doubt on
account of the resemblance in the form of this excresence on the root of the cabbage
to the tuber of a potato. It appears to be due to the presence of small white larva
which are nourished on the jnice of the plant stopping its growth and killing it.
We shall be much obliged if you can suggest some means of destroying the injurious
insect. If it is too late this season to stop its ravages, we shall be pleased to know
its pame and any remedy for its attack.”

Mr. R. Brodie, of St. Henry of Montreal, who is considered one of the best
growers of cabbage on the Island of Montreal wrote to me in 1887: ‘“ On some of our
land we cannot grow cabbage or cauliflower two years in succession on account of
the worm (?) which causes Club-root. I am doubtful if it really is, as supposed, a
worm which causes this big root. I have cut the root away with my knife piece by
piece and could never find one. Mr. Peter Henderson, in one of his books says it is
the want of lime in the soil that partly causes the Club-root. Four years ago I used
a quantity of hardwood ashes on a four-acre field of cabbage, but 1 had to leave twelve
drills without ashes as I ran short of them; these twelve rows were almost a total
failure, being Club-rooted, while the others were a splendid crop averaging ten
pounds per head. I find there are far more fertilising qualities in ashes than in lime
and it isa wonder to me that farmers do not use more of them when they are so
cheap.”

aca Mr. Brodie writes this year :—

“You ark me if my treatment to prevent Club-root in cabbage was again
successful. In our 9 acres of cabbage and cauliflower I do not think that we found
one that was Club-rooted. We gave the land a heavy coat of ashes that we had
gathered round the country. I suppose they would be mixed hard and soft wood
ashes. These we mixed well with the soil. We had a man following the plough
with a cart-load of ashes. In scattering them he stood in the cart and held a coal-
shovel full of ashes over the side shaking them off as evenly as he could into the
furrows as the horse moved on, The land was heavily manured the previous year.
After the plants had started to grow I applied to each plant a small handful of a
complete fertilizer I procured from the Standard Fertilizing Company, Smith’s Falls.
This gave them a vigorous growth. We very seldom plant cabbage two years in
succession on the same soil, but one of the best gardeners in this neighbourhood, who
pays a high rent for a small piece of land, has planted cabbage I am sure 20 years
in succession. He uses large quantities of quick-lime, and also gas-lime from the
gas-works, otherwise he could not grow them at all, for the nature of his soil is more

71

subject toclub-root than mine, I use the ashes as much for their fertilizing qualities
as for their prevention of club-root, but quick lime has hardly any fertilizing quali-
ties that I am aware of.”

This experience of Mr. Brodie’s is very valuable, because it can be tried by
everyone.

Mr. Worthington Smith recommends such an alternation of crops for two or three
years, that the spores of the fungus may be exhausted before a cruciferous crop is
again cultivated on the same land. He says:—“ Beyond all other things it is neces-
sary that old club-root should not be allowed to remain on the ground where turnips
or cabbages are.to be grown, All the diseased material should be gathered into a
heap and, if possible, burnt. No sane healthy person would remain in a place
tainted with contagia of dead and diseased animals, and it is equally unsafe to place
sound plants, tubers, or seeds amongst dead or diseased vegetable refuse. In one
case, a8 in the other, certain individuals may, perchance, escape; but the general
result is the healthy organisms are at length destroyed by the dead or diseased ones.”

Cut-worms,

Of all the injuries committed year after year upon field and garden crops, there
are none concerning which more enquiries are made, than of the various caterpillars
known as Cut-worms. During the past season, however, possibly owing to the
exceptional climatic conditions during the autumn of 1887 and the spring of 1888,
various species of these caterpillars appeared in overwhelming numbers, in all direc-
tions. During the month of June letters and specimens poured in, There was no
province in the Dominion from which complaints of their depredations were not
received. From British Columbia I received the variegated Cut-worm (Agrotis
saucia), and some chrysalids which turned to Ag. obeliscoides,Guen. From Manitoba,
the W-marked Cut-worm (Ag. clandestina, Har.) and Ag. declarata, Mor, From New
Brunswick, the Gothic Dart moth (Ag. subgothica, Haw.) From Nova Scotia came
the last named and the Lance Rustic (Agrotis ypsilon, Ratt.), and from Cape Breton,
the caterpillars of a moth, which has been kindly identified by Prof. Riley as Ag.
turris, Grote. In addition to these, various letters described their ravages without
sending specimens,

Rey. J. B. Hemmeon, of Wolfville, N.S.,says: ‘The Cut-worm is very preva-
lent this year, destroying acres of cucumbers and other things planted for pickling
factories.”

Prof. J. Burwash, of Mt. Allison University, Sackville, N.B., sent specimens of
two species of larvee which, he writes: ‘ Have been doing considerable damage in
this neighbourhood and generally throughout the county of Westmoreland, N.B.
They work under the ground at a short distance from the surface, and bite off the
plants at the beginning of the stem. They prefer beets, mangolds, or carrots; but
have also cut down peas, corn and onions. The beets have, in some place, been
completely destroyed by them.”

Dr. R. A. H. McKean, writing from Cow Bay, Cape Breton, N.S., says: ‘‘I send
you a few specimens of a grub* which has been, for years, playing a great deal of
mischief in our gardens in this county, and which is likely to ruin not only our
gardens, but grain fields as well. When my peas, beans and mangolds were well up
I noticed the peas cut off near the ground; examination showed the work to have
been done by a grub similar to the specimen forwarded. One or two were found
round some of the stocks, but in a day or two they increased in number, extending
their operations to the beans, beets, squash, spinach, &c,, and now | find a small
piece of southern corn, put in as an experiment, also receiving attention. As it
looks at present, gardens will be stripped of everything green and succulent. In the
country districts, I hear that oat fields are suffering in the same way, and wi!| have
to be resowed. [I tried a strong decoction of tobacco round my peas and beans; but
I cannot say that the grubs objected to ‘ the weed.’ Others have experimented with
hellebore, but to no purpose. The fertilizer I used was a mixture of horse and cow

*These produced the moth Agrofis turris, Grote.

aes t

72

manure in some places, and well-rotted compost of the above with black bog-mud in
others; but I conld see no difference in the number of grubs or their activity. In
one instance kelp has been tried; but with, if anything, more grubs in that garden
than in others,”

Mr. C, W. C, Bate also says: ‘‘My father writes me from Killarney, Manitoba,
that his kitchen garden is being ruined by the attacks of what he takes to be the
Cut-worm.”

These are samples of a large number of similar letters, and in this district the
same state of affairs occurred as is described above. In May and June the fields
simply swarmed with these injurious caterpillars, and great injury was done to field
crops. When Cut-worms only appear in their ordinary numbers, there are certain
remedies by which their ravages can be kept within bounds; but when they sud-
denly occur in the countless myriads, as our fields were overrun by last spring, all
ordinary methcds of meeting their attacks prove entirely inadequate. Cut-worms
are the caterpillars of dull-colored active moths belonging for the most part to three
genera, namely, Agrotis, Hadena and Mamestra. Now, these three genera alone con-
tain more than 340 described species. Of course the different species vary somewhat
in their habits, but taken as a class they are very similar, and in the present state of
our knowledge, it will be more convenient to treat them as a class, at any rate in a
report like this, which is prepared particularly with the hope cf helping farmers to
overcome their insect foes. As Cut-worms are the caterpillars of so many different
species of moths, the inaccuracy of speaking of them as the Cut-worm is apparent.
Moreover, many other insects are sent in and reported upon as Cut-worms which do
not belong to this class at all. Of these the White Grubs, the larval state of the June
Beetles (Lachnosterna) are most often referred to, There issome reason in this, from
their occasional habit of biting off plants in the manner of the true Cut-worms, which
are the caterpillars of the moths referred to above, and may be described in a
general way as smooth, almost naked, greasy-looking caterpillars of some dull shade
of colour similar tothe ground in which they hide during the day. The head is
smooth and shining, and sometimes of a different colour from the rest of the body.
On the top of the segment next to the head, is a smooth chitinous plate known as
the thoracic shield. There are generally about six series of bristle-bearing
tubercles along each side of the body, and when disturbed the caterpillars curl up
into a ring.

Their habits are almost always nocturnal, lying hid by day just beneath the
surface of the soil; they come out at night to feed. When, however, they develop
in large numbers they frequently change their habits and feed by dey, owing pro-
bably to the reduced food supply consequent upon their ravages. The habits of most
Cut-worms are probably as follows:—The egg is laid in the spring, summer or
autumn, and the insects may pass the winter either in the perfect moth state, as a
young half-grown caterpillar or as achrysalis. Those which hibernate as moths lay
the spring eggs and moths are produced again before winter sets in. The eggs which
are laid in the summer or autumn hatch soon after and the caterpillars either
become full fed the same season and pass the winter underground in the chrysalis
state or after feeding for a short time become torpid and pass the winter as half
grown caterpillars. In this condition they may be found late in the autumn under
stones, logs or heaps of dead vegetation, in the roots of grasses, or in cells beneath
the surface of the ground, The ravages of the young caterpillars which hatch in the
sumimer and autumn, are seldom noticed then, on account of the abundant vegetation
at those seasons. In the spring, however, not only are the caterpillars much larger
and capable of more mischief but the land is cleared of all weeds and vegetation,
other than the crop which is to be grown, and when the Cut-worms, revived by the
warmth of the sun and the opening of spring, come from their winter retreats, there
is nothing for them to cat but the farmer's early crops. They are particularly
troublesome in gardens, cutting off young cabbages, tomatoes and other plants as

— :

73

soon as pricked out. When the caterpillars are full-fed they
burrow into the ground to a depth of a few inches and turn
‘| to brown chrysalids inside a smooth cell or a light cocoon
* (Fig. 8). From these after a few weeks the perfect moths
emerge. They are very active at night, and when disturbed
have the same habit as their caterpillars of dropping to the
Fig. 8. ground and remaining perfectly still as ifdead. From their
dull colour they are then difficult to find, When at rest their wings lie horizontally
over their backs and the upper ones entirely cover the lower pair. The upper wings
are generally crossed with one or more waved lines and always bear two character-
istic marks, one about half way down the wing, orbicular in shape, the other, nearer
the tip, reniform or kidney-shaped.
Ka ShESS Fig. 9 shows a common and very injurious species,
the Lance Rustic Moth (Agrotis Ypsilon) and its cater-
pillar, the Greasy Cut-worm.

From their nocturnal habits Cut-worms frequently
=, do 2 great deal of harm to vegetation without being re-
& cognized as the cause. It is important in the view of
¥ discovering useful remedies to ascertain as soon as pos-
sible the habits of all these caterpillars.

Those of which the preparatory stages are known
may be divided into three classes: 1. Climbing Cut-
worms, or those which climb trees and destroy the buds.
2. Surface Cut-worms, or those which live on the surface

5 of the ground and cut off herbaceous plants just beneath
Fig. 9. the level of the soil, 3. Those which combine both of
these habits. «

=, Of the first class we cannot have a better example than the Common Climbing
Cut-worm (Agrotis scandens, Riley). This species was abundant last spring, but as a
rule is rather a rare species here, although I have spacimens from several localities
in Western Canada. The caterpillar attacks the apple, and is sometimes very in-
jurioue, eating out the buds just as they sre expanding. “Itis ofa light yellowish
gray colour variegated with dull green, with a dark line down the back, and fainter
lines along the sides; the spiracles or breathing pores are black. When full grown
it is nearly an inch and a-half long.” (Saunders, W. Insects Inj.*to Fruits, p, 108.)
\ Of the second class or Cut-worms proper,
( tchere are many species, perhaps the best
known of which is the Dingy Cut-worm, the
aterpillar of the Gothic Dart Moth (Agrotis
subgothica, Haw.) There are, however, several
species almost identical in general appearance
and habits. Frequently observers collect seve-
ral specimens, supposing them all io belong
: to the same species; but when the moths ap-
} ; — pear they find that they have been dealing
_ Fig. 10—A. subgothica showing with four or five different kinds. This was my
wings expanded and folded. own experience during the past season, From
cages supposed only to contain one species I obtained spscimens of Agrotis campes-
tris, A. Ypsilon, A, volubilis and A, subgothica. 1 unluckily omitted to take exact
descriptions of the larve and their colorational differences; but their habits were all
similar and the same remedies would apply for all. The Dingy Cut-worm is found
over a very large area. From the Atlantic to the Pacific in Canadg and it also occurs
in Europe. The colours are very varisble but may be described as follows: Head
grey, shiny and speckled. Thoracic shield on first segment bearing three white
stripes. General colour of the body grey with a wide brownish stripe down the
back and three indistinct stripes along tho sides. The bristle-bearing tubercles

black and conspicrous. When full grown it is about an inch in length.
Of the third class which bouk destroy low vegetation and climb up trees and bushes
and destroy the buds, no better example can be cited than tho Variegated Cut-worm,

eS <waigie
os

74

the caterpillar of the Un-Armed Rustic Moth (Agrotis saucia, Treit.) This was a very
abundant species last spring. Mr. E. Hutcherson, writing from Ladner’s Landing,
British Columbia, sent in June last specimens of this species, in both the larval and
pupal stages. It is a large and most voracious species. Dr. Thomas in the Seventh
[linois Report says: “ This is widely distributed and it is probable that we have no
other species that is more voracious or is a more general feeder. While some kinds
of Cut-worms are not found much out of certain situations, this may be sought in
any place during its season, with a good prospect of finding it. There seems to be
no cultivated crop that are free from its attacks, and when these are not at hand it
feeds readily upon weeds that are found in the fields and by the roadsides.”

I have taken this species also in Victoria, B. C., where it was most troublesome,
attacking all kinds of vegetables in market gardens.

Mr. Hutcherson writes: ‘I send you several grubs which are doing great des-
truction here at the present time. As you willsee they are ground grubs burrowingin
the ground in the day time and working at night. I am eager to know the best remedy
for destroying them as well as their history. Would gas-lime destroy them? If so
how should | employ it and what danger would there be to vegetation?” And again
later he writes: “I send you to-day a packet containing grubs in the chrysalis stage
as I expect those sent before would reach you in such damaged condition as to be
useless. I might say the ground is full of them, scarcely a square foot without a
grub init. They have damaged my grafts and one year old trees pretty badly by
eating off the tips.”

The caterpillar is large, nearly two inches in length when walking, of a light
slate colour mottled or marbled with irregular pinkish, grey, and deep black elon-
gated marks which make two broken and indistinct lines along the sides, Beneath
the breathing pores a pale stripe. Head, grey, mottled. The moth isa large species
of very variable appearance, expanding one inch and three-quarters, usually of a
pale brown colour with a few indistinct black marks on the upper wings, the lower
wings whitish in the centre and brown outside.

Another species with the same habit as the above, of occasionally climbing
up trees and bushes is called the Yellow-headed Cut-worm, the caterpillar of the
Amputating Brocade Moth (Hadena arctica, Bois.) Fig. 11.

This was remarkably abundant in the perfect
state during the months of July and August flying
=, into rooms at night by hundreds. The larva was
j not recognized amongst the injurious Cut-worms col-
lected. It is described as “of a smoky or livid
brown colour, with a yellow or chestnut coloured
bead, and a horny shield of the same colour on the
first and last segments of the body. It grows toa

Sp So larger size than most of the other Cut-worms, and
is peculiarly destructive, because it severs the plant about an inch below the surface
of the ground, thus destroying it irremediably. They also attack the corn till a later
period than some others.” (G. J. Bowles in An. Rep. Hnt. Soc., Ont, 1887, p. 39.)
The moth is a very beautiful creature expanding nearly two inches. The general
colour is rich reddish brown, mottled with clear grey. In the centre of each of the
upper wings is a bright red V-shaped space containing the ordinary round and
kidney-shaped marks of the family. Exterior to this red space are two irregular
bands, the first grey and a terminal dusky band. These are divided by a white line
shaded with brown within. The thorax and the body are ornamented with reddish
tufts.

Remedies—There are many remedies which may be tried for Cut-worms, some of
which will usually answer the required purposes. When, however, as stated above,
the caterpillars appear in enormous numbers and materially reduce their own food
supply, no remedies except killing them will prevent them from attacking plants.
There are a great many beneficial insects which help to keep these pests in check.
Various Hymenopterous four-winged flies attack them as well as the parasitic Tachina
flies and true Bugs. In addition to these, however, there are some large ground

75

beetles known by the name of Calosoma, These should be known by sight by every
gardener and farmer; they are amongst his best friends; but being usually found
amongst the injured plants where they are hunting for the injurious Cut-worms
their mission is misunderstood and they are frequently destroyed.
Fig. 12 shows the Fiery Ground Beetle (Calosoma calidum, Fab.) a
common and very useful species, the grub of which has been styled
the “ Cut- worm Lion.”

Artificial remedies will, of course, vary with the habits of the
caterpillars to be guarded against.

For the Climbing Cut-worms the best remedy is to place round
the stem of the tree or bush to be protected a strip of tin six inches
wide; the lower edge can be pressed into the ground and the tubu-
lar shape is easily preserved by securing it above with a piece of
twine. This will effectually keep all Cut-worms from the tree, for
these heavy-bodied caterpillars are unable tocrawl over the smooth

Fig. 12. surface. A similar expedient is to tie a band of cotton batting
round the stem. ‘The caterpillars being unable to crawl over this yielding material.

For Surface Cut-worms the most efficient remedies are the following :—

1. Keeping down all weeds in the late summer and autumn months, so as to
genrive those species which hatch in the autumn of their food supply and winter
shelter.

2. Late ploughing in autumn or winter so as to disturb them after they have
gone into winter quarters. The value of this treatment lies chiefly in breaking the
cell they have made as a protection from the cold of winter, ata time of the year
when they will be unable to make another.

3. Burning off all stubble and rubbish as late as possible in the spring when
many of the caterpillars and the eggs of some species will be destroyed.

4. Placing some substance with an obnoxious odour around young plants when
ae set out, as fresh gas lime, sand or sawdust saturated with coal oil or carbolic
acid,

5. Traps.—Prof. Riley has found that they may be destroyed in large numbers
by setting poisoned traps between the rows of the crop to be protected. These are
made as follows, having procured a supply of some succulent plant as grass, clover,
or “Jamb’s quarters,” (Chenopodium album, L.), tie them in loose bundles and sprinkle
them heavily, or dip them in Paris Green and water. These are placed between the
rows. ‘Tying the plants in bundles has the effect of keeping the traps green and fresh
for a longer time. ‘“ Lamb’s quarters” is a favourite plant with many kinds of Cut-
worms and it will be noticed that where this weed grows, it is much more attractive
than most plants grown as crops. This plant springs up everywhere in cultivated
land. I believe that if strips of it were left at intervals in the fields, they would
draw off the attack from the crops. A noticeable feature with this weed is the ease
with which it can be destroyed. From the habit Cut-worms have of cutting off the
stem of an attacked plant and remaining close to its root in the day time, and from the
fact that when this plant is injured it fades quickly and turns to a whitish tint, the
presence of Cut-worms in these rows can be detected at a glance, after a couple of
hours of sunshine. The caterpillars should then of course be dug out and destroyed.
After the season for the Cut-worms has passed by, these strips can be run over with
the cultivator and will be of no further trouble.

6. Wrapping.—Young tomatoes and cabbages may generally be protected in a
large measure from the attacks of Cut-worms, by simply wrapping a piece or paper
around the stems at the time of planting, care being taken that it reaches above the
ground for about an inch. This remedy usually answers well; but last spring not
even paper saturated with a mixture of coal oil and linseed oil kept the hungry
myriads from the young tomatoes and cabbages. The same remedy is sometimes
used in a modified form by making a cornucopia of paper and after putting some
earth in it, put in the plant and sink it in the ground and fill up, leaving two inches
above the ground. In short the plant is planted in the cone of paper. By the me
the roots have reached the paper it is decayed and forms no barrier to root growth.

76

A similar expedient is to place tomato tins, with the tops and bottoms cut out,
over young plants, the caterpillars being unable to crawl over the smooth tin,

7. Ditching.—It must be remembered that Cut-worms are essentially vagrants,
They never stay long in any one place, but crawl long distances at night from place
to place. In years of very bad attack, it usually happens that certain fields are free
from attack, whilst most of the others are badly infested. To prevent Cut-worms
from leaving a certain field or to keep them out of another, ploughing a deep furrow
has been found useful in confining their ravages,

All the above named remedies have been tried and found useful, but in years of
great abundance they fail to protect the crop entirely. This fact is illustrated by
our Ottawa experience of last season and by the following letter from Mr. G. A.
Knight, of Mount Tolmie, Victoria, B.C. As I have received many enquiries as to
the value of gas-lime, I insert the letter in full :—

“With regard to Cut-worms I am afraid gas-lime is a failure. In Javuary I put
it on very thick—1,500 lbs. on 4 of an acre. I was afraid I had it too thick; but I
ploughed it in, and in March I ploughed the land again. I then saw that the land
was thick with the larvee of a Tipula, and even where the lime was dumped they
were there as well by the thousand. In some places I also saw earth-worms, but no
sigas of Cut-worms I sowed part with beet-root, carrots, and peas. Everything
went spleadidly until all the seeds were up about one or two inches high. The peas
Were sown sometinie after the other seeds, so they all came up about the same time.
i may say that before this we had had a jot of cold, nasty weather and things made
searcely any growth. All at once it cleared up and the sun came out hot for a week,
and then as if by magic, the Cut-worms made their appearance. They were very
small at first, but soon grew to be half sn inch and one inch long. I had a lively
time with them. In some places they cleared off overything. I sowed carrots three
times, but the last lot did not come up until the middle of July, which is too late for
them to do anything as it is too hot and dry then. My onions were all taken of the
first sowing, and they served my nursery stock very badly. They would cut the
plum and apple buds clean out, I mixed Paris Green with lime and put it on so
thick that I killed the foliage and bark; but no dead Cut-worms could I find. [ tried
saltpetre and ashes, but that was no good. As for the traps you speak of they were
no good with me either, What is to become of the cabbage plants when there are
no leaves or clover for traps, and other things that are sown in March and are up
and taken before there is anything to make traps with? The traps, too, soon wilt
with the sun and wind, and Cut-worms, here at any rate, will not eat that stuff when
they can get a Carrot or an onion an inch high.

“7 cannot altogether condemn the gas-lime, although I have no faith in it, be-
cause it did not kill the Tipulas nor the weeds. Chickweed came up by the millions
before anything else, and i put no manure on the land. The Cut-worms might have
come from the land on both sides, but I believe not, because they were sosmall At
any rate it is a splendid fertiliser, whatever plants were left by the grubs grew very
rank and strong.”

Specimens of Cut-worms sent to me by Mr. Knight, produced
Agrotis saucia and A. obeliscoides. With regard to the first of these
it was discovered by Prof. Riley, that the eggs (Fig. 13) were
laid upon the twigs of trees, and he thinks it probable that the
moth hibernates in the perfect state, so that while Mr. Knight
mayhave destroyed many larve by tho use of the gas-lime, those
which attacked his crop might have been produced in the spring
from eggs laid upon trees growing in his garden, after the gas-
lime had lost its effect. A light sprinkling of fresh gas-lime
amongst cabbages and onions has the effect of keeping off the
flies which are the progenitors of the Root Maggots, and it seems
probable that Cut-worms might have been kept from attacking
these beds had they been treated with one or two light sprink-
lings in the spring,

17

Empusa (Entomophthora) virescens, Thaxter. A beneficial parasitic fungus.

In 1884, fields and gardens were over-run by vast hordes of a black velvety
Cut-worm, with white lateral stripes and a red head. These turned out to be the
larve of Agrotis fennica, Tausch. About the 22nd May, it was noticed that many of
these larvee were attacked by a fungous disease with such virulence, that but a small
proportion could become pupx. In certain fields they were to be seen in large num-
bers on stones, fences, stems of grasses and other plants up which they had crawled,
and to which they were fixed by the fungus. This seemed in nearly all cases to
emerge from the body just below the head, in the shape of asmall tuft of white downy
matter. Aiter a short time the bodies dried up. Specimens of this fungus were sent
to Mr. Roland Thaxter, Cambridge, Mass., who has just published a monograph of
the Entomophthorez of the United States. ‘“ These are minute fungi possessed of an
individuality of their own that renders them susceptible of consideration apart from
all other forms of plant life. This peculiarity consists in an obligatory parasitism
upon insects, which, although in some instances it exists without apparent injury to
the insect host, is usually of such a nature as to cause its death; often resulting, espe-
cially amongst noxious insects, in widespread mortality.”

A well known instance of these fungi is the Hmpusa muscew, Cohn, which causes
the death of house flies in the autumn, when they may be found attached to walls
or windows by their tongues and surrounded by a white cloud of the spores of the
fungus which had destroyed them.

Although so abundant at Ottawa in 1884, and notwithstanding that close search
was made constantly since that time, no further specimens could be found until this
spring, when a few specimens were discovered upon stems of grass in a hay field in
June. When the specimens were sent to Mr. Thaxter he recognized them as belong-
ing to an undescribed species and in the monograph referred to he describes it as
follows :—

Empusa (Entomophthora) virescens, Nov. Sp.

Conidia, ovoid to oblong, of irregular shape; with bluntly rounded base and apex,
the former often hardly papillate and not weil distinguished from the apex; colour
greenish yellow in dried material; containing numerous small, irregular, often rod-
like fat bodies; measurements, 10 by 20 m.—16 by 36 m., average 14 by 30 m.
Conidiophores digitate, arising indirectly from spherical hyphal bodies which germinate
in all directions, giving rise to very numerous hyphze which subsequentiy become
conidiophores, Cystidia not observed. Secondary conidia like the primary. Resting
spores unknown. Host attached to substratum by rhizoids.

Hosts. Lepidoptera: Larvie of Agrotis fennica.

Habitat, Ottawa, Ontario.

REPORT OF THE HORTICULTURIST.

—_-——

(CW. W: Hirporn.)

——

Prof. Wm. SAUNDERS,
Director of the Dominion Experimental Farms,
Ottawa,

Sir,—I have the honour to submit herewith a report on the progress made in
the horticultural department of the Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa, during the
past year. I have also added a list of the varieties of fruit trees planted on the farm.

As stated in my last report 216 apple trees, out of a collection of 903, were trans-
planted from the nu rsery rows in the autumn of 1887, to an orchard, with the view of
testing the relative merits of fall and spring planting. Most of these were standard
sorts such as are in general cultivation in Ontario, with a few Russian varieties. The
summer and autumn were both unusually dry and unfavourable for newly planted
trees and the lack of moisture in the soil at the time of planting was very unusual,
The winter was severe, the thermometer having gone as low as 40 below zero.

When the snow disappeared in the spring it was found that nearly all these
autumn planted trees were more or less injured, many of them killed down to the
snow line. ‘The fact that such varieties as Duchess of Oldenburg, Tetofsky and
Fameuse, of which there are healthy bearing trees growing unharmed within a short
distance of the farm suffered equally with the tender sorts, showed clearly that these
failures were due to the unfavourable season for planting rather than to lack of hardi-
ness in some of the sorts tested.

In the aucumn of 1887, 200 apple trees were procured of the following varieties:
100 Wealthy, 50 Duchess, and 50 Tetofsky. These were got with the intention of
planting them in the spring for top grafting with new varieties as soon as they
should become established These trees were obtained from Fonthill where the soil
had been more moist, they arrived in good condition, were “healed in” for the
winter and in the spring were found in excellent order alive to the tops of the
branches,

The trees left in the nursery rows did not suffer to nearly the same extent as
those in orchard. Many of the larger trees were injured, but most of the smaller
ones, among which were nearly ail the Russian sorts, came through the winter in
very fair order. These smaller trees, however, had the advantage of being more
protected with snow than the larger ones.

The orchard of standard apples was replanted and enlarged, and it now contains
390 trees, most of which have made a fair growth. The trees have been banked up
with earth in the same manner as last year to a height of 12 to 15 inches and good
results are hoped for. It contains the following varieties :

APPLES.
American Pippin, Nonpareil.
Baldwin. Nodhead, ;
Blenheim Orange. Orange Winter,
Bombarger. Peck’s Pleasant.

Belle de Boskoop. Pewaukee.

Brewington.
Beauty of the World.
Bottle Greening.
Chenango Strawberry.
Canada Baldwin.
Cooper’s Market.
Cranberry Pippin.
Duchess of Oldenburg,
Duke of Connaught.

. Early Strawberry.
Fameuse.
Fall Pippin.
Fallawater,
Fall Jennetting.
Fanny.
Grimes Golden.
Gravenstein.

Keswick Codlin.
Lady.

Lord Suffield.
Lawyer.

Lady Henniker.
Maiden’s Blush,
Mann.

McMahon’s White.
McIntosh Red.
Magog Red Streak.
Northern Spy.

Pomme Grise,
Peach of Montreal,
Plums Cider.
Primate.
Richard’s Graft.
Red Astrachan.
Roxbury Russet.
Ribston Pippin.
R. I. Greening.
Red Beitigheimer,
Red Utters.
Shannon.

Sweet Bough.
Sutton Beauty.
Salome.

St. Lawrence.
Snyder.

Saxton.

Stump.

Scott’s Winter.
Swayzie Pomme Grise,
Spitzenburg.
Tetofsky.

Talman Sweet.
Wagener.
Walbridge.
Warner’s King.
Wealthy.
Winesap.

Winter St. Lawrence,
Yellow Bellefieur.

The following collection of Russian Apples was procured from various sources,

most of them in the spring of 1887; they were grown one year in nursery row, and
then planted out in orchard twenty feet apart each way.

RUSSIAN APPLES.

No. Adopted American Name.
15 Avenarius.
60 Red Pine.

122 Revel Borsdorf,
153 Transparent Naliv.
157 White Naliv.

161 Longfield.

169 Green Sweet.

170 ~=©Revel.

181 Champagne Pipka.
183 Burlovka.

184 Arabka,

185 Anisovka.

187 Green Glass.

188 Yellow Arcad.

190 Tiesenhausen.

200 Rosy Repka,

202 Hare Pipka,

230 =©Titovka,

Russian Name.

Sussapfel von Avenarius,
Ananasapfel rother.
Borsdorfer Revaler.
Skvosnoi naliv.

Bielui naliv.
Langerfeldskoe.

Zelenka sladkaya.
Revelskoe.

Pipka champanskaya.
Barlovka.

Arabkoe.

Anisovka.

‘Steklianka zelenka.
Arkad jeltui.
Tiesenhausenskoe, '
Riepka vosavaya,
Saitchia pipka,
Titovka,

80

No.

236
240
242
245
252
261
262
264
265
267
268
274

Adopted American Name.

Antonovka.
Lejanka.
Broadcheek.
Borovinka.
Aport.

Repka Aport.
Charlamoff,
Scented.

Gorke Pipka.
Pear.
Zakoritnoe.
Rosy.

Vargul.
Voronesh Reinette.
Kremer’s Glass.
Ukraine.
Switzer.
Muscatel,
Herren.

Red Reinette.
White Pigeon.
Cinnamon.
German Calville,
Yollow Arcad (188)
Karly Prolific.
Yellow Transparent.
Serinkia.

Revel Pear.
Thaler.

Sultan.
Resonant.
Pointed Pipka.
Lead.

Red Streak.
Sugar Miron.
German Skrute.
Cinnamon Pine,
Hibernal.

Green Butskaya.
Good Peasant.
Imperial Citron.
Enormous.
Sweet Pipka.
Blackwood.
Cross,

Fonaric.

Rattle.

Yellow Calville.
Keiv Reinette.
Beautiful Arcad,
Grandmother.
Lapouchoe,
Prolific Anis.
Ostrokoff,
Christmas,

Russian Name.

Antonovka.
Lejanka.
Schirokolitchiko.
Borovinka.

Aport.

Rieptchatui aport.
Charlamovskoe.
Duachovoe.

Pipka Gorkaya,
Gruschevka.
Zakoritnoe.
Rosovoe.

Vargul.

Renet Voroneshskui.
Steklianka Kremera.
Ukrainskoe.
Suislepper.

Muscatapfel (Livlander Rel.)

Herrenapfel,

Reinette rothe.
Golubinoe (bieloe not Rel.)
Koritchnevoe.
Niemetskui kalvil.

Joltui arkad.
Plodovitka rannaya.
Skvosnoe jeltui.
Sierianka.

Gruschevka Revelskaya,
Charlottenthaler gelber.
Sultanapfel.

Svonkoe.,

Pipka ostrokonetchnaya.
Svintsovka,

Polosatoe.

Miron sacharnui.

Skrute Niemetskui.
Koritchnevoe ananasnoe.
Osimui.

Butskaya zelenka.
Dobrui krestianin.
Tsitronnoe Tsarskoe.
Krupneena.

Pipka sacharnaya,
Tchernoe derevo.
Skrijapel.

Fonarik Nalivnui.
Gremuschka.

Kalvil jeltui.

Renet Kievskui.

Arkad krasivui.
Babuschkino.
Lapouchoe.

Anisovaya plodovitka.
Ostrokosvkays steklianka,
Roshdestvenskoe.

5b—6

Adopted American Name.
Thin Twig.
Rambour Reinette.
Winter Livland,
Sandy Glass.
Romenskoe,

Long.

Sweet Borovinka:
Golden White.
Kursk Anis.

Red Anis,
Yellow Anis,
Pine Apple.

81

Russian Name.

Tonkovietka polosataya.
Russkui ramburovui renet.
Livlandischer winter.
Pesotchnoe steklianovoe.

Romenskoe, also Romnenskoe,

Dlinnoe.

Borovinka sladkaya
Biel zolotovskaya.
Anis Kurskui.

Anis krasnui,

Anis jeltui.
Ananasnoe.

Imported by Iowa Agricultural College from Moscow.

Osimoe.
Vargulek,
Anisim,

Kruder.

Melonen.
Ledenets,

Anis.

White Borodovka.
Avenarius,
Blackwood. .
Great Mogul.
Broad Green,
Bergadort,
Marble.

Serinkia.

Ch

Warmalada.
Bogdanott’s Glass.
Alfristtn.

xed Javgfern,

Nitchner’s Strawberry.
Stettiner’s Kaniavfel,
Cinnamon Sueuked,
Jeltin biel.

Riga Naliv.

Nonnen.

Schwarze Gans.
Hirslian,

Melana,

Malus Toringo.
Zaifed Prookan.

Red Serinkia.
Danziger Kantapfel.
Russian Transparent,
Romenskoe.

Possart.

Strawberry Streaked.
Simbirsk.

Rotta.

Rheinischer Bohuapfel.
Stettin.

Osimoe.

Vargulek.,

Anisimovka.

Kruder oder blauer.
Melonen oder nonnen.
Ledenets,

Anis,

Biel borodovskos.
Pipka sladkaye.
Tchernoe derevo,
Vilikui Mogul.
Nalivnoe zelenui echirokui,
Bergadorvskoe.
Mramornoe.

Lehmapfel (Sieriar ka),
Champanskoe,
Berezinskoe.
Marmeladnoe.
Steklianka Bogdanoft.
Alfriston.

Rother jungfern.
Langer gruner gulderling.
Nitchner’s, erdbeerapiel.

Koitchnevoe polosatoe.

Rother Serinkia,

Possart’s Nalivia.
Erdbeer Streifling.

82

eed

Citronat.
Foundling, of U. S.
Red Aport.
Red Sweedish.
Crimea,
Winter Citronen Apfel.
This orchard contains in addition to the 184 sorts of Russian apples given above,
16 varieties of crab apples, while adjoining orchards contain 68 sorts of pears, 67 of
plums, 70 of cherries, 5 of apricots and two of peaches. Many of these are from
Russia and other parts of northern Europe and are believed to be among the hardiest
varieties obtainable.
These combined form a total of 362 named varieties to which must be added a
number of seedlings, making 1,020 trees in all.
They have been planted 20 feet apart each way, well cultivated during the
summer and earth drawn up around the base of them for protection through the
winter. They consist of the following varieties :—

ORAB APPLES,

Bowman, Orion.

Dartmouth, Oblong.

General Grant, Orange.

Hyslop. Quaker Beauty.

Hesper Rose. Red Siberian.

Lady Elgin. Transcendant.

Marengo. Van Wyck.

Martha, Whitney.

PEARS.

Angouleme, Kieffer.

Beurre Hardy, Lawrence.

Beurre de Anjou. Louise Bonne de Jersey.

Beurze Clairgeau Lucy Greive.

Beurre Easter. Margaret.

Bartlett. Mt. Vernon.

Clapps Favourite, Mille Blanche Saunter.

Countess Clara. Osband’s Summer,

Cure Carnoy. Peffer No. 2.

Coeman’s Butter. Peffer No. 3.

Doyenne d’Kté. President.

Doyenne Boussock. President Drouaid.

Duchesse de Bordeaux. Ritson.

Easter Belle. Sheldon.

Flemish Beauty. Seckel.

Frederick Clapp. Summer Belle.

Goodale. Tyson.

Howell. Theresa.

Indian Queen. Vicar of Winkfield

Josephine de Malines, Zoe.

Napoleon’s Butter.

Adopted American name. Russian or foreign name

122 Autumn Bergamot. Bergamot osennui.
345 Long-stem. Dolgokvostka morosovskays.
353 Juicy Gliva. Gliva otschen sotchnaya.
351 Victorina. Victorina mnogoplodnaya.
392 Kurskaya. Gliva Kurskaya.

495 Red Bergamot. Bergamot krasnui.

Orel, No. 16

5b—€4

Adopted American name.
Flat Bergamot,
Early Bergamot,
Double Beurre,
Seedless.
Thin Twig.
Lemon.
Sapieganka.

ula.
Winter.
Saccharine.
Strawberry.
Czar.
Bear.
Scented.
Waxen.
Large Sugar.
Green Wine,

Russian or foreign name,

Bergamot ploskui.
Bergamot ranngya.
Maslitchnaya dvoiray :,
Bessemianka.
Tonkovietka.
Limonnaya.

Bergamot Sapiegarka.
Dala.

Osimaya.

Sacharnaya.
Semlianitchnaya,
Tsarskaya,
Medviedevka.
Duchovaya.
Voskovaya.
Zucherbirne grosse.
Weinbirne, grune.

Junfer. Junferbirne.
Pound, Pfandbirne,
White Livland. Butterbine weisse Livlandesche.
Vinograd, Vinogradnui.
AMERICAN AND FOBEIGN PLUMS.
Admiral. Newman.
Adirondack. Orel, No. 21.
Beauty of Naples Ogden.
Botan. Orange.
Buiton, Prince Englebert.
Belmore. Prune of Agen.
Brad-haw. Pond’s Seedling.

Bryanston’s Gage.

mmuna.

oe’s Golden Drop.

De Soto.
Early Red.
Forest Rose.
Gueii.
Golden Cluster.
General Hand.
German Prune,
Grand Duke.
Glass Seedling.
Hungary.
Imperial Gage,
Kenyon (No. 1’):
Kansas Dwart,
Luscomb’s \onsuch.
Lombard.
Langford.
Masters,
Moreman.
Maquoketa.
Mariana.

Moldavka, No. 44 Vor.

Niagara.
Nota Bene.

5.

19.
85.

Quackenboss.
Reine Claude.
Rollfingston.

Egg.
Red Winter.
Robinson,
Richland,
Shropshire Damson.
Speer.
‘Sweet Water.
Smith’s Orleans.
St. Lawrence.
Wolf.
White Winter.
White Otschakoff.
White Nicolas.
Washington.
Weaver.
Wangenheim.
Yellow Egg

Yellow apoE No. 115 Vor.

Yellow Gage.
Russian.

do

do

102. Voronesh.

Amarelle Hative.
do Aboyet.
Abreende Bergaura.
Abbesse d@’Oignies,
Amarelle 4 Bouquot
Belle Magnifigue.
Brown’s Best.
Bender, Mo.
Brussels.
Carnation.
Cerise d’Ostheim
Common red,
Dyehouse,
Doubie Natte.

Doppelte giaskirscho.

Early Richmond.
Empress Eugenie.
French,

Friihes Amarelle.

&4

CHERR‘ES,

Montmorency.
do Agne,
do Ordinaire.
do Longue queue.
Minn. Ostheim. -
Ostheim.
Olivet.

Royal Duke.

Reine Hortense,

Red Morello.
Schatten Amarelle,
Spate Amarelle
Steklianka (Glaskirscho),
Susse Fruhe Weichsel.
Sithanri Weichel,
Vistula.

Voronesh, 27.
Vladimir.

Windsor,

Formige Hess Weichel. Wragg.
Frauendorf. Wiers, No. 2.

Gros Gobet, do 12%
Grotto de Nova. do 3.
Grotto Moul. do 18,
Griotte de Buttner, 23 Orel,
Groner South Kirk. 24 do
Glaskuk Kinorm. 25 do
Githam (Ostheim). 26 do
Griotte Precose, Z do
Griotte du Nord. 2U7 Russian;
Kirschen Amarelle, 18 Riva. @
Louise. 62M.
Lutovka, 62 Ruesian,
Leib. 200 Russian.

Oe,
SY

Montmorency Lar

SMALL FRUITS.

The plantations of small fruits Contain all of the leading varieties in general cul-
tivation and most of the new sorts catalogued in America. No pains will be spared
in testing all ndw kinds worthy of trial as early as they can be obtained. ‘This por-
tion of the experimental work has already become of great interest and will be of
much value to all who grow these fruits either for home use or market. 1t is
impracticable for a private individual to test all varieties as they are introduced, but.
such work can be successfully done at a public institution such as this, where caretul
records are kept of the relative merits of the different sorts and reliable information.
given to those interested.

SEEDLINGS.

Many new seedling small fruits have been brought together from various localities.
throughout Canada and the United States. Among the former may be mentioned a
large collection of strawberries, raspberries, currants, gooseberries and grapes origin-
ated by Prof. Wm. Saunders at London and brought here for trial, among which are
some very promising sorts which will be propagated and sent to the other expeti-
mental farms for further testing, ;

85

A number of the strawberries are very productive. of fine quality and size, with
strong healthy foliage. A new plantation has been made from these, which will
give a_better opportunity to study their characteristics both with one and two year
old plants. The raspberry seedlings number about 3380, most of these have fruited,
come being remarkably productive and of good quality.

Some seedlings of Davison’s Thornless appear to be quite an improvement on
their parent, particularly so in vigour and productiveness, A number of seedlings
from other varieties have many valuable points.

Some hybrids between Gregg and Cuthbert were especially promising, they
were of the Shaffer type; some were thought to be of better quality and equal to
that valuable variety inf every other respect. The weather being unusually dry at
the time of ripening, all the raspberries were injured to such an extent that it was
difficult to make comparisons of these new seedlings with named varieties which
would be accurate and just, hence the experience of another season will be required
to fully determine their respective merits,

Among the 140 black currant seedlings are several well worthy of an extended
trial. One with very long racemes was shown at a meeting of the Ontario Fruit
Growers Association, held at Picton, Ont.,in July and was thought well of by those best
qualified to judge. These currants were also affected by the drought to such an ex-
tent as to render comparisons difficult until more experience is obtained.

GRAPES,

In the spring of 1887 a vineyard was planted, containing 127 varieties of grapes.
last spring 31 more were added, making a total of 158 sorts. The greater portion of
these have made satisfactory progress. A large number of new and rare varieties
are contained in this collection which will make it of great interest and very in-
structive to grape-growers generally. This locality is noted for the fine quality of
grapes grown. During favourable seasons the crop is large and ripens well.

CURRANTS.

It was found necessary to remove the currant plantation last spring to auccher
part of the farm, hence, no fruit of any consequence was produced during tne past
summer. There are in this collection 20 varieties, planted in rows six feet epart,
and four feet apart in the rows.

They made a good growth during the summer and will be in condition to give
& partial crop next season.

GOCSEBERRIES.

The plantations of this fruit contain 36 named varieties, and about 50 unnamed
seedlings, These have been planted the same distance apart as the currants, and most
of them have made fair growth.

RASPBERRIES,

The raspberry plants came through the winter in good condition and promised
an abundant yield early in the season, but just before they began to ripen the weather
turned hot and a dry scorching wind which prevailed for some time had the effect of
drying up the fruit to such an extent that the crop was a partial failure.

A new plantation was put out in June, by transplanting from the older plants
young shoots as soon as they had reached a height of twelve to fifteen inches, these
subsequently made a good stocky growth.

Where such plants are near at hand this method will be found advantageoas and
if carefully done the plants will make a stronger growth by autumn than snoots of
the previous year’s growth put ont in early spriag.

This collection is made up of 43 named varieties and a large number of annamed
seedlings.

ee

86

BLACKBERRIES.

Of the 26 varieties planted, Snyder appears to stand best, with Stones hardy next.
Agawam and Taylor’s Prolific not far in the rear; more time will be required, how-
ever, before any definite information can be given regarding the hardiness of these
fruits for this locality.

STRAWBERRIES.

The plantation of 90 varieties referred to in my last report contained most of the
standard and many new sorts. They came through the winter in good shape,
blossomed freely and seta large quantity of fruit. The fruit began to ripen the
latter part of June, the first being gathered on the 25th. The weather turned very
hot and dry before the crop was half matured, not only was the fruit injured but in
many places the plants were injured by the scorching winds that prevailed for some
time; on this account the crop was materially lessened. There were 2,049 quart
boxes of fruit gathered which were sold at good prices.

A new plantation has been made in which are planted 115 named varieties and
many seedlings. These have been put in rows three and a-half feet apart and about
one foot apart in the rows in the same manner as the old plantation. The land for
this plot had been well manured. They were carefully cultivated during the sum-
mer and made a strong healthy growth. When cold weather set in alight covering
of straw was given to protect them through the winter.

SEEDS.

The seeds of many varieties of fruits were gathered during the season of 1887
from choice specimens, and from these a large number of seedlings have been grown.
A similar course has been pursued during the past year and it is hoped that some
valuable new varieties may be thus produced. -

Some attention was given to artificially crossing and hybridizing small fruits
with partial success. The dry weather affected this work considerably, still a num-
ber of crosses were obtained. The seeds will be sown in season and the results
reported on hereafter.

Pespectfully submitted,

W. W: HILBORN,
Horticulturist, Central Experimental Farm.

87

REPORT OF THE POULTRY MANAGER.

(A, G. GILBERT.)

To Professor WILLIAM SAUNDERS,
Director Experimental Farms.

Sir,—I have great pleasure in submitting the first report of the Poultry Depert-
ment of the Central Experimental Farm, Although the operations thus far have
been on a comparatively limited scale yet some results have been ascertained which,
it is hoped, will be of interest «nd benefit to the farming community and especially
to those desirous of obtaining eggs and poultry for market or home use.

In the early part of the month of May last it was deemed advisable, in order to
have a number of fowls ready for the occupation of the poultry building about to be
erected on the Farm, to procure eggs of the most useful varieties and hatch tnem by
means of sitting hens, a number of which had beensecured. Accordingly 30 sittings
representing 383 eggs, were purchased from the leading breeders of Canada, Gr eat
Britain and the United States. Eggs from the latter country were obtained for the
purpose of securing different strains for breeding purposes in the forthcoming spring,
The following table will show the number of eggs purchased and the results there-
from :—

Eoas Purchased and Chickens Hatched.

é

=

= No. f No. of Date when

HA | of Eggs Description of Eggs. Chickens Chickens

or Set. Hatched. | were Hatched.

o

4

1888.
1 TS ie BUtt O OCHIREGM nsssssveisccessssalevascescolanassco> Sconces epsee occven 9 May 18
2 26 | Andalusians .........6. sssseees vee 18 do 18
1 13 |Black Breasted Red Game .. 8 do 30
2 26 Elymus ROCKS venrcsccedslcacece on 0 15 do 9
2 26 ADGOLtOS.....-000 20 : : nrc 8 do 29
2 26 White Leghorns 19 June 7
1 13 |Silver Pencilled Hamburghs eco 5 May 25
2 26 |Bearded Golden Polands... ....- 8 do 26
2 26 NIM OUGRUS eccnsccpelectdesarclessece 15 do 25
1 13 |Black Hamburghs... =p 7 do 25
1 13 |Langshame .. 1 do 28
1 13 | Black Minorcas.... 9 June 5
‘ From England.
1 12 [Indian Games......s0ssccsesssses messes oe 1 July 4
1 12 |Red Caps... ccceccssesscenerseeses sore none sncses ensues sesesee © srscesers 5 do 4
From United Bieis.
1 13 |Dirigos ...... Sadluesscveed) sheresueltonseuses <suscceassaesenesa’seasuases uoenea 5 June 2
2 26 |Black Minorcas....... 12 o 27
1 13. | White Leghorns .. 6 do 16
it 13 |Houdans........00... 3 do 16
2 26 |Colored Dorkings 8 do 16
1 13 |Buff Cochins.. 4 do 16
1 13 |Black Java. .. 8 do 16
1 13 |Langshams ........ ec cesienencn 4
Hatched intincubator sco scsanne eaten coos 25

do 27
May 31
June 13

a

88

It will be seen from the above that 209 chickens were hatched, which was satis.
factory, when the very unfavourable season and the long distance the greater number
of the eggs travelled, are taken into consideration. It is worthy of notice that trom
twelve Indian game eggs, shipped by Messrs. Abbott Bros., of Norwich, Engiand,
seven chickens were hatched, and from twelve Red Cap eggs, shipped by the same
firm, five chickens were the result. The eggs were sent from Norwich, Eagland, to
the agent of the firm in Toronto, and were by him re-shipped to Ottawa, so making
a long journey by ocean steamer and railway, yet yielding a return of 50 per cent.
thus proving that fertile egzs, properly packed, can be shipped a long distance and
hatch well. In this case the eggs were packed in cut straw.

EGGS FROM CANADIAN BREEDERS HATCH BEST,

It will also be seen that the eggs supplied by Canadian breeders hatched better
than those from the United States. The eggs furnished by our home breeders were
wrapped in paper and packed in bran, while the eggs from the United States breeders
were tightly packed in sawdust, a method strongly condemned by Canadian poultry-
men, who a-sert that the turpentine contained in pine sawdust lessens the fertility of
theeggs. There is room for interesting experiment here.

NEW BREEDS IMPORTED—INDIAN GAMES.

The Indian Game eggs were the first of the kind imported into Canada. It was
thought best to give them a trial, as the Indian Game had earned a great reputation
in Cornwall and Devonshire, England, as a market fowl, the male birds attaining to
« weight of 9, 10, and 11 pounds. The cockerels are also highly spoken of for cross-
ing purposes with the Plymouth Rock and Dorking. It was the 4th of July before
the eggs were hatched, and that month being unusually chilly and raw, four of the
chickens succumbed, notwithstanding the greatest of care, leaving thres which never
made much headway and died on the approach of wintry weather. These chickens
were slow to feather, displayed no hardiness, and were content to brood when four
months old. I would suggest another trial of this breed, the chickens to be hatched
at an early period, so as to have ample opportunity to mature before the fall months.

RED CAPS.

The Red Caps, another late arrival from England, were also tried but with
unsatisfactory results. Up to the age of two months the chickens grew rapidly and
appeared hardy, but did not stand the cold and extremely wet weather of October,
although well housed. As with the Indian Games, I would recommend another trial
of early hatched chickens. A Black Spanish and Ked Cap cross is recommended as
producing a hardy fowl and great layer.

THE STANDARD VARIETIES.

The chickens of the other breeds made rapid progress, the Plymouth Rocks
showing the earliest and greatest development, followed by the Wyandottes, Buff
Cochins and Houdans in the order named. Two methods of feeding the chickens
were adopted. Part were fed with bread and milk from time of leaving nest up to
ten days, and after that with crushed corn, wheat and other grain. Another part
were fed with hard boiled eggs and bread crumbs in the early stages and soft feed
afterwards, with a liberal sapply of grain to all in the evening. The two methods
seemed to have equally good results, All the chickens were frequently and liber-
ally fed and had one of the best grass runs it was possible for them to get access to
anywhere. Shade and insects were abundant.

THE FOLLOWING REOORD

of the weights of four of the !eading varieties wiil instance the progress. made.
On the 5th of July a Plymouth Rock cockerel, hatched on the 9th of the pre-
ceding month of May, weighod 1 lb. 15 ozs.; a Wyandotte cockerel hatched on fhe

Sth of the same month (May) weighed 1 1b. 5 ozs.; a Bait Cochin hatched on the
18th of same month (May), 1 lb. 1 cz.

Oc the 30th of July, twenty-five days later, the same chickens weighed as fol-
lows :—

Lbs. Oz
Pah YMAGUt HwlLO CKa,aaeanacteencericcsnesteacss deren shusesar coac<cisleseacewOwUSe
Wy AULD EO 8 nce cel nen saeco nseneeastin ted deep stovesausy d<aecessacnne eu 04e
Bare GOGH Se eee Natasa eee ge ee dedi sk Gel akeGne eodeevas!222) OU),
Fond ania (bat chedeAnuhe Ay.) vestener accsesnccssesiasssccosusiini sees 1 144

On September 4th the Plymouth Rock weighed 5 lbs. 13 ozs., and the Wyandotte
3 lbs. 13 ¢z3.

On the 12th of November the weights of the same chickens were as follows :—

Lbs. Oz.
Plymouth Rock.......... Saseaeeaenere=nn Secclsassenss's Beuasesesense peee ae 7 08
W yandotte........ Seteshennacliccea-s serie ces aueccaesmeusesccnsscesenessceres 5 12
tdi COCHIN easteneacesessescssescesleccsuencsincereccccsecsceecescsacsssae 00a
Houdan (hatched 25th May)..........00 “CERES DA-COODECERE ICEL 5 00

At date of writing (January 20th, 1889) the same chickens weighed in breed-
ing condition :—

; Lbs. Oz.
RIVMIGUtHW OC Kirccossccoccnarcentsccensusessucensacecssssseceetceressesen) OD
Wyandotte......... saciveseraurassastcascessarecevess secscsescccescescsoes FOO
Tig COCHMnececanssoece sw csiis:scctecodoncescsunscovoscavecsc-caanarionrercoinl@nll&
Houdan......... eavadsssnetcssslcncleasesensniiss cosecace@ecscsencsetencacece! Oc

INCUBATOR TRIAL.

On the 10th of May last a Bessey Incubator of 100 egg capacity was put into
operation with a small number of eggs fora first attempt. Twenty-eight chickens
were the result. Three died soon atter being hatched. The remaming twenty-five
were transferred at the proper time to the brooder and made rapid headway.

CROSSES,

Among the chicken so hatched were five male birds of a cross between a Brahma
cockerel and Plymouth Rock hens. This cross was made with the view of ascer-
taining what sort of market fowl it would produce, and was successful. A cockerel
of this cross (hatched on the 31st of May) weighed 6 lbs, 2 oz. on the 17th of October
following, showing a gain of nearly 14 lbs. per month.

Another trial was made of a cross between a Brahma cockerel and Black Minorca
hens and resulted in the production of several very fine, large, dark pullets, which
ought to make an excellent fowl for the farmer, embracing as they should the egg
laying properties of the Minorca with the hardiness and size of the Brahma, The
pullets will lay in a few days.

NEW POULTRY HOUSE COMPLETED,

By the middle of November the new poultry house wes completed and the
chickens were removed into it. Briefly sketched the building is 100 feet long,
running north and south, with a middle compartment 20x20 feet, from which extend
on either side two wings 40 feet each in length, each wing containing five pons 8x14
feet and capable of accommodating 20 or 25 fowlsif required. There are four windows
on the east (coldest) side of each wing and one window in each of the 10 pens to the
west. The pens are separated by wooden partitions 2} feet in height, and wire netting
of 24 inch mesh from this to the ceiling, giving the interior a light and cheerful
appearance. Entrance to the pens is had from a roomy passage way four feet in
width and through neat wire doors which swing inwards or outwards. The pens
are furnished with platforms and roosts (which fold away in day time and are let
into place again at dusk), nests of neat desiga, dust bath, box for oyster shells, gravel

90

&e, A slide operated from the passage way opens the way to the runs in the rear
of the building. Two large ventilators in each wing are also controlled from the
passage way. Above the wings are roomy lofts containing straw and chaff, which
are let down to the pens beneath for the poultry to scratch in. A medium size base
burner coal stove placed in the centre compartment heats the building as well as the .
water for sott feed, &c. The central room is also used as an office and for keeping
feed. The upper room of the compartment is utilized for storage purposes and a
portion is set apart for an hospital for sick fowls. A good dry cellar contains
vegetables, gravel and other necessaries for the chickens, as well as coal for the stove.
The building is substantially constructed, is fitted with double windows and storm
doors, and answers the purpose admirably.

POULTRY LIST.

There are at present in the building birds of the different sorts as per following

list :—
Left Wing.
Pen 1.—Black Minorca pullets, 10; White Leghorn do, 9.....c000s secssseeesereee 19
2.—Hondan pullets... mesancislansselise 11
3.—Black Hamburgh ‘pullets, 6; - Black-breasted Red Game do, 33 "Silver
Pencilled Hamburgh do, 2; ‘Wyandotte do, 2: Golden B, Polands do,
3; Dorking do, 3; Andalusian COyidscarascnsedeuenccnenessanccessanccenestaes 21
4—White eenonne hens, 10; Plymouth Rock pullets, 6; Dirigo do, 1;
Black Java do, 2; i mixed IG Reep sone “ERD CEERCEENCOCODICOIA chcuscosaccoc oo000 20
5.—Buff Cochin pulleta, 6; Brahma do, 2; Langsham do, 2; Brahma-
Minorca pullets, 5.............2sc0-seeseccoe score oes ccecascccsccecessccese vcescce se 15

Right Wing.

Pen 1.—White Leghorn cockerels, 8; Andalusian do, 8; Black Minorca do,
7; Brown Werhorn do, 2); 0B. bs. Game, le. cossccersssssssareenceneecents 26

2.—Wyandotte cockerels, 4; Buff Cochin do,5; Houdan do, 5; aa

P. Hamburgh do, 3; Black Java do, 2; Black Hamburgh do, 1;

Dorking do 1; Dirigo COs aieccacicieassnoncncene-Cecesmsiiensese-eeieeesteseeaean 23
3.—Brahma hens, 7; Dirigo eos 6; Black Minorca do, 1; Black Russian

do, 3; Plymouth TROGK dO; Ocecewcsiesesmninedsaeeseasesotqcasestormenaenees ecese 23
4.—Plymouth Rock cockerels, 5 ; Brahma-Plymouth Rock cross, 4; 1

Single Comb Wyandotto.....cecesseseees Saeciesece Bescecwceccuscersenceees SCOrnCD 10

168

I Dirigo cock; 1 Black Minoros d0..<.......0sc0+.ccescoccovesocssscssscaccasacsasersceec z

Pen 5.—Wild Geese..........ccecccssees Scsveshececsceescrsscescecrsncsseiacens Sassnstesessus 5

175

Tnwhospitsleccscccescssncccsessccscsvesecsccssusesers==e ec scccccccctcccccevcccccovesnscer covcceves 5

180

WET AND COLD WEATHER,

The fall was marked by continuous rain, the month of October was unusually
cold and both combined proved fatal to many of the tender varieties, which pending
the completion of the new house, were rather crowded in limited house room. Next
to the Indian Games and Red Caps, the Black-breasted Red Game, Bearded Golden
Poland, and Dorking cockerels proved the most susceptible to the fall weather.

91

DIRIGOS.

Among the varieties enumerated the Dirigos are yet new to Canada breeders.
This comparative stranger, which owes its origin to the enterprise of Mr. Sumner
Beale, New Hampshire, U.S, is the result of crossing a Canada Game Cock and
White Plymouth Rock pullet (a sport) the progeny again crossed with a Light
Brahma cock. The Dirigos make a large fowl, are hardy and excellent layers. In
the new American Standard of Excellence they are classed as the Dirigo Strain of
White Plymouth Rocks.

WILD GEESE,

The Wild Geese which occupy No.5 pen have exhibited their characteristic
hardiness in all seasons. They have been lively and have grown well in confinement.
It remains to be seen whether they will breed in captivity mated to one of their owa
species, and with common geese, or others.

THE BEGINNING OF WINTER LAYING,

On the 12th of December the first egg in the new building was layed by a Wyan-
dotte puliet hatched on the 29th May. The first hen to lay was a Dirigo on the 17th
of December. The Wyandotte pullet, which first layed on the 12th December, layed
again on the 15th and was followed on the 16th by the first ege from the second
Wyandotte pullet hatched on the same date as the first layer. Other pullets layed
first eggs in the following order :—

Houdan, hatched 25th May, first egg 23rd December, 1888.
Silver P. Hamburgh, hatched 25th May, first egg 24th December,
do

Slack Minorca do 5th June 26th do
White Leghorn do ‘th do do 30th do
Black Hamburg do’ 25thMay do 2nd January,
Andalusian do i1eéth do do 4th do
Plymouth Rock do 9th June do 6th’ do
Buff Cochin do 18thMay do 16th do

NUMBEK OF EGGS LAYED FROM 12TH DECEMBER TO 20TH JANUARY,

The following table will show the number of eggs layed by the different breeds
from the time of laying first egg in December, 1888, to 20th January, 189 :—

PULLETS. Hens.
|
a Il —
a
or
=
= a
SS) - - m e .
= a m2 a m
Dats. a] ae] e | ts x 3 q
a ° x = 2 4 =I a =
WJ Le 2 J
eet ee eal eeaice 2\s 2 | SoS
= a q ao @ 8 a a . =| q a
=) r=] o | ey os ~~ 3) a = =
— 3 \a, iso] =) ° = ai/e/s53 |
el | eh Norse If cele eas tiie: lS) en FEL aie y
Aci = = a so a =i s 3 a (os
fe | Sys mie |] I 3 = ia ee
Sta VS te Ws mw 1m Alalala)ss
co | _ Nn - oa ite} oO © o L =) on - ~

DB ell oll 0 0 lel

Biel basses
2 1
1 1
4 2
6} 2
1 1
5| 3
4 | renee
4 2
3 1
5| 2
2 2
4| 3
2 2
3 3
1 2
3 1
2 3
Gi] ccoee
3 2
66 | 25

93

METHOD OF FEEDING.

The conditions as to temperature, feed, &c., were the same with the exception

of the Brahma hens, which were given more oats than the others. The morning.

foed was varied, but always warm and known as “soft.” It was composed of two
parts shorts, one part cornmeal, and one part boiled wheat. The hot water the wheat
was boiled in was used for mixing the feed. To the mixture was added, almost
every morning, 2 small quantity ot Cayenne pepper and bonemeal. Twice or three
times a week meat scraps were substituted for the bonemea] and boiled wheat.. At
other times small potatoes and scraps of cabbage formed the greater part of the
morning meal. On this variety the layers were fed barely enough to satisfy and
never enough to gorge. Soon after, when the water was given for drink, a few
handsful of small wheat or ground meat were thrown into the chaff, always on the
floor for the fowls to scratch in, every effort to keep them in activity being of par-
amount importance. The noon meal was light and scattered in the chaff. The lasi
feed of grain, also thrown on the floor, was liberally given, and the layers sent to
roost with a full crop to carry them over the lons night fast. A cabbage suspended
from the centre of the pen was also used as an inCentive to exercise. Oyster shells
(ground) and gravel were also supplied.

The temperature varied from 30 to 45 and 50. On reaching the two latter
figures the morning feed was greatly reduced and more dry grain given. At the
lower figure the chill was taken off the water given to the layers.

MALE BIRDS SEPARATE,

The male birds, in all cases, have been, and are kept from the laying stock, for
the reason that an impregnated egg is not so good in flavour, nor will it keep as
well, as one from hens with which no male bird has been allowed to associate. The
cocks and cockerels are also kept away from the breeding stock, and will be so kept
until the breeding pens are made up. Their feed is oats and wheat with green food,
gravel, &., &e.

SICKNESS,

Several cases of sickness have occurred, among them five or siz cases of virulent
roup. The birds were most likely affected before coming into the new building.
The sick were at once separated from the others, and the roup cases with the excep-
tion of two, were quickly cured. ‘The exceptions, two cockerels, were so bad that had
a cure been possible, they would bave -been useiess for breeding purposes. Under
the circumstances the birds were killed and the remains burned. Experiments as to
the best remedies for the diseases of pouliry zre being made, as opporianity permits.
I will be most happy, on enquiry, to give those desirous of knowing what has been
found the most effective treatment in the different cases niet with so far.

IN HOSPITAL,

There are at present in hospital one Black Breasted Red Game pullet; one
Bearded Golden Poland puliet; one Black Russian hen, and two Black Minorca
cockerels, Their ailment is cold, sometimes called catarrh.

FALL EXHIBITION,

According to your instructions 125 chickens of the different varieties were
placed on exhibition at the Canada Central Fail Show in the month of September
last, a space tor the purpose having been allotted in the poultry shed.

PRACTICAL VISITORS.

Since the occupation of the poultry house there have been numerous visitors,
amons them several farmers who expressed their intention of establishing poultry
departments in connection with their farms. Two of their number had already 75

94

to 85 hens, and one is making preparation for the housing of 500 winter layers. All
the information desired as to the best methods of care, feeding, &c., was given.

PROPOSED CROSSES.

Among the crosses proposed for experiment, some of which it is intended to
undertake in the spring, are the following :—

Dirigo—White Leghorn.
Brahma—Black Russian.
Plymouth Rock—White Leghorn.
White Leghorn—Brahma.
Plymouth Rock—Dorking.
do Wyandotte,
Brahma—Black Minorca,
Black Minorco—Black Leghorn.
Brown Leghorn—Buff Cochin.
Wild Goose—Common Goose,
The results from some of these crosses will no doubt prove of value and interest
to all those concerned.
I have the honour to be, Sir,

Your obedient servant,
A. G. GILBERT,

Manager Poultry Department.
CENTRAL EXPERIMENTAL FARM,
20th January, 1809,

95

EXPERIMENTAL FARM FOR THE MARITIME PROVINCES.

REPORT OF W. M. BLAIR, SUPERINTENDENT.

To Prof. WILLIAM SAUNDERS,
Director Experimental Farms,
Ottawa,

Sir,—I have the honour to submit herewith the following report of the opera-
tions on the Experimental Farm for the Maritime Provinces at Nappan, N.S., during
the year 1888.

Acting under your direction I took possession of the Farm on 12th May, having
previously purchased such horses, harness, waggons, carts, implements, &c., a8 were
immediately necessary to carry on the work successfully.

The farm consisting in all of about 300 acres, is made up of the following lots of
land, viz. :—

32 acres of English marsh.
18 do _ broadleaf,
6 do upland, under cultivation.
10 do doin hay.
104 do do in pasture.
20 do unbroken, in stumps and small second growth,
110 do woodland.

On this land is found a great variety of soil, including stiff and lighter clay, clay
loams mixed with more or less sand and gravel, sandy loam of varying quality
associated with gravel, also small patches of black bog mud.

The sub-soil also is variable, a considerable portion of the upland consisting of
mixtures of clay, sand and gravel, which hold the surface water, thereby delaying
the cultivation of the land until late in the spring and also interfering with farm
operations during summer and autumn when heavy rains occur, suggesting very
forcibly the necessity of under-draining.

MARSH LANDS,

The marsh lands have been formed by the action of the tide-waters of the Bay
of Fundy, which rush up with great force with every tide. These waters are heavily
charged with a sticky mud, a portion of which is deposited each time the waters
cover the flats. In process of time these flats become so high that only the highest
tides—which occur at the change and full of the moon—cover them. They are then
‘considered high enough to be reclaimed, which is done by building a heavy dyke
around them on the borders of the rivers and creeks which empty into the ocean.
These dykes are of different heights and formed by throwing the mud up on each
side. The dykes on this farm have been built about five feet hign and nine feet
wide at the base, they should average in this case not less than six feet high and ten
feet wide at the base.

These lands are very fertile and grow heavy crops, and some of them have been
growing hay continuously for over 150 years without any fertilizer and still produce
trom one and a-half to two tons and a-half per acre. In some places on the Experi-
mental Farm the dyke was unsafe, and it was found necessary to rebuild 42 rods
and repair some 65 more. It was also found necessary 10 open over two miles of
‘surface drain and build a new aboideau to carry the water through the dykes,

96

Notwithstanding these precautions the unusually high tides of 5th December
broke through in several placer, carrying away in all 15 rods of dyke and flooding
the entire marsh. Tho dykes of the adjoining marshes were also broken and the
lands flooded. Fortunately, however, the soil was saturated with water from the
recent heavy rains, also slightly frozen, and would not readily absorb the salt water;
and the new drains lately opened enabled the water to run off quickly when the
tides receded, thereby preventing much damage from the salt water, while the land
will receive some benefit from the deposit of mud left on the surface from the always
muddy tide waters. These tides overflowed the marsh for three days, and as soon ss
the water had sufficiently subsided the dykes were repaired in as substantial a
manner 28 the weather would permit, and we trust they will be found sufficient to
withstand the spring tides next year. The crop of hay cut during the past season
from the marsh land, now being got in order, was from 60 to 70 tons.

UPLANDS.

About six acres of the upland were cultivated and in crop last year and ten acres
in hay; 104 acres which had previously been cultivated and cropped have for many
years been in pasture. These Jands were divided into several fields by fences, which
as far as practicable, have been removed and the rubbish from about them, together
with some scattered stumps taken out, piled and burned. One or two useless build-
ings have also been taken down.

PLOUGHING,

Ploughing was begun on the 16th of May and continued as opportunity offered
and the land and weather would permit until 16th November; during that time
about 100 acres were turned over. Of this 40 acres were ploughed a second time
after the crop of the season was removed. Five acres of the unbroken land were
cleared by taking out the small second growth and stumps. These were piled ani
burned and the land ploughed.

MANURE,

Manure being greatly needed on this land 30 cords were purchased at Amherst
and drawn up, a distance of seven miles. Besides this 700 loads of marsh mud,
which is found to be an excellent fertilizer, were drawn from the adjoining unie-
claimed flats which are accessible at low tides, A number of young cattle were pyr-
chased in ihe autumn for the double purpose of disposing profitably cf the hay ana
straw produced on the farm and of making manure for next year’scrop. These
animals are making fair progress and when ready for the butcher in the spring will,
it is hoped, realize good prices.

GRAIN,

Twenty-six acres of oats and three acres of barley were sown, Of the oats two
acres were sown on the site afterwards selected for the new farm buildings and had
to be cut out of season, as the land was needed for building purposes. The date of
sowing these grains, viz., the “ Black Prince Edward Island Oats,” “Cream Egyptian
Oats” and “Prince Edward Island Barley” ranged from 24th May to 7th June.
From the 27 acres were threshed 830 bushels. :

Two acres were sown in plots embracing four varieties of wheat, five of barley
and ten of oats. The date of sowing, names of the different varieties and the time of
ripening was as follows :— ‘

WHEAT.
Sowa. Name. Time of Ripening.
May 185 Onegartececc.-coccarsuccosseavlc <sevencesscescenceencce-mel OlNUayas
do Madopayy © SHH ereccs)-scecenetsasscasivereceeetie--nne COMO
do Ladoga (2nd importation).........0ccesccceesereee 108 do
do Colonist or Sasonka ......... Sas OORCD 2 co0sed 9 coEDOS 113 do

97

BARLEY,
Sown. Name. Time of Ripening.
May 18. Poplar...... Mesuswelenceotrsrledcnecescesclsssensscsenssecsln OOLUAY As
do IPGtHCHOLS slaccesseensaslssctecenessasaseeseerensacdssceve 94 do
do Uh anotecssescenecensslsisccccdsscsessreceeccsacleseneses uel OSINCO
do Chevalier..........20. qdaqonadozacacacocesnds —conmanncad lls do
do IBGALCGBAnocnccensca-euactersasetsenceccsscrascoecresesies 113 do
OATS
Sowa. Name. Time of Ripening.
June 1. Lincolnshire Poland White ...... Spooscodd Remeesess 86 days.
do Victoria Prize...... ocneosaacaoosc acoutosroconebed Sesce 0S dO
do Flying Scotchman.......... Peconic sccessceheececsess 91 do
do (HanlyPRACehOrsG cccscsexlsssccrosccsecceecsisleceessecee Zdo
do Water loOjececoscn-cecccors| cascesteceecreslslivecaccssassenn 9 ON dO
do Black Tartarian......... FECHSICCADQOOECO eeanes socco ES Gly
do Hiarly BIOSEOM:;s.cc.seseeonercenecessees eeeceecierenecs 96 do
do OnePAtsaccocecoseccsasccescsencssececatasers Secevenscesiae a (0)
do THIN PISHY NGO Clcacccececeschecccascssecnccee : do

do White Tartarian

The Cream Egyptian oats ripened in 100 days, while the Prince Edward Island
Black took 113 days, both of these were sown on the 24th May. From the 24 acres
there were threshed 765 bushels.

The season in the Maritime Provinces was most unfavourable for the ripening
of grain, and it is quite probable that another year with more favourable weather all
of these varieties would mature earlier. The samples of grain grown were very
good, but accurate returns as to their relative yield cannot bo given this season,

POTATOES,

A few plots of potatoes were planted, in all aboutone acre. One of the varieties
viz., “ Dorman’s Seedling ” which was grown from seed by Mr, Dorman in this county,
gave 120 lbs. from 3 lbs, planted; another variety, the ‘‘ Black Hiephant,” said to be
a native of Montana, gave 3,600 lbs. from 120 lbs. of tubers.

In addition to these, other varieties were planted, which yielded in all 150 bushels.

FERTILISERS.

Not having any barnyard manure it was not thought desirable to sow many
turnips, but with the aid of some special fertilisers, about half an acre was grown,
which yielded fully 400 bushels. Some fertilisers were also used on part of the
buckwheat and on two acres of oats; a statement of the results is given below :—1
acre without fertiliser produced 23 bushels*of oats, 1 acre with $4.00 worth of bone
meal produced 28} bushels, a gain of 54 bushels, which at 40 cents per bushel=
$2.10, or an apparent loss of $1.90 per acre; 1 acre with $7.32 worth of Bowker’s
Fertiliser produced 414 bushels, a gain of 184 bushels, which at 40 cents—$7.40, or
a gain of 8 cents per acre. The effect of these fertilisers especially the bone dust
will no doubt be seen on future crops. Twenty acres of buckwheat were sown for
the purpose of enriching the land. Of this 13 acres gavea heavy crop, and when
the seed was just beginning to form, the buckwheat was rolled with a heavy roller
and turned under with a jointer-plough which covered it completely. The remain-
ing 7 acres were sown later without any fertiliser, and the crop was not sufficiently
advanced to plough under when the frost of 5th September cut it down.

FRGIT CULTURE,

About 2 acres were planted with fruit trees and vines, part of which were
obtained in New Brunswick and part in Ontario.
5b6—7

98

On 24th and 25tb May the large fruits were set out in nursery rows 4 feet
apart, allowing two feet between each tree, these were well cultivated during the
early part of the summer, and late in the fall they were banked up with 4 or 5 inches
‘of earth firmly pressed down with the foot.

On 21st and 2Znd May the grape vines and strawberries were planted. The
former being set in rows 10 feet apart, with 10 feet between each vine; two rows
of potatoes were planted between these rows of vines and frequently cultivated, Of
the 70 vines, consisting of 2U varieties, the largest proportion grew weil.

The strawberries were planted in rows 4 feet apart with 1 foot between the
plants, and were well cultivated and kept clean. The vines were allowed to run and
in some places completely covered the ground with strong healthy plants before the
close of the season. As soon as the ground was frozen they were covered lightly
with coarse horse manure. Of the (,000 plants, of 10 varieties, nearly all grew.
The Wilson and Captain Jack were the most healthy and vigorous growers.

On 22nd and 23rd May the gooseberries and currants were set out. - These were
placed in rows 6 feet apart with 4 feet between each bush, and were also kept well
cultivated during the summer. Of the 325 bushes, consisting of 12 varieties, all but
three or four made a healthy growth. The date of setting out the raspberries and
blackberries ranged from the 21st to the 25th of May. These were planted in rows
6 feet apart, with 2 feet between the plants, and cultivated in the same manner as
the other small fruits. Of the 450 plants, of 10 varieties, only about 25 per cent.
grew. The collection of fruit trees and vines consisted of the following :—

Varieties.
160 Apples ......... SDOSCOSICOSECOUSECLOLO codnoconcdigcnocosanoess Ge!
TZN CrAD PAP leSiaerecsencl scene cleieccasesesnecicnanesconsniacsasessii\)=<-Ee
AD OAT Wectotestancsvsnseicescsecccsecincssnraatnenccensscansece aacennas ccpntad Hil
DE CHONYaenevcsnsesacseacescescucerscscesscersnesseeas naconcieseonoccosnectio: 21
TAD) Co E92) cho senc0s sxGc0N00US ScuaNcoCupLocHBogpacoacocconcoadancoanaccasonene PAL

1U0 Gooseberry ...... Soo ance Bu ccedscacecissrnscaccsmasncessheamane sono 4!
150 Red (Currant ............. eaeceeee Racnicesucie's ceipesessss[elclclaseswe sacteieac ment
75- Black Currant,.............0: Soeeecw ar Sacecslciaseeaciciesareclapaacene=ciiene
OW BIACKDOER YA mee <clejsesacecnacenecnelocseial siciarcenascnceusenssenest edo S
375 Raspberry........... Mapes ce cleiscteceleicescinsseasensocecssiarioies site latetsmmind

DM OOORStraWDOLUies:.</<ceccsssineccslsielsicceisloorelaiole)eclnecicecconeisieleltieneome CO

Of the 253 trees referred to all with a single exception made a strong healthy
growth.

FOREST TREES,

On the last day of May 2,800 young seedling forest trees, of 28 varieties, were
set out. These were placed in rows 4 feet apart allowing from 9 to 18 inches of
space between them, and received the same treatment as the fruit trees. A large
proportion of these young trees grew.

Three varieties of rhubarb were also set out and made a rapid growth, The
land on which the large and small fruits, forest trees and plots of grain were planted
was under cultivation and had a dressing of manure Jast year.

DRAINING.

Much of the land on this farm requires draining to admit of early planting; a
portion of this necessary work has been accomplished during the summer, and some
five and a-half miles of tiles were laid on 24 acres of land. The land thus drained
was afterwards well ploughed, and is now in good condition for spring planting.

BUILDINGS.

Building operations commenced on 15th August, but the work has been delayed
by the almost continuous wet weather. The barn and horse stables are, however,

99

now partially completed, and will be ready for occupation next season. The barn is
111 feet long and 50 feet wide, with posts 18 feet long; this frame rests on a
stone bssement, the walls of which are 2 feet thick and iU feet high m the clear.
The stable which it attached to the barn is 65 feet long and 32 feet wide, with posts
15 feet long ard rests on a substantial stone foundation. A cottage for the stableman
is also in course of erection.

HORSES,

Our teams consist of 6 young horses, 4 and 5 years old, purchased in Prince
Edward Island on the first of May last, and when landed here weighed respectively
G) 1430, (ii) 1350, (aii) 1300, (iv) 1320, (vy) 1250, and (vi) 1139 lbs., and now weigh
(i) 1635, (11) 1335, (ii) 1325, (iv) 1425, (v) 134U, and (vi) 1250 1bs. In the inter-
val these horses have been kept busy with heavy farm work, having ploughed
140 acres, cultivated, harrowed ard drilled 58 acres of crop, besides cutting and
drawing in 80 loads of hay and 27 acres of grain, drawing tiles from the station,
carting manure and marsh mud, and doing alli other farm work.

ATTENDANOE AT AGRICULTURAL EXHIBITIONS AND FARMERS’ INSTITUTE MEETINGS.

Some of the products of this farm were shown atthe Exhibition held in Truro on
the 24th and 27th of September last, including 18 varieties of grain both in straw and in
glass bottles. These, being new varieties in this district, were closely examined and
tavourably commented upon by the farmers. The Exhibition held at Charlottetown
in Prince Edward Island, on 4th October, was also visited. The weather was very
unfavourable; bat the show of horses was remarkably fine; there were some good
cattle, a large show of fine sheep, a few nice hogs, and a good exhibit of grain, fruit,
butter and vegetables. The subject of reclaiming large tracts of salt marsh was en-
gagitg the attention of the farmers on the Island, and was dwelt on at some length
by Lieut.-Gov. McDonald in his opening address at the Axhibition.

The fixhibition held in Sackville, N.B., on the 17th October was also attended.
At this show there were some good horses and cattle, but on the whole, it was below
the average on account of the unfavourable weather.”

I attended the sessions of the Farmers’ Institute of Colchester County, held in
Truro, N.S, on the 28th and 29th of November, when addresses were made and papers
read on the following subjects :—

“Road Making,” by. Prof. H. W. Smith, Truro,

“The Necessity for a More General Knowledge of Veterinary Science among
Farmers,” by Dr. Jakeman, VS., Halifax. ;

“ Hints to Farmers,” by Howard Trueman, Pointe de Bute, N.B.

“ Dairying,” by C. P. Blanchard, Truro, N.S.

“ Winter Dairying,” by P. C. Black, Windsor, N.S.

“ Bee Keeping,”’ by J. W. Black, Truro, N.S.

“The Wheat Midge or Weevil,” by J. Fletcher, Entomologist and Botanist to
the Dominion Experimental Farms.

“ Experimental Farms,” by W. M. Blair, Superintendent Experimental Farm,
Nappan, N.S.

These subjects were all freely discussed and the meeting throughout was very
interesting and instructive.

A meeting of the New Glasgow Farmers’ Institute, held in New Glasgow, N.S.,
on the 4th January, was alsoattended. The following papers were read :—

“ Horse Training,” by J. A. Fraser, M.P.P., New Glasgow.

“ The Standard-bred Trotting-horse,” by Harry Townshend, New Glasgow.

“ Thorough-bred Cattle,” by A. C. Bell, New Glasgow.

“ Grasses,” by Prof. H. W. Smith, Truro.

“ Mnsilage,” by Mr. McNaughton, Hopewell.

“ Agricultural Education,” by J. B. McKay, Pictou.

“ Hxperimental Farm, Nappan,” by W. M. Blair, Nappan,

I nave the honour to be, Sir, your obedient servant,
Nappan, oe 31st December, 1868, W. M. BLAIR, Superintendent.
5b—T3

100

EXPERIMENTAL FARM FOR THE NORTH-WEST
TERRITORIES.

REPORT OF A. MACKAY, SUPERINTENDENT.

Inpian Heap,
Nortu-West TERRITORIES,
DecemBer 31, 1888.
Professor WILLIAM SAUNDERS,
Director Experimental Farms,
Ottawa.

Srr,—I have the honour to submit to you my report on the North-West Experi-
mental Farm, the work done, and the improvements made on it, since it has beem
established.

This farm contains 682 acres, comprising the whole of section 19, and an angle
made by the Canadian Pacific Railway of section 18 in Township 18, Range 12, West
2nd Meridian, and lies immediately east of the Indian Head town site, and less than
half a mile from the Canadian Pacific Railway station. Indiun Head is situated in
Hastern Assiniboia, forty miles east of Regina, the capital of that province. The
Canadian Pacific Railway forms the southern boundary of the Experimental Farm,
from which a good view of the whole of it can be obtained. Along thaeast, west
and north boundaries are public roads, from any of which the farm can be approached
or seen equally well.

SOIL,

The soil varies froma sandy loam toa clay loam, with a porous clay subsoil.
While the greater portion of the farm is a black clay loam, @ considerable part is of
a lighter nature and very suitable for testing fruit and forest trees.

STREAMS OR COULEES.

Two streams or coulées pass through the farm in a north-easterly direction, in
which there is running water in the spring and early summer, but which dry up
later in the season. One of them is the outlet for Deep Lake, six miles south. The
other is fed by flowing springs seven miles south-west. One ent rs the farm on the
south and the other on the west, and after leaving it joins the Qu’Appelle river a few
miles to the north.

These coulées, besides imparting beauty to the farm, are inva'uable in supply-
ing an abundance of water for stock, and affording desirable slopes for orchards,
nurseries, &c., and should it ever be necessary to do s0, almost the entire farm can
be thoroughly drained into them.

In 1883 the Bell Farming Co. broke up nearly 600 acres out of the 682 acres
now comprising the Experimental Farm, and since then that portion has been in
crop each year, except a small area which in 1886 was fallowed.

The spring of 1888 was very backward, being at least two weeks later than any
since 1882, and on account of there being a good deal of snow last winter, and it
being retained by the stubble, work did not commence on the farm until the 24th
of April, on which day ploughing was begun. A few days prior to this some Ladoga,
Saxonka and Talavera wheats were sown on potato land, rented from Major Bell.
This, with two acres, also rented, and afterwards sown with new varieties of barley
and oats, were obtained in order that whatever grain might be grown, 1t would not
be injared by a mnixture of the volunteer crop, which would sure to have been the case

101

had any portion of the Experimental Farm been used for this purpose, Forty acres
of oats for fied were sown onthe Farm, which, though light in the straw, gave a
yield of 50 bushels to the acre. Ontario gang ploughs were used, the grain being first
sown on the stubble and then ploughed in. Two acres of peas were also sown on the
stubble, and though the return was only small, good samples have been obtained
which will be put in next spring under more favourable conditions.

SPRING WHEAT,

The different varieties of wheat sown were: Ladoga, Saxonka, Talavera, S:-otch,
Defiance Red, and Scotch Square Head. The Ladoga, Saxonka and Scotch wheats
ripened and were not injured by frost. The Talavera being later in maturing was
considerably hurt, while Defiance Red was so badly frozen as to be useless. The
Scotch Square Head never headed out. The following are dates of seeding, harvest
and yield :—

Ladoga—Sown, 20th April; harvest, 21st August; yield, 29 bushels per acre;
weight, 62 lbs. to the bushel. This wheat ripened from a week to ten days earlier
than Red Fife sown at the same time on adjoining lands.

Saxonka—Sown, 20th April; harvest, 27th August; yield, 30 bu-bels per acre;
€2 lbs. to the bushel. ®

Talavera—Sown, 21st April; harvest, 10th September; yield, 15 bushels;
weight, 57 lbs. to the bushel.

Scotch—Sown, Ist May; harvest, 27th August; yield, 284% per acre; weight, 62
lbs. to the bushel.

Defiance Red—Sown, 21st April; not cut.

Scotch Square Head—Sown, Ist May; did not head out.

BARLEY,

Six varieties of barley were sown, five of which were two rowed, Golden Melon,
Peerless White, Thanet, Chevalier, Polar and Common Two Rowed. The Polar
ripened very early, but wasa poorsample. All the varieties were very heavy in
the straw.

Golden Melon, two rowed, sown Ist May, harvest 22nd August, yield 34 bushels
per acre, weight 54 Ibs. to the bushel; Peerless, two rowed, sown Ist May, harvest
22nd August, yicld 3312 bushels per acre, weight 53 lbs. to the bushel; Chevalier,
two rowed, 8own Ist May, harvest 22nd August, yield 24 bushels per acre, weight
53 lbs. to the bushel; Thanet, two rowed, sown ist May, harvest 22nd August, yield
563% bushels per acre, weight 54 lbs. to the bushel; Polar, six rowed, sown Ist May,
harvest 7th August, yield 33 bushels per acre, weight 41 lbs. to the bushel; Com-
mon Two Rowed, sown 10th May, harvest 17th August, yield 3622 bushels per acre,
weight 52 lbs. to the bushel.

OATS.

Seven varieties of oats were tested—Tartarain, Early Blossom, Victoria Prize,
Improved Waterloo, Lincolnshire Poland, Barly Race Horse and Flying Scotchman.
On account of horses and fowls injuring the oats, and having no buildings for the
grain, the yields given are not accurate, but are the number of bushels per acre
saved. The oats were sown on beet land, ploughed and drilled in at the rate of two
bushels per acre.

: Tartarian, Sown Ist May, harvest 24th August, yield 4729 bushels per acre,
weight 35 los. to the bushel; Early Blossom, sown Ist May, harvest 25th August,
yield 554% bushels per acre, weight 40 lbs. to the bushel; Victoria Prize, sown lst
May, harvest 17th August, yield 49 bushels per acre, weight 42 Ibs. to the bushel;
Improved Waterloo, sown Ist May, harvest 17th August, yield 44 bushels per acre,
weight 36 lbs. to the bushel; Lincolnshire Poland, sown Ist May, harvest 17th
Angust, yield 35 bushels per acre, weight 41 1bs to the bushel; Karly Race Horse,
sown Ist May, harvested 17th August, yield 49 bushels per acre, weight 434 Ibs. to

102

the bushel; Fiying Scotchman, sown Ist May, harvest 17th August, yield 5614
bushels per acre, weight 42 lbs. to the bushel,

PEAS,

Three varieties were sown on stubble land, but wild buckwheat coming up very
rank smothered a great many of the vines and yeduced the yield. ,

Blackeyes, sown 2nd May, harvest 2(th August, yield 12 bushels per acre,
weight 624 lbs. to the bushel; Crown, sown 2nd May, harvest 22nd August, yield 16
bushels per acre, weight 65 lbs. to the bushel; Extra Early, sown 10th May, har-
vested 4th August, yield 1&2 bushels per acre, weight 6t lbs. to the bushel.

POTATOES AND FIELD ROOTS,

Twenty-three varieties of potatoes were obtained in Manitoba and the North=
West and planted on stubble Jand, and thongh the yield was not large; sufficient
good seed has been secured for next year. Other varieties will be added next spring.
‘be following sre the vames of the differenti kinds grown :—Early Rose, Surprise,
Beauty of Hebron, Morning Star, Lee’s Extra Early, Lizzie’s Pride, Brownell’s
Beauty, Carlo’s Matchless, Dakota Red, Snow Flake, Genessee Seedling, Early San-
rise, Burbank’s Seedling, Vick’s Pride, Boston Market, Garnett Chili, Stonewall
Beauty, Spray'’s Boauty. Barbees Empire State, Qaeen of ihe Valley, Harly Con-
queror, White Star and Emprers Bell.

Several varieties of turnips and mangolds were sown early in June. Three
methods of sowing were followed —bhroadecast, in raised drills and in rows on the flat,
and in every case the roots on the flat did the best. A Turnip Flea-beetle was very
numerous and did considerable injury to the young plants, especially to those first
sown.

FRUIT AND FOREST TREES.

As it was deemed very important that something be done in fruit and forest tree
culture without delay, some eight or ten acres of land was prepared as early and as
well 48 possible, and during May and June 23,000 trees and plants were put out.
The large fruits, as well as all the forest trees, were planted in nursery rows 3 feet
apart so as to permit of cultivation with horse cultivators.

APPLES.

Two hundred trees of 40 varieties of apples were put out, in nursery rows, and
received thorough cultivation. Every tree made a good growth though some were
late in starting. Before winter set in the trees were wrapped with straw or tarred
paper and earth heaped up around the base 10 inches high.

CRAB APPLES,

Of this fruit 12 trees of 4 varieties were planted; all did well and received the
same treatment before the frost came as the apples did.

PLUMS.

Thirty trees of 8 varieties were planted; all lived, made a healthy growth
during the season, and received the same attention at its close as the apples and crabs.

CHERRIES,

Thirty-four trees of 7 varieties of cherries were planted, and though they did
not make as much growth as either the apples or plums, they made fair progress.

PEARS AND PEACHES.

In pears 20 trees of 7 varieties and 3 trees of peaches were put out. The pears
-made a very vigorous growth. Starting earlier than any other of the large fruit

trees they did extra well during the entire season, Like all the preceding classes,
the pears and peaches were protected by straw or paper and the earth heaped up
around the base before winter set in.

CURRANTS,

Of this fruit 178 bushes of 8 varieties were planted in rows 6 feet apart and 4
feet apart in tne rows. With the exception of two bushes every ore lived and did
well. Before winter set in earth was heaped well up among the branches and around
the stalks, more to protect the bushes from rabbits than from the winter.

GOOSEBERRIES,.

Seventy-four bushes of 3 varieties of this fruit were planted the same as the
currants. Four bushes never made a start; all the others made rapid growth.

RASPBERRIES,

In this fruit 411 plants of 6 varieties were set ont in rows 6 feet apart. Ten per
cent. died, or never made a start, the remainder made only fair progress, but were
healthy looking when winter set in. Some of the plants were laid down and covered
with manure or earth before the frost became too severe, others were only covered
on the tips.

BLACKBERRIES,

Seventy-four plants of 3 varieties of blackberries were put out in the same man-
ner 2s the raspberries and similarly treated, Nearly 20 per cent. failed to grow,
the rest doing fairly well.

STRAWBERRIES,

The bed of this fruit consisted of 1,300 plants of 13 varieties. A severe frost
occurred two days after they were pnt out, which killed two-thirds of the plants,
some varieties having only a few plants left, while the “Wilson” had only one
killed. During October nearly ali the blanks were filled in from roncers. After
the ground became frozen the plants were lightly covered with manure and straw.

GRAPE-VINES.

Sixty-four vines of 18 varieties were planted in rows 6 feet apart and 6 and 10
feet apart in the rows. Some of the varieties made an early start and good growth,
while others only began to grow late in the season—one vine alone failed to grow.
Before winter set in the vines were covered with earth. ;

WILD OR NATIVE FRUITS.

In addition to the cultivated fruits a collection of native currants, gooseberries,
raspberries, cranberries, strawberries, cherries, Saskatoon berries and grapes were
obtained and planted. Every bush or plant pat out did well.

FOREST TREES, SHRUBS, &c.

Twenty thousand of the following varieties were planted in nursery rows three
feet apart, and during the season received thorough cultivation :—

Five varieties of elm, 6 of ash, 5 of maple, 6 of pine, 4 of spruce, 2 of locust,
2 of birch, 2 of alder, 2 of cedar, 2 of catalpa, and 1 variety each of butternut, walnut,
hickory, oak, beech, basswood, larch, fir, juniper, wild cherry, hornbeam, Russian,
mulberry, hackberry, hawthorn, cranberry, Kentucky coffee tree, sycamore, ailanthus
and wahoo, Among the elms, ashes, locusts, soft maples, Norway spruce, larch,
cherry, ailanthus, catalpas, Russian mulberry and cranberry hardly a blank occurred.
Among the cedar, butternut, walnut, oak, beech, basswood and sycamore 20 per
cent. were failures, while of all the other varieties put out from 20 to 40 per cent.
died ; the greatest failures being in Austrian pine and Douglas spruce, but most of

104

these were injured on the way up by delay in transit and being overheated. The
black locust, butternut, walnut, catalpa and ailanthus were badly nipped by the first
fall frost, while all the other kinds were none the worse even after repeated
visitations.

TREE SEEDS.

Daring the latter part of May, seeds of native or ash-leaved maple, sugar maple,
ash and basswood were sown in rows three feet apart. Between forty and forty-
five thousand native maple came up and before their growth was checked had
attained a height of from 10 to 20 inches. A large number of the ash also came up,
but made slow progress. The sugar-maple and basswood failed to appear; possibly
these may germinate next season. Four bushels of native maple seed were sown in
October last. Before winter came several thousand maple trees, and a more or less
number of all the varieties planted were taken up and placed in a cool cellar, to be
set out again early next spring.

FALL WHEAT,

During the first week in August, three varieties of fall wheat were sown followed
two weeks Jater by six more. The land having been fallowed and the weather very
favourable, the grain came up in a few days, and before cold checked its growth it was
covering the ground. In addition to the nine varieties which were drilled in, 165
other sorts were planted in rows, 50 grains of each variety set one foot apart. These
were obtained too late to make much headway, and small birds, after they did come
up, injured all the lots by eating off the green blades,

RYE,

Two varieties of fall rye were sown by drill early in August, and like the wheat
covered the ground before the winter set in. Nineteen varieties were added by
planting in rows 50 grains of each kind one foot apart.

GRASSES AND CLOVER.

The land being in an unfit condition, nothing was done towards testing forage
plants until August, when some timothy and lucerne clover were sown by drill and
38 other varieties of grasses and clovers sown in small plots. None of these appeared
above ground though a few varieties started to grow. Many additions of new, and
especially all old and well-knowa grasses and clovers will be sown next spring. A
collection of North-West grasses has also been gathered, the seed of which will be
sown, aud from which it is hoped good results will be obtsined.

IMPROVEMENTS, &c.

During the summer a competent Dominion Land Surveyor, Mr. Wm. Thompson,
of Qu’Appelle station, defined the limits of the farm, laid it out in fields, roads and
plows, snd prepared s plan of the whole section, including course of coulées, dams,
building site-—number of acresin each field—number taken up by roads—coulées and
water. ach field or plot being numbered on the plan, a record of all future opera-
tions <an be conveniently kept.

FENCING.

On account of scarcity of men, and it being impossible to obtain suitable posts
during the summer, nothing was done towards enclosing the farm, until frost put a
stop to other work, when the regular staff was used, and something over one mile was
put vp. Sawn posts from British Columbia are being used, which, with 4 strands of
wire, make a substantial and at the same timea creditable looking fence. The
entire farm will be enclosed early next spring as nearly all the material is on hand
to complete the work.

105

BUILDINGS.

There being no erections on the farm suitable for farming purposes, stabling and
warehouse sccommodations were obtained in Indian Head, which although the best
that could be done, has been very inconvenient on account of the distance from the
work. This will be remedied early next spring, when it is expected that all the
buildings now under way will be completed. These comprise superiniendent’s, hor-
ticulturists and foreman’s dwelling», a large stone basement barn, and horse stable.

ROADS—GRADING AND DAMS.

The farm having been laid out in fields, those on that portion summer fallowed,
have been made accessible by roads. Two avenues to the buildings have been
graded and planted and the grounds around the superintendent’s house, laid out,
graded and the roads made. Two dams, one on each of the coulées were widened
and made higher, and new sluice-ways made to carry off all surplus water, should
sufficient snow fall this winter, or water flow in the spring, lakes of 124 acres and
3 acres in extent will beautify the farm next year. Besides this a good well has
been sunk which yields a bountiful supply of excellent water.

LAND READY FOR CROP,

Two hundred and fifteen acres were thoroughly worked during the past sum-
mer, the greater portion being twice ploughed and several times harrowed and culti-
vated, 20 acres were only ploughed once, but all weeds were kept down by harrowing,
so as to test the relative merits of the different ways of cultivatior. Wild buckwheat,
which had attaired considerable hold of the ground, and the volunteer crop which
grew very luxuriantly on the land fallowed, caused a large amount of extra work,
but no doub: next year’s crop will be all the better for the work done.

A space 100 feet in width, of the prepared land, along the western boundary of
the farm, has been reserved fur forest tree planting, and a strip around the entire
farm for a like purpose.

TREE PLANTING,

In the beginning of October 700 fine ash-leaved maple trees were obtained in
Brandon (Manitoba) anu most of them planted along the western and part of the
northern boundary and along the avenues leading to the buildings. The trees, which
are from 5 to 6 years old, and have attained a height of 5 to 10 feet, were placed 20
feet apart on the boundaries, and 25 feet on the avenues.

EXHIBIT OF FARM PRODUOTS AT FAIRS.

_ Dariog October many of the municipalities in the North-West held their annual
fall exhibitions, It was thought advisable to exhibit the result of the first year’s
work on the farm, at as many of these 28 possible—accordingly, samples of wheat,
barley, peas, oats in the straw, as well as the grain, native grasses, and the different
varieties of potatoes and roots were prepared and were shown at Wolseley, Indian
Head, Qu’Appelle station and Fort Qu’Appelle, where they received warm praise
from farmers and others, while the press were unanimous in their approval. His
Honour Lieutenant Governor Royal, on opening the North-West Assembly, referred to
the exhibit as proof of the advantage the Experimental Farm will be to the North-
West Territories.

_ On account of the harvest being backward, fairs held prior to those mentioned,
could not be attended, but it is hoped that in the coming year many others will be
reached,

I have the honour to be, Sir,

Your obedient servant,
ANGUS MACKAY,
Superintendent.

106

EXPERIMENTAL FARM FOR MANITOBA.

REPORT OF S. A. BEDFORD, SUPERINTENDENT.

To Professor Wm SAUNDERS,
Direcior Experimental Farms,
Ottawa.

Srr,—I have the honour to submit herewith a report of the work accomplished
on the Manitoba Experimental Farm during the past five months.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FARM.

The Manitoba Experimental Farm comprises portions of Sections 27 and 34,
Township 10, Range 19, west Ist Meridian, 652 acres in all, about two-thirds of it is
in the Assiniboine Valley, the remaining one-third is upland prairie, the greater por-
tion of it is delightfully situated, the higher portions overlooking the Assiniboine
Vailey, one and a half miles from Brandon station and in full view of the Canadian
Pacific Railway, it is in the centre of a thickly settled farming district, and is easy of
access from all parts of the Province.

SOIL.

The soil is of a variable character, suitsble for the purposes of an experimental
farm, and consists of stiff clay and river sediment on the river flats, clay loam and
rich sandy loam, from two to six feet deep on the higher portions of the valley, and
light sandy and gravelly loam on the uplands.

WATER SUPPLY,

The Farm has an abundant supply of excellent water, the Assiniboine River, a
navigable stream, forms a portion of its southern boundary, about the centre of the
valley there is a lake of good water, three-quarters of a mile long and several feet
deep, four spring creeks traverse the northern portions ot the property, and several
wells have been dug, which yield an abundance of good water at a depth of from 15
to 30 feet.

SHELTER.

On the borders of the lake and on the side hills and ravines of the northern por-
tions of the Farm, there isa quantity of small timber and bushes which can be utilised
for the protection of more tender shrubs and trees.

HAY LAND,

In the flats bordering on the Assiniboine River there ia about .50 acres of excel-
lent native hay meadow. In favourable seasons this will supply a large quantity of
feed for stock and furnish land very suitable for carrying on a series of experiments
with the view of determining the value of our native grasses for feeding purposes.

On my arrival here in the beginning of July Isst about 140 acres had been
brought under cultivation, 100 cf which was sown to grain. As no satisfactory
arrangements could be made for the purchase of this crop, the owners were allowed
to remove it. A large proportion of the cultivated land hada been badly ploughed,
and in the Jower portions couch grass had taken a firm hold, On arrival the men
and teams were at once started to plough the unsown portions, and before frost set
in 110 acres were prepared for spring sowing. Owing, however, to my late arrival

107

and to the condition the land was in, there was not sufficient time to give portions of
it that thorough cultivation it required, hence about thirty acres will be better left
for summer fallow, to be thoroughly cultivated during the coming season.

FALL GRAIN,

As the season was far advanced when I[ reached the farm, only a limited area of
land could be prepared for fall grain, about the first week of September fifty grains,
each of 184 varieties of fall wheat and rye were sown one foot apart for comparative
test, but owing to the extreme dryness of the season only « portion of these germi-
nated and their growth was slow. When winter set in the plants were only about
three inches high and not as strong as I could have wished, the autumn here being
generally cool and dry, better results are likely to bo obtained by sowing early in
August. .

GRASSES,

Owing to the increasing scarcity of natural hay in most parts of the Province
the question of suitable fodder plants is becoming an important one and my atten-
tion has been repeatediy called to the desirability of introducing some variety of
grass suited to our soil and climate, with that end in view 37 varieties of cultivated
grasses were sown during the month of September, an acre of timothy seed was also
sown on the river flats, the seeds of some twenty varieties of native grasses were
also collected, these will be sown early in the spring and their suitability for culti-
vation noted.

SOWING SPRING WHEAT IN THE FALL.

During the past season many volunteer crops of grain in this district were found
to bave entirely escaped the frost, while fields of spring sown grain in cloze proxim-
ity were injured; for the purpose of throwing further light on this subject an acre of
en Fyte spring wheat was sown on the 3rd of November just before the ground

roze up.

FOREST TREE CULTURE.

Early in November # of an acre of native ash, basswood and maple seeds were
sown, and 4 number of other varieties will be sown in the spring, 650 native ash-
leaved maples from 8 to 10 feet high have been procured and a portion of them
planted, the balance will be set out next season.

SMALL FRUITS.

The demand for all kinds of fruit in this Province is very large and yearly in-
creasing. Judging from the number and variety of native small fruits found grow-
ing on this farm, its scil and situation promises to be well adapted to this branch of
horticulture.

Just before the ground freze up 425 currant bushes, embracing 5 varieties, were
received from the Central Experiments! Farm, these were healed in ready for spring
planting. A number of cuttings from native fruit trees were also set out and the
effect of cultivation on them will be noted.

CLEARING OF SCRUB.

On taking possession of the Farm about 70 acres of the hay land bordering on
the river was badly over-grown with roses, willow and ash scrub from four to nine
feet high; during the past summer and fall this has all been cleared off, making an
excellent meadow, fire has been run over a porticn of this meadow and its effect on
next season’s crop will be watched and reported on,

DRAINING.

In former years the water from two of the springs rising in the uplands was
allowed to spread itself over the lower land preventing early seeding and in wet

>. oe ele

108

aeasons completely flooding portions of it; during the autumn 1,114 yards of open
ditch has been dug conveying the water directly through the Farm and no farther
difficulty is expected from this source.

ROAD MAKING AND FENCING.

As the regular road allowances on both the north and south boundaries are im-
passable owing to the river and river banks, a public road, a chain wide and one mile
jong, has been laid out across the Farm from east to west; 507 yards of this road has
been graded and well gravelled, the grade is 30 feet wide, leaving a sidewalk of 18
feet on each side which it is proposed to sow with permanent grasses. A row of
native maple trees has also been planted on each side of this road giving it a finished
Appearance; during the coming season an effort will be made to complete this road
and avenne, thus making a good approach to the Farm and greatly adding to its
appearance.

FENCING.

A little over three miles of fencing has been erected, this is composed of round
eedar posts from 5 to 10 inches in diameter placed 8 feet apart, 4 strands of barbless
wire, and a2 by 4 scantling mortised into the posts 44 teet from the ground, this
makes a substantial and at the same time an attractive fence.

A quantity of surface stone has been removed from the cultivated Jand, some of
which has been used in repairing the temporary buildings, the balance will, no doubt,
e found useful when the permanent buildings are erected.

TEMPORARY BUILDINGS.

When taken over by the Government there was a frame house 20 by 26 feet and
a basement barn 26 by 36 on the property, both were in an unfinisbed condition and
unfit for occupation; they have been thoroughly repaired and will serve a good pur-
pose for a number of years to come; two temporary implement sheds 14 by 26 have
also been built,

I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your obedient servant,
S. A. BEDFORD,
Superintendent Manitoba Experimental Farm.
Branpon, Manrropa, December 31, 1888.

seit ncaa e=amD

109

CENTRAL EXPERIMENTAL FARM, DEPARTMENT OF AGRI-
CULTURE, OTTAWA, CANADA.

Bstuetin No, 4.

March, 1889.

To the Honorable
The Minister of Agriculture:

Sim,—I have the honour to transmit herewith the fourth Bulletin fram the Cen-
trs] Experimental Farm. This relates to the Ladoga wheat which was first imported
under your instruction from Northern Russia in 1587, with tho object of securing an
early ripening variety of hard wheat, of such quality as would compare favourably
with the best bard wheats now in cultivatiun in the North-West of Canada. The
results submitted in the accompanying Bulletin indicate a gratifying measure of
success Obtained in this undertaking.

The first part prepared by myself treats of the earliness, fertility and quality of
the whet; the second part, which has been prepared at my request by Mr. Frank
T. Shutt, Chemist of the Dominion Experimental Farms, relates to the chemical con-
stituents and physical characters of wheat, and gives the results of the chemical
analyses conducted by him of a number of samples of Ladoga, Red Fife and other
varieties of wheat.

I have the honour to be, Sir,

Your obedient servant,
WM. SAUNDERS,

Director.
Orrawa, 22nd March, 1889.

LADOGA WHEAT.

PART 1.

By Wm. Saunders, F.R.S.C., F.U.S., F.C.S., Director of the Dominion
Experimental Farms.

Importance of obtaining early ripening varieties.

The question of early ripening varieties of grain and especially of wheat, is one
of the utmost importance to the future of Canada. The Provinces of Prince Edward
Island and New Brunswick, the northern portions of Quebec and Ontario, and the
great plains of the North-West, all have a short season, and the immense advantages
which would accrue to the farmers in all these sections of our country from the
introduction and dissemination of early ripening sorts of wheat, barley and oats,
and the annual saving this would effect would be difficult to over-estimate. But the
wheat problem is the subject of the present Bulletin, and it is to the needs of the

110

North-West settlers that we would at this time direct special attention. The soil of
the great plains of Manitoba and the North-West Territories is stored with such an
abundance of fertility that the capacity for production can scarcely be estimated
provided that the difficulties associated with a short season can be partia!ly or wholly
overcome by the introduction of early ripening sorts. To meet the requirements in
this case, not only must the variety of wheat be early in ripening, but it must also
possess such superior qualities as will command for it a relatively high price in the
markets of the world; otherwise the cost of transporting so bulky a product over
long distances would leave but little profit to the grower. It is a singular fact that
the northern countries of the world, where the difficulties surrounding agriculture
are greatest, both in the way of production and access to markets, are the only
countries producing wheat of the highest quality, and it is found to be a necessity
by millers everywhere, who aim to produce first-class flour, to add to the softer
wheats produced in temperate and southern latitudes a large proportion of the hard
wheats grown in northern countries, and it is said that the larger the proportion of
hard wheat used the stronger and better will be the flour. While India produces
some hard wheat in limited quantities, most of the hard wheats which find their way
to the markets of the world are the growth of the northera plains of Russia, the
northern United States, and the North-West Provinces of Canada.

.

Fife Wheat,

The varieties of wheat known as Red and White Fife, grown in the Canadian
North-West, deservedly rank among the best wheats in the world, and the high
grades of flour produced from them command the best prices obtained for this
product, and were the Fife wheats a little earlier in ripening, nothing better need
be desired. In the northern parts of the United States the same or similar wheats
are grown under the names of Fife, Saskatchewan Fife, and Wellman’s Fife. The
following account of the origin of Red Fife Wheat is given in the Canadian Agricul-
turist for 1861: ‘ About the year 1842 Mr, David Fife, of the Township of Otonabee,
Canada West, now Ontario, procured through a friend in Glasgow, Scotland, a
quantity of wheat which had been obtained from a cargo direct from Dantzic. As
it came to hand just before spring seed time, and not knowing whether it was a
fall or spring variety, Mr. Fife concluded to sow a part of it that spring and wait
for the results. It proved to be a fall wheat as it never ripened, except three ears,
which grew apparently from a single grain, These were preserved, and although
sown the next year under very unfavourable circumstances, being quite late and in a
shady place, it proved at harvest to be entirely free from rust when all wheat in the
neighborhood was badly rusted. The produce of this was carefully preserved, and
from it sprung the variety of wheat known over Canada and the Northern States by
the different names of Fife, Scotch and Glasgow.”

Russian Wheats,

In Russia a number of different sorts are grown, but in the northern provinces
the Saxonka and Kubanks varieties form a large proportion of the shipments. The
Saxonka wheat is known also undsr the name of Colonist wheat, and it is alleged that
it is the identical wheat which was distributed by Peter the Great among the colo-
nists whom he forcibly placed on the great plains of Russia. It is rather small in
grain, but hard in texture, and is held in esteem by millers in Great Britain as a
mixing wheat, but does not commend the high price wnich the best qualities of hard
wheats from Canada and the United States readily bring. The Kubanka appears to
be identical with what is known in Canada as Goose wheat, a variety of a hard ricy
structure more or less transparent, which is regarded with much disfavour by millers
in Canada who pronounce it to be one of the poorest varieties grown. In Russia it is
highly esteemed and in the wheat markets of Hurope it usually commands a price
about equal to the Saxonka, which is usually about three-fourths the price of the best

111

American hard wheats. It is a variety held in some favour by Canadian farmers in
localities where the wheat midge prevails, as a midge proof wheat, for the reason that
the kernel hardens so early that the midge is not able to injure it much. The outer
covering of this wheat is thick, and the proportion of bran to flour is greater than in
most other varicties, and notwithstanding that it is fairly rich in gluten its growth
should not be encouraged where wheats of better quality can be matured,

The Ladoga.

In Bulletin No, 2 reference was made to the importation of an early ripening
spring wheat from one of the northern Provinces of Russia. The object sought in its
introduction was to obtain a hard wheat of good quality which would ripen early
enough to escape the autumn frosts which sometimes injure the crops in some parts
of the north-west of Canada. This wheat was selected by a seed dealer in Riga who
had made a special study of the cereals of northern Russia, but the exact locality of
its growth, and the name under which it is known had not been ascertained at the
time Bulletin No. 2 was issued.

It was grown in latitude 6U° near Lake Ladoga, north of St. Petersburg, and is
known under the name of Ladoga. The locality referred to is by latitude 840 miles north
of the city of Ottawa, 600 miles north of Wianipeg and north of the northern boundary
of Lake Athabasca, in the Peace River country. The Ladoga wheat is said to be
highly esteemed in those parts of Russia where itis grown, and is in favour as an
early ripening sort. The first consignment was brought to Canada in the spring of
1887, when 667 sample bags were distributed for test, from which 275 returns were
received, and from these reports the average period of ripening was estimated from
ten to fifteen days earlier than Red Fife, a gain in time of maturing which would if
maintained materially lessen the risk of injury from frost. In the spring of 1888 a
second distribution of this wheat was made, when 1,529 sample bags of 3 pounds
each, were sent out, from which 301 reports have been received. These place the
period of ripening, taking the entire Dominion, at 10 days earlier than the Red Fife.

Its Fertility.

The relative fertility of this wheat is also an important feature, and in this par-
ticular it will be seen from the following table that the Ladoga makes a very fair
showing :

we Yield from 3 lbs. Sown.

Time from
Returns Received tor 1887. eat -_-_-ooo-C fC Se -—- Rowiny,
| Largest. | Smallest. | Average. Harvesting.

Lbs Lbs Lbs. Days

MGB TEL EOI reste oe srcczn s0\ /otasuce sauselaceiss sozeees . 83 165 | 320 764 102

North-West Territories. ..... -....0+. on 68 236 21 85 105

British Qolumbia ...... + opecoo eee 3 112 64 85 93

OSPR TI Nee rte ctcesasoc eases sess casseoiz case oe 67 60 10 27 90

MTGE eset ecsece | evenes escent cesses maces 15 40 6 19 85
INDVESCOtIM etccsssese ceases osccec ecceve 15 89

New Brunswick...... e100 sess 24 60 8 30 97

20 53 | 102

Being an average yield of a little over 58 pounds from each 3 pounds sown.

112

The returns for 1888, as indicated by the reports received, may be thus sum-
marized :—

2q
aa
A 2.5
Yield from 3 lbs. Sown. Time from oe
Returns Received for 1888. mice: aS — Sowing Pee
j um
Largest. | Smallest. | Average. Harvesting. Ei
wm
{
| | Lbs. Lbs. Lbs. Days.
Manitoba. ..... ....06 noeberch oO 51 100 12 38 123
North-West Territories......----.-+ 69 | 178 12 63 122 1
British Columbia. ....... - Stn 8 183 53 126 113 8
ONTATIO <..ccs<s ncceoe . 113 97 8 44 99 9
Quebec.......... 3 . 20 138 16 50 101 lg
Nova Scotia ...... 14 44 10 26 120 10
New Brunswick.......... ll 92 34 59 107 12
Prince Edward Island. 16 199 15 | 46 115 93

This is equal to an average yield of a little more than 50 pounds from each 3
pounds of seed, and compared with Red Fife it is just ten days earlier.

The summer of 1887 was exceptionally hot and dry in Ontario and Quebec, and
the crops of all cereals were light and their ripening premature. On the Central
Experimental Farm a field of fourteen acres of Ladoga wheat sown on the 7th of May
was harvested in 76 days from the date of sowing, the Ladoga ripening eight days
earlier than the Red Fife sown at the same time in an adjoining field. On the 17th
of May, 1888, this experiment of towing was repeated and the field of Ladoga ripened
in 81 days, the Red Fife in 92 days, a difference of eleven days. During the past
season the grain in Manitoba and the North-West 1'erritories has been unusually slow
in ripening, so also in the Maritime Provinces owing to the remarkably low average
temperature during the growing season; the conditions in Ontario and Quebec have
on the whole been more favourable. These circumstances will aid in explaining the
differences in the results for the two years. The falling off in yield in Manitoba and
the North-West Territories during 1888, was mainly due to the very backward season
and to the advent of unusually early frosts which in many cases nipped the grain
before it was mature and materially lessened the crop.

Relative Quality.

The quality of the Ladoga wheat is a very important consideration. The very
high character of the Red Fite wheat grown on the western plains of Canada and the
excellent quality of the flour prepared from it, has created a demand for this wheat
at the highest market prices, and it is of the utmost importance that this good repu-
tation be maintained ; the introduction of any wheat of a manifestly inferior quality
which would tend to lower the standard of Canadian hard wheat would be highly
impolitic. The original Ladoga wheat has been submitted to a number of experts,
the majority of whom place it in the next grade below No. 1 hard, and estimate its
value at from 4 to 5 cents per bushel less thar the best quality of Red Fife, but some
of the samples grown from this seed have improved so much as to entitle them to
grade with grain of high quality.

With the view of ascertaining the opinions of those who are held to be the most
competent judges eight samples were chosen, representing the average quality of
those received together with a sample of the original importation and a
small sample ot the Saxonka and Kubanka wheats, which had _ been
received from a correspondent who had grown them in Manitoba. Subse-
quently three of the heaviest and best samples of Ladoga were selected, making 14
in all, A portion of each was sent to the Boards of Trade in Montreal, Toronto and

Le ee

113

Winnipeg, to Mr. W. W. Ogilvie of Montreal, and to Mr, Frank EH. Gibb, Domition
Grain Inspector at Port Arthur, for inspection, and to the Chemist of the Experimen-
tal Farms, Mc. F. T. Shutt, for analysis. The several Boards of Trade mauifested a
deep interest in the subject, and referred the samples in each case to a select com-
mittee of experts. Mr. W. W. Ogilvie kindly gave his personal attention to the sub-
ject, and Mr, F. E, Gibb reported fully on the first lot of average samples sent him,
bat through illness was prevented from reporting on the last and best samples.

The list of samples and the reports thereon are herewith submitted, with the
numbers under which they were sent.

Weight per .
bushel.

7 Ladoga—Original importation... ..-..2......0..008 sorBASSnosaeean ee 6i Ibs.
1 do grown at Lethbridge, N.W.T. .......... nbstitcoscinceo: +02

2 do do Helnionton; NA Wie Wapascn- cses-tonsarscss 614

3 do do Piam Creek, Souris, Man........... seeceeeee 604

4 do do iBrandonblile Mian: --=--cccucs ccecesecsee ost 60

5 do do Tatamagouche, N. S.......020-. cesses Seoco LD

6 do do GiyRbOLOR PN ci s-cenelcencanieasesnasclotines eco (ABE

8 Kubanka—grown in Manitoba.

9 Saxonka do do

10 Ladoga—grown at Wolseley, N.W.T...... ....cse.scsscener s enees 63

ll do do Ponehwood pa Wis wNo Wile sstcases<ccesisissane <a Ot
12 do do BINACAFED,, MAN). usps sccasetieceben aces, coenccces 65

13 do do Mowbray, Man......... Sacese-cesescerscsesccerose O4e
14 do do St. Mary’s, New Brunswick................ we =6G4

A letter was forwarded with each set of samples similar to the following, which
was addressed—

“ To the Secretary of the Board of Trade, Montreal.

“ Dear Sir,—I desire to get the opinion of your Board of Trade regarding a
wheat which was distributed last spring from the Experimental Farm in Ottawa for
test in different parts of the Dominion. It is well known that farmers in the northern
parts of Manitoba and the Territories have in the past suffered much loss from frozen
wheat, and they are very anxious to obtain some variety which will ripen a few
duys earlier than the Red Fife, so as to admit of its being harvested before the early
frosts occur. So strong is this feeling that farmers are willing to grow inferior
varieties rather than suffer such losses as they have experienced in the past.

“In view of this condition of things, efforts are being made under instruction of

the Minister of Agriculture, to endeavour to secure an earlier ripening wheat of good.
quality as nearly up to the standard of the Red Fife as possible. You will bear in mind
that the object of this introduction is not by any means to displace the Red File; 5.

think the growth of that variety should be encouraged in every practicable way, but

the Minister desires that an earlier wheat of good quality should be secured to be

grown where the Red Fife does not succeed, and thus discourage and prevent as far as.
is practicable the introduction of soft and inferior varieties of wheat, so that the
present high standard of our North-West grain may be generally maintained and at
the same time the necessities of the farmers met and the settlement cf the country
stimulated.

“ After much correspondence and engniry, it was decided to order a supply for
the first experiment from Riga, Russia. This wheat arrived late last spring, and not
having been advised of its correct name, it was distributed provisionally under the
name of ‘ Northern Russian Wheat.’ [ have since learned that itis kaown in Northern
Russia under the name of Ladoga.

“JT send-you a sample of the original importation under No, 7 and the samples
from 1 to 6 and 10 and 11 inclusive, have all been grown from this seed. In con-
sidering these samples it should be borne in mind that the seed was not received by
the growers until from two to three weeks after the usual time of seeding, hence the

5b—8 ;

— 2
a teneg ornae

114

a
grain is not s0 plump and well developed as it would have been had it been sown

earlier.
“ No. 1 was grown at Lethbridge, Alberta, N.W.T.

do 2 do Edmonton do do

do 3 do Plum Creek, Souris, Manitoba,

do 4 do Brandon Hills do

do 5 do Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia.

do vu ‘do Guysboro’ 0)

do 10 do Wolseley, Assiniboia, N.W.T.

do 11 do Indian Reserve, Touchwood Hills, N.W.T.

“(J desire to have the opinion of your Board of Trade as to how these wheats
would grade in the markets of this country and how they would compare with Red
Fife in the price they would command. J also enclose, under Nos. 8 and 9, a few
grains (I am sorry I cannot just now send more) of Kubanka and Saxonka wheats,
which are being sold in Manitoba for seed, Kindly let me know how these compare
in value with Red Fife and Ladoga and the prices theese varieties would now com-
mand if placed on the market in quantities. 1 desire this information for the reason
that frequent enquiries reach me from Manitoba and the North-West from farmers
who seek information on these points.

“Tbe reports which have been received show that the Ladoga wheat has ripened
during the past season from 10 to 15 days earlior than the Red Fite. Should this
early ripening habit prove permanent—which ‘here is every reason to expect—and
the wheat of a desirable quality, its further encouragement in the districts referred
to is most important.

“You will I trust, in view of the importance of this subject to the whole
country, pardon the liberty I have taken and obtain for me the information asked,

“Yours very sincerely,
“WM. SAUNDERS,

“ Director Experimental Farms.
«“ Orrawa, 30th January, 1888,”

The three samples referred to under Nos. 12, 13 and 14 were forwarded on the
2nd of February to the several experts and Boards of Trade, with letters, explaining
that these were the three heaviest specimens which had been obtained,

The following replies were received :—

“Orrick BoARD oF TRADE,
“10 St. John Street and 39 St, Sacrament Street.
“ MonTREAL, 9th February, 1888.

“ The Board of Examiners for wheat and other grain having taken communication
of the letters from the Director of the Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa, dated
30th January and 2nd February, and having compared and examined the samples of
wheat forwarded by the Director, reports as follows :—

“That the Board learns with pleasure of the action of the Government in endea-
vouring to secure, through the Director ot the Experimental Farm, a hard wheat of
good quality that ehall ripen earlier than Red Fife, the Board believing that while
Red Fite should most certainly be grown wherever there is no danger to be appre-
hended from early fall frosts, itis of the greatest importance that a choice hard
wheat shall be found that will ripen earlier than Red Fife and so may be safely
grown in districts where such frosis occur.

“That the samples of Laltoga wheat would, with the exception of No. 3 all
grade as hard wheats and the Boa.d consider that presuming the stated advantage
of time in maturing is fully establisticd, its introduction will be very advantageous
wherever early harvesting is desirable.

“That a comparison of the Ladoga wheat samples with the Fife wheats, to be of
any value can only be made by providing a miller with a sufficient quantity to be
ground and afterwards baked. From a trade point of view, however, the Board con-

115

siders that should any difference in favour of Red Fife be established, the advantage
would be trifling as compared with the importance of securing to the farmer a
wheat that would ripen from two to three weeks earlier.

“That the exception made by the Board regarding sample No 3, is because that
wheat would not grade above ordinary spring wheat; and it would appear either
that some mistake must have been made respecting the original seed, or in the
product sent to the Director, for it seems scarcely possible that the samples of
Ladoga wheat submitted could have so deteriorated in one sowing as to produce so
inferior a grain.

“That with regard to the samples of _Kubanka and Saxonka wheats, the Board
condemns both as being very inferior grain, and quite unsuitable for seeding
purposes,

“Signed on behalf of the Board of Examiners for wheat and other grain.

“HUGH McLENNAN,
“ Chairman.”

“Toronto Boarp oF TRADE.

“ Report of the Committee of Millers, Grain Dealers, Grain Exporters and Grain
{nspectors, to whom was referred the communications and samples sent to the
pocretary of the Board by Prof. Wm. Saunders, Director of the Central Experimental

arm.
“To the President and Council of the Board of Trade.

“Your Committee sat on the afternoon ot the 4th February, 1888, examined the
samples and discussed the subject, which, in their opinion, is one of very great
importance, ,

“The conclusions to which they arrived are as follows: —

“The most important test of commercial merit in a spring wheat sample is the
percentage and quality of giuten it contains.

“The examination made by the committee of sample 7, the origina] importa-
tion, and of samples 3 and 4 (those grown at Plum Creek and Brandon Hills), shows
+hat all three are very deficient in gluten, or strength, being not superior to the
present standard of No. 2 spring of Ontario growth.

“No. 2 spring is at present worth 80 cents per 60 lbs. here; No, 1 Manitoba
hard, which contains 85 per cent. of Red Fife, is worth 90 cents. The answer to the
enquiry as to how these wheats would compare in value with Red Fife would there-
fore be: Pure Red Fife is worth 11 to 12 cents per bushel more than samples 7, 3
and 4.

“The committee selected samples 7, 3 and 4 for comparison for the reason that
they were grown in the same section of Manitoba from which comes the bulk of the
Red Fife with which they are familiar.”

“Sample 8, Kubanka, is the wheat grown to some extent in Ontario, under the
different names of Arnecta, Rice or Goose Wheat. The demand for this wheat is
limited, and when the quantity grown in Ontario was large compared with the quan-
tity grown in Ontario now, the price was 20 to 23 cents below the price of No. 2
spring, say 35 cents below the price of No, 1 hard Manitoba. This wheat is also a
later wheat to ripen toan Fife wheat.”

“Sample 9, Saxonka, is a poor, thin sample, containing a small mixture of
Kubanka or Arnecta. If free from this it wouid inspect No.3 spring, worth 77 cents
4s against 90 cents for No. 1 hard.”

“The Ladoga would be a fair marketable wheat of the soft variety and prefer-
able to badly frosted Red Fife.”

“Tf itis a fact that any section of the wheat-growing North-West cannot be
made to produce unfrosted Red Fite by proper farming, we wouia recommend that
the Ladoga be tried in such localities, if by further experiments you fail to find a
more ee wheat, possessing all the early ripening quality of the Ladoga.”

ual

116

“Tn the interests of the North-West, however, it is to be hoped that every
experiment will be exhausted in the direction of retaming pure Red Fife sowing be
fore settling down to soft wheats of any variety.”

“ An exception: lly bountifal crop of Red Fife, and an exceptionally poor crop of
winter wheat, in the same year might result in the price of the latter approximating
the price of the Fife, because the flours from the two varieties are nut interchange-
able for many purposes. But no surplus of Red Fife and scarcity of such wheats as.
samples submitted, could bring the value of the latter to, or nearly to, the value of
Red Fife. The Red Fife flour will answer in every case where flours from your
samples will answer, and with greater satisfaction and economy.”

“ Tnstauces are known to some members of the committee of No, 1 hard and No.
2 frosted, being ripened side by side, from the same field in Manitoba, the soil and
seed the same; the only difference being, in the first case the ground was ploughed
and harrowed in the fall, thereby admitting of a few days earlier seeding, than in the
second case where the ploughing was done in the spring.” 3

“Jn view of the great importance of keeping up the growth of hard wheat, im-
portant to all interests, but most important of all to the North-West farmers, the
committee report that in their opinion the greatest efforts should be made to extend
its growth, and if other varieties than Red Fife must be used, such varieties as con-
tain the largest percentage and best quality of gluten should be given preference.”

“ For determining the percentage and quality of gluten, the committee would
recommend chemical analysis of all samples proposed to be experimented with, this.
being the one reliable test for a small sample.”

“The samples last received (12, 13 and 14), are excellent in their plumpness
and weight, but are quite as soft and deficient in streugth as the former samples, and
in value would bring about 2 cents per bushel more if offered for sale in quantity,
than the samples first received.”

(Signed,) H. McLAUGHLIN,

Chairman of Committee,

CoMMITTEE,
H. McLaughlin, R. J. Stark, J. L. Spink,
John Reed, H. N. Baird, - J. Carruthers,
Thomas Flynn, S. A. Chapman, R. C, Steele,
Joseph Harris, W. Taylor, W. D. Matthews, Jr.

WINNIPEG BOARD OF TRADE,

Secretary's OFrrice, Civic BUILDINGS,
Winnipea, Man, 16th February, 1883.
The Council Winnipeg Board of Trade.

GENTLEMEN,— Your Board of Grain Examiners have to report that they have
carefully examined the samples of Russian wheat forwarded to the Board by Prof.
Saunders, Director of the Government Experimental Farm at Ottawa, and which he
requests the Board will express an opinion on.

After viewing the samples your grain examiners find as follows :

The original sample of Ladoga wheat, and some of its best matured products.
grown in Manitoba, would value with grades of the “ Northern” classes.

We find that most of the samples submitted are not fully matured, and they are
all lacking in good colour.

Sample No. 3 (grown at Souris, Man.), would seem not to belong to the Ladoga
variety of wheat, being a wholly soft specimen which would grade as “No. 3
spring.”

Nos. 1 and 11 (grown at Lethbridge, N.W.T., and Touchwood Hills, N.W.T.,
respectively), show the effects of frost action.

117

No. 2 (grown at Edmonton, N.W.T.), has a bleached look, which might arise
from a very slight touch of frost or the effects of hot winds.

For seeding purposes we would recommend the original sample from Russia in
preference to any of the others submitted.

The best sample, No. 13 (from Mowbray, Man.), and the original from Russia
would be worth five cents less then No. 1 Manitoba Hard (containing 85 per cent.
of Ked Fife), for milling purposes, Necessarily this opinion must be subject to a
milling te-t, or chemical analysis.

None of the eleven samples of tbe products of the Ladoga variety, bear any
close resemblance to the original sample forwarded, and are, for the most part, un-
like one another. This may be owing to the lateness in sowing or other unfavour-
able conditions, and we are of the opinion that a test, during another year or two,
must be made before its value for this country could be positively ascertained.

Prof. Saunders has asked, also, for the Board’s opinion as to the relative value
borne by certain samples of Kabanka and Saxonka wheat (forward:d by him) to the
Red Fife and Ladoga varieties.

In the opinion of this Board of Grain Examiners the millers and grain deslers
of Manitoba would not purchase Kubanka wheat at any price, though it might, how-
ever, be useful for feed purposes. We understand that this variety of wheat is being
sold in Manitoba this season for seed. Jn the opinion of your Examiners the sample
submitted by Prof. Saunders is none other than “ goose” or “rice” wheat and of
little value. ‘

The Saxonka variety belongs to the spring or soft class of wheats. The sample
examined, however, is s0 poor tbat it would only grade as “ rejected.”

Your Grain Examiners are firmly of the opinion that the cultivation of Red Fife
wheat should be persevered in, and that farmers will speedily discover the system of
soil preparation by which they can insure early seeding with the early and safe
maturing of this invaluable variety.

All of which is respectiully submitted.

(Signed) GEO. J. MOULSON,
Chairman.
CHAS. W, BELL,
Secretary, Board of Grain Examiners.

REPORT OF W. W. OGILVI8, ESQ.

MontrEAL, 3rd February, 1888.
Prof. W. SAuNDERs,
Director Central Experimental Farm,
Ottawa.

Dear Sir,—Yoour favour of the 30th ult., with 11 samples of wheat, came duly to
hand. I have examined them carefully and beg to submit the following report :—

The sample of Kubanks wheat grown in Manitoba is what is known as Goose
wheat. its growth should be discouraged as much as possible, as its value is fully
15 cents per bushel less than Red Fife wheat.

The sample of Saxonka wheat grown in Manitoba is also poor wheat that should
not be encouraged for seed.

Sample No, 7, Ladoga wheat, being the original importation from Riga, is not

pure hard wheat, having a mixture of soft wheat in it.

Sample No. 10, grown at Wolseley, shows the best result of last year’s growth,
and would inspect Extra Hard.

Samples No. 1, No. 2, No. 6 and No. 11 would inspect No. 1 Hard, and sample
No. 5, grown in Nova Scotia, would inspect No. 2 Hard.

Sample No. 3, grown at Plum Creek would inspect No. 1 Spring, being the
fourth grade of wheat. From tho way this sample has degenerated in one year,

118

would lead me to infer that the Ladoga wheat would not long maintain its hardness
but will degenerate into ordinary Spring wheat.

I have had a good deal of experience in the growing of Russian wheat in
Canada, my father having been among the first toimport it. I huve also visited the
wheat fields of Russia and experimented upon its growth in thiscountry. The
Mennonites in Southern Manitoba also brought Russian wheat with them. My
experience has proved that these wheats soon degenerate into ordinary Spring wheat
in this country, and at best never had the bright shining gloss that you find on Red
Fife wheat. ‘The Russian wheat also grinds harsh, and the flour is not equal to Red
Fife.

Notwithstanding all that has been said and written about early ripening wheat,
after many experiments, my experience has been that Red Fife wheat will ripen as:
early and yield as well as softer wheats, and is worth 10 cents per bushel more than
soft wheat. Many of these tests haye been in Manitoba. The complaints from Red
Fife wheat in Manitoba have been caused by late sowing, the richness of the soil,
weather and cool nights in August ; but Iam of opinion that with early sowing and
favourable August weather, these complaints will disappear.

We must also bear in mind that Manitoba and the North-West Territories are
among the few countries that can grow hard wheat, and therefore we should dis-
courage the growth of soft wheat that can be grown in more than three-fourths of
the wheat fields of the world, while hard wheat can only be grown in Hangary,
Russia, Dakota and Minnesota, the farmers in Dakota sow entirely Red Fife wheat,
and its flour has attained a world wide reputation. The soil of Manitoba is better
than Dakota and Minnesota and will grow Red Fife wheat better than any country
in the world, so I hope you will realize the necessity of encouraging the growth of
Red Fife as much as possible and discouraging all other varieties of wheat.

I bave had many tests made of the value of flour ground from Red Fife wheat
grown in Manitoba, and they have always been satisfactory. I enclose you a few
copies of the last test taken in London, Eng., with other prominent brands of flour.

Many farmers who have gone from Ontario to Manitoba, have taken seed wheats
of soft varieties with them, which affect many samples of Manitoba wheat and caus-
ing so much of it to inspect Northern. The complaint that has been made against
Red Fife not ripening as early as any other wheat, I think is altogether a mistake
and can be attributes largely to the farmers or cold nights in August, that would
have had the same effect on soft wheat.

Yours truly,

W. W. OGILVIE.

‘ MontreEat, 7th February, 1888.
Prof. W. SAUNDERS,
Experimental Farm, Ottawa.

Dear Sir,—Your esteemed favour of the 2od instant to band, with 3 samples of
wheat. The 3 are splendid wheat, being brighter than those previously received,
but still have not the gloss of Fife wheat, and would not make so saleable a flour.
Sample No. 13 is the best, No, 12 nearly as good; both would inspect Extra No. 1
Hard. No. 14 shows too many soft grains for first sowing and gives indication that
it would soon degenerate into soft wheat. Notwithstanding what Mr. Smellie
reports, I am inclined to think that the weather between the 8th and 26th April,
must not have been good sprouting weather, or the Fife wheat would have ripened as.
early as the Russian. I am very strong upon this point, after my past experience,
and my anxiety to have Red Fife wheat sown for Manitoba, and no others, as I am
satisfied it is the best wheat for the country.

Yours truly,

W, W. OGILVIE.

119

Port ArtHor, 24th December, 1887.
Prof. W. SAUNDERS,
Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa,

Dear Sir,—Yours to hand with samples of wheat grown at different points in the
Dominion from seed purporting to have been imported from Russia. I do not express
any opinion as to the milling qualities as compared with Red Fife as grown at present
in Manitoba, as you say you are to have that from the best millers. Judging from
the samples I have from youl should think this Russian wheat is not likely to
improve on any light soils, it will run into soft wheat. It is more adapted to heavy
clay land, and [ think when grown there will be found to produce a very hard berry,
grading equal to the besi Red Fife.

A comparison of No, 3 with No. 2 shows such extreme points that it is difficult
to believe they were both grown from the same seed. I have seen the same thing
occur when the points were only seven miles apart but different soils.

If the millers pronounce this Russian wheat equal in milling properties to the
Red Fife, and the testimony as to its ripening from 10 to 15 days earlier, undoubted,
there will be no question about its being the wheat for Manitoba to grow. The Red
Fife was so good in quality for the crop of 1886, and both in quality and yield for
1887, that I doubt very much the advisability of trying anything else until that fails
entirety, The Russian, however, if not the Red Fife itself, bears a very strong
resemblance to it.

The ‘“Kubsanka” and “Saxonka ” had better be left in their original fields, being
simply “ Goose” or “Rice” wheat. Herewith I append Inspection Grades on the
different samples.

Yours truly,

FRANK E. GIBB.

INSPECTION OF NINE SAMPLES OF WHEAT RECEIVED FROM’ WM.
SAUNDERS, CENTRAL EXPERIMENTAL FARM, OTTAWA.

7. Ladoga, from Riga, Russia, would grade No.1 Northern. Resembles much
of this year’s crop in Manitoba -

1, Ladoga, grown at Lethbridge, N.W.T.,grade No. 1, frosted, all hard, outside
bran blistered, bright kernel, fair milling sample.

2. Ladoga, grown at Edmonton, N.W.T., grade No, 2, Manitoba hard wheat, all
hard, bleached.

3. Ladoga, grown at Souris, Man., grade No. 1, spring, over 50 per cent. soft.

4. Ladoga, grown at Brandon Hills, Manitoba, grade No. 2, Manitoba hard
wheat, nearly all hard, bleached.

5. Ladoga, grown at Tatamagouche, N.S., grade No. 3 Northern, much bleached,

6. Ladoga, grown at Guysboro’, N.S., grade No. 2, Canada hard wheat, bleached.

8. Kubanka, grown in Manitoba, grade No. 1, Goose.

9, Saxonka, grown in Manitoba, no grade, much bleached, thin, and principally
“Goose” wheat.

FRANK E,. GIBB,
" Grain Inspector,
Port ArtHour, 24th December, 1887.

Asample of Ladoga, grown at Moosomin, N.W.7., was also sent to Mr. Gibb
with the others, which, through an oversight, was not included in the subsequent
distribution. This was graded by Mr. Gibb as “* No. 1 Manitoba hard wheat, good.”

Another sample of Ladoga wheat, which was grown on one of the Indian
Reserves from seed sent from the Experimental Farm at Ottawa, of the first importa-
tion, was sent by Mr Wm. McGirr, of the Indian Department, Regina, to Mr. S. A.
McGaw, of Ogilvie’s Royal Mill, Winnipeg, which was submitted for examination by
Mr. McGaw to the analyst employed by Messrs. Ogilvie in testing wheats, In a letter

120

from S. A. McGaw to Mr. Wm. McGirr, dated 4th December, 1887 (which I am per-
mitted to publish) he says: ‘Our analyst in Montreal reports very tavourably of the
Russian wheat, and states that it contains a large amount of gluten, and being in
most respects nearly if not equal to Red Fife.” ?

The suggestions of the Toronto Board of Trade regarding the importance of
determining the proportion of gluten by chemical unalyses has been acted on, and a
full account of a carelul series of analyses will be found in the appended report of
the Chemist of the Experimental Farms, Mr. F. T. Shutt. Those of the Boards of
Trade of Montreal and Winnipeg have also been carried out, by providing a miller
with a sufficient quantity of the wheat to be ground into flour, and having this flour
made into bread.

All the samples which have been referred to as submitted for inspection were
carefully put up by myself, taken from the same bags, and were all exactly alike,
but the several reports of the experts to whom they were sent are of & very contra-
dictory character. The Montreal Board of Trade grade all the samples of Ladoga,
excepting one, as hard wheats. The Toronto Board of Trade grade every ore of
them as soft wheats. The Winuvipeg Board of Trade give a definite opinion on three
only. One of them, No, 3 (the same lot as was graded soft by the Montreal Board),
is pronounced soft; Nos.'7 and 12 are graded hard wheats, worth 5 cents less than
No. 1 hard. Mr. W. W. Ogilvie gives an opinion on ten out of the twelve samples
submitted to him. Of the original Ladoga as imported (No. 7), he says this “is not
a pure hard wheat, having a mixture of soft grains in it.” This opinion would pro.
bably entitle No. 7 to a place among the lower grades of hard wheat, but of the other
nine samples No. 3 is the only one pronounced soft, and it is graded No. 2 Spring.
Two of the others are said to be extra No. 1 hard, one extra hard, four No. 1 hard
and one No.z% bard. Mr. F. E. Gibb pronoances the original sample of Ladoga as
resembling much of the Manitoba crop of 1887, and grades it as No, 1 Northern; of
the other seven samples grown from this grain, which Mr. Gibb reported on, five
were returned as hard wheat. and two as sott.

As one of the more striking examples of difference of opinion, the sample grown
at Mowbray, Man., may be cited. This the Montreal Board of Trade pronounced to be
hard; the Toronto Board of Trade, soft ; the Winnipeg Board of Trade as a bard wheat,
worth 5 cents a bushel less than No. 1 hard; and Mr. W. W. Ogilvie as extra No, 1
hard. It cannot be said that Mr. Ogilvie is in any sense unduly in favour of Ladoga
wheat, for while he practically pronounces eight out of the nine samples on which he
gives an opinion as marked improvements on the original, he argues from the one
soft sample that this wheat is degenerating, and likely to degenerate to a soft wheat,
apparently forgetting that the contrary argument could be sustained with an eight-
fold force.

A better idea will perhaps be given of the differences of opinion throughout by
placing the results in a tabulated form.

atee roped ON

98005) [ON

plvq speueg Zz ON

121

piey BpBuHy Z'ON
*u19}ION

6 ON QBeqM pevy
seth

uqoyLOBY ‘ON
EGG
“prey

Bqoyue Z ON
*poysouy

M104} 10 NN

‘IMGWY Wood
qa oO
jo uoruidg

[ ON “BoqA Yog]T

Heeseeser “amar A 100g
‘OST POY UY}
889] [aysng rod Og]

*sulwId 4JO8
Susu 00} sMoyg

“prey T ON BXq
““Diey 1 ON BAIXY
“ee DaBY LON

seem ney TON
see DIETZ ‘ON

deeb eee ce wane senes seeenenae

‘Bundy
‘ON

se eee IB TON

*y BOTTA

LON ‘BoqA pavy pasy oid ¥ 4ON -10N

ae

*] 301} UO PY

“*plBq elzyxXG]|*

‘Boy 4JOR|e ‘ON

EE —

‘Suudg ¢ ‘on

“poqoofor pus yog ojdmes uy) 1ood y .urei8 Jotszajut £10 A

ONTBA OLV4IT JO
‘pisg
‘ON UB ESAT
*8]0 9 ‘wo paByT

HAE Oe ANON pemewnnen cneee

Sandg
eoqm 4j09

seneeeens aanee seeteneenaee

if ‘ON “Roqa pisy newer “ee DIST I 20) NilDssureceversaueneeiessselees
(Pasy T ON uBqy
B30] '8}9 Q ‘ar10q}
{yeoyA prvy|Z ON

‘OpRaL

|

yBo Ad 98004)

sector aBOTT IJOR

+ *"quOq A 1JOG
7 -VBaTTM IJOR
seeeeeoere en BOTAL JOR
“a Bot ad JOR

aeeseees VTA 3JOS

see BOTA OS

‘Smadg

Z ON “Guay 10g
*Sundg

Z'ON eaqa 4jog

ere MBOTM JOR

senenee

“"yBoM JOR

Bandg
wou 1598

‘ope.

ureid ronozut £10 4

‘ywoqM p1Byy

*yBay A PIVAT
“queq A panyy
“VB PIB
qeoy A pavy

setenener

‘yao A pIBA
eee euBOT A DIB]
sreeeeeeon at A DIBA
“*"980TM 10g

{Bay psy

veers BON PABA

‘yeooq Ak PaByL

‘OpBIL,

‘OIATIZO “M ‘A [JO pivog SodtaarM| Jo pxeog ojaoI0y, |Jo pavog |ve1}UOW

jo uoratdg

go uormidg

yo uoradg

go uornidg

‘joqsng
aod

yF1e MA

seeteee penne

op

"aN {8,428 19

ue (feiq aon
“oe f qireosulg
"TE MIN ‘SI[IA poommonoy,
mo MON ‘£9108 10 A

seen

* oroqsfuy

te eae 26 IN ‘gyonodeme}B

wneee pewmenne usyy ‘g1un0g

“TL M'N ‘dop;uOMIpA

tremens sere Ts MON fodplqgyo'7y 4B uMOId

!
\
!
I
= “Fe Sit uopuvig

op

op

op
op
op
op
op
op
op
op

op

‘ByuOXxEg

op

op
op
op
op

AA Am ee paneeenns waaenanne® m01}8} 10d mt [euisis0 temppeAl

6

“"-eqo}1UBW Ur UMOIS ‘eyUBGny| g

FI

122

The only sample that all the authorities agree on as being a soft wheat is No. 4,
and this is so unlike the other samples that there is good reason for believing that
some accidental foreign mixture has occurred either in the seed sent out or the
sample returned.

CHEMICAL ANALYSES.

We shall next consider the chemical analyses which, in the opinion of the
Toronto Board of Trade, is the one reliable test for determining the percentage of
gluten. In order to have good samples of Red Fife to compare with the Ladoga,
the Boards of Trade were asked to send authenticated samples of No, 1 hard,
of the best character, and a similar request was made to Mr. W. W. Ozilvie. These
solicitations were kindly responded to, and among the six samples of Red Fife referred
to in Mr. Shutt’s report one was sent from the Toronto Board of Trade, one from the
Winnipeg Board of Trade, and one from the mills of Ogilvie & Co., Winnipeg,
all of them graded as No. 1 hard, Of the other three, one was from Indian Head,
N.W.T., a sample from a bag of Red Fife which had been awarded 4 first prize at
several of the North-West agricultural exhibitions; one was obtained from Whyte’s
mills, Galetta, Ont., which had been purchased as Manitoba No. 1 hard in 1886; the
sixth being a sample of Red Fife grown near Galetta from the last named imported
Manitoba wheat.

It is singular that the sample of No. 1 Red Fife from the Toronto Board of
Trade shows a fraction less of gluten than any of the other five samples, one of
which was grown in Ontario, and that both the specimens from the Winnipeg Board
of Trade and the first-prize specimen from Indian Head should yield a fraction less
of gluten than the Ontario sample grown at Galetta from Manitoba seed.

In Mr, Shutt’s report, appended, the average proportion of albaminoids (a term
held as synonymous with gluten) in 11 samples of Ladoga is 14:31, while that from
the six samples of Red. Fife is 1400. Bat if the comparison is restricted to
the samples of Ladoga and Red Fife grown in Manitoba and the North-West Terri-
tories the proportion would be as follows: Ladoga, 14:57; Red Fife, 13 98—an
appreciable difference in favor of the Ladoga variety. No chemical tests have yet
been devised for determining the quality of gluten in flour. That which possesses
the greatest elasticity is most esteemed in bread-making, and flour in which this
quality of gluten predominates is designated “strong; while that containing gluten,
which is more of a ductile or pliable character without much elasticity is not
esteemed by bakers, but is sought for by the manufacturers of maccaroni, and some
forms of pastry. It would appear that the gluten in wheats having a ricy structure,
such as the Kubanka or Goose wheat, the Polonian wheat and others of the same
nature, while existing in fair proportion in their composition, lacks that elasticity
in its character which is necessary to make “strong” flour. This difference in the
quality of the gluten may be recognized by chewing a few grains of these different
sorts of wheat, and noting the relative character and volume of the plastic mass
which remains in the mouth. The reports of the bakers who have tested the flour
of the Ladoga wheat, show that the gluten it contains is not lacking in this desirable
elastic or “strong” quality. Full particulars of the analyses of the Ladoga, Red
Fife, and other varieties of wheat will be found in Mr. Shutt’s report.

TESTS OF THE FLOUR.

On the 16th of November, 1858, sixteen bushels of Ladoga wheat, which had
been grown on the Experimental Farm at Indian Head, was taken to the Qu’Appelle
Valley Roller Mill at Fort Qu’Appelle, with a similar quantity of Red Fife, of the
best quality, which had been grown in an adjoining field. The proportion of bran,
shorts and middlings to the flour obtained could not be accurately ascertained, as
there was much waste in grinding so small a quantity. The flour of the Ladoga,
when compared with the Red Fife, had a slight yellow shade. Bread from both
these flours was carefully made under my own supervision, all the ingredients
weighed, and it was found that the Ladoga flour absorbed more water and produced

123 i

a little over 2 pounds of bread more from each 100 pounds of flour than could be
made from the same quantity of Red Fife. This had been anticipated by Mr. Shutt
from the the smaller proportion of water found in the grain. The bread from both
samples had a yellowish tint, but there was a more decided yellow shade in that made
from the Ladoga,

A sack of each sort of flour was sent to two of the leading bakers in Ottawa to
be made into bread, and samples from each lot examined, compared and tested, and
it was found that the only disadvantage that the Ladoga flour had was in point of
colour. With larger quantities available for milling, better results will no doubt be
obtained, and by skilful admixture of some of the whiter soft wheats with this strong
gluunous variety there is every reason to believe that this yellowish tint can be suc-
cessfully overcome and a highly satisfactory flour produced.

The following letters were received from the bakers to whom the flour was
sent :—

Orrawa, 27th December, 1888.
Prof. Wau. SAUNDERS,
Central Experimental Farm.

Dear Sir,—Having made bread from the two samples of flour sent me, I beg to
say that the Red Fife is the weaker flour of the two, but it isa little better in
colour than the Ladoga brand.

The Ladoga would, in my opinion, make a good flour if properly dressed, with
aper cent. of low grade taken out. It is a strong flour, and would make more
bread to the barrel than Red Fife.

Yours respectfully,

8. S. SLINN,
Palace Bakery, Ottawa,

Orrawa, 18th February, 1889,
Prof. Wm. SAUNDERS,
Central Experimental Farm.

Dear Sir,—We have baked at your request two samples of flour, one made of
Red Fife wheat and the other called Ladoga. We are ot opinion that the Red Fife
would command the highest price, as it has the better colour, although neither of the
samples are up to the mark in that respect. As to strength, Ladoga has more than
the other, but the flour being darker, we consider the Red Fife the flour suited for
our trade, Yours truly,

R. E, & J. C. JAMIESON.

It would be unreasonable to expect that any variety of grain would succeed
equally well on all the different soils and in all the varied climates of the Dominion,
yet it is interesting to compare the reports of tests of the same wheat grown under
80 many different conditions. Both rust and smut have been much more common
in 188 than they were in 1857, and the Ladoga seems to have suffered more than
some other varieties; yet the total number of unfavourable reports among the 301 re-
turns is bat 45, of which 26 were from Ontario, 1 from Quebec, 1 from Nova Scotia,
9 from Manitoba and 8 from the North-West Territories. The best results obtained
with the Ladoga wheat have been on soils of medium character, not too rich and
heavy, but on mixed sandy and clay loams, associated with more or less gravel. The
Ladoga is very vigorous in its growth, and when sown on very rich soil it has
rusted in some instances very badly. This, however, has been the case with Red
Fife also during 1888; indeed rust has been very general and very injarious. The
Ladoga seems to be much more affected with loose smut than the Red Fife is, but in
many localities the Red Fife is seriously afflicted with the “ bunt” smut, which is
much tha more objectionable of the two, and from this the Ladoga appears thus far
to be free. In Bulletin No, 3, Mr. James Fletcher, Hatomologist and Botanist to the

4

124

Experimental Farms, gives a very instructive account of the life history of these
parasitic growths which every farmer should read. It is believed that both can be
subdued, if not entirely got rid of, by soaking the seed for ten or fifteen minutes in
strong brine shortly before sowing, draining off, and drying the seed with lime,
plaster or ashes. Solution of blue vitriol (Sulphate of Copper) has also been found
usefn| for this purpose, while immersing the grain in hot water at a temperature of
135 ° is said to have been entirely successful.

Mr. C. Montgomery, of Hilton, Ontario, uses salt very successfully for prevent-
ing smut, butin a different way. Ina letter dated 12th December, 1883, he says: “I
give you with pleasure my method of treatment for smut. I place my wheat on
the barn floor and mix one busbel of salt to five bushels of wheat, mixing thoroughly
with ascoop. Then moisten with sufficient water to dissolve the salt, after which
add fresh air-slacked lime until no more will adhere to the wheat; put up intoa
snug pile and Jet it stand for a couple of hours, after which | put it in bags and
allow it to stand one day before sowing. Grain so prepared can only be sown by
hand.” Mr. Montgomery says that he has used this remedy for many years past,

INDIVIDUAL RESULTS AND OPINIONS.

The following individual opinions are given as examples of the most successful
results with the Ladoga wheat in the North-West Territories and Manitoba. Many
more of the same character have been received, not only from the North-West but
also from other Provinces in the Dominion:

Mr. Wm. Gibson, of Wolseley, N. W. T., a practical Scotch farmer, has the
greatest record of success with the Ladoga of any person in the Dominion. From the
3 pounds sent him in the spring of 1887 he harvested 236 pounds, and from the second
sowing has a few pounds over 150 bushels of clean seed. Another 3-pound bag was
sent him in the spring of 1888 of the second importation from Russia. He says: “TI
sowed the same quantity of Red Fite, on the same day, 16th April, alongside of the
Ladoga, The Ladoga was harvested on the 31st of August, the Red Fife on the 13th
of September.”

Mr. Wm. Summerton, of Moosomin, N. W. T., who received 3 pounds in 1887
has over 30 bushels this year. He sowed the Ladoga on the same day asthe Red
Fife, snd alongside of it. The Red Fife was frozen, and brought 65 cents only on the
Mvosomin market, while the Ladoga was graded by the buyers as No. 1 hard, and
$1.05 was offered for it for milling purposes. Mr. Jobn Day, of Fleming, N. W. T.,
received the same quantity in 1887, and has also over 30 bushels this year, of excellent
quality.

Mr. G. L. Smellie, of Bioscarth, Manitoba, received 2 3-pound sample in 1887, In
his report he says the Russian (Ladoga) wheat was sown on the 26th of April, while
our Red Fife was sown on the 8th of April. The former was cut dead ripe on the
17th of August, the latter from the 23rd August to 3rd September. The sample sent
by Mr Smellie was one of those submitted to the experts for inspection under No. 12.

R. B. Chappell, of Moosomin, who raised 170 pounds from the 3 pounds sent,
says: ‘I sowed the Ladoga on the 2sth of April and sowed Red Fife alongside of it
on the same day. The Ladoga was cut on the 18th of August, the Red Fife on the
26th of August.” T. D. Stewart, of Carmam, Manitoba, harvested 90 pounds from
the 3 pounds sown in the spring of 1887. He sowed the Ladoga three and a-half
weeks later than his earliest sowing of Red Fife, and the Ladoga was cuta week
earlier, and was go ripe at that time that nearly one-third of the crop was lost by
shelling.

David Craig, of Edmonton, N. W. T., threshed 105 pounds from 3 pounds of
seed, found it to be from seven to ten days earlier than Red Fife. Duncan McCuaig,
of Portage la Prairie, harvested 100 pounds from the same quantity of seed, and says
it is ten days earlier than Red Fife. Hugh Munro, of Calgary, N. W.T., harvested
160 pounds from 3 pounds of seed, and says it was ten days earlier than Red Fife
sown in the same field. Geo, D. Long, of Edmonton, harvested 100 pounds from a

125

like quantity, and says that with him it is more productive than Red Fife, and ten
days earlier. Thos. Miller, of Kirkpatrick, N. W. T., had a yield of 141 pounds, and
says: “I am favourably impressed with the wheat; it is eight days earlier than Red
Fife.” Chas. Bowering, of Fleming, N. W, T., had a yield of 93 pounds, and says it
is ten days earlier, Rev. L. Gaetz, of Red Deer, N. W. T., had 93 pounds trom the 3
pounds sent him, and says it is ten to fourteen days earlier than Red Fife, and is more
prolific.

Summary.

The Ladoga wheat has been subjected to a searching criticism, tables of the entire
results of its growth have been given, the public have been advised of such defects
as have been noted during the progress of the two years’ tests, and making the most
liberal allowance for these defects, it seems not too much to say that the evideace
thus far obtained is sufficient to show: That the Ladoga is a productive and vaiuable
variety of hard wheat, which has thus far ripened over the whole Dominion ten days
earlier on the averaye than the Red Fife. That the better samples obtained are fully as
rich in gluten as the best Red Fife, and while the cultivation of the Red Fife should be
recommended in every section of the North-West, where it is likely, with early sow-
ing, to escape the autumn frosts, the growth of the Ladoga may be safely encouraged
wherever the ripening of the Red Fife is uncertain, without incurring the risk of
materially lowering the reputation or the general quality of Canadian hard wheats.

it i

126

PART II.

Report on the Chemical Composition and Physical Characters of Ladoga, Red Fife and
other Varieties of Wheat by Frank T. Shutt, MA. F.C.S., #.1.C., Chemist,
Dominion Experimental Farms.

Objects of the Investigation.

This series of analyses was undertaken with a view (1) to ascertain the compo-
sition, and hence the relative value, from a chemical standpoint, of the different
varieties of wheat hereinafter enumerated, and more particularly those of Red Fife
and Ladoga; (2) to determine what improvement or deterioration, if any, had taken
place in the Ladoga grain by its culture in the various Provinces of Canada; (3) to
find out what such alterations in composition, if any, were due to, 7, ¢., what influence,
£0il, climate and cultivation had exerted upon the grain.

To answer all there questions fully and satisfactorily will necessitate, first, the
analysis of a larger number of samples and an investigation extending over several
years, with a full and accurate knowledge of all the conditions of growth. It is
therefore proposed to continue this inquiry in the future as time permits; and as
the Hxperimental Farms are now established throughout the Dominion we shall be
enabled to do so with all the reliable information regarding the nature of soil, the
extent of cultivation and the climatic changes necessary to the solution of such
difficult problems. In most cases where farmers have grown the Ladoga wheat and
rent back sample-, only incomplete data as to soil, &., have been furnished, and
thus I am not in a position to draw conclusions, which I might otherwise have been
able to draw,

While, therefore, at the present jancture and with such limited knowledge, it is
impossible to offer a satisfactory solution to the third question, it will be my object
in the present bulletin to indicate such conclusions as can be safely drawn from the
analytical data for the elucidation of the first and second objects of this investigation.

From the results of the analyses satisfactory answers can, I believe, be given as
to the relative values of the wheats, and also as to the effect on the composition of
the Ladoga grain when grown in Canada.

Varieties Analysed.

Twenty-eight different samples of wheat have been analysed, including twelve
of Ladoga, six of Rea P:fe, three of Saxonka, two of Kubanka, one of Onega, one of
Red Fern, one of Clawson, one of Wellman’s Fife and one of Blue Stem.

The specimens of Ladoga wheat are from the following localities: One from
Riga, Russia, imported by the Central Experimental Farm in 1887, from which seed
all the other specimens of this grain have been grown; four from the North-West
Territories; four from Manitoba; two from Nova Scotia, and one from New
Brunswick.

Of the Red Fife, one sample was grown in the North-West Territories; four,
presumably, in Manitoba (two of these being graded as No. 1 Hard by the Boards of
Trade at Toronto and Winnipeg, respectively, anda third as ‘* No. 1 Hard” by the
Ogilvie Milline Company, Winnipeg,) and one was grown in Ontario.

The Saxonka specimens include one imported direct from Russia, and one grown
from this seed in the North-West Territories. |The third was furnished by J. G. V.
Field Johnson, Esg., of Manitoba.

The two samples of Kubanka comprise one grown by J. G. V. Field Johnson,
Esq., in Manitoba, and one grown at the Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa.

The Onega grain was imported from Russia in the spring of 1888,

The Red Fern variety was furnished by the Citizens’ Milling Company,
Toronto, and was raised within five miles of that city.

5 The Clawson, the only winter wheat of the series, was obtained from Galetta,
ntario,

127

The Wellman’s Fife and Blue Stem were kindly sent by Prof, Porter, of St.
Anthony’s Park, Minn., and were grown in that State. Prof, Porter reports these
as the two best varieties in that district.

Detailed Analyses of the Wheats.

The following table shows in detail, and in percentage quantities, the component
parts of the grains analysed. The results in all the columns, save those headed Carbo-
hydrates and Albuminoids, have been found by direct determination. The amount
of albuminoids is obtained by multiplying the quantity of nitrogen by the factor 6-25,
and that of carbo-hydrates (principally starch) by subtracting the sum of the other
constituents from 100, Besides indicating the chemical composition, I have thought
it well to insert in tabular form certain other data of a physical character which must
be taken into consideration, together with the chemical results, when endeavouring to
find the solution of the problems for which this investigation was undertaken. These
data consist of the weight of 100 grains in grams, the colour, hardness or consistency,
weight per bushel, together with some additional explanatory remarks upon the nature
of soil, &c.

The numbers under which the wheats are designated in the table are not the
same as those which were used with them when they were sent to the experts for
inspection,

In the following table, No. 1 is identical with No. 7 of Part I.

2

ts 1

’ 3 on 2
4 & 10
5 ss 11
6 s 3
7 ud +t
8 oe 12
9 “c 13
10 a 5
11 « 6
12 o 14
21 “ 9

23 My 8

128

‘beq ‘cos

“OOF piel Wosy poawiqg|z2 z%
"61 ‘ON Wooly oAtas

“OY OB] POYooly 1B uMOIH|¢¢.7Z
“L88T “A WO

‘Or, ey10dmI jeUsNC|¢T.2
‘epBly, JO pavsog dodia

“UIM 4q preg [ ‘ON pepwy|6l &
| ‘OpV¥I, JO prvog oyuo1

-oL 4q psy 1 “ON popRIDHlol-z

‘pve UBIPUl Ivo UMOIH) (61.7%
‘dodiuurm S00 F

OIATIZO Aq PAY 1 ‘ON POPBIH) | 67-2
O18}

-O() UL €1 ‘ON WO’ UMOIN)|ZZ.2
| 4uQC “83}9[8H

‘STIUN 8,9}IT.M WOsy pouls}qg |/9e.Z
| [los sn0s0
-8|[1318 pus Cpues Sskep 66/C0- 2
*Aejo yom {shwvp 711 /06.2
“mBO] A[joAtIN|9s.2
*aA¥P L8/0F-2
“e£ep €11/69-2
‘sep 66/96-1
‘skup cor { mvoy Apuss '42q|f6.1
*shep
POT { mBoy Aavoy pue 44517 \9).2
99.
| ‘shep 1z1 $ dunyno
19jjB wez01y {4yensny ul
mi03 4q prey ‘mBot Apues|0G |
sf.p zz peuedia | mo] yreglep.z
| “1881 “AO
‘ro1geyrodmr jeulsig'F0.2
i
6
oq
‘syIBUYy e

18-81
99-F1
1g-8T
89 €1

09:81
§9-€1

1€-F1
18.ST
QL- FI

89-21
94-81
oh ¥1
CO at
19 91
92-21
21-e1

"GZ-9XN
“sprourmna;Ty
“say BIpsY-OqIBH

18 2|10-2/2L-1)00-8

02-2)/68-1/99.T 99 8
09- 1/48: 1/96.1/66-6

89-1

00 ft
9-1

t1-2
19.2%
Ge.%

0€-%
Gg. 2
€9.¢
Th-1
09-1
88-%
08.7

90-2 /F9: 1/126

G1-8)19+1/91-8
€0-2/L8.1/09.6

06-1/89.1/28-6
{6-1|66.1|90-0T
QT-Z/69.1/F8«8
OT Fel. t)8l-b

ee RQorror

06 1100-@I9L-

Lehi | he
2 @
Ge a

0 1180.8
we logneg
|
orld.

966-2
fen |9L0-€
Leal patie

* 1G0T-€
loge.%
Seon ray
¥9 |997-€
F19 |e1¥-€
G9 |L9T-€
Epo |OLF-€
G9 |09F-€
09 |OFZ-€
fog |661-€
#9 |09F €
€9 \998-€
#Ig |LIZ-€
#09 |L68-€
fog |8Le-€

= =
we! ae
Sam) e799
Pelee Ss
Qe Sp
Bo ae
e | Be

L881
1881
9881
1881

L881
L881

L881
1881
(2)9881

L881
L881
18-1
L881
1881
L881
L881

1881
L881
L881
L881

988T

“YP AOI) JO 1B9X

” ”

seeree

” ”

eeeeee

” ”
» fom

”
”
”
”
PA¥A ”
“WOS8 “d ”

” ”

seepaep| st poy
=a
)
&
2.
my Puste) (079)
=)
&

1) | eo He wl eeeery

*IOpUT A
10
Suudg

re eeereqo ney

sevnanes TU ANCA ‘MoTApBorg sen eeeeee ”

faeessenease eso ¢aneess ss QISONY

”

eee (2) BqO}OUR
LAN ‘p¥oH UvIpul

eat soveneves ore BOOTING

oe

+= o1BITQ
Heneceees eneeer conser oO] 1D BP

Heanaiiesdeetioasereiar 9 feR 49
“o'N ‘,oroqedngy
"S'N ‘oqonosBmy} By,
upp ‘Asiq Moy
ue ‘qyBosulg
“aByy ‘S]]Iq wopusig
FORE Oe eee ee Cotes ‘UByy ‘s1mno0g

‘LM *y ‘STH poomMaonog
~~ 18 Aoyes[o

CORA uoynompy

weeeeeeee seni tere BIssny eA1y

‘uMOIH o1eqM 441] 80077

” 1%

sees @ITTOXEG| GL

a aL
” LT
” 91
teens ql
” rT

8

1

9

= al q

i ~ fH v
” g

” 4

seeeneees "udopey] I
hae >
S
AYIA a

jo 2

Chicas

‘SLVGHM FHL JO SASATIVNY Ca TIVLId

T GTavii

129

UU ye 8, faoqyay 4g
‘103104 "JOIg MO1y poulyjgg
‘mary ‘y1¥g s,Au0jay 498
'12}10g ‘JOlg Mody poulwyq¢
4aK “By22T18) ‘SI
37,9119 M Wor, poulyyqg
‘ojuodog, OQ Sart[oN
SUEZNID Mor pourwyqg
88st “A WO
‘aorpegdodmi yeurdi9
"bag ‘ao
Ugof Play Wor pouiszq()
*BISENY Ul UMOIZ poas WMO1y

88-1/92 II
61.2)89-€1
981/29 IT
82-%)92-FL
G1-@/eP-€1

92.27/90 FI
QL-2leP- sl

L8-2L
06 69
bPeoL
8I OL
8h. 1h

60-12
08-1L

G9-L/ET- 2/06. VEL. 8
1P-2)60-2/€L 1/6101
96+2}69-1)F8-1/90-6
$6-1/02-2/L0. 2/98 6
$9.1/28.2|00.8/82-6

€9.2/80.2|09-1/9€-8
9T-2/86+1106- 1184-8

FC6-%
18h €
pE9.€
GLe+%
"1094-1

‘1619-€
991%

L881
1881
L881
1881
L881

L881
L881

preg ml yy [oy
“preR} ot pay}” Sardg
908] OVI MA)" 10701 A
m1) S id 1 ll ek U

” ”

. nee

poy : Zatrdg

sees eoace

”

“Ul9} ONTY 18%

verse eceeevereeeenes BROBOUIULN (OJ SUIT AA (LS

rere verses verses seer OTIBITO)| tt *TOSAYTO|9Z Ss

wires mega foynorog|““+na0g poulge) _L

eee eB

quQ ‘BAB10! *

sos BFOUOl PS

vee gqoyruBpy |e yy €%

*wyuuqny|2g

re)

130

Albuminoids (Gluten).

The most important constituent of wheat is gluten, the amount of which in the
different grains is found in the column headed albuminoids. I therefore propose to
discuss, first, the relative qualities of the wheats from the quantity of this constituent _
they possess.

For practical purposes, the terms gluten and albuminoids may be considered
synonymous. Scientifically speaking, however, gluten is regarded as a mixture of
several albuminoids which behave differently to various solvents, Chemical analysis,
however, has demonstrated that, though differing in physical properties these albu-
minoids are almost if not entirely identical in composition, and therefore may be
viewed as one, under the generic term albuminoids, As already stated, the quantity
of such is ascertained by the multiplication of the amount of the contained nitrogen
(directly determined) by 6°25. ;

Government inspectors and milling experts grade wheats principally by the con-
sistency or relative hardness of the grain, a character which depends almost directly
upon the percentage of gluten—it being true, as a rule, that the greater the percent-
age of gluten the harder the wheat

To compare these wheats among themselves from this standpoint I have prepared
the following table of averages. It shows the average percentage quantity of gluten
in the different wheats, and also the percentage of this constituent in the same wheat
when grown in the various Provinces, which lJatter is intended to bring out the effect
of Jocality in increasing or diminishing the amount of gluten. Another column gives
the weight of 100 average grains in grams, apd the relation which this has to the
quantity of gluten, will be discussed in a succeeding paragraph.

TABLE II.

AvERAGE Composition of the Wheats with respect to Gluten— Weight of 100
grains in grams. ~-

Z| | iss
mb a “52

ia | bets | wm
a =» lola ofan
Name of Wheat. Locality where Grown. < 5 a=) coi a
os do =i) aes
& EE |i dates
| 6 = 2 Cote)

Zz Zz <q 5
eee eae ——$—— ———— | mee. ——

Ladoga... ECT sc carebetag corsqeceed cecececral | 01h 2°04 | 12°75 3°378
OFS .|North-West Territorie 2 2°415 , 16°08 | 3°605
ce nen .|Manitoba. ........... 4 2°25 14°06 3°335
ee ered 5c ecoeseeess (NOVA Scotia - 2 2°28 14°25 3-289
is rena Miseee ....|New Brunswick ....-... 1 | 2 03 12°68 3° 265
Red Fife <...,....cccc- rcccsres -o-snveee caareees North-West Territories DE ee) | 13 68 | 3°194
ne cence Manitoba... ........ ...-..+ 4 2°25 14°06 3°031
— eoppesiccancnsaclosossre 1 2°22 13 87 2°355
DSAXONK A ceceecescente asset ee peal 2°13 13°31 2°515
oe esas 1 2°33 14°56 2°750
US 1 2°22 13°87 2°097
Kubanka ..... 1 2°26 14°12 3°612
ae 1 2°15 13°43 2°755
Onega ...... a We ioe 30 Yi 13 43 1°750
Red Fern 1; 2°28 14°25 2°275
Clawson .. ....ss00 1 1°86 11°62 3°534
Wellman’s Fife... il | 2°19 13°68 | 3°481
Be Stemi. secrete esaccsiccesncicn 1 1°88 11°75 | 2°954
Ladoga, general average 11 2°29 14°31 3°420
Red Fife Oy 3 6 2°24 | 14 00 2°931
Saxonka ae Bey 92523 13°91 2°454
Kubanka a 2 | 2°20 | 13°77 3°183

“131

The average for the eleven Canadian grown Ladoga specimens is: Albuminoids,
14:31 per cent,, the same for the six Red Fife being 14:00 per cent. These figures
clearly demonstrate that the Canadian grown Ladoga fully equals the Red Fife var-
iety, as far as gluten is concerned—in fact, slightly surpasses it. Although the samples
of Red Fife do not number as many as those of the Ladoga, yet those examined are
believed to be typical examples of the best grain—three of them being graded as
“No. 1 Hard,” by experts. We may therefore state that chemical analysis shows
the Ladoga and Red Fife wheats to be almost equal and identical in value.

The Saxonka and Kubanka are both Russian varieties, though four out of the
five samples analyeed were grown in Canada. Like most of the Russian wheats
they show a2 very fair proportion of abluminoids. As the number of specimens of
these grains examined is much smaller than of those of the Ladoga and Red Fife, the
averages of the former cannot be viewed in exactly the same light as those of the latter,
A further mention of the comparative value of these wheats will be made, however,
when speaking of the relation existing between the gluten and the weight of the grain,

Of the remaining varieties, but one sample of each haa been analysed, They are
all, however, believed to be typical specimens.

The Onega, recently imported from Russia, would appear to be a grain very
similar in composition to the Saxonka obtained from that country.

The Red Fern sample was sent by the Citizen’s Milling Company, of Toronto,
and was spoken of very highly as worthy of growth and encouragement. Judging
alone from the percentage of gluten, it appears to be a very desirable wheat, and one
that compares favourably, from a chemical standpoint, with Ladoga and Red Fife. «

The Clawson is the only winter variety in the series. It is known as a soft
wheat, and was analysed in order to show a comparison between hard and soft wheat
in the percentage of albuminoids. By its low percentage of nitrogen it takes 4 rank
much below that of any of the varieties hitherto discussed.

Wellman’s Fife and Blue Stem are two wheats furnished through the courtesy
of Professor Porter, Director of the Minnesota Experimental Station, St. Anthony’s
Park, Minnesota. They are said by him to be typical samples of the best varieties
grown there. Having analysed but one specimen of each it would be unwise to pro-
nounce judgment upon them in emphatic terms, or to draw a close comparison
between them and the Ladoga and Red Fife. Suffice it to say, therefore, that the
Wellman’s Fife equals in composition several of the Red Fife specimens, and that in
other respects it bears a strong resemblance to that grain. The Blue Stem, if we
may judge from a single analysis, is a much less valuable sort.

Effect of environment upon the percentage of Albuminoids.

The term environment is intended to embrace all the varying conditions of
climate, soil and cultivation. Professor Clifford Richardson, of the Department of
Agriculture, Washington, has shown that wheat is the most susceptible of all grains
to the influences of environment. After an investigation extending over several
years, he says: ‘The quality of the grain produced in any locality is dependent on
several conditions, namely, climate, soil and cultivation. Hach of these is made up
of several elements.” Having made analyses of grain from all parts of the United
States he has been able, from the results of the same, to map out that country into
divisions—each division having in its own peculiar effect upon the composition and
physical characters of the grain. The influences which modify the wheat in each of
these divisions are discussed, and satisfactory explanations offered to account for
such modifications.

Following up this line of enquiry, let us see what the effect has been upon the
Ladoga wheat by growing it in the various Provinces of Canada, An inspection of
Table 1 shows us that in seven instances out of eleven there has been a well marked
increase in the percentage of albuminoids; one specimen remains practically the
same, and three have receded from the amount contained in the imported sample, the
probable cause of which will be discussed later on, Taking all the Canadian-grown
Ladoga specimens, we obtain an average of 14°31 per cent. albuminoids, as against

5b—94

132

12°75 in the imported seed—indicating a well marked increase. Examining the effect
produced in the different Provinces we perceive that of the four specimens growa in
the North-West Territories only one (No. 3) falls below the imported seed in the pro-
portion of albuminoids. This falling off is, I think, satisfactorily explained by the
fact that the wheat was laid by a stormduring its growthin August Prof. Richard-
son has shown that the composition of a wheat may be greatly modified and its albu-
minoids diminished by such an interruption in its development. Notwithstanding
this sample (No, 3) the average for albuminoids of those grown in the North-West
Territories is larger than that of any other Province (vide Tsble Il.) Nos. 2, 4 and
5 all show high percentages of albuminoids, especially No. 5, which was grown on
Poor Man’s Reserve, Touchwood Hills, N.W.T. This sample contains the largest
amount of gluten of any of the series.

The average for the Manitoba samples stands about midway between that of the
North-West Territories and the quantity possessed by the Russian seed—though two
of the samples fall below the latter. Uujortanately, no data have been received res-
pecting the conditions of growth of these two samples (Nos. 6 and 7), and conse-
quently it is impossible to advance reasons why the albuminoids should have decreased
to such an extent in them. Leaving there two exceptionally low samples out, the
Manitoba grain stands equal to that of the North-West Territories.

The albuminoids of the Nova Scotia samples also show an increase over the
quantity possessed by the original importation, and are a little higher than the
average of the four Manitoba speeimens. The conditions of growth during
last season in that Province, or, at all events, in the districts where these were raised
were evidently favourable to an improved development ot the Ladoga grain.

The sample grown in New Brunswick is practically identical in its percentage
of albuminoids with that of the imported seed.

The effect of environment on the Red Fife cannot be as wel! studied as in the
case of the Ladoga, as we have no imported seed to compare it with. The cases of
Nos. 13 and 14 are, however, of particular interest in this connection, No. 13 is a
sample from Manitoba, and No. 14 is seed grown from it in Ontario, In the cource
of one year’s growth it is seen that in this instance the albuminoids have diminished
when grown in Ontario. Whetber this would still further continue by successive
croppings in this Province remains yet to be proved. It indicates, however, that in
the North-West the conditions are more favourable to the perfecting of this grain,
and that like all wheats it is susceptible to change of conditions. As might be ex-
pected, the samples of Red Fite show smaller flactuations in their albuminoids than
do those of the Ladoga, having had many years in which to adapt itself to its envir-
onment, and the average of 14:00 per cent. for albuminoids no doubt represents fairly
its quality.

The Saxonka also shows improvement when grownin the North-West. No, 20,
grown at Crooked Lake Reserve, Broadview, N.W.T., is the seed of No. 19, imported
trom Russia.

The same remarks, though in a modified manner, apply to the Kubanka. Though
Nos, 22 and 23 bear no relation to one another, yet the sample grown in Manitoba
possesses a larger proportion of albuminoids than that raised in Ontario. We have
thus seen that in every case examined a decided improvement has occurred when the
grain is grown in Manitoba and the North-West Territories, and particularly in the
latter. Granting that the cultivation in these Provinces ’is about the same as in the
older one—Ontario—and in Russia, we have to look for the explanation of such an
increased absorption of nitrogen in either the peculiarities of the climate or the com-
position of the soil. As yet sufficient data are not to hand to justify one in drawing
conclusions as to which of these causes affect the wheat most, though undoubtedly
both contribute towards that end. The prairie soil of the North-West has long been
noted for its exceptional fertility and its almost inexhaustible store of available plant
food. But this of itself is not sufficient to account for the uniform difference obser-
vable between the wheats of Ontario and the North-West, and it is quite probable
that Prof, Richardson is correct in his deduction when he says of the United States

133

grain, that a high ripening temperature together with a short period of growth pro-
duces a grain with a relatively higher percentage of albuminoids than a long period
of growth and moist climate —which latter conduce to the development of a plumper
grain with a greater abundance of starch.

Kelations between the weight of one hundred average grains and Albuminoids.

The weight of a grain of wheat depends on its size and its specific gravity, or
density. Thus, itis easy to imagine that we might have a small grain of a close,
hard texture that would eqtal, or perhaps surpass, in weight a much larger grain of
aless density. The main difference between a hard and a soft wheat is that the
former is richer in albuminoids while tho Jatter contains more starch. This larger
percentage of starch would lower the specific gravity of the grain,* and we should
expect to find, bulk for bulk, the soft wheat the lighter grain. Let us go one step
further. From what has already been said it is apparent that if we were comparing
a hard and a soft wheat, both having grains of an equal size, the weight of 100 grains
of the former would exceed that of 100 grains of the latter; but if, as is often the
case, the soft wheat possessed the larger grain, then it might happen that the excess
of starch made up for the difference of albuminoids, and the softer wheat per grain
prove heavier.

From tbe foregoing we should predict that a ratio would be found to exist, when
comparing different samples of the same wheat among themselves, between the
weight of the grain. (or 100 grains) and the albuminoids, and that the greater the
weight the larger the percentage of slbuminoids and vice versa. That this law—if
soit might be called—would not hold good when comparing wheats of different
varieties is obvious from the fact that the normal size and composition of all wheats
are not alike. In discussing the relative values. of any two or more kinds, even if
they be all hard wheats, cognizance must be taken of this fact. One more point has
to be noticed in this connection. Suppose that two wheats, the one small and the
other large in grain, are identical in composition, the larger wheat would be the
more valuable, because measure for measure it would yield more flour and less bran
than the smaller grain.

Having made this preliminary explanation, let us first see if any ratio exists
betwoen the weight of the average grain and the percentage of albuminoids in the
Ladoga wheat. An inspection of Table Ishows that there is a well-marked tendency
for the albuminoids to increase with the weight of the grain. Thus Nos. 2, 4, 5, 8
and 9 contain a percentage of albuminoids over 15°00 per cent. and the weight of 100
of their average grains is equal to or exceeds 3-450 grams; while the remaining six
have less albuminoids than 15°00 per cent. and the weight of 100 of their grains falls
below in every case 3°450 grams, The original seed, which is not included in the
above comparison, also sbows this rule to be true,

Comparing the Red Fife samples among themselves, we notice, first, that there
is more uniformity ‘both in the weight of the grain and the percentage of albuminoids,
and the differences being but small it is not a matter of surprise that this principle
should not be so strikingly exhibited among them. The greatest difference between
the two extremes in the weights of 100 of their average grains is but °4 of a gram,
while in the Ladoga the same difference is over -8 of a yram. It is more than pro-
babie that if as many samples of Red Fife had been examined as of the Ladoga, this
relation of weight of grain to gluten would have been more apparent.

In the case of the Saxonka and Kubanksa, both recently imported grains, we see
this ratio well exemplified, though with an exception in the Saxonka.

The four averages at the foot of Table II are very instructive. The Ladoga
ranks first, both as to albuminoids and the weight of the grain, the Red Fife taking
a second place, for the reason that it is slightly lower in its albuminoids and some-
what less in the relative weight of the grain. Tho Kubanka, of which unfortunately

*This has been experimentally proved. Thus, the specific gravity of No. 2 is 1:333, while that of
No. 26 is 1°269.

134

we have only two examples to average from, is slightly lower inits albuminoids; but
one of the samples being an exceptionally fine one as to size, the weight of its aver-
age grain is a trifle higher than that of the Red Fife. The Saxonka presents the
smallest weight for 100 of its average grains, while its albuminoids are almost
identical with the Red Fife. This may be readily explained, that like the other three
of this series it is a hard wheat, but has a very small grain. The albuminoids in a
wheat grain exist in a greater percentage in the outer coats. While, therefore,
measure for measure, or weight for weight, the smaller grain yields more bran and
less flour than the larger, the percentage of albuminoids in the whole grain may be
equal in both cases. And further, where a variety of wheat has a very thick skin,
such as the Kubanka (which produces less flour and more bran from a given weight
than most other sorts), the percentage of albuminoids which would be found in the
flour may be materially less than that shown to be contained in the whole grain.

Water.

T.king an average of the water contained in the twelve Ladoga samples we
obtain the figure 8:09; the six samples of Red Fife in like manner give 9:27.

In Bulletin No. 4, Department of Agriculture, Washington, Prof. C. Richardson
has shown a special feature of spring wheata to be their dryness. Thus, on page 57
of the above balletin he gives the average water contained by eight Hastern States
flours as 12°49 per cent., while the same for Minnesota and Dakota flours is 8-96 per
cent. From these figures he rightly deduces that ‘‘ other things being equal, a barrel
of Western flour would make more bread than a barrel of Hastern.” This is certainly
an important factor in the consideration of the value of flours.

Arguing from the same premises, we conclude that a given weight of the Ladoga
flour will make more bread than the same weight of Red Fife. It remains to be
seen by an actual test of the bread-making powers of these two wheats whether this
conclusion is borne out. The difference, however, between these two cannot be so
great as between fall and spring flours, as the percentages of water more closely
approximate each other in Ladoga and Red Fife than in the case of wheats known
as fall and spring varieties.

Direct Estimation of Gluten in the Flour of Red Fife and Lodoga Wheats.

This operation consists in washing away the starch, the cohesive residue being
dried in a water-oven until thoroughly dry, and weighed. This crude gluten consists
of several closely allied albuminoids, chiefly gluten fibrin, gliadin and mucedin, be-
sides small quantities of fat and mineral matter.

It has been shown by M. Bertrand (Comp. rend. xevii, 496) that the same flour
will yield different proportions of this gluten according to the method of operation
and amount of washing. I shall therefore outline the process which I have used,

Ten grams of the flour were weighed out and kneaded into a dough with 5 cubic
centimetres of water. This dough was then washed with successive portions of 50
cubic centimetres of water until the wash-water was free from ’starch. The crude
gluten so obtained was spread out on a watch glass and dried in the water-oven until
the weight was constant. To get figures as nearly correct as possible, four deter-
minations of the gluten of each flour were made, and the mean of the resultant
figures taken. They are as follows:

Dry Gluten.
Wiad ogaiesccceeccscnscenetsececcescedecect-ecccsa)essserecars-aeill Oc Os potent
Red Fife ......... dasevacsoucce scutes sorceoeeetensasearesas Ta AMLORSO

From the nature of the operation, this direct determination of gluten must not
be considered as accurate an estimation as that of the ‘‘albaminoids” obtained by
multiplying the percentage of nitrogen by 6°25. For, ss already stated, the propor-
tion of gluten thus found varies according to the mode and time of procedure.
Nevertheless, it forms confirmatory evidence as to the similarity in composition of
these wheats, and together with the analytical data before given, bears out what I
have said when discussing the relative value of Red Fife and Ladoga wheats in re-

‘

135

spect to the amount of albuminoids or gluten they possess, as determined by chemi-
cal anelysis.

The flour ured for this direct determination of gluten was not in either case
made from wheat which had been analysed. The Ladoga flour is from grain grown
on the Experimental Farm, at Indian Head, during the summer of 1888. The flour
of the Red Fife was furnished by grain grown on an adjoining field, yielding a crop
of 40 bushels to the acre, the wheat being of excellent quality, and graded “ No. 1.”

Ash,

The mineral constituents of the wheats are denoted under the term ash. Time
did not allow of the detailed analysis of such; but as Prof. Richardson has shown
that among the chief constituents, viz., phosphoric acid, potash and magnesia, there
is but little variation for different wheats, this is not a matter of vital importance.
The average of the ash of the four principal varieties analysed is here tabu-
lated :—
AVERAGES OF ASH.

a

Number Per Cent.
Name. of of
Analyses. Ash.
. |
12 1°81
6 1°62
é och 3 3 1°74
SPURS ANTI EL eee ete areca oat cast oeetnescunsaaccttc) asveesea escteor) (anes) vetnee) ecttrsen cree 2 1°75

Whether the Red Fife, when it was first introduced into the North-West, con-
tained a larger percentage of ash cannot, of course, be said. As they stand to-day,
it would appear that the Rus-ian varieties, and particularly the Ladoga, have the
property of assimilating from the soil Jarger quantities of mineral food than the Red
Fife. his may be an inherent property in the wheats, or due, in this case, to more
favourable environment than they formerly enjoyed. The original Ladoga seed, how-
ever, contains 2-00 per cent. ash, which would go toshow that the grain, as grown
in Russia, has a higher percentage of ash than when grown in the North-West. The
same also appears in the case of the Saxonka. If, then, the Russian wheats take
less mineral matter from thesoil when grown in the North-West than when grown
in Russia, we have to look for an explanation in either the composition of the soil or
in the climate which regulates, to such a great extent, the growth of the wheat plant.
This interesting feature deserves further investigation,

Form, or Appearance, and Relative Hardness of the Wheats.

The Ladoga, is a red wheat, plump, and semi-translucent. The grains, on an
average, are slightly longer than those of the Red Fife, and none of the better samples
possess those opaque spots which betoken the presence of an increased development
of starch. The figures show that the individual grain weighs heavier than that of
the Red Fife. The Red Fife is also a red wheat, bat even the best samples are not
free from those spots of opacity just mentioned. In general characteristics these two
wheats bear a very strong resemblance to one another. The Kubanka is yellower in
colour than either of the preceding, and is certainly the hardest of the series. Its
grain is long, and has the semi-translucency more marked than that of either Ladoga
or Red Fife. Saxonka, as already stated, is a very small wheat, red in colour, and not
very “bright” in appearance. The Ked Fern is also a small wheat, of a dark red
colour, and is not quite as hard as either Red Fife or Ladoga. Clawson isa yellowish
white variety, and very soft. Its grains are of a very fair size, and plump, The
Onega is small in grain, and dark red of colour. Wellman’s Fife and Blue Stem are

meena a

136

both red wheats, the former the larger of the two. Neither is free from opaque
spois, the Blue Stem predominating in this respect.

Comparison of Ladoga and Red Fife with some American Wheats, as Analysed by
Professor C. Richardson.

In Bulletins Nos. 1, 4 and 9 of the Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C.,
Professor Richardson gives the results of a large number of analyses which have
been made of wheats grown in many States of the Union. The series extends over
several years, and both the analyses and the deductions drawn from them prove the
exhaustive manner in which the whole question of the physical properties and chemi-
cal composition of wheat, as grown in the United States, has been treated by the
author,

In concluding this bulletin, therefore, I think it will be of interest to compare
some of these results with those of the present investigation.

The following are abstracted from the table on page 30, Bulletin No. 4, Division
of Chemistry, Department of Agriculture, Washington, 1883-84.

i |
|

Number | Weight | Albumin-

Locality. of | of oids, Ash.
Avelgeen lie Grains| N x 6:25.
\

United States and British America ..........-... anes Pe 407 | 3°644 12°15 1:92
Atlantic and Gulf Mtates— 20... ceees cece ceeees oeeteeee = Seeidom 117 3°489 11°35 | 177
Midgley S tates ccces= ss uresceieaune--scliavat) sceclteanc aa =| 91 3°537 12°50 1°85
Wiestern Stateaiccstss csc eccseactescmstet! sostnuucin soambeneetes 177 | 3-763 12:74 } 2-06
PIR CINGUS tRLOBE ecelnenaseine sees teeeee see eaxantcansaniscenseinceaarice=rerisen ss 20 4-091 9°73 | 1°87
Canada PEO CEL OCEECO) EE) Os CER EOS ACU CIDA SDE 6 | a7o25 10 87 1 56
Minnesota....... i - 13 3 245 VE) 1°77
Dakota Qe Sie ee EEE i Spnubycacbersanentie 12 3149 | 14°95 1°96
MEMItODA)-.20-. cnr esisenaes carmecoce cespacjnessvalscusee testes) nrecessseltsensnns 2 | 3-288 | 14°53 1 63

The following are from Table IL of this Bulletin, and ineerted for comparison
with the above :—

eT

Number | Weight | Albumin-
Locality. of of oids, Ash.

pen Grains} N x6°25.
MamadanGad Oaircceeesseill sccctassosivacosnisskesesdenechiseneslscanss eee 11 | 3-420 14°31 1°81
WG REGU WPOl. cccecceeiconcco\wuseciccnacelcsoms eli \srelecanen|-evsenleusca: 6 | 2°931 | 14°00 | 1°62

By reference to the table on page 20, Bulletin 1, we see of the six varieties of
Canadian wheat analysed five were soft winter wheats, the remaining being Imperial
Fife. I have already pointed out that the soft wheats contain very much less gluten
than the hard, and thus we see how it comes about that the average of 10°87 per
cent. albuminoids is here given for Canadian wheat.

If the quantity of soft wheat raised in Canada in 1883 was in excess of hard
grain, and this average fairly represented Canadian wheat at that time, it certainly
does not do so now; for of late years the growth of Red Fife has greatly increased in
Manitoba and the North-West Territories.

The two samples of Manitoba wheat analysed by Prof. Richardson give an aver-
age in albuminoids slightly in excess of our results for Red Fife. Taking the Minne-
sota and the Dakota samples together, we obtain an average of 14-07 per cent.
albuminoids—practically identical with our determinations for Red Fife. The grain

a

137

————————————

grown in Minnesota and Dakota is the richest in gluten of that raised in the United
States.

Conclusions.

1, That as far as gluten is concerned (as determined by chemical analysis) the
Red Fife and the Ladoga are almost equal in value, with a small balance in favour of
the latter wheat.

2. That a very well marked improvement has taken place in the Ladoga wheat
by its growth in Canada, and particularly in the North-West, and that the same ap-
pears to be true of other Russian varieties.

3. That there appears to be a direct relation between the percentage of
albuminoids and the weight of the grain, viz., the heavier the individual grain the
greater the proportion of albuminoids.

4, That with respect to size, weight and hardness of the grain the Ladoga com-
pares very favourably with the Red Fife, and judging ¢rom the samples analysed,
ranks above this grain in these features,

5. That the Manitoba hard wheats (Red Fite and Ladoga) most certainly equal
in value the best grown in the States of Minnesota and Dakota, and this deduction is
made both from my own and Prof, Richardson's results.

6, That from a mechanical estimation of gluten in the Ladoga and Red Fife
flours, the conclusion may be drawn that in the possession of this valuable constitu-
ent these flours are almost equal.

bh 7 cif
ae Re gh ia eee

*

END Ex.

Bedford, S. A. Report on Experimental Farm|CHEMIST.

_ at Brandon, Man., 106. _ University College, Liverpool, 36.
Blair, W. M. Report on Experimental Farm) Yniversity of King’s College, 39.

at Nappan, Nova Scotia, 95. Vanderlip, J. H. Marl for analysis from, 30.

CHEMIST. Report of the, 28. Yorkshire College, Leeds, 37.
Alley, J. W. River mud for analysis from, 32.;DIRECTOR. Report of the, 5.

Armstrong, Robert. Mar! for analysis from,31.! p~poQMOLOGIST AND BOTANIST. Report

Barron, J. A. Marl for analysis from, 30.

Bell, Robert. Soil for analysis from, 34.

Cambridge University, Chemical Labora-
tory, 38.

Ensilage Experiments, 46.

Experimental Farm and Laboratories of Sir
J. Lawes and Dr. Gilbert, 39, 49.

Experimental Farm and Laboratories of the
Royal Agricultural Society, 40, 41.

LABORATORIES AND EXPERIMENTAL STATIONS IN
GERMANY.

Aachen, 45.
Berlin, 42.
Bonn, 45.
Darmstadt, 44.
Gottingen, 44.
Halle, 43.
Leipsic, 43.
Mockern, 43.
Stuttgart and Hohenheim, 44.
Manchester Grammar School, Chemical La-
boratory, 37.
Marl, analysis of samples of, 30, 31.
“ use of as a fertilizer, 30.
McCormack, F. D. Mud for analysis from, 33.
Oxford University, 37
Owens College, Manchester, 39.
River and Swamp Mud from P.E.I., analyses
of, 32, 33.
River and Swamp Mud, use of as a fertili-
ZeY, do.
Soil from Lake Temiscamingue District,
analysis of, 34.
Sparrow, R. C. Well-water for analysis
from, 35.
Sugar Beets, analysis of, 29.
The City and Guilds of London Technical
Institution, 38.
The College of Agriculture, Downton, 24.
The Royal Agricultural College, Cirences.

ter, 41.
Well-water from Antrim, Ont., analysis of, 35.
Wheats, analyses of, 28, 29
os Red Fife and Ladoga, relative value
of, 29.

of the, 47.
Agrotis campestris, 73.

clandestina, 71.

declarata, 71.

Jennica, TT.

obeliscoides, 71, 76.

saucia, 71, 74, 76.

scandens, 73.

subgothica, 71, 73.

turris, 71.

volubilis, 73.

ypsilon, 71, 73.

Amputating Brocade Moth, 74.
Anthomyian Root Maggots, 68.
Arboretum and Botanic Garden, 47,
Army Worm, 50-51.

Remedies for, 51.

Arnold Arboretum, Donation from, 47.
Arphia tenebrosa, 63.

Ashes, for Club-root of Cabbage, 70.
Bate, C. W. C.,on Cut-worms, 72.
Beans, 55.

Berkeley, M. J,, on Potato disease, 70.
Birdsall, F., on Pea crop, 56.

Black Knot, 47.

“ Black-worms,”’ 67.

Blue, A., on the Clover Crop, 64.
Borers, 47.

Bowles, G. J.,on Yellow-headed Cut-worm,74.
Boyd, M. M., Assistance from, 47.
Brodie, R., on “ Black-worms,” 68.

On Club-root of Cabbage, 70.
Brodie, W., on “Silver-top ”’ in hay, 50.
Bruchus granarius, 59.
Bruner, Lawrence, on Locusts, 63.
Burman, Rey. W. A. Donation from, 47.
Burwash, J., on Cut-worms, 71.
CapBaGeE, 68.
Cabbage Root-maggot, 70.
“ Cabbage-worm,” 69.

Remedy for, 69.
Calosoma calidum, 75.
Carlow, F. B., on Clover Cut-worm, 58.
Camnula pellucida, 63.
Cecidomyia leguminicola, 64.
Ceutophilus castaneus, 63.

140

INDEX.

ENTOMOLOGIST AND BOTANIST.

Chenopodium album, for Cut-worms, 75.
Circotettix undulatus, 63.
CLover, 64.
Clover Cut-worm, 57,
Remedies for, 57.
Clover-seed Midge, 64.
Remedy for, 64.
Club-root of the Cabbage, 69.
Remedy for, 70.
“ Colchester Sun,” 48.
Colorado Potato-beetle, 67.
Comstock, J. H., on Thrips, 61.
Crepidodera cucumeris, 67.
Cut-worms, 66, 71.
Habits of, 72.
Remedies for, 74.
Cut-worm, the Climbing, 73.
Dingy, 73.
Greasy, 73.
Variegated, 71.
W-marked, 71.
Yellow-headed, 74.
Cut-worm Lion, 75.
Dawson,G. M. Donation from, 47.
Diplosis tritici, 48.
Dissosteira Carolina, 63.
Donations, 47.
Doryphora decem-lineata, 67.
Doxsee, Hiram, on Perennial Sow-thistle
Entomophthora virescens, 77,
Empusa musce, 77.
Empusa virescens, 77.
Epicauta cinerea, 67.
Epicauta Pennsyloanica, 67.
European Bean Weevil, 55.
Remedies for, 56.
Farrow, T., on Clover-Seed Midge, 65.
Fretp Crops anp VEGETABLES, 65.
Fiery Ground Beetle, 75.
Fitch, Dr., on Grain Aphis, 54.
Forbes, S. A., on Silver-top in hay, 59.
On Wheat-stem Maggot, 52.
Forest Trees, 48.
Frontenac Farmers’ Institute, 69.

Fullerton, T., on Striped Flea-Beetle, 65.

Gas-lime, for Cut-worms, 76.

For Julide, 68.

For Root-maggots, 76.
Gibb, C. Lonation from, 47.
Gothic Dart Moth, 71.

Grain Aphis, 53.

Remedies for, 54.
Grass-eating Thrips, 61.
Grasshoppers, 63.

Grasses, Cultivation of native, 48.
Gregory, C.C., 47.

Grey Blister-beetle, 67.

Gryllus neglectus, 63.

Hay, 9.

Hadena arctica, 74.

» 54.

ENTOMOLOGIST AND BOTANIST.

Harrington, W. H., on Parasite of Cabbage
Worm, 69.
Hemmeon, Rev. J. B., on Cut-worms, 71.
Herriman, W. L.,on Perennial Sow-thistle,54,
Hessian Fly, 52.
Hinman, 8., on Clover Cut-worm, 58.
Howard, L. O., on parasite of Wheat-stem
Maggot, 52.
Hutcherson, E., on Cut-worms, 74.
Imp’l. Coll. of Agriculture, Tokio. Donation
from, 48.
Imported White Cabbage Butterfly, 69.
Remedies for, 69.
James, D., on Wheat-stem Maggot, 53.
Julide, 67.
Attacking corn, 68.
Attacking potatoes, 68.
Julus ceruleocinctus, 67.
Canadensis, 68.
Londoniensis, 68.
Kay, John, on Clover Cut-worm, 58.
Knight, G. A., on Cut-worms, 76.
On use of Gas-lime, 76.
Lance Rustic Moth, 71, 73,
Laperriére, A., on Army Worm, 51.
On Grain Aphis, 53.
Lathyrus maritimus, 47.
Lesser Locust, 63.
Leucania unipunceta, 50.
Limothrips poaphagus, 61.
Lindeman, Ch., on Thrips, 62.
Lintner, J. A., on Army-worm, 51.
on Silver top in hay, 61.
Locusts, 63. -
Development of, 64.
Injuries by, 63.
Macoun, J. Donation from, 48.
On Perennial Sow-Thistle, 55.
McKay, A. H., on Julide, 68.
McKean, R. A. H., on Turnip Flea, 71,
Mamestra chenopodii, 57.
trifolii, 57.
Marie St. Augustin, Rey. Mére, on Club-
root, 70.
Melanoplus atlanis, 63.
bivitiatus, 63.
Semur-rubrum, 68.
scriptros, 63.
Meromyza Americana, 52.
Mirault, S., on Locust injuries, 55.
Myrmecophila Oregonensis, 63.
Myxomycetes, 70.
Oats, 50.
Ophion purgatum, 57.
Ormerod, Miss E. A., on Bean Weevil, 56.
On Julidee, 68.
Osborn, H., on Thripidee, 61.
Paris Green,—
For Codling Moth, 47.
Colorado Potato Beetle, 67.

141

INDEX.

ENTOMNLOGIST AND BOTANIST.

Paris Green,—
For Cut-worms, 75.
Plum Cureulio, 47.
Turnip Flea-beetle, 67.
Pras, 56.
Pea Weevil, 56.
Pear-blight Beetle, 47.
Perennial Sow-thistle, 54.
Phieothrips frumentaria, 62.
Phyllotreta nemorum, 66.
vittata, 65.
Pieris Rape, 69.
“ Pin-borer,” 47.
Plasmodiophora brassicae, 69.
Polygonum convolvulus, 54.
Potatoes, 67.
Potato Bug, see Colorado Potato Beetle.
Pteromalus puparum, 69.
Pyrethrum Powder for Cabbage Caterpil-
Jars, 69.
Puckridge, John, on Clover Cut-worm.
Red Maggot of Wheat, 48.
Riley, C. V., on ovipositing of Ag. saucia, 76.
On parasite of Army Worm, 51.
On parasite of Cabbage Mamestra, 57.
Remedy for Locust injuries, 64.
Ritchie, A., on remedy for Cabbage worm, 69.
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, 48.
Salt for Julide, 68.
Saunders, W., on Agrotis scandens, 73.
On fecundity of Aphides, 53.
On Siiver-top in hay, 53.
Seed-testing at Central Experimental Farm,
66.
“ Shot-borer,” 47.
“ Silver-top ” in hay, 59.
Siphonophora avene, 53.
Shme Fungi, 10.
Smith, Worthington G., on Club-root of Cab-
bage, 70.
Sonchus arvensis, 54.
Starr, R. W. Donation from, 47.
Steeves, J. T.,on Striped Flea-beetle, 65,
Striped Flea-beetle, 65.
Taylor, Rev. G. W., on Locust injuries, 63.
Tent Caterpillars, 47.
Tettix granulatus, 63.
Thousand-legged worms, 67.
Thrips, 59.
Thrips cerealium, 62.
secalina, 62.
Timber borers, 47.
“Toronto Weekly Mail,’’ 58.
Townshend, f. B., on Clover Cut-worm, 58.
On Pea Weevil, 56.
Trimerotropis vinculatus, 63. .
Turnies, 65.
Turnip Flea-beetle, 65.
“Turnip Fly,” 65.
Un-armed Rustic Moth, 74.

ENTOMOLOGIST AND BOTANIST.

VEGETABLES, 65.

Walker, Major. Donation from, 47.

Webster, F. M., on Wheat Midge, 49.
On Wheat-stem Maggot, 52,

; Weeds, 54.

“ Weevil,” 48.
Wheat Bulb-worm, 52.
Wheat Midge, 48.
Life-history of, 49.
Remedies for, 50.
Wheat-stem Maggot, 52.
White Grub, 72.
Whitehead, C., on Julide, 68.
On Thrips, 61.
On Turnip Flea-Beetle, 66:
Whyte, R. B., on Pyrethrum powder for Cab-
bage Caterpillars, 69.
Wild Buckwheat, 54.
Wilkie, R., on Clover-seed Midge, 65.
Williams, Miss Alice. Donation from, 47.
Willock, John, 54.
Woronin, Mr., on Club-root of the Cabbage,
70.
Ayleborus pyri, 47.

EXPERIMENTAL FARM ror BRITISH
COLUMBIA—
Description of, 47.

EXPERIMENTAL FARM, CENTRAL, (Or-

TAWA).
Report of the Director, 5.

Avenues, 16.
Buildings, 16.
Cereals, Experiments with, 13.
Corn, Experiments with, 14.
Donations, 17.
Draining, 16.
Exchanges, 17.
Forest ‘l'rees, 15.
Hay, crop of, 15.
Hedges, 16.
India, Seed Grain from, 17.

Potatoes. Experiments with, 15.
Poultry Department, 17.
Road making, 16.
Seed distribution, 13.
Seed-testing, 12.
Sugar-beets, 15.
EXPERJMENTAL FARM ror MANITOBA—
Description of, 6, 106
Report of the Superintendent, 106.
Draining, 107.
Fall grain, 107.
Fencing, 108.
Forest trees, 107.
Grasses, 107.
Road making, 108.
Small Fruits, 107.
Soil, character of, 106.
Water supply, 106.

e

142
oeeeeeeee————E—OEOleeeEET———«x—«X——<[———~—=—————————_—_—“_———SS
INDEX.

EXPERIMENTAL FARM ror tHe MARI-
TIME PROVINCES—

Description of, 5.

Report of the Superintendent, 95.
Agricultural Exhibitions, 99.
Buildings, 98.

Draining, 98.

Farmers’ Institutes Meetings, 99.

Fertilizers, 96, 97.

Forest Trees, 98

Fruit Trees and Vines, Experiments with,
97.

Grain. Varieties tested, 97.

Horses, 99.

Marsh-lands, 95.

Ploughing, 96.

Potatoes, Experiments with, 97.

Uplands, 96,

EXPERIMENTAL FARM ror tue NORTH-
WEST TERRITORIES—

Description of, 8.

Report of the Superintendent, 100.
Buildings, 105.
Clover, 104.
Coulées, 100.
Fall Grain, 104.
Farm products.
Fencing, 104.
Forest Trees, 102, 103, 104.

Fruit Trees. Experiments with, 102.
Grain. Varieties tested, 101, 102, 104.
Grasses, 104.

Potatoes. Experiments with, 102.

x

Exhibits of, 165.

Soil. Character of, 100.
Fletcher, J. (Entomologist and Botanist). Re-
port of, 47.
Report of,

Gilbert, A. G. (Poultry Manager).
8

le
Hilborn, W. W. (Horticuturist). Report of, 78.

HORTICULTURIST. Report of the, 78.
Apples. List of, 78.
Russian, List of, 79.
Crab, List of, 82.

|

|

HORTICULTURIST.

Blackberries, 86.

Cherries, 84.

Currants, 85,

Grapes, 85.

Gooseberries, 85.

Pears, 82.

Plums, &3.

Raspberries, 85.

Seedling Fruits, 84.

Small Fruits, 84.

Strawberries, 86.
India. Seed Grain fiom, 17.
Mackay, A. Report on Experimental Farm at

Indian Head, N.-W.T., 100.

POULTRY MANAGER. Report of the, 87.
Buildings, 89.
Chickens,
Feeding of, 93.
Winter laying of, 91.
Andalusians.
Black-breasted Red Games, 87.
Buff Cochins, 87, 88, 89.
Bearded Golden Polands, 87.
Black Hamburghs, 87.
Black Javas, 87.
Black Minoreas, 87.
Coloured Dorkings, 87.
Dirigos, 87, 91. :
Houdans, 87, 88, 89.
Indian Games, 87, 88.
Langshans, 87.
Plymouth Rocks, 87, 88, 89.
Red Caps, 87, 88.
Silver-pencilled Hamburghs, 87.
White Leghorns, 87.
Wyandottes, 87, 88, 89.
Crosses, 89.
Ducks, Pekin, 87.
Geese, wild, 91.
Incubator. Trial of, 89.
New Breeds imported, 88.
Saunders, W. (Director). Report of, 5.
Shutt, F. T., Chemist. Report of, 28.

t

APPENDIX TO THE REPORT OF THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE.

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS.

Eb Ours

OF THE

DIRECTOR - - - - - - Wm. SAUNDERS, F.B.S.C., F.L.S., F.C.S,
CHEMIST - - - - - - F. T. SHUTT, M.A., F.I.C., F.C.S.
ENTOMOLOGIST and BOTANIST - - - Jas. FLETCHER, F.R.S.C., F.L.S.
HORTICULTURIST - - - - - W. W. HILBORN.
POULTRY MANAGER - - - - - A. G. GILBERT.
SUPT. EXPERIMENTAL FARM, Nappan, N.S. - Wm. M. BLAIR.

do do Brandon, Manitoba. S. A. BEDFORD.

do do Indian Head, N.-W.T. Angus MACKAY.

do do Agassiz, B.C. Thos. A. SHARPE.

FOR

1.32):

PRINTED BY ORDER OF PARLIAMENT.

OTTAWA:
PRINTED BY BROWN CHAMBERLIN, PRINTER TO THE QUEEN’S MOST
EXCELLENT MAJESTY.

1890.

—-

PA NEEDING 1D)! Tse

TO THE

REPORT OF THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE

ON

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS.

Orrawa, 29th January, 1890.

Sir,—I have the honour to submit herewith for your approval the following
report relating to the work accomplished at the Central Experimental Farm in
Ottawa, as well as that carried on at the Experimental Farms in the Maritime Pro-
vinces, Manitoba, the North-West Territories and British Columbia.

Appended you will also find reports from the following officers of the Central
Farm: from the Chemist, Mr. Frank T. Shutt: from the Entomologist and Botanist,
Mr. James Fletcher ; from the late Horticulturist, Mr. W. W. Hilborn; and from the
Poultry Manager, Mr. A. G. Gilbert. There are also presented reports of progress
from Mr. Wm. M. Blair, Superintendent of the Experimental Farm for the Maritime
Provinces at Nappan, Nova Scotia; from Mr. S. A. Bedford, Superintendent of the
Experimental Farm for Manitoba at Brandon; from Mr. A. Mackay, Superintendent
of the Experimental Farm for the North-West Territories at Indian Head; and from
Mr. Thos. A. Sharpe, Superintendent of the Experimental Farm for British Columbia
at Agassiz. In all of these there will, I trust, be found much information which will
prove useful to the farmers of the Dominion and helpful to them in the work in
which they are engaged, and which will aid in advancing the great agricultural
interests of this country, of which you are the honoured head.

I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your most obedient servant,
WM. SAUNDERS.
The Honourable,
The Minister of Agriculture,
Ottawa.

6c—1}4

2]

|
| 3 pias
1 ‘
i
|
!
{
|
iN; - v
+ att iy 5 j
Cen Bae fame
Sy J
ma Wed j
ie Sao Sin a |
I (i ovis E/ be
: ¢ t ¥
t " ; ethics te
di i : ®
k ; , ; Na]
wh
hal
| B
|
. |
bys
|
Al

‘C8

(ONG AGE REP Orvrud

ON THE

xX PHERIMENTAL FPARMS.

The progress made during the past year at the several Experimental Farms has
been such as to attract the general attention of the agricultural community. The
Central Experimental Farm, at Ottawa, on which work was begun in the spring of
1887, the farm for the Maritime Provinces, at Nappan, Nova Scotia, and that for the
North-West Territories, at Indian Head, both of which were taken possession of in the
spring of 1888, the Manitoba farm, at Brandon, on which work commenced during the
summer of 1888,and the British Columbia farm at Agassiz, organized in August,
1889, have all been much visited by farmers, who have expressed themselves inter-
ested and gratified with what is being accomplished. Many useful experiments have
been carried on, especially in those departments of farm work where reliable and
positive information is most needed, and these experiments have been watched with
much interest, especially by parties residing in the neighbourhood of the farms, many
of whom have promptly taken advantage of the information which these tests have
afforded.

Correspondence between the farmers of Canada and the Experimental Farms has
greatly increased, and as it was intended from the outset to endeavour to make these
institutions bureaus of information, where farmers should feel free to seek such advice
as would aid them in carrying on their work, this gratifying increase in correspon-
dence has been encouraged and the best efforts of the staff devoted to meet the
demands for information. At the Central Experimental Farm alone there has been
received during the year 6,864 letters, of which 3,653 have come to the Director, 1,700
to the Entomologist and Botanist, 359 to the Chemist, 247 to the Horticulturist, 195
to the Poultry Manager and 710 to the Accountant. The total number of letters des-
patched has been 5,428, and of pamphlets including reports and bulletins, 41,584, to
which must be added 3,662 packages of grain and seeds, making a formidable total
of mail matter. In the letters received, questions of the most varied character have
been presented, some of them so difficult as to occupy much time in careful enquiry
for their solution.

In addition to the work of organization on the several Experimental Farms, it
has been my pleasure to visit many of the more important agricultural districts from
the Atlantic to the Pacific for the purpose of ascertaining more fully the needs of
farmers everywhere, noting the progress they are making and studying the advan-
tages and disadvantages pertaining to the different climates and varied conditions of
soil and situation under which farming operations are conducted in different parts
of the Dominion. Invitations also have been freely extended to the officers of the
Experimental Farms to attend the meetings of Farmers Institutes in the several
Provinces and other gatherings of farmers, for the purpose of addressing them on
agricultural topics and giving information regarding the work of the Experimental
Farms. While I regret that it has been impossible for the members of the staff to
meet all such demands upon their time, as many meetings have been attended in
different parts of the country as could be reached in the time available for this pur-
pose. Canadian farmers are making careful enquiries for more full and accurate
information regarding the numerous and varied operations pertaining to their calling ;
they desire to have the mysteries which surround some of the operations of nature
explained as far as this is practicable, and it is our object to foster and stimulate
such a spirit of enquiry which will, it is believed, result in the speedy advancement
of agriculture, and thus in material and lasting benefit to the country.

VISIT TO NEW BRUNSWICK.

In January I visited the Province of New Brunswick, with the object of meeting
with some of the more progressive farmers of that Province, assembled under the
auspices of the Local Government at the meeting of the “Provincial Farmers Asso-
ciation,” held at Fredericton, on the 16th, 17th and 18th of that month. The
meeting was attended by representative farmers from almost every county in the
Province, nd much interest was taken in the proceedings. It was convened in the
City Hall where the visitors were welcomed by the Mayor andaldermen. Lieutenant
Governor Tilley was also present with other prominent citizens. During the afternoon,
on invitation of the city authorities, a drive was taken to Marysville where an oppor-
tunity was afforded of inspecting the large cotton mill of Mr. Gibson and of seeing
the town which his industries have built up. On returning to the city the address
of the President of the Association, Mr. 8. L. Peters, was delivered, which was full of
practical suggestions and useful information, after which the Lieutenant-Governor,
speaking not only for himself, but on behalf of the Government and citizens, warmly
welcomed the visitors.

During the meetings much time was given to the consideration of dairying,
sheep husbandry and fruit culture. Many practical papers were read, and the dis-
cussions which followed showed the keen interest which New Brunswick farmers are
taking in these important subjects, while the facts brought out regarding the resources
of the Province and its capabilities plainly indicated that there was plenty of room
for extension in almost every department of farm industry. The farmers of that
Province are evidently convinced of the fact that their climate and other conditions
are such as to favor the production of excellent butter, and that by the introduction
of improved dairy stock and the establishment of creameries their hay may be profi-
tably consumed at home, and their lands enriched by the animal manures produced
on their farms. Co-operation in thu establishment of creameries was urged with
much toree as the only plan by which butter of uniformly good quality could be pro-
duced. The last census credits the Province with 103,965 milch cows, and allowing
the average return from a cow to be $20, this produces the sum of $2,079,300. With
good breeding and careful management this income might be greatly increased. The
farmers were urged to keep more cows, to sell less hay and to combine together to
make the best butter, such as would command high prices in the English and Ameri-
can markets. It was remarkedthat England imports annually more than $40,000,000
worth of butter, of which Canada furnishes about $700,000, while Denmark, with about
half the population, supplies more than $13,000,000 worth. If Canadian butter was
brought up uniformly to the high standard which has been gained by Canadian
cheese, there would be no difficulty in disposing of any quantity of it. The rich
pastures and cool moist climate of New Brunswick afford facilities for much progress
in this direction.

In fruit growing New Brunswick has made considerable progress, there are
many localities where apples can be grown to advantage, while small fruits,
especially strawberries, do remarkably well, and on account of the cool summer
climate, the later sorts ripen there after the glut of berries coming in from other dis-
tricts is over, when good prices are usually obtained for them. Considerable quan-
tities of fruit are now sent from this Province to the Boston market. Opportunities
were given at the meetings of the Association both to Col. W. M. Blair, superinten-
dent of the Experimental Farm at Nappan and myself, for explaining the objects
for which the experimental farms were established and the progress which had been
made in the work; a deep interest was manifested in this subject by those present
and resolutions were adopted expressing appreciation of the immediate and future
benefits which the farmers of Canada are likely to derive from these institutions.

VISIT TO NOVA SCOTIA,

During the following week the farmers of Nova Scotia were met at an Institute
meeting, held at Amherst, N. 8., where topics similar to those which had been taken

up at Fredericton were discussed with much enthusiasm. Improved dairying is
making progress in Nova Scotia, where a Dairymen’s Association has been organized
and-some fine herds of dairy cattle established. In addition to the butter and cheese
made in this Province there is a condensed milk factory in Truro, where a large
quantity of that useful product is made and canned. Much of it is supplied to sea-
going vessels, and a considerable business in this line is carried on with the other
Provinces in the Dominion. The trade in fat cattle is also on the increase, a good
demand being found both in the local and foreign markets. The farmers here are
more than ever awakened to the importance of feeding a large proportion of the hay
produced on their fertile marsh lands to stock and with the manure thus obtained
fertilizing the uplands, and by this means increasing their crops of grain, roots and
fruit. Winter dairying and the subject of winter food for stock was warmly discussed,
and the experience of some of the more advanced farmers with ensilage was given.
Expensive silos are here no longer considered necessary ; one farmer claimed that
with forty dollars worth of lumber he could build a silo in his barn, which would
hold enough ensilage to feed ten cows during the winter. Here also the importance
of experimental farming and the action of the Government in establishing farms for
the carrying on of systematic experimental work was warmly endorsed, and the
hope expressed that as soon as possible after the farm buildings, then in course of
erection at the Experimental Farm at Nappan, were completed, some first-class
stock would be sent there, of such a character as would aid in improving the general
dairy cattle of the Province.

I next visited the far-famed fruit regions in the Annapolis valley and attended
a meeting of the Fruit Growers’ Association of Nova Scotia, held in Wolfville, on the
16th, 17th and 18th of January, There was avery good attendance of the fruit
growers of the district, and the time was profitably spent in discussing the results
of the fruit crop of the past year, the most profitable varieties of fruit to grow in
Nova Scotia, the capabilities of the province for the production of fruit, mothods of
storing, packing and shipping, the best markets for fruit and many other practical
topics. The fruit interests in Nova Scotia are yearly becoming more important, and
the area devoted to orchard is rapidly increasing, not only in the Annapolis valley
but in many other parts of the province; for it is fast being demonstrated that good
fruit can be profitably grown over large sections of Nova Scotia, while the facilities
for reaching the European and American markets are unsurpassed. The associa-
tion has done much to encourage fruit growing in the province, and by disseminating
useful and reliable information to direct the efforts of those engaged in this work
into profitable channels. -Fruit growing here will admit of almost indefinite exten-
sion, and there seems no reason why apples, pears, plums, cherries and small fruits
should not be more generally cultivated. TM

The relation of the Experimental Farms to horticulture was explained and
some details given of the varieties of fruit now undergoing test at the Experimental

‘Farm at Nappan. The importance of this work was promptly recognised and reso-

lutions relating thereto unanimously passed.
MEETINGS ATTENDED IN ONTARIO.

During the first week in February the annual meeting of the Central Farmers
Institute of Ontario was attended in Toronto. This is, without doubt, the most im-
portant and infiuential annual gathering of farmers in the province, where a large
proportion of the Farmers Institutes scattered over the country are represented by
some of their leading men. This meeting was largely attended, was continued for
several days and the interest was maintained in the subjects under discussion to the last.
A number of practical papers on topics of interest to farmers were read and ably
discussed, the speakers generally showing by the way they handled the subjects that
they possessed practical knowledge and a keen appreciation for information likely
to be useful to them in their calling. An invitation was extended to the writer to
explain to the meeting the progress being made in connection with the Canadian
Experimental Farms, when some account was given of the work which was listened

to with much attention, and met with the hearty approval and endorsation of those
resent.

i The following week the opportunity was afforded of attending the winter
meeting of the Fruit Growers’ Association of Ontario, held in Hamilton. The fruit
growers of the western part of the Province were well represented and two days
were profitably spent in the reading of papers and discussing the subjects provided
on the programme, bearing mainly on the fruit industries of Ontario. This asso-
ciation has been largely instrumental in developing fruit growing in Ontario by
holding meetings in different parts of the Province to discuss fruit topics, by the
publication of lists of such varieties of fruit as are known to be profitable in the
thirteen agricultural districts into which the Province has been divided, by encou-
raging the growing of the best varieties of fruit, so as to gain for Ontario fruit a
leading place for quality in the markets of the world, and by distributing among its
members every year some promising variety of new fruit for test. It also publishes
an excellent monthly periodical, the Canadian Horticulturist, which is sent to its
members free of cost. Twenty-one years ago when this association began its work
almost every farmer growing fruit in Ontario had what might be called an experi-
mental orchard with a large number of varieties, many of them late summer or
autumn apples, which because they would not keep were rushed into the market and
sold for what they would bring, no matter how small the price. Now all this is
changed, farmers have become careful in planting their orchards and endeavour
to so select the varieties as to have the great bulk of them long keepers; fall
varieties have been top grafted with winter sorts and now the crop of early apples
in a good year is not much in excess of the needs of the community, and ifunusually
abundant, the excess is readily disposed of in most fruit districts to the manufacturers
of evaporated fruit. Much of this change has been wrought through the influence of
the Fruit Growers Association of Ontario whose discussions and deliberations have
been widely circulated among the people. The association combines with its
practical discussions on fruit-growing the consideration of other horticultural topics,
the creation of shelter belts and wind breaks for orchards, the cultivation of orna-
mental trees, shrubs and plants, and the occasional papers presented on the rose, the
dahlia, the chrysanthemum, or some other favorite flower or on some group of orna-
mental shrubs or desirable ornamental trees, and the animated discussions which
sometimes follow give a pleasing variety to the meetings and help to encourage and
direct that love of the beautiful in nature which is shared toa greater or lesser
extent by almost every human mind. At the winter meeting in Hamilton the
discussions, while mainly relating to the commercial aspects of fruit-growing, had a
pleasing and instructive diversity. The Experimental Farm work there also was
awarded adue measure of commendation.

During the subsequent winter and early spring months many meetings of Farm-
ers’ Institutes were attended by the officers of the Central Experimental Farm, and
in this way all the time which could be spared from other duties was turned to
good account.

VISIT TO PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND.

Early in July a visit was paid to Prince Edward Island, at the request of several
of the agricultural societies there. During the seven days spent on the island, I had
the privilege of addressing five gatherings of farmers, the places of meeting being so
distributed as to cover the greater part of the island. Tignish, Summerside, New
Glasgow, Charlottetown and Montague Bridge being the points selected. Audiences
varying from 150 to 500 were in attendance, and much interest was manifested in
the subjects under discussion. The land on the island is generally fertile, but having
been under cultivation for a long period, most of it under a system of seven years’
rotation, evidences are common of its fertility becoming more or less exhausted, and
the farmers are much exercised on this important question. How best to maintain
the fertility of the soil, was one of the subjects of discussion at almost every meet-
ing, and the best methods of preserving and storing barn-yard manure so as to pre-
vent any waste of its fertilizing constituents were carefully considered. The seven

years’ rotation of crops, which is almost universally followed in Prince Edward
Island, is as follows :—The land is well manured previous to a root crop, either pota-
toes or turnips, following which a crop of wheat is grown, the land at the same
time being seeded down to timothy and clover; hay is harvested for two years,
then the land left in pasture for two years, when it is broken up and a crop of oats
grown on the sod, completes the rotation.

It would appear that manuring once in seven years is not sufficient, and there
is good reason to believe that the general adoption of a five years’ system of rotation,
in place of the seven years’ course, would greatly improve the crops, and give the
farmer better returns for his labour. It has often been a matter of surprise that the
wheat-midge should be found invariably common, and more or lessdestructive, every
year in Prince Edward Island, while in most of the other Provinces its occurrence
is only occasional. A portion of this system of rotation has, I believe, much to do
with this result. Many of the orange-coloured larve of the wheat-midge mature
before the grain is harvested, and, escaping, fall to the ground, where they penetrate
a short distance below the surface, and change to chrysalids, in which condition
they remain during the winter. By the almost universal system of seeding down
with wheat, the ground, which has been occupied by wheat this year, is left undis-
turbed by the plough the following season, thus affording this insect the most favour-
able opportunity for maturing, and appearing in full force to attack the neighbouring
fields the next year. Were the wheat followed by a crop which would necessitate
ploughing, a very large proportion of these insects would be buried deep enough to
destroy them. By adopting such a course, and also burning the refuse from the
threshing-machines, the great bull of these insects would be destroyed and the
annual loss arising from this destructive pest be greatly diminished.

There are not many farmers on the island who keep sufficient stock to produce
manure in the quantity required to throughly fertilize their fields, hence substitutes
for barn-yard manure are in much demand, and artificial fertilizers are probably
more largely used on the island in proportion to the population than in any other
part of the Dominion. In some localities there are large deposits of what is called
mussel mud, which contains a considerable proportion of ground oyster and other
shells, which have been pulverized by the action of water. together with a small
proportion of decayed animal matter. A number of samples of this deposit have been
analysed by Mr. F. T. Shutt Chemist of the Experimental Farms, who reports that
some of them contain a good proportion of fertilizing material. Most of them,
however, contain a large proportion of lime, which, when too freely used, unduly
stimulates the soil by converting the store of plant food laid up there into available
form, which is then rapidly taken up by growing plants; and on this account after
realizing a few good crops, the farmer frequently finds that his land 1s left in a very
exhausted condition, and particularly so in the case of light soil. But by using the
mussel mud more sparingly in conjunction with swamp muck and barn-yard manure
it serves a very useful purpose. With an increase of dairying on the island, the
ploughing under of occasional crops of green clover: careful management of barn
yard manure and the judicious use of special fertilzers the condition of the land
might be greatly improved.

The growing of fruit is not so general on the island as it should be. The
orchards found there are fairly successful. The trees are thrifty and promise well
and there seems no reason why the farmers of this province should not become expor-
ters of fruit. An enormous business is transacted in eggs, almost every farmer keeping
a considerable number of fowls, and the merchants send out teams which go from
house to house to collect them, paying cash for the eggs on delivery. They are then
packed in cases and shipped to market. The quantity exported during the last year
was 1,947,963 dozens which returned to the province in cash $261,845.

EXPERIMENTAL FARM, NAPPAN,

The Experimental Farm for the Maritime Provinces was also visited on this
occasion, where the work was found to be progressing satisfactiorily. During the

10

past year, the farm buildings have been completed, which are conveniently arranged
and commodious, a substantial fence has been erected, and a large area of land broken
up and brought under cultivation. The hay crop on the marsh land was excellent, but
on account of the cold wet spring, the grain crops Were not so forward as they usually
are in July, but they were thrifty and the subsequent warmer weather brought
them along rapidly. The young fruit trees had made excellent growth, and some of
the small fruits were bearing well. Particulars of the progress made on this farm,
will be found in the Superintendent’s annual report appended.

VISIT TO QUEBEC.

Soon after returning from the Maritime Provinces, a visit was made to the
Province of Quebec. A fewdays were spent in the neighbourhood of Les Eboule-
ments and Murray Bay, many farms were visited, as well as several cheese factories
in this district. It was a source of much gratification to find the dairy interest so
flourishing in that Province, where the exports of cheese are becoming larger from
year to year. Most of the factories were small, but well kept ; the quality of the
product was generally good, and the prices received by the makers encouraging.
The milch cows are being improved in some districts by the introduction of new
blood, but this is not so general as could be desired. The country in the neigh-
bourhood of Chicoutimi was also visited. Many good crops were seen, but in some
localities evidence was apparent of the partial exhaustion of the soil, and the need
of more manuring and a proper rotation of crops. The usefulness of the work of the
Experimental Farms is also being felt in Quebec; where a considerable distribution
has been made of samples of seed grain for test, a special agent employed to visit the
farmers and discuss agricultural topics with them, and a large circulation effected of
the bulletins and reports of the farm both in French and English.

VISIT TO MANITOBA AND THE NORTH-WEST TERRITORIES,

On the 16th of September I left Ottawa for the West. Many improvements
were noticed along the route between Ottawa and Winnipeg ; new towns are building
up, and in those localities where the land is fit for agricultural purposes many new
settlers have located within the past year. Winnipeg itself is making satisfactory
and solid progress and the farming lands about the city are being gradually taken
up. In the journey from Winnipeg to Brandon the traveller passes through some of
the finest wheat lands in the country and although the crops during the past year
have in many parts been unusually light the land which has been prepared for next
year’s sowing seems to much exceed that of any previous year, showing that the
settlers themselves have strong faith in the country.

EXPERIMENTAL FARM, BRANDON,

The Experimental Farm at Brandon, which is situated about a mile and a-half
from the centre of the town, can be seen from every commanding point in the vicinity.
All that part which lies in the valley of the Assiniboine and up its sloping sides
being very distinctly in view. The changes which have been effected on this farm
in a single season are very manifest. The pasture land adjacent to the river has
been cleared of its unsightly scrub of willow, rose, and other bushes, and now
appears as a smooth and even meadow, sufficiently capacious to furnish abundant
food for a large herd of cattle. The farm has been entirely fenced with a neat and
substantial post and wire fence, which extends for about six miles. The old trail
which followed a winding course leading to the farms up the valley has disappeared
and in its place is a straight and ample roadway, planted on either side with Manitoba
maples, the centre of which was being gravelled with good material from a neigh-
bouring hill, A large part of the higher valley land has either been brought under
crop or is in summer-fallow, and a large field of about 80 acres lies fallowed on the
higher part of the farm beyond the bluffs. The straight lines of stubble with regular
divisions between them were all that was left of the experimental plots of grain,

11

which must have looked very attractive during the summer when their green lines
could be seen stretching up the hill slope.

On close examination it was gratifying to find that nearly all the Manitoba
maples with which the avenues are planted were doing well, and that most of the young
trees which compose the large shelter belt across the west side of the farm are
living, notwithstanding the unfavourable conditions to which they have been exposed
on account of the very dry season. Only a small percentage of the fruit trees have
died even on the open prairie, while in the plantation which has been made in the
scrub on the side of one of the bluffs there is not a single failure to record, and most
of the trees have made vigorous growth. So encouraging a result is a stimulus to
further effort in the same direction ; hence other patches of scrub are being
cleared so as to make room for several squares of about half an acre each, so
arranged as to provide all around them a wide border of this low protecting growth
of hazel, oak, &c.

With favourable conditions given, the prospects for fruit-growing in Manitoba
are encouraging. The first desire of the new settler who wishes to grow fruit is
generally to see about him some of the trees he has been accustomed to grow in less
rigorous climates and a supply of these procured at considerable cost frequently
constitutes his first experiment which is almost sure to be an entire failure. Too
much stress cannot be laid on the importance of procuring hardy trees as one of the
conditions necessary, and next a light or gravelly soil, where this is practicable,
and some shelter. Fruit trees in a normal condition make what is known as a
determinate growth each year of from one to three feet in length, this growth is usually
completed early in the season, after which a gradual process of ripening or harden-
ing of the wood takes place, and if these newly made _ branches can be
thoroughly ripened before winter sets in, they are well prepared to endure severe
cold. If, as is too often the case, the rich soil of the prairies stimulates the tree
so that its growing period is unnaturally protracted, it makes a quantity of vigorous
but succulent wood, which is too soft to endure the cold to which it must be exposed,
and it frequently happens that in a rich soil, fruit trees start a second growth late in
the season when there is not time for the wood to mature before cold weather comes,
In most instances trees so situated kill down to the snow line every year. If grown
on a comparatively poor soil the production of wood is limited, the growth early
completed and the new wood becomes compact and well ripened before the summer
is ended.

On the Experimental farm at Brandon, there are locations on the bluffs rising
from the river valley which combine to some extent the conditions named. The
soil is rather light and gravelly, with sufficient fertility to give reasonable growth.
The scrub affords some shelter from prevailing winds and with hardy varieties selected
for test the experiment promises well. An inspection of these trees after they have
stood the test of a winter will be interesting.

While wheat will probably long continue to be the chief crop on the great
western plains of Canada, a large majority of the farmers there are no longer content
to depend solely on any one crop for their yearly returns, and mixed farming and the
keeping of cattle for dairying and beef-producing is becoming very general. The
production of butter is rapidly increasing and a vast number of cattle is now owned
by the settlers; hence in any year when there is a partial failure in their grain crops
they have something else to depend on for support. With this rapid increase of
stock a very important question is looming up, that is the growing of winter food
for stock. With a limited number of cattle in the country and an immense area of
grass land unoceupied the settlers had fine pasturage for their herds, and ata trifling
expense could lay up a store of hay from neighbouring meadow lands with which to
to sustain their stock during winter. This condition of things is now rapidly chan-
ging and in many localities much of the unoccupied land is taken up and settlers are
obliged to drive long distances, often as much as 30 or 40 miles to obtain the hay
necessary for the winter sustenance of their cattle. In a very short time in the
more thickly settled districts native hay will be no longer available in the quan-

12

tities required and farmers must then grow on their own land such crops as will
sustain the animals they keep. Experiments in growing grasses and clovers for the
production of hay have not Yet met with much general success, and while these will
be continued on the Experimental Farms until all the varieties, both native and
foreign, likely to be useful have been thoroughly tested, the main hope for the
present is in the cultivation of those annual plants which produce a heavy weight
of crop and mature-in ashort season. Among these are the different varieties of
fodder corn, millet, Hungarian grass, and mixed crops of vetches, peas, oats, barley,
&c, and cutting these while in a green state and drying them or packing them green
into silos where they may be preserved in a succulent condition, A large quan-
tity of such material can be grown on a few acres of land and when supplemented
by the oat straw which is usually abundant, and a small quantity of bran or crushed
grain, animals may be wintered in good condition at a moderate cost. The results
of the past year’s experiments with corn and fodder crops will be found in the report
of the superintendent of the Brandon farm and although the season has-been unfayour-
able a considerable measure of success has been achieved. The results of similar
experiments are given in the report of the superintendent of the Experimental Farm
at Indian Head, and it is proposed to continue these on a larger scale on both farms
during the coming season.

EXPERIMENTAL FARM, INDIAN HEAD.

On this farm the grain crops have been better than at Brandon, but the forest and
fruit trees have not succeeded so well, owing mainly to the very strong drying winds
which prevailed during most of the growing period, and the lack of sufficient rain.

Some very instructive experiments have been conducted in order to demonstrate
the best methods of treating the soil in preparing for crop. Grain grown on large
pieces of summer-fallowed land has been compared with that grown on fall and
spring ploughed land, and the results are greatly in favour of the summer-fallow. By
this thorough method of preparation the soil is made capable of retaining moisture,
and also of absorbing moisture from the air during cool nights, which carries the
crop through even in the absence of rain in a remarkable manner, At the time of
my visit the grain was all harvested, but the difference in the stubble was most
marked, so that one could tell instantly when he stepped off the fallow land, the
stubble on the fall and spring-ploughing being so much thinner.

A close examination was made of both fruit and forest trees, especially of those
varieties which were planted in the spring of 1888, and hence had stood the test of
two summers and one winter. There was obtained from Prof. Budd, of the Agri-
cultural College, of Ames, Iowa, in the spring of 1888, a collection of Russian apple
trees, numbering eighty-six in all, of twenty-six varieties, of these fifty-four are
alive, and some of them are doing remarkably well, seven have died at the top, but
have sent up shoots from near the base, and twenty-five have died entirely. Ten pear
trees were obtained of two varieties, these have all died. The collection of plums
included thirty-four trees of seven varieties; of these there are eighteen living, seven
have died at the top and sent up shoots from the bottom, and ten died outright.
Fifteen cherry trees were obtained of three varieties, two died at the top, but sent
up shoots from the bottom, while eleven died entirely. These trees were nearly all
of Russian origin,

Another collection of Russian trees was purchased from Stone, Wellington &
Morris of Fonthill, Ontario, and consisted of 39 trees of 16 varieties; 31 of these are
alive and 8 have died. A selection was also made from among the hardiest of the
named varieties in general cultivation in the Eastern Provinces as follows: Apples,
65 trees of 18 varieties, of which 41 are alive and 24 dead; crab-apples, 12 trees of 4
varieties, 9 are living and 3 dead; plums, 10 trees of 5 varieties, 1 living and 9 dead;
pears, 10 trees of 5 varieties, 1 living and 9 dead; cherries, 14 trees of 4 varieties, 3
living and 11 dead. Hence out of a total of 202 apple trees planted of 64 varieties,
135 are living, 7 have died at the top, and sent up shoots from the bottom and 60
have died outright. Pears, 20 trees of'7 varieties, 1 living, 19 dead; plums, 44 trees

13

of 12 varieties, 22 living, 7 dead at top with shoots from bottom, while 16 died
entirely ; cherries, 29 trees of 7 varieties, 3 living and 22 dead. The proportion of
deaths among the Russian trees was less than one-third, while among the hardy
named sorts grown in the east it was nearly one-half.

Further collections have been secured and planted during the past season, some
of which have been grown in Minnesota, some in the Province of Quebec and some
at the Central Experimental Farm, these include a nnmber of varieties not before
tested.

The gooseberries and currants, numbering between two and three hundred of
the planting of 1888, have made fine healthy bushes with vigorous shoots, and plenty
of them, from 1 to 2 feet long. The raspberries have also made fair progress. Of
the strawberries many have died, but those that have survived look healthy and
have made a quantity of runners, but not many of these have rooted on account of
the very dry condition of the soil. Of 64 grape vines of 17 of the hardiest varieties,
none have survived.

In 1888, nearly twenty thousand young forest trees and shrubs were planted,
and during the past season over thirteen thousand more have been sent from the
Central Farm at Ottawa, besides which there have been planted a considerable
number of seedlings of native trees raised on the spot. Some of the trees have suc-
ceeded very well, while others have failed almost entirely. From the experience

thus far gained, the following are among the most promising sorts for the Indian Head

district. Of deciduous trees, Manitoba maple, American or white elm, rock elm,
white ash, green ash, European and American mountain ash, wild black cherry,
yellow birch, canoe birch, Russian mulberry European white birch, European alder,
Norway maple and black ash. There are also several species of Russian poplars
which may be safely added to this list. Of evergreens, Riga pine, Scotch pine,
dwarf mountain pine, bull pine and white spruce. There are several ornamental
shrubs which have done remarkably well, such as the Siberian pea, Caragana
arborescens, Russian olive, Eleagnus angustifolia, several varieties of lilac, and the
barberry. The farm buildings, now nearly completed, will afford excellent aecom-
modation for stock, and it is expected that a sufficient number of animals will be
forwarded in the spring to lay the foundation of useful herds of cattle, which will in
future prove an important element in the general improvement of stock in the
North-West.

VISIT TO BRITISH COLUMBIA,

The Experimental Farm at Agassiz, British Columbia, has also been organized
and partially equipped. The work of clearing the brush and breaking up the land
is being pushed vigourously forward. Some experimental plots of fall grain have
been planted. A large number of different varieties of fruit trees have been secured,
part of them from the nurseries in British Columbia and part from Ontario. A large
orchard has been planned and partly planted and will be completed as early as
practicable in the spring. Many strawberries, raspberries and blackberries have also
been forwarded from the Central Experimental Farm, with a collection of grape
vines. About 7,000 young forest trees, chiefly of the most valuable hardwoods, of
the east have also been forwarded to test their usefulness in that country where hard-
woods are almost entirely wanting. There is no reason to doubt that hickory, elm,
ash, oak, walnut, cherry and other valuable hardwood timber trees will thrive and
make rapid growth in British Columbia, and since there is much land on hill and
mountain sides unsuitable for agriculture, but well suited for timber-growing, this
line of work will be at once taken up at the Experimental Farm, young plantations
made, the relative growth of the different varieties noted so that reliable information
may be had as soon as possible for the guidance of those who may desire to engage
in such tree planting. A beginning has been made with stock at the Agassiz Farm
by the introduction of a well bred Durham bull and an excellent cow, both from good
milking strains of that valuable breed of cattle. As soon as suitable buildings can
be erected this department of the farm work will be considerably extended. In the

14

meantime the introduction of a good bull will greatly aid the farmers in that district
in their efforts to improve their stock. Several useful breeds of poultry have also
been introduced and others will be shortly added.

While in British Columbia the opportunity was afforded of attending the Pro-
vincial Exhibition at New Westminster, where a large sum was offered in prizes. The
fair was a very successful one and afforded convincing evidence of the progress
which has been made during the past few years in that country. Tbe exhibition of
stock was much better than I expected to see, and included some excellent animals.
Short-horns of milking strains, Holsteins and Jerseys appear to be the favourite
breeds. Some very good horses were also shown for heavy draft and carriage pur-

oses.
: Some good samples of wheat, barley and oats were exhibited, and an excellent
display made of hops, which were of unusually fine quality, large and fragrant.

Among the vegetable products were some very fine roots, enormous mangels
and turnips from the delta lands on the Fraser, grown in the rich alluvial soil of
that district without fertilizers. There were also very large potatoes, cabbage, cauli-
flower, squash, carrots, &c., and a fine display of plants and flowers.

The fruit display was perhaps the most attractive feature in the exhibition,
although it might have been made much more instructive to the visitors had greater
attention been paid to naming the varieties shown. Among the apples specimens of
the Gloria Mundi were enormous, Ribston Pippin and Blue Pearmain very large,
Gravenstein large and of wonderful colour, Northern Spy of grand size. The Spit-
zenburg, Fameuse, Golden Russet, Pomme Gris and many other sorts were first-class.
Among the pears the Duchesse d’Angouleme, Bartlett and Beurre Diel attracted
attention from their size, while Seckel, Beurre Hardy and Winter Nelis were larger
than those usually shown at exhibitions in Ontario. The quinces were good, and
peaches, although few in number, were very fine. Opportunity was afforded of
testing the quality of some of the higher flavoured fruits and they were very good,
but whether the flavor was quite as high as it is in Ontario fruit of the same variety
could only be determined by careful comparison.

A few days later I had the privilege of visiting the exhibition of the British
Columbia Inland Agricultural Association held at Ashcroft on the 10th and 11th of
October, this was the first exhibition of agricultural products which had been held
within the dry district of the Province east of the coast range of mountains and
visitors living within the inland territory flocked to the town from all quarters,
some of them from a distance of 200 miles. Here opportunity was given to inspect
the products grown with the aid of irrigation. In the absence of a water supply
much of the land is occupied largely by sage brush and cactus, with areas here and
there of bunch grass and bull pine, (Pinus ponderosa), distributed with more or less
frequency over the hill sides, but in the vicinity of the mountain streams, which are
numerous, the water is ingeniously directed into many channels so distributed over
the land as to afford desirable conditions of moisture, and the effect is most striking,
the apparent barrenness is transformed into wonderful fertility, and the results as
seen in the crops exhibited were quite a revelation.

There was a large assortment of squashes and cucumbers, good celery, very fine
Swedish turnips from 26 to 33 inches in circumference and very solid, large cabbages
with solid heads weighing from 15 to 25 pounds each, handsome solid white cauli-
flower from 14 to 15 inches across. Large mangels, long red, and round, excellent
carrots in great variety, some specimens of intermediates measured 15 inches around ;
the parsnips also were unusually fine. Of potatoes, the samples were magnificent.
There were tubers of St. Patrick, Early Rose, and several other varieties weighing
from 2 to 3 pounds each. A seedling raised in the district by Mr. Walker, of Caché
Creek, shown under the name of Blue Bell, attracted special attention on account of
its regularity of form and fine appearance, severa: of these weighed 3 pounds each;
there were tomatoes also which weighed from half pound to a pound each.

Of fruit there was a very good display and a few measurements were taken of
some varieties. Gloria Mundi measured fifteen inches in circumference, Blue Pear-

—

15)

main 13 inches. 'T'wenty Ounce 13 inches, Golden Russet, handsome clean specimens
9 inches, Blenheim orange 123 inches, Greenings 11}inches, Spitzenburg 11 inches,
Weathy 11 inches, Roxbury Russet 12 inches. The examples of Northern Spy were
very handsome and highly colored, Vanderere fine. Belle Angevine pears weighed
from one to two pounds each, Swans Orange were very large and Vicar of Winkfield
measured ten inches around at the widest part. There were fine luscious peaches,
some of them 8 inches in circumference; excellent Concord grapes well ripened; also
one of Rogers Hybrids, large Yellow Egg plums and some Red currants in good
condition.

Excellent field corn was shown of the variety known as Canada Yellow with,
ears well ripened and fully eleven inches long, also Horse Tooth corn with ears nine
inches long well filled and fairly well ripened. Stalks of fodder corn were also shown
measuring from 10 to 12 feet high. Some excellent grain was exhibited of Red Fife
and Ladoga wheat grown from seed sent from the Central Experimental Farm also
White Russian, Black Bearded and Centennial wheats. Good examples of both six-
rowed and two-rowed barleys, the latter specially bright and plump. One of the
finest of these was grown by Mr. E. Dougherty, of Clinton B. C., from a chance ear found
three years ago growing with other barley, this yielded the second year a “ milk-
pan-ful” and this season three sacks. Alfalfa has done well in this district; bales of
good alfalfa hay were shown by Mr. Pennie, of Savona, who has cut three
crops a year, yielding him about 4 tons of dry hay to theacre. He has 22 acres giving
this average, and finds the alfalfa to be excellent feed for his stock. Mr. Chas. A.
Semlim, of Caché Creek, has 25 acres under the same crop, and has had very similar
results. .

There were a few entries of stock, but nothing deserving of special mention; a
few good horses, and some fine poultry; some excellent butter both in tubs and rolls,
and a good show of hops of very fine quality.

FAIR AT MEDICINE HAT.

Returning eastward the fair at Medicine Hat was visited. One of the chief
features here was a large display of vegetables from the garden at the Canadian
Pacific Railway Station. Among these were some very well grown cabbages weigh-
ing from six to ten pounds each; very good potatoes, some of the tubers weighing a
pound or more each; Lima beans, and a great variety of other vegetable products, In
the ;general exhibit there were cabbages from 12 to 16 pounds each; mangels,
9 pounds each, solid, well grown specimens; and fair-sized turnips from 6 to 7

ounds each. There were good examples also of carrots, parsnips, vegetable marrow,

eets, onions, celery and citrons, with other products of the garden and field. There
were samples of Squaw corn, well ripened, excellent peas, both Black-Eyed Marrow-
fat_and Golden Vine; also, good examples of white beans and flaxseed. Mr.
J. H. Hawk, a farmer residing near the town, exhibited a bag of very fine two-rowed
barley, of the variety known as “Danish Chevalier,’ which weighed 564 pounds to
the bushel, and was very bright and plump, also one of Carter’s Prize Cluster Oats
which weighed 463 pounds to the bushel; both of these were raised from samples
of grain which had been sent to Mr. Hawk, for test, from the Central Experimental
Farm. These were the finest specimens of grain on exhibition.

Some very good butter was shown, also a fair collection of potatoes and other
vegetables of garden and field growth, and a good display of poultry including Ply-
mouth Rocks, Light Brahmas, Buff Cochins and White Leghorns. There was no
exhibit of cultivated fruits, but, in their place, samples of the preserved wild fruits
of the country, including wild black currant, choke cherry, buffalo berry, and pre-
served cactus pods; this last makes a very agreeable preserve, reminding one
of gooseberry.

FOREST TREES ON THE GREAT WESTERN PLAINS.

A wise policy has recently been adopted by the Canadian Pacific Railway of
setting apart, ateach of the more important railway stations through the sparsely

16

settled portions of the western plains, about an acre of land for garden purposes in
which are grown a number of different kinds of vegetables, small plots of grain and
other products, the whole being brightened by a few flower beds. At the request of
the Canadian Pacific Railway officers, a distribution of trees was made from the
Central Experimental Farm to 25 of these experimental gardens located at principal
points along the line between Moose Jaw and Calgary, a distance of about 440 miles,
with the view of testing their relative hardiness and adaptability to this region.
Twenty-five bundles were put up and forwarded, each containing 175 trees consist-
ing of the following varieties :

Deciduous Trees.

10 Manitoba Maple-—Wegundo aceroides.
10 American Elm.—Ulmus Americana.
10 Green Ash.—Fraxinus viridis.

10 White Ash.—Fraxinus Americana,
10 Locust.— Robinia pseudacacia,

10 European Larch Larix Europea.
10 Sugar Maple—Acer saccharinum.
Red Maple—Acer rubrum.

5 Soft Maple.—Acer dasycarpum.

5 Norway Maple.—Acer platanoides.

5 Black Walnut.—Juglans nigra.

5 Butternut.—Juglans cinerea.

5 American Beech.—Fagus ferruginea.

2 Wild Black Cherry.— Prunus serotina.

2 American Mountain Ash.—Pyrus Americana.

2 European Mountain Ash.—Pyrus acuparia.

2 Yellow Birch.—Betula lutea.

2 Canoe Birch.—Betula papyracea,

2 Rock Elm.—Ulmus racemosa.

2 European Alder.—Alnus glutinosa.

2 American Sycamore.—Platanus occidentalis,

2 Honey Locust.—Gleditschia triacanthos.

5 Russian Mulberry.—Morus hybrida.

2 Hardy Catalpa.—Catalpa speciosa.

2 Horse Chestnut.— @sculus hippocastaneum.

1 Kentucky Coffee tree —Gymnocladus Canadensis.
1 Ailanthus.—Ailanthus glandulosus.

1 Yellow Willow.—Salix.—?

1 Wisconsin Weeping Willow.—Salix Wisconsiana.
1 Tree Cranberry.— Viburnum opulus.

4 Barberry.—Berberis vulgaris.

Evergreen Trees.

10 Seotch Pine.—Pinus sylvestris.
10 Norway Spruce.—Abies excelsa.
5 Austrian Pine.—Pinus Austriaca.
5 Amer. Arbor Vitee—Thuya occidentalis.
5 White Spruce.—Abies alba.
4 White Pine —Pinus strobus.

To these were added ten currant bushes in five varieties, fourraspberry bushes in
two varieties, and fifty assorted strawberry plants.

The trees and plants sent were all grown on the Central Farm, they were of me-
dium size, well rooted and carefully packed, and they reached their destination in
good order. During my journey, going and returning, I had the opportunity of seeing
some of these trees and was gratified to find that in many instances they were doing
well. A careful inspection was made of the trees sent to the garden at Medicine

7,

Hat which is cared for under the direction of Mr. J. Niblock, superintendent of the
Western Division of the line, who is an enthusiastic lover of trees and has met with
encouraging success in his work, Reports are promised as to the results of these
tests which will be watched with much interest.

CENTRAL EXPERIMENTAL FARM.
SEED TESTING,

The usefulness of the seed testing department at the Central Farm to the farmers
of Canada is indicated by the increasing interest felt in that work, as shown by the
number of samples sent for test. During the year, 933 samples have been received
for this purpose. The results are given in the following summary .

|
| Number | Highest | Lowest |

Kind of Seed. essOh eel Percme lt pPerste || aes
| Tests. | centage. | centage. \lceus Lae
} |
—_—____. — — | | |
| |
WWiheatersGum Giese xc chine ce canine ore ven ede oe scarce cre 320 | 100 | 30 | 89
MO MMELOZEMIM eee. Mec eee ccieiee Sa a ORES SEG 221 99 15 | 75
GMMR LOLAI eam psn nit ina toler cc tewideimae cis ieee dele 541 | 100 15 83
Re GO TTI eee ROP ela faleY0ig PPA chc eos aie Rpancva ters wes ctaraveie apes 13 100 12 | 83
Gls TROZinl Ae Gatnad eee ae ee Coen ene Dee meiner i aroe es eal 94 2 47
do total...221.0211) PEE Ret RAN IRE yes oe 174 100 2 | 79
Parle ytsound yess yaad ba hashed ge Po tidesteabears Se leere,e FER @SRIeE 98 100 Gf) Ml aula
TOMB ELO ZEN sere iseai= Mis Sasioleors Ss isic’a Dats pena ae bee gee cus eimsva’esarece 17 99 14 | 7
115 100 14 84
5 95 81 85
3 90 | 42 7.
9 99 89 | 67
23 96 0 40
3 82 58 69
7 67 0 39
Zi 3 S4 64 7
i 2 98 80 | 89
(CHIDETOG) Ac add an hile aan Per ie nn eS 12 84 | AD ls 51
6 86 | 0 39
6 42 | 2 16
3 ait || 2 20
2 2 42
6 | 49
il | 68
1 8
al 15
-I 80
1 0
al LT,
1 4
1 8
1 13
1 18
1 10
1 100
1 83
Total number of samples of grain tested, highest and
lowest percentage and average vitality .... ....... 933 100 0 78

The tests of frozen grain have been especially useful to the farmers of the North-

West and the timely information given has no doubt saved many from the disap-

ointment which would in most cases have resulted from the use of inferior seed.

‘or while occasional instances have been reported of good crops being obtained where

frozen grain has been used for seed, the bulk of the evidence appears to be on the
6ce—2

18

other side and few farmers care to run the risk which always attends the sowing of
injured seed. In testing frozen grain not only was the percentage of germinating
power returned, but information was also given regarding the vigour or weakness
of the growth. It was often observed that where frozen grain had a tair percentage
of germinating power its vitality was so far injured that a very weakly growth was
made. These weaker plants sometimes gain strength and vigour rapidly in the
rich soil of the prairies when the weather is favourable, but if unfavourable con-
ditions prevail, their growth, is usually slow and stunted, and the crop uneven in
ripening. ,

During the season of 1889, rust has prevailed to an alarming extent in Ontario
and to some extent in Quebec and the Maritime Provinces. This parasitic attack
has resulted in a shrivelling of the grain and a weakening of its vitality, which is
especially the case with oats. The importance of sowing good seed is now generally
recognised, and as there is no way short of actual test by which the value of a
doubtful sample can be accurately ascertained, farmers should send such as they
desire to have tested at an early date so that the needed information may be had in
good season. An ounce or two is sufficient for the purpose, unless it is desired that
the weight per bushel be ascertained when not less than one pound should be for-
warded ; packages may be sent to the Experimental Farm free through the mail, the
information is given to the sender free of cost, and the time occupied in each test is
usually about two weeks. The new building recently completed for this purpose
gives almost unlimited capacity for the work, so that none need remain in uncer-
tainty as to the vitality of the seed they are proposing to use.

SEED DISTRIBUTION.

There have been distributed during 1889 for test among the farmersof the
Dominion 2,760 three-pound bags of seed grain of the following varieties :—

Whe atmla dog eceennnmtecesciaaseseseact creat easacee smc: nese eeaee 1,279
Barleys Two-rowed

JDyoved hts) ow Ni Bal inAyee oo snnSocds0b: Sodadobodéondedb ob dabdossoanocsagosed5onC0se . 204
Caritier’s\PrizerP rola cess secneenecsoss deewssecnccencscetnecerete 230
Beardileseucictin. scr cco cen soescensecoe Deak eines roe tha 165
Danish Chevalier..::.......- TAA caalean seeee eoee eae 178
Danish Printice Chevalier.. Bab AniomSzeOAa-ectsasneendsadocs 110
Peerless Wihitemseccs.ceeece 33
TMAaNeGssees seesaw cores 27
Garters Prize: Clusters. cisscecuescccesseesessatencceceneaceectioctececenee 179
Wiel GOmentemscc perch cchces sts ceeee cacduiinatsleree pee oe oceaeene eee : 331
Hat ly SBLOSSO Misses seer sascccsece eaeme acer taconite ccreseetererr eee sdadone 24

2,760

LADOGA WHEAT,

One hundred bushels of the Ladoga wheat was sold to the Quebec Government for
distribution among the farmers in that Province, forty bushels was sold to farmers in
New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, a like quantity to those in Prince Edward Island
and sixty bushels to those residing in Manitoba and the North-West Territories.

Up to the time of the date of this report there have been received 142 reports
of the results of the tests of this wheat for 1889; of these 117 are favourable and 25
unfavourable. The unfavourable reports are chiefly from Ontario and Quebec, where
rust has been very general on all varieties of wheat, and it would appear that in
these Provinces the Ladoga has suffered more from this cause than some other sorts.
These returns give the average yield from the 3 lbs, samples sent as 46]bs. The largest

19

yield yet reported is from M. Saunby of Inderby, British Columbia, in which case
1393 lbs. was harvested. The average weight per bushel of the samples which have
been sent of the grain produced is 603 lbs. per bushel. The heaviest sample comes
from Mr. Groat, of Edmonton, North-West Territories, weight 643 lbs. per bushel.
The Ladoga wheat continues to maintain its character for early ripening; the average
experience from the returns made gives it 94 days of an advantage over Red Fife
in this respect, and in the Maritime Provinces, where White Russian is principally
grown it is reported as being on an average 8 days earlier there than that variety.
The following extracts are given as examples from the more favourable reports
received from the several Provinces :

Daniel Collins, Mink River Road, Prince Edward Island, harvested 122 tbs. from
the 3 lbs. sent him. He says: ‘The Ladoga is ten to fifteen days earlier than other
varieties, and does not require such strong land.”

James Corcoran, Piusville, Prince Edward Island, had 74 tbs. from 3 ths. of seed,
and says: “It is twelve days earlier than White Russian sown side by side, and
about double the weight of grain, both getting the same chance. My opinion is that
this country has been supplied with a long felt want.”

Eli Thompson, of Whim Road Cross, Prince Edward Island, got 90 tbs. from
3 tbs. sown; he says there was “no rust, straw bright and clean, about ten days
earlier than ordinary wheat; my other wheat showed signs of rust.” Weight of
grain 613 tbs. to the bushel.

John Jennings, Newburgh, New Brunswick, had a yield of 102 ths. from 3 tbs.
2 oz. of seed. He says: “The Ladoga is as early as the earliest grown here, say ten
days earlier than the Manitoba Fife. If it does not rust, I think, it is a valuable
addition to our wheat.” -

M. Rideout, of Mount Pleasant, Carleton County, New Brunswick, had 91 tbs.
from 3 ibs. of seed, and says: “It was the best wheat i ever sowed. Weight of grain
621 tbs. to the bushel.

Robert Smith, of Pugwash, Nova Scotia, got 593 Ibs. from 3 tbs., and says: “It
is about ten days earlier than other sorts. Iam very much pleased with the wheat,
it has a good hard appearance.” Weight 594 tbs. to the bushel.

William Andrews, of Stewiacke, Nova Scotia, who got 46 Ibs. from 3. tbs,
says: “It ripened ten days earlier than White Russian, which was sown on same
day and under same conditions. I consider it a valuable wheat.”

Joseph Seguin, of Point Fortune, Quebec, had 63 tbs. from 3 tbs. sown, and says:
“Tt ripened about ten days earlier than other varieties; will sow crop next spring ;
much satisfied.”

T. Lyster of Melbourne, Quebec, harvested 60 lbs. from 3 lbs. sown and says “ it
ripened one week sooner than White Russian.”

Lazare Demers, of St. Julie, Megantic County, Quebec, got 40 lbs. of fine wheat
which weighed 624 lbs. to the bushel from 3 Ibs. of seed. He says it is “ about 10
days earlier than other wheat, the quantity obtained is about 33 per cent. better.”

John C. Gurney, of Rockingham, Renfrew, Ontario, got 114 lbs. from 3 lbs. of
seed. He says “I believe it to be 10 to 14 days earlier than any other kind that I am
acquainted with, and believe the yield would be very large under favourable circum-
stances ; yielded about 40 bushels to the acre, would have yielded 60 bushels if it had
not been for rast.’ Weight 594 lbs. per bushel.

Henry Jennings, Victoria Square, Markham, Ontario, got 83 lbs. from 3 lbs. of
seed and says: “It is a few days earlier than other varieties, no rust, but badly
midged.”

rain Fitzgerald, Mount St. Louis, Simcoe, Ontario, had 61 lbs. from 3 Ibs. sown.
He says; “It ripened 10 days earlier than Russian or other spring wheats, yields
panally as well, but grain is small, a little rusted, spring wheat very much rusted
this year.”

£. H. Dewart, Milford, Manitoba, got 63 lbs. from 3 Ibs. of seed, and says: “It
ripens about five days earlier than Red Fife, sown same day and place. I think it
stood the test well.”

6c—24

20

J. R. Patterson, Pilot Mound, Manitoba, who got a yield of 60 lbs. from 3 Ibs.
says: “It is about eight days earlier than Red Fife. This was a very dry season, but
if all grain had done as well as this I should have been well pleased.”

Andrew Johnson, of Mowbray, Manitoba, got a sample two years ago from which
he ‘has now plenty of seed, he thinks very well of it and says: ‘I sowed 20 acres in
same field as Red Fife.”

A. Lennie, of Edmonton, North-West Territories, got 30 Ibs. from 3 Ibs. sown.
He says: ‘It is 10 days earlier than other sorts.”

A very fine sample has also been received from the Rev. A. C. Garrioch, of Dun-
vegan, Peace River, which weighs 64lbs. to the bushel ; in this instance the yield is
not given.

ML Saunby, of Inderby, British Columbia, had a sample of 3 lbs, Ladoga sent him
in the spring of 1888, from this he got 80 lbs. which he used as seed this year and
harvested 3,720 Ibs. equal to 1393 Ibs., from 3 lbs. He says: *‘ It is one week earlier
than other wheats, yield 62 bushels to the acre.”

DANISH CHEVALIER BAKLEY.

Two sacks of this very fine variety of two-rowed bariey were obtained in the
spring of 1888 from Copenhagen, Denwark, through the kindness of the presiaent
of the Danish Royal Agricultural Society, and was a fine sample of the celebrated
barley which commands so ready a market in Great Britain at high prices. It
weighed 57 Ibs. to the bushel. This barley grown on the Central Farm this season
weighs 503 Ibs, to the bushel, but the yield has been over 31 bushels to the acre. The
same grain grown on the Experimental Farm at Indian Head, North-West Terri-
tories, weighs 55 lbs. to the bushel, and at Brandon, Manitoba, 54 lbs. The number
of returns received to date is 19, all of which are favourable. The average yield is
63 lbs.

Fred. R. Mellish, Union Road, Montague Bridge, Prince Edward Island, got 42
Ibs. from 3 lbs. sown. He says: “it will compare favourably with any other as to
weight of crop, and it ripens in same period as other varieties sown here, am well
pleased.” The weight of this sample was 493 lbs. to the bushel.

James Kerr, Summer Hill, Queen’s County, New Brunswick, had 130 lbs. from
3 lbs. sown. He says: “The yieldis great. I intend sowing all the barley I have next
spring.” Weight of sample, 474 lbs. to the bushel.

John Murphy, of Dalling, Quebec, who had 45 Ibs. from 3 lbs. sown, says: “The
crop was very heavy, but later than the common barley.” Weight 48 lbs. per bushel.

Geo. Fisher, Freeman, Ontario, got 125 lbs. from 2 lbs. 13 oz. of seed. He says:
“Tt ripened about ten days later than,common six-rowed, and is much heavier.” The
weight of the sample was 544 lbs. to the bushel.

Daniel Baxter, Belmont, Ontario, had 115 lbs. from 3 lbs., and says: “That the
straw was bright and of reasonable length, earlier than other barleys and heavier
than other sorts.”

J. J. Coyne, of Chesterville, Ontario, got 96 lbs. from 3 lbs. sown. He says:
“ Straw excellent, tall and long headed grain, best I have ever seen in this line. I
expect I would have had better grain and more of it but rain and wind destroyed it
and left it coloured.” Weight, 464 lbs. per bushel.

A. W. Peart, of Freeman, Ontario, had 94 lbs. from 3 lbs. of seed. He says:
“Sown 15th April, harvested 3rd August, no rust whatever, straw long, bright,
pliable, tendency to lodge; compared with ordinary six rowed barley the two-rowed
ripened two weeks later, compared with Russian a week later. Pound for pound in
sowing, the two-rowed gave 31 for 1, the six-rowed 23 for 1. I sowed two-rowed at
the rate of 1} bushels per acre and six-rowed at 1¢ bushels. As you see by sample
the two-rowed is very fine barley, much larger than the six-rowed. The two-rowed
was sown side by side with the six-rowed and I noticed it was several days longer in
coming up. I am very much pleased with it. My six-rowed barley yielded 41
bushels per acre.” The sample sent by Mr. Peart weighed 53 lbs. to the brshel.

Thomas Manderson, of Myrtle, Ontario, who had 75 tbs. from 3 tbs., says: “ It
zipened about ten days’ later than common six-rowed.” Sample weighed 53 Ibs. per

ushel.

J. L. Hawk, of Medicine Hat, North-West Territories, sends in the handsomest
sample yet received, very bright ‘and plump, weighing 564 Ibs. to the bushel. This
barley took first prize at the Medicine Hat Fair, Mr, Hawk got 57 tbs. from 3 tbs.
of seed. He says: “Straw a good length and very bright. “LT had no other bar ley
sown, but think it not quite so early as the old kind.”

Reports from the other Provinces are not yet received.

DANISH PRINTICE CHEVALIER.

This variety was also obtained from the Danish Royal Agricultural Society.
Grown at the Central Farm this year it yielded 364 bushels to the acre and weighed
50 tbs. to the bushel. At Indian Head it weighed 53h ibs., and at Brandon 53 tbs. -

C. Newcomb, Weymouth, Nova Scotia, cot 122 tbs. from 3 tbs. of seed. He
says: ‘It is two weeks later than other barley sowed alongside. It took first prize
at our County Exhibition.”

Thomas Manderson, of Myrtle, Ontario, had 83 Ibs. from 3 Ibs. of seed. He
says: “The straw is weak, rather on the short side; all blew down. Cut same day
as other samples ; too weak in the straw for this section of country.” Weighed 53
lbs, per bushel.

J. Baxter, Pickering, Ontario, had 48 tbs. from 3 tbs. sown. He says: “Straw
rather weak; broken down with a rain storm at time of ripening; later than the
six-rowed varieties.” Weighed 52 Ibs. to the bushel.

Other Provinces not yet heard from.

ENGLISH MALTING BARLEY,

This was a very fine and bright sample of barley, which was purchased at the
Corn Exchange, London, England, and weighed 54} tbs. to the bushel. Grown at
the Central Farm this season it has yielded . 34+ bushels to the acre, weighing 508
Tbs. per bushel. The same variety, grown at Indian Head, weighs 53} tbs., and :
Brandon 53 Ibs.

John McDonald, St. Peter’s Lake, Prince Edward Island, had 50 tbs. from 2# tbs.
of seed. He says: “Norust; straw fairly good; light growth; no other barley sown.”
The sample sent by Mr. McDonald is very fine, and w eighs 542 Ibs. per bushel.

Donald McLennan, Indian Brook, Nova Scotia, who had 3 pecks from 2# Ibs.
sown, sends also a good sample, weighing 524 tbs. per bushel. He says: “Straw very
brittle. I think our ordinary barley “does here just as well.”

Wallace Oliver, Magog, Quebec, had 45 lbs. from 23 tbs.sown. Hesays: “ Straw
fair length, soft and limber. I think it is fully ten days later than the six-rowed.
Weighed 51 tbs. per bushel.

Joseph Buel La Patrie, Quebec, harvested 30 ths. from 2% Ibs. of seed, and
says: “Straw 24 feet long; grain early and fine.”

INS Vive Bee Rebecca, Ontario, had 130 lbs. from 2? lbs. sown. He says:
“Sown 25th May; harvested Ist August ; straw bright and good. I think it is a little
later than the four-rowed barley, but think it would beat it in weight per acre. Some
of it lodged and injured the sample.” Weight 524 Ibs. per bushel.

Mr. ~ McNaughton, of Gour oek, Guelph, had 102 Ibs from 23 tbs. of seed, and says:
“Sown 18th April; harvested 3rd August. No rust observable; straw good, bright,
clean; from ten days to two weeks later in ripening than our Canadian barley. The
plot of ground was shaded by trees, and it did not have such a good chance to
mature. As far as this sample of two-rowed English is concerned, the only drawback
is its lateness of ripening.” Weight 53+} tbs. per bushel.

Major Boulton, of Shellmouth, Manitoba, sends a very good sample of this
barley, weighing 524 Tbs. per bushel, ¢ grown by Denmark & Martin, of Russell, Mai-
toba. He says: ‘Straw short; rather coarse ; no rust; about the same as other barley
as to ripening; no means of ascertaining weight.”

Donald Graham, of Spillamacheen, British Columbia, harvested 174 tbs. from 22
Ibs. ofseed. He says: “Sowed 19th April; harvested 29th July. No rust; straw very
fair, but somewhatinclined to lodge. About as early as six-rowed, but yields better.”

W. A. Johnson, Quesnelle, British Columbia, had 64 ths. from 2? tbs. sown, and
says: “Sown 30th April; harvested 25th August. No rust; straw short and weak;
ripens later than other kinds; grain plump, bright and of good weight.” Weighed
502 tbs. per bushel.

BEARDLESS BARLEY.

The seed of this variety was purchased from Oakshott & Millard, seedsmen,
Reading, England. As imported in 1888, it weighed 56 Tbs. to the bushel and was
handsome and plump. Grown in the field at the Central Farm the past season, it has
yielded a little over 50 bushels to the acre, weighing 514 tbs. to the bushel, The
sime grain grown on the Indian Head Farm weighs 55 ee per bushel, and at Bran-
don 52 Ibs. ~ This barley cannot correctly be called beard{ess, as itis bearded like
other varieties, but sometimes sheds its beard when mature. The beard drops
from it when touched if fully ripe, which is an advantage in threshing ; 165 samples
were sent out, but only seven reports are yet received, and in most of these the yield
is not given.

J. Dearness Granton, Middlesex, Ontario, got 55 Tbs. from 3 ths. of seed. He says:
“There is no noticeable difference as to the earliness; sample is unusually large,
bright and good.”

Joseph “Lang, of St. Marys, Ontario, had 50 Tbs. from 3 Tbs. of seed. It was sown
20th April and harvested 16th July. He says: “It is not so early as the six-rowed.”

Peerless White and Thanet barleys are not yet reported on.

CARTER’S PRIZE PROLIFIC BARLEY.

This new strain of two-rowed barley, recently introduced by James Carter & Co.,
Seedsmen, London, England, is claimed to be the most prolific barley in cultivation
and one of the very best for malting. Seed was obtained from Carter & Co. in time
for last springs sowing, and the weight of the grain as imported was 544 tbs. per
bushel. From the character of the reports received from all parts of the Dominion
where samples were sent for test, and the universal favor in which it is held, it must
be regarded as very promising. "The crop on the Central Farm was not particularly
heavy, 313 bushels to the acre, but the season was not favorable, and the piece of land
on which it was sown not in as good condition for a. barley crop as were some other
fields. It weiyhs 504 ths. to the bushel. Thr ough an error inshipping, the bag of Carter’s
barley, whic h ihn have gone to Indian Head for test, was sent to Brandon, On this.
account there is no report from Indian Head. The crop at Brandon weighed 54 Ibs.
per bushel,

Benjamin Cole, of Centreville, Prince Edward Island, got 95 Ibs. from 3 lbs. seed,
which weighed 56 tbs. to the bushel. He says: “Sowed 7th May; harvested 27th
August; no rust; straw bright; heads long, but somewhat thin. Was late maturing ;
will sow earlier next year; am well satisfied with result.”

H. T. Hall, Gagetown, Queen’s Co., New Brunswick, got 47 tbs. from 3 Ibs. of seed.

Hesays: “Sown 21st May; harvested 21st August; no rust; straw not strong enough ;
lodged badly. Like the grain well ; ripens about same time as our other barley; weighs
21 Ths, more.’ Sample weighs 481 tbs. to bushel.

Dunean Scat of Iverness, Quebec, who had 60 Ibs. from 3 Ibs. seed, says: “Sowed
6th May; harvested 2nd September. No rust; straw long and coarse ; ripens: ‘about same
time as other barley, but far heavier crop. If it will turn out as well in future as
the sample did, it will be a great boon.” Sample weighed 53} Ibs. per bushel.

Henr y Jennings, Victoria Square, Markham, Ontario, har vested 176 tbs. from 3 tbs.
seed. He says: © ‘Sowed 12th April; harvested 5th August. Norust or smut; straw
heavy, coarse, and lodged badly ; grain a great deal heavier than other Isinds and 3 or
4 days later. I think ‘this barley will be a great success; the heads were very long.

———

23

I have given it a fair trial, without any artificial manures,” Sample weighed 53 tbs.
per bushel.

Henry R. Wilson, Winona, Ontario, got 147 Ibs. from 3 Tbs. seed. Hestates that
he “Sowed 15th April; harvested Ist August. No rust or smut; straw clean and
bright; ripened about the same time as the six-rowed barley. The principal gain is
its great weight, as it over-runs 6 or 7 Tbs. to the bushel. The long continued cold
rains in the spring and the dry hot weather at time of ripening was unfavorable.”
This sample was a very fine one, plump and bright, and weighed 55+ tbs. to the bushel.

Dunean McDonald, of Glen Robertson, Glengarry, Ontario, who had 120 ibs. from
3 tbs. seed, says: “Sowed 2nd May; harvested 8th August. No rust or smut; straw
very white. It took from 10 to 14 days longer to ripen than our common barley.”
Sample weighed 524 tbs. per bushel.

Colin Phillips, of Brougham, Ontario, had 110 tbs. from 3 lbs. seed and writes as
follows: “Sowed 24th April; harvested 8th August; yield 110 Ibs. clean, besides
part lost in threshing. No rust or smut; straw long, bright, medium stiff; from 10
to 15 days later than other sorts in ripening. I took a sample to Pickering Harbor
and had it tested for weight by Mx. Sparks, Inspector of Barley there. He made it
54 tbs. per bushel.” The sample received was rather dark in color. The weight as
tested by us was 54 ibs. to the bushel.

McKee Bros., of Heaslip, Manitoba, saved 67 ths. from 3 tbs. seed, but they
say “gophers and cattle destroyed about one-third,” which would make the yield
about 89 tbs. They report as follows: ‘Sowed 31st April; harvested 20th August.
No rust orsmut; straw strong, and about 18 inches high. In earliness, is about the same
as other barley.’ Sample weighed 51 ths. per bushel. :

Duncan McCuaig, of Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, got 68 ths. from 3 Tbs. sown,
and says: “Sowed 29th April; harvested 21st August. No rust or smut; straw good
and long. It was a few days later than other barley, probably on account of its
being thinner sown.” Sample weighed 522 ths. per bushel.

L. A. Agassiz, of Agassiz, British Columbia, reports the extraordinary yield of
365 Tbs. from 3 Ibs. of seed. He says: “Sowed 30th April; harvested 20th August.
No rust or smut; straw light medium. Owing to wet weather at harvest it was
discolored.”

CARTER’S PRIZE CLUSTER OATS.

This new variety of white oat was also sent out by Carter & Co. It is claimed
to be the heaviest, earliest and most prolific white oat in cultivation. The seed as
received weighed 42 tbs. per bushel, and was very bright and handsome. Grown
on the Central Farm it produced 50 bushels to the acre, but the weight, on account
of rust, was deficient, being 344 Ibs. per bushel. At Indian Head the yield was
over 34 bushels to the acre, and the weight 454 tbs. to the bushel. At Brandon the
weight was 42 tbs. per bushel. The reports thus far received are very encouraging,
and indicate that the introduction of this new oat will be of great advantage to the
farmers of the Dominion.

Geo. Baird, of Bairdsville, New Brunswick, harvested 115 tbs. from 2 tbs. of
seed. He reports: “ No rust or smut; straw bright and yellow. It is the heaviest oat
I have raised, and as early as any except the White Russian. These oats are going
to make a great improvement in regard to change of seed.” Sample very fine;
weighed 42 tbs. per bushel.

Robert H. Goggin, Elgin, N. B., had 90 ths. from 2? lbs. sown. He says: “Sowed
10th May; harvested 16th August. The straw was tall and stout. This oat compares
very favorably with other kinds.” Sample weighed 38? tbs. per bushel.

H. H. Blois, of Gore, Nova Scotia, got 57 ths. from 2? tbs. seed, and says: “ Sowed
4th May; harvested 20th August. Norust to speak of; no smut; straw fairly good ;
lodged some with rain storms; not stiff enough to stand much top dressing ; ripens
about the same as our common black oats. The oats throughout this section of
country were affected with rust this season—nearly ruined in some instances.” Weight,
39 Tbs. per bushel.

24

John Fleetwood, St. Ann’s, N.S., had 34 Ibs. from 2? ths. sown. He says: “sowed,
25th May; harvested 28th August. There wassome rust ; no smut; straw was tall and
turned of a reddish brown colour. It isa good deal earlier than other sorts, except the
Welcome. This year was not favourable for testing any grain in this country, as
there was a great failure in all grains.” Weight of sample, 35 tbs. per bushel.

John Middleton, Point Fortune, Quebec, got 40 lbs. from 2? Ibs. seed, and says:
Sowed last of April; harvested last of July. No rust; nor smut; straw good; 6 feet
long; earlier than other sorts, also a better yielder; was sown in a corner of a field
where it was much eaten by squirrels, or would have yielded 5 or 10 ths. more.

Samuel Lee, of Stoney Creek, Ontario, had 115 tbs. from 23? tbs. sown, and says:
“ Sowed 8th May ; harvested 12th August. Some rust ; somesmut; straw very good, 6
days earlier than the rest of the oats on the farm.” Sample weighed 39 ibs. per
bushel.

Geo, E. Fisher, of Freeman, Ontario, got 112 tbs. from 2? tbs. seed. He says.
“sowed 15th April; harvested 5th August. Considerable rust and a little smut; straw
remarkably tall and quite soft ; much inclined to go down; ripens with Welcome; grain
quite as heavy as the Welcome oats.” The sample received was very good, and weighed
43 Ibs. per bushel.

Thos. Manderson, of Myrtle, Ontario, got 72 tbs. from 2$ tbs. sown. He says: “Sowed
15th April; harvested 2nd August. No rust or smut; straw very good; stood up fine;
they ripened same time as my other white oats. I think these oats will answer this
country very well.” Weight of sample, 414 tbs. per bushel.

Dunean McCuaig, Portage la Prairie, had 40 Tbs. from 2? tbs. seed. He says:
“ Sowed 29th April; harvested 15th August. Somerust; good straw ; has done well.
The season being so dry our general oat crop was a failure this year with drought
and rust.” Weight of sample, 384 tbs. to the bushel.

A.S. Harding, of Whitewood, North West Territories, had 45 Tbs. from 2? Ibs.
sown, andsays: ‘Sowed 9th April; barvested 6th August. No rust or smut; straw
tall and strong; valuable for feed purposes. This is evidently a superior kind in early
maturing and size of heads and grain; have a very good opinion of it; very dry
season here this year.” Weight of sample, 33} tbs. to the bushel.

J. L. Hawk, Medicine Hat, North-West Territories, got 59 lbs. from 2} Ibs.
sown, and says: “Sowed 7th April; harvested 7th August; no rust, but afew heads
of smut; straw long and bright; is about two weeks earlier than any other oats, and
gives a better yield.” This is the heaviest sample yet received. Weight, 463 lbs.
per bushel.

L. A. Agassiz, of Agassiz, British Columbia, had 223 Tbs. from 23 ibs. of
seed. He writes: “Sowed 30th April; harvested 13th August; no rust; no smut;
straw rather stiff; medium height; grain early and good. Owing to wet weather at
harvest a great deal was lost; it was also discolored.”

W. A. Johnson, Quesnelle, British Columbia, harvested 87 tbs. from 23 ths. of
seed. He reports as follows: “Sowed 30th April; harvested 18th August; no
rust; no smut; straw long, apparently of sufficient strength to prevent lodging; com-
pares favourably with other sorts, being ripe ten days earlier than any other oat on
the farm.” Sample very fine, weighing 43 Tbs. to the bushel.

EARLY BLOSSOM OATS.

A few samples of this variety have been distributed, and in some districts it has
given good results. On the Central Farm the yield was 30} bushels to the acre, but
owing to rust the weight of the grain did not exceed 31 tbs. to the bushel. At
Indian Head the weight was 42 tbs. to the bushel, and at Brandon 34 ths.

John Corbett, of Summerhill, New Brunswick, got 41 tbs. from 2 tbs. of seed,
and says: “Sowed 13th May; harvested 24th August; no rust; no smut; straw
coarse, and bright in color. It is two or three days earlier than other oats sown on
the same day, and compares very favorably with them.” Sample weighed 373 tbs.
per bushel.

K. Frechette, St. Julie, Megantic, Quebec, had 89 tbs. from 2? tbs. sown. He
says: “There was no rust; no smut; straw stout and long; grain much better than
any other varieties on the same ground.” Weighs 39} ibs. per bushel.

John Leader, McIntosh Mills, Ontario, had 74 tbs. from 2? tbs. of seed, and
says: “No rust; no smut; straw coarse and heavy; ripens six or seven days earlier
than other oats. Is superior to any I have grown on my farm; ripens earlier and
yields better, and the straw is very good.” Weighs 334 tbs. per bushel.

Adolph Lundgrew, Scandinavia, Manitoba, had 57 tbs. from 22 tbs. seed. He
says: “Sowed 4th May; harvested 3rd September; no rust; very little smut; straw
3 to 4 feet long, and up to # inch in diameter; yield nearly double the quan-
tity of other oats sown at the same time. A frost about the end of May, when the
grain was 3 inches high, destroyed it. Otherwise, the result would have been
better.’ Weighed 374 Ibs. to the bushel.

A few reports on the test of Welcome oats have been received, some of them
quite favourable; but as this is now a well known variety in most districts, it is
scarcely necessary to occupy space here with the details.

TREE SEEDS.

A limited number of tree seeds have also been distributed, including many
packages of Manitoba maple, or box elder, with some elm and white ash. There
were also sent out 440 bags containing from 1 to 2 Ibs. each of black walnuts and
117 bags of butternuts. Some interesting reports have already been received
regarding these nuts and tree seeds, and many more to whom they were sent will no
doubt yet be heard from,

STOCK.

During the months of June and July some purchases of cattle were made for
the Experimental Farm of the following breeds: Shorthorns, Ayrshires, Holsteins,
Jerseys and Polled Angus. Of the Shorthorns, two bulls, four cows and six heifers
of milking strains, and three heifers of special beef strains. Ayrshires, one bull,
five cows and one heifer; Holsteins, three bulls, two cows and five heifers; Jerseys,
one bull, four cows and one heifer ; and Polled Angus, one bull and five heifers-making
in all forty-four animals—eight bulls, fifteen cows and twenty-one heifers. In making a
purchase of three Holstein bulls these have been bought with the intention ofsending
two of them to the other Experimental Farms in the spring; the second Durham bull
was also bought for a like purpose. Since these were purchased there has been the
following increase by births. One Shorthorn bull calf, three Ayrshire bull calves, one
Jersey bull calf, one Ayrshire heifer calf, one Shorthorn heifer, and one Jersey heifer.
Hence there are in all fifty pure bred animals, to which may be added three grade
cows and one grade heifer, making a total of fifty-four. On the other hand we have lost
two Jersey cows from acute inflammation of the stomach. Much care has been taken
in selecting these animals, and the endeavour made to combine as far as was prac-
ticable the most desirable strains in each herd, so that a good foundation might be
laid from which surplus animals could be drafted to meet the requirements of the
other Experimental Farms. All these animals have been bought within the Dominion,
excepting two bulls and five heifers of the Holstein breed, which were selected from
the celebrated herd of Smith, Powell & Lamb, of Syracuse, New York. The
following particulars relating to the pedigrees of the individual members of the
several herds will, it is hoped, be of interest, and enable anyone who desires to
pursue the enquiry further to trace back in the several herd books the entire
pedigree of each animal :—

SHORTHORN BULLS,

Rosy Prince 8th, No. 9,198, C. H. B. Date of birth 6th November, 1886; colour
red, with a little white; bred by Richard Gibson, Delaware, Ontario; sire Wild Eyes
Laddie, No. 67,992, E. H. B.; dam Rosy Princess 7th, by 7th Lord of Oxford, No.

26

17,586, E. H. B; 2nd Dam Rosy Princess 6th, by 22nd Duke of Airdrie, No. 16695,
H. H. B.

Duke of Belvoir. Date of birth, 20th April, 1889; colour roan; bred by Gibson
& Burch, Delaware, Ontario ; sire 8th Duke of Leicester (Imp.), No. 9279, C. H. B ;
dam Waterloo 48th, by Duke of Oxford, No. 39770, E. H. B; 2nd Dam 43rd Waterloo
by Oxfords Baron, No. 32,030, E. H. B.

COWS AND SHORTHORN HEIFERS.
Milking Strains.

Countess of Darlingtun 12th, No. 14,193, C. H. B. Date of birth, July 19, 1885;
colour red and white; bred by Richard Gibson, Delaware, Ontario ; sire Marquis of
Kirklevington, No. 52,664; Dam Countess of Darlington 8th, No. 14,190; by Oxford
Duke, 45,297, E. H. B. ; 2nd dam Countess of Darlington, by 14th Duke of Airdrie,
41,348, E. H. B.

Elmwood Garland 3rd, No. 14,327 C.H.B., date of birth, August Ist, 1885,
colour red: bred by T. D. Hodgins, London, Ont, sire (Imp.) Belooch; dam Lady
Garland 4th, by Earl of Ulster, No. 29,488, E. H. B.: 2nd dam Glosters Garland 2nd,
by 17th Duke of Airdrie, No. 6629 E. H. B.

Cherry Constance 3rd, date of birth, 7th November, 1887; colour red and
white; bred by Gibson & Burch, Dalaware ; sire Wild Eyes Laddie, No. 67992, E.
H. B., dam 4th, Constance of Springbrook; 2nd dam, Lady Constance 5th, by Lord
Mayor, No. 6969 C. H. B.

Flower of Berkeley, No. 14197; date of birth, 22nd September, 1886; colour
roan; bred by Richard Gibson, Delaware, Ont; sire, Lord Kirklevington, of Erie 2nd;
dam Fuchsia, by Cambridge Duke ; 2nd dam Fidessa, by Red Duke.

Guelder Duchess, No. 14,360; date of birth, 2nd June; 1887, colour roan; bred
by T. D. Hodgins, London Ont. ; sire, Duke of Guelders, No. 47,740, E. H. B.; dam,
Elmwood Duchess, by Buckhurst ; 2nddam Seraphina Duchess 5th; by 7th Lord of
Oxford.

Wild Flower No, 14206.—Date of birth, 3rd April, 1886; colour red and white;
bred by Richard Gibson, Delaware, Ontario; sire Wild Eyes Laddie No. 9192 C.H.B;
dam Hermosa by Prince 3344; 2nd dam Rose by Viceroy of Richmond.

Columbine No. —Date of birth, 24th November, 1888; colour red; with a
little white; bred by Richard Gibson, Delaware; sire Duke of Wellington; dam Wild
Flower 14206 by Wild Eyes Laddie 9192 C.H.B.; 2nd dam Hermosa by Prince 3344.

Miss Elgins 5th No. 16647.—Date of birth, 23rd April, 1886; colour red; with a
little white; bred by James Graham, Port Perry, Ontario; sire Minna Duke No. 2108
C.H.B; dam Miss Elgins 2nd No, 4018 by Royal Buck 2374; 2nd dam Miss Elgins
4017 by Fairfax 1779.

Cowslip 3rd No. 16646.—Date of birth, 13th October, 1886; colour red; bred by
James Graham, Port Perry, Ontario; sire Prince Victor 5th; dam Cowslip 2nd, by
Royal Buck 2374; 2nd dam Cowslip 797 by Senator 1058.

Wildame 2nd, No, 16648.—Date of birth, 8th November, 1886; colour, red; bred
by James Graham, Port Perry, Ontario; sire, Prince Victor 5th; dam, Wildame,

8186, by Oakwood Duke, 3593; 2nd dam Blossom, 2521, by Royal Prince, 1041.

: BEEF STRAINS

Maggie Bly 11th, No. 16917.—Date of birth, 28th January, 1887; colour, roan;
bred by John Miller & Sons, Brougham, Ontario; sire, Vice Consul (Imp.), 4132;
dam, Maggie Bly 5th, 7024, by Young Mayflower, 1197; 2nd dam, Maggie Bly, 7023,
by Canadian Prince, 43.

Red Rosebud 2nd, No, 16918.—Date of birth, 14th November, 1887; colour, red
and white; bred by John Miller & Sons, Brougham, Ontario; sire, Vice Consul
(Imp.), 4132; dam, Rosebud (Imp.), 5205, by Gladstone, 43286; 2nd dam, Rosebud
6th, by Sir Christopher, 22895.

27

=

Ury 22nd, No. 16919.—Date of birth, 12th June, 1888; colour, red; bred by
John Miller & Sons, Brougham, Ontario; sire, Vice Consul (Imp.), 4132; dam, Ury
20th by Royal Booth, 3817; 2nd dam, Victoria, by High Sheriff 2nd, 702.

HOLSTEIN FRIESIANS—BULLS.

Ruth Artis 2nd Netherland, No. 9451.—Date of birth, 29th July, 1888; colour
two-thirds black, strip in face: bred by Smiths, Powell & Lamb, Syracuse, N.Y.;
sire, Netherland Statesman, N.H.B. 3280, A.R. 38; dam, Ruth Artis 2nd, N.H.B.,
10385, A.R. 487. by Netherland Prince, N.H.B. 716, A.R.8. This cow has a three
year old butter record of 13 tbs. 94 ozs. in a week, and a milk record of 9,356 tbs. in
11 months and 1 day; 2nd dam Ruth Artis, N.H.B. 4517, A.R. 143; who has a two-
year- old milk record of 11,016 tbs. in a year.

Netherland Pythias, No. 9,167.—Date of birth, 11th June, 1888; colour, white
predominating, black spots and patches on head and body; bred by Smiths, Powell
& Lamb, Syracuse, N.Y ; sire, Netherland Prince, N.H.B. 716, A.R. 8; dam, Aaggie
Cornelia 4th, N.H.B. 4443, A.R. 43, by Alexander N.H.B. 83. She has a three-year-
old milk record of 13,818 tbs. in a year, and a butter record of 19 Ibs. $ oz. in a week;
2nd dam Aaggie Cornelia, N.H.B. 4410, A.R. 40, by Rooker. She gave in Holland
73 tbs. 3 oz. milk in one day, and first year after importation 14,562 Tbs. in one year;
butter record, 19 tbs. 1 oz. in a week.

“Onnetta’s Edgely,” No. 11308.—Date of birth, 8th October, 1888; colour, black,
with white markings; bred by Smith Bros., Churchville, Ontario; sire, Duke of
Edgely, H. F. 552; dam, Onetta, D.F. 1816.

HOLSTEIN FRIESIAN COWS AND HEIFERS.

Netherland Dorinda 2nd, H.F.H.B. 2604, A.R. 489.—Date of birth, 8th August,
1885; colour, two-thirds white, with black markings; bred by Smiths, Powell &
Lamb, Syracuse, N.Y.; sire, Sir Henry 2nd of Aaggie N.H.B. 1451, A-.R. 5; dam,
Netherland Dorinda, H.H.B. 6894, A.R. 199, by Schreuder; milk record, 13,659 tbs.
inayear; butter record, 24 tbs. 9 oz. in a week, 96 tbs. 24 oz. in thirty days—16 8); Ibs.
of milk making 1 pound of butter; 2nd dam, Bontje, a very fine cow in Holland,

Netherland Dorinda 3rd, H.F.H.B. 4560—Date of birth, 21st October, 1886 ;
colour, mostly black, with small star; bred by Smiths, Powell & Lamb, Syracuse, N.Y. ;
sire, Netherland Prince, H.H.B. 716, A.R. 8; dam, Netherland Dorinda, H.H.B.
6894, AR. 199; 2nd dam, Bontje. Netherland Dorinda 3rd gave as a two-year-old
in 3 months and 17 days to the time of sale, 3,106 lbs. of milk, and made 11 Ibs.
124 oz. butter in a week.

Abi, H.F.H.B. 9831.—Date of birth, 5th July, 1887; colour, black, with white
patches; bred by C. F. Sweezey, Marion, N.Y.; sire, Oatka 3rd Neptune, jr., H.H.B.
4531; dam, Snowie, H.F.H.B. 3114, by Empire Boy, H.H.B. 2615; 2nd dam, Rosa-
lind, H.H.B. 577.

Aaggie Cornelia 2nd Netherland, H.F.H.B. 12217.—Date of birth, 4th July 1888;
colour, two-thirds black, strip in face; bred by Smiths, Powell & Lamb, Syracuse,
NY.; sire, Netherland Prince, H.H.3. 716, A.R.8; dam, Aaggie Cornelia 2nd, H.H.B.
4341, A.R. 41. Milk record, 14,610 Tbs. in a year; butter record, 19 fbs. 6 oz. ina
week— 21.7%. ibs. of milk making 1 tb of butter. She is by Alexander N.H.B. 83,
2nd dam, Aaggie Cornelia, H.H.B. 4410, A.R. 40. She gave in Holland 73 ths. of
milk in one day. In 1885 she gave 16,794 tbs. of milk in one year; butter record,
19 ths. 1 oz. in a week. She is by Rooker, the sire of Aaggie H.H.B. 901.

Louverse 2nd Clothilde H.F.H.B. 13539.—Date of birth, 29th November, 1888 ;
colour, three-fourths black, strip in face; bred by Smiths, Powell & Lamb, Syracuse,
N.Y.; sire, Clothilde 4th Artis, H.F.H.B.5488; dam, Louverse 2nd, H.F.H.B. 6710,
A.R. 510. Butter record as a two-year-old, 11 ths. 14 oz. ina week; milk record,
6.381 tbs. in 8 months and 20 days, to Ist September; 2nd dam, Louverse, H.H.B.
6754. Two-year-old milk record, 477 Ibs. in 10 days; three-year-old record, 402 Ibs.
_in 7 days, which made 12 tbs. 4 oz. butter.

28

Bonnie Ethel’s Mercedes, H.F.H.B, 11243.—Date of birth, 5th April, 1888; colour,
black, with white markings; bred by Thos. E. Wales, jr., Iowa City, Lowa; sire,
Mercedes Prince, H.H.B. 2150; dam, Bonnie Ethel, H.H.B. 9510.

Siepkje 3rd Queen.—Date of birth, 11th September, 1888; colour, black, with
white markings; bred by W. A. Rowley, Mount Clemens, Mich.; sire, Macomb Boy,
H.F.H.B. 8734; dam, Siepkje 3rd, H.F.H.B. 2387.

AYRSHIRE BULL.

Mac Duff, No. 479.—Date of birth, 5th October, 1888; colour, red and white; bred
by David Nicol, Cataraqui; sire, Norseman, 478; dam, Dora, 244, by Douglas 148;
2nd dam, Moss, 242, by Parker 144.

AYRSHIRE COWS AND HEIFERS.

Clara, No. 3590.—Date of birth, 6th February 1884; colour, red, with white on
flank; bred by James Drummond, Petite Céte, Que.; sire, Promotion 3212, im-
ported; dam, Maud 2356, by Sir Roger 2200; 2nd dam, Maggie 3rd, 1332, by Lord
Douglas 2nd, 814.

Gipsy, No. 3979.—Date of birth, 15th August, 1886; colour, red, with white spots;
bred by James Drummond, Petite Céte, Quebec; sire, Promotion, 3212, imported;
dam Victoria, 2931, by Lorne, 2227; 2nd dam Effie 579, by Gordie, 26.

Countess No. 3838.—Date of birth, September 19, 1885; colour, white, spotted red,
bred by James Drummond, Petite Céte, Quebec; sire Promotion, 3212, imported;
dam Victoria, 2931, by Lorne, 2227; 2nd dam, Effie, 579, by Gordie, 26.

Eva No, 3828.—Date of birth, 15 September, 1884; colour, red, with white spots;
bred by James Drummond, Petite Céte, Quebec; sire Promotion, 3213; imported ;
dam Bell, 3131, by Lorne, 2227; 2nd dam, Juno, 1,214, by Duke of Athole, 575,
imported. :

May, No. 3633.—Date of birth 25th July, 1883; colour, brown, with white spots ;
bred by James Drummond, Petite Céte, Quebec; sire Promotion, 3,212, imported;
dam Ida, 1181; by Duke of Athole (Imp.) 575; 2nddam Maggie, 32 ; by Garibaldi, 25.

Viola, No. 943.—Date of birth, lst November, 1888; colour, white and red; bred
by David Nicol, Cataraqui, Ontario; sire, Norseman, 478; dam, Dido, 942, by
General, 155; 2nd dam, Dora, 244, by Douglas, 148.

JERSEY BULL.

Actor of Glen Duart, No. 18033.—Date of birth, 15th November, 1886; colour,
solid fawn; from A. McLean Howard, Toronto, Ont.; sire, Actor of Hillhurst,
10454; dam, Rose of Hillhurst, 22806, by Browny ; 2nd dam, Lady Mary, imported.

JERSEY COWS AND HEIFERS.

Oriondo’s Girl, No. 40376.—Date of birth, 7th May, 1886; colour, mulberry fawn;
from A, McLean Howard, Toronto, Ont.; sire, Oriondo, 10791; dam, Judy’s Girl,
25189, by Judy’s Prince, 5713; 2nd dam, April Girl 3rd, 16141.

Clenna Rex 2nd, No. 38999. Date of birth, 16th April, 1886; colour, dark grey
fawn: from A. McLean Howard, Toronto, Ont.; sire, Pride’s Orient, 15887; dam,
Clenna Rex, 27741, by Queen’s Rex, 4943; 2nd dam, Belinda 2nd, 9426.

Clenna Rex of Glen Duart. Date of birth, 11th April 1888; colour, dark grey
fawn ; bred by A. McLean Howard, Toronto Ont.; sire, Canada’s John Morgan No.
16853; dam, Clenna Rex, 2nd 38999 ,by Pride’s Orient 15857; 2nd dam Clenna
Rex, 27444, by Queen’s Rex, 4943.

POLLED ANGUS BULL.

King of Eastview, No. 8780.—Date of birth 3rd January, 1888 ; colour, black ;
bred by Late Hon. J. H. Pope, Cookshire, Quebec, sire, Piper of Eastview, 5612; dam,
Queen of Eastview 3rd, 5587.

oh oh

29

POLLED ANGUS HEIFERS.

Dolly Varden of Eastview, No. 6792—Date of birth, 11th June, 1886; colour,
black ; bred by late Hon. J. H. Pope, Cookshire, Quebec ; sire, Knight of Canada,
5622; dam, Dolly Varden 3rd, 3458.

Pride of Eastview, No. 6809.—Date of birth, 3rd October, 1886; colour, black,
bred by late Hon. J. H. Pope, Cookshire, Quebec ; sire, Knight of Canada, 5622: dam,
Pride of Montbletton 3rd, 3473.

Stella of Eastview, No. 7638.—date of birth, 14th June, 1887; colour, black ; bred
by late Hon. J. H. Pope, Cookshire, Quebec; sire, Knight of Canada, 5622; dam,
Stella of Ardconnon, 4929.

Gratitude of Eastview 4th, No. 7635.—Date of birth, 25th May, 1887; colour,
black ; bred by late Hon. J. H. Pope, Cookshire, Quebec; sire, Knight of Canada,
5622; dam, Gratitude, 1824.

Daisy of Baton 4th, No. 8783.—Date of birth, 8th January, 1888; colour, black;
bred by late Hon. J. H. Pope, Cookshire, Quebec; sire, Arminius, 6797; dam,
Daisy of Skene, 2258.

The following are the births since the above animals were purchased :—

SHORTHORNS.

Bull calf from Elmwood Garland 3rd, by Rosy Prince 8th.—Date of birth, 30th
July, 1889.
Heifer calf from Miss Elgins 5th, by Mazurka Dnke 5th—Date of birth, 31st
December, 1889.
AYRSHIRES,

Bull calf from Clara, by Rob Roy 3971. Date of birth, 3rd August, 1889.

Bull calf from May, by Rob Roy 3971. Date of birth, 13th August, 1889.

Bull calf from Countess, by Rob Roy 3971. Date of birth, 23rd December,
1889. ;
Heifer calf, from Eva, by Rob Roy 3971. Date of birth, 2nd October, 1889.

JERSEYS,

Bull calf from Clenna Rex 2nd, by Canada’s John Morgan.—Date of birth. 15th
November, 1889. 3

Heifer calf, from Oriondo’s Girl, by Canada’s John Morgan, date of birth, 14th
June, 1889.

|

|

30

EXPERIMENTS WITH WHEAT.

One hundred and seven varieties of wheat have been tested during the past year,
eight of fall or winter wheat and ninety-nine of spring wheat—many of them in
small quantities, others in larger plots. The details connected with the special
tests made in small plots are too voluminous to permit of their being published in
this summary report; hence, the results only of the field tests will be given here,
reserving the fuller details for a bulletin.

The following table gives the dates of sowing and harvesting, yield per acre and
weight per bushel of each variety.

Date Date Yield Weight
— of of = ne per
Sowing. | Harvesting. per Acre. | Bushel:
Spring Wheat. Bush. Lbs.
Americans Vial Waukee. syetereenieiein oleae ein plelsielnie wieleln cele ler May 9../August 20.. 10 564
AG iacinCTbaK a lhe PD kehd ay So Se coc panconendyodsacdees TocdCe do 3..| do 2. 193 568
Blue StempiromeMonn esotarepeeeerreccieeceeeeei eee | dé 13..| do 20). 8 55
BAN abelSMSPLID Rei tre sm cee eerie Eeeanbavecarsanes | do 13..| do 24.. 6 55
IBrawa SHINE WwaWiheatiakicc. bem sexckr corer nebo elsieicte | do 17..| do 22.. 8 544
@hilianewihitessjeyacets 4 sce ceemacciiecriacee termes eee do 9..| do 15... 3 ol
Waliformi amy Wit elaereicteete cts tect te ise ieloetestemisione itera ieee @ 3..| do Tih, 725 50
Defiance: sr ie ieee mad wer eceicnel sees eree 3..|.do 16e. 94 57
Barly SWskex cnet 17..| do 24 Th 545
Eureka (same as Red Fern) 4..| do 13% 213 56
HifepRed tery cease niece) Pasties catia tio becie + wiaistlomoe ere ril 19..| do 10.. 17 594
GreenjMountainespemene rene eae cctele sere p ria seec 4..| do 14.. 17} 552
Hungarian Mountain..... 3..| do 15.. 175 56
Tndisnwkarachieccies search ace nee : do 9..| do a ey 4 5
indian’ @lubiC@aleuttacm-meneieio-ei see icsesint-teetaeeieive do 9..| do OF 34 57.
IindiansHard pam Gop Bam etrt nti seri) sietstiecicise iene do 9..| do ibl 5 i) 58
Indian Red Glojwm sotoaTadsnare pen topadsvaeacea wane do 3..| do Due 104 574
i bevile eRe eps a OHOD noonfooaGesatyenucadupaos7 conde April 19..| do 3.. 18
Veins Strchoh ee iMetctalats wists fans eiepriet= olci = (clade is eneiotrasoiete ais May 3..| do fsb 15 58
IRC CORNET an Gala nae Osean olacno Crake OROn naa acoDnoS ddoaie 3..| do 18.. 10 56
Whi CidbGrarceeaa i emma nnd Maa BHA SEGD CORD DO OCOCeTOCOUS grado 18.. 3 50
New Zealand Long Berry 3..| do Lom 4h 55
negara. cue titan sitteierioes 3..| do Dis 12 524
Re ditlernigtenctese tuseiiicde ste ristrh 3..| do abso. 19 60
PRBS tanner tebe parte cepts ey iieeieran sia ee-comteletentiapecris ees 4..| do ee 18 573
ERTOVGmAnN opie. vepsveyecstenatacie ate cis atortelngseretehevercsuissjashelstoracreeys do 4..| do 2055 17 61
Siyqornl id: ano scacho He EER B erie Iceni acetate moo msanae do 3..| do 8.. 8 56
Wahi te Delhi. Soxcch sev tocherale never seis aeceetme cinerers do 4..| do 6:2 134 igh
pWihite TRissiamin:. copy scun oo ee neston ove aoe eamieinter eterna maeretate April 20..| do 9.. 33 60
CampbellsyNorel wrap bye esc ctsetel nats ele cerretetereteteieiers > May 4..| do 12.. 13 564
Campbells No. 2, White Chaff.............. ea ssncorki do 4..| do 12... 36: 56
SeotchtiromyiNoya SCoviay vemescoeiieo miscte icles aetisie sais ace do 3..| do Mins 14: 5d5
Winter Wheat.
These plots were injured by winter, patches here and there
being entirely killed out. Had the ground been uni-
formly covered they would have yielded nearly, if not
quite, 25 bushels to the acre.
[Diario reniee4ebias nado Soenpodsoncosnoasmcnde ano oapocune Sept. 11..lJuly 31.. 19 594
VSIA «ae hovereisseieia, nets eitkers folele nieilersa ceerraa ee trent cies do 6..| do 25.. 174 58
MEAN GHESTOL sai des mata ees eshte copatre ie eiote enere ak Meee yet rteniee re trode do 11..| do 2%. 174 58h

The spring wheats referred to as Campbell’s No. 1 Triumph and No. 2 were
kindly sent for test by David Campbell, Nottawa P. O., Ontario. The Triumph isa
short, full, plump berry, rather soft and starchy. Mr. Campbell says: “ This was
extensively grown in our section last year, turned out much better than the old
varieties, some samples weighing 65 Ibs. to the bushel. Its only fault is that it shells

—

31

from filling so well.” No.2: “ A white chaff variety, with a large head, well filled to
the top. These wheats both originated on my farm from one variety of seed.”

As will be seen from the table, the Triumph did not do very well with us, but
No. 2 yielded the largest crop of any variety we have tested this year. It must not
be forgotten that the rust, which attected almost all varieties of grain at the Central
Farm last season, materially lessened both the quantity and the quality of the crops,
and that these field experiments were carried on under ordinary farming conditions.

EXPERIMENTS WITH BARLEY.

The field experiments with barley have been carried on mainly with two-rowed
varieties, such as are in favour in Great Britain for malting purposes. Along with
these, a few sorts of the six-rowed have been tried :—

Date Date = | Weight
—— of | of ¥ a. per
Sowing | Harvesting. Sorat co eiBushele
ee ee ee es ee
Two-rowed Barley. | Bush. Lbs.
melected| Chevalier; O. & Mio... ci oe eevee saeco ue May 6..|Aug. 5 314 51
~ Sei Co ee Sab DOO da RODBe a LeeE ees April 23..| do 4..} 502 51?
(DRT, 26 oe ie i age eRe ee May 10..| do 17 214 494
Marin Chevalier: o.oo ccanetisec se setaaeeaacetvesaaels do 4.. do 5 314 505
Wanishyerintice: Chevalier. .....2:.0.2 -2s-2ceeecnees .| do 4..| do 5 364 50
iinbye Wanting c30.7 ees cece slahtwe sea os hi eas Shee 6..| do 5 252 502
LUTE DS U0 EA ni nt (25=\do 7 344 503
Golden Melon Improved |May 6..| do 18 26 48:
Grrtenstbrize Prolifics... c.25stee sees sees oe 3..| do 18 314 504
IS ai Zep Etro 8 Se en eee ae aria ote ket 10..| do 17 265 aul
SIDEIE' 5 5x Sr AS EEE I REISE Re a oer 17..| do 22 22 51
JPEnIESS M/W eee 23..| do 1 365 51
Large Two-rowed Hulless...... 9..| do 12 26 5d
s
Six-rowed Barley. |
LL DINT LOS scts SOS 0 DEB CICR Dee REESE EASE CEI EE eae Ree Ie |May 10..;Aug. 10 22 464
EIT ore AE ee eis ito ciniziaidseie Hincors seate se sree es do 10..| do 344 42
PE HO OUAMN eH cy ioe sete tn Sania eee « cienntenaeles soc do 10..| do Di 30 434
LIEU. os lS SCE ROSEN Eee REE IE ISIE aEEI aetna do 10. | do 10... 254 48}

These field crops were grown without special fertilizers. The Beardless, Peer-
less White and English Malting barleys were sown on clay loam which was in hay

in 1888, was ploughed soon after the crop was taken off, and well stirred by the cul-

a

tivator in the spring, but received no manure. The Selected Chevalier and Karly
Minting were sown on a sandy loam similarly treated, also without manure. The
Danish Chevalier and Danish Printice Chevalier were sown on mixed clay and sandy
loam, after a crop of spring wheat, ploughed immediately after harvest, cultivated
later in the season, which received a coating of barnyard manure, about 18 tons to
the acre, in the spring, the land being lightly ploughed before sowing. The field in
which Carter's Prize Prolific and Golden Melon barleys were grown, also had a crop
of spring wheat in 1888, was ploughed soon after harvest, and lightly ploughed again
in the spring of 1889 before sowing, these also had no manure.

RELATIVE TEST OF TWO-ROWED AND SIX-ROWED BARLEY FOR MALTING PURPOSES.

During the year an important test was made to ascertain the intrinsic value of
two-rowed barley of good quality, such as is in demand for malting purposes in Great

32

Britain, as compared with a good sample of six-rowed barley of Canadian growth,
the experiment being undertaken for the purpose of ascertaining how far the pefer-
ence for two-rowed barley was founded on its actual worth. Five hundred bushels
of best malting barley was imported from Scotland and malted; a like quantity of
best Canadian barley was similarly treated, and the. product in each case brewed.
The test was made by a careful and competent maltster and brewer, and the result
shows that the preference is well founded, and that the two-rowed barley yielded
about 13 per cent. more of extract than the six-rowed. The following report was
received :—

“Caring BRewina AND MATING Company,
“ Lonpon, Ont., 14th September, 1888.

“Wa. Saunpers, Esq.,
“ Director Experimental Farms,
“ Ottawa.

“Dear Srr,—In compliance with your request. we beg to enclose statement of
results obtained from the two-rowed chevalier barley received from Scotland, and
malted by us in April last.

“The extract obtained from it exceeds that of the best Canadian barley grown in
this district by 13 per cent., or, in other words. 320 bushels of malt of 36 pounds
to the bushel (11,520 pounds) produced 584 imperial gallons more of ale (say
gravity 22) than was made from the same quantity of the best Canadian six-rowed
barley

One fault with some of the barley grown here, is the want of allowing it to get
fully ripened before harvesting, consequently some of the grain is green when grown
on the floor which is detrimental to the keeping quality of beer.

“Yours respectfully,
THOS. M. HEATHORN,
“ Brewer and Maltster for the Carling Brewing and Malting Co.”

Bush.
fenlaal artarlantet sr. = else cess! cialis else oe diet se she May Ea 20.. 515
Teo TLs (OISTST tt Se oe a oe ee Atl peeks 22s: 393
(Warter’s Prize Cluster....-. .2.. -- ie : i ae 4.. 50 |
Wanndian) Triumph... .:--) jes +2--- 5. ot : y Hes 14.. 19
Cream Hgyptian...... .......: owe Pees manape ay dP he 20.. 49
Clydesdale........ .. : ae 26.. 184
Canadian White..... .... Be 26.. 15
IPSs NTR MAELO tees sera, f2 fateh crags aralate af 0 hrc! yale oa see bas 183. 5d
Lhisliy Calg Gits=3 Jan Sosa dceeoHebpan Sooe oaaEe nee we 20.. 264
Early Racehorse ...- He 1ORe 22
iarigeBiossom Oe oe e sis : 18.. 304
MRIEBEROURETN UL seit o hae las eecictele SR Se, cee do GEaidow, 25% 29
BIST PE SCOLCUMAN see ieta tele sia Pes Siecle less sje sie 2 do taot| | la abies 21
BRRaTPIAPMATEVAWANILCS fat Se dag yin seat ss ce nenlenyes ways . do 10..| do 20.. 27
Giant Yellow French... ......... SE Cn eS ae | do 1S:|) (do) 205.) 40
Mebionparian \Wihite. 25... o0-22.--:escese+s = F aS CRe a | do 10..| do 26.. 393
tancolnshire Poland White . 3.0.2.2: hs..2 seis sos cjsiee ne | do (oallovetoy palee 13
1, cin tell ene ae eee Et ones ie cee .| do TOM dol ass 1400 Cee
ne sr DE oe Ree Seeman 5 esice eeiae Stee do: TS eel doy iss: 48
Leaietre, Shoe) le Os eee Oana ne OSHS do 3. .| do 16.. 39
do English do Gr alrdow Saoes| 384
franpie SP TORTOSS. ¢ <5). 3/28 '.dcie<1-[-- 2° a af oe ek Cpl alo © cikse. 294
Rennie’s Prize White......... RR aE oe Setar eoore WOO) 6:5|\ (do. 145. 23
out) QS 6 ce ea ee do fe doe 200; 36
SSIQESTOTD. 2 30 os Auta pga GSU ae ECC AE See Eine rene A do Ona! ala a 44
Spell TELS PANS Re a ee do OF |idow 7205. 23
PESTER ALE) Se er naa TAC 604 LOS dor 20 334
Scotch Hopetown .......... ARSE tees «ene wack sen do IBY || ele, bY, 44
“WREST BIN 2e\1 LO) IS He ee do 105 ao 202% 294
SO OS eae ees ame 3 7 GEL On el Sue 43,
Manter:Grey.../°.....:.. Meee toe eat mers eee | 9..| do 20.. 52
iWihite’Bonanza..... 2 ..:: 65] ido 12% 22
White Wonder..... ... Shite | IB Gtae | TEES 394
"Ti Dad Sane eae ee eee uly. Slee 283
VUNG TEC ee ee Wee oee 6..|August 12.. 392 |
Early English...... tfjen| days 20s 18

33

EXPERIMENTS WITH OATS.

Thirty-six varieties of oats have been grown as field crops, and fifty other
sorts tested in smaller plots. In field culture the following results have been
obtained :—

Date Date | Yield Weight
Sowing. | Harvesting. | P& Acre. | Bushel.
|

INDIAN CORN.

Much attention has been given to the testing of different varieties of fodder corn
now used so extensively for the winter feeding of stock, both cured and in the form
of ensilage. Seventy varieties have been tested, and their relative earliness and pro-
ductiveness, as grown side by side, ascertained; the product has been converted into
ensilage. Tests have also been carried on with this important crop at the Experi-
mental Farms in Noya Scotia, Manitoba and the North-West Territories. Some of
the particulars will be found in the appended reports from these farms, but ful-
ler details of these experiments will shortly be compiled and given to the farming
community in convenient form for comparison and reference in a special bulletin.

ROOTS,
Turnips.
Carter’s Elephant Swede.—This fine turnip, first offered by James Carter & Co.,

of London, England, in the spring of 1888, has yielded a heavier crop than’ any
6c—3

34

other variety tested, exceeding the best of the other sorts by nearly 3 tons per
acre, The root is regular in form, projects well above the surface, is of a deep
purplish colour outside, with creamy yellow flesh. Grown on sandy loam; sown
a aoa was up 4th July, and harvested 26th October; yield per acre, 16 tons
266 Ibs.

Steele Bro.’s New Giant Swede.—On sandy loam ; sown 29th June; up 3rd July;
harvested 26th October; yield per acre, 13 tons 759 Ibs.

The above two plots had no barnyard manure, but a dressing of about 400 Ibs.
to the acre of a mixture of superphosphate of lime and nitrate of soda.

Steele Bro,’s Purple Top Swede.—Grown on sandy land, to which had been
applied barnyard manure in the proportion of about 18 tons to the acre; sown 6th
June; up 11th June; harvested 23rd October; yield per acre, 12 tons 1,096 lbs.

A second lot of Steele Bro.’s Purple Top Swede was sown on new land of a peaty
character, without msnure or other fertilizer. This was sown 14th June; up 18th
June, and harvested 25th October; yield, 124 tons to the acre.

Rennie’s Purple Top Swede.—Was grown on similar soil, also without manure ;
sown 14th June; up 18th June; harvested 24th October; yield per acre, 13 tons
440 Ibs.

Skirving’s Swede—Sown on mixed sandy and clay loam, which was dressed
with a fertilizing mixture similar in quantity and composition to that used for
Carter’s Elephant Swede; sown 27th June; up 3rd July; harvested 28th October ;
yield per acre, 12 tons.

Mangels.

Carter’s Golden Intermediate—Sown 16th May; up 22nd May; harvested 13th
October; yield per acre, 10 tons 85 lbs.

Carter’s Yellow-fleshed New Tankard.—Sown 16th May; up 22nd May;
harvested 13th October; yield per acre, 83 tons.

Pearce’s Mammoth Long Red.—Sown 25th May ; up 2nd June; harvested 13th
October ; yield per acre, 14 tons 200 Ibs. These were sown on sandy loam, which
had received a top dressing of about 18 tons of barnyard manure to the acre.

Carrots.

Steele Bro.’s Improved Short White.—This carrot has succeeded much better on
the Central Farm than any other sort exceeding in crop the best of the others tested
by 44 tons per acre. It has proven very regular in form, of good size, and is easily
lifted. The seed was sown 15th May; came up 22nd May, and was harvested 18th
October. The yield was 203 tons per acre.

Carter’s Orange Giant—Sown 15th May; up 25th May; harvested 18th Octo-
tober ; yield per acre, 16} tons.

Carter’s Scarlet Perfection—Sown 15th May; up 24th May; harvested 18th
October ; yield, 10 tons, 536 tbs. per acre.

Carter's White Belgian Improved.—Sown 15th May; up 25th May; harvested
19th October; yield per acre, 15 tons 1,160 ths.

Carter’s Giant Wiltshire White—Sown 15th May; up 25th May; harvested
19th October; yield per acre, 12 tons, 1,262 Tbs. These were all sown on sandy
loam, which had received a dressing of about 18 tons of barn yard manure to the
acre.

Sugar Beets.

White Sugar Beet—Sown 30th May; up 9th June; harvested 14th October:
yield per acre, 9 tons 600 ths.

Vilmorin’s Improved.—Sown 30th May; up 9th June; harvested 14th October;
yield per acre, 9 tons 240 tbs.

Lane’s Sugar Beet.—Sown 20th May; up 7th June; harvested 14th October;
yield per acre, 11 tons 660 ths.

35

Sugar Beet from Central Germany (seed imported by W. Skaife, Esq., Berthier-
ville, Quebec).—Sown 25th May; up 3rd June; harvested 14th October; yield per
acre, 104 tons.

Bohemian Sugar Beet (seed imported by W. Skaife, Esq., Berthierville, Quebec).
—Sown 25th May; up 3rd June; harvested 14th October; yield per acre, 8 tons
856 ibs.

The percentage of sugar contained in these several varieties has been determined
by analyses made by the Chemist of the Experimental Farms, full particulars of which
will be found in his report.

EXPERIMENTS WITH PEAS.

Golden Vine peas were sown in the proportion of 1 bushel to the acre on 25th
April; were up 4th May; harvested 6th August. Total yield of straw and grain,
when dry enough to stack, 1,275 tbs. from two-ninths of an acre. When threshed
the weight of peas was 480 tbs. ; straw 795 Ibs.; yield per acre, 364 bushels.

Golden Vine peas sown on the same day at the rate of 2 bushels per acre was
also harvested 6th August. Total yield of straw and grain, 1,402 Tbs. from two-
ninths of an acre. When threshed peas weighed 497 Ibs., straw 905 Ibs.; yield
per acre, 374 bushels.

Golden Vine peas sown on same day, 3 bushels to the acre, harvested also 6th
August, gave a total yield of straw and grain, 1,621 Ibs. from two-ninths of an
acre. When threshed peas weighed 539 Ibs., straw 1,082 Ibs.; yield per acre, 402
bushels.

Golden Vine peas in ordinary field crop, 24 bushels to the acre, was sown 20th
“ae harvested 6th August; yield, 303 bushels to the acre; weight, 63 Ibs. per

ushel,

Multiplier peas, in field crop, 2} bushels to the acre; sown 26th April, and har-
bested 20th August; gave a yield of 50} bushels to the acre; weight 634 Ibs. per

ushel.

Black Eyed Marrowfat Peas—3 bushels to the acre—Sown 20th April;
harvested 11th August; (the pods were fit for table use 9th July). Weight of peas
per bushel, 604 tbs.

- GRASSES AND CLOVERS FOR PERMANENT PASTURE.

Two plots of about two acres each were sown with the following mixtures of
grasses and clovers without any grain or other protecting crop.

Plot No, 1.—6 tbs. Cocksfoot or Orchard Grass, 2lbs. Timothy 4 tbs. Meadow
Fescue, 2 tbs. Perennial Rye Grass, 2 tbs. Crested Dogstail, 4 tb. Sweet Vernal, 24
fos. Italian Rye Grass, 2 tbs. Kentucky Blue Grass, 2 tbs. Red Top (Agrostis Vul-
garis), 1 tb. White Clover, 5 tbs. Red Clover, 1 Alsike clover,—total, 30 ths.

Plot No. 2.—4 tbs. Cocksfoot or Orchard Grass, 3 tbs. Timothy, 2 tbs. Meadow
Fescue, 3 lbs. Perennial Rye Grass, 2 tbs. Crested Dogstail,} tb. Sweet Vernal, 4 tbs.

( Meadow Foxtail, 2 tbs. Rough Meadow Grass, 1} 1b. Hard Fescue, 1 tb. Tall Fescue, 1
tb. White Clover, 4 ths. Red Clover, 2 tbs. Alsike clover—total, 30 ibs.

No. 1 was sown on the 29th of May, on peaty land, and by the 3rd of September,
had made a closely matted growth from 2 to 24 feet high, when it was cut and dried,
and weighed 7,430 tbs., which was equal to a little more than 14 tons tothe acre.

No. 2 was sown on the 29th of May, on soil partly peaty and partly sandy loam ;
by the 31st of August it had reached a height of about 2 feet, and had become
thickly matted. It was cut on that date, and when dried weighed 6,590 fbs., equal to

* nearly 1} tons per acre.

MIXED CROP.

A mixture of grain, consisting of 1 bushel each of oats, peas and barley per acre
was sown for the purpose of furnishing green food for cattle. It was sown on the 27th
May, and was fit to cut on the 10th July. The first was cut on this date, and the

te 6c—3}

i

36

cutting lasted twelve days. The yield was 104 tons per acre. After this crop was
taken off the land was ploughed, and an early maturing variety of white turnip
sown, which produced a crop of 72 tons per acre,

SPRING RYE.

This was sown 7th May, was up 12th May; on the 21st of June it was headed
out, and from 3 to 34 feet high, when a part of the field was cut to furnish green food
for cattle. From this there was a second growth, which was cut on the 12th August,
when it was from 2 to 24 feet high. Through an omission, these crops were not
weighed. The remaining part of the field was allowed to ripen, and yielded 212
bushels per acre.

FODDER PLANTS.

Eleven varieties of fodder plants were sown in plots of one-tenth of an acre each,
with a view of testing from year to year the yield of green or cured fodder they will
vive. One cutting was made late in the autumn from several of them, but the result
was not weighed.

Trefoil—Sown 25th May; came up 2nd June. When examined for comparison
on the 15th October it was from 3 to 4 inches high. ;

White Clover—Sown 25th May; came up 2nd June. Was from 4 to 5 inches high
15th October,

Extra Choice Red Clover.—Sown 25th of May; up 2nd June. By 15th October it
had reached a height of from 1 to 2 feet, when it was cut,

Lucerne.—Sown 25th May ; came up 2nd June, First crop was cut 15th October,
when it was from 1 foot to 18 inches high.

Alsike.—Sown 27th May; came up 2nd June. First crop was cut 15th October,
when it was from 1 to 2 feet high.

Scarlet Clover—Sown 27th May; came up 3rd June. By 15th October, it had
reached a height of from 1 to 2 feet when it was cut.

Bokhara Clover.—This was sown 27th May; came up 3rd June. First crop was
eut on the 15th of October, when it had reached a height of from 3 to 3} feet.

Serradella—Sown 28th May ; was up 3rd June; and the first crop was cut
15th October, when it had reached a height of from 1 to 2 feet.

Mammoth Red Clover.—Sown 28th May ; up 2nd June. By 15th October it had
reached a height of from 1 to 14 feet, when the first crop was cut.

Broad-leaved Red Clover.—Sown 28th May ; came up 2nd June ; and the first
crop was cut 15th October, when it was from 1 to 2 feet high.

Sainfoin.—This was sown 28th May; came up 5th June, and by the 15th Octo-
ber had reached an average of about 1 foot in height, when it was cut.

POTATOES.

During the season of 1889 a large number of tests were made with the
leading varieties of potatoes, both American and European. Many of those grown
in 1888 were discarded, either on account of their being poor yielders or for
the reason that they have been unsatisfactory as to quality. In this way the 251
varieties in cultivation in 1888 were reduced to 116, to which were added 31
new sorts anda large number of seedlings, which have been raised on the Central
Experimental Farm, so that the number of varieties of which records have been
kept during the past year is in all 384. Among the newer potatoes the following
deserye mention on account of their productiveness, Halton’s Seedling, Dakota Red,
Stray Beauty, Rosy Morn, Rural Blush, Lee’s Favorite, Burpee’s Superior, Early
Albino and Carter’s King of Russetts.

Among the seedlings there are quite a number of very promising sorts, both as
to productiveness and quality; but the experience of another season wiJl be needed
before any comparative statement as to their relative merits can be given. The

~exhibits made of the new seedlings at several of the leading exhibitions last autumn

37

attracted much attention, and numerous applications have been received for samples
for testin different parts of the Dominion; but as these seedlings are only two years
from seed, the quantity available is not in any instance sufficient yet to admit of any
distribution outside of the Experimental Farms. The details relating to these tests
will be reserved for a special bulletin, which will be prepared as soon as sufficient
facts have been accumulated to make it useful.

SEED GRAIN, &C., FROM INDIA.

In the report for 1888 some particulars were given regarding a variety of cereals
and other products which had been received from the Government of India for test
on the Experimental Farms in Canada. Most of these products had been grown at
considerable altitudes in the Himalayan Mountains,varying from 420 to 11,000 feet:
Atsome ofthe higher altitudes the climate much resembles that of some portions of
the Canadian Dominion, and the results of tests with important agricultural products
from similar climates in a country so distant, and which have been so long under
cultivation there, are of very great interest. Reference has already been made in
Bulletin 6 to some of the results of tests of barley from India, and as the past season
has been an unfavourable one, and some of the seeds were not received in time for
early seeding—considering, also, that all of them are new to this climate—it has been
thought best to have the experience of another year with them before submitting a
full report.

FOREST TREES

Many additions have been made during the year to the experimental plots of
forest trees. The planting has been continued on the belt across the rear end of the
farm, which contains now the following clumps. Beginning on the north side of the
central avenue on the farm, known as Elm avenue, they will be found in the following
order :—

179 Scotch Pine—Pinus sylvestris.

21 Red Oak—Quercus rubra.

630 Black Walnut—Juglans nigra.

247 Scotch Pine—Pinus sylvestris.

288 Butternut—Juglans cinerea.

275 European Larch—Larix Europea.
38 White Elm from Manitoba—Ulmus Americana.
87 Hickory—Carya alba.

90 European Alder—Al/nus glutinosa.
240 Sugar Maple—Acer saccharinum.
150 Sott Maple—Acer dasycarpum.

90 White Birch (European)—Betula alba.
120 Canoe Birch—Betula papyracea.
180 White Spruce—Abies alba.

150 Yellow Birch—Betula lutea.

120 White Oak—Quercus alba.

120 Red Elm—UImus fulva.

150 Rock Elm—U/mus racemosa.

196 White Elm—Ulmus Americana.

198 Arbor Vitae—Thuja occidentalis.

115 Black Ash—Frazxinus sambucifolia.

120 Green Ash—Fraxinus viridis.

120 Red Ash—Frazinus pubescens.

266 White Ash—Fraazinus Americana.

214 Austrian Pine—Pinus Austriaca.
30 Tea’s Catalpa—Catalpa hybrida.
30 Japan Catalpa—Catalpa kaempferi.

158 Hardy Catalpa—Catalpa speciosa.

38

195 Black Walnut—Juglans nigra.
300 Norway Spruce—AbDies excelsa.

83 Russian Mulberry—Morus hybrida.
206 Locust—Robinia pseudacacia.
219 Wild Black Cherry—Prunus serotina,
298 White Pine—Pinus strobus.
261 Box Hlder—WNegundo aceroides.

On the south side of Elm avenue the following have been planted :—

170 Red Maple—Acer rubrum.
110 Norway Maple—<Acer platanoides.
100 European Mountain Ash—Pyrus acuparia,

50 European Ash—Fraxinus excelsior.

30 Hemlock Spruce—Abies Canadensis.

50 American Mountain Ash—Pyrus Americana.
120 American Sycamore—Platanus occidentalis.
150 American Beech—Fagus ferruginea.

240 Butternut—Juglans cinerea.

30 Riga Pine—Pinus sylvestris rigensis.

90 Horse Chestnut—#sculus hippocastaneum.
210 White Ash—Fraxinus Americana.

189 Rock Elm—UImus racemosa.

7,123

Many of these plots are irregular in form, and have been so arranged as to
overlap each other, and thus relieve the stiff appearance which a number of square
blocks of trees would present. The width of this tree belt is about 150 feet, ten
rows of trees at the west end being planted 5 feet apart each way, and at the east
end ten rows at a distance of ten feet apart. This has been done to ascertain the
relative advantages of planting at different distances. The age of the trees from
seed is recorded, the annual growth will be ascertained and other particulars regard-
ing the progress of the different varieties noted, and thus there will be accumulated
in a very few years much reliable information, which will be useful to future tree
planters.

There has also been planted in mixed clumps, where ten or twelve different
sorts of trees are irregularly distributed throughout, about 560 trees. These have
been placed along the north boundary of the farm, where they will serve as an
excellent wind-break and also afford material for comparing the growth and
developement of those in mixed clumps, with trees planted in groups of one sort only.

In addition to the twenty-five bundles of forest trees already referred to as for-
warded to the experimental gardens of the Canadian Pacific Railway on the western
plains, more than 20,000 were sent from the Central Earm to the other Experimental
Farms, besides a considerable number of mail packages of young trees and plants which
have been forwarded to farmers, especially in newly settled districts in distant parts of
the Dominion, where it has been thought desirable that certain sorts of trees should
be introduced for test.

AVENUES AND HEDGES,

The trees on Elm avenue have grown very well, without a single failure, and on
the avenue on the road approaching the entrance gate one tree only needs replacing.
The other trees have not done so well. Of the sugar maples and soft maples about
15 per cent. have failed to grow, and of the lindens a still larger proportion. The
hedges have done remarkably well; scarcely a tree has failed. The spruce hedge on
the south boundary has been extended from the public road to the canal, 410 trees
having been required for this purpose. Arbor vitae hedges have also been planted
- around the large poultry runs in front of the poultry building, for which 412 trees

39

have been used, and some smaller pieces of the same have been planted near some
of the other buildings.
Sample hedges in sections of 50 feet in length have also been put out of the fol-

lowing :—

Caragana or Siberian Pea—Caragana arborescens.

White Elm—U/mus Americana.

Russian Mulberry—Morus hybrida.

Norway Spruce—Abies excelsa.

Honey Locust—G'leditschia triacanthos.

White Spruce—Abies alba.

Common Barberry—Berberis vulgaris.

Hemlock Spruce—Abies Canadensis.

Purple Barberry—Berberis vulgaris var. purpurea.

Prickly Ash—Zanthoxylum Americanum.

In addition to the above, it is proposed to test the value of a number of other
shrubs and trees for this purpose. These hedges will serve as specimens, and be very
useful for comparison,

DRAINING.

During the past year this useful work has been continued, and six and a-quarter
miles of tile drains have been laid, the drains varying in depth from 24 to 5 feet or
more. More than two-thirds of this has been laid with 3-inch tiles; the remainder 4
and 6-inch. This, added to the draining previously done, makes a total of 152
miles and 235 yards of tile drains and 489 yards, of box and open drains, or 16 miles
284 yards in all. A sufficient fall has been secured in all the drains to allow the
surplus water which falls from time to time to find its way promptly off through
the five eight-inch drains which form the main outlets. As results of this work,
the land will all admit of early planting, and can all be usefully employed ; whereas,
at the outset much of it was too wet and cold to permit of successful cropping
in rainy seasons.

GRADING AND ROAD—MAKING,

Much necessary grading has been done around the office building, seed-testing
and propagating houses, poultry house and implement shed, which has greatly
improved the appearance of the grounds about these buildings.

The making of roads around and through the farm was continued during
the summer, more than four miles haying been finished. The roads now com-
pleted on the farm afford a drive within the grounds of nearly five miles, and are so
arranged as to enable visitors to see from them most of the more interesting
features connected with the experimental field work.

BUILDINGS.

The new office building and laboratory mentioned in the report for 1888 as then
approaching completion has been finished. The chemical laboratory, as will be seen
from the report of the Chemist, is large, commodious and well fitted with such appa-
ratus and appliances as are needed for carrying on the work efficiently. The four
offices in the central part form convenient quarters for the other officers, and the
museum room, which covers the second flat, is ready to receive the requisite fittings
for storing and preserving samples of farm products.

The houses for carrying on the distribution ef seeds and for seed testing and
propagating are also completed. These have been conveniently arranged and afford
ample facilities for seed distribution, for testing the vitality of seed grain, and for
propagating trees and plants. Collections of economic plants, the sources of
important articles of food and other products useful to man, are being made, to which
will be added from time to time other interesting and curious plants, with the view
of making this department both attractive and instructive to visitors.

40

A silo has been built, attached to the west end of the barn, in which was
stored in good season about 200 tons of fodder corn, which is now being used as
ensilage. A commodious implement house and granary has also been erected, where
grain for distribution and farm use can be conveniently stored, and with sufficient space
on the ground floor for storing all the farm implements. A work-room has been
provided in this part, supplied with a blacksmith’s forge and other tools, where
needed repairs can be conveniently made. Two lodges have also been erected,
one at each of the main gates, for the better protection of the entrances, and also to
afford accommodation for those workmen whose duties require their residence on the
farm.

A dairy building for experimental work in dairying is urgently needed,
and additional accommodation in the poultry department; also, a small engine house
near one end of the barn for the steam engine, and necessary shafting through the
barn to run the machinery required in connection with threshing, the crushing and
cutting of food for stock, &. A building will also be required for sheep, and another
for pigs, as with both these classes of animals there is much experimental work
of a useful character which should be undertaken.

EXCHANGES AND DONATIONS,

Exchanges of publications are now effected with the Experiment Stations in the
United States, with some of those in Europe, arid with the agricultural college at
Tokio, Japan. During the year several packages of interesting seeds have been
received from the Royal Gardens at Kew. From the Horticultural Division of the
United States Department of Agriculture at Washington a number of very useful
economic plants have been obtained, through the liberality of the Secretary of Agri-
culture, the Honorable J. M. Rusk. Further thanks are due to Mr. Chas. Gibb, of
Abbottsford, who, in the course of his recent travels through Japan and China, has
sent us many seeds and scions of promising vines and fruit trees from both these
countries, among which are some which are likely to be both useful and interesting ;
also to the Fruit Growers Association of Ontario, through their secretary, Mr. L.
Woolverton, of Grimsby, from whom we have received young plants of a very
promising Russian cherry, known as the “ Koslov Bush Morello.” This is a new
seedling cherry, of which some account is given in the Canadian Horticulturist for
1889, page 217. It is very hardy, and is held in high esteem in the colder parts of
Russia, and promises to be a valuable acquisition especially for the colder districts
of this country.

EXHIBITS OF PRODUCE OF EXPERIMENTAL FARMS,

Large collections of products grown at the Central Experimental Farm were
shown at the exhibitions held in Toronto, Ottawa and Belleville, where they attracted
much notice. Among the prominent features in these exhibits was a collection of
seventy different varieties of Indian corn, grown under the same conditions, showing
the different heights of the plants and stages of maturity reached at Ottawa; also, a
large collection of seedling potatoes. A display was made of the products of the
Experimental Farm of Nappan, Nova Scotia, at the exhibition for the Maritime
Provinces held in Moncton. New Brunswick, also at the exhibition held in Amherst,
Nova Scotia. Those of the Manitoba Farm of Brandon were shown at the exhibi-
tions held at Virden, Oak Lake, Brandon, Rapid City and Minnedosa, while those
of the Experimental Farm for the North-West Territories were displayed at the
exhibitions held in Regina, Qu’Appelle, Indian Head and Moosomin. All these
exhibits were arranged so as to make them instructive, and they were everywhere ~
much appreciated by visiting farmers.

FRENCH INSTRUCTOR IN QUEBEC.

During the greater part of the year Mr. J. A. Chicoyne, of Sherbrooke, Quebec,
has been employed as a special agent to visit different portions of the Province of

41

Quebec; hold meetings among the farmers, and to deliver lectures to them in the
French !anguage on agricultural subjects. This has been done with the view of
instructing them in regard to farm work and of encouraging them in the improve-
ment of their farms. From the reports which have been received it would appear
that the services rendered have been appreciated by the people.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS,

During the year meteorological stations have been established at each of the
Experimental Farms, where careful records are now being taken of temperature,
rainfall, &e. The instruments have been supplied by the Meteorological Service of
Canada, and the observations are being taken in accordance with instructions
received from the Director of that Service, to whom regular returns are made. It is
expected that some extension of the work will be made during the coming season in
recording the hours of sunshine, and at some points in taking observations with
pressure instruments. The question of weather is all-important in its bearing on
agricultural operations, and accurate observations are much needed in association
with experimental work.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.

My sincere thanks are due to the officers of the Central and other Experimental
Farms for the zeal manifested in their different departments, and for the efficient
discharge of their several duties. The reports herewith submitted bear evidence of
the care and attention which has been given to the work undertaken. The
foremen and employés are also deserving of eulogy for their faithfulness and
prompt attention to the work with which they have been entrusted. Valuable help
has been given me in the agricultural department at the Central Farm, by the farm
foreman, Mr. John Fixter, whose zeal in the service is deserving of all praise, who
has kept accurate accounts of all the work done under his management, and to whose
eareful observations and records I am indebted for many of the particulars presented
in this report. I also desire to acknowledge my obligations to Mr. Wm. T. Macoun, who
has had special charge of much of the experimental work during the past year, and
who has been unremitting in his attentions, and has proved himself thoroughly
reliable in his records and observations.

I desire also to bear testimony to the efficient services rendered by Mr. Wm.
Ellis, who has had charge of the seed testing department, where the vitality and
germinating power of grain and other agricultural seeds are determined.

W. SAUNDERS,
Director.

42

REPORT OF THE CHEMIST.

(Frank T. Suurt, M.A., F.I.C., F.C.S.)

To Wm. SAUNDERS, F.R.S.C., F.L.S., F.CS.,
Director, Experimental Farms.

Str,—I have the honour to submit to you herewith the third annual report of
the work done in the Chemical Department of the Experimental Farms.

A great part of my time during the early months of the year, was occupied in
the personal supervision of the manufacture of the interior fittings, (work-tables,
fume cupboards, &c.,) and of the gas and water arrangements for the new Labora-
tories, the designs for which I drew last year. Though this work was pushed on as
rapidly as work of such a nature could be, it was June before the Laboratories were
ready for occupation. The room we were using as a temporary laboratory in
Ottawa was then vacated and the chemical work transferred to the more commodious
accommodation afforded at the Farm. The apparatus previously ordered from Ger-
many having arrived in good order, we have since been able to prosecute the analytical
work to a greater advantage than heretofore with our limited space and apparatus.

After having occupied our new Laboratories for six months, lam pleased to be
able to report that for convenience of arrangement, light, and all those other access-
ories necessary to good and quick work, they leave nothing to be desired. Since
their completion, many chemists of note who have visited us, have commented highly
upon them and their fittings, and already the plans have been copied more than once
by those fitting up laboratories. As there have been many inquiries from chemists
in the United States and other countries regarding them, | have thought it well to
write an outline account of the details of the Laboratories in the accompanying
report, trusting at the same time that such may not be altogether uninteresting to
the non-professional reader. ;

During the past year much analytical work has been accomplished, and in the
following pages will be found the results of such analyses as have been thought to be
of general interest to the agriculturists of the Dominion. Notable among these are
the “ muds” from Prince Edward Island, of which a comparatively large number of
samples have been chemically examined.

As these muds are the chief natural fertilizers available to the farmer of that
island, the benefit to be derived from a correct knowledge of their composition, their
value, use and mode of action in the soil will at once be obvious. Other analyses
comprise those of wood ashes,—the worth of which as a fertilizer can hardly be
said to be realized in this country as yet—swamp and black mucks, marls, soils,
superphosphates, and other artificial fertilizers, potable waters, etc.

Among agricultural products analysed has been a number of samples of sugar-
beets grown in various parts of the Province of Ontario. These analyses were made
with a view of ascertaining the richness of the beet insaccharine matter when grown
here from imported seed. A series of analyses of native grasses grown at the Central
Farm and in the North-West has been commenced. Samples, at the Central Farm,
were taken at two stages in their growth. The results of this work, when finished will
be published in Bulletin form, and it is confidently hoped thatfrom them we shall be
able to point out the more nutritious of our Canadian grasses, as well as to indicate
the best time for cutting them, Analyses arealso in progress of Indian corns, grown for

43

ensilage at the Central Experimental Farm, The composition of the ensilage will
also be ascertained, :
Explanatory notes of the analyses are given to afford further information
regarding the materials examined.
I haye the honour to be, Sir,
Your obedient servant,
FRANK T. SHUTT,
Chemist to the Dominion Experimental Farms.

SOILS.

The composition of three samples of soil, analysed during the past year, is given
in the following table. All of them are clay loams. No. 1 is from lot 39, 5th range,
tp. of Ditton, Province of Quebec. Nos. 2 and 3 from the south-east quarter and
the south-east half, respectively, of section 16, tp. 11, range 26, west 3rd, North-West
Territories :—

ANALYSES OF SOILS.

Se | No. 1 No. 2. No. 3.
See |
MVMES I EUIT Ope siya ha yba it say siiats {ator ap21eha ately ararsicd slay afore \-ANaje wees biate Racer | 8°85 6°80 8°72
CEST THAR Gy G Stig RODDED) eopaOLt COUR SD oe aterkre ren Ae 86 5°16 5°57
PeraraNCN SNe Cian <cface ie esrces- ae ec ei mrien ene 76°43 73°65 | 72°52
Oxide of iron and alumina........... 8°46 9:75 9°02
SMICTING 2 (2p. <\-1s 1°69 99.- | 7.
Magnesia...... 5D 1°48 1°82
MSO TPES Ee aisteis iste Soke) asiave cis 3 25 28 39
JARS TIGRE OCCL crn ode bon sche vee opn sas ohoesnuautd sor : 14 06 a1}
polubleisilica a 24.305 ue. we cees Rae ae electors mietaente etchsiene p48 ea It 12 “14
AS rates ON CLACI ers eeera i .fet res apa, cise ve aie, b ats,ceeiale ei ehaeigi« we eersatnecteale' sce 183. 74] “95 1°01
100°04 99.24 99.7:
ARE EMO SAN ICSIIALLEL» « 21oyayo)iof-1 ie eroyey= sim c)-f~)-Lvvele joy oh cversiabieve store “048 | “125 “114

No. 1, forwarded through J. H. Chicoyne, Esq., Sherbrooke, Province of Quebec,
was supposed to be a marl, and hence valuable as a fertilizer. Marls contain between
60 and 80 per cent of carbonate of lime; this sample contains but 3-02 percent. Itisa
clay loam, of average quality as regards its inorganic constituents, but low in its
percentage of organic matter and nitrogen. This would probably be most benefited
by deep fall ploughing, in order to render it more friable, and a plentiful application
of barn-yard manure to supply nitrogen. It would then, I consider, make a strong
soil for the growth of cereals.

Nos. 2 and 3 were sent at the instance of Wm. Pearce, Hsq., Superintendent of
Mines, North-West Territories, by Dixon Bros., Maple Creek, North-West Territories.
As might be expected from the proximity of the localities from which the samples
are taken, they are very similar in composition. So close are the figures in many
instances, that these soils may practically be considered as one sample. Com-
paring their analyses with that of No. 1, a great difference is at once seen in the
amount of nitrogen they contain—the percentage in No. 1 being about one-third of
that in Nos. 2 and 3, The nitrogen in the clay loam from Lake Temiscamingue,
analysed last year, was 087 per cent., about two-thirds the quantity possessed by the
North-West soils. It is believed that these comparisons are being drawn between
analyses of unmanured soils. If, therefore, future analyses bear out that there exists
this difference, generally speaking, between virgin soils of the North-West and those
of the eastern portion of Canada, we shall have scientific data to support the state-
ments regarding the great fertility of North-West soils, and their peculiar suitable-
ness for the growth of the cereals.

44

FERTILIZERS—NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL.
THE MUDS OF PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND.

Continuing the work begun last year, several specimens of these materials have
been analysed since the issue of the last annual report, in which, on pages 32 and 33,
will be found remarks upon the chief uses of such substances as fertilizers and the
best mode of their application. They are known as swamp, river, marsh and oyster
muds, according to their source or the locality whence obtained, and are found to
differ materially in their composition,

The swamp muds are essentially nitrogenous manures, holding the greater part
of their nitrogen in a form not immediately available to plants, but rendered so by
composting with some substance that assists the decomposition of their humus by
setting up a process analogous to fermentation. Of these substances barnyard
manure, wood ashes and lime stand out as the most easily obtainable and the cheapest.
The continued use of these muds, without previous composting, cannot be of great
value except to lands well manured otherwise, excepting, of course, their well-known
mechanical effect on heavy clay and sandy soils. The river muds, as a rule, do not
contain as much organic matter and nitrogen as the swamp muds. The marsh muds
are very variable in their composition, sometimes approaching swamp muds in the
amount of nitrogen they contain, and at other times largely composed of oyster and
other shells mixed with greater or less quantities of clay, sand and organic matter.
The chief fertilizing constituent of the oyster muds is lime, present chiefly in the
form of carbonate. Several specimens received consist almost entirely of oyster
shells in an almost unbroken condition. Unless such were broken fine or the mud
composted, many years of exposure to atmospheric agencies would be necessary to
make it valuable as a manure. By these means the notable quantity of phosphoric
acid these shells contain would be rendered assimilable by plants. The debris of
marine plants and the remains of marine animals supply the nitrogen-holding organic
matter of these muds.

ES AO ET OLN A ice aE:

61-0

onl

tf

op

* > oprisaourmmg

op
TOA onbapag.

~* USeB LUO Ay

op

S1LOURE TOL aS ¥

op

sadvy oaep[lyy

“ronbove otletg opqvy

“Epog
“ULIOTY)
a

(“pauiar

-dajyapun)
prey ormoqiep

“WOM PIGHIOS

‘poy o0ydsoyg

WW

AAT
‘purg pue «vp

"YSeqOg

"BISOUST
TV pue
WoL, JO apIxg

micaegaoenay

“Ia}yB]Y OIUe SIG,

“TOIR AN

“UaBO0I14INT

‘ssoappVy

op
uvuuolg “VW “A

eee meats op

fe: Sn: ct aGep Matt)

op

Bieri quny preppy

yeti. uoyd mop 98.1094)
(s}9)

‘ine — COTTE T2@4 orl

enter ee LaqMog, Seung.

“Lopuag

ile}

wa eN OO

“‘pURIST PAVMPEL OOUTTG WoOAF spnyy JO SASATVNY

*19q UI NY

46 F

No. 1 is a sample of river mud from Lot 8, Prince Edward Island, received May
10th, 1889. Although it contains a large amount of clay and sand, the percentage of
nitrogen it possesses renders it of great agricultural value.

No. 2 is also a sample of river mud. Its percentage of nitrogen is very close to
that of No. 1, and the value of both these samples may be considered about equal.

No. 3 is from a fresh water pond and corresponds to a swamp mud. As a sup-
plier of nitrogen it is worth twice as much as No. 2. Mr. Dillon, who sent samples
2 and 3, asked which would be the better of the two for composting purposes. An
estimation of their nitrogen was sufficient to answer this important question.

No. 4 is a specimen of oyster mud, and consists largely of the undecomposed
shells of these and other bivalves in a matrixofclay. Its valueas a fertilizer depends
almost entirely upon the lime it contains. As nearly all the shells were entire, ex-
posure to air, or, as it contains but little nitrogen, burning, would improve it. In its
present condition it is of little value as a supplier of plant food.

No. 5 is aswamp mud, of which it is an excellent sample. Its value closely
approximates that of No. 3.

No. 6, from Lot 3, Prince Edward Island, is a marsh mud, and we accordingly
find it low in nitrogen compared with No. 5, also sent by Mr. Hunt.

No. 7 is described as burnt swamp mud, It is only valuable for its inorganic
constituents, the nitrogen being destroyed in the process of burning. Its insoluble
matter (clay and sand) amounts to ene-third of the whole, and as potash and phosphoric
acid are not present in large quantities, its principul value is as an agent for the
supply of lime. This analysis goes far to prove what has already been said, that
burning swamp mud is not an economical process.

No, 8, a swamp mud very rich in nitrogen, and hence exceedingly valuable as
a nitrogenous manure. Burning this mud would have the effect of destroying almost
its whole value.

Nos. 9 and 10, are marsh muds, between which the analyses show there is no
practical difference in value. Mr. Brennan reports them as “ doing good work in the
raw state, but they are specially productive when composted.” This is owing to the
nitrogen during composting being converted into forms assimilable by vegetation.

BLACK MUCKS OF ONTARIO,

These are very rich in organic matter, containing a comparatively large percent-
age of nitrogen, which constitutes their principal value asa manure. To a great
extent they are similar in their composition to the swamp muds of Prince Edward
Island, and what has already been stated with regard to the benefit to be derived
from composting them is specially applicable to these mucks. Several correspond-
ents have lately asked for advice as to the treatment of land covered to a depth of a foot
or more with peat or black muck, for crops on such soils make a good start but seldom
attain to mature growth. It has been the practice with some farmers to burn off
the peat for several inches, the result being that the small amount of ashes formed
supplies mineral constituents for a year or two, when burning is again resorted to.
Where the muck or peat exists fora depth of several feet thismay be the only practic.
able method for increasing the productiveness of the land, at the same time it must be
remembered that such a process is a wasteful one, as the nitrogen—the valuable
ingredient of these materials—is entirely lost without a permanent advantage being
effected. The great difficulty in putting out the fire when once it has got a headway
in dry peat, and hence the danger accompanying this mode of treatment, render
this plan, in addition to the reasons just urged, one that cannot be recommended and
which should only be resorted to with the greatest caution. The more rational mode of
treatment appears to be one by which the value of the muck would be retained. This
might be effected by deep subsoil ploughing, especially if it is underlaid by clay, or
by spreading a heavy dressing of lime or wood ashes. By these means a manure is
formed in the soil capable of furnishing to the growing crops the food they require,
while the tilth of the soil will be much improved. Peat soils are often too sour for

a

-

;
5
:

47

vegetation, from the presence of humic and other acids; this sourness is corrected
by the lime or wood ashes.

Mr. David Gascho, of Musselburg, Ont., forwarded three samples of black muck
for analysis and report as to their relative value for agricultural purposes. Their
composition is shown in the following table :—

ANA.WYSES OF BLACK MUCKS FROM MUSSELBURG, ONT.

Biisreriariediat 212— Wah. co Agecaass Casceee woes calesenlexty Sisac 1 30°60 10°77 | 15°66
SiNatieranG Orrvanic Matter see qdeaos- eos ls Coke oes scree wane c 42°20 48°10 62°08
Mareralemnatter |(Imorsanic)\s2ccisc ee vie cies et sla afsiore octets suey 27°20 | 41°13 | 12°26
100°00 | 100-00 100°00

Nitrogen ...... JBSOCRQUS SODAS CELIO ADIN CET Op DOOR OE OOn 1°56 neat | 2°07
TELEG SUNT Cite DRG Oe ee Cr eo te ee 315 “5S | “42
UAB Vater eae ere rie ay Voie cous alSlesinee eerartetecisces oli “50 “40
Mineral matter insoluble in acids ..........-........ --- Se ne 16°14 28°00 | 16°70
ss soluble Sie S cM. <chohel sts fsteaes see alos seal 11°06 13°13 5°56
Nitrogen calculated on dry substance ................60.0-220e000s | 2-5 1°24 2°45

Regarding nitrogen, the most important fertilizing ingredient of these mucks,
No. 3 is the richest, while No. 2 is the poorest. As, however, Mr. Gascho had No. 1
on his own farm, and as this sample closely approximates in value No. 3, which had
to be bought and teamed three miles, I concluded that No, 1 would be quite as valu-
able , if not more so, to him for composting purposes.

Of the following samples of black muck, No. 1 is from Mr. H. R. Macdonald,
Alexandria, Glengarry County, Ont., and No. 2 from Geo, H. Cornell, Carleton Place,
Ont.

ANALYSES OF BLACK MUCKS FROM ALEXANDRIA AND CARLETON PLACE, ONT.

-—- No. 1. No. 2.
—— ———. H
USajain, (ites) @yy PARE SES oem ete Eula Bary Cet Sar ee eee 78 hen eee | 69°20 72°10
SabeiM parece OF ATIC IMALLEE A) 273 (peas fo ts ie by, Secon att. does wok dose eae eons 21°78 23°90
pbtyearidisandemsoluble iN ACOs; 2.05 esi eke ao es es ore nes voi) utviewieepannten 3°29 AT
eeesderateinon and ialumina 7). nice tecsc escatestoceassckk Joecdestuee die acsat 52 “56
Lime 2
esia
Potash (K,0).
Soluble silica :
LARLY UNG GTl (22072) |e ee eh by A oe ee ee ee a eee 07 03
“TESS acital ocd odot eae eee ea Ee DEE A ERO aD EE een ie on Acumen 1°81 Het2
| 00°22 100°10
ROPE TMUTIOL SATU SOLALLED = 20 9, cst. Tahe ae iS Se NA Reo ga TOR lahore | “689 “457
: eo calculated on dry substance............. ..--...- : 2°266 1°638

Both of these are excellent for compost, No. 1 being the better of the two.

48

MARLS.

Three samples of this natural fertilizer have been received for analysis. Their
composition is tabulated in the following table :—
.

ANALYSES Of MARLS.

—— No. 1. No. 2 No. 3
IMRT Ooch sosecadeUsanveCse Suensptord Res ar cae ec Mit atte : “70 “42 17-51
Organic matter:........... BF ht te Noise Ou kee the com rine 7°93 10°33 31
(Clays andisands cmcerianeris era eee he a ciret > aiMicOBeL: 4°94 “62 *25
Oxide of iron and alumina (A1,05,Fe,0,) ......25.- eee eee eee 85 -a45 DBO
ime (CaO iis ay casew La saetibitnels caste Shans Chuo bao neon on canned F 45°45 47°70 43°61
Magnesia (MgQ)).....2...2..228 eA Neyer. artavdletas esse tear 1°30 1°46 "23
Sadar(iNial ©) 95 erect etistaetsiye mex Se Pasty Ae Raeees saees at ermine) levlorste neat 37 Saye *39
foyer) CCN) ene Bera > A ee ea ere Sin oo brace Re es Foods Traces. oes Sage “06
Solublersilical (SiO ey ccririeer cee ielere cere eietterare A vaarese sfouecicte “81 “BS “04

Carbonic acid (CO.)...... Reade so cieatoet lack scooters iaeriac tiie 37°22 38°01 33°7.
Phosphoric acid (IEGOE) ele letewiete y= let etel= ale «== Dates ce clon Gee Traces. Sib 03
99°57 100°29 99°46
Carbonate of lime, corresponding to lime....... .......... esses 81°16 85°18 77°89

No, 1 is a specimen of shell marl from Mr, Aylsmith, Dorchester, Ont., 5th May,
1889.

No, 2 is from John Lennox, Boucesville P. O., Ont.

No. 3 is from the farm of J. D. Edgar, Esq., M.P., at Etobicoke, where it occurs
in large quantities.

Nos. 1 and 2 are almost equal in value, and worth slightly more than No. 3.
The texture of all was good, being such as to allow them to easily disintegrate on
exposure to atmospheric agencies.

The application of marl supplies lime to the soil, and its value as a fertilizer
depends principally upon the quantity of this element—which is present as carbon-
ate of lime—that it contains. All plants require lime, and hence many clay, sandy
and peaty soils are benefited by a liberal dressing of marl. Besides supplying lime
and some other ingredients of plant food in small quantities, marl acts beneficially
both chemically and mechanically, on many soils, liberating the locked-up store of
plant food and effecting a better tilth or condition of the land for the spread of the
plant roots and the retention of moisture.

Its use after burning is strongly recommended on peaty soils. The acid of the
humus by this treatment is neutralized and the nitrogen of the decayed vegetable
matter set free in a form available for crops; while at the same time, lime and
other inorganic constituents, in which such soils are generally lacking, are supplied.
Burned lime must, however, be sparingly used on ordinary soils, as it is much more
powerful than marl. Its excessive use may destroy much valuable nitrogen-holding
material,

The effect of marl on soils and its best mode of application have been treated at
length in previous reports. It will therefore be unnecessary to repeat in extenso what
has already been said on this subject. '

FLUE DUST OR ASHES,

This sample was forwarded by Mr. John Croil, of Aultsville, who writes that
“it is gathered in considerable quantities behind the furnace of a factory where

49

hard and soft coal is used, being the lighter particles but too heavy to be carried up
the chimney. Please say of what value, if any, you consider it for agricultural

purposes.”
ANALYSIS OF FLUE DUST.

Solublepinewalere-cesscre ssecck ears event eedesdeeriveastccres me 27
OUND emi yACideemncae seen tence eese semen ce eeae Selse oho te oaotens ooenees 10-74
ALES TAU EMNsOlab lesion acide ea. o-taseeeses veces cee ses ses Secu sch cdaise caeees 86°49)

100-00
HO bas sy (CGO) erect cteccier c sees ce catst eenee a cee mece seats aasosdoet ase sate “16
HH OSPHOLICRACIO A Clay Os) nes sescnae = Seinsee eester deacinnee em esae we de coiss “76

Only traces of the phosphoric acid are soluble in water.

This sample may be considered one of coal ashes in a very fine state of division.
In potash and phosphoric acid it is scarcely richer than many good loams. As a fer-
tilizer, therefore, it cannot have any commercial value. From its mechanical con-
dition, however, good results are often obtained upon its application to stiff clay and
peaty soils.

WOOD-ASHES.

Of the three materials indispensable for plant growth—nitrogen, phosphoric
acid and potash—Canada finds within her own bounds ample supplies of the two
latter in the vast phosphatic deposits of Ontario and Quebec, and in the wood-ashes
produced in the clearing up of new country, while nitrogen is supplied by the
swamp and marsh mucks already referred to.

Wood-ashes are the mineral or inorganic constituents of plants which they,
during their growth, have absorbed from the earth. If, therefore, we return to the
soil such ashes, we are supplying future crops with the mineral food necessary for
their development in the proportions that they require for the building up of their
tissues.

The essential fertilizing ingredient of wood-ashes is potash—the secondary
elements of value being lime and phosphoric acid. Thecrops specially benefitted by
an application of potash, are clover, peas and other leguminous plants, potatoes,
cabbages, beets and other leafy plants. Hence it is that wood-ashes are strongly

_ recommended for these crops.
: On account of the alkalinity of wood-ashes tneir use is also recommended for
making composts with black muck and such like substances, for by this treatment
the nitrogen of the latter is set free in a form readily assimilable by plants. Thus it
is that wood-ashes act both directly and indirectly asa fertilizer. By their use the
tilth of sandy soils may be much improved, for by virtue of their contained potash
the particles of the soil be come more closely cemented, thus ensuring a greater reten-
tion of moisture. ;

As a potash fertilizer, wood-ashes in Canada take 4 frontrank, yet it seems neces-
sary to impress the value of their use for home consumption upon our agriculturists.
Canadian ashes are sold and eagerly bought in the New England States for
three times the price they can be purchased for in the home market. Notwithstand-
ing this fact, the sale of ashes for agricultural purposes in Canada is very limited.
It is to the lighter soils, in the older sections of this country, where cultivation for
many years has exhausted considerably the original store of potash, that the benefit
_ from a dressing of wood-ashes will be reaped.

. Through the courtesy of the Honourable the Minister of Public Works, the
_ Central Farm has the privilege of drawing the wood-ashes from the furnaces of the
Parliament buildings. In order to arrive at a knowledge of their composition,
samples for analysis were taken at different dates and submitted to chemical examin-

ation. As the woods from which they are produced are the ordinary hardwoods

_ of this country, and as these ashes must represent a fair average of those made in

6c—4

ae

50

Canada, it is deemed that the publication of the results of these analyses, though
primarily intended for our own guidance in experiment, will be of value to Canadian
agriculturists.

ANALYSES OF CANADIAN WOOD-ASHES.

«| Residue} Residue in-
Phosphoric} = ‘
; : ‘ a Potash Ae insol- | soluble in
No. Date. Source. Moisture. (K,0). we ai Ble aa Ateristartes
eA IN ANSTO), ignition.
1888.

No. 1..|/February 15..... Maple and birch ........ 1°08 6°35 2°09 6°85 5°29
2.. OmieaGrene. GO A deectee “52 7°35 2°42 5°66 4°94
hehe do AW(Geocs GOW soemepes uc ileal 8°89 2°08 5°06 3°31
4.. do DO ie te loi ee Bc ena “96 4°47 2°15 6°69 5°03
Bee do 15S. Maple, birch, beech, ash

and, elas). 8 hemsae et 1:29 8°41 1°96 5.76 3°31

6 Glo — PES o hoe Maple and birch ........ wot 4°87 2°06 6.46 5°52

PN VELAP Ol emetic elt eral reserstote einisnctacciaialeipicverniaiciatars “99 6°72 2°12 6.08 4°57
POUDRETTE.

This material was forwarded from Toronto, where it was produced as.a bye-
product in asystem of sewage purification by precipitation then under examination,
An analysis was asked for to determine its value, if any, as afertilizer, It is a brown
or brownish-black powder, and emits no offensive smell. The analysis afforded the
following figures :—

INIOWSIFIRS) SnanstoncopadgnadoanaabbateHTes 36 ces dnnooDoDcodsborboogEBeAodoD9OSOS
Organic matter
ResiduernsoleblepinyAacidsy. ecsecesna-sessessese ssc ose asec
Oxide of iron and alumina (Fe,O 3, Al, O04) ..2......c0ce.ceseeee
Iijueney’ (CORO) eongacenseccsobencbdasoganbapsuceaasdanboonodtod sos apa eeaeres 2:07
IN epee) eye (MUO) or scocerdonontisooposcdoroadadgondondddancagdcachconadeor 0°33
IRotashy CRO) pec. sasmot: scesascecese sascerereneseceees atnceacscheamerr 0-21
SOC eH (ANIEKO)) cogonesocoadeaocbndsnooanandacdodatidnno xd dogedsanodedac69500n 0°3
Phosphoricacid (Po Or)... <.s.c.-csccers-s-eensnseniese--snsiusaenassioe 1-24
Soluble silica (S O,) ....... spoloe na ect scscebecsoaten see tea secs ctnaeaens 0°82
Chlorine............ saa doanidaci# 4 sadcbbsbonanod oad sdéoahBonopascbsoesacccoc 0-19
Sulplurieracid(StOs) eecesewaenasecoscemseccisecm ele tsee rien serena 153
Carbonic acid hor (ClO) eescsesatess) ecesnaastrssiasiieeacelerteteestetar 0-72
100-00
Nitrogen in organic matter 2-04
Phosphoric acid soluble in water ......... 0:08
Poudrette soluble in water......... 9-68

The chief value of this material would be as a supplier of nitrogen, of which it
contains a notable quantity. A large percentage of this nitrogen no doubt exists in
a condition easily assimilable by vegetable life. The phosphoric acid (1:24 per
cent.) is also an ingredient of value. Its mechanical condition is in its favour—being
capable of ready application as a top dressing. Poudrette usually contains germs
of the nitric ferment, which are necessary for the nitrification of the nitrogen of the
soil, and it is probable that some part of the good results attendant upon its use are
produced by this agency. Judging from the analysis, the fertilizing value of this pou-
drette is about equal to that ofa good sample of black muck.

oe ee aa

51

FISH WASTE OR REFUSE,

In June last C. F. Green, Esq., Fishery Guardian of Ladner’s Landing, British
Columbia, forwarded for analysis a sample of fish manure made from the refuse of
the salmon canneries of that place. With regard to its manufacture, Mr. Green writes:
“ As soon as the oil is boiled out of the offal the residue is simply put into heaps for
a few days to allow it to heat and sweat; after that it is spread out and allowed to
dry in the sun, being turned over, but nothing is added to it.” He also adds that
several people in that locality have used it, and report it as astrong manure:

IWiss bert secant waesaeatncdotc sects fades stots senate a spite delscle voaddcesies 5-19
(OWRERVAKG, TEENA) P. on coopaogdaqondanasaqoLaacqsRenbooasonNbc04GqpbA00e00000 46-99
Alshvorsmineralemauvenesmeecsscsetee serene eeacssssecontetecns sss 47-82

100-00
NitrOPEN iM, ORGANIC MAHLENs 1c ceee ese eeeceoveseccraceseceos 3°47
TPOWIND (GkG.O) secopapsas gnosoogasucnsbueotne HoacoosbadpaABSeoHo00dCBObb. “69
Phosphoric acid, soluble in water (P,O;) .....-..:seeeseee 12
iBhosphoriciacidmmreverteda(ds, O}))ma-seetessmcs se eln sec celee 9529
iPhosphoricacias insoluble) C25 OM) meccses cec-acs= ese aaceacoeer 8-19
RG falep hos pHORICHACid emecsom-sesceeace- eee tacit seee elds eseeoneeser 17°60
Mineral) matterssoluble in water. ....-...0. ces cneer-ceesclesten ses 1:14
Mineralsmatterssolublein) acids: 2-..cscecsendessse--+e5.eeeee>-e= 40-98
(Cie, Gems) (0. ococstosnesecadeeHecoungedsoguod caboogHaSaEsedosmaoonap00q 5:70

These figures show most conclusively that in this material we have a most valu-
able fertilizer, as a supplier of both phosphoric acid and nitrogen. The addition of
wood-ashes or some other form of potash would make this a.complete manure.

The process of fermentation to which it has been subjected in its preparation
has converted to a large extent its fertilizing ingredients’ into forms readily avail-
able for plant nutrition. Further fermentation would no doubt improve it in this
respect, and in order to affect this, moisture, warmth and air are required, Its most
economical use would be as a manure for light, warm soils, where it might be
harrowed in either alone, with barn-yard manure or wood-ashes.

GAS LIME,

A sample of this material was sent by Mr. John Croil, Aultsville, Ont., in
November last. He writes: “Be kind enough to let me know of what value it is
for manuring purposes, and if of any value, how much may be advantageously
applied.” On submitting it to analysis its composition was found to be as follows :—

ANALYSIS OF GAS LIME,

IW WOTE]ND TRS pop oooncodacrnosecpouberceneemercoine sepcnccess + daspernonee esc 35-20
Wolatileand arity; Mabtotr.ccssr. ces (iecedeacercsnce cere essere 3°37
Hameo lublosmalter in ACidG:.ccccoccssceene cere te ee eee com tece ace 1:24
Caustic, and carbonate of, lime...........5...sses.cceseeecsecerenee 54°21
rSiall olnens@ ert JlimaXs);sgoccospnncebodscoBbodee coas sone ccoenooddoososoHacenae -56
Sulphide/and sulphite of lime... .-..-.<2.....2.-ssc2-neceedesensee> 2°59
Oxi ovoeron. ANd AlUMIN Aly ..uas.cesesceetende cooeecectecsesee che tee 2-04
IWIENC TAG ETE) 12 haope bce ct esa noCo Se Ra SHE AFEBOEOEL iso sac OnDGo nce BANAT Cer nonce 79

100-00

Gas-lime is a bye-product in the purification of illuminating gas. The gas in
passing through or over beds of slaked lime loses the greater quantity of its sulphur,

6c—44

52

converting the lime into sulphide of lime. This sulphide, although a good insecticide
and destroyer of fungi, is in quantities deleterious to vegetation. If, however, fresh gas-
lime is exposed to the air this sulphide becomes oxidized into sulphite, and finally into
sulphate of lime, or gypsum. The latter is valuable as plant food, as affording both
sulphuric acid and lime—two essentials for plants, and especially those of clover and
turnips. While, therefore, the application of fresh gas-lime to active vegetation is
harmful, and should be only resorted to as an insecticide—when care should be taken
that it does not come into actual contact with the living plants—the use of it after a
lengthy exposure to air will be attended in most instances—and especially upon the
crops above named and upon land destitute of lime—with beneficial results. To this
end, therefore, it is advised that it be spread upon the fields in the autumn to the
amount of two or more tons per acre and ploughed in the following spring, when it
will have lost the greater portion of its water and the sulphur compounds will be
converted into sulphate. The exact amount to be applied per acre must vary
according to the circumstances. To land naturally deficient in lime five tons is not
considered too much, but on ordinary soils, a dressing of two tons per acre may be

used as above recommended, with perfect safety. Owing to the variation in the

composition of different samples of this material, as produced at the gas works, more
definite instructions as to the quantity to be applied cannot be given. For ame-
liorating the condition of stiff clays and liberating as plant food their inorganic
constituents ; for rendering more compact the texture of sandy loams and for ren-
dering available the nitrogen of peaty soils gas-lime does good service, both chemi-
cally and mechanically.

SUPERPHOSPHATES.

Two samples of this fertilizer have been received for analysis this year:—

Shirley's soluble Phosphate.

Per cent.
Moisture......... ie tbaScobddscoCUae s5300nd oasonnHeseancocdense uobdsacenI0S 1:20
Residue insoluble in acid (rock matter) ...........-..+++- aaebaee 1:80
Calcium sulphate (@ypsSUM) ...--..e-eseeeseeee ceeeere wees eeeeee neces 21-60
Soluble phosphoric acid ........-..+.--sseecceeeeeeeeeeeteeee eee eeeees 9:59
Total phosphoric acid.........-.:ssseesseeeeeseeeeseseeeeeseeeerseeeee 20°95

The percentages of both soluble and total phosphoric acid are above the aver-
age, and show this to be a valuable fertilizer where phosphoric acid is required.
Plain Superphosphate.

This sample was sent for examination by E.A. Barnard, Esq., Secretary, Council
of Agriculture, Quebec, who reports that excellent results have been obtained from its
usec

IN Rov Ts] Rb R2y ease GacesnodkooonAeeccdonoadcorsunoNbodépodanounenaccostaoncadene 9:13
Residuelinsolublesin acid! .c.ce aseeeess cece os arch em enemarceee a s=rl- 6:12
Calcium sulphate (gypSUM) ...-...eeseeeseeetcseer sees eee eeee anes 4T-27
Soluble phosphoric acid ......-....:esscceeeee eeeeeeeeeseeeeeeseentens 772
Reverted phosphoric acid...........:..seseeeeeeese eset eteeee sree es 1:62
Total phosphoric acid...........--sseeeeeseeeeenseesese eee eeeeee eres 12:34

This is also a good sample of superphosphate.

The function of superphosphate as a fertilizer is to furnish phosphoric acid. All
virgin soils, or nearly all, contain a greater or less amount of phosphoric acid, since
the rocks from which they are primarily formed, possessed a certain, though it may be
small, percentage of calcium phosphate. Since, however, all plants need this material in
order to come tomature growth, successive croppings, where the product is sold, have
the effect of exhausting the land of its valuable plant food, without returning to the soil
phosphoric acid in quantities concomitant to the extent to which it has been consumed.
Such has been the practice in many parts of the older Provinces of the Dominion, and

Oe ee Ee te ke

53

as a result we find to-day a very marked decrease in the yield, compared with that
of the land when but newly cleared up.

The statement has been made before, that of all the constituents of plant food,
it has been found hecessary as a rule to supply but three—nitrogen, phosphoric acid
and potash. As a result of experiment, it has been discovered that certain crops are
more benfited by the application of one of these substances than by that of either or
both of the other two forms of plant food. Thus, although clover, peas and other
members of the leguminose contain a large percentage of nitrogen, their growth.is
not increased to any great extent by nitrogenous fertilizers, while the application of
potash benefits such plants most characteristically. Again, the cereals (wheat,
barley &c.), though absorbing but little nitrogen from the soil, find in nitrogenous
manures that element which they need in order to produce remunerative crops. In
like manner phosphates are found to be of special value for root crops, e.g. turnips
beets, &c. Sometimes, however, as in the case of the more or less complete exhaus-
tion of the land, exceedingly sandy soils, &c., a fertilizer containing all three is
required. Hence, in the judicious use of fertilizers a knowlege of their composition
is not only necessary, but also a history of the soil (its nature and previous croppings),
and of the character of the crop which it is sought to benefit.

Plants absorb their food in a soluble form. Superphosphate contains a con-
siderable amount of its phosphoric acidina form soluble in water. This has been
brought about by treating bones—or as is more commonly the case now, apatite (a
mineral phosphate of lime) with sulphuric acid—the result being known as super-
phosphate. It is used most advantageously as a top dressing for turnips and other
roots, and usually applied in quantities from 150 tb to 300 tb per acre. By such an
application the development of the young plant is so stimulated that it is able to
withstand the attack of the turnip-fiy to a great extent, and the subsequent yield
is largely augmented. In connection with nitrogenous fertilizers, superphosphate
has also been found to benefit the cereals.

SUGAR BEETS.

The examination into the value of sugar beets as grown in Canada has been con-
tinued this year. To this end the amount of saccharine matter has been determined
in samples of beets grown in various parts of the Province of Ontario from seed
imported from Germany and Bohemia by Wilfred J. Skaife, Esq., President and
manager of the Berthier beet sugar factory, Berthierville, Que. Most of these
specimens were collected and forwarded by Robert H. Lawder, of Toronto, who is
amassing data regarding the yield per acre &c. of the sugar beet as grown on differ-
ent soils and in different localities. The series also contains samples of the sugar
beet grown at the Central Experimental Farm.

The table subjoined shows that the samples analysed are for the most part rich
in saccharine matter. They compare most favorably in the quantity of sugar-yield
with those grown in France and Germany, where for many years the manufacture
of beet-root sugar has been a staple industry, and where, by careful selection and
breeding of the beets, the percentage of sugar has been so greatly increased.

In a few instances the beets arrived slightly withered. This would probably
have the effect of concentrating the juice, and so increasing the percentage of sugar.
Such increase, however, would not exceed .1 per cent. to .2 per cent. of the total per-
centage. °

*820'9 ‘SQ J ” ce ” er ‘WING souvy! 8.c90T | GT-3E | °° 3 era ” 9
‘sq 8 2 (2098 ‘Dp *poaordury s,umourytA| §.690L | &6-6L |*° fn oo 3 qg
ASO geal (Ts) ” Colfer ” “"*-qo0g7 aesng ofA! 2.GL0T | OL-8E |" ” ; ” p
‘820 8 Sq J v Pr oe ee ” seer eeeeeswsrmreyod) G-GL0T | 64-60 | ” a ” §
1820’ ‘SQ 9. Plea ie ae ” cf ” €-S801T | 88.91 |" Sas mp | ” G
"820 J ‘SQ ¢ poysiom syoor g}* sts turvoy, Apurg) Auvurse+) [vaque” WoIy
oyieyg “Ay Aq poytodury| 6.8201 | T6-FE fo eegO] ure [ey
-uommodxn [eyueD| T
wane saa * £vyo yug tenes sees Oe T-GS0L | 68-9T o hore) goULIOygVg 9g] SOMITORT “OL
Sets aepertyeteteeisfopsnvs tore Oo aus door es! Og OOE | ORE otic vadopy yaog| oc oumpy uyor] A
ravaaisie bapeeis soce SOIR} (9| POOR PotD PO Ono LAD Aaa? €.C80T 1¢.9T > oaoqawog “F 09 EZ 4Or[|’ + °° UOSTL AK, “ey e 7,
pogo Ri how ‘Aelia: s veeereressl & OOT | 14-27 IACAIUAA 98egL {2 “uOd ‘9g gory)" °°" «= UTUTg) AA]
» FL ” ay) oee ae key eas es sereees se TROT | G6-Gn |'° "°°" edoRy ‘g “woo fg gory)’ =" “aust UYOr) A
ney KS 0 DOE UD OR OM OA po AVNET 21] aoe “mrUOyOg?| $.PSOL | SL-9E | "* wh J Woo “TZ gor" * * Tpessnyy uyor}|
‘pornuvmuy, =, 1 < €or Apueg)* +s Auvuntery [eaquep| g.glol | gL.PL |*woqptuMvEL ‘9 ‘uoo ‘eT gory]" * ueUMOg WyoOr! T,
tl 1) (PIP DEORE IIIA 1 f0) P83) (O) [om . 1.1800 | 18.91 | *cygmug “ ‘uoo ‘9 gory] cureyerxy tA] =§
» FE 3 GI|" |" SUOYSoUATT YITAM ‘aLvOrT] "OFS “Ad Aq poytodury] 8.801 | 6G-FL |’ *** Ysnoroqtoyoq JO UMOD |: “oo sTien pavutog) 4
oe ” CN Sete ie : 6-TL0T | $8.3 |°°°°' °° puvsy Bodnogr «-: --uvyway sec! O
‘st 69 » gq} 7" curwot Apung)** * Aateg Wor. ur qysnog| ¢.090L | 2T-0L |" 4 G “wos ‘9g 907J)""" "91PAIG “H PA) d
*‘popeem 10 4no
+ peaurypwesen’ 3, 06 ” SU ae ieee ee Ao Bu014g ~ ” 0-§80T | 26.91 os 9 ‘uo ‘QT 90T] "POUT WYO] O
=} » bE ” CT ah Sat ees ae 7 tes AueULIay) [2IQU9D| G.F80T | G9-GT Jo" * 4, ” Ae ” N
S41 GE ” PI) B98 you “AeiO |" *«** <*peas Weruteyog)| 6.1T80T | OF-PL |" ss F UOd ZT oT)" “ WeULIO, “SOUT) TA
‘gno pouuryy Aptoedoad
Pee qOu py ese (0, tH “7s sureoy Apurg Trees e's BIUIOHTBO|! T.990T | GG.ZE |° °° °“yorary ‘6 “woo ‘ET oT Saat teen TOMY)
“Sq ZE poysioa Steven er ai PUOE PROSE L TA KIO Be Aaa Ox) [kaj] 0. O80T | PR.PL | Surexorg ‘Tuo ‘TZ qoy|: suey oayH! yf
Joeoumarsgdo DUNO se veveeeeceee ePeeieerees| @ gagt | goat [tty [ ‘woo “YT 40°] ” ome ay omea| Ht
ac. sie nga ree ms SES OVSSOL | 696G0 jit 4° “MOON EL LT 90M" eatepoUTg tan AA) <
Fak SR oa ‘AwsunyT] G.LL0L | 06-FE | » ees ” u
pate eS a en a “KupuLloyy [Uaqguoy! L.9G0L | LP-6 |" sy T “Woo ‘oT HORT en eee lOls) MUBhmero 7a
pee ie gee ee eae verge ” g.LLOT | #8-8T |" " T ‘woo § ASSO eee Ute T Be BSH) el
Rahat ine Ns Fo PO i ” 6-GLOL | 81-6 “-KqqUt| A100 * Tat aa OMT IBPUL AON)! 30
ers cripeateares ite re a{llers 0.8901] 18.1L °°" tees opto sup] gf
‘mapred UL UMOTD) Tot tests l sc oreng "ay Aq paqaodury] #.GL0T | GO-ST |" sore ees oe taeTAT “AA! OW
= === ae a = —
‘oon?
‘oorn ul oN
“STB U9) ‘ “J 4 x yo quang “UMOI) BLOM AQITVOOT “MOMOLY) JO JUIG 10
Oy [ros paag Jo soamog Aquavay| jo MOLY OLY M AQL[VOOTT ry j N :
| a3vqu00 aerteeL
“19
‘sj00q IvsNg JO SUSATVNY

55

In all the above, the specific gravity or density of the expressed juice was deter-
mined by the Westphal balance; the percentage of sugar in the juice was obtained
by meaa of a Schmidt and Haench Polariscope.

The average percentage of sugar in juice of beets sent by Mr. Lawder is 14-25,
that of those grown at Ottawa being 13-97. Both these figures approximate closely
the average percentage of sugar obtained in Europe from beet roots of the best vari-
eties grown for the factory. DLses 4

At the request of Mr. Robt. H. Lawder the following analyses were made on
beets sent by him in September, 1889 :—

No. 1.—Grown by Mr. Whitfield, Port Perry, Ontario, without phosphate.

AW ishlie Ymeemitictecmcteaemtelstecsinciese seria teecesecstcinciecsseedonescsasiascinease 81-92
Organic matter....... saonoboda btnoacoasooRbosoqshboccsouconodeSdneEsa0G 16:87
INS ooaaboobe “pho shendneassondoodoed sae seine sedans soesacinesosceatientet es 1:21

100-00
Percentage of sugar in beet T00t............0scessescceeeesecescenes 13:30
Percentage of sugar in juice, calculated,...............00+-+5 sese CEI

No, 2,—Grown by Mr. Forman, Manchester Ont., fertilized by phosphate.

VWVENIGTR cocococanocasdaa8s 4 6 eeaooudeaSsogeoanDb an65ooe #ob065060000000 600 . 81:04
Ore anicumations centre scece. scersasserenan eee re aesaseeocecss 17°86
ANE] Beso qn0ddsi0086 8.0505 san7 soaps sbe os onsADSA AGO E or HOb500 cODNOCOsOsI0G000 1:10

100.00
Percentage of: sugar in beet root..............-..cessereesseesecees 12:00
Percentage of sugar in juice, calculated..............:06+-.seeee 12.77

The results of these two latter examinations must not in any way be interpreted
as proving that fertilizing by phoshate has the effect of lowering the percentage of
sugar in the beet root. Before any deductions on such an important matter could be
made, tests, extending over several seasons, must be carried on, in which all the
factors, e. g., seed (variety), soil (nature and previous history), treatment or culti-
vation of the root, amount and composition of fertilizer, are known. It is more than
probable that at the date when these two samples were pulled—the middle of
September—they were immature. This may account for the rather low percentage
of sugar, as it is well known that there isa rapid increase of sugar as the beet
approaches maturity.

WATER ANALYSES.
OTTAWA WATER SUPPLY.

An analysis of this water in December, 1888, gave the following results :—

Parts
per Million.
Thee) Ghaniag Vo) eh Aan asap becoceeenonabadohonucacmorcesaocananacooca *02428
JMiWarruanvuayosts! GhaniaVovaley— oopsdesoeea pbecossenueogsudscnoaooonodscc -1881
(Cinloneiriye's s scaoanvontaes soonepoodadoaddeccdcocHobeooountEbandDsnsSpEno 1-0
Oxygen absorbed in 15 minutes, at 80° Fah. .........+0+ 3°164
rf a 4 hours, at 80° Fah....-.......2-..+ 6-986

In my report for 1887 is contained a full account of the chemical and biological
examination of this water, made a year previous. Comparing the above with the
results then obtained, we find that the water has by no means improved during the
year, yet the variation is not so great but what the same general characteristics

56

may be traced. The figures point now, as they did then, to a large excess of dissolved
vegetable matter.

}j. The amountof “oxygen absorbed” during a stated interval at astated temperature
from a given amount of an acid solution of potassium permanganate gives a measure
of the organic matter present. The more oxygen absorbed the greater the quantity
of the decomposing organic matter: This test of the presence of organic matter
was therefore used in order to ascertain the efficacy of Dr. Albert R. Leed’s method
of purification of water by alum. Dr. Leeds advised the use of } grain of alum per
gallon to peaty waters, which he held should precipitate all the peaty matter, together
with the alumina, leaving the water brilliant, clear and limpid. With a view of try-
ing this process on the Ottawa water the above directions were carried out and the
water allowed to settle for three hours. At the end of this time there was a brown-
ish-white flocculent precipitate at the bottom of the vessel, while the supernatant
water was clear and free from all yellow color. The water was then submitted to
analysis, with the following result :—

‘Parts ©

per million.
Oxygen absorbed in 15 minutes, at 80° Fah................06. “732
Oxygen absorbed in 4 hours, at 80° Fah..................00008 1440

Comparing these figures with those obtained from the untreated water, the fact
is made clear that over three-fourths (?) of the organic matter was precipitated and
rendered insoluble by the alum. This result seems to point to a probable means for
the purification of the water supply.

WELL WATER FROM WM. BROWN, RICHMOND, ONT.

This sample had a bad smell, and contained much floating vegetable debris.

Parts
per million.
PSO CAIMTINONTA Fives occ oe ce tee aoa weae cane tele ee erect ee eter Tipe
Al buMMinodiamMMONiae scdereecmeere cone oan se seoecece aces eae eee 16
Chilomimes socceeceein eat seals cele orc ae eee See wets oe eee oe eee 50.00

This analysis was made on 7th January 1889. The quantity of water forwarded
was not sufficient for a complete analysis. On 27th February another sample of the
same water was received from Mr. Brown, and was submitted to chemical examina-
tion with the following result :—

Parts
per million.

IMPeeeAM MONA es cocsoesees os Nac a see nee ect eee ee eee eee “59
JA PumMINoid aAmMOnlassecesee eeecense cence ece eee ence e here neeeeeee 08 «
Cloning ass.ccecoeacs tas see eee rence ee eee ene eee eee 48-00
Total Rol Sek sae See ene oe enone ne eee 390-00
Hoss: on ienitionhot; total solids---2.<-..cssees-cee- se eeee een sesee se 50-00
Oxygen absorbed in 15 minutes, at 80° Fah.................. “2

ss S A hours at o0CWahere eens sees 1-296
Nitrogendntnitritestand mitrates.:-cs-e-s-creeece ete setae eee “24

This water evidently varies in its quality, and the analysis shows that an
improvement had taken place between the two dates above mentioned. I condemned
this water on account of the large quantities of free and albuminoid ammonia asso-
ciated with an excess of chlorine, which point unmistakably to contamination by
sewage. To use such a water as this, either for the family or live stock, must be
attended with a tremendous risk. The well acts, no doubt, to some extent, as a
cess-pool for the barnyard or outbuildings. The importance of pure water for man
and stock has been dwelt upon in a previous report. It is, therefore, only necessary
for me to reiterate that great care should be exercised when deciding upon the loca-
tion of a well, in order that no risk may be incurred from the drainage of barnyard,

57

stables, privies,&c. Besides this, the condition of the well itself and its surroundings
should be examined from time to time, and if any doubt be entertained as to the
quality of the water a chemical analysis of it should be made. The latter must be
insisted upon as the means for ascertaining the relative purity of a water. Sight, taste
and smell are only of value in a confirmatory sense when pronouncing upon the
quality of a drinking water. Farmers desiring an analysis of their well water should
write for directions as to its collection, &c.

WELL WATER FROM TORONTO ISLAND.

(Forwarded 6th July, 1889.)

Appearance through 2-ft. tube-——Clear; very pale greenish yellow. Smell at
100° Fah., not marked.

Parts
‘ per million.

(CUNILOTEIT Scnnacagd loc dno sgeR COBODESeneGROROASS CURESAI EE BENGacanenaesaReaee 7-00
Phosphoric acid—very slight traces................0.scesseeeeeees

MUNG CW ATI OMIA ssc es cia seevisccicias esaiec melaoeselsemeeecieete on sezineteinces 03

PMT brim mO Id ean ONAN. .-cceee olen ssc ec eayascietes <aucadsaeelenier dese 042

Nitrogen in Nitrates and Nitrites. ........-.s-c-:s-c---sc8 seers ‘235

Oxygen absorbed in 15 minutes at 80° Fah..................... 168

a eS AV HOURS ctitS Ups lene. seeteces-) cece see ‘280

NO DALESOLI BMT ALCON s sec oes cr ecanects once s soceoerosssecceRasce ene ayeacstions 295-00

& “ ERIN YUAN) kor caanoocnceboscéan sEsoObOF hse ..--- 220700

Judging by the standards laid down by water analysts, this water is one of great

purity, and one which can be strongly recommended as a drinking water. The
- amounts of free and albuminoid ammonia, and of the oxygen absorbed in fifteen
minutes and four hours, all fall within the limits of a first-class water.

Compared with the water of Lake Ontario, however, this water takes a second
place, though the quantity of organic matter is yet very small. The total solid
matter and chlorine exceed largely those present in the lake water. This points to
a larger quantity of inorganic matter, which, however, is not present in such an
amount as to detract from the purity of the water for drinking purposes.

THE NEW CHEMICAL LABORATORIES.

The laboratories occupy the eastern half of the main building, the suite con-
sisting of three rooms. The western half comprises offices for the Director, Entomo-
logist, Horticulturist and Accountant, with a museum above for agricultural products.
Admittance is gained to the main building by a central door, opening into a spacious
hall, on the left hand of which are the double doors of the principal laboratory.
This is 36 feet long and 24 feet wide, and amply lighted on the north and east sides
by five large windows. Work-benches are arranged along the two walls under the

_ windows, while two double work-tables occupy the central space. The southern

_ wall divides the principal laboratory from the balance room (which also serves ‘as
the office for the Chemist) and the private laboratory. Along this wall are arranged
the blast and blow-pipe table, the fume cupboard, and the large sink.

By a door on the right of the main laboratory the balance room and office is
entered. This room is 12 feet wide and 16 feet long, and lighted by two windows
from the south. Perfect rigidity is secured for the balances by the bench which
supports them being fixed to the wall. Glass cases and shelving for specimens and

__ instruments find a place here.

Passing from this room we find the private laboratory, which also has an entrance
from the principal room. Here also are work-benches arranged along two sides
under the windows. Its fume-cupboard is connected with a companion flue to that
of the large one—thus the fume-cuphoards stand back to back on either side of the

+
re

mW

58

partition wall. The dimensions of this room are as follows: 12 feet wide by 20 feet
long. ;
The height of the suite is 11 feet 6 inches. The floors are of maple, the walls
and ceilings of matched pine—the latter being worked out in panels.

WORK-BENCHES AND TABLES,

These are throughout of pine, with cherry tops, and stand at the uniform height
of 3 feet from the floor, The width of the work-benches is 2 feet 6 inches, that of the
central tables being 5 feet. Thelower part of both consist of cupboards, above which,
and projecting some 3 inches, are drawers of various depths, the table top sur-
mounting these and projecting 2 inches. By this arrangement the unsightly toe-
space has been rendered unnecessary. At intervals in the work-benches and tables
are knee-spaces, the arched tops of which support the gas and water taps.

FUME-CUPBOARDS,

These are 8 feet long, 8 feet high and 2 feet deep. The lower portions are
enclosed by cupboards and drawers, which support the base of the fume-cupboard pro-
per, the latter lined with lead. Sliding glass doors with panels of glass above form
the front and sides. The gas and water supplies are regulated by taps outside.

GAS SUPPLY.

The expense incumbent upon bringing the gas supply from the city of Ottawa
would have been so great that it was deemed expedient to manufacture it upon the
premises from gasolene. For this purpose a Springfield machine was put in, which
furnishes illuminating gas for the whole building, as well as for heating purposes in
connection with laboratory work, As this gas is very rich in hydro-carbons it does
not draw in sufficient air when using the Bunsen burner to produce complete com-
bustion, a sine qua non in chemical operations. A blast of air, blown by the same
machine, and conducted to the tables, where it connects with the gas-pipes about 6
inches from the nozzles, was therefore devised. The nozzles issue from the table tops
at the back, the supplies both of gas and air being regulated by taps in front imme-
diately over the knee-spaces mentioned before. By this system perfect combustion
has been obtained, while it allows the gas to be turned off and on without disturbing
apparatus already set up.

WATER SUPPLY.

Water is supplied to the work-benches along the sides of the laboratory by
goose-necks set on the table tops at the back opposite the knee-spaces—the water
being turned off and on in front, as in the case of the gas. These work-benches have
no sinks, but the waste water is carried off by means of waste pipes immediately
beneath the goose-necks (the waters supplied being used only for distillation and
the like purposes). The central tables have sinks at both ends, half their width being
let into the tables. Over the large sink adjoining the fume-cupboard are arranged
the following pieces of apparatus : an automatic still and.condenser for making dis-
tilled water, a hot water generator and a blast and exhaust pump. A vacuum for
rapid filtration is procured on the end table by means of a pipe carried from this
pump, while a tube conducting a blast of air produced by the same machine is taken
to the blast table. All three pieces ofapparatus are connected directly with the water

supply.

LS ee Nt

59

REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGIST AND BOTANIST.
(James Fiercuer, F.R.S.C., F.L.8.)

To Wm. Saunpers, Esq., F.R.S.C., F.LS., F.CS.

Director, Experimental Farms.

Srr,—I have the honour to submit herewith a report upon the work carried on in
the Department of Entomology and Botany during the past season. In the division
of Entomology this has consisted chiefly of field investigation of such pests as have
occurred upon the Experimental Farm, including the trial of various insecticides and
methods of agricultural treatment with a view of controlling insect ravages; of de-
livering addresses at Farmers’ Institute meetings; of writing articles for the local
press in such districts as any particular outbreak of injurious insects may have ren-
dered it advisable ; of naming specimens and of answering correspondence concern-
ing insect injuries and advising remedies. In the division of Botany there has been
a considerable amount of correspondence concerning fodder plants, particularly our
native grasses. Much interest is shown in this subject by settlers in the North-West
Territories and various species have been sent in for identification and report as to
their probable value,

The experimental grass plots laid out by yourself previous to my appointment have
been carefully watched and notes have been taken of the behaviour of various species
under cultivation. There are in this collection, which has been very much increased
during the past season, many species of promising appearance which have been
grown at Ottawa from seed procured in ditterent parts of the world, but particularly
from our own North-West Territories. Several species not yet in cultivation as farm
crops, give evidence of being worthy of that attention. Inthe Arboretum and Botanic
Garden, work has been begun by locating and grouping some of the more important
natural orders. About 200 species of trees and shrubs, two specimens of each, have
been set out where they are intended to be grown. These are made up as follows :—

Species.
Onions manecce tase seeve. ce cmecnaitetes seco nsceresetheiceet st arlene seeeteace 19
HROSAGEESE Res menie ne Seeecne canetisecam snc ssececenGan cere rete tone teats 49
WACO cater. seemaeceret tins eee acenec once casen. cosets eT CR eres 23
Umar aTn SVE Rey cptiqcédanadand dba canetar nahSebudneaBeoaé bb odd Asbo pAGdoacbuntidd 3
Ciipulliteratre te sensi: cetosncaaehste csc sectoor tance: sete srseneteeess 7
HUstiic AC Ors ene eee nar ene Paes at, Anco cen ee REE MCE atte eta 2
@aritohia cee... essere ceva ctetia cee anecn setamermeress sete sccnee tas 22
ME SUMINOSE? aa tiara tercsstcccenssk cst cinacecee emmeseecteetersoetones 14
(Clormrnaverstayabes sen cwacan Ghacc acne ae eRe RS end, coaducBoUR eee be 8
SSA MAP TAP A CCE ne tuctentaser nonce tenes tlenccaaettiosespaaeGaurecesocsers 15
TSG 5H OSTA IEKOCT aap anilise MB ee Rass ae Sa MOORS SEE 1 decine ASRS SE CNARD iil
HOA OMA COR arse acta nob ecaiscoune cocci naeet deme cect cetcaesinn ts 7

Next spring this number will be largely increased from stock already in hand,
either in the nursery rows or in the botanical seed beds, which have been grown
from seed procured from various sources.

Since I took possession of my office in the new Museum building, my own hortus
siccus presented to the farm two years ago, has been unpacked and is now accessible
to any students who may wish to consult it. This collection contains a complete
representation of the phanerogamie¢ flora of the Ottawa District and a large propor-
tion of the wild plants of the rest of the Dominion, Valuable additions have been

60

made to the collection during the past autumn, through the courtesy of the Director
of the Geological Survey and by the kindness of Prof. Macoun, the Naturalist of the
Geological Survey. A collection of the seeds of the wild plants and agricultural seeds
of the Dominion has been begun, which will be preserved in small glass phials and
placed in the Museum for reference.

Collections of seeds and living plants have been received from the following :—

Dr. G. M. Dawson, Ottawa.—A collection of seeds and roots of rare western
plants from the Rocky Mountains and British Columbia.

Prof. John Macoun.—Seed of Ferula dissoluta from British Columbia.

Rey. C. J. Young, Lansdowne, Ont.—Living roots of the fern Asplenium ebeneum.

Mr. James Goldie, Guelph—Seed and living roots of Lithospermum canescens and
Asclepias tuberosa.

Mrs. Chamberlin, Ottawa.—Seed of English and Canadian plants.

Mr. L. A. Woolvertov, Grimsby.—Roots of Hamamelis virginica.

Mr. Donald Kennedy, Bird’s Hill, Man—Seed of Muhlenberg grass (Muhlenbergia
glomerata).

Miss Alice Williams and Miss Woods, Victoria, V.I—A collection of British
Columbian bulbs and seeds from the interior of British Columbia.

In the month of July last with the consent of the Hon. Minister of Agriculture
I visited Washington for the purpose of examining the apparatus and collections in
the Division of Entomology of the United States Department of Agriculture. In
this Division, under the direction of the eminent United States Entomologist, Prof.
Cc. V. Riley, particular attention has been given for many years towards the develop-
ment and improvement of apparatus and methods for the successful treatment of
injurious insects. The continuous study of these important subjects has resulted in
the invention of many useful and simple machines for counteracting the attacks of
our insect enemies, Prof. Riley was himself absent from Washington, attending the
Paris Exposition; but I was most courteously received by Mr. L. O. Howard, the
Assistant United States Entomologist and by the rest of the staff of the Division,
who showed me every kindness and attention in exhibiting the machinery and
explaining the uses thereof, as well as in throwing open for my examination the
magnificent collections which have been brought together in the National Museum.

Nor was less courtesy shown me by the officers of the Division of Botany, and
by request of the Hon. Edwin Willits, Assistant Secretary of Agriculture, arrange-
ments were entered into during my visit for the mutual exchange of seeds of native
grasses and fibre plants.

In conclusion, I bee gratefully to acknowledge the great assistance I have
received in my work from Prof. Riley, the United States Entomologist, and his able
staff at Washington. My thanks are specially due for specimens and identifications
of insects, a set of three samples of the Riley cyclone nozzle and a Kutzner New Zea-
land triplet nozzle,which the United States Entomologist was good enough to present
me with; from Miss E, A. Ormerod, Entomologist of the Royal Agricultural Society
of England, for valuable advice, and from my many correspondents in all parts of
Canada, who are too numerous to mention by name. ;

The subjects treated of in the following pages, are those which have been
most prominently brought before my notice during the past season, or concern
ing which information has been specially requested. A great many subjects which
have been dealt with in the large correspondence of the office are held over for future
use in bulletins, or when the occasion may be more opportune.

For the use of some of the excellent figures which add materially to the value
of this report, my thanks are especially due. For Nos. 1, 2 and 3, I am indebted to
the kindness of Miss E. A. Ormerod; for Nos. 8 and 9 to Prof. Riley ; and for No. 10
to Messrs. Blackie & Son, of Edinburgh.

I have the honour to be, Sir,
Yours obediently,
JAMES FLETCHER,
Entomologist and Botanist.

61

i THE HESSIAN FLY.

(Cecidomyia destructor, Say.)

Fig. 1—The Hessian Fly enlarged and natural size.

Attack—tIn autumn two or three small whitish maggots, generally showing a
green strip in the centre, may be found embedded in the crown of the root-shoots, of
winter wheat, or in summer just above the first or second joint of the stems of
barley, rye and wheat, where they lie beneath the sheath of the leaf, but outside
the stem from which they suck the sap, causing it to become weak and fall over (Fig.

3). When full grown these maggots harden and turn brown, when they resemble
small flax-seeds (Fig.2). They eventually turn to small blackish midges, with smoky
wings, which appear in Canada in April and May, and again in August and the begin-

ning ofSeptember. The females lay small scarlet eggs upon the inside crease of the :
leaves of barley, rye, and wheat plants.

Eo
Fig. 2.—Hessian Fly puparia or “ flax seeds,”
natural size and enlarged.

Fig. 3—Attacked barley stem. 1,
. elbowed down; 2, showing “ flax seeds.”

It is many years since the Hessian Fly committed serious injuries in our Canadian
wheat and barley fields, a fact largely due to farmers having become acquainted with
the life history of this pest, and in consequence taking the necessary precautions
to avoid its attacks. During the past summer, however, specimens and enquiries

a

'

have been sent in from different districts, which indicate that it has increased con-
siderably in some places. In the neighbourhood of Ottawa it was noticed in a few
fields, and it is mentioned as troublesome in some parts of the counties of Grey and
Simcoe. Two of the packets of specimens which have been sent to me, are worthy
of attention, Me, account of their containing large numbers of parasites. On 11th
August Mr. G, F. Marsh writes from Thornbury, Ontario: “I send-you some speci-
mens of pales injured by a small brown maggot. From the description given in
your reports, I would suppose that it is “the larva of the Hessian Fly in
the flax-seed stage, but I did not know that it ever attacked barley. I do not know
of its having caused any damage to crops here before ; but this year I should think
that 1 or 2 per cent. of the bar ley crop is destroyed, and wheat to a less extent.
Ave they likely to increase next year, and what means would you advise for destroy-
ing them?” Mr. Marsh was written to, that the specimens sent were the true Hessian
Fly, and he was requested to send a furthersupply of injured straws, so that parasites
might be bred. The usual remedies of late sowing of winter-wheat, the destruction
of rubbish and tailings at the time of threshing, the use of plenty of manure, and, if
practicable, the burning of stubble, were suggested. The cultivation of certain
varieties of wheat, such as Lane aster, Fultz, Clawson, Diehl] and Underhill Mediter-
ranean, which are reported to be less attacked than others, was also recommended,
On 3rd September Mr. Marsh writes further: “I have been making enquiries
amongst’ the farmers of this neighbourhood, and find the extent of the injuries
of the Hessian Fly much larger than I expected. Some say the wheat is
almost a total loss; others not so much, and a few I have spoken to say that a great
deal is lying down, but they do not know the reason, Most likely it is the same
cause—the Hessian Fly. With regard to what you say about some of the varieties

of wheat being more liable to attack than others, I may mention that the sample of

Ladoga wheat received from the Experimental Farm, seemed nearly free from the
Hessian Fly, while a small patch of Magyar wheat was nearly alldestroyed. Isend,
as desired, a number of injured straws. Iama farmer and fruit grower, and wish to
make a collection of insects for study, especially those injurious to orchard and farm
produce. Will you kindly advise me what I need to begin, or recommend me some
ook on the subject.”

In reply to the above, the following letter was sent: “Iam very much obliged

to you for sending the infested straws, and am pleased to tell you that I have bred

trom them, already, a large number of benefi¢ial parasites. The presence of these

parasites is a most important matter, as the diminution in the numbers of this pest
from what they were some years ago is supposed to be due, for the most part, to
these beneficial parasites. I'am much pleased to hear of your determination to make
a collection of injurious and beneficial insects, for I am confident that this is the only
way to learn about them. The large amount of injury which can be prevented by
even an elementary knowledge of economic entomology makes it most important
that farmers should know something of the lives of the insects from the depredations
of which they annually suffer so much. I shall always be glad to help you in any
way in my power. There is an excellent small work lately published, which I think
will give you all the information you ask for, about farm insects and the best way to
collect and study them. Itis ‘Packard’s Entomology for Beginners,’ New York, 1888,
published by Henry Holt & Co.” The other parcel referred to above as having con-
tained parasites came from Prince Edward Island, from the office of the Pioneer and
Island Farmer, with the following letter: “ Herewith I enclose you the joints of some
wheat stalks. You will find on opening them that there is the larva of some insect
which has destroyed many fields of wheat in the vicinity of Summerside. Would you
kindly let us know what insect it is, and what means might be adopted to prevent
its ravages. The gentleman from whose fields thes talks were taken, says that the
stalks which missed being punctured by the fly came to maturity all right, but with
the others—about three-fourths of the field—all vitality was destroyed. "The joint

- where the larva mostly is, is the first from the ground, although sometimes they are

found in the second as well.”

_ 63

The stems sent from Prince Edward Island produced only a few parasites;
but these were sufficient to indicate that these valuable allies were present. The
straws sent from Thornbury, however, produced large numbers. In fact, it is prob-
able that not a single Hessian Fly larva was left unmolested in the straws sent. The
contents of some of the “ flax-seeds” have not yet emerged; but so far nothing but
parasites have appeared. These have been kindly identified by Prof. Riley as
Merisus destructor, and a winged form of M. subapterus.

The life-history of this pest has been studied very carefully by many observers,
but particularly by Dr. Packard, Prof. Forbes and Prof. Webster in America, and by
Miss Ormerod in Europe, all of whom have published valuable articles upon its
habits.

In reply to the letter sent by the Island Farmer, the following answer was sent
and was published in their issue of 26th September :—

“T beg to inform you that the wheat stalks enclosed in your letter have
been injured by the Hessian Fly, a very injurious insect which some years
ago committed enormous ravages upon the wheat crops of North America.
Of late years, however, although reports come in annually of its depredations
in some parts of Canada, the injury to the wheat crop of the Dominion from
this cause is comparatively small. This diminution in the numbers of this
pest, is due mainly to the operations of minute parasitic insects which destroy the
insect before it reaches the mature state. I am glad to inform you that in
the small packet of infested straw forwarded by you I have found several of these
beneficial parasites. This, however, only shows that the parasites are present in the
field from which the straw was taken, and it is very desirable that farmers should
take the usual precautions to prevent the spread and increase of this dangerous
insect. The life history is briefly as follows: The perfect insect appears in the
spring and autumn, the exact time varying in different localities; but it is usually
in the months of April and May in the spring, and August and September in the
autumn. It is asmall black gnat, about one-third the size of the ordinary mosquito.
The body is black and the wings are smoky. Each female lays about twenty eggs.

_ The eggs are laid in the crease of a leaf of the young wheat plant. They hatch in

a few days into small maggots, which work their way down into the sheathing base

of the leaf and remain between the base of the leaf and the stem, causing the stem
____ to swell and become weak, so that it-breaks very easily (Fig. 3). The spring brood
3 from eggs laid in April and May, comes to maturity and a large proportion of the

flies appear in August, although a few of them may not come out until the following
_ spring. The brood which appears in August and September lays eggs upon volun-
teer wheat, young fall wheat and perhaps some grasses. When the maggots hatch
they work their way down to the bases of the leaves and feed upon the juices of the
plant. They become full grown before the winter sets in, and pass the winter either
in the state of a naked larva or in the ‘fiax-seed’ state, in which they may be found
on removing the lower leaves, as little brown, smooth, oval and pointed bodies,
somewhat resembling the seeds of flax. Inside these “ flax-seeds” the larvee remain
unchanged until the following spring; on the return of warm weather they change
to chrysalides, and the perfect flies appear in April, May and June.”

In reference to the above, Prof. S. A. Forbes writes—Bulletin 3: “The Hessian
Fly,” 1887. “It was especially to test, for the latitude of southern Illinois, the
details of the current biography of the Hessian Fly in America, that I commenced
observations on the subject in southern Illinois in 1883. The results thus far
established show that in that latitude a large percentage, at least, of the flies emerge
as imagos before wheat harvest or immediately thereafter (28th May to 28th June);
that, if opportunity offers, the fly will breed freely in volunteer wheat at a date
earlier than its usual breeding season in wheat ef the regular sowing; and that the
greater part of this midsummer generation emerge as winged flies before winter and
lay their eggs immediately, thus giving origin to a third brood which hibernates
chiefly in the puparium.”

a a a aS NS

| | 64

sent to the Island Farmer, for I have never been able, so far, to find the larve or
“ flax-sceds” in volunteer wheat or barley. There is, however, a possibility of its
occurring in Canada, for where the Hessian Fly and the Wheat-stem Maggot
(Meromyza Americana) occur together, the life histories of the two insects agree
closely.

If it were found to be the case here with the Hessian Fly, as it has with the Wheat-
stem Maggot, that there is an intermediate brood which matures in volunteer wheat,
which springs up in the stubble after the grain is cut, it would give a further oppor-
tunity of keeping this pest in check by treating the stubble, first by harrowing it
directly the grain was cut to make the volunteer crop start, and then by ploughing
this in before the larvee were mature. With regard to the general impression cur-
rent amongst farmers of infested wheat turning yellow, this is probably a mistake.
Prof Webster, who has studied the matter carefully, writes: “Infested wheat does.
not turn yellow in the fall, but the leaves are darker in colour than those of a healthy
plant, and proportionately broader, The central spindle-shaped leaf is missing, and
the whole plant is only a bunch of rank-growing leaves. Dr, Lindeman, of Moscow,
Russia, in his recent work on the Hessian Fiy, uses this language: ‘ All the leaves of
the plant wither at the same time, commonly changing but little of their green !
colour.’ So you see that a yellow colour is a poor indication of fly, even in Russia.
I am confident that 50 per cent. of what is known here as winter-killed grain is due
to the attack of the fly. Iam certain of this. Wheat will go into winter looking
thrifty and even rank, though seriously infested, but so far as I have observed it is.
killed before spring. By explaining the difference between healthy and injured
plants I hope to enable our farmers to detect the injury, possibly in time to re-sow,
if the first sowing was done quite early.”

Remedies.—The remedies for the Hessian fly are the following :—

1. Late sowing.—The postponement of sowing winter wheat until after the
third week in September usually has the effect of delaying the appearance of the
young wheat plant above the ground until after the Hessian Fly is flying.

2. Burning refuse.—Of great importance is the burning of all rubbish and
“tailings” or fine screenings from the threshing mill, wherever barley or wheat |
have been known to be infested. A proportion, sometimes large, of the “ flax-seeds”
is carried with the grain, and in the threshing they are thrown down amongst the rub-
bish and broken straw beneath the machine. By burning this, not only will the
Hessian Fly “flax-seeds” or puparia be destroyed, but also the seeds of many injurious
weeds.

3. Treatment of stubbles.—As soon as the crop is cut, a harrow may be run over
the surface of the fields, so as to make the volunteer crop, from grain which has
dropped in harvesting, begin to grow quickly. If there be an intermediate brood
of the Hessian Fly this will be easily destroyed by ploughing in the volunteer crop
before the insects are full grown, and at any rate will attract the early flies of the
autumn brood to lay their eggs, and will also be very beneficial in destroying the
summer brood of the Wheat-stem Maggot. Another adaptation of this remedy is the
sowing of a strip of wheat in August, which will attract the females to lay their
eggs, and which can afterwards be ploughed under. The burning of stubble has
sometimes been practised with good results. If fields are conveniently situated,
away from barns, houses and stacks, stubble can be easily burnt over, in summer, as
it stands in the fields, if a day be chosen when there is a gentle breeze. This should
of course be done as soon after the crop is carried as possible. The “flax-seeds” being
situated as a rule in the first or second joint of the stem, are all destroyed by this
burning process.

4, Rotation of crops——Neither wheat, barley, nor rye should be sown again the
next season in fields where the crop has been infested this year.

A point of great interest in the life-history of this insect is the discovery made
by Dr. C. Lindeman, of Moscow, of two of the varieties of grass which are sometimes
attacked by the Hessian Fly. Miss Ormerod records (Rep. XII, p. 51): “ Observa-

ge

{

A

4

65

tions with which I have been favoured by Dr. C. Lindeman, of Moscow, during the
past season, point to the importance of clearing the surface rubbish of infested fields
as thoroughly as can be done. There has been doubt and difference of opinion as to
the kinds of wild grasses which were liable to infestation by Hessian Fly, but during
the past season Dr. C. Lindeman has been good enough to send me information of
“Timothy Grass,” Phleum pratense, having been found during 1887, in one of the
Russian Governments (that of Tambor) to be severely attacked by Hessian Fly, in
corroboration of which many specimens of Hessian Fly puparia were sent to him. In
1887 also, Dr. Lindeman received specimens of stems of Couch grass, Triticum repens,
sent from the Government of Tambor and that of Woronetz, which were elbowed
down by and infested by puparia of the Hessian Fly; and communication was made
to him at the same time that the couch grass was so severely attacked that in whole
districts covered with this grass it was destroyed.”

When winter wheat is found to have been only moderately attacked by the
autumn brood of the Hessian Fly, good results have still been secured by the use of
special fertilisers in the spring, by which weak plants and uninjured shoots, even on
infested plants, were strengthened sufficiently to give a fair crop.

THE GRAIN APHIS—(Siphonophora avene. Fab.)

Attack—Green, yellow, red or black, plant lice with the antenne, or horn-like
feelers in front of the head, the knees and the tips of the shanks, as well as the feet,
black. These insects may be found in clusters upon oats, wheat, barley and rye, and
probably also upon some grasses—in the spring, upon the leaves, which turn first
red and then yellow around and above where the clusters are situated — later in the
summer they crawl up the stems and attack the flowers and forming grain, sucking
out the juices by means of their beaks. They leave the fields of grain about harvest
time and are not again found until September, in which month a few were found on
voluntéer barley at Ottawa this season. Dr. Thomas found an aphis on wheat in the
winter of 1875, which he had no doubt was this species. Speaking of their autumn
operations he says: “They work upon the leaves and stalks singly, while the weather
is not too cold, but when winter appears they move downwards towards the ground,
some of them entering the soil and feeding on the sap of the roots.”

The life-history of this insect is not yet completely worked out. Theusual cycle of
life in this order is for them to pass the winter as eggs, from which wingless viviparous
females hatch in thespring; these by a process of budding and without the sexes pairing
(there are no males at this season) give birth to fully-formed young, which ina few days
mature and themselves bear young plant lice. There are several successive broods of
females, until a certain time in the year (varying slightly in different species), when per-
fect females and also males are produced. Thisis the only time of the year when males
appear. Some species of plant lice migrate at certain times of their development to some
other plant than that upon which they had passed the summer months. Pairing now
takes place, and as a result eggs are laid, which remain unhatched until the following
spring. This is a general statement, only, of the life-history of plant lice, to which
there are exceptions—a notable one of these being the Hop-Aphis (Phorodon humuli),
the remarkable life-history of which has been so carefully worked out by Prof. Riley
and recorded in his report of 1888 as follows: Of this species the winter eggs are laid
by the perfect female upon plum trees in autumn; from these hatch the next spring
Wingless females, which have been called “ stem-mothers;” these produce young plant
lice by a process analagous to budding in plants, and known as parthenogenesis (from
the Greek parthenos a virgin and genesis production), which means the production of
young from imperfect and unimpregnated females, without the intervention of a male.
There are three broods of these parthenogenetic females produced on various kinds
of plum trees, the third becoming winged. This last is known as a “ migrant,” and
it instinctively flies to the hop plant which has been free from attack up to this time.
A number of generations of wingless females are produced upon the hop, until in
autumn winged females, known as the “return migrants,” again appear. These return

to the plum and produce some three or more young. These have no wings, but ave
6c—5

66

true sexual females. Somewhat later upon the hop the true winged males, the only
males of the whole series, are developed. These fly to the plum, and towards the end
of the season may be found pairing with the wingless females, which afterwards stock
the twigs with winter eggs. The above life-history will show how complex and diffi-
cult to understand are the habits of some of our injurious insects. The importance,
however, of this knowledge, cannot be over-estimated. By the treatment of plum
trees near hop gardens, with a kerosene emulsion late in the winter or very early in
spring, one of the most injurious insects which harass the English farmer can now, to
a large measure, be kept in check. As stated above, there are still gaps in the life-
history of the Grain Aphis; the male and egg-laying female are as yet unknown, as
also the exact knowledge of how the species passes the winter in Canada.

It is recognised as being one of the most prolific of plant-lice, and although always
present every year, to a greater or less degree, it seldom increases to such an extent
as to cause an appreciable diminution in the cereal crops. Occasionally, however,
this is the case, and last season was one of these exceptions, more particularly in the
United States than in the Dominion, but still in some parts of Canada considerable
alarm was caused by its appearance in vast numbers. Enquiries as to the habits
and probable extent of the injury were received during July and August from many
parts of Ontario and from the Hon. Col. Rhodes, Minister of Agriculture for the Pro-
vince of Quebec. In the United States tales of its injuries went the rounds of the
press, which were copied and exaggerated, until neither the insect nor the injury were
recognizable. Its abundance demanded the attention of official entomologists in
most of the Northern States.

Quite as frequent as enquiries concerning the habits of the Grain Aphis were
others with regard to insects which were found associated with them; these were
parasitic species, which were performing the useful work of destroying the injurious _
plant lice, but whose good offices were, without exception, misunderstood. These
beneficial insects were in most of the instances reported: the larvee or perfect:beetles
of lady-bird beetles (Coccinellide), of which Hippodamia convergens was the one
most frequently sent in, the larve of the Syrphus flies and minute parasitic
four-winged flies belonging to the genus Aphidius. Although least often noticed,
owing to their small size, these last named are perhaps the most efficient helpers the
farmer has, in ridding his crop of these insects. The egg is laid by the female in the
body of the young plant-louse, and the grub grows to maturity inside its body,
entirely consuming the liquid contents, and leaving it as a dry shell, which serves
the pupa of the parasite as a cocoon, When mature the perfect insect, a small
four-winged, dark-bodied fly, eats its way out of its host through a round hole in the
back. The flies of this genus are all parasitic upon plant lice, and although so small,
7; of an inch in length, are frequently the most important factor-in reducing the
numbers of these prolific plant-lice, which attack almost every crop that is grown.
As yet no practical artificial remedy has been discovered for the grain plant-louse, a
fact which makes it important that its full life-history should be worked out as soon
as possible.

THE WHEAT-STEM MAGGOT.
“Wheat Bulb Worm,” “Silver-top of Wheat.” (Meromyza Americana. Fitch.)

Attack.--Some time before wheat, barley and some grasses should be ripe, the
ear and top portion of the stem turn white. Upon examination the stem will be
found to be severed and consumed just above the top joint, by a slender transparent
green maggot, 4 of an inch in length, pointed at one end and having black, horny
mouth-parts. When full-fed it works up to the upper portion of the sheath and turns
to a slightly flattened green pupa, from which the fly emerges about the end of July
and during August. The perfect insects are active little greenish-yellow flies, 4 of
an inch in length, with shining green eyes, and three dark stripes extending down
the back. The hind thighs are much thickened, and when the fly is at rest the fore
part of the body is raised. Very soon after emerging the sexes pair and the eggs
for a second brood are laid upon volunteer grain growing on stubble and in the root-

4 e

Up

shoots of various grasses. The flies of this second brood emerge late in September,
and the eggs of an autumn or third brood are laid on young winter wheat and on the
shoots of grasses. The flies from this brood do not appear until the end of May and
in June of the next year:
Close observation of the operations of this insect during the past season settled
conclusively, for this district, one or two questions concerning which there was
_ previously some doubt.. The three broods were plainly traced. Perfect flies of the
a Fret brood, in considerable numbers, being taken in the beginning of June; of the
second brood at the end of July, and of the third brood at the end of September.
_ They were found in small numbers of the first brood until the end of June, and of
_ the second, flies continued emerging in the breeding cages from infested straws
_ almost to the end of August. The larve from this brood were also found half grown,
__ in large numbers, in the bases of volunteer barley, on the 10th of September. The
empty egg shells from which the larvee had hatched were also found adhering to the
first leaf of the infested plants and the central leaf was dead, making it an easy
_ inatter to detect the injured plants. Larve were also at this time found in the root
_ shoots of several grasses on the experimental grass plots, and upon some fine days
;. at the end of September the flies were taken in large numbers upon the same grass
lots.
* 4 Notes were taken of the varieties of wheat which were most attacked, and it
will be seen from the appended list, that there was a decided preference shown for
some of the varieties, whilst others were almost unmolested, This was also the case
With the different species of grasses which were attacked, In addition to wheat,
some varieties of barley also suffered, and a single instance only of attack on Welcome
oats was observed. Prof. A. J. Cook, of Michigan, however, informs me that in his
State oats of several varieties are severely attacked. With regard to the attacks of
_ this insect upon grasses, it was found that while early flowering species, as Poa sero-
_ tina, Agropyrum caninum, A. glaucum, &e., were injured in the flowering stems, in the
same manner as wheat and barley, the late flowering species or perennial grasses of
_ the first year’s growth, which had no flowering stems, were injured in the root-
_ Shoots, after the same fashion as the attack of the later broods upon volunteer and
_ winter wheat. The injuries to grasses were also largely augmented by another
_ Ininute black species of fiy belonging to the same family (Oscinide) as yet uniden-
tified. This was not detected until the flies had nearly all emerged, when the empty
brown puparia were found in large numbers in the dead shoots and between the
_ sheaths of the grasses,
Remedies—The discovery of the freedom with which this insect breeds in grasses
vhich occur everywhere, complicates very much the problem of securing a satisfac-
ory remedy. Those which should be tried, however, are the following :—
1. The collection (hand-picking) of the conspicuous “silver-tops” or injured stems
in the beginning of July.
; 2. For the second brood, which attacks volunteer wheat and grasses, a strip of
wheat or barley sown near infested fields early in July, will act as a bait to attract
e females, to lay their eggs, as soon as they emerge. ‘These succulent young plants
would probably be more attractive than grasses at that time, and would also be in
advance of the volunteer crop. This strip should be ploughed under in August to
destroy the half-crown larve.
3. Late Sowing.—From what I have seen of this insect, winter wheat sown late,
iter 25th September, would, I believe, be free from attack. The remarkable simi-
ity between the habits of the Wheat-stem Maggot and the Hessian Fly render the
ame remedies applicable for both. The following dates may be of interest, and will
thaps explain some points in the foregoing: “Spearing ” of grain is the term used
indicate the time the flowering head appears above the sheath. Winter wheat is
merally sown in this section about the first week of September—the third week of
ptember is considered late sowing. Winter wheat. sown 11th September, 1888,
peared above the ground 21stSeptember. Winter wheat at Ottawa this year speared

17th ie and was ripeon 21st July. Volunteer wheat was up on the stubble by 3rd
c—5h

BS

i

68

August. Spring wheat sown on Ist May speared Ist July, and was harvested from
2nd to 30th August. Barley sown 19th April speared 3rd July, and was cut Ist
August. Volunteer crop on stubble was well up on 15th August.

Parasites.—In my last report I mentioned breeding large numbers of a Celinius,
a small four-winged parasite of the Wheat-stem maggot. This year the same insect,
which is probably a local variety of Celinius meromyze, Forbes, was particularly
abundant, and destroyed large numbers of the larvee. It differs from the type in hav- |
ing the head and shoulders (prothorax) reddish yellow. It attacks all the broods of
the Wheat-stem maggot. ,

The following is a list of the different varieties of grain and grasses attacked by
the Wheat Bulb Worm. Records were taken of the large fields on the farm, and the
varieties grown were found to be attacked in the same ratio as in some plots of
which the following is a record.

These plots were sown from the crop of fifty grains of each variety of wheat,
sown separately, 1 foot apart, in the season of 1888, and the average size of each
plot was about 22% feet wide by 36 feet in length. In addition to these plots there
was one of Ladoga wheat, 195 feet by 22%, and one of Judket wheat, 411 feet by
22%, All of these varieties were grown together upon similar soil, and were only
separated from each other by a 3-foot path.

List A.—Varieties of Wheat which were decidedly more severely attacked than
the varieties mentioned in List B.

Wheat. Speared. Attacked.
Per Cent.
OAito le re ueeE hee ty erin yer SAERE Cyn terra roo era d peciathy eiter dee G cnt July 1 | of 1
Indian: CluabiGaloutbastr cnet eee crac tc ceo eee soe cereus eee eer June 18 of 1
Pringle’s/Champlainsee sist oeisfescricc ne sett eee eect nen once eee eye July 1 of 1
Bearded \frompPeacestiveri.\ cm senna neat eee Pa Ae ARS a Accu do 2 1
Bearded! Summer sjaccessiaaks sa cstoac tebaiba nase oases cteniscee muse enw aweisire do 6 al
Redvand White (Campbellia)®. saccc. ye Goes cigeacts <6 cesescraecubseiine = cacieiecncine doa il,
Wihite Ruscans co. sctocmecen cate note sine tae Oe oe satiate sais eieials Some eee TRC E do 5 1
IndianiRedCalewttas ci eeis. Deise (de ae ae he Ree taco eee CB anes June 18 i
1 0) Gente nS aBOROL en. otter hias Ceme k al dees. Bcd SemraNe oh oame ber eeto Gab July 6 ae
AWA Cah ir a enOn aM Meter act aatrAr aaa Cea ABREcoatoosoDG spose esac saaS June 30 13
Brench “Imperial: 55; eee hoe icles Ue eee ae ene ee een, cee cent te eu tEe aes July 3 2
GreekiSiimmien from Amdros'. 8) ai ealiis oth sete ele dee eels ad eee eee June 29 2
do frOmMFOUBSIA (ois = esistereictays stele hohesars Fe sett ates ise roleenetataats ate eters July 1 2
Indian Hard, Karachi June 22 2
Indian Red do B4 do 20 2
Bearded Wiarch aes Sse aoe oh cect ciele ohne ee Ea eeeR Gee See) arelulyanel: 24
Rrsstanvh ard acy nih taccnr-5 ci ota a eit sti teloes oe suc teke lr See aise eens do- 2 24
iBeardless;fromiPeace:River...../4--sc0s sees eras serie ante cece pec eee do 2 3
@alifornians March ys :22 85 92 Re ee.<, Rosie de tinelc elo selene oa ae Eee June 30 3
do afl Suh Tc eR 2A Sas eee EPS RE er PIR Se mest SP Ors os oie Te do 30 3
Indian Hard: (\Calontta, (thn sao hcrcihcteeiers clets cies) ablrselenk eas ae eee ieee tocar do 20 3
Med eaisiccasanecon sco sscee eee: SSL OR REE oosorba an cabonscaoooansads do 27 3
Wictoria.de Marae iy 02.8 See ei eee be ot get cere ete es Here ens ata ete Jose oi tedulyay2 3
Wihite ‘Delhies ic SveGe We hae eerie ocle 'sseie ogee sleiclod ere esa ea ee arate center meer June 21 3
“Allpiers Summer yc. =, sisseseseye Sep ctesels Sere fse diel a Sistas altel inal slelqe seneltor eae July 4 4
LY Noy Wcrsh bbs (0 ROR ALAS Chic sabi Seen DRM ESAT ish ommois aati lini adm A obra. do 1 4
Bearded Trimenia Sicilianirces-eircrastecis alse se ae se eee ere ete aera do 4 5
GreekiSummer;jfromvA ttallam tai jeje terete conus eh occle eeiee NOL as lenin ea era sede eters June 29 i
do from=VUSSOPON asa ip yeti o see eek Ue ere RCC R Eee : do 30 5
do from PATOS?.). ct sc cilcin mes solves cle ene Mai cle tierce come ee RCE tae July 3 5
Polonianys, s/c eie.ss leis svg k= tate, Mamlodos shite tae Ue asseiroatin) See een eeeeeenee cel oly & 5

69

List B.—Varieties of Wheat which were very little injured, only showing a few

heads of “ Silver-top.”

Wheat. Speared
Heaney’s Spring.........-.......; July 5
|| Herison’s Bearded........... aces do 3
do Beardless.. . . do 6
Improved Summer Cob caoe dore2
adoga...... Ba OA ARO cos sehua gab} June 29
|| Large-leaved from Cap..... ......... July 4
|| New Zealand Long-berried.......... . do 6
li}Noote aa eeece kde cete emia cotsee 2 do 10
4 |teted Hern Se 2 sccaran sve cen cs crease do 3
Farrell’s Early Sonora. . ........... | do 30 Rousselin........... SO ange hens Gane do 7
Fife, American hard, Duluth July i2moo)] Russian, Whites -oosc5sccs78 sokeen- do 2
do do Milwaukee .......... do 2 RiyerWiheatees cece etek oat Oahu do 17
ROM eels oe tests mck sincioc ater ele dow 2 | Saxons sion t cee saan oe ido; 7a!
Gon saskatchewan... 6.2. 52200.¢-.~- doe 2 ol | SCObCh eG sec mante aatep ee sas netic nee do 1
RICESCOLCHGs sates ecrens nine asin do 1 | Sicihan -eeteesc esos Se eee do 4
OMWIDILO sis i.c.5 - Siccasot ls «ees do 1 Summer Mars. 3 escapee. see do 6
Gee Wellman’s (2. i322... 7 see's sree do. 2 riumph!2 535 94.6. series see ee June 29

Galician Summer. 2... 2.2.22 20225-0082 do 4

The question as to what varieties of grain are least attacked is one of impor-
tance, and the records of last season, and of 1888, as far as they were taken, show an
advantage in favour of the varieties mentioned in list A. Last season, however, was
¢<ool and damp, which would probably have the effect of lengthening the time of
‘appearance of the perfect insect. It has been pointed out to me by Mr. William T.
Maconn, who assisted me in taking the above record, that the varieties of wheat most
attacked are of the character known as “ricey,” aud so little esteemed by millers in
this country. The different varieties of barley were much less attacked than the
wheats by the first brood of the Wheat-stem Maggot. Of these, however, three of
the best varieties were chosen, viz., Peerless, Beardless and English Malting barley.
The injury to these was not general nor widespread; but upon a clay knoll a few
injured stems were observed constituting perhaps 1, of 1 per cent.

The attack upon grasses grown in the experimental plots, was upon some species
serious. The grasses most injured were the following, in the order they are men-

_ tioned :

In the flowering stem,—Poa serotina, 5 per cent.; Agropyrum caninum, 4 per

cent; Agropyrum glaucum var occidentale, 2 per cent.; Poa pratensis, two or three
_ stems only; Poa ceesia, two stems; Panicum capillare, one stem: Setaria viridis,
_ two stems.

In the root-shoots during the summer, Elymus Canadensis, this plot was nearly
destroyed, few plants throwing up more than one or two stems, and the same was
the case with Agropyrum tenerum and a new bed of A. caninum. Deschampsia ceespitosa

_ lost perhaps 10 per cent. of the root-shoots. Deyeuxia neglecta and Elymus Ameri-

i ¢anus about 5 per cent.

4 The mature flies in the seasons of their appearance could always be swept in
considerable numbers from the beds of Agropyrum glaucum var occidentale and Koeleria

_ ¢ristata, but no injury could be detected in the root-shoots, either in the summer or

oe
.
t

70
CUT-WORMS.
Agrotis Clandestina, Harr.
The W marked the moth of the W marked
Cut-worm. Cut worm.

The attacks of these injurious caterpillars were very severe in many parts of the
Dominion. Most of the complaints were received from central Ontario. From
British Columbia only three reports have come in, all recording a diminution
in the amount of injury. Mr. G. A. Knight, of the Mount Tolmie Nurseries, writes:
“Taking it all through, we have been freer this year from cut-worms than we have
been betore for ten years past.”

In the vicinity of Arnprior, Ont., some species were extremely abundant and
destructive,the worst depredators being the Dingy Cut-worm (Agrotis subgothica, Haw.),
and a grey cut-worm with a brown stripe down the back, from which Agrotis campestris
was bred. Upon the farm of Mr. Charles Mohr, of Mohr’s Corners, [ was shown, in
the beginning of July, a field of 15 acres, which was planted with corn, potatoes and
turnips. Along the side of the field was a strip of wheat. The appearance of the field
wasremarkable. The corn was untouched, as also was the wheat, with the exception
of the lower leaves on the outside edge of the plot which was towards the centre
of the field. The potatoes showed an occasional stem cut off, but no serious injury.
' The turnips, however, except in one corner of the field, where there was a patch of
about 50 feet square, were so entirely consumed as not to show a vestige of green
foliage all over the rest of the field. Cut-worms were found in countless numbers.
The ground was a rich, well-manured sandy loam, and had always required consider-
able labour to keep down the weeds. This year, however, Mr. Mohr assured me that
not a weed had been touched. All through the corn and potatoes and all over the
turnip field every weed had been eaten off directly it appeared above the ground.
In the strip of wheat, likewise, the weeds were all destroyed on the side nearest the
infested field for a distance of 12 or 14 feet from the outside. There is no doubt that
this clearance of the weeds was done by the cut-worms which, luckily for Mr. Mohr,
did not happen to be cereal-feeding species. At the time of my visit the turnips had
been sown the third time, and were just beginning in places to appear above the
ground. The poisoned trap remedy was recommended, and about 20 loose bundles
were made of pepper-grass (Lepidium virginicum) and other weeds, by tying
together some of these plants from a neighbouring field. After dripping them
in a strong mixture of Paris green they were laid along the rows of turnips
about 20 feet apart. Upon visiting the field the next morning an average of about
80 cut-worms was found under or near each trap. Most of these caterpillars were
alive at the time; but from the intensity of the green colour of Paris green, its
presence inside the alimentary canal was easily perceptible through the delicate
skins. The specimens were put inside a large bottle and exhibited at the meeting
of the Fitzroy Agricuitural Society later in the day, when they were all found to be
dead. Mr, Mohr afterwards made several more of these traps, and placed them at

we

aihaiee Te

wa

71

intervais along the rows of his turnip field. Mr. Mohr wrote to me on July 29th:
“The turnips are all right now and look remarkably well. In the portion of the
field which I sowed without disturbing the drills there has never been the slightest
sign of vegetation, except the turnips, but in all the rest of the field the weeds have
grown where I upset the drills. The corn is as high as my head now, but no weeds

ever started. I put out a good number of traps and they did well.” The reason the
weeds did not grow where the ground was not disturbed, was probably due to the fact
that all the seeds of weeds which were near enough to the surface to germinate, had
grown at first and had been destroyed by the cutworms. Those brought to the sur-
face later, in hoeing or cultivating the turnips, would be destroyed by the repetition
of those operations. After very careful trial of this remedy during the past season,
I consider it one of the most satisfactory for these injurious caterpillars, where the

_ nature of the crop is such as will allow of easy access to all parts of the field. Almost
any succulent plant answers for the traps, and the one mentioned above was only
used because it was the easiest obtained. I would suggest the advisability of always
placing a few poisoned bundles in gardens in the spring, aduy or two before sowing
seeds and after the ground is cleared. The labour is very small, and the benefits
derived are decidedly great.

Cut-worms very similar to those found in Mr. Mohr’s fields were sent to me by
Mr. J. Armour, of Victoria Road, Ontario, who reported that the ground was lite-
rally alive with them, and that they were doing a great deal ot harm to garden
vegetables.

All efforts to breed the perfect insects from these caterpillars failed owing to the
attacks of parasites; the caterpillars resembled closely those from which I have
bred Agrotis turris Grote.

The Glassy Cut-worm, Fig. 6, the caterpillar of the Devastating Dart moth,
Hadena devastatrix, Brace, Fig. 7 proved to be very destructive, and particularly so

Fig. 6.

to fall wheat in some localities, notablyiin the Ottawa district and’ near Creemore,
Ontario. Early in June Mr. J. B. Spurr, the editor of the Creemore Star, sent me
specimens of the caterpillar, from which the moths were afterwards bred. He
_ described their injuries as so severe that it had been necessary to plough up several
fields of winter wheat. An article descriptive of the habits of the insect, and the
_ best remedies, was sent, which appeared in the issues of 13th and 20th June, with some
additions by the editor.

This species frequently attacks plants of different natural orders: but from what
T have seen of its habits, I think it should be considered as being normally a grass-feed-
ing species. The caterpillar is white, with a reddish head,and the body has several small
_bristle-bearing warts arranged over the surface in the position usually found in this
family of insects. It isa subterranean feeder, sometimes doing much harm by lying at
the heart of clumps of grasses and destroying the bases of the stems. The moth is
extremely common, and but for the abundance of grasses of all kinds and their rapid
_ growth, would be one of our most injurious insect enemies. The season of the appea:-
ance of this insect in the perfect state was last summer very prolonged. The first moths
were taken on 27th June, and they in company with Agrotis clandestina, flew to the
light in my study in large numbers until the middle of September.

72

THE TURNIP FLEA BEETLE, “Turnip Fly ” (Phyllotreta vittata, Fab.)

Attack.—Small active, shining black beetles, with yellow marking on the wing
covers, which eat the seed-leaves of turnips and all other cruciferous plants directly
they appear above the ground. When disturbed they hop to some distance.

For the treatment of field crops of turnips I have nothing of importance to add
to what I said in my last report. The application of Paris green in land plaster in
the proportion of 1 to 50 or in flour 1 to 20 by weight, gives perfect satisfaction. The
only precautions necessary are that the powder must be perfectly dry, so as to be
easily distributed in an even manner and to throw it upon the turnips when the dew
is on them.

The most difficult attacks tomeet, of this insect, are those upon such vegetables
as are to be eaten at once, as the radish, or of which the foliage is the part for which
the plant is cultivated, as garden cress of several varieties. For radishes air-slacked
lime, or road-dust or ashes, give a partialimmunity; but these were never quite satis-
factory. For garden cress the most successful treatment tried was covering the rows
with strips of fine gauze stretched on light frames. This, however, is a somewhat
clumsy remedy, and requires a good deal of attention. However, I have grown very
superior cress in this way, but the plants were uncovered about 6 o’clock in the
evening and left uncovered until 8 o’clock the next morning. Frequent watering
and good soil of course help by producing a strong growth. The attacks, too, of
the insects, are not equally severe all through the season. There will be times be-
tween the broods when the frames can be left off altogether.

A remedy which I have not tested, but which is well attested, is that mentioned
by Prof. Cook on p. 32, Rep. X, Society for Promotion of Agricultural Science. It is
a decoction of tobacco. Hesays: ‘The past season we tried ten different insecticides,
both on the Striated or Radish Flea Beetle and on the Cucumber Flea Beetle (C. cueum-
eris), We found two remedies which seemed effective. The first is ashes. We tried
these with and without London purple, and could not see that the poison was of any
value. The ashes seemed to drive the beetles away. Yet to secure satisfactory
results we had to fairly cover’ the plants. In some cases it seemed that the ashes
did considerable injury to the vegetables. The other remedy, and a better one, was
a strong decoction of tobacco, We took tobacco dust, which we got at a factory for
little more than the expense of the sack and labour in filling it up. The decoction
was made by pouring two gallons of hot water on a pound of the dust. This was
applied to the plants with a force pump. In every case the beetles were driven off
and we could see no harm to the plants. Indeed, from the dispersion of the beetles
the plants at once put on new vigor. We used this on cabbages and radishes for the
Striated beetle, and on potatoes for the Cucumber Flea Beetle, and with like favour-
able results in both cases.”

If this remedy should prove, generally, assatisfactory as this first trial of Prof.
Cook’s, it will be a most useful addition to our knowledge of simple remedies, and
will be very applicable for such plants as cress, of which the leaves are eaten. All
taste, of the tobacco would, of course, be easily removed by a good washing in water.

es

i
=
%

73

THE MEDITERRANEAN FLOUR-MOTH (Ephestia kiihniella, Zeller).

Fig. 8.—The Mediterranean Flour-Moth (Ephestia kiihniella) : a, larva; 6, pupa; c, adult enlarged ;
d, head and thoracic joints of larva; e, abdominal joints of same—still more enlarged ; f, moth from side,
resting ; g, front wing, showing more important marking; hk, venation of fore-wing; 7, venation of hind
wing—somewhat enlarged (a. b. c. and e. (Riley) d. f. g. h. i. (Snellen).

Attack—Slender white or pinkish, cylindrical, caterpillars. When full-grown,
from 4 to ? of an inch in length, with reddish-brown heads, and having four conspicu-
ous, and twosmaller, dark bristle-bearing dots on each side of every segment. These
caterpillars are found feeding in flour and manufactured foods prepared from wheat,
rice, and Indian corn, through which they burrow, spinning silken tunnels and
threads wherever they go, They also infest the mills where these grains are ground,
doing much harm by clogging the apparatus and by destroying the fine silk gauze of
themachines. When full-grown, the caterpillars spin close silken cocoons, about half
an inch in length, inside which they turn to honey-yellow chrysalises, and from these
again, in about three weeks’ time, the perfect moths emerge. They are long, narrow
moths, about half an inch inlength, ofa leaden-grey colour. When at rest they raise
the front part of the body, and draw the wings close in to the sides. They are rather
sluggish insects, and will remain still in the above position for hours. Sometimes
the fema‘es assume a position something like that in which the moth of the Meal
Worm (Asopia farinalis) may generally be observed when at rest (Fig—f). The wings
are slightly parted, and the abdomen is bent backwards, so as to point upwards between
them. Theantenne are folded back and, as a rule, crossed over the thorax, the first
pair of legs being generally at the same time folded to the breast, and not used. The
upper wings are deep grey, more or less sprinkled with black scales, and are crossed
near the tip by a couple of waved angular blackish lines; about one-third of the way
from the base there is another W-shaped transverse line. In the centre of the upper
Wings there is a black dot, which is sometimes double, as in (Fig.—c). The under
wings are large and semi-transparent, of a pale drab colour, bordered by a dark line.
All the wings are heavily fringed.

During the past summer a serious outbreak of this insect, which has been
described as “ the scourge of the Mediterranean ports,” has occurred in one of our
Canadian cities. On 7th August I received from the owners of a large mill some
specimens of caterpillars and moths which were stated to be at that time in vast
numbers upon their premises. Directly my attention was called to the matter, I
feared that it might be the Mediterranean Flour Moth, and upon forwarding speci-
mens to Prof. C. H. Fernald my suspicions were confirmed. Through the kindness
of Miss E. A. Ormerod and Mr. O. E. Janson, of London, England, I have lately
received typical specimens of J. kiihniella from Germany, which Mr. Janson had
carefully compared with Zeller’s types in the British Museum, and these I find are
identical with our Canadian-bred specimens. Immediately I received the first speci-
mens I notified the owners of the mill of the serious nature of the visitation, and urged
them to adopt extreme measures for the extermination of the pest. Later in the

month the manager wrote to me as follows: ‘“I send you some more specimens of
the flies and worms. They have conquered us, and we have shut down. It is a great
loss to us.”

The matter was then brought officially before the notice of the Ontario Govern-
ment, and under instructions from the Hon. Charles Drury, the Provincial Minister
of Agriculture, prompt and vigorous steps were taken for the extermination of the
pest. The investigation was placed in the hands of Dr. P. H. Bryce, Secretary of
the Provincial Board of Health of Ontario, who made careful enquiries as to the
introduction and possible spread of the insects from theinfested mill to other similar
establishments in the neighbourhood. Dr. Bryce subsequently published the results
of these investigations and enquiries in a Bulletin, which was issued by the Pro-
vincial Board of Health on 19th October. This pamphlet, which is written in a
clear, intelligible manner, and illustrated with figures of the insect in its various
stages, will certainly be of great use to the miller, for whose use it was prepared.
The history of the habits and extent of the depredations of this insect in the past are
given, as to its European occurrence, from Miss Ormerod’s Twelfth Report (1888),
and in this country from statements made by the manager of the mill above referred
to. <A detailed account is then given of the habits and appearance of the insect in
the different stages of caterpillar, chrysalis and moth, and of the steps which were
taken to destroy the pest in the infested mill. Further measures, preventive and
remedial, are suggested in case the moths should at any time appear again in other
mills or feed stores.

During part of this investigation I accompanied Dr. Bryce to the infested
district, and together we visited several mills and feed stores, as it was important to
find out whether the insects had spread from the first mill, either by flying from the
open windows or by being sent out in produce sold from the mill. We were pleased
to find that it had not appeared in any of the other large mills, and that the smaller
firms appreciated keenly the necessity of not keeping a large stock of farinaceous
goods, and of not keeping on hand that which they handled for any length of time. It
was only in one of these smaller businesses that we found any trace of the moth, and
here the principal of the firm assured us that he only, kept in stock such quantities
of farinaceous foods as would be sold out week by week to consumers.

There was a general opinion amongst all those we visited that this insect
was only the ordinary Meal-Worm (Asopia farinalis, L.) which may generally be
found in small numbers in neglected meal or flour barrels, but which seldom does
sufficient harm to be classed as an injurious insect. The present species, however, is
amuch more formidable enemy, and if, by the negligence of millers, it should be
allowed to multiply and spread through our large American flour mills, it will
be a calamity of enormous magnitude. The very facts connected with the single
case which has occurred this year should be sufficient to put on their guard, all
who are concerned in the milling industry. I sincerely trust that the prompt and
highly commendable action taken by the Ontario Government may be attended with
the success it deserves. That it may be fully understood how necessary these
decisive steps were in the interests of the whole country, I give below some of the
salient facts concerning this outbreak. Towards the end of August and in September I
visited the mill four or five times and found the state of affairs very serious. Work
had been stopped and the machines were being pulled to pieces and cleaned. The
whole building, a large warehouse 25 feet wide by 75 feet deep, and four stories
high, was completely overrun by the insects. Myriads of the cocoons were found
adhering to the walls, joists, shelves and ceilings. Every nail-hole, crack or crevice
of the woodwork, machinery and furniture throughout the whole building was found
to contain one or more of the cocoons or caterpillars, and the moths were flying about
in thousands. All the flour and prepared food in the establishment was found to be
injured, being clotted and matted together by the webs of the caterpillars. .

The following statement made by the manager of the mill, and taken from Dr.
-Bryce’s pamphlet, gives a concise history of this outbreak, and is materially the same
as was reported to me from time to time in correspondence: .—

PP NaS Nt at Stel a cn

75

“The first appearance ofthe Hphestia kiihniella, or Flour Moth, that we remember
seeing was during the month of March last, 1889. The moth was seen flying about
near a steam pipe in the basement of the mill and near the w. ¢. Little attention
was paid to it, as from appearance it did not indicate any danger. In April there
was an appearance of a few moths on the different floors of the mill, even at the top,
but still there was nothing suspicious. In the month of May we were troubled with
a few worms in some of our- goods, and in June more of them appeared. In July
they increased rapidly, and then we began to suspect they were from the fly which
we had seen in the mill during the previous months, and which was steadily increas-
ing in numbers. About the middle of July we shut down for a day or so, took the
clothing from our bolting reels and cleaned it, and washed the inside thoroughly with
soft lye soap and lime. We did the same with the elevators. When we started up
3 again every corner and part of the mill had been thoroughly cleaned, as we sup-
: ie and we commenced to work again; but after about four days we found our
| olting reels, elevators, etc., worse than before. They were literally swarming with

webs, moths and worms, even inside the dark chambers of the reels. We shut down
‘ again and made a more thorough cleaning by washing, ete. While this was goin
on we found there was no use to try and clear ourselves of the pest as the mill, walls,
‘ ceilings, cracks, crevices and every machine was completely infested with moths,
cocoons and caterpillars, and there was no use going on. It then occurred to us that
a plague like one of the plagues of Egypt wasuponus. The moth was different to any of
which we had had any knowledge or experience, and we decided to apply to the Dom-
inion Government for relief and assistance. We addressed the Government Entomo-
} logist, Mr. Fletcher, and sent him samples of the moth, caterpillars, webs, etc., and
$ received a prompt answer, which considerably alarmed us. This letter was followed
g by others almost daily from Mr. Fletcher and a visit from Prof. Saunders on the 17th
E of August. Mr. Fletcher visited us also on the 27th of August; but in the meantime
2 Mr. Blue, the Assistant Minister of Agriculture for Ontario, visited us and took in the
¢ whole situation. It was explained to Mr. Blue that the Dominion Government had
been appealed to by us, through Mr. Fletcher, the Dominion Government Entomo-

logist, for assistance and remuneration for the loss we had sustained. Mr. Blue, con-

sidering it to be a matter with which the Local Government had to do, brought Dr.
____ Bryce, the Provincial Medical Inspector, and submitted the matter to the Govern-
ment for action. Afterwards Dr. Bryce and Mr. Fletcher came together, and finally
Ze whole matter was left in charge of Dr. Bryce and the Provincial Board of

ealth.

“Tn the mean time we took down our machinery and subjected it to steaming.
Every part was thoroughly steamed. The mill was swept down, and subjected to
sulphur fumes. The walls, ceilings, etc., were cleaned, and elevator spouts and
loose wooden work burnt up. Paper bags and hundreds of dollars worth of goods
were burnt in the furnace, while the other bags, elevator belts and cups were boiled
for hours in a cauldron of water. The machines and all parts that were not
destroyed were then burnt by means of a kerosene torch, which flamed and smoked
through and around every part of them until we considered we had everything
clean and ready for putting together again.

“But on the 19th of September the Local Government passed an Order in Council
compelling us to take more stringent steps, and on the 20th September we received
an order from Dr. Bryce, which stated that before placing our machinery in position
we should subject it to a thorough disinfecting process in a strong room, so arranged
that steam under pressure might be drawn or driven into it.

“Tn compliance with this order we at once constructed a tight steam box 6 feet
wide, 6 feet high and 12 feet long, and attached a steam pipe to it from the boiler. In
this box we put every machine, and even our mill stones and iron rollers. This pro-
cess was very expensive, and took up considerable time, as we were over a week at
the process and were delayed in the placing of our machinery. The Board of Health
visited us in a body during the time this process was going on and pronounced it a
success. This was all done, not only in our own interests, as was pointed out in the

76

and commerce of the country.

“Having now got to the position which enables us to go to work again after
two months loss of time and the loss of machinery, fixtures, stock and expense, we
have arranged for remedial measures to prevent the reappearance or destruction of
the pest should we ever be again attacked. We have erected asteam stand-pipe with
hose or other connection on each fiat of the mill building. By shutting up all doors
and windows of each flat and turning on the steam simultaneously to each floor the
whole building can be filled with hot live steam sufficient to kill anything. This
will rust all bright parts of the machinery, but to remedy this we intend using oil
on them, should we ever be under the necessity of resorting to the measure.

“Another purpose of this steam stand-pipe will be in cold weather to let on
sufficient steam to moisten everything and part of the building at night, and then
throw open the windows for the night and let the frost penetrate so as to kill any
eggs or insects that may have become lodged in unseen parts.

“ By these measures, with plenty of light, thorough cleanliness, a cold mili, and
caution in taking in stock and old bags, we hope to keep free of a pest which has
given us so much trouble and loss.”

On the 11th December the manager of this mill writes: ‘I would say that we
are absolutely clear of the moth, but cannot tell what the spring may reveal.”

Notwithstanding all that has been done, as above mentioned, and the probable
success in the mill treated, great vigilance must still be maintained, in case the pest
should again start operations from another centre. Although the moths were only
noticed six months before the time that they had increased in such numbers as: to
necessitate the closing down of the mill, there is, I think, no doubt but that they had
been in the mill, but unnotieed, for some time previously. There seems to be some
doubt as to the date and piace whence the first specimens were introduced into
Canada; but evidence seems to point strongly to a consignment of goods imported
into Canada from Mediterranean ports, in 1887, consisting of “Indian cassava,”
“Ttalian semolina,” Brazilian farina,” tapioca and rice.

Upon enquiring if any particular kind of flour were more attacked than others,
the manager of the mill writes: “If this insect strikes a mill where there is a
variety of cereal products manufactured, it will work its way into every cereal
product, though it likes glutenous substances best. It attacked everything we made,
from pot-barley to fine farina, and milk food in tins. You ask about semolina, it is
a product of Russian wheat, and is a very choice article, full of gluten.”

The question as to the true origin of a new insect pest is one of some import-
ance, because if an indigenous species which has suddenly increased in undue num-
bers; it is probable that this increase is due to some unusual cause, the removal of
which will again bring the numbers down to the usual occurrence. If, however, the
intruder be a foreign species, which has increased in numbers after introduction,
owing to suitable environment, it is frequently more difficult to eradicate; but, at
the same time, there is the satisfactory feature about such a visitation, that if the
first occurrence be stamped out before it spreads, the injury ceases there. .

Upon the appearance of Dr. Bryve’s pamphlet a copy was forwarded to Washing-
ton, and the United States Entomologist was requested to insert a warning to Ameri-
can millers in the organ of his Department, “Insect Life.” This he has done, and
has published (Vol. II., p. 166) some interesting additions to the history of the insect
in question. At the time of the outbreak of Ephestia kiihniella in Canada, the only
available literature of a practical nature was Miss Ormerod’s excellent article in her
Twelfth Report, 1888. Perhaps half a dozen articles had appeared in different publi-
cations, mostly, like the original description, in German. In publishing the note as
requested in “Insect Life,’ Prof. Riley has added a valuable article of his own,
“bringing together, in condensed form, a summary of the known facts concerning
this pest,” and a few points suggested by his notes and collections. With regard to
its previous occurrence in America, he continues: “We had had in the National
Museum collection, for some time, specimens of a moth indistinguishable from this

‘ 77

species, from A. W. Latimer, of Eufaula, Alabama. On referring to our notes we
find aiso that we had seen specimens from North Carolina in the collection of M.
Ragonot, in Paris. These facts undoubtedly prove the occurrence of the insect in
North America for at least some years back. Up to the present time the species
seems to have been rare here, for every case of serious damage to grain by Lepido-
pterous lary, which has been carefully investigated, has shown that the author of
the damage was either the Angoumois Moth (Gelechia cerealella), the Grain Moth
(Tinea granella), or Ephestia interpunctella (= zee. Fitch), a congeneric insect, which
was treated by Dr. Fitch under the common name of the ‘ Indian Meal Moth.’”

The Mediterranean Flour Moth seems not to have been known previous to the
year 1877, when specimens were sent to Dr. Kiihn, Director of the Agricultural Insti-
tute of the University of Halle, Germany, with the complaint that they had been
very troublesome in the bolting cloths during the grinding of a quantity of American
flour. These specimens were sent to Prof. P. C. Zeller, of Grunhof, and found to belong
to an undescribed species of Ephestia, which was then named kiihniella after its
observer, Dr. Kiihn.

In February, 1883, Prof. Zeller wrote to Dr. Riley: “This predaceous domestic
insect appears to have died out here at Griinhof.”

In 1884 and 1885 ZL. kiihniella attracted much attention in Europe, and several
papers were written concerning its ravages. There were five articles published in
English periodicals in 1887. In one of these, by Mr. Sydney Klein, whose observa-
tions were made from May to September, 1887, on an immense colony of larvee which
had overrun some large warehouses in London, and of which fumigating with sul-
phur, and hot-liming the floors, did not prevent the spread—the interesting informa-
tion is given that “a small ichneumom fly destroyed the pest by September.” In
speaking of the source whence the English outbreak was introduced into the London
warehouses, Mr. Klein writes in the Mark Lane Express, 14th November, 1887: “Now,
with regard to the origin of ZH. kiihniella, I found that the larve originated in some
meal shipped from Fiume, on the Adriatic, over two years ago’—that is in 1885.

At the end of his article Prof. Riley gives a list of the materials from which he has

. bred Ephestia interpunctella (Fig. 9), a species which
might be confounded with kihniella, and which, indeed,
was found in small numbers with it in the infested Cana-
dian mill. ‘To show the omnivorous nature of this insect
I give Prof. Riley’s list of substances from which it has
been reared: Wheat, meal, corn, dandelion roots, chicka-
saw plums, sugar, dry opuntia, old books, pecan nuts,
cinnamon bark, English walnuts. Prof. A. J. Cook also
“ mentions it as a pest in bee-hives, and I have myself bred
it in numbers from European almonds, of which the larve
had eaten both the soft shells and the kernels. With
regard to the life-history of 2. kiihniella, although the

Fig. 9. perfect insects might probably be found at any time of

the year in heated mills, most authorities speak of two broods—one in spring, the
other in autumn. This would probably be the case in mills and warehouses not
artificially heated. Judging from caterpillars collected in September, which were then
full grown, this insect hibernates as a caterpillar and turns to a chrysalis about three
weeks before the moths emérge the following spring. Of a large number of cater’
ae collected in the beginning of September nearly all spun cocoons at once;
ut although most of the specimens have pupated and given the moths, a few are
still caterpillars and seem to bein a semi-torpid condition. Miss Ormerod writes,
Rep. XII, p. 69: “The attack may be considered as going on constantly where tem-
ue is suitable, for we have notes of appearance of the moths in May, June, July,
ovember and December ; and intermediate observations of larval or pupal presence
point to this, which, when once established, is indeed a mill or flour scourge as being
a year-round pest.” And later on the same lady writes: “In answer to your en-
quiry regarding winter conditiou and number of broods, I should say that I gather

from reports sent in that where there is warmth (as inside a mill) that there is no
definite succession of broods, but that the pests are present constantly in all stages.”

In the month of September last, moths were found flying in large numbers in the
infested mill, as wel: as caterpillars of all sizes, and in my study moths have con-
tinued to emerge and lay eggs until the present time (December 15).* The eggs are
very small, {4 of an inch in length, twice as long as broad, elongated and somewhat
kidney-shaped; when first laid of a semi-translucent greenish white tint, which
changes to a pinkish hue as the young caterpillar takes form within. The cater-
pillars emerge (at this time of the year and in a warm office) about 19 days after
the eggs are laid, and are very slender, active little creatures, not more than
jl; of an inch in length, when first hatched of a pinkish brown colour, with dark heads,
and are covered with long, slender hairs. The eggs are laid singly or in strings
of from 3 to 15. They are supposed to be laid on the outside of sacks, through
the meshes of which the young larve work their way as soon as hatched.
They crawl about quickly until they find a place in their food which suits them.
They then spin a few silken threads round them, and begin their life of destruction.
The general appearance of the full-grown larva is given above, at the head of this
article. Its habit of spinning a silken thread wherever it goes, and also of spinning
silken tunnels to live in are characters which make this insect even more obnoxious
than the injury it does by destroying produce. By these webs the grain-products
are rendered unfit for sale, and the machinery of the mills is clogged up so as to
cause a constant loss of time as well as a direct expense in cleaning the different
apparatus. Prof. Riley in his paper in “Insect Life,” already referred to, figures
the stages of HF. interpunctella in comparison with those of #. kihniella in order
that both may be recognized. The excellent figures (No. 8 and 9), used herewith,
have been lent to me by Prof. Riley for the illustration of this article. Speaking
of the similarity of these insects, he says: “The early stages are rather similar, but
the laryee may be distinguished by the following characters: the larve of kihniella
are more slender and of a more uniform diameter than those of the other species; the
abdominal legs are longer, cylindrical, with a circular fringe of hooklets at the
crown; in interpunctella the legs are short, conical, with the fringe of hooklets at
the crown oval. All piliferous warts in kiihniella, most of which are rather minute,
are still rather prominent, readily observed, and of a black or brown colour; those
most conspicuous are, the lateral ones each side in front of the first spiracle, the
sub-dorsal one each side of the meso-thorax, almost completely encircled by a narrow
black ring, interrupted only at its upper margin. In interpunctella all the warts
while present, are con-colorous with the rest of the body, and can be distinguished
only with great difficulty. The surface of the body of kihniella is almost perfectly
smooth, while that of interpunctella is somewhat granulate.”

The moths of the two species are quite different, interpunctella being slightly
smaller, but having the wings yellowish fawn colour at the base and red mottled with
purple at the tips, the two colours being separated by an abrupt line across the wings.
(Fig. 9).

Remedies—The remedies which were adopted in the outbreak recorded above
have already been given. In addition to these some others were tried. Spray-
ing gasoline was not found to be practicable. Fumigating with sulphur, to be suc-
cessful, requires to be very thorough and often repeated. Bisulphide of Carbon was
suggested, but was not tried. A kerosene emulsion was recommended, and would
probably have been useful; but it does not appear to have been tested. The experi-
ence and final conclusion of all who have had the misfortune of being visited by this
pest is, that, the only safeguard is scrupulous cleanliness. In Canada, where we have
severel months consecutively of winter weather, when no insects breed, there should
not be much difficulty in keeping this pest down, if millers will only recognise the
danger of being indifferent. Ido not think that any degree of cold will kill the
insects if left undisturbed in their silken tunnels, but if by constant sweeping these

- * Larvee from these eggs are now (Mar 21) full grown. 4

ere le

i

79

are broken and the caterpillars left exposed, cold will certainly injure them. Four
full-grown caterpillars were taken from their silken galleries and placed out of
doors in a small phial when the thermometer was standing at 5 degrees above
zero (Fah.), they were left there for half an hour, and when taken in again rattled
like glass beads against the sides of the bottle. Of these, two never recovered at all,

_ and the other two, although they retained their natural appearance for about a fort-

night and moved their bodies a little, they never recovered.

The great difficulty, as shown above, of eradicating this moth when once it
establishes itself, will, I trust, induce millers to pay attention to this matter and put
a stop to its operations, before it becomes too numerous to manage. From the mill
manager’s report on the results of the above treatment, I believe it is not too
much to say that the prompt and thorough measures undertaken by the Ontario
Government and the owners of the mills which were infested by Hphestia kiihniella,
have succeeded in exterminating what threatened to be a national calamity.

Serupulous cleanliness in every way seems to be most important, the moths
preferring old, stale flour to lay their eggs upon. This, of course, will sift and blow
into all cracks and corners, but every effort should be made to keep mills clean.

Miss Ormerod, upon being informed of the state of affairs in our Canadian mill,
very kindly sent all recent information at her disposal concerning remedies which
had been tried in England, and has sent a letter from the owner of mills in England,
which were badly infested in 1888. Her correspondent writes: “ Unfortunately,
they are still here, but as I took measures in the spring, and in fact all along, to
keep them under, I have not been troubled this year anything like what I was
last. The measures I adopted were: in the spring, just before the moths begin to
appear in any quantity, to have the mill and all machines thoroughly cleaned, and
have since made it a rule to stove the place every Saturday night, or as often as
necessary, with sulphur, burning 1 cwt. each time. This kills all the moths and acts
as a great check on them, so much so that I am again hoping to get clear of them,
by carefully watching for their appearance next spring and stoving them as they
come out. I have not been troubled with the grubs this year, and were it not that
I know from sad experience the damage they do, should not now trouble about
them.”” Miss Ormerod, commenting on this, says: ‘I think, on the whole, you will
consider the letter satisfactory. When the attack first came under my notice the
caterpillars were absolutely clogging the machinery, and the steady improvement in
the state of affairs also points to the benefit of great cleanliness.”

GRANARY WEEVILS.
(Calandra (Sitophilus) granaria, L. and C. oryze, L.)

Fig. 10. The Common Granary Weevil, 6 natural size, 7 enlarged. The Rice
or Spotted Granary Weevil 8, 9.

Attack.—Small, dark-coloured, narrow beetles, rather more than } of an inch in
length, with their heads prolonged into a slender snout. These insects, both in the

80

grub state and as perfect beetles, sometimes destroy large quantities of grain when
stored in granaries.

Several enquiries are received every year concerning the habits of the “ grain
weevil”. Many of these do not refer to the true granary weevil, the word “ weevil
being as a rule very inaccurately applied to almost any insect which attacks crops.
Its use, should properly be limited to a class of beetles which have ‘their heads
elongated into a snout, at the end of which the mouth parts are situated. This
inaccurate use of terms is frequently the cause of much loss of time. Information
is asked concerning insects of which no description is given, except perhaps the
name of the crop it feeds upon. The following are specimens of some of the
descriptions which have been sent in to me: “A loathsome bug on my grapes;” “a
nasty insect on my turnip crop, of a greenish colour ;” “like the common slug, which
hangs on a thread from shade trees.” Now, such descriptions as the above simply
mean that great loss of time is necessitated, First of all, a fuller description has to
be written for, and then by the time this is received, the injurious insect is identified,
and the proper remedy sent off, it is more than probable that it will be too late to
save the injured crop. Above all things, it is necessary, when asking for information
and remedies for injurious insects, to send specimens whenever possible.

The power of the granary weevils to destroy grain, when held for any length
of time in warehouses, is enormous. These insects are not natives of North America,
nor is it at all likely that that they will ever increase sufficiently in Canada, where
we have such cold winters, to be rated higher than third-class pests. It is true they
occasionally destroy samples or small quantities of grain kept in heated offices or
stores, but this injury cannot compare with their ravages in hot climates. In the
Southern States and in South America they have occasionally done considerable
harm, but their ravages are most serious in India and the south of Europe. In the
old times of long passages from the Hast the injuries to cargoes of grain were much
heavier than at present, but even now care is necessary in the grain warehouses of
England, lest stored grain should be destroyed by weevils introduced from an infested
cargo.

The most extensive article upon these weevils, has lately been published by the
Government of India, as “ Notes on Economie Entomology.” No. 1, “A Preliminary
Account of the Wheat and Rice Weevil in India, ” by EK. C. Cotes, in 1888. In this
pamphlet not only is much valuable information given concerning the occurrence of
the Rice Weevil in India, but full notes and extracts are given from the literature
of the two species in all parts of the world. Mr. Cotes says: “The amount of loss
occasioned by weevil (in India) every year is estimated by Messrs. Rallie Bros, at
an average of 24 per cent., the maximum being 5 per cent., and the mininum 1
per cent. Taking the value of wheat exported at £6,000,000 sterling, the annual
loss occasioned by weevil in exported wheat alone is £150,000 sterling. This sum,
however, in reality represents but a fraction of the real loss, as it does not take into
account the damage done to wheat consumed in the country, or any of the loss
occasioned to rice, which is also attacked by the same weevil, besides the loss indi-
rectly occasioned owing to the difficulty of storing the grain.”

“Tn the Transactions of the Entomological Society, London, 1870, Proceedings,
p- 15, is an account of Spanish wheat attacked by C. oryze; also of American maize
attacked by the same insect. From 74 tons of the former 10 cwt. of weevils had
been screened ; from 145 tons of the latter 6 cwt. and afterwards 79 cwt. of weevils
were screened.” (Cotes, Indian Wheat and Rice Weevil. P. 23.)

The insects which caused the loss above referred to, belong to two distinct
species. In general appearance, size and habits they are very similar, but may
always be easily separated. Calandra granaria, the common “Granary Weevil,”
is slightly the larger of the two, the whole body is of a deep brown, sometimes
almost black, and it has no wings beneath the hard wing-cases; while C. oryz@, the
Rice Weevil is paler in colour, has two yellowish blotches on each wing-case, and
also possesses well developed wings.

81

Although their legs are short, they are very active little creatures, especially in
warm weather or when the grain which they are infesting is disturbed. They will
then come to the surface and run rapidly about in all directions. They seem very
fond of warmth, and a high temperature is necessary for them to breed freely.

“ As warmth is requisite to their breeding freely, everything which will keep down
the temperature of the infested corn is useful, more particularly as where they are
in great numbers, considerable heat is engendered (as is well known in the case of
infested corn-ships), by the results of their accumulations of frass or workings. This.
is so well known that I have received enquiries from shippers as to whether the heat.
generated the beetles. This is certainly not the case. It is the beetles and maggots
which generate the heat; but at the same time, the heat is so favourable to their re-
production that under such circumstances they multiply the quickest. In Germany
“air-drains ” are used to cool the heaps, and this is considered the surest way to
prevent damage. Drain pipes are laid in various directions through the heaps, and.
the temperature of the heaps and the surrounding atmosphere is thus considerably
lowered. (Ormerod, E. A. Rep. X1., p. 74.)

Samples of wheat, barley, pot-barley, malt and maize have been sent to me which had
been injured by these insects, and in most cases contained the perfect beetles. The
life-history is as follows: The eggs are laid by the females inside minute holes which
she drills into stored grain of various kinds. This, however, always takes place inside
granaries or storehouses, and never in this country, as has been supposed by some of
my correspondents, in the grain as it stands in the fields. Even in India, where the
Rice Weevil is indigenous, all the evidence is in favour of the view that it only attacks
dry stored grain. As a rule, there is only one egg deposited in each kernel; this
soon hatches into a fleshy, white, legless grub, with a brown head, which feeds upon
the inside of the grain, and by the time it is full grown has usually reduced the seed
toa mere shell. It passes through all its stages, from the egg to the grub, and from
the grub to the chrysalis, and from the chrysalis to the perfect beetle, inside the
grain in which it hatched. The minute holes which the female bores for the recep-
tion of the eggs are generally on the concave side of the grain, at the end occupied
by the germ, where the outside is softest. In a colony of C. oryze@, however, which I
have now before me in a glass jar and which was imported from India last spring, I
find that a few grains of American maize which were placed in the jar about Septem-
ber have been punctured indiscriminately all over the surface, but most of the grains
are only bored at the soft germ-end. With regard to the deposition of the eges,
Prof. Riley as quoted by Miss Ormerod. (The Entomologist XII, page 207, 1879), says:
The puncture is somewhat curved, rather less than , inch deep, and rather nar-
rower at the bottom than at the opening; the egg, which is 0. 5. mm. long, elongate,
ovoid, and translucent, is pushed to the bottom, and the whole space above it is then
filled in with particles of grain gnawed into fine powder-like flour, the orifice being
pasted over with a little saliva.”

As stated above, I do not think that we shall ever be seriously troubled in Canada
by the attacks of granary weevils. This is mainly owing to our cold winters, for I
have found that these insects, which are in other ways possessed of a most marvellous
tenacity of life, are very susceptible to cold. With regard to their powers of vitality,
I have now before me some specimens of both granaria and oryze which were taken
out for examination and comparison. They were placed in methylated alcohol and
left for two hours; I then took them out, dried them and mounted them, by sticking
them with shellac varnish to slips of card-board. In an hour’s time time they were all
seen to be moving their legs. ‘They were then placed for two hours in an excep-
tionally strong cyanide of potassium bottle prepared in the ordinary way for killing
insects, and which killed specimens of the Mediterranean Flour Moth in 30 seconds.
They were left in this bottle for two hours and then removed to a cabinet. An hour
afterwards, to my amazement, they were again moving their legs about, as if nothing
had happened to them. Low temperature, however, seems not only to prevent their
breeding butactually to kill them. Of the two species, the Rice Weevil appears to be.
the more penslive tocold. Miss Ormerod records (Rep, XI, 1887) that even in the cl

6c—

82

mate of England, and in the temperature of a living room constantly used, very few spe-
cimens came to maturity, and of those which did, after fourteen months there had been
only one small brood, of which many were dwarfed or imperfect. In cold climates,
therefore, it would seem that there should be no great difficulty in keeping these
weevils in check; but in India, from data given by Mr. Cotes, it seems almost an
impossibility to keep grain for any length of time unless it be buried beneath the
round,

Remedies.—Owing to the fact that the granary weevils hibernate in the perfect
state, and that they are easily killed by intense cold, the only remedies which need
be considered in this country are those by which infested granaries are well venti-
Jated, and thrown open to the frosts of winter.

Miss Ormerod quotes a correspondent as follows: “We unfortunately have had
a great deal of experience of the mischief done by these animals. They breed very
rapidly, we find, in warm weather, particularly in wheat from Russia, but can
usually be got rid of by turning the wheat in frosty weather, if the warehouse is in
an open situation with a good through draught. Sometimes during a mild winter
it is impossible to get rid of them. This was the case in the winter of 1884-85; we
lost between £1,000 and £2,000 on a single cargo of Russian wheat from this cause.
As a rule, weevils are imported every year in Russian and Indian wheats, and do
more or less harm in the autumn, but are got rid of in the first severe frost.”

Last spring a consignment of various kinds of Indian grain was received
at the Experimental Farm direct from India. Upon opening the samples many of
them were found to be swarming with the two kinds of granary weevils. The parcels
were exposed in an open barn for a week or two, during which time the thermometer
several times went below zero (Fahrenheit). When the samples were afterwards
examined every beetle was dead. For fear, however, that there might be eggs or
larvee in the grain, the samples were placed in large glass jars and subjected to the
vapour of bisulpbide of carbon. Not a weevil has been seen in samples of these
grains which have been kept for the Museum.

The bisulphide of carbon treatment of seed grain of various kinds is now largely
used by seed merchants on this continent, and with decidedly good results, It is
probably due to the careful treatment of seed peas, more than any other cause, that
the ravages of the Pea Weevil (Bruchus pisi, L.) have been brought down to almost
nothing within the past few years,

The following is from Mr, Cotes’s pamphlet: “ Professor Church, in a memoran-
dum issued by the Revenue and Agricultural Department, recommends the use of
bisulphide of carbon. This would appear to be deserving of careful experiment, bisul-
phide of carbon having been utilized in a somewhat similar way against the Grain
Moth (Gelechia cerealella) in America. He writes: ‘The only cheap and perfect
application for the prevention of the attack of weevi) upon corn and grain consists in
the employment of bisulphide of carbon. The quantity required, provided the grain
is kept in closed vessels, is very minute, not more than 14 lbs. to each ton of grain,
so that 8d. is the cost of preserving a ton of wheat. The bisulphide leaves no dis-
agreeable taste or smell behind, but the quality of the grain remains unimpaired.’ ”

A letter is also published from Mr. L. O. Howard, Assistant United States Ento-
mologist, which gives the best method of using this substance :—

“In the absence of Prof. Riley, I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter
transmitting specimens of ... C. oryze. Clearing up and disinfecting granaries,
filling up cracks and crannies, and trapping the beetles in rags and wool, are all very
well as methods of ridding the granary from these creatures. It is, however, con-
sidered a very good idea here, in America, to establish a large quarantine bin, into
which all grain is put after receipt, and disinfected by means of a little bisulphide
of carbon. It is then removed and stored away. The bin in question must be made
as tight as is possible, and the method of using the bisulphide is to place a pound or
so in a shallow vessel on top of the grain. The vapour of this rapidly volatilizing
substance is heavier than air, and sinks through the mass, destroying all contained
insects. Care should be taken in its use, on account of its extreme inflammability.

3 83 ;

The airing which the grain will get in removing it from the bin will probably be
sufficiently to rid it of the odour. This remedy was first proposed by Prof. Riley
in 1879.”

For the treatment of infested peas, large sheet-iron cylinders are specially made
for the purpose, with close-fitting caps.

_SPRAYING WITH ARSENITES.

é |
Fig. 11. The Codling Moth. Fig. 12. The Plum Curculio,

The Codling Moth (Carpocapsa pomonella, L.) Fig. 11.

Attack. — A white or pinkish caterpillar, about # of an inch in length,
boring into the centres of apples, and injuring them considerably. These worms
spin up and change to chrysalises inside close cocoons, in the crevices of bark, or

when barrelled with the apples, in any crack or crevice of the barrel. The mothis ,

a beautiful little insect, easily distinguished by a bronze mark towards the end of
each of its upper wings.
The Plum Curculio (Conotrachelus nenuphar, Herbst.) Fig. 12.

Attack—aA small crescent-shaped mark, with a single hole in the centre, upon
the sides of plums, apples, cherries and peaches. This injury is caused by the female
beetle (Fig. 12 c), which makes these marks in the operation of ege-laying. An egg
is laid in the central spot, from which hatches a-white grub (Fig. 12 a). This soon
destroys the fruit. Plums drop very soon, apples become distorted, and peaches
either drop or become distorted and disfigured by large blotches of gum.

The injuries by the two above-named insects (Figs. 11 and 12) are amongst the
most serious from which the fruit grower has to suffer. The remedies which are
most satisfactory come under the head of “ Spraying with Arsenites.”

/ Undoubtedly one of the most important discoveries which has ever been made
= economic entomology is that of the utility of the arsenites as insecticides.
Although, of course, it is perfectly true that materials containing arsenic must
_hecessarily be, not only poisonous to all animals which may eat them, but also, if
unskilfully used, injurious to vegetation as well, these points cannot be, I think, suc-
cessfully urged against their use when we consider the great benefits which are to be
derived by the farmer and fruit grower, when he uses them with due care and in
accordance with the instructions given by entomologists who have tried them. There
is much available literature upon this subject. No one will to-day question the
peticacy of Paris green as a useful remedy for the attacks of the Colorado Potato Beetle
—and it has been lately proved that spraying the arsenites upon apple trees for the
Codling Moth larva, which is commonly called the “ Apple-Worm,” and upon plum
and cherry trees for the Plum Curculio, are practical and satisfactory remedies.
My own opportunities for extensive experimenting with these substances have been
en limited. Although our orchard at the Central Experimental Farm contains
j 6c—64

i

84

now 1,300 trees, none of these are old enough as yet to bear fruit, but the subject is one
of such importance, and such good results have attended my own and the careful
experiments of other entomologists who have studied the matter, that I consider it
my duty to draw the attention of our Canadian fruit growers to the subject: The
advantage of spraying plum trees, &c., for the Curculio is not so pronounced as it is
with the Codling Moth, for which insect I consider it the best remedy. In the
report of the United States Entomologist for 1888 is a full article upon the Plum
Curculio by Prof. Riley and Mr. Howard. In this report we find the following :—

“There can be no doubt but practical use has demonstrated that the jarring
method is the most effective way yet proposed for destroying these insects (Plum
Curculios).”

“ Spraying with Arsenical Mixtures—Testimony as to the efficacy of this remedy
is variable, but theoretically it is a sound one, and such experiments as have been
made indicate that it will pay to spray trees for this purpose. :

“The testimony which we have so far given is all favourable, in a greater or less
degree, to the use of the arsenical sprays against the curculio. The remedy has had
to make its way to popular favour against great odds, and so many people have
taken part in placing it before the public that it is useless to attempt to give any one
individual particular credit. The successful use of arsenical mixtures against the
Canker Worm and the Codling Moth has done away with a great part of whatever
fear of the poisonous nature of these substances existed, and the objectors to its use
have been, for the most part, those who were more or less familiar with the habits of
the insects, and who decried the use of this remedy as inconsistent with what they
knew of their habits.

“On the whole, the remedy is one which is a desirable addition to our list,
although it will never become so great a success as the application of these poisons
for the Codling Moth.”

Since the above was written, several careful experiments have been made
by leading entomologists, and the conclusions they have come to are all in
favour of the treatment. Prof. A. J. Cook, of Michigan, has published a paper in
the Proceedings of the Society for the Promotion of Agricultural Science (Meet-
ing X), held at Toronto, August, 1889, in which he says: “I believe | am warranted
in the following conclusions: The arsenites and carbolized plaster will protect
against the Plum Curculio, if they can be kept on the tree or fruit; but in case
of very frequent rains the jarring method will not only be cheaper, but much
more effective. Again, as our wild fruits are more cleared away we must have
plums in our orchards to protect the apples from the Curculio. When apples are
seriously stung they become so gnarled and deformed as to be worthless. It will pay
then toset plum trees near by or among the apple trees. Then we shall escape mischiet
among our apples from the Curculio, and shall only need to spray our apples once to
destroy the Codling Moth, and can treat the plum trees three or four times with -
Paris green or carbolated lime in case we have only occasional showers, or can jar the
trees when the rains are very frequent. For the apples, we can use London purple,
1 lb. to 200 gallons of water. For the plums we must use Paris green, 1 lb. to 200 or ~
300 gallons of water. If the carbolated plaster is preferred, we use 1 pint of crude car-
bolic acid to 50 lbs. of land plaster. This is thrown freely over the trees, so as to
strike every plum on the tree whichis being treated.” “ London purple is more injuri-
ous to foliage than Paris green. Thisis doubtless owing to the soluble arsenic which
is quite abundant in London purple, and almost absent in Paris green. The coloured
water after London purple fully settles is very destructive to foliage.” London purple —
may be used on apple, plum, cherry, pear and most ornamental trees, but on these
should never be stronger than 1 lb. to 200 gallons of water. If the application is to
be repeated, as it must be for the Curculio, to prove effective, or if it is to be used in
June or July, Paris green should be used in the same proportion as above, or else
we should only use 1 lb. of London purple to 300 gallons of water. If the arsenites
_are to be used on the peach for the curculio, Paris green only should be used, and that
not stronger than 1 1b. to 300 gallons of water.”

85

In the same number of the Proceedings of the Society for the Promotion of Agri-
cultural Science is a paper detailing some very careful experiments made by Prof.
Clarence M. Weed, Entomologist and Botanist to the Ohio Agricultural Experiment
Station. The following are his conclusions: ‘This series of experiments, carried
on through two seasons upon two varieties of cherries and four varieties of plum
trees, during which a grand total of 65,500 have been individully examined, seems to
me to confirm the conclusions provisionally announced one year ago, which may now
be put in the following form :—

“1, That about three-fourths of the cherries liable to injury by the plum curculio
can be saved by two or three applications of London purple in a water spray, in the
proportion of 1 oz. to 10 gallons of water.

“2. That a sufficiently large proportion of the plum crop can be saved by the
same treatment to insure a good yield when a fair amount of fruit is set.

“ 3. That if an interval of a month or more occur between the last application
and the ripening of the fruit, no danger to health need be apprehended from its use.

“4, That spruying with the arsenites is cheaper and more practical than any
other known method of preventing the injuries of this insect.”

In Bulletin 7, of the lowa Agricultural Experiment Station, (Nov., 1889), Mr.C. P.
Gillette gives an account of careful experiments carried on during the past season
for making tests and comparisons of remedies for the destruction of the larve of the
Codling Moth. Trees were treated with carbolized plaster, 1 pint of crude carbolic
acid mixed thoroughly with 100 ths. of land plaster. The application was made by
throwing the powder over the trees early in the morning, when the dew was on
the leaves. This treatment was the least successful, and the author wisely
remarks: “This remedy could hardly be recommended, even if very good results
were obtained, as it does not kill the insects in any of its stages, but simply repels
the moths, which seek the fruit of neighboring trees on which to lay their eggs.”

One tree which was treated with London purple, 1 th. in 100 gailons, sprayed on
itonce upon 14th June, the time that the young worms hatched in Iowa, was about
as well protected as any of those experimented with.

The experiment with Paris green and plaster proved very successful. Two
trees were used (numbered 12 and 13). “Number 13, which was treated once, and
which having a smaller number of apples is less valuable in the experiment, had
~02 of its fruit wormy, or an apparent saving of *62 of would-be wormy fruit; while
tree 12, which was well loaded and which received three applications, had but ‘004
of its fruit infested, an apparent saving of ‘94 of fruit that without treatment would
have been wormy. I think that in the above case two applications would have done
nearly or quite as well as the three. Poisons cannot be applied by this method as
rapidly or easily as by means of a force pump, but it has the advantage of costing
nothing for apparatus, and the trees can be dusted quite rapidly from a waggon by
driving on the windward side of a row. This method of applying the poisons would
be specially useful where only a few trees were to be treated, and when it is thought
that a pump cannot be afforded.”

In addition to the above, I have received several letters from fruit growers in
different parts of Canada, who have sprayed their trees to protect them from insect
enemies. Mr. Alex. McD. Allan, President of the Fruit Growers’ Association of
Ontario, wrote to me on 12th January, 1889: “My experience has been most
undoubtedly that judicious spraying with Paris green saved the plum crop from the
Curculio. For some time I was strongly under the impression that the remedy did
not kill the insect, but that possibly there was some odour which was so obnoxious that
it left without further trouble. Lately, however, after closer observation, I am more
inclined to think that the poison applied in proper season destroys the insect, which,
I feel satisfied, feeds liberally upon the fruit, not of the plum alone, but other fruits
as well, notably the cherry and apple. I know there are those who say they have
no faith in the remedy, but I cannot help this. It is possible such are merely asser-
tions based on some theory ; but when we have practical results from practical experi-
ence we are apt to abide by the results rather than trust to theory.” And later, on 17th

86

December, 1889, Mr. Allan writes: “I prefer Paris green to London purple, as it is
generally more reliable in quality. I would specially urge growers never to use the
poison when the bloom is on the trees, as it then accomplishes little if anything, and
injures our interests hy destroying our good friends, the bees. It should be used as
soon as the fruit is fairly formed. The quantity to use depends on the quality. If
good, I use a teaspoonful—not heaped—to a common patent pail of water.”

Mr. Linus Woolverton, Secretary of the Fruit Growers’ Association of Ontario,
writes: ‘Spraying with Paris green is more or less done by all our best orchardists
in an irregular manner, but not with the regularity and system which its importance
demands. London purple is used very little indeed. I have used it for experiment
in my orchard, but see no special advantage in it over Paris green. With regard to
spraying with Paris green for Curculio, I am a strong advocate for it, both from my
own experience and that of my neighbours. But to be effective it must be done very
early, as it is the parent beetles we have to poison before eggs are laid. I have suc-
ceeded in growing fine crops of plums where the poison is applied immediately after
the petals fall, but when neglected longer I have little success. I find that much
caution is necessary in making the mixture, as the plum will not stand as much
poison as the apple, and very often both plums and foliage will fall, as the result of
spraying with a little too strong a mixture. One ounce of green to twelve gallons
of water is strong enough for the plum foliage. The application will have to be
repeated if followed very soon by a rain storm, I have hesitated about applying
Paris green to my peach trees, for the foliage is still more tender than that of the
plum, and is very easily affected. I would not like to apply more than 1 ounce in
20 gallons of water, but have no experince to offer. Even with the apple and
plum I have caused all the fruit and foliage to fall when more than 1 ounce to 10
gallons of water was applied.”

On the 5th July, 1888, Mr. Woolverton sent me some apples badly infested by
the larvee of the Codling Moth, ‘These,’ he said, “are from trees not sprayed; from
those sprayed I cannot get any with worms, but those left without are worse than
usual. Notice that the worm has not entered the calyx end, but on the side. I
think this is the case in at least half the apples affected. i also send you samples of
peaches, showing the alarming condition of the crop just now, a very large per-
centage being stung (by the Cureulio), and dropping off.”

Mr. W. H. Moore, of Peterborough, also writes: “Spraying plum trees with
Paris green for killing the Curculio pest answered well on the trees upon which 1
tried it.”

Mr. E. D. Arnaud, of Annapolis, Nova Scotia, found that one spraying was not
sufficient, as, late in the season he found plums under his trees containing the grubs
of the beetle. This is in accord with the usual experience of other observers. It is
necessary to spray at least twice, owing to the known lengthened period during
which the Curculio lays its eggs.

From the foregoing it can be plainly seen, that it decidedly pays to spray fruit
trees as a protection against the various enemies which attack them. This should
be done as soon as the petals have dropped, which in most varieties will be before
there is a very large surface of foliage. This will not only destroy the young cater-
pillars of the Codling Moth but the larvee of many other leaf-teeding insects, as the
Canker Worm and the Leaf Rollers, although it is true these last are protected for some
time by being supplied with food inside the leaves they have curled up before the spray-
ing; but when these are consumed, fresh leaves, which have been poisoned, will have
to be consumed. The Lesser Apple-leaf Folder, Teras minuta, Robs. (Teras malivorana,
Le Baron) was sent to me from Abbotsford Que., by Mr. W. M. Fisk, where it was
stated to have done “ considerable damage in orchards for three years past. In some
orchards they are so bad as to completely defoliate the trees, which now (28th May)
have the appearance of having been badly scorched. This is particularly the case
in a neighbour’s orchard, where the trees have not been sprayed with London
purple. They are most difficult to reach with poison, as they are so well protected

"by being rolled up in the leaf, that they feed for some time without coming to grief;

i Qi :

still, where prevalent, trees that have been sprayed are much freer from them than
those which have not.” For spraying the arsenites over trees some kind of force
pump and spray-nozzle is necessary; but the saving in the crops saved in anything
but a very small garden will much more than pay for the original cost in a single
season. It is necessary that these arsenical mixtures should be thrown on to the
trees in a fine spray, and only sufficient of the mixture to thoroughly dampen the
leaves. As soon as the liquid begins to dripfrom the leaves the spraying must be
stopped. If the operator does not possess a proper spraying-nozzle, for a small num-
ber of trees or for a short time, a spray may be made by holding the thumb or a
finger over the outlet, this however soon becomes very tiresome, and is at best a
clumsy substitute for a cheap instrument.

Of the materials mentioned, I think there is no doubt that the best results will
be secured by using Paris green, and I do not think that it ever need be used
stronger than 1 lb. to 200 gallons of water. [have used it much weaker than this with
good results. It must not be forgotten that this material is very heavy, and must be
constantly stirred to keep the particles in suspension when mixed with water.

“BLACK KNOT” OF THE GRAPE.

In May, 1888, I received from Mr, L. A. Woolverton the following letter and the
specimen mentioned therein, which he considered the work of some parasitic fungus :
“Find enclosed a small portion of diseased bark from one of my Salem grape vines.
It first made its appearance last spring. I cut it off, and thought nothing more of it.
Last fall when 1 was covering my grapes I found that it had spread on the two
branches of the vine to the extent of 16 or 18 inches. It peals off with the old
bark, and leaves the wood quite healthy. The vine is otherwise in good condition,
and J would like to know what this is—T. Neelam, Port Hope, Ont.”

The specimen enclosed was a solid soft excrescence, about an inch long by halfan
inch high. The tissues of the bark seemed to be torn asunder and the spaces filled
up with a powdery corky growth. Being unable to detect any fungous cause for this
injury I forwarded it to Prof. W. G. Farlow, of Harvard University, for an authorita-
tive opinion. His answer was as follows. “The trouble is not due to a fungus.
This peculiar kind of excrescence has in Germany generally been attributed to cold
and severe weather in winter. How well that may apply to your case I do not
know. The trouble, however, is climatic rather than fungous.”

During the past autumn further specimens of this same disease have been
received from Mr, G. E. Fisher of Freeman, Ont. who had found it in some abundance
upon his Champion grape vines. He writes: “The Champion is the only variety I
found it upon. It extends along the whole of the old wood from about four inches
above the ground; the roots are quite clean, at all events I could not discover any
traces of it on them. My Champion suftered more than any other variety from the
late frost last spring, and had very little fruit.”

This disease has been studied both in Europe and in this country. In Bulletin
8 of the Botanical Division of the United States Department of Agriculture, Mr. B.
T. Galloway gives a concise account of the disease, which is known by the [rench
under the name of Broussins and by the Germans as Krebs or Schorf. Mr. Galloway
says under the action of the frosts of autumn and winter, and especially those of
spring, peculiar malformations are developed upon the roots, the root-crown, the side
branches and the shoots left after pruning.”

The appearance and nature of the gallsis then described and as a remedy cutting
off the branches down to the healthy part is advised, which is the only means of
arresting the growth of unhealthy tissue.

THE LARGE RED-HEADED FLEA-BEETLE, (Systena frontalis Fab.)

A very troublesome pest in the shrubbery and on the seed beds of the Botanic
Garden, at the Experimental Farm during the past summer,was the Large Red-headed
Flea-Beetle. Young plants and low shrubs of a great many orders were attacked.

88

Their ravages were particularly noticeable upon some species of Althea, Hibiscus and
Weigelia, and upon some young grape vines. Few plants, however, seemed to come
amiss to them. This injury was all done by the perfect beetles, which are black, with
a red patch on the top of the head in front. The body is slender and elongated, about
1 of an inch in length by ;; in width at the widest part. The jumping legs are well
developed,and when at rest stick out conspicuously from the sides. This beetle
belongs to the Chrysomelide a large family of injurious beetles, including also the
much smaller Cucumber and Turnip Flea Beetles.

THE MARGINED FLEA-BEETLE, (Systena marginalis, Il.)

In the month of August the leaves of the Service Berry (Amelanchier Canadensis,
T. and G.) upon the Experimental Farm were badly attacked by the above named
species, the parenchyma being eaten and the ribs only left, giving the bushes a rusty
and seared appearance, Oaks, and to a less degree, elms and hickories, also showed
their ravages. This species is smaller than the last mentioned, and not so slender.
Specimens varied from } to 4, of an inch in length, The mature beetle is honey-
yellow in color, with a narrow black stripe running down the outside edges of the
thorax and wing-cases.

Dusting the foliage with a mixture of 1 part of Paris green to 20 of flour was
found to be a successful remedy.

FULLER'S ROSE-BEETLE, (Aramigus Fulleri, Horn.)

Attack—Larva—A thick white legless grub, when full grown } of an inch in
length, the body curved, wrinkled above and flattened below, covered with short
tawny bristles. Head yellow with dark, black-tipped, sharp mandibles, with which
it consumes the young rootlets of various greenhouse plants.

Beetle—The perfect beetle is a brown weevil, a little more that } of an inch in
length, with a short thick snout, and long slender antenn or feelers, bent abruptly
in the middle. The wing-cases are indistinctly striate, and bear rows of large
punctures and minute hairs. A whitish stripe runs along the sides of the thorax
and half way down the sides where it terminates as an oblique white dash, reaching
to the middle of each wing-case. These beetles lie hid during the daytime, but come
out at night and feed upon the foliage of various plants.

On 12th December I received word from Alderman Charles Scrim, florist, of
Ottawa, that he had discovered this insect in his extensive greenhouses at Stewarton.
I immediately went to investigate the matter and found that in a large house, 150 feet
long by 20 feet wide, where plants of various kinds were grown for winter flowers,
the foliage of a great many species had been very much disfigured and eaten. There
was in this house a collection of 1,700 rose bushes. These had been imported from
a florist in the United States. Ever since they had been in Mr. Scrim’s hands they
had been sickly looking, and had never thriven as they ought to have for the
attention they had received. The beetles had not been noticed until the present
autumn, when their attacks upon the rose bushes as well as upon the foliage of some
lilies which were being grown in pots attracted Mr. Scrim’s attention. About the
same time he discovered that the roots of the roses before mentioned and of some
Begonias which had been planted in soil from which some roses had been removed,
were being destroyed by large numbers of the larve.

Previous to my visit, a large quantity of white hellebore had been sprinkled
over the plants in the house. This had been partly effective only, for of the perfect
beetles which were found hidden only about 10 per cent. were dead. The beetles
had been very destructive to a collection of lilies, as many as three or four being
sometimes found in the heart of the terminal cluster of leaves. The roses in this
house are planted in long wooden beds, and the soil is about 6 inches deep.
An experiment was tried with bisulphide of carbon for the destruction of
the larve, but owing possibly to the small depth of earth and openings for drain-
age in the bottom of the beds, this was found to be quite useless. The only

=e > ~

89

remedy then was to remove entirely the soil from the infested beds, and re-plant in
fresh soil such of the plants as were found to be sufficiently uninjured to make this
worth while. At the same time, the plants frequented by the mature beetles for
feeding were syringed with a weak mixture of Paris green. The beetle is nocturnal
in its habits and hides during the day. Several were found hidden beneath leaves or
against the sticks to which the stems of the roses were tied. The sticks were the
small bi&hboos used for this purpose by florists. The open top joints of these bam-
boos proved convenient traps for catching the beetles, for in each of them there were
usually from one to five specimens. As yet this troublesome insect only infests one
of Mr. Scrim’s greenhouses, but there are traces of its presence in one end of another.
There is no doubt that it must have been present and gradually increasing for some
time, although unobserved. It is a troublesome insect to eradicate, but if the above
treatment of regularly poisoning the mature beetles is persevered in, so as to prevent
eggs being laid, it must succumb before long.

This insect has been treated at some length in the report of the United States
Entomologist for 1878, and by the State Entomologist of New York in 1885.
its history is an interesting one. It was brought to the notice of entomologists
about 1874, when it was found by Mr. A.S. Fuller and others in the State of New
Jersey, where it was injuring the foliage of Camellias and other plants in conserva-
tories. In 1876 it was decided by Dr. Horn that it was anew species, and was
named after the gentleman, who had first brought it to his notice. Since that time
it has been found to occur in greenhouses from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Prof.
Lintner says: (Rep. 2, p. 143): “Its greatest injury is committed upon roses grown
under glass, by the larve feeding upon the tender rootlets, at first merely checking
their growth, but finally, when their numbers have increased, destroying the plant.
It has also been observed upon the roots of Geranium and Hibiscus, and in California,
is reported as “very destructive to Dracenas (and palms lightly), oranges, Cape
Jessamine (Gardenia) and Achyranthus, inthe order named. In Brantford, Canada,
it has been found upon Abutilon and Plumbago in hot houses. From Massachusetts,
it is reported upon the Azalea, “ Cissus,” and “Inch-plant.” The best method by
which to meet the depredations of this insect, so far as known at the present, is to hunt
for the beetles upon their food plants and to destroy them. If this be persistently
done the evil can be arrested.” Until quite lately the only mention of this insect in
entomological literature, has been asa greenhouse pest; butin “Insect Life” (Vol. 2,
p. 90, Sept., 1889) there is a note of its having been found to be very destructive in
the vicinity of Los Angeles, California, to the leaves of evergreen oaks, camellias,
palms (Washingtonia filifera), Canna indica and several other plants growing out
of doors. ‘The experience of all those who have suffered from this pest, seems to be
that destroying the mature beetles is the surest way of stopping its ravages. Prof.
Riley quotes in his 1878 report from an account written by Mr. Peter Henderson, of
New York, of the work of this beetle. After stating his belief that the failure of so
many to grow roses is due to the unknown presence of the larve at the roots, he
says as follows:—“ Mr. John May, the gardener in charge of Mr. Slaughter’s rose-
growing establishment at Madison, New Jersey, which is probably the largest in the
vicinity of New York, has given great attention to the rose bug, his roses for four or
five years being much injured by it, but by persistent efforts in destroying the per-
fect insect, he has now got entirely clear of it. The symptoms of the grub being at the
roots are a partial stagnation of growth, weak, pale shoots, and generally barrenness
of flower-buds.”

In the greenhouses where this insect has appeared at Ottawa, the plants in the
house are of such a nature that Paris green can be used without injury or danger.
‘The plants most resorted to for food appear to be some lilies which are just throwing
up their stems, and some rose bushes which have no buds upon them. The use of
only a very weak mixture (3 oz. to 3 gallons of water), has been advised, but every
beetle that eats leaves sprayed with it must soon die.

Prof. Riley discovered that the eggs were laid close to the ground, at the collar
of the rose bushes, and were secreted beneath any roughness in the bark, or other

90

material placed there. He therefore suggested the value of placing traps, composed
of rags, tape or paper, tied either round the stem or around pieces of stick, and
placed close to the roots. In these the females would lay their eggs, which he
describes as laid in flattened batches, consisting of several contiguous rows, and each
batch containing from ten to sixty. The individual egg is smooth, yellow, ovoid,
and about one millimetre in length. The female shows a confirmed habit of secreting her
eggs. The eggs take about a month from the time they are laid until they hatch,
so that if these traps are taken up every three weeks, and thrown into boiling water,
all the eggs must be destroyed. If the plan of tying rags to sticks be adopted these
need not be untied each time, but after being scalded can at once be placed back
again at the roots of the plants.

INSECTS INJURING A WOODEN WATER-PIPE (Macronychus glabratus 2)

Tn the autumn of 1889 it was discovered that a large wooden pipe which was:
used to bring water from the Ottawa River to the Ottawa water-works was full of
large holes. Upon examination it was found that there were innumerable larva
of various kinds upon the surface of the pipe, and it became necessary to consider
whether it would not be advisable to go to the great expense of laying a metal pipe
in lieu of this wooden one, which was found to have been rendered useless, in a much
shorter time than was anticipated. Specimens of the injured wood were submitted
to me by the City Council, and Lalso visited the water works and consulted with the
engineer. After careful examination, the following letter was written, which
explains itself :—

“CENTRAL EXPERIMENTAL Farm.
“Orrawa, 18th December, 1889.
‘R. Surtees, Esq.,
Engineer, City Water Works,
Ottawa, Ont.

Str,—I beg to report that I have carefully examined the specimens submitted to
me by you—l. Pine staves taken from the clear-water pipe of the Ottawa water
works system.

2. Samples of oak slats taken from arack through which the water passes before
entering the water turbines.

The condition of these specimens is, briefly, as follows :—

1. The wood of the pine staves is almost uniformly 1} inch in thickness, in a.
tew places possibly 4 of an inch less, and perhaps a little thicker where knots occur.
At the original point of contact, where the staves touched on each side those next to
them, the edges, particularly of the inner surface of the pipe (but also to a much less
extent of the outside as well), are much eroded between the staves for some distance
towards the exterior of the pipe, causing a deep groove, varying between $ and } of
an inch across at its greatest width. In depth this groove varies in most places
between 4 of an inch and 1 inch; but at many points it has extended right through
the wood to the outside, causing large holes from 4 to 6 inches in length, by 1 wide,
thus entirely defeating the ends for which this pipe was originally intended.

If these staves were as stated, 2 inches in thickness when put down, it is
evident that by some means about half an inch of the wood has been removed during
the fifteen years which have elapsed since the pipe was laid down in the aqueduct,

In answer to your enquiry as to the probable cause of this diminution in the sub-
stance of the pipe and the probability of its being due to the operations of aquatic
insects, I take the liberty of drawing your attention to the following points :—The
condition of the wood of the staves is as follows:—The wood itself below the surface,
and between the staves where these were in close contact, is perfectly sound, of good
colour, and not injured inany way, On the other hand, all surfaces which have been
exposed to the action of water, whether inside or outside the pipe, or in the grooves

_eroded between the staves, are discoloured and in a semi-decayed condition, .e., the
wood is so soft and rotten that it can be easily removed with the finger-nail to a depth

a

ae

91

of at least ; of an inch. In and upon this thin layer of half-decayed wood the larve
of various kinds of aquatic insects have taken up their abode, and some have made use
of it as food, as is plainly seen by the numerous tracks which have been eaten out all
over the surface. These tracks are irregular and winding in their course, going in
all directions, as often across the grain cf the wood as with it. They do not pene-
trate the solid wood but frequently reach down to it and run along on the surface.
The same track sometimes runs in one direction for some distance and then doubles
back on itself and runs the other way, a fact which entirely disproves the sugges-
tions which have been offered by some that the whole of the injuries to the pipe, as
well as these tracks, are the effects of friction, current or suction. One particular
track was observed to start on the inside of the waterpipe and work its way through
one of the large holes out onto the outside surface. It is anotable fact that these tracks
run over the whole surface of the wood, even to the bottom of every little depression.

I believe that the softened condition of the surface of the wood is due to the
action of the river water, and I find that in some places, where the eroded groove
stretches out in points from the inside towards the outer surface of the pipe, there
is generally a discolouration of the wood beyond the point where the surface is
actually eaten away, as if decay had already begun, although the tissues of the wood
are still unbroken, but showing plainly that the water had effected an entrance
between these discoloured surfaces. It is generally perceptible that there is in such
spots a slight inequality of the exposed surfaces of the two contiguous staves, which
may have been caused either by some slight unevenness in the planing of the wood
at the time of building the pipe, or possibly from the wood having swollen unequally
when it was placed in the water.

I am informed that at the time the pipe was constructed the edges of the
staves were flush both inside and outside this pipe, which was built like a barrel,
with the staves slightly bevelled at the edges, so as to procure the tubular shape,
and that the whole was held together by iron hoops. This being the case, I can
only suggest as a reason for the eroded groove being so much wider and deeper on
the inside of the pipe, that unless the angles of the bevelling were perfectly true the
outer edges of the staves would be much more tightly clamped together than the
inner by reason of the iron hoops outside.

I would suggest then, as the cause of the destruction of the clear-water pipe—
first of all—the decaying of a very thin layer of the surface of the wood through the
chemical action of the river water; and, secondly, the breaking up and removal of
this decayed surface by aquatic insects, so as to constautly expose a new surface of
the wood to the action of the water.

It is probable that both of these operations were assisted by the strong current
in which the pipe was situated—in the first place, by forcing the water into every
minute crack or crevice, and then by carrying away fragments of the surface loosened
or undermined by insects.

I am aware that it is held by many that sound pine wood, kept constantly sub-
merged beneath the surface of water, is practically indestructible; and I have no
doubt that under some circumstances, and for some purposes, this might be the case.
It must, however, be remembered that more or less air, varying with the circum-
stances, is always dissolvedin water. I am under the impression that water contain-
ing a large quantity of air, as the water of the Ottawa River necessarily does, after
passing down the Deschenes Rapids, would be more destructive to wood submerged
in it than water containing less oxygen.

With regard to the insects found upon the staves submitted to me, they were for
the most part predaceous larvee of Beetles and Dragon Flies or allied insects. Many
of these live in silken cases, which they spin upon the surface of objects in the water,
but into which they also weave fragments of the substance upon which their cases
are fixed—as small pieces of stone, sand or wood. Upon portions of the wood sub-
mitted to me were vast numbers of these cases, which, when placed under the
microscope, showed plainly that they contained fragments of coniferous wood. The
time of year is not opportune for the exact identification of the many larve which

92

occurred upon the injured wood, nor am I able to say with certainty which is the
species that has eaten the tortuous tracks in the decayed surface of the pipe. This,
however, is a point of no practical importance ; but I think it probable that it belongs
to the Parnide, a family of aquatic beetles of which very little is known of the life-
history. To this family belong some small beetles, of which several were found on
the injured wood, belonging to the closely allied genera Dryops and Macronychus,
as well as some larve which I refer provisionally to these beetles.

As to the wood-eating habits of these beetles which live exclusively in water,
Prof. Westwood, in his ‘Modern Classification of Insects,’ says of the genus
Macronychus, as follows: “They are found in running water, appearing to prefer
the under sides of stones, and especially on floating wood, burrowing beneath the
bark. Their movements are very slow. When taken out of the water they do not
survive more than two or three hours.” I might mention that none of these insects
have ever been known to bore into sound wood, but feed exclusively upon decaying
vegetable tissues in water, and their appearing in large numbers upon the clear-
water pipe may possibly be due to the unusual quantity of decaying bark which, I
am informed, lies in the Ottawa River, near the inlet of this pipe, and which would
attract these insects as a suitable breeding ground. They are in no way related to
the ordinary timber-boring beetles which are so destructive to standing timber and
manufactured lumber in all parts of the world.

I shall endeayour to breed those I have to maturity, so as to settle this question
of identity, but there is great difficulty in breeding in confinement those insects
which live in running water, on account of it being almost impossible to give them
the same conditions as they have in nature.

2. The oak slats taken from the rack near the pump house, and which had only
been in the rack for ten years, were proportionately much more destroyed than the
pine staves. The slats were 4 an inch in thickness by 4 inches in width when
put in the rack; but many of them are now so seriously injured that it is necessary
to replace them. In most of the slats the greater part of the wood has been entirely
consumed,”’

|
1

‘
¥

93

REPORT OF THE HORTICULTURIST.

(W. W. Hirzory.)

Wm. Saunvers, F.R.S.C., F.LS., F.CS.,
Director Experimental Farms.

Sir,—I have the honour to submit herewith a report on the progress made in the
Horticultural Department of the Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa, during the
year 1889. The winter of 1888-89 was unusually mild, which was favourable to the
orchards, the greater portion of the trees coming through injgood condition and
making a satisfactory growth during thesummer. Small fruits, with few exceptions,
wintered well, grew strong and vigorous in the spring, and produced abundant crops.

APPLES.

The trees in the apple orchards passed through the winter with but little injury
to most sorts. Many trees were added to the orchards, some of them of the same
varieties as those already planted, but grown farther north, so that their relative
hardiness might be tested. Some of the older sorts not already in the collection,
together with some new varieties, have also been added, most of which have made
good growth and promise well for the future.

PEARS.

A number of pear trees were injured by the winter, some of them either killed
outright or down to the snow line. A few of the standard sorts survived, and may
recover sufficiently to form good trees. The Russian varieties escaped with but
little injury and give evidence of being hardy. These have made a good growth,
but more experience is required with them before a list of hardy kinds could be
given that would be valuable to the planter in northern localities. Some pear trees
were obtained that had been grown in northern districts with the hope that they
would possess greater hardiness. A collection was also planted that had been grown
from scions kindly donated by Chas. Gibb, Esq., of Abbottsford, Que., selected from
his most promising hardy Russian sorts. These have made a satisfactory growth,
and the outlook for establishing a pear orchard in Ottawa is more favourable than
at first.

PLUMS.

Plum trees have suffered more from the winter than most other fruits, a large
percentage of the trees being killed. A portion of this injury was probably due to
the fact that the trees were transplanted from the nursery rows to the orchard rather
late the preceding spring, and did not get sufficiently well established to withstand
the winter. The vacancies have been filled in this orchard also by trees grown
farther north, with the hope that they may prove more hardy.

CHERRIES.

Very few of the cherry trees were injured by the winter; most of them came
through in excellent condition. They have made a good growth, and strong hopes
are entertained for their future success.

j

94.

GRAPES.

Grape vines succeed well in this locality when proper protection is given to
them during the winter, All varieties require to be laid down and covered with
earth before the ground freezes in the autumn. Care must be taken not to remove
the covering too early in the spring. They will be better to remain covered until the
buds begin to swell.

In the spring of 1887, 320 vines were planted on what may be called the
“French system,” in rows 4 feet apart, and 2 feet apart in the rows. These were
trained to short stakes and pruned closely. They made strong, healthy plants, and
some fine fruit was produced the past season. This plantation consists of the
following varieties: Bacchus, Brighton, Concord, Clinton, Champion, Delaware,
Early Victor, Niagara and Wilder. All the vines have succeeded nicely. Present
indications would warrant further experiments in this direction, especially in the
colder localities.

CURRANTS,

This plantation has not been out a sufficient length of time to produce much
fruit. A slight frost which occurred at the time they were in bloom did some injury
to the red and white sorts. Black varieties were but little hurt by the frost and pro-
duced a fair crop. Lee’s Prolific, Black Champion, Black English and Prince Albert
were nearly equal in productiveness. Black Naples was not nearly so productive as
the others. Black Champion gave the largest fruit, and appears to be a desirable
variety in every respect. Some of Mr. Saunders’ seedling black currants proved
quite productive, of good size, and are well worthy of a more extended trial.

RASPBERRIES,

The past season was a favorable one for the raspberry crop. The first plantation
was put out in the spring of 1887, and consisted of the following varieties: Black
Caps—Tyler, Souhegan, Chapman, Doolittle, Hilborn, Johnson’s Sweet, Ohio,
Centennial, Mammoth Cluster, Nemaha and Gregg; Shaffer’s, a purple cap, and
Caroline, a yellow cap. Red Raspberries—Rancocas, Hansell, Highland Hardy,
Reider, Marlboro’, Turner, Clarke, Herstine, Parnell, Hudson River Antwerp, Niagara,
Cuthbert, Brandywine and Golden Queen. These ripen about in the order named. In
making a selection of Black Caps, either for home use or market, the following will
ripen at intervals during the season and give very satisfactory results: Tyler for
first early, Hilborn for medium and late crop. Gregg is a fine, large, late sort, not
as hardy as the others, but where it succeeds it is a valuable market berry, on account
of its large size and firmness for shipping. Shaffer’s is very much prized for home
use, being of a dark purple colour, but they are not regarded as very attractive for
market. Where they can be grown near the market in which they are to be sold, so
as to reach the consumer in good condition, little difficulty will arise on account of
colour. On the Ottawa market they were much sought after, and by many were pre-
ferrd to any other variety. Among the red raspberries there is more difficulty in
making a selection. None of the early sorts fully meet the requirements either, for
market or home use. Rancocas is the earliest, but no larger than Highland Hardy
or Hansell. Marlboro’ is large and quite early, but does not succeed in all localities.
Turner is of first quality, but too soft, and not productive enough for market; but it
is the hardiest variety yet tested. Cuthbert is the best late-ripening sort, either for
home use or market. Golden Queen, the best yellow, somewhat hardier than Cuthbert
which it much resembles, except in colour.

SEEDLING RASPBERRIES,

Among the seedling raspberries of the Director, Mr. Saunders, which were
referred to in my last report, there are some very fine Black Caps of large size, good
quality and very productive, worthy of further trial. But probably the most
valuable berries in the collection were a number of red sorts. Some of these gave

fe

ae

95

promise of being early, larger and more productive than any of the early standard
sorts. These will be propagated and further tested at the several Experimental
Farms. From present indications it is likely that some of them will be an improve-
ment on any of the varieties now in cultivation.

BLACKBERRIES,

This fruit has succeeded well on the Central Experimental Farm. The hardy
sorts passed through the winter in good condition and produced a fine crop of fruit.
Snyder is perhaps the most hardy and reliable—strong, vigorous and very produc-
tive, with fruit of medium size and good quality. It ripens early and is valuable for
market or home use. Agawam is larger than Snyder, of better quality, very pro-
ductive, and worthy of more general cultivation for both home use and market.
Taylor’s Prolific, Gainor, Minnewaski, Western Triumph, Stone’s Hardy and Wachu-
setts Thornless all came through the winter in comparatively good condition. Stone’s
Hardy and Western Triumph are productive, but too small in size for profitable
culture; Wachusetts Thornless is not productive enough to be of value; Gainor and
Minnewaski are large and productive, but not sufficiently hardy for this vicinity ;
Erie, Early Harvest, Early Cluster, Wilson Jr., and Knox, were all killed back nearly or
quite to the ground.

STRAWBERRIES,

About 115 named varieties were in full fruiting this season, and the weather
being favourable a large crop was gathered. All came through the winter in good
condition, except a few which were planted in low places, where ice was formed on
the plants. Most of these were killed, but the area thus destroyed was not large.
All of the leading varieties were described in Bulletin No. 5 of the Central Experi-
mental Farm, with methods of culture, Xe.

SEEDLING VARIETIES.

A large number of seedlings were in bearing. Some of those brought to the
farm by the Director, which were mentioned in my last report, produced fruit which
was large and proved productive. Most of them were not firm enough for market,
but a few were thought to be valuable for that purpose, and of these a number of
young plants were put out for further trial.

VEGETABLES,

Some experiments were made in vegetables, principally with radish, lettuce,
asparagus, and rhubarb,
RADISH,

Sutton’s Rosy Gem, a round turnip radish, was the best of its class in the collec-
tion tested on the farm. Itis very early tender, crisp, and seldom becomes hollow
or pithy, as many varieties do when left standing a short time after they have
become large enough for use. Early Oval, Dark Red and Early Scarlet Short Top,
with the above, will give, perhaps, the best satisfaction of any of the earlier varieties.
In addition to the above, the following sorts were tested :—Harly Carmine Short
Top, Arlington Early Long Scarlet, Improved Chartier, Wood’s Early Frame,
Market Gardeners’ Early Long Scarlet, French Breakfast, New Early Oval Dark
Red, Red Rocket and Garnet Turnip.

LETTUCE,

The following sorts were grown for trial :—Boston Market, Black Seeded
Simpson, Black Seeded Tennis Ball, Boston Fine Curled, Buttercup, Burpee’s Hard
Head, Grand Rapids Forcing, Gold Nugget, Henderson’s New York, Large Hanson,
Landreth’s Forcing, Marble Head Mammoth, New Premium, Gem and Salamander,
Where it is desired to grow only one variety for family use, Black Seeded Simpson

Pee Ae Te re

ee ee, et, enter ae

Sane ER ee ae RS ee

gts,

fee ee ts

no

96

will give good satisfaction. It is of’ fine flavour, and remains a long time fit for use.
Grand Rapids Forcing, Landreth’s Forcing and Boston Fine Curled are valuable for
early forcing. Buttercup and Salamander are good in quality and fine for summer
use, as they withstand the hot sun at that season better than most kinds. Hender-
son’s New York, forms the largest heads, but is rather too dark a green to sell well in
the markets.

ASPARAGUS.

In the spring of 1888 strong two-year old plants of Conover’s Colossal, Palmetto,
Le Normandy and Early Purple Argenteuil, were obtained and planted in a rich
sandy loam. They made a very strong growth the season they were planted, and
little difference could be detected in the varieties. The pastspring they were tested
on the table, and the difference between them was so slight that there seems to*be
but little choice, they are all much alike.

RHUBARB.

Seven varieties were planted in the spring of 1888 in rich, sandy loam, in rows
6 feet apart and 4 feet apart in the rows, and good cultivation given them, In the
past spring they made such a growth that the ground was nearly covered with their
foliage. This plot consisted of the following sorts :—Egyptian Queen, Carleton Club,
Linnzus, Paragon, Stott’s Mammoth, St. Martin and Victoria. Carleton Club is
the largest kind, producing very long and large stalks of good quality. Stott’s
Mammoth is equally large, but much shorter in length of stalk. A single leaf
of this variety measured 31 by 38 inches. The quality is not of the best, and as
it is one of the latest to start in the spring it would not be a profitable market sort.
Egyptian Queen is of the finest flavor, stalks of medium size and freely produced;
good for home use or market. Linnzus is one of the best for market or home use.
It is of good quality, a strong grower, and remains fit for use a long time. Paragon
starts into growth later than Linneus, is not as good in quality, and the foliage sun-
burns badly during early summer. St. Martin is a very strong, rank grower, but
the quality is poor, and hence not desirable.

All of which is respectfully submitted.

W. W. HILBORN,

Horticulturist, Central Experimental Farm.

2 &

oe a ie

REPORT

Oa aE.) IMeACINGA GBR:

(A. G. GILBERT.)

To Witt1am Saunpers, F.R.S.C., F.LS., F.CS.,
Director Experimental Farms.

Sir,—I have the honour to submit to you the second annual report of the Poultry
Department of the Central Experimental Farm. My first report included operations
to the 20th of January last, at which date winter laying was going on satisfactorily,
and so continued until such time as it was necessary to give the laying stock a rest,
prior to making up the breeding pens. It is desirable, when practicable, to keep
the breeding stock, male and female, apart, in compartments away from those con-
taining the layers, and treated in such a manner that, while robust health is secured,
the hens are not stimulated to lay until mated at the proper season. Chickens from
hens which have been actively laying all winter, are not likely to be possessed of
that vitality so necessary to vigorous growth. Again, the shells of the eggs from
winter layers are apt to be so thin by springtime as to be unfit to put under early
sitters. When the winter laying stock have to be used as breeders, they should be
given a rest and run outside, if the weather permits, before the eggs to be used for
hatching are laid. As the poultry building did not afford space for separate pens of
breeders and layers, the hens were given the necessary rest, and in all cases the
breeders were mated with a male bird ofa different strain. It may be mentioned
that it is, I believe, intended to provide such addition to the present poultry house
as to allow of the laying and breeding stock being kept in different compartments.
The male birds were not placed with the hens during the winter season, and should
under no circumstances be permitted in their company. Apartfrom the fact that

impregnated eggs lose their finer flavour, the male birds will not be in the desired

condition when mated in early spring, besides the risk that no breeder would care to
run of having fertilized eggs, from his best birds, sold promiscuously at the price of
eggs for eating.

THE BENEFIT OF NEW BLOOD,

The benefit of having, at the first establishment of the poultry department,
procured eggs from different strains with a view to future breeding, was particularly
instanced in the case of the Buff Cochins, which, after laying during the. winter
months, were only eleven months old when mated, after a short rest and run, to a
cockerel of the same breed and age, but of a different strain. The result was patent
in a large percentage of the eggs producing hardy chickens of large size.

6c—7

98

BREEDING PENS MADE UP.

Breeding pens were made up of the descriptions, numbers and at dates as
follows :—

2 Date when
Breed Numbers. Mated.

oe
Plymouth Rocks....... Reon '1 cockerel and 9 hens............ eM Savi beth ag ae February 15.
Bufh Cochins! 5.222). ktc tas 1 do Gi palletes Hoo. Wakes oe ee wed ene do 18
iBrabmas ss enoectce see es os 1 do (hens Wo sesh oes eee nea me eee March 15.
White) beshorns®..----1-.5-\- =.= i ide Ld daw terehiisdaciisc tease emote es wees do 15.
18 Ke) (c Ei RRC ene IS «ear 1 do Ayre Ae Peete te care nine eine mate retees do 15.
Black Minorcas............--- I codk and LO puillets <= oreo ple sa 3S sae ee eal do 25.

do? (Hamburge soccer cies = il eockerel'ands Gipnbletar ses i522 senien eae cesses hoe eee April 6.
White Leghorns............--. 1 do BiH odavedodss donde Aoadheontenn Joe » | do 6
DiriP OSA) 2 sees ae e eee 1 do Gido) Sree oN Sakae hac y coe es meena tenes | do 17.
Sab am burgsie--eo: ee | L do Bid O oH sjetee 4s aes wis Poa a etates aaa alates do 13.

Crosses. |
, mR |
B. B. R. G. { a ehom a \ ieockereltand 7 hens? src cee seasons suet ieee April 17.
{ Brahmas aeeatns | :
P. Rock....4+ W. Leghorns.. }|1 do {i (Chaas Geo GARE ANS AM SO. ORLA AMD ACORG oc March 30.
| Wyandottes. .. |

Brahma .... { 47 eohoms. ; } Tcockrandi7ijhens:12.< 4 coseuet Gaeta: ne ton cect April 15.

In all cases, when possible, a yearling cock was mated with two year old hens, and
males of two years of age with pullets. A few days after being placed with the hens
the Silver Pencilled Hamburg Cockerel died suddenly and the pen was broken up.
The Dirigo Cockerel became ill a week after being mated and continued so until late
in the season. Few eggs were, in consequence, used.

SITTING HENS AND THEIR MANAGEMENT.

The first two hens to become broody were Wyandottes. One wasset as early as
the 2nd March, but the egg shells being thin broke frequently, and although the
remaining eggs were carefully washed in lukewarm water and reset, only one
chicken was hatched. The other Wyandotte was given eight Plymouth Rock eggs
on the 17th of the same month (March) and the result was fairly satisfactory in the
shape of four fine chickens, the remarkable progress of which is noted elsewhere.
As other hens became broody they were given eggs as soon as possible. Every effort
was made to rid the broody hens of any vermin that might be on their bodies before
putting them on eggs. To effect this the nest, which was made of straw, in boxes
specially arranged, was well dusted with carbolic powder. China eggs were placed
in the nests and the sitter put on them for 24 or 36 hours. The china eggs were
then taken away and the real eggs substituted for them. All lice meanwhile were
most probably driven from the hen and she could then sit in ease for the remaining
period of incubation. The nest boxes were made without bottoms so as to be placed
on the floor of the building in early spring, or on the ground in the warmer weather.
At another season it is intended to set a number of hens on the dry floor and others
in nests on the damp ground in order to thoroughly test both methods, each of which
have their enthusiastic advocates. In the early season it is beyond question that the
dry floor is preferable to the cold ground. As the weather becomes warmer the
cooler earth may be best. In order to arrive at a satisfactory conclusion, the eggs

must be thoroughly tested and the unfertile ones removed. Unless the eggs are so

tested, no definite result can possibly be arrived at, for some nests will be sure to con-

99

>

tain a greater number of fertile eggs than others. The conditions must be the same
in both cases. We have no statement from the advocates of either of the methods
mentioned to show that any conclusive trials were even attempted. Corn ina trough,
water and a dust-bath were always kept near the sitters. Some of the hens were
confined to their nests and allowed out at a certain hour every morning to feed, drink
and enjoy a dust bath. Others were kept in open nests and allowed to come off and
return at pleasure. The former is the better way in the early season when the
weather is cold and it is an object to get the hen on the eggs again before the latter
are chilled. In the dust bath a small quantity of sulphur was mixed to aid in the
prevention of lice. As previously stated, when eggs were broken under a sitter the
remaining ones were carefully washed in lukewarm water and replaced in the nest.

The following table will show the number of eggs put under hens and the results
therefrom.

EaGs set and chickens hatched.

|
|

= 3 a 23
cs D & om
as % 2d an
ood = @o coo
= 3 3 Description of Eggs. On ae
as | % Pesala
ae ° 6 Ertest
A Zz zi ares
SS |
|
1889. | 1889.
Mar. 17.. Sup PlymouthVRocksy cryce ser was posal artes a ete ane teste | 4 |April 7
April 10.. 9 |5 White Leghorns, 4 Houdans..... 4 |May 1
Gone Lis * AA Brahmas (front ondon: Ont): os) ysis accs, clase cveisucleloscre). .orass¥eleunyare 4 do
do 30.. Litas EVoudans tee eines mcr eie seas morta steer eects ene 5), || dor 721
do 30.. TE SLE s ee edo A sod nemcoten occa tos Soseco me ace RmE naan or 2 |'do 21
do 30.. 9 |White Leghorns (hen got sick on nest)................2.20000000- LS dormant
do 30.. i lo Wvandaobtes, 6 butt Cochmas ee vss Sa Mae tieciienacecee 6 do 21
May 1.. 9 |Game-Cross Bese i i oppbodanssosacbdoM apObCsn bao E sae a 4 |do 22
do 2..| 110 eblymouth Rocks, 4 Butiss e325) 75/2 psc wsasissieisie cles siesta ge nde diene 5 | do 23
doy. 7.. lea O\Grame- Crous'y OU BTSs meters ine Ayys\ teveraiehrceaecetole cieiecnestereierareds , 6 | do 28
ao. 6-9... Tea Ey OULHYROCKS tac a sees maces cle ce by cas catia ogee ae arare eioniste | Bb)" do’ * (30)
Mo)” «9: Sis | fe utis yO Game: Oross is knee eer mensece eine treme cee 8 | do 30
do 15.. i) Black# Ham burgess ses ctnsit See nels eas setae ere Meaiatien aceon. 7 \June 7
do) 15... 13 AO MR Eiri Or Ca Sie aterctac specs tec iat sh cy srayose cu oadncsasebeieeakot Vokes Lo lessinehoiele 9 | do 7
dow 17... 13en|edéapsn (frome london. Ont) a4. 6008 - oe cicin nelaeeis caries Hh Be 4 do 9
do 17. plies | Am dalusiang se ncyeptsccmie es sastcoe © sais erst. ale oerelarsiatobrs sls steelofeiere ovens 5 | do 9
do 20.. Mey Moudamnies)) 4 oe de ho eet as bos wale eee ls able Eareionlics Ad oa dina Shadows 12
do 23:. 9 |Wyandottes (purchased in Ottawa).................0505 sence ee 4) doit, 1s
io. 28. IMIG Houdans: tb Mixed) , fpstis, se) ics oeiemchotnae ee cates aed 7 \ido? ™20
June 3.. ian (BlacktHamburgs-ree eect aacte hee cco e creme rare nse: 3 De |idoy 24.
uy) 4). QUA Mixed cas, Gian < ta ab pits chlo ae scrAde cl eletiviets & nets Dea oneal. 4 do #25
do Bae 11 |9 Andalusians, 2 White Leghorns).......5....6 ccsserecececece-e| if do 29
do, eil.. 11 |7 Plymouth Rocks, 4 White Leghorns.................2.--e2005: 6 |July 1
do 22.. 13 |Wyandottes (purchased in Ottawa)............. seeeceeteeeeeees | LI dow 13)
me do- 26... ihe | 6sluep horns.) 5) Black; Ham burgs!/,:¢j.)«. san a0 teehee «sree ees 5 | dol 17
i July 6.. IL |Pekin Bantams (purchased in Ottawa) .........0..0.--.00e cee dee Bi | xeloy ef
t Way, 260) ) 22... 0.5 WmncubatorChickens\s: acs.cseasaceccaar ce cose ete oat eee 6 \June 6
"1 146
A With the exception of the eggs obtained from outside sources as stated above,

all were furnished by the farm stock. A feature of the early breeding season was
_ the scarcity of sitters, as much as one dollar being offered on the market for a sit-
ting hen.

e DEMAND FOR STOCK AND EGGS.

+ As spring advanced the demand for stock and eggs became brisk. It was decided
after due consideration to sell eggs to farmers for hatching at a reasonable price, also
spare cockerels for breeding purposes. This is done with the view of inducing them

6c—74

100

to cultivate a better class of poultry for eggs and sale on the market, care being taken
that the interests of regular poultry breeders were not interfered with. In several
cases thoroughbred cockerels were exchanged with farmers, in order to afford them
opportunity to introduce new and better blood into their much inbred stock. A
taste for a superior class of poultry once disseminated, it must result in a greater
demand for thoroughbred stock, and the business of the high class poultry breeder
cannot fail to be correspondingly enhanced.

EGGS SENT TO DIFFERENT POINTS,

Hggs and stock were shipped to different places in the Provinces of Ontario,
Quebec, Nova Seotia, New Brunswick, the North-West and British Columbia, and
the branch experimental farms at Indian Head, N. W. T., and British Columbia. It
is to be regretted that in some cases the eggs sent to a distance did not hatch well,
although packed according to the most approved method. There is always a certain
amount of risk and disappointment attending the despatch or reception of eggs for
hatching. So much so, indeed, that several breeders of note prefer to send live stock
rather than eggs to their customers. The whole matter of egg carriage is likely to
receive the serious consideration of the American Poultry Association at its next
annual meeting. It may be remembered that in June of last year, eggs received
from England, for the poultry department of this Central Farm hatched out fifty
per cent., and the eggs sent by express to the branch experimental farm at Indian
Head, in May last, did very well. In many cases eggs are not fertile when sent, and
the carriage is blamed for disastrous results that would have been the same at home.
All that can be done is to use every means to have the eggs fertile; pack according
to best plan in a light basket with handle; apprise the carriers by conspicuous
letters on package of the care required in handling and give the consignee to under-
stand that he is to share a certain amount of the risk.

THE CHICKENS, THEIR GROWTH AND TREATMENT.

On the chickens hatching, they were allowed to remain for 24 or 26 hours under
the hen until they were completely “nest-ripe.” With the mother they were then
placed in coops of improved pattern specially designed for the poultry department.
The mothers were confined to the coops, but the chickens could run at large or return
to brood at pleasure. The coops became the homes of the chickens until they were
removed in the fall to winter quarters. On the chickens feathering sufficiently to
keep themselves warm by nestling together at night (generally at the age of four or
five weeks), the mother was removed to her quarters in the poultry house to resume
laying, and each colony of chicks returned to their own coop without hesitation.
The coops were so arranged that on being closed for the night the inmates were
secure against all enemies in the shape of rats, weasels, skunks, &c., while proper
ventilation was not lost sight of. In rainy weather a double roof on each coop was
drawn forward and made an excellent shelter. It could also be used as a shade in
the hot season. Care was taken to prevent lice on the chickens. These pests are
insidious and deadly foes to the young chicks and cannot be too energetically guarded
against. A great deal of this precaution can be well observed at the time of setting
the hen, by ridding her body of all such tenants. (See setting hens, above). In the
early summer of the year 1888, two methods of feeding newly hatched chickens
were tried, viz., the dry (hard boiled eggs and bread crumbs) and the wet (bread
and millx), but with one or two exceptions in the past year the bread and milk system
was adopted, and with excellent results. This method is particularly adapted to
farms where large quantities of butter are made and there is plenty of curdled milk
to feed, The bread was put into milk, squeezed nearly dry and so fed. It contained
moisture enough to do for drink, and in consequence, water was not given to the

~ chicks until they were several days old. Sour milk was left for them to take when

desired and was always enjoyed with great relish. Feud was given as frequently as

LOL

—

they wonld eat and as much as they would take. ‘Too much importance cannot be
attached to the fact that the first few weeks of the chicken make the future fowl.
A chicken half starved, or stinted from any cause in the first five weeks of its exist-
ence never regains the loss afterwards, Chickens for table use should be pushed
from the first day they are able to eat. As the chickens grew up the last feed in the
evening was gradually changed to wheat and crushed corn, and pains were taken to
see thut every chicken went to its coop with a crop full. The bread and milk gave
way to shorts, cornmeal, ground oats, bran, and other suitable materials mixed in
boiling water with a handful or two of ground meat to the chickens which could not
get grasshoppers or other form of insect life. The mortality among the earlier
chickens did not reach beyond 5 per cent.

The growth made by the chickens ofthe different breeds is shown by the follow-
ing table:

WEIGHT OF CHICKENS,

Plymouth Rocks—A cockerel hatched on 7th April, weighed, on 7th May (one
month afterwards), 1 tb. 6 ozs.; on 7th June, 2 ths. 15 ozs.; on 12th July, 4 Ibs.
12 ozs. (making 4? tbs. in 3 months). On 24th of the same month (July) the
same bird weighed 5 ths. 8 ozs.; on 15th August, 7 Tbs. 1 0z.,and on 18th October,
8? Tbs. Another Plymouth Rock, hatched on 30th May, made equally rapid
growth, showing a weight of 8 Ibs. 4 ozs. on the 30th October (5 months from
date of hatching), thus making weight of nearly one and three quarter pounds
per month.

Brahmas—Four chickens, hatched on 2nd May, from a setting of eggs from London,

Ont., turned out pullets, so in this case we have to take the female; one, grew at

the rate of 1 fb. 2 ozs. per month, weighing at the end of October, 7 tbs.; another,

at same date, weighed 6 ibs. 8 ozs. A Brahma cockerel, hatched on 21st May,

weighed, on 21st August (3 months later) 2 Tbs. 15 ozs., showing a gain of a
little over 15 ozs. per month.

Buff Cochins—Two cockerels, hatched on 21st May, weighed, on 21st August
(3 months afterwards) 3 tbs. 6 ozs. and 3 Ibs. 4 ozs., making progress at
rate of 1 Ib. 2 ozs. per month.

Wyandottes—Chickens hatched on 21st May, weighed 3 tbs. 7 ozs., on 21st August,
(three months later), gaining a little over 1 Ib. 2 ozs. per month. A White
Wyandotte made the same gain during the same period. Eleven Wyandottes
hatched on 13th July, did not make quite such rapid progress during the hot
term, showing, on 20th August following, only 13 ozs., but on 23rd September,
cooler weather, reaching 1 tb. 5 ozs., and, on 23rd October, 2 tbs. 14 ozs,

Houdans—Hatched on the 1st May, showed a gain of 1 tb. per month.

. Game-Cross—Two cockerels of a cross between a Black Breasted Red Game male and

Vy Black Minorea hen, and hatched on the 22nd and 28th of May respectively,
weighed, on 22nd August (three months), 3 Ibs, 7 ozs. and 3 tbs. 4 ozs., making
almost 1 tb. 3 ozs. per month.

_ Ineubator Chickens—The chickens hatched in incubator on 16th June, and reared in
the brooder made 1 fb. and 1 Ib. 2 ozs. per month. The majority of these
chickens were crosses between the Plymouth Rock and Wyandotte, except one,
+. a White Plymouth Rock, which made 1 tb. 6 ozs. per month.

a From the above it will be seen that the Plymouth Rocks made the greatest
_ headway, reaching a development, in some instances of nearly one and three-quarter
5 pep per month, far distancing all others. The difference in progress made can
_ be more easily seen by the following figures :—

102

COMPARATIVE RATE OF PROGRESS PER MONTH.

Breed. Lbs. | Ozs.

PlymonthyvRocks: f.2t tos 35 Sood onhe Sue ts Ae as Silas a LE elated tele teat 1 12
Brahma Prallatsc Saye claret yee covacrs ot eine ervne] eyes epee erakele elnies Meerl seems 1 02
Gos. Cockerel a. vialsy craic eraemasie eye lesio caste oicletosoh ace Ge ele eee rine erode ia Sleeetheetnee 1 00
Wyandottes (laced: andswhite) -222 4. oc Accs sek a Uae oer leet oa eee: 1 02
BuffiCochins: aa Lista oe toe eta Natale ac aaa le ee ner cceietees } 1 02
Toudang 5) ey ean Re Rec Soe Tye CT eke oe ee eee ttrociet nine | 1 00
Game-Minoren (Cross 2527022 coors seve ciale ae See oe eee nee ae eee 1 | 03
Incubator Hatched Chickens sce ctecascere mre cents sale e eree ioe aiclareara aoe ere aferers { : | nes

EARLY LAYERS,

Of the four Plymouth Rock chickens hatched on the 7th April last three were
pullets. The early development and laying of these pulletts are worthy of note, as
showing what care and good feeding will do to bring about desired results. One of
the pullets began to lay on the 28th of August, four months and twenty-one days
from date of hatching. The second pullet laid three days after the first and the third
a short time after. A number of pullets of the same precocity would give a supply
of eggs when the older stock are moulting and eggs are becoming scarce and dear in
consequence.

NUMBER OF EGGS LAID BY CERTAIN BREEDS.

The following will show the number of eggs laid in twelve months by nine of
the best known of the standard breeds. It must be borne in mind that the majority
of the layers were pullets, and that none of the laying stock were forced as
much as they might have been, for the reason that the greater number were to be
used as breeders in spring. As the sitters became broody they were given eggs, and
the number of layers were correspondingly reduced. Twice during the later portion
of the winter the Buff Cochins, Leghorns, Minorcas and Houdans were stopped laying
on account of eating eggs. A certain number of hens were sick, some died, and some
were sold. In the months of August, September, October and part of November few
egos were laid, because the hens were in full moult :-—

Breed. | 5 iS és zg } 3 ¢ 2 5 Totals
leis lel2|4| ee) pee

15 White Leghorns...... 99 | 40 | 210 162 | 166 | 56 40 | 71} 10 | 14 | 18 9 895
10 Plymouth Rocks ...... | 24) 441] 67 | 95| 54 | 26 33 | 37) 31 | 12) 151/929. 467
8 Brahmas. a 97) 7 | 391° Toul) 661} 9) |) 199} 7 |) att erste acto | 278
8 Black Minoreas.......| 47 | 10 | 51) 51 52 8 10 27 29 2 12 5 304
5 Black Hamburgs...... : SSH erst NO |” SIGH eS9 ee) | 45 | 65] 12 aay |) ibe 358
5 Buff Cochins ......... 8} 10| 36] 49] 25]..... 5B) 86.0 17 |) (ral a bales 211
LO eH OudanS ssh eeeee see 43 GulmenG: ira |e) | [eee 15 2 3 eae poco 294
2 Wyandottes .......... Nee se Mae ertileerel| ay li ey pe Sey le 3| 9 11
5 Dirigos ans oe 49| 21) 28, 41| 87| | 8! al... ect | eon ae 281

Moualistels:tanhltinased |ecbal ecto shes. ales a [eideee eeernel Asal ereal aie ea "3,199

103

The result aimed at was to have the hens lay when eggs were high in price and the
sitting breeds hatch chickens when the price was below eighteen cents per dozen.
The early pullets should begin to lay when the older hens are in moult and new laid
eggs are becoming scarce and high in price, as was done in the case of the three
Plymouth Rock pullets hatched on the 7th April, 1889. (See sub-head Early Layers.)
A point to be considered is, that all the laying stock had limited runs compared with

‘what one or two breeds could enjoy on a farm where a poultry department is made
a source of revenue.
WEIGHT OF EGGS.

From time to time the eggs laid by the different breeds were weighed singly
and in dozens, as follows :—

Single Per

| Egg. | Dozen.

ozs. lb. ozs.
DELS pE@ TI na ie CEM Lame Bete cbocuS Oe GRiG SEE A AcceebG Ices So Deo Me ac aneSoec aor emers 24 faut
do PUES SG 2 Ua Bee Cer eae Coe e Sore Ere Stine See nes emmee ns Aceetrcetc lei aner 1.09,
Vera ToL ver a eIS Piers t eek tote cisterns site cc ceria itis ano accisralete bol cig tines oe teteel Cisieteyies ote or a S09,
do Bullets AN eins Se nee ae Pan a Oe we Slaw cee Be a5 FEES fe EN 2 1 07
White Leghorns, hens............. B a Bite ht trees OC Oe bin Masinissa dae oC eeh eek 2} 1 10
do pre fens serps seo ssriatoyzierakelecepee a a a oie iote aiviatejals MEISE dias (exofelees utsisie ugaisise| tocsisteyale 1 08
ESEITARHEUR TM Cec econ iste cinch pene ete eee ears Seas tie, Wachee nares ice rae 24 ibeal
GID” TIES ee aah Ae anon Ges eIEL ORCE Soe Aa Eat NOUR AIRS Scho Hirhi sd aR AMree al [oR HeROD
Hint Cochmevhenss tn 2b .oe eae etre eee 5 os he ictich TAL cee ew sae aow A omen 24 if rub
do DULCE LS Seer erase ee Tene ele ie sy omy oternc elas ere ogee ics cikeh Buseck 2 1 08
ache UnOnCAsMHenin fats) Phe kin. dae ere tue bent reenter ae 2. ob abt
do eee res 5 GEOR OR -RAOHS cA: COAn REE Har GA aS Aran ae Teern wrt eee ert 2 1 09
Eber kap el am bringin eri thts acta S52 fats eis facie cholate tele nie WIE Aga sTE Aa new ale ouroram agoaR hans 1 06
do PUMEGEY coro es cece cafeen oilejetie lem erie. one neice cemsta seleiee siailsemiere,s 1 04
LD PRES) UE oe i ae oe SO aQ ASE Ocotillo Be SUA BREET Aare tL AAs ees 1 10
Ci) ~ Ti SB Soe ee ee 0 Oe se ee ee ee ee oe ee ee ee ee ere 1 08

iBrabiiaWwanorcasy hens (nobis ying syet) ym. e kiss 25 nln Giles sok ope cleo cen ae ree o AEG I ee ee a iaacrsenee re
do Mets eer meat e re stot tates etic ae ci ctn- te he kre ne Sp teers tes Sree 1 14

It will be noticed from the above that the pullets of the Brahma-Minorca cross
laid exceptionally large eggs. The hens have turned out larger than either the
average Brahma or Minorca hen. The eggs were mostly weighed in February and
March of last year (1889). Some of the eggs from White Leghorn hens, laid in the
beginning of March, were remarkably large, as those who saw them on exhibition in
the poultry house may remember. Taking two of the largest of these Leghorn
eggs, one weighed 23 ozs. and the other 21. The lesser weight has been put down,
as best representing the weight of the majority.

MISHAP TO INCUBATOR,

On the 26th May last one hundred eggs were put into the Bessey Incubator.
The hatching went on successfully until the sixth day when the lamp of the incuba-
tor burst into flames and was injured beyond immediate repair. The eggs were
removed to another machine operated on the hot water principle without lamp, but
in so doing several hours’ delay unavoidably occurred and what eggs were not spoiled
before were chilled by the long waiting. The machine was, however, attended to
_ for the full period but only ten chickens came out. Four died within a week and
_ the remainder were placed in the brooder where they grew rapidly. Examination

of the unhatched eggs showed chickens in the first stages of development in most of

the eggs, thus proving that the mishap to the incubator at the end of the
_ first week had been fatal to the embryo chick. As enquiries by letter, and from
_ Visitors, are becoming more and more frequent, I would recommend more ex-
_ tended experiments in the way of arriving at the simplest and safest manner
_ Of artificial incubation. From what has been attempted in this way in the
past two years, the hot water incubator without a lamp has been found the

Ps

104

most reliable. If the eggs are properly tested at the proper time and the unfertile
ones removed there can be no doubt, with proper attention, the incubator will hatch
as great a percentage of chickens as hens set on the same number of eggs. Beyond
doubt the chickens grow as well in the brooder as those brought up by hens.

HOW THE CROSSES DID.

Several crosses were tried with gratifying success in most cases. A cockerel of
a cross, between a Black-breasted Red Game cock and Brahma hen, made a very
handsome large bird. Hatched on the 30th May it weighed, when killed on the
19th December, 74 Ibs. The cross between the same Black-breasted Red Game cock
and Black Minorca and White Leghorn hens resulted in plump birds, game-shaped,
and showing the markings and many of the characteristics of the male parent. One
cockerel is so well marked as to be easily mistaken for a brown red. Several of the
pullets of the White Leghorn cross, with same male bird, are very little different
from the pure Black-breasted Red Game. All the Game cross pullets ought to make
excellent layers, and when they begin to lay their record will be carefully noted,
The cross between a Plymouth Rock male and Wyandotte and Houdan hens did not
make as large birds as anticipated. The four Plymouth Rock Brahma crosses (males)
of the year before, (May, 1888), turned out suitable market fowls, weighing, when
killed, 8 Ibs. 7 0z., 8 tbs. 3 oz., '7 Ibs. 15 oz., and 7 Ibs. 6 oz., respectively. The females
of this cross matured into goodly proportioned fowls, laying large eggs. In the
experiments made so far (two seasons) no cross has rivalled the pure Plymouth
Rock, the nearest approach being the Plymouth Rock-Brahma cross of 8 tbs. 7 oz.
and the Game-Brahma cross of 7 tbs. 4 oz. It is important that experiments in the
way of crossing different varieties, calculated to make superior market fowls, should
continue. The results cannot fail to be of interest to all who are desirous of having
fowls of larger size and better quality of flesh placed on the market.

LIST OF POULTRY.

The number of fowls of both sexes on hand at present is as per list :—
: Males. Females.

IDVivrankeyeniier 1Mevolldsieprostoospoogoad-saad sd000 jbo daaboopouETduscoscuoNs 6 18
BrAHMAs Geis scsese i codees see tsedaveseee aasecmede tame wie Uetsa neon 2 10
Wihitte he phorns.sscrse ae sate sere ne ncceciscn sets nweritnascisslisr 11 23
TEV OUGANIS Co cacocineretec eee se eee iae coisa ste eel clels ahaa doieeiee acetate stele 6 15
WWayand Obtesitve.messesecadssmesemcisanescneere-memaectceeenaceeteret 9 9
ATTA AUSTANS. 2250.'.5) Rocce cs lcestaeiiececen Gotededulenans soneoseees 6 6
Bite COCHINA Ravecuinac ails soos ce ewen ea sate casos am iseeseee ances 6 9
GrOsSeS ioe ides cae oe oes eotadtloais nie slows wevlerseiesiscirnme ceases 9 21
WihitesPlivmoutheRocks: ssessa-ecorestesesbeiesnsssoseasameeee 1 6
+) Blacks Hamburchsiscccsscenecosncsseecastesaceeeceenssee ceetscrcen 4 15
GOs “MIN OTGAS ew ca5) escteusates cake vec cas ctineseeee nest eaeeeaeeee 4 12
GO} HRUSSIAMA Rie. cscunne (aces duciaioceas s some es ieeaeiaceometnts 2;
GOMMS PaDishteerccss.torsesse cases seeoueacaedese se eeossaeeee ae 1
QO, JAVAB LE Berek sol Sadectinldechanceeeee dacheaweemeacehetecenee 1 1
Coloured) Workings o.cc..1 tee csccceses uelasmiedosses usm eeeaaele nee 2
GY BY Polandsy wy Gesceeene weeeeeeetees a ete LR AAAS, OBER 1 2
T8426 6571 015) donacuorioodsqs bu aoodagado Gage doscodouodsanboad0 cobbe0capne0nG 1 2
Bp Bide Games aes sucs cs docucencmast oceans coarse ccehomecchnen. 1
Silver Pencilled Hamburghs..................0..sccescoevoesees hs 1
Browmny Werhornss.tecesecesesesccuctatcececeescee sscecr cease eee 1
Wild (Geesei asic ke oisectWocneteuioesltoee tacos censeseWacesesemmenate's 3 2
71 161
71

232

—_—

ee,

105

A DISEASE WHICH WAS GENERAL IN THE CITY AND VICINITY.

Fowls in the city and vicinity were attacked during the summer months by a
disease which appears to have been general in the locality, and which was the cause
of many losses. A dairy farmer in the neighborhood reported the loss of forty fowls
in ashort period. Not far distant from him a farmer stated his loss at thirty-five,
and many others were losers to an equal or less extent. Enquiries as to the nature
of the disease and for treatment were frequent. Fifteen fatal cases occurred among
the farm fowls. Assoon as the first cases were noticed, and others in the neighbour-
hood were reported, particular attention was given to the phases presented by the
disease. The fowls affected did not show any outward difference from the others,
until they were noticed slow in coming to feed or refusing to eat and then it was too
late to save them. On handling the ailing ones they were found to be mere skeletons,
the breastbone sticking out with the sharpness of a knife. As quickly as noticed
the sick fowl were separated from the others and given bread and milk with a few
drops of Pain Killer in the drinking water. In some cases a condition pill was given,
but despite every effort the invalids wilted away as in a rapid decline until death,
generally attended by convulsions, followed. There was no discharge as in cholera,
nor was the ailment caused by lice. The fowls had a fair run, and the premises and
grounds were quite new. In two cases the fowls had become so weak from emaciation
as to choke to death from inability to swallow the bread and mill they attempted to
eat. One gentleman, well known in the city, besides writing for information, brought
two of his sick fowls to the poultry house to show the condition they were in after
being ill for some days. They were too far gone to benefit from the stimulating
treatment given and died during thenight. The whole of the farm poultry, although
in the month of July, were at once given a generous allowance of soft feed—seasoned
with cayenne pepper or ground ginger—in the morning in lieu of grain. A small
quantity of tincture of iron was put in the water for drink. While this treatment
did not cure any of the sick it certainly seemed to prevent others from being attacked.
It may be stated that at first cholera was suspected, but in no case were there any
symptoms to prove a case, nor was there any cause in the case of the farm fowls for
an outbreak, the premises being new and the runs used for the first time. Any in-
formation from any quarter near or at a distance (not heard from) with an experi-
ence of this disease, will be gladly received with a view to further investigation.

BEGINNING OF WINTER LAYING.

Winter laying commenced about the 10th of December. One or two hens began
to lay earlier, having got over their moult. The Plymouth Rock pullets, as already
mentioned, laid through the fall, with a short stoppage, from time of first laying on
28th August. Other pullets laid as follows :—

Brahma, hatched 2nd May, laid first egg 22nd December, 1889.
Game Cross do 30th do do 23rd do
Buff Cochin do- 21st do do 26th do
White Leghorn do 21st do do 18th do
Black Hamburgh do 24th June do 3lst do

Other pullets are expected to lay soon.

THE WILD GEESE.

The wild geese have grown to large size in captivity. They did not breed last
season, but will probably do so next season, when they will be in their third year.
In October last the largest gander weighed 15} Ibs., and the next in size was within
short weight of being as heavy. During the hot weather water tanks were provided
for them, and added much to their good condition.

ORDERS FOR EGGS.

During the exhibition of the Central Canada Association in September, 1889,
among the farmer visitors to the city many seized the opportunity to visit the Cen-

106

tral Farm, and while in the poultry department left orders for eggs for hatching, to
be forwarded in early spring.
LETTERS OF ENQUIRY.

Numerous letters have been received since last report from different parts of the
Dominion, enquiring as to the best breeds of fowls for egg-production and market,
incubators, diseases of poultry, &c., &e. All the desired information was given in
reply. °

PACKING EGGS.

Several enquiries have been made as to the best manner for packing away eggs,
in summer, when the price is cheap, and keeping them until the winter season. I
would suggest, in view of the importance of the matter, that experiments should be
made of certain well recommended methods, in order to ascertain the best and
simplest. ;

ENQUIRING FARMERS—INFORMATION THAT WILL BE USEFUL TO THEM AND OTHERS,

During the past year numerous farmers from the locality and a greater distance,
have visited the poultry department, with evident desire to gain all the information
possible as to the most profitable sorts of poultry and the best methods of caring for
them. It afforded me great pleasure to impart all the information in my power, and
the interest displayed in the different points of merit in each breed was a source of
great gratification. From the tenor of the questions asked on the occasion of such
visits the following general information may be found of service and anticipate many
questions others are desirous of having answered. As preliminary, I may state that
the best authorities hold that the poultry department of the farm ought to be one of
the best paying. The same authorities state that a hen will yield a profit of one dol-
lar per annum. This result, however, cannot be obtained without a thorough know-
ledge of the best methods. A farmer can no more receive a return from neglected
hens than he can from neglected fields. It is not a whit more unreasonable for him
to expect paying crops from frozen ground than it is to anticipate a crop of eggs at
winter prices from frozen hens, <A profit from his fields can only be derived by the
systematic, intelligent and industrious manipulation of the soil. So it is with poul-
try. He must understand what he is about. He knows that his fields must be prop-
erly fed to ensure a paying return, The laying stock must be as equally well fed.
They must be comfortably housed in the cold season. They must be given food best
calculated to furnish egg-forming material and to gently stimulate; material to fur-
nish lime for the shell, meat to make blood. There is a constant drain on the
resources of the regularly laying hen as there is on the fields from which successive
crops are reaped. The farmer supplies the drain on his fields by a liberal supply of
manure. He must supply the drain on the resources of the laying hen by similar
generous treatment in food. In summer, when the hen can roam at large, she
supplies herself with all the necessary egg-making material. But whenshe is confined
to limited space, in winter, she must be furnished with all she has been accustomed
to help herself to when abroad. And this is the whole basis of winter laying. Let
the hens be supplied in the house as nearly as possible with what they can pick up
outside, and what is it? We will speak about it directly. First, it is absolutely
necessary that the laying stock should have good winter quarters.

A GOOD HOUSE NEEDED,

A comfortable fowl] house can be cheaply and expeditiously made in the corner
of a barn, shed or any outbuilding. It should be cheerfully lighted and face the
south or west if convenient. Tarred felt paper makes a good lining and is obnoxious
to vermin, The house should be divided into pens, lage enough to hold 20 fowls, and
no more. Fowls do better in small colonies. The laying stock must not be crowded
or they will not be layers long. The temperature in the coldest weather should be
high enough to keep the water from freezing—at any rate, warm enough to prevent

‘
7
,
7

107

——

the combs of the layers from freezing. A wooden floor is better than any other
kind. In the cold weather the best earthen floors will get damp, and keep so, and
damp is disease and death to poultry.

WHAT SHOULD BE IN THE HOUSE,

The best roost is a 2 by 4 inch scantling, put broadside over two 12-inch
boards, forming a platform to catch the droppings, which as manure is worth 75
cents to $1 per barrel, Heavy fowls should not have to’jump more than 18 inches,
Each pen should contain a dust bath, so that the fowls can roll in the dry dust and
keep down lice. A small box to hold broken oyster shells, old mortar, gravel, crock-
ery broken into small pieces, &c., &. Some of these substances are absolutely
necessary to fuinish grit to grind up the food. They are the hen’s teeth. A certain
amount goes to furnish lime for the egg shell, but much of the lime for this purpose
can be given in the shape of proper food.

TREATMENT OF LAYING STOCK.

The hens shold be kept in constant activity. A lazy hen is never a laying one.
Cut-straw, hay, chaff or dry leaves should be scattered liberally on the floor of each
compartment, and in this all grain fed should be thrown, so that the hens will be
kept scratching for it. A cabbage suspended from the roof or ceiling high enough
to make the hens jump atit is a capital way of keeping them busy. Occasionally
substitute apiece of cow’s liver, lights or any tough sort of meat for the cabbage. In
very cold weather the chill should be taken off the water for drink. Laying fowls
require plenty of fresh water, hence the importance of having the house warm
enough to prevent water freezing. Take away all the male birds from the laying
hens. The cock bird is a nuisance in the pen of layers. He not only monopolises
the most of the food, but teaches the hens to break eggs, and so learn to eat them.

S
Besidés, the stimulating diet is too fattening for him, and will ruin him as a breeder.

THE PROPER FOOD FOR LAYING STOCK.

In the cold weather of winter a warm meal in the morning is necessery to start
and keep up a steady supply of eggs. A good plan is to throw all the waste of the
kitchen, in the shape of meat scraps, pieces of bread, uneaten vegetables, &c., into a
pot; heat up in the morning till nearly boiling, and then mix bran, provender, shorts,
or whatever is most abundant or cheap on the farm, into the hot mess, dusting in a
small quantity of red pepper before mixing. Let the mixture stand for a few minutes
until the meal is nearly cooked; then feed in a clean trough, with laths over it, to
keep the hens from jumping in and fouling or wasting the feed in their eager anxiety.
Feed only enough of this soft stuff to barely satisfy, never enough to gorge. When
a hen has had so much food that she will go into a corner and mope, she has had too
much, and if the overfeeding is continued will soon cease to lay. The laying hens
are the active ones. If food is given at noon, it should be oats, and scattered among
the litter on the floor. This meal should be light. The last feed in the afternoon
should be generous. Each hen should be sent to roost with a full crop to carry her
over the long night. Green food, in the shape of vegetables, usually grown on every
farm, will be relished by the layers. Cabbages, turnips, carrots are generally the
most convenient. Small potatoes boiled and mixed with provender or bran is a good
change for the morning meal. Some of the above-named vegetables should always
be in the pens of the layers. There is no danger of their eating too much. Red
clover hay steamed, chopped and mixed with bran, and given while hot, is one of
the healthiest foods for the morning meal. Meat in some shape must be given at
least twice a week, to furnish blood-making material. Hens fed on meat lay well.
If given no meat the hens will eat their eggs and pick feathers frem one another. In
cold weather warm the grain feed.

108

WHAT QUANTITY TO FEED.

Experience will teach the “happy medium” in feeding. It is desirable to feed
well, but not so much as to make the hens too fat. And here the advantage of having
small colonies of fowls, where different breeds are kept, will be evident, for what
would be generous and stimulating diet for Leghorns, Minorcas and others of the
Spanish family, would be too fattening for Plymouth Rocks or Brahmas. As before
stated, give enough to keep the hens active. When meat is given, it is not necessary
to give so much grain. For instance, if meat is fed at noon it will be only necessary
to scatter a few handsfull of oats in each pen to keep the inmates at work. Whena
hen becomes too fat she will lay soft-shelled eggs. Where plenty of meat is to be
had as one of the cheapest articles of food a greater quantity of oats may be given.
Wheat is the best all-round food, The waste of the farm in conjunction with meat
and the hot morning meal and exercise will bring plenty of eggs.

WHAT SORT OF FOWLS TO HAVE.

Beyond question, the best all-round fowl] for the farmer is the Plymouth Rock.
The best two breeds are the Plymouth Rock and the White Leghorn, for the reason,
as the tables published in a preceding part of the report prove, that the Plymouth
Rock puts on flesh more rapidly, and the White Leghorn lays more eggs than any
other of the standard breeds. Closely following come the Wyandottes as an early
flesh producer and layer. Then follow the Brahmas, but they are slower in develop-
ment. Another advantage in keeping Plymouth Rocks and Leghorns is, that while
the Plymouth Rock hens are hatching chickens, after laying all winter, the Leghorns
(being non-sitters) will go on laying, and pay the expense incurred while the other
breed is sitting. ‘The common barn door fowl is a good winter layer, when not too
old nor too inbred. Where a farmer has a large number of mixed fowls, and he does
not care to get rid of them, he can do a great deal to improve the state of things by
procuring a thoroughbred cock or cockerel, and breeding from him.

HOW TO BREED.

Tf his fowls are large he should get hold of a Leghorn, Minorca or Andalusian
male; if small he should place a Plymouth Rock, Brahma or Wyandotte male
among his fowls. It is best to breed from a certain number of his best fowls. By
observation he will soon find out which are his best layers, and those he should breed
from, and so a flock of good layers will be produced. A hen is at her best at two
years of age. She does not lay so many eggs in her third year, and after that should
be disposed of, unless of extraordinary worth as a breeder. One of the greatest
drawbacks to a farmer keeping poultry successfully is that he allows his fowls to
inbreed from year to year, until they are so reduced in size as to be unfit for table
use, and their laying qualities are things of the past.

VICES.

Two of the worst vices which fowls in confinement are given to are egg eating
and feather pulling. The first is caused by being kept in too great numbers in
limited quarters; a craving for animal food; the nests not being dark enough, and
the eggs exposed to view in consequence; the male bird being among the layers,
and breaking an egg; hens laying soft-shelled eggs. The second vice is caused by
the absence of blood food, such as meat; fowls being in too great numbers, and not
kept busy enough. Both faults, once acquired, are very difficult to stop. Preven-
tion in both cases is far better than any cure. The nests for the layers sbould be as
retired as possible, and a little difficult to approach. Eggs should be gathered as soon
as laid. Ifthe habit becomes general, stop the hens from laying, by ceasing the soft
food, and give nothing but oats. If convenient, move the hens to a strange pen, and
that will aid in stopping the egg-production. If there is an incorrigible egg-eater in
the pen she should be killed, or she will teach every companion to be as vicious as

109

herself. In feather-pulling a “bit” is sold by dealers in poultry supplies to go into
the mouth; another plan is to feed the pullers nothing but feathers, and separate them
from one another. With care to have the layers kept in small numbers, with the
proper variety of diet, neither of these habits should be acquired.

SITTING HENS, CHICKENS, &c., &c.

All information necessary for the proper management of sitting hens and tbe
rearing of chickens will be found under their proper sub-headings in preceding
pages of this report. The benefit of hatching chickens early will also be evident.
The pullets hatched in April and early May should begin to lay when the older stock
are in heavy moult and eggs are becoming scarce and dear. Early hatched Ply-
mouth Rock cockerels will weigh 8 and 9 lbs. by the fall months.

POINTS TO REMEMBER,

A few points to remember are :—

1. Make hens lay when eggs are dearest.

2. Breed stock when eggs are cheap.

3. Keep a non-sitting breed to lay when sitters are hatching, and pay expenses
of latter.

4, Breed as many chickens as possible and as early as possible. They all
represent s0 much money.
i 5. Keep all the pullets. They are worth $2 each as prospective early winter
ayers.

: 6. Kill, or otherwise dispose of, all hens after three years of age. P
7. Breed the best flesh-formers for market. Feed them up toas great weight as
ossible.

: 8. Well-fattened, well-dressed poultry will bring the best prices from the best
customers.

9. If not accustomed to poultry, begin with a small number. Learn to make a
success of the few, then go on with a larger number.

10. Do not neglect the little essentials to success, such as lime, gravel, meat,
plenty of clean water, green food, dust bath, &c., &c., regularly supplied to layers.

11. Keep strict account of every cent of expenditure and receipts. Charge the
poultry with all expenses and credit them with all receipts. The droppings at 75 cents.
per barrel will go a long way to pay feed.

12. Market gardeners and dairymen are particularly well situated to permit of
their dealing profitably in poultry. The former has spare time in winter; the latter
is among the best customers in the city every day.

CHARACTERISTICS OF DIFFERENT BREEDS.

' Some of the leading features of the best known breeds, as follows, may be inter-
esting, viz. :—
Plymouth Rocks.—A hardy, vigorous breed, growing rapidly to large size. Small
bones, great and rapid flesh-formers. Male birds go up to 10 and 12 lbs.;
: cockerels reach 8 Ibs. in early fall. Females good layers, good sitters, good
mothers. A breed wel] suited to climate. Chickens hardy. The best all-round
t fowl for farmers. Pullets lay from 44 to 6 months of age.

Silver Spangled Hamburg. Matures rapidly, having small bones and putting
on flesh easily. Males go up to 7, 8 and 9 lbs. Femaies are good layers, good
sitters, good mothers; apt to become broody, but easily broken up and lay soon
ees Chickens hardy. A good fowl for farmers, Pullets lay when 5 months
old,

. Wyandottes—A comparative new breed, of great merit. Cross of dark Brahma and

110

Brahmas.—A well-known and old-established breed, with many friends and admirers.
Grow to large size and heavy weight, but take time todoso. Have large
frames, and a good deal of feed is required to put flesh on them. Are very hardy,
both as chickens and fowls. Are quiet, and bear confinement well. Females are
fair layers of eggs of good size, but rather heavy for early sitters (when egg-
shells are likely to be thin), and apt to be clumsy as mothers. After 7 or
8 months of age males make good table fowls. Pullets lay at 7 months of
age.

Buff Cochins—Another of the Asiatic family that has many friends. Like the
Brahma, they grow to large size, but take time todo so. Are very quiet, and
stand limited quarters well. The females are good sitters and careful mothers,
fair layers of a large egg (when hens) of rich colour. Pullets lay when 7
months old; males grow to heavy weight; chickens and fowls hardy.

Houdans.—A breed of French fowls of some merit as layers, but do not grow to the
same weight in this as they do in the country of their origin. Are non-sitters,
and lay a white egg of rather more than average size. Chickens are hardy,
mature rapidly and are great foragers. Are not so suitable to farmers as either
Plymouth Rocks or White Leghorns. Owing to heavy crest on top of head are
apt to fall easy prey to hawks and other enemies of the poultry yard. Crest
will freeze and become solid with ice where water is not kept from freezing or
fountain with narrow lip is not used. A good table fowl.

White Leghorns.—One of the best layers at all seasons, when properly handled and
cared for, as all fowls should be. Are non-sitters, hardy, and mature rapidly.
Will lay well in winter, in a moderately comfortable house. Chickens thrive
well and teather quickly. Hens lay a white egg of large size (see table of
weight of eggs). Pullets lay at 5 or 6 months, sooner if hatched early. The
Brown and Black Leghorns are also great layers. They are good fowls for
farmers when kept with a breed of sitters. Great flyers, like all the Spanish
family.

Black Minorcas—An old English breed, comparatively new to this country, and fast
taking the place of the Black Spanish. They are as good layers as the Black
Spanish, and grow to much heavier weight, the males making fair table fowls.
They are given weight allowance in the new standard of excellence (American).
They lay well in winter, properly housed. Both fowl and chickens are hardy ;
the latter grow rapidly. The males have large and high combs, which must be
kept from freezing. Pullets lay at 5 or 6 months of age.

Andalusians —Another comparatively new-comer—to this side of the water—of the
Spanish type, and as a breed of layers rivalling the Leghorns. They are likely
to occupy a high position among poultry fanciers on their superior laying
merits, They lay well in winter, when looked after, and are hardy, quick-
growing chickens. They do not breed true to colour or markings in every
case; but that is a matter of secondary importance to those who wish to keep
them for their laying properties. Like the Black Spanish, they are not heavy-
weights, and in consequence are not so good for table use as the heavier breeds.
Pullets lay when 6 months old. Hens lay large white eggs.

Black Hamburghs—Small tightly-feathered fowls. They lay small eggs, but a great
many of them. Chickens grow fairly well, but all the family seem liable to
cold and roup in the fall. There are other breeds of greater merit for farmers
to choose from.

Silver-Pencilled Hamburghs.—Beautifully marked small fowls. Lay a large number
of small eggs, Require great care, as they are subject to roup in rainy, cold
weather.

Dorkings—A breed very much prized in England for its table qualities. In this
country they are sensitive, when chickens, to the fall weather, and are harder

a

. CENTRAL EXPERIMENTAL Farm,

111

to rear than Plymouth Rocks or White Leghorns. The coloured are the best
suited to this part of the Dominion. While a breed of great merit, they are not
hardy enough for the farmers to take hold of. Crossed with the Plymouth
Rock, an excellent result is attained.

Black Javas—Grow to large size when in second year. They are not remarkable
as layers, but are good table fowls. The eggsare large and ofa rich colour. If
better known would perhaps be better appreciated. They are fairly hardy as
chickens and fowls.

Black Russians—Have not been found to possess the hardiness nor winter-laying
qualities claimed for them. They are predisposed to colds and roup in the
cold wet weather of the fall months. The females make good, kind mothers.
They do not possess the merits that other breeds do to make them suitable to
farmers.

Games.—Are of many varieties. Some are more suited to the cold winter of this
country than others. Black-breasted Red Games have been found rather hard
to get over the first year, but are hardy and vigorous afterwards. As table
fowls their reputation is world wide. Hens are fair layers. They are tight-
feathered and weigh much more than they look.

There are several new breeds yet on their trial, and nothing decided can yet be
said for or against them. A breed may have a reputation for laying qualities in a
mild climate which on removal to a colder one they may not be found to display.
Several crosses have been found to result satisfactorily, such as the Plymouth Rock
male and White Leghorn female and vice versa; Brahma and Black Minorca hen;
White Leghorn male and Brahma female.

DISEASES.

Poultry like all other animals are subject to disease. But with a run such as
they should have on a farm, and proper care in the cold, wet weather, of a certain por-
tion of the fall, disease should be rare. The disease most common to poultry in this
portion of Canada is roup in its different phases of cold, catarrh and throat affections.
The first symptoms are running at the nostrils and sneezing. In its more virulent
form it is attended with swollen head and closed eyes, and a most offensive
discharge. It is better on detecting a case to kill the bird at once and burnit. If
neglected it will contaminate all the others in the pen by dipping its nostrils into the
drink water, and so disseminate the virus. It is very contagious. A simple cold if
neglected will develop into roup. Treatment fora cold is to inject with a syringe a
small quantity of coal oil, and if handy a few drops (5 or 6) of carbolie acid added.
Two or three injections ought to effect a cure. Isolate the fowl from the others. The
most frequent causes of disease are keeping too many fowls together and filthy
quarters.

The foregoing information on the most important points in poultry manage-
ment can only be briefly given in the limits of a report. It is to be hoped all who
have the opportunity will visit the Experimental Farm and see the methods and
appliances in operation. There is no food given that the farmer has not in abund-
ance, no treatment adopted nor appliances used that is not within his easy reach.

I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your obedient servant,

A. G, GILBERT,
Manager Poultry Department.

Orrawa, 3rd January, 1890.

112

EXPERIMENTAL FARM FOR THE MARITIME PROVINCES.

REPORT OF W. M. BLAIR, SUPERINTENDENT,

To Prof. WriL14m Saunpers, F.R.S.C., F.LS., F.C.S.,
Director Experimental Farms,
Ottawa.

Sir,—I have the honour to submit herewith the following report of the opera-
tions on the Experimental Farm for the Maritime Provinces at Nappan, N.S., during
the year 1889,

WEATHER.

The year has been a fine one for farm work. We had a very mild winter, with
much rain and sleighing only for 15 days. The spring was early. Farm work com-
menced on 6th May, Until 12th June the weather was dry and warm, with occasional
showers, that made vegetation very rapid, after which there was 10 days of cold,
damp weather. During this period much of the grain, especially that sown late,
turned yellow, but whether this was caused by the weather or due to the presence
of the grain Aphis that infested the grain in great numbers, more particularly the
late sown, I am unable to determine. However, as soon as the weather became warmer
the grain partially recovered trom its sickly appearance and made as fair a growth
as could be expected after being so seriously checked.

I may here say that the “ Lady Bug” rendered valuable assistance in, destroying
the Aphis.

During the months of August and September the weather was unusually warm,
the thermometer ranging for several days from 85° to 88° in the shade at 1 o’clock.
The root crops suffered severely from drought during this period.

The autumn was fine and dry, with occasional showers. The first frost to inter-
fere with farm work was on the 27th November, with 2 inches of snow on the
28th, which soon melted away with a south wind.

MANURE.

Owing to the scarcity of snow last winter we only succeeded in hauling 450
loads of marsh mud, This was put on four and a-half acres of sod land that had
been previously drained and ploughed in the fall, and as soon as the first frost left
the land in the spring, was evenly spread and well worked in with a two horse
cultivator or grubber and a disc harrow, until it was thoroughly mixed with the
top soil, and a good seed bed thus made. It was then sown to wheat with a seed
drill. This wheat made rapid growth; the straw was free from rust and the grain
well filled.

The manure from the cattle and horse stables was drawn to the fields every
week during winter, and was well mixed together ina pile, and frequently turned
over for afew weeks and then spread on the fields from a cart or sled. By this mode
we succeeded in giving ten acres a fair dressing.

MARSH LANDS.

The high tides of December last that broke the dykes and flooded the marsh
were a benefit to those parts of the marsh that were well drained, as the salt water
ran off quickly but left a deposit of new mud and, as a consequence, a large crop of
hay was cut this year, while on the portions that were not so well drained the
water remained longer and a light crop of hay was the result. Taking it all together

\

113

we secured from ninety to one hundred tons, where we only had from sixty to seventy
last year. We have this year opened 741 rods of surface drains and strengthened
the weak places in the dykes, and trust that they will now withstand the high tides.

WHEAT.
On the ninety acres of.upland in crop this year we had, in addition to other
crops, eighty varieties of wheat ranging in quantities of seed from 100 lbs. to 20
kernels. A statement of some of the most promising sorts is given below.

Se ear oles s |
BS [Eee Soe | =
| sa? Ea = Bo
Name. | ero | 2 oh | Character of Growth.
23 el leeake se) S | 23
eye m | Pz | dea he
Lbs. | Lbs. | Lbs
60 |May 8. .| Aug. 24..| 108 | 900] 61 |Bright, tall, stiff straw; very
| | long heads.
42|/do 8..|do 27..)| 111] 690 58 |Bright, stiff straw.
100:| do §8..| do 21..| 105 |1,080 57 |Stout, strong straw ; some rust.
60|do 9..| do 19..| 102| 660 58 |Stiff do do
15|do 9. | do 12:. 959) 225 51 |Rapid growth; short, stiff straw
Gilido” =9ii'do” 14:3] 7 60 60 | do do
G) dors 923) .do) l4eI" 3977, 46 60 | do do
12| do 25..\Sept. 2 100 46 57 |Medium growth; rusty.
2\|June 3..|do 5 94 13 60

Some good seed, in small quantities, has also been secured from a number of the
small plots. This will be sown another year and the results given.

OATS.

Some 60 varieties of oats were sown, the quantity of seed varying from 100 tbs.
to 20 kernels. A statement showing the amount of seed, time of sowing, time of
ripening, and amonnt of products, as well as weights per bushel, from the field plots
is given below:

SS g
=m mn
a= lse) < S 3 Character of Growth.
Se ae i |
Lbs.
WTP FENOW. «0.00.0 -- si 36 (May 10..;Aug. 19..{ 101 { 561 33 |Short, stiff straw ; badly rusted.
English Potato. . . nae 36} do 10..| do 19..| 101} 740 37 | Very stiff, bright straw.
Rennie’s Prize White.... 85) do 10..,;do 17..; 99) 350) 35 Mediumstraw, stiff and bright.
Early English White....| 110 | do 14..|do 19..| 97 | 740]! 40 |Bright, stiff straw.
“English Red............ 79) | doy ates ie, O21 22 99 | 768 32 |Short, stiff straw ; rusty.
MMIBICOING...0. sce. sc aeee 90} do 14..|/'do 19.. 97 | 880 40 |Soft straw ; much blighted.
i: Beer | 24|do 16..) do 26..| 102] 388 7 ‘Medium straw; some rust.
Deer 80 | do 17..| do 19. 94 | 627 28 |Stiff straw ; some rust.
5- 550505 |} 45} do 17..| do 27..| 102} 429 33 Small, stiff straw ; rusty.
Bocas ais Ls 55|do 17..| do 20..| 95 | 612| 35 |Stiff straw; some rust.
100 | do 10..) do 12.. 94 |1,216 38 |Long, stiff straw.
SRG aaEe 80| do 14..|)do 24 102 |1,152 | 36 (Short, stiff straw ; rusty.
wee 55 | do 17..) do 21 96 0 34 Fair straw ; some rust.
Be ole areats 0 32] do 17:.|.do 19 94 | 180 40 |Weak straw ; some rust.
Wo) | dew avecindor te 96 | 704 32 |Stiff straw, but very rusty.
Sot DANCES 95 | do 17..| do 16. 91 | 1,053 39 |Bright, stout, strong straw.
_ eee 60 | do 17..|do 19 94 | 960 30 |Bright, stiff straw.

Some good seed, in small quantities, has also been secured from a number of the
mall plots. This will be sown another year and the results given.
6ce—8

114

BARLEY.

Of barley there were 60 varieties, ranging from 4 bushels to 20 kernels of seed.
Some of the best are given in the following table :—

= | ]
ion) | ¢ | Be é
| 23 $ |g 23 | on
Name. | a3 Z 2 | of 3 oe Gan of
55 @ 3 ae oa %
Gn P Feild a z
Carter’s Prize Prolific ....... 4 bush.|May 24.|Aug. 28.) 96. .|2,622 Ibs. .| 52}]bs.|Short, bright straw.
Scholey’s Imp. Chevalier....| 4 ‘ ..| ‘ 24.) ‘© 28.| 96../1,410 “*..) 52 “* ./Bright straw.
Danish Chevalier ..... ..... | 2 ‘* ..) ‘© 24.\Sept. 2.) 101..| 748 ‘* ..| 514 ‘* .|Short straw.
Danish Printice Chevalier...) 2 ‘* ..| ‘* 24.] ‘© 3.) 102..) 644 “*..] 52 “.| do do
IWensury; tees rinses eek 2 “ ..) & 24.|Aug.22.| -90..| 756 ‘*..| 48 “°.| do soft straw.
New eZealand!rsernc sre cee eee lh sspec Ole eee2Or| ep Goes POU nes ya] POaamne «| 1G0) do
Polar ee-te ayencce seas 30) Ibs...) || So (250) Se 20s BBS sl S10) Se ab El do poor straws
iRetschoratene seree.eee once Libush:| 5 “253i 55 225) (SOP B87 SS ee!| 48h Soe) ido) straws
Peerless White. ...-.:.,--..- Silbs. ...|) “* (252) 59 e275 94.) 405°. 1526 §© |) do! brightistraws
Early Minting............. SE nls Eo D5 | PES ri Ode Wiel s conten 2k Soleo do
Selected Chevalier ..... .... BS SE OO ese SOF OAs | MPA Sfae || D2is S05) «do (stithisirame
Barley of Bhagarmany Hills.| 3“ 251 56 15.) 8255) 1 SS). bbs, <o | do: (softistraws
NaaleBarley sass: 22 Gs-e: HG €& . 5) SS 25.) SS 27a O45) 874 “oo. 614 <<! do brightssettistrayw,

This grain was sown on rather poor, wet, lund and succeeded well under the cir-
cumstances. Another year the land will, it is hoped, be in better condition. Some
good grain from several smaller lots were secured for next year’s planting.

The total amount of grain grown of all kinds was 1,790 bushels.

BUCKWHEAT.

Several varieties of buckwheat were sown. Those named in the following state-
ment of yield, etc., were the most promising :—

| A he |
| | | ao |
= | | = : = Character of
Name. | 5 | es 3 5 | Growth.
| o | es ees aa
= | | | “a
| Lbs. | | | Lbs. |
Japanese Buckwheat........ | ab PgR |Junel11. Sept. NV EGYE |14 bush...| 48..... Stout, strong straw,
| | |_ heavily loaded.
Silver Hull (dow. Se. v2. = 48.....) do 13.) do 7.) 86../17bush...| 48._.../Strong straw.

Gravel do Saapettras-654 | 40..... do 18.}),do 11.| 90..|24 bush. ..] 48.....| do

About 20 acres of buckwheat has been sown each year for green manure. This
was ploughed under just as it was in full bloom. Notwithstanding this, there has
been much trouble with a volunteer crop the following season ; hence it is proposed to
abandon it for fertilizing purposes, and substitute clover in its stead.

CORN.

Eleven varieties of corn were planted, all of which did well, but the large scales
were not set when it was ready to cut, and we were unable to determine the weight
per acre. Roughly estimated, the varieties would range as to merit in about the
following order :—

Giant Prolific Ensilage, 12 feet high.
Red Cob Ensilage.

Large White Flint.

Stowell’s Evergreen.

115

Self Husking.
Canada Yellow.

Angel of Midnight,

Longfellow.
Early Minnesota.
Compton’s Early.

Moore’s Early Concord.

Egyptian Sweet.
New Corey.

One hundred and three varieties were planted. The quantity of seed yield, and

POTATOES.

the character of the tubers, &c., is given below.

Name.

Siebatmiok eon asc cack. Ac.)s0
Richter’s Elegant. .........
Prime Minister)... 202-2. .s-

INGhite Stanly. «occ deen see
Wonqguerorsns.4-6 ss oe as
Jacksons lmp. pac -s5h-ce ce
IASparagus:.s..:-.-s0ss00- s
choolmaster 4. 62:23, 05c=0 0
Wihite Sprout..... 5, ca:cce-.
Paterson’s Victoria .........
Adirondacks spacer se soece
Erfurt Early Round.........
alberstadt ~....2....0.-...
William’s Harly.............
akreba ere rec ci caiman
Iarlyi@ahico ec'-ccs<o.- :
Six Weeks Round White....

horburmneen es. nesccn as. eee |

\Compton’s Surprise ......... |

IBroliicapar ee ancies soc csecs

Rose’s New Giant..........

Emperor William...........
Riehter’s Gem ...02. 22. te
eetstenktes oo. fe sare cisache

Burbanks Seedling..........
May Queen Harly...........

SUVErS kine memes sce te |

Eye Carpenter..............
English Kidney............

Erfurt Incomparable. .......
Im pireis tate 26 os eeh2 fe. ss,-
Frame Harly..... .. Bbpe sieieioe
Paragon. ...
[ROS yMVEOINE. -ior4. Sz ane Soe
Thorburn’s Late Rose.......

UIE DOR ee ee traits cians
King of the Earlies .........
Mlamar eon wach. cans
Paterson’s Albert. ... Lg
Wistadors cet nicest srccsts.
Richter’s Schneerose ........
Reber eonie oe ar, Been eae Ase

‘S

eave

2 ¥ |Planted.| Vield.
S22

Sn

fe

Ibs. | Tbs. |
5 [May 24) 122
5|do 24) 66
5|do 24 119
5|do 24! 73
5|do 24] 48
5|do 24) 98
5|do 24) 90
5 | do 24! 116
5|do 24| 26
5 | do 24) 102
5 | do 24) 83
5|do 24) 76
5|do 24 62
5|do 24) 33
5|do 24) 58

| 5i do 24) 53

| 5|do 24] 106
5 | do 24 78

| 5| do 24) 60
5 | do 24 66
5 | do 24 109

We Sylido -2Alee a,
5 | do 24 46
5} do 24) 38

| 5 | do 24) 187
5 |\do 24) 57
5|do 24 100
5|do 24| 52
Siiide: 24" V7
10 | do 24) 249
5} do | 937
5|do 24) 90
5|do 2 56
5|do 24) 57
dj do 24! 100

| 5] do 24 52
5|do 24) 74
10 | do 24) 249
5|do 24) 37
5|do 24 90

| 5|do 24) 56
10 | do 24) 7
5|do 24 99
5|do | 47
5} do 24 65
5|do 24) 101
5|do 24 46
5|do 24) 35
5 | do ~24| 93

Character of Tubers, &c.

{Long white, some rot.

|Long flat pink, some rot.

Long white, few eyes, some rot.

)Round white and pink, few eyes, sound, late.
|Blue long round, much rot.

|Long round white, very sound, late.

|Large white rough, few eyes, sound, late.
|Small round white, sound, late.

|Small white irregular, sound.

|Large round white, rough skin, sound.
Round white, many smal], sound.

Small white, ill shaped, some rot.

Flat white, many small, few eyes.

‘Small round, ill shaped, much rot.

\Small round white, some rot.

‘Small kidney shaped white, sound.

Flat oblong white, few eyes, some rot.
|Flat smooth white, early, sound.

Small round white, sound.

Medium size pink, many small, some rot.
|Long flat pink and white, some rot, late.
Blue, few deep eyes, many small, some rot.

|Large flat white, many small, some rot, early.
8 (Blue and white, Small round, sound.

|Large long flat white, sound, late.
|White flat, rough skin, medium early, sound.
|Smooth white, few eyes, some rot.

2 Small white long rough, sognd.

{Long rough pink, much rot.

249 Long pink with white eyes, sound, prolific.

Small pink, some rot.

|Long white rough, sound.

|Large pink, some rot.

|Large white, some rot, early.

|Smooth white, few eyes, some rot.

‘Small white long rough, sound.

Long rough pink, much rot.

Long pink with white eyes, sound, prolific.
Small pink, some rot.

|Long white rough, sound.

|Large pink, some rot.

Large white, some rot, early.

Long pink, sound.

|Lon white, very small, some rot.

Large white oblong, sound, late.

Small white, unproductive, some rot.
Small kidney shape, white, unproductive.
Large pink, early, much rot.

\Sma. 1 white round, deep eyes, some rot, early.

116

poTaToES—Continued.

Character of Tubers, &e.

Very round white, deep eyes, late, sound.
Large long white, deep eyes, sound.

Large flat white, rough skin, sound.

Medium size, few deep eyes, sound.
Medium size, red deep eyes, some rot.
Large round rough white, sound.
Large pink, very productive, some rot.

White oblong with bright red stripes, sound.

Very large productive round white, sound.
Large flat white, rough skin, some rot.
Small, white and pink seed ends, some rot.
Large white and pink spotted, sound.

\Small white long flat, early, some rot.

Small round, white, deep eyes, some rot.

White flat, medium crop, some rot.
Round white, numerous but small, sound.

\Large hight pink, very prolific, some rot.

ite, early, much rot.
Very large, round white, few eyes, sound.

Large round, blue, with some white spots.
Large long light pink, with white eyes.

Small unproductive, round white. sound.

Oblong white, pink between eyes, sound, early.

\Light color pink blush, oblong, some rot.
Bright red, round, few eyes, sound, early.

Pink oblong, very early, some rot.
Bright red, hardy, round, sound, late.
Pink oblong, very early, some rot.

S
pele
No. Name. = |Planted. | Yield.
Bo
Su
| lbs. lbs.
50 |Beauty of Hebron.........-. 10 | do 24) 149 |Large pink, early, some rot.
51 |Thorburn’s Paragon......... 10 | do 24) 75 |Large round white, sound.
Dal Marge Callao veers cruceleelyese 5 | do 24 64 |Large flat white, pink eyes.
Do) |Harly Bird =<.-.---- - ; 5 | do 24) 69 |Small ill shaped, pink, sound.
pe Arnylont ects. teestee ie eicrate 5 | do 24) 71 |Small white, sound.
55 |Pride of America ...... 5 | do 24! 87
56 |Price from Holland ......... 5 | do 24) 107
57 |White Late Rose ........... 5 | do 24) 57 |Large white, sound.
DS" Snowlake... sn g.ciic sees = 5|do 24 50
DOMPAUETORR it ace eis elect eisasiele 5 | do 24) 69 |Very small round white, sound.
(0), Drie ire RRO ERO CARS 5ido 24 7
6INOnionwManly \o. o eae elena: 5 | do 24) 83
620 |ate\Goodrich® * Sst) jst <2) 5|do 24 177
G54| BarlyOhion oss. 5|do 24) 113
64 |White Elephant....... ..... 10 | do 24) 108 |Large round white, sound.
65))| Maxlyz@alicowae nin, <n2 a= cist 5|do 24 82
66 |Prince Bismarck.. ........ 5 | do 24 62
67 |Richter’s Imperator......... 5 | do 24! 136
68 |Brownell’s Best.. ........ 10 | do 24) 119
BOL Matchless cee ecm cee roe | 5} do 24) 17
70 |Brownell’s Beauty ..... 10} do 24; 90
Mile Melophone:..e2 (cdo asides 5 | do 24) 73 |Small flat white, sound.
f2y Bliss: Gramps. cto. 5 | do 24) 92 )Round red, sound.
73 |Early Short-topped.... ....| 5 | do 24) 29 |Small smooth white, some rot.
aN Al phar c sas nciecteme came titers 5|do 24 63
75 |Sharpe’s Seedling ..... 5 10 | do 24) 136 |Long flat pink, sound.
Gul Mideliais:. secieeiseaeele see 5 | do 24) 105 |Long blue, prolific and sound.
ivan) alma hoy. cette -reteseerayerect< 5|do 24) 64
78 |Giant Long Dutch..... .. 5 | de 24) 68 |Large rough white, sound.
(RuIS\iCs eeeAS eS a aan ae Se 5 {do 24) 65
80 |Golden Harly............... 5 | do 24) 89
81 |Kidney August............. 5 |-do 24) 50 |Long white, some rot.
82 |Barly Rose..... . ... .:..] 10] do 24] 154
Bo) aarkiSgbyesc ce sce. ects meter 5 | do 24| 49 |Small w
84 |Great Hastern.. ........... d|do 24!) 103
85 |Brownell’s Superior. .......) 5 | do 24 > 38 |Long flat, dark pink, some rot.
86 Member of Parliament ...... 5 | do 24) 57 |Long white, sound.
Sin Manhattan. <a cise 22 steele. oe 5|do 24) 49
88 |Wonder of the World... .... 5 |-do 24) (70
89 \Chicago Market............. 10 | do 24; 180 |Large pink.
90 |Mammoth Prolific ......... 5 | do 24! 46 |Round white, few eyes, sound.
91 |American Magnum Bonum..| 5 | do 24 37
92 |Montana Elephant..... ... 5 | do 24) 34 |Black round, sound.
O35 Silver Dollars. cw scr msilateles~\< Srl laahe see) Sse ase Large white, sound.
94 |Durning Seedling.*.... ..-. Fsoallooacddng)leesas Long blue, sound.
95), |SealtHeatrc.\snel meet he Sen lanes can ast
96 |Crown Jewel. ............-- 15 |May 21] 330
97 |Halton Seedling ............ 15 | do 21} 390
O8it|Stray Beauty ...-0 245+ seee 15 | do 21} 360
OO Rural Blush) 2-2 useless 15 | do 21} 390
100 |Early Sunrise........ .... 15 | do 21] 360
101 |Dakota Red)... 0.02... .2. 0 15 | do 21) 360
LOZ a BiarlysOhio) asses esses 15 | do 21) 360
TOS: RosyMlorn | -mcbwes ceases ee 15 | do 21) 885 |Flat pink, very early, some rot.

Light pink, nearly round, deep eyes, sound, early.

‘ae ™ |
3 ;
S

iby |

The following results were obtained from planting whole and different cuts in
* plots ot thirty hills each.

Yield.
4] No. 1—Whole potatoes—An even lot, not very large or small ...... .......... 54 Ibs.
; 2—Half do split from seed end—An even lot ... .. 32 **
rT 3—Three eyes—Mostly small ones........... Ses 28% “
} 4—Two do _ Some large and some small .. 27¥ SS
: 5—One eye—An uneven lot, some very small. fe 1st ;
6—Seed end—A good round even lot.............2..2.-. cee e eee se Ses
f 7—Butt end—Some large and some very small .............0.......-+--4 333°

| TURNIPS.
Three and six-tenths acres of turnips were sown, the yield being 3,600 bushels.

Varieties.
Bangholm Swedes produced...............s:seeeeeeeee es 1,000 bus. per acre.
Queen of the Swedes produceu..................260s. 000s 950 do
Elephant do Gly. doeescosescoceadeesocsongad 1,050 do
King of the do 1 OR Pe Scie neesce sa Sasso 875 do
Garteriseerizeuw inne OO a iecosacee tse. ceases selene = 1,000 do
SrecleBros~ burp leshOpid Ow ceeestacnccus-s2ses- sss 1,100 do
Renniels ee rizesWanne re CON jeaeece2-ccce-n= cess =sh ree 1,025 do

This land was very wet previous to being drained, so much so that. it could not
be cultivated properly.
MANGELS.

Two hundred bushels of mangels were grown, and of the three varieties tested,
“Carter’s New Golden Intermediate ’’ was the most productive, ‘‘ Carter’s Mammoth
Long Red ” came second, “ Carter's New Tankard Yellow” third.

CARROTS,

About 220 bushels of carrots were also grown. The four kinds tried stood in
the following order for productiveness :—

a PP ee i ee es CS eer

SS LOT GAVVI LG Ue ss cee ect ceme case ince choca sles et ences wee cee meets 1st

Chmiter ls Orrin (GME Wig shroconancode ceoc seshuna sac nos meee eee nbG 3-36 ae 2nd

Gran te Wiltshire sWintceecercces fecce ce rene onc onatae nonce aeteeene 3rd

Vai lavitis 18}2) a eh asnongannn ose soaeoencacsaeenecbon: FisaBeentor0 sco pos acoGcn6eD5e 4th
TOMATOES.

Seven varieties of tomatoes were planted, all of which did well. In point of
| excellence they rank as follows, viz. :—

Livingston’s Favorite............ eeceos ea csecena ne snes ee neeesee a eeeiee Ist
ivan ston SeBGabys-c.cc-stesscese accusers) se 2e= castes toemeeere sae 2nd
IDs (OEM HO oosonkae focosagan-ep;abeogoncsee acotiagscnecissaBbonsosSb64e 3rd
PP ETOC OM ae sms sass sl cecisis, $2 sg se acbecice acisonatsied velsloeiieris mouites aloattenttet 4th
(Core G ORO eet codo | ican seine sdescude de onbanoeseEsdnd.) seoagdabeacnnouganco 5th
(CE ET EN AO Ol arena aaraneuacn 2ee0eRaaateo Reushers scr cage ane has op cesie 6th
Titi elle pathy pheriose dees Beeb aden pe toaddtobosordaepnocaceono tone seececbbe 7th
FERTILIZERS.

In addition to the barnyard manure, several kinds of fertilizers were used on the
_ differeat crops with apparent good effect in most cases. In order to ascertain, if
Egle, their relative value, a number of tests were resorted to, with the following
results :—

In one instance a plot of land that had some years ago been ploughed and
cropped but had not received any manure, was taken. This land was rough and
uneven, and had the appearance of being but once ploughed, and was much overgrown
with weeds. After it had been well ploughed and cultivated it was divided into

118

eleven plots of +, of an acre each, with a space of three feet between each plot. On ten
of these plots ten different kinds of fertilizers were applied, leaving one plot without
any manure for comparison. Then the whole was sown with oats. The statement
below gives the value of the fertilizers used, the yield in pounds of grain and weight
per bushel :—

Prorts for testing fertilizers, 5 of an acre each.

No. Name. | Value. | Proceeds. Weight.
|
Me Siannenses i
Si cts:
iis |Barnyardsmpanure. tie «cscs ose) erica See 1 50 | 88 lbs. of oats ..... 37 lbs. per bushel.
2qy || Musselk mudi ys nels acc nos sle ice | 150 47 God hi geese 33 do
Spal bone-meals irc eam aereece note WOON 65445 dow ~sxetes. 34 do
4 |Fine ground phosphate................. | 100 44 dory, "asec: 34 do
Ly SEs 310) SR EM an on Bee soreness Se 100 49 do 34 do
6m | Commtertilizersnaner yc: oe tence LO0F N62, 8 ido Maser 36 do
7 |Superphosphate of lime ............... | 1 00 | 70 do Preis 36 do
8 |Nitratelof sodas... .... 2:52... | 100) 61 do” P2506: | 35 do
9 |Archibald fertilizer .............+..+++- 1 00 | 691s ‘dor #) denne | 34 do
10 |‘*Ceres ” superphosphate......... Stead 1:00)||68%) Adow Wet szce 34 do
Fone 31 do

11 |No fertilizer......... RES Ai RE ie SO (ries tes 42 do

It is the intention to continue these experiments with oats on the same plots for
several years,

The effect of different fertilizers on turnips was also tried. A plet to which
twenty-five cartloads of barnyard manure was applied to the acre during the winter
was selected. Different fertilizers were sown in the drills just before the turnip
seed was sown, to the value of $18.00 per acre.

The bone-meal and guano were mixed in the proportion of 6 of bone-meal to 2
of guano.

The following were the results :—

EXPERIMENTS with different fertilizers on Turnips—1 plot of each.

No. Name. oe pe Yield.
£ Cts Lbs.
| Archibald’s phosphates ts sci see ee beet ees ere peek ere ae 2 54 1,600
2" |Rockguanoi(fineiground))25: 4.50 eee eaee ne teen peters 54 1,700
3 |Raw phosphate................ Baier Aas Se ear coach 54 1,490
4'= |Superphosphate:of lime.-j-cpey eae: ste eaete, eee es ecard eee 54 1,875
5.) | Nitrate/otisoda....5< jr. sation ecc oo at Obes Selle ome Sexe Ome eRe 54 1,415
6) (No fertihzers..:)-..% vss ein dtegaeaine sesecie oo eee abc eslels eras cles aoe ae ere ee 1,590
7 |Plot from general field, bone-meal and guano.............--.-.-...- 54 1,800
|

Stockbridge’s “ Special Corn Fertilizer” was applied to the corn at the rate of
$10 worth per acre, and to buckwheat at the rate of $5 per acre. This was
attended with the most beneficial results.

Raw plaster and guano mixed in the proportion of 4 to 2, value $5 per acre,
was applied to buckwheat, with the effect of doubling the yield. Stockbridge’s
“ Special Potato Fertilizer,” at the rate of $10 per acre, was applied to potatoes, and
in every case gave a large return. And although the results obtained from these
special fertilizers this year were not taken with sufficient accuracy to warrant their
publication, yet they were of such a character as to warrant a more careful and

“thorough test in the future.

Prva eT un

119

PRICES OF DIFFERENT FERTILIZERS,

Per ton. Per lb.
Special potato fertilizer..............:-...ceseecseeees $36 00 1ée.
Connblertilizerscceccsticecesesecneceeer=erecensecesease 38 00 1,4 ¢.
GUANO Mss oaeclos eeewee res deca ae cles site esecwis male wcies 50 00 24¢
INGUENIG: OP S06 Elscocboecedoton sea ce dud. aces saon tdbecuadEs 50 00 2kc
Fine ground phosphate...............+ssseresseseeees 28 00 12¢.
Superphosphate of lime............0....sscssereseeees 26 00 1,3,¢.
BONEN Galea ae score ee ee wie ec saunas seleae eae 40 00 2e.
PET MVAAMY OUST Osere ofepsise aclaseeeseciactso seer ciet stasis =) 60 00 3c.
“Ceres ” superphosphate.................2s00)-ees0 40 00 2c.
Archibaldmlontiizeneaccesss tess scbecotee es ease ee 38 00 Ire.

DRAINING,

This necessary work was pushed forward as rapidly as possible, and 26 acres
were drained, at an average of 30 feet between the drains. The statement below
shows the cost of draining per acre, price of tiles, &c. :—

31405 ft. 3-1ns pipe a6 $12) O0/..0.........00so0s---.-ssecescenness $ 376 86
3,670 ft. 2-in. do SOO ee er eo OT 29 36
396 ft. 4in. do UG) OL) paesdbodassacacassose nod bacdorcciodae 6 34
618 ft. 6-in. de BAO) (OU )ssab cosssasoceauddon sdousanaonsone » 22 25
SYSADSE) tie, Whe 21a kerio |3) aeoncompeonodbaceee -eaceacsendcsensanacsaeoee: coy yicelll
COBtOL IES cco shades saeebidicas eaaaseeereab outa. qatar Senda cee ckee tee $ 434 81
opm labor sOraAInIN Oy ses oe.tcecosteceae ceesaceosnesaem ess Sse 713 60
Glo). tied al se baon decides se csndBabs cveudonbuCanic. seoe seme nepaa Bas 99 24
Glo) HE ative saeco dure clianeuaced Gee cockacbaced sane y x senceuGose 52 35
$1,300 00

Average cost of draining per ACre...............2...-2.0sse00-- $50 00

BUILDINGS.

The buildings commenced last year are now about completed. The barn is
occupied, and is found very convenient for storing hay, grain and roots, and also for
stock. It will hold over 250 tons of hay and grain, with stabling for 60 head of
cattle and 11 horses. The granaries are capable of holding 2,000 bushels, and the
root cellars 4,000 bushels There is also a convenient feed room.

The workman’s cottage was finished in the spring, and has been occupied during
the summer.

The Superintendent’s residence is also nearly completed.

A set of large scales have been placed in a convenient place for weighing bulky
material, such as hay, grain, roots, corn, cattle, etc., which are found to be very
useful in connection with our work.

CATTLE,

The cattle fed last winter have been sold at a profit, and others bought this
autumn to consume the hay, straw and roots raised. They are now doing well and
adding to our stock of fertilizers available for next year’s crop.

WATER,

A well was dug near the barn, and a supply of good water is obtained by

_ -pumping.

120

FENCING.

Five hundred and sixty-eight rods of fence has been built,this season with cedar
posts 8 feet apart; 6 inches from the top a 2 by 4 scantling was let in 1 inch and
spiked on, This, with 5 strands of barbless wire on the level, or in some places 4
strands, and a small dyke thrown up from each side, makes a good, substantial and
handsome fence. The posts on each side of the main road, 414 in number, were
turned, and, when the fence was completed, the posts and rails received two coats of
paint.

FRUIT TREES.

All the fruit trees came through the winter safely and made a vigorous growth
this season. It was intended to plant them out in the spring in orchard, but before
the land was in suitable condition to receive them the trees were in leaf. It was,
therefore, deemed more prudent to allow them to remain in the nursery rows
another year. Thirty of the trees were set out in November and the balance will
be planted in the coming spring. This will give us an opportunity to note the dift
erence between fall and spring setting.

STRAWBERRIES.

All the strawberries wintered well and made rapid growth in early spring. But
in order to have a good lot of healthy plants to set another plot, the vines were not
disturbed, but allowed to run until all the new plants required were secured. Not-
withstanding this, a small lot of good fruit was picked. In point of excellence they
appeared to rank as follows, viz.: Crescent, Ist; Manchester, 2nd; Wilson, 3rd;
Woodruff, 4th; Sharpless, 5th; New Dominion, 6th; Capt. Jack, 7th; May King,
8th; Maggie, Yth; Daniel Boone, 10th.

RASPBERRIES,

All wintered well. New shoots were allowed to grow to produce canes for
extending the area for another year. Some fine fruit was produced, and in point of
excellence would rank about as follows: Turner, 1st; Caroline, 2nd; Golden Queen,
3rd; Hansell, 4th; Philadelphia, 5th; Cuthbert, 6th; Highland Hardy, 7th. z

BLACKBERRIES, .

The blackberries wintered well and made a good growth during summer, and
also produced some good fruit. New shoots were allowed to grow, as in the case of
the raspberries. Their quality and excellence of growth would entitle them to rank
as follows: Snyder, Ist; Taylor, 2nd; Lucretia Dewberry, 3rd.

GOOSEBERRIES.

The gooseberries grew remarkably well, the Houghton being the most vigorous

and productive. The Downing came next, with the Smith’s Improved a good third,

CURRANTS.

The currants made only a fair growth and bore very little fruit. They appeared
to stand in about the following order: White Grape, Ist; Red Dutch, 2nd; White
Dutch, 3rd; Victoria, 4th; Fay’s Prolific, 5th; Raby Castle, 6th. The black currants
grew healthy and strong, and rank as follows: Black Naples, lst; Champion, 2nd.

GRAPES,

All the grapes that were healthy last year came through the winter safely and
made a fair growth. There was some fruit on the Concords.

CABBAGE,

; Eleven varieties of cabbage were planted, some of which grew very large. In
point of excellence they rank as follows: Henderson's Early Summer, Ist; Win-

ningstadt, 2nd; Early Jersey Wakefield, 3rd; French Oxheart, 4th; Large Drum-
head, 5th; Fottler’s Drumhead, 6th; Marblehead Mammoth, 7th; Late Flat Dutch,
8th; Savoy, 9th; Extra Blood Red, 10th; York, 11th.

CUCUMBERS.

Boston Market, Medium Green, Green Prolific, London Long Green, Long Green,
and Nicol’s Medium Green, were planted and did well.

GRASSES.

The following grasses and clovers were sown in plots, and so far are doing well:
Of clovers—Bokhara, Trefoil, Large Late, White Dutch, Alfalfa, and Sainfoin. Of
grasses—Creeping Bent, Red Top, Meadow Foxtail, Sweet Vernal, Tall Oat, Yellow
Oat, Crested Dog’s Tail, Orchard Grass, Tall Fescue, Sheep’s Fescue, Hard Fescue,
Meadow Fescue, Red Fescue, Fine Leaved Fescue, Water Meadow Grass, and Wood
Meadow Grass.

EXHIBITIONS AND FARMERS’ INSTITUTES.

Some of the products of the farm were shown at the Maritime Exhibition, held
at Moncton, N.B., during the third week of September, and at Amherst, N'S., the
following week.

The exhibits consisted of 66 varieties of grain in glass jars, and 82 varieties in
the straw; 103 varieties of potatoes, 8 of turnips, 3 of mangels, 12 of cabbage, 8 of
tomatoes, 6 of cucumbers, 3 of buckwheat, 9 of clover and grasses, and 13 varieties
of corn.

The exhibition at New Glasgow, N.S., was visited, but we were unable to make
an exhibit at that place, as the time intervening between the one held at Moncton
and Amherst and this one was too short in which to arrange another exhibit.

I attended the “ Farmers’ Institute” of New Brunswick, held at Fredericton,
during the month of January, where addresses were delivered and papers read by
the following gentlemen, viz.: “ Dairying,” by Dr. D. M. Twitchell, associate editor
Maine Farmer; ‘Butter Making,’ by W. G. Gilbert, Dorchester; “ The Dairy
Interest of New Brunswick,” by G. E. Baxter, of Perth, N.B.; “ Winter Dairying,”
by P. C. Black, Secretary Dairymens’ Association of Nova Scotia; “ Experimental
Farms,” by Prof. Wm. Saunders, Director of Experimental Farms, and W. M. Blair,
Superintendent of Experimental Farm at Nappan; ‘‘Care and Management of

_ Sheep,” by C. H. Black, Amherst, N.S.; “ Ensilage,” by J. Baxter, M.D., Chatham, N.B.

3 These papers were all fully discussed, and a great interest was taken in them by
those present.
. T also attended the meeting of the Fruit Growers’ Association of Nova Scotia,
held at Wolfville, January last. Much enthusiasm was manifested in the proceed-
ings, and fruit growing in all its details was earnestly discussed, as well as the
difficulties encountered by the ravages of injurious insects, and how to overcome
them. These discussions were taken part in by many prominent fruit growers of
Kings and Annapolis, as well as by Prof. Saunders, Director of the Experimental
Farms, who spoke at some length on the general question of fruit growing, and the
work of the Experimental Farms in connection therewith. He also gave many
Eee le hints with a view to the prevention and destruction of insects injurious to
ruits.

I was also present at a meeting of the Nova Scotia Dairymen’s Association held
at Truro in March last. The discussions were carried on by many prominent farmers
: of Nova Scotia, and Prof. Smith, of the School of Agriculture, Truro; W. F. George,

of Sackville, N. B.; Howard Trueman, of Point de Bute, N. B.; W. H. Blanchard, of
» Windsor, N.S., and J. W. McKay, of Stellarton, gave a valuable paper on “Silage
and Silos;” H. F. Page, of Amherst, on the “Holstein as a Dairy Cow;” W. W.
_ Hubbard, Secretary of the Farmers’ Association of New Brunswick, on “How to
Maintain the Fertility ofour Farms; ” B. Eaton Paterson, B.S. A., N. B., on “ Increas-
) ing and Improving our Butter Production;” “Creameries,’ by W. J. Gilbert, New

ms ¢

122

Brunswick; “Prevention and Treatment of Milk Fever,” by Prof. F. C. Greenside;
“A Plea for Butter Factories,’ by H. B, Hall, Nova Scotia; and ‘“ Feeding Calves
and Pigs,” by Jas. Cheesman, Boston.

A Farmers’ Institute was attended at Amherst, on the 22nd January, where
general farm topics were discussed by a number of leading farmers of Cumberland,
assisted by Prof. Saunders.

T also attended several meetings of farmers in Colchester and Cumberland, and
took part in the discussions, and from what I have seen and heard I am convinced
that a growing feeling is manifested in favor of “ Farmers’ Institutes,” and associa-
tions of a kindred nature, with a view to obtaining further knowledge in the art of
agriculture.

I have the honor to be, Sir,
Your obedient servant,
W. M. BLAIR.
Superintendent.
Nappan, 31st December, 1889.

123

EXPERIMENTAL FARM FOR MANITOBA.

REPORT OF S. A. BEDFORD, SUPERINTENDENT.

To Wm. Saunpers, F.R.S.C., F.LS., F.CS.,
Director Experimental Farms,
Ottawa.
Sir,—I have the honour to submit herewith the following report of the opera-
tions on the Manitoba Experimental Farm for the year 1889.

WEATHER.

The past season has been one of the driest this Province has experienced for a
number of years, and the crops are in consequence generally light. In those districts
favoured with local showers the yield has been good and in nearly all parts of the
Province the sample has been excellent. On this farm at no time during the grow-
ing season-has sufficient rain fallen to thoroughly moisten the roots of the grain.

WHEAT.

Owing to our not getting possession of the farm until late last season very little
of it was in a fit condition for a wheat crop, and the field originally intended for this
cereal was partly overflowed at seed time with water from the springs in the blutfts,
and the field finally selected was not suited for a dry season.

Although the yield of wheat was very small, it is deemed advisable to give the
returns and endeavour to throw some light on the suitability of the different varieties
for a dry season.

Thirty-eight varieties of wheat were sown, and except in the case of the fall-
sown grain the land was wheat stubble, fall ploughed, and the seed drilled in. The
Red Fife sown in the fall was grown on fallow land. It did not germinate until some
time after the spring-sown grain, but stooled out well and kept up a steady growth
all the season. The experiment has been repeated this season with two varieties of
spring wheat, and the same varieties will be sown next spring on adjoining land,
receiving similar preparation.

Below will be found the results of the several experiments with wheat.

|
eet 7 {ent |eeWihen! Bushels Weight
Variety. When Sow | Harvested. | per Acre. | per Bushel.
— = |
Lbs
ae neh dtd Sh Nov. 3, 1888/Aug. 14.... 2135 63
..|/April8, 1889} do 12.... 1e5 63
il tdowr Sim Siltdou 10s. 6 63
oe iaty Gh Waly Telsone 33 624
| dO> Gene neon! Lancs 38 615
aldon Simecnliidon: iSane: ed 61
2i|\kdor 19 SV dor Oke =. 8 63:
Old Red River. Plidon (One Saiitdom wWaissc 78 625
White Connel... Sa ley! ih Vales Bs i 62
Face indaue Oe caro wadar ms 7 604
See il dow sgn econo Ts ieee 6E 62
155¢ Spool a renee AMGos £ OF Sedan ee lOse ae 65 624
5c Shao both eeitdonlOs <a Nido) wlairs- 733 645
(2b. 5 p20, 60509 SCC S OCI EE REAR ee aries Peet ean don 1008.2 dom t4aye 735 62
ODT on itt. VV 2. SR ne ane eee GOLLO SS dome one 6 62
cullien 1nar)22 de Spas ghee eae eee eee eee baguneeeeade do 10. “ \July 31.... 5 61
— Tibi TDA. 0.65 ae ES nee eee a doy 10 “Se \\domesion-- 23¢ 63
Satie COSTCO Eco. Sere do Oy a) |; dow sole as. 2 62.

124

s
FROZEN VS. UNFROZEN SEED.

These samples of seed were all graded by the Winnipeg grain examiner. Plot
No. 1 was located in the valley; soil, rather stiff clay loam. Plot No. 2, on side of
bluffs, about 60 feet above the valley ; soil, light sandy loam, seed drilled in, in every
case.

| |
a tha [rece eee linen Wien Yield Lbs.
Variety. When Sown.| tarvested. per Acre. | per Bushel.

Plot No. 1. | | Bush.
INowlvHard! Redvhiterss. 0 re ee eee eee April 11....|Aug. 10.... 1024 61
No. 3 Go ees Seas sl SP Ly So doy eels ss icdow el0s27- Gee 61
iINorelHrostedi Red Biter. si. eiae scl oleate e ieee leGoy walle GoOmedOscer 10 61
No. 2 (0 (ode Gi aa Pie gre erent ate anes Ae arey is tare dos ge Senido) Om ns ges 61
No. 3 Gores As, Fees ek Merges mace ey | alile dow a0fers 1034 61
No. 4 Frosted or Rejected Red Fife................. Gtoy Alea) loys eas 8 61

Plot No. 2.
INomorelarndyRiedMhiterepees sete deere eeeemeise ten Aprilit5s.. Auge, alae 6 603
iINomlnrostedtRed UE ife ites ano: ede nce -cdawecerr ene do 5 dogs iis 43 60
No. 2 GO ani) by de ee cts ete bee dee ce eee do 5 do ne 43 60
No. 3 Ot? ge tats eee nite eine eee do 5....| do 1 ss 4: 60
No. 4 Frosted or Rejected Red Fife................ do 5 dow me 3: 594

OATS.

Twenty-one varieties of oats were tested. The land used for this purpose was
originally intended for wheat, and was in fair condition; soil, rich loam, with a
southern exposure. The land was fallow in 1888, and a heavy crop of green weeds
and volunteer wheat was ploughed in latein August of that year, Except where a test
of broadcast against drilling was made, the seed was all drilled in. The plots were
side by side, and the soil nearly uniform,

The results of the several tests are as follows :—

|
Variety. When Sown. When Harvested. ¥ told pen eee z

| Bush. Lbs.

hon gtellowee cise master cin cee April 16 334
Blacki@hampiony, ns ssl ssc seeeeees do 17 34
do Tartarian (Ont. seed) ...........- do 16 39
bAnaipURb WRIGE: i2;. fcc.00:2/4- le eisjagiue se se ote do 16 37

i erliyy Cald ere cue cc tecoe an lataene do 17 374
RediOats..c 4 5.ceg oeacae os ee aaetes do 15 34
Wihite: Polandiitves ceuntion acbheearmns dos W6h sie ecle 7
EnglishPotatots-: ase oer eee en do 16 7
Marly Blossomss ye acces aoa neere eee do 16 34

Wanter Greyis.eie ow act cereimedeeene -| po 16 343

Mlying: Scotehmany. <<. 4.084 qaneiaiiesia| Gow LO | 385

Welcome... do 17. 43+
White Ru do 15. 41

Rennie’s Prize Wihite 205... sae saeele do, li: 443
Carter's Prize \@luster:.. ....2/. 1c). Gaese eee do 17 42
English White (Ont. seed).............. do 17.. 44
Glenrothern} 47. sts a oeee eee do 16 31

One par White: «Sec... setlist tee aero do 16 J : 304
Gream™bpyptianin. .. uc seecto ce ceeeee dowilb. 5.5.2 >.jAug.. 1 5 40
White (: (oe cea MENT ee 2a do 15 39

™

enc tin, Ta -_ .

125
i STUBBLE VS. FALLOW.
Variety. When Sown. When Harvested. oe eal Weetness
F }
: Bush. Lbs.
Black Tartarian (fallow).........-...... pNoull COpaceseceee VND ak eee eee 4944 343
‘ do (wheat stubble).... .-. GOS Saas aeeaen doy A. rs: eoaiee 30 39
DRILL VS. BROADCAST SOWING
a Welcome (drilled in)........-....-...-- AprilelSs Seep tk; Ps) eepoa sane 14 433
do (broadcast machine) Re aaNet = GOW BESS. errs dopegor yee. 62¢ 435
- DEEP VS. SHALLOW SOWING.
: Black Tartarian, 3 inches deep.......... Aprils) pee A ne Bree tote ees 2633 7
; do 13 lor. -Surnereuae dol e1Srccecr | Gomes Dera nneys 2344 37
<
i THICK VS. THIN SOWING.
Lae
a White aagliek, - pecks per acre. Newt ak) oomaapdes Ap. Ga cays sexis 197; 40
do ee TOM GLOR rere |GON a (Oecaccyern ab lixz 40
: a6 10 do | fake lode 1 Ke erase GO met Ore. Patra 2024 40
q do 1 do f, ateye TC toe se ees edo 6 thow Ate 242, 40
j do 12 doy | “wteaseie: AG WAGs iay ane | do Ornette e 2632 40

Pr) BARLEY,

, Barley sown on fallow land yielded fairly well, but that sown on stuble suffered
severely from drought.
The Danish varieties will be noticed as leading in yield on stubble ground. This

new importation promises to be a vigorous g grower and well adapted for a dry year,
It will also be noticed that stable manure had no appreciable effect on this grain; this
was no doubt owing to lack of moisture. With our usual rainfall the result would ip
; all probability be quite different. Nearly all varieties were a bright sample.
i

L Tests with BARLEY.
LATE AGAINST EARLY SOWING (FALLOW LAND.)

4 t = = = === = =
. r When Har- |} Yield Per |Weight Per
Variety. When Sown. vested. Acre. Bushel.
Lbs.
MPA EMEL OMICS asec ht (chose oc fe sicis Naim eased wisle’2 |April 17.... ere) 9. 26 534
Gl)" aati inila eta Gee noe Eee aoie .| do BH snail CO Gssno 1938 53h
; Gis) 4° on BGedece Cena Uta er ene cone ceaconce |May Bspeel| (6X0) vi eh 2748 54

WITH AND WITHOUT STABLE MANURE.

Prize Prolific, ue Tah AWONEh Some HOS ING c ROH ORAOE May 183....)/August 23.... 25 4
do LO Moadssperjacre.nsssmacee once do 1B}. el) elo, UPAR SS 25 oe
25 53:

do 24 GOR < than anes edo TSF) oy L232

See ne SS ee ee

nN)

126

FALL AND SPRING PLOUGHING OF STUBBLE.
ee

tL s When Har- | Yield per | Weight per

Variety. When Sown. vested. Acre. Bushel.
English Malting, fall ploughing ................ April 26....)August 16.... Tits 534

do spring ploughing.............. | do 26=-2-4))* do) 16S: 833 53

ON SUMMER FALLOW.
|

BnglshvMaltinpy ee w-rissser) salts tee Be edre April 17... ais eae Omi 2648 53

IPMIZESPRONIAG: jo ceet-i.se= Se ciscee cose hie seein do fee ts) QF. 26 544
ON WHEAT STUBBLE LAND.

DanishyChevaliersass- este eee esa ee .|April 30. ./August 15.... 133% 56

do Printice Chevalier ..... Hee Merete acl do 300 eel dos soa qt 5b4
Mwo-rowed aD uck=buli a. e) acs <irieeisissracit ae ePareiniee do 3052 -|, do Qioase 10¢e 5:
(Peanless! Wihites: cris ocho ades sae peas cin sae navesel do 20) 258) dos AG ee Si 5.

IBGardless yn ah,-\< Me Siectisine 1s cleat peice one ee do 20) 23's dow a6 524. 83s 4

PI ara Ghar eee cota nat ares 0 hy sios vey ei chatter vane wists revere do Peal}. Coloyy ibaye ae 938 55
Golden Melon Improved..................-.0-5- do PAE Bal. Petcloy ealay ese Tit 544

Siwedssht tele oes ake poche alta tone. ae POE AE eis re |tatol0) DON emdOw ol Gores Tes 55
INGw, Zealand’ 3c. Haud nc contassa nce ene cee ticn wee do 2925s) edo Qus3 61g 554

Marpeitwo-rowed-5 06s -2esaess sce sos narra do ZOE toi) ado Ween 5 54
IRGLSCHOLa epost ya SAR Soe mttce an tie ssh cies Gila do SOF Ae | edo el Ones 45 493
IN RSET Aon Mees AG EEA Den Gey ObGre Lene es ccee do PANS el), elo ale Ses 2 524
0) Pie Sea an SRO e HABER on RD Gn nenC Oo aaAne do ZO 7 eecil) NGOvs LG, il 493

|
HAY LAND.

The meadow of native grass, cleared of scrub last season, has proved quite an
acquisition, and has furnished sufficient hay to feed the horses used on the farm during
the year.

GRASSES AND FODDER PLANTS.

In view of the fact that the native hay meadows of the Province are becoming
exhaused, considerable attention has been paid during the season to experiments with
grasses, clovers and fodder plants. The dry season has affected the yield to a certain
extent but it is quite evident that many of the fodder plants now extensively grown
in the eastern Provinces can be introduced here with advantage.

NATIVE GRASSES.

Fourteen varieties of native grasses were collected on this farm in the autumn
of 1888, and were sown in April last. Of these the following six varieties grew, and
most of them compare favourably with the cultivated varieties sown beside them.

— = a Se = == ee
j | Per cent. Height,
Variety. When Sown.) of Ger- 1st Nov.,
| mination. 1889.
aS ze eek | = |
| 1889. p. ¢. inches.
BromusiKalmiij sees .5 2. eee eh Ree ee eee ee eee |April 15.... 100 14
Milam tist Can ag ensis tie. (ith che «ayers cietcloxesemayeener cram area som vaio Seeley otetees do15....| 100 24
Poa Seroting o..0 aiesec. osc sbeiec tie a ee eens eee ae ree Cee mee elo alae Se 100 20
Hlymus*Varginicuse.n.. 5 sea ose ceoeen cele te tone oe econ ronae le dollbeeee | 100 16
Eriticum™’ Gaminum yet. version Lie ae ee ee ee ROBES domlbve-. 100 24
iMiahienbergia|Glomerata...c-q.cheerer ease terns cena seen dowl5te- 100 22
| |

127

CULTIVATED GRASSES AND CLOVERS.

Thirty varieties of cultivated grasses and clovers were sown during the past season,
but owing to the drought only the following germinated :—

| | Percent. | Height,
Variety. |When Sown.|! of Ger- 1st Nov., —
| mination. 1889.
1889. | p-¢. inches.
PHAM CSCIC! oe x.-1< Se 55 oie oi cis osie os Sains a geese gewed \April 15.... 25 8 |Drilled
Mdetrel BH EROTIC Er co poras Nate eas ae ee Acie eps dw ole Soyer ve eis ) dolb: re. 25 6 do
RIT LIS IDS DATS Cee naire ocak saa +2 oboe Ss ee es dopneeo 10 6 do
PRECIO CAR RV PANTS fe ot-)= aiciara Sete Anata sinyalalcic eiciete cee aye do 15....| 50 7 do
“TEST UTI 62 Sg) alee ro doil5=5.- 75 7 do
HIGHS ats sane Ga OSCR DOCE OIC Cee cere (Mmm: (own Fema | 50 6 do
Bebroard eee WO xtAIe tne: oie. oo sisfayes.< soci oo abe ci ecioee donot 50 5 do
Perennial Rye Grass.........-...-.....---- Sooonoase do 15....} 50 8 do
Be MAMHITOELV ONG TANS Ses om Se se a ets elec dob. 40 14 do
Wb? Line LNe yc RR ee aoc tiene aloe seh Be dowd =... 62 12 do
Cig ie ing Ges Ee Se eee ee ee ee ie a ee |June 1 20 6 Broadcast.
|
Clovers.
Bancerties ClOVOL ELM Ge ace sl Sec ee alas os ese ee eee | dot sla 90 | 8 dco
Mammonvneca@ lover Ake. osteo) Meee eee eee do 1 ] 50 | 12 do
ME EOLOVER PERE LL cei). otto setae cyte see eee do 1 40 4 do
ince nutch Clover=).) <2 -)-2s:2< tes os-2 ssa ee ee do 1 30 6 do
|

FODDER PLANTS.

Of fodder plants, 19 varieties were tested; all were sown in drills. For corn, the
common two-horse wheat drill was used ; the others were sown with a small garden
hand drill, ‘The land was kept free of weeds by means of a horse cultivator, and it
now is in excellent condition for next year’s crop.

| rs Distance
Variety. When Sown. When Cut.| Height. x arta Ber between
AAGTe: Rows.

| Lbs. Inches.
Giant P. & S. Ensilage Corn.........-. May 28....|Sept. 6.... 40
Canada Yellow dom eer ee te |do 28.../| do 6.. 40
Red Cob Ensilage dG. Bact itesamien | do: 28.2.2) do’ ~ 6. 40
Horse Tooth dae estar | do 28..._| do- 6 40
Compton’s Early Ome aeianaceet dor 5282=-s dow 6:--4| 40
Longfellow dO. 255) ee dor=28----|| do) 16 40
Early Eight-rowed Yellow Corn....... | do 28....| do 6 40
Myinte Wnt Corn... 2.2 ......02. 08.60 dom oereeet dome be. 40
Angel of Midnight Corn.......... .... do; 428'S32) ‘do™ 6924 40
pSelf-Husking Corn ........... . ... eal Edom28 5254) 'dombse a> 40
ULES (Cis ages lidoweooltes | dow Gre 2e1t3 40

Millets, dc.

Se) Ee _.:.jJune 1....|Sept. 2. 40
Large African Millet.................. May 30... | dot 2" 40
White Millo Maize.................... doy 2952-2!) doy vic 40
Wee Seas e 3/2 Ssisle,ciete ny June 6.. do 2.. 20
Peat hers vida a3 do) ~6:.--| do. (2-- 20
PPI te ns ci aos ate a 2 May 30... | do: 25. 40
a0 H0 yer 2 he SOG OR AE do 30 do) 322. 40
SS pene Soe 2m 40

128

POTATOES,

The collection of potatoes grown this year consists of 96 varieties; 100 sets of
each sort were planted. They were all ploughed in, in rows—soil, sandy loam.

Tt is evident from the variable yield under similar conditions that the pro-
ductiveness of this tuber depends largely on the variety of seed used.

The quality of each of these varieties will be ascertained during the present

winter.
| Yield Yield
Variety. from Variety from
| 100 Sets. 100 Sets.
—————— J —<<—.-—__ —_______
Lbs. Lbs.
Prideof America... cits-iacsk 5-1 aici 533 |Erfurt Incomparable............ ....-- 20
HUTGr ot OSE eee EOuaacsoneacbe sabe 384 |Price from Holland........... Ee. >. 193
IBATLYREVONG tees or ete seed. coche tes eee 364) ¢)|Prince: Bismarck. 792 2.00 seas eee 195
Samtrbatricks. jccoesectochoas- oem = ‘ 35 | Bliss} “Prumtphe <2 eee sere ee a ee 19
Marly Bind! peers..2 2 extcaccrrer eclascie ce 35 IA pba Neier, eicrs eerie ie eae 185
Mhorburnstaragonte cits ey, tele aan eer 34 Walliams’ Marly. - 2.02.5... ----ceseeeee 18
GSP OrNis ae cnn Rats cede cron 34 Late Goodrich. .......... 18
IPA LAERON APA barbs ara eit oe (c= 1-wineeteieiots eee 33 Silver Skin......... : 18
Great Mastemenray.ecintie sce ac adaaose eer Sle) Hallberstadt © f45.<sepa.. sarees een eee 18
Chicago Market............--... sete 32 Gleason’s ate: .ion).ee1 «90 eee Ree 174
WiBTpSpstarkacicseh, sate sstcaiet ecco a8 32 Hm pire State: << cssccreess -siscmemeens 17
Gong enor Necroyaecie’ Net sels ees eels 314 |Brownell’s Beauty.:.........-.-s-<-+2+-= 17
Brownell sibests. nn memicel eiee eee 31 King of'the Harlies,...........:c.-2+8 3 ive
(Chi iinlObhd Wal pes aanoea bacane poncoboees 31 lAtmylon Geter ate isoasiact ne teers Ae 17
PAU DINO MEL Y creks ote onc fayolelere ier tye ie stacks 30 Daihma hoy, hives tii aye Sees mesieet oaeeneees 17
Thorburn’s Paragon 30 WALL pers. ae. = Sorc acai Pesos eee enna 16
Early Conqueror.......... 30 White Sprout) acces cette rencie sine cheeiee 16
Ways@ucenin tec «seems =. 29) = |Barly Wrame: 3. s<.rj. = c/05 Sacin- see 16
Wines S75 goduo+d06 aasbucuuuscaas 29 Centennial evo a2 Seec ont soe eee 154
inturb/marlyas ser crits) teeeeias scree ce 2 28 Richter’sitilegante® carci sae ere 15
Richter’s- Imperator. .:.......--..-..-+: 28 Rose’s'New/ Giant: .2=: tah coe) eee 15
WionderlofthemWorld3.2 o--.- 022-1 eek 28 IBeefsteale iin tir tices ten oes seer eae 15
Six Weeks, Round White................ 28 Jackson’s Improved ©..;< «+. «=. 2ssee eee 15
Ranlya@abcouwsanscsence ure cccses ave 26 Stewarts. dae.ce ch. we sin ese eee 14
ClarkssyNoe le. <i. 5.54821 ce nee nes 95k || Guanti bong sDutchss: 5.62 wee owen eee 134
Wiammoshebroliice sees: «cecieemeeie oars 25 MarlyiGallao te oe cece Piadisa oacacocse 13
Thark’s Hye... .) 2 .ee 244 |Brownell’s Superior............-.-.-+--- 13
IAGTIRS CEO een gee oes OpaeLdeOnaOn nee aes 24% |Harly Calico ies. oas:2 «sss d= ose eee 13
Member of Parliament....... ........-.| Daw | Sugar: =o. os pas soc cce ee eis eee 13
Manhattan tooo cen met aes cece | 24 Richter’s\ Gems .e.sc: sascha eee eee 124
Sharpes’ Seedling............. online 24 (Prime Miamisters.-1.)1s-)- aise eee ee 12
Bimperor William: < <-jisgsryeise <1 ere eras | 24 Martad orice nso sce crsic © oleh eee 12
iBimbanies Seedling ye ee saa sc. ci. 1s sees 23 Rotherants: 22 s..0 2st oer eae 114
Thorburn’s Late Rose........ .......--- 23 Marigold tts. «ic. cit case ree on 11
iyelCanpentere sc... iacanemiierr le isiticera) teri 22 Matchless. frame r/c. eee eee eee eee 11
White Blephant.. 2.2.2.0 2.. -.. 2 aee-- | 22 [Bite Onn oe anaenaannodciencd sont boecc: 10
IPLOMAGEMSR pier eae te eee ese es 22 Gennessee Seedling.............22.:.0-: 9
pelephone see cena sae mesic eee a 22 Compton’s Early..... %
WarlytSHort) 507s ceeie e er ec ee 22 Paterson’s Victoria. . (e
IBEVaaolen sass ggonony cfccqGe cae oa : 22 Morning Star............ ff
Ahuiisl eels SOAR abo aoe shee oo Reece 22 Six Weeks, Round Blue 6
IRodneyesugusbs. s-tecke islstl nee a= P14) WASparagusihocce ies cmacce eet 6
Richter’s Schneerose........'........-.-- 21 Count (Moltkes 7): : since tie sete 5
Sulcretal ge oer sot cele ane Baie eee 21 Ringlish Kadneya-escese ac ce eee eres 5
Ibe NO PUEGHS Gnpaqhaneosejapsctbcaae sc 21 H. & S. late White Rose.....:....0.-.-. 33
istehiin Oils Glog Noeenacecsdy oer obecodc 21 Widelia: ~ (fie sic o> ie emiclacsee eee 3
Shh alts pee cedeaha ndacnmaadeaa ws ocs 20

129

TURNIPS.

The following 13 varieties of turnips were sown in flat drills; 1 variety sown on
a ridged drill failed to germinate: Soil, a deep rich sandy loam :—

Variety. When Sown. When Pulled. Yield per Acre.
arly White'Stone:...0......5..2.....6- HEU) GY san oan Setters October l2 7a. /-)-2a2: |280 bushels.
Purple Top Strap Leaf ......... Reser co Late MUA ACO ae eeOAS Gla bes enoeet 279 do
xtra Marly Millan... j2.ts.scec ese Clojhe *etay Sasaeelnthy do 260 do
Galdenv ballet ses, bs cectiaae sees: COMPO ie eee PRKdO) do
Pari Ob Ely Ay a7 5 icles ine tae aisle © sreia's (Glo)! how Sacer con do do
Early Red Top Strap Leaf.............. GO TS iigrae sisrqces ces do do
iRrize) Hardy Swede... 0.2. sccec-+ 000s (0 Voyauat kt) eens aoe do do
Harlyeeurple op). dies nccdcyeeces neces do: M187. Fae eo do do
Sy Mesh Ga eeccpacece Ama cecigOsO (ul ein Sea arer mers do do
Queen of Swedes TAQ ORC DIn Ment cman crys do do
Pomerian White Orel Sis yy aie do do
Carter’s Elephant Swede Gloy Atstedicagssene do do
SVUUIREEE: NSLOUG ve op. foe aap) sc ojeis/ents/< ware,arg'ecayare dow Seat acne ; do do

}
MANGELS,

Four varieties of mangels were sown, three in flat drills and one in both flat
and ridged drills. Owing to the extremely dry weather a large proportion of the
seed failed to germinate, hence the yield is smali.

Variety. When Sown. When Pulled. Yield per Acre.
Mammoth ong Red ..:.-.2..6.52-.-055 Misty 23 i cvsyaprciell vaqererets October 14.......... |116 _ bushels.
Carter’s New Tankard...... ....°. 0... GO! ZB icrstrs.<icleriesete doje tessa 62 do
do Golden Intermediate ........... dO) 1237 seen ee Sate loge at Bawaanrens 574s do

Drill vs. Flat.

Yellow Turnip Mangel, flat sowing ..... GO Sle ress fyesesterorageye = do
do do drill donee COmci beacbaroncane do

71°38 do
} do

r

FRUIT TREES,

i Early in April of this year, 487 fruit trees were procured, 382 were apple, 27

pear, 42 plum, 25 crab apple and 11 cherry. In addition 1o the foregoing, 294 one

_ year old apple trees were received from the Central Experimental Farm at Ottawa.

_ Nearly all were hardy varieties, many of them of Russian origin. They were all

_ planted during April in nursery rows 5 feet apart and 3 feet apart in the rows.

ss It has been observed that the wild fruits of the Province thrive best when pro-

_ tected by timber or scrub.

“a With this fact in view, two plots of thick oak, hazel and rose bush scrub were
leared and planted with fruit trees, grape vines and strawberry plants. This clear-

‘Ing involved considerable labour but the result so far has been highly satisfactory,

r For comparison, a portion of the above fruits were also planted on the open
_ prairie without protection.
7 Below will be found a description of the plots,also a list of the trees, etc., planted

in each, and the number living when winter set in,
6ce—9

130

Prior No. 1.

Situated on the open prairie, slightly northern exposure, soil deep sandy loam,
subsoil porous. In this plot were planted 130 apple trees, of which 10 died ; 10 crab
apple, allliving; 13 pear, all living; 85 plum, all living; 5 cherries, all dead ; 13 grape
vines, 10 living; 1,350 strawberry plants, of which only 178 lived. a

Compared with the other plots, the growth was quite small on all kinds of trees,
and the foliage was much injured by hot winds.

Prior No. 2.

Situated on the side of river bluffs, southern exposure, scrub 4 to 9 feet high on
all sides, soil rich sandy loam mixed with leaf mould. :

The following were planted in this plot: 142 apple trees, 10 crab apple, 13 pear,
6 plum, 2 cherry, 22 grape vines, and 1,065 strawberry plants. All of the trees lived
and made good growth; 442 of the strawberries grew and produced a large number
of new plants.

The growth of everything in this plot was more vigorous than in either of the
other plots, and the hot winds had no appreciable effect on the leaves,

Prior No. 3.

Also on bluff side, but with a northern exposure. Scrub on north-east and
west: planted with 59 upple trees, 1 dead ; 4, crab apple trees, all living; 1 pear dead,
2 plum, both living; 3 cherries, all dead ; 810 strawberry plants, of which 152 lived.

STRAWBERRIES,

Early in May of this year, 3,225 strawberry plants were procured. They were
planted 6th May, in rows 3 feet 6 inches apart and 1 foot between plants.

During the last week in May severe frosts destroyed a large number of plants.
especially on the open prairie. All losses were, however, more than made up by new
runners. A few plants were set out on 18th April, and all were destroyed by the
frost of 21st April. YT DERG

The results of the tests with this fruit are as follows:

STRAWBERRIES,
rae ea Plants Old Total Plants,
Variety. Set Out. {Plants living New Plants.| Sept. 18,
1889.

Walson?s All ban y7.2)<11<\ pote.) (elere|e ass Heit se,0imis!aleteloiels\ lefatohs 1,200 373 1,614 1,987

Crescent Seedling iso. n 2c 0m ceminie a lnfels od vielolel opi stoieis 750 131 1,528 1,659

GPjamiditd eiemenuananchoety snd mses eon ossyopacor 525 183 1,256 1,439

iW Eaidliaqr erotic aA loo MeO SonbEnpecooenno scree: 300 55 203 258

Panielboone shelisel iecerdocieiste ier eetns 225 17 62 79
Sharpless: SoSH 02s icc iiiets tejeisierw oete\el~inte aie /elein = e/aielore 225 13 49 6
3,225 772 4,712 5,484
i
GRAPES, '

Late in April thirty-five vines of nine varieties were planted in rows 8 feet j
apart and 9 feet apart in the tow. The collection included five vines of each the
following varieties: Champion, Worden and Moore’s Early, four each of Early Victory
and Concord, and three each of Ives Seedling, Rogers No. 3, Delaware and Lady.

One each of Early Victor, Ives Seedling and Rogers No. 3 have died; the others —
all lived and made good growth; one of Moore's Early fruited.

Before winter set in the vines were cut back and covered with earth.

WATE 4! Lotro

131

CURRANTS.

The plantation of this fruit consists of 961 bushes, and includes four varieties of
Black, five of Red and one of White. They were planted six feet by four feet; time
of setting out ranged from 6th to 30th April.

The following percentage lived and made a fair growth, 95 per cent. of the
Black, 74 per cent. of the Red, and 50 per cent. of the White.

Before winter set in 10 inches of earth was drawn around the bushes,

. GOOSEBERRIES.

With the exception of one variety the gooseberries have stood the drought
remarkably well.

The following sorts were planted the same distance apart as the currrants:
26 of Houghton Seedling, 25 Downing, 10 Woodwards Whitesmith. All these
grew. Of 12 native, 11 grew; 10 Industry, only 2 grew.

RASPBERRIES AND BLACKBERRIES,

Of the 23 varieties of this fruit tested, a number were injured in transit, and
all were seriously affected by the drought.
The Snyder, Hilborn snd Turner, in the order named, were most promising.

FOREST TREES AND SHRUBS.

There is an increased interest manifested in forestry and arboriculture throughout
the Province. Several thousand ash-leaf maples were planted by farmers in this dis-
trict last season, and enquiries for tree seed are received from all parts of the North-

= West.
| Early this spring ,12000 forest trees and shrubs were received from the Central
Experimental Farm at Ottawa. This collection consists of 118 varieties.

A strip of land 100 feet wide on the western limit, and extending the length of
the farm, has been set apart for a permanent shelter belt. During the past season
585 yards of this has been planted with 31 varieties of forest trees, set 9 by 9-

feet apart. The remaining trees have been planted in nursery rows, and will be set

out permanently next spring. Of the trees planted this season all the alders, poplars
i and willows grew; of the other varieties the followng proportion were living when
___-winter set in: 80 per cent. of pine, 60 per cent. of spruce and arbor vite, 90 per cent.
of elm and maple,.86 per cent. of ash, 66 per cent. of birch, 60 per cent. of walnut, 34
per cent. of hemlock, and 48 per cent. of black cherry.

A plantation of native trees and shrubs has been started and additions will be
made as opportunity offers.

SEEDLINGS,

During October of last year several bushels of native ash and maple seeds were
sown in rows 3 feet apart. These came up in early spring, but were all destroyed
by the wind storm of the 17th and the frost of the 20th April. Anothersowing was
made the last week of April. The 6,000 ash and 7,000 maples from this sowing have
made good growth and will be available for permanent planting next spring.

AVENUE TREES.

The avenue of large ash-leaf maples commenced last season has been completed
during the year. '

Of the 100 trees planted in this avenue during October, 1888, 90 per cent. grew,
of 471 trees set out in April last, 96 per cent. grew, and 66 per cent. of those planted
in July.

aveos haying about two-thirds of the length of their branches removed, when
planted, have succeeded best. All the avenue trees,.owing to drought, were watered
four times, four pails to a tree each time.
6c—94

poo

+

SF a Tn LL

.
oa ers ee

= ferme ige Stee

ore

132

FALL WHEAT,

One acre of Manchester fall wheat was sown on 26th August, followed by two
other varieties on 2nd September. The seed germinated quickly, and before winter
set in a good growth had been made.

BEES,

In June of this year two hives of Italian bees were procured. Reaching the farm
late, very little surplus honey was obtained. Both hives swarmed in July, and when
placed in the cellar on 1st November all four hives contained a full supply of honey
for winter use,

FENCING,

Three and three-quarter miles of additional fence has been erected during the
year, making a total of 6,88, miles. This, with the portion protected by the
immediate banks of the river, completes the enclosure of the farm,

ROAD-MAKING,

The remaining three-quarters of a mile of the road crossing the farm from east to
west has been graded and well gravelled. This road is now an excellent one, and
makes a good approach to the farm.

DRAINING.

The open ditches dug last year proving satisfactory, 1,100 additional yards were
opened during the past season. Square timber culverts were used where the drains
crossed the roads.

EXHIBITS AT AGRICULTURAL FAIRS.

Samples of the products of the farm were prepared and shown at the following
fall exhibitions: Brandon, Oak Lake, Virden, Rapid City and Minnedosa. The
exhibits were well spoken of, and much interest shown in the work of the farms,

NEW BREAKING AND SUMMER-FALLOW,

About sixty acres of new land on the higher portions of the farm has been
broken, backset and harrowed ready for the seed, and about twenty-five acres of the
valley land summer-fallowed. The fallow land has been ploughed twice and harrowed

several times.
_ BUILDINGS.

The buildings at present in use on the farm are small and inconvenient, and fur-
nish no accommodation for cattle. During the past year the contract has been
awarded and work commenced on a commodious bank barn, the basement to be used
for horses and cattle, and the upper portion for storing grain, hay, &c. It is
expected to be ready for occupation by next harvest. Arrangements have also been
made for the erection of a house for the use of the Superintendent,

I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your obedient servant,
A 8. A. BEDFORD,
Superintendent.
Branpon, Man., 10th January, 1890.

133

EXPERIMENTAL FARM FOR THE NORTH-WEST TERRITORIES,

REPORT OF A. MACKAY, SUPERINTENDENT,

Inpran Heap, N. W. T., 28th December, 1889.

Wm. Saunpers, F.R.S.C.,F.LS.,F.C.S.
Director, Experimental Farms,
Ottawa.

Sir,—I have the honour herewith to submit to you my report on work done on
the North-West Experimental Farm at Indian Head—the crops sown and the
returns so far as are yet known, the varieties and number of fruit and forest trees
planted, their growth and present condition, and to submit the results of experi-
ments with cereals and other agricultural crops.

The season just past has been one of great severity on all crops grown in the
North-West Territories. It may justly be called a year of extremes. Last winter
was one of almost unknown mildness. March was so very fine that thousands
, of acres of grain were sown during the last two weeks, and at no time in the history
: of the country was the ground in such favourable condition. No sooner, however,
‘ were the crops sown, than heavy winds commenced, followed all the summer by
exceptionally dry weather. In many places the settler had his good prospects
injured by winds, and finally almost ruined by succeeding drought. In some localities
where soil was favourable and the farming done in accordance with the require-
ments of the country the crops did fairly, and considering ‘the excessive 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 dry weather, though
reducing the yields, was not so disastrous as to many. In this portion of the Terri-
: tories, at least, every settler knows the importance of properly preparing his land.

For several years after the country became open for settlement everyone imagined

that grain would grow, no matter how put in, but now the man is devoid of reason
‘ that thinks he is sure of a crop without any exertion on his part. It is true that
& we have had one year since 1882 that required little or no preparation to give a

most abundant crop, but only too many know how little was received in the remain-
, ing years by poor cultivation.
4 Our seasons point to only one way in which we ean in all years expect to reap
something. It is quite within the bounds of probabilities that some other and per-
haps 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 worn out lands in
the east, and it isa question yet unsettled how much or how little the fallows should
be worked, but as we have only one wet season during the year, it is found beyond
doubt that the land must be ploughed the first time before this wet season is over,
if we expect to reap a crop the following year. This wet season comes during June
and July, at a time when every farmer has little or nothing else to do, and thén this
work should be done. Usually seeding is over by the first of May, and to have the
best results the land for fallow should be ploughed from 5 to 7 inches deep as
‘soon after this as possible. Land ploughed after July is of no use whatever, unless
there is rain in August, which very seldom comes to any great extent. A good har-
rowing should succeed the ploughing, and all weeds or volunteer grain be kept down
by successive cultivation. A good deal of uncertainty is felt in regard to a second
ploughing, some holding that it is useless; others maintain 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 result on the Experimental Farm has been that two ploughings
have given by far the best returns. Especially was this the case where the first

spe.

at

134

ploughing was done in May or June. There is no doubt but that two ploughings
cause more growth of straw, and consequently in a wet year the grain is longer by
several days in ripening, and that the danger from frost is greatly increased by these
few days delay ; but taking the seasons so far passed, 1884 excepted, it can safely be
recommended to plough twice, with as much surface cultivation between as possible.
Above all, it is of the greatest importance that the first ploughing should be deep
and done in time to receive the June or July rains.

Fall ploughing of stubble land has not given good results, and unless our seasons
change there is no reason to expect anything but a poor return from land ploughed
while in such dry condition as it always is in the fall. A much better way is to
allow it to remain until spring, with as long stubble as possible to retain the snow,
then sow on the stubble and plough in 3 inches deep. The seed, if put down on
damp, hard soil, with a loose covering on top, will at once commence to grow and
before dry weather sets in will have considerable top covering. ;

The foregoing remarks are respectfully submitted to settlers in the North-West
Territories.

LAND IN CROP.

My last report stated that 215 acres had been prepared for crop during the
summer of 1888. This was utilized as follows: Wheat, 74 acres; barley, 19 acres;
feed oats, 40 acres; new varieties of oats, 19 acres; peas, 8 acres; nursery and wind
break, 12 acres; roots, corn and patatoes, 7 acres; roads, 16 acres; around buildings
and divisions between varieties of grain, 13 acres.

WHEAT,

Wheat being the chief and the most important product of this country, a larger
acreage was given to it than any other grain. Thirty-seven varieties were sown,
including 16 from India, the area ranging from a field of 24 acres of Red Fife down
to plots of one-tenth of an acre. The land being in good condition and the frost out
sufficiently, seeding was begun on the 25th of March.

In order to gain information on the early ripening qualities and difference in
yield of as many of the varieties sown as possible, Red Fife, White Fife, Ladoga and
Saxonka were chosen for the earliest test. These were sown on the 25th and 26th of
March in as large quantities as two drills could overtake. The land had been worked
in the same way; the same quantity of seed was sown to the acre, and the same
number of acres of each variety sown in the twodays; but, unfortunately, the winds
did so much injury to the Ladoga and Saxonka plots, from their being on a more
exposed portion of the farm, though alongside the Red and White Fife, that practi-
cally this test has been of no use.

On the 8th of April, Red Fife, White Fife, Ladoga, Saxonka, Eureka, Red Fern,
Club and Judket were sown on measured acres, one acre to each variety. The land
was in good order. All had been fallowed, except one-half of the Judket plot, which
had a small crop of Millet the year before, of which the yield was only two bushels.
All the plots were sown by drill, with one and one-half bushels each.

The grain came up very evenly together, and until about a foot high no differ-
ence could be observed. The winds had thinned all the varieties considerably, but
all were treated alike, so far as could be detected, but afterwards the Eureka and Red
Fern (which I think are the same wheat) pushed ahead, and finally gave the most
straw, though not the most grain, as will be shown further on. In ripening the
Ladoga was fourteen days earlier than Red or White Fife, ten days earlier than
Eureka, Red Fern, Club or Judket, and four days earlier than Saxonka.,

In testing new wheats nine varieties were sown on the Ist April, and eight
varieties on the 6th. All were intended to besown on the Ist and 2nd, but asnow storm
delayed the latter lots four days. On the 1st Indian Karachi, Hard Caleutta, Club
Calcutta, Bearded Red, No. 1756, Defiance, Chilian White, Paine’s Defiance, and Im-
proved Summer Cob, were sown. On the 6th Magyar, Greek Summer, Russian Hard
Tag, Wright’s Wheat, California White, and Onega, as will be seen in table of
yields, &e. Two varieties, White Delhi and Red Calcutta, matured in four months

te and
q 2

|

i
$
.
2
:

‘

|

avd one day ; three varieties in four months and two days, being the same time as

the Ladoga in the acre plots sown seven days later. These five were very short in

the straw, though extra good in the grain, as will be noticed by comparing weight

per bushel. Future trials can only determine whether the early propensities will

remain, and the deficiency in straw be improved with more favourable seasons.
FROZEN WHEAT.

Three grades of frozen Red Fife wheat were obtained, and sown by drill on same
day, and under exactly the same conditions. No.1 grade contained 10 per cent.
frozen grain; No. 2 grade from 50 to 70 per cent. frozen, and No.3 grade 90 per
cent. frozen—in fact, No. 3 grade was very poor chicken feed. The grain was sown
on the 9th April, on fallowed land, at the rate of two bushels per acre. All the
grades came up together, and at no time could any difference be observed, except
that Nos. 2 and 3 grades had more smut balls than No.1. Through an error in
drawing in no accurate account could be taken when it came to be threshed, but it
is safe to say that allowing one bushel for smut in favour of No. 1 grade, there was
no difference in, the yield of grain, and none whatever in the quantity of straw.

DRILL AND BROADCAST SEEDING.

Twelve acres of Red Fife wheat were sown by drill and twelve acres broadcast.
Each plot of ground had been prepared in the same way ; 14 bushels were sown by
drill, and 1? broadcast. The winds were so severe on the broadcast grain that the
result when threshed was useless as a comparison. The only instruction it affords
is, that drilled grain did better last year than broadcast. This applies equally to all
grain sown on the farm, except peas, which were sown by drill entirely. The other
grains were tried both ways, and in every case the drilled grains stood the winds
the best.

As both methods have advocates, and many fine crops grown last year from
broadcast seeding, where somewhat protected from winds, one year’s trial on the
Experimental Farm should not be taken as indicating that drilling in grain is better
than broadcast. Could any way be devised that the land could be leftin drills in
the full 3 inches deep and 7 inches wide, broadcast seeding on this would be far pre-
ferable to drilling, on account of the ground being always too wet early in the spring
for the drill to work properly.

INDIAN WHEATS.

Of the sixteen varieties of Indian wheat sown, two matured in four months and one
day, three in four months and two days and two in four months and six days. Two
varieties did not head out; in all probability they were fall wheats.

Eureka wheat gave the largest quantity of straw to the acre of any grain on
the farm. Russian Hard Tag followed it very close; both are bearded. The Eureka
being close, compact and long heads, with rather coarse straw. The Russian Hard
Tag has open and medium-sized heads, with fine straw.

SMUT.

Smut, this year, was very prevalent all over the Territories. On the Experi-
mental Farm several varieties of wheat were very much affected, Judket being so
much so that one-fourth of the heads were entirely smut balls. Club wheat was
also badly injured. Rio Grande, Scotch and Golden Drop were considerably hurt,

_ while Red Fife, White Fife, Ladoga, Saxonka and Eureka were comparatively free.

In the Indian wheats no smut was observed. Blue vitrol dissolved in water and mixed
with the seed has been the only remedy so far tried on the Experimental Farm. One
pound dissolved in one pail of water and thoroughly mixed with ten bushels of grain
gives good results, though not perfectly efficacious.

CROP ON FALL PLOUGHING.

Two acres of land were ploughed last fall after a crop of millet had been taken off
the ground. This spring three bushels of Red Fife wheat was drilled in on the two
acres. The yield was not more than five bushels peracre. Alongside these two acres
ten were drilled in on fallow land which returned over twenty-five bushels per acre.

136

FALL WHEAT,

Nine varieties of fall wheat were sown in August, 1888. The fall being favorable
most of the grain was covering the ground when cold weather set in. There being
very little snow, the wheat was exposed the greater part of the winter; neverthe-
less it came through fresh and apparently in good condition. As soon, however, as
the frost had left the ground and alternate thawing and freezing took place—which
usually occurs during the first two weeks in April—a change for the worse was ob-
served, and by the end of April all was dead.

This fall three varieties were sown, but the soil was so very dry that they had
only appeared above ground when checked by cold weather. One-half of each
variety has been covered with two inches of straw with the object of retaining the
frost above the roots until as late in the spring as possible.

RYE.

Two varieties of fali rye were sown in August, 1888. Like the wheat, they
apparently came through the winter safely, but in the end shared the same fate.

The following table shows variety, date of seeding, maturity, yield per acre and
weight per bushel. The first eight varieties are the acre lots. The next nine are
those sown on Ist April, and the following eight those sown on 6th. The balance
Were sown at various dates,

ae ho z q When Yield Weight
Variety. When Sown. Matured. | per Acre. | per Bushel.
|
Bush. Lbs.
120k] Dh Giae ocean et ae octia mC OD is RHE OR OA RAM On Lae |April 8....|August 24.. 28 20
WYbIbeM ANS AAS. SNS LTS Ree see ere. do 8.... a3 24.. 20 49
SV eA Oe A chad ee cesar iceayoraarsy « Gearo hy yaas VT TS RRR OEE AO EIE do 8 do 10.. 21 30
RS AX OMICAING Meco, tres lose ae RCE eciocteee tee ees dot )8iccn||pedow 14ee 12 30
TODS aie ier pron hier Ae Re Sen a CEB NS 2B ar oe do 8.. do 20.. 24 00
Red sern 13228 aeRA Aone Seas Ose eee do 8.. do 20.. 23 «16
Olu eter det cee aetna sores int ears eed earn do, 18... do} ¢203: 18 i
ARTCC =) rae ae EPR 8s tia AU aR bales ia ae a Gy = HAanlls Glo a0. 20" 45)
indianiKarachi=.Weaseseee asec eee enon dor ae? do Bho 18 00
Har di @alcuttaer es ascee costes thes toasts dont: do BEE 12 08
ClibiGalcuttarn. ycracsecsacanone ea eee oes doy ili: do BiG 11 40
Bearded! Ried: (225, aire ances et. Screen ee Deena do® i2: do thor 18 50
IN Gls 2 leg nian ORR ie aaa kes sear ouncdaeocoe Glo) wile teet, ly | iyai) IY a)
Meehan ce whet enya oe eid eee We eee ee do» 2; doy» AS. 25 «636
Whilian Whiten. sc see ey cose erie ene don Je do) als. 35 640
Paine’s Defiance........... Fe PT OES ee Eee ee doit do + 37. 5 60
ibnp Summer! Gob: acne ae esses CE sate eee Go)4 de. do) 13te 22 40
IWititesDelhitns.-tatane eA 3. ope pee Ree CMe rete dowsGe.. do Pat 19 40
HRedh Cal cutbary. crise cotcurecicce tee ite eae dov 1Gne6 do ee 31 40
Mingryar Sse s aun ok Sy. eaters oe aor do 6 do + 27.. 3066-10
Greek Summersss. 3. sch ces mse ne eeeen do 6 do), 443%: 10 =00
Russian Hard Tag do 6 do 17..| 26 40
California White do 6 dor Lae 22. 15
\WARTSUbrig gab Sanne mnediaas REE aoe HOM a seca do 6 do Ars 23 «18
(OTE ae dy BER Senn OPO OS Oon eaiae EEC d do 6 do 8 10) 26
General Crop.
12teG Ud nC ena ee eee ee ay Fe eee 5 Al doe Aner sl Gots elGac| someon) 65
AWihite Rifai SS. cet Abt Eis ae mene cee oe ts al March 26...} do 16.. LP 35 64
Mia Op ayy: no tarsi dansk Ane SNe ey plaka doy (26:5 |\"aidom10-e 13 00 64!
AXONS. Se acicky he she : doe e205. sl madoul Si14\ tele game 643
Rio Grande... s....... |April 9..../ do 15../) 12 04 65
Golden ™Drop¥n.: Fae eee Eee eee dot ON 5| edo, 42 12 34 65
Talavera dove 95532 do 7 e205 sa 1900 63
ISCOECH HIT eee cae Aeterna ea nie oe Sree meee ae dol e925 -1\a owe zose 23 +00 634
From High Elevations in India. 3 lbs. sown.

Seprays.1; 000) feabsss. ssctse tack eee ee ree dor Lbecehe sao) eon. 20 655
Kangra S:000ieets seo eee nite eee ee eee do. 15.2.2 dor 1260. 27 64
iPalampur- s000;feebe.eieec te tance eerie meee do 15.252) sido” 26%. 28 64
Nunlashichielevation. passe aes saa eer eee doi 15 css done eae 48 63
Spiti Valley, 11,000 feet. . do. 1522) do) 26., 40 62
Moultan 7000 feetwene one te saree ett eee Govradb ei) dor “265e 23 63

137

BARLEY.
As it was considered important that English Two-Rowed Barley should be tested
in this country, with a view of ascertaining whether it could be profitably grown for
exportation ; a considerable portion of well worked fallow land was sown with 14
varieties of this grain. All were put in by drill on the 10th of April, 1? bushels per
acre were sown, except the English Malting Barley, the grain of which was very
large; 2 bushels per acre of this was used. Four varieties were greatly injured by
winds, namely: Thanet, Peerless, Chevalier and Danish Chevalier. The remainder,
though not seriously affected by winds, were mostly short in the straw from the dry
weather. In looking at weight per bushel, in table below, it will be seen that our
climate is well adapted to their development, though from the yields received per
acre it cannot be said as yet, that they can be grown with profit. Yet the past year
must not be taken as even a fair season for barley ; inall probability it has been the
worst in the last seven years. Twice the blades were split and torn by winds, and the
dry weather was so severe and prolonged that the only wonder is, that barley would
row at all.

: In addition to the above 14 varieties of English Two-Rowed, 19 others were sown
at various dates, from the 10th April to 25th May. Twelve of these were new from
India, and arrived rather late to give them a fair test. Two of the Indian varieties
are hulless, weighing 64 and 67 tbs. per bushel, and give promise of being valuable
for feeding purposes.

One variety of six-rowed barley was sown, but though fair in straw, and earlier
in maturing than any of the two-rowed, was small and poor in grain.

The following table gives variety, date of seeding, harvest, yield per acre and
weight per bushel.

Variety. Sown. Harvest. Yield. | Weight. Remarks.

Is
7

Sin bboceyoCnComnAGtec April 10._..}Aug. 22.... 17°33 55
Be REI Sher eines cin.-\s) ase (idow 1022. 2|dow 22 21-17 524
osm bee Beet A ReiNn eee eee do 10....| do | 16°16 53

Wanish @hevalier.5:...5.62.. 0 sss. do 10....| do
Chevalier : Blac :
English Malting
Swedish

Mensury
Petschora

Eaten by gophers.
‘Not threshed.

= ,
9

z =o || 3 lbs. each of these
3 rel pee were ee
= | > Wield ranges from
5 ley Sr Ge ease Boon Sia OL ail 4 Bae
= OMAN ee dom foe saldo 13% 22] 49 | es Bisrentcopies
= lg) Maat down ee 533) | Ibs:
i 5G hw perme | do 52 |

Lahoul, 11,000 ft. do... | do 64 |

\Palampur, 3,000 do ....... do 524 |

138

The small yield and light weight of Saale, Early Minting, Selected Chevalier and
Peerless White, is no doubt owing to their having. been sown so late. The seed was
very fine, and had they been got in early would have made much better returns,

OATS,

Of all the crops on the farm, oats suffered most from frosts, winds and dry
weather. Three varieties only escaped without much injury from winds, while all
the rest were greatly damaged. Four were entirely blown out of the ground, and
though seed was a second time harrowed in, were again so greatly injured, that to
save weeds from going to seed, everything was ploughed under.

Carter’s Prize Cluster, Welcome and Tartarian, suffered least from winds, but
dry weather reduced the yields very considerably. The Prize Cluster oat gives
promise of being a valuable grain for our short seasons, maturing in three months
and 18 days. :

Five acres of fallow land were sown with oats for feeding purposes, on the 22nd
March. Ten acres of fall ploughing were sown on the 23rd also for feed; both these
plots were so much injured by spring frosts, that winds soon after completely killed
every blade.

The two plots were resown on the 20th and 10th May respectively. The return
from the fallow is not threshed but will average 20 to 30 bushels per acre; from the
fall ploughing not over two bushels per acre. The failure of the first seeding was.
caused mainly from a heavy frost four days after the grain was sown, and after it had
become swollen and partially grown,and from winds baring the already enteebled roots.

Twenty-two varieties in all were sown, 2} bushels per acre broadcast, and two
bushels by drill were used.

As will be noticed, several varieties give promise of being valuable for the
North-West on account of their early ripening qualities, and good weight per bushel.

Variety. | Sown. | Harvest. Yield. Weight.
= Sees ea
| Lbs.
Blacks Champions tc eri emsne ease ne eae April 9....|August 26.... 26.2 30
Gilenrothernmces nose cekscseiee soe coe sameness ; do ecae| | es ie- 25°6 35
August White.............. itn BUS Wiel Oe do Oe dom aonen 19°29 405
Barlye@alder: 22 see: BeSon Hopoecone ron coas do 9....| Blown out.
Hallet’s Pedigree Tartarian..................:. do 9....|August 26....| 15°6 36
ongtellow= se scsi ne ene ene | doa te este oMe26. 862 16°6 37
IWihitelbpyptians) eae: geese. acecmuee sn ceaeae .| do Qn Widow 262-5" 15°18 42,
ne lish Potato... Waa. S. doe etka cee do Batic Gory 26h.) 13°3 40
\Niaooy or se ride aomes mene ppeek aes do Oe do, 105-ee 25°31 444
CreamPbeypuian's io catmss aes cee ee eee ee do Chast do 26....| 10°24 | 42
Harly RACE IELOrsan 8: teen ey aera he eee | do 9....| Blown out. |
(0 Uoaaear ea aBootadin-aspaapopuanocousar Borel a 5l3) 9...., August 22.... HPT 3+
Barly English White................-. eerie do Out: do’ 225. -. 14°24 43
IMictoria\' Prize’. Se fla /. se eens laste eke. do 10....| Blown out.
Jol Eine bea waar acrsan eye in an sn one oe ae orode dom, lOve! do
Hlyinguscotchman: 2... ee. me create eee ae do 10..../August 14.... 11°6 444
BlackvPartarian: 224% Wee cack eae ee eae do Omer Gow eh ienee 32°15 | 395
Eancolnshire‘Poland®..-5-eesacceeeee alae oe Gor 90 | domanlb=e: 15°00 41
Marly: blossom... ch. oes cpa eee aoe es do 10M Choy ahysesa 13°8 42
Carters Prize!C@lnstertiaa) 4. ene ee eet doe” S120 re | idowe elena. 34°13 45%
WihitesWonderie. ele ete aa Soe ee eee do 2323219 Ide bran 13°6 42h
IWihiteBonaniZ4 vo. e ss eet. cet Meee ee don 23 5-ee domed (ie 27°6 45
PEAS.

Five varieties of peas were sown by drill at the rate of 2} bushels per acre of
small and three bushels large. Two were so badly injured by winds that to save
the land from being filled with foul seeds, the whole of one and the greater part of
the second were cut while green and the straw used for fodder.

|
|
|
:

139

‘i The remaining varieties were also greatly damaged, but were left until ripe
before being cut. The strawin no case being long, but was well podded and the peas
plump and sound.

Several varieties of Indian peas were also sown in small plots. Three of these
matured, while three never podded. Those that ripened are a dark grey color
and small in size. ‘The straw was very short and apparently dwarfed.

Black Eyes yielded 1329 bushels per acre. Multipliers 21 bushels, Extra Early’s
102+ bushels, and Crown 12 bushels. Golden Vine cut while green.

GRAIN SOWN AS SINGLE PLANTS.

In addition to the grain already mentioned as sown, 71 varieties of wheat, 66 of
barley and 76 of oats, were planted in rows two feet apart and one foot in the rows.
Like all other grain these received a full share of the winds and were more or less
injured. While some had 4 to 4 destroyed others were entirely blown out. On
account also of the thinness of the grain on the ground only very few varieties
ripened before frost came in September. These will be carefully threshed and
counted, and although it is feared that no reliable record can be obtained as to the
_ relative yield of the different sorts, some valuable seed may be secured for future
trials.
GRASSES AND CLOVERS.

Knowing the great importance of grasses and clovers to the future prosperity
of the North-West Territories, as many varieties as it was possible to obtain were
procured and sown on well prepared land. Timothy, Alsike, Lucerne and Red
Clover were sown with grain, these again with Perennial Rye Grass, Italian Rye
| Grass, Kentucky Blue Grass, Sanfoin, Meadow Fox Tail, Meadow Fescue, Sheep

_ Fescue, Tall Fescue, Crested Dog Tail, Meadow Oat Grass, Sweet Vernal, Red Top,
Orchard Grass and White Clover were sown in plots without grain.

Iam sorry to report that hardly a blade of any of these grasses or clovers ever
came up, being near the surface the wind swept all away.

As soon as possible after the damage was done a fresh supply of seed was
obtained from Ontario, but it was well on in May before they could be sown the
second time and several of the varieties did not germinate.

From the second seeding, Perennial Rye Grass, Italian Rye Grass, Orchard Grass,
Meadow Fescue, Sheep Fescue, Crested Dog Tail, Red, Alsike, Lucerne, Sanfoin and
White Clovers have done fairly well considering the dry weather. The remainder
_of the varieties have not appeared.

In addition to the foregoing, 33 varieties of grasses and clovers were sown in
small beds, beside these 12 varieties of North-West native grasses were sown also in
‘small beds. I regret to say that with the exception of two of the native grasses, all
were entirely destroyed and could not be replaced in time to do any good the same
season.

FODDER PLANTS.

Hay being scarce in many parts of the country, tests were made the past
summer with different plants and grains, with the view of finding substitutes for fall
and winter feeding. On account of the dry weather no great success has been
obtained, though entire failure has not been the result of the trials so far made.
Thirteen varieties of corn were planted from the 24th May to the 1st of June.
Some were planted in rows 4 feet apart and 3 feet in the rows, some in rows 2 feet
apart and 1 foot in the rows, while others were sown by drill in rows 14 inches apart.
The corn planted in rows 4 feet apart made the greatest length, that in rows 2 feet
part the most bulk, while the corn sown by drill was very poor; Red Cob Ensilage,
Horse Tooth, Early Minnesota, Giant Prolific and Sweet Ensilage, making the greatest
bulk. These five varieties were in tassle when cut down on the 6th September for
fear of frost, which came two days after.
__ Early Corey and Early Marblehead were very short but much earlier than any
other sort planted, and with a more favorable year would, no doubt, ripen. The

~

140

remaining varieties planted were Angel of Midnight, Longfellow, Self-Husking, Eight-
Rowed Yellow, White Flint and Canada Yellow. These were mostly planted in
shelter belt among trees and left to retain snow. All were very poor and very late.

In addition to corn, 5 varieties of Millet were tested, Common, Golden, White,
Yellow and Large African. The common Millet was entirely smothered by dust a
few days after it came up, was sown a second time, making half'a ton per acre. The
other varieties did not head out, the best only making a growth of a few inches,

About half an acre of Rape was sown on the Ist of June, and notwithstand-
ing winds and dry weather, made a very fine showing. Without a doubt this plant
will make a most valuable fodder for summer or early fall feeding for sheep, and as
we have little rains and no dews, no danger need be apprehended from cattle
eating it.

Some Indian fodder plants were sown, but arriving late, and the season not being
favorable, they made poor growth. ;

Spring Rye was also sown for fodder; from the rapid and strong growth made it
will without a doubt make a valuable substitute for hay if cut before the straw
becomes too hard. As it matures long before any frost comes, it is believed with a
good silo, this cereal will make first-class ensilage—sown 9th April, harvest 29th July.
A mixture of oats and peas were also sown for fodder; the oats so completely smoth-
ered out the peas that the field was left for an oat crop—% oats and 4+ peas were sown
at the rate of 3 bushels per acre.

FLAX.

A small plot of flax was sown on the 18th April—like the millet it was smothered
with dirt—was a second time sown, but being late, frost injured it before fully ripe.

BUCKWHEAT.

Four varieties of buckwheat were tried—common, Japanese, and two from
India. The cominon and Japanese were greatly retarded in their growth by winds
injuring their tender leaves. The common variety stood the unfavorable weather
best, and though very short in the straw ripened before frost came. The Japanese
was cut down before maturing, while the two from India did not head out. All the
varieties were sown on 13th May.

ROOTS AND VEGETABLES,

The past season has been the worst on roots and vegetables since 1882, and it is
safe to say that not one settler in twenty in the North-West has any to use—very
few ever attempt to grow ficld roots of any kind, yet they can be raised with as little
trouble and less expense than in Ontario. Settlers generally plant a few potatoes.
If the season is favorable a good crop is raised, if poor, failure is the result, yet in
no country is a crop so sure, if the land is in proper condition. It is true the yield
may not be large in a year such as just passed, but entire failure need never be appre-
hended. So far we have no bugs. Rot is unknown, and the only danger to be guarded
against is dry weather. By planting on fallow land, and keeping the surface often
stirred this may be greatly avoided, and a fair crop is almost absolutely sure, no
matter how dry the season may be. :

On the Experimental Farm seven varieties of turnips were tried. The land had
been fallowed,and ten days betore sowing the seed, was ploughed, harrowed and rolled.
A new way of sowing the seed was tried, and, proving successful, can be recommended
wherever dry weather is experienced. In making the ordinary turnip drill, the plough
throws fresh soil up, and along this fresh soil—but on the ground not stirred—the
seed was sown, the plough going back to complete the drill covered the seed two
inches deep. When all was done, a heavy roller was used and the new soil packed
firmly on the old. Three days after the seed was sown the plants were above ground,
and not until their leaves covered the ground did dry weather or anything else retard
their growth.

141

Seed was sown in the first week in June, two pounds per acre being used—drills
33 inches apart. Once a week the scruffler was used among them and the top soil
kept well loosened. Over 300 bushels per acre were obtained, and but for the dry
weather the crop would have been a heavy one. The varieties sown were Carter's
Hardy Swede, Carter’s King of Swedes, Queen of Swedes, Elephant Swede, Orange
Jelly, Early Milan and Snow Ball. Elephant Swede did the best and Queen of
Swedes the worst of any sown.

Three varieties of mangels were tried: New Golden Intermediate, New
Tankard and Mammoth Long Red. These were sown in drills 33 inches apart in
the last week in May. Like the turnips, they grew from the start. In the entire
plot there was not a blank, and though, as with the turnips, dry weather lessened
the yield, nearly 400 bushels per acre were secured. Mammoth Long Red Ist, New
Golden Intermediate 2nd, and New Tankard 3rd, being the order in which the three
sorts yielded.

CARROTS.

Two sorts were sown: Belgian and Orange Giant. Although the land was the
same and had been worked in the same way as for turnips and mangels, yet the crop
was a very great failure. As is well known, carrots take a long time to germinate.
No doubt this and dry weather accounts for the poor crop.

POTATOES,

Six pounds each of 108 varieties of this root were planted on the 11th of May.
The land had been fallowed and a few days before planting was ploughed, well
harrowed and rolled. Early in the fall before, 20 loads of well rotted barnyard
manure had been applied. When ready to plant, drills 33 inches apart were opened,
the seed dropped 14 inches apart, then covered with the plough, harrowed and rolled
down. When commencing to appear above ground the harrow was run twice over
them, and once each week afterwards the scruffler was used and the soil kept
loose on top. When nearly covering the ground earth was hilled up to the plants
and then left until they were taken up.

Fourteen out of the 108 varieties ripened by the 25th August; 26 others were
full grown, though not ripe, when frost on the 9th September cut down the vines.
The remainder were in all stages of growth at this date and are evidently not suited
to our season.

Though all the sorts are not yet tested as to their eating qualities, Early Rose,
Beauty of Hebron and Morning Star are found to be as good, if not better, than any.
Early Conqueror, which gave the largest yield and also had the greatest number of
large tubers, is not so good a table potato as the three above mentioned.

The names of potatoes full grown at time of frost are given below: the first
fourteen being those that were ripe on the 25th August. Color, size and yield are
also given.
he 40 varieties returned 2,345 lbs. from 240 lbs. planted, an average in round
numbers of 58 lbs. each. Each sort occupied a drill 75 feet long by 33 inches wide,
or the 211th part of an acre, returning an average of 204 bushels per acre, Early

Conqueror leading at the rate of 282 bushels per acre.

142

POTATOES.

Variety. Color. Size. Yield.

| Lbs.

sal ysROsens 2 scx Sethe oh apela Soke ee aoe Browns. cee ene |Darge’:)0 ieee 64
Morning. Stare seins ip cheek iceeee bench tiae near | do 1 60
Beauty of Hebron | 54
Lee’s Extra Early : ae 64
Stray Beauty). o..5-a:.\-2 .. | Br bo Z | 48

IDEN Agel oot waneg Saree BOS ane ah SOMES bbb oraeer cars i | | 7.
IMayiQueent, Maser ee one ree Ee note Rede ere coe scre | 47
Gleason). Joist hoe cies Sc Oe el ate } 50
Ma ChI ERS). :-hee cree aheie erties eis aie steven tobe yeeros R | : 40
HROSYaIMOT Dn, Ais Sele steveron cetayeseh ats islen eps scheve m aiccabarertaa | Br arg 64
WonderofthesWorld’) so jeteeceie sles ate cone cate Red ar rc critter Mediums. -: ese ceeee 60
poharpe’s| Seedlings. 25-2 Sse cebn snes tae Seer | OM ctanacdahonses qe dOthes. 2 eee 68
IBliss?s brim phys. ti, see pioerre niet sch aaee eels A deat (do, ence baie ic Target rae 58
Bisel yaOhiowecin ers ccataicaceys shots ascii aeuete nee IBrOWD oe ech ances Mediumi- ass. cecee 54
Rachterie asp es ae eee eee ee Sate eee l\Wihite ss ye nce cere harper. ce ne eee 66
BrownellisiBeauty; sects otieeeae nsec eee 1 46
Clark’s Triumph............ BE Dood nbodACODO ar . 56
PATONG ACIS Susteso tice tere oka ction alee currs Vhite 46
PAT pHa e tec anne 50
VION Ven S| Gremn ne acl accrsee tile Uesie aati erenrerore 62
PIII Ol, Urea valeserakcae sega eratchae ta ope eerie sce E 67
Member of Parliament. Be 53
Great Hastern............... 60
Rose’siNew, Giants. 22. qascneeecodeke ee ene 70
MIM PREPS Ualen tc cease eerie eh aa ort ee ence 1 65
VST TISOW ese ape dcte shee DRO eee oleae eee 50
@onquerors. iy » |) ts ack cerebro laeten ence ies 68
Goodnichh\4. 451.2 sacs ee Se aneiie se aonTe 58
reinderinyld aen es Se os Vc aeiGas Snead a SooSeEOeen Db 62
Barly Bird ieee fee et iee tore eres Race | d 68
Mb har burns. ef foci then a tessa eee tee tenet eee : ! z 63
WihiteBileaphant ies. t secre e ol sce seein artes i | d 52
Mhorburnis earagonyes see sae erin coe d i 56
Marly (Conqueror: eh Meechelleree eee ae 83
Genesseysecdlings, ..t-[ssisiiroe nike me cena sels | 46
ONO W MANAG. S. tee ori csieeruin es eee eet cee ty es ~ 48
\adleiad Brats CRA aaa baciis Sootoauerr tae caewcacoes 56

White Stary ss. mavens sch sserencie Me eae 7
SUSI. apoyo. pore Roar sictts = oer bes sere eee: 55

VEGETABLE GARDEN.

A good plot of ground was set apart for a garden, and at the proper season all
kinds of vegetables were sown or planted. Before anything had made a start, the
seeds were swept away, and afterwards were found growing a quarter of a mile off.
After a fresh supply of seeds could be obtained from Ontario, the garden was sown the
second time, but asit was late before this could be done, onions, carrots and parsnips
were a failure, while beets, beans, lettuce and raddish were very good. Cabbage and
cauliflower were set out four times and as often destroyed, but from the fifth plant-
ing a fair crop of medium-sized heads were obtained. Tomatoes were four times
destroyed, but from afew plants set out in a protected place, a good crop was ob-
tained, though only very few ripened before frost came. Citrons and cucumbers
were of medium size. Peppers full grown. Watermelons, squash and pumpkins
very poor. i

FOREST TREES.

The season has been one of very great severity on all kinds of trees; most of
March was very mild, and the frost going out of the ground nearly a foot, trees
suffered greatly by the alternate thawing and freezing which took place from 27th
- March, up to 15th April. After this date winds commenced and twice cut all young
leaves or buds that had before started. After the winds were over, dry weather set

143

in and finished the destruction of many hundreds of trees set out in the spring, as
well as retarding the growth of all that were planted last year and had survived the
winter,

While no kind of tree was proof against so many enemies, some suffered much
more than others. Norway spruce, which last year did remarkably well, is this
year almost a total failure, arbor vite also suffered greatly. Austrian pine did very
poorly last year, but much worse this. Native maple, (box elder) and native elm
trees have stood by far the best of anything set out. Itis worthy of notice that out
of 982 young elm trees which were grown at the Central Experimental Farm, Ot-
tawa, from seed obtained in Manitoba, 955 are living; while out of 600 American
elms, sent also from the Central Experimental Farm, only 350 are alive.

Eleven thousand eight hundred and twelve trees were received from the Central
Experimental Farm and set out in various places on the farm here, and great num-
bers were planted in a wind-break which is being formed along the western boun-
dary, others were set out around Superintendent’s house, while all seedlings and
many entire varieties were planted in nursery rows. In addition to those received
from the Central Farm, several thousands were transplanted from those put out the
year before. The large majority of these had been taken up the fall previous and
covered with sand in a cellar,

The following varieties of forest trees were received from the Central Experi-
mental Farm and planted; the amount in each variety and number living when
winter set in axe also given :—

Variety. ole tae
WWibiibed S pracelsssccsneccscesestucrrenesnncas seasasseeceses car 1,018 602
INOM WAYS PLUCOr: avewsedeeeos sa saaseeassesesnoecencsacseee 675 100
HVemIOCKASPVUCO se veseie se dleesorestesacsuasseaed sess oes 153 21
SYEQO)ING) Lal Battal s)sRaehinads oe HARD OS HOAC STORE SE eER GEOR SAE aH LAAs 421 198
INTRUDER IETS Abeeneaedcdnctloaaieescobucoscaneon nto nodaIceeees 400 158
TREE). 1 eWa Ye boadonc bosehs dn60000 s9boo bo po boSNeaoseHbouboROOOsCanaE 43 28
IAT OTA ise i4s cocleeccon cases sre wenisseach's SF Coat poe eaeriae 650 158
RSAC ed are sece kee ciice aucestcleoen coe camceeeub oon aneesnenee se 50 48
Manitoba Vispler crsecor-cmesesepecssceesrsseascnes secl-ce: 500 450
INORG UIBY ol Ge hodseuncsce sopeedood sanbocseebonds0cdocndenOcHo 875 652
SON WUE Gy Scacdncnedoaboaccntereadosacedooaach ede boanseneHcDee 75 26
TROY te. 1 OH baie eN ecaPoce aceeecnoe obetcatc CopaU spe Pen BoSpeascaen 135 125
Miami toasty lent sesscsseeiacecscontiec score eee manentoee cc smuaes 982 955
PATON Camebilimscenm cca ye races eects concern eidaiee cise shinciine 600 350
(GROCTIMAB tase es aaco merece aa caeeh aeneeh ee necnobiecetaog 95 60
AWiltiowAls Lis sscencecacn ccncee eee ete eae eee eaeneen ae 140 116
lac op Ais hei enct eciatuwocts siteaiel lacia az oheute weeonmee amet cases 105 98
Mo uimibaimmA SHS soe. saci was tcc caat Wastes detest onaccekets ¥e 75 64
RYCelLOWarInCh sasseccshcdsnacsiowcocet ot east aa eR eee eenes 71 61
BEM O PeAnMb inc bssrescse-aacssae seo saeseeesccseenteee sceces 50 43
WANOCBBILC Hixcssse ho acetate Sessa tecaae ieee oan ate eee 100 80
JBIICVORS A VeW balay rear inner Caan eee ASE Phar nen mast Cae 53 30
MOO CTStees ic adbes occgsettcseies doc es oUslnscdeseaema teen ated tee welts 374 186
(CENTIN OE) soo nocbeoenbpodn6ds6 cbbro6chbud) -a50D5er boncadpunbasoande 850 559
TB eyelet Olrver dey lgucheas qadspaaapaasebee Haseice aaaernacbereccorac 114 89
PANN ETI CANMEECECH* arckeaccateneane Sotesesea se oes me raiete ss 200 32
(Ghoraiar \yiherors beppene shee naceriounocopcnooraneanbooeecut oseedcdor 2.000 216
18rd aver Sel ooceere poedencocd, Beech dcoodndtnsa socaneere aaeacaoe 118 104
AB MO MEAN PAGEL) 5512.2 114ssicoassa eases esseitenstaeseeceta se 50 42
PATIO CANTON CAMOL Cite. scaissanaeseancsceeceoreasanscces 41 34
uno pean WarChyesssraoaaeacaisscsese cscs scepnae=ssasesase 50 100

Nore.—The Cotton Woods were received from Minnesota, United States, and
were in a very damaged condition on reaching here.

144

FOREST TREES PLANTED IN 1888,

In reporting on the trees planted last year, I beg to say that native maple,
mountain pine, Norway spruce, red cedar, American arbor vit, elm, ash, mountain
ash, canoe birch, Russian mulberry, black cherry, barberry, cranberry, alder and
wahoo came through the winter in a more or less damaged condition; mountain
pine, canoe birch and mountain ash standing it the best. Norway spruce and the
cedars apparently came out well, but have done poorly all summer.

Maples were all cut down and only the native variety and Norway maple mak-
ing a start in the spring. Not a single soft, sugar, red or striped maple grew.
White and black ash were cut down, but made a fair growth during the summer.
Green ash was also cut down to the ground but many grew afterwards. Five
varieties of elms were planted and made a nice growth during the summer of 1888,
These were all greatly injured, only about one-third grew the past season. Russian
mulberry and black cherry have stood the winter and dry summer well. Barberry,
cranberry, alder and wahoo were damaged very little by the winter, but have done
poorly since.

T regret to say that locusts, butternuts, walnuts, oaks, beech, basswood, hickory,
sycamore, hackberry, hawthorn, hornbeam, ailanthus and catalpas were all dead
when spring opened, Except one locust and four walnuts, not a tree of any of these
varieties stood the winter. I may say that all the last-mentioned trees, hickory,
butternut, &c., were dead before spring frosts visited us, while all the damage done
to the first named varieties was mainly owing to these frosts; especially was this
the case with Norway spruce, hemlock spruce and the cedars.

Before winter set in last year, I had a number of each of all the above varieties
taken up, numbering in all several thousands, and placed in sand in the cellar, and
this spring had them planted in wind-breaks and on banks of coulée. I regret to say
that nearly all have died; though green and fresh when set out, they soon succumbed
to winds and dry weather,

LARGE MAPLE TREES PLANTED.

Early in October, 1888, 700 maple trees (box elder) were obtained in Brandon.
Of these, two-thirds were planted as soon as possible after reaching here, and one-
third healed in and left until spring. The trees were planted along boundaries of
farm and on avenues leading to buildings. With the exception of four, every tree
of both fall and spring planting died down to the ground. At this point J had them
cut off in June, and, without a single exception, all have made a most vigorous
growth since then. The four that did not require to be cut down were entirely healed
in or covered up, the branches being covered the same as the roots,

TREE SEEDS.

In the fall of 1888 some four bushels of ash-leaved maple seed, gathered in the
Qu’Appelle Valley, were sown in drills three feet apart. This spring they appeared
above ground, but before they could take much root were blown completely out of
the ground, The same land with considerate addition was resown, and though late
before this could be done have grown fairly well—though nothing in comparison to
the growth of the same sort of trees the season before. Two bushels of hickory and
walnuts were planted in May, forty-three young trees six inches in height is so far
the result, but a large increase is looked for next spring. In September last several
pounds of elm, and in October a large quantity of maple seeds were sown.

Maple tree seeds sown in spring of 1888 which attained a height of from ten to
twenty inches last summer, were several times early in the season almost covered
with dirt blown in from adjoining land. This considerably retarded their growth at
first but during August and September good headway was made. Many thousands
will be ready for transplanting next year.

Ash seed which was sown in spring of 1888 came up making slow growth that
year, made also very slow this. Sugar maple and basswood seed failed te appear, but
in all probability they were blown away.

{ . 145

WILLOWS, POPLARS AND SHRUBS.

Nine varieties of willow were planted in the spring in nursery rows. Forty-five
out of the forty-six set out are alive and made good growth, and promise well for
this country.

Twenty-five out of twenty.six poplars set out are living and made a thrifty
growth. Eight varieties of this tree were planted of which Populus Certinensis
Sargeant, and Populus Bolleana are the best. A considerable number of poplar cut-
tings were also set out, the greater part of which, took root and made a guod top.

Seventy-one varieties, consisting of 1863 shrubs, were planted. Among these
lilac, caragana, and eleagnus did the best. The two latter shrubs were planted also
in 1888 and of the trees or shrubs put out, stood the winter and dry summer by
far the best.

Out of all the shrubs planted only 963 are living, of some varieties the entire
number is lost.

LARGE AND SMALL FRUITS.

The failures in fruit trees the past year have been very great. In comparison
with 1888 they are quite noticeable. Last year 200 apple trees were planted ; every
tree was alive when winter set in and 125 are living now. This year 352 trees were
set out, and on the Ist October 92 were dead.

Twelve crab apple trees were planted in 1888, ten were living on Ist October,
1889, while out of 189 trees set out this spring 97 were dead on the same date.

In small fruits the failures are equally great among currants and raspberries,
while strawberries were almost an entire loss. As the soil was in far better condi-
tion for trees or small fruits this year than last, and as much care taken in planting
them and afterwards, there can be no doubt but that the severe winds and dry
weather wholly accounts for the loss sustained.

APPLE TREES, 1889.

The following apple trees were planted last spring in nursery rows three feet
apart. Number of each sort planted and living on 1st November are also given:—

No. No. No. No.
Planted. Living. Planted. Living,
Meeearabka Dept... ...........:..--+ Doe Mote Pa erne ecdca cota. cnet eetnae: 4 1
| Lan TI G coe eeanae ar pa oseeee reer 10 QuesYiellow Amis este cence nereces i 5
MMIGIICMOAMIS. cc. 2.05 0-seenoe LL GOV ALOU ascssnasanaasc oe ssscsoce= sees 3 2
Repka Malenka................... 9 4 Sandy Glass....... nase aces aetseias 13 8
Wihtttney=No.20;,----...-..-.2-<- 19 TR) UWS Te ros ebecca 68s Socbosocteno- 3 3
USEING eee oa ch os oS ay Sees 10 TOM Thiveland:.-s. eessevscscess-nash loos q 0
MEitaR VK) eee acc osecaeeaieteces 10 Vee RUSBIADEAp Pls assests. ase 6 2
| LES SIGIR Saga eee ene ne eee 5 Ane Pliicanolh pee. scennis: wanes eee 10 7
. English Borovinka............... 4 A sgRed SAMIRiSsac.c sees oe bee anes 11 11
BPIRCG! AIS, ...ccccc0esescseeneces secs 8 3 Autumn Streaked................ 10 9
G. Duke Constantine............ 4 IMAL Gy eA conoheceoame rode. eeebaadoc 10 9
JAG OS (er 3 3 asViellow; Amisy-p. +: sussceeissestee ee 10 8
BP BOPCANOL.... ....000: ssnecceeoeoes 1 di saGetmang res see. Sasa sees eeehe 4 2
BMMMEOSEPAKON |. ..c0c0cescesssss woscceees 6 3 White Borodovka...... beni as 8 7
; BBRNSRATIOUB $s. cos eA neo sesice koe sce 8 by Habernalees..os5cec<saccee) clsosteee 10 8
“ane be dieods 2 Meciitovikark.2searte..- st ecSeceoes cue 10 10
4 DRAB ee ci o8e cess eve seas sishis ae 7 Br J Mipnss. ect <5 ee cosehcecenl. \oeeeceees 10 8
BPATILONOVIKD. ©. 02.00. ccccccces ee nees 19 Hops Grandmothetecrsssescece-t wees 10 10
BWMMEZOE EDL 2.0.0 .0cccscsessce ee 9 OPP Red Ducks ss scac.cecee-seess esos 10 10
@ecolden White..................... 9 5 48 varieties Russian apple
BUA BICINO..jsscccesies'eiees as see 8 5 ET EOS ascitic seh nother ee Se ee
“LLLP ih. eee 4 3 — —s —
ERE PKG 254-25 2.0 55's ueceasele- <0 3 3 Do taliiectse6 .sossceueaS ess 342 257
MADE ASfACed...05..0c8000.eo0s00e 2 2

6c—10

q

CRAB APPLES, 1889.

No. No. No. No.
Planted. Living. Planted. Living.
Common wild crab..............- 80 AA ORAM Crapceesemamaeape tereces est 30 6
SSHIENIIIES 7 poocononr oobbscngd) Sapasbons 22 PALS ADE NRS) \iVetal =) Paosocnccasbbabcos 4a0 9 3
MAINTNERO LAs eosin cecante reser eee oRe 8 0” Wieleomess.nc.ccccuns sescessenrce 10 9
IBGIOTS: WS Wiel lsc cccaseceeccaseeaees 10 2 oS
GAB DE eee ee en sceteet he eee 20 7 Ro tallsesscsers ROR lat 189 92
APPLE TREES PLANTED 1888.
iM lexand Otisnacsss- ih cueeeeercesee 8 6a iMianne! cst pda eee Ub Mee eS 9 4
AWGN ty ea nasseconaonbponosbce cobdbe 3 SEMDuchosssseeececyactese canteens 5 4
WWiallibridlomesccasa seaeesmetecr 3 J ScObiSMWintore-cesr ss eeeere 3 il
Mackintosh Red......... .......0: 3 2 Grimes’ ‘Golden’ ...2..8:- hosts 3 il
Talmans Sweet.....-...2..-s.00-+ 3 Yh MAME ONES 75 nencanspouse50da0nNa50300¢ 3 1
Keswick Codling.......... ...... 3 2 Canada Baldwin.................. 3 3
Red: “Agtrachan.te.cacusse-e-<6 3 2% RAMCUBO So s0cs onde sonwatk roe see eee 6 2
o) Nia Pen ee COREeS CoUe SOLOS 3 3 —>= Ss—
GoldenJRusseth. wcss.e. sees ee eeoee 3 1 Mo ballot casiacacseeeeeee es 64 38
CRAB APPLE TREES, 1888.
TEGO) edooscoambooScesaconss: Scone 3 A AWIRTGNG \eccccssccinanscats sete see ae 3 3
Transcendantiecceerecitcscnceseee 3 3 —_ —
Redustberianesnccscsscehetseccees 3 2 Motalitestecsco Aaceneseeeee 12 10
PEARS.

Tn 1888, 2 Beurré Hardy, 2 Clapp’s Favorite, 2 Howell, 2 Flemish Beauty, 2
Seckel, also 5 of No. 392, and 5 of 347 Russian were planted. At present only one
Flemish Beauty is living. All the other varieties died. No pears were set out this

ear.
- PLUMS.

Two each of Golden Drop, Moore’s Arctic, Lombard, Mariana and German
Prune, and 5 each of Wolf Plum, Speer Plum, and Rollingston and 9 of Early Red
were planted last year. Of these one each of Moore’s Arctic, Lombard, Mariana,
and German Prune, and 7 of the Early Red, are alive. None were added to the list
this year.

CHERRIES.

Thirty-four cherry trees were planted in 1888, consisting of five each of Ostheim,
Morella, Vladimir and Early Richmond. Two Vladimir and one Early Richmond
stood the winter.

With a few exceptions, all the large fruit trees put out last year were wrapped
up to the branches with oat straw or tarred paper and banked well up around the
base. It was found in the spring that the few trees left uncovered were completely
dead from the top of the limbs to the ground on the south-west side ; the strip
dead being about one half an inch in width. No tree covered was hurt in this way,
those dying were killed later on after frost had gone from their roots and alternate
thawing and freezing took place.

This year a good deal more straw is being used, the limbs, as well as the
trunks, being covered. More earth is also put about the base and before winter is
over coarse strawy manure will be spread thickly over the ground.

CURKANTS.

This year’s plantation consisted of five varieties containing 744 trees. On the Ist
November 555 bushes were alive. Last year 178 bushes of eight varieties were
planted; of this number 153 were living when winter set in; with the exception of
two dozen planted in a protected place, none of the bushes this year have done
very well ; many have died and those that have survived seem stunted.

147

Those that came through the winter of last year’s planting have done very well
thes past season and give good promise for the coming year. Lee’s Prolific, Red
Dutch and White Grape, bore a few currants of excellent quality.

The ground was banked up around the trunks slightly last year, this year it is
heaped up to the branches and the branches covered with coarse manure which will
be left on until all danger from spring frosts is over.

The following are the varieties set out, in 1888 and 1889, number planted and
living at present time :—

1888.
No. No. No. No.
Planted. Living. Planted. Living.
DELON Dies sc. ceess cece sss sc6Se soe 25 PAM MINCE SURO Cesercses se nese eee 24 20
RGIEATMAPION ccc aeeenncose o-acae nse 12 10 Fay’s Prolific......... SaSUDS COE 25 25
inaby, Castle.............0... sees, at PAN) Lal AD INK nes Sesh: caoades asnscne 20 16
VITeLGRAPE...5.0..c00-..-0.-0 56 20 TD pe black: Napleszec.sc.cr- secs: 25 23
1889.
PEEISPEEOUEC. 5.00 co-clncere seen 325 246 Raby Castle...... ........6..... 228 . 159
DITOR GA POs. <j.s.-(0 << cee cnieeos 165 129 Black Naples......... eee eee 19 19
ESET DC o en wenn wssaacieseocee 382 u 6

RASPBERRIES AND BLACKBERRIES.

Like the currants, great numbers of the raspberries set out in the spring,
succumbed to winds and dry weather ; winds did more harm than dry weather, for in
a small plantation set out, protected from them, though the soil was quite as dry as
any on the Farm, the growth of the vines was very gratifying.

The bushes planted last year were laid down on the approach of winter and
covered with about two inches of earth or coarse manure. A good deal of this earth
or straw was blown from off the vines, and wherever this was the case, the vines
were quite dead as far as uncovered; all that had their covering on up to the 10th
of April were quite green and perfect. Shortly after this, the vines putting forth
leaves under the covering, I had them all stripped except a few vines of the Phila-
delphia variety, but it proved too early, as every vine so stripped was cut down afew
nights after, and only those not uncovered until the 20th of the month bore fruit.

Inthe fall I had as much earth put over the vines, andin addition a heavy coat-
ing of strawy manure is now being applied over all.

Those of last year’s planting have made a good growth this season, except
Taylor and Lucretia Dewberry; Philadelphia making the greatest headway.

1888.

Varieties. Planted. Looe. Varieties. Planted. ae
Golden Queen..............0.005 26 20 Me Caroline seh cere cb ak ee 48 42
t _LHEIDOIE .ogatn de Son ener Oe elLOLe Cuthberteereeseerecseaeteins ee 104 100

TLRS ace seene Sane s Sune E EEE ERE 23 LOE hiladel phiarer: cn. eeee ee 99 96
re SRNL Gh a JT ny lorie ates ote, 2 10
Lucretia Dewberry............ 25 None
.
2 1889.
BETOD 2 oes nencacmeernccn- sinner ZAD eZ ee EMD OEN eee seme ceatcesssaseesee see 53 45
meOuthbert......... ce ae 75 22 Mammoth Cluster............. 59 48
LDN Ee 22 3) SRANCOCAR es aece: eeceseee nese 18 14
LE Ce Ree ee 8 None) iSny ders: .trctac dsssb dqcese 10 9
L-EnyRGIUAS eee 8 Bs CATO s.r. oe Paces ee Secoorene 11 8
nin ee re 10 Oe Marlboro eee ee 9 7
BePBrandy-wWine........-:..0....-+0% 20 4g Hornet 2004. cnsdecmocn ss de<5 sens 9 3
ee Hebner’s Cluster......... .....: 3 2

148

GOOSEBERRIES.

During the spring of 1888 twenty-four Houghton, twenty-four Downing, and
twenty-six Smith’s Improved were planted. Four of Smith’s Improved died before
winter set in, With this exception all are living at present. Only a few bushes of
the Houghton variety bore fruit the past season, but it is expected from the good
growth made this year they will bear heavily next summer.

None were set out this season.

GRAPES,

Sixty-four vines of eighteen varieties of grapes were planted last year, but none
lived through the winter though all were well protected.

STRAWBERRIES,

If poor success attended last year’s planting of strawberries, it was still worse
this year; out of nearly 3,000 plants only 100 are alive. All or mostly all made a
start, but a very hot wind in May, followed by the dry weather afterwards, killed
them by hundreds.

Last year May King, Wilson, Daniel Boone, Woodruff, Crescent, Manchester,
Sharpless, New Dominion, Maggie, Capt. Jack, Cumberland Triumph and James
Vick were planted. The Wilson made the best growth and was the most promising
when winter set in; this spring, though all the plants were living, they bore no fruit
and have made little or no headway all summer. New Dominion, Capt. Jack and
Crescent stood the winter and spring fairly well, and each variety had a few
imperfect berries this season. New Dominion, both in growth of plant and yield of
berries, doing the best. Excepting these three varietics and the Wilson all were
dead by the first of May.

A slight covering of straw was put over the plants last winter after the ground
had become frozen, and left on until spring frosts were over, This winter the same
course is being followed, but more straw is being put on,

WILD FRUIT,

In the spring of 1888 a collection of native fruit trees and bushes was obtained
in coulées and other places, and planted on the farm, and though all made a most
vigorous growth during that summer, none bore fruit this year except a few bushes of
black currants. Spring frost, no doubt, was wholly the cause of this, and when we
consider that wild fruit was an entire failure the past year, while other years
thousands of bushels go to waste all over the country, we may easily conclude that
the past season has been a very unfavorable one for all fruit trees.

It is, perhaps, worthy of notice here that all native fruit trees or bushes grow on
the south bank of streams or in coulées protected from the early spring sun. The
steeper the banks, and the more inaccessible they are to April or May suns, the
more favourable situations they are for fruit.

GOPHERS.

In many parts of the North-West Territories, these destructive little animals
were very numerous the past season. Wherever crops were light—from whatever
cause—they did great damage, in many cases clearing off entire fields. In light,
sandy soil or gravelly subsoil they are found in the greatest numbers, though no
sort of land is exempt.

On the Experimental Farm poison was used to keep them in check, and
except one small plot of black barley on the banks of the coulée, which was
destroyed, no harm was done to the crops the past year.

Commencing in the spring, as soon as the animals come out of their winter
quarters, strychnine is dissolved in water and wheat soaked in this, and placed
in their burrows. As usually from eight to ten come at a birth, often more, it is
very important that attention should be paid early to these pests.

149

WATER.

I am sorry to report that digging or drilling for water on the Farm has not been
very satisfactory. Last fall two wells were put down—one at the superintendent’s
house, 65 feet, in which a good supply ef water was obtained, but which cannot be
used until first boiled; the second well was dug and drilled, to the depth of 108 feet,
at the barn, without finding any water. This fall I have had the Provincial well-
auger testing various places about the buildings, but have not as yet been successful
in finding a sufficient quantity for stock, hence the only supply yet available is that
in the dams in the coulées.

BUILDINGS.

All the buildings under way when my report was sent in last year have been
completed. The horse stable is commodious and very comfortable. The basement
of the barn is equally commodious, and will no doubt prove comfortable when we
have stock to fill it. The barn is quite large enough for grain, but a storehouse or
granary for the many varieties of grain when threshed, and an implement house,
are greatly needed.

The superintendent’s, horticulturist’s and foreman’s houses are comfortable,
though the foreman’s is not large enough for the purpose required of it.

FENCING,

Before winter set in last fall a little over one mile of fencing had been completed.
As soon as seeding was over this spring, work was again commenced, and before
harvest came on the entire Farm was enclosed. Sawn cedar posts from British
Columbia, a top rail and four strands of wire compose the fence. Necessary gates
for three sides have been provided, and a second coat of paint was being put on when
winter stopped the work.

ROADS AND DAMS.

During the summer considerable additions have been made to the roads on the
Farm. Two new dams for retaining water in the coulées have been built, and the
old ones extended and made more secure. The erection of the buildings necessi-
tated a great deal of grading, especially around the barn and stable, where wide
approaches had to be made. This was accomplished as soon as the buildings were
ready for use.

LAND READY FOR CROP.

On account of the great addition to the amount of horse work to do on the Farm
the past summer, such as root crops, harvesting, grading, &c., the teams on the Farm
were not able to overtake the same quantity of fallow as was prepared in 1888.
One hundred and fifty acres have. however, been got ready, and twenty acres of
stubble land ploughed for testing purposes.

HORSES.

In the month of September one span of horses was added to the working force,
making now four teams.
METEOROLOGICAL,

During the summer, through the kindness of the Minister of Marine and Fish-
eries, there was sent from the Meteorological Office in Toronto to the Experimental
Farm a set of instruments for taking observations of temperature and rainfall. Since
the first week in September observations have been taken three times daily and
returns sent weekly to head office. During this time on six days it has been 80 or
over, 87 being the highest. September 9, 11, 12, 14, 16,17 and 26th were below
freezing, the lowest being on the 12th, when it stood at 20 below freezing. Rain has
fallen during the time observations have been taken to only -61 of an inch: snow
from 4 to 6 inches. Prevailing winds have been south-west and north-west.

150

FALL EXHIBITIONS.

Four exhibitions were attended the past fall at which products of the Farm were
shown. Regina on the west, Moosomin on the east, and Qu’Appelle and Indian
Head in the centre, were found to be as many as could be overtaken after the grain
and other exhibits could be got ready. Nearly 100 varieties of grain, including
wheat. barley, oats and peas, were shown in 5 lb bags—50 varieties of these were
exhibited in the straw; 104 varieties of potatoes were shown and proved very
attractive to those attending the various fairs. At the close of the exhibitions all of
the potatoes and much of the grain were distributed among the settlers.

I have the honor to be, Sir,
Your obedient servant,

ANGUS MACKAY,
Superintendent.

EXPERIMENTAL FARM FOR BRITISH COLUMBIA.

REPORT OF THOMAS A. SHARPE, SUPERINTENDENT.

Wm. Saunpers, F.R.S.C., F.LS., F.C.S.,
Director Experimental Farms,
Ottawa.

Sir,—I beg to submit the following report of the work done on the British
Columbia Experimental Farm since taking possession, 19th September, 1889.

None of the land haying been in crop since it was purchased by the Government,
notwithstanding that much of it was underbrushed last year, it was covered again
with a rank growth of ferns and underbrush. This we started to mow with brush
scythes, and have gone over about one hundred and twenty acres, and the brush on
about seventy acres has been burnt.

The orchard of three acres has been carefully and thoroughly gone over. It has
been ploughed twice, the trees dug about and pruned, and all dead limbs, brush and
grass removed and burned.

Of the land on the farm that had been previously under cultivation, about twenty-
five acres has been ploughed and harrowed; sixteen acres of this has been ploughed
twice and thoroughly worked up. We have also ploughed about twenty-five
acres of land that had not been ploughed betore. This has been a_ tedious
job, as a considerable number of large fir stumps had to be grubbed out and
in many instances the whole tree to remove. Some of these trees were over 6 feet in
diameter and nearly 200 feet long. This work has been delayed by the rains, render-
ing the burning very difficult. About half of this field, say fifteen acres, has been
thoroughly harrowed and the roots gathered up and taken off, and it is now ready
for cross-ploughing as soon as the frost is out of the land.

' _Itis intended to have this ready for fruit trees and other crops early in the
spring.

j We have received from the Central Farm about 1,500 small fruit plants, viz.,
strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, gooseberries, currants, etc., all of which have
been carefully planted. From other sources also a considerable number of fruit trees
and grape vines have been received, as follows :—

Trees. Varieties,

VAD PL OSteree rs ciscecsetcenesensecs seuss oniceves ces see eecee anaes 277 7

TGS eee Meee cea ah aed mee rok Sran One a eeEL NE 143 36
LETITIE Ss a Seinen sor BED FaB co SOC EE OR AER EE OR eae aasaaae 121 36
1RECVO NS nett cr ttc ncaa ceca sere AEE RECO RT en eee 84 26
(OLA Gra 0S): f, Benen sR AB Saeco ce ceCA bat OR AEs eRe er 121 48
PAPLICOBI.se1o5. soot Toone ceete nis sr octe -sesctsacscesonerese see 21 7
Nectarines............ SESS ARS SRe ROBO ED eSe rasan. Geeee 33 1
@DINGEB Remsen cee teate dense Beci dacneen ec ee et eS eta 8 3
GES PORVAINCSs.: cc-2.c0es seco sccccoscosececotnsseoececeesenate 202 79

All of which have been put in nursery rows, and will be planted out as soon as
the condition of the ground will permit.

About 8,000 forest trees, chiefly of eastern hardwoods,have also come to hand,
which are planted in nursery rows, and as they are mostly of one or two years
growth, will do very well in nursery until they are needed for shelter belts, etc.

Acting under your instructions, a number of grape vines and a variety of forest
trees will be planted on the rocky hillsides on the east side of the farm.

Tf it can be shown that grapes, or such timber as the black walnut, butternut,
elm, ash and maple can be successfully grown in such places, this will provide for
utilizing a considerable area of land otherwise of no value, and bea source of future
profit to land owners, and a great benefit to the Province,

About fifteen hundred young native cedars have been collected and planted in
nursery rows, with the intention of using them for hedges and other ornamental
purposes as soon as they are ready to plant out.

From the Central Farm and other sources there has been received a large num-
ber of ornamental and flowering shrubs, plants and bulbs, which have been put out
in the nursery until land can be got ready for their permanent location. We also have
anumber of samples of fall wheat and rye, all of which have been sown on land care-
fuliy prepared, and quite a number of them have made a very satisfactory growth.

The live stock on the farm consists of two heavy draft teams and one medium
team, bought in Ontario and brought out here. By working them carefully for a
short time they have become gradually acclimated and have had no sickness as yet.
There was also bought in Manitoba one registered short-horn cow and a bull calf.
From the poultry department of the Central Farm was obtained four coops of different
breeds of fowls of four each. They have grown well, but being young, have not yet
begun to lay.

The old house and stable which were on the farm have been repaired, and
answer a temporary purpose very well—the house for a boarding house for the men,
and the stable for our stock and feed. A temporary poultry house has been built, 24
by 12 feet, divided into compartments, and an implement shed is nearly com-
pleted, 27 by 12 feet. This work has been done during stormy weather and at
very slight expense.

The ground at present is frozen too hard to plough, but as there are a great
number of large stumps to take out and fallen timber to burn, and the frost does not
interfere with such work, although the winter is said to be unusually severe,
there is plenty of work to be done.

As to the farm itself, I think it could scarcely be more suitable for experimental
purposes, as there are all varieties of soil, from a rich clay to a gravel and on the
eastern boundary the mountains rise several hundred feet, with narrow benches and
slopes, giving a good opportunity to test the value of such places for different kinds
of fruit and forest trees,

I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your obedient servant,
THOS. A. SHARPE,
Superintendent.
Agassiz, 10th January, 1890.

APPENDIX TO THE REPORT OF THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE.

EE OcEs Is

OF THE

DIRECTOR - - - - = - WM. SAUNDERS.
AGRICULTURIST - - - - - JAS. W. ROBERTSON.
HORTICULTURIST - - - - - JOHN CRAIG.
CHEMIST - - - - F. T. SHUTT, M.A.
ENTOMOLOGIST and BOTANIST - - - JAS. FLETCHER.
POULTRY MANAGER - - - A. G. GILBERT.
SUPT. EXPERIMENTAL FARM, Menpais N. Sa WM. M. BLAIR.

ao do Brandon, Manitoba. S$. A. BEDFORD.

~ do do Indian Head, N.-W.T. ANGUS MACKAY.
do do Agassiz, B.C. THOS. A. SHARPE.
FOR
PS IOR

PRINTED BY ORDER OF PARLIAMENT

ORE ADVAG WAG:
PRINTED BY BROWN CHAMBERLIN, QUEEN’S PRINTER & CONTROLLER OF STATIONFRY.

1891

7

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS.

;

pe Se oe

oe Netteg eer, IN EL

TO THE

REPORT OF THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE

ON

EXPERIMENTAL FARMS.

Orrawa, 10th February, 1891.
Sir,—I have the honour to submit for your approval my report relating to some
portions of the work which has been done during the past year at the Central
Experimental Farm in Ottawa, with brief references to that which has been
accomplished at the the branch Experimental Farms in different parts of Canada.

You will also find appended Repocts from the following officers of the Central
Experimental Farm: From the Agriculturist, Mr. Jas. W. Robertson; from the
Horticulturist, Mr. John Craig; from the Chemist, Mr. Frank T. Shutt, and from

_ the Entomologist and Betanist, Mr. James Fletcher ; also from the Poultry Manager,
Mr. A. G. Gilbert. Accompanying these are reports of progress from Mr. Wm. M.
Blair, Superintendent of the Experimental Farm for the Maritime Provinces at
Nappan, Nova Scotia; from S. A. Bedford, Superintendent of the Experimental
Farm for Manitoba, at Brandon; from Mr. A. Mackay, Superintendent of the Ex-

_ perimental Farm for the North-West Territories, at Indian Head; and from Mr.
Mr. Thos. A. Sharpe, Superintendent of the Experimental Farm for British
Columbia, at Agassiz.

| These Reports are very full of information on many topics of special interest
to farmers and fruit growers, since they cover almost all departments of agriculture
and horticulture. They are submitted with the hope that they may be helpful to
all those engaged in cultivating the soil, and that they may contribute towards the
furthering of the great agricultural interests of the Dominion.

A Report will also be found attached to that of the torticulturist, from a joint
committee of prominent fruit growers from the Fruit Growers’ Association of
Ontario, and the Montreal Horticultural Society, who were invited, under your

instructions, to examine the fruit plantations at the Central Experimental Farm,
nd to enquire into the merits of some of the new seedling fruits growing there.

bey

I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your most obedient servant,

WM. SAUNDERS.
‘he Honourable
The Minister of Agriculture,

Ottawa.
6e—14

ANNDAIS REPORT

ON THE

BG Ede Mine NGL ALB AIR MS:

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR.

The importance of continued experimental work in agriculture is recognized by
thoughtful men in every civilized country, and State and Government aid to carry
on the work is now liberally given, for it is generally admitted that from oft-
repeated experiment the largest part of our most useful and accurate knowledge of
agricultural subjects has been derived. It is also undeniable that many of the best
agricultural products now in cultivation are the result of skilful experiments in the
line of selection or of cross-fertilization, or both combined, and equally true that the
products, thus somewhat artificially raised by unusual care to a position of high
estimation have, when relegated to the hands of the average farmer, gradually
deteriorated. There are but few varieties of grain, roots or other farm produc-
tions that were in general cultivation fifty years ago which still hold their place in
the farmers’ estimation; most of them have enjoyed but a short-lived popularity, and
given place to varieties having greater vigour, greater productiveness or better
quality. A large proportion of agricultural products appear to have a life period,
some short, some long, after which their vigour or vitality becomes gradually
impaired until their cultivation can no longer be continued with profit. While
these varietal changes are constantly going on, the specific forms remain for the
most part unaltered.

The six-rowed barley of to-day (Hordeum hexastichum) has the same general
characteristics as when cultivated by the ancient Egyptians thousands of years ago,
but the particular varieties of this plant now most in esteem are of recent introduc-
tion. The two-rowedbarley (Hordeum distichum) has also been long in cultivation,
and was largely used as food by mankind from an early peried in human history,
but this variety of grain did not attain the position it now holds as one of the most
profitable of crops until, by careful experiment and selection, the plump, heavy and
_ prolific varieties of modern times were originated. The potato is the same species
as when introduced into Europe from America more than three centuries ago, but
the varietal forms which have since been produced are past numbering, and so
rapidly do these run their course and become enfeebled as to vigour and fertility
that very few survive a period of twenty or thirty years. They “run out” and give
_ place to their betters.

Cereals hold any improvement which may be imparted to them with much
greater, tenacity than many other cultivated products. Possibly this may arise from
their being invariably self-fertilized, which may result in a greater sensitiveness to
external conditions, and lead to greater permanence in the changes which altered
conditions sometimes bring about. When we consider how vastly important cereals

are to mankind, and the great value to the agricultural world of every improve
ment, however small it may be, it seems a marvel that more effort has not been
made in this direction by those who are most familiar with the methods by which
such favourable changes are most frequently effected. While a great number of
workers are bringing much intelligence and long experience to bear upon the pro-
duction of new varieties of flowers, fruits and vegetables; by cross-fertilization and
careful selection, those engaged in the same course of work among cereals have been
but few; additional observers were needed, and are now being provided, to carry on
promising series of investigations, to carefully watch the changes being brought about
in important food products by varying climatic and other conditions, so that advan-
tage may be taken of such improvements as may be found to occur, and provision
also made to lessen the losses which would arise from continuing the cultivation of
such varieties as have become enfeebled and infertile. By carefully conducted
experiments such observers may ascertain what crops can be produced best and
cheapest, and what new lines of work can be undertaken by the farmer in view of
available markets which will be likely to bring him increased returns.

From the accompaning reports it will be seen that the Experimental Farms of
the Dominion of Canada have already done good service in these advanced methods
of experimental work having so important a bearing on agriculture; the sphere of
their operations is being rapidly enlarged, and a wide field of usefulness lies before
them in the future.

Every farmer is aware that there are many influences at work every year which
bear on his crops, and which do much to determine the proportion ‘of profits which
his labour and skill shall bring. Some of these influences are more or less amenable
to his control, while others are not so. The general character of the season, whether
favourable or unfavourable, as far as this depends on the weather, it is beyond his
power to influence; but by varying his methods, so as to gain every possible advan-
tage, he may materially mitigate the evils which always accompany unfavourable
seasons. By getting his land into a thorough state of preparation in the autumn the
farmer can sow his seed at the earliest opportunity, and early sowing has a very
important bearing on the yield, and more especially so on grain crops, in an unfavour-
able year. The reason for this is not far to seek. The rapidity of growth and
development in grain depends very much on the quantity of root surface employed in
absorbing the food required for growth. In the early days of spring root develop-
ment goes on very rapidly, even if the weather be so cold and backward as to retard
growth above, recently sprouted grain, under such conditions, will usually be found
to have a vigorous cluster of roots.

RESULTS OF EARLY, MEDIUM AND LATE SEEDING,

Some experience has been gained at the Central Experimental Farm during the
past season on this subject, which shows the importance of more general attention
being paid to early seeding. The particulars connected with the experiments under-
taken have recently been published in Bulletin No. 8, and the results are believed to
be of sufficient importance to be again summarized here, Six varieties of grain were
chosen for the tests, two each of barley, oats and wheat, and sufficient land of a uni-
form character provided to allow of six plots of one-tenth of an acre each being devoted
to each variety. Six of these were sown on the 22nd of April, which was as early
as the ground could be worked, and six more every week until all the plots were
seeded. The following are the names of the varieties selected for the test: Barley—
Prize Prolific snd Danish Chevalier (both two-rowed sorts); Oats—Prize Cluster
and Early Race-horse; Spring wheat— Red Fife and Ladoga.

At the first sowing a new spring wheat, the Anglo-Canadian, was substituted

for the Race-horse oats, because these plots afforded the best opportunity at
“command for testing the relative earliness and fertility of this new introduction

alongside of the Red Fife and Ladoga. With this exception, the experiments were
carried out as planned, and the results are given in the following table:

Sown Sown Sown Sown Sown Sown
April 22nd. | April 29th. | May 6th. | May 13th. | May 2Ist. | May 28th.
Yield per | Yield per | Yield per | Yield per | Yield per Yield per
Acre. Acre. Acre, Acre. Acre. Acre.
BakLeEY. Bush. Lbs. | Bush. Lbs. | Bush. Lbs. | Bush. Lbs. | Bush. Lbs. | Bush. Lbs.
Prize Prolific. ......,...... 40 30 24 38 16 22 14 03 10 15 11 02
Danish Chevalier........ | 33 26 22 14 19 38 15 10 10 30 9 28
“ Oats.
Prize Cluster....... 37 02 33 23 30 20 27 7 20 10 17 22
Early Race-horse... a5 a SOM EROD SIP 26 Py a8} 18 18 19) 5104:
Spring WHEAT.
i2\DU12 On: eae som AEE il 00 9 00 8 15 4 20 3 00 2 35
Ladoga...... ApEogagassors 10 45 9 15 8 00 3 5d 2 50 2 30
Anglo-Canadian......... 5 50 we sie oe Be ac xd ae

While it must be admitted that such tests will need to be repeated many times,
in order to reach averages which may neutralize the variations brought about in crops
by varying seasons, there is nevertheless such a regularity in the falling off in yield
week after week, as to carry with it convincing proof of the heavy losses which are
almost sure to occur where late seeding is practised. The loss on Prize Prolific barley
by a delay of one week in sowing is nearly 16 bushels per acre, and on Danish Chevalier
a little more than 11 bushels, while a delay of two weeks shows an average loss of
more than half the crop. The area under barley in Ontario in 1890 is estimated at
701,326 acres, and if but half of the average loss which was found to occur in the
__— experiments with the Prize Prolijic barley in Ottawa be taken as a basis for an esti-
j mate, it would appear that the farmers of Ontario may lose, by a delay of one week in
___ the time of seeding, over two and-a-half millions of dollars on the barley crop alone,
{ and by a delay of two weeks more than three and three-quarter millions, reckoning
the barley at 50 cents per bushel.

The loss from similar delay in the wheat crop has proved proportionately less,
being about one-sixth of the crop where seeding has been delayed one week, one-
fourth where it has been deferred for two weeks, while a three weeks delay shows a
loss of considerably more than one-half.

The oat crop appears to be less influenced by delay in seeding than either barley
or spring wheat. In the case of the Prize Cluster it shows a falling off of about

3 bushels per acre for the first week, but with a delay of two weeks it is a little
over 64 bushels; but the oat crop is so very large that every bushel cf loss per acre
in Ontario alone, taking oats at 40 cents per bushel, is equal to $752,946.

DISTRIBUTION OF SEED GRAIN.

The efforts begun in the spring of 1888, shortly after the Experimental Farms
were organized, to introduce among the farmers of Canada the best varieties of seed
grain obtainable, have been continued, and a very general and lively interest has been
awakened in this subject, which has already been attended with excellent results, and
which must, in the course of two or three years more, bring about a marked improve-
ment in the quality of the grain produced in Canada. It is also likely to lead to an
increase in the average yield, and thus add to the prosperity of the farming com-
munity and to the general wealth of the Dominion. At the outset the distribution

consisted mainly of early-ripening wheat for the Canadian North-West, and the Ladoga
wheat was brought prominently before the farmers of Manitoba and the North-West
Territories. Since then the distribution has become more general, and varieties of
wheat, barley and oats, which promise to be useful in any of the Provinces, have been
introduced and disseminated with the view fof benefiting all parts of the country.
These samples are sent free by mail, in strong cotton bags, containing 3 pounds
each. ‘The first season of distribution, the spring of 1888, they were sent to farmers
in different parts of the country whose names were submitted to me by persons
acquainted in the several districts as men likely to be interested in the subject. The
number of samples sent that year was 2,150; of these 1,529 were Ladoga wheat, the
remainder consisting of two-rowed and six-rowed barley and oats. In 1889 a different
method of distribution was followed, and samples were sent only to those who applied
for them. That year 2,760 three pound bags were distributed, consisting of 1,279 of
Ladoga wheat, 947 of two-rowed barley and 534 of oats. During the past season, 1890,
the same plan of distribution was followed—that of sending samples only on applica-
tion; and the fact that requests were received and samples sent to the extent of 12,353,
distributed among 5,896 individuals, will give some idea of the interest which farmers
are taking in this branch of Experimental Farm, work. The object aimed at is to
influence favourably the entire grain crop of the country, by introducing better
varieties than those now in common cultivation, and this, result I believe, can and will
be accomplished within acomparatively short time. A few words will suffice to show
that this object is worth striving for. The oat crop of Ontario alone for 1890 is esti-
mated by the Ontario Bureau of Industries to have occupied 1,882,366 acres and to
have yielded 52,768,207 bushels, an average of 28 bushels per acre. Every bushel per
acre which can be added to this is a gain to Ontario, reckoning oats at 40 cents per
bushel, of $752,946, while a pound per bushel added to the average weight of the grain
is a gain of $620,802. Barley is said to have occupied in the same Province 701,326
acres, yielding 15,600,169 bushels, being an average of 22-2 bushels per acre. Taking
barley at 50 cents per bushel, a gain of 1 bushel per acre in this crop adds $350,663
to the returns of the Ontario farmers, while a pound added to the weight would be
a gain of $162,501. Again, spring wheat occupied 601,753 acres, yielding 7,683,905
bushels, or 12°8 bushels per acre. A gain of 1 bushel per acre in this case at 90 cents
per bushel, adds $541,577 to the returns, while 1 pound per bushel gives on the
short crop of the past year $115,258. Fall wheat has occupied an area of 720,101
acres, giving a crop of 14,267,383 bushels, equal to 19°8 bushels per acre. A gain of
1 bushel per acre here, with fall wheat at $1 per bushel, amounts to $720,101, while
an addition of 1 pound per bushel gives $237,789. Taking into one estimate the
entire acreaye and yield of these four leading crops, we find that an addition of 1
bushel per acre all around would give to the farmers of Ontario $2,365,287, while an
average gain of 1 pound per bushel in the weight of the grain would give $1,136,340.
The samples of grain sent out in 1890 were distributed as follows :—

Prince Edward Island.

OBES se eee orcc ease eceee Seno ene soe ene ane Nalaele Guna mene cicaeoeaies 223
I Ea) SescoucoocoocotusesdebeccodcnIdcn oC cSGatosce enEGacobdesnncnpccogacoa2be 242
A, as) eG Serio Se Ae ee ae ea 2 HR se eid dapctine cooaSOHeoeeOdec 138
IRB AS hie aah oeaia ti tosen oa sacinaen Soe aamne we seme aoe Roane neers iL

Motales 4. cactecceeeeeech cee sone eee tence meee atecimeeeite 604

Number of applicants supplied, 350. =a
Nova Scotia.

(Oy ir BR ee aes ae eE a nticad ca rie eosorons sobsodsdau conessaadane doaodoosnee 436
18} Pd Gy Bepdanscossensoctestac’ S66! AaoooabS. SoceMasetioobdonsbonsseso90b0N00" 586
WWiheat, icc nscace ts notice iowoseesteinme ecco comand lace cece setececeneoer atin 244

UNG) beaeceiaenas cecanonndacunecuoer webbeceouconseccagmnocHo0Ns 1,266

Number of applicants supplied, 584. ar

9

= New Brunswick.
(Oailigteere Sets seueaccet sas eeee dene cccaase cic ssiestaahasedet esos destisvesesaete 116
Bateloymeccatasssdorscteccese cence eee a isch tees vooec secu Secasecesesuusened 165
WA Get tenene. oststicnoc ese tere ee teoceeac cee sn dsc ccestensabecentes thatics 101
IEC ES acc soodec eee paceosnne Sobannacosie: dcddce res Sener sree eee 3
PO GA eeneeeneeee toe ascecmometteccctisccakedetegeatsescccoae __ 385
Number of applicants supplied, 132.
Quebec.
(GETS coset anceadccqaodo0sedbo ab baGSeESGb0GR dco Beisceindac GENE one peEEONGeneOes 891
JEEVES 7 ociednooso sndasesubododosnnaobe Suadobuddsadond onionnsesd seescUnseD 1,408
WANG aii2 322. set acenectisc ances decscntncenscaueeeseieinsteeciesue-sases otecees 699
j GAS te snclee ese cee cece se rn eco icnsctonssensstsisosceasesPaslecstncetecees 41
MO tallices assve,scedasswescea Sees ereseees eNeclaaecoacuse sevens 3,039
Number of applicants supplied, 1,457,
: Ontario.
(OURESvcondecnosedcdes Gade ceCaac: Bcc SOeSe rode saa SER Hoan TcnCRERAASnBaSOsEnOs 1,782
. Bae OVocrs sates sceess vsees otasljenvicsis(orciascaeuecvar ei Maavissacecsitcieste ss 2,043
WIDE RRs ae toaete sees seaineeeas cect) -iseiceside ae an ese estinas ele vaeniestecco seis 766
3 PES wadanodggoes tanddenlacbade 6c doco BaseOCecHOASGEEnOsC EA ane aCeAnU Ca aHeErS 51
COnrMbemec eee ae eect oie e cease conte cniconsliew alk ohisttedacvamecent eames 2
--
‘ MO ball ee re cosets qctearlem wis sasnalle tdeusacecedsnocearsceceawaes meet
: Number of applicants supplied, 2,278.
i Manitoba.
ASE tecrene carson scWalcie enclosure rine saingeensseeeerrbclewastsencems 481
Tapa key7¢ sntoosoaasondosecacb oo uaeeb on ocqoconocanaobasonBEnod aces conor pOaGae 478
\AVINGINIE: Saale an Sopa Ee st oa Soe E SEFC a IEReSo Uni aitaa et isa once ee Meaanea 93
PB esteme neice sete cote sce case noc techie ea deruntessubescncenaetee Res sens nenceins 3
(COTA scondseanbtoncdonnecocsoonon tne crac bae Sac oCA CROCE daan SARC seat done 4
Total. s.cueseaesendsne sess igeaeadascseiealoeteeososenchaaaenss 1,059

Number of applicants supplied, 511.
North-West Territories.

ON Sisce Ss socnane ose opoecooannce BeIconE sonee seEeoabr6e sosstecenbenEcre nace sec 525
13nd Eye ococeoneacankebeosonedcaaeradon occ adores sncanous cbenteeodscrEennes 530
WWil eaten ects nate ce te cieci ue sjn pinesiols sect sae eteePecee mecaca ai. crece see 121
JPEG sohletadanl sacra neocon cree erate eyo Ren RM crs Goeee aha Ne conan Peat nie 4
(Chat odob one concn manne eotct eres area te ae Den esac se rma cc se Ccome ABA naan 10

MO tal snavcetasnace sean Wie ssesscuiee Co Ssaee noes aE ous atae 1,190

Number of applicants supplied, 532. SS

British Columbia,

CBRLE Lac. cab occ ec EGER DROS EDOC CBP EE Jon RCO EE ans SPARO EERE Rac pa Bra AaaD 65
IanO yaeree shies sass oc ace sioe sen taav asker sousve devadoadventtandoonsoeceaweases 62
\W/IN@D inc cacacock ene baGRenHbet onboad. bantonorene Sia scoposdasorcassoneanscangs 38
EUV Gleaeiteilndren ares < ta stetngiwsicavsuiasscage usbesdewatenlaadevasmeertiaee 1
Wor Gato sancuch,.. “SP ascerscamecn erraeduatondhcancsoatanees 166

Number of applicants supplied, 52. ==>

=

10

The following shows the total number of packages of the different varieties
distributed :—

Oats

PrizexClustergecccse s.ncemetenaere tesecoseos orice sasienencace sceemneces 3,251
WiiCtOria Prize ietes tects. e-astccsercscecsaiens Stescce sciecieeenceconecee 319
AvanoaS couch anweececesesecnecestecesacseiaestareerercsaseeestees 204
Blacks Narbarianswacsscsuemmesach ses oo tecnde seen cee ee ences 198
Hanliysehace-hOrsOssesesenssssessti-ce- ee cteeaceeneaaceeceeeeeeeaes 143
BAT Chess see eecetceseesee se eee eee Spobrpconenrnriodde SSE arrinrcoteen aoc 21
Canadiant Mniumyp hi eeseecess-ek tececoseerdceeee ea te st csece sesso asccee 96
White Ritssiane- Acco: cs tsvacstecaeesace toate peonecteeots weeeasaceeces 20%
BONANZA ss oes cee sees sehen nace we eeaisceeeee te antes sok Gaeceeseeceeeacees 8
NAGY (tas 01\ seen aaecoecepabater noone odenaso opGeuaennesos UEaodNaG Riaenecsosciee : 1
a3 nl Ese aRaecosoencasor ieee ecdeosnacepoacas | deleasie se dsaiis suissisnelatesiatssieelsa il

No taloecccacechs-chstecee sae nwah codvecsaseoeeee Sarsameseecions 4,519

Barley—Two-rowed.

CarterissRrizeyProlificeinnesseccedesoonsaseessenescrel-eertenecoessweseee 1,125
Danisht@hevaltents. Gccscecusscsemeceect eameceerasectececee snes ste coe 2,139
Manish Printice Chovaliers:.-c1.ces-rdecesceeececceeesss) eteees 793
Be ardilesseccnscs tesccse sors outischetecied meee cmet clone niceotosectececeneeteaee 1,194
Taya Nadav i Eallinheysdspeeceeasophonnobjposoeaqcanujonce S609 aionobadedooos00 74
HA SMe be sehas secu axat acs be-nacaseecuscseeac cesses ct eces ene h esl eeieconcei det 3
Sales erdacecs octemee ces os tccioslseitnsticlen sig cduionee oateeige te slesiese suse cisiesnace 9
Peerless: Whiter: <.cs:..2) ascssese ste seceu se cececonts aceeesssmecierosae 51
Swedish yestscs cise scenmacne eater ans osmoastndnc soem scwsoncsssseeseesmec ener 1
hare: Two-rowed Naked): cc. scjasmaseenesecelon ences semester 83

Barley—Six-rowed.
Renniesmlimproyedsescscescsst-cascseteseces sat deatercoceeoneesectenee 5
IndiangtromiS piti Valley sccdeceoss cones scoecttncosceseeenes 23
Odessa Siero weds cescasccseat scecciotsass te uenebaccnsccececesect sects 13

MotB. ..c0...ssAasee accede ntaeles eles caress selects toemennn 41

Spring Wheat.

Wiad OG atin: Je abswustes acuecs oecnoes bese eseaseqedtecsoconteeececueeee meee 909
IRGOME Ife SeteG che eiee cesar anecee ea seine Rt euictteteeoereeseeeoe te 568
Wihite Hite. ti oiccatee 22 oso. des caeemeeee s siome tence eecseosee sameness 329
Beye Il Ae) gees Boe eee aaa eee eee cocoerenracoatcre eapconscntocdoacroabe 291
Samoa) 2.6 shots ctaseelocis oe sarectaome siecle tects opens eelncmcerter ceinemaoiee 53
White: Russian ics cf avcescacapet unseat sesdeiniclel cosas ececneemesitaesee 25
Campbellis Wihite Chaft. 2.5. .2.....:-esssaceisscesessetmsseneasensares 26

HAG} 7 Baerian candace dondodaneepaods sec sabuouchocoddna6000b00 006 2,201

11
2 Corn
Mikchellisubarlivacnceescesensacstesscreassesl sector osecovcwssoesescoreeecw -9
Cingmantinese- cess se seose eset ere ee eaters esis bees cemcenen oes cen see 11
MO balls) e. ee ssecesce ae ececee sesso Geos eveses sls cisceescns 20
Iecoye aver (Galea | 82 nocucase, 6. ga60 sophoopccune ees sobspanEEScoRUOrauBac 1

Total number of samples distributed, 12,353.
Number of applicants supplied, 5,890.

REPORTS RECEIVED FROM SAMPLES DISTRIBUTED WITH SOME RESULTS OF FIELD CROPS
Prize Cluster Oats.

The results of field experiments with this promising variety of oats during the
past year are as follows:—At the Central Experimental Farm the yield has varied
on different soils (excluding those plots which were purposely sown late) from 37
bushels and 2 lbs. to 283 bushels, weighing from 41 to 42 lbs. per bushel. On the
Experimental Farm at Nappan,NovaScotia, the yield has been 224 bushels per acre,
weighing 40 lbs. per bushel, at Brandon, Man., 54 bushels 14 Ibs per acre, weighing
424 lbs. per bushel, and at Indian Head, in the North-West Territories, 63 bushels
per acre, weighing 45 lbs. per bushel. In time of ripening it has generally proved
from two or three days to a week or more earlier than most other sorts. In the fol-
lowing summary of results by Provinces extracts are given from a few of the reports
_ from those farmers who have had the largest yields from the 3-lb. samples distri-
buted last spring.

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND.

| Number of reports received, 24; average yield, from 3 lbs. 653 lbs.; average
_ weight per bushel, 404 lbs. The heaviest sample weighed 43} lbs. per bushel, and
was grown by J. Wismer, of Monagan, P.E.I., who reports a yield of 70 Ibs.

James Corcoran of Piusville, Lot 4, P. E. I, reports a yield of 180 lbs. from
3 Ibs. sown, andsays: “ Sown June 3rd, onsandy loam (date of harvesting not given) ;
no rust, no smut, straw bright yellow. I will sow all these oats another season.”
The sample sent weighed 374 lbs. per bushel.

E. T. Wright, of Middleton, P.E.I., had a yield of 110 lbs. from 3 Ibs. of seed. He
says : “Sown 6th May, harvested 25th August. Though our oats were all, or nearly
all, rusted more or less, this was bright and clean—no rust. Straw medium length,
and stronger and stiffer than some other varieties of white oats that I have grown,
This is the earliest ripening variety of oats that we have sown, and is as heavy as any
other white oat grown here. I think this is the very best variety of white oats that
we have tested on our farm; am well pleased with it.” The sample sent weighed
394 lbs. per bushel.

NOVA SCOTIA,

Number of reports received, 16; average yield, 38 lbs.; average weight per
bushel, 38 lbs. The heaviest sample weighed 424 lbs. This was grown by R.
McDonald, of Indian Brook, N.S., who reports a yield of 16 Ibs.

Frank Lindsay, of Gay’s River, N.S., harvested 83 lbs. from 3 lbs. sown. He says:
“ Sown 14th May, on gravelly loam; harvested 27th August. There was no rust ; very
little smut; straw medium height, bright and stiff; about eight days earlier than
other varieties, and a better crop. I like this grain very well, and will sow it again
next year. The aphis attacked it some, but I don’t think much harm was done.”
Sample sent weighed 394 lbs. per bushel.

Jacob Weismer, New Germany, N.S., had 66 lbs. He says: “Sown Ist May;
harvested 13th August; no rust or smut; the character of the straw was excellent ;

it compared very favourably with other varieties, ripened earlier and weighed heavier.
I consider it a promising grain.” The sample sent weighed 41 lbs. per bushel.

NEW ERUNSWICK,.

Number of reports received, 6 ; the average yield was 48 lbs; average weight
per bushel, 392 lbs. The heaviest sample weighed 413 lbs. This was grown by W.
Jenkins, of Nashwaak, N.B., who had a yield of 403 lbs.

Hiram H. Vesey, sr., North Lake, N.B., had 74 lbs. from 3 lbs. sown. He
reports: ‘““Sown 9th June on clay loam; harvested 13th September ; no rust; a few
heads of smut ; straw tall and stout ; it ripens in about the same time, but is a little
heavier than other sorts that I had sown.” Weight of this sample was 38 lbs. per
bushel.

John Thomas, of Green Hill, Stanley, N.B., had 68 lbs. He says: “Sown 26th
May; harvested 6th September; it was badly affected with rust, which was general
all over New Brunswick with all varieties; straw strong and bright ; stood up well.
I cannot call it early, but would class it as second early; will be a valuable sort for
New Brunswick, which is pre-eminently an oat growing country.” The sample
sent weighed 41+ lbs. per bushel.

J. C. Murray, Central Kingsclear, harvested 50 lbs. from 3 lbs. of seed, and says:
“Sown 22nd May on clay soil; harvested 28th August; there was no rust or smut;

‘straw bright and well headed ; earlier than other sorts. From the samples sent to
me and Mr. Humbel, of Stanley, we took first and second prizes at the Fredericton
Fair.” In this case no sample was sent.

QUEBEC,

Number of reports received, 30; average yield, 453 lbs.; average weight per
bushel, 352 lbs. The heaviest sample weighed 42 lbs. per bushel, and was grown by
A. E. McCarthy, of Henryville, who also had the heaviest yield.

A. E. McCarthy, Henryville, Que., had 1024 lbs. from 3 Ibs. of seed. He
reports: “Sown 23rd May. on heavy ‘grey’ soil; harvested 24th August; no
rust or smut; straw medium coarse and 4 feet 9 inches long ; ripens six to eight
days earlier than other sorts ; heavier than common sorts. I find the Prize Cluster
oats,to be well adapted to this section of country.” Sample weighed 42 lbs. per
bushel.

E. Lafierre, of St. Sebastian, had a yield of 90 lbs., and reports: “Sown 17th
May on good sandy soil; harvested Sth September; no rust; good straw. It
ripens about the same time as other sorts. The season has been unfavourable, and
this grain has suffered.” This sample weighed 404 lbs. per bushel.

T. S. Evans, of Trenholmville, reports a yield of 85 lbs., and says: “Sown 17th
May on heavy loam ; harvested 19th August; there was no rust or smut; straw
bright and stiff, 4 feet high; it was about eight days earlier than our common
white oats. I consider it a valuable variety, and it appears to yield well.” Sample
weighed 38? lbs. per bushel.

ONTARIO.

Number of reports received, 161; average yield, 44? lbs.; average weight per
bushel, 381 lbs. The heaviest sample weighed 444 lbs. per bushel, and was grown
by Mr. W. B. Hough, of Sillsville, Ont., who reports a yield of 40 Ibs.

J. E. Noxon, of Hillier, Ont., had 156 lbs, from 3 lbs. sown. He reports: “Sown
18th April on clay loam mixed with limestone gravel; harvested 2nd August; no
rust or smut; straw good length, coarse and strong; ripened early; a good, bright,
heavy oat, which I thought yielded well.” Sample weighed 43 Ibs. per bushel.

Owen Robertson, of Mansewood, Halton County, Ont., had 130 lbs., and says:
“Sown April Ist on clay loam; harvested August 5th; there was slight rust, but no
smut; straw tall, very heavy, inclined to stool; ripens about same as New Zealand

: 13

oats. A rough storm took them down two weeks before harvesting, otherwise the
yield would have been immense.” This sample weighed 403 lbs. per bushel.

R. M. Brown, of Clarksburg, Ont., reports a yield of 125 lbs. from 3 lbs. of seed,
and says: “ Sown 25th March and 1st April on loam, with a gravel subsoil; harvested
15th August; rust very bad, otherwise there would have been one-third more grain;
no smut; straw very strong and tall, 5 feet, more like rushes than oat straw; some
heads 17 inches long; equal, as to earliness, with other varieties, but had more rust.”
Sample weighed 384 Ibs. per bushel.

MANITOBA,

Number of reports received, 27; average yield, 674 lbs.; average weight per
bushel, 383 lbs. The heaviest sample weighed 43? lbs., and was grown by Mr. Steven,
of Virden, Man., who says the blackbirds consumed a large part of the crop and
left him only 49 Ibs.

C. E. Porritt, of Treherne, Man., harvested 154 lbs. from 3 lbs. sown, He says:
“Sown 29th May on strong black loam with clay subsoil; harvested 4th September;
the straw was badly rusted, owing no doubt to the wet, dull weather; all oats in this
section of the country were the same; straw very long and stiff. The past season
was not suitable for testing grain as to early ripening, owing to continued cold wet
weather in August. The weight per bushel is about the same as Clydesdale, but I
think our land was too well worked, and that on old land a heavier sample of grain
and less bulk of straw would be produced. I hope to have a better sample next
year.” The sample sent was very light, weighing only 26 lbs. per bushel.

EK. McKeever, of Virden, Man., had 130 Ibs., and reports: “Sown 6th May;
on light loam, sandy subsoil, harvested 14th August, ; there was a little rust ; no smut;
straw 5 feet 2 inches, very lank. 'They were the first to cut; the wind laid them
flat to the ground, or I could have cut them a week sooner.” The weight of this
sample was 35 lbs. per bushel.

NORTH-WEST TERRITORIES.

Number of reports received, 36; average yield, 633 lbs.; average weight
per bushel, 38 Ibs. The heaviest sample, which weighed 444 lbs., was grown by
John Stewart, of Red Deer, Alberta, who also had the heaviest crop.

John Stewart, Red Deer, N.-W. T.; reports a yield of 146 lbs., from 3 lbs., sown.
He says: ‘“Sown 29th April on sandy loam; harvested 18th August; no rust or
smut; straw medium for coarseness, about 4 feet high. Ripened ten days earlier
than Sandwich oats sown same time on same soil; only tried these two varieties.
Heavy, fine grain; think very highly of it; shall sow all I have. I don’t think the
equal of it was grown in this settlement.” Weight of sample, 444 lbs. per bushel.

W. Tingey, of Mavieton, N.-W. T., had 120 lbs., and says: ‘“Sown 26th April;
harvested 13th August; no rust or smut; straw long, clean and bright, 3} feet in
height; grain plump and heavy; ripens about same time as Welcome, and about
eight or ten days eurlier than Black or White Tartarian; one half this plot was
eaten off close to the ground by cattle, just as it was heading out. This part was
harvested Ist September, from second growth.” The weight of this sample was 42
lbs. per bushel.

BRITISH COLUMBIA,

Number of reports received, 5; average yield, 125 lbs.; average weight per
bushel, 432 lbs. The heaviest sample was grown by J. T. Hawks, Soda Creek,
B. C., who reports a yield of 37 lbs. This sample weighed 461"lbs. per bushel.

Wm. Tasker, of Ladner’s Landing, B.C., had 220 lbs., from 3 lbs. sown. He says:
“Sown 5th May; on sandy loam harvested 5th August; no rust, some smut, strong
straw, was one week earlier than Black Tartarian sown alongside, but do not think

it will yield as well.” The sample sent weighed 453 lbs, per bushel.

14

Thos. Morgan, of Cache Creek, B. C., had 208 lbs. from 3 lbs. sown. He says:
“Sown 21st May on sandy virgin soil; harvested 23rd August; no rust or smut;
straw tall, strong and bright; compares well with other varieties. I consider it
Een and intend keeping it all for seed.” Sample sent weighs 454 lbs. per

ushel,

Victoria Prize.

This recently introduced variety of white oats resembles in many respects the
Prize Cluster, but is a little larger and longer in the kernel, and two or three days
later in ripening. Like the Prize Cluster, it is a branching oat, a vigorous grower,
with a plump and heavy kernel. In field crops on the several Experimental Farms
the record for this variety during the past year is as follows: On the Central Ex-
perimental Farm at Ottawa three different plots have been grown witha yield ranging
from 36% to 384 bushels per acre, weighing 41 to 414 lbs. per bushel; and at Nap-
pan, N.S., the yield has been 31 bushels per acre, weighing 423 lbs. per bushel.

Mr. Heber Rawlings, of Ravenswood, Ont., had 110 lbs. from 3 lbs. sown. He
reports: ‘Sown 12th April on clay loam; ripe 4th August; was rusted (all oats
were rusted here); no smut; straw very good; about 5 feet high. It was a very
good crop; I can tell no difference between these and the Prize Cluster ;” weight of
sample, 404 lbs. per bushel. The heaviest sample sent from Ontario was forwarded
by Mr. J. Johnston, of Auburn, Ont., and weighed 41} lbs. per bushel. Mr. Johns-
ton reports a yield of 72 Ibs.

Mr. Louis Dussault, of Yamachiche, Que., reports a yield of 514 lbs. He says:
“Sown 8th May on black soil; ripe 22nd August; there was a little rust, but less
than ordinary; straw of fair quality ; ten to twelve days earlier than other varieties
here.”

The heaviest sample from this Province weighed 40 lbs. per bushel, it was sent
by Mr. G. Suggett, of Mystic, Que., who reports a yield of 40 lbs.

Robert Wiiliams, Long Reach, King’s Co., New Brunswick, harvested 81 lbs.

from 3 Ibs. of seed, and says: “ It was sown 26th April on dry, light loam; ripe,
15th August; there was no rust or smut; it was affected with red leaf, but not so
bad as other oats; straw strong and bright; grain heavier than other sorts, and ten
aye eevlier other oats very poor as a rule.” The sample sent weighed 38} lbs.
per bushel.
John Butcher, Upper Musquodoboit, Nova Scotia, had 60 lbs., and reports:
“Sown on 17th May, on deep loam, with clay bottom; ripe 2nd September; there
was a little rust but no smut; straw strong and stout, quite long; was better than
some other kinds, I think this seed would be a good change for this Province.”
No sample was received from Mr. Butcher. The heaviest specimen received from
this Province weighed 40 lbs.; this was from Wm. Horton, of Upper Musquodobit,
who reports a yield of 45 Ibs.

Other Provinces not yet heard from,

Flying Scotchman Oats.

This is also a plump, white oat, which has succeeded very well in many
districts. At the Central Experimental Farm it has yielded from 36% to 40}
bushels per acre, weighing 40} lbs. per bushel; at Nappan, N.S., 393 bushels per acre,
weighing 364 Ibs. per bushel; at Brandon, Man., 71 44 bushels per acre, weighing
393 lbs. per bushel; at Indian Head, 53 3% bushels per acre, weighing 42 lbs. per
bushel ; and at Agassiz, B.C., 6 lbs. yielded a crop of 69 lbs., weighing 393 lbs. per
bushel.

W. B. Terry, of Keswick, Ont., had a yield of 100 Ibs. from 3 lbs. sown, and
says: “Sown, 17th May, on loamy soil, which had turnips the year before ; harvested,
Ist September; no rust or smut; straw good and bright, with reasonably good weight
to support the grain, I think it compares favourably in all respects with other

_varieties. It was sown rather late, and the sparrows destroyed some of it, yet the

OE Np MPN Ot AAR toc ge TOT es:

3 :

yield was good.” The sample sent weighed 333 lbs. per bushel. The heaviest speci-
men received from Ontario weighed 374 lbs. This was sent by A. Stewart, of Kin-
more, Ont., who reports a yield of 56 lbs.

J. B. Gauthier, of St. Irénée, Que., had 55 lbs. He says: “ Sown 19th May, on
sandy soil; ripe 22nd August; no rust nor smut; straw very good ; fifteen days
earlier than other varieties grown here.”

Wm. Fox, of Middle Musquodoboit, Nova Scotia, had a crop of 72 lbs., and says:
“Sown 12th May, on gravelly soil;’—date of harvesting not given—“ there was a
little rust, no smut; straw heavy; ripens about the same as other sorts, with a little
better weight of crop; sample weighed, 36 lbs. per bushel.”

Other Provinces yet to hear from.

Black Tartarian Oats.

A very fine lot of Black Tartarian was imported from Scotland in the spring of
1890, weighing 42 lbs. per bushel, but they did not succeed, on the whole, so well as
was expected. At the Central Farm the yield was 263 bushels per acre, weighing 35
Ibs. per bushel; at Nappan, N.S., 51 bushels per acre, weighing 33 lbs. per bushel; at
Brandon, Man., the yield was 77 bushels, 14 lbs. per acre, weighing 34 lbs. per
bushel ; and at Indian Head, 74 bushels 30 lbs. per acre, weighing 40 lbs. per bushel.
This variety was not tested at Agassiz, B.C.

From Ontario eight reports have been received, with an average yield of 54 Ibs.,
weighing 312 lbs. per bushel. From Quebec three reports, averaging 52 lbs., weighing
34} lbs. per bushel. New Brunswick, one report ; yield, 31 lbs. ; weight, 323 lbs. per
bushel. Prince Edward Island, six reports; average yield, 723 lbs, weighing 331 lbs.
per bushel. From Manitoba, two reports; average yield, 514 lbs. ; weight, 342 lbs.
per bushel; and from the North-West Territories, one report; yield, 41 lbs. ; weight,
31% lbs. per bushel.

B. Birch, of Lambeth, Ont., reports a yield of 102 lbs. from 3 lbs. of seed and
says: ““Sown Ist May, on clay loam; harvested 10th August; no rust, no smut;
straw large, strong and bright ; a little on the late side, but a good heavy crop.” The
weight of the sample sent was 303 lbs. per bushel. The heaviest specimen from
Ontario weighed 36 lbs. This was from J. Marshall, of Pine Grove, Ont., who does
not give the yield.

J. & C. Black, of Thurso, Que., had 64 lbs., and report as follows: “Sown 12th
| May, on clay soil; ripe 14th August; no rust, no smut; straw coarse, strong and
bright.” Sample sent weighed 36 lbs. per bushel.

H. Doney, of Johnston, N.B., had 31 Ibs., and says: “Sown, 26th May, on clay

; loam; harvested, 30th September; leaves turned red, like all the oat crop about here ;

; straw middling coarse. Outs were almost a total failure in this section of the country
owing to bad weather setting in before they were fit to cut;” sample weighed 324
lbs. per bushel.

A. E. Dewar, of Southport, P.E.I., had 120 Ibs. from 3 Ibs. sown. He says:
“Sown, 12th May, on clay loam; harvested 14th September; no rust, no smut, straw
very stout, later than other kinds; Prize Cluster gave 108 lbs. from 3 lbs. of seed.
The season was the worst for oats we have had here for many years.” This sample
weighed 32 lbs. per bushel.

A. Grant, of Burnbank, Manitoba, reports a yield of 62 lbs., weighing 344 lbs. per
bushel, and A. S. Harding of Whitewood, N.W.T., 56 lbs., weighing 29 lbs. per bushel.

Banner.
This variety, grown on the Central Farm, gave on one plot a yield of 522 bushels
‘per acre, weighing 323 lbs. per bushel, on another plot 22? bushels, weighing 302 lbs.
er bushel. At Nappan the yield was 474 bushels, weighing 33 lbs. per bushel; at
randon, Man., 73% bushels, weighing 39 lbs. per bushel ; at Indian Head, N.W.T.,
583 bushels, weighing 40 lbs., and at Agassiz 68 lbs were harvested from 6 lbs. sown

16

Very few reports have yet heen received. Mr. Davy of Glendale, Ont., had
45 lbs. from 3 lbs. sown. He says: “No rust or smut, very stout straw, is the best
oat in straw crop and the cleanest we ever sowed; will sow them again another
year.” The sample sent weighed 35 Ibs. per bushel.

J. M. Crindle, of Ellershouse, Hants, N.S., had 36 Ibs. and says: “Sown 14th
May on a somewhat slaty soil, harvested 22nd August, badly rusted, a good deal ot
smut. The sample I send is very inferior. | had about an acre of Banner oats sown
ten days later that did much better, not so much rust.” The sample sent was very
light, weighing but 24# Ibs. per bushel.

L. O. Lemieux, of Oak Lake, Man., from 3 Ibs. of the same lot of seed had a
yield of 196 lbs. and says: “Sown 23rd May, on sandy loam, harvested 30th August,
no rust, very little smut, straw very strong and long 5 ft. 1 inch, not so early as
Prize Cluster, yield would have been better but for wet weather and wind which
made it lodge.” Weight of this sample, 33 lbs. per bushel,

But very few returns have been received of Bonanza, Karly Race Horse, Cana-
dian Triumph and White Russian, and a safe judgment can probably be formed of
these varieties by comparing the yields obtained on the several Experimental Farms.

Two-RoweEp Bar.Ley.
Prize Prolific (Carter's).

The yield per acre and weight per bushel of this promising variety of two-rowed
barley has been as follows :—Central Farm on different plots, from 24 to 404 bushels,
weighing 52 lbs. ; Nappan, N.S., 25 bushels, weighing 494 lbs. ; Brandon. Man., 424
to 592 bushels, weighing from 504 to 512 lbs., and at Indian Head, N.W.T., 494
bushels, weighing 52+ Ibs.

The average yield as given by forty-one reports from Ontario is 49 lbs. ; of nine
from Quebec, 57 Ibs. ; five from Nova Scotia, 481 lbs. ; one from New Brunswick
vives 23 lbs.; thirteen from Prince Edward Island, 57} lbs. ; nine from Manitoba,
702 lbs., twelve from the North-West Territories, 74, lbs., and four from British
Columbia, 1324 Ibs. :

M. Heselwood, of Londesboro’, Ont., had a yield of 130 Ibs. from 3 lbs of seed,
and says: “Sown 25th April, on clay loam; harvested 4th August; no rust or smut:
straw long and clean; not so early as some varieties. Am well satisfied with the
barley.” The weight of this sample was 534 lbs per bushel.

D, Currie, of Queen Hill, Ont., had 108 lbs. He says: ‘“Sown 5th May ; har-
vested Ist August; no rust or smut: straw clean.” Mr, Currie says that this barley
weighs 54 lbs. per bushei, but the sample sent was not sufficient to enable us to
determine the weight.

David Ferguson, of Constance, reports a yield of 5 bushels from 3 lbs. of seed,
and says: “Sown 15th April, on well prepared clay loam ; harvested 8th August ;
no rust or smut; straw bright and coarse; ten days later than other sorts; it is very
good barley.” The weight of this sample was 513 Ibs.

George Ashby, Ste. Marie de Monnoir, Que., had 170 lbs., from3 lbs. of seed. He
says: “Sown 12th May on clay soil, harvested 25th August; no rust, no smut.
straw short.” The sample weighed 52} lbs. per bushel.

A. E. McCarthy of Henryville, Que., had 674 lbs. from 3 lbs. sown and reports
as follows : “ Sown 23rd May on heavy grey soil; harvested 3rd Sept. ; no rust or smut,
straw medium coarse, ripens 15 days later than common sorts, but weighs 3 to 4 lbs.
more per bushel. As this has been an exceptionally poor year for barley, I consider
this a fair yield.” The sample sent weighed 483 lbs. per bushel.

Rev. M. Le Curé, St. Joachim, Que., reports a yield of 1}? bushels and says:
“Sown 15th May on grey gravel soil, harvested 15th August, no rust, no smut, nice
straw.” Sample weighed 48 lbs. per bushel.

M. J. B. Alise, St. Marie de Monnoir, Que., had 40 lbs. He says: “Sown 26tb
April on clay soil, harvested 8th August, no rust, no smut, straw good; late: +ban
other kinds.” This sample weighed 504 Ibs. per bushel.

17

J. B. Lane, of Dorchester, New Brunswick, reports a yield of 75 lbs. from 3 lbs.
of seed, but no sample has been received from him.

F. Lindsay, Suy’s River, Nova Scotia, had 74 Ibs. from 3 lbs. of seed, and says:
“Sown 14th May on gravelly loam, harvested 27th August, norust, some smut; straw
short and bright ; like this barley well and will sow it next year.” Sample weighed
45 lbs. per bushel.

C. Newcomb, Weymouth, N.S., had a yield of 60 lbs. and reports: “ Sown 10th
May on heavy loam, harvested 10th October, no rust; no smut; straw bright but
very short, compares favourably with other varieties.” Sample weighed 504 lbs.

J.J. Wismer, Monaghan Road, P. E.1., reports a yield of 90 lbs. from 3 Ibs.
sown. He says: “Sown 17th May on clay soil (over rich, as one half of barley lodged
badly); harvested 25th August, no rust or smut; straw dark on account of being
lodged.” Weight of sample, 493 lbs.

John McDonald, West St. Peters, P. E. I., had 80 lbs. and says : “ Sown 16th May
on sandy loam; harvested 20th August; no rust or smut; straw good.” Weight of
sample, 503 lbs. per bushel.

T. B. Gerry, of Souristord, Manitoba, reports a yield of 135 lbs.,and says: “Sown
10th May on black loam, clay subsoil, harvested 25th August, no rust or smut, straw
3 feet long, stood up well for the year with so much rain; one week later than six-
rowed sown same time, but gave much more grain, would have had one-third more,
but the birds eat a great deal of it.” Weight of sample, 52 lbs. per bushel.

C. Shaw, of Heaslip, Man., had 104 lbs. He says: “Sown 8th May on stiff black
loam, harvested 20th August, no rust or smut, straw rather soft, it went down with
the heavy rains.” Sample weighed 51 Ibs. per bushel.

Wm. Tingey, Marieton, N. W. T., reports a yield of 200 lbs. from 3 lbs. sown,
and says: “Sown 7th May, on sandy loam, harvested 25th August, no rust or smut,
straw strong and very bright; height 3 feet, ripens in about the same time as the
common six-rowed ; is a much heavier cropper ; grows a larger and plumper grain. I
think the Prize Prolific barley will greatly improve if grown again next year.”
Sample weighed 494 lbs. per bushel.

James Russell, of Longlaketon, N.W.T., had a yield of 130 lbs.,and says: “Sown

5th May on black loam with clay subsoil, harvested 20th August, no rust or smut,
straw rank and soft, it may be a few days late, but nothing to hurt. I consider it
_ far superior to any other sort.” No sample was reccived from Mr. Russell.
} Thos. Morgan, of Cache Creek, British Columbia, reports a yield of 218 lbs, from
_ 3 Ibs. ofseed. He says: “Sown 24th April on sandy loam, with some gravel, har-
vested 9th August, no rust or smut, straw bright and tall. I like it very much.”
Weight of sample, 52 lbs. per bushel.

D. Graham, of Spillamacheen, B. C., had 160 lbs., and says: “Sown 22nd April
on clay loam, harvested 9th August, no rust or smut, straw very fair, stands up
better than English Malting received last year; both very similar to Chevalier.
Sowed about 110 lbs. of English Malting barley on two acres adjoining and threshed
5,500 Ibs.” Sample of Prize Prolific weighed 533 Ibs. and English Malting 543 Ibs.

er bushel.
4 J. Tolmie, Cloverdale, Victoria, B. C., had a yield of 77 lbs. and says: “Sown
22nd April on red clay soil, harvested 11th August, no rust, 4 heads smut, straw
_elean and bright, some lodged, about the same as other barley for earliness.’ This
sample weighed 554 lbs.

Danish Chevalier.

The results of field crops of this variety on the Experimental Farms during the
past season are as follows: Central Experimental Farm, from 23} to 252 bushels per
acre, weighing from 51 to 52 lbs. per bushel; at Brandon, Man., 514 bushels per
acre, weighing 53 lbs. per bushel; and at Indian Head, N. W.T., 4612 bushel per
acre, weighing 47? lbs per bushel.

The average yield, as far as given in one hundred reports from Ontario, is 524
ibs. ; of twenty-two from Quebec, 393 lbs.; thirteen from Nova Scotia, 524 lbs.; three
1 6c—2

18

from New Brunswick, 331 lbs.; nine from Prince Edward Island, 681 lbs.; ten from
Manitoba, 60} lbs; twenty-five from the North-West Territories, 774 lbs.; and one
report from British Columbia, 33 lbs.

Henry Stall, Rob Roy, Ont., reports a yield of 160 lbs. from 3 lbs. sown, and
says: “Sown 6th May on loamy soil in orchard, harvested 8th Sept., no rust or smut,
straw talland stout. It is later than other kinds, but weighs heavier, is a good
barley to raise in this part of the country.” Sample sent weighed 47? lbs., very light,
probably due to late sowing.

R. M. Brown, of Clarkesburg, Ont., had 152 from 3 lbs. of seed. He says:
“Sown 1st April, on loam with gravel subsoil, harvested 14th August, no rust or
smut, straw large, bright but weak, twelve days later than six-rowed sowed same
date. I never saw grain stool like it before, some plants had 27 heads.” The
weight of this sample was 52 lbs. per bushel. :

J. E. Noxon, of Hillier, Ont., had 131 lbs., weighing 50 Ibs. per bushel. R. W.
Bass, of Oxford Centre, 110 lbs., weighing 53 lbs. per bushel, and Robert Martin, of
Lucknow, 93 lbs, weighing 53} lbs. per bushel.

E. Laffierre, of St. Sebastien, Que., reports a yield of 100 lbs, and says: “Sown
31st May on new land, yellow and grey soil, harvested 2nd Sept., no rust, straw of
good quality, This grain has suffered from bad weather in the autumn.” Sample
weighed 47 lbs. per bushel.

Mr. H. Batchelder, of Hatley, Que., had 62 lbs. He says: “Sown 20th May on
medium light loam, harvested 20th August, no rust, no smut, straw rather short,
firm and stands well, as early as any other varieties here and extra heayy weight.”
Weight of this sample 514 Ibs. per bushel.

John Foster, of North Kingston, N.S., had 84 lbs. from 3 lbs. sown, and says:
“Sown 27th May, on deep dark loam; harvested 10th September; no rust or smut,
straw good, heads long, well-filled, in every way satisfactory.” Sample sent was
very light, weighed only 453 lbs per bushel, due probably to late sowing.

Jacob Weismer, Néw Germany, N.S., had 76 lbs. He says: ‘Sown 10th May,
on light loam; harvested 19th August; very slightly rusted, no smut, straw good.
Ripened earlier than other kinds and better weight; consider this a choice grain.”
This sample weighed 48 lbs per bushel.

Robert Williams, of Long Reach, King’s Co., N.B., had 52 Ibs., and says: “ Bag
was torn on arrival, did not have 3 lbs to sow. Sown 26th April, on light dry loam ;
harvested 17th August; no rust or smut, straw rather weak, broke down consider-
ably, earlier and heavier than other varieties; think very much of this grain.”
Sample sent weighed 514 Ibs. per bushel.

Wellington Mutch, of Eldon, P.B.I., had 100 lbs. from 3 lbs. sown, and reports:
“Sown 17th May, on light but fairly rich soil; harvested 28th August; no rust or
smut, straw light and short; very little barley sown here, but think this better than
barley generally sown here.” The weight of this sample was 50 Ibs. per bushel.

James Brown, of Stanley Bridge, P.E.I., had 85 lbs. and says: “Sown 5th June, on
heavy soil, summer fallowed; harvested 9th September; no rust or smut; straw
dark with continued wet weather.” Weight of sample, 494 lbs.

T. B. Gerry, of Sourisford, Manitoba, had a yield of 130 lbs. from 3 lbs, sown, and
says: ‘“Sown 10th May, on black loam, with clay subsoil, harvested 25th August;
no rust or smut; straw about 3 feet long; in ordinary years would stand up well,
but this year much rain has partially lodged it; is a week later than the six-rowed,
but a heavier yielder.” Sample weighed 49 lbs per bushel.

L. O. Lemieux, of Oak Lake, Man., had 68 lbs., and says: “Sown 23rd May, on
sandy loam; harvested 24th August, no rust or smut; good heavy straw; did not
lodge as badly as some others.” Weight of sample 483 lbs per bushel.

Mr. C. H. Maewatt, of Royal, Man., sent asample weighing 504 lbs. per bushel,
but did not give the yield, he says, however: “I have two bushels. for seed, it made
good growth and is a good bearer, but I prefer Carter’s Prize Prolific.

John Dunn, of Ellesboro, N.W.T., had 168 lbs. from 3 lbs. of seed, and says:
“Sown 19th April on black sandy loam; harvested 10th August; no rust or smut;

straw long and coarse; is hardly as early as other sorts, but bears double the crop.”
Weight of sample, 46 lbs. per bushel.

Wilfred Wilde, of Grenfell, N. W.T., had 144 lbs. and says: “Sown 20th May
on black sandy loam with clay subsoil; harvested 24th August; no rust or smut,
straw, strong, light colour about 34 feet high, not any earlier but much better than
other sorts; am very much pleased with it. I took four first prizes with it at four
different Agricultural Exhibitions, and it was much admired by all who saw it.”
Weight of sample, 48? lbs. per bushel.

J. F. Hawks, Soda Creek, B.C., reports a yield of 33 lbs. from 3 lbs, of seed. He
says: “Sown about 12th May, on gravelly loam, harvested about 1st September ; no
rust or smut; straw bright and of good length; had no extra care or attention.” The
weight of this sample was 544 lbs. per bushel.

Beardless.

This variety has received the name of Beardless for the reason that when fully
ripe many of the heads partly or wholly lose their beards. The yield of this variety
in field plots on the Experimental Farms has been as follows: At the Central Farm,
Ottawa, from 25? to 264 bushels per acre, weighing 513 lbs. per bushel; at Brandon,
Man., 484 bushels per acre, weighing 524 lbs. per bushel, and at Indian Head 45
bushels per acre, weighing 514 lbs. per bushel.

Special prizes were offered by the proprietors of the Canadian Live Stock Journal,
Toronto, for the largest yield and best quality of Beardless barley raised froma 3 lb.
sample, which has had the effect of stimulating effort in this direction and hence
larger yields are reported in Ontario for this barley than for any other variety.

The average yield as given in 65 reports from Ontario, is 70% lbs.; of 26 from
Quebec, 34 lbs. ; three from Nova Scotia, 252 lbs.; one from New Brunswick, 76 lbs. ;
three from Prince Edward [sland, 63 lbs.: four from Manitoba, 601 lbs.; and two from
the North-West Territories, 42 lbs.

J. B. Lawrie, of Mongolia, Ont., reports a yield of 3783 lbs. from 3 lbs. of seed
sown on a plot of 420 by 20 feet, in drills about 8 inches apart. Hesays: ‘Sown
24th April on clay loam; harvested 12th August; straw bright; pretty stiff and of
fair length.” Weight of sample, 53 Ibs. per bushel.

Roger Wilson, of Goring, Ont., had 5 bushels and 14 lbs. (say 254 lbs.) from 3 lbs.
of seed. He says: ‘“Sown 3rd and 7th May on limestone loam in drills; harvested
22nd August; norust or smut; straw long and bright, two weeks later than four-
rowed.” Sample weighed 504 Ibs. per bushel.

Banwell Foote, of Zephyr, Ont., reports a yield of 228 lbs.; John Renwick, of
Lakenhurst, 155 lbs.; and George S. McKee, of 140 lbs. These very large yields from
the 3 lb. sample bags show what can be done to increase a new variety rapidly by
extra care and attention.

E. MeMillan, of Notre Dame du Laus, Que., had a yield of 73 Ibs. from 3 lbs. of
seed. Hesays: “Sown 6th May on loamy soil; harvested 29th August; no rust or
smut; straw short, not strong. The season was very wet and unfavourable; this
barley was later in ripening than other sorts and did not ripen evenly.” The sample
weighed 46 lbs. per bushel.

A. F. Bower, of Learned Plain, Que., had 67 lbs. and says: “Sown 14th May
on strong loam; harvested 29th August; there was a little rust, no smut; straw
strong and bright; season very unfavourable.” Sample weighed 474 lbs. per bushel.
The heaviest sample received from the Province of Quebec weighed 53 lbs. per
bushel, this was sent by E. Dupont, of St. Sévére, who reports a yield of 22 lbs.

W. J. Symonds, of Linwood, N.S., had 40 lbs. from 3 lbs. sown and says: “Sown
3rd June on light loam; harvested 20th September; straw bright; as to earliness
ripens about the same as other barley.” Sample weighed 484 lbs. per bushel.

Bayard Williams, of Long Reach, N.B., had 76 lbs. from 3 Ibs. of seed and says:
“Sown 27th May on sandy loam; harvested 23rd September; no rust or smut;

Straw good and heavy.” Sample was light, weighing only 464 lbs. per bushel.

6c—24

Hugh McQueen, of Orwell, P.E.L., had a yield of 40 lbs. and reports: ‘“ Sown
23rd May on a rich mellow soil; harvested 10th September; no rust or smut; straw
white and clean.” Sample weighed 494 lbs. per bushel.

A. E. Cook, of Dundee, Man., had 86 Ibs. from 3 lbs. sown: “Sown 9th May on
black clay loam; harvested 21st August; no rust or smut; straw long and fine,
lodged badly. I think if sown thin on good land it would be a heavy yielder, mine
gave at the rate of 60 bushels per acre, and had I made it cover twice as much
ground it would have gone 90 to 100 bushels.” Weight of sample 49 lbs. per bushel.

The reports received concerning the other varieties distributed are comparatively
few in number and may be briefly summarized as follows :—

Danish Printice Chevalier.—F rom Ontario seven reports have been received, the
average yield being 30 lbs.; from Quebec thirteen reports with an average of 25 lbs.,
and from Prince Edward Island one report with a yield of 70 lbs.

Peerless White-—— 'Two reports of tests of this variety were received from
Quebec, the average yield being 574 lbs.; one from Nova Scotia of 13 lbs., and four
from Prince Edward Edward Island, yield 473 lbs.

English Malting—Concerning this there were seven reports from Ontario with
an average yield of 38 lbs., and one from the North-West Territories with a yield of
20 lbs. With this latter sample the statement is made that “there was much wasted
as the harvest time was very wet.”

Thanet.—Two reports were received from Ontario regarding this barley, the
average yield being 69 lbs. There was one also from the same Province on the New
Zealand barley, the yield reported being 55 Ibs.

Large Two-rowed Naked.—The average yield of three reports from Ontario on
this large grained feeding barley was 22 lbs., and from one test in Manitoba 25 lbs.

Six-rowed Barley.

Rennie's Improved.—One report only has been received on this promising variety,
it comes from Ontario and the yield is given as 62 lbs.

Spiti Valley Barley.—This is a six-rowed, hulless varicty, the grain being of «:
bluish colour, and in some districts gives promise of being a valuable barley for
feeding purposes. Four reports from Ontario give an average yield of 274 lbs., one
from Nova Scotia 23 lbs. and one from the North-West Territories 60 Ibs.

Ladoga Wheat.

This early ripening wheat which was imported from Northern Russia, under
instructions of the Minister of Agriculture, in the spring of 1888, is rapidly gaining
in favour in the Canadian North-West, and while maintaining its relative earliness
appears to be improving in quality and yield. In most parts of Ontario and
some Other localities Hast this variety seems very liable to rust, but from the north-
ern parts of Ontario and Quebec and from Prince Edward Island the reports are
much more favourable. At the Central Farm nearly all the leading varieties of
spring wheat have given a poor yield, the Ladoga with its crop of 104 to 10$ bushels
per acre, weighing 56} lbs. per bushel, comparing favourable with many others. At
Nappan, N.S., the yield has been 19 bushels per acre, weighing 62 lbs. per bushel,
at Brandon, Man., 214 bushels, weigning 593 Ibs. per bushel, and at Indian Head,
N.W.T., 30 bushels per acre, weighing 59} lbs. per bushel.

From Ontario twenty-one reports have been received, giving an average of 30}
lbs., from Quebec twenty-three, averaging 293 lbs., Nova Scotia eight, with an aver-
age of 324 lbs., New Brunswick six, averaging 292 lbs., Prince Edward Island five,
giving an average of 594 lbs., Manitoba three, with an average of 314 Ibs., North-West
Territories eleven, averaging 68} lbs., and one report from British Columbia, where
the yield is said to have been 634 lbs. from 3 lbs. of seed.

Jas. Madill, of Dunedin, Ont., had 90 lbs. from 3 lbs. sown. He says: “Sown
30th April on light clay soil, harvested 20th August, there was some rust and some

smut, straw of medium length, rusted; weak, did not ripen earlier than other sorts.”
Sample sent was too small to determine weight per bushel.

Thos. Easton, of Acton West, Ont., had a yield of 52 lbs. from 3 lbs. sown. He
says: “Sown 18th April on gravelly loam, harvested 31st July. There was a little
rust and some smut, but not much, straw of fair length,a week earlier than other
wheat in this neighbourhood and about the same weight of crop.” Sample weighed
58 lbs. per bushel.

Owen Robertson, of Milton, Ont., had 50 lbs. and says: “Sown 17th April on
clay loam, harvested about 18th August, rusted very badly, no smut, straw of good
height, stood up well; the first spring wheat we have grown here.” Weight of
sample, 59 lbs. per bushel.

Edward McMillan, of Notre Dame du Laus, Que., had 61 lbs. He says; “ Sown
6th May on high loamy soil, harvested 29th August; a little rust. and a few heads of
smut, straw long and even, is good for the season.” In this instance the sample did
not reach us.

{ T. G. Evans, of Trenbolmville, reports a yield of 51 lbs. and says; “SownI7th

May, harvested 25th August; no rust whatever, no smut, straw good, stitfand b: ight;

was about a week earlier than the White Russian, weight about 60 !bs. to the

; bushel.” . No sample received. ‘The heaviest sample sent from Quebec was from M.

__ Florent Dufour, of Baie St. Paul. This weighed 622 lbs., and the yield was said to

be 20 lbs. ;

John Butcher, of Upper Musquodoboit, N. S., had 50 ibs., and says: “ Sown 12th

May on clay loam, harvested 24th August; it was rusted, but rust was very prevalent

in the province. There was no smut, straw tall and hard. I think it will do well

in good years.” The sample sent was very light, weighing only 55 lbs. per bushel.

S. Landray, of Tracadie, N.S., had 44 lbs. from 3 lbs. sown and says; “Sown

24th Muy, on dry gravelly soil; harvested 4th September ; there was no rust, but
some smut; good straw.” Weight of sample, 604 lbs.

Joseph de Grace, St. Louis, N. B., had 35% lbs. He says: “Sown 22nd May,

- onstrong land ; fairly rich ; harvested 30th August ; there was a little rust; no

_ Smut; fine straw ; 8 to 10 days earlier than other varieties ; I find the heads very
short.” Sample received weighed 594 lbs. per bushel.

W. Jenkins, of Nashwaak, N. B., had 35 lbs. and says: ‘“Sown 8th May, ona
light clay loam ; harvested 3rd September ; there was some rust, but none to hurt ;
no smut ; straw much like other sorts but coarser ; a heavy grain ; think it is earlier
than other kinds.” This sample weighed 62} lbs. per bushel.

J. D. Melsaac, of Clear Spring, P. E.I., had 94 lbs. from 3 lbs. sown and says:
“Sown 19th May, on new land ; harvested 30th August ; no rust, but considerable
smut; straw not as rank as White Russian. 1 cut it six days earlier than White
Russian and in crop it was far ahead.” Sample weighed 574 lbs. per bushel, sent just
as threshed, without cleaning.

John McDonald, of West St. Peters, had 90 Ibs. He reports: “Sown 16th May,
on sandy loam ; harvested 29th August ; no rust or smut; straw fairly good; heavy
growth ; 5 days earlier than Red Fife.” Sample weighed 61 lbs. per bushel.

‘Wm. Hembroff, of Russell, Manitoba, had 49 lbs. He says: ‘“Sown 18th April,
on clay loam with a small proportion of sand; harvested 19th August; there was
slight rust and some smut; straw long and strong, but not so hard as Fife; it
was 10 days earlier than Red Fife, which was sown on stubble a week sooner, The
yield was fully double the amount given, but the fowls and birds destroyed the
balance. I like it well and think it will suit this country.” Weight of sample,
584 lbs.

ig Maurice Wilson, of Pincher Creek, Alberta, N. W. T., had 903 lbs. from 3 lbs.
sown. He says: “Sown 25th April, on dark sandy loam ; harvested 1st Septem-
ber ; no rustor smut; straw medium; had no opportunity of comparing it with
other varieties as to earliness. This has been an unfavourable year for all grain, on
pe connt of drought.” The sample sent was very light, weighing only 54} lbs, per
bushel.

h. Fitzgerald, of Grenfell, Assa., N. W.T., had 73 lbs. and says: ‘“ Sown 3rd
May, on light sandy loam ; harvested 23rd August ; no rust or smut; straw long,
fine ; ripened 15 days earlier than my earliest field of Red Fife; weight, 62 lbs. to
the bushel ; suits me well ; if you have any to sell I would like to buy some.”

H. E, Richardson, of Bulgonie, Assa., had a yield of 60 lbs. He says: “Sownu
Ist May ; on light sandy soil; harvested 15th August; no rust, very little smut ;
straw strong, 44 feet long. It was ripe when Red Fife sownon the same day was
still green. I think itis the best wheat for this country.” This sample weighed
614 lbs. per bushel.

Thos. Morgan of Cache Creek, British Columbia, reports an extraordinary yield,
634 lbs. (10 bushels 34 lbs) from 3 lbs. of seed. He says: “ Sown 5th May, on rich
sandy loam, on which potatoes were grown last year ; in a high state of cultivation ;
sown broadcast on a little less than 4 of an acre; harvested 20th August; no rust
or smut; straw tall, over 5 feet high ; very strong ; much earlier than other sorts.
Parties who saw it before it was cut, said they never saw anything like it; all my
grain is grown by irrigation.” The sample sent was very fine and weighed 633 lbs.
per bushel. This is the largest yield ever reported from a 3 lb. sample, it is equal to
nearly 70 bushels per acre—50 bushels of wheat per acre is not uncommon in that
district on irrigated land. i

In consequence of the injury done to wheat by early frost in the North-West during
the past autumn more attention has been called to.early ripening varieties, and the
Ladoga has been much sought after for seed for next spring—for the reason that it
has ripened early enough to escape all injury from frost. There must be many far-
mers now who have more or less of this wheat for sale, and its cultivation from
this time forward promises to be more general. Mr. Samuel Hanna, of Griswold,
Man., has been one of the most successful growers of this variety. He began witha
3-Ib. sample the first year of its distribution from the Experimental Farm, and this has
increased so rapidly, that during the season just closed, he has grown fifty acres which
has given him an average yield of 30 bushels to the acre, or 1,500 bushels in all,
most of this he is now offering for sale for seed. A sample of this grain sent for
inspection weighs 60 lbs per bushel. Mr. Hanna’s Red Fife yielded him an average of
30 bushels also, but most of that had the advantage of being sown on summer fallow,
while the Ladoga was all put in on fall or spring ploughing. The Ladoga, he says, has
never been injured by frost with him, and in his opinion it is ten days earlier than Red
Fife. The wheat buyers haye graded his samples as No. 1 hard, but they would pre-
fer Red Fife if equally sound because it is more plump in the kernel. While Mr.
Hanna is a strong advocate of Red Fife, he believes that every farmer in the North-
West should have part of his crop in Ladoga, as it escapes frost, and the farmer can
begin his harvesting of this grain at least a week earlier than Red Fife.

In the issue of The Commercial, of Winnipeg, dated 2nd February, reference is
made to a very fine lot of Ladoga wheat grown in Prince Albert. The writer says:

“A representative of The Commercial, when in Prince Albert recently, came
across a sample of wheat which was 2 surprise to him. He had seen nothing like it
among hundreds of samples examined this season in other parts of the country. A
bag of this wheat was procured by the publisher of The Commercial, and samples of
the grain were forwarded to grain exchanges, milling publications, and leading wheat

‘ and flour dealers and experts in Canada, the United States and Great Britain. Replies
have not yet been received from some who were forwarded samples, but will be pub-
lished when they come to hand. The wheat we refer to was grown by William
Plaxton, whose farm is six miles from Prince Albert. The samples sent out were not
hand picked, as is usually the case with such, but just as it came out of the farm
granary, The wheat was grown in 1890, which is generally regarded as the most
unfavourable year experienced for almost a decade so far as producing a fine quality
isconcerned. The wheat is of the “Ladoga” variety, which was imported from
Russia by the Dominion Government a few years ago, for testing in Canada. This

-Wheat it is claimed ripens considerably earlier than Red Fife, which is an important
factor in the northern region. By cultivation in the hard wheat region of Canada

meni
23

this wheat becomes harder and is generally improved in quality. This was shown
by comparing the wheat grown each year in succession from the original seed. The
sample sent out was a pure hard wheat, bright and clean, weighing 66} pounds to
the imperial bushel and yielded about 35 bushels per acre. We requested a state-
ment from Mr. Plaxton as to his experience in growing the wheat, and following we
give it in his own words :—

*“In 1888 I got three lbs. and sowed it on the 7th May, and harvested it on the
30th of August; thrashed 96 lbs. of good clean grain. In 1889 I sowed 96 lbs. on the
16th April, covering about an acre of land, sowed broadcast. Harvested it on the
6th of August and threshed 14 bushels 68 lbs. of first-class wheat. The crop was
light this year on account of the drought. In 1890 I sowed five acres on the 22nd
of April, sowed broadcast about two bushels per acre and harvested it on the 15th of
August and threshed 172 bushels of which you have asample. This year (1890) I
had Red Fife wheat, White Russian and Ladoga, sown side by side on the same kind
of soil. The Ladoga ripened and was cut five days earlier than White Russian and
ten days earlier than the Red Fife.

“<*Yours truly, Wau. PLaxron.

“Following are some of the replies received to the samples sent out :—

“From the Northwestern Miller, of Minneapolis, the leading milling journal of
the United States: ‘Truly a remarkable sample.’

“From Daily Business, the grain trade paper of the Chicago Board of Trade :
‘The Daily Business has received from the Winnipeg Commercial, a sample of
“Ladoga” wheat, raised in the Prince Albert district, territory of Saskatchewan,
350 miles north of the international boundary line. It is a beautiful wheat, weighs
about sixty-five pounds to the measured bushel, and is said to be equal, for flouring
purposes, to any wheat grown. It was raised on the farm of William Plaxton, and
is the third crop raised from the imported seed. It was sown about 22nd April, and
harvested 15th August. It has many of the qualities of Red Fife, but ripens ten to
fifteen days earlier. With each year of cultivation the grain improves, growing
thinner in hull and harder.’ -

“E. Seckel & Co., grain commission merchants, Chicago, write: ‘Your favor
received, and also sample of wheat, for which accept our thanks. We exhibited same
on ’Change and it attracted quite a good deal of attention. We must say that it is
the finest sample of spring wheat we have laid our eyes on. One of our millers here
would like to know the value of this wheat in your market, and the rate of freight to
Chicago, if you can kindly give us the same.’

“A.C. Buell & Co., a leading Chicago grain firm, write: ‘I bave your letter

accompanied by a sample of splendid wheat. A country that can raise such wheat

as that sample will be sought after before many years, as the product of Minnesota
and Dakota is fast deteriorating.’

“Kirkpatrick & Cookson, grain commission merchants, of Montreal, say: ‘ Your

_ fayor duly received and noted, as well as the sample of ‘‘ Ladoga” wheat. It is cer-
tainly a very handsome sample and has been greatly admired. Is the bulk all as

clean as this sample ? At what could a car or two be sold, as an introduction of the
variety ?—We might be able to use a little bye-and-bye.’

“From the publisher of the Miller's Review, Philadelphia: ‘With reference to
the sample of wheat grown in the Prince Albert district, my people at the office
report if to be something entirely outside of their experience, and they know pretty
well what fine wheat and large crops of it are. I desire to show this wheat on our
Exchange, and I will report to you the opinions of some of its members. It seems
to me the wheat matures in a remarkably short time from the date of sowing. I will
be pleased to write you what our dealers have to say about it. Yours very truly,

“eH. LL. EVERELL.’

24

© Millers’ Review, Philadelphia, Pa.: ‘Among the samples displayed by Han-
cock & Co., of the Philadelphia Commercial Exchange, recently, was a small one from
the territory of Saskatchewan, nearly three hundred and fifty miles north of the
boundary line between the United States and the British possessions. It excited
considerable attention, partly from the fact that the samples on the tables of Han-
cock & Co, usually are of interest to buyers, and partly, too, from the fact that the
grain in the little blue box was of an exceptionally fine type of red spring wheat.
The letter appended gives the history of our getting it, and as we do not wish to keep
the sight of such beautiful stock from the appreciative gaze of millers and commer-
cial men, we submitted it to Maj. Hancock, and through his offices it was introduced
to the Chamber and to the notice of the members on Change. The Major pronounced
the wheat as handsome as any he had ever seen, and he was sorry that the machina-
tions of freight combines and tariffs so effectually kept such stock away from millers
and grain men in this section and prohibited any substantial investment in this fine
product of the far North.’

“These letters speak for themselves. Prince Albert has established its claim,
and further comment is unnecessary.”

Mr. Plaxton has sent a sample of this wheat to the Central Experimental Farm
it is the finest sample we have ever received and weighs 66 lbs. per bushel.

Wm. Gibson, of Wolseley, N.W.T., another practical farmer to whom a sample
was sent in the spring of 1888, has also had good success with this wheat. His 3-1b.
sample produced him the first year 236 lbs. and his second erop thinly sown gave him
over 100 bushels. Ina letter dated 22nd November, 1890 he says: “My Red Fife wheat
sown on the 8th of April was frozen and I think will grade No. 1 or No. 2 frozen,
harvested on the 24th of August, this suffered from hail and yielded me only 13
bushels to the acre. The Ladoga wheat sown 10th April and harvested 18th August
has escaped the frost, this also suffered from hail and yielded only 14 bushels per
acre. This season’s experience shows the necessity of every farmer sowing a part of
his grain Ladoga. I shipped over 100 bushels to the United States last year for
seed, as farmers here were willing to stick to Red Fife. This year I have had a lot of
orders for Ladoga for seed next spring.”

Similar favourable experiences might be multiplied, but enough has perhaps
been said to show that the introduction of the Ladoga wheat has been a good thing
for the North West-Territories, that it is probable that this wheat from its early
ripening properties, will to a great extent afford a solution of the probelm of early
frost, and from its high quality and productiveness in the northern portions of the
great plains, help materially in extending the area for successful wheat culture,
and in building up such a reputation for wheat-growing there as shall aid in the
settlement of the country.

The reports received regarding the tests of other varieties of wheat may be
summarized as follows: f

Red Fife—Ten reports from Ontario show an average yield of 27 lbs. Sixteen
from Quebec, 254 lbs. One from Nova Scotia, 29 lbs. Two from New Brunswick,
481 lbs, and two from Prince Edward Island, 55 1bs.

White Fife—Hight reports from Ontario give an average yield of 24+ lbs. and
four reports from Quebec an average of 31} lbs.

Red Fern—Three reports from Ontario give an average yield of 20% Ibs. Six
from Quebec, 331 Ibs.; two from Nova Scotia, 24 lbs. ; one from New Brunswick 30
lbs., and two from Prince Edward Island with an average of 88} lbs.

EXPERIMENTS WITH OATS.

During the past season 28 varieties of oats have been tested in field plots and 28
others in small plots, making 56inall. Of these, 16 varieties were sown on plots
of one-tenth acre each, alongside of each other, on the same day, on a clay loam of
fairly uniform character. The results obtained from grain grown under such con-
ditions may be compared, the one with the other, with much less probability of error

ee vhainenencsest eshte eaanc sneer sempmmmacaatill

25

than when comparisons are made between varieties sown at different periods and on
different soils on the same farm. The field referred to was in hay when the farm was
purchased ; it yielded fair cropsin 1887 and 1888; thesod was ploughed under early in
the autumn of 1888 and a crop of oats taken off in 1889. The land was ploughed soon after
the oat crop was harvested and sown with experimental plots of oats, barley and wheat
in the spring of 1890. No manure or other fertilizer has yet been used on this land
since the purchase was made. The results are given in the appended table, following
which particulars will be found relating to larger field plots of these and other vari-
ties. On all the tenth-acre plots the oats were more or less rusvy, and in most
instances they were much injured from this cause.

Date | Date Number of : | Weight
od of of Days wield Der | ben
Sowing. | Harvesting.| Maturing. oe: Bushel.
=a pesos Oe
Bush. Lbs.
Seesinerican Triumph............--....+- il 25 Aug. 11.. 108 374 3a}
Crane, gus e ee ae ela claves Be 105 528 32)
Meeeblnclo Tartarian. =i. .).2<..s2, .:--s 23s do 12.. 109 | 284 252
SEITZ Ae AEN close yobs telat <isie, <wie.= te : TPage jee = bees 102 425 415
Ganadian ‘Triumph: ..........02-2.%-++ De SWAO! me 2un 99 30, 433
(Cream Wpyptian.....--.....-...---0-+ oye et|Kdome (See 105 302 38
Egyptian....... SS Ssskoes as seeks Dye. Vdo sy 18a 105 312 BS
SHESTEVAPSIONSOIN- aside 1c.c.cj/a/sejee SNE aye Hi Waa eon ie Se 111 23% 31
isnlvghace-hOrses |. .). 0s se. nee oe eee os 25 lidos copeee)| 102 305 41
Flying Scotchman................. Rane 25"... | do Dee 102 36% 383
SeGuant Swedish....>...sc-.....05.ee0: d bE ldor alae 111 332 29
PCAMIG VY NILG, bec = = ieisis/ays.eleje sus ace ee agen) sine 102 334 | 41
Prize Cluster, imp. 1889 Dae GO dee 99 333 414
do do 1890 5D... .\July 30.. 96 343 41
Rennie’s Prize White..................- ay centers, Ch 101 253 4]
OTGPE: TERA) ps Sd ee eee mal Hye Coy ee 101 36% 41
RI POMEGTISRIATS 1. ea etce sc 8 c2- otis seine 26|/ 20) 248,555 113 34} | 32
|

it will be seen that the Banner heads the list in this series, but the grain 1s
light. Bonanza stands next in yield, with a heavy sample, followed among the oats
of heavy weight by Victoria Prize and Prize Cluster. The Canadian Triumph,
although a smaller yield, gives the heaviest sample.

LARGER FIELD PLOTS.

American Triumph (Carter’s) —On sandy loam; manured in spring of 1889 ; two
acres. Sown 21st April; 2 bushels per acre; ripe 12th August ; time to mature, 113
days ; yield per acre, 314 bushels ; weight per bushel, 36} lbs.

Banner.—On sandy loam; no manure; 24 acres. Sown 29th April; 1} bushels per
acre ; ripe 12th August ; time to mature, 105 days ; straw bright and strong ; very
little rust ; stands well; height, 3} to 4 feet; yield per acre, 22? bushels, weighing
02 lbs. per bushel. A second plot, on sandy clay soil, no manure, $ acre, was sown
4th May ; 14 bushels per acre; ripe 12th August ; time to mature, 97 days; straw
dark ; stands well; height, 3 to 34 feet; yield per acre, 31} bushels, weight per
bushel, 304 lbs.

Black Tartarian.—This seed was imported from Scotland in the spring of 1890. It

was a very fine sample, weighing 42 lbs. to the bushel. On sandy clay soil, without
annre; 7 acres; sown 9th May, 2 bushels to the acre; harvested 15th August;
ime to mature, 98 days; medium growth; poor colour; much rust, and red
eaf ; yield, 26¢ bushels per acre, weighing 35 lbs. per bushel.
_ \ Bonanza.—On sandy loam; no manure; 24 acres. Sown 29th April; 1? bushels
per acre ; ripe 3rd August ; time to mature, 96 days; straw bright, rather weak ;
onsiderably rusted ; height, 44 to 5 feet ; yield per acre, 31 bushels, weighing 424
Ibs. per bushel.

26

Canadian Triumph.--On light, sandy clay; no manure; 1} acres. Sown 26th
April; 1} bushels per acre; harvested 3rd August; time to mature, 99 days; even
growth; straw bright; very little rust; yield per acre, 254 bushels ; weight per
bushel, 43 lbs;

Canadian White-—On sandy clay soil; no manure; 1 acre. Sown 24th April;
2+ bushels per acre; ripe 5th August; time to mature, 103 days; straw bright;
stands well; height, 34 to 4 feet not much rust; yield per acre, 28} bushels ; weight
per. bushel 36 lbs.

Early Archangel.—On sandy clay soil; no manure; } acre. Sown 3rd May; 14

bushels per acre; ripe 7th August. time to mature, 96 days; uneven growth; straw
bmght; stands well; a little rust and some smut ; height 3 to 3} feet; yield per acre,
24} bushels; weight per bushel, 39 lbs.
Barly Racehorse—On sandy loam; manured in spring of 1889; 44 acres. Sowu
21st April; 1 bushels per cre; ripe 2nd August; time to mature, 103 days ;
straw a little dark, lodged in some spots ; considerably rusted ; height, 4 to 5 feet;
yield per acre, not ascertained ; weight per bushel, 42 lbs.

Egyptian,—On sandy clay ; no manure; ene acre. - Sown 24th April; 24 bushels
per acre ; ripe 5th August ; time to mature, 103 days; even growth ; very little
rust ; height, 34 to 4 feet ; yield per acre, 363 bushels ; weight per bushel, 412 lbs.

Flying Scotchman.—On sandy loam; manured in spring of 1889; 2 acres.
Sown 22nd April ; 1} bushels per acre; ripe 2nd August; time to mature, 102 days;
even growth ; very little rust ; height, 35 to 43 feet ; yield per acre, 40} bushels ;
weight per bushel, 394 Ibs.

Georgie Early White—On sandy clay soil; no manure; one acres Sown 24th
April; 24 bushels per acre; ripe 2nd August; time to mature, 100 days; even
growth ; straw bright ; stands well; very little rust; height, 34 to 44 feet; yield
per acre, 263 bushels ; weight per bushel, +2 lbs.

Holstein Prolific.—On sandy clay soil, no manure, + acre; sown May 7th; 14
bushels per acre ; ripe August 10th ; time to mature 95 days ; straw weak and con-
siderably rusted ; height 3 to 3 feet; yield per acre, 194 bushels; weight per
bushel 30% lbs.

Hazlett’s Seizure.—On Sandy clay soil; no manure ; ? acre. Sown 7th May; 13
bushels per acre; ripe 12th August; time to mature 97 days, straw dark; con-
siderably rusted ; height, 3 to 3} feet; yield per acre, 163 bushels ; weight per
bushel, 36 lbs.

Hungarian White—On sandy clay soil; no manure; lacre. Sown 24th April ;
21 bushels per acre; ripe 2nd August; time to mature, 100 days; even growth ; con-
siderably rusted; height, 35 to 4 feet; yield per acre, 24 bushels; weight per bushel,
404 lbs.

~ Longfellow.—On sandy loam; no manure; 34 acres. Sown Ist May; 12 bushels
per acre; ripe 6th August; time to mature, 97 days; straw rather dark ; a little
rusted; height, 24 to 33 feet; yield per acre, 27? bushels; weight per bushel, 363 Ibs.

Poland White—On light sandy clay ; no manure ; 1} acres. Sown 26th April ;
1? bushels per acre ; harvested 4th August; time to mature, 100 days; even growth ;
straw bright; very little rust ; yield per acre, 23 bushels ; weight per bushel, 42? Ibs.

Potato English—On sandy clay soil; no manure; 1 acre. Sown 24th April;
24 bushels per acre; ripe 5th August; time to mature, 103 days; straw bright; stands
well; height, 34 to 44 feet; not much rust; yield per acre, 342 bushels; weight per
bushel, 39 Ibs.

Prize Cluster—On sandy loam and partly peaty soil; no manure ; 8 acres.
Sown 23rd April ; 1} bushels per acre; ripe 4th August; time to mature, 103 days ;
straw bright, rather soft; more inclined to lodge than some other varieties ; but little
rust ; height, 34 to 44 feet ; yield per acre, 304 bushels; weight per bushel, 424 lbs.

Rennie’s Prize White—On light sandy loam; no manure; I} acres. Sown 9th
May; 1} bushels per acre; ripe 9th August; time to mature, 92 days; of even growth;
straw very rusty; height, 3} to 4 feet; yield, 31 bushels per acre ; weight, 424 lbs.
per bushel.

Rosedale.—On sandy clay soil; no manure; }acre. Sown 3rd May; 14 bushels per
acre ; ripe 10th August ; time to mature, 99 days; of uneven growth; straw rather
weak ; height, 3 to 3} feet ; yield per acre, 304 bushels ; weight per bushel, 36% lbs.

Siberian-——On sandy loam; 18 to 20 tons manure per acre; tacre. Sown
P 16th May ; ripe 14th August ; time to mature, 90 days ; yield per acre, 234 bushels ;
weight, 281 lbs per bushel.

Victoria Prize—On sandy loam mixed with clay; no manure; 1% acres. Sown
22nd April; 1? bushels per acre; ripe 2nd August ; time to mature, 102 days;
straw stands fairly well ; considerably rusted ; height, 4 to 5 feet ; yield per acre,
381 bushels ; weight per bushel, 414 lbs.

Waterloo.—On sandy soil; no manure; 4 acres. Sown, 2nd May; 2 bushels
per acre ; ripe 13th August ; time to mature, 103 days; straw bright; stands well ;
not much rust; height, 3 to 4 feet; yield per acre, 20$ bushels, weighing 34 lbs. per
4 bushel. A second plot of 1 acre, on sandy clay soil, no manure, was sown 24th
_ April; 24 bushels per acre ; ripe 4th August ; time to mature, 102 days ; yield per
acre, 26 bushels ; weight per bushel, 34 lbs.

Welcome.—On sandy clay soil; no manure; 4 acres. Sown 28th April; 2 bushels

per acre; ripe 29th July ; time to mature, 92 days ; straw rather dark, but strong ;

alittle rust and some smut; height, 3 to 3} feet ; yield per acre, 383 bushels ; weight

per bushel, 42% lbs.

White Russian.—On mixed sandy and peaty soil; no manure; 14 acres. Sown

_ 2nd May ; 2 bushels per acre; ripe 12th August; time to mature, 102 days ; straw

: fairly bright and strong ; not much rust ; height, 34 to 44 feet ; yield per acre, 374

_ bushels, weighing 324 lbs. per bushel. A second plot of 1 acre of mixed sandy

_ and clay soil, no manure, was sown 24th April; 2 bushels per acre; ripe 5th August ;
time to mature, 103 days ; yield per acre, 424 bushels.

A third plot of 8 acres, on sandy clay soil, with from 18 to 20 tons of manure
per acre, was sown 6th May; ripe 13th August; time to mature, 99 days; yield per
acre, 36 bushels ; weight per bushel, 32 lbs.

EXPERIMENTS WITH BARLEY.
TWO-ROWED VARIETIES.

Adjoining the one-tenth acre plots of oats, all sown the same day, was a similar
series of plots of barley, consisting of eleven two-rowed varieties and five six-rowed.
Particulars as to the character of the soil, treatment of the land and preceding crops
will be found under “ Experiments with Oats.” The grain onall these plots was more
_or less rusted, and in most instances it was badly affected. The following table gives
the results of these barley tests.

Date Date Number of r: c

of of Daya og cupee
Sowing. |Harvesting. | Maturing. oe:
| Bush.

CS cpurtilest\s os Se ae April 25....)Aug. 14_... 111 264
Danish C Die, dor 202 eelidom sl05es2 107 234
Danish Printice Chev ._ do 10 107 269

Early Minting....... . do 10 107 19

English Maltin do 14 i 243

Golden Melon, .| do 14 111 204
: do 1890. do 8 105 160

Goldthorpe 1890... .| do 12 | 109 144

eerless White . | do TORE 107 225
Bom medor, rIS0S ee, | do ) | 106 18}

Prize Prolific do as 105 28
do do 5 102 274
Saale BRON econ nena eae do 8 105 24}

For weight per bushel of these varieties see larger field plots.

In comparing the results here given it will be observed that in every instance

where the material has been available for comparison, recently imported two-rowed -

barley, that of 1890, has produced a smaller crop than when grown from the same
sort after being under cultivation here for one or two years. In former experi-
ments results confirming this same point were obtained, from which we may gather
that increasing crops may be looked for as these barleys become acclimatized. There
are, however, two exceptions in the other field plots—one of Selected Chevalier,
imported 1890, and one of Golden Melon, imported 1890, both of which gave a much
larger yield. These two plots, however, were sown on an exceptionally good piece
of clay loam, extending to a roadway and along the margin of the road; the land
was manured in the spring to the width ot about 10 feet. In point of productiveness
the variety known as Prize Prolific heads the list. There is an unexpected difference
in the time of ripening; the more recent importations mature in from one to
six days less time, than those samples which have been grown in this climate for a
year or two, which is another evidence of the importance of early seeding. The
varieties named in the table are, from the English standard, all malting barleys, and
most of them very highly esteemed for this purpose. With the exception of the
Goldthorpe they are all of the Chevalier type, with long, pendulous heads. The
Goldthorpe is more erect, and resembles the Duckbill, with a shorter and somewhat
flattened ear.

LARGER FIELD PLOTS.

Beardless—On sandy loam; no manure; 3 acres. Sown 23rd April; 2 bushels
per acre; ripe 8th August; time to mature, 107 days; straw bright, stands well;
very little rust; height, 3 to 34 feet; yield per acre, 25? bushels ; weight per bushel,
514 lbs.

~ Chevalier Selected.—Imported 1890; on good clay loam; a part of this was
manured in spring of 1890, before sowing; + acre. Sown 26th April; 2 bushels per
acre; ripe 5th August; time to mature, 101 days; straw bright, stands fairly well ;
but little rusted ; height, 3 to 34 feet; yield per acre, 464 bushels; weight per bushel,
514 lbs. A second plot of 2 acres, on asoil of mixed sand and clay, was sown 2nd May,
1% bushels per acre; ripe 5th August; time to mature, 95 days; straw bright, stands
well; considerably rusted ; height, 24 to 34 feet; yield, 24 bushels per acre; weight
per bushel, 514 Ibs.

Danish Chevalier—On mixed sandy and clay loam, without manure; 12 acres;

Sown 2nd May, 2 bushels per acre; ripe 12th August ; time to mature, 102 days;
straw dark ; considerably rusted; height, 3 to 34 feet; yield per acre, 25+ bushels;
weight per bushel, 51? lbs. On same soil and adjoining, acre sown at the same time
was fertilized with 200 lbs. (400 lbs. per acre) of a special barley fertilizer ; in this
instance the yield was 25% bushels. Another 4 acre adjoining received an applica-
tion of 200 lbs. of odorless phosphate ; this yielded 25 bushels per acre; while in the
case of a fourth plot of $ of an acre, which had received an application of 66 lbs. of
fish manure, the yield was 233 bushels per acre. The land on which these experi-
ments were tried appeared to be very uniform and the results are certainly very
puzzling.
: Danish Printice Chevalier—On mixed sandy and clay loam, without manure; 2
of an acre. Sown 3rd May, 2 bushels per acre; ripe 12th August; number of days to
mature, 101; straw rather dark, but standing well; height, 3 to 34 feet; considerably
rusted; yield per acre, 30 bushels; weight per bushel, 51¢ lbs. A second plot was
sown on heavy sandy loam; no manure; 1# acres. Sown 24th April, 2 bushels per
acre; ripe 9th August; time to mature, 107 days; straw bright ; stands fairly well ;
very little rust ; height, 3} to 4 feet; yield per acre, 274 bushels; weight per bushel,
513 Ibs.

‘ Early Minting—On sandy loam ; no manure ; 23 acres. Sown 2nd May, 12
bushels per acre; ripe 5th August; time to mature, 95 days ; straw bright, but soft ;
breaks easily slightly rusted, height 2 to 23 feet; yield per acre, 25 bushels; weight
per bushel, 51 Ibs,

|
|
|

29

Golder Melon—Im portation 1890. On good clay loam, a part of which was
__ manured in spring of 1890 before sowing, ;4, acre. Sown 26th April,2 bushels per
acre; ripe 6th August; time to mature, 102 days; straw bright, stands well ; not much
rust; height, 3 to 34 feet ; yield per acre, 46? bushels ; weight per bushel, 52 Ibs.
Another plot of 1 acre was sown with seed grown from importation of 1888 on
sandy loam mixed with clay, without manure. Sown 24th April, two bushels per
acre; ripe 2nd August; time to mature, 100 days; even growth; straw bright; stands
well; very little rust; height, 33 to 4 feet ; yield per acre, 353 bushels ; weight per
bushel, 52 lbs.

Peerless White-—Importation 1890. On good clay loam, partly manured; 4
acre. Sown 26th April, ripe August 6th; time to mature, 102 days; straw bright ;
stands well ; but little rust; height, 3 to 3} feet; yield per acre, 463 bushels; weight
per bushel, 51 Ibs.

Goldthorpe-—On sandy loam; no manure; 24 acres. Sown 26th April, 2
bushels per acre; ripe 6th August, time to mature, 102 days; straw bright, and stands
well; height, 24 to 34 feet ; yield per acre, 203 bushels; weighing 52 lbs. per bushel.

Prize Prolific—On soil mostly clay, with some peat ; no manure; 7 acres.
Sown 30th April, 1¢ bushels per acre; ripe on higher land, 4th August , on lower
peaty soil, 12th August ; time to mature, 96 to 104 days: straw bright and strong ;
stands well ; height, 3 to 3} feet; very even growth; yield per acre, 32 bushels;
weight per bushel, 52 lbs. One-half acre of this plot was measured off and sown
with 200 lbs. of a special barley fertilizer, (400 lbs. per acre) the yield from which was
314 bushels per acre. <A third plot on another part of the farm, on heavy sandy
loam ; no manure; 1? acres; was sown 26th April, 2 bushels per acre; ripe 6th
August ; time to mature, 102 days ; yield per acre, 24 bushels.

Saale-—On heavy sandy loam; no mauure; 14 acres. Sown 24th April, 2

bushels per acre; ripe 9th August; time to mature, 107 days; even growth ; straw
bright; stands well; very little rust; height, 34 to 4 feet; yield per acre, 30 bushels ;
_ weight per bushel, 51 lbs.
Large Two-rowed Naked.—This is a naked barley, not suitable for malting, but
_ valuable for feed, producing a large, heavy grain. Grown on sandy loam; no manure ;
_ 2acres. Sown Ist May, 2 bushels per acre; ripe 4th. August ; time to mature, 95
_ days ; straw rather weak; considerably rusted ; breaks down easily ; height, 3 to 34
feet ; yield per acre, 283 bushels; weight per bushel, 60} lbs This barley should be
sown thicker, on account of the large size of the grain—not less than 2} bushels per
aers.

SIX-ROWED VARIETIES.

The following were sown on one-tenth acre plots adjacent to those of the two-
rowed sorts :—

| Date Date Number of ° Weight
— = of | of Days aed per per
| Sowing. Harvesting. | Maturing. sare Bushel.
: |
| Bush. Lbs.
}
sBaxter's Six-rowed............:...-.-: April 25....|July 31....| 97 25 | 48
Indian, from Spiti Valley 232.5) do 25.5. -.| 91 21 5d
ns : oe EN aOn xole/5.2 97 | 205 444
(ete ee ae Dopeeedo, joleer. 97 i8t 463
Seeraete<s sjarbshs 25 doy 2ORSe 95 194 2
re Fas Se oh: 25....| do 30:... 96 252 474
{ |

These are all of the ordinary type of six-rowed barley, excepting the Indian
from Spiti Valley, which is a hulless sort, of a dark bluish colour and very heavy.
At is one of the varieties of grain which was sent to Canada for test by the Govern-

30

ment of India in 1888 ; it is an early ripening sort, rather short in growth, with a
compact, heavy head, and, although it has not yielded heavily here, promises to be a
valuable variety for feeding purposes.

LARGER FIELD PLOTS. \

Indian from Spiti Valley.—On sandy loam ; no manure; 2} acres. Sown Ist
May ; 1# bushels per acre ; harvested 26th July ; time to mature, 86 days; straw
rather soft and weak; many heads bent over ; height, 1} to 2 feet ; very little rust;
yield per acre, 164 bushels ; weight per bushel, 544 lbs.

Guymalaye.—On sandy loam ; no manure; ;, acre. Sown 14th May ; 2 bushels
per acre ; ripe 7th August; time to mature, 85 days; straw bright ; stands well ;
very little rust; height, 3 to 3} feet; yield per acre, 364 bushels; weight per
bushel, 56 lbs. This is also a hulless barley, which seems to be identical with what
is known as “‘six-rowed wheat barley.” It is a very productive variety, and promising
for feed ; the kernel is of a dark amber colour.

Hulless Black —On sandy loam; no manure; } acre. Sown 14th May, 2 bushels
per acre ; ripe 3rd August; time to mature, 81 days ; straw very dark in colour;
stands well; very little rust; height, 2} to 3 feet; yield per acre, 22 bushels; weight
per bushel, 62 Ibs. This is a very heavy hulless barley, with a black kernel, which
is worthy of more extended trial as a feed barley.

Odessa Siz-rowed.—On mixed clay and sandy loam ; no manure ; acre. Sown
15th May ; 14 bushels per acre ; ripe 14th August ; time to mature, 91 days; straw
bright, with very little rust ; height, 24 to 34 feet; yield per acre, 31} bushels; ~
weight per bushel, 494 lbs.

EXPERIMENTS WITH SPRING WHEAT,

The wheat plots enumerated in the following table, complete the series of one-tenth
acre plots of grain on similar clay loam, all sown on the same day and without manure.
The season proved to be very unfavourable for spring wheat, almost all varieties
showing a light yield. In most instances the third and last maturing kernel in each
group on the ear was empty, and those clusters forming the top of the ear were in a
similar condition. This has probably resulted from unfavourable hot and dry
weather, occuring just at the time when the floral organs within the husk were in a
soft and critical stage of development, causing them to shrink and wither, In all
these plots the straw was much rusted, in some instances worse than others,

ate ate <
Say? | Date Dat N Ree of Yie d per eveibe
Sowing. | Harvesting.| Maturing. ore: Bushel.
Bush Lbs.
Campbell’s White Chaff............. .j|April 25..../Aug. 8... 105 19 58
Campbell’s Triumph.......... ba ‘iidont 2oreealidoy SlOSsee 107 11} 57
Carter’s Cross-bred I or Anglo- jas|elye ahh 111 4
Green Mountain............... i WI atel| taley AMS Ss = 113 8? 57
Indian Hard Caleutta.... p ido) ome 1u2 104 594
Cr Glens see cee sasnentaaee 2a COnwl Omar 107 21 58:
ad oma se «ch siassces Orysotalttlee ey/as5e 104 10} 56.
RedsHern seem cre os ace once Sarchye 5 dow item 108 12 5
IRM rANGates Sees... cael cenem meee dol 255.25) dors L6scee 113 aly 59
Russianselardslageie. sss cee cree eee doi 25! Waldo, SiShere 105 20} 602
SAxOnKae ee eee ss cseddee snes ee dow 720.2".|\doy ieee 108 12 oe
WihiteuDeln ii. one See eecenee ae Go eo. eco, “Tiles 104 12 563
Wihite Russian’. s.2s-2- cee aeneee =a) doe 202 2. \dow ed 4a ee 111 1 56
AW ESRI £6 45.8 ire so 2 cls nate tenons doy 25%.2.|"do) 122225) 109 ie 55
IREGL IDNR. che ge Bee ee do 25....| do Be...) 109 12 56%

31

These plots show a wide differencein yield. The most prolific are Judket, Russian
Hard Tag, Campbell’s White Chaff and White Fife. The Russian Hard Tag is a
bearded sort, with aricy kernel of inferior quality, much like goose wheat; the other
varieties named are all of good quality, and beardless, The Campbell’s White Chaff
is particularly promising, as will be seen from the records of the larger field plots.
It also proved a heavy yielder in 1889, giving 36? bushels per acre, being 3? bushels
more than any other sort tested. At the branch Experimental Farms it has done
well during the past season, at Nappan, N.S., the yield has been 32 bushels per acre ;
at Brandon, Man., 24 bushels 36 lbs. ; at Indian Head, N.W.T., 32 bushels 4 lbs.; and
at Agassiz, B.C., 3 lbs. gave a return of 48 lbs.

LARGER FIELD PLOTS.

Campbell’s White Chaff.—On sandy loam; no manure; $ acre. Sown 23rd April,
14 bushels per acre; harvested August 13th; time to mature, 112 days; even growth,
straw bright; stands well; height, 4 to 44 feet; yield per acre, 21? bushels; weight
per bushel, 574 lbs. One-half acre adjoining, sown at the same time, which was
treated with 200 lbs. of special fertilizer (400 lbs. per acre) yielded 183 bushels per
acre. A third4acre, next adjoining, treated with 200 Ibs. of odorless phosphate, gavea
yield of 14 bushels; while a fourth 4 acre in the same series, without fertilizer,
yielded 17 bushels per acre. This soil was of variable character, which may account
for these anomalous results. There is no doubt that had the soil been uniform in
fertility the addition of the fertilizers would have increased the yield.

Campbell’s Triumph.—On sandy loam; no manure; 14 acres. Sown 23rd April, 14
bushels per acre; ripe 13th August; time to mature 112 days; even growth; straw
bright, and stands well; height, 3 to 4 feet; yield per acre, 122 bushels; weight per
bushel, 593 lbs.

Carter's Cross-bred I or Anglo-Canadian.—On sandy loam; no manure. Sown
23rd April, 1 bushel per acre; ripe 13th August; time to mature, 112 days; even
growth; straw bright, and stands well; height, 34 to 44 feet; yield per acre, 5
bushels, weighing 51 lbs. per bushel. A third plot was that of one-tenth of an acre,
already reported on among the series of plots sown one week apart to test the
advantage of early seeding. This was sown 22nd April; was ripe 13th August;
time to mature, 113 days; yield per acre, 5 bushels 50 lbs.

This new hybrid wheat, originated by James Carter & Co., of London, England,
and which has produced such large crops in Great Britain, has made but a poor record
here. Itis of strong and vigorous growth, with a large bearded ear, which gave
promise of a good yield early im the season, but as the time of harvest approached
a considerable part of each head was found to be empty. The plants themselves
were so promising that I look for much better results another year, when the con-
ditions will probably be more favourable and the grain somewhat acclimatized.
That the yield obtained at Ottawa is not normal is shown by the larger crops at the
branch Experimental Farms. At Nappan, N.S., the yield was 29? bushels
per acre; at Brandon, Man., 26 bushels; at Indian Head, N.W.T., 16 bushels
28 lbs.; and at Agassiz, B.C.,35 lbs. were obtained from 1 pound sown. In time
of ripening it is six or seven days later than Ladoga.

Judket.—On mixed clay and sandy loam; no manure; 2 acres. Sown 12th May,
13 bushels per acre ; harvested 16th August; time to mature, 96 days; fair growth;
not much rust; yield per acre, 114 bushels; weight per bushel, 59 lbs,

Rio Grande—On sandy loam; no manure; 2 acres. Sown 23rd April, 13 bushels
per acre; harvested 15th August; time to mature, 114 days; straw bright, and
stands well; height, 34 to 44 feet; yield per acre, 14 bushels, weighing 62 lbs per
bushel.

|

SPRING WHEAT IN ROWS 24 FEET APART.

It has been stated that wheat yields large crops when grown in drills 24 feet
apart, the land being kept clean with a horse cultivator. Nine varieties of wheat
- were sown in this manner on sandy loam, which was manured in the spring of 1890,

with from 18 to 20 tons of stable manure per acre. Each variety occupied six
rows, covering a space of one-twentieth of an acre, The following results were
had :—

Date Date Number of . Weight
— of of Days wigld Ae53 per
Sowing. Ripening. | Maturing. res Bushel.
Bush. .
@ampbell’s Triumph. «<< .5<.\.1c ===: May 2 Aug. 11.. 101 54 58:
Judket:s fracs thats co sienna ee he ae do 2 do 12:. 102 7 5!
HAC OG a Sys sto, Meat eee meee ae ae do 2 Glo 0) ahah 99 a 57
Rect ernie saa aere, sere tee caleeteieaiee do 2 doy Le: 101 5
Rio Grande.......... pees iaonaeeele do 2 do 13.. 103 73 60
edt Wifes i). aes eat ake a ee do 2....|do 12.. 102 bh 59h
Saxonkae darnivcas Cocsteetiaen wee sees as do 2 do) ih. 101 54 58
WibitesDelhi 2/5. Gear Secerk eset Ol e2ecen || dOweanyier 97 8 60
WR TRT ESE Ghooammegannagaepascade||Gey Skeallict, TR}. 103 res 603

The samples of grain grown on these plots weighed well for this season, but so
much of the land being unoccupied the crop was relatively small.

EXPERIMENTS WITH WINTER WHEAT.

A few varieties of winter wheat were sown in field plots, but most of them were
much injured by winter, and some were so badly winter-killed that the yield per acre
could not be ascertained. A similar experience was had last year, which leads to the
opinion that the climate of Ottawa is not favourable to the growth of winter wheats.

Democrat.—On sandy clay loam, no manure; grds acre. Sown 6th September,
1889, 2 bushels per acre; ripe Ist August, 1890; straw bright; stands well; very
little rust; height, 3} to 4 feet; yield per acre not ascertained; weight per bushel,
594 lbs.

~ Early Red Clawson —On sandy loam; nomanure. Sown 10th September, 1889, 2
bushels per acre; ripe 31st July, 1890 ; straw strong; very little rusted; height, 3 to
33 feet, yield per acre not ascertained.

Golden Cross—On sandy loam; no manure. Sown 10th September, 1889, 2
bushels per acre; ripe 30th July, 1890; straw rather dark, but strong; considerabl
rusted; height, 4 to 5 feet; yield per acre, 26} bushels; weight per bushel, 614 Lbs.

Manchester—On sandy clay loam; no manure; 1 acre. Sown 6th September,
1889, 2 bushels per acre ; ripe 30th July, 1890; straw dark, and rusty; height 33 to 4
feet ; yield per acre, 25 bushels; weight per bushel, 61} lbs.

Martin's Amber—On sandy loam; no manure, Sown 10th September, 1889, 2
bushels per acre ; ripe 5th August, 1890; straw bright and strong; very little rust;
height, 34 to 44 feet; yield per acre not ascertained,

Mediterranean—On sandy loam; no manure. Sown 10th September, 1889, 2
bushels per acre; ripe 3lst July, 1890; straw rather dark; considerably rusted;
height, 34 to 4 feet; yield per acre not ascertained.

New Monarch.—On sandy loam; no manure. Sown 10th September, 1889, 2
bushels per acre; ripe 31st July, 1890; straw bright and strong, with very little
rust; height, 34 to 43 feet; yield per acre not ascertained ; weight per bushel, 583 Ibs.

Tasmania.—On sandy clay loam; no manure. Sown 5th September, 1889, 2
bushels per acre; ripe 1st August, 1890; straw bright ; considerably rusted; height,
3 to 33 feet ; yield per acre not ascertained ; weight per bushel, 61 lbs.

Volunteer—On sandy loam; no manure. Sown 10th September, 1889, 2 bushels
per ucre; ripe 31st July, 1890; straw dark; much rusted; height, 33 to 4 feet;

- yield per acre 26 bushels.

33

= EXPERIMENTS WITH RYE.
E WINTER VARIETIES.

Reading Giant.—On light sandy loam; no manure; 24.acres. Sown 7th September,
1889, 14 bushels per acre; ripe 30th July, 1890; straw strong and bright ; very little
rust; height, 53 to 6 feet, of fine appearance, yield per acre, 14? bushels; weight per
bushel, 55 Ibs.

Finnish Wassa.—On light sandy loam; no manure; 24 acres. Sown 7th Septem-
ber, 1889, 14 bushels per acre; ripe 29th July, 1890; straw rather soft, breaks down
more than the other varieties, also more rusted; height, 5 to 54 feet ; yield per acre,
17} bushels ; weight per bushel, 53 Ibs.

Polar.—On light sandy loam ; no manure; 24 acres. Sown 7th September, 1889,
134 bushels per acre; ripe 30th July, 1890; straw strong; 53 to 6 feet high ; consider-
ably rusted; heads well filled; yield per acre, 16 bushels; weight per bushel, 513 lbs.

Common Fall Rye—Onlight sandy loam; no manure; | acre. Sown 7th Septem-

ber, 1889, 13 bushels per acre; ripe 30th July, 1890; straw strong, considerably
rusted, yield per acre, 24} bushels; weight per bushel, 55 Ibs.

SPRING VARIETY,

Spring Rye.—On poor, light sandy soil; 18 to 20 tons manure per acre two acres,
Sown 22nd April, 14 bushels per acre; straw bright andstrong; height, 4 to 44 feet;
heads well filled ; yield per acre, 244 bushels; weight per bushel, 584 lbs,

EXPERIMENTS WITH PEAS.

: Blackeyed Marrowfat.—On sandy loam; on which was applied 18 to 20 tons of
manure per acre in 1890, 4 acre. Sown 8th May, 4 bushels peracre; ripe 9th August;
} time to mature, 93 days; yield per acre, 394 bushels; weight per bushel, 61 lbs.
Daniel O' Rourke—On light sandy loam; no manure; 4 acre. Sown 8th May,
. 2? bushels per acre; ripe 25th July, time to mature, 78 days; yield per acre, 373
bushels ; weight per bushel 58% Ibs.

Golden Vine——On sandy clay soil; no manure; 5 acres. Sown 28th April, 3
bushels per acre; ripe 4th August; time to mature, 98 days; yield per acre, 362
bushels; weight per bushel, 654 lbs.

Multiplier—On sandy clay loam; no manure; 5} acres. Sown 28th April, 3
bushels per acre, ripe 12th August; time to mature, 106 days; yield per acre, 353
bushels, weight per bushel, 653 Ibs.

Pride.—On clay loam; no manure; % acre. Sown 19th May, 2 bushels per
acre; ripe 8th August; time to mature, 81 days; yield per acre, 30} bushels; weight
per bushel, 654 lbs.

EXPERIMENTS WITH TURNIPS.

Seventeen varieties of turnips were sown in rows 2 feet 4 inches apart, and
the yields per acre given in the following list have been calculated from the produce
of two rows in each case 66 feet long. Estimates based on small plots almost always
show a relatively greater yield than when founded on the results of larger areas, but
since all the varieties were treated alike and the soil very similar throughout
_ these figures form a fair basis for the comparison of varieties. They were all sown
on Sy ue of May and pulled the 21st of October. The soil was asandy loam, rather

C—.

34

light in character, which received a coating of from 18 to 20 tons of manure per acre
in 1888, and a coating of unleached ashes, about 150 bushels to the acre late, in 1889,

st Yield per Acre. | Yield per Acre.
Tons Lbs. Bush
fords Derbysowedex (Carter) syaeerertemetstreteterstacteleeicleteters caster teteleyoleiniatatatstere 46 1,060 1,551
Sburple Lop owede (Rennie) rer ttclecocte cite clare siarerslaer <1 sleleiateteteelaferatant= 39 634 1,31034
Skirving’s Improved Purple Top Swede (Steele)................2.005- 39 492 1,30834
Selected Champion Purple TopSwede. ...............2..506 seeueeee 39 210 1,3034
Highland Prize Purple Top Swede (Steele)....................-4. +. : 37 ~—-:1, 098. 125133
Elephant Swede (Carter).......... Ae Onno ates orc Got ear 35 1,280 1,188
Marquis of Lorne Purple Top Swede (Bruce)... ........ ...-....-.-- 35 1,280 1,188
Queen of the Swedes (Carter) Be Ske AVON create aea oe La ate epatoiat stants che o ainleiersitissssersere 35 s55 1,18085
RurplerLop oweder(Stecle)ss-rccausina miadeerniteteee racine terete lars 34 168 1,136;
Skinvingusis weder( Canton) eemnnetcrliela nici rier jetrate yeleieatats lier nfaatrenrects 34 168 1,13
Skirvingsekangyof Swedes! (Steele) <j. sy.) ta re eraieleaielele leletes)sleieteretelele nce 33 1,744 1,129,
Sutton’s/@hampyonx((Rennie)i4.-% a) cieeeheaecrs esecioss a 33 188 1,103 45
antl ey,spsronzei ((ROARCE) oyriciareiepcteastcinte ct staneiiersiaerieleelsieretan 5 30 1,804 1,030;4;
Iehwavsevlini (Epo )ngscoocasaepsubanaunas ~Canaooonohacodoonnonveccon 29 1,824 997%
Glyde sweden (yang) pessoa ccrdeeiereaseeiieeterelser ee ieereer 27 1,155 9194
Wihite swede! (Stecle)t ol sye Neste acta. arise eon oer etncre mtoeere 26 1,601 8932
iPearceisulmvinciblei(beance) machin acrrcriiceicnicicieiscrtnitiie cists ereisiaicie meter 1 21 570 7094

In a second trial with 22 varieties ona poorer soil, without manure, later sown,
the following results were had. The yield per acre was calculated from the same
sized plots. Theseed was sownon the 2nd June and the roots pulled 24th October :—

= Yield per Acre. | Yield per Acre.
Tons. Lbs. Bush
Improved Purple Top Mammoth (Simmers).........5....020+ eeeeeeee 32 350 1,0724
Heirtléy.sebronzex(REarce) Wetec cetaceans see cinica eiance mnie 27 122, 92833
aidlaw.s Swede (Pearce) a..sc.c eeu onses cate ca cnee eee tine aes 26 1,601 89334
Skirving’s; Swedel(Canter) ss jeacte «min seers cleric ie ele sretsinrnie/e cielo tetas 26 G11 87654
Bangholm Purple Top Swede (Rennie)... ..............-seeeeeeeneeees 25 1,480 858
Highland Prize Purple Top Swede (Steele)............-......000--0-- 24 1,358 82233
iazara’s Swedel(hivang)cceen Aussies tees ble ice eran ee cones 24 368 806355
PunpleyPophswedei((Rennie)sircemcretcie-iersieie sleieiosteieielais eis etsieieystetorseees 24 227 80385
East Lothian Purple Top'Swede (Bruce)...............22:.00eeeeee0-- 24 =. 085 80133
Highland Prize Purple Top Swede (Simmers a 23 1,378 78988
Selected Champion Purple Top Swede. .. 21 1,418 723%
Lord Derby Swede (Carter)..... ........ . 20 943 68233
Wihite Swede (Steele)... 2.0 ..0.-225..5. Ee emeance asore hn ccnorern Tas 20 872 68143
Skirving’s Improved Purple Top Swede (Steele). ..............-2002005 19 1,458 65752
Royal Norfolk Purple Top Swede (Bruce) ..............-2+0-0+eee+--> 18 1,620 627
Punplewlop swede (Brice) meena cee al eretacisnciniee cee 17; 1,074 58434
Suttons! Champions (Renmle) seem aemier criteria tictie ites sete steeeevetecrs 17 508 57585
iPurple-Lop ellow,AiberdeenWiPearce) ie serrerersceetecisehiaeceiteeiente 17 084 568.45
Pearceisuknvincible)((Pearce)ieaseien eee atari ceiaeisiee aes 16 1,942 56
Sutton’s(Championiswede(((Bruce)) cases ve inl ene ietcl- sitesi 161,165 552:
Clyde;Swede i(Hivans) ic heels sate seatceiiet eos) scree - thetosie setae nee 15 1,609 5264
Skirving7sikanp of Swedes! (Steelé)e- co -mqce ese eeeeiiseee eee eenient 15 690 511

In this second series of 22 sorts it will be seen that the relative positions of the

varieties, as to yield, are somewhat changed. The 13th in the first series becomes

second in this, the 10th fourth, the 5th becomes sixth, the 2nd eighth, the 4th stands
eleventh, and the Ist twelfth, with the 16th almost equal,

35

Larger plots were sown on soil similar in character and treatment to that on
which the first series of experimental plots were grown, with the following results :—

Bangholm Swede (Carter’s).—Size of plot, 300x15 feet; yield per acre, 31 tons
338 lbs., or 1,0382§ bushels.

Lord Derby Swede (Carter’s).—Size of plot, 300x15 feet ; yield per acre, 27 tons
498 lbs., or 90816 bushels.

Skirving’s Swede (Carter’s).—Size of plot, 400x15 feet; yield per acre, 25 tons
348 Ibs., or 839;8, bushels.

EXPERIMENTS WITH MANGELS.

Twenty-one varieties of mangels were sown in rows 16 inches apart, and culti-
vated by hand with a Planet Junior cultivator. The land was a good sandy loam
and weli prepared. Part of it was manured in the spring of 1888 and part during
the winter of 1890, from 18 to 20 tons of barnyard manure being used to the acre.
There were two series of plots. The first was sown on the 2nd of May and

pulled 16th October, and the second was sown 14th May and pulled 23rd October.
The yield per acre in the first series was calculated from the results from two rows
in each case 140 feet long, and in the second from one row 132 feet long. The
remarks made under turnips, regarding the estimated yields per acre from small
plots, willalso apply here.

— Yield per Acre. | Yield per Acre.
— = = —
First Series. Tons. Lbs.
par 08 Gri OG, 78 Gian) (ECATCE) ci\a)s cise. (siaiasis eiste.o /eissialawe eis mtieceleseevelersyans 53 1,366
Warden! Prize Yellow Globe (Carter): 2:22)... 0650cc000 225i is cede vee 51 1,133
Wehow intermediate (Rennie) 53.04 cee. cai occ aie oe einse bie clo discs cies seine 49 696
Giant Yellow Intermediate (Steele)...............00 cece eens cee eeeee 48 1,320
New Giant Yellow Intermediate (Bruce)..................202002 0000 7 6
MaMIHKACAREIO (ISUISL ne cree Aen ie naas site me Be oe cert eeins es meyer 42 1,905 |
Reateetalf-lonpvellow.(ReDMeC): a 5250 soceaes jeconeeanes, seiiey leees 42 1,395
Mammoth Red or Norberton Giant (Simmers)..... ............--.--. 41 279
Giant Yellow Globe (Rennie). .. ..... BG vet ae es aes tcp ; 39 1,553
Mammoth) bong Red (Steele)... 0.5 se... secle ccled vee sine eewtdle ces P 35 282
Ponenetieshedtbanicard (Steele)... fas cccecscccipe tis wit wid stenale oeoe wins 34 821
DSL Lees ET eee One! BORE ant SAP ataat Samet soos Sm meen Serta 31 36
eeMammoth! Long Red (vans): .... 2.026 s22et cece es ces eneeceeeeeens 30 1,479
MMermnmotnelione ed (Garter). 0 buses scene cakntes oscbe vooneeele | 29 1,586
Redettanicard (Steele). 2.15 \-\--,0,2 s/ssaie ois sara eleeie e nes BES Sener aa ths {| 29 1,479
Seasideried tric arcl ((Bivaans)s\ coe tss se otitis ¢. sieht nen Gy seetes = ote Seem | 28 1,490 |
Eaidensintermediate (Carter)|s 5.2: 0.0 ccs «dete sie wi capers acne ee - 28 601 |
Mammoth Long Red (Rennie)... Che - 27 1,889 |
Golden Fleshed Tankard (Simmers) . A 27 1,417 |
Mammoth Long Red (Bruce)........ : phen] dee 1,206
Wiranmotnelbong uy ellow: (Carter). /.\scit.<a a2. janes loiclarcisronelotarten Rio 23 796
Second Series.
GaeldeniMeshed! Tankard (Steele). 2.00.2 c2sc cece vee decc cee ctu becens 52 ~—s«1,584 1,7594
Warden Prize Yellow Globe (Carter).... ......... Sate se aa tote ae 46 998 1,549
EeotunmvellowiGdlobel(Rennie))l. os eicisciecc sibs ceineppelsis seiaeeiee eaieoteae 45 1,105 11,5183
EnnMOb me ronpettedn (Bruce) 8.0 2 cee ode ae cesses See ee ncn eeuizs 41 15699 | 1,39433
eid eramintermediatey (Carter) scs.5 «2: cach. sysraye sratciansy fas ce lee cope eeee 39 408 1,30633
eC Onn Ons GIANIb IPCALCE) >, © 5) 0,2:0/e:2 15:45:54 atov.ge ais diate ore, “epsyeyarw a ereoe eye chrcers 38 626 1,278;
Meviermmoth-Long Red (Carter)......2..0.secceess- svscercesvrsecsaee. 87) 1785 1,26215
Wiammoth Gong Yellow (Carter)......5 c:22..32 ecc5 2 vee beeceees 31 370 1,03932
Red Tankard (Steele) Pg 8 AOS LeEMER eros hha ace 30 =, 256 1,02038
Weermatht ong WRedi(Mvans). (cic aasc-nacncsacu-iceeee 4s seeannceeee 30 477 1,0072¢
Golden Fleshed Tankard (Simmers) ............ -.... -e020- ves ee 29 1,920 g9gie
Menncniitong Red) (Rennie) a. ..ckascg-, seseetinmenclecsoceene 29 «1,474 99115
ep deubebankancd’(Pivaria) is, oo lsc.) Weck idneseseuclinonss sehae 28 669 94459
Mammoth Red or Norberton Giant (Simmers) ...................... | 26 1,906 89825
Mammoth Long Red (Steele) -*......... CEG SO IS Re ARE Be 25 175 836338

|

nee, ae!

|
|

36

EXPERIMENTS WITH SUGAR BEETS.

These were sown with a Planet Junior drill in rows 16 inches apart on land
adjoining that on which the experimental plots of turnips were grown. The soil
was of the same character, and had received a coating of manure, about 18 to 20
tons per acre, early in the spring of 1890. They were sown on the 13th of May and
pulled on the 18th of October. The yield per acre of the several varieties has been
calculated from the product of two rows 66 feet long, a method of estimation which
is fairly reliable for the purpose of comparing varieties, but one which usually figures
up a larger yield than can be got where such roots are grown by the acre. The
proportion of sugar contained in each has been determined by the chemist of the
Experimental Farms and the particulars will be found in his report appended, Seed
of three of the varieties was kindly supplied by M. Musy, Esq., of the Beet Sugar
Works at Farnham, Que., and one by Wilfred Skaife, Esq., of Montreal.

Yield per Acre. | Yield per Acre.

| Tons. Lbs. Bush.
Seed from M. Musy, Esq., Farnham. . cspfotinwilog be trees 35 950 1,1823
Red Top (Rennie)................ «| 30 1,215 1,020.
Seed I.B.I.0. from M. Musy, Esq 5 28 1,585 959:
Prize Nursery (Carter)......... Ber Ge ho socancoorsoa! oc anrcab anne 28 1,585 95!
Seedii@BsD Strom MeN insys ESC tac cnls iateee cicie mersiateteiatste saree stnicrere 27 1,440 924
Wihitel Sugart beet (EB miSt) ee eee tits at. sicletve cle tere | aataralolaletate (eee ieteleleeee l= 25 1,398
Seed C.P. 2 P.A. from M. Musy, Esq...................-... > Vodaoe 25 1,150 85!
White Silesian Green Top (Rennie) .............-----.-2seesseeeeeeee 21 158 70233
Seed from Wilfred Skaife, Esq., Montreal...................-..++---- 20 920 682
psiiGctrey Aiea sy Sek SaaS GER U Epo cHeacusencudhaesaber (nad 19 1,270 6544
lm porsal (Bruce) seston sass ise te ssstae tact ace eee ts tele : 17 1,970 5:
SValmorin’s;Lmproved: (IPERrCe) ia. jr) nre av aw fai cte so crete nie) <teiw nl lapedien sicseiel tel 14 1,865 497.
WWibrtelstlestant(Steele pesmi micctem sce letee felts ailment ater eras 14 50 4674
Amperiall (andre thee sere testes sje (lssiel stele eeclers scaler ieseieisiais sea evapater tates 13 400 440

EXPERIMENTS WITH CARROTS.

Of carrots there were two sets of plots sown in rows 16 inches apart, adjoin-
ing the experimental plots of mangels, on soil of the same character and similarly
treated. The yield per acre has been calculated in the first series from the results
obtained from two rows, each 66 feet long, and in the second series from one row,
132 feet long. Such a calculation, as already explained under “Sugar Beets,” is of
value when comparing varieties, but is not always a reliable basis on which to found
expectation where large quantities are grown. The first set of plots were sown on
the Ist of May and pulled on the 16th of October; the second were sown on the 8th
of May and pulled on the 23rd of October.

In these experiments as well as in those of the mangels and sugar beets, the
yield per acre has, no doubt, been much influenced by the short distance (16 inches)
between the rows, whereas last year, they were put 2 feet 6 inches apart. At 16
inches many of the larger sorts of mangels were somewhat crowded, and 18 inches
would probably be a better distance for these. In either case the rows would be too
close for horse cultivation, but if the land is clean they can be conveniently worked
with a “Planet Junior” cultivator, Whether the extra yield will more than com-
pensate for the additional cost of hand labor has not yet been determined. Great
variations are seen in the results obtained from the duplicated plots, showing that
such tests would require to be repeated many times, under varying conditions, before
- they could be accepted as a reliable guide in the choice of varieties.

37

The first series of 25 varieties yielded as follows, arranged in order of prece-
dence :—
ul

; —- Yield per Acre. | Yield per Acre.

\

: Tons. Lbs. Bush
Improved Short White (Steele) 34 706 | 1,145.8,
Half Long White (Evans)..... ..... oe : ; 32 548 | 1,07543
Orange Giant (Carter)..... F ronésa, ode 29: 1,301 98834

Large White Vosges (Rennie)...... ; 26 28 430 9405
iearpemwhiteybelpram: (RenDe)e svi vec) 1. -c)estsars yore cieeiniecle atamnie eae ee 27 ~—s«1,539 92538

Early Gem (Rennie)..... oad 27 252 90442

Large Short Thick White Vosges | 25 1,579 85983

M Danvers Orange Intermediate (Vai 25 885 848.5,

: Healmiiong Scarlet uc (Rennie)? .222.....0.. des: oeeseseseuce ae 25 95 83453
cheairaieny (ROE aa5 og Boob ane boo sumeceaues coonedandene. cochosne eet az O05 81
Guerande or Ox Heart (Vaughn)... pUngagn gaan sosbooupcRackeoanoneeS |) “24 906 8158;
Pienwersyltaltebonp, (hearce))snccirnse, sisi merscierpnee ciel cacieme aoe 23° 15322 | 78842
NGarePRNV/ DILOMY OBS CS) (ESTUICE)\icfacay sfoval ste isval=i be sinfelurelsjos oi -te com se vst em reat 23 629 Tiles
Mitchell’s Perfect Perfection (Mitchell).............0.....2..-00-0-05 23 629 TIT#5
arse bop Orthel (Pearce) tiei-.)= aces neta else te nismiine pide ele nek sGriae 23 134 76884
James Scarlet Intermediate (Vaughn)....... 0 .:....00.005 ceeceenaes 22 253 737s
PRIMESPINLETMECIALG ((ECALCE) S| coc ciel ace siehhcle td vic wee) sb eislen disiew Suge 21 72 70642
Si, Weleny (linet). 6 otc ene casio ag Bb COR EECEOEOECOD CoE MO Dano ocr e oo 20 1,679 69438
Marlyascarlet short Horn (Vaughn). (2...)0.2-.sceec -.otecceeennees 20 1,283 688355
ripped Stam Aleny, | URCALCE)! a eteisrm- occ)s)siefnsote otcteve cele sl) wae Se. 6 sitasale | 20 986 683.8,
Chantenay (Evans).............--. ar | 19 1,897 66485
Half Long Scarlet Nantes (Vaughn)........ 19 -:1,204 65334
Short Model (Pearce)...... ... ..... ' 19 1,006 650
hone Searles -Altrmugham (Vaughn): 5.2)... 2.0. c.000se-esdereeesnennee 19 16 | 63333
Chantenay Half Long Scarlet (Vaughn)... ........0 0 we. eee ee ee eee 17 = 1,244 58734

The second series includes 24 varieties, and the yield is as follows :—

l
— | Yield per Acre. | Yield per Acre.

ae ee ts [aS EN
Tons. Lbs. | Bush

aarprovedt short nwihite) (‘Steele)..-.15.5.6.ccjece sce cleee + aces cciseinese 34 1,498 1,158}8
Marepaw hice \ViOSPes| (IRENE)... nes cide ole cece meciaseciem vests tse tees 291,697 99435
eelienonp scanleti luc | (RENNIGC) | (02 sare oc o\cieeiejlen sieinaiciee cas Siamle 29 212 970245
VaG EIEN RENIN) Maes 2 | astacisstisie sere soe ssiciine/oeseie tees : 28 1,420 957

ERMINE AW MLE; (HIVAMS) | \orciclaslzore wile aise clin eeloeine «tne wvles/elee «cl <ahe 28 1,222 95342
Perera Orvhen Pearce) a1. <1. te sicravac ta. ss o1s e Sieisjoreialac Rinse serene seers 28 232 93742
epranneornOx Hearbi(IVaughn)s Sac cee ov eee,siecine vane tema 26 1,262 88744
Bin arcenays (RetiMIe) oer. Rosie se tes ap vice aecciiceeaiet ewe eecaes ieee 26 1,262 88744
Danver’s Halt ea (Rearce) jc picrree rick are de eeiie ton. GE ak as 25 1,380 85633
Large Short Thick White Vosges (Simmers)..... 2 ..0.........000-. 25 292 83843
Searoayinite bel pian (FENNEC)... 2c. gees soe eee cece senses, See 24 1,112 81832
James Scarlet Intermediate (Vaughn)............ .....-..ceee ee eeeee 23 1,718 TODAS.
Tiuissnzip (DVS) se soqsedqopeganceadaddbemndag -0endue cbocobosbes 23 613 77633
MirmeerGuant\( Garten) ccs. c.saeceienens 20 sesso ean clicpcatdaaeicelde eee 21 1,981 T3305
Mitchell’s Perfect Perfection (Mitchell)...... .......... ....... 2... 21 1,362 72243
@hantenay Half Long Scarlet (Vaughn)... ...................0..00 21 1,164 71924
Marge Wihite Vosges (Bruce)..........5.....2000s000- RO ROR Pert HeiAaad 21 996 716-8;
Brrrrmlvisd ell (ie CArce) racers «iors, <\cieio/s ie deceladiskicie Scheie ce oe ents Mceeavayste 19 e501 65845
Danver’s Orange Intermediate (Vaughn) oye 5 19 1,402 65685
Long Red St. Valery (Pearce)............ 17 056 56735
arly Scarlet Short Horn (Vaughn):.... .....5....02esee ceeceeeces 16 =-:1,462 55743
MScaTiateAl trinphiames (dO © svi. sou econ e vst ote cnccteutonisae 16 472 54145
Half ManpescarletwNantess (dO 8 os. os). scissile ints viie ene. ewctene 15 =: 1,482 52442
Btemes steven (MIVARIB) recs cic riere oloye = Sic ste oie ceialesc atlelate cee eiciele =) e\s.cjsiele-s siete 15 294 50484

Two larger plots were grown 9n adjoining land with rows the same distance
apart. These were sown on the 8th May and pulled on the 23rd of October, The

38

varieties were Improved Short White (Steele’s): size of plot, 420 x 23 feet; yield per
acre, 35 tons 119 Ibs., or 1,1682% bushels; and Orange Giant (Carter’s): size of plot,
360 x 23 feet; yield per acre, 27 tons 976 lbs., or 91618 bushels.

EXPERIMENTS WITH POTATOKRS.

Ninety-four named varieties of potatoes have been tested side by side on a light
sandy loam, which was in oats in 1889, and to which was applied a dressing of from
18 to 20 tons per acre of fresh manure in the spring of 1890.

The drills were ploughed out and the manure put into them, after which it was
lightly covered with earth before the potatoes were planted.

The planting was done on the 16th of May. The size of the plots from which
the yield per acre has been calculated varied. The measurements are given ina
separate column. As the soil appeared to be very uniform and all the varieties were
treated exactly alike, planted at the same time and given nothing more than
ordinary field cultivation, the results are fairly comparable.

The Algoma Seedlings were obtained from Mr. Clifford, of Saulte Ste. Marie.

-—- Size of Plot. |/Yield per Acre

| Feet. Bush. Lbs.

Algoma Seedling No. 3 44x 3 319 00
PHOT burn. 5. oe 261 x 3 306 54
Lee’s Favourite. . s ee oan 60 x 9 291 14
Rosedale.......... .. ae sisal 15x 3 282 20
LOS ECE rea ceeich wea: Ore SE Ieee eer eee itiee har eRe Obes ofc | 216 x 3 pi liber thr
Marly 2Albino 2 case er cee oan aS 60 x12 | 268 43
Pearl of Savoy..... Paap Meislelstah slsfeschatckiartnatd sinresaletey. oisatotesetvterenciele ee evemiere ; 126-x) 305] 268 00
Growl Jewel to aera seston eos lech Se soars tae Lae a eee ere | 126 x 9 266 00
VA pomaseedlinguNowllsc an. sane enieeismiecispitss ia eater ae 99 x 3 265 13
(BesttyiOfebebron 201s «oc hfcfisisisioYnrciomens chases dese es Mai el astemidiets 60 x 3 264 11
LESS FAC Gale) aaa ae A pen ogo Gate SOROS COR Gen Aon Ona meeree re naseeor bor 126 x 3 262 10
SWWINT GSS bar sce ctte se Norcia. wis cciecvasve este tote a/c nie inlais siorasionn Otte oncinenemiceee | 126 x 3 259 37
Chicago Market.c 2/03 fc, senssdce casts Sues ene m oaeel Seo -epieue 60 x 3 256 7
Sharpeisiseedlin pies sya: vepreer ce ciserrs cine soe seine eels ale ee cok ddoamel| 60 x 6 253 5b
iit AlN be neesasseondaaeces Cappeccs done » aborcanhcucdader orsanassoadc0. all 126 x 18 247 «00
Mimpire Statelectackien, salar = swe uctsts Meaesowciaas acieiace Gennes serene 126 x 18 246 00
Wikaiate Civics ead eeyN Kore (ola oes eS RR nm anertan sO atnee en Accactls cbmeba sta cus | 126 x 3 245 45
Richter silmprovedec ein ek selec, me ites cate arr Wane ae owe Na iC eat apy 8} 245 00
Marly; Paritan: css eii--) se bcegate seuss queens bat ote ct obatoys lefetete siete aeagoe 180 x 3 244 «1
Maya Queen! Marly, se sne rece Societe ec otekbrl eee oe ere. cieaaeciseieees | 126 x 6 243 20
MG wer of Widens sheices ave. c cuvelavere srcteieleve clare Recta, cts aky s1se Geese e ie eeisis Menee elon © 60 x12 | 242 00
Compton's SUPPLIsOn ak scree sigue seas Sle Me GE ee witbiaijraste nye eataye ees 126X530 240 4
Rose’s Beauty of Beauties ... 225 x. 3 238 14
State of Maine... ee 216 x 3 238 «3.
Halton Seedlingyc cece ese 2 2 126 x 12 237 40
Algoma Seedling No. 2 102 x 3 236 4
COprariy Deon oe erecou tn oo nsgdoseogoanedqocot cokcadesdodaseas pecs 126 x 6 232 52
Prairie COMM Pyle ratssetele c/a cheval stere, aie cle ota ae cetevciele fee ele sote, tele Pavatarasete oeclebahatovars 126 x 3 230 28
Ruby ok secs orb wha AGIOS ALT Beket letersi bis SS sis) AO eee e che eee nioet ts 60 x 3 229 54
iifditicisislalls eo n8 den sem 6 condos cbonbendoeaae noe bodgude suo sibubadsoounde | 60 x 12 229 54
Rirraleb hush esos vay nee eee ee et ee os See e te SRA RO Eee Eee | 126 x 6 226 38
| 126 x 3 225 40

126 x 3 225 40

1D 70 by) GONE Hal tae Meee ee sels cnn Aue cern nan On deoceoobuoTod sous 64 Pies 8} 224 39
Hive! Carpenterces: scrios coche selsee nines ete emer eee ere ee nearer 60x 3 223 51
(Rose'saN ew. Gaamt sire oar be cece cen eee ool oie ni elects aie pte miney eC eras 126 x 18 223 45
(Ovaitoh ied Oc] h Rae en ane Heed Gs HOMIE Ants soenbe nc Hb ber denn comdesccn doce - | 126 x 33 223 43
Early Sunrise. .... Be ater celere ieee l6r unre oes et cagne aae es CR Re etes urate ees Me ote ee eee te | 60 x 39 223 10
LOPE h AO] ons aeenenn a enarco lo oscacnoa5 abba. socdsacosebonooo) Shoo) costs 126 x18 222 45
GlarkeiguNGn Alleah cece peel tec ehaele eee einel nits ise ae ako Ee ieee 210 x 3 221 15
Wei Tgi ohne lene RAR REED meant sna Lr nocon bo ato On OE OSDAODaRADDSaHG- modo s 60 x 6 220 49
Ors) Cut kel) oo UB dp CE BeOdo noes Atinds Goon doaounocagomupooooocbsoraaus 4 60 x 6 220 49
Stray Beauty 126 x 12 219 12
Dakota Rediuicon seen G | 126 x 12 219 00

39

Size of Plot. Yield per Acre
Feet. Bush. Lbs,
g Marly JROS@s. 2. .\ss-<s00 hadarsbodnaSsad Hdatoccnbce: Bast oBe bones 60 x 3 217 48
FHoliornyAbundance) (Carter) i). ah isrsee acne melas, Mitrsedel-\sieparsia eat. ages 126 x 6 217 00
Sis. Lytle, SS SS ae enc Mois aitel aspect eee be i caeear esa cae eee 126 x 3 211 16
Renproniuhe ussets| (Carter) a.) mlersiacceeecectiiiasss leila cesle: | seca s tee 126 x 6 210 18
J RUPE ROHS ber ep yes act ehe cbeciwvcleyeiejeteiaseyalercletasiales ctelsvorasioisiersle wl onie cls scta tea leie Sreraed 126 x 3 209 20
. iCPAS.< 83 204 11
60 x 12 204 11
126)x: “9 194 56
’ 126 x 3 IGE 3
; 60 x 12 191 4
222 x 3 187 29
" 126 x 6 187 15
Lv hge? Vinh gtk apne dogeuaad do vadeo DRUEoe BADADSEORHES cpr core GECBReracc 60 x 12 187 2
PRM ECR PECOUMILG, WICC oof 1<jsiiete lola ciao) 21a) or fosnyssai Sats esa soye te) steyaieloYovee aie tombarciS.clers 60 x 3 185 32
: Meares) OWING ete fesaycieisiets oie eich ys te otis s.cislelajereelolane ziecaieteinactaneery, wisp aire | 234 x 3 184 5
Surprise (Caster’ Media cian fee aisehs hele eso cis aioe vai cinte siento ale invale enetete en creates 126 73 181 30
4 Siilayehes (ORI Joe rea a oR eM aEo eres sors enont conon ate tence caotE Ue rceer 60 x 6 181 30
Gleason’s Late | 126 x 3 181 14
} 60 x 6 180 29
126 x 6 178 00
126 x 3 175 44
} 126 x 3 174 46
| 60 x 3 173 26
)" “eons 173 26
RWMMRLCTESI SS DLOUE tere pe sie ciation cic coeicteseveleisiare Ssitele sicielete a/e Msiose srs crates ave Mae tieyelets | 60 x 9 171 25
EriclexOle Aner Cae hehe tite cistiiace a iors sini eine icles eee ob heros sit hae awiont ne 126 x 6 167 30
SEM MTIGLUBAVVATINOL civic pein es erate sic losiseie alcielar ais wieverercleremicyarqeistancio ni sccloele 225 x 3 167 14
MOSENATTCLON pares Scie (eiets et etche eve a eye) siancialateie ayer woa s ialolahsceis ache sem aicrerslenes. oeleale cist sue 126 x 3 164 12
IMG So apo So tota don cee eS Eat arte ieee baa Seo ieee: aekran | 60 x 3 163 21
Dieyaaney” Whats. pnopa Be gee io aob pode on bees bom boddalssdancpaaeanoe (cater 126 x 3 158 30
eT MEME GINE SL Rares tee Gig) Ghee e cde: 252 x 3 157 29
PRON UTI SPE ALAP OW ofaiayers te = cio. 2)sicjein\c are Seis siecle oiele inves sapere F eisieise selels 60 x 6 154 16
August Kidney........ sBacnoncosddd Admnbo Br dDned ccm Moo at ano Bn eens | 126 x 3 152 41
IDbgan Ininjeaie CRANES oo Ochs Sade doa ewan seMe ere ne do. bed bor sas Oeeoeeise 60 x 6 vs as)
Sean (CHSTT SIO Gog gaara ae Cae OnE Nao IO Eons hc a eieice Renee anes 126 x 3 149 48
ESSE BIVLL TIS LOT vespctesn fel eeys ac ol ayctoserepeleiavsieta wet eracacalefateishavcecelola,«/ Slalwiela Ss ierdveieces 60 x 3 147 13
lina@ IDB) Co aedeckoatoteades Bueanuane se bam ie asada Gateaetiooracaen 60 x 3 147 13
Manhattan ®....0<..-.- Ne Cees TT etats Orso ere MT ors lovetorepmiakeweve ove aie eel ier ech 60 x 3 147 13
Mtge TNOIVLOUITI GAITE CIS facta a\ ets ac fo. ew) </ofnis/o es cie anlev=ie/Sjeibyoels GyeAaidteyee Lisisis @sseerm eewie = NOD EXRS: 140 14
‘Coriooeilier (Chia Gems abeanoteneadeoan scoaneate sa tereeaner corse neon 60 x 27 136 41
Poripyofat hes Hiarlics sss. cts e.a< o1eisiso 2 © te 1 eiesecloinels 60x 3 Ibi 6 9/
IE DHONG Mien: cece Ss iclee «,s.e16)4]ehts De a ee 60 x 6 136 7
SIG THD ha 05 a ae Oly Geran RE ere RRA Sse SU Oia Eten ahs Meet erm tears 60 x 3 133 «6
TENE ISIS PELIOLIN cle ici sf. Sessa WS Aelobeleiplrobis leis e oe eieidnw s meemsi Adee as 126 x 12 130 55
EVD HA DERE SGALO tetas fect ric aian avis) Pyciuss os eles e'aiciefaeroy Steere sseyntione 126 x 6 1305 17
iret Oro p yA Shimlaeai | Calter) cific oi cechie ae cieie h cfeteinie + widivle soe Me meaiemencisies 126 x 6 96 00
Booky istoredaolel i. % on sessanonpoolncadanecootens cupasrapnantoo neon ece : 126 x 3 94 6
WUnE.5.: lo.nb oo) SOR DUS BORD Da SOE Dead os Sees meee Gen ma aOMn eating Sree 60 x 3 66 33
Ung NOG So oSagaanesipaots 6 bop aaoodE Oro: DaUsaDnOnAe te 1onana Doon 60 x 6 66 33
JADE UES oe Bo 6 bent OGURA Dee Gas ae SOR: oF CODaCDES ere mmc Tore: 60 x 6 Bie al

INDIAN CORN,

In the report of the Experimental Farms for 1889 brief reference was made to
seventy varieties of Indian corn which had been tested that year, and fuller details
were promised in a special bulletin. After the information which had been gained
was brought together it was thought best to continue this work another season
before presenting the results. During the past year nearly eighty varieties were
planted under similar conditions and in plots of uniform size, and the results of the
two years’ work on Indian corn will shortly be ready for publication.

SEED TESTING.

This useful branch of work has been actively carried on during the past season
at the Central Experimental Farm, and the timely information afforded has saved
many farmers much disappointment and loss. In 1889, 541 samples of wheat were

40

tested, the growth of 1888, giving an average of 83 per cent. of vitality; while the
average of 343 samples, the growth of 1889, is 84°3 percent. A similar comparison
with barley gives 84 per cent. for 115 samples in 1888, and 84:9 per cent. for 279
samples in 1889, while the average for 174 sample of oats grown in 1888 was 79 per
cent. and for 345 samples in 1889 it was 90°5 per cent. showing but very slight varia-
tions in the results obtained from the tests of the wheat and barley, but a remarkable
increase in the average vitality of oats, and this, notwithstanding the fact that rust
prevailed in 1889 to an unusual degree. The total number of tests completed was
1245 and in the following table the results are given.

Resutts of Grain Tests, 1889-90.

Number Highest Lowest ne
Kind of Seed. of Per Per Vitality
Tests. centage. centage. AOALLY,
243 100 30 84°3
279 100 2 84°9
345 100 12 90°5
2 17 70 13-5
92 100 0 68.4
24 100 25 81°2
13 100 0 68°6
16 91 43 69°6
38 100 58 83°7
Mangel 28 90 14 43°6
(Ofc) On pa RRDRa Gab ee Jtos dondoenmencacousodsodvicd | 30 100 10 51°8
IBiickiwihiesiti ways see inon emake sine cnet memersiealas one einer 6 98 16 671
Tares SOR ADE ee ocis Ibe ane ensue eae coon 2 94 91 92°5
INGO sends doSco neal HonD aman saddoconcupeuAadSU 2 98 81 89°5
LSGr neha goede Gass obad (DoadaatocotoeenauE puaabooKe | 4 100 34 72°0
LANG Beers fay casero onc tere ceed Soars Mises 5 100 65 86°8
1A ee Lo oae cau bie Hac aesORoeeaaoadd cNasoe sO 9 90 14 49°5
(Critloyiie sac ebeir aah Go tantGe hd Oe a eBemEtO aor aisnaane 2 70 34 52°0
Wanliflower ssc ae eee ae eee eel anise 2 81 67 74°0
Cabbage. merc. scene sence cm Seas chess 2 84 3 43°5
Jeti yo tS moh ehoeobaosed dkockiongnopnebacedoobagunDS 4 68 16 30°0
PRODACCO nya hae ce tte eons ete mse eateries idle arches 9) 77 0 23°7
INES Joe Be MELA AO ISSES poosO a bOUDrId. ano doanod Saco 2 91 26 538°5
IG AEP REEMA Sem een e od daamecn cb andanatenogos 5 ee Aer ERE bcton Stra so - 18°0
LEAS Ga es ONE Seo OSCE So Sen OB a asap osuoenese acts thie See ee eee 40°0
Sunhowersscctcsemcousbewteies Wonstel Cece ean re De eh ooemaees: 3] Ree eee 92°0
CSttoniSsedl Ponce ees Me clin) eStats ete siete 1 i 64°0
ROP iabineyegehacadsackhdqancomocto oer soe soot SiG De etehorceecdane aaeotoadeo ss 56°0
SUparcanes.t yess Mees nad sco ncn ae elt: 3 eet exctereey tic) es: ienodedoon ss 33°0
Total number of samples tested, highest and
lowest percentage and average vitality. .... 1245 100 0 81°8

The season of 1890 in most of the Provinces has been characterized by unusally
wet weather, which has caused the grain in some districts to sprout ; rust has also
been very prevalent. Such influences always lower the vitality of cereals, and greater
care is necessary in selecting grain for seed. All doubtful samples should be sent in
good season to the Experimental Farm for test.

GOVERNMENT IMPORTATION OF TWO-ROWED BARLEY.

During the Session of the House of Commons in February last, on the recom-
mendation of the Minister of Agriculture, the Government agreed to place in the
Estimates the sum of $25,000 for the purchase in England and distribution in this
country of two-rowed barley for seed. In this the House concurred, and shortly
after 10,000 bushels of Carter's Prize Prolific barley was purchased for this purpose,
for the reason that this variety had already been tested in different parts of the

em ol

,
.

41

Dominicn, on the Experimental Farms and by individual farmers with good results.
This was purchased from the well known seed firm of James Carter & Co., of London,
England, and brought out in 5,000 bags of 112 lbs. each—two English bushels. Arrange-
ments were made for its disposal by the Director of Experimental Farms, and on its
arrival in Montreal a number of bags were opened, the grain carefully examined
and its germinating power tested. The bariey proved to be fairly uniform and
plump, and weighed about 54 lbs. to the bushel, but many of the bags were found to
contain a small percentage of foreign grain and seeds. To separate these and insure
uniformity in the sample the whole of the 5,000 bags were opened and the grain
passed twice through the cleaning machinery belonging to the Montreal Warehouse
Co., when the bags were re-filled, weighed and prepared for shipment. This work
necessarily caused some delay and entailed expense and loss, towards which Messrs.
Carter & Co. subsequently contributed £50 sterling.

In the meantime, orders had been received from 2,606 farmers in different parts
of the Dominion for 3,200 bags and these were forwarded as rapidly as possible; but not-
withstanding that the utmost efforts were used to ensure prompt despatch, the grain
in many instances did not reach its destination early enough to produce the best
results.

The season proved unfavourable for barley in Ontario, Quebec and the Eastern
Provinces, but this crop has been grown with fair success in Manitoba, the North-
West Territories and British Columbia. In the central-and eastern Provinces the
six-rowed barley of the crop of 1890 is much lighter than usual, the Ontario crop
being estimated at about 2 lbs lighter than the average of past years, and it
may be fairly presumed that the two-rowed barley has suffered in a like degree.
After harvest,circulars were sent to all those who had been purchasers of the imported
barley, asking information concerning dates of sowing and harvesting, description of
of soil, the preceding crop, manure used, yield per acre and total yield, leaving a
larger space on the sheet for general remarks. A small cotton bag with an addressed
tag was enclosed with each circular, and the parties were requested to forward a
sample by mail of about 1 lb. in weight of the barley grown from the seed
purchased. The number of reports and samples received up to the 30th of January
is as follows: Ontario, 872; Quebec, 48; Nova Scotia, 13; New Brunswick, 23 ;
Prince Edward Island, 11; Manitoba, 62; North-West Territories; 22; British
Columbia, 1.

The following table shows the results in the yield per acre and total yield, the
average weight of the samples as received and their weight after cleaning, by which
from 12 to 18 per cent. of the lighter grain was separated. This cleaning was neces-
sary, for the reason that many of the samples were forwarded just as they came from

_ the thresher and hence were not in a marketable condition.

Table showing results of tests of 'Two-rowed Barley (Prize Prolific), imported by
the Government of Canada for seed.

Number aoe = 4 | F
= A Yield Total Yield | Weight per | Weight per
of Bens per | from | Bushelas |Bushel after
Samples. Acre. 112 Pounds.) Received. | Cleaning.
Bushels. | Bushels. Lbs. Lbs.
MME cts Sreleyalaye sctaleserels S ainisce ae fale 872 254 | 28. 504 514
20S Dae DOR CR Ee Dr enens 48 203 22 4st 503
Seat i 5... 13 264 265 472, 48
Waban 23 221 24 47h 493
Sead a 2% al 264 274 48 49
MESTIGISS | ae 62 39 433 48 508
North-West Territories...) 0111111). 2 274 8p 46} 508
Pmtemne@olnmibians: acco sees, s+ = 1 457 452 505 53

In Bulletin No. 35 of the Bureau of Industries, issued by the Ontario Department
of Agriculture, the statistics of crops in Ontario for 1890 are given. These are com-
niled from returns made by 1,015 correspondents and the average yield of six-rowel
feats is there given as 22,7, bushels. The average yield in Ontario of the twi-
rewed, based on the returns made by 872 farmers, is 254 bushels, showiny
that the yield of the two-rowed has been superior to that of the six-rowed by 3,*,
bushels. With such an increase on the whole barley crop of Ontario, taking barley
at 50 cents a bushel, there would be a total gain of $1,157,187. :

With reference to a market for this barley, there is every prospect of its findin,;
a ready sale in Great Britain at remunerative prices, provided it can be produced to
weigh 52 lbs. and upwards per bushel. Asa rule, the plumper and heavier the sample
the higher the price. It has been shown that 872 samples grown during the past
unfavourable season in all parts of Ontario have weighed on an average when properly
cleaned, 514 Ibs. per bushel, and there seems no reason in doubting that in an aver-
age year two-rowed barley could be grown at least 1 or 2 lbs. heavier than
this, particularly in the better barley districts of the Province. In the report of the
judges at the Brewers Exhibition held last October in the Royal Agricultural Hall,
London, England on the twelve samples of Canadian two-rowed barley shown there
weighing from 514 to 55 lbs. per bushel, these expertssay: “These samples compare
very favourably with Frerch, Saale, Danish or other European barleys, and if sent
in good condition could be consumed in this country with great satisfaction to the
brewers and to the consumers of beer.” And further in their closing remarks. “The
judges agree in speaking in high terms of many of the samples submitted and in very
high terms indeed of some two or three of the best.” Two of the samples specially
commended by them were the Chevalier, which weighed 524 lbs.. and the Golden
Melon, which weighed 52 lbs. Ashipment of 50 quarters—400 English bushels—of
Prize Prolific barley of this year’s growth, weighing about 52 lbs. to the bushel, has
teen forwarded to London, England, to be malted and brewed by one of the leading
brewers in England, so that correct conclusions may be reached as to its commercial
value there. It is altogether probable that the brewers of the United States will
continue to purchase a part of the Canadian barley crop notwithstanding the high
duty imposed ; and if so, are they not likely to prefer a barley which gives a larger
proportion of extract, and hence, from a given quantity, makes more beer, With
regard to the home market, many of our Canadian brewers would prefer the two-
rowed if it could be bad in sufficient quantity for separate malting; and if our
farmers willuse a portion of their barley crop for feeding purposes, as I believe they
should do, in place of selling so much grain off their farms, then the two-rowed is to
be preferred to the six-rowed, for the reason that it yields a larger number of bushels
to the acre and the grain has a smaller proportion of husk to kernel. Further
information connected with this important subject will be found in Bulletin 9 of the
Central Experimental Farm, in which the individual opinions and experiences of a
large number of farmers living in different parts of the country are given.

FORESTRY.

The plantations of belts of forest trees on the Central Experimental Farm have
during the past season been extended. A large number of both trees and shrubs
have also been planted in ornamental clumps along the sides and at the intersecting
points of roadways and in other locations where needed. In a very short time
these groups will add much to the beauty and attractiveness of the Farm, Nearly
all the trees and shrubs hitherto planted have made thrifty growth and are already
beginning to attract much attention from visitors. Within a very few years these
clumps will be very useful for determining the annual growth of timber trees and
the hardiness and adaptability of the many sorts under test for this district.

In the report of the Horticulturist some particulars are given regarding the
distribution of about 1,000 packages of forest-tree seedlings, which were sent

chiefly to farmers on the North-West plains for test. So widespread was the inter-
-est manifested in this subject last season that the supply was not half enough to meet

q

43

the demand, and, under instruction of the Minister, a further and larger supply has
been obtained, more than sufficient to supply all those who were disappoirted last
year. By this means it is expected that small plantations will be established at a
large number of different points where, within a few years, the trees will be large
enough to produce a liberal supply of seed wherewith to extend the planting,

The following paper, containing a summary of the work which has been done
in this direction and notes on the trees which have been most successfully grown,
was read at the meeting of the American Forestry Association, held in Quebec, on
the 3rd of September, 1890 :—

“FORESTRY ON THE WESTERN PLAINS OF CANADA.
“ By Wm. Saunders,

“* Director Experimental Farms, Ottawa.

“The experimental farms which have been established by the Government of
Canada are five in number, located at the following points: Nappan, Nova Scotia;
Ottawa, Ontario; Brandon, Manitoba; Indian Head, North-West Territories, and
Agassiz, British Columbia. Experiments in tree planting were begun at all these
farms as soon as possible after the selection of the sites, but on the farms on the
western plains in Manitoba and the North-West Territories this work has been con-
ducted on a more extensive scale than on the other sites, for the reason that the need
of forest shelter is more keenly felt in the prairie districts. Work was begun on
the farm at Indian Head during the summer of 1887, and the first trees were
planted in the spring of 1888, about 20,000 in all, consisting of a large number of
varieties. This farm is a section of bare prairie land of 680 acres, without any
shelter whatever. In the spring of 1889, another consignment of about 12,000 trees was
forwarded, and during the present season a few thousand more have been sent, A
considerable quantity of seed of the box elder, with a smaller proportion of white
ash and American elm has been sown each year, and thus more than 50,000 seed-
lings have been added to the stock. A portion of these seedlings have been dis-
tributed among the settlers in the neighbourhood but the larger part has been
planted in shelter belts and forest clumps on the farm.

“The Brandon farm was selected during the summer of 1888, and tree planting
was begun there in the spring of 1889. About 20,000 trees were sent that year and
ten or twelve thousand more during the present year. A large number of seedlings
of box elder, ash and elm have also been grown on this farm during both seasons
referred to. The Brandon farm is situated partly in the valley of the Assiniboine
River and partly on the bluffs which form the northern boundary of that valley.
This farm is mostly prairie, but in the ravines in the bluffs, and also on the face of
the bluffs, there are large patches of scrub, consisting of small poplars, scrub oak,
hazel, eleagnus and other low bushes, while near the river bank there is a small
grove of elm, ash, and box elder trees, with undergrowth of willow, rose, &e. From
this brief description it will be seen that the land on these two farms is varied as
to exposure, while the soil and the climatic conditions by which they are surrounded
are such as to include within their area most of the difficulties which stand in the
way of tree growing in the better farming districts in the Canadian North-West.

“ During the spring of 1889 a considerable number of packages of trees were
sent by mail and express to different parts of the North-West plains for test, and this
work has been continued on a larger scale during the past season. The distribution
outside of the Experimental Farms in 1890 consisted of over 100,000 seedling trees of
one and two years’ growth, which were sent by mail in about 1,000 packages of 100

each to as many different points, while larger bundles were forwarded by express to

twenty-five of the experimental gardens on the line of the Canadian Pacific Railway
from Moose Jaw to Calgary, to most of the agencies on the Indian Reserves, and the
chief stations of the Mounted Police. By these several methods trees have been dis-
tributed for test over the whole areafrom the eastern part of Manitoba to the western
extremity of the great plains of the Territories aud along the foot hills of the Rocky

44

Mountains. On the Indian Head farm trees have had the test of two winters and
three summers ; on the Brandon Farm and at a few other points, including about
twenty stations on the Canadian Pacific Railway, we have the results of one winter
and two summers; while at a very large number of other points the summer drought
and heat is the only test the trees have yet been subject to. This latter, however,
is no mean test, for dry weather will often cause the death of more trees than will
the cold weather of winter.

“The results of the tests on the experimental farms have been carefully noted
each year, but the experience gained is too limited as yet to admit of very positive
statements regarding many varieties of trees under trial. The following notes are
submitted, with the hope that they may be of some interest to the American Forestry
Association.

“Box Elder, (Wegundo acercides)—This tree promises to be the most valuable of
all forest trees for the western plains, adapting itself to all conditions of climate and
situation, and making thrifty growth under trying circumstances. No tree is so
universally successful; but to get the best results the seedlings should be grown from
seed collected from trees growing on the river banks and ravines in Manitoba or the
Territories. If grown from eastern seed the young trees are often partly winter-
killed. In three or four years from the time of sowing the seed this tree will usually
attain a height of from 5 to7 feet, with a nice bushy head, and after that the growth
is quite rapid.

“Among the trees which promise to rank next in value are the American elm
and green and white ash, when grown from Manitoba seed, but these often prove more
or less tender when grown from seed produced in Ontario or the western States. The
native poplars and some of the willows also make fine growth, and aid materially in the
formation of shelter belts ; some of the Russian poplars have also succeeded very
well, notably Populus Petrovska, certinensis, bertolinus and bolleana ; Salix laurifolia
is also valuable, The American mountain ash, European mountain ash, yellow birch,
European white birch and the variety of white birch, known as the cut-leaved, have
also proved hardy, as far as they have been tried. Of the maples, the only ones
which have succeeded thus far are the silver-leaved Acer dasycarpum, and the Norway
maple, Acer platanoides, and these are only partially successful. The Siberian
maple, Acer ginnala, has proven hardy at the Indian Head Farm, but this will rank
rather as a shrub than a tree.

.

“ Among the evergreens, the white spruce, transplanted from the sandy plains
near Carberry, Manitoba, or the spruce from the foot-hills of the Rocky Mountains,
succeed best. The Scotch fir and the European mountain pine are also hardy in
many places, enduring the low temperatures of the winter better than the drying
winds and hot weather of the summer months, The white spruce of the East, Nor-
way spruce, arbor vite, Austrian pine, red cedar and European larches have failed
in most localities in the Territories, but many of them have survived and made a
little growth in some places in Manitoba. The same may be said of the basswood,’
European ash and Russian mulberry. The attempts to grow the sugar and red
maples, sycamore, black locust, butternut, black walnut and western catalpa have
so far been unsuccessful.

“Among the most valuable shrubs useful for ornamental purposes and as under-
growth are the several native willows, the wolf willow, Eleagnus argentea, the native
wild cherry, Saskatoon and hazel, to which may be added the Siberian pea, Caragana
arborescens, Russian olive, Eleagnus, and the several varieties of lilac. The wild rose
also serves a similar purpose, and the Rosa rugosa from Japan, which has proved ~
hardy and valuable at Indian Head.

By the free use of the trees and shrubs named effective shelter belts and forest
clumps can in a few years be produced on the North-West plains, which will help to
break the force of the winds and give a home-like beauty to the bare prairie. When
sufficient time has elapsed to allow of more extended testing many valuable addi-
tions will no doubt be made to the list now given.”

45

\ Dering my journey through Manitoba and the North-West Territories last sum-
___mer it was found that the native forest trees were producing seed in great abundance.
As this was an opportunity not often to be had for a most useful work, prompt
arrangements were made for the collecting of a large quantity. Both the superin-
} tendents of the north-western Experimental Farms, Mr, A. Mackay and Mr. 8. A.
Bedford, entered heartily into the work, visited the districts where seeds were most
( lentiful and, with the help of settlers, Indians and half-breeds succeeded in securing
| etween two and three tons of tree seeds. They consist chiefly of Manitoba maple,
asb, oak and wild cherry. About seven acres have been sown on the Experi-
‘mental Farm at Brandon, Man., and enough has been reserved at Indian Head,
N.W.T., to cover asimilar area. A few sacks have also been kept at each farm to
supply any settlers in the neighbourhood who may apply for them. The remainder
(about a ton and a-half) has been forwarded to the Experimental Farm for general
distribution, Already more than 500 packages have been sent out by mail and the
stock on hand will probably be sufficient for two or three thousand more, leaving
sufficient to plant some large plots on the Central Farm. As each of the packages
sent out will contain enough seeds to produce many hundreds of trees while the
large areas sown at the several Experimental Farms will, if successful, be likely to
produce several millions, the results of this years work in the collecting of tree seeds
«
;

aS Ma < aee

will in ashort time do much to further tree planting on the western plains of
Canada,

Bs ANNUAL INSPECTION OF BRANCH EXPERIMENTAL FARMS.

NAPPAN,

During the summer the usual annual visits were made to the several Experi-
mental Farms. The farm for the Maritime Provinces at Nappan was inspected
during the latter part of July. Among other features of interest there was a large
and instructive series of grain plots of many different varieties, illustrating the
yariations in individuals sorts, the effects of special fertilizers on their growth, also
the influence of draining, which, by prompt removal of superabundant water, admits
of early sowing and thus gives greater vigour to the plants. Useful facts were
also being demonstrated regarding the growth of field roots, Indian corn, fruits and
garden vegetables. This farm has had many visitors from the adjacent districts
who have expressed surprise and gratification at the progress which has been made.

VISIT TO SOUTHERN MANITOBA,

The journey westward was undertaken early in August, when the grain was
approaching maturity. Some parts of southern Manitoba were visited when in
company with the Dairy Commissioner, Prof. J. W. Robertson, I had the pleasure of
attending several meetings of farmers, especially at Pilot Mound and Glenboro, and
also of driving through a very fertile range of country for about 100 miles through
an almost constant succession of wheat fields laden with grain, almost ready for the

reaper. At Glenboro’ the opportunity was afforded of visiting the adjacent [celandic
settlement where pleasing evidences of thrift, comfort and prosperity were observ-
able on every hand. The mixed farming carried on by these worthy settlers is evid-
ently the best style of farming for that country and when generally adopted will
result in greater prosperity. Praises of the useful work being carried on at the
_ Brandon Experimental Farm met me here, and I found that many of these people
_ had cheerfully driven the forty miles which separates them from this farm in order
to take in some of the useful lessons taught there by the experiments conducted,
especially those with varieties of grain and useful fodder plants.

46

BRANDON.

Arriving at Brandon on the 15th of August, the Experimental Farm there was
found to possess many interesting features. The new buildings had made fair pro-
gress. These have since been completed. The avenue trees and belts of forest growth
had made rapid advancement and will soon become a prominent feature. The fields
of grain were most promising and the acre plots of different varieties of oats were
the heaviest in crop I had ever seen. The crop of Indian Corn and other fodder
plants was unexpectedly heavy. The plots of native grasses and some of the foreign
sorts had made thrifty growth, and the plantations of small and large fruits which
had been put out in clearings on the bluffs, amid the surrounding shelter of thick
scrub were most promising. Much of the hay crop on the meadow lands had been
cut and stacked. Heavy winds had partly lodged a few of the earlier sown plots of
grain in the valley, but these were now ready for the reaper. The harvest promised
to be an abundant one.

INDIAN HEAD,

Passing on to Indian Head on the 18th, the grain crops were truly magnificent
and never more full of promise. Miles of waving golden-headed wheat greeted the
eye at almost every point of view. Most of the Ladoga wheat was cut and stacked,
but a portion, now over ripe, had been left for my inspection—this was cut on the
day of arrival. In the fields the scene was a busy one ; two binders, with their quota
of men, were in constant use from early to late, cutting the early-ripening sorts of
oats, barley and wheat, and good progress was being made. On the atternoon of the
20th a cold wind set in from the north, the temperature fell rapidly, and before night
the possibilities of frost began to be discussed. At the time of the last observation
at night the thermometer still stood above 40, and hopes were entertained of escape
from impending danger, but the morning revealed the fact that there had been five
degrees of frost. Many of the garcen vegetables were more or less injured, the
tomatoes were gone, the potato vines partially blackened and the foliage of the corn,
which looked so thrifty and vigorous on the previous day, was now rapidly drooping,
and it was feared that serious injury had been done to the standing crops of grain.
The harvesting was pushed on with increased vigour ; while the two binders felled
and bound the golden grain willing hands cut and stacked the corn ere its leaves
should wither and dry, and experiments were devised to make the most of the
opportunity given by cutting plots of standing grain, which had been purposely sown
late, at different periods, so that information might be had as to the best time to cut
frozen grain in case such frosts should occur again. The conclusions reached will be
found in the report of the Superintendent of the Indian Head Farm. Many differences
of opinion were expressed as to the probable result of this severe visitation, some of
the hopeful ones claiming that no harm was done; but subsequent experience has
shown that the injury to all the late wheat, which was then in a soft condition, was
serious, and that the effects on that which was well advanced, but still standing, was
such as to lessen its value. There was no frost at Brandon that night, but it came soon
after. The unfavourable harvest weather which followed, and which prevailed all
over Manitoba and most of the eastern part of the Territories, attended with a most
unusual fall of rain, caused further injury, and the bright outlook was darkened, and
much of the grain, although in general a heavy crop, has brought very low prices.
The necessity of early sowing, the selection of some early ripening varieties, so that
the harvesting may begin earlier, and not come on all at once, and of devoting a
larger proportion of the land to other crops than wheat, 1s forcing itself upon the
minds of all thoughtful farmers, and it is believed that this visitation severe as it was
will be followed by compensating advantages. These wonderful plains so marvellous
in their fertility despite occasional drawbacks are being gradually occupied, and
when once the farmers can be brought to fully realize the great importance of adopting
mixed farming, its general practice will do much to lessen the injury caused by early
frosts where wheat is the mainstay of the country.

: 47

VISIT TO SOUTHERN ALBERTA,

Leaving Indian Head on the 22nd, Dunmore was reached the following day, «nd en
route opportunities were given for inspecting some of the experimental gardens of the
Canadian Pacific Railwaw which had been supplied with bundles of forest trees from
the Central Experimental Farm. The season had been very dry and unfavourable
for growth ; still, the results in some localities were very promising. At Dunmore, a
tour through a portion of Southern Alberta was planned, and leaving by a night
train for the south, Lethbridge was reached the following morning. This town is
very prettily situated on an elevated plain 300 feet above the Belly River, a rapid
stream of considerable volume, its waters being clear and cold. The output of coal,
the mining of which is the chief industry here, was then about 500 tons per day from
the Galt coal mines. New shafts were being sunk in anticipation of increased
demands as soon as the railway then building to Montana, should be opened. By the
courtesy of the Managing Director, Mr. Wainwright, I was privileged to inspect the
working of all the different departments and to enter one of the side shafts where
the coal was being mined. The seam is about 4 feet in thickness, and has been
traced for so many miles that the deposit seems to be practically inexhaustible,
Through the kindness of the Commissioner, Col. L. W. Herchemer, instructions had
been given to place one of the teams of the Mounted Police at my disposal. Tie
officers commanding at Lethbridge and Fort Macleod, Capt. R. B. Deane and Major
8. B. Steele, were exceedingly courteous, gave me much information and aided mein
my investigations in every way in their power. Journeys were undertaken to Fort
Macleod, a thriving town on the Old Man River; from thence to the reserve of the
Blood Indians, where an opportunity was given, under the guidance of the obliging |
agent, Mr. W. Pocklington, to inspect the agency buildings, examine the fields and
gardens under cultivation and to visit some of the Indian camps. A further drive
of from twenty to thirty miles across the reserve brought me to the Mormon settle- .
ment at Lee’s Creek, within 14 miles of the Montana boundary. I found the Mormon
settlement to be avery prosperous one numbering from 400 to 500 souls. The
energy and industry of the people are very marked. Late and early, busy hands
were at work bringing in the harvest—which on account of drought, was rather light
this year—cutting hay in the neighboring sloughs or in the valley of the creek or
caring for the numerous bands of cattle and horses which roam the plains in the
vicinity of the settlement. It is said that no liquor is used in this community and
very little tobacco, I saw no evidence of the use of either. Frugality and industry
seemed to go hand in hand; the settlement has made rapid progress, and, as far as
could be ascertained from those in the neighbourhood who are not Mormons the laws
of the country are being respected. A general store well supplied with goods is one
of the main features in the settlement, and under their system of co-operation it seems
tobe wellsupported. The people have gained an excellent reputation for their butter,

and have built a cheese factory, which will be equipped and in running order next
f spring. After enjoying for a day the kind hospitality of some of the people in the

settlement the return journey to Fort Macleod and from thence to Lethbridge was
safely accomplished after a ride of about 200 milesin all. Most of the district passed
through is well adapted for ranching and many thousands of cattle and horses may
__ be seen in bands on the plains, which stretch to the base of the Rocky Mountains,
. which are always in full view. Pleasant weather, an invigorating atmosphere and
__ the uniform kindness of many new found friends, aided in making this journey a most
_ agreeable experience.
: A brief stay was made at Medicine Hat where the Experimental Garden of the
Canadian Pacitic Railway was inspected and notes taken on the growth and relative
hardiness of many varieties of trees and shrubs. This garden is a most attractive
_ one, and is gay with flowers from an early period in the summer until the time of
| frost. Its success is mainly due to the warm interest taken in it by J. Niblock, Exq.,
3 Superintendent of the Western Division, who is an enthusiastic lover of trees,
_ shrubs and flowers. The remaining journey to Agassiz was made without a break,

OO

Tet te a Pa I ig mh

48

AGASSIZ,

Quite a change had taken place in the appearance of the Experimental Farm at
Agassiz within the year. About 50 acres of land had been cleared and brought under
cultivation, and about as much more underbrushed. A vast amount of labour has been
expended in removing immense trees and stumps. The clearing of land here and
getting it into condition for crop is a very laborious undertaking, but under the ener-
getic management of the Superintendent, Mr. Thos. A. Sharpe, rapid progress has
been made. Several orchards have heen planted and a number of blocks of small
fruits set out. Fruit and forest trees have also been planted on the bench land and
on the slopes of the mountain. The usefulness of large experimental orchards in a
country so eminently adapted for fruit culture can scarcely be over estimated, as these
will furnish in a short time reliable sources of information to the settler concerning
the most suitable and profitable sorts for him to plant. The varieties already
brought together there may be summarized as follows :—

No. of Varieties.

IN OES, nodose. docec Roonaan eGGAbe coma’ eee haere No. of trees...... BSET Sorenc 118
Gralb) apples erat rts: sects. orci ace eee ets oe dO Saas Mearns 6
IPERPRIE) Seo ct aetc ot keen ere eek och co oh 212) - Ls 55
Bhi doneor Bancecctic no). SNe Sears eee ceree Gong! Wreck 152) ae 51
Giiermies ss ee tae rotate ok cis ee RE ore ee Gon, neha: 140: 22.5.5 42
IPEACHES anes tee ste ae aera cioee rok x: a Gore eee 204° Leake 86
Nectarines.-\ sense geass ual ete en ae do Sp6 250 Sea 12
INN yl0o\ Che GaRAEee aa crea ronC uagooopadabd: ts : dol.” heed. 42 vaseline 18
(Aintessrotodemacr Maa stonecase ne cohooonsendng do i awe 16y (ose if
Figs F do ase 4; SS 2
No. of vines...... CME Ge dec 79

ante Asano eee se NO Ole Bushes 107 9

) mete 235 8

Black/currants’ <2. 2c. 3. ~ + - Od Pradn hc Tsane do es 112 15
Black: berress ces eee ce reste etal ear eneaar do $3. 62705007/_ eee 21
(Raspberries sees eeeek ee ee Reena : do seoe 879) eee 26
Strawberries. « ooc.o<csmcased oad ee situate NOLOL Plants. 1. "8.520)0 se seem j 47

Summing these all together we have over 600 varieties of fruit, to which must
be added 414 different sorts of ornamental trees and shrubs, inculding 16 kinds of
edible nuts. Such a collection will shortly make this farm one of the most
attractive places on the continent. Experiments with different varieties of grain,
Indian corn, field roots and potatoes have also been conducted during the past
season, the details of which will be found in Mr. Sharpe’s report.

DRAINING, GRADING, &e,

Further progress has been made in these important departments of work during
the past season, 1} miles of tile drains have been laid, making 17 miles in all since the
farm was purchased. Much heavy grading has been required around the new Gairy
building and piggery, and in bringing to a proper grade some portions of the ground
adjacent to the dwellings.

BUILDINGS,

A building for carrying on experimental work in dairying has been erected, and is
now being fitted with the necessary appliances. A piggery hasalso been built, 100 by
20, and stocked, and under the superintendence of Prof. J. W. Robertson, Agriculturist
and Dairy Commissioner, experimental work is now in progress to determine some
important points i: pig feeding, further particulars on these subjects will be found
in his report. An engine house has been erected and the engine place-t :n connection
with shafting which rans the wholé length of the barn by which means power for
the various machines required for carrying on the farm work can be conveniently
supplied. An extension to the poultry building has been planned and the work
begun. This it is hoped wil! be completed early in the spring. A suitable struc-
ture will also be required for carrying on experimental work with sheep.

oe oe

wd hare

eV

49

CHANGES AND ADDITIONS TO THE STAFF,

Since the last report was published the vacancy caused by the resignation of
Mr. W. W. Hilborn as Horticulturist at the Central Experimental Farm has been
filled by the appointment of Mr, John Craig, who has by a long course of training in
Quebec with the late lamented Chas. Gibb, and subsequently with Prof. J. L. Budd,
of the Agricultural College in Iowa, become specially fitted for this work. By the
appointment of Prof. J. W. Robertson as Dairy Commissioner for the Dominion and
Agriculturist at the Central Experimental Farm, and Mr.J. C. Chapais, as an assistant
Dairy Commissioner to labour among the French-speaking communities in Quebec and
the other Provinces, the general agricultural interests of the country will be pro-
moted and the facilities afforded by the Experimental Farm for experimental work
in dairying can be fully utilized and information gained which will lead to the
advancement of these great commercial departments, which now profitably occupy
the attention of so many in the farming community in Canada,

EXHIBITIONS ATTENDED,

Exhibits of the products of the Central and other Experimental Farms, have
been made at several points during the past season. Much as we should like to
accede to the wishes of the many friends who extend invitations to make a display of
farm productions at their fairs, it is quite impracticable at that busy season of the year,
when the summing up of the details of all the work of the season begins, to prepare
for more than two or three exhibitions. A satisfactory exhibit was made at the
Central Fair in Kingston, an excellent display was got up for the Industrial
Kxhibition in Toronto, which, supplemented by other late-maturing products, was
subsequently shown at the Western Fair in London. <A good exhibit was also made
at the Canada Central Exhibition in Ottawa.

The branch experimental farms have also undertaken similar work in the respec-
tive Provinces in which they are located, and in each case as many of the more impor-
tant fairs as could be reached have been attended. Such opportunities bring many
practical farmers in direct contact with the progressive work of the farms, and by the
display of many useful and interesting products a general feeling of appreciation is
awakened and facilities offered for giving information to many enquirers,

CORRESPONDENCE,

Probably no better evidence could be given of the increasing interest taken by
the farmers of Canada in the work of the Experimental Farms than a comparison of
the letters received during 1890 as compared with 1889, These letters have come
chiefly from farmers sending requests for reports, bulletins or seed grain, or seeking
information in reference to some branch of their calling, and the number and variety
of the questions asked have involved much time and labour in answering them. There
isno work more useful than that of stimulating enquiry, and information never benefits
aman at any time so much as just when he feels the need of it. Farmers have been
invited to correspond freely with the Experimental Farms, and it is hoped that they
will continue to do.so, and provision will, I trust, be made for the additional offic
assistance which will be required to overtake such rapidly increasing work.

| Letters | Letters Letters Letters

ae Received. | Sent. | Received.| Sent.

1889. | 1889. 1890. 1890.
LOO Ad as SORE gels Ee Ae Re ene Ae a TA Oa | SHEET || cep eerind 11,739 11,460
Masomolopistand Botanist:. ...... 0 ....222.cesecaes eoeene-| SZOONIES seeee cee 1,547 1,394
CHEESE. J5 | gota Ge ao 6 OSC ee eens eee En oleae ee | 359 | 569 551
LU PECOTLUTEE Sago ote a ee ee 2 (a es 750 3,064
RTI ENSOMIN ATA OT Ss aise swine, cv we due ew Ste esis wine a die viens 195 |. 312 205
Weeountavt.........-. Ia ORO DP OCaT an ca aaS Coren TAWA ees eohe 958 1,625
Agriculturist and Dairy Commissionet.................0 ...2-Jee0: 1,664 | 1,507
| 6,864 | Rea 17,539. | 19,806

Ge—4

50
To this must be added :—
No. of grain circulars sent with grain distributed............. 12,360
do 3-lb. bags of grain distributed...................ess2ee0eeee 12,360
do packages of seedling forest trees and small fruits....... 1,316
do sbacs Of treeiseed sevens ce seseom sree teen sete eteetes dcdo00 563

There have also been received 2,152 samples of grain for inspection and report.

In 1889 the number of bulletins and reports sent out was 41,584; in 1890, 218,129,

The total number sent out of letters, reports, bulletins, grain, seeds, trees, &e.,

262,267.

The number of farmers who have by request been placed on the mailing list to
receive the reports and bulletins of the Farm is 20,600, in addition to which there is a
special dairy mailing list of 4,009.

FINANCIAL STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURE ON THE DOMINION EPERIMENTAL FARMS,

In submitting the following classification of expenditures on the several experi-
mental farms established in Canada from the Ist of July, 1889, to the 30th of June,
1890, the object has been to make everything as clear as possible, and where a group-
ing of the items seemed necessary, to bring together those of a similar character.

CENTRAL EXPERIMENTAL FARM.

ExPENDITURES, 1st JuLy, 1889, ro 30TH JuNnzE, 1890.

a
S$ cts,
EVOTSOR, /HALTIOSS 5. rep Saycial sake cis oive ins i fesass t=peotetorasken ray ereces Sean a (OTE ee TLTE ea nieleic eae eee aie 386 43
COLA AL TM A Soe RIS Rens oe eee A eine sie, tA en eed iter ec ibe ae eR a Tae 6,922 20
Inoplements,itoolsihardwarest Wen acs oon. cee Ace eee ene ene ee 1,519 51
Draining and drain tiles............. OOO On Ae he eR ACO ASHOS COMES KESE cals otooe 1,727 40
Grading, TORdeMAKIn PAC. Fe wns ts Ss Se Pee nlm amie eee cidsina aa tre nee eeer ene ee eee 1,266 00
@httletandihorsaféeds W's. t 22. Fe eyes ea oe ae eh” ee | 693 79
iBlacksmithingian drepairss. ©, octeiereichs/<ieyoiieister tree oc ersie lie eesicieas eres Cieciceiete cae eee | 281 70
Seedigrain; treeswshrubsideelac 22k Soha se ee clot eee nite Semcon ee acne een | 1,333 19
Stable manure; /jashesjandifertalizers, <5) tirenu) settee cee eee epee eens eee Be 857 30
Exhibition) ExXPenSses:cvacia-) sis o's slow eePaebAS. we We elec eelore cient eI eRe ne Cee ene Ree eeeas 247 17
Books, periodicals and newspapers 161 96
Printingyand\stationery..-2.. 0.0. .s.cnees eee 2,790 43
Telegrams and telephones. 152 88
Trav velling EXPENSES sche fers, Votes oicyeressiosss ida NE hols ed ded lars tote ache a Oo eS ee 551 41
Chemical department.......... 475 77
Poultry department: chi. seri canines comin e ne 308 92
Seed testing and care of propagating houses... 659 81
Grain’ distribution... < <jo2 see scscth~ seu. he coc eels s c1o= Seine area epee oe ee eee 1,637 61
Bree GIstribuU blots a7 Secs nas eisai aete wey ereke’s rie cevare eine ekate ts ale estate es ane eres 968 63
Salaries V8 26543 5.1 sree te. ; Sales cane Mateos Se HRN le collage a eete etal Ae ee a Ree Byer eco 11,238 14
Wages, farm work, including experimental work with grain and other farm crops........ 4,573 95
do care of ei i EM Kite OE Dee Vii eee 1,104 03
do) thorticultural:departmentiemer nicer iiaje cen see geet cistore ter iclelsieloterele cree eee i 1,223 36
dois ibotanicalidepartmentopjemmen ce © cele eee Soe crehea : 386 78
do care of grounds, shrubbery and ornamental trees 414 86
do _ office help with correspondence, distributing reports and bulletins and messenger
Song lene MEM ER ne Ce Grn THO an GA ond CCEA nao enuinsbEmaratncotick Begodaes 1,659 05
Wiaterjaccount,ancludingexcavationsic ies. sci sei rege cleo. ce satel eerieeteisicis seers 386 71
(Ciytahyaataesan ar iaponeadagedopedsa sdson abd copped danbouanobacdad. octlédbagedsopacnasos 937 67
44,801 95

51
= EXPERIMENTAL FARM, MARITIME PROVINCES.
Expenpitvures, Ist Juty, 1889, ro 30TH June, 1890.
| $ cts,
LEDC RNG SS 29a ae Capea Bao cos eeobOe AS Os era Ont a chee OO ROA GCn Ee nee RET aanrEe brat 5 15
sUn0Sho TASS ane Sao 5 G0 ROUnOGSeno Jeon ast DASsOoa ho Seon Cao AdaoU ho oc osas 780 00
Implements, tools, hardware, &c 710 68
raining and een Ges ae ee ae ee a) Oe a GS Se 8 ss CEN LAE 1,086 47
Grading, road-making , clearing 402 26
lbh: Jeg ade cugspnseshooe Basueusnconsban accud segotdes Sabeun sam Manco seoticces 230 78
Wanileand horse feed — 3-1/5) <0 nsee0c cos vcleseses she | 65 03
Bilbo gan Oye ar bes rol a sor a Aga pRG Soe Gon ese ose = aocee = on Sea eeerd <4 cla aaron | 117 78
Seed grain, trees, shrubs, &c 2 é ben 37 54
Suhlsaianure ani ferkiliveis ees es. co. Seda eget a eee ns eelinenvones 254 84
Exhibition expenses. 31 61
Travelling expenses 153 96
SUULDTIGT gt SBS GH SHOR SOS ame rea en re See Sts GO Seon ei ena ee 1,200 00
Farm wages, including experimental work with farm crops, fruit trees, vines, Ke. ....... 1,256 50
BSARCTONSEGCES peer ee eee = aici meine cafes ole Seisie oe aI Se ars seta eis © Dee Sicioblste s dleisia wats 484 50
DATCE INDI. 350 a3 24s OOS BO CD AON eens IO er 5 ei Me Pree tae ear toe ee 120 00
Beit IS ONGIOS re ee ls 1 sef a atcialntelsicto ais cin elon a aac tobe wrens fe eaeieta ATER lope Aeeta aw Sas ease la wie | 56 8+

EXPERIMENTAL FARM, MANITOBA.
EXPENDITURES, Ist JuLy, 1889, ro 30TH Junz, 1890,

{ $ cts
TE nigh, (PEST Ee gaye BAe Rot Rae RSS CSRS Re cee ote Pe a eae rs en APES 658 95
BUGLE a eae nro te ethene jo Seen ate So eis Sip ueacceeeed Mapes psataenee 35 00
Implements, tools, hardware, Ac eee GML Mele ibe LELI OA CE eek ns Pees br Rend, 1,438 17
Draining and A rainthiles Sari Ms ag oy ie SCOURS Den ae Oo ooo ncoon | 297 35
Grading, road-making, clearing 954 72
and account surveys.... ............ 18 65
Horse and cattle feed. . 735 24

Blacksmithing and repairs... PA BOaG
Seed grain, trees, shrubs, So. RO 390
‘Stable manure and fertilizers
LOU aTT Ese 0 Oe SE SRR oc n doors See aric Code ata (cn nre AepRaAOn anraOD

Travelling expenses | 340 00

LUSSIER Jo onc 3 AGO ERD aD SOD OGRE e ORE BO icine AAeRe SEES Eee 684 35
Sarah aCe Ane Lo oy\c, chs SVs) nis cen coe esis ted nee leh ws suet cm nlateatnle bp atateleslanhape Sale efoto 1,200 00
Farm wages, including experimental work with farm crops, fruit trees, vines, &c........ 2,982 57
Contingencies, including rent of dwelling... ........2....--0--22e-ceeeeecsececeeseeeee= 168 24

10,478 93

6e—44

or
Lo

EXPERIMENTAL FARM, NORTH-WEST TERRITORIES.

EXPENDITURES, 1sT JuLY, 1889, ro 30TH JunE, 1890.

$ cts.
Dorsesmbarnessryerctsarhtcisstecielata aelersorelecaeteiaranrersersictsl lea) quar OD OOSEso re dose onaonons 691 70
implements; tools, hardware; GC a\epeletectsieleis ersteraiele latest verse lel deli cletae eee sieht are cise enh ierere tae 869 93
Grading*road=malcing scene er ee sae niseisteatsiesiei-loleieiereloreolsinl elses hee eee eet trees 144 07
Land account ieee (5-4 0\-1915) son Gao nO ObDUOOUH Cone SUETeboo anon Osan sadhepha boron acsacone 25 00
Horse and cattle feed.......... haa 164 97
Blacksmithing and repairs 182 05
Seediprainsitrees shrubs esCu-creiiecbiiel adsl a avails miei aciyace icetreie cee nee 281 87
Stabledianiure ‘and fertilizers: Scnck sce ac chek. ae aeia fan see ett ete eae eevee 166 75
Hixbi bition jExpensesp enterica ler eieteisie seers ; 111 30
Travelling expenees bameacneca 168 05
Forestry....... Ey iat 278 37
Salaries! iis. cap etree st ; : 1,200 00
Farm wages, including experimental work with farm crops, fruit trees, vines, &e............ 3,376 94
(Qiite= Cl epee el etocsteciene onous ponoscabooinee bore noose ank lens Manag cr oodonaoneca0a 2: 90 00
Conttivencias, including rent of stables, $100; ‘sinking wells, § $13345 15s eee ne 362 07
8,072 07

By seed grain furnished for grain distribution and charged to that account in Central
1 gop neta ein ag kgaee ShogUNe soars she sso Wocusscnorsoasbass0s qgoqgeqendoddSsas 407 00
7,666 07

EXPERIMENTAL FARM, BRITISH COLUMBIA.
EXPENDITURES, Ist JuLy, 1889, ro 307TH JuNzE, 1890.
$ cts.
lsloyglos ech uelecse Qe ne Qe aROod SaaddtonSoApepAgdansonmEtdssoSgecn Honddondacamdons cckdes sc: 1,829 65
Gaittloig 228 Seasons otinte op meisine nice eo iconic see ie : 235 50
Implements, tools. hardware, &c 1,116 62
@learine Meradin gchar eee stermisciera ciel a cclelstete wierere ile 340 89
Cattle and horse feed. ..... Sopra 557 80
Blacksmithing and repairs. ... ..... .. 35 80
Seed grain, trees, BALUDB;: GCs a: ais a's elo srdtaiarhie oes aheisyacd ils aisiats uke. Fis aialererels Steere tae ee ae eee 756 10
Travelling Grynespias he cap boueooobodoonmaD den aronunbosdcesocacabenac 656 80
Salaries: hace ws eens eee oe: 1,200 00
Farm wages, including experimental work with farm crops, planting orchards, &c........... 1,200 21
Onuiicey ARR ope Wm p aged coud UGlnon sonson snondcoodbobeacdodnodumonesasddagncbocsso0Ne>- 20 00
Contingencies, including fhoupelrent, S140. sy-\sic)elejcie\ajalalele)ciei-)le ssaicleleleiseeieids\iieictele eee eee eee 258 10
9,207 47
SUMMARY.

ToraL EXxprENnDITURE EOR EXPERIMENTAL Farms, 1889-1890.
Dr. $3 ets.
Central Experimental Warm; Ottawa ste. @.-1-.0j-)-1= cfoie «i= ialolnien iclnioleleie\eleioieiste else eis ate eens 44,801 95
Experimental Farm for Maritime Provinces—N: appan, INS Sus deaccacrcdaken ete 6,993 94
do do IMFanitoba— Brandon. ,s).eteiwieskes ccnabene susie alee elon ieee Glee eenelm eeneeete 10,478 93
do do North-West Territories—Indian Head...................00ceeseees 7,666 07
do do British; Columbia—A Gassizecns)-s sic selec eiciesienicee nin enen 9,207 47
79,148 36

Cr. $ cts

ByyHxperimental Marm iViotOs cms ices eretetes aces eetetetete) alc = «| ele ake ero ote arate eee tits 70,000 00

Governor-General’s Warrants o.jec ccreieeiaciielercrarcc(eiorsistoeraate teteetletnieteeeiste 9,148 36

79,148 36

53

In the estimates for the experimental farms for 1888-S) no provision was made
for the purchase of stock, and the work which it was desird to accomplish could not
be carried on without some expenditure in that direction. Notwithstanding that
the purchases were limited as far as was practicable, the sum required for this pur-
pose was $7,972.70. In consequence of the very large demand for bulletins and
reports the printing account amounted to more than the sum provide. and the
correspondence having increased more than three-fold, some additional office help
was necessary. The outlay needed to meet these exigencies was $1,175.66, making in
all $9,148.36 which was covered by a Governor-General’s Warrant at the close of the
year.
While the sum of $44,801.95 stands charged against the Central Experimental
Farm as its cost for the year ending 30th June, 1890 for the reason that the money
has been spent there, it should not be forgotten that a large portion of this sum is
expended on items relating to the work in general or the requirements of the four
branch farms. In the matter of salaries, there are six of the officers of the Central
Farm whose work is of a general character and whose time is devoted about as much
to the branch farms and to the interests of the farmers in the Provinces where those
farms are located as it is to the work of the Central. Their salaries amount in all
to $8,800, one-half of which would be fairly chargeable to the branch farms, The expen-
ditures on each of the following accounts might very properly be divided between
the Central and the other farms, for the reason that the benefits arising from the
outlay incurred on work and material are shared by all. ‘The purchases of seed
grain, trees, shrubs and seeds are for the advantage of the whole Dominion. The
distribution of samples of grain for test, of young forest trees, tree seeds and fruits
as well as much of the regular horticultural work on the Central Farm, is of this same
general character. So also are the outlays connected with the chemical laboratory,
the special experiments on grasses and grain, the testing the vitality of agricultural
seeds, the sum charged for stationery, which includes supplies for all the farms, the
printing of reports and bulletins and their distribution and the office help needed
for the large correspondence kept up with the farmers of the Dominion. The sum
expended for stock, which is included in the amount referred to, properly belongs to
capital account and has been purchased with the view of laying the foundation for
good and useful strains of animals, the increase of which will be available for stock-
ing the branch farms. By deducting the amount paid for stock and one-half of the
sums charged to the Central Experimertal Farm for the items enumerated, the
expenditures on this farm would be reduced to a little more than half of the sum
which is now placed against it,

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.

I gladly avail myself of this opportunity to acknowledge my obligations to all
the officers of the Central and Branch Experimental Farms for the devotion they
have manifested in their work and the efficiency they have shown in the discharge
of their respective duties. To their faithfulness in this respect the reports sub-
mitted bear ample testimony. To the foremen and employees my thanks are also
due for the interest they have taken in those branches of the work devolving upon
them. To the farm foreman, Mr. John Fixter, and to Mr. W. T. Macoun, who have
both assisted me in the experimental work, I take pleasure in again acknowledging
my indebtedness, Their constant vigilance and reliability in recording observations
has relieved me from the necessity of close attention to many details which in less
careful hands would have required more frequent inspection, and entailed an addi-
tional tux on time already fully occupied. To Mr. Wm. Ellis, who has had charge
of the seed-testing department, my thanks are also due for the trustworthy manner
in which he has carried on the work of determining the vitality and germinating
power of a large number of samples of grain which have been received from all
parts of the Dominion,

Wu. SAUNDERS,

Director, Experimental Farms.

.
eS ee

54

REPORT OF THE AGRICULDURISE

(Jas. W. Roperrson.)

To Wa. Saunpers, Esq., k
Director, Dominion Experimental Farms,
Ottawa.

Dear Sm,—The Order in Council by which I was appointed Dairy Commissioner
for the Dominion of Canada, also designated me as “ Agriculturist” of the Central
Experimental Farm.

The time intervening between the date of my appointment, lst February, 1890,
and the middle of October, was given almost entirely to the discharge of the duties
arising from and pertaining to my position as Dairy Commissioner. By your courtesy
I was relieved from much of the superintendence of the farm work, in order to enable
me to carry out the instructions of the Honourable the Minister of Agriculture, to the
effect that I should visit the several Provinces of the Dominion for the purpose of
delivering a series of lectures in each on “ Dairy Farming” and kindred topics. My
journeys enabled me at the same time to inform the farmers in the various locali-
ties where the meetings were held, of the nature, variety and extent of the service
which it is the object of the Dominion Experimental Farms to render. The very
fulland generally correct reports of the meetings which the local newspapers inserted,
gave a wide publicity to the facts which were mentioned in relation to them and
that through channels that could not be used as fully by the issue of bulletins and
correspondence.

The visits to the several Provinces were times of reaping for me as Agri-
culturist as well as times of sowing as Dairy Commissioner, In all the sections
where I met the farmers and had opportunity for examining into their condition
and the methods of agriculture which they followed, no chance was missed where
suggestions could be gained or observations made that could assist further in the
effort to make the work of the Agriculturist as practically helpful to as many of the
farmers as possible, and that as speedily as is practicable. A brief yet fairly com-
plete record of these journeys, lectures, ete., will be found in the report of the Dairy
Commissioner, a copy of which will be furnished to farmers or others who are
uniorested in agriculture upon their application to me at the Central Experimental

arm,

EXPERIMENTAL DAIRY BUILDING,

To enable investigations to be carried on to completeness into the economical
methods for the production of milk, butter and cheese, an experimental dairy
building was erected on the farm It was planned to be suitable in size and con-
venie nce for the carrying on of such researches as may be undertaken. The nature
and direction of these may be outlined as follows :—

I, Investigations will be carried on in the feeding of milking cows, to discover
what differences, in the marketable quantities and the commercial value per pound
of milk and butter, result from differences in (a) “ breeds,” (6) “feeds,” (c) “ care
and treatment of the animals.” In this branch of work it is expected that service
will be given to the farmers, through illustrations of the best practices that may be
followed on any farm, rather than through the origination of new theories.

Il. The care and handling of milk, from the time it is drawn until the finished
product is ready for the market, will receive attention, 1n order to reveal and demon-

“strate the losses or the gains that result from treatments of milk, cream, butter,
skim-milk and butter-milk,

55

II. A curing room for cheese has been provided, wherein lots of cheese, to be
made under the direction ofthe Dairy Commissioner, will be kept and cured, in order
to obtain further information on the most profitable practices and treatments in the
manufacture and ripening of that article of food.

IV. The keeping properties of butter as affected by different treatments during
the process of making will be tested; and examinations will be commenced and
continued regarding the suitability of certain packages for the preservation of butter
for the foreign markets.

V. The use of dairy salt of Canadian marufacture will be continued, and its
adaptation for the preservation of butter will be compared with other brands,

VI. Dairy appliances and apparatus of different sorts will be used and reported
on, as far as time will permit, and the needs and interests of the public seem to
require,

The following figures illustrate the plan and construction of the building :—

Fig. 1; Experimental Dairy Building.

ICE HOUSE

Ne Fleon
1007324 0

i Boers te Befriggraters
4 ¢ 6

ZZ ZLZLLLLLLLLLLLA LLL LLL ————
Z Z|

g

min ROOM

REFRICERATOR
16+ 90

x RETRIGERATOR
10-659 © 7

10' 619 6

a

>

‘ WORKING ROOM *

x L ie
ESS See reeeaeore Ne CHEESE ROOM
a Fall of 2 =— 200.206
>

3

Note.—The floor of the working room is inclined to the middle and end where the drain is, as shewn
on the plan, but there is no gutter. The floor is finished with two coats of oil applied hot.

The ceilings of the refrigerators are 7’ 6” high and the ice is put over them direct from the ice house ;
they are constructed with galvanised iron troughs between the ceiling joists.

a Ss A eS ee eee ee ee

56

Fig. 11; Experimental Dairy Building.
&

a)

Ysoirted Bourdin Gg
Building Paper

10°x 2” -/6° Centres :
4 oe Burlading Paper
ale

Sah Ss et Oe tg ee

=

a ede A Ee Bie te byes

Cobanized
dren Gutter

Pr.2'Studs /6 Centres |
Building Paper
t—« 2*2 Strips natled on face uf studs
t+ “Dressed Lumber }
ay eg, Paper _ 1
¥Jounted Boarding
[Dressed L uri}
Burld my Fape
Beords ¥Batle

l .
_ 2 Plank dressed
(e TorgvedGreered ,Torred Paper / aide vad erg eS

Sr eS
SLLSSSELS STIL ILILII ITI I ISLIP PI ILI ILILESLIPLS ODIO DODHOTD ST

|
b

} Jorsts /2>2 46° Centres !

Aig = RY _-
AN ea ny

fh 14

}) \\Ceetarr Posts I Coaar Fi ste
hy mm

Nore.—All the outside walls of the building are constructed according to the details shown ; the refrige-
rators and the ice boxes over them are finished in a similar manner, except that plain dressed lumber has
been used instead of boards and battens.

57

PIGGERY.

The swine-feeding industry of the Dominion is capable of indefinite extension,
with advantage to the farmers. To provide for the accommodation of this class of
live stock on the farm, a piggery was erected during the summer. In the details of
its construction an effort was made to embody those points in the building and
arrangement of the pens which could be copied with advantage by farmers, and also
by those who feed the by-products of dairies upon a large scale in connection with
cheese factories and creameries,

The following figures illustrate the plan of the pens :—

Fig. 111; Piggery.

SSS SSS WS

(SID,

LLL IL Lm
0%. v2
WOOW 0334

Notrs.—The feed
room contains 12 bins;
the flue in the corner
accomodates the
steam-heater. There
are three large venti-
lators up through the
roof. Ly)

The floors of the
Pens are all finished
with two coats of oil
applied hot; they
have a fall of 2 inches
towards the gutters
on both sides of the
passage. There will
be a small yard out-
side for each Pen.

® SLLLILSSD Sh.

es Z

Urs

SSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

of 9 UPS 400/J) IVS BW d

L (GOI we

ee ee ee ee ee eS ee

58

Fig. IV ; Piggery.

Tarre® Paper
SR ttrri ber
H- /"Boarrdiz7g
arrcd Piper

V Jointed Boarding

SSSESOTITISIES 1 CIPEEPITIIID A,

/ Boardin
2 Planks “gr3Y

jal
the passage.

Nortes.—Both the 1” boarding and the 2” planks of the floor run from the outside of each Pen towards
The figure shews a section of one side of the piggery only.

fi
fi

59

Fig. V; Piggery.

SS
NRW

Nores.—This figure shews the details of the placing of the feeding-trough, the hinged foot-board in
front of the trough, the swinging feeding-door over the trough, and the gutter which receives all the liquid
from each Pen. The fall in the floor towards the feeding-trough permits the swine to lie on a dry bed at
the back of each Pen.

60

The line of experimental work to be taken up may be indicated by a statement
of what is being done:
Swine purchased :—

Berkshires—

One sow, from Mr. J. H. Davis, Woodstock, Ont.

One sow, from Mr. George Green, Fairview, Ont.

One sow, from Messrs, J. G. Snell & Bro., Edmonton, Ont.
Large Improved Yorkshires—

One boar, from Mr, BE. M. Jarvis, Clarkson, Ont.

One sow, from Mr, Wm. Davies, Markham, Ont.

One sow, from Mr. J. Y. Ormsby, Springfield-on-the-Credit, Ont.

Essex—

One boar, from Mr, Jas. Main, Boyne, Ont.
One sow, from Mr. Jas. Main, Boyne, Ont.

Other breeds will be represented in the pens during the year.

Besides these, twenty-four young grade pigs were bought. They are now in six
pens, under feeding tests. To some of them the feed is given warm, after being
steamed by the use of a small “ Royal Steam-heater.”

Four pigs are in each of the six Pens.

— Description of Pigs. Feed.
Rene goss siete stare |White—3 barrows and 1 sow...|A mixture of equal quantities of ground barley, peas
and rye, steamed and fed warm,

POM Qesicsascksn cies White—4 barrows....... ..... A mixture of equal quantities of ground barley, peas
| and rye, mixed with cold water and fed raw and cold.

REM. (.¢,5 cee Black—4'SOWS: i755 qdisisie 5/10 A mixture of equal quantities of ground barley, peas

and rye and pease ensilage.
Reni dicicrcisc ajc Black—2 barrows and 2 sows... | Pease ensilage only.
Pen 5.............|Black—1 barrow and 3 sows ...|A mixture of equal quantities of ground barley, peas

u

and rye, steamed and fed warm and sugar beets.

IPeniGs eget Black—4 barrows ...........-. A mixture of equal quantities of ground barley, peas
and rye, mixed with cold water and fed raw and cold,
and sugar beets.

The four pigs in Pen 1 are of equal age and of similar breeding to those in Pen 2;
the pigs in Pen 3 to those in Pen 4; and the pigs in Pen 5 to those in Pen 6.

At this writing it would be imprudent to draw any conclusions from the com-
parative rates of increase in live weight. A Bulletin setting forth the results will be
issued as soon as enough information is gained to warrant that its contents will not
mislead any farmer. Conclusions regarding feeding experiments which are reached
and published too hastily are not boons to the farmers, though they may boom for a
time the name of the publisher.

CATTLE,

To our herd of cattle several new animals and breeds have been added. The
stables are now filled to their utmost capacity. Experiments are in progress, and
others are being prepared for and commenced, which will add to our knowledge of
the comparative values of different feeds and treatments in the production of milk
and beef. For much of the most valuable of the work, years of patient investigation

- will be required to amass sufficient information upon which to found conclusions

61

which will be correct in principle. The individuality of each animal 1s such a potent
factor, and a definite perception and recognition of the nature of the individuality is
so elusive of even the most careful and painstaking study, that the results of com-
parisons between breeds must depend very much upon the capacity, constitution and
tendency of the particular animals which are chosen to represent them. The quali-
ties of each animal are not directly the expression of the sum of all the antecedent
qualities of the ancestors on both sides, because the inherited capabilities may be
much modified in every case by care, management and feeding during the period of
srowth.

. Thus, while the feed consumed by every animal every day is duly weighed and
recorded, also the weights of the milk from the milking cows every day, the live
weights of the animals which are under particular feoding tests once a week, and
the live weights of the other animals once a month, it is felt that the premature
publication of records would lead to no real service for the farmers and might
intensify the rivalries between the advocates of the different breeds without any com-
pensating advantage. Every one of the breeds has particular adaptation for render-
ing peculiarly valuable service when it is used in the line of production for which
it has been developed. Nobody who has given the meaning of “breeds” any dis-
criminating attention would claim that they are all equal in their power and capacity
for the economical production of milk, butter, cheese, beef or veal, under one
similar and rigid system of keeping; neither could one assert assuredly that any
one of the recognised breeds is behind the others in profit-making talent when the
particular requirements of its peculiar characteristics have been provided for in the
best way. Hence, from our experimental investigations, farmers may look for guid-
ance as to the ways whereby the animals of the different breeds can be made to yield
the best returns, rather than for competitive comparisons between the breeds.

The breeds of cattle which are now represented on the farm are :—‘“ Shorthorns,”
“Polled Angus,” “Galloways,” “ Holsteins,” ‘“ Ayrshires,” “ Devons,” ‘“ Quebec
Jerseys” or “ Canadian” and “ Jerseys.” These are named in the order in which they
stand in our stable, and not with any reference to meritorious rank. There are also a
number of steers and milch cows, mostly grades of Shorthorn, During the year there
were purchased :—

Shorthorns.

From Mr. Thos. Giiy, Oshawa, Ont:

One cow, Rose of Sydenham —16031—; red; calved 6th February, 1886; bred
by Thos. Guy, Oshawa, Ont.; got by Samson—8787—;—dam, Red Rose,—4450=; by
Enterprise 2nd =1769=;—Sally =4728—.

From Mr. J. N. Hortop, Kinsale, Ont:

One cow, Fashion Book=15918=; red; calved 12th January, 1887; bred by
D. Birrell, Greenwood, Ont. ; got by Eclipse (Imp.) [1251] (49526) ;—dam, Fashion
7th—6091—; by Lancaster=752—=; —Fashion of Maple Hall 2nd=6102=.

From Mr. George Johnston, Ashburn, Ont. :

One bull Nappan=14042—; red ; calved 14th May, 1890 ; bred by George
Johnston, Ashburn, Ont.; got by Warfare (lmp.)—6452—(56712) ;—dam, Fashion
‘7th=6091—; by Lancastei=752—;—Fashion of Maple Hall 2nd=6102=.

Galloways.

‘From Mr. Thomas McCrae, Guelph, Ont.:
One cow, Violet III of Tarbreoch.

4 One heifer, Hannah B. of Guelph, No. 11080, S.H.B.; calved 23:d February,
1883; bred by Thomas McCrae, Guelph, Ont.; got by Stanley Il, O.E.F., No. 2837,

A.G.H.B., No. 4473, S.H.B. ;—dam, Hannah III of Castlemilk, No. 7699, S.H.B. ; by
Beaconsfield, No. 1344, S.H.B.;—dam Hannah V., No. 1421, S.H.B.
One bull calf.
Holsteins.

From Messrs. A. C. Hallman & Co., New Dundee, Ont. :
One cow, Mina Rooker, No. 9893, H.H.B. ; calved 3rd April, 1884; bred by K.
Schagen, Medwoud, North Holland; got by Pieter, No. 209, N.H.B. ;—dam, Mina.

Ayrshires.

From Mr. James McCormick, Rockton, Ont. :

One cow, Maggie [1783] ; red and white ; calved 29th March, 1883; bred by
Mr. James McCormick, Rockton, Ont. ; got by Frank [1330] ;—dam, Primrose 4th.
[1305] ; by Indian Chief [1174] ;—g.d. Primrose 3rd [400].

From Mr. Thomas Guy, Oshawa, Ont. :

One cow, Ida [1837] ; white and red; calved 10th March, 1884; bred by Mr.
John Lawrie, Malvern, Ont. ; got by Lord Lorne [1406] ;—dam, Mary [1554]; by-
Carluke [744] ; g.d. Martha [546].

Devons.

From Mr. W. J. Rudd, Eden Mills, Ont.:

One bull, Hero [982]; calved 10th March, 1889; bred by Mr. W, J. Rudd,
Eden Mills, Ont.; got by Rose’s Duke (929), (Imp.) ;—dam, Beauty [800] by
Kempenfelt [719] ;—Cherry Pie, [578].

One heifer, Ethel [961] ; calved 20th May, 1888 ; bred by Mr. W. J. Rudd, Eden
Mills, Ont. ; got by Lord Lansdowne [933] ;—dam, Rose [953] ; by John A. [852] ;
—Beauty [713].

From Mr, Samuel Harper, Cobourg, Ont,:

One heifer, Fanny B. [960]; calved_ 9th March, 1888; bred by Mr. Samuel
Harper, Cobourg, Ont.; got by Mike [920] ;—dam, Rose of Cobourg [897] ; by Gani-
baldi 2nd [717] ;—Cherry [691].

Jersey.

From Mrs. E, M. Jones, Brockville, Ont. :
One cow, Barberry of Dorval, No. 44,816; solid light fawn ; calved 13th January,
1887 ; got by Leonard of Dorval, No, 14,393 ;—dam, Mulberry (imported),

Canadians or Quebec Jerseys.

I take the following from the report which Mr. J. C. Chapais, Assistant Dairy
Commissioner, St. Denis, Que., made upon the purchase of these.

“T have bought, according to instructions, 4 cows registered in the Herd Book of
Canadian cattle opened by the Government of the Province of Quebec, 4 cows of the
same breed not registered at the moment of the purchase, and 1 bull registered in
the above mentioned Herd Book.

“ Here are the notes 1especting each of the registered cows :—

“ Charlotte Noir,” probable age 15 years ; registered under No.348, L.G.R.B.C. ;
bought from Cyprien Herriault, farmer, of the Parish of St. Jean Port-Joli, L’Islet
County, P.Q. I have bought that cow, old as it is, on account of its individual value as
a milch-cow, but chiefly because of the character of prepotency with which it transmits
milking qualities to its offspring. It has given, itself, 30 lbs. of milk a day in a
pasture of moderate quality, in the time of full growth of grass, towards the end of
June, without any extra food. But its first merit is that it has transmitted its milk-
ing qualities to every heifer descendant. That cow has competed in the agricul-
tural exhibitions with the best Ayrshires of the place, and has taken the first prizes.
It can easily give yet 2 or 3 calves, which will, without any doubt, prove to be
valuable stock for the experiments of the Farm, if the cow be bred to the bull I

_have bought, which will be mentioned later. Those are the reasons why I bought.
that cow.

63

“ Alice,” aged 6 years; registered under No. 358, L.@.R.B.C.; bought from Louis
Blanchet, farmer, of the same parish as Cyprien Therriault. It is one of the best
cows of the place, giving 30 lbs. of milk a day in a pasture of moderate quality, in
the time of full growth of grass, towards the end of June, without any extra food.
It has the great quality, common, moreover, to all Canadian cows well kept, of
giving a good quantity of very rich milk during eleven months of the year, if
well fed.

“Anna,” aged 7 years; registered under No. 359, L.G.R.B.C.; bought from Louis
Blanchet, above mentioned, and having the same character as its sister “Alice.”

“Lia Lebrun,” aged 9 years; registered under No. 196, L.G.R.B.C.; boughtfrom
Frangois Gagnon, farmer, of the parish of St. Denis, Kamouraska County, P.Q. Mr.
Gagnon has one of the best herds of Canadian cattle in the Province, and that cow
wis the best of his herd. It shows all the points of an excellent milch cow, and has
given 32 lbs. of milk a day in a pasture of moderate quality, in the time of full
growth of grass, towards the end of June, without any extra food. With special
care that cow is apt to give from 38 to 40 lbs. of milk a day. It keeps in milk too,
from calf to calf, if fed for that. It is in calf now, and has been served by
Kamouraska, No. 27, L.G.R.B.C., one of the best bulls of the breed. The calf, male
or female, cannot fail, then, to be an animal of good value.

For the tour cows above mentioned were paid $50 each,

I come now to the cows not registered when they were bought. They have all
been purchased from Frangois Gagnon, above mentioned. According to your instruc-
tions, I had to choose these cows from amongst the ordinary cattle of French farmers,
of good quality.

“Anquetille,” aged 6 years. In my opinion that cow is equal, in all respects, to
“ia Lebrun” above mentioned. It is remarkable for the richness of its milk in
cream.

“ Velléda,” aged 4 years. It is an excellent specimen of Canadian cattle, showing
prominent points of Jersey.

“Ta Basque,” aged 3 years. That small cow has been reared in the woods, and is
one of the most hardy specimens of the breed. Before it had been bought by Mr.
Gagnon it lived at its owner’s, fed on straw in winter and pasturing in the woods in
summer. It proved, however, a good milker, notwithstanding that absence of good
care.

“‘Belle-du-Lac,” aged + years. Has much of the character of the last mentioned,
but is a little better as a milch cow, judging from the information given to me.

For these last four cows were paid $25 each.

They were all eligible for registration in the Herd Book of Canadian Cattle and
are all registered now as follows :—

“Anquetille,” 6 years; registered L.G.R.B.C., under No. 373.

“Velléda,” 4 do do do do 374.
“Ta Basque,” 3 do do do do 375.
“ Belle-du-Lac,” 4 do de do do 376.

I will now give you the details respecting the bull :-—

“Quintal,” aged 18 months ; registered under No. 30, L.G.R.B.C. ; bought from
Odilon Robichaud, farmer, of the Parish of St. Denis, Kamouraska County, P.Q. I
consider that young bull as one of the best of the breed hitherto registered.
Its father, ‘“ Kamouraska,” No. 27, L.G.R.B.C., is the finest bull of the eastern
part of the Province of Quebec, out of a most remarkable milch-cow. Its
mother, “ Ventre-Blanc,” No. 171, L.G.R.B.C., was also one of the best milch-cows of
the district. Though rather small, it is very well formed, and shows all the points
of a good bull. For it has been paid $30.

I have to make the remark, before closing the report, that I had to buy that
herd in that season of the year which is the most disadvantageous for such a purchase.
It was impossible to ascertain by myself, otherwise than by the external points and
the assertions of the owners, the milking qualities of the cows purchased, I had to
rely as much as possible on my own judgment in making my choice.

ge a

64

Grades of Shorthorn.

From Mr. Wm. Hinde, Harriston, Ont.:

Six steers for feeding purposes,

Hight milch cows, for experimental dairy work.

These cows were all expected to calve in December and January, and were pur-
chased to commence a series of investigations into some of the problems of winter but-
ter-making, combined with the rearing of stock for feeding and fattening purposes,

The following are the rations which are fed to most of the cattle :—

Ration No. 1.

For Dry Cows:

Lb.
Corba MASE Ve) aRPnaSaddoan tadcooc0bobbtbeBddacbonoabdKdodadsaesndsb0000000 25
MMUSNIPS iss. scscee << o22ce co osiensiaeentetpssnesaaesOeceresetece sat asceeeescomectee 25
DEEAW: occeceeascs tel cnceeuceseresdomenudetwme seater tices meine aaee aceon eeeeee 12
Chopped (Grain) (barley ‘and peas) i0c.-n- conc ceostnevorsesesosee tence 4
Ration No, 2.
Milking Cows :
Lb.
CornVbnsilagey. eve satescesneecwsecomeoes cease assesses seeneor sc eseeeeeee 25
OFT ROT SU EPR Bre er tae es Bn Aare ne ea de ER A en oocGanciod 25
POLO ge oe Ean eTARE gn acHeC A Snicd Noa ADEESON eed aonaescrrioscedeseecdosn3 12
Chopped! grain (barley and peas)! .: <.5.- ons 200s -aceea soni -es tee 6
Wheat ibrans: 2: Psi sa cc vne ate ae oat oot chon oni neiten Co See eaee ee eee Eee 33
Ration No, 3.
First Lot Steers:
Lb.
WEA = Jose aBeissincisatia'senenpenas cn getevicuneReeee ue sche cneaecit dems tier eet ea 20
Marni siasds2 Ue wwselveses sinakiastloo aa sect ac tse ie) oat docmemm notes eee ese eats eee 40
Sra Wei ft cise So tes nin Sec eee o os Do eet sees oe See ela se EES 5
Chopped barley aici ks Aig: chest eeuteises ee etesecee em eeee ieee 2
Chopped! peasies tis cceccecsuscemeewenc: Aaectaeesoses snc doscesetaceemesee 2
Ground ollealkie say. ecicerse deere eka s ea ae eee ee eee 1
C@ottontscedhmes le. 2 eit: cece Hc cess tere Ore eee 1
Ration No. 4.
Second Lot Steers:
Lb.
Coun CHstlagestin:socscccaseescoesescnseteste nc sctadcece eae acace eee ane 50
Strains das ctatelisan ag Minced selmeratod Sede ete aces eee ee et eee 5
| chopped balirley: ¢.cfhctscaksa se osislsocinn sve teueceaseanerteneh soees teeters 2
2

Grotndioitleakes.gs.ccdtoseeseeces cence cece re eee ee ee 1

Chopped pens) ys.csc0-setene -sectee eters sees spp RbOGHOCAOLEDsaddONOSCOoS 2
[geen (erat Ds ery Beenbereepscpocen cd oontise sc redatbeccdoacaccocercasoseorsce 1

65 -

Ration No. 5.

Lb.

20

20

10

: 5

[ee ho ppedmbarleygrasectceceteeres aanc ieee -tesetsshen ae ose eeaesececee et 2
(Chavoyayaynsls (e195) cs6acc0se.0 do000c ncn qa0s consdesdeaoncEneaqand sgcecoacte mane 2
Ground owed kovecensca. se 3. teehee See Re Oe aoe eer cca Se oes 1
Wotton seedsmicaleee cs. wes sneaeoee treet ae oe ocak otto oateuleee cies 1

These rations are not made up quite in accordance with the usually accepted
feeding standards, which have been devised from and based upon feeding experi-
ments and analyses of feeds that have been conducted mostly in Germany. The
following table sets forth the quantities of “digestible protein,” “ digestible carbo-
hydrates” and “digestible fat,” which have been found on the average, in 1 pound
each of the several feeding materials named, as calculated from the average analyses
of these feeding substances, and the percentage of the several nutritive constituents
which have been found by several experiments to be digestible by ruminants :—

Quantities of Digestible Protein, Carbo-hydrates and Fat, in each pound of certain
Feeds, from tests with ruminants—(Oxen and Cows.)

ae 1 Dry Digestible Digestible Digestible
— ganic Protein Carbo- ae
Matter. H % hydrates. i
Lb Lb Lb. Lb.
Wiheat...c0-.0lses. OER NMR: iets: 2 te: 1lb “39 “095 588 014
ad Wochconcls eneabontopnaonn saab nebar do “89 “094 600 026
_ur-as 30 oes Sanu gUmE Gop Bonbon Ebi gUaBonro do 87 “080 440 044
= DOS OS BE OR ORIRCEE GOO Co CE CREA do 87 *201 534 029
3-3 ge DOO ES CRAB ESOS ERO T ED Samaria do 92) | 283, 368 050
eppron-seed meals... 2. . ce oc eee eee sees ee do “92; | 336 264 “070
ON UGS0 ITED, G2 SSR aS SSS See Sena Dace cn ree oat do | - Tye || 117 453 “027
Mixed straw, (wheat, barley, oat)......... .... do 85 035 330 “004
NPER MIMS VI Netoiy acere init aia Sip wisis vi esate tietlo lets de “86 051 430 | 012
Basermpinslage ce bos. . evince siere cieleyeicjare do “25 016 230 006
URE TIFIED Sa Sauer SOR SS BERD Pea ee te eee do “48 033 480 008
sscenanggosahone sudedodosdeensaccoceas do “085 | 010 075 001
TU 39 Bos ee ee ee ee ae do AD) 011 100 001
NOIR Fes hay Redan do “141 | 013 115 002
SIMELY [S30 Ek Stews d sone p Eom CONS eepAe Bee Cae do "185 010 167 001

- 6c—5.

66

By applying this table to the several rations, Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, it will be
found ve they contain the quantity of nutrients mentioned under the sever:l
headings :

Total Dry || Digestible Digestible | pivestible | Nutritive F
— Organic Protern: Carbo- Frat Ratiol
Matter. hydrates. :
|
ae \| ee Seeeeeneaee ae
Ration No. 1. Lb. | Lb. Lb. Lb.
6-250 | -400 5750 “150
2°125 250 1°875 025
5 10° 200 420 3° 960 048
Chopped grain, ( (barley : and peas)... 3°520 “590 | 2°268 “110
22°095 | 1°660 13° 853 333 | 1:8°8
Ration No. 2.
Worniensila pete arersmteclcistn lores) slats 6° 250 400 5°750 *150
@arnots.2 pate; neta Serie chee mlO 3°525 *325 2°875 “050
Strawyreer tte 10° 200 420 3° 960 048
Chopped grain, (be arley aud peas).. 6 5° 280 885 3°402 “165
iWihteat bran’ sine: =. testis sate cee 3 2°610 “351 1°359 “OSL
| 2 ees
27°865. || 2°381 17-346 494 | 1:7°8
——_—_—_| = oes —— a
|
17°20 || 1620 $600 “240
3°40 400 3° 000 “040
ra 4°25 “175 1°650 “020
@hopped jbarleya esse... - aie 2 1°78 “188 1° 200 “052
(Whoppediipeast hy. cue csmeryareveecie ne ta! 174 402 1068 “058
Mileakegs2 acigee tie tse ati sehtes 1 “92 283 368 050
Cotton-seed meal................- 1 92 °336 264 “070
30°21 2804 | 167150 530) tea
| a
Ration No. 4.
Lb 1
Corn ensilage..... iors aac Moa 50 12°50 “800, 11500 ~ 300
Straw. cf. beerse decias's 5 4°25 | “175 1°650 “020
Chopped barley..:-.....2...0..-- 2 78 18s | 1° 200 052
Chopped ipeas:. Souc-- esos eee 2 17 402 1°068 “058
Oilcgke Ps Wane peor ncn ert eeise: 1 “92 3283) 368 “050
Cotton-seed meal................. 1 B92) 336 264 70
22°11 2°184 16° 050 “550. | 1:7°8
Ration No. 5.
Lb.
Wornlensilazecccs ceticrcsecset erie 20 5°00 320 4°600 120
MUINIPS tye cece a ticlach wtmceecte 20 1°70 * 200 1°500 | “020
JTS EAR canis ep aeereenete peter aries ar 10 8°60 “510 4°300 “120
Straw stra: te ee Bele rere 5 4°25 “175 1°650 020
Chopped barley.... ............ 2 lerA “188 1°200 |, 052
‘Chopped pease.) os Meee eee es a 17 402 1°068 “058
Oileake:e atoe ae . sock esce seecene 1 “92 *283 °368 050
Cotton-seed meal ................ 1 “92 336 264 070
2¢g1 || 2-414 14°950 “510 1:6°6

The term “ nutritive ratio ” is one which is employed to designate the proportion
which the digestible protein (called also the nitrogenous substances, or ‘“ flesh-
- formers”) bears to the digestible carbo-hydrates and fat. The carbo-hydrates are the

ET MEA A Sth ay

67

starch, sugars, gums, crude fibre and like substances; they are sometimes referred
to as “ heat-producers.” To give to the fat an equitable starch value, the quantity of
it is multiplied 2 times before it is added to the carbo-hydrates proper, for the calcu-
lation of the nutritive ratio.

The dry cows on Ration No. 1 are fed twice a day, and are allowed as
much of the mixture as they will eat upclean. The quantity varies from 40 pounds
to 60 pounds per day for different animals.

The milking cows on Ration No. 2 are fed twice a day, with the exception of the
Shorthorns and Polled Angus, which are fed three times. The cows consume from
40 poundsto 80 pounds each per day. To fresh-calved cows and those which respond
to it, 1 pound of ground oilcake and 1 pound of cotton-seed meal per day are given
in addition. a

The two steers, Nos, 1 and 2, on Ration No. 3, have been consuming about 50
pounds each per day of the mixture which composes their ration; that is equal to
21-2 pounds of dry organic matter per head daily.

i The two steers, Nos. 3 and 4, on Ration No. 4, have been consuming about 46
pounds each per day of the mixture which composes their ration; that is equal to 16°6
pounds of dry organic matter per head daily.

The two steers, Nos. 5 and 6, on Ration No. 5, have been consuming about 50
pounds each per day of the mixture which composes their ration; that is equal to
20-4 pounds of dry organic matter per head daily.

As has been mentioned already, it would be unwise to draw any conclusions or
make any further reference to investigations which are only in progress; but this may
be added with safety, the economic value of ensilage for cattle feeding is surprisingly
high, and it is not yet appreciated by the masses of Canadian farmers.

For the current year, new investigations along lines for the practical service
and guidance of the farmers are being commenced. Among others, it is considered
expedient to illustrate, by the growth of crops suitable for soiling and the making of
ensilage, how many cattle may be sustained under ordinary farming conditions, on

- the product from 20 or 40 acres of land. The needs of the farmers for the success-
ful and profitable prosecution of cattle-raising, stock-feeding and dairying, appear
to be in the direction of larger numbers of cattle per 100 acres, rather than for more
acres of lund.

Abortions.

During the year, what is commonly known as the disease of epidemic abortion
vevailed in the herd. The unnatural and premature births usually occurred at from
the fifth to the seventh month. Little reliable knowledge of the antecedent or even
immediate causes of the disease or losses is yet in our possession. Ignorance of
the nature of the disease has been hidden by draping the mention of it with the
astutenesss of medical mystery, under the guise of an announcement that it owed its
existence to “a germ.”
t The treatments which were adopted, might be termed empirical,
I. The stables were thoroughly fumigated by the burning of sulphur, saturated
_ with alcohol, with the doors and windows closed for three hours. Of course all the
cattle were out.

Il. A wash was made up of 1 part of bichloride of mercury to 4,000 parts of water,
into which solution were put 8 ounces of common salt; once aday the bare skin around
_ the vulva, the anfis and the root of the tail of the cows in calf, and also of those which
had aborted, were sponged with the solution.

III. After several weeks of that treatment the following was adopted as being

_ preferable : 24 drachms of bichloride of mercury were dissolved in 3} ounces of
: glycerine and 3} ounces of alcohol; after these had united, 44 gallons of rain water
_ were added. (The mixture should be kept in a wooden vessel, out of the reach of
% irresponsible persons, and animals). The bare skin under the tail and around that
_ part was peeened once a day with the solution,
6c—5:

68

IV. The cows, which formerly has been turned out into a large yard every day for
water, were watered from troughs in front of their stalls.

V. When a pregnant cow showed any symptoms of approaching abortion,—and
these are, slight relaxation of the muscles surrounding the vulva, restlessness and a
continuous slight elevation of the tail,—she was at once put into a box-stall, where she
was free from disturbance or causes of excitement. One-ounce doses of tincture of
opium were given in the feed—even three times a day for one or two days—until a
aulet and slightly sluggish condition prevailed. Drenching with medicine was
avoided.

The result is—and it is mentioned with hesitation and fear, lest the dread abor-
tions should occur again—that since the syster: of treatment has been adopted, 13
cows have given safe delivery to calves at the natural time, and ouly one ease of
abortion has occurred, and that could be accounted for satisfactorily. That covers a
period of three and-a-half months. During the preceding ten months there were 13
births at the natural time, and 14 prematurely, at from four and-.:-half to eight
months,

NEW BUILDINGS.

A sheep building is needed for the accommodation of that class of stock. After
it is erected, the three important departments of live stock for experimental farm
work—eattle, swine and sheep—will be in full operation, without the hindering
limitations which are entailed on investigations by the erection of buildings and
preliminary work.

Permit me to refer farmers and others who may be seeking information on
grain-growing tests and other agricultural work to your own report, as my connec-
ton with the Central Experimental Farm, with the exception of live stock manage-
ment, has been as yet to a large extent advisory rather than executive.

I haye the honour to be,
Your obedient servant,

JAS, W. ROBERTSON,
Agriculturist. \

nHeOR DT OF TE HORTICULTURISL

(JoHn CRatra.)

Wa. Saunpers, F.R.S.C., F.L.S., F.C.S.,

Director Dominion Experimental Farms,

Sir,—lI have the honour to submit herewith a report on the work carried on in
the Department of Horticulture since my appointment, 15th January, 1890. The
characteristics of the past season were an unusually late spring—delaying somewhat
outdoor operations—and a remarkably favourable summer for plant growth; this
closed with an equaily favourable autumn for the thorough and essential ripening of
wood made during the season, leaving trees and shrubs in good condition to with-
stand the severity of winter.

I have endeavoured to bring together, as briefly and clearly as possible, in the
following pages, information drawn from the experience of the year in most
instances, and often corroborated by the experience of previous years. For the sake
of clearness, the work has been divided and placed under the following heads :—

J. Large Frurrs.—Bearing upon the number and condition of varieties in
orchard; touching specially upon the Russian and hardier classes best adapted to
the needs of northern planters, with cultural notes.

Il. Smati Frurrs.—Touching especially upon grapes and strawberries, making
the early varieties a feature of the former, the most reliable and productive of the
latter; also summing up the records on other small fruits for three years, with hints
on varieties.

Il]. VecerasLes.— Outlining proposed work and that in hand; giving the
names of the most successful varieties of those tested.

IV. Forestry—Tree Disrrizution—Frurr Disrrisution.—Touching on the
importance of the question in Manitoba and the Territories. Giving an outline of
the work of distributing forest-tree seedlings and possible results ; also bearing upon
the distribution of large and small fruits.

VY. Founaicrpes.—Giving formule for their preparation and results of experi-
ments on the apple scab.

VI. Report on SEEDLING SMALL Fruits.—Giving opinions of a visiting com-
mittee of experts on seedling raspberries, fruiting at the Experimental Farm—with
descriptions of varieties.

I beg gratefully to acknowledge the following donations :—

Peter Henderson & Co., New York; a large collection of vegetable seeds.

Mr. 8. H. Mitchell, St. Mary’s, Ont.; corn and tomato seed.

Mr. M. Crawford, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio; strawberry plants.

Mr. Julius Schnadelbach, Grand Bay, Ala.; strawberry plants.

Mr. David Greig, Cainesville, Ont.; strawberry plants.

Mr. P. E. Bucke, Ottawa ; Northern Light grape.

Mr. N. C. Fisk, Abbotsford, Que.; grape cuttings.

Wm. Craig & Son, Abbotsford, Que.; scions of crabs and Russian apples.

Mr. Geo. Mitchell, Abbotsford, Que. , scions of seedling apples

Mr. Abel Bresso, Abbotsford, Que.; scions of seedling apples.

Mr. C. R. H. Starr, Wolfville ; apple scions.

Dr. T. H. Hoskins, Newport, Vt.; apple scions.

Mr. P. C. Dempsey, Trenton, Ont., apple trees and scio s

Mr. R. W. Shepherd, jr., Como, Que.; apple scions.

Mr. J. J. Gibb, Como, Que.; app!e scions.

70

Mr, Chas. Hardisty, Clarence, Ont. ; seedling apple scions and fruits.

Rev. Robt. Hamilton, Grenville, Que.; apple scions, and trees of Populus nigra.

Mr. R. B. White, Ottawa ; collection of seedling plums,

Prof, J. L, Budd, lowa Agricultural College, Ames.; hardy fruits and shrubs, and
many favours,

It was my privilege, during the year, toattend various meetings in agricultural
circles—among them the meeting of the American Forestry Association, held in the
city of Quebee the first week in September last. In a paper read before the Asso-
ciation 1 attempted to give an outline of the experimental work in forestry, in
progress at the Dominion Experimental Farms. The system and policy of the
Department was highly commended, and seemed to meet with the hearty approval
of the many delegates present.

At the September meeting of the Montreal Horticultural Society a magnificent
display of fruits—notably apples—was shown. Nowhere in the Dominion can a
finer exhibit of seedlings be seen than at the exhibitions of this Association, many
of which, it is to be hoped, will receive extended trial before long. This society is
also paying careful attention to the merits of the Russian apples, now beginning to
fruit in many localities about Montreal.

The summer meeting of the Ontario Fruit Growers’ Association was held during
July at Niagara on the Lake, where an opportunity was afforded of studying one of
the most favourable peach-growing districts of Ontario. A lively interest was taken
by all present in horticultural advancement, by means of Government experimental
work.

I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your obedient servant,
JOHN CRAIG,

Horticulturist.

T.— LARGE FRUITS.
APPLES.

Nearly all varieties came through the winter without injury and have made a
satisfactory growth the past season. A few have been replaced and several additions
made,

Cultivation—The trees have been banked up with earth to the height of 12
inches each autumn, which protects them from being girdled by mice, and prevents
the swaying action of the wind. The orchard received a dressing of barnyard
manure last spring, which was ploughed under, and the soil prepared for a crop of
roots. A space of 4 feet was left clear on each side next the trees, which was
carefully cultivated till the middle of July, or the end of the growing season, afterwards,
care was taken to keep down the weeds, thus preventing any from seeding. Under
the favourable conditions prevailing last autumn, the trees ripened up well and went
into winter quarters in good shape.

As a preventive to scale and other bark insects, the stems and main branches
were washed, early in June, with soft soap, to which was added a sufficient quantity
of a strong solution of washing soda, which had first been dissolved, to reduce it to
the consistence of a thick paint. This wash has the effect of keeping the bark green
and healthy. It is a practice that should be followed generally by fruit-growers.

From careful notes taken the past two seasons varieties in the following list do
not appear to be hardy enough for this latitude, and cannot be recommended for
general planting: Brewington, Gravenstein, Nonpareil, Peck’s Pleasant, Warnr’s
King, Yellow, Belle-fleur.

:

'

Tke following may be assumed as a doubtful list, having been injured each
winter in a greater or less degree: Baldwin. Bottle Greening, Cooper’s Market,
Cranberry Pippin, Chenango Strawberry, Fall Jennetting, Fallawater, Lady Henniker,
Maiden’s Blush, Northern Spy, Ribston Pippin, Roxbury Russet, Shannon, Spitzenberg,
Swayzie Pomme Grise, Wagner, Grvmcs’ Golden. There is no doubt that individual
trees of varieties named in this list, and even in the first one, can be found doing fairly
well in this locality ; but they are exceptional cases, and probably under unusually
favourable conditions. It is also doubtless true that we, in the colder sections, can
obtain by top-working on hardy stocks a sufficient quantity of fruit for home use of
many ot these choice old varieties. Experiments in this line using different stocks
will be inaugurated as soon as practicable.

RUSSIAN APPLES.

Most of the varieties, as given by Mr. Hilbornin the annual report of 1888
have made very satisfactory progress up to date. Thirty-five of the later importa-
tions of the Iowa Agricultural College were received from Prof. Budd last spring,
and were added to the original planting, making in all 215 Russian varieties on trial,
This orchard was the first to fruit on the Experimental grounds,a number of treesgiving
specimen apples thisyear. Some of themare large, and of fair quality, but further ex-
perience is needed before a true estimate can be made of their value. In this connection
it may be added that the large and interesting collection of Russian fruit on the farm
of the late Charles Gibb, of Abbotsford, Que. (now owned by Wm. Craig & Son) has
been, by your instructions, under my observation during the fruiting season of this
year. The planting of Russian fruits was begun by Mr. Gibb about ten years ago.
Many varieties are now coming into bearing, and it is hoped that by careful obser-
vution of the success of the different varieties in that district, a reliable opinion will
be arrived at in regard to their possible success and usefulness in the colder parts of the
Dominion. The fruit-growers of the Province of Quebec, especially, had for years
been watching with much interest the self-imposed task of fruit testing—“ for the cold
north ’—undertaken by Mr. Gibb, and it will be a souree of satisfaction to them, to
know that the results which he came so near attaining, will not be lost to the people in
whose interest he laboured. It is hoped that, with the added experience of another
year, sufficient information will be acquired to enable such facts to be published in
bulletin form, as will serve as a guide to planters along the northern limits of pre-
sent apple culture ; for this is the region where the Russian apple will be of greatest
service. Another purpose which this race will serve, and which will be developed
later, is that of giving us hardy stocks for top-grafting. Many varieties already
fruited, judging from their poor quality, should be condemned, but will be retained,
for the purpose just indicated, on account of their great vigour and hardiness. They
will also undoubtedly be the progenitors of a hardier race of apples than we now
have, by crossing with our American sorts, or by seedling production,

The following list is based upon the observation of four years on the grounds of
the lowa Agricultural College, and the experience of last summer at Abbotsford.
The varieties mentioned are commended to the careful attention of fruit growers.

Zolotoref.—Large, conical, rich carmine with light dots and stripes on the shady
side. Calyx open, basin, wrinkled, stem short, cavity, deep, narrow. Flesh yellowish
white, tinged with pink when over-ripe, rather coarse in texture, quality medium.
Season early September. A fine handsome apple. The ‘tree is a vigorous upright
grower with large glossy leaves. Hardy as Duchess. Closely resembling this in
tree and fruit, are Basil the Great, and Titovka.

Golden White——Large, oblong, ribbed, yellow ground covered with bright red
towards cavity, calyx open, basin slightly wrinkled,somewhat ribbed,stem short,thick,
cavity small,in some almost closed. Flesh white, crisp, tender, juicy. Sub-acid
sprightly, very good season, August to September. Keeps better than Duchess.
Claimed by some to keep till mid-winter. Tree a good grower of upright habit.
Very hardy.

72

Arabka (Imported by Ellwanger & Barry).—Large, oblong, irregularly ribbed,
dull red on sunny side, shading to dark green. Calyx closed, basin shallow, deeply
wrinkled. Stem short, thick set, in closed cavity. Flesh greenish, white, rather
coarse, mildly acid. Season November to March. In the west the tree has been
somewhat subject to blight, but it has not been affected this way in the east. In
hardiness it may be graded with Wealthy. This will undoubtedly be valuable inthe
colder districts. Trees planted ten years ago at Abbottsford have been bearing
heavily and regularly the last four years. The Arabka imported by the United
States’ Department of Agriculture is quite different—an early fall apple of the
Duchess type, very vigorous and hardy.

Gipsy Girl—One of the hardiest and most vigorous of all the Russians. Speci-
mens were taken this season from trees planted two years ago on the Experimental
Farm. The fruit is large, highly coloured, of fair qual:.;, and keeps till February.
Wherever this tree has come under my notice, it has been doing welL

Royal Table—This apple is of North German origin, a later importation by Prof.
Budd. The trees at Abbotsford, are compact growers, with round topped heads,
slender twigs and medium sized leaves; they have made vigorous growth, and seem
perfectly hardy. Fruit medium to large, conical, ribbed, greenish with dull red stripes
on the sunny side, calyx open, basin wide, wrinkled, stem short thick, cavity wide
shallow, flesh greenish white, inclined to be tough, quality fair. Season; at this date
(January 25) specimens in my cellar are firm and in good eating condition, Itshould
keep through February. As already stated notes were taken on a considerable num-
ber of varieties which fruited at the Experimental Farm and at Abbotsford the past
year, but it is thought better to reserve such information for future publication.

IMPORTATION AND PROPAGATION, es

Arrangements were made last winter by the Fruit-Growers Association of
Ontario, through the Secretary, Mr. Woolverton, for the importation of a large
collection of scions of Russian apples, pears and plums. By arrangement with Mr.
Woolverton this consignment was placed in my hands to be propagated, for
trial on this and the branch Farms, «nd for distribution to the members of the associa-
tion. Owing to the length of time in transit, the scions were not in good condition
when received in March. They were root grafted at once, and set out at the proper
time in spring. Last fall it was found, that 44 out of 45 varieties of apples had
grown, giving in round numbers 1,350 trees. Specimen trees of 6 out of 7 varieties of
the pears were obtained—in all 78 trees ; 15 trees of one variety of plum also made
a satisfactory growth. It is proposed to increase these as rapidly as practicable for
dissemination, and trial at different points in the Dominion. A number will be top
grafted next spring, witha view to obtaining specimens of the fruit at as early a date
as possible. This work of distribution of rare plants and new fruits, which the
Ontario Fruit-Grower’s Association has practiced among its members during a num-
ber of years past, is one highly to be commended, and is productive of valuable
results.

SEEDLINGS, NATIVE AND RUSSIAN.

Of the seedling apples raised from seed imported under your direction from
Russia, about three thousand have been planted in a special “ seedling orchard.”
They have been set 5 feet apart each way and will remain there until some idea of
their probable value can be formed, when the more promising will be transplanted to
permanent positions for more extended trial. Smaller assortments of these have
een sent to the branch Farms for testing in a similar manner.

Efforts have also been directed towards gathering in, all the native seedlings
which have been reported as worthy of propagation, or have come under my notice,
as possessing good points.

Thus far, thirty seedlings have been collected, principally from the older apple
growing districts of the Eastern Townships, from Montreal and Northern Ontario,
-Those received in spring were crown grafted, most of which made satisfactory

A OTE SA tt 6

Aa Se

73

growth ; others received during the summer were budded. The whole collection
with additions as received, will constitute an instructive group when contrasted with
the seedlings of Russian origin.

PEARS,

Very few of the cultivated varieties of American and West European pears
prove hardy in this section. Nearly all belonging to this class have been more or
less severely injured by winter since planting in the trial orchard, This injury has
mainly consisted in the loss of part or the whole of the growth of the preceding
year. Others, however, have been killed outright. The orchard has been treated
in the same manner as the apple orchard, and the soil is well suited to pear culture.

The tollowing varieties have shown least injury from the cold of winter thus
far, indicating that,under favourable circumstances, they might be grown to a limited
extent in this and similai latitudes: Flemish Beauty, Bartlett, Beurré Hardy, Beurre
@ Anjou, Doyenné, Boussock, Goodale, Josephine de Malines, Seckel, Vicar of Winkjield.
It is probable that other varieties will he noted later, as developing hardiness in an
unexpected degree, as the work of testing goes on. Pears have been almost wholly
untested in this vicinity up to the time of planting them on the Experimental Farm.

In this connection, it may be added that interesting results are looked for, when
the work now in hand—that of top-grafting the hardiest Russian sorts with the best
varieties of the present cultivated pears—has been brought to an issue, This is a
line of experiment that has not yet been entered upon in America, and from which
it is hoped the colder sections will reap much benetit.

RUSSIAN PEARS,

Nearly all varieties of this class have come through the last two winters unin-
jured, and strong hopes are entertained for their future usefulness. Through the
kindness of Prof. Budd, I have been able to make a considerable addition to the
collection already in orchard, and expect to be able to extend the work in this line
next spring.

The following notes are made on trees planted eight years ago at Abbotsford,
all of which have grown vigorously, and give every indication of perfect hardiness :

Beesemianka (No. 508 and 3 M).—Tree a strong upright grower, with remark-
ably bright green healthy foliage. It has shown no sign of blighting in the east,
but has been affected to a limited extent by this disease in the west. A few speci-
mens of fruit were borne this year, but dropped before an idea of the quality could
be ascertained.

Sapieganka.—This is even a stronger grower than the last and more spreading in
habit. The twigs are thick, bark a bright olive in colour, This would appear to
be a grade less hardy than the last. It has not come into bearing yet.

Gakovka.—This seems to be the hardiest of the class. From close observation
of its habits in widely separated localities I believe it will succeed wherever the
Duchess apple can be grown. It is avrapid grower of upright habit and strictly
determinate in regard to ripening its wood in the fall. I cannot speak of the fruit.
Prof. Budd says: “The fruit is large and handsome, but is mainly valuable for
culinary use, for which it is not excelled. Though pleasant in fluvour the flesh is too
firm for desert use until over ripe.’

Lemon.—The characteristic of this tree is the fact of its having almost invari-
ably a central leader from which the side branches are thrown. This forms an ideal
head. Annual growth has been strong. Shoots large. It is said to be a cooking
pear. Not fruited yet.

Limber Twig.—Prof. Budd says this succeeds best on dry, upland soil. It has
done well at Abbotsford on gravelly soil. The bark is light green, buds peculiarly
long and sharply pointed. Not fruited.

Kurskaya.—This is said to have been first introduced by the Mennonites of

Minnesota. In general appearance and habit of growth it much resembles Besse-
mianka. The fruit has not come under my notice.

ee Sd Bn, en PS eT, Fe te Fe em 2

|

Autumn Bergamot (No. 122).—This has been very satisfactory in point of hardi-
ness and vigour at Abbotsford. The fruit is said to be small and highly flavoured,

SEEDLING PEARS,

Asa product from the pear seed imported from the region of the Volga in
Russia—a district in which the pear is found growing wild—one hundred and
twenty-five of the most vigorous seedlings were transplanted in the same manner,
and adjacent to the apple seedlings already mentioned. A number of seedlings from
other sources have also been added and the whole will make a very interesting and,
it is hoped a useful collection. The late Chas. Gibb, advocated frequently the wisdom
of growing seedlings from the wild pear of the Volga region, for the purpose of in-
troducing a hardier fruit stock than we now have in the French pear seedlings,
Owing to the difficulty of obtaining seed in quantity, this line of work has not been
attempted by fruit growers, outside of a few pear specialists. ;

PLUMS.

The majority of the older and finer varieties of this fruit first planted have not
aucceeded as well us was expected. The partial failure of this class in the first
planting was no doubt very much increased by the planting as an experiment a
number of varieties in the fall. A severe winter followed, resulting in the death of a
considerable number. ‘These failures have, however, in most cases, been replanted and
al] will receive a fair trial. While many may not make long lived trees, yet they
will be useful in furnishing pollen which may be used in the work of crossing with
hardier varieties.

The following list contains those kinds which thus far have stood the test of
winters in this vicinity with leastinjury. They have all originated from the European
plum, Prunus domestica and have been in cultivation for a number of years in the
fruit growing districts of Ontario and the Eastern States: Reine Claude, Magnum
bonum, Yellow Egg, Richland, Glass Seedling, Washington, Nota Bene, Bryanston's
Gage, Newman, Pond’s Seedling, Lombard, Bradshaw.

Another class of plums which are more promising in point of hardiness, though
they have not fruited to any extent thus far, belong to the same species as the last,
but are derived mostly from East Europe. The following have come through unin-
jured by winter killing and give promise of vigour and longevity ; Harly red, Late red,
White Nicholas, White Otschakoff, Trabische, Voronesh, Hungarian, Moldavka. Most
of these have fruitedin the Western States, in many cases the fruit will be found very
useful, and in some instances of high quality. -

For a number of years past, a few experimenters in the Western States, have
been developing selected varieties of the native plum of that region—a fruit which
has too long been neglected— Prunus Americana. A number of promising varieties
are now on the market and will be of much service along the northern limits of plum
culture. De Soto, which has so rapidly sprung into popularity of late, is a notable
representative of this class, An effort has been made to secure as large a collection
of these as possible. Among them are the following, which appear to be the most
valuable: Hawkeye, Speer, Wolf, Wyant, Rollingston, Forest Garden, Forest Rose,
Jas. Vick, and Garfield.

Prunus Chicasa.—This is native to the south-west, is less hardy than the preced-
ing, and sometimes fails from imperfect fertilization. As a cooking plum it is unsur-
passed. Among the prominent representatives on trial, may be mentioned Mariana,
Milton, Weaver, Maquoketa, Moreman and Pottawattamie. The last three,are late
introductions.

Japanese plums.—These have not succeeded here, and while their usefulness for
the colder sections is doubtful, yet for the milder portions they are at least worthy
of trial in a limited way.

Seedlings.—A seedling plantation has been started wherein tests in this line are
being conducted, and to which constant additions will be made.

oT
or

Selected seed and plants of the Americana and Chicasa types have been secured
from the west, both north and south.

Some very interesting seedlings have been collected through Mr, Aug. Dupuis,
Village des Aulnaies, north of the city of Quebec. These are grown from pits of
the Blue Damson and Orleans plums. They have been cultivated in that rigorous
climate by seedling production for years. Judging by samples of fruit received last
fall they are well worthy of propagation.

Through the courtesy of Mr. R. B. White, of Ottawa, who has for a number of
years made aspecialty of collecting hardy and promising plum seedlings, I have
obtained a considerable number of specimen trees, which have succeeded well with,
and are thought favourably of, by that gentleman.

CHERRIES,

It was not expected that varieties derived from the Mazzard stock would succeed
in this locality, but in order to arrive at definite conclusions, a collection of the principal
members of this class as well as those belonging to the Dukes and Moreilos was
planted in orchard. Experience thus far has justified the above opinion in regard to
the Mazzurds, and indeed many of the Dukes might be included in the same division
as far as hardiness is concerned.

Of the Duke and Morello varieties the following catalogued varieties have come
through the winters with comparatively little injury thus far:

Dyehouse, Belle Magnifique, Large Montmorency, Royal Duke, Early Richmond,
Late Morello.

It is being generally admitted that as profitable market cherries—except in the
extreme south—the Morello varieties are, on account of their hardiness and produc-
tiveness, growing in popularity. For this and similar sections we will have to depend
mainly on them for our supply of this much appreciated fruit. There appears at
present no other line in the culture of large fruit 80 promising in immediate and bene-
ficial results, as will be attained by the propagation and dissemination of members of
the Morello class, which have been imported by the Iowa Agricultural College. A
considerable collection of these varieties were obtained, and have been on trial since
1888. With one or two exceptions they have shown every evidence of hardiness,
growing uniformily with thrift and vigor. Specimens of fruit were had from 12
varieties last season giving indications of early bearing habits. The fruit in all
instances was very good; in a few cases really excellent. These varieties are also
included in the collection at Abbotsford, where they have fruited the past two or
three years. The foliowing list, with short descriptive notes, includes those which
bore fruit on the Farm last season. The dates of ripening are given as occurring this

ear :—
4 Wragg.—This tree, which is now being distributed from the west, is an only
survivor of a lot of cherry trees sent out there, which were selected from an importa-
tion made by Ellwanger & Barry from Germany some 18 or 20 years ago. The tree
is of the Morelio type, round-headed and vigorous, Fruit ripe this year 5th August.
Large, round flattened, colour dark red, stem long, rather acid, slightly astringent,
very juicy. A promising late variety.

Ostheim (of Minnesota).—Size of Kentish, dark-red, roundish obtuse, highly
coloured juice, good quality; about a week earlier than Wragg; differs from the
next in season and quality. Tree is open topped; a free grower.

Ostheim (of Morris).—This is a small dark-coloured cherry, round, compressed,
fair quality, pit large, somewhat lacking in juciness; ripens with Wragg, about 6th
August, Is not as free a grower as the last.

LTithaur Weichsel—Small dark-red, when fully ripe almost black, roundish
obtuse, flesh firm, pleasant sub-acid, pit rather large, ripe 31st July; tree close,
round topped, quite hardy. Were this a little larger, on account of its earliness,
it would be very valuable.

76

Voronesh 27.—A promising variety imported under this number from Voronesh,
Russia. Fruit very large, bright red, round, flattish, flesh juicy, sub-acid, pit small,
ripe 4th August; tree hardy, vigorous.

Gruner Glas.—In appearance of tree and fruit resembling the last, but later.
Fruit large, bright-red, slightly more acid than last, ripe 8th August; very produc-
tive.

Bessarabian (or Russian 62).—Tree a spreading grower, twigs slender, with
prominent buds; very hardy; fruit large, about same size as Wragg, round, de-
pressed, stem long, colour, dark-red when fully ripe, good quality, ripe 5th August.

Russian 207.—Medium to large, round, flattened above, bright-red, long stem,
fair quality, juicy: tree upright, one of the most vigorous growers; ripe 6th August,
resembles Voronesh 27.

Viadimir.—Uere again as in the case of Ostheim there seems to be two
varieties under the same name. This one, imported by Prof. Budd,-is a very early
cherry, the earliest of all here, ripe 28th July. Fruit medium size, nearly black
when ripe, roundish oblate, mild sub-acid, very pleasant, tree vigorous and hardy.

Vladimir. (Imported by Mr Gibb from Moscow).-—Is distinguished by its
slender twigs, and more conservative habit of growth; shows every sign of perfect
hardiness. I cannot speak of the fruit. Still another Vladimir is on trial here.
This was introduced by a later importation of the Abbotsford Fruit-Growers’
Association. It differs entirely from the two foregoing, resembling the Mazzard
family in leaf and habit of growth much more than the Morello. This one has
not yet fruited.

Montmorency Ordinaire—This is of the Morello type, but is not a late importa-
tion, It is one of the hardiest ofthe catalogued sorts and is worthy of more extended
cultivation than it now receives. Fruit about the size of Karly Richmond, dark-red,
mildly sub-acid, very pleasant. Ripe, 2nd August.

Observations on the behaviour of the above selections and a number of others
growing at Abbotsford on gravelly soil for several years, were made this season,
‘They had made a most satisfactory growth and, as already stated, with one or two
exceptions, had not suffered from the cold of winter. Fuller information will be
published later. Due attention is being given to seedling production in this as well
as the other lines of fruit culture.

RUSSIAN APRICOTS,

In answer toa letter from the editor of American Garden last August, asking for
my experience and opinion on the behaviour and value of these fruits, the following
note was written, which so nearly covers the ground that it is not considered
necessary to add anything further at present:

“The Russian Apricots, as a class—and they do not appear to differ much in
variety as far as tested here—seem to rank in hardiness with the Lombard plum,
The trees lost several inches of young wood last winter, and also show evidence of
injury to the stems. Alexis and Catherine appear to be most promising. They have
good foliage and are vigorous growers. The soil and treatment depend somewhat
on the stocks upon which these apricots are worked. They are doing well in many
places on sandy loam, which tends to hasten maturing cf the wood in the autumn.

In advance of more extended tests, it would not be safe to call them “a valu-
able acquisition.” I do not think they will be grown to any extent in peach-growing
districts, and it is questionable if they are sufficiently hardy to do well north of the
peach line. They bud and graft readily on the myrobolan and American plum (P.
Americana.) The latter, on account of its hardiness, I consider the most desirable
stock. Crown grafts on this have made a growth of from two to three feet since
spring, when they were set out.”

~

Il.—SMALL FRUITS.

GRAPES,

The importance of grape-growing in the Province of Ontario can hardly be over-
estimated. From small stations in the Niagara district there have been shipped
the past season, in many instances, as much as four or five hundred tons of this
delicious fruit. The season has been a profitable one in the older grape-growing
districts. In Eastern Ontario and Quebec however, the reverse has been the case,
many varieties failing to ripen owing to the unusually late spring, followed by the
cool weather of summer and autumn.

In the Ottawa Valley it has been one of the most unfavourable seasons yet
experienced, the wet and cold weather being very productiveof mildew and fungous
diseases.

he vineyard of the Experimental Farm was planted in greatest part during
the seasons of 1887 and 1888. Annual additions have since been made till, at the
present time, there are on trial 165 varieties. The soil in which these are planted is a
light sandy loam sloping, with a southern aspect. It has received yearly dressings
of wood ashes till last spring, when a coat of barnyard manure was applied. Rains
during the blossoming period prevented the thorough fertilization of a few varieties.
Soon after the fruit began to develop downy mildew appeared, and would, doubtless,
have destroyed the greater part of the crop had not preventive measures been
promptly instituted. On its appearance the vines were sprayed with the fungicide
known as ammoniacal copper carbonate. This was prepared by dissolving 2 ounces
of copper carbonate in a quart of ammonia (20 per cent.), and diluting with water
to 25 gallons. By two applications of this fungicide, and care being taken toremove
and destroy all affected berries, the spread of this disease was finally checked.

In this section as well as in all portions of Quebec, Eastern and Northern Ontario,
it is necessary to lay down the vines and cover with earth after pruning in the fall.
I think it would be profitable for growers in districts where vines are not winter
killed, but are often weakened by exposure to the vicissitudes of winter, to at least
pin the canes to the ground covering with sufficient earth to hold them in this position,
as well as to protect the crowns from the frost. A vine, though not actually winter
killed, may be so enfeebled by a long and trying exposure, as to make but little
growth the following season and mature a lessened quantity of fruit of inferior
quality. This principle should always be borne in mind,

Part of the vineyard has been planted after what is known as the “ French
system.” This is practically a renewal system, having the vines set four feet apart
each way, and trained to stakes. Near cities where land is valuable, and high culture
is given, this method can be practised with success. Results here the past season
show that varieties grown in this way, were from five to eight days later in ripening,
than the same varieties grown eight by ten feet apart, and trained to the trellis on
the fan system.

As already stated there are now on trial 165 varieties. Of these 94 fruited last
season; many, however, did not ripen. The weather on the whole being so unfayour-
able, the season can fairly be considered as a test one, in regard to the important
points in grape culture—of early ripening and immunity from disease.

The following varieties ripened in the order given, beginning 2nd September
and closing 29th September: Florence, Champion, Cottage, Moore's Early, Brant,
Green Mountain, Early Victor, Peabody, Lady, Janesville, Delaware, Berckman’s,
Gaertner, Norwood, El Dorado, Wilder, F'. B. Hayes, Barry, Herbert, Worden, Lindley,
Potter, Roger's 36, Northern Muscadine, Mary, Vergennes, Dracut Amber. Marion
was the first to colour, but the summer heat seemed insufficient to ripen it fully.
This list contains the most promising varieties for northern growers.

In advance of more extended trial it would not be wise to speak positively as to,
the merits and desirability of many of the newer sorts.

The following did not ripen thoroughly, but are commended for trial in the
more favorable grape growing districts of Ontario:—Alma, large white, ripens with

Sf

78

Concord. Amber, white, medium size, a few days later than Concord. August
Giant, large red, late. Challenge, red, fair quality, late. Htta, white, medium size,
season of Diana. Grein's Golden, large white, good quality, later than Concord,
Grein’s No. 4, large white, fine quality, later than Concord. Imperial, pinkish
white, fine quality, season of Isabella. Oriental, resembles Catawba. Roger's No. 2,
very large black, season of Concord. Roger's No. 30, red, large, fine quality, later
than Concord. Transparent, large white, juicy, late. Wilding, later than Concord,

Cuttings were taken from those giving evidence of probable future value, which
will be planted next spring with a view to testing them in various parts of the
Deminion—should such a course be deemed advisable.

STRAWBERRIES.

The winter of 1889-90, was unusually severe on small fruits, strawberries
especially, owing to the repeated freezing and thawing and consequent accumulation
of ice in low places, which characterized the winter. On examination after the dis-
appearance of the snow in the spring, it was found that roughly estimated an average
loss of 50 per cent. of plants, in the strawberry plantation had been sustained. The
relative loss of the different varieties varied widely, as will be hereafter noted, and in
this respect the experience of the season is very instructive. The injury, too, appeared
to be inproportion to the vigor of the plant when it went into winter quarters as in-
dicated by the number of runners made the preceding autumn, Again, the older plants
with weakened vitality, suffered more than the younger plants possessing better roots
and greater vigor. This isan important argument in favour of the frequent renewal of
strawberry beds. With good cultivation, not more than two full crops should be
taken from the same plantation, and many growers advocate a change after each
full crop has been picked. This rule, however, is not generally practised outside of
specialists in the line. \

The following selection based upon the experience of the past season, has been
made from those varieties reported on by Mr, Hilborn in Bulletin 5, and have been
planted in a new trial plot. The planting was done in August, and will give inter-
esting data as to the relative advantages of fall and spring planting :—

Bubach, Miller’s Seedling, H. 11,
Black Defiance, New Dominion,
Black Giant, Norman,
Belmont, No. 1001,
Crescent, Nicanor,

Capt. Jack, Old Ironclad,
Cohansick, Osceola, (Mitchell's early)
Crimson Cluster, Photo,

Daisy, Parker Earle,
Early Canada, Prince of Berries,
Eureka, Pine Apple,
Garibaldi, Pearl,

Green Prolific, Ruby,

Gandy, Royal Hautbois,
Haverland, Sharpless,
Hoffman Seedling, Seneca Queen,
Itasca, Stayman No. 1,
Jersey Queen, Shirts,

Jas. Vick, ‘ Surprise,

John Little, Turner’s Beauty,
King of the North, Woodruff,

Logan, Windsor Chief,
Manchester, Wonderful,

Mrs. Cleveland, Warfield, No. 2,

Miller’s Seedling, No. 2, Woodhouse.

* q

The following varieties, most of them not yet introduced, were received and
planted last August :—

Alabama, Muskingum,
Beder Wood, Nunan Charlston,
Bessie, Parker Earle,
Ivanhoe, Regina,

Martha, Viola,
Middlefield, Woolverton,
Williams, Yale.

Showing per cent. of injury by the winter to the different varieties :—
Under 10 per cent.

New Dominion, Downer’s Prolific ,Crystal City, Excelsior, Pearl, Cohansick, War
Field No. 2, No. 1001, Haverland.

10 to 20 per cent.

Graad Duke, Crawford, Miller’s Seedling No. 2, Johu Little, Mrs. Cleveland
Bordelaise, Crimson Cluster, Logan.

?

20 to 30 per cent.
Seneca Queen, Nicanor, Legal Tender, Bubach.

30 to 40 per cent.
Gandy, Hampden, Mammoth.

40 to 50 per cent.

Crescent, Capt. Jack, Covill, Jessie, Jas. Vick, Amateur, Garretson, Golden
Defiance, Windsor Chief, Fairy, Snowflake, Daisy, Itasca, Monmouth.

50 to 60 per cent.

Old Ironclad, Early Canada, Mount Vernon, Photo, Jewell, Ontario, Royal
Hautbois, Ruby, King of the North.

60 to 70 per cent.

Daniel Boone, Jumbo, Woodruff, Cumberland, Kentucky, Summit, Pine Apple,
Bancroft, Champion.

70 to 80 per cent.

May King, Emerald, Chas. Downing, Norman, Sterling, Belmont, Wilson
(selected), Ohio, Shirts, Jersey Queen, Green Prolific, Lida,Eureka, Turner’s Beauty,
_ Surprise.
c 80 to 90 per cent.

Wilson, Sharpless, Manchester, Mary Fletcher, Mrs. Garfield, Black Giant, Parry,
Hoffman’s Seedling, Garibaldi, Bright Ida, Henderson, Miller’s Seedling H. 11, Moore’s
Prolific, Black Defiance.

90 to 100 per cent.

Maggie, Cornelia, Prince of Berries, Atlantic, Sunapee, Triomphe de Gand, Boy-
den’s No. 30, Anna Forest, Montreuil, Connecticut Queen,
Among the older varieties the following are the most reliable for general plant-
ing in this locality, given in order of ripening :—Crescent (P), Wilson (B), Capt.
_ Jack (B), Daniel Boone (P), Sharpless (B), Manchester (P) and on heavy soil, New
Dominion (B).

ee

80

Of the newer varieties which can be safely recommended for trial in order of
ripening are :—Michel’s Early (B) (Osceola), Haverland (P), Miami (P), Bubach (P),
Crawford (P), Logan (B), Pearl (B), Cloud (P), Seneca Queen (B) Enhance (B),
Eureka (P), Gandy (B).

The following varieties do not seem worthy of extended cultivation and can be
profitably omitted except possibly in such localities as they seem specially adapted :—
Pocahontas, Cohansic, Pine Apple, Surprise, Crimson Cluster, Legal Tender, Bordelaise,
Royal Hautbois, Sunapee, Barly Canada, Hathaway, No.5; Bancroft, Cornelia, Ray’s
Prolific,, Prince of Berries and Nicanor.

SEEDLING STRAWBERRIES,

While with our already extended list of varieties it hardly seems wise to add to
it by seedling production, yet as time goes on the standard of excellence will be con-
stantly rising and there will be always room for a berry with well marked character-
istics. We cannot expect to find ina single berry all the desirable points of excellence.
It is, therefore our aim in this work to develop strong growing varieties having one
or more distinguishing qualities, which shall be superlative in these particuiars,
whether this be in point of earliness, lateness, hardiness, vigor, productiveness, size
orquality. Thisshould be the aim ofevery grower. Ourstrawberry lists are already
crowded with varieties, many of which are almost indistinguishable, and without any
prominent characteristics,

Prof.Green, Horticulturist of Ohio Experiment Station, says ina recent bulletin :—
“Tt will be found that varieties which have failed to become favorites, either have no
pronounced characteristics,or have been wanting in qualities required to fit them for
general cultivation. It is commonly believed that a variety may do well in one
locality and yet fail in another, and vice versa. There is some truth in this and also
much error. It is true that varieties vary more or less on different soils, but it is
also true that the most variable sorts are the least valuable. In fact if a variety
varies greatly on different soils, it may be set down as unreliable, sooner or later it
will fail even where it seems most at home. To believe that because a variety exhibits
a defect in one locality it may not in another, is almost always a fatal error. Ifa
variety lacks vigor, is susceptible to disease, is tender when in bloom, or is unproduc-
tive, there is no ground for hope that even under favourable conditions it will become
generally popular, and remain so. Some such have been favorites in certain localities
for a time, but sconer or later have been discarded. To hope to find varieties suited to
certain sections only isa delusion. The only varieties that stand the test in particular
sections are those that succeed over wide areas.”

Out of 650 seedlings fruited the past season 40 were selected and replanted for
further trial. The seed from which these plants were grown was selected from
vigorous individuals exhibiting marked characteristics in one or more particulars,
such as earliness or lateness, firmness and fine quality. Others were grown from
the earliest berries of the season’s crop and still others from the latest, of the same
variety. It cannot be said that there was a corresponding general or marked dis-
position on the part of the offspring of either of these classes to imitate the peculiar-
ities of their parents, although in a few cases the variations were striking. All such
were carefully preserved, for the purpose of carrying on the work of selection.
Many were of good size and fine quality but some lacked firmness, or were defective
in foliage,

RASPBERRIES.

Comparatively few varieties came through the winter entirely uninjured, and
all the tender sorts suffered more or less severely. With a view to test the advan-
tnge as well as cost of protecting during winter by laying down and covering with
sufficient earth to hold them in position, half of the plants of each variety were
pruned and treated in this manner, The remaining half were unpruned und allowed
to stand without further protection. The relative returns from the two sections will
~ be carefully noted next year. For convenience raspberries may be readily divided

.-* errs

tia

al
-

81

into two classes according to their methods of propagation. 1st, Upright varieties,
increasing by suckers from the roots. This includes mainly our red and yellow
sorts. 2nd. Drooping canes, rooting from the tips, commonly ealled “ tip varieties.”
These with one or two exceptions are all black or purple in colour. Of the first class
considering the red ones only; 21 varieties frnited the past season.

The following are the most reliable, for market purposes, of the older kinds in
order of ripening: Hansel, Turner, Marlboro, Cuthbert. For home use, with winter
protection and good culture, the following is a desirable list: Turner, Herstine,
Olark, Cuthbert. “

Among the yellow caps, Brinckle’s Orange is unsurpassed in quality, but is not
x profitable market berry and needs protection, except in the milder portions of the
country.

Golden Queen. A beautiful yellow berry, is earlier than Cuthbert; like it a strong
grower, equal to itin quality and a good bearer. This should be a profitable market
berry, and is also well adapted for home use.

Among the later introductions, the following seem specially worthy of mention :—

Herstine. Large, bright red, quality good, rather soft, productive, season late,
needs winter protection.

Heebner. Warge, dark red, high flavoured; has the same fault as the last, lacking
firmness, a good bearer, fairly vigorous, might be valuable for near market.

Thompson's Early Prolijic—Ripened with Hansel last season. The fruitis larger
and finer and gives promise of a longer picking season. Plant fairly vigorous and
productive.

Royal Church—This has not been sufficiently tested here to speak positively,
but from past behaviour it would seem to be a promising medium early variety,
of good size and quality, but not firm enough for distant shipment,

CLASS II—TIP VARIETIES,

Few additions have been made to the general list of black caps, most of which are
under cultivation for a number of years. From the twenty varieties which fruited
last year the following are noted as the most reliable :

Souhegan, Tyler and Doolittle are practically identical, and are the earliest to
ripen. One of these should be included in each planter’s list, to connect the straw-
berry and raspberry season.

Hilborn—A medium early sort, of good quality and a heavy bearer. This is
an excellent berry for near market, but is specially valuable for amateur growers;
it is also valued for canning.

Shaffer—Sometimes known as Shaffer’s Colossal. Is a fine strong grower, an
immense bearer of large purple berries, which are rich and juicy, putting it at the
head of the list as a canning berry. Its dull colour and lack of firmness prevent it
taking a high place as a market variety, but where well known it is highly appre-
ciated.

Gregg.—Completes the season, Jt is also vigorous, productive, and ships well.
It does not, however, rank as high in quality as Hilborn, but is indispensable in the
list of the market gardener.

Among those not fully tested here may be mentioned Palmer. If it succeeds,
according to present indications, it will supersede Tyler or Sonhegan, which is its
season of ripening.

Muskingum.—ts of the Shaffer type, but does not seem to be any improvement;
perhaps a trifle firmer. With present experience positive statements cannot be
made.

Earhart.—Will be of value in the milder portions of Ontario where the season
will admit of a second crop, which, under favourable conditions, is usually borne
before growth is checked by frost.

Attention is called to the report (inserted at the close of mine) of a visiting
committee on a collection of seedling raspberries, black and red—as the notes have
been made by experienced growers of small fruit.

6c—6

82

BLACKBERRIES.

The cultivation of the blackberry in Canada has not received the attention
which the quality and excellence of this fruit demands. Again the varieties which
were first introduced, from lack of hardiness and without winter protection have not
succeeded outside of peaca-growing districts. This, coupled with the great abun-
dance in some districts of the native species (Aubus Canadensis) has hindered the
introduction and cultivation of varieties of more recent origin and greater hardiness,
They should be planted in deep, rich soil, and liberally mulched in dry seasons ;
with a careful selection of varieties and good cultivation, paying crops will be ob-
tained. In the colder fruit-growing districts the practice of laying down the canes
in the fall is generally adopted with profitable results. The canes should be pinched
back occasionally during the growing season to induce a stocky growth and aid the
process of ripening the wood.

Of the 20 sorts on trial—unprotected last winter—the following were badly
injured: Gainor, Tecumseh, Bonanza, Early Cluster, Wilson, Jr., Early Harvest,
Crystal White, Kittatiny.

The following sufiered, but in a less degree than the last named :—Dorchester,
Taylor's Prolific, Wachusett, Wilson's Early, Minnewaski, Hrie, Lucretia Dewberry.

The following came through with slight injury: Snyder, Agawam, Stone’s Hardy,
Western Triumph.

For the colder sections this last selection will be generally found most reliable,
ripening in the order named. It is difficult to give a list of the hardier varieties
covering the whole season, as these nearly all ripen early. Agawam and Snyder, are
close competitors in point of earliness, hardiness and productiveness, but the former
has the advantage of greater size and better quality. A good succession for the
milder districts is Harly Harvest, Agawam, Wilson, Minnewaski.

The Lucretia Dewberry, a trailing form of the blackberry. has not been produc-
tive on light soil, nor has it sustained its reputation for hardiness. From present
experience it cannot be recommended for other than garden culture.

CURRANTS,

Twenty-two varieties are on trial, made up of black, red and white sorts. The
season was a favorable one, and a fair crop was cathered from all varieties, although
they have not been planted long enough to give full returns yet.

The currant worm (Nematus ventricosus) was very troublesome, three broods
appearing. The first was treated effectually with Paris green, the second and third
when the fruit was larger were destroyed with white hellebore. This was applied very
quickly with the ordinary orchard barrel pump. Asa rule the grower does not apply
the insecticide soon enough to save the foliage, and growers forget, too, that defolia-
tion this year means a short crop next; hence the importance of prompt action as ©
soon as the presence of the larve is detected.

Nearly all varieties of the Red and White Currant suffered from loss of foliage
in August, probably due to fungous troubles: White Dutch, Victoria, Raby Castle
and Prince Albert were partially free from injury of this kind.

The following of the red varieties have been most satisfactory in point of
vigor and productiveness, and ripen in the order given, though there is very little
difference between the earliest and latest:— Victoria, Fay, Red Dutch, Versaillaise,
Prince Albert. Among the newer introductions, Wilder, and Moore's Ruby, seem
promising. The former is large and of good quality; the latter is of good quality,
but somewhat lacking in vigor.

There has been practically no change in the list of White Currants, White
Grape being rather larger and more productive than White Dutch which is better suited
for market purposes. White Dutch is the richest and finest flavored of all the
currants,

_ 83

| BLACK CURRANTS.
.

Lee, though rather small in bunch, was most satisfactory of those tried this
_ season. It is also the earliest to ripen.
; There appears to be little difference between Black Naples and Champion.
Prince of Wales, a later introductio1, seems worthy of extended trial, though its
foliage has been somewhat defective.
Black English resembles Black Naples in habit of growth, quality and size of
fruit, but is later.
Crandall is a vaviation of the Missouri flowering currant (Ribes aureum) which
_ has been extensively advertised and disseminated. Its strong points seem to be
vigor of plant and productiveness ; its weak points, unevenness in size and time of
peng of fruit, and poor quality. As a crossing stock, it will probably be of
value,

SEEDLING CURRANTS.

made a fine show of fruit and attracted much attention while in bearing. There are
about 150 seedlings in the collection. A selection of 25 of the most promising was
made, based upon the notes collected by Mr. Hilborn, supplemented by the experi-
ence of last year. Cuttings were taken from those specially noted, and were set out
early in August. They were well rooted before cold weather, and will make suitable
plants for starting trial plantations on the branch Farms next spring. It may be
added that some of these thought well of by Mr. Hilborn were propagated last year,
and have already been distributed.

)
he
The large collection of seedlings brought here by Prof. Saunders from London,

GOOSEBERRIES.

Owing to the first planting of gooseberries having to be removed from their
original location, on account of unsuitable soil, sufficient time has not elapsed since
in which to arrive at any definite opinions regarding the value of the different
varieties in this section. Last season was a favorable one, all varieties making a fair
growth, though very little fruit was borne. As noted previously the currant worm
was specially active; this fruit receiving the same attention with Paris green and
white hellebore very little injury was sustained.

A large number of the European varieties are on trial, but owing to unsuitable
soil, unfavorable seasons and their natural tendency to be affected with leaf mildew,
they have not yet given evidence of future usefulness. They will hardly prove use-
ful except in favored locations, and with special treatment.
= Among the newer varieties which have fruited here and elsewhere are Pearl, a
seedling originated by Prof. Saunders, specially to be commended as an im-
mense bearer and comparatively free from mildew. Smith's Improved, with high
culture and careful pruning, will be generally satisfactory ; it bears well, the fruit
is large and of good quality.

II. —VEGETABLES.

The constantly and rapidly increasing number of varieties in all classes of
_ vegetables, including many worthless new ones and many old ones re-named, renders
the task of making a satisfactory selection for home use quite a formidable one.
Very often a satisfactory selection is not arrived at till after considerable expen-
diture of time and money has taken place in testing the many “best” kinds.

_ It will be a feature of the work of this branch to make each year in certain
lines such tests of varieties (1) as will tend to eliminate duplicates; (2) give
experience upon which to recommend those sorts which have succeeded best here; (3)
adding such hints on the methods of cultivation as will be deemed useful to the
gardening public It is beyond all question true that farmers, as a rule, do not grow
in ‘aay quantity and variety these healthful products,

c—

a I

ae eee ee ee ee

84

On account of press of other work consequent upon the inaugural duties of a
new position, the experiments with vegetables were not as full and complete as I
hope they will be in future.

The soil in which the following varieties were grown was not the ideal soil in
the market gardener’s opinion, being a light sandy loam, thought by many to be of
too light a character to give good results in testing vegetables. A moderate dres-
sing of barn-yard manure ploughed in, and a subsequent top dressing of ashes, gave
mest satisfactory results with all the vegetables on trial.

CABBAGE,

Of this vegetable there were fifty varieties on trial last season, As the test was
a comparative, one the seed of all the varieties was sown in boxes in-the propagating
house on the same date, 14th March; after being twice transplanted they were set
out 19th May. Observations were made on the following points, besides records of
seed-sowing, appearance above ground, transplanting, and setting out, viz.: Date of
heading: lighest head (in lbs.); heaviest head; average weight of head; number
of immatured heads; also notes on form and solidity.

The subjoined tabulated statement gives the period of heading, and average
weight of those varieties, which have been most satisfactory last season. Set out
19th May.

- Tleading | Heading | Average :
VARIETY. July. August. | Weight. Remarks.
Very Early. Lbs. Ozs

Early Jersey Wakefield....... DOW Rretecsictstaas ets | 2 14 |The standard early sort.
IX Press 2 eases DDN es ee | 3 2 (Is usually earlier than Wakefield.
Large Jersey Wakefield........ | Daal lire storetstans | 8 13 |An improvement on EB. J. Wakefield.
Early French Oxheart......... } Vet BB Goro O ne. 4 5 |One of the best old varieties,
Harly Dwarf York........... TAS ale seraaonee 2 9 |Heads small; firm, sure header.
Marlys Vion ur eek ieee et eee DO) a Seay 3 4 |Heads evenly and well.

Medium Early.

Chases Excelsior.............. DON eratierateee oe | 8 8 |Good sized solid, flat heads.
Early Summer Bee nner ep ce 1 7 12 |Good market variety.
Marly supar-lontep seceieheer)| acess cece | a 6 2 |Tall-growing, conical.
Fottler’s Improved Brunswick.|......_.-. | 1 8 14 |Large, flat ; good market variety.
Milderkraut ike sates eee aasclameee aes | 8 8 0 |Tall, a eel solid.
Cannon! Balle i. 50-2 sere alertness 12 8 10 |Sure header ; round, good variety.
Market |\Gandenerssaceimserseoe een | 12 8 8 |Large. firm ; bursts soon after maturing.
SGeGesstons aati cere ee nah teeeree eee i 14 7 10 |A new variety ; not well selected.
P. W. & Co. Excl. Flat Dutch.|..........| 14 12 0 /|One of the best market sorts.
Marble Head Drumhead.......].......... | 4 10 9 |Rots when planted early.

Late Varieties. |
Dhorxem burg ts cccta decent eee ena | 18 | 6 7 |One of the best late varieties.
Large Early Schweinfurt..... Pane Ae 22 14 7 |Uniformly large, firm, market.
Bridgeport Drumhead.........).......... | 25 7 6 |Much resembles next one.
Sel: Large Wlat Dutch...) . 2.0 5)2..2.---s | 26 8 10 |One of the standards.
QumtaleDrumherd'.. aos. sos leeaer eee 26 6 11 |Head flat, rather soft.
Premium Flat Dutch.......... ag aeen ese 28 5 12 |A selected strain of the old flat Dutch.

The following varieties will make'a satisfactory succession for home nse :—

Early: Express, Large Jersey Wakefield. Medium Early: Fottler’s Improved —
Brunswick, Cannon Ball. ate: Large Early Schweinfurt, Select Large Flat.
Dutch.

It is not thought advisable at this time, to give a list for market gardening —
purposes, though it might not differ materially fromhe above.

CELERY.

Itis a matter of regret that this wholesome vegetable is not more generally
cultivated by farmers. Indeed, it is difficult in many districts in the Province of
Quebec to find it in gardens, except in or near the larger towns. The fact of the
seed germinating slowly, and the extended period of time between seed-sowing and
setting out the plants, probabiy deters many from growing it—causing them to look
upon it as a lengthy operation. The usefulness of the product, however, far out-
weighs any trouble incurred in raising it. Sow the seed early, in rich ground. Set
out in July, choosing moist, rich soil (trenching is not necessary). Bank up part of
those set out for early use about middle of September, being careful that the soil is
kept from between the leaves: the remainder towards the end of the month.

The following selection of the thirty varieties tested the past season were most
satisfactory. Field notes are appended :—

Paris Golden Yellow (Steele Bros.)—A dwarf variety, though resembling
Golden Self-Blanching was earlier. Heart large for an early sort; very crisp and
fine flavored.

White Walnut (Henderson.)—One of the larger-growing kinds; medium
early; crisp; very fine flavour. A good market variety. FTO

Half Dwarf (Henderson.)—Was fit for table soon after White Walnut. Large
hearts; blanches well; crisp; good flavour. As a medium early variety it was not
excelled.

White Plume.—Introduced by the late Peter Henderson in 1884. Ithas become
exceedingly popular, and is now more widely grown than any other variety. It is
advocated occasionally by seedsmen that with this as well as other partial self-
blanching kinds earthing up is unnecessary; but the improvement in quality will
always repay the grower for the extra labour.

Sandringham.—Was one of the most satisfactory among the later kinds. It
should be profitable for market. The Dwarf variety of this does not seem to be
as yet well selected.

Giant Golden Heart (Vaughan.)—Very large; late, but somewhat lacking in
flavor.

Red Giant Solid—Probably the best red celery for market purposes; flavour
good; a little inclined to be stringy.

CORN—SWEET.

Like other plants of this class the early-ripening varieties ot corn were much
retarded by the cool weather of late spring and early summer. Thirty-three sorts
were tested, planted 26th May in small plots containing twenty-four hills of each
kind. Notes were taken on the following points, viz. :—Date of planting; time of
blossoming ; ready for table; size of ear; productiveness ; smuttiness; height of
stalk ; when ripe.

Early Varieties.

Northern Pedigree (Steele Bros.)—Planted 26th May; ready for table use 10th
August, 75 days from planting ; sweet; ear medium to small; well filled; eight-
rowed; a dwarf variety, about 4 feet high; productive, and free from smut.
Mitchell’s Extra Early (Pearce).—As grown here, a small white ten-rowed flint;
quite sweet, and pleasant in flavor ; cob small; planted 26th May ; ready for table
llth August.
Burbank’s Early Maine (Vaughan).—An eight-rowed sweet corn, with roundish
kernel ; very small cob ; ready for table 10th August.
Early Cory and Early Adams.—Oid and well tried sorts; were ready for pulling
14th August. Where one is grown the other may be omitted.

86

Second Early.

Among these may be mentioned—

Early Minnesota—Kar medium in size ; usually well filled; ready for table
24th August; sweet; good flavor.

Perry's Hybrid (Henderson).—Ear medium to large; with us twelve-rowed ;
well filled ; large, sweet kernel ; grows to a height of 6 feet; fit for use 24th August.

Late Varieties.

Roslyn Hybrid (Henderson).—Ear large ; well filled ; in flavor one of the best
tall-growing and productive ; ready for use 1st September.

Evergreen (Livingston.)—Sweet; ear large; well filled; one of the most produc-
tive sorts tried here ; table 4th September.

Stowell’s Evergreen (Henderson).—Sweet, medium to large; one of the
standard sorts of the West, probably one of the best for late market. Ready for use
10th September.

Black Mexican.—Another old and generally satisfactory variety ; ear medium;
always well filled ; sweet ; good.

Mammoth Sugar.—For very late use ; this has some value, but the ears and kernels
are generally not well filled.

LETTUCE,

The collection of this vegetable consisted of forty-four kinds. It wasintended to
make a comparative test of varieties ; also to compare the effect of transplanting and
sowing, as shown by the size and duration of the heads. Todetermine these points two
sowings of each kind were made on the 2nd of May. Lot No. 1 was sown in a cold
frame, and when of proper size, 18 plants were transplanted to the field plots. Those
of lot No. 2 were sown directly in drills, where they were to remain without further
removal, after being thinned out. The experiment promised interesting results, but
sles invalidated by the persistent attacks of cut-worms, chiefly on those sown in

rills.

The main points noted were date of maturity; size of head ; quality ; length of
period of maturity—in other words, the period during which the variety was fit for
table use before the seed stalks appeared. No experiments were made in forcing
lettuce, so that the remarks following on the varieties apply particularly to out
door culture :— ‘

Early Curled Simpson (Henderson).—This was very satisfactory in regard to
size of head and quality; retained its crispness well; early.

Tomhannock (Vaughan),—Was ready for use a few days after the above;
equally satisfactory in other respects.

Toronto Gem (Steele Bros.)—Follows the last very closely in time of matur-
ing. Fair size; crisp; and remarkably free from bitterness.

New York (Henderson).—One of the very largest summer varieties of the
solid heading kind; good flavor, remaining a long time in condition for table use.

The Cos Lettuce is quite a striking variation from the ordinary form, heads
elongated, conical and large; often completely blanched. This is a favourite among
European gardeners, but it is said to have a tendency to run to seed.

Paris White Cos—Showed no greater inclination to run to seed than varieties
of the common form ; very strong grower. To obtain the best results the outer leaves
should be drawn in and the whole tied up to ensure blanching.

Among others which showed many points of excellence may be mentioned
Black-seeded Simpson, Boston Curled, Oak-leaved and Deacon.

PEAS.

In the test of peas, was included 56 varieties. They were planted on the 2nd of
May in double rows, 3 inches apart and 32 feet long. They germinated evenly; in
no case was there observed a difference of more than two days: neither trellises nor

stakes were used, which probably had the effect of diminishing the yield of the taller
growing varieties. Careful record was taken of the time of blooming, podding ; first
picking; last picking; total yield; character; quality of peas and height of vine. These
tests will be repeated next year as with other vegetables tested, when it is hoped
more complete and accurate imformation can be published. With the experience of
the season, the following are among the most reliable :—

Early.

Laxton’s Earliest of All (Vaughan).—Half dwarf; smooth ; about 2 feet in height,
bearing short, thick pods, well filled ; gave the highest yield of the very early kinds ;
picked 30th June. }

Carter's Lightning (Pearce).—Same season as above; half dwarf; is not a
heavy bearer, but gives nearly the whole crop at one picking.

Dan O Rourke (Henderson),—Tall - growing; 36 inches and over; one of
the earliest of this class ; picked 1st July.

Philadelphia Extra Harly.—Tall-growing ; 36 inches; smooth. This may be
omitted when the last is in cultivation.

Alaska (Pearce).—An old variety, too well and favourably known to need com-
ment ; very productive.

American Wonder (Henderson).—One of the best dwarf early-wrinkled sorts;
unequalled in its class for home use ; pods very large ; not very productive ; picked
3rd July. :

First of All (Henderson).—Half dwarf; smooth; gave the largest yield of any of
the early varieties on trial the past season ; picking beginning 4th July ; pods me-
dium size; well filled. :

Second Early.

Those giving most satisfactory results of this season were Market Garden,
Stratagem, Advancer and Blue Mohawk.

Among late varieties may be mentioned American Champion, very tall-growing
and productive ; Sanders’ Marrow, and Hairs Dwarf Mammoth.

RADISHES,

The great number of varieties of this vegetable now offered by the trade is
quite puzzling to the amateur grower when selecting his supply of seed for spring
planting. Again, the number of duplicates add to the confusion.

The value of a radish very largely depends: 1. On its earliness; 2. Its quality,
as denoted by juice, crispness, and freedom from pungency; and 3. The length of
time it retains this pleasant crispness. :

Forty-four varieties were tested last season, particular attention being given
to the points above noted. ,

The presence in great numbers of what is known as the radish maggot, was no

' doubt due ina large measure to a heavy coat of manure with which the soil was
treated, and which was ploughed under previous to sowing.

Early Varieties.

Sutton’s Rosy Gem (Pearce & Co.)—As noted by Mr. Hilborn in the report of
last year, this was again the best early turnip shaped radish of its class, and
remained in eating condition longer than any of the early varieties. Owing to the

_ unfavourable weather for rapid growth in spring, vegetables of all kinds were much

od]

slower in maturing than is the case generally. This radish was ready for the table
38 days after sowing the seed and 4 days ahead of any other variety.
Early Fireball (Livingston).—A little later than the above, round; firm, crisp and
tender.

Long Scarlet Short Top (Vaughan).—Proved to be one of the most satisfactory
varieties of this class; ready for table in 43 days from sowing seed.

7

French Breakfast (Henderson).—One of the oldest, and-still one of the best for
forcing or early gardens; oblong scarlet; meduim in size, with white tips; flesh
mild, white and firm. ,;

Red Rocket (Henderson).—Olive-shaped, scarlet; with small root ; firm and mild,
but soon becomes spongy. One of the best for forcing.

Late Varieties.

Long White Winter (Vaughan).—Large, crisp, juicy; one of the best white.

Long White Vienna, or Lady Finger (Pearce) —A summer radish, vigorous
grower; roots long; flesh pure white; crisp; firm, but is liable soon to become
tough and pungent.

Rose China (Pearce).—Skin pinkish; flesh white; is probably the best winter
variety.

Long Black Spanish.—An old and well tried sort; still gives good satisfaction.

Among other varieties which appear to possess desirable qualities, the following
may be mentioned: Wood's Early Frame, Olive-shape Scarlet, Early White Turnip
and Long Purple.

TOMATOES.

There is a common impression existing in the minds of many truck gardeners that
to get the best results tomatoes should be planted in poor soil. This may be partially
true where earliness alone is desired. Numerous carefully conducted experiments,
notably those on the Experimental grounds of Cornell University, clearly disprove
the fallacy of the above as a general statement. In summing up conclusions at the
close of the season, Prof. Bailey says: “ Liberal and even heavy manuring during
the present season gaye great increase in yield over no fertilizing, although the
common notion is to the contrary. Heavy manuring does not appear, therefore, to
produce vine at the expense of fruit.”

Among the important points to be remembered in successful tomato culture, the
following are noted: 1. Select seed from the best fruits of the most vigorous
plants; 2. Sow early, eight to ten weeks before planting ; 3. “ Handle” frequently
transplant two or three times before setting out—by which means strong, stocky
plants are obtained; 4. Transplant to the open as early as possible, into warm, rich
well drained soil.

A test of forty varieties has been made here during the past season, and it 1s
intended that the work shall be carried on each year, especially those lines bearing
on the selection and production of new varieties. Notes on varieties on trial this
year have been made on the date of blossoming; first ripe fruit; quality and
character of fruit; and average yield per plant in pounds.

The following varieties, from experience of the past season, appear to be the
most profitable for general cultivation, given in order of ripening :— :

Chemin Market—A new variety, introduced by Vaughan, of Chicago. Medium |

sized; round; somewhat cornered and elongated ; deep red; cells well filled; and
walls thick; a good shipper; one of the best early sorts

Ingnotum.—Originated with Prof. Bailey at the Michigan Experimental Station.
Large; round; regular; bright red, with a large solid core; one of the best table
varieties, though it has not kept as well after picking as some other kinds.

Favorite (Livingston).—One of the oldest, most generally cultivated and one
of the best. Coming in early, it continues fruiting for a long season; a good
market variety.

Potato Leaf.—Of the same type as Mikado and Table Queen. Large; smooth;
somewhat irregular; dull pink in colour; very solid, consequently a good shipper;
very productive.

Mikado—Introduced by Henderson, of New York, in 1886. Has rapidly come
to the front asa market variety. Large to very large; smooth and almost regular ;
purplish pink; the color somewhat detracts from its appearance; very desirable.

TA ad ee inetindy- ni «

89

Optimus (Henderson).—Medium in size; smooth; regular; dark red; pro-
ductive; a good late variety.

Golden Queen (Livingston).—This, as its name indicates, is yellow, and very
attractive. Large, even, and regular in form; very productive. This gave the best
results among the yellow varieties tested.

Many of the newer varieties give evidence of possessing points of merit which
will place them on a par with most of those named above, but in advance of further
tests, and considering that the present list is a very satisfactory one, descriptions
are in the meantime withheld.

IV.—FORESTRY—FREE DISTRIBUTION.

The importance of this branch of horticulture is becoming more appreciated
each year by the settlers of Manitoba and the North-West. This is being empha-
sized in a striking manner in those localities in which fruit-growing has been
attempted, no matter on how limited ascale the beginning may be. The first require-
ment in the prairie region of the North-West is a shelter belt, whether a small fruit
or vegetable garden is desired. It is the settler only, who can fully appreciate the
benefit of wind-breaks for the protection of his home and his stock yards.

With a view to encourage tree planting on the plains, and gain information in
regard to the adaptability of different varieties of forest trees to the requirements of the
North-West, under direction of the Honourable Minister of Agriculture a distribution
of 100,000 seedling forest trees from 10 to 15 inches in height, was made through the
mails. During April of last year 1,000 packages, containing 100 seedlings each, made
up in varying numbers of 17 varieties, were sent to applicants who had received notifi-
cation of the intended distribution through their local journals. About 1,600 applica-
tions were received in excess of the number provided for, showing that to this line of
experiment was accorded the hearty approval of the settlers of Manitoba and the
North-West.

In sending out these trees due care has been taken to distribute them over as
wide an area as possible, so that no part of the North-West might be overlooked.

In Manitoba 98 post offices received 591 packages of trees; North-West Terri-
tories, 92 post offices received 389 packages of trees. Total—190 post offices; 980
packages sent out.

A few varieties running out towards the end of the distribution, the remaining
parcels were completed with small fruits, and are noted in that connection,

The following list gives the names of varieties and the number of each sent out,
and was adhered to as closely as practicable, but in a few cases changes were neces-
sarily made:—

10 White ash.
10 Green ash.
25 Box elder.
5 Soft maple.
2 Hard maple.

Russian mulberry.
Cottonwood,
Linden.

Black wild cherry.
Ky. coffee tree.

DORR ar Wo Oct

20 White elm. Red cedar.
2 Honey locust. Russian olive.
5 Black walnut. Butternut.

2 Black locust.

To each variety was attached a wooden label, with the name plainly printed upon
it. The packing was done ina carefui and expeditious manner, using sphagnum moss
to preservethe necessary moisture, and covering with two sheets of paper—one oiled and
the other the common manilla wrapping material. The trees arrived in good con-
dition, though many were on the road from ten to fourteen days. Two parcels were
returned after an absence of seven weeks, the partics to whom they were addressed
haying removed. These trees wee then placed in the most favourable condition for

90

growth, with the object of finding out how many still lived after such hard usage. In
one instance 53 per cent. recovered and made some growth; in the other 58 per cent.
gave evidence of life, by throwing out new shoots and rootlets.

With each consignment the following circular of instructions was mailed :

Domrnion or CANADA,
DrpaRTMENT OF AGRICULTURE,
CrnTRAL EXPERIMENTAL Farm,
Orrawa, April, 1890.

Dear Sir,—A package containing one hundred forest tree seedlings has been
mailed to you this day, and your attention is specially called to the following
instructions :—

When the trees are received, unpack at once and wet the roots. If unable to
plant immediately, store them in a cool cellar, or heel them in out-of doors, covering
them completely with moist earth. Situation—When selecting a site for planting,
if possible choose a loamy and friable soil ona northern slope. A piece that has
been summer-fallowed is preferable. Avoid southern exposures, as trees in such
situations are liable to be injured by alternate freezing and thawing in the spring
and by the hot winds in summer, Preparation of soil—Work the ground from 12
to 15 inches deep and pulverise thoroughly; mark out rows 4 feet apart, running
north and south. Planting—Cut back to the living wood any tops that may be
withered or otherwise injured. Do not expose the roots to the sun or wind for a
minute, as the tender seedlings are quickly injured by such exposure. A good plan
is to carry the seedlings to the field in a pail of water, from which they are planted.
Set deep, 4 feet apart each way, putting the box elders and cottonwoods in the.
outside rows. If the soil is dry, pour water in the holes when half filled. Press
the earth firmly about the roots in all cases, and leave the tree in a slight basin,
with the top soil loosely laid on; it should be kept in this loosecondition by frequent
stirrings during the growing season. Where practicable plant corn in ihe inter-
spaces of the north and south rows, and leave the stalks standing over winter. The
corn will serve as a summer shade and assist in collecting snow through the winter.
Cultivate at least once a week during the growing season; afterwards, sufficiently
often to keep the weeds down. This treatment should be continued annually until
the trees are large enough to shade the ground. Mulch heavily each year in the
fall with straw, manure or prairie hay, which is removed in spring when cultivation
begins.

You will be expected to take such notes during the growing period as will
unable you to make a report at the close of the season on the behaviour of each
variety, giving soil and exposure. Reports will be expected, whether favourable
or unfavourable,
Yours truly,
JOHN CRAIG,
Wm. Saunpers, Director. Horticulturist.

This line of experimental work has been so well received and has met with
such hearty support from those most concerned, that instructions have been given
by the Minister of Agriculture to make another distribution next spring, sending
out double the number distributed last year, and making such changes in regard to
varieties as experience may warrant.

The work of testing larger sized forest trees on the North-Western plains was also
continued. There was sent to twenty-five of the experimental gardens belonging to
Canadian Pacific Railway a bundle of 125 trees of the hardiest sorts from 4 to 6
feet in height. These were distributed along the line from Moose Jaw to the Rocky
Mountains. Among the Indian agencies there were also distributed about 3,000

91

trees of the same sizes and varieties.
were sent :—

Assiniboine,

Battle River,

Blackfoot,

Piegan,

Edmonton,

File Hills,

Muscowpetung Reservation,
Touchwood Hills,

Stony Reservation,

Duck Lake,

The following are the agencies to which trees

Battleford,

Birtle,

Blood Reservation,
Crooked Lakes,
Fort Pelly,

Moose Mountain,
Onion Lake,

Sarcee Reservation,
Saddle Lake,
Carlton.

By request of Fred. White, Esq., Comptroller of the North-West Mounted
Police, about 3,500 trees of the same size as thoxe sent to the Indian agencies and
Canadian Pacific Railway gardens were distributed to the officers commanding at the
following posts: Regina, Maple Creek, Medicine Hat, Lethbridge, Macleod, Calgary,
Fort Saskatchewan, Battleford and Prince Albert. The results, showing the relative
success of these trees as compared with seedlings raised in the districts surround-
ing the above named places, and those planted as yearlings cannot fail to prove ins-
tructive and useful. The subjoined list gives the varieties used in this distribution.

Deciduous Trees.

White ash.

Green ash.

European white ash.
American elm.

White birch.

Canoe birch.

American mountain ash.
European mountain ash,
Norway maple.

Soft maple.

Butternut.

Wild black cherry.
European alder.
European linden,
Russian mulberry.
European larch.

Fraxinus viridis.
Fraxinus Americana,
Fraxinus excelsior.
Ulmus Americana.
Betula alba.
Betula papyracea,
Pyrus Americana.
Pyrus aucuparia,
Acer platanoides.
Acer dasycarpum.
Juglans cinerea.
Prunus serotina.
Alnus glutinosa.
Tilia Europea.
Morus hybrida.
Larix Europea.

Shrubs.
Barberry. Berbris vulgaris.
Artemesia. Artemesia abrotans var ?
Spirea. Spiraz opulifolia.
% ; Evergreen Trees.

Norway spruce.
White spruce.
Scotch pine.
Austrian pine.

-'

Abies excelsa.
Abies alba.
Pinus sylvestris.
Pinus austriaca,

White pine. Pinus strobus.
Arbor vite. Thuja occidentalis,
I DISTRIBUTION OF TREE SEEDS.

Considerable quantities of native tree seeds have been collected by the superin-
tendents of the Brandon and Indian Head Farms, Messrs. Bedford and MacKay.

These seeds were forwarded to the Central Experimental Farm as early as practi-
cable last fall, to be distributed from there in small sacks to Manitoba and North-
West farmers, as a means of arriving at the relative advantages of growing trees
from seed where wanted, and planting’ seedlings grown elsewhere. Experimental
work in forestry at the above Branch Farms has already demonstrated the advis-
ability of beginning with the hardiest native trees, and when with these shelter has
been obtained the work will progress more satisfactorily.

The greater propotion of the seed arrived too late fo. the report of the distribu-
tion to be given this year. A part of the seed was sent out through the mails in small
cotton bags. The Burr oak, and Black cherry were put up in packets containing about
400 seeds of each. The ash were sent out in sacks holding about 5,000 seeds. The
seeds of the cherry being small were enclosed with those of the ash,

The distribution up to Ist January, 1891, was as follows :—

No. of Packages.

Species. Man. N.W.T.
Manitoba burr oak (Quercus macrocarpa).................. 60 85
do Green ash (Fraxinus viridis).....................-. 219 201
do Black cherry (Prunus demissa) ?.................- 219 201

The subjoined circulars of instructions were mailed to each recipient of the tree
seeds :—

Dominton oF Canada,

CENTRAL EXPERIMENTAL FARM,
Orrawa, December, 1890.

Dear Srr—A small sack, containing seeds of Manitoba burr oak (Quercus
macrocarpa) has been mailed to your address this day.

Mix the acorns with damp sand and store in a cool cellar during the winter,
being careful to guard from mice and rats. Sow after danger of heavy spring frosts
is over, in well-drained mellow loam, sheltered if possible from strong sunshine and
prevalent winds. Sow 2 inches apart, in drills which may be run 15 to 20 inches
from each other. Cover to a depth of 2 inches, firmly pressing the soil over the
seed. Keep the surface loose and free from weeds during the growing season.
Protect the seedlings the first winter with a mulch of straw or hay. They may be
allowed to remain in the seed bed 2 years, or they may be transplanted as yearlings
to premanent positions.

Yours truly,
JOHN CRAIG,
Witiram SaunpeErs, Director. Horticulturist.

DoMINION OF CANADA,
CenTRAL EXPERIMENTAL Farm,
Orrawa, December, 1890.

Dear Str—A small sack containing seeds of Manitoba black cherry and ash
has been mailed to your address this day. ¥

Mix the the seeds of each with damp sand or soil, and store in a cool cellar
during winter, being careful to guard from mice and rats. Sow after danger of
heavy spring frosts is over, in well-drained, mellow loam; shelter if possible from
strong sunshine and prevalent winds. Sow 1 to 2 inches apart in drills, which may
be run from 15 to 20 inches apart. Cover the cherry-pits to a depth of 13 inches.
The ash seed should have a covering of from ¢ to 1 inch. Press the soil firmly over
the seedin both cases. Keep the surface loose and free from weeds during the
growing season. Protect the seedlings the first winter with a mulch of straw or

93

hay. They may be allowed to remain in the seed-bed two years, or they may be
transplanted as yearlings to permanent positions.
; Yours truly,
JOHN CRAIG,
Wixiam Saunpers, Director. Horticulturist.

A quantity of the seed of each variety received, was either planted last fall or is
in course of preparation for planting next spring on the Central Farm. The seed-
lings raised will be available for future tests here and elsewhere,

EVERGREEN SEEDLINGS.

The year has been a very favourable one for transplanting these plants--so
sensitive when young to change of position and strong sunshine. About 130,000 two
year seedling Rigi pines were removed from the shaded seed beds and re-set in
nursery rows, also several thousands each of Scotch pine, Norway spruce and a
smaller number of Austrian pine, White pine, Arbor vite, Blue spruce and Douglas
spruce. By setting in rows 15 inches apart and stirring the soil frequently with a
Planet Junior cultivator very slight losses were sustained. These seedlings will
be of suitable size, and available for distributing after another year.

The beds from which these seedlings were removed, were immediately re-sown
with the fellowing varieties, the seed having been obtained from the north-western
Rocky Mountain region, with the exception of Pinus cembra, received from B. E.
Fernow, Esq., Chief of the Forestry Division, Department of Agriculture, Washing-
ton, D.C.

Douglas fir. Pseudotsuga Douglasii,
White fir. Abies concolor,
Colorado blue spruce. Picea pungens. y
But] or yellow pine. Pinus ponderosa,
Stone pine. Pinus cembra.

Douglas fir, White fir, and Colorado blue spruce germinated rapidly and well.
Bull pine germinated more slowly and irregularly, but on the whole made satisfac-
tory growth. The seeds of Stone pine have not yet germinated, probably due to the
fact that they were not planted the same year as collected. Some difficulty was
experienced and loss sustained from what is known to nursery men and florists as the
“damping off” of the young plants. No specific remedy has yet been discovered
against this malady. It seems to be encouraged by excessive moisture or by sudden
dryness. The best results in growing evergreen seedlings are generally attained by
keeping a partial shade and preserving a moderate but even degree of moisture

DISTRIBUTION OF FRUITS.

In reponse to a large number of requests by farmers in districts remote from
fruit-growers, a number of packages were put up, containing as a rule, the following
varieties—though in some cases it was found necessary to substitute other sorts,
and sometimes vary the number of plants sent:

1 Apple tree, either Duchess or Whitney crab,
1 Cherry tree, either Vladimir or Bessarabian,
2 White grape currants.

2 Red Dutch currants.

2 Houghton gooseberry.

2 Shaffer raspberry.

2 Mammoth Cluster sp ae i Black.

2 Gregg d

~2 Hansell cdo
2 Turner do "nea
2 Cathbert do

94

——

This selection was sent to 250 applicants. Many reports which have come in
give very satisfactory accounts of the relative success of the different varieties
Those coming from Manitoba and the North-West—which sections received the
larger share of the distribution—are of special interest. Nearly all the varieties
started well, except the black cap raspberries, of which “tip” plants only, were
available at the time of sending them out. It is much safer and surer in shipping
these varieties long distances to use yearling plants well rooted.

The following circular of instructions accompanied each parcel :—

Dominion oF CANADA,
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE,
CENTRAL EXPERIMENTAL FARM,
Orrawa, April, 1890.

Dear Sir,—A package containing plants of small and large fruits has been
mailed you this day, and your attention is specially called to the following
instructions :—

When plants are received unpack at once and wet the roots. If unable to plant
immediately, store them in a cool cellar or heel them out of doors, covering them
completely with moist earth. Sitwation—When selecting a site for planting, if pos-
sible choose a loamy and friable soil on a northern slope. A piece that that has
been summer fallowed is preferable ; avoid southern exposures, as trees and plants
in such situations are liable to be injured by alternate freezing aud thawing in the
spring, and hot winds in summer. Work the ground twelve to fifteen inches deep
and pulverize thoroughly. Planting—Raspberries.—Set in rows six feet apart and
four feet in the row; care should be taken not to plant the tip varieties deeper than
three inches ; the piece of old cane on these serves only the purpose of a handle and
is of no use after setting out. Examples of this class are Mammoth Cluster, Shaffer
and Gregg, The upright varieties, Turner, Cuthbert and Hansell, may be planted
deeper. Manure freely and cultivate well. Pinch off the canes when three feet
high, and prune back lateral branches the following spring to within twelve or eigh-
teen inches of the main cane. Itis necessary to bend down the canes in the fall and
cover them with earth sufficient to hold them in this position. The apple and cherry
trees we send out are cut back, and should be grown with low bushy heads, Bind the
trnnks and main limbs in the fall with straw or hay to protect from winter cold
and spring sunshine. Currants and Gooseberries need liberal manuring and mulching
in the fall. As two-year old wood bears most fruit it is best to remove annually all
canes three years and over.

You will be expected to take such notes during the growing period as will enable
you to make a report at the close of the season on the behavior of each variety,
giving soil and exposure. Reports will be expected whether favorable or unfavor-
able.

Yours truly,

Wma. SAUNDERS, JOHN CRAIG.
Director. Horticulturist

In addition to the above, there were distributsd 110 packages, containing a selec-
tion of strawberry, raspberry plants and forest tree seedlings, the latter being a
number of incomplete bundles left over at the close of the tree distribution.

Arrangements have been made whereby this work can be continued during the
coming season.

PROPAGATION OF TREES AND SHRUBS.
In view of the comparatively limited information we have in regard to the best

and most expeditious methods of increasing many of the rarer and hardier forms of
trees and shrubs, experiments in this direction were inaugurated during the past

95

summer, The work thus far has been confined to testing different methods of pro-
pagating from cuttings, using green wood tips under glass and in the open air; also
spring and fall planting in the open of hardwood cuttings.

Interesting results are being developed, but the work is not sufficiently advanced
to report upon at this date.

V.—EXPERIMENTS WITH FUNGICIDES.

The annual losses to orchards during the past eight or ten years from the disease
known as apple-scab (Fusicladium dentriticum FcKL.) has been so heavy as to
cause some hitherto profitable varieties to be discarded in certain localities, and to
raise the question of their usefulness in future planting. These failures among old
and well-tried varieties have also brought about enquiry and experiment as to the
best means of combating the disease.

A series of experiments along this line were conducted at Abbotsford, Que., dur-
ing the past season, on the farm of Wm. Craig & Son. I am indebted to Mr. Wm.
Craig, jr., for his labour in superintending the work, and furnishing me with some
of the facts upon which the following deductions are based.

I am also indebted to Mr. F. T. Shutt, Chemist to the Experimental Farms, for
valuable assistance in planning the lines of experiments, and for the preparation of
the copper carbonate and other necessary materials.

The trees selected were of the Fameuse variety, planted fourteen years ago on
a loose, gravelly soil. During the past four years this orchard has not yielded more
_than 25 per cent. of first-class apples.

Five rows in the centre of this orchard were selected, each row, which contained
fourteen trees, being treated with a different mixture. A row of trees untreated was
allowed to remain on either side of those operated npon. Four applications were
made, one on each of the following dates: 14th and 26th June, and 17th and 29th
July. At the time of the first application the fruit was about the size of garden peas.

When the fruit was picked it was divided into three grades, numbered 1, 2,
and 3. The results are given in this way :—

_ Row 1.—Treated with

LUG DPETRCATDONBLC=-.aceestnernracsesnnseeseserseeateasesac- santos 1% oz.
PACER OMIA e ee tae e's ane Senses dene eee tea taseeves ttosereees ase. 6 1 qt.
VVENIGTE ss cncnbacpnocuSHsose0Et=0cDa0, > io. BoC oD RUSE aeuROEROcHaSgSBESeECe 22 gals.
Result : Per cent,
IS 0) J) spe ged Bn coe S BARRE SU SaCCRC CC RSOSERIEE IER cL TaN EE CBO eco Ee aa ree eam oeacD a3
TS (Oy mee sce RB Ae itr oe yo ons Sn ee a ey 25
ISO., CSass shes Sen REREAD Scots y nee ea nCr abe nH HEHE eA. ee eae eae 42
Row 2.—Treated with
WOpPerECALDOnalerasacc-seace cesses canes eeccosienecaesstecocess ste 3 0z.
‘VELIES cosceponononoida Br ocooncDosScGes SS s0C DEES e An SOEee ens ceer EET 22 gals.
Result : Per cent.
OWE ReeEe Re a ctN ee Rae ee ee me een ete ae ery, SPR pea oe. 50
Ts) A nas hare aa ER Se Sac 13550 mSgoc ie Coa ETA Ae ee 25
DO). Bisco 8d BER gosiapeeic Hscciach aacb Aci nub Chic hacer EARP ERE SEE een eae 25
w 3.—Treated with
Wopporgsul platens: . cess see sae tec eeeeace soe ec5 norte toseeeeees ile Ie
PASTNITL TUS e ret cece ee ats ace OEE rss is oer 14 pts.

96

This solution was too strong, injuring the leaves to such an extent as to cause
half of them to drop within ten days from time of application. A second and
weaker application had the same effect.

Row 4.—Treated with

Copperkswlph ater ssssecccecsnccmsdnsteceacaeercsieantiaseesrcastes 1 Ib.
AW iailienss sant cetasts case cee ees oie bistcie clone eee ee ene PapOR ERS 22 cals.

This had practically the same effect as the above, and was discontinued atter a
second application. It would seem in this result before us that the ammonia did
not increase the injurious effect of the copper sulphate.

Row 5.—-Treated with

Ey posulliphibe OfiSO dase. --cnuacecensclrasteesas scien deleoaccieMeraes = Ils
A NYENUEBa6 00550 ccpcodnonaunoasnsGaosonsoonoonUDOGOoKoocUcKenaSeso;GDCUNdsS c 22. gals.

No beneficial effect was noted, though the experiments on this row were
rendered useless by severe inroads of the leaf-crumpler.

Row 6.— Untreated.

No.1 erent
(hye (reo cderccnnoneenronoc ne serecncreres ssccrcocdacscnecononodgsconsEoscocdcacsoo 24
INOS De Saisie ataia gy wicicttros ti cte slaltarai atu oieroraala ois Me aslo elem Tonle ae teie entcne eet arene 26
TS (cyan PE eos Se Raa ReRaROoncer en Sonnac oraenoavontonc see conebeeeronnesenoedosdeces 50

The time occupied in making each application, covering the 70 trees, was about
34 hours with one man and boy and a horse. Of course, if the same mixture were
used on the whole lot without any change, the time taken in making the application
would be greatly reduced. As the cost of the application is much increased by the
addition of ammonia in the copper carbonate mixture—while the results in the
experiments cited above do not seem to warrant its use—it would appear that the
copper carbonate and water mixture, in the strength as applied above could be
used to advantage, and at a cost of about 1 cent per tree each application, or 5 cents
for the season. This is an outside estimate even for large trees. It is noteworthy to
mention a fact which has attracted the attention of other investigators, viz., that
the older leaves seem to be more sensitive to injury from most fungicides and insecti-
cides, than the young and growing leaves. The later applications emphasized this
observation,

OTHER FUNGICIDES.

Bordeaux Mixture-—This remedy for downy mildew and black-rot of the grape,
though only of recent introduction, has, by reason of its efficacy, become one of our
most important fungicides. It is prepared as follows :—

“ Dissolve 6 lbs. of sulphate of copper in 16 gallons of water. In another vessel
slake 4 Ibs. fresh lime in 6 gallons of water. When the latter mixture has cooled it
is slowly poured into the copper solution, care being taken to mix the fluids
thoroughly by constant stirring, Prepare some days before needed for use. Stir before
applying. Stronger mixtures were at first recommended, but they are not now used. For
downy mildew and black-rot of the grape, blight, and rot of the tomato and potato.”
[Bailey, Horticulturist’s Rule Book].

Eau Celeste.— Dissolve 1 lb. of sulphate of copper in 2 gallons of water. In
another vessel disolve 1 lb. of carbonate of soda (washing soda) ; mix the two solu-
tions. When chemieal reaction has ceased, add 1} pints of ammonia; then dilute to
22 gallons.” [Bailey, Horticulturist’s Rule Rook]. Use for treatment of the same
diseases as Bordeaux mixture.

I herewity: append some conclusions arrived at by Prof. C, P. Gillette of the Iowa

Agricultural Experiment Station, who conducted last season an extended series of

experiments on this subject :—

. |

'

«
di
‘

“The oldest leaves are most susceptible to injury from arsenical applications ; :
they often turn yellow and drop, without showing the burnt spotted appearance.”

* * “London purple, (Paris green and white arsenic have not yet been tried)
can be used at least eight cr ten times as strong without injury to foliage, if applied
in common Bordeaux mixture instead of water.” * * °° “'The arsenites mix
readily in carbonate of copper solutions, and do not seem to do more harm than
when applied in water only.” * * * “London purple in sulphate of copper
solution, does vastly more harm than when applied in water only.

In the Journal of Mycology, Vol. VI, No. 3, published by Prof. Galloway and
assistants, Department of Agriculture, Washington, an account is given of results
of spraying grape vines to prevent black-rot with “ Bordeaux mixture ; ammoniacal
copper carbonate solution; copper carbonate in suspension ; and a mixed
treatment, consisting of three applications of the Bordeaux mixture, followed by
five of the ammoniacal solution.” The following conclusions were reached :—

I. “ That while the amount of fruit saved by the Bordeaux mixture was greater
than that by the ammoniacal solution, the latter preparation is, after all, the cheapest.
In other words, there was more profit in using the ammoniacal solution than the
Bordeaux mixture.”

II. “A mixed treatment consisting of Bordeaux mixture and ammoniacal solu-
tion, is more profitable than a treatment of Bordeaux mixture alone, but not as
profitable as the ammoniacal solution alone.”

»

EFFECT OF FUNGICIDES ON APPLE LEAVES.

(Frank T. Saurr and Joun Crata.)

The experiments, as set forth in the accompanying table, were instituted with
the following objects in view :—

1. To ascertain the greatest strength in which the different fungicides can be
applied without injury to the leaves of apple trees ;

2. To ascertain the effect on the leaves of the copper salts, with or without the
addition of ammonia ;

3. To ascertain the effect on the leaves of apple trees, of a combined fungicide and
insecticide, using Paris green as the latter.

The trees chosen for the experiment were of the Wealthy variety—a row set
out three years ago, in which all the trees selected were in an equally vigorous
condition. As shown in the table, a series comprising 14 combinations of “fangi-
cides in different strengths was pr epared. Each application was prepared on the basis
of a 22-gallon mixture, “though the quantity used—the trees being small—was in each
case about 1 gallon. A tree was set aside for each preparation, and numbered in
accordance with the number of the mixture used.

Series I, received three applications, notes being taken at short intervals after
each application. At the close of this series a new lot of trees was selected; these
received two applications, and were used as checks on the results of the first experi-
ments,

6c—7T

98

“UL guymoutos Aantuy

“UL

‘A CULO OSVOAOUT ONT

“Bursvorout Anta]

Auyey soavey F)**** poanfur A[peg

*pestado

“posto.

Ayysys Aunty) Aanlur gypsy

*Aanfut ony °' ++ Aan fut oN

guid, ‘pasve.tour Aantuy, vee Kanlur gysyg

‘peanfur ATpeq serve, LoplO

“£anl
UL a[eelaprsuopD

‘Buyyy §

“SULTRY
SOAvO] O49 JO # ‘potulur A[prg

“qtsodap

posrosour AQysrys £ Aantur on}

“-gisodep ysis + Aanfur oxy

“UMOLG SULUING Soave] AO.
® ‘posvorour Aysys Aanfay

verre ss noanfur A[qeropisnoy)

“UMOILG SOAROT
: posvodour yevymotuos Aanluy

“«-qisodep qysrys £ Lanfur on)

“*aqisodap qysis § Aanlat oN
|

‘sayoyud ut 4isodep enjq ed.very
*erqudeoded Ajeoavos Arnluy
** e[qujdeosed Ayeoavos Aanluy

“gage, sep Z Urey

Soave] Aapfo uo Arnfur Fy SITg

seve ence *poantur Aouystcy

“BOA BOT

“erqiydessed Ajooawos Aru lay

*-arqiydeo.ied Ajaoavos Aanluy

“uoyvordde 109j8 ‘say g UTEY

uo yisodap any oqedtepisuoy *

sym gg) crt ott aaymay
PIG Te ate ** VIMOULULY
**$z0g °° aqeydyns aaddog
“gpeB gg) ccc 1098 My

“sTTe3 7G

"820 91°

**szo g |°**azyeydins aeddos
SB][BOiCG| eae se arian 19,14
“* $20 9 |*‘agnuoqaed Jseaddop
eyes pT | ccc “109%, \\
“$70 § |°** oywuogtro waddog
TST Gai cen ee es LOVE MA
*sqb zZ Jeceeeeeees WIMOULULY
** $20 g |** oqRUor soddor |
RBTTCO Gee sits easiest OYU AA |
FON AT (| baer re BIUOTLULW
** 20 ¢'|** -aqgnuoq@aeo taddog |

~-ogeydyns soddor

OYE MA

|,
\,
J
F
,
| &

“og Ayn TS Ane

"eg Ainge:

“aT Ane

“ar Ane

"NOLLVOITdd Yo LO LOG

(INV ONINVIA, AO SHALVQT—"SalUaAgG ANZ

‘NOMVOMIddy JO LOMA GNV ONINVIL JO SaLVG— ‘SHUG “LST

‘soavary ojddy uo syjcu0.448 JUoLoyIp JO Soplolsung Jo sjooyo SurMOYs AIAVY,

“ApUENyy

“SHC TOION AGT

“Taq U0 NT

99

“suisvodour Aw Cup

“pownlur Aypec,

‘qrsodop

4ysis Aaoa § Amuro ny

“Kamut ONT

*AMCUT JO OSVALOUL ON -

“MMC ONT

“BuryNy

saAno] f ponturdypeg.| a

taunts osunok
fuMotq Bur

“Ung SOAvo, LOP[O

“Awual

ro[quydoo

-tod Apoouvos SanlUy

sees ss Can Ct ON

“Acne

a[qetopisuoy

*poant

“UT pee poratoos AQRLOpISUOH, °

Surddoarp soanoy ‘poanlurA[peg

“apqgdoo

tod Apoaurq Aanfur jo seo

*AULUL ONT

é
=
iz
=
2
S
~
o
=
=
o
—
~
Zz
°
nD
EB
s
2
5
Lon!

ss gisodap a[qutepisuos)

* soavol Lopfo og Aanlar guys

OMaopisuoy,

SHuriyyy soavoy ¥ ‘poantur <ppeg,

=
L
3
=
=
ia
Bi
=
=
=
|
ai

to
=!
nD
a
2
3)
=|
a
s
=
pee

“gisodep qyarys

fan ful ON,

Kan tut ON]

“** qisodep aq Blepisuo—

opquydaosod Apounq Aan luy

seTqudoosod Apoueq Arnley

Boece vee AU TUL ONT
PAGO OAL DIO OO WANTON
“-qrsodep 9rparps $ Amur ON
+) gisodop gysys ¢ Aanfur ony

ois ‘Burstarour Aunty) guodop y.stys

£ Aunt gystTg

“SIV GG

en OM Ts

** $270 8
“ST[VS ZZ
** 820 ET

"$70 8

| S][Bs 2a

“820 fey

"" $20 ¢

“STIUS ZS|

870 HI
“$20 Fy
“STIN3 Zz
“gb T
** 820 {rT
P20":

“syed

“ab I
"820 fT

"$20 91

“STI@S GG
+ sqd GT
+ 820 OT

“Tage At

sores To0a8 SIN

ayeydyns sao

Hos g0g8 |

|
serene 9818 Ssutug

roguuog.eo oddoy
I

Freres sera ay|

i
eres LOOM STANT

vagruogues toddoy

+o TOU AL

HAAS SIU

sagruogana taddo,)

ee TO9R AA |

— 7.5. . S Sage See Le a ee —

BIMOULOLY

MOLT SIU

raywuoguea toddop

ores TO 8 AA
aT UT COLLLALUA tf
Se WOOT SIRE

‘ayuuog.ea saddos

peace |

ween WIMOULULY

“-oynydns toddo

100 i

SUMMARY.

Quantities given below are all on the basis of 22 gals. of water, with ammonia
as the solvent :— |

1. Copper carbonate—3 oz. in solution, caused slight injury.

2. Copper carbonate—3 oz, in suspension caused no injury ; 6 oz, in suspen-
sion caused slight injury, which did not increase with repeated applications.

3. Copper carbonate—3 oz. in solution, Paris green 1} 0z. (proportion of i 1b.
to 200 gals. of water), caused slight i injury in the later applications.

4, ‘Copper carbonate—14 oz, in solution, Paris green 1} oz., caused very slight
injury after the third application.

5. Copper carbonate—1} oz., in suspension, Paris green 1} 0z., caused no
injury.

6. Copper carbonate—3 oz, in suspension, Paris green 1} oz,, caused slight
injury after later applications.

7. Copper sulphate—8 oz. dissolved caused much injury, and proportionately as
the quantity of sulphate was increased. :

8. Copper sulphate—8 oz., with 14 pints of ammonia, caused much injury. |

9. Copper sulphate—8 oz, ; Paris green *93 oz., and 1} oz, caused much injury.

The more promising lines, as indicated in the above summary, will receive
careful attention another season, and on such a scale as to enable the submitting of
a more complete summary of conclusions. 2

———s

VI.— REPORT ON SEEDLING SMALL FRUITS.

To Wm. Saunpvers, Esq.,
Director Experimental Farms,
Ottawa. i
_Sir.—The members of the joint committee from the Fruit Growers’ Association ‘
of Ontario, and the Montreal Horticultural Society, invited to inspect the fruits of
the Ottawa Experimental Farm, beg to submit the following report :—

We met at the farm on the 22nd of July, and in company with yourself and
Mr. John Craig, the Horticulturist, proceeded to examine the various fruits in
cultivation. The results of our observations were very gratifying, indeed, having
found success and improvement far beyond our most sanguine expectations.

The raspberry being the principal fruit in bearing at the time, our attention
was more particularly drawn to it. We found some twenty-five or more varieties of
the well-known sorts in bearing—most of them doing well and carrying a fair crop
of fruit. But the chief attraction to your committee was a patch of two or three
hundred seedlings and hybrids which were originated by the Director, some of which,
in our estimation, bid fair to supersede the best of the stamdard varieties. These
were carefully compared as to apparent hardiness of plant, quality, and productive-
ness with the standard sorts grown under the same culture and surroundings, and we
found, not only in those of the red type, but also in the black and yellow sorts,
marked improvements over the leading varieties in general cultivation, from which
these were produced—Some as to time of ripening, others as to flavor, and still
others as te size, hardiness, productiveness, &c., and it is the opinion of the
committee that if these varieties are propagated and disseminated through the
country that they alone will more than pay the country, the expense already
incurred in connection with the Horticultural Department of the Experimental
Farm. These varieties have been grown under numbers, and we herewith append
our observations in regard to the most promising of them, and would suggest that —
they should all be named and further tested, and propagated as fast as possible, and
disseminated as you may think best.

|
:
|

——
- vy

101

We also inspected several new seedling black currants and goosebevries, some
of which we consider improvements on our preSent varieties, and shall expect good
results from these when further tested.

The strawberry season was over, and we had no opportunity of seeing them in
fruit, but a part of your committee saw several seedlings which were brought to the
meeting of the Ontario Fruit Growers’ Association at Niagara on the 9th of July,
by Mr. Craig ; and from the fruit inspected there and the growth and foliage of the
plants seen on the farm we should pronounce them very promising.

In regard to the other and larger fruits being tested on the farm, they are not
yet far enough advanced to form much of an opinion ; yet, we have no hesitation in
saying that we believe the experiments being conducted in the Horticultural Depart-
ment will result in producing varieties that will be of great value, particularly
in the colder parts of our Dominion ; and in conclusion, we would express our
regret that the climate at Ottawa will not permit of experiments with some of
the more tender and most valuable fruits, such as the peach, and with many varie-

ties of apples, pears, plums, cherries, apricots, grapes, &c. In view of the great -

udyantage it would be to the country to have these fruits tested by disinterested
parties not engaged in the sale of trees or plants, we would express a hope that at no
distant day the Government will see fit to establish somewhere in western Ontario—
where the climate is suitable—a branch Horticultural station for this purpose,
similar to those established in some of the neighbouring States.

F C. DEMPSEY,
i
(

A. M. SMITH,

P. E. BUCKE.

W. W. DUNLOP,
R. BRODIE.

Fruit Growers’ Association of the Province of Ont,

Fruit Growers’ Association of the Province of Que.

SEEDLING RASPBERRIES.

“in, oe Ge
ote) See RED VARIETIES
3 11 A seedling of Biggar’s Seedling. Berry above medium size; fair
quality; early ; firm ; productive promising for market.
3 13 Seedling of Biggar’s Seedling. Berry large; attractive; good quality ;
early ; promising for market.
3 21 Probably from Biggar’s Seedling. Berry as large as Cuthbert; bright
red ; fine quality ; medium early ; hardy and very productive.
3 24 Origin unknown. Large, dark red; good quality ; firm; very pro-
ductive; should be a good market berry.
3 36 Origin unknown. Very large; light red; good quality; firm ; pro-

ductive; hardy and vigorous. (Ihave noted this as one of the most
promising for market.—J.C.)

Origin unknown. A duplicate of the last, but a few days earlier.

52 Seedling of Philadelphia. Medium to large ; purple; early ; good
quality ; very productive, of the same type as Philadelphia, but
earlier.

+ 48 Origin doubtful. Medium size; dark red; good quality; enormously
productive, valuable on account of its great productiveness.

5 12 Seedling origin unknown Medium size; dark red; good quality ;
early. This is too nearly like the last to propagate both.
(Hither of these should supersede some of our present early
sorts.—J.C.)

6 46 Seedling of Biggar’s Scedling. Very large ; bright red ; first quality ;
firm; somewhat earlier than Cuthbert; prolific; hardy and
vigorous ; very promising.

6 47 Seedling of Biggar’s Seedling. A little earlier, otherwise similar to last.

wow
Qo
oO

SEEDLING RASPBERRIES.

= No. of
oO. a
ies Pieauin BLACK CAPS.

3 45 Scedling of Hopkins. Large; good quality ; as late or later than
Gregg.

3 47 Seedling of Hopkins. Size of Gregg ; good quality ; firm; medium
early ; productive. Try for market.

3 76 Seedling of Ohio. Above medium size ; attractive ; good quality ; firm;
very early ; productive. (Valuable on account of its early
season.—J.C.)

+ 57 Doubttul origin. Large; purple; fair quality ; later than Shaffer ;
exceedingly productive.

5 23 Seedling of Tyler. Medium to large; fine quality; fairly firm; carly;
season of Tyler ; hardy ; productive ; very promisins.

5 33 Seedling of Tyler. Large and equal to Gregg; good quality ; medium

early ; very productive; hardy ; very promising.

Se a5) 41 Hybrid; Gregg with Cuthbert. Shiffer type; large; dark purple ;

good quality ; early ; a typical cross; plant vigorous. (Very
promising, on account of its size and earliness.—J.C.)

tf 79 Chance seedling. Medium size; fine quality ; very sweet ; medium
eurly ; promising for home use ; hardy; prolific.

7 80 Chance seedling. Largest size ; fine quality ; firm; productive; season
just ahead of Hilborn ; hardy ; prolific. Promising for market.

[Nore.—All varieties described above have been favourably mentioned for three seasons in notes taken
by Mr. Hilborn, Prof. Saunders or myself. Hardiness and productiveness taken as points of primary im-
portance.—Joun Craic, Horticulturist. ]

105

Roe Okwi Oki Wire. Cr EMS.

(Frank T. Saurt, M.A., F. Inst. Chem., F.C.S.)

Orrawa, 20th January, 1891.

Ww. Saunpvers, Esq.,
Director, Dominion Experimental Farms,
Ottawa.

Sir,—I have the honour to submit herewith the fourth annual report on the
work of the Chemical Department of the Dominion Experimental Farms.

During the past year much has been accomplished, and the laboratory work,
ever increasing as the Experimental Farm system becomes better known and appre-
ciated, has been of a very varied character, Farmers in all parts of the Dominion
are more and more taking advantage of the aid afforded them by the Government in
these institutions, and as a result a larger number of samples have been received for
examination and report. The correspondence of the Department has also greatly
increased, and much time is now necessarily expended in answering the enquiries of
agriculturists. This portion of my work, while forming no part of the annual report,
has been found very useful to the individual farmer.

The samples sent in for analysis comprise principally soils, natural and artificial
fertilizers, waste products of an agricultural value, well waters and feeding materials
of all kinds.

Only such specimens are examined, the knowledge of which is considered to be
of importance and benefit to the farming community of Canada, or at least to a large
portion thereof. Exceptions to this rule are made, as in the case of well waters, but
even here the printed reports will prove of great service to all who study them. No
work is done of such a private nature that the report on it would benefit only the
individual. Much of the work has a national interest, as for instance, the analysis of
sugar-beets grown in different sections of the country, the examination of soils repre-
senting large areas, and the like.

That intelligent interest that has been awakened in the value of such knowledge
is practically demonstrated by the fact that many samples of soils, fodders, ferti-
lizers, etc., have now accumulated, and for want of time, are still awaiting analysis.

Besides this class of work, and, probably of greater importance to the Dominion
at large, is that which has for its object the solution of chemical questions in con-
nection with experiments planned and carried out on the Experimental Farms. These
investigations usually entail a large expenditure of time and work, consisting often of
a long series of analyses. Many of the experiments just referred to may be said to be
whelly chemical, while others require many analyses to make them complete, and,
consequently, more valuable. The chemical examination of different varieties of fodder
corn, native and foreign grasses, roots and cereals, of animal products, such as milk
of the various breeds, finds its rightful place here.

On account of this large amount of work and the consequent need of skilled
assistance in the laboratory, the services of an Assistant Chemist have been secured.
Mr, Adolph Lehmann, B.S.A., late of Guelph Agricultural College, was chosen for the
work, By the technical skill and ability he has displayed in chemical analysis, by
his untiring industry and by the warm and intelligent interest he has evinced in the
work, Mr. Lehmann has shown himself well fitted for the position. It is due largely
to his valuable aid that I am enabled to insert many of the analytical results which
appear in the present report.

For convenience of reference, the following classification of the contents of this
report will be found useful.

OE ee ee

104

Parr I, contains the analyses of soils from the North-West Territories and
New Brunswick, with explanatory remarks thereon. Some notes on the general
composition and character of soils are also added, which it is thought may be of
interest and use to our readers.

Parr IT, includes natural and artificial fertilizers. Among these are to be found ©

marsh muds, mucks and peats, marl, gypsum, gas lime, wool waste from a woollen
mill and a report on the value of “lamb’s quarter” (Chenopodium album), as a
fertilizer,

Parr III, treats of the products of farm plants and animals, and comprises
analyses and reports on various food stuffs, including fodder corn, ensilage, grasses
and concentrated foods such as oil cake and cotton seed meal. The relative values
of certain varieties of potatoes as grown on the Central Experimental Farm during
the past season are here given. The composition of the sugar-beet is set forth in a
long series of analyses. These roots were grown in different parts of Ontario, and
the results no doubt represent a very fair average of what has been done during
1890 towards bringing this valuable crop to perfection. In view of the probable de-
velopment of the beet-sugar industry in the near future, the present results will be
deemed valuable. The composition of the milk of the cows at the Central Experi-
mental Farm appears in tabular form. These analyses are accompanied by such
other information and deductions as will render them of service to the farmer and
dairyman.

Parr IV, comprises miscellaneous analyses of substances under experiment or
otherwise connected with the farm. The subjects treated of form separate articles
unde: the following titles: “The composition of apple tree leaves,” being the first of a
series of analyses on the apple, with a view to ascertain a rational mode of fer-

tilizing orchards ; “A report on the effect of solution of copper and iron sulphates,
alone and togther, on the vitality of the wheat germ;” “ Well waters,” being a

useful chapter on a very important matter, and containing analyses of water
examined during the past year; ‘‘ Foundation comb,” giving the composition of
three adulterated samples received for examination, to which are added simple
methods for detecting the presence of paraffin.

As informer reports, explanatory remarks accompany the analytical data.
These remarks have been made as concise and as free from technical terms as
possible, but are, however, stated in sufficient detail to make the purely scientific
results of value and service to the ordinary reader

In addition to the work set forth in the following pages, there has already been
completed a series of analyses of several varieties of Indian corn as grown for fodder
—only the averages of which appear in this report—(See Fodders). The objects in
view when this task was undertaken were to ascertain the best varieties of corn as
regards composition and yield, and to find out the proper time at which to cut the
fodder for the silo, The details of this work and the deductions made from them
have been put into bulletin form, now shortly to be issued.

The analyses of fifty-two samples of native grasses have also been completed.
These grasses were grown on the experimental plots of the Central Farm under the
direction of Mr. James Fletcher, the Botanist. The analyses show their composition,
and hence their value, at different stages of their growth. ‘

The native grasses of Manitoba and the North-West Territories are now under-
going examination. These have long been favourably known for their nutritious
properties by stock-raisers. Their true and comparative values, as determined by

*
be a ee

a et ae

105

. chemistry, will be brought out by this work. When the analyses are finishe the
whole will be published together as a bulletin.

There are also in progress the analyses of a number of barleys, including samples
of the original importation of Carter’s Prize Prolific, and of this barley as grown in
the various provinces of Canada, Other 2-rowed, as well as specimens of 6-rowed,
barleys, are also being examined. It is expected that the results, when completed,
will throw additional light on the important question of barley for malting and
export purposes,

I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your obedient servant,
FRANK T. SHUTT,
Chemist, Dominion Experimental Farms,

——

106

Jeweled Bi le
SOILS.

The fertility of a soil is dependent upon its chemical composition and its
mechanical texture. Soils to be fertile must contain the elements of plant food in
such forms that they can be readily used for the nutrition of vegetation. At the
same time its condition must not be too loose, else a firm hold will not-be afforded
the roots of plants, and there will be too much drainage and evaporation, nor must
it be too heavy and plastic, for then air and water could not freely permeate it nor
the roots extend themselves beyond a very limited area. Generally speaking, light,
loose soils are not as rich in plant food as those in which clay predominates; yet, on
account of their excellent condition of tilth, they often yield in favourable seasons
heavier crops than the latter. Stiff, heavy clays, though rich in inorganic plant food
(potash and phosphoric acid) are often poor in nitrogen, while their condition is
such as to prevent thorough aeration and the penetration of the roots. It is these
soils especially that are benefited by drainage. By a system of drainage the water
which saturates the surface soil is carried off, air allowed to permeate, the whole
rendered more friable and easily worked, and much plant food is converted into
assimilable forms.

Where sand largely preponderates the soil is not retentive of moisture and
fertilizing material, especially if the subsoil be light, and though easily worked is not
so desirable in dry seasons as a heavier soil.

A proper proportion of sand and clay, therefore, for many reasons, makes the
best soil.

With the clay and sand, varying amounts of peaty matter or humus (derived
from the decomposition of vegetable matter), and of calcareous matter (principally
carbonate of lime) are usually associated, and a right proportion of the two latter
exerts a beneficial influence upon the tilth of a soil. From the presence of these
predominating materials soils are known respectively as clay, sandy, peaty and
calcareous, according as one or the other is in excess.

By the slow decomposition of the clay and the peaty and calcareous matter,
plant nutrients are liberated in a soluble form, and therefore the function of these
soil fundamentals is sot only mechanical but chemical.

The constituents of soils may be divided into two classes: ‘norganic and
organic.

In the first of these is the material formed by the disintegration of the rocks at
the earth’s surface by atmospheric agencies. This mineral matter consists principally
of lime, magnesia, oxide of iron, alumina, potash and soda, combined with silica,
phosphoric, sulphuric and carbonic acids.

The actual and relative amounts of these constituents in soils vary according to
the nature and composition of the rocks from which they are derived.

The organic portion of a soil consists largely of semi-decomposed vegetable
matter (roots, underground stems, leaves &.), otherwise known as humus, peaty
matter, &c. The elements which enter into its composition are carbon, hydrogen,
oxygen and nitrogen, but it is the latter only that has an agricultural value.

INORGANIC CONSTITUENTS.
The most important inorganic constituents of a soil are potash and phosphoric

acid, These together with nitrogen, are known as the essential elements of plant
food.

Potash—derived principally from the decomposition of feldspathic rocks, e. g.,
eranite—exists chiefly in combination with silica in a more or less soluble condition.
The limits of potash in a soil lie between a mere trace and about 2 per cent. A
good agricultural soil contains between .25 per cent. and 1 per cent. Clay soils,
usually, are the richest in potash.

Potash, as a fertilizer, is of special value to clover, peas and other leguminous
crops ; potatoes, beets, cabbage, grasses and leafy plants in general are also benefited
+ by it.

Phosphoric acid, combined principally with lime, is found in all fertile soils,
Like potash,,it has been derived from the rock that originated the soil, and conse-
quently is not constant in quantity. It seldom exceeds 1 per cent., even in ,the
richest soils, and the average in good soils would probably be somewhat under “¥ per

_ cent. é

It benefits chiefly root crops, e.g., turnips and beets, and in conjunction with
nitrogenous manures is very effective for the cereals, promoting an early maturity
and an increased yield.

Lime.—Of the inorganic elements of minor importance, lime is the principal. By its
solution it affords food directly to the plant and liberates in the soil potash and
nitrogen pre-existant in insoluble forms. Many consider that less than 1 per cent.
shows a soil to be deficient in lime.

No special mention need here be made of the other mineral constituents, as mo-t
soils contain sufficient for all the requirements of farm crops.

ORGANIC CONSTITUENT,

Nitrogen is the element of value in the organic portion ofa soil. It there exists,
for the most part, in forms from which it can be but slowly absorbed by plants. By
a process of fermentation, known as nitrification, it is rendered assimilable. The
presence of lime (carbonate of lime) appears to assist in this useful operation, espe-
cially when the ground is sufficiently open for air to permeate it. Moisture and
warmth are also necessary to encourage the growth of this microscopic ferment.

Very rich soils contain from “5 per cent. to 1 per cent. of nitrogen; good, fertile
soils possess on an average from -1 per cent. to ‘2 per cent.

Nitrogen is essentially the fertilizer for cereals, especially when associated with
potash. An excess of nitrogen, however, promotes a rank growth of straw

Successive croppings, without a concomitant return of plant food, deplete a soil
of these three important substances, and though, as we have seen, a fertile soil requires
but minute quantities of them, they must be replaced in order to obtain lucrative
harvests.

The examination of eight samples of soil has been undertaken since the issue of
my last report. Six of these 1epresent areas in thefNorth-West Territories, and were
analysed at the instance of L. A. Hamilton, Esq., Land Commissioner, C. P. R., Winni-
peg; the remaining two soils, from the Sackville Marsh, New Brunswick, were for-
warded by Josiah Wood, Esq., M.P.

108

FE-% (97-29 |0PT. 100-001 99. |2T. ok. GO. |O- |PI. @8-6 [09.69 |S2.b |80.PT | Bo SERN oar op op
FO-TE |08-€9 ||0GT- -||00-00L 189% |@T. jos. IGT. |€&. (30. SL-OL |FO.PL |FG.9 |[G.e) |>soes2 sere AY iene eae MUN “Ysteyy eTpayows) 2
80.92 (98-1 |]6¢T. ||20-001 OTshte WS MWiita ago | I WS IRIS razz izle Peet Poecrovone Pig “AA ‘LM TS “AL op 9
| a
86-09 |88-91 ||9FS- 100-001 09. |9T. |20. 9. 29. GF. [8-8 |T8-22 0G-OL JI@-@ | PIS AA “GU “TS AL “STEAL write A] ¢
68-99 |ZE-2L |688- |/10.00T EOWA “Whyte Weve Wiha IBS6 Ie) IRE ASO penta PPPOE Eo eeebe ae tae “Wb AA SEM ‘OT “Ay, AOTTEL) &
89.9 |2G.23 |\62T- ||T0.00T posoocia, Mies Weds Hes Wate RCP IaRPinelage Ipeisig PoRbeer scence: eee aes WF MST “20 dD, ‘ATID ¢
TO.TE |SL-6F |GET. ||00-00L |2G |9T- |an. |o@; 169. 6s. [¢8-8 [87-08 18a-9 [09.6 | “pt WFM SM TTL (op j
6-81 \0G-8 |0FL- ||00-00L 91-1 |2T. 6t. 6g. St. eG. 08.6 [ST-22 |G6.h J09.9 [°c 7 a AN STM SEL dy, ‘S9eL usTeAA|
Nn Q Q lac) R tae] ‘4 A [e) ie) (eo) EE 7 oH
218 || 2 eel eeed| oe | sealmiee ea lppedaoeell eae gl ag Z
rll tahall| Be eee | Be Se ae | eo log 8
% See tte eae peal Wedel ee E
+5 ie} i a Q .
F [eq0, 5 > 2 Z & 5 i p = “AY [ROO'TT
5-@.] b t
pe | 2 | * Berle
eal 5 ;
ie) a

"STIOG AO SHSATVNY

=e SOILS FROM THE NORTH-WEST TERRITORIES.

The districts from which these soils were taken enjoy but a very limited rainfall,
and hence have yielded poor crops. It was thought desirous that the composi-
tion of these soils should be ascertained to find out if the diminished growth in these
areas was due in part to the lack of any important fertilizing constituent or to the
excess of alkali or other matter deleterious to plant growth. From these analyses
it is conclusively proven that the soils contain a sufficient quantity of plant food for
good crops, while there is in every case a total absence of free alkali.

Numbers 1 and 2 are clay loams; in numbers 3, 4, 5 and 6 sand predominates,
which in 5 and 6 consists largely of undecomposed rock matter.

The mechanical condition was not of the best, especially in samples 1 and 2.
This may be due to lack of working, and would doubtless improve by thorough
cultivation. =
The analyses were made on the air-dried samples.

Water.

The percentage of water is rather low throughout, but especially so in the sandy
specimens, showing that they are apt to “dry out.’ The small amount of water
may, however, be partly due to the fact that the samples had had a long exposure
to the air before analysing.

Organic matter and Nitrogen.

In organic matter, Nos. 1, 2,3 and 6 are comparatively close, ranging from 4°42
to 5-28 per cent. We accordingly find the nitrogen in these samples corres-
pondingly close, the percentages lying between “135 and -179. Nos. 4 and 5 possess
about twice as much organic matter as the foregoing, and their nitrogen is found to
have increased in the same ratio. All these soils may be regarded as comparatively
rich in nitrogen—the amounts being quite sufficient for paying yields of farm crops.

Potash.

In the clay loams there is a very fair percentage of this element, but, as might
be expected, in some of the more sandy soils it drops below the average quantity.
Nos. 5 and 6 would certainly be benefited by an application of wood ashes or potash
in some form.

Phosphoric Acid.

/
The percentage of phosphoric acid is very constant throughout all the samples,
being somewhat lower than what we might expect to find in rich soils.

Lime.

The small quantity of lime in all these soils is particularly noticeable. I am of
the opinion that a liberal dressing of lime in some form would materially improve
them both mechanically and chemically. The amount of available potash would
certainly be increased and the nitrogen be converted into more assimilable com-
pounds.

SOILS FROM NEW BRUNSWICK.

Samples Nos. 7 and 8 are from the Sackville Marsh. They are both clay loams.
They differ chiefly from Nos. 1 and 2 in containing more water and less sand. In
lime they are equally low with the specimens from the North-West Territories—
a plentiful application of lime or marl would benefit them. The potash in
No. 8 is low—wood ashes are to be recommended for it as a lucrative fertilizer.
The amounts of phosphoric acid are similar to those found in the North-West
samples. In nitrogen they are moderately rich, though only equalling in this res-

ect the poorest of the North-West soils examined. The soils are friable and porous,
and though they would not be considered as rich, they contain sufficient plant food
to make them productive of good crops.

110

1 Spa) Bue bid Gi
MUDS, MUCKS AND PEATS.

Nine samples in all of these natural fertilizers have been chemically examined
during the past year. They comprise two specimens of swamp muck, two of pond
mud, one of mussel mud, two from under mussel beds and one of peat. Four were
from Prince Edward Island, two from Nova Scotia, two from New Brunswick and
one from Ontario.

Qa So aoa si =
“BOTS B1qNOS mere opts Ml aS A a
T= La en one) Da a
= SHH ANA
‘ploy onoydseyg eee ee ae |
5
= SOOT ENS CO line am Cet CO
| onl hol nm ag 7 oO o = “
“yseqo, . 4 ; : ° : 3
1se}0q z
5
i Ss a cn a iO nase
“eisauseyy | ~ 6S ASS a SA
ae OR oO es lo so oo cine
aN © no oO S 4
OUT, oF t s
2 |
a ee as =: S|
“eUuLUnpy pue CON CIERCOM <SOaFor co tO) Ee coy
UOIT JO apIxE) ee NOG er SN |
if |
YAH Nc = 3
Sm 8 oH SC rN
> Maqqvyy o1mesaQy - Si oeecGA Gy Goo ba
ma = x MN Oo
=< iy CEO On SS
a R BS I Ge SE SS
pau pues pue Av[p SA o't © © WB +
St SH i TN eID
6 Db Oo © oS 4 + ms
ay | tl = Orson © A GS
<i TOTEM Jy Gre Wa. ee en ieee RY EX
{ of} N ce
eI ——_- —_ x
Ea ie a eo = oto fom
oT! eo ono FT TFT S ®
S| “UASOLIN | = on mE SS
=| 3 SS ga
| 5
no 3 wp) ‘
a Be oe + i
=) may RS =I = -
= ee oat
ES ay (Zi =
SB : nS
= = eG fe ie cs 5
S g eS 7, Fa ies |
Dn 3 | 2 Ca tie et lecs
= be | Sse 50 ae AO Es IS
Dn = << TU ia =|
a = cs Vm SS
z 4 |
iS > = fo) =) D>
s Di 4 es
Z = ara 5 . war c 5
mR 2 8 : z : :
s o oa =] : =
s el oye = saree
3 Si ee _ Leis
= =) Gr iS Se = J
> 3 cS) o) > TU = Ss
we 55) Le ye SO | oe o &
= 8 a Coy a
SS A a 1 e
ees es] See
5 5, cc
erst ©
: j : 3) ae)
< | es ‘ei
| | 5 as Ey) :
= es g :
a Shue z y
oe) 7 Ob = :
S) ois =| : ;
2 Pe 2 :
= 2 las: 2 = s 2
= ee epee, & :
= _— — _ = sy f=}
| 4 = = Fa i Sen lend = 4
ee es ts HELI on esl aes
Ba eS es ON Seo:
| ee Seal UA es yg
| “TOQUINNT | = A es Set eS oe aS

qu

The value of these materials as fertilizers depends largely upon the amount of
nitrogen in their organic mutter. In very few instances do we find either the phos-
porie acid or the potash exceeding the quantities present in good soils.

From the table of analyses it will be seen that those examined contained vary-
ing quantities of water. If we calculate the percentage of nitrogen upon the water-
free substance we obtain the following figures, which show the relative values of
these samples in the dry condition, with respect to this important element of plant
nutrition. They are arranged according to order of merit.

TaBLE showing percentage of Nitrogen in dry matter of Mucks, Muds and Peats-

Porcentage

5 | Nature of Mud, &c. Sender. Locality. =
=o) Sto
|

A Gai|Pond: =. .2: Sic .adeeee cohayd ate PIMA BRS - Sas: steve Ii HiRes EOS eo agoe 1-774
B OmrPReat >. <<<). Br see ate Yaa eTe Meldrant, Ax {22 oo cto: Bellerica, Ont. . ..... 1-134
Cc SMRONAIN Pl. qesce cn <b ge 2 ciat ns FICK ey Ne) pete cecece ates Point Wolfe, N.S... 1-086
D 1 Oh. Vas none Sette ore PERU Lo WN evel een oe Roe a Summerside, P.E.!.... “986
E Tam ONG eat. anja ae es Ramsayias iyo sho, taae otds) PBs ee eece al) “one
F 4 \From under mussel beds. .... Frier, Jas .. AB cen Nincalevay Ne Po 8 -490
G 2 do oyster beds.. ... Compton, Geo Salas eae leanors. Ee Bisleae -356
H SeWiussel. ee tac eee 22S... Rrier: Jas: ccesee so }ohediac. Nob. e Eon 133
if Oma Marshes en creer cc em ec acieo 21. i Cs ee emesis co ack be Gaspareau River, N.S... “095

The nitrogen in scmi-decomposed vegetable matter is not in such a condition
that it can at once be absorbed by plants. The process of rendering such assimilable
is one akin to that of fermentation. This beneficial action goes on—though slowly—
when the muck or peat is mixed with the soil, provided the degree of temperature
and moisture be favourable. If, however, before application to the soil, the material be
composted, its value as a fertilizer will be greatly enhanced, and a quicker return in
increased crop yield made to the farmer. Composting favours fermentation, which
sets free much valuable plant food. For this purpose, barn-yard manure may be
used ; lime and wood-ashes are also strongly recommended. The tirstis an excellent
composting material. The heat developed in its own fermentation starts a similar
action in the colder peat or muck, converting into more soluble forms this locked-up
store of nitrogen. These materials, being excellent absorbents, will retain the
ammonia—valuable plant food containing nitrogen—formed in this fermentation, and
which would be likely to escape, due to overheating and lack of moisture in the heap.
The compost may be made by alternating layers of barn-yard manure with those of
the peat or muck—the layers being about 8 inches in thickness.

Fish waste or refuse, liquid manure and all organic matter, whether animal or
vegetable, if easily decomposable, may also be used to advantage in composting.

As has been stated, lime, ashes and similar substances will bring about the fermen-
tation of peat and kindred materials, when accompanied by moisture and warmth.
Besides acting directly towards “ breaking down” the organic matter, the presence
of an alkali appears to encourage the development of the ferment of nitrification.

When the peat or muck is dug in a very wet condition it should be allowed to
dry somewhat before composting, fermentation will then proceed more rapidly and
thoroughly.

The increased manurial value of these substances after treatment in the compost
heap has been testified to by many of my correspondents during the past year.

The absorbent character of peat and allied materials has already been mentioned
It is owing to this quality that they are of special value in the stable, the cow
house and the pig-pen, and indeed, wherever there may be liquid manure to absorb.
When sprinkled in such places, not only do they prevent bad smells, but they also
preserve for future crops much plant food that would otherwise go to waste. Much

EN a ee es a. eee ee eS a ee ee a, I ee Ce ae ee ee ee ee ee ee a

ammonia escapes into the atmosphere in stables where absorbents are not used.
Should there not be a very good system in cow-houses and pig-pens for conducting the
liquid portion of the manure to tanks, a loss of fertilizing elements will be sure to
ensue through soakage, unless some material is scattered that will take it up and
retain it. For this purpose, the use of dry peat and muck can be with confidence
advised. In this connection, it must not be forgotten that while the plant food in
manure is thus rendered permanent by such treatment, the fertilizing ingredients of
the absorbent are at the same time made more valuable for immediate use.

MARL.

One sample of this natural fertilizer was analysed quantitatively during the
past year. It was forwarded by H. Glendinning, Esq., of Manilla, Ont., and upon
analysis was found to have the following composition :—

Moisture :c2 55 ccc tiee cabcesesumedica cattae sede Mine ewrelane durste eseldamae sna cioeice 8:57
Organicyand) volatile matter ne. cscees-e seen aen seman pen=cieeesenee 3°24
Clay, and sand (insoluble im acid))....-2. 22. ..-0...02-c--eawoeaes 2°50
@Oxideiofarontand aluminass-eessee essen ee eee eee pe enote “62
Foul (011) 611: a CR Sry ORE BES 608 a 5 Rear bere Sree 47°22
AWE Weg a2) Se ese pee ence sees aspacri Gorteo are sponteperochcane pane eeeemceties “4
Potash, (slight traces).................: | ol seated ash ecct ascent sudtene Umesreees
“Ki Gar Domi@iacid eessectnccscse tweets noma ae eee eee anes ces ame Sybil
Phosphoric acids (Graces) ee cacosm acer setae sepia mee teincle1 ete me aaa

100°00
*Gatrbonate: Of Mine sacar vsqaccanjmwenoosceetoe wre segestinasereeeetaanete $4.33

Marl owes its fertilizing properties essentially to the carbonate of lime it
possesses. This specimen contains 84:33 per cent., showing it to be somewhat above
the average. In other plant food—nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash—as is
usually the case, it is not rich, these elements not being present in notable quantities.

Theapplication of marl is especially to be recommended for heavy clay and for
very light soils in which sand and peat predominate. Besides supplying lime—an
ingredient of plant food—it renders the tilth of the former mellower, allowing air
to permeate the soil and the roots to spread more easily; jits addition improves
sandy soils, by making them heavier and more retentive of moisture and fertilizing
materials. By the slow oxidation of the organic matter of peaty soils it converts
their nitrogen into forms which can be taken up as food by plants, This beneficial
process is chiefly brought about by a microscopic plant in the soil, known as the
ferment of nitrification—to which allusion has been made in the preceding chapter—
the development of which is greatly encouraged by an excess of carbonate of lime.
To all soils deficient in lime it may advantageously be applied, furnishing thereby
not only plant food, but also setting free in the soil the inactive store of materials,
so that they may be assimilable by vegetation. Lime in all its forms has been
proved of special value as a manure for the leguminosae—of which peas, beans,
etc., are important members.

A good mar! for agricultural purposes should be of a light colour, and not of a
hard or flinty nature. Such will easily disintegrate or break down on exposure to
the weather, allowing it to be easily mixed with the soil.

GYPSUM.

One of the most valuable of the fertilizers that occur in nature is gypsum, com-
monly known as land plaster. Itis the result of the union of sulphuric acid and lime,
- both elements of plant food, Thus it is that plaster supplies nourishment directly
to the growing crop. It, however, also acts beneficially—and perhaps principally—

113

upon the locked-up food ingredients in the soil, setting free potash, and adding to
the store of readily assimilable plant nutrients. In the third place, it is especially
valuable for its property of “fixing” ammonia in the presence of moisture. The
strong sme!! of stables, cow-houses and manure heaps is chiefly owing to an escape of
ammonia
one of the three principal elements of plant food.

Its use, therefore, for sprinkling in stables and cow-stalls is to be strongly recom-
mended, for thereby the ammonia is retained, the manure consequently becoming
more valuable.

On rich soils the application of plaster is wont to give an immediate return ; on
poor soils better results are obtained by the addition of other and more complete
fertilizers.

As a fertilizer for peas, beans, clover and other leguminous plants it has proved
of special value. It has also been advised, owing to its property of liberating potash
in the soil, as a manure for Indian corn and turnips.

A sample of gypsum was received from Col. Chas. N. Snow, of Pictou, N.S., of
which the following is an analysis :

Analysis of Gypsum.

Per cent.
Imsolublemock matter’. ...s.12-5.0-2--0sdesesee 200 ssedoe sees esaeeee “48
Manimen (CAO) nce. ccc: cavinoccscase ns soceeessepe ene ne Meee eae teow 31°75
Maenesia (Mig ©))\sc2.. 2-25 oscseeo sacs. sosee cee oon rae seeees Gsteseees Testbti
Sulphuric acid (SO,)......... SBS eee Ohh Aer Aare: 45°73
Oxidelotaronyand alumi dreeeoecneces os-ocees soccer Very slight traces
(CHAO TTO CCC Legocopnosecnocaoae. hoscosesonecucucbenchocensace Small quantity
From the above data I deduce the following percentage composition :—
Sulpliahe ole MiMeEk (Opps) bea ada sssneecessacecesccvee=saccsemereeee= 97-53
do IM AGMOS Arete: sete ee es sens secee osetia eos oss ceees=s name “92
Warhonate, Of MACTICSIA esse-cce- 7 ormetes nee -eer creer nea scree 7 “98
Mis olmpleyrOCKAM ALLE: woes 2s o-oo eee sooo eee re oteee mesh ee “48
Moisoureyetc. (UNdeterMINed).ccese~ 4 sesecsier ces es+esemenesinnp “09
100°00

As this sample vontains but 2°5 per cent. of foreign matter, it must be considered
a very pure specimen of commercial gypsum, and one that is well adapted for all
the purposes for which this substance is used.

GAS-LIME,

The results of my analysis of a sample of gas-lime, forwarded by W. S. Turner,
Esq., Cornwall, Ont., are as follows :—

Per cent.
VED en ord oc SRR SEER re 22°31
Volatile and organic matter........ .....-.-..-.-+-++..eecoseesere- 12-93
MnsolubleTOCk: Matters. cesiesecires cose ncnaesentetennde saenode ota aadse 1:69
MxidclotsironsandsalumiNaseicescs--.-seeeuacciescees eaeeesecieise ces 2:53
Calcium sulphate (gypsum or plaster).........----seeeseeeeeeees 2-09
Calcium sulphide and sulphite........ hy SA So Ie 1:86
Magnesium carbonate.................- ee eee ue ese ecine Sane eS 1:55
Calcium carbonate (chalk)...... ....-..c-s-seee-2+rcoereneeneeverene 53°60
rio wis lak ed sen -eacssseeesee mensch as seclsssna~recsse-nreaseetiossolespes=="e 1-44

100-00

6c—8 =

a volatile compound, the essential constituent of which is nitrogen,

ee el —— Le

ll4

Gas-lime is a bye-product in the purification of illuminating gas. The gas in
passing through or over beds of slaked lime loses the greater quantity of its sulphur,
converting the lime into sulphide of lime. This sulphide, although a good insecticide
and destroyer of fungi, is, in quantities, deleterious to vegetation. If, hc-vever, fresh
gas-lime is exposed to the air this sulphide becomes oxidized into sulphite, and finally
into sulphate of lime, or gypsum, the properties of which have already been described,
After a lengthy exposure, which brings about the conversion of the sulphur com-
pounds into the valuable form of sulphate, the use of gas-hme is attended with profit.
1t will be found of particular value to those crops that have been mentioned as being
specially benefited by gypsum, and to soils naturally deficient in lime. ‘To this end,
therefore, it is advised that it be spread upon the fields in the autumn to the amount of
two or more tons per acre and ploughed in the following spring, when it will have
lost the greater portion of its water and the sulphur compounds will be converted
into sulphate. The exact amount to be applied per acre must vary according to cir-
cumstances. To land naturally deficient in lime five tons is not considered too much,
but on ordinary soils a dressing of two tons per acre may be used, as above recom-
mended, with perfect safety. Owing to the variation in the composition of different
samples of this material, as produced at the gas-works, more definite instructions as
to the quantity to be applied cannot be given.

Recent experiments in Germany have gone to show that gas-lime when com-
posted with garden refuse or with barn-yard manure is beneficial in helping to
retain the nitrogen of these substances. For composting purposes, it is desirous that
the gas-lime be first well exposed, as fresh or caustic lime has a tendency to destroy
the nitrogenous matter, For ameliorating the condition of stiff clays and liberating
as plant food their inorganic constituents, for rendering more compact the texture
of sandy loams and for rendering available the nitrogen of peaty soils, gas-lime does
good service, both chemically and mechanically,

WOOL WASTE OR REFUSE FROM A,WOLLEN MILL.

At the request of the Hon. Char’es Péloquin, of St. Hyacinthe, Que., an analysis
has been made of a sample of the above meterial, to ascertain its value as a fertilizer.
My results are as follows :—

Analysis of Wool Waste.

Per cent.
AWAY aaoeaneeasacnoonseaccAnd sctno5| cabdosdopcuKas: nadie gibaleaeabtae seen slot 7:86
Organic and volatile matters................:eceseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees 32°24
Clay and sand (insoluble in acids).........-.::02-seeeee eee cee es 42°84
Oxide of iron and alumina....... faghlenigrieds deckie so oeelndeoe ese eoeee 8:17
IF cis pueetr te nacnoccbbaocbosocsesondocnodceqe0ne, doncod acaccooubnocaneacc 1.58
IME eae SI lea eoerod seoochocdeeocodoseunccodaave, cascsacocccondasence sce “83
JEN TS NeRe tes dacensocdedausponticeeoas soosochoscnasacsdoocosoppobad seats 3°56
Phosphoric aviu.........sceecsseceveceserseeneecsesensecessenccnennsanse “21
Soluble tsilicasctascteecsocscs cae seceenc seas ceeeseasse em seeer et eee i64
Carbonic acid &c. (undetermined )............:eeseeeeeceeeeneee eens 1:07
100-00
Nitrogen, in organic matter,............. se seeeeeeeeeeeee scenes neces ik

The fertilizing elements would therefore be, per ton of 2,000 Ibs.

Lbs.
Phosphoric acid..........sseceseeeneeeeceseeeecereeceeeceseeseeees seeees 4:2
1e{0 73) Nsaanacbanoadsa sone coonee ecbeaco chor coco eae opconcnoacasdacaaBéooes ¢ 71-2

j
:

—

7
’
‘

115
If we assign the following values—
Per lb.
IPOS NOM AOC orbscdagosdocson eae Seodboo seesSoDRBH oe cesooeocEe 6 cents
JEYO1 1S Neaooapade sate pevdspeaannaos Ruse eee c, seie te seosaneceeceticsnes se 4% do
INT REYERS t)gasae ee eabode peice bavssweses Be Sassi Peles ales apes salseeu'sesiss 8 do

the value of one ton of this wool waste is, $5.55.

This “wool waste,” evidently, is chiefly valuable for the potash and nitrogen it
contains. The former ingredient may be at once used by plants, but the latter
(nitrogen) is not present in a form that can be directly taken up by vegetable
growth. It is, however, rendered assimilable in the ground, or, still better, by com-
posting. Ifthe “waste” is applied at once to the soil its value will not be received
for some time, and consequently the best period for such application would be before
the autumn ploughing. If, however, it were first thoroughly composted and rotted
with barn-yard manure or wood ashes its action in the soil would be mcre
immediate. The extra wok entailed by this treatment would in most instances be
amply repaid.

“ Wool wastes” are very apt to vary in their composition; hence, from this
single analysis it would be impossible to state the value of such in general, That
we have in ail of them, however, much fertilizing material, there can be no doubt,
and their judicious use must be attended with profit.

LAMB'S QUARTER (Chenopodium Album).

The probable value of this weed, as a cattle food, in places where it is
abundant, is discussed in this report in the chapter on fodders, In the analysis there
given the ash is stated as 17°74 per cent. of the dry matter. To ascertain to what
extent the land was exhausted of its mineral ingredients by this plant, its ash has
been analysed. The results obtained are here stated :—

Percentage Composition of Ash.

Per cent.
soluble sresiduess ss: sneer eee aoe ae ee neaa ean anos es DD
Solu ersili Gasatgeee pce oes eee a ora oh a as Seat eS oy,
Alumina, with traces of oxide of iron................0...2e0eee 8-40
PUTING EERIE o coe Biased acee Seanaas cienicemlaacinae nee teens codsts dos. seesecieds 7-52
LW IBVEITGIYE Ee cap coveenninaaaaaes oG8 hina Receananopiodcc Rec coe scr oopre tore cece 4:34
TEE aos Go sce Seep Resacnneatnecon sna BAORe BD OnDEESCeCe FR tee memece 43:28
IBNOS PHOTIC AGIA coast seek at seen scaisosswaaes <b yactedlseoutesecteses eelesies 4:16

The percentage of ash and essential fertilizing constituents in the original sub-

stance, before drying, are as follows :—

= Per cent
PANS Faber sete seers te ct ais salen nas actuiadaiatles se U2 etree Men ekede 3:27
PHOS PHOLIGMA GIG iin .xa sees s aces sane s saetone leases see teeter home eecee re oil!
WOtas hestaceescsscosanaes Svajatete diajslls Sc lavelalaivtew’aale Sins Sone ince eine ae eens 1°41
INGEMOREN se cee tne. - SOSA CALE EDD SERA BAe pE Pras SOG AAPOR Aeron 45
If we assign the following values—
Per lb.
HANGS PHOUCHACIC deeese ase -eoets sae skteie ses -c see cease eer meee: 5 cents.
T PRO TIES) 8] sida nae BARRE eerie A ahaa Aono poe Fran Peet hme CUE tats 44 do
BNTUnO ge TIeetas E12 25.0. ee MDs oo TEES, et ee ee 5 15 do

the value per ton of 2,000 Ibs, in its green state as a manure is $2.74.

The ash of this plant is seen to consist largely (nearly 50 per cent.) of potash,
and consequently this weed must be considred as one that would readily exhaust the
soil of this valuable element of plant food. If the crop is not used as a fodder the
plan of ploughing it under should be resorted to, in order that this potash—together
with the other constituents—be returned to the soil,

6c—8}

116

sASEuae sililale
FODDERS.

By a knowledge of the composition of cattle foods and of the functions and
relative values of their constituents, the economic and profitable feeding of farm
stock is made an intelligent operation.

_ The term“ fodder” may be used to include all plants or parts of plants, e. g., seeds
roots, &c., and all vegetable bye-products, e.g. oil and cotton-seed cake, that are used
as foods for the animals of the farm.

Fodders consist of varying proportions of Water and Dry matter. x

Water.

The percentage of water present depends upon the nature of the fodder. In
root crops there is almost 90 per cent.; in green fodders, e. g., corn and grass, there

is between 70 per cent. and 80 per cent. according to variety, time of year, &c.; -

in hay we find about 14 per cent., and in corn meal, oil cake and similar materials,
between 7 per cent. and 10 per cent.

Although water is as necessary to the animal as it is to the plant, yet on account
of its abundance in nature no value can be assigned to it in fodders. It is, however,
a most essential constituent for the well-being of the animal, acting in the body as a
solvent and aid to the digestion of the solid matter of food, and forming a vehicle for
conveying such dissolved and digested matter to the various organs and tissues of
the animal,

During the maturing of many foliaceous plants, such as grass, Indian corn,
etc., the withdrawal of water, accompanied by other changes, tends to lower some-
what the digestibility and hence the value of some of the constituents,

Hence, some plants may be more nutritious in their green and succulent state
than they are when ripe and dry, in spite of the fact that in the latter condition the
solid food materials may exceed in amount two or three times that found in the
green and immature fodder.

The importance of a plentiful supply of pure water for cattle is spoken of in
treating of well-waters— Vide page 148.

Dry Matter.

The dry substance of a fodder consists of an organic, and of an inorganic or
mineral, part

Organic.—The valuable and nutritive constituents of fodders are of this nature.
They fall into two classes, viz.: Nitrogenous and Non-nitrogenous.

The Nitrogenous compounds contain, in addition to carbon, hydrogen and oxygen,
the valuable element nitrogen, often associated with sulphur and phosphorus. In the
following table they are collated under the heading “ Albuminoids,” Though the
albuminoids in plants and animals may differ in physical properties, they all
closely approximate each other in chemical composition—containing in the neigh-
bourhood of 16 percent. nitrogen. Examples of albuminoids in the animal kingdom
are: white of egg, casein (curd) of milk; in the vegetable kingdom: gluten of

- wheat—the tough elastic mass left after washing out the starch, etc., in flour, and
vegetable casein found largely in the seeds of the leguminosee—peas, beans, &c.

.
|
|

em er Oe ey Pe

ee

ie Git A AMOS Mies etre re *

4

117

The nitrogenous matters or albuminoids are considered the most valuable of the
nutritive ingredients of a fodder, and in the animal economy play the part of flesh-
producers. They enter largely into the composition of muscle and cartilage, and are
essential constituents of the vital fluids, blood and milk. They also assist in pro-
ducing fat and developing heat and energy.

The WNon-nitrogenous matter is made up of (1) fat, (2) fibre and (3) carbo-
hydrates. These are ali composed of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen, and their chief
function in the animal is the generation of heat and muscular energy necessary for
the continuance of life and the accomplishment of work.

Fat.—Of the non-nitrogenous constituents, fat has the highest nutritive value ;
and this because it contains a larger percentage of carbon than fibre, or the carbo-
hydrates, in the burning of which in the blood much heat is evolved. Its increased
value is largely due, also, to the fact that it can be converted into animal fat much
more readily than the other organic ingredients.

Fibre is the least valuable of the food ingredients. It is the part of plants that
corresponds in function to tha of the bones of animals, viz., the supporting and
strengthening of the other tissues. By chemical meansit can be separated {rom the
other parts of a fodder as ayfibrous or woody material. As plants mature, the fibre,
as a rule, becomes less digestible, chiefly owing to the deposition of ligneous or woody
matter. ;

Carbo-hydrates—These include starch, sugars and gums, and consist of carbon
united with oxygen and hydrogen in the proportions in which they exist in water.
They serve, by their oxidation to carbonic acid and water in the animal, to produce
heat and energy.

The Inorganic or mineral part is recorded in the column “Ash.” It is that
part left when a fodder is burned, an operation that destroys and dissipates the
organic matter. It is composed chiefly of lime, magnesia, potash and soda, combined
with phosphoric and hydrochloric and silicic acids. The functions of these materials
in the animal are to assist in forming bone (largely composed of phosphate of
lime) and to furnish that small quantity of mineral matter found in all animal
tissues. i

Co-efficient of Digestion.

The portion of food digested is assimilated and utilized by the animal either in the
formation of muscle or fat or in the production of heat; the portion undigested passes
out of the animal as solid excreta, The amounts or percentages, of albuminoids, fat
and fibre digested are known as the co-efficients of digestion. Thus, if'75 per cent. of
the total amount of the albuminoids in a grass is digested, the co-efficient of digestion
of the albuminoids in this fodder is 75.

The digestion co-efficients of the constituents of a fodder may be all different.
We also find thatthe co-efficient for the same ingredient varies according to the nature
of the fodder. The two following examples will illustrate these statements.

Digestion Co-efficients.

|

Name of Fodder. Albuminoids. Fat. ¢ Fibre. Carbo-hydrates.
S20. ocho eee 8s 58 74 | 97
VRGTUn ta ye a 26 27 52 40

118

— ————

From the analysis of a fodder and a knowledge of the digestion vo-efficients of
its ingredients, the digestible matter in a ton can be easily calculated. The following
is worked out for peas :
eee ed

Digestion Pestable
Percentage Co-efficient ese a
——= ae lie Matter in ton
Composition. divided by 100 2.000 lbs.
X by 20. :
PAS purniniol site ei ras ea eer: 2206 kc ee eee eve | 22740 x5 1788. x 20), Fs esasens
LEAS a tnends meen AB Uae ARM A) nat 5 Babul Ss 0s) Xe OS eo 20 34°80
MibretaeJ42- ele poane Pt aaa Sceeen | 64 x M4 x, 20 = 94°72
Carbo-hydrates. . . : SAEs ot 52°6 xP g7 x! 120 = 1020°44 ©
Total... ; Sapo dt. ey nate cane 1544°20
=

Nutritive Ratio. 1

The nutritive ratio of a fodder is the ratio existing between the amount of
digestible albuminoids (nitrogenous matter) on the one band, and the amounts of
the digestible fat, fibre and carbo-hydrates (non-nitrogenous matter) taken together,
on the other hand.

Since, as has already been pointed out, the fat is considered 24 times more
valuable than the other non-nitrogenous ingredients, the per cent. of fat found by
analysis is first multiplied by 23 before adding it to the sum of the fibre and carbo-
hydrates.

The nutritive ratio serves as a ready means of comparing the relative values of
the dry matter of fodders.

A properly balanced food, 7. e. one in which the several ingredients are present
in right proportion, is necessary if economy in feeding and the health of the animal
are to be considered.

According to the function of the animal fed—whether it be the production of
mill, flesh, wool or work, so there will be the requirement in the animal for differ-
ent proportions of digestible nitrogenous and non-nitrogenous ingredients in the food.
Thus by experiment it has been shown that a milking cow requires daily for every
1,000 Ibs. of her live weight, 153 lbs. of digestible matter in which the nutritive ratio
is 1:5-4. In the case of oxen at rest, there is required daily, for 1,000 Ibs. of live
weight, 83 lbs. of digestible matter, in which the amount of albuminoids is to the
amount of the non-nitrogenous matter is as 1: 11:9, or, in other words, in which the
nutritive ratio is 1: 11-9.

During the past year many analyses of food-stuffs have been made. These
fodders comprise samples of oil cake, cotton-seed meal, “ germ” (Indian corn) meai,
corn ensilage, various grasses and other materials. The results of these analyses
are set down in tabular form, together with the amounts of the digestible ingredients
per ton and the nutritive ratio,

119

|. 968

26-T8l |68.29T 129.9 PP. 8h §L.9 |F9.0F |0F be aahsra PA dal Utyl || RoR ORE RK Cy Kay aQirt TOONS SI OF COS op ep
PL-896 |68-86T |99.F8 61-8 06. 9F 06-9 |0L-Gh |2b.08 £0.61 |26.08 |° Suttomoy orojzoq ysnp) °° *** + * > ***(LOIyRLA YoNgSA,\T) ENOSEs [[YL,
T€.088 60.186 |2L.S1T |€T-9 68-08 #8.8 08.99 |ZT.18 GP.9G IGG. | °°” peuULtoy poss)” es op OP.
€h.8co |8h-60L |G¢.69 (68-2 |10-3h |/TL-2 |0a.ah |L0.62 Gb.9T 189.68 | °° 7°" poaveds geny) «s+ s+" **(osuaqzerd unoepyg) Aygouny,
$9-688 |0OL-G16 |9L-PEL |66-01 81-88 F6-6 |1F.6h |GL-38 $9.16 |L6.GL | 2°" * “peuLIoy poos) ”” i a op op
P8298 (86-POL |1G.1TIL |€¢-9L 10-02 €9.9 |89.0F |8L.64 99-46 |PE.pL | Sutaomoy orojoq ysnpls "ss sisuoywad og) suis oun?
69.GLh \99-0P6 \OF-GZL 69.61 P0-0b 16.Gh \OT.L8 GL. 88 99) |" ~ oe TOMOB Up) (sTLETTNA siysousy) doz pox
GL.162 |LL.G2L |89.68 00.9 Th. 14 89.19 |98.16 IGL-@6 |G¢.2L | °° °° *:Sutzepsqnoqy)"*** ****" op 2 op ”
T§-996 |IG-8hT |9T-L2 OTS 89.96 LT-L |09-G9 86.96 6-61 |9L-08 | °°* °° *Surwwodde sangy|*** **soyduius J Jo eSvsoav “ustos) uripuy
“yyno.yy [0 abnis ‘SISSDL) PUD ULOY)
Se ee emer free eee) THESIS EN PLOT PALS 19.86 |88.LL [°° °° ° °° SOtge PUBIOH]| (“AON 987) OFvTIsUe soyystyy pur voy At
61 98.201 |88.68 [ah FT 86-4 |&8.19 |L¢.8z 00-86 ee eae ae ” “sre *(YoreTAT U9 10389) op
9.61 LAT.821 (09-62 {28-01 69-9 | 10.69 |66.86 16-12 se unB TE GO) (00d. YAP U9XUq) OAUpIsuo UL0H
24 eae |e sa ‘IIPL-L1 |SL-OP |89.8% bP. SI vos (UNL “uotlo) « LOPLUNL) SYULU'T ,,
$6-8'T |€9-9FL |19-GIL |89-8L 08-9 P9.9T Gh-OL |SF.69 188-2 OL-8 06.16 |. euguIowAH “QQ fo TosueuL preywey, Uoploy)
‘umbojaq ‘svyQ “Uoy]
QL.PEGT |ZB.ES1T l0F.96 {29-2 [96.191 ||06.6 61.89 |T9.8 98-16 |F9.8 |X8PH “OD QuuMyH "yl ts eee TeaUT UMAy
19.681 qestes) 9G-9FL |FG-€29 |/G9-8 |8F-8S |00.ST 89.06 |2h.G |Sfyduley “0D "Wd "d|*"* ode = qT8e Ur poer-wo73408)
09.968T |G2.829 |e2.eh |¢9.T0T |2h- LLG |l86.9 |9T-Th |8.6 |1Z-9 06.98 1166.68 |90.01 |°***"O3BoryD “rT 3 “AV pcre’ Th Onno
00-06FT (89.019 |99-2h {82-66 60.209 [22.9 |€6-0h |10-0L JOL-9 |6L-88 |/98.16 [P9.8 | OLPHNEL “OO % UULyAy]’ "eg ee ae
18.9681 |0¢.G3L /9F.09 [88-801 [0-219 |/€T-8 |60-Sh |GF-OT |2T.9 [GT.2€ ||T9.26 |oF.2 JUepvg “¢ ouoyssurary| ° epee ee ae SO NBOTTO
1A | Q 2 2] be be Q 2] ty io) Ss
Selimec vale Vos a Mmeeml “sll eeclll eal alee lege
Bilger’ leased Beat Acoma ae Be | 3
a ot DB =f i me slopueg
bd = 2. (= z: & 10 ALOANAOVJNUVAT *[BI4e AT
& S R & 7 ‘ jo oule Ny ‘
S B o7

(*8q] 000 'Z) 107 8 UL.19997UL O[GIYs9Rtp Jo spunog

‘woqquyy Aaqy Jo uoltsodum0y¢

“SUTGdOY LO SUSATVYNY

120

OIL CAKE AND COTTON-SEED MEAL,

These fodders are particularly rich in albuminoids—the nutritive ratio
approaching in some samples to 1:1. They also contain large amounts of fat and
mineral matter, in which latter phosphates are abundant.

For these reasons, they are particularly valuable to the stock-raiser and dairy-
man as cattle foods for the production of flesh and milk.

The manure from animals fed with these highly nitrogenous foods is of great
value—a value enhanced in the materials under discussion by the presence of a large
amount of phosphates. Such manure returns to tne soil the most important of the
fertilizing elements for future crops.

As these are concentrated and expensive foods, their use in small quantities, and
mixed with fodders low in albuminoids and fat (such as straw, roots, corn fodder,
&e.,) must be practised, if profit is to be expected. The amount that can be econo-
mically fed, will depend upon the composition and quantity of the other food ingre-
dients and the age and function of the animal fed.

“GERM MEAL,

This is manufactured from Indian corn. It differs from the fodder just discussed
in containing less albuminoids and more carbo-hydrates, While therefore, compared
with them, it is wanting in muscle or flesh-forming ingredients, it is richer in
those nutrients that develop heat.

Corn-meal has high difestive co-efficients. It contains a large percentage of
fat, and is well and widely known for its fattening qualities when fed to stock.

RooTS,

Roots in general have a low feeding value, being very rich in water and very
poor in albuminoids, Roots, however, are very easily digested, and therefore are
valuable for their non-nitrogenous constituents. Owing to their large percentage of
sae they furnish a succulent food; and as they are also palatable, they are relished

y cattle.

The sample of Golden Tankard mangel analysed contained somewhat less than
150 lbs. of digestible matter per ton, with a nutritive ratio of nearly 1:9; whereas,
oil-eake meal contains about 1,400 lbs. of digestible matter, with a nutritive ratio of
1:1°5. From these figures and the explanations already given, the comparative
values of roots and oil-cake meal as food may be easily ascertained.

LAMB'S QUARTER (Chenopodium album).

Throughout Manitoba and the North-West Territories, this well known weed is
abundantly prevalent, large tracts of lands often being entirely covered with it.
The high winds, s0 common in these districts, serve to scatter the seed over very
wide areas, and, being a vigorous grower, the plant when left alone soon crowds out
other vegetation,

Several enquiries have been received from farmers residing in such parts con-
cerning the probable value of the weed as a fodder plant, and whether it would be
useful as acrop for ensilage. To answer these questions, the plant has been analysed
and a determination of its food constituents made. These are found in the table of
fodder analyses. In another piace will be found the results of the analysis of the
plant’s ash, which show its value as a fertilizer.

The specimen was taken at Ottawa late in autumn, after the first frost. It was
quite green, and had evidently flowered but recently. From its analysis it compares
very favourably with good pasture grass. The true albuminoids are probably some-
what lower than what is represented in the table, as in plants of this nature a part
of the nitrogen is present in less nutritive compounds. The percentage of fat is
low, that of the ash high, while the amount of fibre is about equal to that in corn
ensilage. This weed belongs to the same botanical order as the beet, mangel and

121

spinach, and in its young condition is often used as asa pot-herb. Whether the
continued use of it would affect the digestion remains to be seen; but judging from

its composition and relationship to other edible plants there seems no reason why it
. should not make a nutritive fodder if cut young and in a succulent condition. As
the plant matures there appears to be a considerable deposition of woody fibre or
| lignin, which would lower the digestibility of the plant considerably. It: preserva-

tion in the silo could be accomplished with the same care as thai given to any
___ fodder crop.

The fertilizing elements which this weed extracts from the ground ure discussed
in another part of this report. ;

CORN FODDER AND ENSILAGE,

> Experiments with fodder corn have been carried on during the past two seasons,
; both in the field and in the laboratory. The results of these experiments will
shortly be published in detail in bulletin form. For the purpose of comparing the
f composition of corn fodder and ensilage with the food-stutts just discussed, several of
the analyses are here given.

Corn Fodder—The averages representing the composition at two stages of
growth of the corn plant are given. The average in each case is from the same
seven varieties of Indian corn.

‘ On account of the large yield per acre, and the succulency and easy digestibility,
___ of the corn plant, itisone of the most valuable of allfodder crops. It is low in albumi-
q noids, haying a nutritive ratio of about 1:9°5, and consequently requires the judicious.

addition of nitrogenous food to make it anutritious and well balanced fodder. Accord-
___ ing to our analyses, corn fodder at the “ glazing” condition contains about twice as
‘ much digestible matter as mangels, and about two-thirds as much as timothy and red-
3 top grass cut at their best. Corn fodder is chiefly valued for its milk-producing
properties, and on this account is used by many dairymen as the staple green fodder
during those summer months when the grass is short and withered.

Corn ensilage is also a fodder very widely known and used. The analyses of
two samples taken 4th December and 5th March respectively, are given in the table.
These prove the ensilage to be fairly similar in composition to the corn fodder
from which it was made. Good corn ensilage should contain from 250 lbs. to 300 Ibs.
{ of digestible matter per ton; and its nutritive ratio should lie between 1:9 and 1:10.5.
Further information regarding the composition of the Indian corn and the en-

Ce

silage will be found in the bulletin referred to.

A sample of ensilage made from thistles and wheat (about 4 of the latter to 4 of
the former) was sent in for analysis by Messrs. Holland Bros., Ottawa, who reported
it as readily eaten by their cattle. The specimen was very dark in colour and more
distinctly acid than the corn ensilage. It will be observed that the fibre and ash are
very high compared with corn ensilage, and that the carbo-hydrates are correspond-
ingly low. Its feeding value would therefore be less than that of corn ensilage.

GRASSES,

Fifty-two samples of grasses, comprising forty-one varieties, have been analysed
during the past year. These were all grown on experimental plots at the Central
Experimental Farm. Most of the grasses were analyzed at two stages of their
growth. From the results so obtained the analyses of several have been selected and
inserted in the present table. The work in detail will be published separately, when
the character of the grasses of the North-West will be discussed,

It is to be noticed that the percentage of albuminoids is higher in a grass before
flowering or whenin flower than when the seed is fully formed. As the seed matures
there is a migration of the albuminoids of the leaf and stalk into the seed. As the
grass ripens the seed is liable to be shed—when there wiil be also an additional loss
in harvesting—and thus it becomes the most economical plan to cut for hay before
the seed is fully formed. The best time for harvesting will vary for different
grasses; but as far as general advice can be given, they should be cut while in

flower rather than when more mature. The nutritive ratio in the early and late cut
grasses point to this conclusion most emphatically. Although there is a general
increase in the total dry matter of the grass as maturity is reached, yet this is more
than counterbalanced in most instances by the decreased albuminoids.

Rep-rop (Agrostis vulgaris), is a valuable grass, and contains a large amount of
digestible matter to the ton. It is useful for moist land, and as a pasture grass is
thought highly of. In albuminoids it is about equal to early cut timothy, but in
this constituent it is exceeded by June grass and tall fescue,

June Grass (Poa pratensis) is an exceptionally good grass. It is also known
as Kentucky blue grass. It is held to be one of the most nutritive of the pasture
grasses, doing best on moist, rich soils. From the luxuriance ofits growth and the
excellence of its composition (18 per cent. albuminoids, before flowering) it is
esteemed as a specially valuable grass. If intended for hay, the analysis shows that
it should be cut before the seed is fully mature.

Timorny (Phleum pratense).—The analyses in the table give the composition of
this well-known grass at two stages of its growth. They emphatically point to the
advisability of cutting while in blossom, It then forms avery valuable hay crop, If
allowed to thoroughly mature, not only do the albuminoids decrease, but the digesti-
bility of the grass is lessened by it becoming hard and fibrous. On good soils and with
favourable seasons the crop of timothy is very heavy.

Tatu Frscur (Festuca elatior)—Tall fescue grass. Two analyses of this
grass were made—one just before it flowered, the other whilst the grass was flowering.
The increased albuminoids and total digestible matter in the latter show that the
grass between these two stages of growth had laid up a store of nutrients, and that
if intended for hay it should be cut not earlier than the blossoming stage.

The conclusion to be drawn from the grass analyses with regard to the time at
which to cut for hay is, that while the grass is in bloom or directly after, the mowing
should be done. Then it is that the albuminoidsare in the greatest proportion to the
other nutrients ; that the water has considerably decreased, augmenting the percen-
tage of dry matter and that the fibre is still softand digestible. Although, when more
mature, the grass contains a greater amount of dry matter, yet because many of the
seeds have dropped, the albuminoids are proportionately less. The fibre has then
increased, both in amount and in indigestibility, and the grass has generally become
less nutritious.

When studying the foregoing table of fodder analyses it will be well to first
inspect the column headed “Total pounds of digestible matter in a ton,” then the
“ nutritive ratio,” and thirdly the “The amount of digestible albuminoids per ton.”
By following this order, and then consulting the other columns, the comparison of
the feeding value of any two or more fodders can easily be made,

POTATOES.

‘he value of this important crop depends chiefly upon the yield per acre, the
size of the tuber, with its freedom from scab, and its eveness of contour. These are
largely the factors that determine the market price and the profitableness of any
variety to the grower.

As a vegetable, however, the value of the potato depends upon its composition.
The larger the percentage of “dry matter” the better the potato. This “dr
matter ”—varying from 15 per cent. to 25 per cent.—consists largely of starch.
Numerous experiments in Germany and the United States have gone to show that
the quality improves as the percentage of starch increases. The “ mealy ” potatoes
are those richest in starch,

123
Upon this basis the many varieties of potatoes grown during 1890 at the Central
Experimental Farm have been tested, and an estimation of their contained dry matter
and starch made. These have been calculated from the specific gravity, using the
table prepared by Holdefleiss. The results by this method, while not pretending to
scientific exactness, show undoubtedly the approximate and relative proportions of
starch possessed by the potatoes examined.
On an average, seven fair specimens of each variety were taken, from which
to determine the “average weight of tuber,” and the “ specific gravity.”
The results of this investigation are given in the following table, in which the
4 varieties are arranged in the order of decreasing merit :—
4

, Average setae Percentage | Percentage
No. Name. Weight of Ripe of of
Tuber. ravity- | Starch. |Dry Matter.
OZS.

Ale acral ksh pre wcteahayo ais hig Sins ares selene Samsioeieele 44 1099
2 |Carter’s Magnum Bonum....................-.---- 3 1097
RMAC LYRONID NENA he See afatois's ay cisae ctaiee siete e me oi 7 1095
». IDA os J accacen on aa a ae eee 32 | 1095

ea Rurehter: s ochmeeROSGP =eiete =.= cisini= 212 ois.aie.e wieeiclcter eet nie 42 | 1095 |
Ga lexanderbrolnice see pctas nice eA temicmme/dite eine sie 64 | 1093
MMINVinite Stare sos cc- ssc. cisieieces « sleteee Sania Meese 1091
8 |‘‘ Large” from British Columbia. .................- dt | 1091
pia lene SUG eer Pees Meramec. 8 on te cisis wmeisiel | bean 4 | 1090
Rachtersrlimproved)s «ic sar fas cmc <ccypie's vie sine dee ercce 53 1090
(CIE INIGE a0 RS cSaey, CANS npeacrEs Gap er cee epee nee 6) | 1089
DIHARBOIB SCEO DEES ciel ita: Cote S aici scie eee ric cinle side’ 63 1088
(Gleasonistliate-p 8 ts-aic vanes nope aa set eas eeeaee 23 1088
Nibapratrichksen cat iciicimn estas. atlaatlajseieiecaabeclsicasis 24 1088
amy eV Ate Ms elas cals Saje See eeees deeteiedelasieie ats 74 1088
Carter’s Sukreta...... .... Ae Cae aoe eee 4 1087
Wironderiofithe mW orld sa-6 oan Seis. eee Ade ckree wae 5k 1086
IBirpeeis SUPCriOn 7. jars cr coc oes ¥en eeso- ee, eb eae 54 1086
Early Eating 8 1086
White Sprout 5 5g | 1086
Beantys ogee pronn esac f. 0 Swncne « cob isurdoe = ceeee te ee 7 1086
PRU ELS DS ALE eae wise Peale sep aosiaosyansis Suelo vere. cta,e cis 5¢ 1086
DIkEWieeks ROU) WRC... 5. scmedccesisinenctlscsh 24 1086
HanivaO hip sem sere). a) eee ince nucle iekiadnoaee eens | | 1085

SraiypH alee acs arg Gast estate Saye pelcelmeudcottt Sete, ore 2 | 1085 | ~

axle vAUD INOS = oslo ye aseie See ee eae es os eiejs serie se 64 1085
ab ype ea aie A soscleg clehcae a Siedler eeisiowoe's «5 53 1085
PARR Ney oles > Reale sion sla: sfetelwiele bie atone 4 1085
GB rrpee ab seerd ling ys 95-18) 2-78 od <, sierra Sores ores aveebose ste 64 1085
Dumfries Early White.............--..-.--.---. 4} 1085
Nsya@uecnt arly .g.c. ess ee tert ees see et ects 6 1085
Lbs Crees tate Na Oo pp anters Sore mas Sees Edemaabe 4h, 1085
flbonbmrrate Aragon hei sjele)aysc'-rsjoke cise ayy seein : 3h 1084
Carter’s Holborn Abundance....... 5 ean eseniee Bt 1084
WMarlyg Calinow anne mee ee nos coc het aeele sea nee oe 32 1084
ROR yp WE OTT sis S]aeheio- 015 cassie sieia/je sis aisietsteys Sidy os = 73 1083
IPraime seed linp rir s..: sacnenle cee amt sscanes cesses ‘ 5 1083

LOGE G1e 6 (2) Fi a epee ac a ee ae 6 1082 |
SOM PLOUSM SUL PLING sha! face tte eos a iaeee Jebel 5 1082
PONV RTL LAT ei 25 /S5 cial. sie. sole «sin deivewake deh seh (3 3s 5 1081
SSTSRIIDoae cae ee GCE RED nn tiie Dab Donerson Baer 34 1081
Whio(Ganner. 25.3. 5.ces ecb Sot nGoase paeoavo lou cers 64 1081
RGN PIGiaPhe USSOLB sci ccise oc s scree eee) wince «aern 65 1081
palnternational Seed! Co.” ... 8.22) sciice estes oe sis Sigil 1081
labo kyaral See NAYS Cao ee ate See BR eae 53 | 1081
WES VAC) UICCE LALLY). crne ss Neevos nyelcs mapieeeniss Oeeeee oe Om) 1080
AVS TE GTN lees Be 7% | 1080
Mentbarol bariamenbtasii.)o se. sspece ele pees ea: 5s | 1079
PEMTCOTOIMAMMIETICR A pie .coais <iny—/ajerate cle dietew siniemige eos 3t 1079
rr eyweleeme meee ocyen po essitiear Gs caee vel 77 1079
ecissAVOUIbe ote snes cbw cece stn MNM one nals 62 1079
Rebngmnasterie teen e ease sh stile Mise eee + AME a 39 | 1079

124
Average . Percentage | Percentage
No. Name. Weight of ee of of
Tuber. ate Starch. |Dry Matter.
ozs.

b3 i RearliofiSavoy,os.< acile« seblaciyasices stile eee eee 6. 107 15°24 19°30
BRP oer AAU ER EGS Saa peda pagan sososacanonead 1078 15°12 19°14
O57 | Great sMasterms se sel je sets acetate toc 6 1078 15°12 19°14
56 |Burpee’s Harly Crane... 2.2.2 ic ce ec onset oe eeescine 6 1078 15°12 19°14
D7a) Wing lish Kadneyeee settee eet rane rar ere Pastecateteiete 2 1078 15°12 19:14
BSN Kidney Au gust tec rviets cect ose pore ticaneineunsyene ea eeheleieteae oan 2; 1077 15°00 18°98
Oa Adirondack. ea. cc Mache cues corona signers oe : 4 1077 15°00 18°98
60) Chicago) Marketanc uss scccn cee wre sien series re if 1077 15°00 18°98
Cli Mermonts cers sees eee 4 5z 1076 14°89 18°83
62y|\Hye (Carpenters. 6. secs echt cancer ecco ber 1076 14°89 18°83
63 |Rose’s New Giant ss: aevoe 6 1075 14°79 18°69
64 |New Badger State ..... ....... 9 1075 14°7 18°69
65 Ogoahn > SOB Baaac 3 1075 14°79 18°69
66h Manhattan’ se 2-6 2 53 1075 14°79 18°69
67 |Frame Early... 24 1074 14°69 18°54
68 |Carter’s Surprise } 23 1073 14°60 18°40
69) Hariy;Householde.s eemcader eer eenee ES) aetna 22 1072 14°51 18°27
OM MaromotheProlisiciasaeaae ee cease ca ie ae 54 1072 14°51 18°27
Wile Scotch (Champione sees ames seer ere seeee Paice Bf 1070 14°36 18°02
f2).|@anter's)(Cosmopolitans.crcnt a. ee etia een meee 3 1070 14°36 18°02
WSullRennieshstrayebeautyteacne nackte: coenisemenniee 5 1069 14:29 7°80
(45 RenniesiDakotayRed en caanee cere tence cnc 3 1069 14:29 17°80
75a MarstiCrop Asha leniie. selon maces cence tne eer 2; 1069 14°29 17°80
(6n\Kangiof the Marlies’: see stks hte oe setee manos re 1069 14°29 17°80
Hija Conqueror. ra. ses = = Mortis Gyatelee torch an teite 4 1068 14 22 17°69
Sh BrameiMinistenss-.sesecece eric eee sea asdo Beart 3 1067 14°15 17°58
79h Bliss! Triumphs senceccsec ase sues Menieyeceicccstea ce 6! 1067 14°15 758
80 |Telephone... . Mens See eos Sac pctee ss Sia Colon 3, 1059 13°59 46°87

SUGAR BEETS.

The results of the analyses of sugar beets examined in the Farm Laboratory
during the past year will be found in the subjoined table. ‘The beets were grown
from seed imported from Germany by Wilfred Skaife, Esq., President and Manager
of the Berthier Beet sugar factory, Montreal. The work of distributing the seed
among the farmers of Ontario and of collecting and forwarding the roots for analysis
was undertaken by Mr. Robt. H. Lawder of Toronto,

The chemical data include the percentage of sugar in the juice and the co-
efficient of purity—the latter representing the percentage of sugar in the total solids
of the juice. Besides these analytical results there will be found the average weight of
one root in lbs, and ozs,, the nature of the soil in which the beets were grown, the
dates of sowing and pulling, and such general remarks as to the manuring, drainage
and method and thoroughness of culture as were thought justifiable from the infor-
mation afforded by the growers.

The last fourteen of the series are from beets grown on the Central Experimental
Farm, Ottawa; the other localities—widely representative of different portions of
Ontario—are indicated in the column provided for that purpose.

The method of analysis was the same as that adopted in 1889, viz., the deter-
mination of the specific gravity of the expressed juice by the Westphal balance,
calculating therefrom the co-efficient of purity, and the estimation of the percentage
of sugar in the clarified juice by a Schmidt and Haensch polariscope.

125

The averages of the first 68 samples, as shown by the following table, are :—

SURZNE SIM FTO 2 as cocecnoananoo_abecoece bosdacGooDIda005C 12-47 per cent. |
Co-efficient of SILI op eeBen . obdeadbu becododsenadaeee 76°70 do :
Wieimhiiom onelrool spas ase se eect aston. ee 1 Ib. 14 ozs. |

According to the percentage of sugar they contain, the roots fall into the
following classes :—
No. of Samples.

9

OveremeeliEpetacenitaisupale-ccsseeceetecnars\ashec ste scmcacrrriverercones 2
Between 16 and 17 per cent. (SEEN 0- cg ccopseoseane¢ousebocndsdosHb gS 1
do 15 and 16 CON ee cise sccoscbet nas Sastlssecmnicsnecs seid 0
do 14 and 15 CG) | sw S5cdesas) soccneaa: ae saconSpaEeenesed 10
do 13 and 14 (Ke) © Cqgoddcbasancacoondecana-Aneatiasb0s 12
do 12 and 13 (Gls) © > acendachoda -8085464c0 caonouBadaboCEeE 15
do 11 and 12 (a Vey ni” WY GcconaBeacdnaatbanspcedcnecebecebogs 13
do 10 and 11 Gloye "BgaGsadae.:aapasheapsounseaceseoneos 12
; Universe Ospenicent..Sltatee: scones seen oan sneeenamsen cena Bors:
In other words :
60 per cent. of the samples yielded over.................+ 12 per cent. sugar,
and 38 ado _ do 5 so boosoarIz605G0n0¢ 13 do

The average percentage of sugar this year is somewhat lower than that obtained
in 1889—when, however, only 25 samples were examined. This falling off may in
part be due to the difference in the seasons, though it is quite possible that badly
prepared ground and careless cultivation may, in many instances, have been the
cause of the lower sugar-yield.

The averages, however, as they stand, indicate a very fair factory beet, and all
things being considered, compare well and favourably with those of other countries
in which beet-s sugar is ‘manufactured. Sufficient work has been done to indicate
that both as regards yield per acre and richness in sugar, with a more careful culti-
vation, sugar-beets may be raised in many parts of Ontario fully equal to those of
Europe and the United States,

-
126

ANALYSES OF

reent- * Average

No. Name of Grower. Locality. ee ee ad Weight

Juice. | + *Y- [One Root.

Lbs. Ozs.

Ty [est hneye VN UE los Saga oops MipwGostield Co Hssextnin. steer se 10°41 73” || cteereeteetette
2)|Walters, John. ......... MpsdMfaidstone idol" see eeesessee sere 10°53 73°9 1 9
Salen tard Ohiivertee steleniciels London South, Co. Middlesex............ 13°06 (Ayal 113
AMET an GOB eeyaratars ctarrate do Gi =) Bath ENE GEDS 11°90 (Ce) 1 1
By tshilly Achut-y ee aeesnoone tp: Mrafalgary Co: Elaltoner ccm as sie | 13°08 ivanw i 3h
6 ‘McConachie, S.......... Tp. Pickering, Co. Ontario............... 14°77 85°0 15
iesmeeran te eee do deans betes aes Se | “1b:53'1")(s078 | ommrR
Si Wallis, [itemise tects serie Tp. Whitby Ot tits sense tcicckts | 14™15 | 821 15}
9 |Moody, Thos........... Tp. Pickering GO | Gano sees | 11°32 75-7 1 ht?
10 |Wilson, John........... Oakville, Co. Halton....... .....00e005- | 10-78 74:6 | 2 Wb
TARO bsons Biseeler.r terete rele Waterdown, Co. Wentworth............. | 10°83 74:1 i 64
12 Fothergill, Chas........ Atppleby, Con Haltonsereiis- seen ate | 8°65 67°3 3) OR
13'/Graham, Jas. H........ Tp. Scugog, Co. Ontario......... ...... | 12°00 76°9 abi
14 Pearson, Wm...... .|Tp. Reach doiw eihadincaas 11°92 75°6 1 ye (8k
15 |Dryden, Hon. Jolhn..... Brooklin P.O. Ome east ness fees | 14°78 78°7 he iik
16u| Kellett OUCrog.asaseic Port Perry dO. © Skscinec, Hees ce 10°38 ley LZ,
DA | MicGall) Want) ser sts ses Tp. Reach Clijue Aopinrsnasebeaaas 11°06 73°1 aby ee
18 |Whitfield, John... ..... Port Perry Gov Seach ce aeeh aes LTS 760 Ay MS:
19 Coates; Jastimcacn-mae - Tp. Cartwright, Co Durham. . 12.50 | 80°0 a hag
20) Heard) Johns. \...2... «- Tp. Reach, Co. Ontario............... ole LEST 79°2 Bh ei)
21 |Steele, Geo......... _.../Tp. Cartwright, Co. Durham...... 13°84 | 82°3 1 14
29 |Steele, Wm.......... ~.|"Rp: Reach; (Co; Ontarion: be <i. a 13°84 82°4 iL 9
23) \Grierson, G. H....- 252. ps Wititby, @do © "see. een ee ee 14°23 cued) P Nahe
Dil Dit ey CEE cenGnaedosnddr do CU ARUSubaa_ chscrsc arary 10°49 73°2 20a
Did effrey, WIM... 0.20506 do COW ener mar anager 12°69 78:3 13s)
DOs yNde, ea. ycrsenk cere do GOMPy pi ain eee 5 12°84 70°4 Si» 2a
27 |Ballantyne, Thomas... ..|Stratford, Co. Perth.........-...... .--- Petaht 17°4 1
DAWN sto SOV ayers le germs Tp. Hamilton, Co. Northumberland. ..... THLE | 72°4 ah kiss
29uiiRmesell sWas:cn. chs ceclee do do ral) eae 64: 74 1 144
30 |Weaver, Peter.......... ‘Paisley Block, Co. Wellington. ..... .... 13°07 | 81-7 1 335
31 Betzner, David..... .|S§ Paisley German Tract”.....:........-. 14°22 86°0 I > :b4:
32 Hoskins, Thomas....... Tp. Haldimand, Co. Northumberland....| 10°72 75°2 al. ass

|
‘
4
¥
}
|

~

i141 /

SUGAR BEETS.

Date Date
Nature of Soil. of of Remarks.
Sowing. | Pulling.
(Gravelly loam: ..1. 2. 8. |e: ee
RachVloam 5.2" .- May 14.. Oct. 2.. Kept well cultivated and covered.
Rich garden soil.. .......... aces |Fairly well cultivated, allowed to grow above ground.
do he eisai cea do do
Sandy loam.... .. do 8..| do 10..|Manured in 1889, undrained, not kept clean nor covered.
Clay loam.>:..... do 25..) do 11.. Manured, tile drained, kept partially clean and covered.

Gl Ob atena do 15..| do ‘UL. .|Tile drained, manured, kept clean and partly covered.

Gis) | Sete ene do 12..| do 11..|Natural drainage, kept covered and clean, manured.
Heavy clay...... do 26..} do 11..|Drained, not manured, kept clean and covered.

Sandy loam......| do 5..} do 10..|Manured, not carefully cultivated nor covered.
file) anenne do 24.., do 11..|Manured, kept fairly covered, roots wide apart.
Clay loam........ oweret A\epe war Manured, grown too far apart, kept covered.

do --.----.| do 15..| do 13..|/Manured, undrained, kept clean and covered.

Gly oases --| do 26..| do 11..|Manured, tile-drained, kept partially clean and covered.
Black loam....... do 1..| do 12..|Unmanured, tile drained, kept clean and partially covered.
GORI xs,</5 « - --- ..--|do 1..] do 13..|Manured do do covered.

Sandy loam....... do 15..| do 13..|Manured, undrained do do
Clay loam........ April 28..| do 11../Unmanured do do do
Sandy loam....... May 26..| do 138..|/Manured do do do
Heavy clay loam..| do 15..| do 14.. do do do do
Sandy loam....... do 20..| do 18.. do do do do
Glee) Te Aaa dom 152-|)dor 135. do do kept partially clean and covered.
@lay loam........ do 20..) do 15..|Plot tile-drained, manured, kept scuffied and clean, and covered.
Glo. SSeBoAeae do $81..| do 15..|Plot not drained, manured.
Clay. ~: lV Setters: Sbsciakel eaPen Sie AR Ie Manured, kept fairly well covered.

Clay loam........ do 22..| do 14..|/Manured, undrained, kept fairly clean.
Rich black clay... April 27..| do _ 8... /Tile-drained, manured, clean and partially covered.
Rich sandy loam.. May 22..| do 16../Roots well cultivated, planted close together, well covered,

do -.|do 22..| do 16..\Lightly manured, roots kept covered.

. Masured in 1889, undrained, kept clean and covered.

ANALYSES OF

Percent- - Average
No. Name of Grower. Locality. Rereki ae vy Weight
Juice. urity- lOne Root.
| | Lbs. Ozs.
33 ‘Riddell, Walter......... ‘Tp. Hamilton, Co. Northumberland.....- 12°43 784 1 53
34 Mulholland, J. T........|Tp. Haldimand do | e938 | 7-9 | 2 wee.
35 |Westington, J.. ......- Tp. Hamilton do -| 14°18 82-0 2 24
36 |Bowman, John.......... do do Bese, Lei) 79-0 2 6
37 Schumacher, Bix. desun oe German Block 22. aei-es aacesiceterrer es aie 12°57 70°6 1 9
38 |Shantz, Aaron.......... Berlin, /@os iW iaiterlOoe sc ete eeiieisioce siecle 12°25 Tae ies
SONNTAG PAT) ere ok | Sante ah ee ee ens ie ees 12°01 79-0 | 1 14
40 [Page, etiiscamccae es |Tp. Pelham, Co. Welland..........------ 17°05 82°6 1 3
eal ia bilro) eal s anoonpppaoooeT Tp. Trafalgar, Co. Halton.... .......-.. 14°50 84°5 1 5d
42: |Barrie, Geo. .......-- 25. Tp. Dumfries, Co. Waterloo............. 13°39 82.1 1 10}
g3 \Rodd, Those. 2.ceh ec. Galt do, eae ee ae | - 12°00 (Core Nal BE
44 heowlanes Sir Wale: cc | oronto, Cos Works. jase a erie rsiolerer- 10°10 67°3 Ae sae
45 (be Fences do se ren oear BRESner cen Oo ontrs 10°83 68°5 es)
46 Gly ages do Cle nin Oge meson fondant was 8°52 62°0 ents
47 |Leslie & Sons........... [if aso: xs, wl pin ae ah 16°53 1B al dor aes
48 LRichmond, Wiml. eters: Tp. South Dumfries, Co. Brant.......... | 11°61 74°5 2 -sibk
49 IScott, PAV xs AH eracferareisieis \Tp. North do Co. Waterloo...... | 14°05 81°6 1 14}
BO Gaidie DPS ae aes cece “Ayr do. os.+..| )aae90. ||| 7a ean
51 Stewart, Erskine........ Tp. N. Dumfries GY | Saamae 9°89 69°1 2 14%
52 |McEwan, A..........-- ae down sence 13°51 80°0 123
53 McDonald, A........ itp: Howards Co. wMlgine. eek seers 10°63 73-5 6. - 3k
54 |Brubacher, M.E........ Tp Woolwich, Co. Waterloo............ 11°83 76°9 2 14
55 |Schmidt, G. B.........- | slo Glo Vin dunsdlsonde ss 10°92 74:1 3 34
56 |Carlow, T. B........ ‘np. Percy, Co. Northumberland.......... 13°55 83-8 iy ibe:
BY ul Murray, BosWie oc. icc oe Tp. Loronto, | Cobeel as rai aisle nictriei lps 12°56 76°4 2 4
58 |Hinch, Ogden.....:..... Napanee, Co. Lennox.................... 12°70 79°5 2 145
no) Wordaworth, i... _sWeston, (Cot Var ee eset. oe eae 3°81 | 7 |1 @
60 |McAllister, T........ .. ling: Wing: | dorian to ence 13.96 | 79:9 | 1 i
61 |Mitchell, J.& JW... oT ps Vaughan; «Col Wiorks-..)s-\-i)-lci-el- is 17°42 83-0 11?
62 |Dempsey, W. R........ Ameliasbourgh, Co. Prince Edward....... 14°06 79°9 By al
63 do | do do Seal eLOTa 60-4 | Seam
64 Gio} Wa Andou G5 | do do 11°50 76°0 3 1

Date
Nature of Soil. of
Sowing.

GD. dgepdscaiGo . Wes
: Rich clay......... do 15..
Rich sandy loam..| do 22..

do --| do 22..
Sandy loam...... do. i
Clay loam........ do 1
BO cpadgos-|Reresaeode
Garden soil....... dow 79)
lay! soils 5:5...0 5 do 1
i do es, cloyy = ail
Redo: teess. do 15
Clay loam........ do 15
| Rich loam.....:.. do

5

Seaight loam:....... do) “2
~ Rich gardensoil...| do 1..

3

4

Date

of
Puiling.
Oct. 17
do 14
do 14
do 14
do 6
do 16.
do 18.
do 10
do 23.
do 23.
do 3
do 15
do 15
do 25.
do 29
do 2
do 22
do 22
do 25
do 25

.|Unmanured, undrained, kept clean and covered.

Remarks.

.|Manured, undrained, kept clean and fairly covered.

do kept fairly clean and partially covered.

'

.|Manured, undrained, kept fairly clean and partially covered.

.|Unmanured, kept clean and well covered.

.|Heavily manured, shaded, some roots very small.

do do do
do do do

.|Kept well covered.

.|Manured, tile-drained, kept fairly clean and covered.
..|Manured, undrained, kept fairly clean and partially covered.
.|Undrained, unmanured, kept clean and covered.
.|Tile-drained, unmanured, kept clean, but not covered.
.|Manured, undrained, kept fairly clean and covered,

5. .|Manured, tile-drained, kept clean.

No Name of Grower. . Locality. foe
Juice
65: |Groh, Anson...........- Preston, Co. Waterloo........... ....-.- 14°67
66 |Goodfellow, W.......... |p Albion, Co: Peel.c coms ateeeich snes 12°90
67 |Berwick & Co..........- tshelburnes'ComGreyn nw -eesots sere te cae 11°70
68 |Rathbun Co............ tp. Richmond, Co. Lennox......... .... 12°38
LAR Cur Nee Ep BARB p ao MCHOOSSSEa ons SoD OU DCO Ibu e nor 4058484 44 | 12°47
7A ATOR Dd ir aeeiaigoenoos i MuUsy 5 .;. noe etdecw scons cee eee ee 12°41
B Glos PS SGodeakbrccoe | White Silesian “Steele”................. 11°70
Cc GO 64 Sé06naon sans | do Ren niees ter. e/a) sici= Sacre 11°18
D OM Mastotic eee Walmorincs am proveds: .nsiciee cea sam rince 12°77
E GIN" “SA SBrcodooso ; (Red!Top “Rennie? # on. steserice<celer (OR)
F Oy mi saise coer Garter’s ““‘Prize\ Nursery ”....2..2-.00.<-s 6°76
G GOh. © ge tia eet Imperiale feeronas mc cicrerotatetae cere ie ei nerents 8°37
H live tSeaee goo! dae Silesian “ Tandreth”:.<...........05--- 9°97
I GOs Mees saci "Imperial dG eats < omeinoelt Ctemiees 10°21
K Gly. oe eaeeasogs \White “Buist”..... ...2..0-..0.0sse2es ST
L Cle ae rN SSAVEUS Yea nieve ics datacenter eileen e oa 11°33
M. (Gla) MeninetaGonuane DON Bod weike arlene eter eereraresaeieets 12°12
N Gt ah oc asaaopaboat le ES Ouse tanictalneiefis eiescicis cies ais hite 10°74
O GU) ots SehateRs ARRAS PSK RIFE ees sak wise ee emer cweiie 13°59
{

Purity.

Lbs

Bo oe oe eH ow I oe Be oR oe RB Poe we Re

ch be ae a
: /
A = =~ == =
SUGAR BEETS.—Concluded.
Nature of Soil. ge ; ee i Remarks.
Sowing. | Tulling.
}
\ | ‘
*
i
: ‘ Miayiloame: .)..( =... I une 25.. Oct. 17.. Unmanured, tile-drained, kept clean and covercd.
_ SRE Elan. > ap sOnd pao ERoll EEOA prem :
Sandy loam. : oats IMay 13..| do 21.. Manured, tile-drained, kept clean.
- do Bode is ge do’ ~2%.\| dos 48... do do
? Gy * peas dom 2a sdo Ss: do do
AOR hs tose. Gols (22-\ do, 18-- do do
do Sere do 2..| do 18.. do do
2 ne do /2..|'do® 18. do do
ee eR LO) vr 6s sie, = Ogee. !dor wise. do do
do a 18.. do do
choos 2 1S. do do
; 2 18.. do do
dc0 ae ie 18.. do do
SuSE on 2 do do
Reece | oa 21°. do do
18.. do do
- t ae, <9 9

Cultivation of the sugar-beet.

The sugar-beet is a variety of the ordinary beet that, by careful and scientific
selection and propagation, has been improved, so that now examples are not wanting
whose juice contains 20 per cent. sugar.

It is not intended to describe the many different kinds of sugar-beets developed
of late years and now grown on the continent of Europe for the sugar factory, but
it is necessary to say that the seed of such varieties as have been proved to be rich
in sugar should only be sown.

The sugar-beet has been found to thrive throughout the greater part of Europe
and the United States. As the northern or southern limit of this very extended
area of growth is approached the sugar-beet increases in richness. What the
sugar-cane is to the tropics, the sugar-beet is to the temperate zones. As it has
already been said, there can be no doubt but what the climate of a large portion of
Canada is suitable for the development of beets rich in sugar.

The value of beets for the manufacture of sugar depends upon their richness in
sugar and the purity of their juice (co-efficient of purity), and these again in turn
depend'upon the kind of seed, the quality and condition of the soil, the extent and
nature of the cultivation and the character of the season. Failure in the past has
often resulted from not recognizing the fact that the sugar-beet requires a different
and more thorough cultivation than beets grown for fodder purposes. A right prepara-
tion of the soil, correct planting, and the keeping of the root well below the surface
of the ground, all exert their influence upon this crop, both as to quality and
quantity.

In view of the probable extension of the beet-sugar industry in the near future
and the consequent growth of these roots in large quantities in this country, it has
been thought advisable to give some information—necessarily in a concise form—
regarding those methods of culture which have been found advantageous by experi-
enced sugar-beet growers.

Soil_—The sugar-beet will grow in almost any soil, but its profitable culture
requires a good soil, properly prepared.

Heavy clay and wetsoils, rocky and marshy lands, are not desirable. By judicious
drainage the former may be vastly improved. Soils in which clay predominate are
often too hard and impenetrable. In a ground full of stones the roots become forked
and unsuited for the factory, and in a wet soil a watery root is produced.

Rich, loose, sandy soils, containing a fair proportion of lime, are the most favour-
able for the growth of beets rich in sugar.

Too much organic matter in the soil is apt to impair the purity of the juice, and
for this reason the soil selected should be well manured the previous autumn, no
application being made in the spring. The manure used should be in a thoronghly
rotted condition.

The soil must not only be fertile, but its mechanical condition must be such that
the roots may easily penetrate it. Soils in suitable condition for grain crops give
excellent results, and a soil in which the in-turned sod is thoroughly rotted is also
good. New soil is not considered the most desirable.

In seasons when it is hot and dry the stronger and heavier soil, if well drained,
will be found more favourable than a loose sandy soil, but the latter, if well manured,
will be the better if the summer is rainy or cold.

The ground should receive a thorough cultivation previous to seeding. Ifatall
heavy it should not be worked while wet.

Sowing.—The proper time for seeding will depend upon the season and the soil,
but during the latter part of April or the beginning .f May the soil will in most
localities be sufficiently dry, without having lost tha !egree of moisture necessary for
the germination of the seed, The earlier the sowing the better, as the beets require
to grow as long as possible, If found desirable, the seed may be soaked from five
to ten hours before sowing.

The seed should be planted from $ to 1} inches deep, and in drills 12 to 20 inches

a

|

edt

133

apart. As it isnot the purpose to raise a large beet—from 1 lb. to 2 lb. is a good
size for sugar-content—the closer the plants in the row and the nearer together
the drills the larger will be the yield to the acre, other things being equal.

Weeding.—When the weeds appear, if the beets are above ground, this oper-
ation should be commenced, A dry day should be selected for the work, which
may be done by a hoe or suitable cultivator.

Thinning.—This may be done when the beets have attained a thickness of about
$inch. A damp day should be chosen, the roots being be left from 6 to 9 inches apart,
according to the richness of the soil. The richer the soil the closer the beets may —
be left. It is not desirable to raise a very large beet; small beets are the richer in
sugar and have purer juice.

Cultivation.—It is of the utmost importance that the weeds be constantly des-
troyed and the soil kept loose. The number of times necessary to go over the ground
will depend on the nature of the soil and the season.

Moreover, it is necessary that the beet should not be allowed to grow above
ground ; and consequently, as the summer advances, earthing up will have to be
resorted to. In the part of the beet root developed above ground there is very little
sugar. In the manufacture of the sugar this portion, if present, is always cut off
and discarded—for not only is it poor in sugar, but it contains an excess of other
substances, which makes difficult the extraction of the sugar. Care should be taken
not to break off the leaves during the early growth of the plant, for it is by them
that the sugar is developed.

Harvesting.—When the leaves turn yellow the beet is approaching maturity.
Although it is desirable to leave the beets in the ground as long as possible, they
should be pulled before the first heavy frost, as such would materially lower the
percentage of sugar.

If not intended at once for the factory they may be kept in a pit,

Secondary Advantages of Sugar-beet Culture.

The indirect benefits to be derived from the sugar-beet culture are not few,
and chief among them is the improvement of the soil.

The thorough state of cultivation necessary for the profitable growth of sugar-
beets vastly increases the soil’s fertility for succeeding crops. Land in a perfectly
clean condition, with a proper mechanical texture, and rich in plant food, is the
result.

The pulp from the sugar-beet factory has been largely used as a fodder. Accord-
ing to the richness of the beets and the process by which the sugar is extracted its
_ composition and value varies. As part of a ration for milch cows it is highly spoken
of, causing an increased flow of milk without lowering its quality. With straw,
hay and a small quantity of oil cake an excellent ration may be prepared. Pulp
has been successfully preserved as ensilage, in which condition it is much relished
by cattle. In feeding beet pulp the mineral fertilizing elements withdrawn by the
growing crop are for the most part returned to the soil.

MILK.

In order to obtain data that could be used as a basis for future reference in con-
nection with milk experiments, a large number of analyses of the milk of the
thoroughbred cows at the Central Experimental Farm has been made during the

ee al
he analyses comprise 93 samples, and were all made in duplicate—the average

of the closely concordant results being given. The milk was from 31 individuals,
_ Tepresenting the following breeds: Jersey, Holstein, Ayrshire, Aberdeen, Angus and
Shorthorn. Of the Jerseys, there were 5 cows; of the Holstein, 7 cows; of the

Rare Ag dpe’ oye TER ape peo nee ama: een :
Bie SS ee tis pa MRS Ue led Fi : J

== —— -

Ayrshire, 5 cows; of the Aberdeen Angus, 2 cows; and of the Shorthorns, 9 cows.
In addition to these, the milk of 3 grade cows was examined,

The constituents of milk are water, fat, casein (or curd), milk-sugar and mineral
matter or ash—the four latter being known together as the “ total solids.”

From a commercial standpoint, the element of chief value is the fat—the richer
in percentage of fat, the more valuable the milk becomes. It is therefore of the
first importance to ascertain by a separate determination the percentage of fat,
which being substracted from that of the total solids (directly determined), leaves
the percentage of “solids not fat.” Tis latter includes the casein, milk-sugar and
ash. ?

Although the fat is the principal constituent of milk that will command
our attention here, it must be remembered that milk as a nutritive food is not
valuable simply from its contained fat. The casein or curd, which separates on
the milk becoming sour or on the addition of acid, is the nitrogenous: part of milk,
and therefore the most highly nutritious from a food standpoint. Milk is an excep-
tionally complete food, the nitrogenous part being well proportioned to the non-
nitrogenous portion. This, together with the fact that it is very easily digested,

makes milk the most nourishing of all foods for the young.

The fertilizing elements remain in milk after it has been skimmed, so that when
the fat (as butter or cream) is alone sold, and the skimmed milk fed on ‘the farm, the
land is enriched rather than impoverished, for thereby is returned to the soil by the
manure much plant food (especially nitrogen and phosphoric acid) in an easily
available form.

The quantity and quality of milk of a cow at any given period depend upon
numerous factors, chief among which are nature and quantity of food and water, breed,
state of health, individual character istics, age, length of time since calving, ‘and date
when bred.

In the following table, besides the analytical data—comprising specific gravity,
total solids, fat and solids not fat—will be found information regarding many of the
points above mentioned as affecting the quality and flow of milk.

The rations fed during the periods in which the samples analysed were taken
are as follows:—

Ration 1.
Corn ensilage ...... BRP ASH IRE 25 lbs.
Fed 7 per cent. ot live weightdaily, | Roots......... one etn Ot 20 ies
from 1st December, 1889, till 3 * Oat Str hWieneeske-esg-- cece ue
2nd March, 1890. Provender (4 oats, + barley).......... age
IBLAN cs cca. o-b<coredae ieee “ee eee Ag Mt
Ration 2
Corn ensilage....-..0....... HMB ARE AEBS EIN 25 lbs.
“
Fed 7 per cent. of live weight from oe Wari: 4 ieee cs *
SiN) STE NGS B AW, fone. scede coe foe cat eet eee
3rd March to 31st March, 1890. Provender (as in Ration I)........... 2 #
Brain. odes coe cecenatetoecs teehee Sete 3%

After 12th January, the milking cows, except Countess of Dar ioigeou, and the
grades, were fed in addition to above 2 Ibs. of oil cake daily.

After 31st March, Ration 1 was fed until the cows went out to pasture.

The times of milking were 4 p.m. and 6 a.m., making the interval between the
evening and morning milking 14 hours, and that between the mor ning and evening
millings 10 hours.

Gt 9b
8 ooh
20 “Sq

“ssATRUy

=i |} Jo yyuopy

SuLtnp po
| Fonpoad s[[tqAy

a)

OTST
GP.6L
69.61
b8.6L
96-PL
99-81
LP.OT
90. PT
26.41.

99. FL

96.91
89°81
QT.ST
IL-8

8.1.

|
"ej 3ou Sprjog |
3e

88. PL
96. LT.
18-91

SPHOS [210.1

6-880
0. P80
§ S801
9.6801
8.680T
S80
6-PE0T
6. PSOL
9.880

6-880
8-180
6-480
9.600T

P- S80
2.1801
L.Psor
8.180
[.G80L

“Aquery oywads

sees

“GRST ‘8s “AON,

St

“OG8T ‘63 ‘are)”

“068T ‘8 AvTAT

Se eae

“068T. ‘0B “49.ir|°

“O68T F “uy”

eee eee

“GSST ‘0s “Any

stew ewww eens

“0G8T. “deg

i is

“6R8T ‘oun p

settee renee “6881 fT oun

iDPATEO.

MHA LO SUSATYNV

!

tle vee eeenee
|
|

“ sinak Gg

*samak Z

*** samod ¢

** sawod p

ony

s+ SUIMIOA TT
“os SULUIOTA,

+ BUTUOATT

* SUTUOA ST

SaLuLo yy

' SULOMLOTA,

'* SUTULOA GT

“+ BULUMOTAL
“** BUTHOA GT

SULIT,

SOLE

JO 9YSI9 Ay

“* Bura10y)| *

SULUIO TY] *

SUTUIO TA |"

“+ surueany]

6
“TS

op |** op op
AvyN|"* Op Sp

GER | )2) cl)

‘uwe] > pug “epuntocy spurptorjoN
op |"* op op
“99Q)° “Qaency Uopsy Jo ‘xe wUO[E
op| otc op
Avy] * 8 opuort¢ 8/2107]
op [rs nee op

saday oss sas (waaocy Jo Aataq.eg,

op eneeenestre op
AV IW wiele au) «ole se op

SUBTAT | see ese se op
tuppy rts pug ‘exp wuMes
Oph |lnaiatv caste e/s op

aN see ee wt neee op

suey] cute op

UBL ttt se eT) B.OpPUOLIC)

“068T

‘oyu, 0 UL A

tee e eee op ‘
Rip chines
ws
act oe
Aer
ee ea
Seay
Tonio aeney
Bue
monet

verses op

le ak
ee ae
Poa

So OUDC Ny.)

dus bol rete ate f«

Peete

PL «898

(4 5°)

8— O9IT

** p09
G = OST

20 '8q'T

“SISTTRUY
x YqUoyy
ulinp pe
pon por ATTA

a
5
°
cr
th
=
sv

“SPITS f1M10L

L.GE0T

9.880

6-001
9.2801
0: [80L
0.1801
1.1801
6. TOT
€-8€01
3-101
g. 1801
0.1801
1.2801

J€-d801

F-8801
L. 801
G-IS0T
€.G80L

PAQIABIy) ogioodg

“0681 “6G eunsl

“O68T G3 oun

OUST ‘b AB,

0681 ‘F AUIN

“peg

‘awad [ qnoqy

‘OUST FL “4?uL|"*

“O68L ‘16 “G9.

“06ST “ST “Ure

“O6ST ‘FG “SN

*paalep

**suBed ¢)

teens

saved p

+s SULUOA NT,
“++ Suruz0
“os * Sure Any
7 Burpy
os * FuTMea Gy
os BULUIOTA,
"7 * BUTUOADT
+ SULLLOPAy
“+ op

“-** AUTUeAT

os ZULUIOT

se op

7 * BULUOA GL
“+ op

** BULUIOTY
‘+ op

"'* SULUOA NT

os" SULULOTA,

“IL op
ah a
"9 op

9%) ‘any .

“66 Op

"0g Avy:

ady

carey]:

"6 Op
"ee ady
“S ARI
“SE op
“Or Avy

“FT “Fen”

tsi “UB
“IT op
“TL ydeg

ie creis ae op

sss ssspuz ‘ereuI0y eddy |"

. op

seas eee
bs of
3 ae

eoD op
igs op op
op op
“pag “upurtogy op

op op

** pug ‘eg puLto(y SpuUeLIayga Ny] **

03 V

sq UL ATTY
JO 94,310.4\

“SUDA,

oye

“OUIe Ny

““sepadleyy sayy erauog| *

teres cee erany|:

eee e eee op
sees op
wee vececee op
weet wees op
eee ewcrcee op
Seraereinicrr) op
nia sie stele ee op
Sect e eae oo op
ee tea op
tee eens . op
op
op
Sear) op

tee eens op

op

op

few eeees op

"+ UaqsTOHL

‘poo

a

pa rg
137

et Sie 6

ie

ag

OL

bSr

689

199

89

919

996

989

8h9

asa ese sae OC t

£6.8
LL.¥
6F-F
LI-¥
16-%
18.8

16.4
86.8
Q8-P
89.§
66.4
99.8
LL.§
69.8
08.8
IL
09. F
(a

1g.%
96.8

8- P80

8-880T
9.6801
8.801
9.8801

&-880L
8.0801
¥. 1801
8.1801
0. T80T

9.8801
8. 880T
6. 1801
@-8801
9.6801
6.2801
9-G80L
P. GEOL
$. 801
%-880T
0.6801
%-G80L

0.6801
9.6801

“OGL 6G “UBL”

“0687 “16 “URE

ey

*688T “4990,
“6881 ‘SL

see e ewer rie «

“O68 ‘ST “49

Se ei

‘OG8T “GL “IN

Se

er ed
See ed

“O88 ‘8T “Sny|’

‘“698T ‘g “Sny]"

“06ST ‘IT Ame

PR cd id
Pe ccd id

‘GB8L ‘QT “adog

ee ed

“6881 ‘63 00

"6881 ‘B90!

OUST *@ "490)"*

eee

‘suvek Z

sateen

"savad g

“saved g

‘suvod 9) OT

** = SULA RT] *

ty

* Buru9A ny
** AUP

** SULLA TT

** BULULLOTAT| *

++ SUIMIOTAL

oT
mol
“ST

mae,

**Surueany|**9

** JUL P]| *

** SULUOATT

** SUIMALOT

“9g

4)

** Buraeaiy|**9

** Surws07A]] *

** Surm9 Any] *

* Suarws0 yyy

** Baru98 ary) *

* Saray
** ZuLUOA TT
+ Fura10 7
++ Suro A gy
++ Bura10 fy
. * SuruoAry
Suro

** Suraeag,

OT

“9
“9
“g
“"W%
pal

“9g

. + RUTLIOTAY On 3

400)"

Avy”

"qe!"

"q9,T) °°

‘sny|"”

qe)"

“qOul

“un”

ye)
ARTA

“QUT
“uy

op

“"Ugp ‘uogeng Jo Asreq

op

srreee Op
“+ op

op

PT DOS CORDON hy)

op
op
op

Heese sss geoqumog,

op
op
op

(vin'@l asain. 6 da o'a:si9 nos @inlisingp

“'susuy uoopieq y

op

se eeee

op
op
Op
i) 9)
OF
op
op
op

op

op

op

Ch.G 1G.¢ 20.81 0.¢S0T es ced wae

a - +" * SUIMAATT|* “HG op settee op feet op
GI 946 ;
46-6 |90-€ |28.cL |8.FOT | GST Ze AON)" “GSST ‘Os Ainge] *sawod F] 9 | Burut0yy|"Zg op |*- “‘pxg ‘purpaey poommpy “op
= wo { 09-& 19.21 8. 820T eee wee [ee eee wee ee ee cry fe “9 SUUOAnT| "FG op cee cee ee nee op hee wae op
(0.6 |@0-€ |€L-e1 |2-880T |" "° es 1068 “2 ABTA] “sata g) Foy |< Buraroygy)-"7g op |- 7 pag ‘diyjsmog --"**"-* op
, a i G9.g 10.81 PF. PLOT | sae Ce ce | G “9 BUA GL "BS op Senet tee eee . op ste ee op
0 . . .
SEG FC (3) 96-21 6-C20T Cs ei a ary | . “OGST 0Z “99. oa "simak ¢ #9 oe ** SUILIOTA, . "OG udy Ce a) eee OUIePTLAA sees eae op
i is lee GZ.F 8L.8T Fai 7hy tale ETURDED Ons fe getasenh ayaa atete Hels fehaste C o) ++ ++ Burmeaq]|* “9 Oe aera se op SonbonaAn op
P | |
IZ-.0T 98.2 10.81 G. F201 eiul elaine vols) ate¥ele a Bilan es axdie (avnle @yeia one e 2 ewe SOT ase op “9 ABI abals nye sosle Vie & . op s\e slele\e ale op
p L168 8L-6 Fe ¢ LP.31 6.8801 ““OGST ‘OZ dy teen nee see tee Est ee ** BUIMIOTL . FL “qor, tree eee sae op ewe wees op
ZL 9c0L |J8-8 |06-8 |2-2T Teze0r |ooet === |--a997 (og ‘oaq|**‘sarat F 7. \co: =op Scere Ganyphe ae cabace “Wag ‘surS [op SSI” sel see op
{89-8 19.8 108-2. PEAKE. || eeeeee aoe DOO pacino eee w eee eee eee ee SET +> Sutueaq]* 9 Op: |ae op Bop thd op
P G88 if
16-8 |€2-3 |#9.11 |L.€80L | See el O68 Ararat enn es soy a estoy tg) eatiy| ee Ope yy epee eee op
; a8 { oF-6 €1.9 |8T.91 OGROL [oct tetris fests e eee spudonoap le “+ Burueagt| +9 op |r" op renee op
G |
Te hs | ee Nol 8 a Pee atcha Rabat aat one gi Sa npaeo ale oe arte iees é en ee
TOs 19256 |60-F ravet lorggor | <c-csee rset |teseet eens} eeneentn el’ Go|. Sarasoyyl py coe 8 ope ec - op
GL Goh |18-6 |0F-G |TZ-9T 0.8801 |" 68ST T 990)" GSst ‘oT Ae) "smead Gl fq | op |-+gz weg -w09SuTTAR Jo ssayunog|:---*-** usoTyaoyg
eee [108° F8.F $e. PL 9. F801 nc er iC a ae Tad leenerartea sees &) “ *SUrMoagt| "LT op Sem e ee twee op oe op
\ 98-6 [28-F |€2.FE (0.980 |* "06ST “T “wee|”- OBST ‘g 700)" **stved g) gf SurmsoW| gp “oO; “MOLABSEMT JO VIJOIG|" “snsuy usopszoqy
OME OET
lee lace, leetet
*sisA[RUy 5 a5 Si 8. <e
jo IQUOT a th m : ; e ES
acum pa 5 oy o 1ERFS peste OV Toe | “SULIT ‘ayn(T ‘OULV TAL *pooig,
-onpoad yyy} iy I Be
| * Mee, zo
‘Pepnjovog— MTIW AO SHSATVNV
Le ile ah +S hid ee el ee St. oe ° s* re Vole se - ;

= 8001

91.8
86.8
61-6
98.01
¥6.01
6P-6
19.6
86.8
60.6
PP.8
09.8
68-8
£9.8
60.6

SL.F
68-6
18-F
eL.g
99.F
69-6
88-b
90.5
91-8
16-8
8L-b
99-8
09.2
&%.F

9. T80L
9. 8801
9. G80T
1.9801
1.9801
§.- PSO
8.8807
9.6801
9.8801
6-180

9.0801
T.0801
1.2801
0-8801
@.860T

POE ORIIOC gyre G Punts
“ORET ‘97 “ANY |" **BSgL “ATA

“GS8T ‘OT AON] GR8T ‘8a ARTA
. eves nee eeles OGST fe) oun

OFST ‘OT emmy

ee Ce a

a5

Ge tsa OOS ERe ady

i

nee $9

savak g) for
ve reel te
*pIvok G1 GT

ae.

“sanad fF] Q

eee eeeee

for

*savok fF] ZT
es tO.

“sawed G)

“++ BULUOA TT

+ BULMOAGT| "2G
ae OE Pe li 0G

* BUuroyy| 9

BUULLOPT| 0%

* “BULIOA GT

an * Suro yy 29)

oo BULLOATT
We

PULUIO TA | **

os Surm0yy|*"g “Sny

Buno age] "9

1S) Si 10

** SULULO TAT

» BuruoAgy| "9

* “Buruoagy| "Zs

** SULILLO | "03
a Paes a la

AVN tiene eee
H(i hoot 430

Av min wie) Levete
SUR TAR Serna Te EE Me free

Cyt; ee tee en

op

tie oO

OD | sap ie tal ake ah a aie Tae

op | cites

op |r

op |r

op

oP

Gyo} ean nue re Aoyoytogy JO AOMOT IT
Oo
or eens ver TOMOY-PTLAY

ANCE op

op rrr:

op

7" * OT SSTLQ! *

“pig fooungsuop| *

“op
go (4)o)
Dt (ojo)

-epray

op
is}
op
2)

A careful study of the foregoing data will reveal: Ist, how individuals-of the same
breed differ in the quantity and quality of their milk—a difference no doubt partly
due to the varying ages and lengths of time since calving of the individuals tested ; _
2nd, how the same cow will vary in the richness of her milk within a comparatively
short period of time ; 3rd, how—except in the case of the Aberdeen Angus, of whom
only 4 samples were analysed—the evening milk was invariably the richer, though
less in quantity, of the two. Further experiments are required to prove if this
difference remains when the intervals between the milkings are more equal.

From the results of these analyses, the following instructive table of averages —
has been prepared in which will be found: First, the average composition of the total _
number of milks; next the averages for the whole number of the morning and
evening milks respectively ; next follow the average composition of the milk of the
different breeds—morning and evening milk taken together ; and finally, the averages
of the morning and evening milks separately of the different breeds. The order of
the first table has been preserved.

TABLE OF MILK AVERAGES,

|
Specific : Solids
— Gravity. Total Solids. Fat. methane
Average composition of 93 samples..............-- 1033°0 - 13°20 4°13 9°07
do . morning samples.......... 1033°4 12°91 37 9°13
do evening samples..........- 1032°7 13°49 4°47 9°02
do WOLSOV Rr oo cee cinder sionietasts 1033°2 14°80 5°58 9°22
do Holstems << cece ast es 1032°4 12°24 3°46 8°74
do IA vralirbicsctco- tee acetone 1032°5 12°94 3°99 8°95 -
do Aberdeen Angus.......... 1036°0 14°17 4°45 9°72
do Shorthorn...... Baer ractene 1033°4 13°00 3°87 9°13.
do Grades se 55% c..5 ears 1033°9 13°95 4°46" 9°49
do Jersey (morning).......... 1033°7 14°18 4°84 9°34
do do (evening)........... 1032°7 15°43 6°32 Quad
do Holstein (morning)........ 1032°6 11°88 3°08 8°80
do do (evening)........ 1032°1 12°54 3°42 9°12
do Ayrshire (morning)........ 1032°7 13°61 3°73 9°88
do do (evening) ........ 1032°3 13°18 4°26 8°92
do Ab. Angus (morning)...... 1037 °4 14°51 4°52 9°49
do do (evening) ...... 1034°7 13°82 4°38 9°44
do Shorthorn (morning) ...... 1033°8 12°70 abl 9°19
do te) (evening)....... 1033 °0 13°30 4°22 9°08
do Grade (morning).......... 1033°9 13°65 4:19 9°46
do do (evening) .......... 1033°9 14°36 4°82 9°54

What has already been said with regard to the richness of the evening milk is
here very apparent. The averages of the total morning and evening milk show that
the percentage of fat in the latter exceeds that of the former by ‘69 per cent. At the
same time it is to be noticed that the increase in total solids in the evening over the
morning milk is ‘58 per, cent. From this it would seem that the “solids not fat”
decrease somewhat as the percentage of fat increases, 7. e.; that fat is developed at
the expense of one or more of the other constituents.

The averages of the morning and evening milk of the Shorthorns, Ayrshires and
Jerseys are all in accord with this deduction.

141

ASR Ev

THE COMPOSITION OF APPLE TREE LEAVES.

At the Dominion Fruit Growers’ Convention held in Ottawa, February,
1890, I had the honour of reading the following paper, which is the first of
a series on the chemistry of the apple. As time allows, the fruit and the
old and young wood of the tree will be analysed. From the data thus
amassed it is confidently hoped that we shall be able to ascertain with more or
less accuracy the nature and amount of those fertilizing elements withdrawn from
the soil by the apple tree in bearing. This will be the first step towards a more
rational mode of applying fertilizers to orchards.

“ THE COMPOSITION OF APPLE TREE LEAVES,

“ Acricultural chemists throughout the world are, and have been for some
- years, directing their attention towards the solution of questions concerning the
‘growth and bringing to perfection of plants and animals which serve for the use of
man, With regard to plants—and by that term I include all farm crops—analyses
have been made of all thei parts, so that their composition is, to-day, pretty well
known.
“ Field experiments and experiments in water culture—in which the various
salts required by the plants are dissolved in water—have also been made, enabling
us, at the present time, to state definitely what special fertilizing constituents are
valuable for the growth of certain crops, what classes of soil are most suited to
cereals, the leruminous plants, and so on.

“But as yet it appears that little has been done in this direction for the fruit-
_-growers, and the reason for this is not difficult to find. In all experiments of this
nature it is necessary to weigh and analyse an aliquot part of the final product of
vegetable growth in order to arrive at the amount of plant food absorbed from the
soil and other sources, and in this way ascertain the extent to which the soil has been
exhausted and the special inorganic and organic elements which enter into the com-
position of plants tissues. In the case of farm crops, which are reaped annually, this
is comparatively an easy task, but it is obvious that in the case of fruit trees—both
‘small and large—this of necessity cannot easily be done. As, however, it is as highly
important to the fruit-growers to know what kind of food and what class of soils
are best suited to produce the largest amount of fruit as it is to the farmer to be in
possession of such information respecting his crop. it is but the duty of those engaged
in working out these problems to direct their study, as far as in their power lies,
towards the solution of such difficult questions.

“Tt was with a view of throwing some light upon this abstruse subject, of pro-
“posing some rational mode in the application of fertilizers to orchards, that the
work included in this paper was undertaken.

“Now, it must not be thought that even if we knew the exact composition of all
the parts of the tree (and as long as the fruit is hanging it remains part of the tree),
and the total weight of those component parts, and had also a knowledge of the
composition of the soil in which the tree was growing, that the whole question would
_be settled. Until a few years ago it was thought that such data were sufficient to
guide the agriculturist in manuring certain fields for certain crops, but later facts,
eyolyed by patient experiments, conducted most carefully over many years, have
now proved this theory fallacious, I might illustrate this by reference to the cereals
and leguminose, The former contain but half the nitrogen of the latter, yet not-
withstanding this fact, and all that it seems to imply, it is found that the application \

Ce

x : Al

ot nitrogen is specially beneficial to the cereals, but of little or no value to the
leguminose, especially after a certain stage of their growth. Without going into
the reasons, or rather theories, which bave been advanced to account for this state
of affairs, I wil! ask you to bear these facts in mind, and at the same time to remem-
ber that ex nihilo nihil fit, that we have to draw upon the soil, the air and water for
the constituents of plant food, and that the soil, generally speaking, is the only one
of the three we can modify or alter in composition by mechanical or chemical agents,
The climate, including degree of frost, amount of rainfall, snow, sunshine, &c., all
these are important factors in agriculture. Bvt as we have no control over the
elements the line of experiment seems rather in making choice of and breeding from
such varieties, whose qualities, dependent upon heredity and environment, make
them seem especially adapted to the climate immediately under consideration, and
then finding out, by all the means at our command, and applying those elements
of plant food best suited to their growth and development.

“Tn this series of experiments five well-known and hardy varieties of apple
trees were selected and the leaves gathered at two stages of their growth, viz., 25th
May and 20th September. The leaves in all cases were taken from two or more
trees, so that their analysis should reveal the fair average composition of the leaf of
that variety at that particular stage of the tree’s growth. Upon the first date some
difficulty was experienced in a few instances in getting sufficient leaves for analysis
without seriously denuding the tree of foliage, so that these first specimens 1epre-
sent leaves in a very early stage of development. On 20th September all the leaves.
were still quite green, and their life apparently unimpaired and vigorous.

“Mr. John Craig, Horticulturist to the Central Experimental Farm, has kindly
furnished me with the following descriptions of the apple trees under discussion :—

“ Duchess of Oldenburgh.—Tree is vigorous and hardy, forming a roundish, up-
right head. Bears young, and abundantly. Young shoots, smooth, reddish. Leaves
medium-sized, firm and glossy. September.

“ Tetofsky.—Tree upright, very hardy, vigovous. A young and annual bearer,
Young shoots, stout, reddish-brown, Leaves very large. August.

“ Wealthy.—H dy, vigorous and healthy. Spreading, open head, Bears young},
is an abundant and annual bearer. Shoots, dark, medium. Leaves medium.

October.

“ Fameuse—Tree moderately vigorous and hardy, round-topped, spreading.
Young shoots, reddish-brown, Fairly young annual bearer.

“ Northern Spy.—Rapid, upright growth. Tardy and moderate bearer. Young
shoots, large, daik reddish-brown. Winter,

“The following table shows the composition of the leaves, together with such
other data as may help to elucidate the question under consideration. After the-
column containing the name of the apple tree and the date when the leaves were
gathered are three columns, representing in percentages the composition of the
leaf—the water, organic matter and mineral constituents. Then follow six columns,
showing the percentages of the chief inorganic components of the ash. The per-
centages of nitrogen in the dry organic matter are then given, followed by columns
depicting the amounts of nitrogen, phosphovie acid and potash contained in 1,000
Ibs. of the green leaf, which serve to illustrate the absolute and relative values .
of the leaves as a fertilizer, as well as to show the quantities of these materials taken
from the soil for the growth of the leaves.

26-8 P6-1 18.8

66-8 99.2 68.6

£9.F 16.1 86.8

1S.F 08-1 01.8

10-5 GL.G 08.

09.8 8.1 19-6

2.6 oF.Z ray)

mouiaecy aan ll

ar.S 16.3 29.9

16-1 1. 66-2

99.8 06-2 1e-h

16-3 18.2 c9.d

EQN “SOAGO! "BOA VOT

‘sqL.000'T | ‘S4T.000°T | “Sat. 000'T
ut ul ul

ysvqog | ploy ‘soyg | ueSoi41N

Jo sqT | Jo sqry jo “sq'T

‘SHAVA'T HO ‘Sa7] 000'T NI SUNTAG
-MSNOQ DNIZIILUG, JO LHOIT A,

GNVIMOINT JO NOMISOdNO) ANVLINGOUT |

12.09

08-69
Ch.89
60-09
6F.09
08-19

96.62

F0.62
cP.gL
96.12
TL-@L
#6-0L

|
“aN4sloy |
1

“0G Op
“06 OP
“06 «Op
06 = °p
“0% “gdag

“O88T

Se

26's 20P.
op
op
op

Av
“6881

*padaygesy
uO",

SP-G PLT [FT 18h 16-46 | $9-1T | 68-9 9F-€ §8.¢S
$8.6 *|| 29.1 08-1 09-8 OP-26 | FO-FL | 18-6 &8.6 G8.F§
09.4 G0.T 99-1 OL-F CE-96 | G9-ET | #9-G OF-€ SL.&§
88-3 08. 80.T GG-9 OP-G6 | 6O-8L | 84-9 CFS
06-6 82-1 6L-T gg.g 69.8 GO-TL | &6.9 P9.6
8h.3 00.1 &P.1 69.9 08-4 Ge.9 00-8 S66
v6.6 20-T 6F.T LL.6 OF-2E | @8-0L | 2b-0T 6.6 18-6
66.6 08.1 66-1 €F-cL | 00-FL | ~~” "| €&.8T bE 69.96
10.8 v0.1 F9.1 ¥8-0L | 96.91 | P9.6 19-11 ¥2.G 10.66
86.4 §6. PPT 6F-8 GO.9T | 6L-OL | 96.8 WT P8.96
$8.6 9L.T 18- GGL 0G-8L | S&-FL | 68.8 6P.G OF. SG
18.3 G6. 69.1 99.6 09.16 | 93-6 19.6 68.6 19.96
ee mH o| # a x | °
pera ee Be se ule Seals staal eb a ag
orUvdIO) Fa ® 3 9 gz by we
ur He e s 2 BO
uesouIN, g : E &
‘NMDOULINT ‘HSV NI SENTALITSNOD

“AVa'T TO NOIGISOdWO*)

———s

eet tatis’ x sal oSvi0a Vv

meee s ses KIS W199 N
; ASNT
SUOs ono Le Ay AA

re ay AYsjozay,

* sNquUep[Q JO "Youd

SOOO. NC. G og

sees ees KAS Wty 4.10 NT
* “snes
* AygTRa AL
. * AYSJoROT,
“SIN Uop[g Jo "yon¢y

“ONY NT

‘YSV UL s}uonysuOH jurytodwy Jo uopisodwoyg oSvyuoo10g Fuory OU} jo uonrtsodwop

‘SHAVUT HUUL WIdaV dO SUSATVNV

“ Moisture-—With the exception of the Fameuse, the percentage of water in all
the specimens taken 25th May lies between 70:94 and 72:11—praetically, between 71
and 72, The Fameuse is more succulent, and contains 75°45 per cent. water. In
the leaves gathered 20th September we find a general diminution in the percentage
of water, the loss being in the neighbourhood of 12 per cent. It is interesting, and
perhaps instructive, to note that with regard to the amount of water, the leaves of
25th May fall into the same order with those of 20th September, the Duchess of
Oldenburgh containing least and the Fameuse most water, showing clearly that while
all have followed the general law in loss of moisture, each has retained its own
characteristic individuality.
Average percentage of water in young leaf.................. 72°3
do do MUATHMOIGA Ecce amanc eects 60°71

“ Organic Matter —This includes all the combustible material of the leaf, and is
composed of carbon, oxygen, hydrogen and nitrogen. In the leaves of 25th May,
those of the Duchess of Oldenburgh and of the Wealthy, the percentages of organic
matter are almost the same, and head the list. The Tetofsky and Northern Spy also
contain almost identical amounts, or somewhat less than the two first mentioned,
while the Fameuse contains the smallest quantity of organic matter. This order is
preserved in the leaves plucked 20th September. From an inspection of these two
columns it will be observed that there is a general diminution of water and increase
of organic matter as the season advances, and that any special variety preserves its
relative position to other varieties in this respect throughout the season,

Average percentage of organic matter in young leaf...... 25°31

do do maturer leaf... 35°83
“ Ash.—The percentage of all the inorganic or mineral constituents of the leaf
are found in this column. With the exception of the Wealthy we find the
amounts of ash of the :eaves of 25th May closely approximating one another. The
leaves of the Wealthy fall about -5 per cent. below the others inash constituents. In
those of the 20th September we find a general increase in the percentage of ash,

amounting from °5 to 1:5 per cent. over those of 25th May.

Average percentage of ash in young leaf...........-......++ 2°33
Oma do maturer | Caf. ..ss-cehescccencs 3°46

“ Phosphoric Acid.—With regard to the composition of the ash as detailed in the
columns following, it is difficult to discover in many cases what principle, if any,
underlies the distribution of the mineral constituents throughout the tissues of the
leaf during its growth. Without reading too much, however, into the results of a
single analysis, an inspection of this column shows most clearly that the young leaf
contains in its ash a much larger percentage of phosphoric acid than the maturer
one—in some instances the phosphoric acid in the latter is but one-half, or even less,
than that of the younger leaf. This would lead us to suppose that, as the season
advanced, there was a retrograde movement of the phosphoric acid of the leaf to
other parts of the tree. As the seed is well known to contain a relatively large
quantity of this acid we may legitimately be allowed to think that the food
elaborated in the leaf found its way finally, in part, at all events, to the fruit and
other portions of the tree. And this undoubtedly expresses a truth (though pro-
bably not the whole truth), for we observe that the average number of pounds of
phosphoric acid per 1,000 pounds of the younger leaf is higher than the correspond-
ing number for the maturer leaf, viz.: as 2°45, 1:94, and this in spite of the fact that
the percentage of ash in the latter is considerably higher than the former.

Average percentage of phosphoric acid in the young leaf... 10:47

do do maturer leaf 5°82
“ Potash.—It would not be safe from the results tabulated to advance strongly
any theories regarding the disposition of this important element in the leaf. The
percentage of potash in the young leaf is somewhat lower than that in the maturer
loaf. When we, however, consider the increased amount of ash in the latter, we find

/
|
q
:
:
\
a
4
:

et
.
4
7
|

f 145

that per 1,000 lbs. the older leaves contain 15 lbs. more potash than the
younger leaves. On comparing the amounts of potash obtained in these analyses
with the quantity as found in leaves of other trees it is at once apparent that the
leaves of the apple tree are exceptionally rich in this material .

“ Time.—The average percentage of lime in the ash of the young leaf is 17°40,
while that of the maturer leaf is 27-91, an increase of 10 per cent. This increase
would appear also to be regular throughout the varieties examined. Thus, the
Duchess stands first in percentage of lime in both lists, followed closely by the
Tetofsky, and so on.

“ Magnesia.—W hile the percentage of lime increased during the growth of the
leaf, the analytical data show that the percentage of magnesia decreases during that
period. Thus, in the young leaf we have magnesia 9°77 as the average percentage,
and in the maturer leaf this number is reduced to 4:81. This fact is the more
remarkable and interesting when we remember that the percentage of phosphoric
acid diminished in the same ratio during the same period. It seems quite possible
that these two elements of plant food are intimately related in the economy of the
plant, and that in the elaboration of the plant food within the tissues and the dis-
tribution of this food to the different parts of the tree these two play a very
important role.
“ Oxide of Iron and Silica—Throughout the whole series the amounts of these
constituents are seen to be very similar, and the average in the young and the mature
leaf closely approximate each other. The iron after it has performed its functions in
the chlorophyll of the leaf appears to remain in the leaf, and from the figures in
the table it is seen that there is no extra deposition of silica in the cells of the leaf
as it grows older.
_ Nitrogen —The only constitutent of great importance that remains to be dis-
cussed is nitrogen. The differences in the amounts of nitrogen contained in the
organic matter of the leaves of the different varieties examined are so small that one
would not be warranted in drawing any conclusion therefrom as to diffe:ences in this
constituent between the varieties. On taking the averages, however, of nitrogen of
the leaves in the two stages of their growth, a considerable difference is at once
apparent—a difference that corresponds to 3 per cent. of albuminoids. The figures
are :—
Nitrogen in young leaf 2:94 corresponding to 18°61 per cent albuminoids,
do maturer leaf 2-48 do 15°50 do
“The amount of nitrogen per 1,000 pounds of the maturer leaf is 8:87 pounds,
as against 7-42 pounds in the young leaf. This is due to the increased percentage of
organic matter in the older leaf. It is evident from these results that changes which
affect the relative percentage of nitrogen in the organic matter tale place in the leaf
during its development—but what these changes may be is beyond the scope of the ~
present paper to discuss.

“Phosphoric acid, potash and nitrogen are the three constituents which above all

others must be put back into the soil if we are to preserve its fertility. Plants of
certain orders require more of one or other of these than plants of other orders.
Some soils are specially rich or poor in one or more of the materials—and con-
sequently in the rational mvde of application of fertilizers much intelligence and
patience must be exercised.
“That the leaves of the apple trees draw a large amount of food from the soil
annually has been shown. This must be replaced in excess for the vigorous growth
of the tree. The leaves of the tree play no unimportant part—respiration and diges-
tion are their two chief functions—which, if they do not perform well, the tree can-
not live and bring to perfection its fruit. Therefore when we feed the leaves we are
indirectly feeding the fruit.

“The resnlts of this work seem to point in the direction of mineral fertilizers,
and specially of potash, as being more particularly cquired for the growth of the
leaves, and, therefore, for the vigorous development of the tree, including an
abundant crop of fruit.
6c—10

146

“A heavy dressing of wood ashes (which may be procured in many parts of
Canada at a very low price), or of kainit or other form of potash, is, therefore, to be
recommended for orchards.

“The value of the leaves composted—a process to be advised as more economical
than burning—is also well established by the data afforded by this work.”

REPORT ON THE EFFECT OF SOLUTIONS OF COPPER SULPHATE
(BLUE VITRIOL), IRON SULPHATE (GREEN VITRIOL), AND
OF “AGRICULTURAL BLUE STONE,” ON THE
VITALITY OF SEED WHEAT.

A communication was received in March last from Messrs, Tees and Persse, of
Winnipeg, Man., accompanied by a sample of “agricultural blue stone’”—a sub-
stance now in the market for destroying the germs of smut. The following extract
is from their letter :—

“ As you are no doubt aware, it has long been the custom of farmers to soak
their seed grain in a solution of blue vitriol to destroy ihe ‘smut’ before sowing.
The sample sent you is cheaper than the regular blue vitriol, but it is claimed that
it is better for destroying smut; while some hold that the sulphate of iron in
sample sent you will destroy the germ in the wheat. As this is a matter of such
great importance to this country, we have taken the liberty of bringing it under
your notice, and would be glad if you would give us your opinion upon the merits of
this new article at as early a date as possible.”

An analysis of this sample of “agricultural blue stone” gave the following
results :—

Sulphate of irom (@reen VibvIOl) 2. ...ccce..0cesseueeeeceoecceemamese 69°30
do Copp cri (bIitekvaGrIO)) eanessnectaseesr este eaeecktenecr 30°70
100-00

A series of experiments was then inaugurated to ascertain the effect of solu-
tions of iron sulphate, copper sulphate and of the “agricultural blue stone” on the
vitality of the wheat germ. ‘The sample of wheat selected to be experimented with
was Red Fife and yielded 97°5 per cent. of germinating seed.

The first experiment consisted in soaking the grain for 36 hours—theseed being
totally submerged—in (a) a solution of “agricultural blue stone,” and (0) a solu-
tion of sulphate of iron. The strength of the solutions was 1 |b. of the material to 8
gallons of water. The seed, at the expiration of the 36 hours, was taken out of the
solutions and allowed to dry in the air at ordinary temperatures. It was then sown
in earth in the conservatory.

The following table gives the number of plants from the grain on the dates
which appear at the head of the columns. Two hundred grains were sown in each
experiment,

Red Fife Wheat. 8 | c ip a Percentage
re = a a & < of
Sown 15th March. 3S SG a a = Vitality.
eK va = 3 N
x) Ps 5 = gq
MWmtreatedecny ey chsasyenciem«eceteteacis 191 195 194 195 195 97°5
Treated with sulphate of iron....... 166 a7 171 1738 173 86°5
Treated with ‘“‘agricultural blue
SLONLE Merete havens fay cravetre (hein tee Mate leTan Fe 103 1¢3 116 126 128 64:0

j
A,
a
5
x

147

From the figures in this table it will be seen that the effect of this method of
treatment with sulphate of iron was a reduction of 11 per cent. in the vitality of
the seed, while the solution of “agricultural blue stone” diminished the vitality
by 33°5 per cent. It may fairly be concluded from these results that the sulphate
of copper present in the “blue stone” acted more injuriously than did the sulphate
of iron. The following experiment was then made, in order to arrive at the action
of the sulphate of copper per se upon the grain. The mode of treatment was the same
asin the previous experiment (submergence for 36 hours, etc.), and the strength of the
solution in the proportion of 1 lb, of the material to 8 gallons of water, as before,
The seed treated with sulphate of iron and “agricultural blue stone’? was part of
the quantity tested on 15th March, and consequently had been dry after treatment
13 days.

Red Fife, 200 Grains. & & E Bi & a Bi Pereeniaee
Sown 28th March. ie) 4 = 3 = = = Vitality.
a iD ~ S a ~ qa
= rm re ri =“
Treated with Suphate of Iron| 112 154 WHE Nsebc oon aL BY (poasboca 193 96°5
Treated with ‘‘ Agricnltural
JN GUN foo Wee Ree aeee 22 43 72 83 98 100 yil 50°5
Treated with Sulphate of
op penec-cskiei1see ine sloies < 30 43 61 67 72 74 80 40°0

It is thus apparent that the sulphate of copper in the “agricultural blue stone”
during the 13 days had had the effect of still further lowering the percentage of
vital seeds ; while the sulphate of iron had not impaired the vitality of the wheat.
The seed treated with sulphate of copper gave but 40 per cent. of growing plants.
We may thus conclude that while sulphate of iron had but little action on the vitality
of the wheat germ, sulphate of copper by the same treatment has a most deleterious
effect.

As the method of treatment received in the foregoing experiments may be con-
sidered an extreme one, I determined to ascertain what the effect on the wheat germ
would be by simply sprinkling the seed with solutions, allowing them to dry, and
sowing at once. The following table shows the results obtained by this means, the
solution being of the same strength as before :— ;

Red Fife, 200 Grains. g a Be g & E e Horan ee
Sown 28th March. i = 4 iS 3 3 e Vitality.
A 1S = = 2 = gq

i ha Be = L
‘Treated with sulphate of iron............... 115 | 170} 181] 184] 192] 198 |p atti | 99°0
do ‘agricultural blue stone”..... 47 93 | 1380} 188 | 144) 15 159 79.5
do Sulphate of copper.........--.. 40| 69] 99] 113] 126) 130) 145 725

|

P A marked difference, due to the mode of treatment, is at once seen. The sced
thus subjected to sulphate of iron had its vitality uninjured; that with the “agricul-
tural bluestone” lost 19°5 per cent. of its vitality, while that with sulphate of copper
was destroyed to the extent of 26:5 per cent.

Throughout these experiments it was noticed that the seed treated with the
‘different solutions had the growth of their plants retarded and weal as compared
with those of the untreated grain, and this was much more marked in the case of
seeds subjected to solutions of copper sulphate and “agricultural blne stone ” than
when sulphate of iron was used. As soon as roots had begun to svsorb nourishment
from the soil this lack of Juxuriousness of growth was less noticeable.

The following conclusions from these experiments may, I think, be safely
drawn :—

6c—104

¢

1. That a solution of sulphate of copper of the strength of 1 |b. to 8 gallons of
water has the effect of destroying a number of wheat germs, and that even when
the sulphate of copper is present only to one-third of this amount (as it is in the
“agricultural blue stone”) the injurious action is still strongly marked.

2. That a solution of sulphate of iron of the same strength has eventually but
little destroying action on the wheat seed, though at first the plants from seed so
treated have their growth somewhat retarded.

3. That the length of time that the sulphate of copper is in contact with the
seed determines, to a large extent, the amount of damage done to the vitality of the
germ, Ifsprinkling be sufficient to destroy the smut spores the grain should not
be Ioftin contact with the solution longer than necessary, but dried and sown at once.

In order to supplement this work and to ascertain, if possible, the effect of these
solutions on bunt or hard smut, further experiments were undertaken during the
past season at the Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa.

These experiments consisted of two series, in one of which the grain was
Ladoga, in the other Red Fife. Each series comprised four plots. In the first plot
of each series the grain sown was untreated, in the second it had been previously
treated with sulphate of iron, in the third with solution of “agricultural blue stone,”
and in the fourth sulphate of copper had been used.

The strength of the three solutions was 1 lb. to 8 gallons of water, The
grain in each experiment with treated wheat was thoroughly sprinkled, allowed to
dry by spreading in a thin layer exposed to the atmosphere, and at once sown.

The results of these experiments are as follows :—

There was no smut of either kind upon any of the Red Fife plots.

In the case of the Ladoga, loose smut appeared on all of the four plots, the per-
centages of diseased ears from the treated and untreated grain being very close—
between 3 and 5 per cent. There was no hard smut on any of the Ladoga wheat,

The results of these experiments seem to indicate that none of the solutions tried
are efficacious in preventing the development of loose smut,

In view of the fact that it is the “hard,” “stinking smut” or bunt that is chiefly
deleterious in Manitoba and the North-West Territories, and that such rarely occurs
when the wheat is grown here, it seems highly desirable that these experimerts
should be repeated in the districts above named, and to this end it is proposed to
conduct the investigation during the coming year upon the Experimental Farms at
Brandon and Indian Head.

WELL WATERS.

Attention was drawn in my last report to the great importance to farmers of a
pure and abundant water supply, for use in their own families and for watering
stock. At the same time, an offer was made of a free analysis to those farmers who
suspected the quality of their water, if they were willing to prepay the freight on
the sample. In response to this inducement several have asked for the examination
of their drinking waters. To these, instructions were sent as to the manner of taking
the sample The right collection of the water is a very important matter, and it is
particularly desired that those in the future wishing an analysis should write for
the necessary instructions beforehand. r

It is especially to the dairymen that this question of pure water is of interest
and importance. Pure and wholesome milk can only be obtained from cows sup-
plied liberally with pure, fresh water. The general health of the animal must be
impaired by drinking polluted water, and many germ diseases in man have had
their origin traced to the milk from cows having access to impure and contaminated
water.

From the following table it will be seen that out of ten drinking waters sub-
mitted to analysis only three were returned safeto drink. In many instances gross

contamination had taken place by drainage from stables, barn yard or other source —

of pollution, thereby rendering the water poisonous and extremely dangerous for use.

‘aayvar snooldsns y
op op op op

‘pq Aroa f sasodand Suppurap 10; yyy
‘snorordsns A[ysry 194" Ay

“JOPVM [VIOULUL B JO GIN{LU O44 JO,
“1094VUL OFBAAS

MoqVVULOSv AMES YZIM pognifod £ osn oy 4 GU)
“HOTVULIMLAOD snornlur

Uoay Barz ‘OUTOSaTOYM + 107%A\ Pood Aare yy
‘ash 10x qyun oyinb f 1oyeM pyq A[Surpaooxyy

‘zoZ0Ep YyIM papueyy¥ sn £ snorordsng
resvureap Aq payvurimvguos £ osn roy AyUy

W4tay pegniod £ peq Atoa f asn roy 4yUy|°

MOTO YIU eUO YoaaIo WLO.TF TOVE AA |

QUO ‘UlPog, 4% Yea1o woz 109v AY
pale Maret re “= 9Tqegs WWoOay
“sp 00G ‘osuoy WtoIz 43 OF “TIOAL

“* T[ow UvISOLLY

sie/mieiahs/ stein) =) /a\elnie le ee Att

\tmory 47 OQ ‘doap “43 TZ ‘TToa. osnoFyT

“es -yoato Surdg
PaO 0 5 “Ssurpping
-gno 04 aso “deap “97 ¢9 ‘TTe Ay
Aatad wWo1y “4 F 0G “Coop “47 9% ‘TOAV
rent gs Sear Bas

WOT} “3F OZT ‘doep “33 Eg ‘TAL

80F-.§
998.¢
619.1
000.8

809.4

00.6

byeT

P9.G |0G.T

*ga0dayy

‘eounog Jo sIv[noaeg

“A 008

‘Sty p UL

ge

AxQ

“A008

qe UU CT UL

paqiosqe ues
paqaosqu waShxQ,

UON[T 19g S}tVq ul pozeyg szjnsoyy
“SSUMLVM TTHM FO SUSAIVNV

"10. cg

0.681
0.616
0.911

0-208

0-11

0.081

0-06
0.9001
0.081
0-0F§

tT uo sso'y

ras

“"Sprfos_ Jo
TOL

0.0PL
0.888
0.069
0.099

0.806

0.968
0.09
0.89P
0-809
0.608
0.996

8103 SPrOS,

“WOINTUST

00-06
00.0F
00-T 8002.
00.38

00-011
00-08
00.81

00.8F

Vv

‘euLIoTyO,
prouramapy

“RIMOULUL

soe recer atic ‘aquotIpy
Hesse @ On

tree see eseesatig) ‘grax
“8 -uppr ‘uopunag

EEOOGODULE, bat g) ‘uopuory

op
SaubodD op

verses sunt ‘opuniy
“TIAN “pvoyy werpuy
Ho oeeees sual ‘ATeuog

Sse eB TAT UepaT A

“Aqrpwoory

SO) Wee one
oe op

“UUUTTTLAA “WEALOD »
“"plard “yqrutg
“ sorgp SUTLIUD,

op
: op
“W'S “proypogd
ssnsuy ‘ARor yay
ae op

“(OD Suosdmoyy,

‘oule N

The chief impurities found in drinking waters, as detected by chemical analysis,
are of an organic nature, and arise from the presence of decomposing animal or
vegetable matter, or both. The former is to be regarded as the more deleterious of
the two, and comprises the solid and fluid excreta of animals, decaying animal matter
and the like; vegetable pollution consists of peaty matter—the more or less decom-
posed remains of plants. Although vegetable matter is not as injurious as that of
animal origin, an excessive quantity is very apt to cause diarrhcea and kindred
complaints.

Whether the organic matter itself always acts in the water as a poison or not
is yet a question open for discussion, though there seems to be ample evidence that
in many instances active organic poisons are developed by the decomposing matter.

It has, however, been well established that it is the organic matter of a water
that forms the food for the growth of bacteria—microscopic plants, among which are
the disease germs—and cases of typhoid (a germ disease) have been repeatedly traced
to drinking water surcharged with organic matter.

For these reasons we may safely conclude that a water containing much organie
matter must be more dangerous to health than water comparatively orgamcally
pure.

It is of the first importance, therefore, to discover the degree to which any
water may be contaminated by organic matter and to endeavour to establish whether
such be vegetable or animal.

The amounts of free and albuminoid ammonia, of the oxygen absorbed in fifteen
minutes and four hours, and of chlorine, are a measure of the organic impurities of a
water,

Large quantities of free ammonia associated with a considerable amount of
chlorine prove contamination with sewage.

Small quantities of free ammonia and chlorine and high amounts of albuminoid
ammonia and “oxygen absorbed ” indicate vegetable pollution.

When the ratio of oxygen absorbed in 15 minutes to that absorbed in 4 hours is
as 1:2 dissolved vegetable matter is indicated ; when this ratio approaches 1:1°5 the
presence of animal organic matter is shown. A water contaminated with vegetable
matter will absorb or use up more oxygen than one polluted with animal matter,

As every water must be judged according to its source and surroundings, it is
impossible to lay down rules that could be applied rigidly in every case, though it
has been abundantly shown that a good water, wholesome for use, should not contain
more than ‘08 parts per million of free ammonia, nor more than ‘10 parts per million
of albuminoid ammonia, and the amounts of chlorine and total solids should not
exceed 70 and 570 parts respectively.

Those who are about to dig wells are cautioned against locating them in barn
yards and stables or near any source of pollution—and this is especially urged where
the soil is sandy or gravelly. It has been proved beyond dispute that the soakage
from such contaminating sources will travel comparatively long distances in light soil,
and it is in such that it will act as a cesspool.

The surroundings of the well should at all times be kept clean, and the well
itself examined from time to time as to its freedom from refuse material, Vegetable
debris and dead animals are often the cause of impure water,

FOUNDATION COMB.

In June last we were requested by the D, A. Jones Company Limited, of Beeton,
to analyse and report on several samples of ‘‘foundation comb,” which they suspected
to be adulterated. As the matter was deemed of great importance to bee-keepers:

151

throughout the country, this request was complied with. Three samples of sus-
pected comb were received, which, upon analysis, were found to have the following
composition :—

ANALYsIS OF FounDATION ComB.

ESEESWAKA: felts rctcls ales © tsi sis elsis 8 8iays ais eiv,o1s Tae waa owe wees Uowdweacaaas| 31°24 43°60 70°06.
PAPAIN Ce Metres ares coats cine eis aie a einiaia nine cree arebinle vidlcee bicinen cetele.seincs 2 68°76 56°40 29°04

100-00 | 100-00 | 100-00

The parties who sent these samples to Messrs. Jones & Co. all claim to have
procured them from R. E. Smith, Tilbury Centre. The above analyses, with
remarks on the fraud in selling, and the danger in using such adulterated comb,
have been published by the editors of the Canadian Bee Journal.

In the opinion of bee-lkeepers, pure beeswax is the only material that can besat-
isfactorily used for foundation comb. Paraffin melts at a much lower temperature
than beeswax, and this fact alone militates against its use in bee-hives. It has been
proved by experience that manufactured comb containing paraffin melts in hot
weather, a total collapse of the comb, often full of brood or honey, resulting.
Besides this loss of honey or brood, the bees are smeared by the melted mixture.
Messrs. Jones write me as follows, regarding their experience with foundation comb
containing parafiin :—

“Paraffin was tested as a base for comb years ago, and, owing to the tempera-
ture at which it melts, was found totally useless as a substitute for beeswax. In all
cases which we have had this summer, where adulterated comb had been sent out,
great loss has been sustained through the comb breaking down when partly built
out, and this will always be the case with foundation containing any great amount of
araffin,”

E In addition to this, it must be noted that the difference in price per pound of
beeswax and paraffin is from 25c. to 30c. To sell adulterated comb at the same
price as the pure article is therefore a dishonest practice.

When the foundation comb contains a comparatively large percentage of para-
ffin, the adulteration may be detected by one or more of the following means :—

1, By its smell, colour and consistency. Adulterated wax has not the strong
characteristic odour of beeswax, developed especially by friction, neither has it the
tough and pliable nature of genuine wax. On being kept, the wax containing
paraffin becomes white and brittle.

2, Ifa small lump of this impure article be placed in cold water, together with a
similar quantity of comb known to be pure, and the temperature of the water
gradually raised, the comb containing paraftin will melt first and form a fluid layer
on the top of the water, while the pure beeswax is but just beginning to melt.

4. Make a mixture of alcohol and water, in such proportions that a piece of
pure beeswax will stay suspended in the middle of the fluid. This is most easily
done by placing a piece of pure wax on the top of some spirit in a glass, and then
adding carefully, and with constant stirring, sufficient water to make the wax sink
slowly. If the mark is at first overstepped the addition of a little more spirit will
cause the beeswax again to rise.

As paraffin is much lighter than beeswax, the adulterated sample will be found
to float on this liquid, and a considerable quantity of alcohol will have to be added to
cause the impure wax to sink.

=

SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION.

The following article on the causes and prevention of cases of spontaneous com-
bustion in barns and stables written by me in response to the enquiries of a corres-
pondent, was published in the pages of the Canadian Live Stock and Farm Journal.
The importance of the subject to the farmers throughout the Dominion is such
that no apology will be needed for its insertioz here.

“ SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION.”

“ Combustion, as it is ordinarily known and recognized, is the chemical com-
bination of combustible matter with the oxygen of the air, the union of the two
being accompanied by the giving out of heat and light. When the union takes
pare rapidly the heat evolved is intense, but when slowly, the heat produced may

e almost imperceptible—though the sum total of the heat produced may: be the
same in both cases. Combustion may therefore occur without the phenomenon of
flame—as flame is really burning gas, which, for its generation from ordinary com-
bustible material and ignition, requires a somewhat intense heat. The heat of our
bodies is maintained by a process of slow combution, 7.e., evolution of heat unac-
companied by flame, through the union of the organic matter of our food with the
oxygen of the air we breathe.

“Spontaneous combustion (or ignition of inflammable material without contact
with flame) occurs when the union of the oxygen (oxidation) is sufficiently rapid to
raise the temperature to the ignition or burning point of the inflammable substa: ce.
The first great requisite of combustion is air—or rather the oxygen of the air.
Woollen and cotton rags saturated with oil are capable of absorbing oxygen rapidly,
and in consequence of which have their temperature raised to the ignition point—a
comparatively low temperature for such material. Very many well-known and
authenticated instances are on record of this character as causing fire in the holds of
vessels and in manufactories. Dust, formed by the deposition of organic matter in
an exceedingly fine state of division, often causes, in like manner, fires in woollen and
grist mills.

“The spontaneous fires which break out in hay-stacks, barns, manure piles, etc.,
are all due to this same process of oxidation, and are caused by the inflammable
material being damp—moisture greatly assisting slow combustion. Fermentation
may be considered as one of the many forms of combustion. It is a process in which
the decomposition of the material is brought about by bacteria—microscopie plants
always present in the air—whose development requires moisture and warmth. By
their growth more heat is generated, until that point is reached at which the mate-
rial upon which they feed takes fire. Fermentation is the principal agent in causing
spontaneous ignition in barns, outhouses, ete.

“There are other causes besides those given above for spontaneous combustion.
A not infrequent one is the slaking of lime. Two instances have come under my
notice in which barrels of quicklime, left uncovered in a leaky building, have become
slaked by the rain, the heat generated by the operation of slaking—really a chem-
ical combination of the lime with the water—being sufficient to ignite the surround-
ing woodwork. The prevention in such cases as these it is not necessary to enlarge
upon. As to those instances in barns, ete., in which the fire is caused by damp hay
or clover, I would say, if possible, do not store it damp, and see that the roof is
water-tight or the stack well thatched. If, however, circumstances necessitate the
putting away of the hay moist, salt it well. Salt is a preventative of fermentation,
and consequently of heat. If, ia spite of these precautionary measures, heat begins
to generate in the mow, ventilation should be resorted to, so that the heat as it 1s
developed may be carried off, and not allowed to accumulate or become so intense as
to raise the hay to its burning temperature. In the case of manure piles, it isa wise

eS A ee ee ee ee ee

a a
;

practice to mix together in the heap the horse and cow dung. Horse manure fer-
ments and heats more readily and rapidly than cow dung. The mixing of the two
prevents the former from becoming fire-fanged, which means, to a large extent,
depreciation in value, and at the same time a fermentation is set up in the colder
cow dung which renders its fertilizing constituents more available for plants.
2 “ With regard to your question respecting the frequent fires ‘commonly credited
_ to unknown causes,’ it is quite possible that many of these are true cases of spon-
taneous combustion; yet, undoubtedly some are occasioned by the smouldering
_ embers from the pipe of the farmer, his hired man, or the tramp, or are due to the
carelessness in the use of unprotected lights, or caused by the viciousness of incen-
diaries. Without data, it is impossible to state what percentage of fires is due to
these respective causes.”

ee. ae ee

REPORT OF THE ENTOMOLOGIST AND BOTANIST.

(James FLercuer, F.R.S.C., F.L.S.)

W. Saunpers, Esq.,
Director, Dominion Experimental Farms.

Sir,—I have the honour to hand you herewith a report upon the work carried
on in my Department during the past year. It is of course impossible to report in
full upon the multiplicity of subjects which are brought officially under my notice
during the year. I have treated at some Jength certain of the more important
subjects, so that information as to the nature of the objects discussed, and remedies
when known, might be disseminated as widely as possible.

DIVISION OF ENTOMOLOGY.

There has been much correspondence to attend to as well as field work to
prosecute, IJ have reported fully upon the American’ Frit Fly, which has been a:
serious pest of wheat, barley and grasses for the last three or four years; the Medi-
terranean Flour Moth, a dangerousimported insect; the Pea Weevil, which is begin-
ning to increase in numbers; the Diamond-back Cabbage Moth, and the Cabbage
Maggot, dire enemies of that wholesome vegetable ; the Strawberry Weevil, and an
injurious caterpillar which periodically strips the oak trees on Vancouver Island of
every vestige of foliage.

DIVISION OF BOTANY.

The work in this division has consisted chiefly in looking after the experimental
grass plots, which are reported on in full herewith, and the arboretum; in naming
botanical specimens and weeds sent in for identification; and in giving instructions
in the use of the various remedies which have lately been used with such good effect
against fungous diseases of plants. I regret that the space at my disposal precludes
the possibility of treating of these in this report; but 1 hope at no very distant date
to issue in bulletin form an account of the successful work which has been accom-_
plished, particularly in the United States, in fighting these troublesome diseases.

In the meantime, I wish to announce that I shall be glad to send instructions
for the treatment of fungous diseases, where remedies are known, to all who may wish
for them.

These studies are very recent, dating only from about 1885. The good work
which has been done is due largely to the energy and ability of Mr. B. T. Galloway,
the chief of the Division of Vegetable Pathology at Washington, who, in writing on
this subject in the American Garden for October, 1890, says as follows: “ Let us
now see what have been some of the practical results of this work. In the first place,
grape-growers everywhere have been made acquainted with the causes of such
diseases as black-rot, downy-mildew and anthracnose. Moreover, it has been proved
to their entire satisfaction that these diseases can be prevented by proper treatment.
Between two and three thousand grape-growers in all parts of the country used the
remedies in 1889, and from estimates based on reports received from about thirty,
we know that the actual saving in money to these, above all expenses, was something
over $10,000. Our agents last year, in treating potatoes for blight and rot, sueceeded
in saving 75 per cent. of the crop. On this basis, the amount saved to the entire
country, if all the infected districts had been treated, would have been something
over a million dollars.”

A memorandum is submitted herewith by Mr. Galloway, concerning a curious
bacterial disease of oats, which, although not very injurious in Canada, has been
very prevalent in some districts.

In the Arboretum and Botanic Garden the work begun last year has continued.
The collection of trees and shrubs has been considerably augmented, and next
spring several herbaceous perennials, which have been grown from seed, or have
been collected from the woods in this and other parts of Canada, will be planted
out in their proper places. Particular efforts will be put forth to render the collec-
tion of native Canadian plants as complete as possible. At present, nezrly 400
different kinds of shrubs and trees have been set out, in most cases two specimens
of each kind, which are made up as follows :—

PATI AGHICIA CASS aucwenen =) a-esceec qf diva bamelenec ep ces-cone-aspacsseone 3
PANIIT AO oP eieaaelete i cialaicit-efecie Dy eG ami OSes, eee en smnenw cseee 23)
Berberidicesesc- <2... -sse-.s- Tae) Se CORee ete cloeetnsceeene eee acer 3
IBetulacese 222... co2eecee-- seca DielihamnaGesern presse nee ore eee 4
Bignoniacez............ sopboaeiee At STR OSNGERS cooocores oebas eobacada) SY
Capritohacee rsa .ccaccecescmeocne 30 Rutacee....... aise sgpinciecectemosse 1
Celastvacew es... nasd.< ss<00e% SAI GAGE se. nee cws as sesestmaesoe noe
WOM POSTE oo umehe-acaare cece TSA pind a Gees. ce ceees creo ese 17
(Wonton tenes. 62 -epacos heme (a) Sb dh ENGEK Ce Hegnceno a aoceusee ay ib)
OTM ACE cree sancncosch <b aaieeee 10 Simarubacee............ 1
(Chnyauulliiitaries ss epeaceaceoosneacecar MG) ¢ MIENIENE@ES. Eetosdoo! becaodacdc ae Mt
TAU A CER se. .s nc. en= cece) 25a oils SUTUIGAGR ee. ssseesscesek ses Mensa 7

Several low spots which needed draining were attended to last autumn, and
locations were decided upon for groups to illustrate some natural orders of plants
not as yet represented in the Botanic Garden,

MEETINGS ATTENDED,

By permission of the Hon. Minister of Agriculture I was allowed to attend
the Second Annual Meeting of the Association of Official Econgmic Entomologists,
held at Champaign, Ill. The meeting was one of much importance to all concerned,
and this association cannot but be a great influence in helping on the cause of agri

cultural entomology, by binding together all the students, over the whole globe, who
are engaged in that study. The undersigned was highly honoured by being elected
President for the ensuing year.

In February last I attended the Dominion Convention of Fruit Growers held at
‘Ottawa and read a paper on “Insects Injurious to Fruits,’ which was listened to and
discussed with interest.

I have also, by intruction of the Hon. Minister, attended several Farmers’
Institute meetings. These opportunities of meeting the farmers have been gladly
embraced, as I find them a most effective means of apprising farmers of the fact that
such work as I am engaged in, is being carried on, and also of showing that it
is of great importance to them. Not only this, but I have assured them that my
services are entirely at their disposal, and that I shall be pleased at all times to
advise them with regard te injurious insects and fungous diseases, if they will cor-
respond with me. In this way, I believe the work will yearly become more useful
and popular,

In January, 1890, I attended a very successful meeting of the County of Fronte-
nac Farmers’ Institute at Inverary, Ont., anddelivered addresses upon “ Farm and
~ Orchard Insects” and “ Weeds of the Farm.” After this meeting I proceeded to the
County of Peterboro’ Institute at Norwood and Keene. At each of these places an
_ afternoon and evening meeting was held. At the former I spoke upon “ Injurions
and Beneficial Insects” and “ Window-gardening for Farmers’ Wives,” at the latter
upon “ Injurious Insects a direct tax of 10 per cent. upon all Farm Products ” and
_ “Farmers’ vegetable and Fruit Gardens.”

156

In June I was invited to attend a summer meeting at Picton of the Prince
Edward County Institute, and through the kindness of Mr. W. Boulter, of Picton,
I was enabled to visit many of the farms, hop-gardens and orchards in the vicinity of
Picton. Mr. Boulter’s own orchard was most instructive from an entomological point.
of view It would be impossible to find better trimmed and cleaner trees than were
there. The smoothness and cleanness of the trunks of some trees which had been
planted twelve years was remarkable, and was due entirely, he assured me, to watching
them at the periods of ‘insect occurrence and then attending to them promptly. A
part of his regular annual treatment has been, for some years, washing them in June,
with ordinary home-made lye. Hesays: “This is made by filling a large barrel, ‘leach’
as it is called, with hard-wood ashes, pounding them in tight, and then pouring water
on as it soaks up. If the ashes are pounded in thoroughly it will take two days
before it starts to run. This lye is very strong. If the ashes are not pounded down
well it soon soaks through and the lye is weak. The proper strength-is found out
by experience, as farmers’ wives know in soap-making. We put this lye on all our
trees every year. For trees from four to six years old, we dilute the lye about one-half
with water; after that we use it nearly full strength, applying it with a corn broom,
rubbing the trunks and limbs thoroughly. We also let a good deal run down the
trunk to kill any insects that may be at the ground. Many have told me that the
lye is too strong. [ think not,and you can judge from what you saw when here.
We think the lye kills many insects which harbour in the bark; at any rate, we
know tnat since we have tried washing we have been very little troubled with
borers. We also draw all our ashes from the canning factory and spread them around
(away from) the trees. These I consider one of the best fertilizers in an orchard.”

The black-spot of the apple (Fusicladium dendriticum) was found to be very
prevalent upon both apples and pears. I therefore made “ Fungous Diseases and
their Remedies ” the subject of one of my addresses at Picton. Another was “ Insects
Injurious to the Pea Crop.”

From Picton I went to Leamington, in the County of Essex, where I addressed
a meeting in the afternoon upon “ Fungous Diseases of Fruits” and “ Fruit Insects,”
and in the evening spoke on “ Window Gardening.” ‘The next day was spent with
Mr. W. W. Hilborn, the President of the local Fruit Growers’ Association, who
kindly drove me to several of the large peach orchards and farms in the district.

CORRESPONDENCE,

The interest in the work under my charge is indicated by the large number of
letters which have been received. These numbered 1,547 during the last year, and
about the same number were dispatched. By far the larger proportion of these
were from farmers and others in Canada, but many were from co-workers in other
countries. During the past summer an important step has been taken in Great
Britain by the introduction, by Miss Eleanor A. Ormerod, the distinguished Ento-
mologist of the Royal Agricultural Society of England, of the arsenites as insecti-
cides. It is somewhat remarkable that notwithstanding the fact that these
materials are now so much used in America as to be considered indispensable in the
cultivation of certain crops, it is only within the last year that they have been used
in England. Owing to my position as Government Entomologist, I was honoured
by being consuited, at the suggestion of Miss Ormerod, as to the best treatment for
certain leaf-eating caterpillars which had been committing grievous depredations to
fruit trees in the south of England. In response, an account was given of the
American method of treating such insects, and under Miss Ormerod’s able direction
most satisfactory results were secured. On 23rd December, 1890, in reply to my
inquiry, ‘“ Has the Paris Green treatment for leafeating orchard insects, which you
have introduced into England this season, proved as satisfactory as you were led to
expect ?” Miss Ormerod writes, after expressions of thanks for assistance, which is
very highly over-estimated, as follows :—

4
4
i
|
:
5
|

157 : B

“With regard to results of our work, so far as is to be gathered from the reports me
which I have received from February up to date, I consider I am justified in saying
that the Paris green treatment was quite a success wherever we know that it was
applied in the proportion recommended, and with tolerable sprayers.” Mr. C. D. Wise,
Superintendent of the Toddington Fruit Farms, says: Paris green is the only thing 3
which we have found really efficaceous ; the foliage was not injured and the caterpillars :
were killed. In autumn, when the operation of sticky-banding the trees was carried :
on as usual, the lesser quantity of wingless moths captured was very remarkable.
Up to date of report nine moths on one tree was the largest number captured, against ¥
500 previously.” On the whole, this treatment was most successful, and there is little

doubt that it will soon be universally used in England.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS. Py.

My thanks are due to many of my correspondents who have assisted by making
observations and giving information concerning injuries by insects and fungi.
These cannot all be treated of in this report; but the data are all carefully recorded
and will be made use of as occasion permits.

I wish particularly to acknowledge my indebtedness to Prof. Riley, the
United States Entomologist, and Dr. George Vasey, the United States Botanist, for
the identification of specimens and for their kindness in lending me most of the
excellent figures in this report ; to Miss Eleanor A. Ormerod, the Entomologist of
the Royal Agricultural Society of England, for Figs. 3 and 4, and to Prof, H. Garman, of
the Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station, for Figs. land2. My thanks are also
‘due to all the above for their valuable opinions concerning many matters which I
was allowed to discuss with them, Mr. B. T. Galloway, Chief of the Department of
Vegetable Pathology at Washington. Prof. W. G. Farlow, of Cambridge, Mass.;
Prof. B. D. Halsted, of New Brunswick, N. J.; and Prof. T. J. Burrill, of Cham-
paign, Ill., have also rendered me invaluable service in identifying difficult species
of fungi which I have no facilities in the way of library or instruments to determine.

Donations have been received from the following :—

Dr. George M. Dawson.—Several remittances of seeds and cuttings from the
Rocky Mountains.

Prof. J. Macoun.—Several packets of seeds of rare native plants, as well asa
large collection of herbarium specimens.
Prof. S. M. Tracy, Agricultural College, Mississippi—aA large collection of grass
seeds.

Prof. W. J. Beal, Agricultural College, Michigan.—A collection of grass seeds.
Messrs. J. S. Pearce & Co., London.—-Samples of European grass seeds.
Government Botanical Garden, Bangalore, India.—Two remittances of seeds of
ornamental plants for the green-house.

Mr. John Mather, Ottawa.—Collection of samples of weed seeds from various
points in the North-West Territories, also seeds of Ammophila arundinacea and Ely-
‘Mus arenaria, two grasses used to keep sand from blowing and washing along
sea-shores.

Mr. J. M. Macoun.—Bulbs of Camassia esculenta from British Columbia.

Mr. John Tolmie.—Bulbs of Camassia Leichtlinii from Vancouver Island.

Mr. J. W. Mackay, Kamloops, B.C.—Seeds of native erasses.

Mr. W. Scott, Ottawa, and Messrs. J. Dearness, W. E. Saunders and J. A. Balkwill,
-of London, for specimens of dried plants for the herbarium.

Miss Alice Williams, Victoria, Vancouver Island.—Insects avd seed.

I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your obedient servant,

JAMES FLETCHER,
Entomologist and Botanist.

eee) ne dé a TT ee a Pay eS oe Cwm e+ An5 = or a
sh CEES gaat OP ee nt) j Ma Sdhay E> tote Ms ae

eee ea og SA ee Ree

158

DIVISION OF ENTOMOLOGY.

Fig. 2.

The American Frit Fly (Oscinis variabilis, Loew.)

Attack.—1. A small yellowish-white, legless maggot, which may be found in
autumn, destroying the bases of the stems of several kinds of grasses and fall-
wheat.

2. Also occurring in spring-wheat and grasses in June, attacking the young
root-shoots close to the ground, and either destroying or seriously weakening them.

For the last three years a small Oscinid fly has been bred from the roots
of various grasses, to some species of which the injuries had been considerable.
Agropyrum caninum, A. tenerum and A. repens (Couch grass) suffered severely. Two
forms of Poa pratensis, from the North-West Territories, and Llymus Canadensis, were
also badly attacked.

During the past summer spring-wheat has been seriously injured in several
places in the neighbourhood of Ottawa, and specimens of infested spring
wheat, sown on 19th April, were sent to me in June, containing not only the pup or
chrysalis cases of this fly, but also those of the Hessian Fly (Cecidomyia destructor,
Say), and the Wheat-stem Maggot (Meromyza Americana, Fitch).

These specimens, which were forwarded by Mr, Freeman Britton, of Gananoque,
Ont., were of particular interest. From them were reared the Hessian Fly and
American Frit Fly at the end of June, and a few weeks later the fly of the Wheat-
stem Maggot appeared. Thus it was proved that all of these insects attack spring-
wheat in the stools or root-shoots in the same way as they are known to attack
autumn-sown grain. In my last report I drew attention to the fact that the Wheat-
stem Maggot attacked certain grasses in this manner; but it is now shown by the
above that there is in this district a brood of each of the three above-mentioned
pests, which appears in the beginning of May, and that the eggs are laid on the root-
shoots of young growing grain. [am not aware that this fact has been previously
noted. Later in the season abundant evidence was found as to the extent of this
injury. At Eastman’s Springs a field of spring-wheat was observed, the yield of which
had certainly been reduced 75 per cent. In hardly any part of the field could a
plant be found with more than one stem, and this was weak and spindly, with the
ear frequently only half filled with grain. Upon examining the roots it could
plainly be seen that the stools had formed, but had been subsequently destroyed by
hosts of larvee of the above insects. The dead plants in the drills also showed that
many more plants had been killed than there were growing in the field. Of the
insects occurring in the injured plants, the American Frit Fly was by far the most
abundant.

The three insects are easily distinguishable in all their stages. In the larval or
maggot stage, in which they do all their injury to crops, they may be known by the
following characters.

1. The American Frit Fly—The maggot is long and slender, of a yellowish-white
colour, and has two small but distinct black hook-like jaws. The last division of
the body bears two little knob-like processes. Length when full-grown, about
jis of an inch,

2 a 2 Ps —» i « 7 ae

159

Prof. H. Garman, of the State College of Kentucky, who has studied this
insect and published his observations (Bulletin 30, Kentucky Agricultural Expe-
riment Station), gives also the following differences: ‘‘ Under the microscope
another difference is apparent. The first two divisions and the under-side of those
following are roughened with very fine raised lines, directed crosswise of the body
in the wheat Bulb-worm*, while in the Frit Fly grub the first divisions and the
under-side of those following in the region of the joints are roughened instead, with
numerous scale-like thickenings of the cuticle, with the hind edge of each thickening
finely toothed.”

2. The Wheat-stem Maggot.—This resembles the last in shape and structure, but is
conspicuously different by reason of its colour, which is clear, glassy green, and
also by its much larger size, which is + inch when full-grown,

3. The Hessian Fly.—This is proportionately much broader than the other two, of a
clearer white than the American Frit Fly maggot, and nearly always shows a
green stripe down the centre. Instead of the two hook-like black jaws, which
are present in the two previously mentioned maggots, the Hessian Fly larva has
a horny, forked organ, sometimes called the “ breast-bone.” Length of maggot
when full grown, } inch.

In the chrysalis stage the differences are equally marked :

1, The American Frit Fly—The pupa-case is shaped as shown above (Fig. 1), and is
of a pale chestnut-brown.

2. The Wheat-stem Maggot changes to a pale translucent green pupa.

3. The Hessian Fly.—The pupe of this insect are of a deep, rich brown, like small

flax-seeds, Fig. 4, and it is in this stage that farmers will most easily and surely

recognize the Hessian Fly when present.

Fig. 3. Fig. 4.

The attacks of these three insects also differ somewhat, although the effect
upon the crop is of course similar. The only known method of attack upon our
grain and grass crops by the Frit Fly is by the larve attacking the young shoots
at the ground. The egg is probably laid near the base, on the upper side of the
_ leaf, and when it hatches the young maggot works its way down and destroys the
centre of the young stem. There are, however, sometimes as many as four or
five puparia found in a single dead shoot. These do not appear to always lie in the
centre of the stem, but between the bases of the sheathing leaves; but when there
is only one larva it is generally in the middle of the shoot. This attack is very
similar to an injury to grain by an insect of the same family Oscinis, which has been
aha for many years in Europe, and which is sometimes very injurious to oats and
arley.

The Hessian Fly (Fig. 3) lays its eggs in the crease on the upper side of the
leaves, and the young maggots work their way down to the heart of the plant just
inside the leaf whereon they hatched, They lie there until full grown, and turn to
“flax seeds,” two or three being frequently found round one stem. They have not the

_ = Wheat-stem Maggot.—I have used this name heretofore because the stem attack, which I have styled
_ “Silver-top,” is the more conspicuous of the two injuries committed by this insect.

3
2
-
*
3
:
P
S:
\"
is
ne

power to tear up the tissues of the plant, as is done by the Frit Fly and Wheat-
stem Maggot, because they have not the hooked jaws; but they do effect a certain
amount of penétration, for they are frequently found partially embedded in hollows
in the stem of the plunt they are infesting. The Wheatstem Maggot is hatched
from beautiful white grooved and elongated eggs, which are laid upon the upper
surface of the leaf, sometimes at a considerable distance from the axil. When the
young maggot hatches, it like the others referred to above, works its way down
into the shoot and destroys the central leaf. It tears the tissues apart and eats a_
gallery up the centre of the shoot. In the summer brood the maggot occurs at the
base of the top, or ear-bearing joint, and by consuming the lower portion causes
the ear to die and turn conspicuously white (“Silver-tup”) before the uninjured
plants have shown any sign of ripening.

The perfect forms of these insects are extremely unlike. The Frit Fly is
shown at Fig. 1 very much enlarged. The colours are black and yellowish-white.
It is a very small insect, large specimens being only about 7; of an inch in
length. They are extremely active and hard to observe.

The fly of the Wheat-stem Maggot is a slender yellowish-green fiy, + of an inch
in length, with three dark lines extending down the back. Eyes golden-green, when
the fly is alive.

The Hessian Fly is adelicate dusky gnat, well shown in Miss Ormerod’s excellent
figure (No. 3,) where it is represented magnified and enlarged.

The somewhat remarkable popular name of the Frit Fly is explained by Miss
Ormerod and Prof. Garman as follows :—

“ Besides the attack to the young growing plant, great damage was recorded
formerly in Sweden from the second or summer brood, the maggots of which fed on
the soft grains in the ears of barley, and thereby caused the light worthless develop-
ment of the corn, known in Swedish as ‘frits,’ whence the name of the fly.
(Ormerod, E. A. Manual, 1890, p. 74.)

“The fly was long ago named Oseinis frit by the illustrious Linneeus, who also
made record of its injurious habit, stating that in 1750 the annual loss from its
depredations in Sweden alone reached 100,000 gold ducats.” “From the accounts
of the Frit Fly given by Curtis and Miss Ormerod it is evident that the insect works
on grain much like a small fly which I find in the grub state infesting wheat in
Fayette County, Kentucky. In structure and habit, as far as I have observed the
latter, it proves so like the Eurepean species, that it might perhaps be appropriately
named the American Frit Fly.” (Garman, H., Kentueky Ag. Ex. Station. Bul.
30 August, 1890.)

Of all the insects attacking grain crops in the Ottawa district last summer, the
American Frit Fly was by far the most destructive. In all cases observed the Hes-
sian Fly and Wheat-stem Meggot were found associated with it. The injury to the
plants was almost exclusively in the stools or root-shoots, and the usual summer
attacks of the two last named insects on the stems of grain were conspicuously
absent. On the other hand, the attacks upon the stools by-the summer brood, in the
same manner as fall wheat is attacked in the autumn, were this year for the first time
observed,

That the American Frit Fly was abundant in the locality previous to this season
was shown by its presence in injurious numbers upon the grass patches at the Experi-
mental Farm during the seasons of 1888 and 1889. Indeed, it was so abundant that
in these years, as well as during last season, the extermination of some species of
grasses was threatened.

There were peculiarities about the attacks of all these insects during last
season which would indicate that they may have been influenced by some meteoro-
logical conditions, and it is possible that these may have affected the growth and
maturing of grasses and grain in the early spring. A remarkable fact was the
enormous abundance of the perfect insects of the Wheat-stem Maggot in the month
of May. This was so great as to have caused fear of a serious destruction of the

‘wheat and barley crops. Asa matter of fact, however, there was less injury both to

small grains and grasses, by this insect, than for many years previously. This
_ diminution I can only account for by the supposition that the eggs must have been
destroyed by some predaceous insect. The eggs were certainly laid in large numbers,
but there was very little evidence of the presence of the larve, either in the growing
wheat or barley. ; ;
Remedies. —The life-history of the American Frit Fly, in all its phases, is not yet
completely worked out, and much careful work is yet required, of which accurate
notes must be taken at the time of observation, before any definite statement can be
made as to the best remedies to apply.
From what is known of its habits, which seem to be very similar to those of its
associates the Hessian Fly and Wheat-stem Maggot, some of the remedies which
have been suggested for those insects may be applied for this.
The insect passes the winter in the form shown at Fig. 1, either in fall-
wheat or grasses. When fall-wheat is attacked a liberal top-dressing of some
_ quick-acting artificial fertilizer, sowed broad-cast over the fields in springtime, when
growth re-commences, would help injured plants to overcome part of the injury by
production of supplementary stools,

A knowledge of the exact time of the occurrence and the number of the broods
would be of great use towards an intelligent treatment of stubbles and volunteer
crops, by burning over or deep-ploughing, after a field had been found to be attacked.

I shall be obliged if any one who finds his crop attacked by this insect will
correspond with me promptly upon its first appearance.

So far it can only be stated that two species of parasites were bred from this
insect during the past summer. Thespecimens were accidentally destroyed so nothing -
more can be said at present concerning them. i

The two figures used to illustrate the pupa and perfect fly of the American Frit
Fly are by Prof. Garman, who has been good enough to lend me the blocks. They
show the stages fifteen times larger than in life, and will be a great assistance in
identifying the insect wherever it may be observed.

The Cabbage Maggot. (Anthomyia brassice, Bouché.)

Attack—From one to many white, legless, maggots, which attack the roots of
_ young cabbage plants soon after they are pricked out, frequently destroying all the
roots and burrowing in the stems.

In most parts of Canada the insect which gives the greatest trouble to the
eabbage-grower is the Cabbage Maggot. This is the larval form ofa small gray, two-
winged fly, somewhat resembling the common house-fiy, but smaller, and with a
‘slenderer body. The wings, too, shut one over the other, and are conspicuously
longer than the body. The thorax, or portion to which the wings are attached,
in the male bears three dark stripes, and there is also one down the centre
and on the edge of each ring of the abdomen or hind-body. The female resembles
the male, but is more ashy in general colour, and has not the stripes on the thorax
‘nor the bands on the abdomen.

Tt is the usual custom to force cabbage in frames, which are kept covered during
the first part of the season, but are left open for some time before the young plants
are pricked out in the field or garden. Although in years of bad attack plants are
sometimes injured in the frames, this is the exception. Asa rule, they are not
infested until some time after they are transplanted. It is probable that the
handling, and the partially faded condition of the plants consequent to their trans-
plantation, bring out the characteristic odour of the cabbage, and that this attracts
the female flies, which lay their egys close to the stem and as much below the sur-
face as possible. The females will spend a good deal of time running over the
earth and trying to find some crevice by which they can creep beneath the surface
of the soil and lay their eggs close to the stem, or they will creep close up to it and
push the eggs down below the surface by means of their extensile ovipositors.
‘These eggs in a few days hatch, and the young maggots at once attack the outside

-

¥

PS nae I pe Naa a

oe oa i

yb Se a Bese

surface of the root. As they grow larger they penetrate the stem and when there
is only one it appears to remain inside the stem; when, however, as is frequently
the case, there are a dozen or more, most of them lie outside in the soil, which is
kept wet by the juices of the injured plant.

The maggots when full grown are white, about $ inch in length, with the front’
end pointed, and furnished with two hard black hook-like jaws. The hind end is cut off
obliquely and flattened with an irregular rosette of fleshy points round the margin,
and on the flattened surface two conspicuous dark-brown points, which are breathing
pores. These maggots area great pest to the cabbage-grower, destroying large
numbers of his plants when he thinks he has saved them from the omnivorous
cut-worms,

Unless very numerous at the root of a cabbage it takes some time before the
mjury becomes apparent. There is a common saying that “the maggot takes them
after the first thunderstorm in July.” In the Ottawa district there is frequently a
thunderstorm early in July, followed by hot,muggy weather. This is the time that
cabbages which have been badly injured at their roots by the maggots suecumb.
The injury has been going on for some time, but the June rains have enabled the
plant to preserve a healthy appearance; immediately the hot weather comes it
turns pale and the leayes droop. If one of these plants be taken up it will be fre-
quently found that the roots and all the lower part of the stem have been utterly
destroyed, and many of the maggots are full grown.

The past season was marked by the great abundance of this insect. In a large
patch of various kinds of cabbages, containing about 1,200 plants, which I examined
22nd June upon the Central Experimental Farm, I could find very few plants which
did not show the work of the maggot upon the roots or on the underground stem,
and in many gardens from one-half to three-quarters of the crop was destroyed.
During the first part of July several letters were received, complaining of its rava-
ges, from various parts of the Dominion. However, during the last week of June
T visited the County of Essex, and was much surprised and pleased to learn from
farmers and gardeners that this insect was practically unknown in the district
round Leamington.

Remedies.—A satisfactory remedy for this insect has long been a desideratum.
From some experiments tried during the past season I have received such success
that although they are not yet complete and will require further verification, I con-
sider it well to relate the details, so that, should the remedy prove satisfactory,
others may have the advantage of the knowledge as soon as possible.

Some three years ago I was told of some experiments, made by Mr. S. Green-
field, of Ottawa Hast, to destroy the onion maggot by the use of white hellebore.
This was made into a decoction, and watered along the rows of half a bed, with the
result that the onions upon that portion of the bed were far superior to those on the
part untreated. In fact, the onions were almost all sound, whilst the others were
nearly all destroyed. This led me to try the same remedy for the cabbage maggot,
and the result this year has been successful beyond all my expectations.

About 1st July the whole of the bed of 1,200 cabbages mentioned above was gono
over by myself and one assistant. One person carried a 3-gallon pail full of water
in which 2 oz. of white hellbore had been steeped, and an ordinary green-house
syringe, the other placing the left hand beneath the cabbage, palm downwards, with
two fingers on each side of stem, drew away the surface soil from the root of the
cabbage, and at the same time, with the right hand, pulled the head a little over, so as
to expose the roots. About half a tea-cup-full of the liquid was then syringed
forcibly round the roots, and the earth was quickly pushed up again round the stem.
The result of this treatment was that only about 1 per cent. of the cabbages was lost.

There is no doubt that the forcible syringing of the liquid removed the maggots
to some distance from the roots; but by actual experiment it was found that the
white hellebore killed them also. Furthermore, the moisture was of great assistance
to the cabbage in recovering from the injury. The power of the cabbage plant to
survive and out-grow injury is very remarkable. Several plants of which the roots

and nearly all the underground stem had been destroyed, were washed and trimmed,
and then planted and watered, and the earth kept well hoed up round them. Every
one of these grew and produced a head. In years of only light attack it is not at all
uncommon to find, when cabbages are pulled up, that they had been supported by
roots which were produced some distance above the original root-mass, which had
been destroyed early in the season by the cabbage maggot.

Frequent cultivation or light hoeing is of great benefit to cabbages in dry
weather. By this means the thin layer of surface soil is loosened, aérated and thor-
oughly dried, so as to become a non-conducting medium, which prevents the evapora-
_ tion of moisture from the soil below. Hoeing the soil well up to the stems of cab-
bages which have been injured gives them a chance to make fresh roots, and also pre-
vents the flies from getting at the stems to lay fresh eggs.

In the third week of July, I visited the garden of Mr. §. A. Fisher, M.P., at
Brome, P.Q., and was shown by his gardener, Mr. Louis Graindorge, a bed of cabbages
which was in some parts badly infested with the Cabbage Maggot. I suggested that
_ he should try the Hellebore application, and the whole bed was treated. One parti-
cular plant was taken as a test and marked. This was so badly injured that the root
was almost severed from the head by the attacks of the maggots on the underground
stem. There were more than a dozen of the larve lying close to the stem in the
earth, which was quite wet trom the juicesof the cabbage. The earth was carefully
_ removed sufficiently to pour in the decoction around the injured stem and then was
replaced, the lary being disturbed as little as possible and left where they were at
theroot. In theend of September Mr. Graindorge writes me: “ All the cabbage plants
are doing well. Your test plant, the one which was nearly dead when you treated it
now weighs about three pounds. I am very much satisfied with this experiment, and
shall certainly try it another year and begin earlier in the season, when I believe I
shall be able to save all my plants.”

In the above mentioned experiment it would appear that the Hellebore killed
by contact, for where a dozen cabbages were treated with Paris Green and water, 1 lb.
to 100 gallons, not only did it fail by noticeably checking the growth of the cabbage,
but the maggots were not killed. In applying this hellebore remedy, care must be taken
not to dig down too deep or disturb the root too much. The chief seat of injury is the
underground portion of the stem above the mass of roots. If about two inches of the
‘soil be removed that part of the stem most attacked is laid bare, but the roots need
not be disturbed. An important thing is not to put off treatment too long. In this
district injury is made manifest in the first week of July, examination should there-
fore be made, and the remedy, if necessary, applied about the third week in June.
Late planting bas been rather extensively practiced by some growers, but is not
always a satisfactory remedy. With early cabbage the most paying market is over
_ before they are ready, and with winter varieties there is the risk of their not heading
well before winter sets in. The actual success of the practice however as a preventive
of astack is sometimes most marked.

_ The greatest amount of injury is caused by a brood of flies which appears in the
middle of June and up to about the first week of July. Cabbages planted out in the
middie of July were not at all troubled by the Maggot. This was in low moist
ground where the plants did not suffer from drought. They were kept well
cultivated and produced a large crop of fine cabbage.

It is not, of course, wise to grow cabbage upon land where there has been an
infested crop the previous year. The usual method of hibernation is in the puparium
form; but the attack continues throughout the whole growing season, and where, as
is frequently the case, the ground is not cleared up in the autumn and stems of
eabbages that have been cut, or “blind” plants which have not headed, are left in
the fields all the winter, many larve hibernate as such, in the stems and roots.
This shows the importance of cleaning up and ploughing the fields in autumn.
In this way many larve and pup will be destroyed, both by exposure to the
weather under unnatural conditions and in other cases by being buried so deeply
that the flies cannot emerge.
— 6ce—114

Nitrate of soda is also recommended by some growers. This is applied as a
surface dressing in June and is washed in by the spring rains.

In my Report for 1887, I related the success attending the use of this fertilizer
by Mr. R. Brodie, of Montreal. His method of using it was to place about a table- —
spoonful of nitrate of soda around each plant. One row of plants not treated with

Ms nitrate of soda was destroyed whilst the others were untouched. a
fe In Miss Ormerod’s New Manual of Injorious Insects the following appears
no at p: 27 :—

“When attack is present, heavy showers of rain, on land previously dressed
with nitrate of soda round ihe plants, and superphosphate, stopped the spread of —
the maggots. Also, the application of lime-water has been found very serviceable.
The plan adopted was soaking hot-lime for twenty-four hours in water, and watering
with this, when clear, in the afternoon. This was found to destroy the maggot.—
(J. Me K.)” ;

Another active remedy which has been used with good effect is a Kerosene —
Emulsion applied beneath the surface as recommended above for the Hellebore
decoction. Sand saturated with coal oil, placed round the base of the stems
immediately after the plants are set out is a good preventive ; but must be repeated
every week until the middle of July.

In addition to all that man can do to keep down the numbers of this trouble-
some insect, he has a most potent ally in the shape of a small beetle belonging to the
Staphylinide or Rove Beetles. This little friend which is named Aleochara Antho-—
myie, Sprague, is a small black elongated beetle, which was found in considerable
numbers running about amongst the cabbages and burrowing down beneath the soil
in search of the maggots. Not only is it extremely active in preying upon the mag-
gots, but it is also a true internal parasite feeding inside them and completing its —
transformations inside the pupa case. In the hope of rearing this beetle, 16 larva
and pupe were taken from the root of a cabbage, where the perfect beetle had been
seen and were enclosed ina breeding jar. From these were reared 9 beetles and ~
one fly, the remainder of the pup dried up without coming to maturity. In some
: of them, however, the immature beetles were found when the cases were broken.
When the beetle eats its way out of the pupa-case it gnaws a ragged hole at one end

quite different from that made by the emergence of the fly. A description of the ~

ate habits of this little beetle is given with a figure in Prof. Lintner’s first report on the —
4 Insects of New York, p. 188, and mention is made of it in Prof. Riley’s 1884 Report.
te The full description by Mr. Philip S. Sprague is to be found in the American Ento-

k mologist, Vol. II, p. 370. It is a small, slender, black beetle, about 4 of an inch in
r. length, covered all over with short silky hairs. The most notable features, when it~
ea is examined under a magnifying glass, are that the whole body is covered with hairs
$4 and small punctures, these are less numerous on the head, thorax, and first four
joints of the antenne, which thereby look blacker than the rest of the insect. The 7
wing Cases in some specimens have a greenish-coppery sheen. The feet are brown- |
ish which colour gradually deepens into black on the shanks or tibiwa. The antennze
after the fourth joint are so densely covered with short hairs as to have a grey
Ba ct appearance. I have generally been able to find a few of these beetles in beds of cab-—
bages infested by the Cabbage Maggot and upon one occasion bred a specimen from
the Onion Maggot. It is probable that other species of the genus are also parasites,
but nothing definite is known of their habits. Mr. W H. Harrington has shown me spe- |
cimens of A. /ata, which he found ina breeding jar containing the cocoons of saw-flies.
It did not oceur to him at that time that they might be parasites, and the fact was —
merely recorded in his notes without any special examination being made of the
cocoons.
A new attack of a serious nature by an Anthomyian larva has come under my
notice during the present winter.

I have found full-grown Jarye mining in the mid-ribs and also boring through
the heads of winter cabbage. These have notso far been bred to maturity, but from
the lary and pup, I am unable to distinguish them from the Cabbage Maggot and

believe they are that species. The varieties of cabbage most attacked belong to the
class known as Savoys, which have hard, close heads. A few other varieties, how-
ever, were also attacked. The eggs are appar ently laid near the top of the head and
the young maggots work their way down between the leaves, generally following the
course of a mid-rib, frequently confining their operations to that alone, but also
sometimes boring straight into the heart of the cabbage and thus rendering it unsale-
able. There does not appear to be much decay of the tissues, butsimply an irregular
_ channel is eaten out, which is filled with the shredded tissues of the leaf and a
mucilaginous exudation from the plant.

Some of the larve have turned to pup inside the cabbages; but others placed
_ in breeding jars have buried themselves in the soil.

[have so far received no complaints of this injury from oatside sources; but
- should it become widespread, it will be a matter demanding the earnest attention of
- entomologists, to discover a remedy as soon as possible. As many as twenty larve
_ were taken from one head.

In Prof. Riley’s report for 1884, mention is made of a summer attack upon the
_ mid-ribs of the leaves, as follows: “ Our first acquaintance with this insect was in June,
1867, when Prof. A. N. Prentiss, then at the State Agricultural College, Lansing,
_ Mich., sent us specimens of the larve, with an account of their gnawing and exco-
riating both the stems and roots of cabbages, and thereby doing much damage.
They transformed June 21-25, just below the surface of the ground, to puparia of a
honey-yellow colour, some lighter, some darker, and the first flies issued June 29
onward. We have since (in 1878) found the species not only working in the normal
way in the roots, but also burrowing in the stout mid-ribs of the leaves. From June
_ 8-13, quite a number of the perfect flies were obtained.” This summer attack I have
also occasionally noticed at Ottawa; but it is of far less importance than the winter
attack above-referred to, because when the individual leaf only is destroyed, the plant
soon replaces it, and when, as is usually the ease in this attack, the stem is also
injured, the plant is destroyed early enough for it to be replaced by a healthy one.
This summer attack also has been very rare in my experience ; the winter attack,
however, is more serious, because the maggots work in the solid heads after they are
_ stored in the root-house. I am under the impression that in ordinary summers, here,
_ there is not sufficient moisture in the atmosphere above the surface of the soil to allow
the young maggots to live long enough to penetrate the epidermis of the leaf before
_ they aredried up. In the case of the eggs of the Onion Maggot (Phorbia ceparum) out
of several clusters of eggs laid in the axil of the first leaf, where the ground beneath
had been sprinkled with sand saturated with coal oil, not a single maggot effected an
entrance, and in only one instance have I ever found an individual of this insect in
the stem of the onion above the surface of the ground.

The Diamond-back Moth (Plutella cruciferarum, Zell.)

_ Attack—Smal! green, exceedingly active, caterpillars about 4+ of an inch in

ength, which attack the leaves of cabbages, eating numerous small holes through
the younger leaves and irregular blotches from the under surtace of the older leaves.
When disturbed they run backwards, wriggling their bodies violently from side to

__ This little insect although very small is a serious pest to cabbages every year
in some parts of British Columbia, the North-West Territories and Manitoba, and in
L889 was extremely troublesome upon the Experimental Farm here. The eges are
aid on the under sides of the outer leaves of cabbages and many other plants belong-
ng to the same botanical order. I have found the caterpillars on turnips, cabbage,
cauliflower, pepper-grass (Lepidium), shepherd's purse, and in 1889 it was an inces-
sant and most troublesome pest upon garden stocks and wall-flowers from about
July till the frosts set in in November. The caterpillar is pale green in colour, some-
times almost yellow, and bears some black dots and short bristles in regular ‘series,
as shown at Fig. 5—b-c. When full grown the larve spin pretty open net-work

cocoons upon the lower surfaces of the leaves, through which the pup can be easily
seen (Fig. 5—e). These cocoons are open at each end. The pup (Fig. 5—d) are
very pretty objects, being white with conspicuous black lines down the back and
sides. In some specimens, however, these lines are entirely wanting, while in others
they are so wide as almost to cover the whole chrysalis. The sheaths of the legs,
tongue and antenne are also dark coloured.

Fig. 5 is by Prof. C. V. Riley, who kindly lent me the figure.

The perfect moth is a beautiful, slender little creature, very variable in size
and markings. A well marked example is shown in Prof. Riley’s excellent enlarged
figure above. The actual size of the moth is shown by the crossed hair-line beneath.
The general colour is ashy-gray, with the light stripe of somewhat diamond-shaped
marks on the back, more or less distinct, and in some specimens almost or quite
wanting, as shown at g. The upper wings are freckled with black dots and small
blotches of yellowish scales. The inner irregular margin of the light stripe is
bordered with clear white, and is shaded outside with rich brown, which extends up
the middle area of the wing to the end. The legs and body are silvery gray and the
antenne or feelers white, ringed with black.

There are two or three broods of this insect in the year. At Ottawa, Ont.,
the first moths were taken July 1, 1889, the only year I have ever found it here.
Moths were also found through August and September, and the larve into Novem- ”
ber; the last brood passes the winter in the pupa state. Moths were first seen in
Victoria, V. I., in 1885, in the month of May when I found it a most troublesome
pest. Caterpillars taken at Regina, N. W.'l’, in the first week of August, did not
emerge at Ottawa until the next spring; but a large number sent from Indian Head,
N. W. T., at the end of last August, emerged during the next month.

This moth is said to have been imported into America from Europe; but is
found in various parts of the world besides. A peculiarity of its occurrence is in the
enormous numbers in which it sometimes appears and then as suddenly disappears
entirely and is not seen again for several seasons. In 1885 it was most abundant at
Victoria, but has not been reported since. In 1887 at Regina in Captain Deane’ss —
garden cabbages were almost destroyed. In Winnipeg, in 1885, it was a serious pest,
but has not been complained of since. In 1889 it suddenly appeared in great num-
bers over a restricted area upon the Experimental Farm here. . It was first observed
upon a clump of Pepper grass (Lepidium Virginicum), from this it spread to almost
every cruciferous plant near this patch, attacking various garden flowers as well as
turnips slightly, and cabbages severely. Last season although sought for assiduously
not a specimen could be found.

During 1889 also it was sent in by Mr. S. A. Bedford, the Superintendent of the
Experimental Farm for Manitoba. He had found it a most troublesome pest
amongst his cabbages at Brandon. It was also sent in from other parts of Manitoba;
but did not occur last year. In August, 1890, Prof. Saunders sent me specimens
from the Experimental Farm for the North-West Territories at Indian Head with

~ the followiug letter :—‘“I send you herewith some small larve and chrysalids of a —

—

moth which has proved a very serious injury to the cabbages and cauliflower on the
_ farm here. The outside leaves are all completely riddled with holes of various sizes
and the lary also eat into the first two or three leaves on the head disfiguring the
cabbages and making them worthless.” Upon enquiry Mr. A. MacKay intormed me
that a few specimens were noticed last year; but that it had been abundant this
year right through the season. The eggs are laid under the leaves where the cater-
pillar chiefly works. Although so abundant with him, it did not occur in other gar-
dens near by.

Remedies—I found that this insect was much more difficult to kill with Insect
powder (Pyrethrum) than most of the other larvz upon the cabbage. Hellebore was
slightly more etiective ; but the most satisfactory remedy was a Kerosene Emulsion
prepared after the usual manner (kerosene 2 parts, boiling soap-suds 1 part (1 gallon
of water and 4 1b. soap), and the whole churned with a syringe until emulsified and
- then mixed with 9 times its quantity of cold water. To make the emulsion, boil the
soap in the water till all is dissolved and then turn it into the kerosene and churn
violently.

When the caterpillars appear early in the season, before the cabbage-head
begins to form, Paris Green and flour, one part of the former to fifty of the latter,
may be dusted on the plants. The Kerosene Emulsion will, however, probably be the
best remedy, because owing to the readiness with which the caterpillars drop to the
ground from beneath the leaves, they would be sure to be covered with the kerosene
mixture which dripped fiom the cabbages, even if they were not touched by the spray
when they were on the plants. The most convenient method of applying, the Kero-
sene Emulsion is by means of a force-pump and spray nozzle ; but it may also be
applied (although clumsily and wastefully) by means of a whisk or small broom,
This insect increases most rapidly in hot, dry summers, and Dr, Cyrus Thomas,
in the Ninth Illinois Report, p. 56, suggests “that thoroughly showering the vege-
tation, which is attacked, with water will be found a most effectual remedy for the
expulsion of the worms of this group.”

Miss Ormerod also mentions : “In the South African observations, sent by Mr.
J. deWitt Meulen, of the Witterhock, he noted ‘heavy rains or frejuent watering of-
the leaves destroys many grubs.’” (New Manual, p. 194). Dressings of soot and
nitrate of soda and soot, are also resommended. Miss Ormerod says: ‘“‘ Almost the only
method oflessening amount of damage from presence of these caterpillars appears to be
from natural or artificial applications suited to drive on growth.” In her manual it
is treated of as a turnip insect. Upon that crop there need be no hesitation about
treating it with Paris Green mixed with either flour or land plaster. These diluents
must, however, always be perfectly dry, so as to be applied in the form of fine dust.
If they are not they must be dried artificially or, I find, they will not adhere to the
plants.

Natural Enemies.—This insect is remarkably subject to the attacks of parasites,
In every one of the attacks recorded above more than 50 per cent. of the caterpillars
collected were found to harbour internal parasites, which eventually destroyed them
_and emerged as small four-winged flies. Some of these have been sent to Prof. Riley,
_ at Washington, who has kindly identified them for me as Limneria parva, Prov., bred
from all localities, and Phaogenes discus, Cress, bred from Indian Head and Ottawa.
_ Prof. Riley has also bred Limneria annulipes, Cress, from the same insect.

This little moth has been treated of by authors under various names, Asa
_ Fitch, in Report 11, p. 170, (1855) gives a very full account of it under the name of
“The Cabbage Moth,” Cerostoma Brassicella. Later, it was described by Dr. Clemens
under the names Plutella limbipenella and P. mollipedellu. Dr, Thomas, in Ill. Rep.,
IX, treats of it as the Cabbage Tinea, Plute/la eruciferurum, Zell., and Prof. Riley, in
_ his Second and Fourth Missouri Reports, refers to it under the same name. In his
1883 report as United States Entomologist, ne gives some interesting information
not found in the other accounts The popular name he uses in this article is the
Cabbage Plutella. Miss Ormerod uses the name, “The Diamond-back Moth,” that

’ Imown in England, at the Cape of Good Hope and in Australia,

back Moth (Cerostoma aylostella, i.) and states that in Europe it lives principally
upon the upright honey-suckle, Lonicera xylosteum, and attacks a great number of
culinary plants; but seems to prefer the cabbage and turnip. ;

ae

. Fig. 6.—The Mediterranean Flour Moth (Ephestia kiihniella,): a, larva; b, pupa; c, adult enlarged ;
d, head and thoracic joints of larva; ¢, abdominal joints of same—still more enlarged ; f, moth from side-

ay resting; g, front wing, showing more important marking; h, venation of fore-wing; 7, venation of hind-

se wing—somewhat enlarged ; (a, 6, ¢ and e, (Riley) d, f, g, h, t, (Snellen).

Attack—Slender white or pinkish, cylindrical, caterpillars. When full grown
from 4 to # of an inch in length, with reddish brown heads, and haying four con-
spicuous, and two smaller, dark bristle-bearing dots on each side of every segment,
These caterpillars are found feeding in flour and manufactured foods prepared from
wheat, rice and Indian corn, through which they burrow, spinning silken tunnels and
threads wherever they go. They also infest the mills where these grains are ground, ~
doing much harm by clogging the apparatus and by destroying the fine silk gauze
of the machines. :

In my last report I drew attention to the oceurrence of the Mediterranean Flou
Moth in Canada as an injurious insect, and in such numbers as to have already caused
at the time of discovery considerable pecuniary loss to the firm into whose premises —
it had been introduced.

Mention was also made of the thorough investigation which was undertaken
by the Ontario Government under the direction of Dr. P. H. Bryce, as Secretary of
the Provincial Board of Health, and the vigorous measures which were adopted to
ensure the eradication of a pest which it was justly surmised might materially affeet
one of the most important products of the whole North American Continent,
pe The gravity of the case demanded the full treatment which I gave it in my
i last annual report, and in order that the identification of the moth by millers and
ed those most concerned might be facilitated, the above excellent figure, showing the —

moth in all its various stages, was lent to me by Prof. Riley, the United States

ae Entomologist. :
ie The official bulletin, prepared with great care by Dr. Bryce, illustrating the —
War insect in all its stages and also giving full instructions as to the course to pursue
ppret should the insect appear in any mill, was widely distributed and noticed in the

| pape press, “and was also sent to Boards of Health, members of the Ontario
; illers’ Association, and to such other persons as it was known would be interested

in the matter.” A particular request was made that the Board of Health might be

i notified of any occurrence of the pest, and promises were made of such practical

( “assistance as the great interests at stake demanded.

ft

Smee eee
S ve ———

being the name by which I have always known and spoken of it, and by which itis

i John Curtis, in his “Farm Insects” (1860), treats of it as The Turnip Diamond-

The Mediterranean Flour Moth (Zphestia kiihniella, Zeller). _ s e

‘2 It might naturally have been supposed that millers and produce dealers would
have taken a little trouble to understand this matter and assist the Government in
carrying out these measures which were being adopted for their special benefit;

_ but such is by no means the case; and a most remarkable apathy and indifference
prevails amongst millers in the very centre where one of their number has suffered

40 severely for unwittingly committing the same offence of “ not thinking there

was anything to fear,” when the moths were found on his premises, which some of
themselves are now guilty of, with the great difference that they, having been
warned and shown the danger to themselves, their country, and the whole of North
America, have no excuse for such unpardonable carelessness.

It is strange that no enquiries for information concerning this much-to-be-dreaded
enemy have been sent either to the Ontario Board of Health or to this Department
from millers of the city, where it first occurred and still exists. The enquiries have
all been from millers of other Canadian or United States cities, where the moth had
not appeared, or from consumers who have, upon several occasions, sent in larve for
identification. :

With regard to the steps taken by the Provincial Board of Health, and the Milling
Company, on whose premises the caterpillars of the Mediterranean Flour Moth worked
such havoc last year, it is very satisfactory to be able toreport that they were entirely
successful. The manager of the mill writes as follows : “1am thankful tosay we are en-
tirely free of them; butknowing the great danger if we ever allowed them to get a foot-
hold in our premises, we have exervised the closest scrutiny the whole time, and
every suspicious appearance has been at once attended to. A few straggling speci-
mens were seen last spring. One hearty full-fledged fellow was found in the office
in April. This must [ think have come out of the books, which were not steamed.
A few shrivelled up specimens were found in the packing room in June, and these we
traced to an old trunk containing some clothes that a mill-wright had left, who had
worked in an infested mill. This trunk had escaped our notice when the other
things were steamed. We kept a sharp lookout all summer, and the only other dis-
covery was under a hopper that had been put down without steaming. As soon as
this was discovered we put the hopper and all material around it into the furnace.
From the above facts you will see what a terrible pest this is to get rid of. Wewere
not absolutely clear of the moth unti] mid-summer, even after all the steaming, burn-
ing and extra caution we had taken. Since August, however, we believe and claim

_ that we have been absolutely free; but if we had not adopted all the measures

_ referred to by Dr. Bryce in his report and followed up the stringent measures with a

‘vigilance that many people considered altogether unnecessary, we should not have

been clear of it now ; but we feel sure that the pest would have come upon us with
increased strength. We have great confidence in steam as a remedy, and we have so
planned our mill that we can at any time fill it with steam and sulphur fumes should
it ever be necessary. We keep it also cold—freezing cold—and have plenty of light.
During this summer we have kept it thoroughly cleaned and dusted, and some places
scalded, all ceilings and walls swept several times. Every bag, barrel, package and
movable thing moved frequently, and in this way we have at last conquered this dire

enemy. You enquire about possible infestation by means of bags returned to us.
With regard to these, and sometimes goods from shops which may have been infested,

I may say that we have had a room built which we heat up to 250° and into this we

_ put everything we are the least doubtful of. This is not much trouble; at least, we

‘do not consider it so, when we consider the possible danger it saves us from, and if

‘some of the men who are now making light of this scourge, should get into the posi-
tion we were in, they will wish they too had taken this precaution.

“Tn conclusion, sir, I do trust that you will not let this matter drop. I have
been surprised all this summer to see the apathy, indifference and manifest careless-
ness about this moth on the part of those most interested. I have repeatedly tele-
phoned and written about it. I also sent out and investigated certain stores, and
found that in some places they were swarming ; again, others came and told me that
they were infested with the moth und did not know what to do about it. I am still

afraid that unless more extreme measures yet are adopted, this awful pest will get
such a foothold that it will be impossible to eradicate it. Now is the time to kill
them out. They can’t stand severe cold, plenty of light and cleanliness, but they do
thrive in heated, dark and dirty places, such as many of our stores and feed shops
provide them with. If they once get a hold there they will increase marvellously
and spread rapidly, The winter is the best time to begin the war of extermination.
In every place, mill or shop where there has been trouble, the frost should be allowed
to enter several times during the winter. When zero weather comes the windows ~
and doors should be thrown open and the places cleaned thoroughly from top to
bottom and all the rubbish burnt. This would make a good beginning, to be followed
up next spring with great vigilance, and upon the first appearance of moths a prompt
application of the remedies recommended in Dr, Bryce’s pamphlet and your reports.”

There can be no doubt but that if millers and produce dealers would all recognize
the danger of allowing this pest to increase, and would adopt the wise suggestions
of my correspondent above quoted, a greut deal might be done towards the extermi-
nation of this enemy; but this is a matter which, from its importance to the coun-
try at large, concerns everybody and [ have not scrupled to request such consumers
as have applied to me for information, to warn dealers from whom they have pur-
chased infested foods of the nature of the infestation, and at the same time to remove
their custom to such firms as would supply pure, clean food.

So little attention was paid to this important matter by the millers of Toronto,
and the insect was found to have increased to such an extent, that the Provincial
Board of Health found it necessary to issue, in October last, a printed circular letter
addressed to millers and produce men, from which we learn that the insect has been
found in several large establishments. The secretary of the Board (Dr. Bryce)
goes on to say: “The Board, in view of the measures taken last year, not only to
apprize millers and produce men of the nature of the pest which threatened them, but
also of the offers of co-operation in the endeayours made to stamp it out, should it
again appear, has to regret that its endeavours have not been seconded by the per-
sons most immediately interested. In view, therefore, of the great loss which the
reputation of the Province in the matter of pure grains and flours would sustain in
its export trade, in addition to the health interests involved, should the pest become
generally prevalent, the Board publishes herewith, not only the authority under
which its inspections and those of local Boards are made, but also the penalties
attached to any violation of the statute in the matter of selling unsound grain or
flour.”

A copy is here given of the Provincial Act (47 Vic., c. 38, 5:39 and s, 40), by
which it is provided, that any medical officer or sanitary inspector may at any
reasonable time inspect any mill and examine the goods being manufactured for
sale as food, and may condemn and order to be destroyed any food-products which
may be found to be unfit for use. In addition to this, the person exporting them for
ae shall be liable to a penalty not exceeding $100 for each parcel of grain, bread
or flour.

An appeal is made to millers and others to co-operate in the important matter
of maintaining the reputation of Canadian grain and flour. In conclusion, the steps
to be taken to stamp out the pest are reprinted from the Bulletin issued last year,
so as to give them the widest possible publicity.

Remedies.—The remedies for this most persistent enemy have been already
referred to, and consist chiefly of great cleanliness and constant vigilance when the
perfect insects appear ; frequent fumigation should be made with sulphur, so as to
destroy all the moths before they lay eggs for another brood. This should be done
night after night, until not a moth is to be seen. Dr. Bryce gives the following
instructions for making sulphur fumes; ‘‘ Place a metallic dish containing hot ashes
on some support in a pan of water, or place in an old pan or other vessel, a bed of
ashes at least 6 inches deep and about 15 inches in diameter, and place the sulphur
and saltpetre in a slight depression in the centre, and ignite. The proper propor-
tions are 3 Ibs. sulphur and 3 oz, saltpetre per 1,000 cubic feet of air space. All

171

doors, windows and other openings should be tightly closed before the sulphur and
‘saltpetre are ignited.” If the fumigation with sulphur be persistently kept up, and
the mill be frequently swept and kept clean, this pest can certainly be kept in check ;
but the treatment must be incessant. There are probably two normal broods of this
insect, one emerging in the spring and another in autumn ; but in a jar kept con-
stantly under observation, in my office (which was heated during the winter), there
have been, I judge, three distinct broods; although from the fact that some retarded
individuals have been emerging the whole time, and no special study was made of
them, it has been very difficult to keep track of the separate broods. These insects
are very retentive of life, and the following fact will indicate with what difficulty
they will be eradiated if they are allowed to be introduced :

In the autumn of 1889, when studying the species, I placed a worn female in a
small tight-fitting cardboard box, with about half a thimbleful of cornmeal, to obtain
the eggs. The box was put on one side and forgotten until a week ago, when it was
found to contain several half-grown larve, which, although much shrivelled, were
still alive, and since, they have been supplied with food, have grown rapidly. From
the appearance of the contents of the box this brood was hatched from the eggs
laid by the female enclosed a year ago, and they have been for several months at
any rate without any fresh food. All who have had experience with this insect
notice its preference for dusty corners; these, therefore, should be carefully brushed
out. When the caterpillars are full grown and ready to spin their cocoons, they
have a tendency to climb up to an angle, such as is afforded by the meeting of a wall
with the ceiling. Such places also should be frequently brushed. When possible,
spraying the walls and floors with the ordinary kerosene emulsion would have a
most beneficial effect. Anyone who sees this insect cannot fail to recognize it, if they
will examine the figure given herewith. The moth differs from the ordinary flour
moth found in mills (Asopia farinalis) inevery way. The colour of the Mediterranean
Flour Moth is slate-vray, with dark markings, and the outline is narrow and slender,
the wings sometimes being slightly curled under the sides of the body when the
insect isatrest. The ordinary flour moth (Asopia farinalis), which is produced from
the meal worm, and which has been known in our mills for many years, is a pretty,
triangular-shaped moth, in colour chocolate-brown and creamy-white.

The Pea Weevil. (Bruchus pisi, L.)

Fig. 7, B. pisi (after Curtis) kindly lent by Prof. Riley, the U. S. Entomologist.

Attack.—A small brownish-gray, very active beetle, about + inch long, with two
conspicuous black spots on the end of its body, which emerges from seed pease late
- in the autumn or in the spring, leaving a small round hole, through which it may be
seen that the greater part of the inside of the pea has been eaten away. There is
only one beetle in each pea. xe

During the last two years I have received abundant evidence of the rapid increase
of this troublesome insect in the pea-growing districts of Ontario. :

Mr. T. G. Raynor writes me from Rose Hall, Prince Edward County :—

“T have consulted the grain buyers and others about the Pea-Weevil and they say
that the weevils are very bad this year, especially two er three miles back from the
lake shore. With us here there were only a few.”

pls

5
me

hin

e

-

Mr. J. H. Allan, a large seedsman and pea buyer of Picton, Ont., also writes to
me: “The weevils are much worse this year than they have been for years.”

Some years ago the pea weevil was a most serious enemy to the pea crop ; but
for the last eight or ten years it has been almost unknownin many districts where a
few years before it destroyed from 50 to 75 per cent. ofthe crop. This exemption I
attribute almost entirely to the care taken by farmers and seedsmen to treat
the seed pease as soon as harvested. Owing to the small amount of injury for
some years past, this extra labour and expense has been considered unnecessary,
until now the insect has again increased in such numbers as to be a serious menace
to this important industry. The high quality of Canadian-grown seed pease is acknow-.
ledged by all seedsmen in Europe and America, and it is important that every effort
should be put forth to maintain the high standard of excellence to which they have
attained. The cause which affects this most is the insect under discussion, and there
really should be no difficulty, under the circumstances, of keeping this enemy in
check, if all the pea-growers would act in unison.

. There are yery few native plants in Canada upon which it could live, and the

seed for the next year’s crop can be so easily treated to destroy the weevils, that it is
merely a matter of close attention and the application of cheap and simple remedies.

The life-history of the Pea Weevil is well known. “The eggs which are spindle
shaped, three times as long as wide, pointed in front, blunt behind, but larger
anteriorly than posteriorly, are laid on the outside of the young pod, to which they
are fastened by a viscid fluid, which dries white and glistens like silk.”—(Riley.)

As soon as the larva hatches it eats its way through the pod and penetrates
the nearest pea; the hole in the pod soon fills up, but that in the pea can always be
seen as a minute black spot on the skin. The larva, which is a legless, yellow, mag-
got, soon attains full growth, and turns to the perfect beetle in autumn inside the pea.
Frequently, the germ of the seed is left uninjured, and many of the injured pease
will germinate and produce a weakened plant, Many of the perfect beetles leave the
seed pease in the autumn and seek a suitable place for passing the winter; a large
number however hibernate inside the pease until the following spring. The proportion
of those which follow this course seems to depend upon the nature of the season,
various observers estimating it from 25 to 75 per cent, according to the season.
The following extracts from correspondence are of interest :—

“Tn reference to the percentage of weevils leaving the seed before spring, this
depends on the weather. During a warm winter or early in the spring they eat their
way out, and from 50 to 75 per cent. of the pease would be empty in this way. Where
they are bad they cause the pease to heat; and a few years ago, in loading vessels,
they would crawl out, and insome instances become 2 feet deep on the top of the
pease.” —(7. G. Raynor.)

“A considerable proportion of the beetles emerge from the pease in the autumn
if the crop is left out until the bug is fully developed. In threshing them in this
‘state the caps are removed and the bugs get out and conceal themselves in some dry

lace until the spring, when the heat revives them, and they will fiy from field to
field until they find the young crop of pease. They feed on the young leaves and
flowers until the pods take form. The eggs are laid when the pease are quite small,
about the size of a mustard seed. As soon as the beetles have laid their eggs they
die. J advise early cutting and threshing so that the seed can be treated while the
insect is in the larval stage.”—(J. H. Allan.)

Remedies.—1. Bisulphide of carbon.—The distribution of the Pea Weevil is
undoubtedly aided by means of infested seed pease. As stated above, many of the
beetles do not leave the pease until the spring, and in this way many are carried to
the field and sown with the seed, from which they soon emerge. Care should there-

fore be taken in the selection of sound pease. It is found that the beetles, even inside

the pease, can be easily destroyed by the vapour of bisulphide of carbon, and this
method, which is the best, is now adopted by most seed-dealers. In answer to the
question :—* Is the Se of seed pease with bisulphide of carbon much practised
by seedmen?” Mr. J.H. Allan writes to me as follows:—“ Yes; nearly every large

growcr has a building for the purpose. If properly made it works well. The whole
building must be perfectly tight to be of any use. Some use tin, others cement and
paint and paper lining, with a double floor with tarred paper between. The pan we
use to put the bisulphide of carbon in, is about 3 feet across and only about 4 inches
deep. The chemical is thus exposed to more air than it would be in a deep dish, from
which it would not evaporate quickly enough to do good service. J put my pan up
close to the ceiling above the pease, because the vapour being so much heavier than
air it works down through the pease. We fill the building with bags as close as
possible up to where the pan hangs, empty the carbon into the pan and get out as
quickly as possible and close the door up tight and leave it for forty-eight hours.
This must be done in warm weather, as it does not work well when colder than ten
degrees above zero.

' The bugs will live well into the second season if left in the pease in a bin or bags.
This insect has, I know, been in this country for the last thirty-five years. A sharp,
cold winter with a cold wet spring does a great deal of good in thinning out the
bugs. They want hot and dry weather to do much harm.

Many of our farmers sow the late sorts of pease late in the season—say, the first
part of June—with good results. I haye seen a field of Golden Vine pease sown early
in May. The crop was literally filled with bugs. The neighbour of this farmer
planted his in June and his crop had none. JI would say, plant as late as possible;
but this will not answer for all kinds. The extra early varieties must be put in as
early as possible to ensure a paying crop.”

From the above, and what is known of the habits of the Pea Weevil, it is evident
that steps should be taken to destroy the beetles infesting seed pease as soon as possible
after they are ripe. In this way the insect will be destroyed in the larval stage, before
it has consumed much of the substance of the pea in which it is passing through its
transformations. This is an important matter, because by so much as the pea is
reduced in volume, to that extent will the vigour of the plant grown from it be
reduced, if even it be not destroyed altogether.

2. Warm Storage.—Another remedy which has been successfully practised by
farmers who save their own seed, is to store the pease in strong, close bags, of either
paper or close canvas, which the beetles cannot penetrate, and store them for the
winter in a warm room. In this way the perfect insects are developed early and
die long before the seeds are required for sowing.

3. Holding over Seed.—Pease can be held over until the second year after harvest-
ing without injury, with the same result as above, but must of course be enclosed in
bags or other receptacles to prevent the beetles from escaping. :

4. Salt—A plan, which, however, I have never tried myself, has been highly
recommended by Mr. C. C. Bessey, of Ottawa. He informs me that when farming
some years ago in Halton County, Ont., with his father, Mr. J. B. Bessey, it was
their Custom to thresh as soon as possible and then store the pease in bins with salt.
After putting about 4 or 5 inches of pease in the bin a little salt was sprinkled
over them; then more pease and more salt, until the bin was filled. This plan Mr,
Bessey claims always killed the weevils when quite small, in the larval stage, with-
out in any way injuring the pease.

The Strawberry Weevil (Anthonomus musculus, Say.)

Attack—Just before the flowers of the strawberry expand they are sometimes
found to be severed from their stems by a small reddish beetle, which pierces the
buds and lays one white egg in each, which afterwards hatches into a white grub
and passes all its stages inside the fallen bud, eating out the centre and forming
a round cocoon or pupa-case of the frass, and then turns into a beetle within the
same bud where the egg was laid.

For some years entomologists have been trying to discover whether the
Strawberry Weevil actually passed through its stages inside the buds which the
_ females sever from the plants, or whether this injury was mere wanton mischief,

0. Pee eo Fe a, ae
orn Sy ,

SS a ee

174

similar to that done by the Red-thighed Locust in biting off the flowers of oats.
During the past season, with the assistance of Mr. W. A. Hale, of Sherbrooke, I
have succeeded in breeding several of the beetles from the buds, and find that an egg
is deposited in each at the time it is cut off from the flower-stem. In February, 1889,
Mr, Hale wrote to me as follows, giving the true life-history : “ For several years I
have been suffering from the ravages of some sort of insect which attacks the buds
of all the staminate varieties of strawberries ; a small puncture is made through an
unopened sepal of the calyx, and an egg is deposited. The stalk is then partially
or entirely cut through, and in about ten days the grub makes its appearance, and
feeds upon the pollen in the still unopened bud. It soon assumes the chrysalid
form. Though [ was successful last summer in hatching out a number of the grubs,
I never carried them beyond the chrysalis state. A remarkable thing about this
depredator is its cleverness in selecting only those varieties which produce pollen.
In a large field of strawberries, in which 80 per cent. of the rows were pistillate
varieties, not a single bud was touched, while the remaining rows of strawberries
were almost denuded of buds, the cutting process extending over a period of about
ten days. This same trouble was noticed in Staten Island and in Hamilton, Ont., in
1886, but the insect was said to destroy the buds from mere wantonness, which was
an error, I tried equal parts of air-slaked lime and sifted hardwood ashes ; also
ammonia in the form of fermenting hen manure, put on between the rows, powerful
enough to wither the foliage, but with little or no effect *** One of our most
profitable and growing branches of horticulture is being threatened, unless some
preventive can be suggested.”

Mr. Hale again writes on 18th June, 1890: ‘“ I am sending you a number of
strawberry buds, cut off by some insect, in each of which you will doubtless find an
ege, Whatever the depredator is, she is knowing enough to attack only the bisexual
varieties, so that the larva is ensured pollen for its sustenance. So marked is this,
that I have seen a single staminate plant in a bed of thousands of the Crescent (pistil-
late) entirely stripped of its buds, while not a single injured plant could be found
amongst the Crescents. Last year, | was comparatively free from the pest, but in
1888 I suffered heavy loss. ”

On 31st December, 1890, Mr. Hale writes again: ‘I amsorry that lam notable
to report any very marked success in coping with the strawberry weevil. Heary
dressings of air-slaked lime and wood ashes, twice applied while the dew was on,
gave no appreciable results. ‘Dissolved bone’, possessing a very strong odour, checked
to a certain extent the depredations, but left upon the hulls its pungent smell, even
perceptible when the fruit was ripe, and this last fact has deterred me from making
any experimental applications of Paris green or London purple.”

Upon examining the buds sent by Mr. Hale, 18th June, I found that a hole had
been bored throuch the calyx and closed corolla, and one small white egg pushed in
to the base of the anthers. The buds were enclosed in a glass jar upon some slightly
moistened earth. The beetles began to emerge about a month later. The larve
had entirely consumed the contents of most of the buds, and had then made a thin
cocoon of the agglutinated frass, inside the calyx which retained its shape. This
cocoon is very similar to that of Anthonomus rubidus, which breeds inside the fruit of
white currants, which ripen prematurely and generally drop from the bunches just
before the main crop changes colour. I have never observed injury to strawberries
at Ottawa, either upon wild or cultivated varieties, although the perfect beetle is
frequently taken on bushes and low shrubbery during the month of June.

Remedies—A practical remedy for this insect is difficult to devise. I had
suggested spraying the vines with a weak mixture of Paris green and water (1 ib.
to 300 gallons), but Mr. Hale was unwilling to try it. Kerosene emulsion would
probably kill all the beetles upon the vines at the time, and might deter others from
coming for a short time. What is required is something which will keep the weevils
away until the buds are open, but will not keep away the fruit-growers’ friends,
the bees and other flying insects, after the flowers are expanded. The beetle does
not lay its eggs in the flowers after they have opened. I have suggested the plan,

for next year, of covering the beds liable to attack with old newspapers, held down
at the edges with a few handfuls of earth, and overlapping at the ends; or with
strips of any fine cloth, as cheese cloth, muslin &c., &c. These would have to be put
on at the first appearance of the beetles, and kept on until the flowers expanded, after
which time they could be left off.

The little beetle which gives all this trouble is a minute species, only about =;
of an inch in length, oblong-oval in shape, with a beak which folds down beneath its
body. The colour and markings are very variable, but are modifications of the fol-
lowing. The beak is dark-coloured as well as the thorax; the wing-cases are
reddish-brown, with a large, dark, irregular, sometimes double, blotch, bordered with
white just behind the middle, and bear between them at their bases, where they join
the thorax, a small white shoulder-plate or scutellum. They vary so much that
Prof. Riley, in his 1885 report, has characterized no less than eight varieties.

The Vancouver Island Oak-looper (Eliopia somniarja, Hulst.)

Attaek—Slender caterpillars of a pale-brown colour, mottled with black—when
full-grown about 1} inches in length—which have only five instead of the usual
eight pairs of legs—three pairs on the fore part of the body and two pairs behind—
for which reason the middle part of the body is looped up, as the posterior part is
drawn up to the front part in walking. On this account caterpillars of this struc-
ture are called “ geometers” or “loopers.” Feeding in large numbers upon oaks,

Every three or four years the oaks in some districts in the vicinity of Victoria,
Vancouver Island, are seriously disfigured by being defoliated by the caterpillars of
a geomeiric moth. I have frequently received descriptions of these depredations ;
but it was only during the past season that, through the kindness of Mr. W. H.
Danby, of Victoria, I received specimens of the insect in all its stages, together with
a note upon its ravages. In 1887 Rev. G. W. Taylor wrote to me: “This year has
been pre-eminently a caterpillar year. The Clisiocampas stripped the forest trees,
Halisidota sobrina, Stretch the firs and other conifers, and Hilopia somniaria the
oaks. These last were very numerous, and were most disagreeable pests, dropping
from their food-plant and hanging by threads, so that even in walking through the
trees it was almost impossible to keep them out of ones eyes and mouth. The threads
and lary were so numerous that it was most unpleasant to walk through the oak
groves, and the sound of the falling excrement was suggestive of gentle rain. The
moth is probably only a very slight variety of the well known Therina fervidaria,
Hubn. ; although Mr. Hulst, judging from a limited series, has thought it sufficiently

‘distinet to deserve a new name.”

Mr, W. H. Danby, who was good enough, at my request, to make careful notes
on the spot, has sent me a long account of his observations, which I regret I cannot
reproduce in extenso. The following is an abstract. He says: “On 17th August I was
struck with the great numbers of the larve of a geometer from 10 to 12 lines in
length, which were feeding on the oaks in the vicinity of Victoria. After a few days
I saw that it was going to prove a very destructive pest. Upon trees which a week
ago were beautifully green not a perfect leaf could be found, and the trees

had the appearance of having been burned. Millions of larvee were hanging

in festoons from tree to tree, suspended by strong silken webs. They were every-
where—on trees, fences, and in vast numbers in the dusty roads, which they were
attempting to cross in search of food, having devoured all behind them, and, finding
none, were dying from starvation by thousands, their extenuated bodies hanging to
fences, grass. &c.*

“They now averaged 15 lines in length (1} inches), and those in good condition
seemed ready to pupate. About 20th August pupation began, the caterpillars
generally descending to the trunk or to the ground and hiding amongst dead leaves,

_ &e., at the base of the tree. They also pupate in crevices, under projections on

* Nore.—I rather suspect that some of these may have been attacked by parasitic fungi.—J. F.

fences, in old spiders’ webs, and occasionally lie exposed on the ground. On 24th
August many pups were found under cattle manure, and on 3rd September, 113
were collected within the space of 18 inches square at the base of a large oak, some
being under leaves and others exposed. They have a very slight, silken web, to
which they are attached by the well-developed cremastral hooks. When the perfect
insects emerged the full force of this invasion was most perceptible. On 20th Sep-

‘tember the moths were emerging in every direction and crawling up the trees to find

a favourable spot to expand their wings. I had visited one tree the day before and
found none. I now counted 127 and this was the beginning of one of the most
wonderful entomological sights I have ever seen. By 5th October the moths were in
myriads, the trees being literally covered, not only on the trunks but on every limk
and branch, as far up as the eye could discern, so close together that the wings
overlapped. On shaking a branch they would fly off in such numbers that you could
positively hear them fly. When the moths first appeared the males averaged 90
per cent. of the whole, but on 24th October the females bore the same proportion to
the whole. About this time heavy fogs set in, and the ground around was strewn
with dead bodies. The districts which suffered most were the woods to the north,
south and west. The east was affected somewhat but the north-east seemed to be
exempt from their ravages, although oaks are abundant,

“About the 8th October the trees in districts which were first defoliated put
forth a fresh covering of beautiful foliage ; those trees which were injured later also
put out new leaves, but did not make such good growth as the former.

“The egg is beautifully blue when first laid, oval in form, with one end slightly
flattened, it adheres to the bark where it is deposited, generally scattered, though
oceasionally a dozen will be found side by side in an upright position. As a rule,
however, they are deposited separately upon or in crevices of the bark.

“The moths vary from 14 lines to 24 lines in expanse, some males being very
large and the females occasionally very small. They also differ greatly in the shade
of colouring, ranging from a pale ochreous to a dark fuscous brown, antennew of the
male plumose; wings angulated, with a broad band transversely across. When
disturbed during daylight they fly with a sluggish motion for a few yards and drop
to the ground. Occasionally only do they fly up to the trees. ' :

“Tt now remains for some means to be devised to stamp out, or at least reduce
the numbers of this pest, and no doubt the Park Commissioners would be only too
glad to have some plan suggested to them.”

Amongst the moths Mr. Danby forwarded were well-marked examples, which
agreed with Mr. Hulst’s description (Ent. Am. I. 208), and all confirmed the differ-
ences between somniaria and the Kastern fervidaria.

Notwithstanding the fact that Mr. David Bruce identified the species as fervi-
daria and that Dr. Packard states in his monograph of the Geometride, p. 494,as below,
I am inclined to consider somniaria a western representative of fervidaria, which
should receive a distinctive name. Dr. Packard says: “The five males and one
female from Vancouver Island are larger, but do not differ so much from eastern
examples as the latter among themselves. They are more yellow, with coarser,
dark speckles, and the lines are more broadly shaded with yellow.” Now, it is on
these very characters that Mr. Hulst has separated it, and I find them, with the
exception of size, uniformly present in all the western specimens I have seen. The
moth is pale brown, densely dotted with dark points, expands about 1} inches,
wings acutely angled, crossed by two distinct dark lines, “the outer of which
are broadly edged outwardly, and the inner ones inwardly with orange.” The inner
line on the primaries is situated } of the way from the base, and is bowed out in
the middle towards the apex, so as to form a segment ofa circle. The outer line,
which starts from the front edge or costa of the wing, ¢ of the way from the base,
is zigzag, and runs a quarter across the wing, sloping slightly out to the outer
margin, where it is sharply angled opposite the angle of the wing, and runs at an
angle of 45 degrees to within a quarter of the distance to the inner margin. Here it
is obtusely angled, and slopes outwards again at the same angle as the upper portion

€

V7

of the line. On the lower wings only the outer line is continued, and this is angled
in the middle of the wing, opposite the hind angle of the wing. There is a distinct
discal spot on each wing, sometimes faint on the lower wings.

Two caterpillars sent from Victoria were cream-coloured or pale brown, mottled
very irregularly, with black, and could not be said in any way to resemble the des-
eription given by Dr. Packard from Abbott’s MS. drawing. “Body yellowish-
green above, pale purplish below. Two fine, blackish, lateral lines, with a pale line
above.” Although the two specimens received from Mr. Danby were comparatively
fresh, and had only been in alcohol a week when received, they differed so extremely
from each other that no good purpose would be served by giving a description, until
a larger series was examined and described from living material. This opportunity
I hope to secure next season from eggs sent by Mr. Danby.
These are for the most part of a reddish bronze colour, of a smooth and shining
appearance; but when magnified are found to have the surface finely netted with
pentagonal cells. Length 0°75—0-90 mm. (44—,, inch) of an ovate form slightly
flattened on the sides and abruptly flattened at the upper end. In the centre of this
apical area is a distinct conical protuberance. Most of the eggs were pushed
beneath flakes of bark or into tufts of ‘moss to which they adhered by their lower
ends or sides. From these eggs I have several young caterpillars. They are slen-
der, very elegant and active little creatures. The head black, general colour of
body gray, with slender lateral and sub-stigmatal lines, and ringed with velvety
black. The bands on segments 4 to 9 particularly the last four very conspicuous,
Length at birth 34 m m.
The chrysalis is a very pretty object. It is slender, clear white, fined on the
wing and leg cases with black. The rest of the body is also dotted and blotched
with black. The cremaster or hook at the end of the body by which it is attached
to the slight cocoon consists of about six small and two large hooks. The abdominal
rings bear several short stiff bristles pointing backwards.
Remedies—The important points in the life-history of this insect, gleaned from
the above, are that it passes the winter in the egg state; that young caterpillars
are found on the trees in July, and that the chrysalids are usually in crevices of the
bark or under leaves on the ground. Asa remedy, ifit be found that the eggs are
chiefly laid on the trunks of the trees, spraying these in early spring before the buds
burst, with a kerosene emulsion, would destroy large numbers. Pupation takes place
from the middle of August until September, during which time many pup#are on the
pound or on the trunks of the trees. Of the former, many would doubtless be
estroyed by pigs and chickens if they could be turned in at that time, and sweeping
the trunks would dislodge many more. Probably the most successful remedy for
_ the Park Commissioners to adopt, in future, will be a systematic spraying of the trees
_ with a very weak mixture of one of the arsenical poisons, about the time the young
lary are appearing. At that time a very weak mixture would suffice (1 Ib. of
Paris green to 300 gallons of water). The difficulty of throwing a spray over high
trees has now been solved by attaching the spray nozzle to a thin tube and then
fastening this to a light pole, by which, and with the help ofa ladder, it can be
_ carried to any reasonable height: The small cost of a suitable force-pump with the
necessary labour is a-small matter, compared with the pleasure secured for the
frequenters of a public park by the banishment of such a grievous pest as this,
Parasites —Mr. Danby sent me specimens of an Ichneumon fly which was taken
in numbers amongst these geometers, and which he thought might be a parasite. This
has been identified for me by Mr. W. H. Harrington as J. cestus. Upon one of the
alcoholic specimens of lary sent 1 found the egg of a Tachina fly. I have also bred
from a pupasent by Mr. Danby, a Pimpla with a red abdomen which Mr. Harrington
tells me is undescribed. This whole subject is one of great interest, and I hope the
Victoria Natural History Society will work it up. Besides knowledge of the para-
‘sites, animal and vegetable, information is wanting as to how it passes the time from
the opening of spring until August. Is it possible there are two broods?
6c—12

DIVISION OF BOTANY.

RED LEAF OR BLIGHT OF OATS.

‘

During the past season, as well as toa certain extent last year, a peculiar disease
was noticed upon oat plants from about the 1st June until winter set in, und all
volunteer or chance plants were destroyed by frost. This disease manifests itself by
the tip of the leaf taking a purplish-red tint, and there are also semi-translucent
blotches on the leaf. Although it has not been very virulent or destructive in Canada,
it has been a serious tax in some parts of the United States. It has been carefully
studied in the United States Department of Agriculture, and we have no doubt that
before long some practical remedy will be suggested. The following memorandum
upon this disease has been specially prepared by Mr. Galloway at my request.

“ The Blighting of Oats.

“One of the diseases which has been under investigation the present year
(1890) by the Division of Vegetable Pathology in the United States Department of
Agriculture, is the so-called Blight of Oats. Complaints of this trouble began to
arrive as early as the middle of May, and by the middle of June correspondents in
nearly all the principal oatgrowing States had written us about it. Later it was
reported as occurring destructively in various parts of Canada. So far as we are
aware, it caused little or no damage in Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Kansas and
the States further west. East of Kansas, however, the loss from it, in several of
the States, was from 50 to 80 per cent. Briefly summing up the results of our inves-
tigations, it may be stated that the disease is caused by a minute parasitic organism
belonging to the group known as bacteria. The bacteria are extremely minute
plants, and as is now well known, some of the most destructive diseases in the animal
and vegetable world are caused by them. In the case of the oat disease, a bacillus
swarms in the juices of the leaves, and by its action upon them produces the sickly
yellow or reddish color of the foliage. As a result of this, the oats remain almost at
a standstill, and in consequence the heads, if they appear at all, are small, while the
grain is comparatively worthless.

“The germ has been repeatedly obtained from diseased oats and grown in
various artificial culture media, such as nutritive gelatine, oat broth, hay infusion,
etc. Inoculations with this material have produced the disease in every case. In
shape, the organism is sometimes nearly round, although, as a rule, it is several
times longer than broad. So very minute is it that when magnified a thousand times
it is little larger than the head of a pin.

“Such problems as how this organism passes the winter, how it infects the
young oats, together with questions as to treatment, are now being worked out. It
is hoped that in the near future we shall be able to publish a full report on the
subject, in the event of which we will gladly send it to anyone applying for it.”

GRASSES.

Few agricultural products are of more importance to farmers than the various
grasses which provide food for their live stock. Notwithstanding this, there are few
branches of their business concerning which the generality know so little. In
addition to over 300 different kinds of grasses* found wild or naturalised in Canada,
there are many valuable foreign grasses from other countries suitable to our climate,
which can be sown to great advantage in pastures in mixtures or alone. There is,
however, amongst these a very large proportion of varieties which are useless or
unsuited to most parts of Canada, Many of these are in the market, and are sold to
farmers in high-priced mixtures by seedsmen, who sell them on their European repu-
tation, without having ever tested them in thiscountry. The following experiments
have been undertaken to test the value of all available grasses for this locality, and

* Macoun, J. M. Check-list of Can. Plants, Ottawa 1889.

179

seed has been distributed to our branch Farms as well as to various other points in
_ the Dominion, where they will be grown and the results recorded, so that before long
we hope to be in a position to say definitely, the locality and circumstances being
- given, what are the best grasses to cultivate. Not only are there many different
grasses varying in quality, but the price also differs widely, and it is not always the
_ highest-priced varieties which are best to grow. Amongst the seeds examined, large
numbers of injurious weed seeds have been found, and hardly a sample examined
was free from seeds of other grasses than those for which they were sold. In addi-
tion to this a large percentage of some samples was found to be useless, owing to the
fact that the seeds of many grasses lose very quickly their germinating power. In
view of the above, the importance is evident of having grass seed examined and
tested, both to see that it is true to name and up to the standard of vitality. We are
now prepared to do this at the Experimental Farm, and farmers would do well to
avail themselves of the opportunity. In the experiments recorded below, each pro-
mising variety has been grown separately on plots of one square rod each. To save
time the seeds were sown in the forcing house, and as soon as large enough to handle
_ were first pricked out in boxes and then planted out in the grass plots in rows 9
inches apart and the plants 8 inches apart in the rows. Weeds were kept down by
hoeing. The soil is not very rich and no artificial protection has been given during
the winter. Up to the present, 112 different kinds have been cultivated, besides 17
others of which the seed was sown last autumn A few packets of sced were dis-
tributed last spring, but none have yet been reported upon.

* (All iu plates of grasses used in this Report have been kindly lent by Dr George Vasey the U.S
tanist.

I.— GRASSES GROWN IN PLOTS OF 1 SQUARE ROD,
A—WNative Grasses.

1. Agropyrum caninum, R. & 8S. (Bearded Wheat Grass). Seed from Brandon,
_ Man., sown in house February, 1888. Pricked out May, 1888. Transplanted to
_ present bed May, 1889. In 1890, speared June 24. Flowered, July 12. A tall grass,
4 feet high, growing in tufts, of a strong odour when bruised, but well liked by cattle.
_ Cut for hay July 15; 80 lbs. green grass to the rod.
2. Agropyrum divergens, Nees. (Awned Blue stem). Seed from Dr. G. Vasey,
the United States Botanist. Sown in the open in spring of 1888. Transplanted to
present bed June, 1889. Speared, June 17, 1890. Flowered, June 30. Seed ripe,
July 21. Height, 2 feet. This grass, spoken highly of in the West, made a poor
showing at Ottawa. Both in 1889 and 1890 it was badly attacked by Meromyza
Americana, the Wheat-stem Maggot, and Oscinis variabilis, the American Frit Fly.
Leaves and stems slender and sparsely produced.
3. Agropyrum glaucum, R. & S. var. occidentale, V & S. (Colorado Blue-stem).
(PiateI.) Brandon, Man. Sown in house Feb., 1888. Pricked out May, 1888. Trans-
planted to present bed June, 1889. Speared, June 24, 1890. Flowered, July 12. Cut for
hay, July 15; 72 lbs. grass to the square rod. Height, 2} feet. Probably the most
valuable grass on our western plains, where it is the chief grass of the cattle ranches.
It produces an abundance of fine leaves from running root stocks and seeds freely.
By the end of the first season plants pricked out 8 inches apart had made a solid
mat of sod.
4. Agropyrum repens, L. (Quack Grass. Twitch. Seutch. Couch Grass), Trans-
planted from roadside May, 1890. Speared, June 20. Flowered, July 3. Ripe,
Ang. 1. By some highly praised as a fodder plant; but undoubtedly a most pernicious
‘weed. After the first year it fills the ground with underground stems and roots, and
only produces a small quantity of feed. It is very subject to the attacks of rust and
ergot.
ty 5. Agropyrum tenerum (Western Bunch-Wheat-Grass). Seed from North-West
Territories. Sown, February, 1889. Transplanted into present bed June, 1889. Speared,
June 18. Flowered, July 3. Seed ripe, July 21. This isa true bunch grass and a
6c—124

a eee ee

Fe, ame be

yaluable hay and fodder grass from Manitoba west to the Pacific. Dr. Vasey says:
“Tike A. glaueum, it is one of the best grasses for hay.” It has not succeeded well
at Ottawa, having been nearly exterminated by the American Frit Fly and other
insects. I have received magnificent specimens from Indian Head, N.W.T., 4 feet
high. k

6. Agrostis vulgaris, With. var alba, Vasey. (White Top. Creeping Bent Grass).
Found at Ottawa, growing by the side of a spring. Transplanted to present bed
June 10, 1890. Speared, June 24. Flowered June 28. Ripe, August 6. A fine-leaved,
delicate green grass, starting early in spring and lasting green until ‘late in autumn.
Essentially a low-ground grass, frequently running out and forming floating mats on
water. Valuable for swampy meadows and low lawns.

7. Agrostis vulgaris, With. (Red-top). Seed collected by Dr. G. M. Dawson along
the Fraser River, B. C. Seed sown March 14, 1890. Pricked out May 24. Madea
vigorous growth, forming a deep, soft, mat of foliage by August. This is a most
valuable grass for sowing with timothy in low meadows. It occurs from Atlantic
to Pacific.

8. Beckmannia eruceformis, Host, var unflorus, Scrib. (Slough Grass), Seed
from Brandon, Man. Sown March 13, 1890, in house. Transplanted June 9. Speared
July 3. Flowered July 22. Ripe August 5. <A tall, coarse grass, making remarkably
soft hay. It grows naturally in wet sloughs or low ground. In many parts of
Manitoba and the North-West Territories it is abundant, and forms valuable fodder,
much relished by cattle.

9. Bouteloua oligostachya, Tor. (Gramma Grass). (PLATE II.) Seed from Brandon.
Sown, 1888. Planted in present bed May, 1889. Speared June 20, i590. Flowered, July
3. Ripe August 1. Plants cut July 15, Flowered second time August 6. This small
but highly nutritious grass is much relished by cattle. Dr, Vasey says ‘‘On the
arid plains of the West it is the principal grass, and is the main reliance for the
vast herds of cattle which are raised there.”

10. Bromus ciliatus, L. (Fringed Brome Grass). Seed from Rush Lake, Man.
Sown April, 1889. Transplanted June, 1889. Speared, July 12. Flowered, July 29,
Ripe, September 1. Of no value for agricultural purposes as it grows here. Speci-
mens however grown at Brandon and Indian Head indicate that itis of value there.
The stems are 4 feet in height, well clothed with leaves from the bottom to the top.

11. Bromus Pumpellianus, Serib. (Western Brome Grass). Seed from Banff.
N.-W. T. Sown March, 1889. Transplanted into present bed June, 1889. Speared June
10, Flowered, June 20. Ripe, August 5. Another bed of the same, cut for hay July
19, after the anthers had dropped, gave 82 lbs. grass to square rod. This is a
very yaluable grass, producing an abundance of leafy stems, continuing in flower
for a long time and giving a heavy aftermath. It spreads rapidly from the root and
closely resembles the European Bromus inermis.

12. Cinna pendula, Trin. (Wood Reed Grass). Seed from the Rocky Mountains
Sown spring of 1889. Nearly all winter-killed during winter of 1889-90. Remainder
speared July 4. Flowered July 20. Ripe August 23. Of no agricultural value.

13. Deschampsia atropurpurea. Scheele, var. latifolia, Scrib. Seed from Rocky ,
Mountains. Sown March 14, Nearly all died during the summer.

14. Deschampsia cespitosa, P. B. (Tufted Hair-grass.) Seed from Glacier, B.C.
Sown spring of 1889. Transplanted into present bed June 1889. Speared 10th
June. Flowered 28th June. Ripe 16th July. A most beautiful grass; but of no
agricultural value.

15. Deschanipsia caspitosa var.? (Rocky Mountain Hair-grass.) Seed from
Harrison Hot Springs, B.C. Sown in house March, 1889, Transplanted to bed June, .
1889. Speared 20th June, Flowered 30th June. Ripe 30th July. This is a very orna-
mental grass like the last, growing in tufts, but bears fewer flowering stems and
many more and longer (18 inches) dark green leaves, After cutting on 5th August
new leaves were thrown up so quickly that in one week the plot was green again.

Very different in habit from the last.

|
|

16. Deyeuxia Langsdorfii, Kunth. Seed from Manitoba. Sown 14th March,
1890. Transplanted 15th July. Has not flowered yet, but has spread much by under-
ground stems.

17. Deyeuxia neglecta, Kunth. (Neglected Blue Joint.) Seed from Brandon,
Man. Sown March, 1889. Transplanted to bed June, 1889. Speared 18th June.
Flowered 30th June. Ripe27th July. This valuable grass has succeeded well under
cultivation, producing great quantities of very long fine leaves and flowering freely.
Height 3 feet. Mr. S. A. Bedford informs me that ponies will wander long distances
over the prairies cropping the dry stems and leaves of this grass in preference to
many others.

18. Deyeuxia neylecta, Kunth var. robusta, Vasey. Seed from Prof. Macoun,
collected in the North-West Territories. Treated as the above and closely resembling
it. Heads of flowers rather shorter and the stems rougher.

19. Hlymus Americanus, V. & S. (American Lyme Grass.). Seed from Rocky
Mountains. Sown March, 1889. Transplanted June, 1889. Has not flowered yet.
Growth spindly and weak, only 7 plants living October, 1890. -

20. Elymus Canadensis, L. (Canadian Lyme Grass.) Seed from Rocky Mountains.
Sown in house March, 1889. Transplanted June, 1889. Nearly destroyed by the
Wheat-stem Maggot. Speared 10th July. Flowered 24th July. Ripe 16th Sept.
A coarse grass found amongst bushes in low ground. Not suitable for cultivation in
the open.

21. Hlymus condensatus, Pres]. (Giant Rye Grass.) Seed from Dr. G. M. Dawson,
collected in British Columbia. Sown 15th March, 1890. Transplanted 25th June.
Has not fiowered yet. This grass is useful for holding the sand on railway banks.
When cut young it makes good hay and is also a valuable winter forage plant in the
west.

22. Elymus dasystachys, Trin. (Downy Wheat Grass). Seed from N. W. Terri-
tories, near Banff. Sownspring of 1889. Roots divided and transplanted May, 1890.
Speared 12th June. Flowered 20th June. Ripe 18th July. This grass has much
the aspect of an Agropyrum. It produces long slender leaves and wheat-like heads
of downy flowers. It promises well as a hay grass.

23. Elymus Virginicus, L. (lyme Grass). Seed from Brandon, Man, Sown
14th March, 1890. Transplanted 9th June. Plants weak and hardly established
when winter set in.

24. Hierochloa borealis, R. & S. (Holy Grass, Indian Hay). Seed from Brandon.
Sown 1888. Transplanted to present bed June, 1889. Speared 12th May. Flowered
24th May. Ripe 20th June. Cut 5th July, after the leaves had grown to their full
size. 55 lbs per square_rod.

This is the earliest grass of spring, and is the scented hay made into baskets, &c.,
by the Indian women. Its very sweet odour makes it a valuable admixture in hay.
Horses and cattle are very fond of it. When grown alone it is rather subject to rust.

25. Keleria cristata, Pers. (Western June Grass). Seed from North-West
Territories. Sown spring of 1888. Transplanted to present bed June 1889. Speared
15th June, 1890. Flowered 26th June. Cut for hay Ist July. 35 lbs. grass to the
square rod. A poor bunch grass of the plains, not touched by caitle while there is
anything else.

26. Macoun No. 8.—(Panicum capillare, variety). Seed collected by Prof.
Macoun at Sprout Lake, Vancouver Island. Sown March, 1890. Pricked out 10th
June. This turned out to be a useless grass, botanically it was interesting from the

fact that it came true from seed. Although there were no good characters by

which it could be separated from P. capillare, it presented a very different aspect
from the Ottawa form of that species growing wild all round it. The whole plant
is more glabrous, smaller, and has a contracted slender panicle.

27. Macoun No, 11—Seed collected by Prof. Macoun on Mount Finlayson, Van-

couver Island. Seed sown 15th November, 1890. ‘Transplanted 25th June, This
- grass has not yet flowered but has a promising appearance.

28. Muhlenbergia glomerata, Trin. (Wild Timothy, Muhlenberg’s Grass). Seed
from Mr. Duncan Kennedy, of Bird’s Hill, Man. Sown in open 15th May, 1890.
Transplanted to bed Ist July. Speared 24th July. Flowered 6th August. Ripe
Ist October. There has been more enquiry concerning this than any other native
grass. I consider it and the following amongst the most promising in the collection,
The plants mentioned above have not attained full growth and only grew about 1

foot in height; but I have specimens from Manitoba over 3 feet in height, branching —
and leafy to the top. In this part of Canada it grows in bogs and swampy meadows, ~

but in the west it extends up on to the high lands. In Prof Beal’s exceilent work
“The Grasses of North America” Dr. C. HK. Bessey, of Lincoln, Neb., is quoted as
follows: ‘‘Ten or twelve years ago I had my attention called to this wild grass as
one possessing many valuable qualities, making it desirable for introduction and
cultivation. 1 found that the liverymen of Central Iowa were in the habit of cutting
those parts of the prairie which lie between the sloughs and the high land. The hay
obtained from these places was of fine quality, being composed of leafy, branching
stems of fine length and medium hardness. It was always cut late, but even then
it was not often in seed.” Chemical analysis shows it to be very nutritious, and
cattle eat it greedily. Itis very hardy, and although thriving best in low ground
will grow almost anywhere. Mr. Duncan Kennedy says: “Asto the Muhlenberg grass
it will grow anywhere no matter how it is abused.” Mr, Bedford says: “ This
grows on level prairie and meadow, is excellent feed, and is doing well under
cultivation.” ’

29. Muhlenbergia Mexicana, Trin, (Satin Grass) (PLars III.) Roots collected in
low pasture, Noy. 1889. These were divided and planted in present beds 2 days before
continuous frost set in. Hyery one of these roots lived and flowered 20th July. Seed
collected at same time was sown in the open in May, 1890. Transplanted 30th June.
Speared Ist August. Flowered 20th August. Ripe 30th Sept. The plants grown
from seed sown this spring gave almost us heavy a crop as the old plants. This
species is more leafy and produces finer hay than the last. The stems branch at every
joint. It seems to have every character of a good hay grass. The following extract
will indicate that it may help to fill the great need for good hay grasses in the far
west. In Prof. Beal’s “ Grasses of North America,” p. 185, is the following: “ Dr.
Bessey also speaks well of this grass for lowa and Nebraska. He writes: ‘When I
called Prof. Budd’s attention to it he said that he grew a three-acre lot of it for four
years, and that it yielded from 24 to 3 tons per acre of hay of the highest quality.
This agrees with other testimony.’” Mr. Bedford says: “This makes extra good
feed.” A special value of these Muhlenberg Grasses is that they will bear more shade
than most species.

30. Muhlenbergia sylvatica, T. & G, (Bearded Satin Grass.) Plants collected in
dry wood at Ottawa in autumn of 1889. Roots divided and planted in present bed
16th October, 1890. This species resembles the last closely; but has stouter stems
and grows in drier localities. The flower panicle is looser and bears slender bristly
awns.

31. Panicum virgatum, L. (Switch Grass.) Seed from Dr. Vasey. Sown spring
of 1888. Transplanted to present bed June, 1889. Speared 10th July, 1890. Flowered
5th August. Gut for hay while in flower 11th August. 132 1bs to sq. rod. Height
5 feet, This is a late grass and must be cut young to make good hay, as it becomes
very hard when the seeds are ripe. It thrives in low ground and comes in like the
Muhlenbergias, when many other grasses have passed their prime. Dr. Vasey says:
“Ttis a good and prolific grass if cut when young.” One drawback is that it matures
few good seeds, this however, Mr. John Craig informs me is not the case in the
Western States.

32. Phalaris arundinacea, L. (Reed Canary Grass.) (PLATEIV.) Seed from Ger-
many. Sown spring of 1887, did not flower until 1890. Transplanted to present bed
June 1889. Speared 12th June. Flowered 24th June. RipellthJuly. Height4 fect.
Although the actual plants mentioned here were grown from European seed, this valu-
able grass is found wild in low ground and along streams in all parts of Canada from

€

183

the Atlantic to the Pacific. It is very early and very prolific, having been cut three
_ timesintheseason. On 4th June the bed was covered with a growth of delicate green
. succulent and very leafy shoots 3 feet 3 inches in height, which weighed 120 Ibs. to
sq.rod. On the same day fall rye was only 2 feet 6 inches in height.
On 5th August the same plot was cut again and gave 50 lbs. to the square rod.
On 16th October it was cut again and gave 23 lbs. of grass. Another plot of the
same grass left until the seed was ripe on 11th July was over 5 feet high and gave
160 Ibs. of grass. This plot did not recover so soon after cutting, but was well
covered with green shoots by September. This I believe will be found a valuable
_ grass under cultivation and in low meadows. The root is perennial and extends by
running root stocks.
33. Phleum pratense, L. (Timothy. Herd’s grass.) Seed from Major Walker of
Calgary, N-W. T. Sown spring of 1889. Speared 16th June 1890. Flowered 1st
July. Ripe 29th July. This well-known and valuable grass is familiar to all
farmers. It is not indigenous in Canada; but is now well established wherever
roads or railways have penetrated. It is hoped that the above form from the Rocky
Mountains may prove hardier for the North-West than the ordinary form.
34. Phleum alpinum, L. (Alpine Timothy). Seed collected by Dr. G. M. Dawson
on Mount Tod, B. C. (Alt. 5.500 feet). Sown April, 1889; transplanted May, 1889.
Speared 12th June. Ripe, 3rd July. Nearly the whole of this bed flowered and then
died off. Some few plants however threw up one or two weak shoots in September
1889, and flowered again in 1890 before dying. It is a smaller and less valuable
grass than P. pratense.
35. Poa compressa, L. (Wire grass. Flat-stemmed meadow-grass). Plants
collected on rocky pasture in 1889. Divided in autumn of 1890 and planted in
present bed. This hardy and nutritious grass, although it starts early in the spring
_ and keeps green longer than most native grasses in the autumn, does not produce
enough fodder to make it worth cultivating except upon dry and rocky pastures
where few grasses will grow. For such localities it is one of the best.
36. Poa Nevadensis, Vasey. (Nevada Bunch Grass), Seed from Whitewood,
N.-W.T. Sown March, 1888, flowered freely in 1889. Young plants transplanted
from old to present bed 15th June, 1890. Nearly all destroyed by Aphides, and did
not flower. Plants began to recover about Ist September. This species seems to be
peculiarly susceptible to attack by Aphides. When grown in the forcing hoase in
1888 it was the only grass attacked by them, and in the open air last year it was
again the only plot injured by these insects. This is probably a grass of no agri-
cultural value. Height of leaves 3 inches, stems 1 foot.
37. Poa pratensis, L. (June Grass. Kentucky Blue Grass) Form 1. (Puare VY.)
Seed from Major Walker, of Calgary. Seed sown March, 1889; speared 2nd June,
1890. Flowered 12th June. Ripe 4th July. This is a tall form with wide leaves.
The original plants from which the seed was taken measured 3 feet 5 inches in
height.
38. Poa pratensis, L. Form 2. Seed from Glacier, B.C. Sown 15th March, 1890.
Transplanted June, 1890. A leafy free-growing form, very dark green. By the end
_ of the season the plot was a close sod which continued growing until winter. .
- 89. Poa pratensis, LL. Form 3. Seed from Forres, N.W.T. Sown spring of
1888. Flowered June, 1889. Roots divided and planted in present bed 1st June,
1890. Speared 12th June. Flowered 20th June. Ripe 4th July. Cut down 21st
July. Did not spring up agaia till September. This is a wide-leaved coarse variety
with dark leaves and very bi ade and few underground stems. It was
‘severely attacked by the American Frit Fly and Wheat-Stem Maggot, and mildewed
badly in October. I cannot separate this botanically from other forms of Poa pra-
tensis, but agriculturally this is a poor grass of no value, while the others are all
very good. This difference between varieties of the same species grown under the
same conditions, may explain the Various opinions so often expressed concerning
Kentucky Blue Grass.

40. Poa pratensis, L. (White form.) Seed collected in North-West Territories.
Sown spring of 1888, Flowered June, 1889. Transplanted into present bed May,

1890, Speared 14th June. Flowered 20th June. Ripe 4th July. This isavery — 3

handsome form with wide, slightly pale leaves and conspicuously glaucous panicles.
Itis almost a bunch grass producing very few andshortrunners. It isnot unlikesome
forms of Poa cesia; but has been pronounced Poa pratensis by most of the botanists
to whom I haye submitted specimens. Height 2 feet; leaves 1 foot. This variety
was also badly attacked by the American Frit Fly. >

41. Poa serotina, Ehrh. (Fowl Meadow Grass.) (Puats VI.) Seed from Griswold,
Man. Sownspring of 1889. Transplanted June, 1889. Flowered twice in 1889. Speared
12th June, 1890.. Flowered 3rd July. Ripe 21st July.

Another bed grown from Rocky Mountain seed, but identical with above was
eut for hay when in flower 8th July, and gave 44 lbs. grass to square rod. This
shrunk in curing to 20 lbs. of excellent hay or 13 tons to the acre. This excellent
grass has been sparingly cultivated for 150 years. The fine branching stems are
abundantly produced and remain green long after the seed is ripe. It grows well
in low ground and bears almost as heavy an aftermath at the end of August as
the first crop, flowering stems being thrown up from the lower joints. In Manitoba
this grass sometimes covers large areas to the exclusion of nearly all other species,
The Indians about Griswold prefer it to all other grasses and trayel long distances
to cut it.

42. Sporobolus heterolepis, Gray (Strong-scented Drop-seed Grass). Seed from
Brandon, Man, Seed sown spring of 1888. Transplanted to present bed, June, 1889.
Speared, 8th July, 1890. Flowered, 20th July. Ripe,27th August. Thisisa bunch
grass with long fine leaves. It will grow in almost pure sand or in stiff clay. Mr,
Bedford credits it with being good feed. The quantity, however, is small.

Plots of the two following North American grasses haye also been grown,

Bromus segetum is a Mexican species, but Buchloe dactyloides will probably be found —

along the southern border of our western prairies.

43. Bromus segetum. Seed from Dr. Vasey. An annual which bears twice cutting
and will then seed itself for the next year. The yield of hay is not heavy enough to
give it much agricultural value.

44. Buchloe dactyloides,Engelm. (BuffaloGrass). Seed from Dr, Vasey. Sown
1889. Transplanted to present bed, June, 1889. Began to flower, June, 24th, and
continued till end of season. This is the true Buffalo Grass. It is of a remarkable

habit. It starts very late in spring, not showing a sign of life until June, when it

throws out vigorous shoots which branch at each joint and take root, so that it soon
forms a thick mat about 3 inches in depth, of fine stems and hair-like leaves. It is*
said to be a most nutritious and attractive grass to all kinds of stock,

B.— Foreign Grasses.

A,—In addition to the above, the following foreign grasses have been grown in —
plots to test their value for this climate. The seed was in all cases received from —
English or German seedsmen, and almost every sample contained many seeds of —

weeds and other grasses.
45. Agrostis capillaris. Resembles A. vulgaris.

46. “dispar, Thesameas A. vulgaris, With. Cut for hay, July 23; 76 lbs.

of grass to sq. rod.
47. “vulgaris, var. alba. This is not the same as No, 6 above, which
seems to be identical with A. stolonifera, Sm. of English authors.
48. Alopecurus agrestis (Slender Foxtail). A slender annual grass of doubtful
value, far inferior to the perennial Meadow Foxtail (A. pratensis).
49. Anthoxanthum odoratum (Sweet Vernal Grass). A very sweet grass with

“the same scent as Holy Grass. Sown, May, 1890. Has not flowered yet. Seed

y

Ee ns Pe RPE fit ene RTE) Oe eT

sown-in the spring of 1888 was all killed the next winter. It may, however,

possibly al been the annual A. Puelli which is sometimes sold for this, which is a
erennial.

50. Avena elatior (Tall Meadow Oat Grass)—Seed sown in open Ist July.

Transplanted 5th August. Made good growth before winter; no flowers, but ground

well covered.

51. Avena flavescens (Yellow Oat Grass).—Seed sown June, 1890. A few plants
flowering 5th October. Highly spoken of for mixtures, but of small size and slow

owth.
ie 52. Brachypodium sylvaticum (Wood False-Brome-Grass).—Seed sown in open
September, 1889. Transplanted 25th May, 1890. This grass is a free grower and
produces an abundance of wide leaves 12 to 18 inches in length, which stand up
well, giving the bed the appearance on Ist November of a heavy mat of green
foliage. It has not flowered yet. If it endures our, winter it should be a valuable
grass. It grows naturally in woods and stands shading.

53. Bromus giganteus (Tall Brome-Grass).—This closely resembles the above
and I suspect is not true to name,

54. Bromus inermis (Awnless Brome-Grass). Seed sown spring of 1888.
Transplanted to present bed June, 1889. Speared 10th June, 1890. Flowered 26th
June to 4th July. Cut for hay 5th July. 104 lbs. grass to the square rod. Cured
hay 47 lbs. or 33 tons to the acre. This is an extremely hardy and very valuable
Russian grass. It comes up early in spring and produces a heavy aftermath of
succulent leafy shoots. It is one of the most valuable introduced grasses we have

Lown.
2 55. Ceratochloa australis (Southern Brome-Grass).—This is a coarse and succu-
lent annual, which produces a large amount of fodder. It shoots up again quickly
after cutting and continues growing until killed by winter.

56. Cynosurus cristatus (Crested Dog’s Tail).—Seed sown 14th March. Trans
planted 10th June. Has not yet flowered.

57. Dactylis glomerata (Orchard Grass) —This higly esteemed grass, which
thrives well in many parts of Canada, has not succeeded well at Ottawa. Seed
sown in 1889 produced by the autumn a bed of most vigorous plants. In the spring
of 1890 only 17 plants were living, many of which were weak. Although included
in all permanent pasture mixtures it is rarely found here two years after sowing.
I have now plots in dry and in rich soil planted from seed sown last June.

58. Festuca duriuscula (Hard Fescue).—A hardy fine-leaved grass which has
stood our winters well. Suitable for rocky pastures. It is tailer than Sheep’s Fescue.
Seed sown 13th March, 1890. Transplanted 6th July.

59, Festuca rubra.—The plants I have growing are closely like the above and may
rove to be that species. Seed sown 13th March. Transplanted 8th June. On Ist
ovember these plants were cushions 6 to 10 inches across of fine hair-like leaves of

an intense green. \

60. Festuca elatior (Tall Fescue).—Seed sown spring of 1888. Transplanted to
resent bed 10th May 1890. Speared 15th June. Flowered 21st June. Ripe 24th
uly. This grass does not appear to be so hardy as the Meadow Fescue. It has

wider leaves and a larger panicle of flowers. It is stated to be a valuable grass for
a permanent pasture mixture.

61. Festuca pratensis, (Meadow Fescue). Seed sown spring 1888. This is un-

doubtedly the most valuable of all the European grasses for this district. It is per-

fectly hardy matures two crops of hay and produces a very heavy autumn growth

of rich fodder, It should always be included in mixtures for permanent pastures.
Flowered 21st June. Cut for hay 11th July. 70 lbs to the square rod,

62, Festuca pratensis var loliacea, (Slender-spiked Fescue). Seed sown spring
of 1890. Transplanted 25th June. Flowered 6th August. This proved to beordinary

_ Ff. pratensis. It is doubiful whether the var loliacea would come true from seed, as
_ it appears to be an accidental variety.

63. Holcus lanatus, L. (Velvetgrass). Seed collected at Harrison Hot Springs,

B.C. Sown March 1889in the house. Transplanted 22nd May. This is a handsome
but useless perennial grass. It made a heavy growth and flowered sparingly in
1889; but every root was killed in the winter.

64, Lolium Italicum, (Italian Rye Grass). Seed sown spring of 1890. Trans-
planted May 20. Speared 30th June. Flowered 26th July. Ripe 20th Aug. This seed
was much mixed with Perennial Rye Grass. The two species may be separated
when not in flower, as pointed out to me by Mr. John Speir, of Glasgow, by the fact
that the young shoots of Italian Rye Grass are round while those of Perennial Rye
Grass are flat, This grass makes a heavy growth of green leaves the first year in
rich land; but is not hardy enough for the Ottawa climate.

65. Lolium perenne, (Perennial Rye Grass). (Puate VII.) Seed sown in open
April, 1890. Transplanted 10th June. Did not flower, but produced an extremely
heavy crop of long tender foliage which kept green till the snow came, This is
hardier than Italian Rye grass and makes a valuable addition to permanent pasture
mixtures for this district.

66. Poa nemoralis, (Wood Meadow Grass).

67. Poa trivialis, (Rough-stalked Meadow Grass.) I have experienced great
difticulty in procuring these grasses true to name. ‘hanks to the kindness of Mr.
H. de Vilmorin of Paris, I have now true seed of both, and hope to report on them
next year. They are reputed to be valuable grasses suitable to this climate.

II. ASIATIC GRASSES.

A small collection of grasses was received from India. Most of the seed was
mudy. and very few grains would germinate. This collection consisted of the fol-

owing:

nar onaaon pertusus and A. annulatus, (Mixed) Panicum colonum, and P. ciliare.
None of these germinated. Setaria glauca (not sown, it being a common weed
throughout the country).

68. Eragrotis megastachya.—This isa wild plantin western Canada. Sometimes
grown as an ornamental grass.

69. Apluda aristata—One plant germinated, but was killed by frost before the seed
ripened.

e 70. Cynodon dactylon.—(Bermuda grass).

71. Hleusine Indica—(Yard grass). Half a dozen plants of each of these grasses
grew ; but they were destroyed by frost before the seed was ripe.

72. Eragrostis Abyssinica, (Teff.) Seed received from the Government Botanic
Gardens at Bangalore, India, and from Mr. Alfred Boyd, of Toronto, and grown on
separate plots. Sown in house 15th March, 1890. Transplanted into beds 28th
June. Speared 24th July. Flowered 5th September. Some seed ripe 12th October.
One plot was cut for hay 10th September, and gave the remarkable crop of 170 Ibs.
to the square rod. It was eaten by the cattle, but was not apparently very palatable.
The packets were labelled as Red and White Teff ; but both produced similar plants.

73. Panicum miliaceum, (Common Millet) Annual. Seed from Prof. Beal. A
valuable soiling crop, but not in any way equal to Indian corn. Seed ripe in
September.

III. MIscELLANEOUS GRASSES.

The following are being tested in small quantities, either for want of more
material, in which case all seed is being carefully saved ; or because they are only of
botanical interest and are not deemed worthy of more extensive cultivation than will
serve for study or the distribution of herbarium specimens to botanists. In addition
to those enumerated below, a few plants of several of the species mentioned in list
I_are being grown for comparison, from seed collected in widely separated localities,
or upon different soils. These names are not repeated here.

*4

‘ Rees Se! oper * ya eT eT he eg ealY

187

A.—NATIVE GRASSES,

Agropyrum caninum, R. & §. Glaucous variety.
Agropyrum tenerum ? From Ottawa.
Agropyrum unilaterale. Krom Michigan Ag. Col.
Agrostis perennans, Tuck. (Thin grass).
Agrostis perennans, Glaucous variety.
Agrostis scabra Willd. (Tickle grass).
Andropogon scoparius, Mx. (little Blue Stem). This is a valuable grass in the
West where it will grow in pure sand. It makes excellent feed for horses, (S. A.
Bedford).

Andropogon provincialis, Lam. (Turkey foot). “Good feed. Cattle and horses
very fond of it. Grows on high land.” (S. A. Bedford).
Briza media, L (Quaking grass) from Vancouver Island. Of no agricultural value.
Bromus Kalmii, Gray. (Wild Chess).
Chrysopogon nutans, Benth. (Indian grass). Considered valuable in the West.
A tall coarse grass. Very late in starting inspring. It will grow in pure sand.
Danthonia spicata, Beauv. (White Top. Old Fog.) This forms a large pro-
portion of the herbage in dry upland and mountain pastures. It is a small grass, but
improves much under cultivation.
Deyeuxia Canadensis, Hook. (Blue-joint Grass.) This common but valuable
grass grows in all low meadows. It produces an abundance of leafy stems which are
eaten greedily by stock. Height 3 io 5 feet.
Elymus americanus, V. & S. (ong-awned form.)
Elymus americanus, (Short-awned form.)
Eatoniaobtusata,Gray. (Barly Grass.) Seed from Brandon, where Mr. Bedford
Says it is the earliest grass to ripen its seed.
Eatonia Pennsylvanica, Gray. (From Ottawa.)
Festuca microstachya, Nutt. var. divergens, Thurb. A small annual grass from
Vancouver Island, of no value.
Festuca ovina, lu. (Sheep’s Fescue, Plate VIII.) This is the type of a division
of the Genus Festuca in which the root leaves are short and bristlelike. They are
small but very valuable grasses for upland pastures. Reported to be doing well
under cultivation at Indian Head, N.W.T.
Hordeum jubatum, L. (Squirrel-Tail Grass.) Seed from Manitoba. A perni-
cious weed in pastures. Mr. J. Craig tells me that in dry regionsit makes a beautiful
lawn grass, and bears cutting well. He has seen it used for this purpose in the State
of Iowa, and it should be tried in the arid portions of our North-West.
Macoun No.4. From Langford’s Lake, B.C. Thisis possibly Glyceria pauciflora,
Presl.
Macoun No.6. From Qualicum, Van. Isd.
Macoun No. 10. From Barclay Sound.
Macoun No. 12. From Cameron Lake, B.C. Probably a Deyeuxia.
Orizopsis——? From Kananaskis, Rocky Mountains.
Pennisetum longistylum. Seed from Prof. W. J. Beal. A very ornamental grass:
Poa cesia, Smith. Seed from Indian Head. A short-leaved, slender and weak
_ grass.
. Poa tenuifolia, Nutt. (Slender-leaved Meadow Grass.) A small but valuable
‘species in mountain pastures. It grows in bunches with long fine glaucous leaves
and loose panicles. Seed from Harrison Hot Springs, B.C. Sown spring of 1889.
Flowered July, 1890.

Stipa spartea, Trin. (Northern Buffalo Grass. Porcupine Grass.) Seed from
Tndian ead: Sown 1889. Flowered and ripened seed 1890,
Trisetum subspicatum, P.B. From Ottawa.
__-‘Trisetum subspicatum, P.B. From Rocky Mountains. A small grass not likely
to be of much value.

B.—EUROPEAN GRASSES.

Agrostis——? Interloper in other seed. A very fine Bent-grass, suitable for
lawns. :

Aira flexuosa, (Heath Hair-grass.) Very dissimilar from whatI am growing as
Deschampsia flexuosa from the Rocky Mountains. i8

Arrhenatherum avenaceum (Tall Oat Grass). Young plants doing well. «

Bromus mollis, (Soft Brome Grass.)

Eiymus arenarius, (Sea Lyme Grass.) Seed from Mr, John Mather, whoimported
it to grow to arrest drifting sand. It is used for this purpose in some parts of the
United States and Holland, together with Beach Grass (Ammophila arundinacea).

Festuca heterophylla. (Various leaved Fescue.) A fine-leaved grass of the ovina
type.

Festuca ovina var. angustifolia, (Sheep’s Fescue.) Leaves very fine and ofadelicate
green. ;

Holcus mollis (Perennial Velvet Grass.) A beautiful but useless grass.

Poa sudetica.—A small species.

Stipa Lessengerianum.

Stipa Sareptana.

Both of the above are fine-leayed grasses suitable for dry localities, but of little
agricultural value.

From Dr, Vasey. C

IV.—Besides the above, a large collection of seed was sown last September
including many of the above as well as the following not before mentioned,

A.—NATIVE GRASSES,

Ammophila longifolia, Vasey, from Manitoba. 4
Aristida purpurea, Nutt., from British Columbia.

Andropogon provincialis, Lam., from Manitoba.

Bedford No. 25, from Manitoba.

Danthonia Californica. Boland, from British Columbia. /
Elymus Virginicus, L, var. submuticus, Hook, from Manitoba. |
Ericoma cuspidata, Nutt., from British Columbia. .
Festuca tenella, Willd., from British Columbia, . |
Glyceria grandis, Kunth, from Manitoba,
Glyceria Canadensis, Trin., from Ottawa.

Phleum pratense, var. alpestre, Vasey, from Idaho.
Stipa viridula, Trin., from Manitoba. : 2
Zizania aquatica, L. Sown in the Lake.

B.—FOREIGN GRASSES.

Avena pubescens. (Downy Oat Grass).

Bromus pratensis. (Meadow Brome Grass). a

Bromus secalinus. (Chess, Plate TX.) A useless grass concerning which some —
farmers hold the remarkable and utterly erroneous ‘opinion that it is degenerated —
wheat, with which, however, it is in no way related.

Molinia cerulea. (Purple Melic Grass.)

In conclusion I would add that seed or plants of any grasses not included in the
above lists will be thankfully received and their qualities examined and reported
upon,

PLATE I.

L COLORADO BLUE-STEM. (Agropyrum glaucum, R&S. var. occidentale V. & S.)

nt ll

PLATE IT.

IL—GRAMMA GRASS. (Bouteloua oligostachya, Tor.)

PLATE III.

II.—SATIN GRASS. (Muhlenbergia Mexicana, Trin.)

6c—13

A ' PLATE IV.

is
i
ot

Marx ad. Gi?

O HEIDEMANN Sc,

IV.—REED CANARY-GRASS. ¢Phalaris arundinacea, TL.)

PLATE V

(Poa yratensis, L.)

GRASS.

E-

V.—KENTUCKY BLU

PLATE VL

(Poa serotina, Ehrh.)

VI.—FOWL MEADOW-GRASS.

“355 St" oe See | ie ae Po ey EN Ae ah rere? ne ae ee ian +5 7
- *

PLATE VII.

VII.—PERENNIAL RYE-GRASS. (Lolium perenne, L.)

PLATE VILL. ~

AANICKOLS EN

VIII.—SHEEP’S FESCUE. (Festuca

~
-

we DS, TOPE ee IRS ee ae ele eS PA Oe eli
=~ - #53 + peice aout er i ie aes oe oe raat Le) Soe ee eS SF ee ee ae a Ae ee Pee A

E-

PLATE IX,

WERK .VEL.

IX.—CHESS. (Bromus sccalinus, L.)

REPORT OF THE POULTRY MANAGER.

(A. G. GILBERT.)

To Witiiam Saunpers, Esq.,
Director Dominion Experimental Farms,

Ottawa.

previous winter, has shown,—
at all.
the matter ot feed.

apparent. j
What is the proper treatment of the different breeds in winter ?

WINTER TREATMENT OF DIFFERENT BREEDS,

exercise.
supply.

to them in chaff, straw or dry leaves scattere| on the floor.

follows :—

Str,—I have the honour to submit to you the third annual report of the working
of the poultry department of the Central Experimental Farm, since 3rd January,
1890, the date of last report. During the winter season of 1889-90 careful notice
was taken of the effect, on the various breeds, of the different sorts of ground meal
composing the hot or stimulating food, given in the morning as an incentive to
winter laying. These warm messes were made more or less stimulating by the
addition or omission of ground meat and red pepper, the latter being entirely omitted
when egg laying had fairly commenced. This experience, coupled with that of the

1, That the stimulating and fattening foods which go to eggs in the Spanish
family, such as Leghorns, Minoreas, Andalusians, &¢., make the Asiatics, viz.:
Brahmas, Cochins, Langshans, &c.,so fat as to lay soft shelled eggs or not to lay

2. That Plymouth Rocks and Wyandottes—breeds of American origin and not
to be properly classed with either of the foregoing—are to be treated as Asiatics in

3. That it is best, when possible, to keep the pullets of late hatch from the two
year old hens, for the reason that the latter are at their best for ege production
and the fattening food that is suitable to pullets is likely to make the hens too fat to
lay. The importance of having pullets hatched as early as possible will thus be

1. Brahmas, Cochins, Langshans, Plymouth Rocks, &c., &., require more oats,
less wheat, little or no Indian corn, soft or stimulating food in moderation and a
generous supply of vegetables, Lean meat twice or thrice a week and plenty of

2. Leghorns, Minoreas, Andalusians, Hamburgs, &c., &c., will take more soft or
stimulating food, more wheat, Indian corn with meat and vegetables in liberal

3. It is essential to success that lime, grit, gravel, &c., &c., should be before the
layers at all times, and that the hens be kept in activity by throwing the grain fed

Soft or stimulating food is generally fel in the mo:ning and is composed as

an

HOT MORNING FEED,

A warm morning mess for the heavy breeds may be made of shorts, ground
oats, bran, and lean meat scraps mixed with boiling water. This can be varied by
giving cooked vegetables instead of the ground oats or bran. Clover hay cut in
small pieces, steamed and mixed with the morning feed, is one of the best of green
foods and cannot be given too often.

For the Spanish family a more stimulating morning mess may be made of shorts,
cornmeal, ground oats or barley with ground meat or meat scraps in judicious
quantity every morning, with a modicum of black or red pepper. Vary by mixing
boiled potatoes or other vegetables in lieu of the ground oats or barley. Steamed
clover hay at any time.

In cold weather Indian corn may be fed to the fowls for the last meal.

lt is taken for granted that the fowls have comparatively comfortable quarters,
with pure water to drink in regular supply; the chill taken off the water; the grain
warmed in cold periods and the other directions, as given in detail in report of last
year, carried out.

Should the foregoing treatment be found too forcing, the soft feed may be cur-
tailed and more green stuff and oats fed. It is quite likely thin shelled eggs may ~
be laid and it is a sign that the hens are getting too fat. As a preventative mix fine
ground oyster shells, or sand, or both in the morning soft feed,

A QUESTION AS TO FEED ANSWERED,

A correspondent in the North-West Territories asks, “ What kind of feed am I
to use when | want to give my hens a rest after laying all winter and previous to
breeding from them?” In reply it may be stated that a cessation of the stimulat-
ing soft feed and a gradual change from wheat to oats will, in most cases, have the
effect of stopping production, Care must be taken that grit is regularly supplied,
(as it should always be) to aid digestion, or else the change to oats may result in
some of the hens becoming crop bound, The change from a generous to a non-
stimulating diet, or vice versa, should be gradual, Should the hens have a run out,

meanwhile, the latter is not likely to occur.
THE FARM LAYERS,

Owing to lack of room, some of the male birds remained with the laying stock
during the winter. When the additional building, in course of erection, is com-
pleted it is intended to keep the laying and breeding stock apart. In cases where
the hens had laid all winter, and were used as breeders in spring, they were allowed
a rest and the eggs for hatching were saved, after laying recommenced.

BREEDING PENS MADE UP.

The breeding pens were made up as follows :—

Breed. Number in Pen. When Mated.

Wry andottes icc: ocbelo-seharecisiae a tacmcneahe cise
Blacks Manoreass ccm cece sees cers ee
Plymouth Rocks...... SAAB HA AT a CC antec G aon :
IBTAhMASs sis selene We oor Grier emigmenlaceeuiieee eee ae
Mihite Mech ornss 6 40% <5 ae stn nae eit ee eens
MEV GHIGL ATS Petes te Steels epee ire sete eer tint teeite resis ocr ecusiare By
Bull Cochinseine wees. 5 os aero men ee ee aeons
Black Famburgs': .:. ..)c.oc Ae oe: et seb eee ite aise areas

Where no dates are given the male birds remaited in the pens all winter.

Plymouth Rock, with White Leghorns.................
Black Java, with mixed hens................-.. Za
B. B. R. G., with White Plymouth Rock

Later in the season the mixed pen was broken up, owing to the death of the
Black Java eock.

The table below will show the number of eggs given to hens and the chickens
hatched :—

NUMBER OF CHICKENS HATCHED.

|
Number | Number When
then Eggs of Description of Eggs. | of Chickens | Chicks were
2 Eggs set. hatched. - | hatched.
| |
|
1890. |
Mar 29:... 6 |Plymouth Riad his 0, Meck ee eee tenes { 8 ....April 19
April 5... a] j}4 White Leghorns, 5 Houdans.................... | 6 Lis MAGE 2D:
aoe 53. .2 9 \4 do 5 te) RS aie cate dae | 6 ec oe CLO ie,
aa WAGs... Diy > Ae Wihitbesb uke so Ba Winoreass. seas), oh gees ee rine = | 3 -May 7
do) .22...2. Hen ba | PlvanoiahvRocks at eee 2 aoe s Ae ee ero ee 8 .do 13
do! 23°... 11 | (acy Seng VA Senter: CMe Toe ren a een ee 10 . do 14
do 25... 13 |Langshans, purchased in Ottawa. ................ 12 . do 16
do 28... 13 ° (a ie A Rees oir = el eee 10 . do 18
May 1... fometrsibutsay Wiyandottes! 5.0/5... cents coke few 10 - do 22
(ite eee 11 Blvirouth (ROCKS oss, Put ocne aabie aes tims sete wee 8 . do 24
Clap Wy (eae 113 Black Minorcas (From London, Ont.)........ 10 - do 28
(cls) ai fees 13 7 to) 6 Brahmas CGR it eo: ee 10 [ace 1G eo
lara y fae 11 \7 do 4 do doy pe MAAS a: 9 ‘do. “28
ies ey Bae 11 |Brahmas ior) oy ns Rie 8 do 28
aos 112... 11 Iie .do ten 4 MV yandobtes's. yaane as dateieerianis: ae SA. r¢ June 2
do 16... 11 8 White Leghorns, 3 Plymouth Rocks............. 8 ea: (ome a
do 30.. 13 {Plysnombawockites ob eee aie ere cate oro ets ea) ll . do 20
June 13... 13 [BigBioiame noc: co tcemes Ses ieee one n es | 9 . do 20
OATS: 13 |Buff Cochins (Imported. Eggs shaken)........... | 5 July 4
July 9.. Ho! mw) elyaontopnocks fe. nice eke a emer 12 . do 30
edoy 19.2. 13 \7 White Leghorns, 6 Game Crosses................| 7 Aug. 9
172

HOW THE SITTING HENS WERE MANAGED.

As in previous years care was taken to rid the sitting hens of lice by dusting
their bodies and the nests wel! with carbolic powder. China eggs were placed in
the nests and the broody hen allowed to sit on them for two days. The imitation
eggs were then taken away and the genuine placed in their stead. It is of the
utmost importance that the sitting hen should be rid of all vermin before the eggs
to hatch, often of great value, are given to her. When the sitter is not so rid of
lice she is apt to leave the nest for long periods and frequently will not return to it.
When a hen is noticed standing on the nest, as if in distress and loath to sit on the
eggs, the trouble is caused by lice. The heat of the embryo in the shell
d the high temperature of the hen’s body, tend to make the parasites so
ctive as to become unbearable. As before said, although against the natural
net, some hens leave their nest and the hatch is lost. During last summer a
visiting farmer said: ‘I have not got a chicken this year. What was the matter
with my hens? They all left their nests.” He was informed of the reason, and
although surprised that the cause was so easy to find, remarked that it was worth
the price of the journey to get the information. As a matter of fact, a great many
the so-called diseases of poultry may be traced to the presence of lice.

Me Wee EP SRNR eer 7 Ane eae ee
=H SOP Te * ab hee rat s;, a ee

210 ‘fe

EARLY SITTERS.

There was a remarkable demand for sitters in the early hatching season, and it
was noticed that the sitting varieties were unusually tardy in becoming broody.
In the case of the farm fowls, the majority of the mixed breeds, kept for sitters, did
not become broody at any period of the season, and the thoroughbred Buff Cochins
had to be used as early sitters, The first hen to be put on eggs was a coloured
Dorking, on the 29th of March, followed by two Buff hens, on the 5th of April, and
four others on the 16th, 22nd, 25th and 28th of the same month, consecutively. In
the next month, four Buff Cochins, with tive Brahmas, six Plymouth Rocks, one
Black Russian, two Wyandottes and three mixed breeds were used as sitters. It
will be seen that of the total number of sitters, three only were not thoroughbreds.
Apart from their fair laying qualities, the Buff Cochins, in two successive seasons,
have proved invaluable as early and reliable sitters. Had their services not been
required for hatching out chickens they would have been broken up and made to
lay again. For an early sitter, when it ean be had, a light hen is to be preferred, for
at that time egg shells are apt to be thinner than at a later date.

BREAKING UP A HEN,

By breaking up a sitter, it is meant to get her rid of the incubating fever and
laying again as quickly as possible. The best way to accomplish this is to put the
broody hen in a coop, or compartment without a nest, where she cannot sit, feed her
generously, and in a few days she will cease to be broody, and if the good feeding
is kept on will soon be laying again. The practice of ducking the broody hens in
water, tying them to a stake, swinging them by their legs, is simply cruel and un-
necessary. Some hens, Wyandottes, for instance, are much more easily broken up
than others. A broody member of the Spanish family should not be used as a
sitter. Occasionally an exception may be found, but, as a general rule, although
very fussy, they are not reliable.

EXPERIMENT 1.—HATCHING RESULTS FROM EGGS SET ON DRY BOARDS AND ON DAMP
GROUND.

In conformity with the intention expressed in last year’s report, an experiment
was tried by setting a number of hens on eggs placed in nests on the dry boards of
the attic floor of the central portion of the poultry building, and others placed in
nests, directly on the damp earthen floor of the cellar. The eggs in all the nests
were tested on the seventh day of incubation. The following will show that the
eggs were fertile to a very satisfactory extent, and that there was very little
difference in the result :—

UPSTAIRS ON BOARD FLOOR OF ATTIC,

|
oe | Number of
Date when|Numberof| ying of Sitters. Result of Test. Chickens
set. Eggs set. | hatched.

April 5.. 22 12 Buff hens.......... \7 unfertile, 2 addled, 1 broken ..................-- 12
do 22.. 13 /1 (Buff hent j.2 54250. |] unfertile egg, 2 did not hatch out, 2 broken by hen. . . 8
do, 23.) 11 TP Roekhen::... 1 ege did not hatch. 06.2... ee eee ee 10
do. 25.. 13 Buf henwaeen se 1 chicken died in hatching..............-..-.-.--. 12

pMiay ol, 15 1 Brahma hen....... Qeges broken, oy) untertile.s. 0s. ..ce- cece eee 10

Clo rdae 13 i Butt hhenss cess 2 eggs broken, 1 did not hatch out................. 10
do 16.. 11 1 Wryandotte/hen.. |S epps untertitel’ oan ars vie mic ol ote olehnie fetter nhac 8

\ IN NESTS ON DAMP FLOOR OF CELLAR,

= Number of
Dato when Mumperol| Kind of Sitters. Result of Test. Chickens
7 ans atched.
13 Bufo hene sane nero lo CRE MOK Meri ci» ayoiaec fe wis sists ci! /ate'ao elelarcicyeers 10
11 Rassianguens. tee loeepeunieriigas, cost. eee hee crete cclce neem 8
13 |Buff hen.... .......)2 unfertile eggs, 1 chick killed by hen.............. 10
11 |P. Rock hen........|/1 addled, 1 chick dead in shell...... =. eels galt wink Gee 9
11 Brahmahen.. .....- \1 chick died in hatching, 2 unfertile eggs.... ..... 8
1l “Wyandotte hen. ....|4 unfertile eggs... 2.0... 02... ccs c ec eeeseeeees 7
Bf 13° |Brahmahen.......- 1 chick died in shell, 1 unfertile egg............... 11
June 13... | 13 P. Rock hen.......- 1 chick killed by hen in nest, 3 addled eggs........ 9
iG 72

Both of the above methods have their earnest advocates. The contention, on
one side, is that eggs to hatch out well should be placed on damp ground, or, on some
substance calculated to retain moisture, and the opposite on the other side. It would
appear from the above experiment that the fertility of the eggs had more to do with
the result than the location of the sitter. As remarked in previous report itis quite
possible that early in the spring season, when the weather is yet cold, the dry floor
may be the best because itis likely to be warmer. In the hot season of July, or
August, no eggs are hatched out that can possibly be placed under hens at an earlier
date. Should there be no alternative, the cool damp cellar would be preferable.
Mr. A. W. Morton, of Deloraine, Manitoba, gives his experience in hatching on
the ground ina letter dated 10th of April, 1890, from which the following is an
extract. He says: “ Last year (89) I set four hens on the ground in the stable, hay-
ing no proper hen house. The first hen hatched 14 chicks from 14eggs; the second
hen hatched 9 chicks from 14 eggs; the third 14 chicks from 14 eggs and the fourth
13 chicks from 14 eggs. Every time I found a sitter off her nest I sprinkled the
eggs with water. Iam going to try the experiment again. My experience in
hatching eggs with the hens placed in comfortable boxes, in quiet places, was not
nearly so good. I may say that it is my intention to construct and equip a suitable
place for my poultry, following many suggestions given in the farm report, which
seem to be excellent.”

SHIPMENT OF EGGS AND STOCK,

The demand for eggs, during the hatching season of last year, was far greater
than could be supplied. Numerous orders were received from Manitoba and the
North-West Territories. Frequent enquiries were made as to the sort of fowls con-
sidered most suitable for those portions of the Dominion. Should poultry depart-
ments be established on the branch Experimental Farms, they would be valuable
distributing centres for the districts in which they are situated. Eggs sent from
them would have less distance to travel to surrounding country and be likely to give
better hatching results. As an instance of the demand for eggs, it may be stated
that in April, last, there were on the list for delivery in one week, 26 sittings of
Plymonth Rock eggs and 21 of White Leghorns. As there was only one pen of
Plymouth Rocks, composed of 1 male and 9 females, and one pen of White Leghorns
with 1 male and 11 females, it was not possible to comply with all demands. Of the
Plymouth Rocks, some would get broody and some time would elapse before they
_ could be broken up and laying again. All the hens did not lay every day, so that
the percentage of eggs obtained per diem was not large. The same remarks will
apply to Brahmas, Cochins and others of the sitting varieties. It will be evident that
to supply a demand such as that mentioned, several breeding pens of the popular
sorts would be required and a large establishment necessary to contain them. As
f 6c—11} G

long as there is a limited number of breeding pens, there will be a limited number
of eggs to dispose of after those required for home experimental purposes are
reserved. Stock was shipped to the branch experimental farms at Indian Head,
North-West Territories, and Nappan, Nova Scotia.

HOW THE CHICKENS WERE CARED FOR.

While the chickens were hatching care was taken that the sitters were not dis-
turbed. This is most important, for if the sitters sre disturbed after the eggs are
“pipped,” the young chicks just coming into the world are apt to be chilled; if the
hen is irritated or frightened she is likely to become restless and crush the young
ones to death. After the chickens were hatched the broken egg shells were removed
to make the nest more comfortable. But this should not be attempted by any but
an old hand. It is best to leave the hen alone if she is a reliable sitter. Occasionally
it happens that a hen will become so nervous or excited at the “peeping” of the
chicks in their efforts to break out of the shell, that she will trample them to death.
Such a hen should be marked and not set on eggs again, as she is not reliable. One
case occurred, in which the hen was discovered eating the egg shells before the
chicks were properly disengaged from them, the result being the loss of four chickens.
A spare sitter was fortunately at hand and the remaining half-hatched eggs were at
once placed under her and the lives of the chickens saved. After being hatched out
the chicks were allowed to remain under the hens for 18 or 24 hours, until thoroughly
dried, With the mothers they were then placed in coops outside in the sunshine.
If hatched before the grass had grown they were kept indoors, the bottom of the
coop being covered with sand. The dry board floor would soon have used the little
ones up, literally put them off their legs. Previous to being put into the coop with
her brood, the hen was fed and allowed to drink apart from the chicks, otherwise she
would have greedily eaten up the dainty food intended for the tender youngsters. It.
must be remembered that for two or three days or nights the careful mother has not
left her nest, for had she done so while the chickens were hatching (except in very
warm weather) there would have been no chicks, as a result she is so hungry and
thirsty that she will voraciously eat and drink what is placed near her.

HOW THE CHICKS WERE FED.

As in previous years the bread and milk system of feeding was adopted and
proved highly satisfactory. The bread was soaked in milk, squeezed dry and so fed.
Dry bread crumbs were also given. As the chickens progressed, their bread and
milk diet was gradually changed to the less expensive one of shorts, cornmeal, bran,
table scraps, ground meat, with all the wheat or crushed corn they could eat for
their last ration. When very young the chicks were fed about once every hour, a
little at a time, but often, so as not to allow them to get hungry. As they grew
older, they were fed once every two hours, and as they increased in size the rations
were gradually made more substantial, but reduced in number. It is important
that the chickens should be sent to rest with their crops full. A critical
part of the chicken’s life is the first five weeks, while it is getting its feathers.
At this period all the resources of the system are drawn upon to supply the
growing feathers, besides flesh, bone, muscle, &c., &c., and it is necessary that the
chickens should be generously fed on a variety of the most nourishing food. A
chicken stinted of food, or allowed to hunt for its living, as is too frequently the
ease, at this period of its growth, will never make a large fowl, indeed, if allowed to.
become stunted from either of the causes named, no subsequent care will make
amends for past neglect. To have poultry of large size for table use, it is impera-
tive that they should be pushed from the earliest date of their existence. This is
well understood in Great Britain and France, where raising choice poultry for
market is made an important source of reve>ue to the farmers. If easily prceured,
milk, sweet, skimmed or sour, given as a drink, or mixed in their food, or left in open

213

dishes to take as they please, is one of the best incentives to vigorous growth that
ean be given. Ifnot milk, then pure water should be regularly furnished and put into
shallow pans. The water should not be allowed to get hot from exposure to the sun.
The first chickens to be placed in the coops outside were Plymouth Rocks, White
Leghorns and Houdans. They were exposed for the first two or three weeks of their
existence to the bitterly cold north-west winds which marked the last week of April
and the first two weeks of May. Being well fed and cared for, they not only stood
the trying ordeal well, but made good growth. Had they not been generously and
frequently fed they would have been “‘ dwarfed,” or if they had been left to shift for
themselves, as the majority of early chicks are, they would have quickly succumbed.
Where effort of any kind has been made to secure a brood, or broods of chickens, it
will pay well to see to their future growth. :

The progress of the chickens, although satisfactory, was not equal to that of
the year previous. Three reasons may be assigned for this, the absence of the large
quantities of sour milk supplied the year before, limited quarters and ground used
the year before. Some of the weights, as compared with those of the previous
season, are given as follows :—

Plymouth Rocks—Again led the other breeds in making weight. A cockerel
five months and two weeks, after being hatched, attained a weight of 6 lbs. 2 ozs. as
compared with 5 lbs. 2 oz. of a Houdan, hatched a week later but weighed on the
same day. At the same age, as the one above, a Plymouth Rock cockerel, the
season previous weighed 8 lbs. 4 ozs.

Brahmas.—Were hatched from imported eggs at the end of May. Rather late
to give them a fair chance as they had to stand the brunt of midsummer heat before
attaining any size. They showed an average development of 12 ozs. per month as ~
compared with 15 ozs. per month of the season previous.

Houdans.—Hatched at the end of April weighed, on Ist of October, 5 lbs. 2 ozs.
averaging a development of 1 lb. per month.

Wyandottes——At first made slow and almost discouraging progress. This was
no doubt owing to their being crowded. The pullets, however, picked up in the fall,
turned out to be very fine ones and were laying by end of December. :

Langshans. This breed was tried for the first time. Two settings of eggs were
purchased in Ottawa and 22 chickens were hatched. Of this number 18 grew up
to maturity. They proved hardy chickens, grew well and the pullets began to lay
by middle of December. In their growth they displayed the characteristics of the
_ Asiatic family as to large frame and slowness to put on flesh, until maturity.

Black Minorcas—Two sittings of eggs were purchased, from which 18
_ chickens were hatched. Their progress was very satisfactory, the chickens prov-
ing hardy and vigorous growers,

Crosses—Chickens of a cross between a B. B. R.Game cock and White Plymouth

_ Rock hens were hatched on the 9th August, Their progress was not satisfactory,
probably owing to their late hatching. Many of them succumbed to the cold of the
first winter month.

A good deal of space has been given to the care and management of chickens,
for the reason that a frequent cause of complaint is the great mortality among the
_ young stock. In the majority of cases, want of care and proper food have
_ undoubtedly been the cause of death. In the case of many farmers, inbreeding
has resulted in weak chicks, and weaklings as a rule seldom last long. Perhaps it
is as well they do not, for they would never, in the event of their maturing, make
stock fit to breed from. It may be added to the general instructions given above,
_ that as the chickens grow large, they should be removed from the smaller ones. It
_ they are not, they will not allow the little chicks to have the proper quantity of

:
;
5
{

food they require to make rapid progress. In chicken life the weak has to go to
the wall. Where chickens are raised in large numbers and are placed in small
coops, the latter must be frequently cleaned, or sickness will surely result.

WHEN THE PULLETS LAID,

The first pullet to lay was a Plymouth Rock, on the 24th November, hatched
19th April; the second a White Leghorn, on the 28th November, hatched 26th
April; the third, a Black Minorca, on the 1st December, hatched 7th May ; fourth,
a Langshan, on the 12th December, hatched on the 16th May.

COMMENCEMENT OF WINTER LAYING.

The fowls were allowed full liberty to run in the fields, in rear of the poultry
house, as soon as the grain was harvested. As the result of this freedom (which,
owing to the fine open fall, they enjoyed until the 25th November) and nutritious
feeding during moulting, they went into winter quarters in excellent health, and were
in full lay for the winter season by the 10th December. The White Leghorns, Black
Minorcas, Andalusians and Plymouth Rocks, were the first to lay, a few days after
going into winter quarters, followed soon after by the Black Hamburgs, Mixed
breeds, Brahmas, Buti Cochins, Houdans, Red Caps and Wyandottes, in the order
named. Six days after being closed in, the winter commenced in earnest, the
thermometer on the Ist December going down to zero, and the next day showing
14 degrees below that figure. The weather continued unusually cold during the
month of December, the temperature in the poultry house several times going to
10 and 15 below freezing. Notwithstanding, the Leghorns, Andalusians and
Minoreas laid steadily through the month, responding to the stimulating food with
satisfactory results,

EGGS LAID BY DIFFERENT BREEDS,

Owing to the fowls running at large, promiscuously, for so many weeks in the
fall, it is impossible to give a table of the eggs laid during the whole year; but the
following figures will show what has been done by a certain number of the different
breeds, since going into winter quarters. It is to be remembered that the laying
and breeding stock were kept together, and that some old hens, though past their
prime as layers, were kept for their superior points as breeders. Thus, in a pen of
20 Plymouth Rocks, several may be old hens for breeders, others may be late
hatched pullets. It is only fair in such a case to give the number of actual layers.
When there is room, the aim will be to keep a certain number of fowls of the same
age for layers,

\

3
>
eat ea
Pa ;k
on 8 Geel es
3 fo .;
g £ of
g iV f= [t= ae}
fo] o o9 4
a fe &
te a
=| Pins
Rm Ae A
® oo 0
; Bi See
Bee |e 6 60 &
(mj *so}j0p a
= AMANMM HANNAN ONRNM Ne |
-Uvd Mf : 15
5 L
a ‘sduopary % Pt A IS HR ON EN INNA | &
a ‘suupno}y 6 sabes ee ee a Pigg fn fr le a terete Genet seule lieg
x, i Seen ie een ra zi att TeOgi et See ae aa: E A : te
a *SULYPOQ TGS DE aD Tae : ; ; ; TRIMS aE a
“ Wee ede CHRON Osos chap Fe ete TA IN ER TRAN HHA Sd id ied | oo
Fs Ong g Peo oR ene ene oe eee a Meimoe ae ‘ A : ‘ aa ae as
fa BuO oat : Stet eS SOMA ceed: a
Ss || Pex oT be ae od : ; a ES
ic} *e . . . .
oO SBINGULG Wed ele redial terete ie MOWER ION ce 19
iz Vl 9 : f : ES s
Aa — 7 5 : . ; ’ — ;
. snompeagy ¢ | MAR SA Od id I PAAR [s
_ ; —; —
EN EN EN IN ENON I i Sms id OM IM |
S -nyepuy § Ren ee ge Rey ee ae ea 6
< ; : ; x
=| rsunystiunry | HINO CAN THO HAHN HANNO OANHAAANA dS |& f
ee —— : - : - — i
3 “SvOLOUT A, A AANA AA NANA HANAN AANA NA NAA AAI IANO MD MODHONHoD eR CDOS | x
i) ee : : ; e
*s00Yy A PANAMA AANA AAAH AAO EDAD OCIA AE] MAHA ACA CrEAO HAAN ANHOMNAEIAG CG No ix |
qygnowATq OT ; eee Hs 4
t ae
“suaoy ery SAA AA HAAN MAM AAA AIO CDW AIO CDEDIOIO HHH INAIGIOWHRARANOAAAOMONHAMONAD ! i od THO 2 ae
OWUAN OL ‘ a :
$ |
: 3
ie)

DISEASES OF POULTRY.

THE EPIDEMIC OF LAST YEAR EFFORTS TO FIND OUT WHAT IT WAS,

The description given in last report of the disease which was general in the

district, with such fatal effect, attracted wide attention. Many letters were received
giving various opinions as to its nature, and every effort was made to arrive at @

correct conclusion, With this object in view, the remains of one of the farm fowls,

which had died from the disease, was sent to Professor Wesley Mills, of the Physiolo-
gical Laboratory of McGill University, Montreal, a gentleman well known not only
as a skilled physician and lecturer, but as an authority on the diseases of animals and
the philanthropic interest he takes in the same. Dr. Mills was given a full descrip-
tion of the disease, and was requested to give his opinion as to its nature. In the
kindest manner possible he at once expressed his interest in the matter and
expressed his intention, with Dr. Johnston, Demonstrator of Pathology of McGill, to
have a post mortem made of the body of the fowl sent and to report onthe same. At
the same time he asked to have any live fowls which were suffering from the disease
sent to him, Fortunately no other of the farm stock was sick at the time, nor
did others become so afterwards from the same ailment. The following will show
that the examination by Dr. Mills had a negative result :— .

‘PHysoLoaicaL LABorarory, MoGitt UNrversirty,
“ MontREAL, 19th Dec., 1890.

“ Manager of the Poultry Department,

“Experimental Farm, Ottawa.

“ Dear Sin,—A post mortem examination of the P. Rock fowl you were good
enough to forward, showed extreme emaciation, and pronounced pallor of parts
generally. There were no evidences of any organic or zymotic disease. Dr. John-
ston, Demonstrator of Pathology, inoculated some animals, including fowls, with the
blood of this bird, but with negative results.

“Taking everything into account, 1 am inclined to think that the symptoms, &c.,
of the affected birds are indicative of a profound alteration in nutrition, to be explained
by something in the conditions under which the bird lived.

“Truly yours,
“ Werstey MILts, M.D.”

Yn connection with the foregoing and as instance of the interest taken in the

subject, the following extract from a letter received from Dr. J. Fitz Mathew, of Dau-

phin, Dauphin Co,, Pa., author of the “ British Colonist in America,” is given, He
gays: “Jam interested in your report of the chicken disease in the Ottawa district.

T should suspect tuberculosis from the symptoms. Numbers of fowls die of it. In —

France, on one occasion, forty died (about) of tuberculosis from eating the sputa of
a consumptive man, the attendant. I would advise an examination of the lungs and
stomach.” Dr. Mathew was informed of the result of the investigation by Professor
Wesley Mills and in return wrote:—“I only made the suggestion of a diagnosis of
the fowls, for the case is most interesting, especially at a time when tuberculous
affections are occupying the attention of the medical faculty throughout the world,
I enclose a few remarks on tuberculosis in fowls, which may be thought of service,
I would suggest that the next case of this disease—which I believe to be tuberculous
—you can get hold of, you submit to the McGill University experts for examination
for the ‘bacilli of tuberculosis,’ slender bodies from 745 tO ry Of an inch long,

“REMARKS ON ‘ TUBERCULOSIS’ IN DOMESTIC FOWLS.

“* Johne ’—Deutsche Zeitschrift fuer Thiermedizin, (84), 155—describes the
appearance of tuberculosis among fowls fed by a consumptive woman, Her sputum
was thrown upon the manure pile, where the fowls had access to it. The symptoms
were ‘great emaciation’ and debility.

“ Nocard—Recueil de Méd. Vét (1885) annexe, 93—reports that ten fowls of a yard
attended by a consumptive man died of tuberculosis of the abdominal organs. The
fowls were seen eating the sputum.

“Nocard (Compt. Rend. Soc. Biologie (1885), 601), subsequently found the
disease among the fowls of a slaughter-house, ‘which were being fed on the diseased
organs of cattle which could not be sold in the market.’

“Tirn, in an examination of six hundred hens found sixty-two affected with
tuberculosis—turkeys, pheasants and partridges, &c. are subject to tuberculosis,
“The tubercular lesions are limited to the intestines and the liver; or they may
involve the ‘ ganglia’ and the ovary. :

“In the case of the disease affecting the fowls in your district (in one case a
dairyman losing 45,) assuming it to be tuberculosis—which can only be determined
by microscopical examination for the ‘bacilli’ of tuberculosis the question is: ‘In
what way was it communicated?’ Two ways may have already been noticed.
Authorities are well agreed that the milk from an udder. (tuberculous) is infectious.
Sputum of tuberculous patients is so infectious, that even when diluted with 100,000
times its bulk of water, it is still infectious. Even although the disease may not be
recognized, the symptoms being often very obscure, it may exist in animals slaugh-
tered and sold for consumption. It is more prevalent among dairy cows subjected
to unsanitary conditions and may exist also in the udder without being suspected.
In France the percentage of meat found tuberculous at the various abattoirs varies
from 1:43 to 14°5 per 1,000; observations extending over a period of 5 years. In
England (Cope, Vet. Journal, 1889, 398) it varies from 1 to 26 per cent.

“ Animals, such as dairy cows, subject to special feeding, brewery and distillery
waste, &c., are specially liable toa tuberculous condition. Finally, it may be con-
_ eluded that since the neglect of sanitary precautions, generally, undoubtedly gives
rise to tuberculosis, it follows that fowls crowded together in roosting houses with-
out ‘proper ventilation,’ &c.,may generate tuberculosis. In cold winters in order
to maintain heat it is a custom with many to ‘exclude all air,’ and no provision is
_ made to permit foul odours to pass off.”

;

8)

ANOTHER DISEASE WHICH CAUSED GREAT LOSS TO FARMERS,

z During the first week of September a letter was received from M. André Bertrand,
_ a farmer of St. Esprit, P.Q., stating that a disease had broken out among his poultry
and that a number of turkeys, chickens and fowls had died. The remaining birds he
feared would be lost. A brief description of the disease was given,

A reply was sent asking him to forward a detailed description of the
disease, and expressing the fear that cholera was the ailment. A statement of how
his poultry was housed, extent of premises, &c., was also asked for, as it was
_ intended to submit the correspondence to Prof. Wesley Mills, of McGill University,
for his opinion.

In response the following letter was received from M. Bertrand :—

“Str,— You ask me to give you a description of my place and of the disease
which has broken out among my fowls. I live on my farm, which is a large one,
_ My farm buildings are extensive and commodious, with the hen-house in the corner
of the stable. The buildings are situated near the river, When I noticed that my
towls were getting sick I closed the hen-house and then the fowls went to roost in
_ the trees, in the barn or under the gallery. They al! died one after another, until,
‘now, I have only nine chickens out of one hundred. Ten turkeys have died out of
_ thirty-six. The symptoms of the disease are as follows: The fowls commence at
_ once to fail and to appear broken down, although they eat until the last day. The

218

head becomes of a blueish colour, but is not swollen, as in roup. The droppings are
thin, of a white, yellow and greenish tinge. Some contain what looks like coagulated
blood. The disease seems to be epidemic, as all my neighbours fowls are suffering
from it. This is about all the explanation I can give you.

“Yours very truly, \
“ ANDRE BERTRAND, ;
“St. Esprit, P.Q.”

This letter was at once sent to Professor Wesley Mills, of McGill University,
asking the favour of his opinion as to the nature of the disease, In reply the following
opinion and advice was received :—

“ PHysioLoagicaL LABorAToRY, McGitu UNIVERSITY,
“ MontrREAL, 19th December, 1890.

“ Dear Srr,—The symptoms and results described by Mons. Bertrand seem to
point to chicken cholera or some Closely allied disease as the one that has played
such havoc among his birds. It would be well that every bird showing the first
symptoms of the malady should be killed at once if it cannot be isolated, and the
bodies of all the dead burned. The well birds should be isolated and the buildings in
which the others have been, thoroughly disinfected, All excrement should at once
be burned. The food must be carefully examined as well as the water. It might be
well to boil the latter and feed the flock for a while on soft food, prepared by pouring
boiling water over meal of various kinds. In medical treatment little, I fear, can be
done. I should give at once a compound cathartic pill and follow it in a few hours
by a good dose of castor oil. A gelatine capsule containing powdered charcoal and
a little cayenne pepper might also be of use, if given every three or four hours.
However, in such a disease it is better to kill the sick than try to cure them, it
seems to me.

: “Truly yours,

““WesLey Minis, M.D.”

Immediately following this letter came the request from Dr, Mills, to have two
birds suffering from the disease, but alive if possible, sent to him at the University.

Accordingly a note was sent to M. Bertrand, asking him to comply with Dr.
Mills’ request. A few days after, M. Bertrand wrote to say that he had sent two
fowls, one dead from the disease and another alive, but sick from it. He had obtained
the fowls from a neighbour as his own had all died. It was learned afterwards that
the fowl, which was alive when shipped, was dead when it reached its destination,

A request was sent to Professor Mills to kindly forward the result of the exami-
nation to be published for the benefit of farmers and others who kept poultry. In
answer Dr. Mills said, that “the investigation was in progress, but that it would be
premature to make a diagnosis yet. He would like M. Bertrand to send one or two
more fowls alive, and just as soon as they are decidedly ill.” M. Bertrand was
written to accordingly.

It may be remarked here that the importance of having such authorities as
Professor Mills and Dr. Johnston to refer to, will be evident at first glance. The
uniform promptness and willingness of Professor Mills to give his opinion, as to
cause and advice as to remedy, cannot be too much appreciated,

OTHER AILMENTS REPORTED AND REMEDIES ASKED,

On the 25th April, Mr. Munro, of Almonte, Ont., wrote, “that he had a Leghorn
hen which had a large lump growing on one side of her face below the eye. The
lump came on the year before. disappeared but was again coming on.” He was —

219

answered that the lump was probably of a scrofulous na‘ure, and that the fowl was

not fit to breed from.

Later in the year, Mr. J. Riach, of Hamilton, Ont., wrote that he had some valu-
able fowls which were so troubled with worms as to make them very sick. He was
advised to soak Indian corn in turpentine and water, and feed to the fowls (if the
worms were in the intestines) once or twice and follow with a compound rhubarb
j pill. If the worms were in the throat—as in gapes—to put a few drops of turpen-
_ tine in the drink water. He subsequently wrote to say that as he had not the pills,
| he had given castor oil after the turpentine, and that the treatment had been
successful.

Many other diseases were described and remedies asked for. In all cases infor-
mation was at once given. It may be useful to others to know that in some
instances a remedy for lice was asked, and dusting the hen with carbolie acid
powder was recommended ; others stated their hens were sneezing and wheezing, and
injection into the nostril of coal oil and a few drops of carbolic acid liquid was
advised, with care that the hens were not exposed to draughts; others had fowls with
swelling at leg-joint, when painting with iodine was suggested. In some cases
chickens were reported as having died in numbers, when enquiry discovered that
feeding wheat at too early an age was cause of death.

EXPERIMENTS WITH EGGS AT DIFFERENT TEMPERATURES,

With the object of ascertaining how long newly laid eggs will keep fresh in
different temperatures a number of experiments were made, the results of which
are given below. The eggs were laid by the farm fowls and were supposed to be
fertilized. They were assorted as follows: Twelve were placed in an incubator
and kept ata temperature of 78 to 84; twelve others were placed ina basket
kept on a shelf in the cellar, at a temperature of 46 to 48; twelve were kept in the
incubator part of the day at 78 to 84 and the remaining portion were placed ina
basket and kept in the cellar at a temperature of 46 to 48, the object being to submit
them to alternate variations of temperature; twelve were packed in bran in a
basket and kept in the cellar and twelve others were greased with lard and packed
in salt and also kept in the cellar. The notes were taken when examination of the
eggs were made by yourself, with the exception of the first.

77H NovemBER, 1890.

Examination No. 1—An egg laid on the 29th October, and another laid on
31st of same month were placed in the incubator with others on the latter date.
The incubator was kept at a temperature of 78 to 84 degrees. No. 1 egg was ex-
amined on November 7th as mentioned above, and showed a faint dark mark on one
_ side, but when broken into a saucer was found quite sweet and fresh. No, 2. ditto

20TH NovemBER, 1890.

Examination No. 2.—Examined two Andalusian eggs which had been in drawer
of table in office of poultry building since the first week in August. The eggs were
placed on their sides on bran and when laid were supposed to be fertilized. No.1
egg was found clear and bright; quite sweet and good; entirely free from any
odour or musty taste. No. 2 egg—ditto.

Examination No. 3— Examined two eggs which had been kept in incubator
since 31st October at a temperature of 78 to 84°. No. 1 egg—Yolk somewhat soft
and easily broken up. Both yolk and white quite sweet to taste and free from
everything objectionable. No. 2—In similar condition to No.1. Both these when
examined through egg tester looked as if some change was going on,

J Examination No, 4.—Examined eggs stored in open basket in cellar, at temper-
ature of 46 to 48, on 29th October. Eggs were found perfectly fresh and sweet ;
yolk firm; white, clear and bright.

’
|
E

-similar to those described above. It was five weeks before any of these hens began to

Examination No. 5.—Examined an egg, which with others was packed in bran in
a box in cellar at a temperature of 46 to 48 on 29th October. Found perfectly fresh
and sweet ; yolk firm; white, clear and bright.

57H DecemBeEr, 1890. :

Examination No, 6—Examined 2 eggs, which with others had been constantly
kept in incubator at a temperature of 78 to 84, since 3lst October. No. 1 egg, yolk
easily disintegrated, breaking up when egg was opened; air space much enlarged;
contents perfectly sweet. gg laid on 30th October. No.2 egg in similar con-
dition to No. 1, but air space not so large. :

Examination No. 7.—Eggs placed in basket and kept part of time in incubator
and part in cellar. Yolk hangs well together ; air space small; contents perfectly
sweet, :

Examination No, 8.—Kggs kept in plain basket in cellar, at temperature of 34 to
46 since 29th October. One egg opened; perfectly sweet; yolk hangs well
together ; has every appearance of fresh egg ; air space small.

Examination No. 9—From the number packed in bran, in a box and kept in
cellar at temperature of 34 to 46 since 29th October. Result same as in plain basket,
examination No, 8.

Examination No. 10.—From the lot greased with lard and packed in salt con-
tained in a box and placed in cellar on 10th November. Yolk hangs well together;
air space small; perfectly sweet ; every appearance ofa fresh egg.

Examination No. 11.—From the eggs placed in the drawer of the table in office
in first week of August previous. (See No.2.) Egg quite sweet; yolk rather
tender ; not so easily broken up as those from incubator.

te

DECEMBER 31st, 1890,

Examination No, 12—An egg from those kept in incubator since 31st October,
ata temperature of 78 to 84. Hgg quite sweet; air space very large, occupying
one-fourth of shell; yolk partly thickened and partially adhering to side of shell.
Egg laid on 31st October.

Examination No. 13.—Egg part of time in incubator and part of time in cellar.
(See No.7). Yolk of egg easily broken np ; air space large, occupying about one-
sixth of shell. Egg laid 5th November ; quite sweet.

Examinatior. No, 14.—From eggs kept in plain basket in cellar at temperature
of 34 to46 (see No. 8) since 29th October. Egg perfectly sweet; every appearance
of fresh egg; yolk solid; white clear; airspace small. Hgg laid 27th October.

Examination No, 15.—From eggs packed in bran in a box in cellar. (See No. 9.)
Same as in No. 14. Egg laid on 26th October.

Examination No. 16.—From eggs greased with lard and packed in salt and kept
in cellar. (See. No. 10.) Egg perfectly sweet; every appearance of fresh egg;
yolk firm and sound ; white clear; airspace small. Egg laid 2nd November.

Examination No. 17.—One egg from those placed in drawer of the table in office —
of poultry building in the first week of August. Yolk slightly adherent, and break- —
ing up easily ; air space large ; contents perfectly sweet. 4

From the above experiments, it will be seen that fertilized eggs, if fresh when —
placed in the shippers hands, should reach the British or any other market, in good con- —
dition and flavour at the end of several weeks, even if exposed to the high tempera-
ture of midsummer weather.

EXPERIMENTS WITH NON-FERTILIZED EGGS,

On the 30th of October, 20 hens of different sorts were placed, without a male 4
companion, is one of the compartments of the poultry house. They were so placed
in order to secure non-fertilized eggs, with which to try a series of experiments

ay, so that there can hardly be any doubt as to the non-fertility of the eggs. Onthe ~

Lo
to
—

_ 23rd December, 12 of these eggs, each one marked with the date of laying, were
__ placed in the incubator to be kept at a temperature of 80 degrees, and to be examined
from time to time and notes taken of their condition. These experiments are being
continued.

[Nore.—A further examination was made as the report was going through the press as follows :—]
: 247H Fepeuary, 1891.

Examination No. 18.—Two eggs were taken from those which had been in the
incubator from the 31st October, 1890, till the 11th February, 1891, at which date
the incubator tests ceased. In No. I egg, the white was found evaporated. The
yolk was hard and granular, the two occupying about one-third of the space in the
shell ; contents quite sweet; no musty odour; noevidence ofdecay. No.2 specimen
had the yolk semi-solid, with about a teaspoonful of the white still fluid; contents
quite sweet and free from all odour.
: Examination No. 19.—One egg from those kept part of each day in incubator
and part out. About one-third of egg occupied by large air space; yolk easily
broken up; small proportion of white; contents quite sweet, both to smell and
taste and free from all mustiness. Egg laid 2nd November.
Examination No. 20—An egg from the lot packed in bran and kept in the cellar.
Yolk round and firm; white fuirly clear; contents perfectly sweet; has every
appearance of a fresh egg; airspace not very large. Egg laid 29th October.
Examination No, 21.—An egg from those greased and packed im salt. Yolk
round and firm; white nearly transparent ; contents perfectly sweet; has every
appearance of fresh egg ; air space small. Egg laid on the 2nd November last.
Examination No. 22—An egg from those laid in first week of August last and
kept in drawer of table in office. Air space occupied fully one-third of egg-shell ;
yolk fairly round and firm ; white nearly transparent ; contents perfectly sweet
and free from mustiness.
UNFERTILIZED EGGS.

Examination No. 23.—An egg laid on the 11th December and placed with eleven
others in the incubator (at a temperature of 78 to 84°) on the 28th December, and
kept there until the 11th February, after which they were kept in the cellar at from
38 to 40%. Yolk nearly round and solid; white slightly opuque; air space large;
- contents perfectly sweet and free from mustiness.

Examination No. 24.—An egg from twelve unfertilized ones kept in an open
basket in cellar at a temperature of 38 to 40. Egg was laid on 9th of January last.
Yolk round and firm; white transparent; air space medium ; contents perfectly
fresh ; has every appearance of fresh egg.

‘| Examination No. 25.—An unfertilized egg from a dozen packed in a boxin bran
_ and kept in the cellar. Egg laid on the 30th December. Yolk round and firm ;
white transparent; air space medium; centents perfectly sweet; has every
_ appearance of fresh egg.

A: Examination No. 26.—An unfertilized egg from a dozen others greased and
packed in salt and kept in cellar. Egg laid on 21st January, Yolk round and firm,
white transparent ; egg perfectly sweet.

_ Owing to one of the tanks of the incubator starting to leak on the 8th of
_ January it was stopped for repairs for a week and the incubator tests were finally
discontinued on the 11th February,

FEEDING HENS FOR EGGS OF FINE FLAVOUR.

To have eggs of fine flavour the hens should be fed on clean food. Fowls fed
on putrid meat, decayed or decaying animal substances, will lay eg¢s not fit to eat.
Proof of how the food affects the ezg may be had by feeding a number of hens on
onions for a certain period. The cegs will become so strongly tainted with the
onion flavour as to be unpalatable. Where the farmer ailows his fowls unlimited

1 ee oe ee

a»

er RES DT

range, it may be said that it is impossible to control their feed, but under no cir-
cumstances ‘should the fowls be allowed access to filthy substances. Even the
practice of allowing the hens to scratch in the dunghill, as some of the old school
of farmers think is necessary for the production of eggs, is not to be recommended,
Where fowls are kept for the purpose of money-making, they will be found
systematically arranged in certain numbers in pens and their actions under
control. Good care, clean food, and clean quarters will be found hand in hand.
System and intelligence is as necessary in the management of poultry as in other ~
lines of business.

WHITE OR DARK-COLOURED EGGS,

Should the production of dark or brown-coloured shells be desired for a par-
ticular market, either of the following breeds will be found to lay them, viz:
Cochins, Brahmas, Wyandottes, Plymouth Rocks or Langshans. Where eggs with
white shells are wished, they will be produced by Leghorns, Minorcas, Andalusi-
ans, Polands, Hamburghs, Games, Houdans or Dorkings. Where both are required,
Plymouth Rocks or Wyandottes, with the Leghorn or Minorcas, will be found to
fill the demand most satisfactorily.

RAPID FLESH FORMERS FOR EARLY MARKET.

Experience with twelve of the leading varieties so far has proved that the
Plymouth Rock (see report of last year) is the most rapid flesh former, making a
good market chicken between three and four months of age. All who try will find
this result, provided, the young bird is properly cared for and pushed from time of
hatching. (See care and management of chickens.) The Wyandotte matures
rapidly, making a round plump market chicken at from four to five months of age.
Brahmas do not take on flesh quickly while growing, but after seven or eight
months make a fine large bird. Either of the two first named will be found to
make early chickens for market.

WEIGHT OF EGGS,

The following figures will give the weights of eggs laid by pullets and hens
singly and by the dozen :—

— Single Egg. | Per Dozen.
Ozs. Lbs.

Wihite Leghorn’ pullet, 3. 6235 ccto- cine cvow witeciite somaisiei den ecivae me mere ene ciceleae 1 1:09
do Hen’ 2s he Se hop ees oe aie te FES oe OE Ta iO ee eer eaten BY 111
Black Minorca pullete.. OSG kook che momen cco ae Rok ee ee Cee ee eee 2 1:07
do Hi oareaepadanodriritnd atone abocr a aonsrmdsororeiuadaindrod 22 111

“Amdalusian pullet: > .:.gc5)c/o° 5s c)steleRico slanin ors m sinlcls a acct cicieah Sie siege clelatatate stein euslu cio luni Sleni=te tears] fener

do DED 3 = Pocyds.ss;siosttapete abe ce hiatal ae, eit enone Teienbe Sete ice eereierrers 2

Plymouth Rock pullet............. eco ae eee seiner eee eremee aruachdocue 2 1°09
do Hen eo, oie hae re ctorelee ea Ste lerateteiats tapos see erstaetatel seats niga 24 111

Brahma: pullet: <i. hoc e.0's lead cnndele chester: Aes ee helo ete ec iae eleeeoe oe ee etl | eee ae ee ae
G) GMeabppadeonopec ond. bods osonrd4 bodgusousdous ss dnt anedbnoponsacesee 24 1:12
Butt! Cochin vpulle ty oi... 0:5 .65.055 3 Ses acctarejohpsazetetny os aasere bes tarc ta ateiatere aie iar atee ate oie olen ee eee 1°08
do Ls Se rents tiene hen ee See tO ROnttad Modect le scquesoqeec Awik
Hfoudan palletes. 2 she os cicbeaieestereteisrepe aces easTOe ae A eet ele mn ToT Meant aaa 2 1°08
do Cr BR REISties BORE or CoCr semaine Anne gmeH cannes SAaNMdedgh Shas 2k 1°12
Wiyandottepullet.. nic. iyaiscis seen sie dere «steric east oie ketene raceme Gsveeteie eterel aererens 2 1°07
do Ci Eee HOOeE COE Soom onban paca aden os duinn ao dacnaDwabrcsMcadoonl|=ooarosopese 1°09

ae

223

Tke following is the list of poultry at present :—

LIST OF POULTRY,

Breeds. 5 Males. Females.

LIE TEUTIS, 222 Je ob god ORB Oe bd GAD Sea RO ARORA EOC Hod GU aE AAT OOd saEAGEOCEES cane c 10 int
LENT MtP So SES SU ABBA Os Sac GSD et OE BE ERO SOC BC eTSe tae o Renae at scene 6 15
BEeppIEHWEVOCKRE PS Ce. ney citer ete - Pisjaalsie ae Aeevela State ti Sate eolitalete. ofl I dels wily yaks 10 24
fault Cred ibins... “0 Onn Seda tede DEG Ce EEE Boe SEO C Seeks HOI ae ee aeaey 2 12
mien bee ee NOLS ents e on ae Meats Siaieta disc c/s Sarmioncte pis Ge faslo nese ea eels os Sale eae 8 21
BES epeslca Vieni cat ety ante -/apchc Me Tee as sioeizni dss BGaaite cela gehe seienclinee ahs 10 13
Gi. LEDIGATI a: ogg aaeg oid 2 Sua Rae GI oRC OC cnet emit Speen nse aes ae 3 13
CELE OD) 3 5 BE ASS ORDERS 6 -. COG EER EEE ETRE Mae eee teas Shes a Aa 2 12
MITTEE AN ASSASINS are ete tte hte or Pe Fete fos feceycl- a calal dueuk re cress testers onal Sie sie ae versie 6 6
intel ES ere eee ttle ome Neo is iain on co visainib oie cites a tos above ubeene 3 25
BN Uer aC SELES et roe actin 15s eoterc in ttstats iieiz (ates ic clayeyaw wiaqcltataseib cietryersiajeisjetaloinis ae hiwa 3 9
REDEEMER Mer see renee sis). la'niscnie Neje-Re sepia oe cea naieec lee vesemiscehiee ts 2

SU pGR Ear SBME SS ac Seis a 6 cb ep ee ORISA REC DE Ihe Meare eae eid [eed ae gare L
SECC PIE ETS Saya, feet ep at te ta fava =)wictin’se' «is sistas ni dye sla eSestend asin te asad ua eineteoute 2
lteigin [ei ews de OR oe Rares, Oot i ee ee ne ee ea a ia ee a Vey Seed fe 1
MAES ESO Cx cANENOS Sh, iste inc, Vafe EERE OIC oe ALS Sal late sjehdia a Sieiciae sce aw natu eiebersle ee 1 4
64 171

235

NSA AN CTED Cr L Ty OL ySkrey Pct TENCE ta anys es 4.n Ain) mista elciacese) Fist alelnieipix sista, 21536 5 hu St, ole hs claps 4
Se irecinien Peeab ur pri, A UGSON I DAY Ancte eee nc seek ool: Eels Saeed a tee toe ee oe [esa reloaeets 2
241

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS THAT MAY GIVE INFORMATION TO OTHERS.

The following letters from a few of the many received during the year, are
published in condensed form with the hope that the replies may anticipate informa-
tion desired by others :—

Cauaary, N.W.T., 17th March, 1890.—A correspondent states that he has taken
up land 15 miles from the town and desires eggs from breeds suitable to that climate,
He thought money could be made out of eggs and poultry, as the price in winter
for the former was 50 to 60 cents per dozen, and the latter 22 to 25 cents per lb.
In summer eggs did not sell below 30 cents,

RepLty.—Hgegs from Plymouth Rocks, White Leghorns and Houdans were sent,
Fear was expressed that the eggs would receive too much shaking en route to hatch
well.

Fort Macreop, N.W.T., 21st March.—The correspondent desires a sitting each of
Wyandottes, Silver Pencilled Hamburgs, Black Minoreas, White Leghorns, Black
Hamburgs and Plymouth Rocks, as he is going extensively into breeding poultry,
He thought the climate suitable, being dry and cool.

Repiy.—It was stated that it would be impossible to send all the eggs wanted.
What could be spared would be sent. A request was made to report what success
attended his efforts.

Asucrort, B, C., 31st March—The correspondent asks how the Experimental
Farm poultry house is built and how it is heated? He is goiag to erect a house for
_ poultry, and although the climate is genial, it is sometimes necessary to have a
stove going. Average price of eggs the year round in his district 25 cents per
_ dozen.

——

Saw oe SE

==
x

SR

Repiy.-—Full particulars as to construction of poultry house were sent as given
in report of 1889.

Wurtrrwoop, N.W.T., 20th April.—The correspondent is about to erect a poultry
house and sends his order for eggs a season ahead. The maximum price of eggs in
his neighbourhood is 40 to 50 cents per dozen, and minimum 20 to 25 cents.

Repty.—It was stated that eggs would be sent if at all possible.

Toronto, Ont., 18th April—The correspondent had bought a sitting hen and was
afraid that a week or ten days would be too long to keep her waiting for eggs
ordered.

Repiy.—That if the hen is rid of lice and placed on imitation eggs, in comfort-
able nest, with feed and water near her (see Farm Report, 1890), that she will sit well
when genuine eggs are given her,

Orrawa, 24th April—The correspondent is about to put up a poultry house ;
would like it to cost as little as possible, and yet be modern and practical.

Repty.—Suggests battened boards, tar paper,f 1 or six inches of dry sawdust,
then boards to be whitewashed; false ceiling of boards, which could be removed in
summer; space above ceiling in winter could hold chaff, straw, hay or dry leaves,

to be let down as required, for hens to scratch in; board floor, platform and roost,

dust bath, nest and box for gravel, grit, &c.; windows not too large.

Toronro, Ont., 14th April.—The writer desires a sitting of White Leghorns to be
sent to his brother, who is a farmer. He thinks the breed suited to a farmer, as it
is hardy and lays well.

Rerity.—That eggs will be sent; that his conclusions are justified by the experi-
ence of the breed on the Experimental Farm.

Metra, Man., 12th May.—The correspondent would like to improve his fowls.
Desires to know if he can have eggs sent by mail, as he is 25 miles from the nearest
express office.

Reriy.—The eggs cannot be sent by inail. If they could they would be too
much shaken up to hatch.

Wareia, N W.T., 27th May.—The writer has been informed that eggs are dis-

tributed from the farm, and would like a sitting or two of some variety.
Repiy.—That a moderate charge per sitting is made for eggs sent to farmers,

Wentworty, N.S., 30th May.—The correspondent desires to know the proper
temperature at which to keep his incubator; (2) should the thermometer be left in
tray while eggs are being turned ? (3) will it hurt the eggs to leave them out till

_temperature falls to 70? (4) is the incubator to be treated in the same manner for

ducks as chickens ?

Rerty.—To No. 1 query, 102 to 103 degrees. (2.) Yes. (3.) No. (4.) Yes;

but the ducks will take a week longer to hatch than chickens.

Lancenpura, Assa., 15th May.—Asks how he is to know fertile eggs from
others.

Repry.—By looking at egg held in front of tester placed before strong light on
seyenth day, when the dark outlines of the chick will be seen, The clear ones are
unfertile.

Hiriuvrst, Que., 25th July.—The correspondent would like to exchange two
cockerels cf large size for a cockerel of the Brahma-Minorea ¢:oss, as she has seen

oe?

_

225

—==>>

by Farm Report that the females of this cross lay very large eggs. Her own
fowls (crosses) laid eggs during winter 34 ozs.,each.

Rerty.—That all the Brahma-Minorca crosses turned out hens,

Norra Lancaster, Ont., 26th July.—The writer asks if a Buff Cochin and
Plymouth Rock would make a good cross. (2) Are the White Plymouth Rocks
superior to the barred ?

Repty.—(1) Not much, if anything, to be gained by the cross. (2) Hardly
any difference. The barred are to be preferred for farmers, as they de not show the
dirt so easily.

Newcast_e, N.B., 6th August.—(1) Would like to purchase 6 Leghorn pullets
and the same number of Plymouth Rocks.

Repiy.—That the pullets are not disposed of. They are kept for layers.

Waurer’s Fatis, Ont., 29th August.—Desires to know how to distinguish
between the gander and goose in his wild geese.

- Repty.—Very hard to distinguish except by size, the female being smaller.
They will likely pair in spring, and will breed only in pairs.

Saskatoon, N.W.T., W.T.C., 19th September.—Asks will the White Plymouth
tocks breed true to type and markings.

Repty.—Yes.

ERinview, P.O., Man., 8th October.—(1) Desires to know if a log poultry house,
well plastered, roofed, floored and well ventilated with windows of one thickness
only would be sufficiently warm to keep fuwls in, provided with plenty of short
straw, hay or chaff, and fed as recommended in Farm Report, 1889. (2) Would like
some suggestions, or plan, to keep eggs from freezing going a distance of 45 miles
to market, with the thermometer 20, 30 and 40 below zero.

Repiy.—That house should be warm enough with double windows on; but hard
to say until size and number of hens to be kept were given. (2) A plan (drawn by
Prof. J. W. Robertson, Dairy Commissioner) of an outside cause was sent.

CAMPBELLFORD, Onv., 27th November.—(1) Would like to know what kind of
poultry was best for a farmer. (2) Which kind of Dorkings is the best?

Repiy.—(1.) Plymouth Rocks and White Leghorns for reasous given on page
108 of report of 188. (2.) All are good, but the coloured is considered the
hardiest.

Caueary, N.W.T., 15th December—The correspondent had an incubator made in
accordance with instructions given in a poultry book. The eggs were placed on flannel
spread over 4 inch of sand on top of a tank, which was heated by a lamp under-
neath it. The eggs were turned once a day, and sprinkled, slightly, twice per diem,
with lukewarm water. The day the chicks should have hatched, some of the eggs
were broken. The chickens were alive, but did not seem ready to come out. he
incubator was kept going as usual, and two days afterwards one chick came out of
its own accord and two others with a little help. The next day the eggs were
broken, and the great proportion of the chicks seemed to have come to the hatching
point, their bodies being covered with down and the yolk taken up, but all were
dead in the shell. The incubator was tried again with the same result, except that
no chickens were found alive. Temperature first time 105, second time 103, evenly
kept up. Would like to have some explanation as to cause of failure of the chicks
to hatch out when they had lived so long.
6c—1)

re

es
=_——

* epee a oe wy

.
|
|
'
|
|

bo
bo
(=)

Repty.—That the incubator was open too otten at the hatching period, and
probably the chicks were chilled todeath. (See management of sitting hens.) The
hen sits closely from the 20th day till the chicks are ready to leave the nest. The
bottom heat does not seem natural. The hen sits on the top of the eggs. She does
not have them on her back. The temperature of 105 seems to be very high, if the
thermometer is correct. The most modern incubators are run at a temperature of
102 to 103, and instructions are explicit not to exceed the latter figure. Top heat
is used in the latest made incubators and brooders.

SOME GOOD RESULTS.

As showing what a small number of poultry will do, when well cared for and
fed, the following from Mr. William Feeley, residing on the Gatineau Road near
Hull, P.Q., will be read with interest.

NUMBER OF EGGS LAID BY 15 PLYMOUTH ROCK HENS,

AER WET A y/chansdeca-nooncece ob sbcdsoctaonaonbociosedchdonesoue0d0 214
ING SyATE WP ars Se neonabtoconacdsesbancnona.p6daass- bonbdcqdanonSos 144
Miao lites schiveace case oe snot ata eae ea SaaS Eee aee ae 283,
AN Sill Sabohoancbasogsoo sonosddoobansncsano| ananddoaconsonennuabs 280
IMEI a5 Socobnsceaqdaodsccags68000) Anacacbdonnc nsodogsondosopanN. 240
ff Ta a SSeR EN CRA UE COLEEEt nanccte accor amr tae Brearane 211 one hen killed.
fin) aes RAN perio aa Scacoen gna ea Cac asdatana pane ncitoe aaerrieareos 197
7 ATER US| fp aoniododenba sa sasabonn co coaaBaBpsadeone scp ocdbacoanuectin 187
September nreecsnemcemeceece edsscceaNersvenseeeekidsess 130
OGtoberraisa aeasae eee eee eae ea oes eI eet eae 703) } ti
DONA ira ols) a oreers concCRSaE eer acbotcecn oan crcatocsene napnosaoas a parent LESS:
MeGemiborwic=.-cos sascne-saneseaceke eeeenek cee ewan ats 37
2,002

Total cost of feed for the year $17.90.

Four of the hens raised 39 chickens. The cost of the chicken’s feed is included
in above amount.

One of the pullets began to lay when five months and three days old.

THE POULTRY SHOW AND POULTRY MEETING AT THE TORONTO INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION,

During the third week of September a visit was paid to the poultry exhibit,
one of the features of the Industrial Fair at Toronto. Advantage was taken of the
opportunity to attend a special meeting of the Ontario Poultry Association. The
exhibition of poultry was very fine and well arranged in a building erected for the
purposes of the annual show of fowls. The building is constructed in the most
modern style, embracing all latest improvements as to lighting and arrangement of
coops. The fowls were exhibited in classes with large cards distinguishing each
breed, a method instructive to visitors and highly to be commended. The arrange-
ment by which food and water were always kept before the birds was a great
improvement on previous methods, as it prevented the birds from over eating or
drinking, as they are apt to do if neglected until very hungry or thirsty. By
another ingenious device the entry card was kept in good view but beyond reach of
the fowls to pick it to pieces. At the meeting of the Poultry Association, upon
invitation, a few remarks were made explaining the methods in operation in the
poultry department of the Central Experimental Farm, and the efforts made to
instruct the farmers and enlist their interest in poultry, a department of their farms
which could be made a paying one by intelligent and systematic management. A
vote of thanks expressing the sympathy of the association in the good work being
done at the farm, was unanimously carried.

5
*
|
:
t

227

A VALUABLE PRESENT.

During the month of October last, two large and handsome Langshan cockerels
were presented to the poultry department of the farm by Mr. W. H. Doel, of Eglin-
ton, North Toronto, a gentleman well known as a veteran fancier and breeder of
poultry. The birds are a valuable acquisition to the farm stock, and a splendid
instance of skill in mating and the benetit of early hatching.

THE INCUBATOR,

So great was the demand for eggs during the hatching season that it was impos-
sible to save enough to fill the incubator at the early period it was desirable to have
it in operation. An effort will be made to hatch out a number of chickens in it
during the approaching spring.

THE WILD GEESE,

The wild geese mated in early spring, but did not breed, probably owing to
limited quarters and water supply. When removed to a new and more extensive
run and pond accommodation they may do better.

VISITORS.

During the year a large number of persons visited the poultry department.
Many of them were farmers who sought information as to the best breeds for
| layers and market fowls, care of chickens, appliances, and the most suitable kinds

of food.

RECAPITULATION OF INFORMATION GIVEN IN PREVIOUS REPORTS.

The following summary of information, previously given, may be found useful
for reference :—

‘ HOW TO SET A HEN.
Make a comfortable nest on fioor or ground.
Place the sitter where other stock cannot annoy her.

1 Dust the sitter and nest with lice-destroying powder,

Put three or four imitation eggs in nest.

Allow hen to sit on these eggs for two days.

Then give he the valuable eggs.

Give a smal] hen nine eggs in spring.

A large hen may have eleven eggs, later in season thirteen.
If possible choose a light sitter to put on early eggs.

TREATMENT OF A SITTING HEN,

Have food, drink and dust bath convenient.

In cold weather see that sitter is not off nest more than seven to nine minutes,

In early spring Indian corn is the best food, as the crop can be quickly filled
with it.

Do not disturb the sitter, particularly when the chicks are hatching out.

Choose hens that have proved reliable sitters and good mothers.

Should an egg be broken in nest, gently wash remaining ones in luke-warm
water and return to nest.

TREATMENT OF CHICKENS.

After hatching leave them in the nest for 24 hours.
< Take hen apart and feed her wel! and give water to drink, or she will eat all
the chicken food.

6c—154

On coming out of nest, feed chicks on bread soaked in milk and squeezed dry,
or give dry bread crumbs.

After a few days give chicks all they can eat, as often as they will eat, of bread
and milk, or bread-crumbs.

After second day give milk or water in shallow pans for drink.

Be careful bread is not fed too sloppy or looseness will follow.

If chicks appear sick or drooping look for lice. Dust with insect powder
carefully.

After two weeks feed wheat sparingly at first, afterwards all they can eat,
particularly at night. Vary with crushed corn.

Be careful the chicks are not stinted of food or they will become stunted.

Remember that a chick stunted in first five weeks of its life will never make a
plump fowl.

If the hen and chicks are placed in small coops the latter should be cleaned
every day, or second day. As the early chicks grow large they should be removed
from the younger ones, or the latter will be crowded and make no progress.

HOW TO MATE THE DIFFERENT BREEDS,

Brahmas.—One male with seven females. A cockerel with two year old hens
if possible,

Plymouth Rocks—One male; nine females. A young bird with two year old
hens preferred.

White Leghorns—One cockerel with eleven two or three year old hens.

Houdans.—One male, nine or eleven females.

Black Minercas.—Same as Leghorns.

Langshans—Same as Brahmas.

Mixed Fowls.—One uiale with nine or eleven females,

Wyandottes.—One male with nine females. f

The above embraces the best known breeds. Where only one sort is kept and
the fowls have unlimited run, a greater number of females may be allowed. Eggs
are fertile after fowls have been mated about ten days.

TREATMENT OF LAYING STOCK,

Keep hens warm enough so that their combs will not freeze.

Take chill off water and warm the grain in cold weather.

Keep hens active by throwing grain among straw on floor.

Give meat in regular supply, warm mess in morning and regular supply of grit,
gravel, &c.

Supply what the hens can pick up for themselves when outside.

Send layers to roost with their crops full to carry them over night.

Do not give layers soft feed enough to gorge them, or make them lazy.

MISCELLANEOUS.

or layers choose White Leghorns; for general purposes, Plymouth Rocks; for
both Wyandottes.

Do not continue to inbreed, or the stock will decrease in size, stamina and value,

Get rid of the three and four year old hens; keep the pullets; eat or sell the
cockerels.

Give the poultry as fair a trial as would be given a new kind of seed, vegetable,
breed of horses or cattle.

Utilize the grain, vegetable and meat waste of the farm by converting it into

poultry and eggs.

oS _—~ '*2 oes S|.

REMARKS,

The information sought in the greatly increased correspondence of the past
year, goes to show that the farmers are taking a greater interest in their poultry as
_asource of revenue and an article of food. As to the former, with intelligent and
systematic management it will certainly prove satisfactory. As an article of diet
it is well known to be both wholesome and delicions.

I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your obedient servant,

A. G@. GILBERT,

: Manager Poultry Department.
CreytraL EXPERtMENTAL Farm, =
Orrawa, 31st January, 1891.

230

EXPERIMENTAL FARM FOR THE MARITIME PROVINCES.

REPORT OF W. M. BLAIR, SUPERINTENDENT,

To WinutAmM SAunpERS, Hsq.,
Director Dominion Experimental Farms,
Ottawa.

Sir,—I have the honour to submit herewith the following report of the opera-
tions on the Experimental Farm for the Maritime Provinces at Nappan, N_S., during
the year 1890 :—

WEATHER,

The year has been beset with difficulties for farm work. The winter was mild
with much rain and occasional short periods of extreme cold, and, as the ground
wus bare at those periods, the frost penetrated very deep, in many places four feet.
The spring was wet, with cold east winds extending into June. Farm work com-
menced on 6th May, seeding on 17th May, and continued at intervals as the land
could be got ready and the weather would permit, until 16th June, during which
time there was a continuation of cold which lasted until Ist July. It was then fine
with occasional showers until 9th August. Then followed an almost continuous rain
for two weeks, which was succeeded by fair weather, with some rain, until 9th
September. After this commenced what is called the warm rain, which continued
nine days with very warm weather, and which terminated in a flood that destroyed
large quantities of grain as well as the late Marsh hay. This was also destructive to
potatoes, causing them to rot badly. From that time until October, there was fine
weather, with wet again until the ground was frozen 1st December.

MANURE,

450 loads of marsh-mud was drawn from the marsh flats during the time there
was sleighing. A dressing of this mud at the rate of 100 loads per acre, usually gives
a strong growth of straw, free from rust, with the heads well filled and heavy. The
manure from the cattle and horse stables was drawn to the fields during the winter,
and eit! er spread directly on the land, or, when the litter was long and coarse it was
piled up to rot. Care was taken to have the horse and cattle manure well mixed
when piled, so as to insure more rapid decomposition.

In addition to this, special fertilizers were used, manufactured by the Provincial
Chemical Fertilizing Co., of St. John, N. B., “Ceres”’ Superphosphate, manufactured
by Jack & Bell, Halifax, and bone-meal and phosphate manufactured by Samuel
Archibald, Truro, N.S. There appears so far to be very little difference in the
quality of these different kinds. In each case we found the grain more plump and
heavy in the kernel where it was used, while there was little difference in the growth
of straw, indicating that the profit for this expenditure is to be found mainly in the
weight and quality of the grain, rather than in the stouter growth of the straw in

the field, which is often taken as the chief indication of the value of special

fertilizers.

|

231

MARSH LANDS.

The English hay in the marsh was heavy and of good quality, and was saved in
good condition, The Broad-leaf hay was much winter-killed by the frequent freezing
and thawing during the winter, more particularly on the lower portions of the
marsh, thus suggesting the necessity of more thorough drainage. ‘This hay is not
usually far enough advanced to be cut before 1st September, and was in consequence
much damaged by the long wet weather of September. When “ Broad-leaf” hay is
harvested in good weather, it is of excellent feeding quality, but it requires to stand
ten days to make properly before it is ready for the barn or stack.

In order to protect the marsh from being worn away by the action of the tides,
and freshets, it was found necessary to build two small break-waters. 40 loads of
brush and 20 loads of stone were used for this purpose. The weak places in the dykes
were also repaired. Six acres known as the Mines and Forest Marsh, were ploughed
and partially levelled. We hope by another year to get these rough pieces in good
shape for a seed bed for grass,

WHEAT.
Twenty-eight varieties of wheat were sown. A statement of the date of sowing

time of harvesting, number of days from sowing to maturing, quantity per acre and
weight per bushel is given below of the most promising kinds.

| |
Date | Date | Number ; Weight
— of of of Days to wacld per
Sowing. | Harvesting.| Mature. Por coe Brishels
| | Bush. Lbs.
meen MOUTEATINs 3 1</5/5.0/7/0:5)</<'s #0161215 wiavessnhiearsia%s [May 20..../Sept. 11....| 114 21 60
Hungarian Mountain...............-.-.+.--- do; 2023 |Fdo!) Tis 114 20. 602
SWANTON | 2s AAS ae Pe do) 5 205-c8\"do: 16222.) 109 29: 59:
BAe lirica LOt esp ols,c.-) saseieo-cis oleic ssaje siefessie | do 20 | do il 114 40 604
riGianBREGEICATACHI S. soe. so fe ecis vie, ciajervinielele do 20....|Aug. 27.:.. 99 21 61
Gay EbRG> Gh) np tRs see seseaneaerccosencaner GomZ0 AL GOme agri. 99 20 614
Riprelicgsee ers eee i cia sc vos ola/eeiseia'’d Gly We eoaaitants laces 108 20 593
Pringle’s Champlain noon nage Bn gubostapoe dope20naee done (4572s 107 41 61
\WAUS) THRE ppg ee Sey Ee nGoe do, 220) alidon sane 107 31 5:
DUTIES coon Sh OH ES BECEBEGEEOCe OEE COneeer Hidows 20iae-|dowseddeess 114 20
CCENTEya) ECL by oth cc) 0) 1 a ee | doy 203 5s\do? 5, 108 30
as WWWihtetes Chat aoe ne ee ceiae niece | do 20....)}do 3.... 106 32 60
ROME tec yeTITFEUVTAN LOA cP ynio obra ars he eka /aiovaloteloisie siels d07)°20.-|idoy 45255 107 21 594
Carter’s Cross-bred, Selection I............... do M2055 e\dor 2195 ss) 121 29: 56:
Indian Hard Calcutta...... ........ Peo cla e do 20)..,)5/Aue 2752.8 99 6:
White Delhi......... =D CLO iO nTeCs HH do! 220.222 doy es0l-e 102 13 62
Poe socncs be eee do 20. ..| do 30 102 19 62
Mes Histrr cee e ais esa yalete coher Sere jciastele synthe | do 20....|Sept. 19 121 22 6
2p. (Epes doe Coen COC aer nae a Sreoee peo aauner do) 205 sal tdomel 9b. 121 284 61
icerBiinh ere ais <= esther sitio eictes’s «dice coi do) (205-pe\)do 1955 >| 121 19 60:
JET WENT 6 co ctib dae MeO abe BOACOAACOROR EDD AS doy 203 2a|idows 19225. 121 124 61
i
OATS.

Twenty-five varieties of oats were sown, A statement showing the best varie-
ties, time of sowing, date of harvesting, yield per acre and weight per bushel is given
below.

It must be borne in mind, however, that much of the grain suffered severely
with the continuous rain stor ms which prevailed during harvest-time, causing it to

232

shell badly which reduced the yield in many cases, but just how much cannot be

determined.

Early English White.........
American Triumph
(Banner! as. -\o-eic:

Early Blossom.....
Prize Cluster. .
Imported Black Tartarian .
CreamiBeyptian so: ..: 22 2....-c dee netccoe = see cle
Egyptian Rberoude
Flying Scotchman
WielComecacas= sec uisieems pctsicaenene siren sels
Early Racehorse. .
Poland White. ...
August do

Sowing.

Date Number . Weight
of of Days to icles per
Harvesting.) Mature. |? ‘| Bushel.
Bush. Lbs
Aug. 19.... 94 31 423
Sept. 3 107 16 32
do 21 125 - 28 42
do 10 112 374 314
doverones: 105 47 33
sine Aug 28E 99 28 43h
Sept. 19.... 121 51 33
dom 24m 106 45 35}
Aug. 27.. 98 a 40
Sept. 10.. 112 33. 32%
dow 14 106 39 373
do a: 107 39 38
do 2.. 105 39. 36.
Aug. 25.. 93 26. 40
Sept. 1.. 98 26, 42.
do Ale 98 21 4
doy 98 234

Thirty-four varieties of barley were grown.

A table giving the names, date of

sowing, date of harvesting, yield per acre and weight per bushel is given below of

the more valuable varieties.

Selected Chevalier Sete as
Goldthorpes. cha koto ake Ree eleen tee
Baxter’s Six-Rewed............
Rennie’s do
Odessa do
Bhagarmany Hills (India)
Carter’s Prize Prolific. . ra
Sharp’s Improved Chevalier

Date Number P Weight
of of Days to! Migld per
Harvesting.| Mature. | P® “| Bushel.
Bush. Lbs.
Aug. 19.... 88 35 45
doy 2722 96 ot 60
Sept. 3.. 103 2 48%
doiwes-. 103 19 48
Gly Be 103 2 48.
do oe 103 44 46:
doi eater 103 203 49
Aug 19... 88 20 47
dojelosaer 88 40 4!
do 19 88 404 48
do 19. 88 154 57
do 30. 99 25 4
do 30 99 \ 3 48

— oo 6 TB © Be alight clk *

CORN,

in a light crop.

Thirty-one varieties of corn were sown for ensilage.

These were all sown on the 6th of June and cut on the 28th and 29th September,
The weight per acre and stage of growth when cut are given below. The size of the
plots from which the yield has been calculated was one-twentieth of an acre,

The season was much against the growth of corn, being coldand damp, resulting

|
|
|

|

‘ => Bil oe Condition when Cut.
Tons. Lbs.
MEAG MEPY EN terete efor yo, ctnsetae = «eps. sfckspais\aynlo.ci <.0is #015 e1 eel sie\etareleloisl e's PRR Vasaene |In tassel ; no ears.
SLUSH EI ET. 5: Sao RSet a aD te Oa GOP OEE Senne p sean seein 9 500 |Glazed.
Extra Early Adams 8 1,000 do
LEG pene RC. (ee 12 1,000 |In milk.
Golden aeaey 16 1,400 [In tassel.
King Phillip. . 13 1,600 |In silking.
Leaming Yello 17 1,500 |'Tasseling.
Hiern ob hy Man yarn ee). areys c/= ve) -seieler nt manele tie setaioelulstenicinz ieee 17 ~—-500 Soon to silk.
PRCA OLOATNre: A tal cet atoctem mraitiniehciare Meistel sine aie lecaiecs 11 500 (Silki
Mbpronehbrediwinite bint. co. tect ociseoles seers aieige osteo escmon 19 500 ITasseled.
pret antno es Hifty-day? Cornst. soi tiesto cso «iv ~ pe skepsieieisiessi epee 12 200 ‘Silking.
LDlonvnis Lia Ais weigdion BERD Os BBE Ae Sacre Ea aRCERS Fen acca eae son, Am 19 500 |\No tassels.
Hickory Kaas, MP ccYoacie cpa ations De eva cele lets, Hotne aleiiate te oe 4 1,000 |Tasseled.
Early Conconaes cs CS Aa An oa, eNO PE eS Ly aes 11 500 |Silked
MGTITIORO GATES oe cre Sk. cies aie Soe ele RaIe ee oteiers oe Mehul e aerereseloyays 11 1,400 |In milk
Ihre VEG UT, Gea apeea nei ate re ConaBe Nn aa BANOB Ae 17 _ 400 |_ do
LUDDRIENIES US... | GO Ae GEOR ngage SERCO GR eT AE CORSE nO OORAY Sane 10 1,400 |Ears glazed.
etre Wacly@Onyictic sc cia, ae gcvntere te cys oyacicka twine aicteemajcie genieinie els 7 1,000 |Full grown ears.
sehentern @ounby Mammoth \.oi<)c ene) sk arg lstetaierelblsiae sleleaiteseiaisierne 6 14 500 |Tasseled.
Wirginia Horse-tooth....... 0.0.0) 200. beee eee eters e eee eee eee 15 1,200 |Tasseling.
linea, Ta hem «oo ae Besos BOSE Soca aa scle ebagemndcitc saan SOnaoe 11 500 |Glazed.
Laing WGileiy7 LOTS Oe eee Se ee ne See ree Rae ee 17-200 {In milk.
Mitchell’s Extra Early White 7 500 ‘Glazed.
Early Adams 11 1,400 Silked.
Longfellow sphere 13 200 | do
Crosby’s. 12 500 In milk.
Stowell’s Evergreen “nosh Babe BASE Opel busy sachasneanogn0gees5ddn0 12 200 |Silked.
POTPEMNOMMENO PET AIG. ooo es scores ssc sjetals ciets late Sjercla ates cletsjeleinreravsicle outre'ele 13 1,500 |Tasseled.
aS COLTAM VEGI ONY craic ae Sistas ln aernicle she whee ae cleGie aereere eee 5 500 | Well glazed.
2dl (CHD JONGH EG acon onepeesbosocombenerean | mpcasocoossessaane 16 ......|No ears; some tassels.
|

BEANS,

ripen them and they rotted.
Ne Plus Ul

MANGELS, CARROTS,

In carrots the Orange Giant gave the best reiurn,

Twenty-five varieties of Beans were planted. Of these only eight varieties, as
named below, matured, the others grew well but there was not enough sunshine to

Gao le ase feos ae oatss ais Sa Selecteer ele coniceie eee metee Ripened.

GHINMEORIA esses sccesectineacee se do
Emperor William..............- do
IBIGWa IS) Od Cth can senecenosbnaspoacen ntnpsscoocoseaccsemadsHecnucee do
Negro Black Long-podded do
Golden Butter, Wax Black..................0006- eS AP Bsc) ko)
iSnye2VP1 21479 ig oagenge arco cho ppsucosbaposocosqsoccn aoscSaneoadcondénc do
Mlageolet Purple-seeded................---secneeceserr ere eenns se =) do

Mangels were a poor c~», but stood in the following order :—

Mammoth Long Red..........- Ist.

do Prize Yellow : ¢
Nustrd enmecizeVellowaGi Obersssscectcnere cosets aeeecee eee ae omnes 3rd.
Golden Intermediate.. EO EERE ors se eewe corr deeceaonnaae tee uh

a

Four acres of turnips were grown

Queen of the Swedes,

TURNIPS.

of the varieties given below.
Yield per
Acre.

Mane th ee ee eee 780 Bush.

Skirvings Purple Top Swede, do do

Bangholm, do du do

Lord Derby, do do do

Elephant, do do do

Purple Top, do do do
POTATOES.

Sixty-nine varieties of potatoes were planted, twenty-one of which were seed-
lings. The majority yielded a good crop, but many of them rotted badly. The

dates of planting, character of the tubers and yield are given below.

—- ees Character of Tubers. Yield.
—— | \ de
Experimental Farm seedlings—
INuumber) 22 - stantn eteeatar May 29 Large long white................. ..--
eat Ti Beeler: sabe oc chro Go) 629,558)" dow rough 20) yesk ee ac caterer
GO 2hhencketteme ses ie do 29 dow pidolewhitelea:< tas. sone eee
GOT esses iin tee see do 29 Smalliroundeey.. ss eee ec een
Or (49 bd isreteee eo eect do 29 Long large white..........
GOL 23 Fe sers geen Seis do 29 Small Noni, DUG irco apace emcee eeeeer
do 153... do 29....|Long blue..... 3
do: 23 hse soe aos | do 29....|Small long blue......
G (iat Mee ea Kee | do: (29252 ?honproughiwhite:: oa... 22 scsieesceeaeee
Clore late Bool. cepaocbe! ely) dos whites. sicud sci eccsen erates
oj 453 5252 pone ess do 4). dq large’ blue... sos ois te eee
doi 80: ies <5. Pesos: Ss do i sa)large bluejand' white'..- 0.0. oes-sseee |
do 98.. do 564|Smalliroundwhite)-Ga..- seen) eee
God D0 et a eae oes do - Aone whitels. Siac. caceienconcs Da eee |
==). Small round pmilcvss eee eee

1
Rural Now SVorker:..cmscesses ..| do
DakotajRed (eb we. caeeee ee do
Rural Blush. . oe

Stray Beauty.

.|Long blue, medium size.

..|Medium size, round white............-

+i 5| ong blue ea522 oss eeanee

>. «| Medium long 'blue: °- <-55-- oss seer
22 |(Dongiblue Som 255. eecaaceciee eee eee FE.
.|Large round white ........... ... eee

ae P
.|Medium size round pink..............-

do: whitees.3o. ee Bee eee

do INK Hvac ee Reon }

Small round pink

Rosy Morn....... do tl Barge pinksas cee eee
Grown J ewellese. occ sas ceeeser ; do BA fis with white eyes _..
Clarks iNor Wes soccee eccrine do sO). dom RR oe che. sacmeities ee eer eee
ate! Goodrich. <..205..25:4 .. do ae Road white, deep eyes...............
Rose’s New Giant.... ....... ..| do long Hat whitey... 05s... s 36s Peete:
Empire State:. ....2.-.....-..- ..| do : Sl Roundiwhiter.ppacsocus tae eee
Thorburn ...... BE ICORURC TO COE ..| do SOL Fink Bite bat aAGARSS mencnabdse bse
Rothran ta ehsacceeck ones Nits (eet / Peat Ls bol NEN Pa ae arian: Consanncces osc
Gonqueror 3:4... .04. 22 nce eee edlido Round pod light, Be eyes. ieee
Centennial oie 5. 35 oso oc vec sous do Joie
Jackson’s Improved ............. do White flat Seu nbs? (orc ye rasabec-
DBepbatricks #3 5-4eacs cease ace do Smialliwhites jones cee ee eee eer
Richter’s Elegant............ ==alido Shae le lya yj pil c noe peanndses Gospn yess so 55°
arly; @allao:ress anes im lenoneeee Wtdo, 27. o..Roundéwhitesserk.cn ome tee eres
Wihite Stargsscenoncs- <seeseeee ces Der likerdan Gl ISRSGn AenecoosueceboLascuac
Richter’s Gem........... Round small white............ Sse ass
Syl ags he oe A Smalliwhitecceee mecnas seer creer F
UMpOLsneeie en ‘Dongiround whiter. scent seeee cre
Richter’s Schneerose. Small white
POULV ER PUAN oie onsen a. oieis 2 ou ste sis Serer Long do
May Queen Early ...............- dowipmkscnemeceee
TREE REN 3 sn ah eR ee | dome20) ass Rowias smooth purple

—S abe Character of Tubers,
# é | i) oe ae = |

IHIATLYMWW)DIGOz cre oteieie = 2je ae <'s o's erie doe Mays 29). Roundiwhitet!s a ccicreaerensccecre aac sere Good.
Burpee’s Extra Early........... do 29...:|Smooth round! pnik.: 22 h222220-s05--: Fair.
SHO Wake isieisiseieis cle)s\stsiei si nssciscere dos MA29F . 6 |\Wihite taeisecccnleericeemctoce chee ctee Good.
King of the Earlies. .... ........ | do\! 292. 2a Sharpe white: oo... cise a eee eoeieee soe do
Six Weeks Round White.......... do 29: ....|Small round! white <.2.)...---+<<. 0.0.20 Poor.
White Hlephant..:.......... .... do 9:29). So|Wihitets: sen meee ne eee elon Good.
BlicksMontanact.) cies s-s---eee--| do 29) 5..|\Wargeround’black’/i22.\ .-a.ce- eee nee Large.
Wonder of the World............. June e245. 2 | Mone white)cise ces 1aeeneerer niceties |Good.
Gest Masterni.n) ...,0jic(s)-sie serie os do) + <2.j.4.|Roundswhitec pc: tsc..cseeeearie sce | do
Shiite g SOOO AE Note eee do 2....|Blat white, tough'skin. 5 (5.2 ooc.sse cee. Fair.
ieirlyposetees as: 22-5 S50 0 dort <2 | ongspinies scence ce meres moe Good.
Richter’s Imperator .............. do) 25558) Danpeimound 247-1. ise serie eee nace do
Mybairinattostenretetia erioie,<)-/s teenie = ten dow 2.33 |Darleibluet tc ocie saa eee meee rine do
Chicago Market.................. Clone pe eeballeatdico: soho oanpancsnepnooudckuonbeosee do
Brownell’s Superior. .............. domeuzss
LING (ELIS cen 5 SOS es ne IR ee Gly Pe
Thorburn’s Late Rose............. dome
Beauty of Hebron ................ do 2
Burbank s Seedling............... dai? = -s|ongpwhites cose ao ee
TENGIHI® <, -.OS nang CU Sree EEE eee oY Se? = FaliWihitettos- cc aeceeceee ee
Compton’s Surprise.. ... ........ dome 22h 0h IBlGeg owe. a aetna
iGleason(s sates. 252). <casc+ ccs ee ee do 2....\Long late round blue
MaxleiOhiorejis.ccnc 2. =o clec soe dope tees iphtipink: pore ee ne eee eeeeee

Yield.

cuts in plots of 30 hills each.

.

Among those in which no rot was observed were Rural New Yorker, Dakota Red,
Rural Blush, Stray Beauty and Acadian, all the other varieties rotted more or less.
The following results were obtained by planting whole potatoes and different

Yield.
Whole potatoes, smooth and even lots, fair size..............- 54 Lbs.
Half split from seed-end, an average lot.......... .....eeeeeeee oil &
Seed-end, smooth and even, Medium SiZe..............eseeseees 52s
_But-end, rough and uneven, some large and some small... 55 “
Three eyes, smooth and even, all small.......... SOOERCOBUECOCOC AO) is
RwOn ene “Manyasmallle c..-dseccececo ote seerstarcanscests SI ts
One «rough and uneven, all small...........0....-2---.--- yA)

PLOTS FOR TESTING FERTILIZERS =}; OF AN ACRE EACH.

The testing of fertilizers was continued this year on the same plots as last year,
of 1, of an acre each—an explanation of which is given on page 118 of Report of
1889—with the addition that one bbl. of ‘‘Ceres”’ Superphosphate was applied to
the whole eleven plots, being at the rate of 50c. worth per plot or $5.00 per acre,
each of the plots receiving the same amount.
on May 3lst. A comparative statement of the yield of last year and this year is
given below. The small dressing of special fertilizer this year was given to these
plots because the land was poor and the spring was s0 late.

Proceeds. Lbs.
No. 1, Barn Yard Manure....... 100 lbs oats—yield for 1889... 88
2, Mussel Mud....... eee mee <— ss nas irl
SeBone Meal er.denenecasecne es Hp Be iy .-. 544
4, Fine Ground Phosphate. 72 “ — e 44
Dy GManOs.sacscecsesemicaisie-tel= 76 c Ws aoe)
6, Corn Fertilizer....... cello a e ... 62
i, Sup. of Mime:.....:....... 98 “© — ss eas)
8, Nitrate of Soda.... ....... 128 co “ 61
9, Archibald Fertilizer..... 93 ci — se can, (if)
10, “Ceres”Superphosphate 77 “ — . .-- 68
11, No Fertilizer.-............. 79 = se -. 42

The plots were then sown with oats

“4

DRAINAGE,

About five acres have been drained this year, making in all 55 acres drained
since possession was had of the farm in May, 1888.

The land drained has given entire satisfaction, and it is hoped that this much
needed work will be pushed vigorously forward next year.

BUILDINGS,

The Superintendent’s residence has been completed. A rain-water cistern and
a woed furnace were built therein this summer, both of which are giving good satis-
faction. The house has been occupied since Noy. 5th.

A silo was built this summer in the barn that will hold 40 tons of ensilage.
Two of the old buildings which were much dilapidated have been taken down, the
two which still remain are used for storing carts, waggons, implements, ete.

ROADS.

On account of the sticky nature of the soil, it was found necessary to make
some permanent roadways to the barns and other buildings, and, as gravel cannot
be had in this district, they were made of broken stone. This stone was drawn into
an old barn and broken by the men in wet weather. In this way some 60 rods of
good road have been made, and the work will be continued another year.

CATTLE.

The cattle bought last fall, were fed during the winter on bay, straw, turnips
and meal, and were sold in April for the St John N.B., market, at a good price.
By this means all the coarse food and a large proportion of the English hay was
converted into beef, and a valuable lot of manure for this years crop secured.
Another lot of two and three year old steers are now being fed and a record of the
food consumed kept, This consists of English and Broadleaf hay, straw, ensilage,
turnips and smashed oats, peas and barley.

During the month of November, ten thorough-bred cattle were brought to the
Farm, some of which came from the Central Farm at Ottawa, and the others were
purchased in Ontario. They consist of

Four Short Horns, one bull and three females,
Three Holsteins, one do and two do
Three Ayrshires, one do and two do

This selection was made with a view of laying the foundation here for a herd of

the three breeds named. The following are the pedigrees of the different animals.

SHORTHORNS—FEMALES,

Countess of Darlington 12th—Born 19th July, 1885; bought from Richard
Gibson, Delaware, Ontario; dam, Countess of Darlington 8th, by Marquis of Kirkley-
ington ; 2nd dam, Countess of Darlington by Duke of Airdrie.

Wildame 2nd.—Born 8th Noy., 1886 ; bought from James Graham, Port Perry,
Ontario; dam, Wildame by Prince Victor 5th ; 2nd dam, Blossom by Royal Prince.

Columbine.—Born 24th Novy., 1888; bought from Richard Gibson, Delaware ;
cata; Wild Flower by Duke of Wellington; 2nd dam, Hermosa by Wild Eyes

addie

Nappan’s Fashion bull.—Born 14th May, 1890; bred by George Johnstone,
Ashburn, Ontario; dam, Fashion 7th. by Warfare ; 2nd dam, Fashion of Maple
Hall, by Lancaster ; 3rd dam, Fashion 2nd, by K.C.B. ; 4th dam, Fashion by Duke
of Airdrie.

AYRSHIRES—FEMALES.

_ Eva—Born 15th Sept., 1884; bought trom Jas. Drummond, Petit Cote, Que-
bec ; dam, Bell by Promotion ; 2nd dam, Juno by Lorne.

“Count of Ottawa, bull—Born 23rd Dec., 1889; bred on Experimental Farm,
Ottawa ; dam, Countess by Rob Roy ; 2nd dam, Victoria by Promotion,

Ida.—Born 10th March, 1884; bought from Thos, Guy, Oshawa, Ontario; dam,
Mary by Lord Lorne ; 2nd dam, Martha by Carluke.

HOLSTEINS.

Nina Rooker.—Born 3rd April, 1884; imported by Smith Powell and Lamb ;
dam, Mina by “ Pieter” by de Ruiter.

Netherland Dorinda of Ottawa—Born 24th Aug., 1890 ; bred on Central Experi-
mental Farm, Ottawa ; dam, Netherland Dorinda 2nd, by Netherland Pythias ; 2nd
dam, Netherland Dorinda by Sir Henry 2nd, of Auggie.

Abi's Netherland of Ottawa, bull—Born 21st Feb., 1890 ; bred on Central Experi-
mental Farm, Ottawa ; dam, ‘“ Abi” by Netherlands Clothilde ; 2nd dam, Snowie by
Oatka 3rds Neptune jr.

WATER.

The water supply.is not as good as it should be. That from the well at the
barn is not uniform in quality, as the surface water sometimes fills it up during a
heavy rain and makes it turbid. The supply at the house is obtained from the
cisterns in the cellars. A better and more uniform supply is needed and some
provision should be made for this during the coming summer,

FRUIT TREES.

An orchard was planted last spring, consisting of 144 apple trees of 54
varieties; 12 crab apple trees of 4 varieties; 5 cherry trees of 2 varieties; 30 plum
trees of 14 varieties; 46 pear trees of 21 varieties.

Nearly all have made good growth. A few of the pear and apple trees have
died; but on the whole the results so far are quite encouraging.

STRAWBERRIES.

The strawberries were badly winter killed. Some had asmall quantity of
fruit. We allowed them to run to vines and make plants for another year’s setting

RASPBERRIES.

Raspberries wintered well and made good growth. Nearly all fruited well.

Blackberries appear to stand the climate well. The winter did not injure
them, and they produced good fruit, but not in such abundance as the raspkerries.

Gooseberries do well in this district, the Houghton being the most vigorous.
The Downing did well; also Smith’s Improved. The Red and White currants
yielded but little, but Black currants did well

‘““ EXHIBITIONS” AND ‘‘ FARMER'S INSTITUTES.”

Some of the products of the Farm were shown at the exhibition held at St.
John, N.B., commencing 24th September, also at Yarmouth on 9th October, and at
Sackville, N.B., on 15th October.

The exhibits consisted of the following varieties :—68 of grain in straw and
glass; 84 of potatoes; 31 of corn; 13 of grasses. These were all distinct.

At Yarmouth and Sackville the exhivits consisted of the grains and grasses
only.
ar also attended the “ Farmers’ Institute” of N.B., held at Fredericton on 28th
and 29th January, and was at the meeting of the “Dominion Duirymen’s Associa-

tion’ and “ Fruit Growers’ Association,” held at Ottawa on the 17th, 18th and 19th
February.

In company with Prof. Robertson, Dairy Commissioner, the following meetings
were attended :—The “ Dairyman’s Association ” of N.S., held at Halifax on the 18th
and 19th March; two meetings of farmers at Sackville, N.B., on the 20th March;
two meetings of farmers at New Glasgow on the 21st, at Antigonish on the 22nd,
Nappan on the 24th, and two at Fredericton, N.B., on the 26th.

Besides these named, I attended several meetings in Colchester and Cumber-
land County during the year. At these meetings, farming in all its branches was
discussed, and much interest was manifested by those in attendance,

I have the honour to be, Siz,
Your obedient servant,
W. M. BLAIR,

Superintendent.

bn
a0
fa)

EXPERIMENTAL FARM FOR MANITOBA.

REPORT OFS. A. BEDFORD, SUPERINTENDENT.
Branpon, MAnirosa, Dec. 31, 1890.

To Wo. Saunpers, Esq.,
Director Dominion Experimental Farms,
Ottawa.

Si1r,—I have the honour to submit herewith the following report of the opera-

tions on the Experimental Farm for Manitoba at Brandon, during the year 1890.
: WEATHER.

Although there has been a deficiency of rain throughout the south-easterly por-
tions of the province, the past season has generally beena favourable one for all farm
products. Seasonable showers fell from the 20th to the 23rd of April. During May
and June the rainfall was below the average, and for a short time, fears were enter-
tained that the drought of 1889 would be repeated, but happily these fears, so far as
this portion of the province was concerned, were dispelled by the abundant rains
which fell from the 5th to the 25th of July, and from that date all vegetation made
rapid growth. On the 20th of August the wind shifted to the north and continued
from that direction until the evening of the 22nd, when the temperature on the
lower lands fell below the frost line, slightly injuring the uncut wheat in some por-
tions of the province. Considerable rain fell from the 23rd to the 25th of August,
and the first half of September was very wet, greatly delaying harvesting, and in
some cases sprouting badly the shocked grain.

The following is a review of the temperature and rainfall for the province dur-

ing the growing season.

In April the Temperature was 07 above the normal. Rainfall, 1:13 or 0°31
inches below the average.

May.—The Temperature was 8:4 below the normal. Rainfall 1°75 inches, or
0-80 inches below the average.

June—The Temperature was 3°9 above the normal. Rainfall 2°64 inches or
1:07 below the average.

July.—The Temperature was 2:0 above the normal. Rainfall 3:28 inches or
0-24 above the average.

August.—The Temperature was 3°9 below the normal. Rainfall 3°54 inches
or 0°60 inches above the average.

September.—The Temperature was 1-7 below the normal. Rainfall 2°83 inches
or 1:03 above the average.

WHEAT.

Sixty varieties were sown in large plots on the Experimental Farm this year,
30 varieties on the higher portion of the farm, and 30 acres in the valley. The
stronger lands of the valley averaged the largest yields, but the uplands gave the
best samples, very little, if any, of the grain from the higher land was injured by the
frost of 22nd and 23rd August, but its effects were plainly seen on the late varieties
in the valley. A very striking difference was shown in its effects on different
varieties of wheat maturing at the same time, the close and heavy chaffed varieties
appear the least iiable to injury from this cause. White Fife and White Connel are
striking examples of this, for although neither of these varieties were much earlier
than the Red Fife, the samples were much better.

Tests were made of cutting wheat at different stages of ripeness, but owing to
the exceptionally cloudy and wet weather prevailing during harvest, the tests were
not reliable for average years.

TEST OF WHEAT ON BACKSETTING.

Deeming it important that all varieties of wheat tested should receive similar

treatment, a block of nearly uniform new upland prairie was selected and sown with

37 varieties of wheat in half-acre plots. As it is almost impossible to find a
block of land pertectly uniform, the plan of sowing every fourth plot with Red Fife
was adopted, thus establishing for comparison a standard growing in close proximity
to each variety, the varying yields of Red Fife as shown in the accompanying table
will illustrate the necessity of this. The soil of this block was light loam. Seven
pecks per acre of seed was sown with a broadcast seeder.

Among these wheats it will be noticed that in yield the Red Fife takes the lead,
but it is several days later in maturing than some of the other varieties. In this
field the following varieties of wheat are promising, White Connel, a bald, hard,
white wheat and the next in yield to the Red Fife. Defiance, a bald, moderately
hard, red wheat. Both of these ripened with the Red Fife. Eureka or Red Fern, a
bearded, red wheat ; Russian Hard Tag, a bearded, hard wheat, but rather riey, both
six days earlier than Fife ; Red Connel, a bald wheat, five days earlier, but not as
productive as Fife ; Ladoga ripened six days in advance of Red Fife, but the yield
was less.

Tn this field was sown ten varieties of wheat obtained from D. McArthur, Esq.,
of Winnipeg, five of them had the appearance of tall wheats, these were still living
when winter set in, they were allowed to remain and some of them may possibly sur-
vive the winter and yield a crop next year, The five spring wheats received from
Mr. McArthur were Soft Red Calcutta, Hard Red Calcutta, Russian Ghirka, No.
1 Club Bombay and Australian.

Below will be found a list of the wheats grown in this field with yields and
other particulars,

Resutts of Tests with Wheat, sown on backsetting on Prairie:

B 3

5 2 a=

Ps Sown. | Came up.| Headed. | Ripened.| = ¢ ze i

| Zg Bol 3

al 3

|

| 2.
% 5 | Lbs. |Days
| BH

RussiantGhirka,.cc.cae .<-elemeice .|April 14..| May 8..|July 13..}2 1 135
SofttRed Walcutta.ue-. ss: aeeeees ee: | do 14..| do 8..|June 28.. 125
Red Fife, No. 3..... Peete oe RAG mRLOLe idols We Jilya el! 134
Red Morn ss re sia ovens alto shar <b cleo rerelaiete ldo; Osa dows.) idor it 130
Eureka... 3..... rates it ee cel ae EIGOn 20s ts dOmuy Orel GomslLon. 128
WhttesBifani. vise. M keene do 10.) do 5%.) “do 10: 133
RedWMIfENINOS (cn as cue heen ae dor Or ale dow Wie.) dorsi! 134
White) Connells. .5 sacee ack nee |) (OOM "COS. | Monae 134
Hed Connelly. Jun can nae nce AEE do 10..) do §8..| do 10. 129
MIKO tae cpevsareratnatects aynapilnlanreeeoa do 10..} do :8..| do 10 132
Red Fife, No. 10 ... Socu dues seem aeGO! OF a Gowers. al) omel0) 134
(ea eerie ttsors tie ates epalen cere. ; dom TOodor #8r-|| dod 128
Onerarisate steak as Rabb aeacicall celoy WiKe i Gly © Yall soley, UP) 128
WDSHANCE IE iis acndse ne « wae SIAR | Vo} 10:7) "dol 78.7) doy uke 134
Red Fife, No. 14..... ceaceetesseees| G0, 102.) ido 82 do, Th.-|) do, 165:|) 25738560 sa meee
olden Dropen cc sierdsacr eee | lon lOMs | dows Goran. 128
Old Red River. . BRN tea eee do 10..|, do" 6.) do) 10 130
Rio Grande... 0s fs eS doy 10s" |sdoweins| doy Ore 137
Red Fife, No. 18..... Sone tees ; do, 10:: doy {Ssei/edor lis: 137
@aliforniadW hite . 02.0 o. cet es do i11..| do 8..|June™29.. 126
Wihites Delhi: i6 sc lectk ce aeenn betas do 11s idor “SS dor 25s 125
Summer Cob. ats Ane ee cE do l1..| do 8..'July 12.. 136
Edy new INOn OD) los cen eee ee th doy Jie |ido) Ses) econ ti 133
Campbell’s White Chaff........... don wiles | idol wiSealdor ca. 130
Saxonka...... wok aa.daisaaces ee plecnie dS Oumiiber GC Ommnree |MECOm mort. 130
Ladoga...... fA eee oe loys JHE Al) Glo tien) Gly 7658 127
RedehifeviNo: SON. oan... : Mp seA alice aula Gy 4 sell) Gly ile g 133
Russian Hard Tag.. ....... Hl gao) Meal do tesa aor so- 128
No. 1 Club Bombay....... : Ne tdo sl st idole Seni don wil 126
Red Fife, No. 34....... ste severe | Ow wel | do 8..| do 11 131
Hard Red Oalcutta.............. s | doi Why "aor 482.) do eu 127
Auptralianioesc cs... Nemes | dow i!23)| dow 78.4) doy ai: 129

a:

WHEATS IN THE VALLEY.

Besides the varieties sown on backsetting, 32 varieties were sown after fodder
corn in the valley. ;
= These plots were all under half an acre, and were sown from the 7th to the 23rd
_ of April. In this case also one plot in each block was sown with Red Fife. _
Some of the noticeable wheats among these are Hard Calcutta, one of the best
Indian wheats, fairly productive, and 13 days earlier than Red Fife; Wellman’s
Fife, a good hard variety, four days earlier than Red Fife, and a heavy cropper;
French Imperial, 10 days earlier than Fife, productive but rather soft.
Two of Carter’s crossbred wheats were also tested in these plots, one of them
_ ripened with the Red Fife, and the other 26 days later. In neither case was the
_ sample equal to Red Fife.

Resutts of Tests with Wheat sown in valley.

* Bites ee
: Be eee ee
Came up. | Headed. | Ripened.| “'s = = Es
=°9 os 2
2% Rey) 3
> S =
| >
t = -
| 3 4 | Lbs. | Days
\ A 4
ae ee Sete ts eee ae 7..| May 5..\July 10..|Aug. 22..) 30 | 61 137
5c oc Aee Ocoee Ti) Wdom 15:1 don Wee |) dora SS18I5) Gk 129
350S IESt Ose ene 7..| do 2..| do 10..{ do 18..| 33 20| 59 133
noe Sete can oe 7.) do 223] do 40: || do 22:219 1640.) 5645) 137.
- Wellman’s Fife...... ... 7..| do 2..| do 10..) do 18..| 3025 | Gok | 133
_ French Imperial.......... Tost? do. I8:|udo! 19. :|\\.do; 12) peal 15) 61a tae
Hard Calcutta......... 7..| do 4..|June 27..| do 9.:| 2525] 63 124
it. Gad ean CCE Ge 7..|| do 2oijJuly §2:.| do 1622) 522 304) 534 1 S13t
ES Sieh eo: Synth ¢ 7.:| “do 3:| do 9:.)~do 18.:| 29°35'| 60) ||) 133
sc SS (hee) pce Fake do 20..} do 25..| 1910); 574 140
asderoee Vos do) "Bz dow es) ido 165.) s27 a ouiod 131
) Red Fife, No. 37......... 7..["do 5..}° do 10..| do 22..|) 25 11 59? 137
Hungarian Mountain. 7..| do 2..| do 9..| do 16..| 3037 | 603] 131
Indian Karachi 7..| do 5..|June 24..| do 16..) 15 37 oy 131
Wheat, No. 1,701. 7..) do 3..\July 9..| do 18.., 23 32 | 593 | 133
Beebamos Defiance... 6.20.62. ..2cce. 2. 7..| do 5..)| do 10..] do 18..) 2217 | 58h) 133
2 LECTIN. od onto 6 toe De DU a OUanEaae 7..| do 5../ do 20..) do 25..) 2012] 61 140
_paenosoeb abd adede | f=) (dot 5. do® (2224) doy 25° ol ISAC bS, 130
32 BER ERR AGR BE CIGS T..) 'do. 62.) do” 522))) do, 16-8. Eide 2 orale tS
Cam 7..| do 2..} do 9..| do 19..} 2357 / 60} | 134
@etareenMMountain....... ...2.-)...00- Wc) dow 2.01\ dor 8.) “doi 29r 2) 26 3315 oF 134
, pemee's Whamiplain ys. =. scene sen | TAljdom 22s idorrs |= dowltors Poor ont. ol! 134
Soft Calcutta.. 7.., do 5..|June 28..| do 12..| 845] 63%} 127
LS) OES 0 7: 9..| do 2..jJuly 8..| do 22..) 23 37! 58 135
O51 VOLE i ee Sule OF i) cdowes. i do: 2..) do 9..; 9 2) 46%] 122
9..| do 2..) do 1..} do 20..| 2012] 59h| 133
Mere sala onicials <5 tai ajo a 47,..} do. 122.) dog lb: i\.do. 2228) 25190 604 127
petites = 32. s notes W72.|| do! 12: -|"do19: Jdo. 225.1260) |e se 127
er’s Selection, D....... | do 17..] do 13..) do 22 - |Sep. 17...) 2137 | 5 153
LON COGS (eG ee .--| do 23..] du 12..) do 15..;Aug. 22..] 3417 | 60: 121
Lig. 55.98; eae ee oe ee do 23..| do 13..} do 14 do 22..| 31 6] 604] 121
do 24 Ge LO snetencs do 16..| 1535] 58 114
do do 24 do 21..| do 21 do 30..| 24 40 604 | 128

FROZEN WHEAT FOR SEED.

A quantity of frozen seed from the crop of 1888 was procured and sown in
joining half acre plots of new land, at the rate of 2 bushels per acre, sown broad-

ast. The soil was apparently uniform and the test complete.

Although the loss from slightly frozen grain was small, the No. 3, or badly

frozen seed, gave considerably less than the No. 1 hard, and in an unfavourable

son the piterence would no doubt he greater.

6c—16

a Se ow

242

: Weight
Sown. ea © |Headed.|Ripened Sield Ben Matured

eNO ac
a 2 Lbs.
ca
Red Fife, No. 1 Hard.. ......... .....|April 16|May 9..|July 12.;Aug..23.) 33 4 61 129 days.
do York Brozen 2:45 acne. adios do 16; do 9..| do 14.| do 25.| 32 40 59: 129 do
do Wai) dol hice hes o-kos oe eree te do. 16} do 9..| do 14.| do 25.| 32 20 62 129 do

do INO. O8t Oo sss ss steele eta do 16} do 9..} do 14.| do 25.) 28 56 62 129 do

TEST WITH FROZEN SEED SOWN ON FALLOW LAND IN VALLEY.

: Weight
a Sown eoue Headed. |Ripened wield per , Matured
up. Per acre Baskets in

ee | 5

a

= | Lbs.

AQ se
Redilife, aNo. I Hard) se ccmctnseite cc April 7.|May.2..|July 11./Aug. 20.) 24 49 61 135 days.

do Nov IhMrozenSom eae cinss ee aee do. 7) dor 25 dow Ll. |/"do) (25:|''23) 23: 602 | 140 do
| |
SMUT.

The aggregate loss sustained by the farmers of this province from smut is very
large.

Although the majority of farmers consider that the treating of seed with pre-
parations of bluestone, salt, &., has a beneficial effect, reliable experiments con-
ducted in the province to test the different methods were much needed.

During the past season a quantity of very badly smutted wheat was procured
and sown in four adjoining plots, each one-tenth of an acre. Plot No. 1 was sown
with wheat not treated. Plot No. 2 was sown with wheat treated with bluestone;
1 lb. of bluestone being dissolved in a pail of hot water, and applied to ten bushels
of wheat, which was then left to soak for three hours. Plot No. 3 was treated witb
asalt brine sufficiently strong to float an egg, the seed being soaked in the brine
three hours and then dried. Plot No, 4 was treated by the Jensen or hotwater
method, the seed placed ina gunny sack, was immersed in water heated to a tem-—
perature of 130 degrees. Fah, then removed to another boiler of water heated to 132
deg. and soaked in the latter for 15 minutes.

All were in adjoining plots and received similar treatment during growth and
harvesting; when ripe 200 heads were taken from each plot and examined, Plot
No. 1 or untreated gave 6 per cent. of smutty heads. Plot No. 4 or scalded gave 1
per cent. of smutty heads while none of the 200 heads from plots No. 2 and 3, (the
bluestoned and salted) were smutty.

After threshing, the grain was again examined, and the bluestoned gave two
smut balls to the thousand grains of wheat, the salted gave three, and the scalded
five, while the untreated gave 29. f

These results would point to the conclusion that none of these methods can be

"depended upon to completely destroy the spores in badly smutted seed, but the blue-

stone treatment was one of the most successful, its application requires the least

ERY. cc Pia aan, St Mei ak hls SO eatin a:

243

labor snd leaves the seed in the best condition for sowing. Below will be found the
yield and other particulars of this experiment. ie

a
I] _—
— Came | A Smutty | Smut Balls} ¥
Sov up. Headed |Btpened ie! g Head. in Grain. 5
2% =
i SE
Ba Days.
| RH
Red Fife, Untreated......... April 23|May 9..\July 10.|Aug. 22. 23 18 | 64 perc. |29 per 1,000 | 121
do —_ Bluestoned........ fo 23) do 9..| do 10.| de 22| 2511] None. | 2. do 121
tod ee do 23} do 9..| do 11.] do 22.) 22 9 do 3 do 121
do Sealded. 1.112211! do 23| do 9..| do 9.| do 2 23 44|1 pere.|5 do 121

FALL SOWN SPRING WHEAT,

The Red Fife mentioned in my last report as having been sown in November,
1889 was late in appearing above ground, and was very thin all summer, the past
year apparently not being favourable for fall sown spring wheat.

The spring sown grain gave 304 bushels and the fall sown 12} bushels per acre,
the fall sown ripened two weeks later than the spring sown.

FALL WHEAT,

One variety of fall wheat was sown 26th of August, 1889, and two others on
the 2nd of September, these germinated well and the plants covered the ground
before winter set in, and were apparently uninjured when spring opened, but the
changeable weather in early spring killed all, except a few plants of the Democrat
variety growing in a depression, these escaped and yielded about 13 Ibs of very fine
wheat. This will be sown during the coming fall and may prove more hardy than
the imported seed.

OATS,

; Twenty varieties of oats were tested on the upland prairie, in adjoining half
_aere plots, soil a light loam, broken the previous year. All were sown with the
_ Broadcast Seeder, at the rate of 24 bushels per acre. The soil proved to be very
uniform, the oats stood up well, and the test of varieties was apparently satisfactory
- in every respect. The varieties being all on adjoining plots, this field was a source
of great interest to visitors during the season.

In addition to the above, 8 varieties were sown in the valley on fall ploughing
after roots. This field being subject to injury from drifting soil, the seed at the rate
of 24 bushels per acre was sown with the Press Drill. Although the crop in this
_ field was badly lodged, none of the grain was lost, and the experiment was in every

_ respect satisfactory.

f

OATS SOWN ON BACKSETTING ON PRAIRIE,

5 |
a” ete ee
— Sown. | Came up.| Headed. | Ripened.| =< 5 m4) 5
, 24 | 28) &
al S =
2’ # | Lbs. | Days.
RH
English White Oat.................. April 15.,| May 12..|} July 12..) Aug. 16../ 83 12 | 364 | 123
Marly Blossom secs Aap ee ee > ae Seale do 15..| do 13:.|) do 17..| do 22..) 82 32 is) 129"
iamlys Calder trariceiis siveletiste oceanic do 15..| do 13..} do 14..) do 22..| 81 36 129
eek Pakribaianiss. srcmciis hsiarte cio weiner do 16:.) do 13..) do 20...) do’ 22..1°78°°22"))' 33% |) 128
Glenrofhienn Ws qunie se eny. soe do, 15..| ‘do -18..| do 18..| do: 22..) 77 “4 “354/129
New. Zealand -2,)0 5 esac ccnek eeiece do 14..)) do 12.7|) do, 17.:|\Sept. (9...) 76-22) 037, 148
Blak Champion wie wwe ere aeene do 16..) do 13..| do 20..) Aug. 25. .| 7. 4 au 131
Panniers sos cceilcinyes .| do 14..) do §8..| do 16..] do 18..| 73 18) 39 126
White Russian....... .».| do 15..| do 13.1] do 14..| do 16.7) 73) 4°) 40s 23
PASSER AT var atorelaayltietets cho yetiaeiciorcls © do 14..) do 12..| do 24..| do 18..| 72 2°) S6#))>az6:
Weleome.. 222220. /2+-- do 15).).do 13..|\ do 10..) do 15...) 72 37 122
Flying Scotchman...................- do 15.:|' do 13:7) do 12:.) do 22:.| 7. 14) 39e5) 29
Winter Grey. .. ... FOnea cu muae nei rere do. 15:,| ‘do ‘18..| do. 10.) do 16!.|°69) 25))5 Asa
Rennie’s Prize White... J.5.. ....0.... do 16..} do 12..} do 10..) do 14..) G8 16) 414} 120
At ip ity) VWLLES ste sear eeers, Peereys ero arth ee do) 15i2| ido) 187.\) do) 17.51. ‘do. 18.63 41Sa eae 125
PRingLIBHUOLALO sorte sea pe ts l-toferste nates do 15..| do 13..} do 16..] do 21..) 62 20] 402) 128
Wihite Poland s.2%)<. 50 sa ims ttne sce tee | ‘do: 15.) do- 13:2), do) 12.7) *do "8. .\+59" 24) 4d 125
Pavel Cluster! crak incre: facts sera eres oe do 15..) do 13..) do 11..) do 16..| 54 14) 42 123
Early Racehorse, do 14..).do 12..| do 12..| do 18..| 51 42 126
SCI ES sve cats cans Wah stants ater acts do 16..) do 9..| do 20..| do 22..| 48 30) 364) 128
OATS SOWN AFTER POTATOES IN VALLEY,
< a Oran [ a : Tine cet
| 7 he, =|
A Big £5 BS
—— 2 Sown. | Came up.| Headed. | Ripened.| 3 5 mS 5
1 a | a Sa
| a i =
| eee! 4
| 3 | Lbs. | Days.
|a 4 .
Aunericam JBDeauby .ctraisla cece selectors April 17..| May 10...) July 15..|| Aug. 23..; 85 19} 37 128
(Sole alii Cy Aa oa Meenab en cronneddads do 17..| do 15..| do 14..) do 23..| 80 27 | 37 128
Welcomes scr. jie. lianesnayawhe tana Uidorltss|| sdolbtsl) sdo 524) rdowd5s-1 eveeen mesa 120
Picietatactee ote oe eae | do 17.;] do 12} do 15.:} do 30..| 72 24| 359) 185
Anericans Priumpi.ys. ascm sees ele ek do i7..| do 11.. do 16..| do 22..; 69 10] 35; 127
Rosedalel ye hones noses eke 22.) dow d7..|) do 15:.| do 15..| do °20°71/63' lai) ar: 125
Atrohian pealine icntss cena ste waiere a ernieiekePays do ania do A2tA\! ‘do!’ 78¥.|)do" Tbs MGOm aa os 120
RSrecishioenite).. cies neta) oa aetna skgtiens ciate do 17 do 12 do 15..) do 28..| 56 24} 353) 133

To test the comparative values of newly imported seed oats, with oats sown for
a succession of years in this Province, four plots of backsetting were sown with im-
portations from Britain, made at different dates, the plots were side by side, soil a
uniform light loam, 24 bushels per acre of seed was sown with a Broadcast Seeder.

-—— Sown. oe Headed. | Ripened.
Black Tartarian, imported prior to 1888) April 16..) May 13..| July 20.
do do in 1888... . do. 16..; do 13.., do 20..
do do in 1889. ....| do 16..| do 13..) do-20.
do do LELSOOL es do 16..| do 18..) do 20.

Yield per

Se Bush,
Meh
EES to Lbs.

Acre.

5 q
Pe | eet
22| 3
me | 2
of 3
z a
Lbs. | Days.
35 128
35 128
344 | 128
34 128

“A

Pal esi Ss

245

A very interesting experiment, and one which may lead to good results, was
undertaken in connection with our oat tests. Five pecks of Black Tartarian seed was
selected, the kernels being all heavy, plump and black. This was sown alongside
_ of unselected seed, and gave a yield of 88 bushels per acre, in comparison with 76
bushels from the unselected, or a gain of 12 bushels per acre from selection.

— BARLEY.

: Throughout the westerly portion of this province the season has been excep-
_ tionally favourable for the growth of barley, and the yield has been large. Owing,
Barerer, to the unfavourable weather at harvest time, the sample is not as bright as
usual,
is On the Experimental Farm 12 varieties of the two-rowed were sown in half
acre plots on backsetting; 2 bushels of seed per acre was used; soil a light, gravelly
_ loam; all stood up well, and the soil Leing apparently uniform, the test of varieties
was a very fair one.
: The Danish Chevalier was one of our best varieties last season, and has this
_ year given slightly the best yield among the two-rowed, both on the high land and
in the valley. This excellent variety is said to be in active demand on the English

_ market, and appears well adapted to our climate.
a?
4 * BARLEYS SOWN ON BACKSETTING.

| a ees

ag |ael 3

Sown. | Came up,| Headed. | Ripened.| oS | &3 5

| | | ‘s¢ [3a | 3

b {|e | =

| ae
cee
2 & | Lbs. | Days.
ao |

13..|July 15../Aug. 16..] 51 36] 53 | 113
+2 [Aer eee se 13..| do 13..| do. 18..| 49 38)| 544 | 115
code nich eS DSO IEEE Te cis 122s "dor SOb2) do. (142349830, 2 bb 11
Lo eae 15..} do 15..} do 15..| 48 20 | 5241 112
(a 2S eee 12..| do 12..| do 18 10 116
Bote tein tale ai> 13..| do 10..) do 14..)| 48 12] 522) 111
BPSIMOMNIP ION... 3 jess. o + weaie ] | 13..) do 14..} do 16..; 47 36) 53 113
Danish Printice Chevalier............. | | do 13..| do 15..;do 16..| 46 40); 523) 113
ize Prolific Imported seed 13..; do 16..| do 16..| 43 42) 53 113
do 13..| do 16..| do 16..| 42 26) 63 113
13..| do 14..| do 1S..| 40 40] 543 { 115
5) Joo eee noe ees 13..) do 18..) do 14..)40 8| 544) 11

Bleven yarieties of barley were also sown in the valley, on land planted with
90tatoes the previous year. All were more or less lodged, but were cut without
aste.

Of the two-rowed varieties in this field, the Prize Prolific gave the largest yield,
and the Goldthorpe had the stiffest straw. Of the six-rowed varieties, the Odessa
we the largest yield, 684 bushels per acre, the largest yield of any variety of
rley grown on the farm. Baxter's six-rowed gave great promise when growing,
t was disappointing when threshed.

246

Bar.ey Sown after Roots in valley.

5 -
bh ae
Came . 7) 2 2 3
Sown. ah Headed. | Ripened. s g a3) 3 E
a4 oe a
> = a
yee
3 4 | Lbs. |Days. | ©
QH
Goldthorporccarsecttenice tals asc ie aetee May 5..| May 28..) July 21..| Aug. 23../ 5625) 6 111
PTI ZA PTOIMLGs. fe a derateiss sale aeeien senieiee do 5 | do 2! do 2 do 24...) 59 43] 62: shh
is) CiEno an IGS SHGAD em coenBAt Aber arr do 6 do 22 do 21 do 20..| 4014) 61 107
Odessa /Sixrowed:... dic, «des cie S-ee 3 do 5 do 22 do 7 do 14..} 68 24] 613) 101
Rennie 8 (dOMiirsasscctceh sect erate do 5..} do 23..| do 8..| do 10..} 54 26| 52 97
IBExberis FCO iH vA ale Ne daly onic eaiels do 5b..| do 22..)/ do 10..| do 7:.| 44 2) 49: 94
Palampur, from India...............- do 6..| do 22..! June 28..| do 11..} 6029] 43 98
ML MOMMA) 145 arate eels do 5 do 23..| July 11 do 17..} 50 48 104
Seoraj ON ae bce seltitetont ate nee do 65 do 22..| June 30 do 19..| 47 106
Spiti Valley, from India, Hulless..... do 6 do 22 do 30 do 6..| 3918] 53: 93
Bhdeaaslane Hills, from India, Hulless) do 5 do 22..| July 10 do 7..| 3914) (5 94

#

PEAS,

Seven varieties of field peas were grown on the farm, These were drilled in on
a sandy loam soil at the rate of three bushels per acre of the smaller varieties and
three and one-half bushels per acre of the larger ones.

Rat . Yield

Variety. Sown. Came up. In pod. Ripened. per Acre:

Bush.

Multiplier tee snc cktee ce aoe ap meee jApril 19....|May 12....j)July 10..../Aug. 19.... 24°20
Pines sAtberbsee he ccases qosies Aecrce ae dot19..(2|ido. LO". -e/idor ee domed ames 22

RrnseienN Blue heen aaeeeuse Seen 1 doy 19)e ssh dop, 112 (don si9- 3] Sdomed seme 21°15

iBfas | yeRiol dent 2 in Oe Ore sae eer oe do 19....|do 10....|do 10....| do 14.... 18°35

(ro wma oho ocis Som pocion intapswaieen latte |) do) 19. "ido TS 23| don) 192ss:\(dowel deeee 18°30

GoldenSVinere.-npenee ance eens do 19 do 30)... |) dor) Ibs dorn stb 16°30

| White-eyed Marrowfat):.j2. 30) ssesopie | do 19 do 12 cal do ll do 19 11°45

GRAIN SOWN ON STUBBLE LAND.
As a large proportion of the crop of this Province is sown on stubble land, it was —
thought advisable to test the different methods of sowing on stubble. {
It will be seen by the accompanying table, that wheat plowed in on oat-xtubble —
gave a smaller return than that drilled in, but oats on the other hand succeeded best
when ploughed in, and oats following a crop of wheat yielded better than two
successive crops of oats,
The plots were half an acre in area, Soil, a uniform stiff clay loam.

a ey Ws pow
- WHEAT ON OAT STUBBLE,
Riga :
Gj Weight
——- Sown. | Came up.| Headed. | Ripened. | Yield ee Matured
| per Acre. Bushell in
> irae _—_——————————————
| Bush Lbs. Days.
” Red Fife, ploughed in...... April Si bata 10..|July 18..\Sept. “2..) 20 623 134
do drilledin........ do 21..| do 16..|do 20..}do 2..) 22 623 134
|
OATS ON WHEAT STUBBLE.
Welcome, ploughed in ..... \Apri 18..|May 17..\July 14..|/Aug. 15.. 56°27 444 au E
do drilled in........ do 18..)do 10..)do 11..J)do 15..| 51-16 44h ns
OATS ON OAT STUBBLE.
| | | !
_ Welcome, ploughed in. ....|April 18../May 17... July 14..|Aug. 15..] 49°30 42 119
‘ do drilledin........ | do 18..| do 10..| do 10..| do 15..} 41-10 42 19

DIFFERENT DATES OF SOWING,

To lessen chances of error and to gain information as to the best time of sowing, |
it was thought advisable to continue the experiment of sowing the different kinds of
. grain at varying dates.
‘It would appear, in a season similar to the past one, that both wheat and

barley succeed best when sown about the middle of April, this is about the date at

_ which the bulk of the wheat is usually sown in the Province, but it is much earlier
_ than it is customary to sow barley.
* Oats were also included in this experiment, but owing to wet weather the
harvesting of this grain was delayed until the early sown was badly shed, and the
__ returns being inaccurate are not given.
The plots were | acre for wheat, and 4 an acre for barley. Soil a clay loam.

WEEAT,

: Weight
——S Sown. | Came up.| Headed. | Ripened. wee =e ae

per Acre. + Bushel. Be
i |
ee
} | Bush. Lbs. Days.
* |
Red Fife, sown early ..... |April 7..|\May 2..\July 18..|/Aug. 20.. 24°49 604 135
do do medium....| do 19..}do 9..| do 19..} do 25.. DiSBitee soe “alee 128
do do Jates... do 24..|}do 17..| do 21..) do 30.. 24°40 604 128
BARLEY.
iglish Malting, sown easy Apel 16..|May §8..\July 16../Sept. 3.. 45°40 523 140
do do medium) do 24..|do 10..|do 17..|do 3..| 45°32 524 132
do do late... .|May 22..1Fune 5..|'\do 28..| do 6.. 43°36 524 107 |
|

THICK, MEDIUM AND THIN SOWING.

ip

a, : : :
The experiments on this line began with oats in 1889, were continued during the

past year, and included oats, wheat and barley. All were sown with the common

drill, the soil a strong clay loam.

As will be seen from the accompanying tables, 7 pecks of wheat per acre, 24 —
bushels of oats and 2 bushels of barley gave the best returns.

WHEAT.
pes Sown. | Came up. | Headed. | Ripened. i ee ve Manned
| Hash ely sd | Rigee ii q
Bush. Lbs. Days. 5
Red Fife, 5 pecks peracre..j/April 5..|/April 30..|July 8..)Aug. 19.. 28°28) |. ES Seeer 136 7
do 6 do --|| do, -5. 5) 4 do 130. ido -* 8. \idom 1952 29730) i erraetarets z 136 S
down i do «.|| do 5.2), do; 30..|:doo 78. -|do) 19). 30:55) | 5-r = atetestets 136 <
do 8 do do 5..; do 30..)do §8..| do 20.. 30°56) lider wo baels 137
OATS,
|
Blk Tartarian, 9 pks per aere| April 16..|May 10..|July 17..|Aug. 28.. 61 34¢ | oss .
do 10 ido). do 16. :|"do. AON Widoy ely Ido 1285, 54°3 34h 134
do At). (do |r ido 162. |'dow 10!\dow 17 2\\(doy P28" 54°12 344 134 ‘
do 12 do ..| do 16..| do 10..| do 17..| do B--| 51-14 36 134 “4
= pam : } x .
<4
BARLEY.
Prize Prolific, 6 pks per acre|April 24..|May 12..July 17.. | Ang. 30) 5 50°36 | 624 128
do 8) dow "i. }do) 245Niido 12... do i7... do 30.. 58°04 523 128
do TO} doy 4) 5.| dor. 24s, \ndo 12..| do 17..| do 30.. 47°12 53 128
Vae +!

“4 TEST OF DRILLS.

Much attention has been directed to the question of common and press drill
against broadcast sowing of grain, some very satisfactory tests with oats were made
on the furm last year, proving conclusively that in a very dry season drilling of oats
is preferable to broadeasting, these experiments have been continued and enlarged
this year by testing the sowing of wheat, oats and barley on adjoining plots, with
common drill, press drill and broadcast seeder, the plots on which these experiments
were carried on were a great source of interest to visiting farmers.

Although in yield the drilled grain is but little in excess of broadcast, in the
tests with wheat and oats the drilled crops matured in from four to nine days in
advance of that sown with the broadcast seeder, an important consideration in a
season like the past one, it was also noticed that the drilled grain germinated earlier
and more evenly, and that fewer immature heads were seen at harvest time than with
the broadcast.

eee seca

i

Mee OE ted rt es

a “To obtain reliable data these experiments should be extended over a number of
= years so as to include various seasons.
Below will be found full particulars referring to this experiment.
“4 G TEST OF DRILLS. 2
7
: | |
2 | Yield | Weight | watorea
— Sown. pe up. | Headed. | Ripened. |. A =a eener Se
Per cre=| Bushel |). ot
;
t Wheat, 1 aere. | Bush. | Lbs. Days.
| @ _ Red Fife, sown with common! |
Gor] se ante Seer ener April 5../April 30..\July 8..jAug. 15..| 30°24 | 602 132
= Red Fife, sown with press |
IGE USE -| do 6..| do 28..)do 6..)do 15..) 29°31 603 132
an Red Fife, sown with broad- } | | ‘
| (Clee do 6../May 2..| 8..) do 19..| 28°20 61 136
‘- | ;
Barley, 4 aore.
__ Danish Chevalier, sown with
Bt [E23 G rll a 5 See |April 24..|/May 10..\July 17../Aug. 24..) 60°14 52 122
x Danish Chevalier, sown with) | ] |
, common drill ............ do 24..| do 12..|) do 17..)do 2.. 56°10 52 | 122
he Danish.Chevalier, sown with } | | |
. broadcast seeder ......... do 24..) do 15..) do 20..|) do 24..) 50°46 53 | 122
4 Oats, 4 aere. | |
Black Tartarian, sown with |
a: ie soit Sa ee April 16../May 9..July 17../Aug. 21.. 72°30 34 127
_ Black Tartarian, sown with) |
s common drill ............ | do 16..}do 10..|do 17..)do 21.. 12-22 | 344 127
Black |\Tartarian, sown with | |
broadcast seeder ......... do 16..|do 14..| do 19..| do 30..| 56°32 354 136

SPRING VERSUS FALL BREAKING.

Although not generally recommended there are a few advocates of fall breaking,
_ principally among new arrivals from the East. To test this question, half an acre of
upland prairie was broken two inches deep in May and back-set in September, the
adjoining half-acre was broken in September six inches deep, but not back-set.

The result as seen below was decidedly in favour of spring breaking.

- Weight |
. Yield So” | Matured
. —— Sown. | Came up.| Headed. | Ripened. r
” per Acre. Buchel. HAN
| | Bush. Days.
Red Fife, sown on spring! |
ERIN Ey chaser chard oo de \April 11../May 8..|July 11..)Aug. 22..) . 28°38 |... ...... 133
Red Fife, sown on fall break-| | |
pment ...,. ldo, 4i:.|'do 834 .do. “IN. |'de. Be: |i 14-20"). sez sz 8 | o BABS
‘ | |

GRAINS GROWN AS SINGLE PLANTS.

During the year the following have been grown as single plants, viz., 123 varie-
ties of wheat, 86 of oats and 67 of barley. Fifty kernels of each variety were planted
one foot apart and kept free of weeds.

These plots were convenient to the buildings, and enabled the growth of the
different varieties to bestudied and compared with the expenditure of very little time.

The different varieties were harvested in good order, and will be separately
threshed and weighed during the present winter.

TURNIPS,

During the past season, seventeen varieties of turnips have been grown. All
were drilled in on the level in rows three feet apart; soil a sandy loam.

As a number of the varieties were badly injured by a cut-worm, while others
escaped, the experiment as a comparison of varieties is not accurate.

Slacked lime placed near the plants was found to destroy a large number of the
cut-worms.

\
Nera Yield
Swedes. Sown. Harvested. pena:
|
| Bush.

| |
lUPETLOL GE SWECES. res oh ele mien (ote ain y elese Fite eictene cr get \June 3 and July 19...... Oct 20sec 1,048
BANE HOLM. 3 tev aieis cictAcrvele es ee eels) ony artifice sete do 3 dor HONS hc don20ye.-e 953
NS ee wes ees 25 Pekeres ta Nema ALaarS a core Hane do 3 Oy AD eee do 2000.1: 792
bavi DATE SGhn demoted foacager dere sate iootaeg do 3 dort 9 Orn. do’ +2053 586
Jeri LG No) oh cn GENS Sac On porinerad Mee aniccicCeOE Otic do 3 dow 190 ee dow20 Aree ~ 568
SISTING oem las oe Sip pe aserian oa pobaone aie do 3 do 19. do. 20....5 410
Pile ban bse dra fects Otis Reo opin ners ete eites mee . do 3 do lOtssre do 20 344

‘ White and Yellow-fleshed Turnips.

NWihibarStonessais sire. hintaan tw cn/eisicistoe tie S\-re lanes 1,320
VITO DOLE WEEES! avn iacie tie isUincc-rteiniereils) site Melelefeave
Barly Milan ..... at 1,133
Flat White Dutch.. | 861
Oranpari ely. saniniiictitsites <hyerselass ap 836
Iontiels Zone hina od BOOB oun Se come eonmob Toone ere 781
Purple Top Strap-Leaf al 605
(Rede Pop strapaleat <a-. a. cj cc cae Pomieiatare aeaeesste toes | d | 495
MarzeswWinite Noro 258s) wi<m-lnie eile oye 322

MANGELS AND SUGAR BEETS.
Five varieties of mangels and three varieties of sugar-beets were sown; with
the exception of one variety of mangel, all were destroyed by cut-worms
Selected long red mangel gave 825 bushels per acre.
CARROTS.
Carrots have suffered severely from the attacksofcut-worms. One of the varie-
ties was completely destroyed, and the others badly injured. All the varieties were

be sown on the level in rows three feet apart.

ve

A:

: cs be a

F:

!

, WYduite Micld/ Carrots 0... 02t.4. ing dact os Sahn ey een eee .
nt Wanyera. Orange Red f.5/..- wy) h ee aisivs te a kiste ciclo Ve se weeps ace etee d
it Marlyiscarles ShOLrehOrm «ace o.oo -eisrae stile wee eemerrieeepeeiae||
ia (SETS Eh Roo pe aS ONS SRS EMM SHEE DoE BA AbobnUSnecacvoso a :
A “Mitchell’s Early Perfection......... ... Pers ter finan Aes ric I.

POTATOES. i .

The past season has been exceptionally favourable for potatoes, and the yield
large. A number of varieties of potatoes planted on this farm in 1889 proving
either unproductive or inferior in quality were discarded and others added. Among
the new varieties tested are 29 seedlings raised on the Central Experimental Farm,
Ottawa. One of these, No. 80, heads the list for productiveness. All were ploughed
in on the 24th of May; soil a clay loam; field was sown with roots in 1889.
_ wenty-three varieties have also been raised from seed on this farm, and will be
tested next season; in all, 101 different sorts were grown this year. A number of

varieties were tested during winter to ascertain their cooking qualities.

|

}

Yield
- Name. Colour. per Quality.
100 Sets.
| _ Lbs.

Rech she Seeding. NO: \80.,..0000000oe0+s. |White Die oNetegaieteiahy cnlerte acs | 315 Only fair.
Thorburn’s' Late Rose......-.....-.... Redness saa across | 255 =| Fair, late.
Sxenessee Seedling”... . 2... 0.00.08. eee ae Witter: merge seee ees | 251 ‘Good flavor, dry.
BUTERA OO eet Parsi heyctecu ale aie Miata svete Relea (cla RN Tits 9 Sete 248 | Wet.

Cretan seenting, No. 120.0 so. f) 5.55: do | 243 Fair flavor, dry.
Beautyofslebroni 2 oo 5... 0. a we ae Be ee | as UE A Be ats a wine | 241 |Dry, good flavor.
mepetianly ROse......--..-+ LM? eh dee 48 te Gleaberectioy so odaaes 240 | do
PEO PITONS GALE one ss oes ee sence tee se MAivtt Berisaneddocaeeer 238 | Fair, damp.
" “ULES Rai = 5 ee COM seca ceo ee 236 Medium, wet, bad.
Meme itoses New Giant. ..0........02....-.- ido eses ene eer 234 | Wet.
Mee duchter’s Imperator. ........2+....---. do 233 | Wet, yellow, poor.

POT RDICRTIN On Lio co resie)s oe nis ojcieins ons icine dO” sists ese ant-= | 232 0 Goodhdnre

_ horburn’s Paragon......... -.... -- ...|\White, round.......... 230 | Fair flavor, damp.
Early Conqueror. ...........-...-.:... AR AUER aakaou dpe on. 228 | Poor, soft and wet.
Wonder of the World.... .........- ome He Db pI. e cleal- aale a : 228 Good, dry.

Ppa ae kiss - = Bis idee OWihTES. chica aeea 223 Fair, good flavor.
Richter’s Schneerose... Sophie NVihiLe slonpr stages 212 |Wet.
Jackson’s Improved...................-...White..... ... %...... | 210 |Dry, good flavor.
St. Patrick........... nitsa nasties Pa eomeagareh do | 209 |Damp, fair.

STDS oe 6 he ea Rae eae a pra| MICO Se <tweioiete ahaha | 206 |Wet, good flavor.

Meer t Seeding No. 15.......2..0. 66. e ae do 204. | Very good, dry.

- do do DoD erat Be > okies ree oo DO eens ee aetna 205 |Poor quality, wet.
TU SDT OCC Se eee ere LER plank) Bi rrsage da eat condbo te: 198

et Re seedling NO: 9.0... ile pee WiRIte. ce suki meee 198 |Good flavor, dry.
d do DOO tee ventas ait slo ee ae aalsaeae cebe .198 |Fair, dry.
MEE NOR Aneta Meese ole ae rari Shu bes Anion 197 ~=|Damp, poor.
EE fe Pees plate ittddgonle Get gab oc a.36 Sa Seice 195 |Very wet, yellow.
Rist atse ie hy steahlee 6 ETO cheer pels 195 | Very good, dry.
ort WEG IOORE SOLE OE DORADO arse Sea e do 183 |Poor, wet.
Acs 183 |Dry, good, white.
Ree re he AO aus! gible s 181
Sodg. anteater onoe 180 |Good, dry
Seana eo beD At rere 179 -do
C. E. F. Seedling No. 118 177 __—‘|Poor flavor, wet.
Giant Long Dutch.. ... 175
i 173 | Wet, poor flavor.
BRET. Hak Te. ae 172
(CHIE. aah a eS aes ee 171 |Dark, poor, wet.
Browsiellaibeaby 22 .se. eee cee eee el 171 | Wet.
“Didier 3 CARRS CoB scr Oly male eae Berea 170 Poor flavor, wet.
BWikiteiWlephant,..2. 0.23. 00.08.sbeeeoseee 163 | Fair.
ee eas es 162 |Fair, damp.
RPS eee ee Mkt rae 165 |Very good, dry.
162 |Good flavor, dry.
162 ery good, ,
159 |Good flavor, ao
Te ce 7k od Mamas = <1 ACLOL tee Cotas alas ete ee 156 | Wet, poor flavor.
eee eS tr. x coe geal O> hy veasi tise Rater 154 |Very wet, yellow.
Be ie Mo: Sta TKO Cain. acchayz hereto ents 153 |Good flavor, dry.
TEA RAI Soot ted PHOGCP OREM ati tanya MA seh Ge Ans 152. ‘Good, dry. +

Yield {
Name. Colour. per Quality. " ‘
100 Sets. | ri
fe ba
whee
Lbs. Chea
C. BE. F. Seedling No. 46 150‘ |Fair, dry. ce bh
5 147 ‘| Poor flavor, web. rere
54 145 | Very good flavor, dry.
LOS 295 144 | Poor quality, wet.
Ciao 144 e
do do Tone Ey teenies ata 144 ‘| Fair, slightly wet. ei |
Rosy Morn sissies etansree ae eee ee i 144 |Dry, very good. i ews
WMA CHCO)s seciin.c ce cooerimniia esau sostes 142 (Medium, poor. =
C. E. F. Seedling No. 83 Wh 141 (Good flavor, dry. iy
ye Garpenter ces. so eine, core Oeclee ae mene 140 Extra good, dry. 3
Pride of America 133 |Dry, fair flavor> .
CMb AH SeedlingiNos 1ivicn eee teeta eee Dark?red acc) cieneetne 126 =|Fair flavor, damp.
PURMeLaRy.: Geer eee ce See lee meen NYihite:n ce Aen 124 |Good, dry. ‘ ‘
OMH Hy Seedling No. 14.2 1.2.2... once doe it sh Rahn eee 123 do
Blissahkirinmph e.,1 veers ane cece ne Red sce ciscee aor e eee 120 |: do
PMI POLO Wy WLLAIN Nails Meike Seccelin des clesnid Vin te soi aie cicjetsrece Woes 119s Fair, dry.
EAM aban hora rat nies coped Neen one Seine Blue, white spots....... 117. ~—- Good, dry.
Marly SMOrg-LODPEd aa. wialeaicieecioscine cee cal omeaceus os GemkteRe eee 114 do
GapieeBe Seedling NOsso wee yee sccecmree ee i Bohs do
American Magnum Bonum oe i09 |Damp, yellow. :
C. E. IF. Seedling No. 170, Red tae, 102. |Fair, rather wet. }
arly rane 2a) Oa wae ey sescain eb ae clases 100 |Fair, damp.
RTatablossere aneurin se GLt epee siden ions d 100 (Good, dry.
CaHeW-tSeedling INO LoS! seu. me. senee Rede. Goonnrastamoaee one 99 Good flavor, dry. :
do do DUB ca rhea rotate stele) ocoiatetprai abide csavelel state vaemeieteyaaiein are 78 ;
do do DOO seh cartes IRediapotss-s mec cesetee 63 |Fair, wet.
Large vs. Small Seed. |
Early Rose, medium sized seed........... 290
do semis See den sda chad yaSerb cde nba meeccn tt SEM ONC| | ae

do larget.. ic. >

do planted 6 inches ap go eee ocak ee 244
do do Wol12 do 3 :
do do 18 do 229
GRASSES AND FODDER PLANTS. "pe

The yield of native hay throughout the Province was larger during the past
year than in 1889; still many of the meadows are either drying up or becoming —
exhausted, and the demand for substitutesis still increasing. Considerable attention —
has therefore been given to grasses and fodder plants. -

CULTIVATED GRASSES, =

Of the 12 varieties of cultivated grasses sown in 1889, only the following sur-
vived the winter:—Tall, Hard and Meadow Fescues, Timothy and Kentucky blue
grass. The Fescues made very little growth, and were only fit for pasture. The
Timothy yielded about 14 tons per acre. The Kentucky Blue grass was yery thin
in spring, but thickened out during summer and remained quite green until late in
November. This is a very promising pasture grass. Of the clovers sown in 1889,
Common Red and Lucerne, being somewhat sheltered. survived the winter and gaye
two cuttings, but the plots were too small for accurate returns to be obtained,

In May of this year, 12 varieties of grass and 9 varieties of clover were sown
with spring wheat; all germinated readily, and were looking thrifty when winter
set in,

= NATIVE GRASSES.

*,
I have pleasure in reporting continued success with the cultivation of native
grasses. Thesix varieties mentioned in my last report as having been grown success-
fully in 1889, survived the past winter, and have given a fair yield of fodder. All
were permitted to ripen their seed. We were, therefore, unable to test their value
E for feed. A considerable quantity of seed of these varieties has been secured which
~ will be sown next spring. During the past season, several additional varieties have
____ been sown, some of which are promising.

E. Below will be found the names, height and estimated yield this year of the
i seven varieties of native grasses sown in 1889. One variety (Agropyrum tenerum)
Was omitted in my last report but is included in this.

NATIVE GRASSES,

| Remarks. Height. Yield.

. | Ft. In. Tons

Muhlentergia glomerata, Trin....... Very promising ; somewhat late.......-.... 27 2
\ Elymus Americanus, V and §........ A coarse grass of fair quality............... 4 3
: Elymus Virginieus, L..>....--.-..-- |Bunchy, with heavy wheat-like head .......| 3 aD
PET ONUUS CUUAIS, V1. aimi0a.o. os cere vine one's © |Bunchy ; quality apparently good..... .... 30 | 1
_ Agropyrum tenerum, Vasey.......- . Somewhat like English rye grass in appear- |
}. ances Carkyy §o..55 socase acacia cae sissies 4 | uy
Agropyrum caninum, Rand §....... tRather\hard|s) early. 52 foe mises = nce aye 33 13
Beebon Serotma, Hinrh..- =... 0.0.7. oo Very fine stalk, known here as red top or }
meadow: grass ¥iJoece le es scenes 2 | 1

FODDER CORN,

Tkirty-two varieties of fodder corn were grown on the farm during the past
season. The seed was sown on May 31st with a common wheat drill, in rows three
_ feet apart, and the plants thinned out to about 6 inches apart in the rows. Weeds
_ were kept down with the horse cultivator. The season being favourable, growth
was very rapid and the yield large. All the varieties were cut on August 29th. It
- was then cured in shocks of about 600 lbs. (green weight). The cured fodder was
readily eaten by both horses and cattle.

Below will be found a list of the varieties sown and full particulars regarding
growth, yield, Ke.
__[Nors.—The weight of each variety as given is accurate, but it must be borne in mind that it is
seldom that a large plot or field will give returns per acre equal to a small plot, where special care is given

to the growth of the plants. ]
Pad

,
mr

\ TEST OF FODDER CORN.

— Sown.
Thoroughbred White Flint ............ |May 31..
IBhinits!Prolifie <1) ha LA oleate do 31..
Marly Mammoth) Usvokni. oe sistow eles ss do: “3h.
HonpoYellow Plint 050.0. :-- scetees nes do 31..
Movie sweetn usenet cansee ce eee saci do 31..
Galdens Dents co vee eeicnse eels eastaels do 31..
Stowell’s Evergreen........ ........-+- do 31..
Hybrid from PC. Dempsey..........- Gon roles
Ani BV. ClLO Witter ote intercon ebiet Aneto do 31..
Golden: Beanty jn... jcc vccoes oe jon cles oe do 31..
‘ Barly Adams............., oT Seren (oes) Oe
Crosby’s Early Sweet................5. do 31..
Amber Cream. do i3l..
Minnesota Sweet dopo:
TSH S1 Na ype atte oderar.s dake ee doy, 31".
Cinquantine or Fifty-day Corn......... do .31..
Ton PSM OW acca sins scis oeugeis Ramiatate oie do 31..
Mitchell’s Early White Flint..... .... do. 431!
Chester County Mammoth............. do 31..
hep and: Kay - see... Sahclgs tana waeee do) 7 3it:
Queen of the Prairie.............. .... Onixolnd
Early Concord Sweet..:.........2.2.05 do) 31...
Narragansett Sugar. .......:.+ ---.-- ido al.
Hickory Ohi ANEBORBO OT Oa. IQobemecs dowaigie
WVirpiniavklorsetoothy s...2 see ctcnee os. do 31..
Marblehead Sugari.....3....e..--+--<5 do 3i.:
Berrys Hy brid Sugar 6 wa pean eaak ao do 31
Hixtra Marly Adams......:....2...c25< do 31°.
White Squaw or Native .<..........-.. do 31..
Barly Corey ....-- -- Biiakui tae pamper Golmvole
Dark Squaw or Native......0 0...) 2.1: ony sle eee
Giant Prolific Ensilage................ June 20....

Came up.
June 13....
do! sis ss
dow TSec.5
do! 13-5;
do 3.222

sfitdo: ddan.

do* 12:3:
do? 132s.

spidow seers
roto fie c bs Sires

go! 9122225
doy, ase.

BAG U3 50.
Higcto wal heee
a lfdor VLSsss.
Nidow I2..e0
-|do 12....
Nido ke 2. = 4
By eke Cover we es
Slidos v3. 2:
Bi liC: (eae Fe
: do 8 I ar
ciidov pide
ciider ; dass.
Al its Coe ee
Sudorwdlste. &
2| doen 13%.
Wndoy We
Siketih. aks
"do e142:
doy as.
do 24..

Yield per
Acre,
\Green Weight.
Tons. Lbs.

46 400
38 1,000
37 «1,200
36 1,700
34 = 1,300
33

30 500
30 280
29 = 1,400
29 300
28 1,00
28 100
28 100
26 800
25 600
24 1,400
23 -1,300
23 640
23 200
22

21 900
21 900
19 1,600
19 500
19 500
18 700
18 300
16 1,000
16 1,000
15 800
12 420
24 400

Stage of
growth when cut.

In tassel.
Not in tassel.

d
In milk.
In milk.

\In milk,
Not in tassel.

Not in tassel, seed at first
planting did not ger-
mninate.

MIXED GRAIN GROWN FOR FODDERS,

In many parts of the United States where it is difficult to grow cultivated

grasses, resort is had to a mixed grain crop for fodder.

As an evidence of its value _

for feeding purposes, I might add ‘that hay made from oats and barley commands a a

higher figure in the San Francisco market than clover hay.

To ascertain what would be most suitable for this Province, eleven miktites of |

grain were tested on the farm, a portion being sown on oat stubble, the balance after

~a root crop.

A mixture of oats and peas gave the largest yield, closely followed by barley

and peas,

|
{
' Yield Yield
—- Sown. Cut. per Acre, per Acre,
Green. Dry.
Tons. Lbs. | Tons. Lbs.
MPLS PALES ANG "PEAS orc. Fost (o.0\5/ «ja ale leceseve)s sfaisie's == 5 698 3 712
as do barley and peas. 5 90 3 606
; do wheat do 4 147 2 946
Barley, wheat do 3 1,610 2 769
MIXED GRAINS GROWN FOR GREEN FODDER AND HAY, AFTER ROOTS.
‘= |
(DENG CRG) PSoh, dake CADSR an ee MaDe ROR BRASS April 23....'\July 28.... 8 310 ie, bbe
BanlevgariGnpeasery es tate, es supe tienes tclnel do 23 do; 267... 9”, 1,081 8. 15206
TaGii, © GLa). ye a na ae ence een eee 26 7 91 3_ 299
Watsrand vanes ie cteccy ni; -le > cts hei 8 702) |) 3 904
iy ciandepenss tsb CLO: cys mance oe dese nese | 4 1,573 2 186
a do PALGRCNOP Sy ATE, a diana 2a : 2 552 0 1,264
Rye, peas and tares, Ist crop.... 5 5 784 | 2
to) 2nd crop .. aa ui - 1 1,896 0. 19192
Ripevanditaress SG ClO. .\2 5 o/c. - aes eines «= ole ae 4 4 1,540 L obs
, do iCrOpy:. oe ee : 2 352 0 1,384
[PU do kc ageid! GEaoen bee DEC Dr Bete te Sempre ricer % 2h 139 1 Pat a
ON fe ccc ot Ohl hese yas ahi Aer ee Werner et ae:
Td) DLS aoe eal eee an ale Jee ae Ena ac, 4 Di ISS 0 1,939
© DSC Ba Sa eT 3 (15659 2 973
'
j MILLETS.
1
. Below will be found a list of the Millets tested on the farm during the past

season, with the yield of fodder both green and cured. Panicum Miliaceum, intro-
duced from India by Prof. Saunders, and known there as “ the Inferior Millet,” gave
the largest yield, and is in every way promising. The seed was drilled in on fallow
land, at the rate of 22 lbs. per acre.

Yield Yield
ees Sown. Harvested. per Acre, per Acre,
Green. Dry.

Tons. Lbs. } Tons. Lbs.

BOEIUNIG ATION. 6.06 - seen eceeee dae ceneereeceers Th = cell VN PATE RE es 8 1,400 3 1,884

_ German Millet... Tits) Ol my 28 sc05) "10% 2000 451-786
Common do ....... Tee dos S020 8 7. 1,816 3 648
Chena or Indian Mille 9....] do 28....!Not weighed... 5 711

—

RAPE OR COLE.

. One of our most promising green crops for late feeding is that of Rape or Cole.
This has done remarkably well with us this year. Sown in rows 3 feet apart on
June 3rd, it yielded in October 33 tons per acre (green weight). Cattle eat it

greedily, and it seems particulurly suitable for the feeding of sheep and eattle. To
— cattle it must be fed with care as in cold weather, it is apt to induce bloating.

BUCK WHEAT.

There is considerable enquiry among farmers for plants suitable for green
manure. To determine the suitability of buckwheat for this purpose, three varieties
were sown in adjoining plots of clay loam soil. The plants were weighed green just
as they were in full blossom. Silver Hull gave 14 tons 168 lbs. per acre ;; Common,
12 tons 390 lbs., and Japanese, 9 tons and 816 lbs. The plots were planted with
potatoes in 1889,

FRUIT AND FOREST TREES,

In submitting my report on the Horticultural and Forestry work on the
farm, I beg to call attention to the fact that the extremely dry season of 1889,
followed by a severe winter, was very trying to young trees newly transplanted,
and this should be borne in mind when considering the report of trees planted in
1889.

Trees planted in the plots situated on the bluffs overlooking the valley and
protected by a growth of scrub, have again proved the most vigorous. Of the 237
fruit trees planted during 1889 in the open prairie plot, 84 or about 36 per cent have
died, while of the 158 trees planted in the protected plot, only 22 or about 14 per
cent. have died.

Encouraged by the above results, four additional half-acre plots were cleared of
serub and ploughed. A belt of scrub 4 to 8 feet high has been left around each
plot as a wind break. These plots have been planted as follows :—

No. 1, with apple trees set 20 by 20 feet apart, with raspberries planted in the
intervening spaces; No. 2, with plum and cherry trees 20 by 20 feet apart, and goose-
berries between; No. 3, with crab apple trees set 20 feet apart each way, and
currant bushes intervening; No. 4, with grape vines planted 10 by 20 feet apart,
and raspberries between.

In addition to the foregoing, a quarter acre plot has been cleared and broken up
for strawberries. This we hope to fill with home-grown plants next spring.

APPLE TREES PLANTED IN 1889.

The winter of 1889 was very severe, and the trees in the exposed plot, already
weakened by the hot winds of the previous summer suffered badly, while those
planted among the scrub on the hillside were comparatively little injured. Of the
382 apple trees planted in different parts of the farm in 1889, 261 are still living,
although some are considerably weakened and may succumb during the present
winter, It is noticeable that the trees allowed to branch out near the ground have
succeeded much better than those trained as tall standards, the latter, having a
large amount of bare trunk, suffered severely from sunscald.

os

257

As these trees have now been planted nearly two years, it is thought advisable
to give results in full as follows :—

OOOO SO eee

Pineapple 2
Ostrokoff

Krimskoe
Crooked Spice.........-...
epolowkaereso.c-ccc5.
RedURepkaciyc cies. ccs 20
SUP AEPSMCObI cies <lscis t=.
JESU 8am SOD CEES :
Axara pOVa sets. ci. ai
sRasbloursseecc.- os os cl
Simbirsk No. 2..........

PUEMIP era cies sis ae ses

PASHIRTIN PTD IN cin cs-o(crs os 2 ie -
PAUUSIeietetaieis eyeye csi se

Wikraineieicn..- sess. ae
Kursk Reinette, 20m .....
TE IG tay Are
Autumn Streaked..........
ViellaweARIs 5... ....-: F
Lael JN es eee :
Lejanka (Liebig) ........ -
FOV. 8S

Duchess of Oldenburg... ..
eikenOfties af. 2 a.s = <2: =~

TALL STANDARD TREES. |

:

PRNILONOVES cee eos

PIOXANGEL.. cis 550552522:
Weineenple ter. ce .c- eas.
Blue Pearmain’.|...2. 2...
White Borodovka .........

Ben Davis
Belle de Boskoop. . |
BRUNIA oles claenoc2hccm |

6c—17

Total Planted.

Alive.

Present Condition.

Number Dead.

Probable Cause of Death.

PINON NN NN NNN NNN NNNWNNNNNNNNNNhy

Pt He Oo bo bo bo bo <

COR PND WTR Dhl Worn

He

=
CONDWPROTRR ROHN HPN WHE HEN NHN NH HN NNN NN NEN ENE Ree

NORRPRENOARNHRONNNG

Fair

|Good
Extra good..........

Good! sted cece

0 o. Pajetelstorataler

RPOSOWNARRE USO OWH OR OWE HH HOOH OOH HOO OOH OOH OH OHH HHH

WROREHHOOHNHwWwWH

G) do
do do
do do
do do
do do
do do

Winter killed.
do

|
{Winter killed ; in exposed situation

Winter killed.

'In exposed place ; winter killed.
do

do
do do
do do
do do
do do
do do

Transplanting, 1890.
Winter.
do
do
Transplanting.
do

|
|
|

bo
or
ao

Total Planted.

TALL STANDARD TREES.

Grandmother... ...
Canada Baldwin... .
Duchess of Oldenburg

Golde White. 23
Grand Duke Constantine . .
German Calville

Golden Russet

Grimes Golden
Hibernal.......

Herren
Haass.) c<- EaOAS
Enormous ..
Blushed Calville
Kellogg Russet
Tiglasd Haspbe Vy

McIntosh Red.
Pointed Pipka.
Peach ....

Red Bietigheime r
Christmas ...
Romna....

Red Astrachan
Sugar Miron. .
Serinkia
Cross......
Scott's Winter.
Stéklianka .
Ostrokoff’s Glass
Bogdanoft’s Glass

Stettin, red..
do yellow
Shaker Pippin.
Tetofsky.....
Titovka..
Gipsey .
Tolman’s Sweet
Ukraine .:....

i)

Margul T...<..
Winter St. Lawrence
Wallbridge.. :
Wiealthy::fasccicss. «
Yellow Transparent... :....

CIB WINN Wh WN WoL NWN ll te Ue WS WY 89 G9 SUNS BS 29 D9 SUSE CLS BS IS WS Bo BS SD 9 SUDO DONS DD OFT Oe

ON NNR HEE RNNWNHONNNNNN CH ON ENHNN EN ERP NN NPN NR WRN NON WH RD

Present Condition.

| Alive.
|
|

Far

Growing from roots...

do
Good. .
Fair... : :
‘Grow ing from roots..

Good . Bite are

ia (B10) = taceg aoe 5
'Growing from roots...
Good
‘Growing from roots..
| do .

Growing from roots..
Fair ..

Wome
Growi bag from roots..
\Fair..
} do

|Growing from roots..
Fair... :

Fair .. :
Growi ing “from roots.
0.0 ea ene saeincden
'Growing from roots..
|

Number Dead.

PNR wR ROR ROR RR ROS ONSONNKF SOK SON Wh

SCRHOPNWRPNSCRNORNOSOOS:

Probable Cause of Death.

Winter killed.

do
do

do’

do

do
do
do

do

259

CRAB APPLEs, 1889.

Of the 25 crab apple trees planted in 1889, 16 are still living. These have
made good growth and some of the varieties appear quite hardy and promising.

|
|
| Number of! |. i
— | ‘Trees Alive. | Present Condition. | Dead. Probable Gauze of
Planted. SIE
|
} :
Trenscendent..... .%.... | 5 4 VBixtragOOd ae. <l-rae | 1 Transplanting, 1890.
Whitney’s No. 20.......... 5 3) edo 2 do
EDVBIOD Sele ccec os a5 eile: « 3 2 GO! | sedi ead 1 Winter.
Oranges teres mens 2b einer 2 PA toon a Cosette o 0
Early Strawberry ......... 2 Plea Pe Ate ne ea 0
Queen’s Choice............ 2 De og bebe ak ete Bleck eee 0
Lou’s Favourite........... 2 a agen ore Ses geet ae 1 Transplanting, 1890.
NURS 32 cow eo poe aees 4 OM as Cee cena 4 Winter.

CHERRY TREES, 1889.—PLANTING.

The cherry trees planted in 1889 were nearly all winter killed, but a further
supply of hardy Russian varieties was. planted last spring, and it is hoped some of
these may prove hardy.

Probable Cause

| Number - [apes es :
— Piantoae Alive. | Present Condition. Dead. | oEDeathe
| | |
—— : | = oa (ean
|
(Qin 5. 4 sp o5qqpooeodne 5 2 Growing from roots.. 3 Winter killed.
Miladimiirest sce sees is | 3 0 eek : 3 do
Early Richmond .......... 3 2 Growing from roots...) 1 do
12 m. from Russia......... 2 2 Good 23 |

PEARS, TREES.—1889.

| Nearly all the pear trees planted in 1889 were injured by the winter, either
killed outright or to the snowline, a few of the trees of the hardy Russian varieties
escaped with very little injury and have made fair growth during the past summer.

, j |
|
Number | eae aia Vyas : Probable Cause
| ——— Plated Alive. Present Condition. Dead. of Death!
=| | ane as Pe
rc ae 7 | | a:
Bessemianka.........+.++. 5. NS a wigan ease heres | 1 | Winter killed.
Beurre Hardy............- 2 0 Weide: ee ee 2 do
Clapp’s Favourite ......... 2 2 \Growing from roots.. 0 |
Flemish Beauty ......... 4 2 do 3] 2 do
ike valle Gpaeese anaes 2 1 do 1 do
Gia es Gemeeee oaeae 3 1 Good ncare saetere 2 do
PRGA Y Al <0. see sie cons ni 4 3 do EOD ea! 1 do
Pomeranovka ......--- BAS 2 1 Growing fron roots... J ae
1 Sapieganka ..........----- 2 | 1 do ie o
SEC GMa a) « dcicieleelefae 2 | 2 bs do 0
hinwilwagss... 9 <.2---4--- 2 | 1 IDEM Boe, Seeredocnooas 1 do

6c—174

260

PLUM TREES PLANTED IN 1889.

Plum trees were mostly planted in the exposed plot, and suffered severely by
winter. Those surviving were transplanted to the hill plots last spring. This also
gave them quite a check.

A number of native plum trees have been set out; these will prove useful for
grafting purposes.

|

|

| : “ys Probable Cause

-— = ‘ Present Condition. f of Death
3 2 |
= o

Bradshaw ict! cheeecee see 2 2 i|Growing/fromirootinn sn cass cise seis + i)
Coe’s Golden Drop........ 2 1 Oy | Ea © he Aha poets 1 |Winter.
WEISGtO Ne eaves Renate 4 PHONE ofoe a Serb deenedeascoauoond sant 2 Transplanting
Early Red Rose 7 6°" || do’: a do
German Prune........ ali 2? Ose 2 |Winter.
Woombard tose) on. senses ; 4 Ore Wes edo
WidtewRedic secon pctae.ete 2 2 |Pa |
Maniannaity aaccnmoceeen nae 2 2 |Gro |
IMOreMaN s sejcesielerisee oe ee 2 OF |Pemee | 2 do
Moore’s Arctic........... 2 2 |Growing from roots.......... |
INicholasie).ks sccsas eos eat Sl Goodiieens nok eran eeiimaed 4 do
Otschakoll: <<).-25.06 oe e8 3 Del AI PAE. coi nabopes Sets Met ere eRe ee 1 do
Prabische -,s-..n aesemeee =} 2 1 |Growing from roots............... 1 ido
Yellow Gage...... 2 1 dole Catia seeee 1 do

GRAPE VINES.

Although very thrifty in summer and well covered with earth in the fall, none
of the grape vines planted in 1889 survived the winter. A further supply of 100
vines composed of 18 varieties were procured in 1890. According to instructions,
these were planted in holes 3 feet below the surface, and as the vines grew, the soil
was gradually filled in, by this method, placing the roots much deeper than by the
ordinary mode of planting.

Before winter the vines were covered with a mound of earth, which will b
aliowed to remain until late in spring. ;

APPLE TREES, &C., PLANTED IN 1890.

The past season has been more favourable for tree-growing than 1889, and the
22 apple and 5 plum trees planted in May of this year were all living when winter
set in; of 17 cherry trees planted, 10 were living.

Beside the above, 500 apple and 50 pear seedlings raised on the Central Ex-
perimental Farm, Ottawa, from imported Russian seed, were placed in nursery rows;
of these, 340 are living. Those which survive will be grown as seedlings, and it is
hoped that some may produce fruit worthy of cultivation.

On the approach of winter, fruit trees of all kinds were wrapped with straw and
tar paper to protect them,

GOOSEBERRIES,

Of the 96 plants of cultivated varieties, and 12 natives planted on the open
prairie in 1889, only 9 were killed by the drouth of that year, but the surviving
plants of Industry and Woodward’s Whitesmith succumbed to the winter of 1889-
90. The remaining varieties were removed to one of the sheltered plots, in April,
and have made a thrifty growth during the past summer. Houghton’s Scedling bore

a small quantity of fruit. During April, additional plants were procured and
planted in the same plot. These have all done well.

1889. 1890.
Total
| ; Living.
». Planted. Alive. Planted. Alive.
Houghton’s Seedling.............. Ase 26 26 | 138 130 156
Cerne er Seale yee ee etait 25 25 | 108 | 103 133
Smith’stimproved - 5. sg... 62-2 ---'] 25 20 48 45 65
Woodward’s Whitesmith.............. 10 | 0 }
LG Olt 2 Cape SRE Ee Soo eeeeaaeS 10 | 0 i| }
INEVSNG 2 Se Spe eeEEES b Sneepbaae aoae 12 1 |) 20 20 | 31
CURRANTS.,

All the varieties of currants tried have proved perfectly hardy and have made
a good growth. During the past season, although the bushes were small, many of
them were loaded with fruit. Black Champion and Lee’s Prolific both bore well,
their fruit being about equal in size and quality. Of the red varieties, Fay’s Prolific
and Raby Castle produced some fine berries.

| 1889. | 1890.
| Total
Tae Living.
| Planted. | Alive. Planted. | Alive.
Z . =
| | | |
Black Currants, Lee’s Prolific......... 427 | CO 1|| Wier aoonoes| incnacdocjo son 426
do Black Champion. ..... 10 | OMA eeecr 959. is sc osrese55)| 10
do do Naples......... 16 | 16 86. 84 100
Red Currant, Fay’s Prolific............ 26 24 bes it ets ence ome 24
do Raby Castle............. 265 PAPE | eee roeticse| acti oc. Or 202
do Redi Cherry... cru cic 10 | 10 | 133 | 130 | 140
do TEc a ee ee | 130) | ast eee renee as Ms 13
do IRediGrapes suns e seni 10 } 10 | eeeieeeas Chaat a wae 10
White Currant, White Grape.......... 148 143 | 27 Pi 170
INftan IRG A es epee aor open euscc 20 20 19 19 39
FEES cons. 0-0-2 2. 7 11 Teanga | ES See Seen mek me ul
RASPBERRIES.

A number of varieties of raspberries were received and planted late in May,
1889, but probably owing to the dry season, only one variety of the red (the
Turner) and one of Blackcap (the Hilborn) survived the summer and following
winter. These two varieties are very promising. The Turner has also produced
some fruit.

About 20 varieties of raspberries and blackberries were planted in May, 1890,
but owing to all the plants being too far advanced in growth when planted, only a
few of each variety were alive at the commencement of winter. Some Phila-
delphias were procuréd, which were grown in Southern Manitoba. They were
planted early, and all are alive and some have borne fruit. :

As very few farmers will go to the trouble of protecting their bushes, it was
thought advisable to test sume of each variety without protection. The balance
were protected by a mound of earth or manure placed over each plant

STRAWBERRIES.

Although none of the strawberries planted on the open prairie survived the
summer of 1889 and following winter, I take pleasure in reporting a fair amount of
success with those planted in the plot protected with scrub, this plot has a sandy
loam soil naturally mulched with decayed leaves. When uncovered late in spring
fully 90 per cent. of the plants in this plot were alive and quite fresh. During the
summer they made rapid growth, the Crescent, Captain Jack and Wilson sending out
amass of runners. About the middle of July the Crescent produced a fair crop of
very fine berries, Wilson and Captain Jack also bore a few. The varieties planted
by us range for merit and hardiness in about the following order: Crescent Seedling,
Wilson’s Albany, Captain Jack and Manchester. Sharpless and Daniel Boone were
planted but very few plants survived. :

There are a large number of new plants of the three first named varieties, these
will be available for planting and distribution next spring.

A variety of the native strawberry produced under cultivation an abundant crop
of fruit of good quality. This will probably be worthy of a further trial, a few of
them were planted on the open prairie in July and may prove sufficiently hardy to
withstand the exposure.

FOREST TREES AND SHRUBS,

During 1889 nearly 12,000 forest trees and shrubs were planted on the farm, the
greater portion of these were used in planting a windbreak on the west boundary,
Owing to the drought of the summer of 1889, followed by a severe winter, 7,379 or
over 60 per cent. of these have died. During the present year 21,721 trees, &e.,
were received from the Central Farm, Ottawa, and from Nebraska, of these 2,224 have
died. The loss, however, of about 1,400 of these was no doubt attributable to heat-
ing in transit, leaving a loss of only 783 trees or less than 4 per cent. chargeable to
the climate.

The trees planted inthe shelter belt on the west boundary of the farm in 1889,
were placed 9 feet apart, this year an additional tree has been placed between these
making them 4 fect 6 inches apart, and 738 yards of additional belt 50 feet wide has
been planted. A large proportion of the trees used in the belts this year were
native varieties raised from seed on the farm and are likely to prove hardy, On
this farm the following varieties of trees are found to succeed best: Native Ash-
leaf Maple, Native Ash, American Elm (from native seed), Russian Poplars and
Willows, Cottonwoods (northern grown), Alders, Birch and White Spruce,

Of shrubs the following have done well Asiatic Maple, (Acer ginnala), Caragana
arborescens, Flowering Currant, Cytisus Capitatus, Lilac’s, Spiraea opulifolia, billardi
and nobleana. Climbers: Lycium Europeum and Clematis flammula, A Japanese
rosebush, (Rosa rugosa), has also proved perfectly hardy.

263

FOREST TREES PLANTED IN 1889,

|

)
B
D
=
33 p.
52 'Present Condition. Probable Cause of Death.
ae =
Ba |e |
A eal | 8

Acacia or Honey Locust....... | 340 Bl eavian te cemgneane abe 340 Winter killed.

Ash, White (seedlings)......... 250 > Be ccdot ab ooe aor aber 231 Summerdrouth, ’89, and winter.
do Red (seedlings)........... 349 | 81 sone een eee 268 do do
se Gees Bee iadeyeuidie 2 ees 20 | 160 Goodliinc st hint 125 Bs do do

ts) dks 5 soa OmeorInod5o0eK Oi || Rae Obull eats ee oe 50 Winter
do European Mountain..... 51 26MGood ls Means: 25 | do
ie penenesn do 22 16 ttre good..5.... | 6 | oe
er, Kuropean.......... 52 5 We does 4 2
dome Wihite: 9. ........ Bao 10} 10] do at eran Pepa

Arbor Vite or Cedar............ 1,066 | 596 Green andhealthy.| 470 Drouth, 1889.

Beech (seedlings) ethers ieee ec's 1j2 | Q}_..:......-- . - -| 172 |Received in bad order.

ee mellow, SOC eE ECE ences 105 | a Extra good... .. 16 Drouth, 1889.

do AGO eee trae waelserse 50. 8 0 lereve 2h do
do Canoe be 40] 28) ) 12 | do
Glo ISKI@2apgced oepapeeeene TO} Gh 0 4 do

eae nos Sa ae BOG | leer troeea ce ees nee Winter, 1889-90.
offee Tree Kentucky........- SIE Onl erevarverr<t pte 8 do

G@henry, Black.<..-...... «.- 153 UGS peor a 138 do

Elm, American......... sah cand 1,082 | 623 |Good..... 459 |Drouth and winter.

G) do from native seed| 1,087 | 954 do ......... -133 | do
ne pices | Ee SB Oeeaaer bee Be 20 | do

ERM OC Re sarees see ve series © SN (Re: S| Peace oe 39 | do
tie pec een Oak)... Ge ¢ ae Reeaved in bad order.

o American Red.. ..... PMT Letom oem OM bees e treet = 2 Winter.
Wareh, Huropean!.:.. .....+-.+. O22 Sib Bay cor eects oe 404 Diouth, 1889, and winter.
alavle; a eta (Box-elder). . B08 | on ews good..... 3 | do

oO GES onaroe DUBODaeES 536 MOMPROOGE Se si-tefarrises 466 do d

do Soft (A dasycarpum)... 76 | 62 \Good....... 14 | do

HAITEMS COCCHI ote afer Usisle ce Gie/a uel Assi ee Gyn] bl enet orga oes ees 3 213 do
dow Austrian:|..<....-.: ASN Als eo ; 398 | do do
Gi — Lent BREE Assia somnooge 67 | 29 Good. Seas 38 do do

cee noone: ce a 38 | 300 pxtrs good.... 8 |Drouth.
opulus Pyramidalis........... oO 0

de eerbnensis poses KG 5 | F do ree 1 Accidental.
to) eG. S5kco dood DOO AES 8 lj, do
_ do Wirginiana........... 2 | 2 | do
TO MPATEA ole) -\> (ofe)Feca, =. a)-1e'- 1 1 | do
dow Bolleana....-.5------- 2 25 do
do Wobstii Riga.......... 2 2 do
GOMPOIDITICA | |.2.ice.ce 22-2 2 20 do
dow hetrovsky...... ~-- 36 36 | do
do Bereolensis.....-. 11 11 | do
2) 2 | do ‘
GRP || ARTE eee. 1,405 Drouth, 1889, and winter.
65 | 62 Fair 3 do
51 | 0: Sea eee 51 | do do
aie 100 | ube sten soon sc 100 do do

Willows White.............. Take Extra good... |

Gommewellow:.. .c.ts.: 7 | if do

dog eburple.....-: NCS 4! 4 do

AGT ONON WAY... ci s,0 re 4 | 4 do

doe Vioronesh’.,..........-- 5 i) do

do Wisconsin Weeping... 8 8 | clatee Em aodee
lt). LEE EGI ORS Mconnonene 7 7 do

GO MmEBACHEICONA /.: 4.2002 3 BS} || GO. Oe ees
Gey I bahia to) Ieee 1 1| om seer

264

ORNAMENTAL TREES AND SHRUBS PLANTED IN 1889.

3
& |lecte:
seta lptsl
es § = z qt ' Probable Cause of Death.
3 Si 5
Ss Sc 2
A < | =
Birch, Cutleaf Weeping. . supa eis hiweiayeie 3 2 |Healthy........ a
Asiatic Maple (Acer ginnala). aaccden cm oees 2 2 doi Aza. alaseces
Caragana arborescens...... ..... ....... 44 25 |Extra good pater 19 |Received in bad order.
Tilia sylvestris baie eterosayhotchevsiasie ieee 1 1 |Goodsen er eee peer :
Cornus Sibiricarss ere aceon ee eerie ae 1 Lt | dot ss Jas o[ Vicente
Pyrus Baccata Aur untiacum.. Peet 1 Ti tdotes. Re serentacic| raat ee
Artemisia Abrotans (Southernw ood) eens 4 4 Extra good Rererrote yee
Ber berisi VUlparis).cee. occ eeeen se nst « 150} 128 a 22 |Drouth.
dos selepansi.ra.- scien. cn meeecheetecs 12 | LOY Incase aa 12 | Winter.
do purpurea. panooni wtih (i eee a cepae 6 do
Flowering Currants, ‘Ribes alpinum Raburn 1} 1 Good jee. CA Ae eee
do sanguineum......... 2 2| do Hisvcatareyete
Cytisus capitatus..... 10 LOMMAG ee cee ose
Robinia Bessonianas mere renee crc 88 0} | paa aes. 88 | Winter killed.
do nonsEhy OR See Marst.a. Rated 10 OWN ses acer 10 do
Clo) Wa@eeey oes Popes sauedona. odnor 10 | ONS coreeemeros 10 do
do Decaisncana..............6. 0... 4 | Oya. ee 4 do
dom spseudacaciasaqine cape een eee 168 | Ont Seles Berke 168 do
oss LOrbuosalce 4558. en cous eemnne ate 1} NOUR WN ote ete saee 19 do
WreigelianSibiaca fc.eics- 3. <= sent aes 1 | 0 1 do
do Layallei. A oe i Once e Seen 1 do
dom \Vershateldtie.cercreeseehetnee. 1 OR MERAY Oe cone oi 1 do
Hydrangea pane Pesvacot ocsnornnon 2 0 2 do
Deutzia Fortunei.............. 00.0... 2 Oist san cho mare cee 2 do
Colutea Halipica Me Tine ee ee relate a 21 | ON ee See ee 21 do
Lilacs, Syringa vulgaris.................. 4 | 2H Good eS ae cos onli
do alban. =u Ahadeneuaeetne sees 77 | 65 Very healthy 12 |Drouth, 1889,
do WOSIKea.cmre anno 1 OU Gee oe 1
do DewMarley sen vase eee 4 3 |Good. 1
do purpurea AG, 2 | 0} 2
do rothamagensis.. ........ | 2 | 2 Good Se leatee
Spiraea opulifolia 4295s ns cae dee ioeee | 60) 16 Extra gool......| 44 |Received in bad order
do OUP IASIIEL on tr ae: (ene eee 6) 1 |Good..... 5 |Drouth and do
dop van Hontte 56-5, Seceehe ene 6) 2) do ees do do
domsipruniioligtn sc. setae eens 2 1 | ado 1 do do
dom ebullatas. 5) rnc oes 2 1 | do a do do
do billardii. 6 6 | Extra good... poste
do} :callosae: 22. 3 1 Gols aeitineto 2
do rotundifolia. 2 Ol eran Ree oe 2 | Winter.
dors Californicatia- vnc: soccer mene 7 1} 6 do
do) mmbbléanah- a0): ancee eee 2 Se etilag aa se-oealleeane
Chutbers — H
Byeian IBUTOPEUI = 7. <feleeey er eee 1 1 |Extra good......| .....
lematiseMlammiula-a-seemeseemen ce 7 3 doy PANa:& 4 |Received in bad order.
do} aVatalbas soa: cee 10 (Oa hettards cones abbae 10 do
Rosebushes—
FROSA;TUG OSA ee eons ee eee 1 ‘AN | Good tiaeaetenyte | stele

Bt
265
FOREST TREES PLANTED IN 1890.
g
sci :
3s a
Buea |
_— a Az Gene Probable Cause of Death.
a or Ss
® BS — a 4
ie re 4 |
Ash (Fraxinus) American White. . 2,286 2 569i Goodey) ie sace 317 |Transplanted late.
SASRPPEENA oo leisscisis oj2:210y080ce pis ee 2,000 2/000) EGO UI oe faeries 0
cloy ELE Oe oA seer eee Se eae 134 NOS) eibiaineeeenisete ee 26 Drouth in early summer.
LOM DUDESCONS eae cict-(- ms -\e+eiejete =i=\° 500 439 Good... aes see 61 do
omacuminatan sc. oiciccncekle- ss 61 Bi \idovpeasrne menor 4 | do
Mountain Ash, American.......... 31 SiG donner cease nee 0
do European........ . 111 I} Glos. Gc contoned 22 do
Soft Maple (A dasycarpum). .... 2,000 13950)\| RO smears are 50 do
Box Elder or Native Maple........ 175 nYfsyl| ley Ge) Seewicnoua 0
IORWAYONIADIOS hoe nec aces ccisec ees 110 DOM dole” sae 5
Alder, Furopean. .......... eH 100 Geb Gly 1. Sb bau 2, do
OMePAMNOLICAN t/,6 --2 55 = 5-05 225 100 OD TINd Oasis seer 8 do
MANE EAULY eet ts cries eictejo- ciara: oss are 900 Pye le) Gadogs oon 76 do
Kentucky COHeemEree st malas sss 250 DAIS Pairs eke 9
Birk AIT A toted pei ote rie etree aoe 1,000 522 Injured by frost) 478 Received in bad order.
PHONG MGOCUS by) = )2.2 5 1s2 kc'sie.s = ole nye 500 500 | do 0
DIEGK GP Rae eee eer eaer Sees 500 500 do 0
Elm, pinerican SV beset. Gite | 5,000 ANTGD Nine clot aee cee 235 Drought in early summer.
Adcad somoaLre ab heres 389 CfA leis OM OE stkce af 7
Renasian pvr bertyer eis su ws eee oa ) 1,050 856 do | 194
GWottonwood. 2... .-...2.62... -! 1,000 ABA ee ey de Reese ietere 566 Received in bad order.
Spanish Chestnuts 622. ..: 25 DSi oacani arrest | 0 |
Sweet Gh “SSR eeaaaee seecweee 25 O55 cp inaon hy) aLOr 0 |
MEN DeMEIRCHtep og Pct e ce es seis ae 42 40 |Good...... 2 |
Populus Bolleana ............. 100 94:)|\"dow eae. 6) e
Livia pn OES oe age ag Ee 6 Soe 100 100 |Extra good..... 0 |
Linden seedlings................. 500 AGSi | szseitemcere tas 37 |
LETC) SG ani dis Sn eee 15) SY Par abeas coemebae 0
Spruce, Norway............. ane 378 CGR) (Choral. - peaneanc 26 Transplanting.
GG) MAN UCHS as eee 75 69) doy erence se 6 |
1) OLINGE Sp g6le SERS aes 10 ii aaern spencers 4
iMag, Zico ee ee 120 Silarmotpasasponoss 34
LOM SCOLCD EN ie jcyeia coe nye wie nls sles 175 YE ReAhoanineapessce 34
do Riga seedlings............... 500 103) |Poorsa-seiene: 397 Received in bad order.
do Mountain seedlings...... ... 150 OU doleeases ase 59 | do
Mipmopeaneiaarch ss. ss .loc. sc. ces sce 1h Ese aneed Radisson ee ans aprons Bare of foliage, cannot say
| how many are dead.
ioe WES (eae 65 63.)|). Pte eciisaee 2 |
EGER. 2 oc BOUDS aap CREO BGDHES 100 5Gs| ihe Acseaaons 44 Drought in early summer.
SHRUBS PLANTED IN 1890. |
Artemisia abrotans..............-. 25 25° Good 0
SRIDERTATINOUIME | re cecc cee: eee ne 5 5 do 0 |
2D DISS VATTS al eee ee eS 2 2)| do 0
iBexberisivulgaris......20.. ...+0s. 50 37 | do 13 »
HOMMEDITDUICA: 0c... ccs ees 30 | 9) db 21 Transplanting
Caragana.. Ae toasoa 100 66.) do 34 | do
Symphoriearpus racemosus. . 3 Bi liGlenriol 0) do
iburnum opulus .... ... Bh Silidon i ecate este 0 |
4 4 At Se ae 0
7a TNKGO oatcerceene 0
wae 8: 4 3 | 3 | do 0
4 ec 39 | ZI dO. saree 14 co
Senedbcons 11 11 | OTs <act copes 0
coronarius 13 13 | do 0
do cordifoliu= 13 12 | do 1 ‘
Syringa alba ...... ... 8 8 | do ..... 0
GMeMpArIs: 6... .2-0- 10 10 | oye eee coaliccatn
_ do de Marley 17 T7|\fdot soe el ee ee
Spirea, 9 varieties. ......... ....- S7 61h "dol Mise seems 6

266

NATIVE TREE SEEDS AND SEEDLINGS.

A large quantity of native maple, ash, oak, cherry and other seeds has been
collected during the past year. A portion of these have been sent to the Central
Experimental Farm, Ottawa, for distribution, Sufficient for 7} acres were reserved
and sown on this farm in the fall and the balance kept for distribution from here
and for spring sowing.

As an experiment, a few native elm seedlings were transplanted from the banks
of the Assinaboine River last spring. These are doing well. 33,0U0 of elm, 4,000
of spruce and 1,500 of Buffalo berry seedlings were collected during the fall and
healed in ready for spring distribution and planting.

12,300 native maple and 6,500 ash trees were raised from seed during the past
summer. These will be available for planting and distribution during the coming
spring.

: The total number of trees and shrubs ‘growing on the farm at this date is as
follows: 53,000 forest trees and shrubs, 600 trees of large fruits and 2,000 of small
fruits, or a total of 55,600 trees and shrubs.

AVENUE TREES.

During May, 5 per cent. of the large avenue trees set out in 1889 died. This
loss was traced in nearly every case to the presence of cold clay soil around the
roots. The balance of the trees are thrifty and have made a large growth.

In May of this year, two additional avenues, each 550 yards long, leading from
the public road to the farm buildings were planted with large native maple trees.
Of the 340 trees planted, 339 were living when winter set in. The avenue leading
from the main entrance has, in addition to the maples, a row on each side 120 in
all of native spruce procured from the Sandhills, twenty miles east of Brandon.
All were planted in June. A large ball of earth was brought with each tree, and
every Care was taken to preserve the roots from drying. So far only 5 have died,
the balance look very promising, and their bright green appearance during our
long winter is very ref:eshing.

«

en

VEGETABLE GARDEN.

Early in spring a suitable plot of rich sandy loam was prepared, and sown with
hardy varieties of vegetables. The season was favourable and the yield of nearly
every kind large, the cauliflowers being particularly fine. In point of excellence,
the varieties tested rank about as follows :—

Beans.—Early Dwarf China, Early Mohawk, Champion Scarlet Runner.

Beans.—Windsor or English Broad.

Beets.—Early Biood-red Turnip, Long Smooth.

Cauliflower.—Karly Erfurt, Early Snowball, Sutton’s First Crop.

Corn, for Table Use.—Cory, Native, Early Adams, Early Minnesota,

Cucumbers.—Long Green, White Spine, Boston Pickling, Chieago Pickling.

Cabbage (for summer use).—Early Express, Early Dwarf York, Eaily Win-
ningstadt.

Cabbage (for winter use).—Premium Flat Dutch.

Carrot.—Chantenay, Early Shorthorn, Danver’s Orange Red.

Kohl Rabi.—Red and White.

Lettuce.—Toronto Gem, Paris Cos, Hanson.

Onions.—White Globe, Red Wethersfield, Mammoth Silver King.

Pumpkins.—Mammoth King, Sugar.

Parsnips.—Hollow Crown, Student.

Peas (Kurly).—Steeles Extra Early, Kentish Invicta, Little Gem.

Peas (Medium early).—Telephone, Champion of England, Stratagem.

Peas (Late) —Laxton’s Omega.

Radish.—White Tip, Searlet Olive.

Rhubarb,—Champion, Paragon, Linnaeus.

Salsify.—Mammoth Standar.

Spinach.—Large Viroflay, Round Summer.

Squash.—Vegetable Marrow, Scalloped, Summer Golden, White Bush.
Tomatoes.—Dwarf Champion, Perfection, Mikasdo.

Turnips.—White Stone, or Nimble Dick, Six Weeks, Breadstone.

FLOWERS,

The impression is general throughout the Province that the cultivation of garden
flowers here must necessarily require much time and skill to produce satisfactory
results, while the reverse is the case, for it is questionable whether the natural soil
of any portion of the Dominion is better adapted to the growth of flowers than that
of this Province, as is evidenced by the abundance of wild flowers growing every-
where.

A plot of sandy loam soil, 100 feet by 100 feet in size, and with a southern ex-
posure, was selected for a flower garden. This was either sown or planted with the
following varieties of flowers, of which the tender sorts only were started in a hot-
bed; these gave an abundant supply of bloom from the middle of July to the end of
“October :—

Asters—6 varieties were sown and produced an abundance of fine flowers.

Antirrhinum, or Snapdragon—A perennial; several varieties were sown and
proved very hardy and attractive.

Balsams—3 varieties were sown; grew and bloomed well; very susceptible to
frost.

Calliopsis—Were a showy mass of bloom all summer.

Chrysanthemums (Annuals)—3 varieties; grew very rank; bloomed freely.

Dianthus, or Pinks—8 varieties sown; some of the hardiest and best of flower-
ing plants for this climate; some varieties will withstand our winters.

Dianthus Barbatus, or Sweet William—Has lived through the winter without
protection.

Linum Perenne, or Flowering Flax—Perfectly hardy and flowered from May
to October.

Linaria Safferina—Hardy, and bloomed profusely from June to October.

Pansies—10 varieties sown; hardy; all grew and bloomed well.

Phlox Drummondi—5 varieties sown; all bloomed freely until October.

Petunias—2 varieties; grew rapidly, and produced a mass of bloom.

| Poppies—5 varieties; all grew well, and produced some very fine flowers.
Stocks—3 varieties ; did not do well.
Salpiglossis—Grew well, and produced an abundance of very showy and effective
Icom,
Verbenas—Grew well, and flowered abundantly until very late in full.
Zinnias—Bloomed well and were very showy all summer, but very tender.

BEES.

Of the four hives of bees placed in the cellar in November, 1889, three came
through the winter in good condition; the fourth, a late and weak swarm, lost its
£ and perished in early spring. From a self-registering thermometer kept in

—

the bee-cellar, the temperature was found to range between 30 and 32 all winter.

During the past season the three hives increased to ten, but owing to unfavour-
able weather and excessive swarming, only 20 lbs, of surplus honey per hive (spring
count) was obtained. All were placed in the cellar early in November.

‘ BUILDINGS,

Since my last report a comfortable bank barn, 111 feet by 50 feet, has been
erected on the farm. The stone basement is 10 feet high, and has accommodation
for forty head of cattle and 12 horses. The upper storey will be used for storing

; grain, hay, &c, }

a

263

Two silos, 9x9, and 21 feet high, are built in the west end of the barn, extend-
ing from the floor of the basement to 11 feet above the floor of the upper storey. The
silos are constructed of 3x12 inch studding and double boarded both inside and out;
tar paper was also placed between each two layers of boards.

Two excellent springs have been found near the barn, one of these has been
flowing all winter.

A house for the use of the Superintendent is also finished. This will allow of
the one at present occupied by the Superintendent being used as a boarding-house,
which is greatly needed on the farm.

Accommodation for swine, sheep and poultry is greatly needed, and the build-
ings at present in use asimplement sheds are only temporary, and should be replaced
by permanent ones.

NEW BREAKING AND FALLOW LAND,

The former occupant having broken up portions of the valley in irregular
patches, the inte: vening spaces have been cleared of scrub, stones, etc., and broken
up. This will add very much to the appearance of the farm, and largely increase
the area for cultivation. Eight acres on the side of the blutf overlooking the valley
have also been cleared and ploughed. Altogether, 140 acres of new land has been
broken and backset during the year. <

About 95 acres of fallow land has been prepared. For comparison, a small
portion was ploughed once, and the balance twice. The weeds were kept down
between ploughings by means of surface cultivation.

ROADS, GRADINGS, &c,

Two avenues, each 550 yards long, leading from the public road to the farm
buildings, have been graded during the past year, and 230 yards gravelled. Nearly
a mile of road has also been graded on the upland prairie, and another road through
the valley a mile long laid out and partly graded. Considerable grading has also
been done on approaches to the new barn, Xe.

VISITORS TO THE FARM,

I take pleasure in reporting a rapidly-increasing interest in the work of the
Experimental Farm, as evidenced by the large and increasing number of visitors
during the summer months.

Since the completion of the different railroads centering in Brandon, the ad-
vantage of this location as a site for the Experimental Farm is very apparent. It
is within easy reach of farmers living in all portions of the Province, and the system
inaugurated last year by the different railroad companies, of granting reduced fares
on special days, enables all to visit the farm at very little expense.

In July the County Council of the municipality of Cornwallis visited the farm
in a body, and at their next meeting passed a resolution strongly endorsing the work
of the farm, and advising all in their municipality to visit it.

The British Delegates, with their friends, paid a visit to the farm in Septembr.
As the harvest was about over, and there was no opportunity of examining the
growing crops, samples of the produce of the farm were displayed in the new barn.
All expressed a deep interest in the work of the farm generally, but particularly —
in those experiments connected with the culture of grasses, roots and fodder
plants

CORRESPONDENCE, &c.

The correspondence between the farmers of the Province and the Experimental
Farm is rapidly increasing. In 1889, 467 letters were received ; in 1890, 842, or an
increase of nearly 100 per cent. Many of these letters are of such a nature as to
occupy considerable time in answering. The correspondence and the book-keeping
connected with the farm has so far been carried on by the Superintendent.

SEED GRAIN DISTRIBUTION.

During the early spring of the past year a number of farmers throughout the
province were supplied with promising varieties of seed grain grown on the Farm,
the amounts sent to each applicant varying from 3 lbs. to 2 bushels, quantities of 1
bushel or more being charged for at market rates. The reports so far as received
from these farmers are such as to lead us to hope that the Farm will prove very
useful in distributing throughout the province new and improved varieties of seed
grain.

# The quantity available for distribution this year is much larger, but judging
‘from the number of applications already received, all will be applied for.

EXHIBITS AT AGRICULTURAL FAIRS,

Some of the products of the Farm were exhibited at the following summer and
fall fairs:—Brandon, Pilot Mound, Deloraine and Killarney.

Samples were also sent to the Manitoba Government and to the Canadian Pacific
Railway Company, and were exhibited by them throughout the Eastern Provinces.
‘The exhibit from the Farm shown at the International Exhibition, St. John’s, N. B.,
by the Manitoba Government was awarded a diploma for the best collection of farm
produce.

A small building on the Farm has also been fitted up as a museum, and samples
-of the produce of the Farm prepared and arranged. This is much appreciated by
visiting farmers, especially during the winter months.

. FARMERS’ INSTITUTES.

During the present winter an excellent Farmers’ Institute has been formed at
_ Brandon, the meetings are well attended and much interest shown in the subjects
_ ander discussion. Other institutes are being organized throughout the province and
will no doubt be productive of much good.

Papers on the following subjects were read by me at the Brandon Farmers’
Institute:—“ Notes on some of the varieties of wheat tested on the Experimental
Farm,” and “ The selection, treatment and method of sowing grain.”

I attended a very interesting meeting of the Manitoba Dairymen’s Association
held at Portage la Prairie on January 15th and 16th, at which the following papers
vere read :—‘‘Canadian Dairying,” by Senator Boulton; “ Dairying in Manitoba,” by
Professor Barre; “ Grasses’ and Forage Plants suitable for Manitoba,” by S. A. Bed-
ford, Superintendent of the Manitoba Experimental Farm.

Interest in dairying and mixed farming is increasing throughout the Province,
cand many inquiries are received regarding the work to be undertaken in this line
iby the Experimental Farm.

J have the honour to be, Sir,
Your obedient servant,

S. A. BEDFORD,

Superintendent.
Branpon, Manirosa, 29th January 1891.

|

EXPERIMENTAL FARM FOR THE NONTI-WEST TERRITORIES.

REPORT OF A. MACKAY, SUPERINTENDENT.

Inpran Heap, N. W. T., 3ist December, 1890.
Wm. SaunDers, Esq.,
Director Dominion Experimental Farms,

Ottawa.

Dear Srr,—In submitting this, my third annual report of work done and returns
from crops on the North-West Experimental Farm, allow me, before entering into
farm work proper, to refer to a few points of great importance to the settlers in this*
country,

Never in the history of our country has such an abundant crop of grain and
straw been granted, but in quality much of the wheat has been very inferior. Bar-
ley, oats, peas and vegetables are a good, | may say a great crop, but these, so far,
do not count for much in summing up our prosperity.

To a man accustomed to farming in the North-West nothing is so agreeable as
raising wheat, yet nothing is doing so much harm to the country.

Although our soil is unsurpassed, our climate healthy and agreeable, because
a frost of a few degrees visited us in August the whole country has been greatly
injured and all because we try to grow only No. 1 Hard wheat which requires to be
entirely free from frost to bring a reasonable price. To a man depending entirely
on wheat, a frost in August is almost ruinous; and the sooner a change is made the
sooner will the North-West Territories attain their proper place in our great Domi-
nion.

Many argue that because frost visited Ontario in early times, and gradually
ceased as the country became opened up, that the same effect will be p: oduced here,
when cultivation is carried on over large areas and the surface exposed to the in-
fluence of the sun. I fear there is no similarity in the two provinces in this respect.
From the very nature of things we are subject to frost at any time and our wisest
course is to be prepared for it.

Many foretold no frost last season until September. Still it came shortly after
the middle of August, and had it come a little earlicr or a few degrees harder, I ask
how would it have left those depending entirely on wheat ?

T submit the returns of the various crops grown on this Farm as evidence that
we need not and should not depend entirely on one crop.

Another point of great importance is early seeding. Every settler realizes this
fact, but very few act up to it. As long as seed and land hold out seeding continues,
whether it be in April, May or June. The result is that most of the late sown grain
is frozen and the country, sometimes on this account, pronounced a failure.

Let a series of years be taken by any settler and if he examines the difference
between the first and last half of his crop it will astonish him to find how little of
the former has ever been frozen and how small a percentage of the latter has paid
harvesting expenses.

On the Experimental Farm, nme days changed an acre of Red Fife, promising
40 bushels, to an actual yield of 23 bushels per acre. Fifteen days made the differ-
ence between a crop of 35 bushels per acre of No, 2 Hard and one of 19,8; bushels of
chicken feed,

271

Let a settler compare the early, medium and late seeding as shown in wheat
tests On this Farm and then compare them with his own returns and [ doubt not
they will be found much the same. ¢

Early maturing grain is another point of very great importance. I need not
remind you, Sir, how safe the field ot Ladoga wheat on this farm looked on the
morning of the 21st August last, nor how cold and green its neighbour, Red Fife,
across a 12-foot road, looked on that eventful morning. By the dates given it will be
seen that both were sown at the same time, and while one was waiting your inspec-
tion several days after being ripe, and still was cut’ some time before the frost came,
the other on which our whole country depends was barely ready for the binder
when frost overtook it.

The field of Carter’s Prize Cluster Oats also had been seven days in stook on
your arrival, while others were hardly fit to cut 10 days afterwards. Yet the Cluster
variety wis sown only one or two days earlier than these.

T respectfully submit the foregoing to the serious consideration of the settlers
of the North-West Territories.

The returns from the various crops grown on the Experimental Farm the past
year will, I trust, be regarded as satisfactory.

You saw them being harvested and can understand how bright the prospects
may be one day and how clouded the next. How a promise of forty bushels per
acre, to-day, may be materially reduced to-morrow. Although many of the varieties
of wheat were injured by frost, the returns from other grains, the results of tests of
goddee plants and the progress made in tree culture, will, I hope, be deemed favour-
able.

The winter of 1889-90 was considered a genuine one. The past summer may
also be classed in the same category, inasmuch as it was totally different from any
of its predecessors since 1882. Winter lingered long, but finally gave way about the
middle of April. A favourable seeding season followed and crops on the Farm were
huiried in as quickly as possible. In June, rain, long absent, came in abundance;
in fact, the outpour was too boisterous by far and, when accompanied by hail,
proved disastious to many things. The root-crop, corn, young grass, &c., suffered
considerably. The growth of straw after the rains came was very remarkable, but
had the great drawback of causing the grain to be long in ripening and proved, in the
end, to be a serious loss to the country.

On the Experimental Farm, sixteen varieties of wheat were in stook when frost
came, and those uncut suffered in pzoportion to the state they were in when over-
taken,

All the varieties of barley but one were harvested on the 21st August and may
be taken as entirely free from loss, so far as frost is concerned.

Six kinds of oats were uncut on that day. These suffered in weight, although
straw and quality did not appear to be at all affected.

Five degrees of frost was recorded on the Farm on the 21st August, which was
sufficient to kill potato-tops, curn, cucumbers, beans, &e.

Harvest commenced on 9th August and was prolonged till the 25th Septem-
ber on account of frequent rains and a heavy snow storm, which unusual occurrence
took place on 10th September.

All grain was got in in good condition and, when threshed, barley alone was found
to be discoloured, but not to any great extent. Wheat was not hurt by rain, but
the frost cut down the yield and greatly injured the grade.

It is worthy of notice the effect fallowed land had on the crop just harvested,
it having prolonged the ripening process fully eight days over that which had been
fall ploughed and several days over spring ploughing.

Hot winds in July caused the grain on fall and spring ploughing to be con-
siderably shrunken but hastened the ripening and caused such to be out of danger
of frost earlier than on fallow land. The summer fallow, however, has several great
adyantages—causing a better yield, it can be got ready when no other work is on

hand, and at the same time is in the very best condition to hurry in the crop in the
spring, which is one of the things absolutely necessary for success here.

A great deal of controversy has arisen over the best way of killing weeds by
summer fallow. The course too commonly adopted is to allow them to attain their
full growth, and then turn them under. ‘This is, no doubt, a good plan if the work
can be accomplished in a few days, or before the seeds form and ripen, but in the
great majority of cases this cannot be done, and long before the field is ploughed
there is a thousandfold added to the already innumerable weed seeds ready for
growth in the spring. Two plans are being tried on the Experimental Farm to
overcome these troublesome pests. One is to gang plough a weedy field in the fall,
thereby causing weeds to start early in the following spring. The other to plough
early in May and June and by repeated cultivation prevent the weeds from attaining
more than a bare appearance above the ground. No definite conclusion can yet be
given as to the success of the first mode except that it takes not more than one-half
the work to keep down the weeds during the time the fallow is being made, in com-
parison with the labour necessary on spring ploughing to effect the same purpose.
Whether weeds will appear more numerous in the grain from fall or spring plough-
ing can only be determined by next year’s crop; but as to the success of the latter
way, that is by ploughing early and repeated cultivation, there need not be the
slightest doubt.

Land ploughed last year, before Ist July, bore abundant evidence this year of the
wisdom of early work.

A Randall harrow was found to be the most effectual implement last summer
to keep down the weeds, but it was necessary to use it often and allow nothing to
appear very far above the surface.

WHEAT,

This, as in past years, was given the largest acreage, for the reason that
itis the chief product of the country and important that some early and good
varieties be obtained.

Nineteen new and 28 old varieties were tested. Red Fife was given 32 acres,
Ladoga 16 acres, White Fife, Hurecka, Saxonka, Red Fern and others, 1 to 2 acres
each ; 26 varieties had 4 an acre and newer sorts from ,}, to 1 of an acre each, The
larger portion of the land was fallowed, but fall and spring ploughing were sown
with Red Fife, to test the difference in earliness and yield.

Red Fite and Ladoga were sown at different dates and with different quantities
per acre. These were also sown by drill and broadcast, and attempts were made to
sow by press drill, but on account of the sticky nature of the soil these were not
successful. Grain on fall ploughing is shrunken and as will be seen the yield is
much less than that on fallow. That on spring ploughing was equally as good as
on fallow in quality and nearly the same in yield.

The difference between early, medium and late sowing is very noticeable, but
this may, to a large extent, be accounted for from the frost of 21st August which
caught the various lots in different stages of ripening. The field sown on 16th
April was barely ripe and could have stood several days without injury had no frost
occurred,

The grain from this field grades No. 2 Hard and is plump but frozen. The
medium, sown on 24th April, was equally heavy in straw as that sown on 16th, but
the frost came when the grain was in the milk and the result is 23 instead of 35
bushels per acre. Tne late sown on 30th April, was about 4 less in straw and the
heads were much smaller than that first sown. Thefrost caught it just as the grain
was well filled bat quite soft, and hurt it badly, so badly in fact that itis useless for
anything but feed, and although the return is 19,8, bushels per acre, this quantity
may be put down at about 12 bushels of wheat for its feeding properties.

In the tests of different quantities per acre the results must not be taken as indi-
cative of the relative advantages from the various quantities sown, as none of the plots

273

reached maturity when overtaken by frost, unless it is considered that each plot was
injured equally, which I think could not be the case, as plots sown with 12 bushels
per acre would have, on a reasonable calculation, one-half more heads exposed to the
frost than that sown with one bushel and consequently suffer more per acre. The
test, however, is given as showing the results of these different methods of seeding
when their growth is stopped by frost.

In comparing Ladoga as an early wheat with Red Fife, in the tests of sowing
different quantities per acre, Ladoga comes out about the same as in all other trials,
being a few bushels behind in yield, but the grain is better or at least not hurt so
much by frost on account of its being a few days more advanced.

In testing by broadcast and drill, nothing on the farm was so apparent, during
the whole summer, as the difference between the two ways of sowing, especially
when the grain was put in late. That sown by drill in every case came up in a few
days aud very even; that sown broadcast, early, came up with the drilled grain,
but not so even or thick; whereas that sown broadcast, late, was ten days behind in
appearing above ground, and then, was not one-half as thick.

_ When rain came in June, the grain near the surface started and thickened up
the crop, but frost coming before this portion was filled or even the heads wholly
formed, the last growth did more harm than if it had never started. Perhaps no-
thing has caused so much poor grain in the country as broadcast seeding the past
year. A few drying days, in seeding time, made the soil an ash-heap for one or one
and one-half inches down, und unless the seed was below this, it must there remain
until rains come. This year they did not come until June, with the result that that
portion of seed above the moisture did not grow for several weeks after that where
the moisture was, and when the frost came was sufficiently advanced to injure the
early grain by mixing with it, but not far enough on to be of any use in itself.

On the advent of frost on the morning of the 21st August, four plots of Red Fife
and four of Ladoga, which were sown on the 30th of April, were thought to be in suit-
able condition to test the effect of cutting a part immediately after frost, and allow-
ing another part to remain standing until ripe and noting the difference in yield.
This was done, and the result was that the grain left until ripe gave 4 bushels per
acre more than thatcut immediately after the frost. The average of the eight one-
half acre plots cut on the 2Ist was 15 for Red Fife and,14 4° bushels per acre for
Ladoga. The average of that cut when ripe, or on 29th August, was 198, for Red
Fife, and 182° Ladoga, or an increase of a little more than 4 bushels per acre in
both varieties.

As will be seen there were sixteen varieties of wheat cut when frost came. This
number does not include Red Fife, which was harvested both before and after
the 21st.

_ Inearliness, Karachi Club Bombay and Hard Calcutta were first last year and
are the same this.

Gehun, a variety tried this year, is early and has given the best yield of any
kind tested.

Campbell’s Triumph, the Red and White Connell, Green Mountain, Campbell’s
White Chaff, &c., are all fine wheats; while Defiance, Judket, Magyar, Russian
Hard Tag and others are late and not suitable for a year like the past.

The different varieties of wheat, except a few sorts from India, were very heavy
in the straw and had frost held off for 10 days more, the yield would have been
increased several bushels per acre in those sorts not cut by 21st August. The
returns from those cut before. the 21st, may be regarded as a correct and full yield.

Frozen Red Fife seed was sown, which in quality would grade No, 3 frozen.

- This was put in by drill at the rate of 2 bushels per acre, and returned 21} bushels.

Tt was sown at the same time as No. 1 Hard, Red Fife and beside it on land similarly
prepared. No. 1 Hard gave 23 bushels per acre.

The following are the varieties of wheat tried, the date of seeding is given, the
harvest, yield, and weight per bushel, also the different tests of early, medium and

late sowing, different quantities per acre sown, and drill and broadcast seeding, &c.:— —

6c—18

274 |
Wear, 1890. |
Variety. Seeding. | Harvest. | Yield. | Weight. .
Bush. Lbs. }
Red jiife's 2 sae eb, tis aah pede ise eee hea sek ee emia seers April 16..)Aug. 23..{ 35°16 59
OEY: Ger ee ness eran pence taae RabEAT one iedccneor do 16..| do 13..) 28°10 eae
Saxonka Meek hae aA ee eC EP eta cor Anton tesog ed 5 19k 28°8 6
White File ......7- Ate a ee RS tee cee Bol] BET HOt
MMU ka se Meee etal Te Seas CTs a Sees Cee 23... 23°18 60
Red Fem........ Aor SORE SEB SEe, Done Berk Bantuan ys arnt 23...) 28:18 59
WWihiteConnclle wea yc mace sean oe rere eters ee 25: 28°32 57;
Red dor Sages Sav Sa Neread on Daraieee ory wae : 25). 26°40 60
Golden; Dro}, 4-47.72 tae Eerie APR een Ee 4 hoe se ibe 2L 593
Wehance 23.2. ese secs nl OOS #Phaetha tha aper reac ons 28.3) 2 57
Magyar..... Sp BES SV aE ABM Serna tin ts See 28...) 1535 554
C@hilyain Wihite 5 5-ehty Ren e tee oe cee ae tomtaes cane pAlre 29°8 59
Rissianvel ard kin peer eine ett nae eth. 2 A 4 28...) (27. 594
White Delhi....... Bt aneie ACD ae eos esc ehe toe 23°40 64
Soft Caloutitan ee syrtenome cceiken ota cera \etemre ees pee: 19%. 19°8 62
Improved Summer:@obi.. J. sss ae. essen EEN eeARS pol alist) 74
Rio Grande......... aoe lbp grt eh ye 19p: 20°50 58
Karachy (India)s-semmenm assesses ceca : oe 2)°10. 61
JART Stes CC Cnn Galo BOSC Geter UD nt aig Ooio He 19): 30°30 593
Campbell’s Trium))i 21.. 33°38 58.
Blue Stem........ 25... 27°30 5
Hungarian Mountain 25..) 17°30 583
French Imperial... . 25... 24°25 59
iWellmanisuBite seh) 2 tne 24..| 18°54 58
Herison’s Beardless By 24.. 27 58:
Warter’s|CrosaiBreds il. 220. cscs rae uy eee) dor 232" |ndow 228 16°28 533
do 1D etait ye Sg A eerie ny in > ...-| Go 23) 2) didnet | fill
@lubBombay) (india) harps wpe ate a mttaer tocar do 28..)| do 9. 20°57 604
HardthédCaleisttay (Indic). 5,20 se cteresns sure oa cect tery oiaete do 23..| do 15. 36°10 62
PAustralli ania mit pias anise SRE hd RAM te AAP ee tS do 23..| do 21 PUT 574
Azima (Russian)..... ; ee ee nt ee do 23..| do 21 19°4 56
Green’ Mountain’ 30.2.5... 22: do 24..] do 21 84 58:
Campbell’s White Chaff .... do 24..| do 19 32°74
Greek Summer... ...... do 24..| do 19 25°74 61
Simla (India) do 24..| do 25 2!)° 37 584
Gehun Clone ONE ne enOet tc aaen aden OaROAaCOOb er coda ses o do 24..|do 15 46°34 644
Kangra GO ee Teena pena eRe pe raneescnede do 24..] do 15 25°32 64
Palampur’ sd ON. eae eta ccrree eet eel eee Beet eo otd do 24..} do 25 15°32 55
Seoraj GOs 5 MEE) hse Sl Sha eee et Re tere do 24..} do 15 20°43 bt
Kulu (oa Arter car eae Pete Mr aen etn Gn erg Brees Sat Gs oC) do 24..:do 28.. 2°30 54
Judket.... Sag tactipaD tetba: eco fate do 21..| do 28..]_ 18°16 55
Polish'Odessahxsaae. 5 oy. bodes Rac a eee ee oe do 23..| didnot | head out.
Sandomerica; We kiss nce sciece ae Paes PCIe eek eee my do 23. do do
Baltic Red 25. e).5, Saas on ay ene ceoe baraeine Bete ae eeeE do 23. do do :
un arian yey ts rh clon ag era yee eee PEL eae do 23.. do do
Californians Whites. oii. nen ccs eeepc tn eerie do 23..|/Aug. 28..) 21 55
Early, Medium and Late Seeding—Test
Red Wifes ss soe bed soue tee ae Ree ee ae aE eee do 16..| do 238. 35°16 59
ClO ER a aD AA cocesesb codetie a Ginaas soos do 24..| do 28. 23 58?
OK | yok dae Secaherstoes nee een ee an eee do 30..| do 29. 19°8 54
De Kote gs ins ea eae Par 8 Mar rr ee Oo acatinue we do 16..} do 18. 28°10 58:
Df Riise ee Thlabie svg oo tock ae alts Sito eee Ee a do 24..| do 18 30 59
Oi ayy aiSveracreveteyarn tigre hs Societe eisfacetetele mitre tment uat ae adr e eters do 30..} do 29 18°50 56
Different Quantities of Seed per Acre.
Reduaife: isi bushelluper acrese sesh eeeee eee ee ecenne do 30..| do 29 22°58 54
do 1 Clin WACGonG tro bepsc she Gohemoocuene do 30..| do 29 21°34 54
do 1 60 (0 a ed Ard Sk Or hee 5 Ae a Se he do 30..| do 29. 198 54
do 12 Gon! Taleban ee ete eeemet Came | do 30..|do 29 14°20 54
Ladoga 1 clo MESON Mri aos tattam rei heat se | do 30..| do 29 23°40 56
) 14 Go) 8 “ya 2, BO Nee Se eh cea do ~30..| do 29 18°45 56
do 1g (clo RE Eee Coote Icrmucay yichianideocda do 30..| do 29 15 55 56
do 1} cl Pe Me Ganttraotis as-is trot tec do 30..| do 29 12°20 56

Wuear, 1890.

|
Variety. Seeding. | Harvestl| Yield. | Weight.
|

. Drill vs. Broadcast—Test. | | Bush. | Lbs.
Red Tif, GIGI con pani emma Rt a a ele ce Nc? ..| do'16..j do 23..| 35:16 | 59
do PrpAdentn tee cek.... och sees YS SUtmmneire sca do: 46.5) do® 23:2 32:0) 59
SGOT. GT ee ee ey eer an eee aos 3 do 30).|'do 29..// 19-8 o4
do reat cats Mere At ae Se es i Sa do 30..) do 29.. 8°50 54

Test—Cutting Wheat immediately after Frost and Cutting when

Matured.
erste i eee pees in feisralerstore, © stcrzysistarah ayctees, oH UGpat sme asle do) 1302 s| ido) 21% 2)) 915,00 51
I). 5. tgaccan Soy och BegEno noe OSs me aseneeet reoceren ane do 30)-|'do) 293, 19°5 54
TLOGIES Ey Se Spee See ae eee ea do) “302 .|| dow s21e8| 1454) 56
SRP Te AS Ghche sid ao cropaisiaweis <peyeraraie Ciejatioree seats do 30..) do 29 18°30 56
- Result of Wheat Sown on Swamer Fallow—Fall and Spring
Ploughing.
22) SS Gili _....| do 16..] do 93..] 35-8 59
Bomeeesprmpiploughing:..- 5 262. e.eeares ese ese-o ccs] dOsl6se| do. dS.4|— ‘30240 59
do fall do nee Bele eee Soros) clr te Gellicky ileal) Sain 584

BARLEY.

|

d

. Thirty-two varieties of this grain were sown last spring from 24th to 30th of
April. Except the India sorts all were very heavy in straw and a good deal was laid
. down by rain storms before harvest. The only barley not lodged was Duck-bill
and this although having more straw than any other was not in the least injured in
this respect; it was, however, more discoloured than any other sort, from having fewer
beards and the exposed position of the grain in the heads.

Seven varieties were sown in acre lots on 24th April. All were cut down by
frost after coming up a few inches above the ground and were retarded a few days
in their growth from this cause, but in the end suffered no loss from it, Each acre
was very heavy in straw, taking from 5 to 6 pounds of twine to bind them. For
earliness, yield, good straw, vigorous growth, and general appearance none equalled
the Duek-bill.

Mensury, a six-rowed variety, approaches the Duck-bill in straw, but is not
equal in yield and the straw crinkles down as it approaches maturity, which is not
the case with the Duck-bill.

Goldthorpe is very like the Duck-bill in straw and formation of head and will,
no doubt, be a very productive barley for the North-West.

Three of the seven varieties were sown again on the 29th or five days later than
the first seeding. These were not quite so heavy in straw and a large proportion of
each lot except Duck-bill was badly lodged.

Although the yield was not quite so large as from the early seeding, the berry
was somewhat better on account of the straw not being so thick on the ground.

oth were sown with the same quantity of seed per acre, but the spring frost had
the effect of causing the early sown to stool out one-third mare than the late.

Early seeding of barley on the Experimental Farm has invariably produced the
it crop. Though on one occasion the early growth was cut back by frost three
imes; yet in the end the crop turned out the best, and in view of the probability of
there being a large inerease in the acreage sown next spring of this grain, it is 1e-
mmended to sow as soon as possible after the spring opens.

One and one-half bushels is sufficient seed per acre where sown early, as it will
almost certainly be cut back by frost and will then stool out more than if sown
ater ; 13 to 2 bushels per acre is necessary if sown late,

6c—18}

Be

276

None of the varieties have this year come up to last year in weight per bushel.
Although the yield is far better, the grain is not so plump or rounded, which was
probably caused by the large growth of straw.

The following table shows the varieties sown and returns, &¢ :—

Barvey, 1890.

e
Variety. | Sown. | Matured.| Yield. | Weight.
oe _ — — — or | ——— —
| |
| Bush. | Lbs.
Two-Rowed Carter’s Prize Prolific.......:................-- a 24. ee 19../ 49°6 52.
do (Dueksbul Gaon sera heye sits ees eee do 24..| do 12.. 55°20 51
do aglntec-e Arictiies cane. setae ae: one eet oie GO! Lad: TCO sear one 53°30 50
do AW CERI G Re ments a a ECR an mtr! ena. ler eg e | do 24..| do 19..|, 49:4 48
do Basra lessen ary Sect ee, aes ce eke ee hte eee do 24..| du 19..) 45 5L
do Danish Chevalier... ...........- Pe Soc. cacao. 24s2 5 do; bas 46°10 47:
do @hevaliersie aa seme cee utes - v.eeth. |) dor 24:3) do, 18iz|— s3aab 4
do Golden Melon............. .. foresee ae Sans) dou 28): dol SUiaa aroomot 504
do SS WWRCIB eon glisters cictacic shrine 21 ate ect do 28..| do 17.. 53°9 BE
do Peerless» Wihtte_-...)...: = -<---< : Be oe ae do 28..| do 17.. 40°16 47:
do Peerless. ... eer Savion ke asav-0]) (CO? 2055] Comme: meee 47
do Danish Printice Chevalier... : ; ne s2]) tdos28 33) dow elise 37°8 4
do Pnplish Walling: oh oo scce-b ee tee ae do 28..|)do 17..| 37°26 4
do Farly Mintinge. <2. =: ode a : “| do “28. .| doW D853) oie 49
do Selected Chevalier......... Peeps) tl dom 2827| dom pliten anew 503
do Goldthorpe: <=. ..2255..): : -| do 29..| do I14..) 45°24 48
do Now Zealand Gr. soem ses m1 : nee do 29..|do 14.. 36°32 5.
do Sharpe’s Improved............... . = 2} do) 3003] do. 26a. 46°42 4
Six-Rowed Mensury........ sa : <eee|| do: 29% 5] do" Seirus 49
do : do 29..) do 6 41°16 4
do 3 ¢ seal cela) Ria llietey aie 33°5 47:
do Rennie’ s iuproved. . : ‘ . hone s{7 0 (80. .|vdou | Tes\neetomles 4
do Sialkot (India)..... a3 ace: do 30... July 31..) 20 49
do ech) yl assonce - : aed do 28..|/Aug. 15..) 25°24 48
do Kulu GGr ga. Mester inte do 28..| do 15.. 38°7 48
do Sula GON ps eee -7e.<| do 282 .\'do Teese 504
do Palampur (Indi a). nee ain’ ffs... .|, do28.3\ dol TSeiaeaumoe 55
do . Bhagarmany Hills (India)?.................:..-| do 30..| do 7.-) 31°42 534
Feed Barleys. |
pation [Aletta aero aS esac bce meee Yikes nat | do 30..)do 21.. 28 60
Spiti Valley. SACs Semen ae do 29) 4 do* 1652) Ssnet0 | 60
Six Rowed Naked.. are oh Sake do <30!,.|/ do" bm: 39°25 57.
Large Two-Rowed N faked soho. cceee ccc ahatae el bes ehemcct vdOv 290: | Mone oas| eOScOo mm 61
Test of Different Dates of Secding. |
Prize Prolific... 20s) csceces$sees)acsese pevetsctisetssesst| do 94..)) don 922) uae
() : ee ; Se are a oe Be do? :29h::)<dol aL7em iia 5:
Duckbill. ... : + Ba Sh deeb dasesaracacise do 24..| do 12...) 59°20 514
do z ae 4 Pao cthe ae a) (GO 205 4) <daeesliter 53°10 5
Beardless. . : ee aed ci ataMaes Sewecene do 24..| do 19..| 45 515
do : Pet Et. Boe eae do “29..| do 15:. 42°34 b1}

on fallow were owe lad sul Oats were sown on fallow and on fall and spring plough
ing. The returns from each are appended.
Prize Cluster, this year, maintained its reputation for earliness, although no
so decidedly as last.
Flying Scotchman and Poland White were equal to it in this respect, but in this
only; as neither in grain nor straw did either ofthese varieties equal the Prize Cluster
The black oats have given the largest yield. This is somewhat remarkable fron
the fact that they were quite green when frost visited the Territories, and must havi
been injured to some extent,

207

The best crop of oats in point of yield was grown on land gang-ploughed three
inches deep in the spring; the seed being sown before the land was ploughed.

The field having borne a wheat crop the preceding year, some volunteer grain
came up with the oats. ‘The united crop gave a return of 85 buehels per acre.

Oats like barley ripened in shorter time the later it was sown. This may have
been caused by frost retarding the early sown and a few days of bad wind in May
injuring them, or from being in a more exposed place than those later sown.

The following are the varieties sown, yield &c :—

Oats, 1890.

| |
| |
| |
Variety. Sown. | Harvest. | Yield. | Weight.
Bush. Lbs.
White Prize Cluster..... ..... riveree ee teisein (or aarti ee DELLE Zo oe PANIC aL etl OS, 45
~ do Welcome..... od Biss SEARO SO ene ogee Ber cllp C MMO 8) Glee akos| se bjaa 38
do Egyptian... ...... AR reo Farce Me ACE mei =|, do do 20. 61°30 36
English White. ....... Ge fee 2 Poaen Seen peeind ..| do do 18..| 41°7 36
BvilntemiarlyBRACChoOrse = 2. sci 2.0022 cisbe es Bele wae) ae hen | do do 20..| 47°20 40
do) (Banners: .. 2.3.0. ORS ee RE A Tae aS reser tal el) do 22..|; 58°20 40
mee August White .\-.......-.- Be fae: go eT ee te a do do 14.) 48°16 35
White English Potato......._.. Spee a5 ae .| do do 18..| 4674 343
do Flying Scotchman . aa saupacee abr al\y Cla) do 11..| 53:20 | 42
Poland White..-......... saat Srae ore : | do do 11..| 47°20 36
Elackssonptellow ters. is0 --ci8s.) Senages ave (tee vee : do do 24..| 30 36
White Cream Egyptian ........ eta eer es ; do doy S7Se1 55:8) 42
Rennie’s Prize White... .. SCARS Sea a TOSOL i a | do do 14 63°10 45
White American Triumph .. ..... Ene: | do do 22 58-16 | 40
Black Tartarian, Imp. 90.......... do do 29 74°30 40
Gh) 7 Se ee eee eee ee do | do 29 71°24 36
Black Champion...... do do 2) 584 37
|
Summer fallow compared with fall and spring ploughing. | |
Black Tartarian, fallow.............. TORIES SEE OD AEA Melon Bin oll (eloyaw Oat) al 37
do falleplonghinge... sa -saceee ees | do) 235 "\"do, AS® 36
do spring ploughing ............ F -| do 23..| do 16 37
do Gomer toe rea SOs 20e dow 224 37
| |
Results of sowing at ditferent dates, }
oi ong, TEC) 2 a seal do 22:.| do, 13..| 68710 | 434
do do eee i Sheba Ao i2c- Field:| do (25!)idor s11> 25 65-2 433
do Welcome...... oA oak Sao 6 asses Acres do 222 dor aOR azals 39
do do Bo ej Field. do 26 do 14.. 48°10 39
do Black Tartarian Be ag oF .. Aecre.| do 23.:|-do 29. 71°24 36
do Merlo tay.) Bets. scot Noe BARE . . Field.| do 26..) do 25.. 67 37
do Gh) | Rene oh assnaakerncan: spring ploughing. do 29 | do 25..) °85°5 7

PEAS.

Five varieties of Field peas were sown; fallow and fall ploughing being used
for the test.

All the varieties were greatly damaged by a hail storm, which passed over the
Farm on 12th June, cutting off the young leaves and battering the stocks. The
Extra Early peas never recovered, and continued poor to the end. Black Eye, Crown

and Multiplier gave a large crop in straw, but were late in ripening, and to the frost
of August 21st may be attributed the loss of at least one-fourth of the yield.
Mummy peas were obtained late, and were far from being ripe when overtaken
by frost, and hence are a light crop. The prospect for this variety was good up to
the time of frost, and with early seeding, it is likely to be very suitable for the
country.

Considerable difference will be observed in yield from fallowed land and from
fall ploughing. This piece of fall ploughing was given great attention, it having had
two ploughings and several harrowings ; yet the crop was poor in everything but
weeds and volunteer grain.

PFAs, 1890.

— | Sown. | Harvest.| Yield. | Weight.

Returns from Summer Fallow. | Bush. Lbs.
|
Blsckwby etn. ncta seas otters e ctor Ry fos acest ecommerce April 24..|/Aug. 28..} ~ 30°10 62
Crown. 2-2. Shae Stee ee ye do 24..| do 23..| 25°53 623
Moultigheris a0 aess5 | ig sore do 24..| do 28..| 27°58 61
Extra Early... ls Cake Page ese to een eee ere do 28..| do 3:2)" 10 63
Mummy...... Ais UH SEIDE O cp TORO SRAcoGhos ssthewes —Vay (23%) dow 28er m2 as

BlaoloiWiy Osc rcccursts fe pistte ft ucietaoens vice Gace area te Pe miala Slur ge do 24..)do 26..| 14°5 a5
(Cyd esto ce bon mabbocedces Hasan Oda Ow, CODE ootn do 24..| do 20../ / 10°14 m9
Mialtr lien S.A wets cares ce cae fo isinin rate erstireycie ate ore once). aroge do 24../do 26..) 13°30

extra Barly 2-2. as... PonGctHne, Bare Tecteeeeepdeataonone do 28..| do 3:.} |

FALL WHEAT.

Three varieties. viz., Manchester, Democrat and Tasmania were sown in the
fall of 1889. On-account of dry fall weather, and being a little late in sowing, a
large growth did not take place before winter set in. During the winter, straw to
the depth of two inches was put over one-half of each variety, but the only differ-
ence observed in the spring was that the portions covered were green a few days
longer than those which were not; all died early in May. One variety, “ Velvet
Chaff,’ was sown this fall, also one variety of fall rye, viz., “ Reading Giant,”
and two acres of spring wheat was sown just as winter set in.

FODDER PLANTS,

Rye, millet, Hungarian grass, tares, oats, peas and corn were sown for
fodder. Of all the varieties tested, rye, this year, like last, proved to be the best
and most reliable, and can, without doubt, be depended on every year for a crop of
fodder or hay. Rye, sown on fall ploughing on 29th April, cut on 14th July, gave
1} tons cured hay per acre.

That sown on 2nd May on spring ploughing, cut on 14th July, returned 24 tons
per acre of very finecured hay. It was again sown on 17th May and on 7th July on
fallow, and cut on Ist August and Ist September, the yield being 3 and 2 tons
respectively. Rye was also sown for seed on 29th April and on 17th May; ripe on
Ist and 15th August. They gave 18:20 and 30°45 bushels per acre respectively.
Rye and tares, rye, tares and oats, and rye and oats were sown on 2nd May and gave
a large quantity of green fodder, but were not entirely successful for hay on account
of having to cut the crop before tares or oats were far enough advanced. Barley
would be a more suitable grain tosow with rye, as both would come in nearly together.
Oats, tares and peas were sown together in equal parts on 2nd May and cut on 24th
July returning 1}? tons per acre. The hay from this mixture is not equal to rye, but
does very well for green fodder.

Golden and common millets were sown on spring ploughing on 7th May ; injured
by hail on 12th June, were cut on 4th August and gave 13 tons per acre each, The
same yarielies were sown on fall ploughing on 22nd May. Injured by hail and hot

- winds, gave only 1} tons per acre when cut. The same were again sown on fallow
on 17th May, but overtaken by frost before ripe, and gave only 14 tons per acre.

279

Hungarian grass was sown each time the millets were, and gave the same quantity
per acre, but was hardly so far advanced when cut. Tares, sown on 29th April and
cut on 24th July gave 1? tons per acre; sown on 17th May and cut on 9th August
returned 2 tons per acre. Hay very poor, only suitable for green fodder.

CORN.

Corn was sown and planted for fodder on 23rd and 26th May. That portion
sown was put in with seed drill by closing up all but four spouts of the drill. The
drills were 24 inches apart for the corn sown, and 30 inches where planted.

The most vigorous sorts had attained a height of 5 feet when overtaken by frost
on 21st August and all growth stopped. As soon after the frost as possible two-
thirds of all the corn was cut and shocked up and the remainder left for ten days,
The portion uncut was considerably more withered or dried up than that cut on the
morning of thefrost, The corn was left in the field in shocks until the ground became
frozen, then drawn into the barn and is now being cut with the cutting-box and fed
to the cattle, which devour it very readily. In earliness Mitchell’s ‘Early, Early
Cory and Early Adams are ahead of the rest. In quantity of fodder, Golden Dent,
Golden Beauty, Blunt’s Prolific, Thoroughbred White Flint,Chester County Mammoth,
and Queen of the Prairie rank first. Cinguantine or fifty day corn, though not 50
high as these, was better suckered and further advanced and may prove a better corn
for fodder than any.

The following are the varieties tested and the condition they were in when over-
taken by frost :—

Corn, 1890.

Land. Variety. Height. Condition on 21st August.
Ft. In.

@imauantineye- ees. cet: 4 0 (In tassel.

INixe) HarlyAAdamists.. oscete cease 4 0 |Fully tasseled. In silk.

x. Early Cory .........-- -- 3 6 |Tasseled. In silk.

Mitchell’s Early....... REAR hy ee 3 6 do do

Beimrysstel yore ie ee cma re tee tee + 0 |Commencing to tassel.

Minnesota Sweet........-.-..--..-- 3 6 do

iManlya Concord sserecens fee ae tle 3 6 |No sign of tassel.

Neamrarannel nnn eiccir tr ee eter 3 9 |Tasseled. No silk.

Grosby’s Barly: - 2.0)... « : 3 9 |Commencing to tassel.

[Blunt's Prolite: he irepinet elder 23 4 0 |Strong growth. No tassel.

Virginia Horse Tooth ............ t 0 |No tassel.

Golden Dent 5 0 |Strong growth. No tassel.
Gola Besutye: Seon re ae oeis | DO do do

Queen of the Prairie gE 9 do do

Longfellow t 6 |Late. No tassel.

Thoroughbred Wh. Flint. . hen 5.0 do Good growth. No tassel.

Pee & & Kay Se ciation ioeies he Boaters 4 6 |Fully tasseled out.

Chester Co. Mammoth ........-.... 5 0 |Late. No tassel.

IGiipla aby o ude odeooeeda esses t 0 | do do

Stowell’s Evergreen............. ; t 6 | do do

IATmber Oreainine ee eran ie eee t 0 |Partially tasseled.

Early Minnesota.................-. 3 0 |Barely tasseled.

Meaning sWellowes secede eisai 4 0 |Late. Not tasseled.

Silpiimye ina podhe copenerosee ccour ore 3 6 |Fully tasseled out.

Long White Flint.......... . 4 0 |Late. No sign of tassel.

Fallow and Fall Ploughing Test. |

RGA ie srsatesjeiaicie:sia"s 4 9 |Strong growth. No tassel.

Fall ploughing 4 0 |Weak do do
AMLOW) o2 =~. 5 0 |Strong do do

Fall ploughing .... £ 2 Weak do do

Lilley 5 Ben ceeaaoene Golden Bee > 0 |3trong do do

Fall ploughing...... do 4.6 |Fair do do

Blige te a se. Virginia Horse Tooth 4 6 |Late do f

Fall ploughing ..... do : 3 0 |Very weak do

GRASSES,

Up to the present the testing of grasses has proven very disappointing on
account of the difficulty of getting any of the varieties tostart on this Farm. It tke
seed is put down out of reach of the winds, very little will germinate ; if near the
surface, the periodical winds of May or early June sweep them out of the ground.
Tf not sown until after the winds are over, the young plantsare not strong enough to
stand the dry weather of August and September and generally perish.

The past season was an exception in this respect, and any grasses sown in the
latter part of June or the first of July, made a vigorous growth during the rest of
the season. Unfortunately the grcater part ofall our grasses and clovers had been
sown at different times before this growing period came, and except for the lawn
grasses sown about the house and barn, we had no seed left to sow over again, As
evidence of the difficulty of getting a catch of grass seed, I may mention that the
lawns were sown three times before success was attained. In my last report men-
tion was made of 18 grasses and clovers having been sown in addition to some native
and other sorts. These, except two native kinds were all destroyed by winds. The
18 varieties were resown as quickly as possible. Out of the 18 varieties Perennial
Rye Grass, Italian Rye Grass, Orchard Grass, Meadow Fescue, Sheep Fescue, Crested
Dog’s Tail, Red, Alsike, Lucerne, Sanfoin and White Clovers grew. Perennial Rye
Grass, Italian Rye Grass and Crested Dog’s Tail were completely killed
by the winter or spring. Orchard Grass was half killed, but gave # tons per
acre. Meadow and Sheep Fescue were hurt very little and the return from these
was 1} tons each. The clovers all came through in good shape and returned,
Alsike, 1 ton; Red, 1} tons; Lucerne, 14 tons ; Sanfoin, 14 tons; White was a thick
mat and of course could not be cut. In addition to those already mentioned, there
appeared this spring from the second seeding, Hard Fescue, Red Top and timothy;
the timothy producing } tons per acre,

This year all those varieties that stood last winter were sown with grain and in
plots on the bare faliow, and in addition 33 varieties were sown in small plots in the
garden, 8 kinds are from India, 20 native, and the balance includes Texas Blue Grass,
Bermuda Grass and Johnson Grass.

Winds and hail destroyed the various kinds sown on the bare fallow, and a thin
catch was obtained among the grain. In the small plots Muhlenbergia sylvatica,
Mublenbergia glomerata, Poa serotina and Glyceria grandis grew well. The first
two headed out and ripened their seed. Johnson grass had obtained a height of 30
inches when destroyed by frost. Very littie of any of the other varieties grew.

FLAX,

Flax was sown on three different dates, First on 7th May, second on 17th May
and third on 22nd May. Ripe on 15th, 20th and 22nd August, respectively. Gave
7-10, 12:5, 9:26 bushels per acre. The stalks grew about 30 inches high..

BUCKWHEAT,

Was sown on 22nd May and 2nd June. Both seedings made a good growth, but
were overtaken by frost on 21st August and completely killed.

BEANS,

Twenty varieties of beans were planted on 21st May. They consisted of the
following :—

Sugar Pearl, Sugar Grey; Chevrier; Emperor William ; Schirmer’s Purple
Seeded ; Golden Butter Wax ; Large Podded ; English Horse ; Sugar Pearl
Rose predome; Negro Black; Ne plus Ultra; Round Yellow 6 Weeks ; Flagcolet
Purple Seeded; Zion House; Negro Extra Early; Empress Augusta; Black
Speckled ; Nettle-leaved White and Hundred to One.

_ Butter Wax and 6 Weeks were the earliest but not early enough to escape the first
frost on 21st August. Except the English Horse beans, all were destroyed at this date,

English Horse was not hurt then, but succumbed to a frost of 10° on 12th September.
When overtaken the beans were hardening and a very few days more would have
put them out of danger. All the beans were in pods, but Butter Wax and 6 Weeks
were more advanced by a week than any other sort.

ROOT CROP,

On account of the root crop being on a heavy piece of land the past season,
the crop was not a good one considering the year.

Shortly after the carrots, mangels, beets and turnips were above ground a hail
storm passed over and almost destroyed them. Three varieties of manvels and all
the beets were killed and the land was resown with turnips near the end of June.
Those left partly injured never recovered from the hail and were often after this
put back by heavy dashes of rain which several times flooded the pieces of land on
which the roots were sown.

TURNIPS.

Bangholm, Queen of Swedes, Skirvings, Lord Derby Green Top, Highland
Prize, Purple Top and Elephant were the varieties sown. Bangholm, Skirvings and
Queen of the Swedes each gave 500 bushels per acre. Lord Derby, 300 bushels;
Green Top, 420 bushels; Highland Prize, 320 bushels; Purple Top, 410 bushels ; and
Elephant, 480 bushels per acre.

MANGELS,

Mammoth Long Red, Mammoth-Long Yellow, Giant Intermediate, Prize Yel-
low and Giant Yellow Intermediate were sown. The three latter were destroyed by
hail. Mammoth Long Red returned 605 bushels and Mammoth Long Yellow, 502
bushels per acre.

CARROTS,

Orange Giant, White Belgian, Long Orange Nantez, White Vosges and Im-
proved Short White were sown. Improved Short White was by far the best ; in
fact, the only one worth taking up and it only gave 200 bushels per acre,

SUGAR BEETS.

Three varieties were sown, but all were destroyed.

Chicory and Amber Sugar Cane were also sown. The chicory grew to a fair
size, but was very rooty.

Amber Cane did not grow over six inches high.

POTATOES,

The following potatoes were planted last May; Harly Rose, Beauty of Hebron,
Morning Star, White Star, Stray Beauty, Early Bird, May Queen, Gleason, Matchless,
Rosy Morn, Wonder of the World, Sharpe’s Seedling, Bliss’ Triumph, Early Ohio,
Lees Ex. Early, Early Conqueror, Genessee Seedling, Empire State, Stonewall
Beauty, Richters, Brownweil’s Beauty, Clark’s Beauty, Adirondack, Alpha, Richter’s
Gem, Jumbo, Boston Market, Member of Parliament, Great Eastern, Rose’s New
Giant, Harrison, Conqueror, Goodrich, St. Patrick, Thorburn, White Elephant,
Snow Flake, Thorburn’s Paragon, Vick’s Pride, Sugar, Kidney August, Tele-
‘phone, Pride of America, Richter’s Elegant, Chicago Market, Empress Bell,

rownwell’s Beauty, Early Puritan, Count Moltke, and 29 seedlings. Like the
mangels and turnips the potatoes suffered from excess of rain on the heavy soil, and
before the majority were matured the frost of 21st August came and stopped further

rogress,
“On the whole the crop was only fatr. Beauty of Hebron made the best show of
_ tops. Morning Star, Stray Beauty, Sharpe’s Seedling, Beauty of Hebron, Early

Rose, Lee’s Ex. Early, Rose’s New Giant, White Elephant, Clark’s Triumph, Empress
Bell, Early Puritan, Late Rose, Boston Market, Harrison, Early Bird, Early Con-
queror and Brownell’s Beauty were the best croppers.

282

VEGETABLE GARDEN.

This necessary but often much neglected portion of farm work was again much
injured by winds. Although not so destructive as last year, they were sufficiently
so to require the resowing or replanting of several of the varieties tested and kept
back all at least 4 weeks; which in our short season makes the difference between
a vood and a medium crop.

~ Vegetables, all over the North-West, were exceptionally good the past year;
and anyone whose garden was sheltered either by natural or artificial means from
the cold winds of May and hot winds of July, has, this fall, an abundant crop.

The following were the varieties tested in the vegetable garden on the
Experimental Farm; the results are also given :—

Cabbage.—Early Epping, Early Summer, Winningstadt, Large Drum Head, and
Green Curled Scotch Kale were set out. Early Epping was the earliest. Heads
small, but firm. Karly Summer was later, but cabbage good. Winningstadt did not
come to head. Large Drum Head, late, with some fine heads, Kale did extra well. ~

Cauliflower.—Snowbail, Ex. Early Erfurt and Mitchells were planted. The snow-
ball and Ex. Early Erfurt were by far the best. Mitchells, although they were the
best plants, made few heads, and those few were poor.

Celery.—London Red, Paine’s Golden Yellow and Sandringham were planted on
12th June. All did well.

Onions.--Globe Danvers, Wethersfield, Barletta and White Globe were sown, and
White and Yellow Dutch Sets were put out. All were so badly injured by winds
that they had to be resown, but too late for any good results.

Carrots—Chantenay, Ox Heart and Scarlet Nantes were sown. These were all
blown out after coming above ground, and although sown over again, the crop was

oor.
Turnips—Early Milan, Nimble Dick, Orange Jelly and Large White Globe were
sown. All were blown out, A fair crop was the result of a second seeding. Early
Milan being the earliest.

Radish—Rosy Gem, Long Scarlet and Scarlet Oliveshaped were sown. Rosy
Gem and Scarlet Oliveshaped were the earliest and best.

Peas—Maclean’s Little Gem, Maclean’s Advance, American Wonder, Harly
Dwarf Brittany, Pride of the Market, Yorkshire Hero and Champion of England.
These were sown on 17th April, and almost entirely destroyed by winds when about
six inches high; were resown on 19th May. Maclean’s Advance was the earliest.
All gave good crops, except Dwarf Brittany.

Beans.—Karly Valentine, Early Mohawk and Golden Wax were planted on 9th
May. Early Valentine gave green beans for table use on 28th July; the others a
few days later. None were ripe when frost overtook them on 21st August,

Beets——Half-long Blood and Early Eclipse were sown on 24th April; destroyed
by wind and resown on 9th May with Early Egyptian and Lentz, Harly Egyptian
was earliest and best quality, but Lentz was the heaviest crop.

Tomatoes.—Conqueror, Smooth Red, Dwarf Champion, New Peach and Potato —
Vine were planted on 3rd June. Dwarf Champion and Conqueror had the largest _
and best crop of tomatoes, The others had a fair crop. None ripened except under glass.

Salsify—Good crop, but roots rough.

Spinach.—Entirely blown out.

Parsnips.—Two-thirds blown out. Balance, fair crop.

Parsley.—Sown 16th April and 6th May. Good crop.

Lettuce.—Toronto Gem, Prize Head and Early Hanson were sown at different
times from 23rd April to end of May. The early sowing was destroyed by winds,
the later sowing did well and gave lettuce until October.

Corn.—Karly Cory, Fifty Day, Crosby’s Early, Early Adams, Mitchell’s Early,
and Native Squaw corn were planted on 23rd May. The Squaw corn and Early
~ Adams had a few ears fit to use when frost of 21st August came. Crosby's Harly, —
Early Cory and Mitchell’s Early were a few days later.

283

Watermelons, Citrons and Cucumbers were sown. The water melons formed no
fruit. A few fair sized citrons were on the vines and the cucumbers were fit to use
when frost came.

Asparagus.—First cut on 1st June and continued for a month,

Rhubarb.—Badly injured by hail on 12th June,but a good crop toward end of season.

FLOWER GARDEN.

I trust those who may read this annual report and have never seen the North-
West will not imagine a flower garden to be an utter impossibility. Although we
have not yet succeeded in making one equal to many seen in Oniario, nevertheless
the attempt is being made to grow flowers as well as raise No. 1 Hard wheat, We
do not boast much of the success in raising Zinnias, Marigolds, &c., but in Sweet
Williams, Pansies, Mignonette, Sweet Peas, Phlox, &e.. visitors to the Farm during
August, September and October testified by their button-holes that such ample suc-
cess was obtained as to warrant every settler in having a flower garden.

Pansies, Dianthus, Phlox Drummondi, Asters, Stocks, Mignonette, Portulacca,
Petunias, Sweet Peas, Verbenas, &c., were sown or transplanted from hot beds from
16th May to 11th June. Of these Pansies, Mignonette, Sweet Peas, Phlox Drum-
mondi, Stocks, Dianthus, Verbenas, and Poppies proved the best and surest for the
North-West climate.

APPLE TREES,

Apple trees suffered greatly last winter and this spring, so mnch so that I am
compelled to report almost the entire failure of those set out in 1888-89. Numbers
are living, but in such a crippled condition that I am almost afraid they may be
classed with the lost. Last season was a very hard one on trees of all kinds and
when succeeded by a severe winter and unfavourable spring the result could hardly
be anything but disastrous. Only one tree of 1888 planting grew from the tips and
that only 3 inch. Eight trees were cut down to the snow-line, or about 18 inches
above grouud and all but these were killed to the ground. Sprouts have come from
above grafts, but whether they will stand any better than the parent trees remains
to be seen.

Those planted in 1889 died by wholesale, but very few being found alive this
spring. This year’s planting consists of 500 Russian seedlings, which it is hoped
and expected will stand better than any before put out. The following are apple
trees planted in 1888, 1889 and 1890, showing state they are in at present :—

APPLE TREES, 1888.
—

Killed Killed
to

Growth

from Tops. Dead.

— Planted. f
Snow Line.} Ground.

Bie

PUOIOIAMEISWEEL =. 2. 2c je cece ae
Keswick Codling................--..
SBACASERACHAN 2 | ..0504 25 cos sae ee :
Ls: 6655 Sg Se

Warne... - IRE TD La 3 Qe ll: teste eects
[AT @RETS 2p ley peepee ene ee eee ee RBBEIRA 84 ue

& Go Go G9 Go Oo to GO OO

DISTCT ESA aero ae RP) a Tee Geo eatsceas|| Meme wale CCHS gee ER els

a
CRN NM RNNONSHNWOR

=

Ci

Ep

Rn

Ea

is
wwouc

|
|
:
|
|
|

ror)
rs
ce
i)
1
al
8

284

One hundred and twenty-three of 43 Russian varieties (not named) were also
planted in 1888. Twelve of these are growing from tops, 44 from ground, 14 were

killed to snow line, the remainder are dead.

| Killed Killed Growtt |
Planted, 1889. Planted. | to to fr or : | Dead.
Snow Line. | Ground. Tom ps-)

Arabkal (Dept) jit actcozie tyes ttle 35 | 2 |Ser tte erece 2 31
ID<sye) allo aes Oe stto te oredr are ¢ : 10 | | 10
ius a} 5 CoXg ba hh ee IOI Fa | 11 11
RepkaMalenica een sshsnimy cnet 9 5
Whitney, No. 20.. 19 19
d bivo) dic eee ee eR Ae Oe or oie 20 20
Barlotiguae rt. sce vseartiisiocmentcs 5 5
English Borovinka............. . eel 4 4
REG BAM IB heed iets tie a eee h ee | 19 } 2 ate SeeOe aslo boot odedsc | 17
Grand Duke Constantin®. ... ...... 4 Ins RoRaboonG)| Booc coGG a|| Rote cue ms+ | 4
PAGIOURT OL ie tyectchs arn AA ee enone 3 |raboou pont iImmancycopesollndosokenes: « 3
Bogdanofh sf:a. step eceeeekeley eees 1 epoedeceaeel yesaneesasrtlbos adotoes 1
Ostrakofps. Asin k week eee eee een anoodineckae anman mere Inananeuon 6
IBMONMIOUE (yok) <. see ae eran ee ; Bid iiisterapele testers lel llattcatsseis teers cise | Mucrcreciteneters 8
Reinette’. .,.-.. =. - DO ee eras atirlll Vspicie/e up tances [rele reeinelne 2
(CINo pel aes IRE COBRA nen Nb soc aera ies «||| Boe Readietentes «| eneed aah pein 1 6
PAMILOMIN UAT orce: Suz deere arid sea iere erate E's UN Ee acacia ice tis Eeaya abate ave raat eiette bieye ear 19
Symozer, (apts) eeemcr sents 9 9
Goldene Wihiter y= herd piers 9 9
Grandmother’... <26 sce. vaeseoe eee 8 8
Gui s SoGcddbscasmoe baer aca 4 4,
(RediRepkayy. 0 Sieccat acc meee meees 3 : 3
Rabel'defaced ». 0... 25.08 5.5 dae. wee 2 areas 2
Elibermall}Ha.0 2 oak Maines Dee FE ee anise sed 2 1 11
WrellaweAmis. coc acacs | 17 1 llc. cescleto ae mea 14
Vargul..... het st SI Bh eek lil ataptterer sis Ihaxe ve ake ey tvsrrs ra wire 3
Sandy Glass...... 13 NoetOteabbHs, | abodes we Monanbs3500- 13
BING =, Sei sherds: 3 oodeee oto onl lomdoucaeecdar| aa doooe 3
Moivlands vet ies oe tees / inn leone Iemnonurtied (sous atooss if
Russian Apple...... .... | aaa Saspcaecoe Mabadorredds latnaans oc sec 6
iPlikanoff= 28.) liens ee eins 10 2 \ dL, Re aseeering if
Autumn Streaked..... ... | 10 1 T) | M3kc enter 8
Ob yp oe wee coke val TOC | Reet 1 9 0
Getmantsy Beans sccn oases vemos 4 [ eeyorerens Ste vcPovy el] levetesaeve kets) eanke|| arere tee eee 4
White Borodovka. ...... Jue RANA ene aROrEs Santee be ooS6 OSs Sood 8
Abinpeerecuaoe vans ome er : LOWE Nias cece 5 Ua ieee ot f° 9
Grandmotherteos-ccen ese eee 10 Qe Al eiteaulaepre 6 2
Uden dguacacoounoondos Wncccrc 10 5 \oorecaonten 5 4 1

352 | 15 8 PAS 302

Three each of Hyslop, Transcendent, Red Siberian and Whitney Crab were
planted in 1888. Two Hyslop, 2 Transcendent, 1 Red Siberian and 3 Whitney are
1 Transcendent was cut down to ground,

living, all growing from the
remainder are dead.

In 1889, 109 crab-apple trees of 8 varieties were planted. This year only 6 are

living.

CRAB APPLES,

tops ;

285

Crap AppiEs, 1889.

1890.
—— Planted. Living.
= | oe J

RIUATLOVED REIS ste Eyre cioes obec! mivsiets wae aacaro Mascot seen Melee Coie ee tee | 22 5
WVIRMMCSOLD Melee s ayy Bice hojethel © ots eine soa cure Mao eee ee 8 0
Ibn CASS aly Boe Seige Bon Fea SOG te DT a oe amen ote ae ees aaa le passe 10 1
SET ey 5 sony See amen ee aN ee IRA oe IEC Sa MeL ea Pn BS, oat gh 1 20 0
(CRTs ood ERNE 32S AC Ra i ee nee, ee opti ete Ge Do Sia hy Eo 30 0
JUDG. VIVRE Pate olen 6G Gan ne GA COME CR Cm aniarinc: mabe ass PA xian 9 0
SOREN GIS ic) Socal ete etaate Pano are 2 nasia O!s mists aes NS ety degre Mie aoe Bes Poets 10 0
109 6

PEARS.
In 1888, 20 pear trees were set out. These consisted of Beurré Hardy, Clapp’s
Favourite, Howell, Flemish Beauty, Seckel and 2 Russian varieties. One Flemish
Beauty lived through the first winter. None were alive in spring of 1890. Thirty
Russian seedlings were planted in May last.

PLUMS,

Twenty-three plum trees of 9 varieties, viz:—Golden Drop, Moore’s Arctic,
Lombard, Marianna, German Prune, Wolf, Speer, Rollingston and Early Red were
planted in 1888. Eleven of these were alive last year. This fall, 2 Speer, 3 Wolf, 1
Rollingstone and 3 Early Red are alive. All are cut back and only side shoots are
growing. This year, 3 trees of Early Red were planted and are all alive now.

CHERRIES,

Thirty-four cherry trees were planted in 1888. The varieties were Ostheim,
Morello, Vladimir and Early Richmond. One Early Richmond and two Vladimir
stood the-first winter, but are dead now. ‘This year three varieties, were planted con-
sisting of 5 Koslov Morello Cherry, 3 Black Hill and 3 M. Cherry No. 6. All lived
and made good growth the past summer.

SMALL FRUITS—CURRANTS.

We never had a better prospect for currants than last season up to 12th
June. At that time all the fruit was formed and much ofit well grown. The bushes
were loaded down, and everything promised a most abundant crop. Unfortunately
a shower of hail passed over on that day and left very few on the bushes. When
ripe only two quarts of currants were gathered.

The following are varieties set out with number of bushes of each kind living
at present from planting done in 1888 and 1889 :— :

Currants, 1888-89.

a

— % Planted. | Living.
|

Wig iaiie) Se a eeapaets sored UoCee syatre os vember ages agree se eciy oar 25 24
Ione) eine lta igegeeea ecotee sebeacd fea" Ve terran wi 349 266
(CLED TVS eA oer Bae en aA NO ; Be ee ey te eee 12 10
INS (i)d Baas) bh (pe eee : bs SEVIS ES ee eiae Reus Wie | 25 20
PRA WAGAREIE eee, cob isp eg dein Ca A ore ante Nal 255 246
White Grape........ ...... hee ae A EP Nee, SO Ie nde APS SE Acre ep tent 185 141
ecdeOutchts 0... ep cee By aes Be har. cueed Fan o icoete 20 16
Black Naples... .. .- Saree eh Basen be heb d ace Steed meas pete 44 42
TRG | (Cig) A eee eee ae eccrtnperydeemcnr eS a caer aaa aecrh 7 6

922 771

Almost all the losses occured with bushes set out in 1889 from the dry weather
which prevailed that season,

RASPBERRIES,

These were uncovered on the 28th April. Golden Queen, Cuthbert and Caroline
were all killed down to ground. The Turners and Philadelphias were in fair order,
but the canes were very weak, All these varieties made good growth during the
past summer and the canes are a good size and well ripened. Turner and Philadel-
phia had a great deal of bioom, but the hail of 12th June hurt them badly. Thee
was, however, considerable fruit of good size and well formed gathered from these
two kinds. The following varieties planted in 1889 were entirely killed by the dry
summer or cold winter: Hilborn, Doolittle, Parnell, Clarke, Marlboro’, Souhegan,
Gregy, Ohio, Taylor and Snyder; while out of 139 Mammoth Cluster, Rancoccas,
Reeder, Brandywine, Hornet and Hebner’s Cluster, only 46 plants are living, and
these made little or no growth during the past summer. Except a few hydrids, no
raspberries were set out the past spring and the hail of 12th June killed them all.
In 1888 a good many native raspberry bushes were obtained and this year they
bore a fair quantity of fruit. Like the cultivated varieties they suffered from hail.

GOOSEBERRIES.

No new varieties have been planted or additions made to this fruit since 1889.
Smith’s Improved, Houghton Seedling and Downing were then planted. Smith’s
Improved and Houghton showed « good deal of bloom this spring but nearly all was
knocked off by hail. A few berries ripened of the Smith’s Improved and a con-
siderable quantity of the Houghton. The Downing was mostly winter killed but
all started again from the roots. The Houghton has stood the two winters best of
any of the varieties set out.

STRAWBERRIES,

All the vines came through the winter and spring safely, but bore little or no
fruit afterwards.

The hail was partially the cause of this and dry weather last summer, which
prevented the runners from growing, was no doubt also partly to blame. This winter
a good number of healthy young plants are covered up, and it is hoped better success
will be had next season,

GRAPES.

Seventeen varieties of grapes were planted last spring. These consisted of
Champion, Niagara,Moore’s Early, Roger’s, Woodruff Red, Hartford Prolific, Agawam,
Worden, Telegraph, Brighton, Clinton, Elvira, Concord, Jessica, Early Victor, Dela-
ware and one not named. They were planted 18 inches deep, and as the vines grew,
soil was filled in until level with surface. When winter set in all were well mulched
with earth and coarse manure,

FOREST TREES,

Thirty-eight thousand three hundred and seventeen forest trees were planted in
May last. ‘These consisted of 4 varieties of pine, 4 of spruce, 3 of maple, 4 of ash, 3 of
elim, 2 of chestnut, 2 mountain ash, and 1 variety each of cedar, larch, juniper, bass-
wood, birch, hickory, oak, butternut, walnut, Russian mulberry, honey locust, coftee
tree, cottonwood, Russian olive, and red cedar. The pines, with the exception of Scotch,
suffered greatly from hot windsin June and July, and as table will show a large prop»r-
tiondied. The spruce and larch suffe;ed much loss, but not to the same extent as the
pine. The maple, elm, ash and Russian olive nearly all grew. Honey locust, butternut
and walnut were nipped by the first frost and by 20th December every tree seemed
dead, It will be seen that very few trees, planted in 1889, came through last winter;
those -that did so, excepting ush-leaved maple and Manitoba elm made little or no
growth the past year. White and Norway spruce never moved; in fact this fall they

TS

|
:
J
.

F

lo
o2)
-I

appear to be dying. Scotch and Riga pineshow the most vitality. Sofar, the follow-
ing may be said to be the result of tree testing on the farm: Scotch, Riga and
European mountain pine and red cedar a fair success, The spruces, hemlock and
American arbor vit have thus far failed. The birches, mountain ash, Norway maple,
American elm and Cottonwood have in a measure succeeded, as a number of each have
stood two winters and made a fair growth the third summer.

Butternut, walnut, ash, locust, beech, catalpa, sycamore, oak, hickory, &c., have
failed. Our native maple, elm, ash, oak and cherry are, of course, successful
wherever grown, and it seems quite safe to recommend that such as these be planted
almost entirely by settlers.

Forrst Trees planted, 1889-90, with number living in November, 1890.

|
¥ Planted, | Living, || Planted, Living,
SEE | isso. | — 1890. 1890. 1890.
| |
i
Scotch#Pine weet. ccces. et ee) 421 70 1 175 164
Austrian Pine. ; Serl| 400 0 200 Pal
Riga Pines .-.: is = 43. | 28 500 40
Mountain Pine... . ; Peel Snare Pei niccipse exerts 150 96
White Spruce...... . ene Sz4| 1,018 358 310 247
ENOL WHLYASPLUCE ME se syne. seen te ; el 675 | 30 185 140
Hemlock) 25.. ~=<- , : eal 153 | COT enc eae el adele oe
edaree tease. = 650 0 || 70 63
Red Cedar.... ae 50 | 40 || 180 52
Ash-leaved M: Ly 2 : ‘ 500 | 440 25, 221
Norway Maple oe 875) | 142 | 110 93
Soft Maple........... aa 7 | 0 2,010 1,946
Russian Olive ..... : : es) ee eer oe eee een: 100 100
Black Walnut... : is} | by |) 1,600 800
Roek: Hm i. 5.) = iby | LZ Vath st Noes apy pephaeeee
Manitoba Ehn ... Sag 982 | QB Tl, cae oaie noe Pe sect epee
American Flni............ é me 600 | 200 320 320
Yellow Birch.. nee
White Birch...... . ae
SEIODCAUEDARC HER Fe, jcc rete | aletge ie ore steele
Canoe Birch ........
Green Ash.. .......
White Ash........
DIR ell ee ao 2
Mountain Ashi... ee RAR AGH Mane ce 7a | Leal | Se ceAGhotE eMgoradotosec.
a 43 eee 54 0 200
LLD@ERhac -'4.9 20.4 SOOM eee ee eee 374 0 530 436
Red Oak aoe eR: pe 2 | igh | ane ee RO a,
AimipricaneBeechias.. =... 62. oo. 8 Mees 200 SO) coveueagoe < Booesare sue
Black Cherry ......... ca dtasaner Teel 114 50 «Bera telsihs auicyestem leerle
White Elm... -........ be eeecls fs is Ags. yeh Se pene ciclo eTRA CE Oe 5,017 4,898
Juniper. ....... Eee SN Eh Re rT Soph ete eae 5 3
Russian Mulbery,...... ie Nal Borge cclace lal eens ce 1,000 849
Linden. Be e213 : SFA 8! ae eRe epee 415 0
Chestnut, sweet. ee ee Se Sorat SEES (acinar TO DAL eae ae EAGT 25 2
nis) (215 16 Sane 5 OR OEE oe ets Sats Eoetic SEeaa oo ube 29 22
Manve Maple erat 5. E. eal cis Piee\|etens ghoesc|ccoudcont ; 215 215
Catalpa .... ..... =: TREE PACER AA AOe” SigoaDe | 850 OMS eererte a.) Waoadc © ogre
Cottonwood........... eae hoes Fiona aoe | 2,000 160 1,000 897
PBIEROPEANTAUGAIS = 22. aie e ss ese - Sects. eee creer 50 big |herepeteacrel Goouebaeeeds
Syeamore:.....-:..---.- EAP ae pear ne Boca 41 0 Wpceer atin ess ene el eager
Be COR OGM ae eo aes ayen paeicton igre naman ala [ic Rietcrancs MO ITEMS Seer 250 150
European Larcli....... .. SRS ee 5 He, rere | 500 | 0 135 42
Butternut. . ee as Dee ge SOR eects Ba Pha 3 ce 625 409
European A ESUAET, cc acl eaky pastecbutrs NR a Rae Has Moric) pantie done 11 11
PEER TITCOM fre. Boles sialeh Se eleljoe aad s-1- PN oct) eu.cly sees Oot OPS 10 9
PGCKOM Yolo s ae n-ne cle sige te niniee ceninie se Rie aeons ecm onstas 15 10
American Mountain Aw ............--.---40---- Bis Sarinceds rae's coAoos 31 30
(Muropean) Mountain Ash ...:. 2. .0. Sti 2 cee ee ete ee cine a |e ese een ale pel 11
Native Maple, Elm and Ash (transplanted), .......)...... +000) seeee eee e eee 17,676 16,980

288

WHERE TREES WERE OBTAINED.

Four thousand nine hundred and forty-seven were received from the Central
Experimental Farm, Ottawa ; 15,450 from Nebraska; 29 from Prof. Budd, Iowa;
215 from Rey. Mr. Fotheringham, Grenfell, 17,676 transplanted from seed sown on
Farm, 1887 and 1888; also 3,450 shrubs and cuttings of willow and poplar from
Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa, and 737 shrubs and cuttings from Prof. Budd.
500 cuttings of seven varieties of our native willow were obtained and planted; a
total of 42,998, and if to these were added 705 fruit trees, a grand total of 43,703

trees, shrubs, &v., were planted in May last.

WHERE PLANTED,

A large number were planted on wind-break on the west side of Farm, This
wind-break is 100 feet wide and extends one mile the entire length of Farm, This
had been two-thirds planted the year before with many varieties of trees, 10 feetapart
each way. Last spring every tree, excepting native maple and afew elm, were found
to be dead. This necessitated almost the entire replanting, which was done, and the
unfinished portion was also planted, but instead of being planted 10 feet apart, the
rows were made 5 feet, and the greater portion set out with trees 5 feet apart
in the rows. t

Our native maple and elm were the principal sorts put out in the plantation,
but a number of pine, spruce, ash, elm, Russian olive, &c., were interspersed.

On the southern portion of farm on banks of the coulée. a block of 5 acres was
planted with box elder or native maple, trees being put 5 feet apart each way, also
two small blocks of 1 acre each on the northern part of Farm. In addition, large
numbers were planted along roads, around dams, buildings, &c., and in nurseries.
It is computed that at least 22 acres of land were set out in trees in May, last.

WILLOWS AND POPLARS,

The following varieties of willow and poplar were planted in 1889.

ee
|

|
Number

Phnteh State, 1890.

Name.

3 growing from tips.
All dead.

Salix, Acutifolia.s .citasiretseisterde esis»

LOR nites Wis. Weeping Willow............-..++- | .

GCOweriny. eee iaersel: Salicc Vioronesh? (1G) letersi ie ccmitteetiereicin All living to tips.

Comm: tee enti. iWihite Wallowyecs cl cistecri en riers = me do from roots.
Ghote hetopes bl SAM PaGlel { Sacsbancsosn ater All dead.

COCR on SopcdltidteKcl): Oscanascescenesdoeote 4 growing from roots.
do Maat IN@OVENe GO. crovcesceaswacones codes All growing from tips.
do SEHR GEN ybgOIED Ase “Sen ooaccooncpoan do roots.

do tips.
|All dead.

NAW RDN ee AION 6

do do) -Warpinianare vtec cme eet

(aloy 1)" Sona Ack do, “Benoa eaters setae 5, poor-growth from roots.
Ty Geet a A dor Byramidalistsce secre | All dead.

DO Faience comes do » ‘Bolleanae-ne-ceseacs ene ()

Ot decn: do) \Atures). 2 Soe near eee 2, growth from tips.

dow =. : do Certinensis Sargent. ..... All dead.

do Patty se do! Notmamedie-..e-cecrrccrce: do

Three varieties of willow, Salix Voronesh, Salix Acutifolia and Norway willow
and 2 of poplar stood last winter well, and made a strong growth this past season.
This year 2,910 cuttings of these willows and poplars were received from Ottawa

_and from Prof, Budd, Iowa, and set out, but only a small percentage grew. Five
hundred cuttings of our native willow were also planted, with no very good results,

SHRUBS.

One thousand three hundred and twenty-seven shrubs of the following varieties
were planted last spring: Alnus incana, Artemisia, Sorbus acuparia, Caragana
arborescens, Alnus glutinosa, Spiraea Van Hottte, Spiraea Fortunei, Spiraea
superba, Syringa De Marley, Spiraea callosa, Spiraea opulifolia, Weigelia
Layallei, Ribes aureum, Viburnum opulus, Syringa vulgaris, Syringa alba,
Deutzia candidissima, Philadelphus nana, Philadelphus coronaria, Berberis
purpurea, Spirea Bullata, Berberis vulgaris, Symphoricarpus racemosus. ‘The fol-
lowing list shows the proportion which survived :—

PLANTED IN 1889.

Name. Number. | Condition in 1890.
e
Figgstrum RUPE eS Saoporecpostbee Bab au gonG sopba ode 46 All dead.
ES INEPERUORCAIA 2c. vec lor sca uaee,nauatiec oem sale ils : 155 do
do tortuosa..... SST Fie tad eater cree opach crate eerste cone 9 3 living.
Cytisus alpinus...... MASTERED Cart A Ol 16 All dead.
PID UMECAINGMLAL 01 <.< 1-5 0's)\s0 25/<1s Zac. Aclapevnl-a ise eae tay ER 54 19 living.
PI HMMEIRETEN TIT -5) olsen cleric tie Oe elon cena ieee 80 All dead.
SUPANISNNPSCOPATTUTOS © oc, fhe Gas deca cede Seen twee 48 do
Robinia bessoniana ....... = Saas bed demetae steet Galina as (iti 18 living.
ge, Hla a ede s Recipe oe eee aby socen ear eos ; 20 All dea
PONENT EIR ROTATES Merle) cera ee =. oa sacle wit aie Sele Fee 6 do

45 do
if do
24 do
12 2 living.
71 55 do
t 6 do

10 All dead.
per ais Lar cet SY 17 8 living.
CEVA ESES) 1055 Od Zo) Ee oC th All dead.

PBELDATIS VIIPATIS. .. 2... 52. «8-22 oe eae eles beeen 3 lliving. —
Colutea halepica.. ......... = ottiad: (LS BARONS REE Ter, 22 All dead.
Genista tinctoria................ Sa a on ee 5 do
UPSD EOD er pO Oe ae mee ae Ronee eee ome Cee hae 24 do
NOMA IRUABIIRUAGUELCILONA £6 65.5 ci. 5 =e usraers ele Ge altlen ge 7 do
TSGUnirs, Cees Oe i re Be 16 do
+ Ceanothus Americanus............ ... .-. f a 16 do
RSPIPACAICHHOSH |. 0 wine ce eee nee fe Sd Perak peo 11 10 living.
BS GsUNMEEU NATION 25. (0is de crpe lias cnc sess aiecenle =o D4 All dead.
PODUVEA OLUMOILON A. 5.) nce eters cre eine eee dw vie eevee 3 do
DP LEE BE CAT CIR Bae Glee ce Seine See DOGRT tee tapIaesne Ha he 24 do
( VIEALD.”. cous BOOS ea eMeo HES POS ODNGtREMEGECen cot pate 1 do
Colutea frutescens 21 do
Acer Ginnala.. ... 2 2 living.
Philad. Zeyheri.. si 5 All dead,
A do earnaia. SES IOs Far Sens caved k oe
Tone LD oa a eee Gee eee ee iving.
Micieclis MEV ULLE DNC copes =) aiasaicl. ates @ te ee nae 7 All dead
“SANDS... -.y eeased ROMS a RE ae NE Seen eoeesen nite 80 do
TPCT, GUINEA Te) Sa OOO ie Bee Seer eal ae TR Ea ran crear acre 2 do
RpAEM PHTOUBAINAPCNSIR. 3. G2 cee k lec ocieieelh s ww beulsisies en 2 do
PVT EMMTADGLACUIN sc 9-2 cine nie) =e n)anie ee wins ticene 2 2 living.
PAB Nee RO ALO NT CA: set sleciein.s me pies ereicieeie cia ole syeleteeie pales ele 6 All dead
BMEBEMUEITOS as = eosin vies 2 sna Salone > «snap aaiee 1 1 living
Synge TIDE yet eis 2 RSE Ea eee ese Alimiemb 2 2 do
BIPSNIAPDESDOISI sso. cioe pe cee e cee oes int tislelse ee ete ool 2 All dead.
1 SUED LUD Begg e nee ote paPtp Sanaa ge accede cecpecce 1 iL living.
05 32, 10.210 ES Seppo bee Spend Speers iaaeaare lack 6 ido
MME SEPRRTIOCOCUIE) 5 ssc icis- fer ee tb Sine t hs wd mela ope olin tino wale i! All dead.
; OMEBEAMUINOLAs 00-2, i oe) nae ese gicesiiye cles isinie 2; do
EPPPAPAMAIOTDOLESCONS: 4. faeces een tia reenes intends eee 1 1 living.
td) en SS concur a ate eras ewig z All oe
ao
| 2 | Qliving.
70 45 do
5 2 do

290

From the foregoing it will be seen that the Syringas, Caraganas and Spiraeas,
came through fairly well. Out of the whole list Caragana, Syringa alba, and Acer
Ginnala came through in perfect condition, and can safely be recommended for trial.
To these may be added Eleagnus or Russian Olive which was planted in 1888, has
stood two winters and during the past year made good growth.

TREE SEEDS.

Maple seeds were sown in the spring of 1889 and in the fall of the same year.
Large numbers of the spring sowing were blown out, but many survived and made
a growth of 6 to 8 inches, and this year are 20 to 24inches high. Those sown in
the fall came up in time to be completely destroyed by wind in May.

Two bushels of black walnuts were sown in 1889. From these 40 trees grew,
but none lived through the winter. :

A large quantity of elm seeds was also sown in the spring of 1889, but between
winds and failure to germinate, only a few hundred grew.

This last season, large quantities of maple, ash and elm were sown in May, June
and July. Those sown in June have done the best on account of not being troubled
by winds after they appeared above ground. In October, 3 bushels hazel nuts, 12
bushels acorns, 2 bushels of wild cherry seeds, 2 bushels saskatoons. and 2 bushels
hawthorns were sown in beds. Several bushels of Manitoba maple aud ash seeds were
sown in October. According to, instructions, I had picked by half-breeds in the
Qu’Appelle Valley the large quantity of 156 two bushel bags of maple, and 83 bags
of ash seed. With a part of these it is intended to sow a large area of land in
the spring, so as to have a plentiful supply of young trees for tvansplanting and
distribution. The portion not required for the Iudian Head Farm has been
forwarded to Ottawa for general distribution.

HORSES,

Kleven horses constitute the force on hand. Nine of them are draught and two
general purpose. Excepting a few attacks of colic, no sickness has taken place
among the horses since my last report. All are well at present and in good condi-
tion. Since work stopped in the fall, no hay has been fed. Cut oat sheave , bran
and straw constitute their food,

CATTLE,

During October a selection of cattle was made from these on the Central Farm,
ut Ottawa, of the following breeds :—Shorthorns, Ayrshires, Holsteins and Polled
Angus. Of the Shorthorns, 1 bull, 3 cows and 1 heifer were obtained; Ayrshires, 1
bull, 1 cow and 2 heifers; Holsteins, 1 bull and 3 cows, and Polled Angus, 1 bull and
two cows. Since their arrival, one of the Polled Angus cows has increased the herd
by the birth of a heifer calf. In the month of November, two cows and nine heifers
were purchased from farmers. Ten of these are the ordinary Shorthorn grades of
the country and one a Polled Angus grade. They were obtained for the purpose of
crossing with the pure-bred bulls on the Farm. Since their purchase three births
have taken place.

In the following list the particulars of their breeding are given, the animals
having been selected from strains likely to be very useful in the North-West :—

Shorthorn Bull.

Rosy Prince 8th, No. 9,198, C. H. B.—Date of birth, 6th November, 1886;
colour red, with a little white; bred by Richard Gibson, Delaware, Ontario; sire
Wild Eyes Laddie, No. 67,992, fH. H.B.; dam Rosy Princess 7th, by 7th Lord of
Oxford.

Shorthorn Cows and Heifers.

Wild Flower, No. 14206.—Date of birth, 3rd April, 1886; colour red and white ;
bred by Richard Gibson, Delaware, Ontario; sire, Wild Eyes Laddie No, 9192 C.H.B. ;
dam, Hermosa by Prince 3344; 2nd dam, Rose by Viceroy of Richmond.

291

Cowslip 3rd, No. 16646.—Date of birth, 13th October, 1886; colourred; bred by
James Graham, Port Perry, Ontario; sire Prince Victor 5th; dam, Cowslip 2nd by
Royal Buck 2374; 2nd dam, Cowslip 797 by Senator 1058.

Red Rosebud 2nd, No, 16918.—Date of birth, 14th November, 1887; colour red
and white; bred by John Miller & Sons, Brougham, Ontario; sire, Vice Consul
(Imp.) 4132; dam, Rosebud (Imp.) 5205, by Gladstone 43286; 2nd dam, Rosebud 6th,
by Sir Christopher 22895.

Nellie Elgins, No.—Date of birth, 31st December, 1889; colour red; bred at
Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa, Ontario; sire, Mazurka Duke 5th; dam, Miss
Elgins 5th, No, 16644 by Minna Duke No. 2108 C.H.B.; 2nd dam, Miss Elgins 2nd
No. 4108.

Holstein Friesian Bull.

“Onetta’s Edgely,” No. 11308.—Date of birth, 8th October, 1888 ; colour black,
with white markings; bred by Smith Bros, Churchville, Ontario; sire Duke of
Edgely, H. F. 552; dam Onetta D.F. 1816.

Holstein Friesian Cows.

Abi, H.F.H.B. 9831.—Date of birth, 5th July, 1887; colour black, with white
patches; bred by C. F. Sweezey, Marion, N.Y.; sire, Oatka 3rd Neptune, jr., H.H.B.
4531; dam, Snowie, H.F.H.B, 3114, by Empire Boy, H.H.B.2615; 2nd dam, Rosa-
lind, H.H.B. 577.

Bonnie Kthel’s Mercedes, H.F.H.B, 11243.—Date of birth, 5th April, 1888; colour
black, with white markings; bred by Thomas E. Wales, jr., Iowa City, lowa; sire,
Mercedes Prince, H.H.B. 2150; dam, Bonnie Ethel, H.H.B. 9510.

Siepkje 3rd Queen.—Date of birth, 11th September, 1888; colour black, with
white markings; bred by W. A. Rowley, Mount Clemens, Mich.; sire Macomb Boy,
H.F.H.B. 8734; dam, Siepkje 3rd, H.F,H.B. 2387.

Ayrshire Bull.

Pride of Carleton, No.—Date of birth, 3rd August, 1889; colour red, with white
spots; bred at Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa, Ontario; sire, Rob Roy 3971;
dam, Clara No. 3590 by Promotion; 2nd dam, Maud No, 2356.

Ayrshire Cows and Heifers.

Gipsy, No. 3979.—Date of birth, 15th August, 1886; colour red, with white
spots; bred by James Drummond, Petite Céte, Quebec; sire, Promotion 3212,
imported ; dam Victoria 2931, by Lorne 2227; 2nd dam, Effie 579, by Gordie 26.

Viola, No. 943.—Date of birth, 1st November, 1888; colour white and red; bred
by David Nicol, Cataraqui, Ontario; sire, Norseman 478; dam, Dido 942, by General
155; 2nd dam, Dora 244, by Douglas 148.

Eve, No.—Date of birth, 2nd October, 1889; colour red, with white markings ;
bred at Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa, Ontario; sire, Rob Roy 3971; dam,
Eva No. 3828, by Promotion ; 2nd dam, Bell 3131.

Polled Angus Bull Calf.
Date of birth, 3rd March, 1890; colour black, bred at Central Experimental

P Farm, Ottawa, Ontario; sire, King of Eastview, No. 8780; dam, Dolly Varden, of Hast-

view, No. 6792, by Knight of Canada, No, 5622; 2nd dam, Dolly Varden 3rd, No.
3458,
Polled Angus Cows.

Pride of Eastview, No. 6809.—Date of birth, 3rd October, 1886; colour black,
bred by late Hon. J. H, Pope, Cookshire, Quebec ; sire, Knight of Canada, 5622 ;
dam, Pride of Montbletton 3rd, 3473.

Stella of Eastview, No. 7638—Date of birth, 14th June, 1887; colour black;
bred by late Hon. J. H. Pope, Cookshire, Quebec; sire, Knight of Canada, 5622 ;

» dam, Stella of Ardconnon, 4929.

6c—194

POULTRY,

Three breeds of poultry were obtained from Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa,
last October, namely :—Plymouth Rocks, Light Brahmas and Houdans. When a
poultry house is built further breeds will be added to these.

BEES.
Two hives of bees were obtained last summer but were late in reaching

here and made little or no honey afterwards. Before putting them into the cellar —

they were supplied with sugar to carry them over the winter.
LAND PREPARED FoR 1891.

Two hundred and fifteen acres have been summer fallowed during the past
season. Of this 105 acres were ploughed twice and several times harrowed ; 70 acres
were ploughed once and cultivated from 2 to 3 inches deep and harrowed 3 times.
40 acres were gang-ploughed in the fall of 1889; ploughed once in 1890 and twice
harrowed. Fifteen acres stubbleland was ploughed in October for testing purposes
next year; 10 acres were also gang ploughed.

No weeds were allowed to grow over 2 inches high at any time on the
fallow. One hundred acres were in crop in 1889, and 105 acres had not been
cropped since Experimental Farm commenced. and was in consequence in a very
bad state with wild buckwheat and pig weed.

OTHER WORK,

One new dam was built, before frost set in, across the coolée on the north part
of the Farm, to collect water for the stock during the summer; additions were also
made to the drains already built; some new roads were made and kept in order
where crops were growing ; and some grading done about the buildings.

WATER.

Iam pleased to report the purchase of a wind-mill and the necessary piping to
bring from one of the dams to the barn the supply of water required for stock and
other purposes, and trust the further drawing of water from tanks will be avoided
after the spring opens.

This fall, cisterns in the dwelling houses and a large tank in basement of barn
were made and well filled with rain-water collected from the roofs, before winter set
in. They are found to be of great use, especially that one in the barn for supplying
water to the stock during cold weather.

BUILDINGS.

No new buildings or additions were made during the past year. An implement
house is urgently needed, for, on account of the large crop, no room can be found in
the barn, and a temporary erection provides poor shelter for costly imple-
ments. A good sized granary was put up in the barn during the summer, but part
of the oat crop filled it. Wheat, barley and much of the oats had to be put in bins or
sacks on the barn floor, or in the basement.

FAIRS.

During the month of October the Fall Fairs held in Whitewood, Broadview,

Grenfell, Indian Head and Regina were attended with an exhibit of the products of —

the Farm, Samples of the various grains were shown in the straw and in bottles or
bags ; also a collection of 82 varieties of potatoes and 40 varieties of our native
grasses, mostly gathered on the Experimental Farm. A collection of the grain in
straw, grown on the Farm, was also sent to the Central Fair at Ottawa, and shown at
the Toronto, London and Ottawa Exhibitions. A collection of the better sorts of
barley, wheat and oats in straw was also sent to the Board of Trade, Regina, and
from there forwarded with other exhibits of the North-West Territories, in a special
car through Ontario, Quebec and the Maritime Provinces.
I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your obedient servant,
ANGUS McKAY,
Superintendent.

¥

EXPERIMENTAL FARM FOR BRITISH COLUMBIA.

REPORT OF THOMAS A. SHARPE, SUPERINTENDENT.
Aaassiz, B. C., Dee. 31, 1891

To Wm. Saunners, Esq.,
Director Dominion Experimental Farms,

Ottawa.
4
Sir,—I have the honour to submit the following report of the work done on the
Experimental arm at Agassiz, B. C., for the year 1890.
The winter of 1889 and 1890 was the severest known in this district for some
years past, the ground was frozen to a considerable depth early in January. The
spring was rather wet and cold, and although during the latter part of haying and
through harvest we had rather unsettled weather, yet the summer has on the whole
been a favourable one for the growth of grain, and root crops. Up to this date
there has only been two slight frosts, pansies, daisies and other hardy flowers are
unhurt.
During the winter we had plenty of work for the men employed, as there was
a large quantity of birch, alder, and other roots to be hauled otf the ploughed land, .
the weather being too wet to admit of burning them in piles on the ground. We
- took off during the winter, and in spring after the second ploughing, over six
hundred wagon loads, which were burned when dry.
On the 10th of March we began clearing a piece of bench iand at the base of the
mountain, for grapes and other fruits, and cleared ground sufficient to plant a smail
orchard of peach, nectarine, apricot, cher ry and fig trees, as well as grape vines, of
which the following is a list

PEACHES.
1. Schumacher. 1. Hilborn.
1. Early Rivers. 1. Lord Palmers:on,
1. Amsden. 1, Salway.
1. Mountain Rose. 2. Late Crawford.
2. Wager. 1. Stevens’ Rare Ripe. |
1. Old Mixon. 2. Foster.
1. Wheatland. 1. Waterloo.
_ 1. Early Barnard. 1, Alexander.
1. Early Beatrice. 1, Lemon Cling.
1, Golden Cling. 1. Coolidges Favourite.
1. Early Canada. 1. Stump the World. (
2. Early York. 1. Globe.
3. Early Crawford. 1. Hale’s Early.
1. Aiken. 1, Smock.
Three of these trees have died, the rest have done well.
APRICOTS.
1. Nicholas. ;
NECTARINES. iy
1. Pitmaston’s Orange. 1. Boston. wi

204
CHERRIES,
1. May Duke. 1. Lieb.
1. Windsor. 1. Black Evgle.
1. Mezel. 1. Black Tartarian,
1. Early Richmond. 1. Knight’s Karly Black,
1. Yellow Spanish.
FIGS.
2. Brown Turkey. 2. Karly Violet.
ORANGE,

1. Satsuma Orange from Japan.

All of these trees made a good growth.

GRAPE VINES.
2. Clinton.
2. Delaware.

. Rogers 34.
. Worden.
. Brighton.

These have all made a very fair growth.

The land on the bench being warm and dry and earlier than that on the level,
this was done before the level land was sufficiently thawed to allow of its being
worked.

As soon as the frost was out of the level land harrowing was begun with the
disk and drag harrows, and after getting the ground well harrowed down, it was
cross ploughed and again thoroughly harrowed when the fruit trees received and
heeled in last fall were planted and plots sown with wheat, oats, barley and roots.

bo os bo

GRAIN,
The varieties of fall wheat, and rye, sown last fall have all done fairly well,
considering that the land could not be got in good condition, in the short time we
had to prepare it previous to planting.

| al |
| r Number Number
Fall Wheat. | Date when Date. Rise of Pounds | of Pounds
i : ; Sown. Harvested.
i}
= — = — | —o = —— | —————
| 1889. 1890
ESRC NES cee aa A srt MAains Aetbicis cadicode gota. Oct 30) -e.)Aug: miles 6} 133
PUBEIN ANIA, Sxsye xh ler « asaiea-e oltiahess Lye ye as ce eaee ee do 31....\July 30.. 5s 93
Democrat .... 2 eleventh 4 pieieus' okiareratera(heeats Meas Nov. -1.. do. 30:.2.] 6 98
Carter's Eby DrId! Alice «cs ccten Geen tote enn teres Dec. 18..../Aug. 19.. 1 29
o Bae hee it eet ay te eee Glove ahs do A337: 1 31
do LOA err es Attar: Pete nate ed nee I, do 20.. Coley abet: 1 20
do i DN GPUS at eae ty, fait Mees Ya do 20.. dow 19. 1 prt
do ey PHP merase Cate hes of Pen Mo 20s. dom Lo see 1 28
do Gz Helis Pete. os 6A 21 vdos 10aeas 1 | 22
do Ts pe RENAL RE do 21-2 doa 198s 1 24
do die ye os CPE: Com Zee ae) Gomes 1 18
do | Ak Per! ai 4 nS do. 921 sido OE 1 28
Fall Rye. |
Giant Reading.....-...... us agehiese pee as):eNOV hyd) Sots 5 92,
POLAT asf co ssar nic isva este areeerein aes eae ene eer ae edowe Laie dow aSiias: 54 100

The varieties of spring grain were sown on land newly reclaimed and could not
be expected to do much under such conditions. The general experience of the old
settlers in British Columbia goes to show that it takes two or three years of cultiva-
tion to get this fern land into condition, to do itself justice, and the experience
gained this year on the Experimental Farm confirms this view. I hope, however,
to be able to shorten this time somewhat, as arrangements have been made with the

~~

ss

oe oe a

Se ee

bo
=)
or

Canadian Pacific Railway to leave their stock cars here long enough to admit of the
manure being taken out of them, and I hope in this way to get during the winter—
together with what will be made on the farm—a sufficient quantity to dress most of
the land that was broken last fall. In cleaning the land all the ashes from the
burned wood and roots were saved and used to dress the land about the newly = =
planted fruit trees, and where applied early in the season, produced most satisfac-
tory results. The peaches especially showing more than double the growth and a
healthier appearance, where the ashes were applied, than those not so treated.

7 1
| |
| |

f Number | Number of
Spring Wheat. 1 Date | Datewhen | of Pounds | _ Pounds
| when Sown. | Harvested.) “go. Hasvosted
| |
1890... | 1890. | i
|
(CST E02 Na GP One ee a April’ 3... Aug. 293, .: 1 35 x
Campbell’s Triumph May @'Gle--n doje Oke 3 } 45 4
(CAG Ga) 0 done, Geoitda mene 3 | 44 ;
Hunpanan Mountain. «2.2.0.5. 6222s een ee cee ees do) \622-- do) se 2a 3 43 =)
MRE LER te = ajc cae cinc\e cesetemenee ot ree do) "65-.-) doe) 2675-. 3 45 c
emcee eee ee oe i's oo Tacs eae sde see Gen do 2%... 3 35
wedpite: oa. -c =... 6:23.) dowe28 25 3 31 \
White Fife 6.5.4) don g28tos 3 45 a
Red Fern... Bice) do) 28s 3 35 .
Rio Grande 62. 4:4%d0) 42825: 3 7
Re UCe SR nIbE TONAL... 2. ook, os soe cs eacen eee do") (655-2)"do™ Zoe. 3 48
eiirrexct Prolite ceed oe 6 os) cto | Neyseicenigs - 2's Sicelels dor (6U..24) do: 26555: 3 13 ;
‘Vinee TERT STW the Sy gps aR an aM Rodel bs Peal Ri fs [ops Sot 3 61 '
WPCA ARTS EIN ie oi fo ovis ols <.ciciwiseele)= stoseeials els \eiate ele = ve do 6..../Sept. 4.... 8} 98
|
Barley. | ,
Large Two-rowed Naked .......... 0 s.0ceke8 wee uees do 6....|Aug. 6 54 R ;
En dish CUS ee cone eee Sr aaOnoe are nea amere do 6. D 6 389
ore ooo vis.5 Sloreie o\s.v.2 aman nie sSinla ier do” «Gs. 6 79 .
Reina’ SplIMpYOVveUOIX:rOWEd ... 6. Jus sce cieicicie = ce sie Game Ones 6 | 7
ours STccirsy a0 ly See oe Reg Atenas 8 ao See domes 6a 6 64 + net
WPiTe iD U0 20 ee ee ee do Gres 6 61 d
paiuirpe sec as esmes Dee eset ae dpe Gee: 6 $5 ;
SEMTLES S.A BGs ese eee eas Ae do 6... 6 59
ite Prolific ey en ener iste heen eee slo. Sian 6 65 :
Oe Odlessa......... do 6.. 6 76
3 ~ Cae Melon... do 6.. 6 25 :
a Danish Chevalier _ do 6. 6 47 A
— ~__do_ Printice Chevalier (ee 6 56 <a
é WGI S 6a. on ¥ do) 162: 6 38 i
Dag? 2B eee Se ee eae eens eae dol pe 6 30 cia
English PNMUNEN SID errata = = tay aiett Vonalar Micke oats trots sane oie do 6.. 6 39 ‘
niprayeduehoyalien. 2.~ . .<).2% 6 ea 2 -risia 2-8 = do} Gis.) 6 24
Six-rowed Wheat ............ Vial Bist ceisre ate Sea re ts) C See 6 47 :
Spiti Valley (Indian).. ... eee Tee oMe nn Sune settice dol ibe. 3 | 10 4
Oats | | vt
| ap
MB ESrical luster ets 5 .chscl ci qitdsa kein 2045-22 922<1 do! 6.0. 6 70
MERA ETaz eerie... c as/a- fone, d e's rt tes = ey =~ els dp. | Gees 6 69
PERNA NUOIAPINS «(soo =) cic cin ei nieleiins = cit minis “le doy Gs-0 6 | 58 ‘
SITET oe oe, os) So Sin a cle om 2 clei aioe aie ae do 6 6 50 {
4 VERT TEIN, [Boe Gn pag eee ees poop oddeey Beomeacoene | do 6 6 68
Mar ICPERACANOTHE bc s)so24's sais ceeicielas «cpule tebe elt ido 6....\Aug 6 66
_ Flying Scotchman . Be AO es PC eS Phe As ho 6 69
) Crean Begytian White. . ag 6x: 6 51 BS
MERIT PUAN co... 565 wae eee do 6.. GF
ptian an White SORE RI EOD (Ene it oo nee Bal elu USE = 6 54
Ween -5. OS SSRRED OEE SE Ps cope pe pee es Fe do r eee 6 5d
PRIMI PY 6 onc eee open eros ais os Eicsaneis) ko hee Npril 25.222 1 48
py Rosedale. --...-... MARE eae ts SS Beecher | do 25..:.} 1 2
|

Nore.—Golden Grains and Rosedale oats were sown on old land, which probably accounts for the great
difference in their yield.

CORN.

There were 29 varieties of corn planted on 13th and 14th of May for fodder.
Tt was sown with the grain-drill, in rows 36 inches apart, and cultivated to kill the
ferns, Some of the varieties made a very fair growth, but only a few matured
corn. There was considerable difficulty in getting it cured for fodder owing to the
frequent rains and the yield on the newly broken land was small. Further tests
will be needed to determine its relative value for fodder here.

The following is the weight of yield per acre :—

Por Ate
No. 1 Moore’s Early Concord, corn matured, one of the best.. 10
** 2 Crosby’s Early Sugar, corn matured, good...............+.

3 Early Mammoth, no corn, ears did not forin......... .... abe
“4 Early Adams, corn matured to glazing stage.............. 5
“ 5 Extra Early Adams, corn matured to glazing stage...... 5
“6 Mitchell’s Extra Early White Flint, produced some

Matured CALs? ce. -0n-caccac concceescneeseeseneacee eecse eure 5
“ Long White Flint, ears did not torm...............:06. se.0 8
“ 8 Long Yellow Flint, ears did not form..................00066 8
‘© 9 Thoroughbred White Flint, ears did not form............. 8
‘* 10 Cory Sugar, matured corn, a small growing sort, not a
PROCS GIG ood costoacdeppondoodonrvocodbosusuandctine -poconctigdossy: 4
“ 11 Marblehead Sugar, matured corn, ears very small....... 4
“12 Narraganset, sweet, corn did not fill to tips of cob....... 8
“13 Perry’s Hybrid, did not produce corn.......... eLAbacoaG00 10
“14 Chester Co. Mammoth, no corn formed...................645 12
‘15 Minnesota Sweet, produced corn, ears smull............... 6
“ 16 Stowell’s Evergeen, no ears formed.................... 0000s 12
“17 King Philip, produced corn to roasting stage, ears did
NOG ANGLO MP seemaceeateresseae-serscse= Rapepoansrescecent + 2005" 7
18 Hickory King, roasting ear corn, good........ ......0..0- 8
19 Queen of the Prairie, no ears formed..............-.2-...++« 10
20 Golden Beauty, no ears formed....... ..............000--20000+ 8
“72 Golden Dent; no ears! formed ars. s.5.054-2esse-e see eeeeaeeee 8
‘22 Amber Queen, roasting ear corn, good....... ......s0.... 10
“23 Long Yellow, no ears formed ..0. 20. ... i c2.5.. sees snes usnoee 10
«24 Leaming. Yellow,.no ears formed .-..-............2,..sseers 8
‘25> Blunt's) Brolifie: melears formed... 25... ees cae ce- ences 10
‘26 Virginia Horse-tooth, no ears formed.................0...605 10
“9% Pee and Kay, no ears formed. ..-..o.. 2. -1ccceccecaenrensees 12
28 Fifty day corn, ears formed but very small................. 3
29 Tom Thumb, no ears formed, planted 9th June............ 1

SOUTHERN COW PEA,

A small quantity was sown of the Southern Cow Pea so valuable for fodder in
the Southern States. Evidently the summer is not hot enough here for them, they
made a very poor growth and do not promise to be of much value in this province.

ENGLISH HORSE-BEANS.,

Three pounds ot these were planted and did fairly well, but not having barn
room in which to dry them they sprouted in the pod and were spoiled.

BEANS.

Owing to wet weather and a press of other work, the beans were not harvested
promptly when ripe, but pulled and put under cover as opportunity offered. The
Black Wax was the first to ripen followed by Negro Extra Early. Others ripened
in rapid succession.

Fe

- 297 eet»

| : ~ Number | Number : #
Beans. Dae a hen | of Pounds | of Pounds ,
Ra Sown. Harvested. £
== |
1890. i
BCE I PAVECIE NV EIU 0 oo ate nels coir pice a Ay fs cle eee eh oie eS May 9. 3 47 3
EFunTeCIEOLONG hs 3625 20k, ke tl ee aah © Dieieann eal April 29... .} 3 65 x
irmers..... DALAM Se ME 5 Ron, sical ai ARPA i ae ae Sa May 17... 3 35 :
SITAPTOMMVANIRAN, | oR oan shan, «Ao eae Neg Aeacl -eeysese noun ead do) {7 cau 3 53
= OES EE Ss aeRO ee soa ae CAO a yen. 58H cinwAbisens 3 55
Sra rg 3 Ue a eS I PERU Pan April 27... | 3 13
Ghevrier......... Sngvitsil es Sach cin. ote iu ey Rape nee pe May 8.... 3 37 /
edimk earl erwose Pedrome!!: o0.. Sar. ca. heb sa siayores bewandewebres do}, 1322.2 3 36. ‘
AMES TDS 0h 4 cir Renee Ae a ee A Loom «eA do 13... .} 3 2
Pa lePEP OTR CSI 2: io pads -fele ts Sols 2A slasns stay hn aeons oka doze es 3 39 ¥
Schirmer’s Purple-seeded....... 0 ...2.......2..0.... ae eee! doje l2is ct | 3 32 ty,
DP VAS a ag Er hear Ae 3 | 51 v ;
Ndi i a ec doe ise] 3 39
WWeergiBlack= Tiong-podded -;.2.....: 0.2.2... - 2200) cance do. 7.25. 3 28 ‘
Flageolet, Purple-seeded. . Hea oe ee Tha RAS re aie Abe do! 125.2% 3 | 31 _
Strere [epi ARO ee ae a eee NOTE er Oe aie oes April 25.... 3 53
it leaii eal ela ae. Er Be Se ea een mee Rae ern eee 8 8 May 9... 3 32
Golden Butter-wax, Black . .......... A nenens docked coo. April 28.... 3 36
‘ Empress A: BR FN Sisters cjoven) stake Rectan. Pelase ee Meee eo do 425k. 1 8 ~
Sugar, Grey Aris] 800 Oe ae ee Ree Sethe geen Ae Ene Mee Ee Mie? ots) ace 3 47 .
POTATOES. y
There were 31 varieties of seedlings received from the Central Experimenta} ey
Farm, these were planted in rows 3 feet apart and about 1 foot in the row. a
They are being tested as to their table qualities, and those of merit will be planted si

next year. A few of them were so badly rotted as to be worthless.
The following are the weights from potatoes planted:

Dee Number Number ~

Date
of Pounds | of Pounds
Planted. | Harvested. Plinted! Yield.

to
Sy

in
S

Rho Go Go So Go Go Go Go Go Go G8 bo be So Go Oo Go ND Go G9 G2 Go Go Go Oe Go Ge Go Go Go SO
be
Ww

he
1
1

TURNIPS AND MANGELS.

There were five varieties of Swede turnips sown 20th June in drills, 3 feet apart,
Elephant Swede, Skirvings Purple Top, Lord Derby, Queen of the Swedes, and Bang-
holm, all of which made a medium growth, some of each variety were sown in ridged
and some in flat drills, but there was no apparent difference in growth from the time
they appeared above ground until harvested.

Tour varieties of mangels were sown 18th April, Mammoth Prize Long Red,
Mammoth Long Yellow, Golden Intermediate, Warden Prize Yellow Globe.

The Long Red and Yellow Globe gave the best returns.

FIELD CARROTS.

Two varieties of field carrots were sown 22nd April, Orange Giant and Mitchell’s
Perfection. Both of these gave good returns.

FRUITS.

The old orchard has been carefully cultivated and kept clean. There was a fair
crop of apples this year, but many of them were so badly damaged by scab as to be
unfit for use. There were small exhibits sent to Brandon and Indian Head to be
shown in the North-West, with the products from the Experimental Farms at those
places, to the Central Experimental Farm in Ottawa, also to the exhibition at Calgary
Alta.

Two hundred and seventy-seven apple trees comprising 78 varieties were received
last fall, these were planted this spring, and all except two have made a good healthy
evowth. In addition we have received and planted this autumn 44 trees of 19 varieties,
making altogether 421 trees and 97 varieties of which the following is a list :—

No. of No. of

Treas! Variety. Te ces Variety.
7 Golden Russet, . 2 Lady,
2Henry do 2 Ontario,
3 Anis, 2 Hyde’s King of the West,
3 American Pippin, 2 Wagener,
5 Alexander, 2 North-Western Greening,
3 Bottle Greening (one dead), 2 White Pippin,
7 Ben Davis, 2 Rawles Janet,
7 Baldwin, 2 Lawver,
2 Blue Pearmain, 2 Stark,
3 Blenheim Orange, 3 Hurlburt,
3 Belle de Boskoop, 3 Hastings,
2 Bombshell, 2 Jonathan,
2 Builey’s Sweet, 2 Jersey Sweet,
2 Canada Red, 5 King,
3 do Baldwin, 2 Keswick Codlin,
3 Carolina Red June, 3 Longfield,
3 Cooper’s Market, 5 Maiden’s Blush,
5 Colvert, 7 Mann,
3 Chenango Strawberry, 4 McIntosh Red,

12 Duchess of Oldenburg, 3 McMahon’s White,
5 Fameuse, 2 Mayne Island (one dead),
5 Early Harvest, 2 Magog Red Streak,
2 Fallawater, 4 Northern Spy,
3 Fanny, 2 Oregon Red Cheek,
7 Gravenstein, 3 Peach of Montreal,
5 Grimes’ Golden, 5 Peck’s Pleasant,
3 Fall Jennetting, 2 Pewaukee,
5 Haas, 3 Ribston Pippin,

~ 3 Sweet Bough, 5 Red Bietigheimer,

3 Sutton’s Beauty, 3 Rolfe,

No. of No. of

Trees. Variety. qicncs Variety.
3 Salome, 5 R. I. Greening,
3 Shannon, 2 Rambo,
3 Smith’s Cider, § Red Astrachan,
2 Spitzenburgh, 2 Swaar, ; »
7 Twenty Ounce, 2 Seek No Further,
2 Tolman’s Sweet, 3 St. Lawrence,
5 Tetofsky, 3 Scott’s Winter,
2 Waxen, 2 Cano,
3 Wellington, 2 Rome Beauty,
9

3 Winter St. Lawrence, Bullock’s Pippin,

3 Wolf River, 2 Roxbury Russet,

7 Wealthy, 2 Hubbardston’s Nonesuch,
2 Walbridge, 2 Autumn Strawberry,

5 Yellow Belleflower, 2 L.S. Pearmain,

3 Warner’s King, 2 Fall Pippin.

5 Yellow Transparent, Crab Apples.
2 Autumn Swaar, 2 Montreal Beauty,

2 Stump, 2 Whitney,

2 Shiawassa Beauty, 2 Transcendent,

2 Western Beauty, 2 Yellow Siberian,

2 Delaware Winter, 2 General Grant,
2 Arnold’s Beauty, 4 Hyslop.—In all 14 trees of 6 varieties.
PEARS.

Last fall 143 pear trees of 36 varieties were received; they were planted in the
orchard this spring and have done well. This season there was sent from the
Central Experimental Farm and other sources 36 std. pear trees, 16 varieties, making
a total of 179 trees and 52 varieties of which the following is a list:—

No. of

Trees. Variety. Trees. Variety.
2 Armond Morrell, 4 Lawrence,
8 Bartlett, 2 La Conte,
7 Beurre Easter, 3 Mount Vernon,
3 Beurre Diel, 5 Margaret,
3 Beurre Hardy, 5 Osband’s Summer,
5 Beurre Clairgeau, 2 Passe Colmar,
7 Beurre d’Anjou, 3 President,
3 Buffum, 3 Ritson,
7 Clapp’s Favourite, 5 Sheldon,
7 Duchess d’Angouleme, 7 Seckel,
3 Doyenne d’Ete, 4 Souvenir de Congress,
2 Grey Doyenne, 3 Summer Belle,
2 White Doyenne, 5 Tyson,
3 Doyenne Boussock, 2 Winter Nelis,
2 Karly Madeline, 2 Dula Medovska,
8 Flemish Beauty, 2 Tonkovietka,
3 Goodale, 1 Dempsey,
3 Howell, 2 Sapieganka,
2 Keiffer, 2 Bessemianka,
2 Dearborn’s Seedling, 5 Vicar ef Winkfield,
5 Louise Bon de Jersey, 6 Kurskaya, —
2 Souvenir d’Esperin, 2 Frederick Clapp,
2 Belle Lucrative, 2 Brandywine,
2 Madeline, 3 Idaho,
1 Wilder, 2 Onondaga,
1 Salviata, 2 Beurre Bose.

: : eae ao.
i cote
5 | ,
300
All those planted last spring have made vigorous growth. '
The following dwarf pear trees were also received :—
\
No. of ~ No. of Ten eae
Trees. Variety. Trees. Variety.
2 Beurre d’Anjou, 2 Josephine de Malines,
2 Doyenne Boussock, 2 Kieffer,
2 Bartlett, 2 Louise Bon de Jersey .
2 Beurre Easter, 2 Lawrence, F
2 Duchess d’Angouleme, 2 Margaret,
2 Clapp’s Favourite, 2 Seckel,
2 White Doyenne, 2 Urbaniste,
2 Beurre Hardy, 2 Tyson,
2 Howell, 4 Beurre Superfin.
A total of 38 trees of 18 varieties; all have made a good growth.
PLUMS. ;

The plums have all lived and made a fine growth, some of this year’s shoots
I g ; iy

being over six feet long. The following is a list of the different varieties :— s
oot Variety. a. ; ae f Variety.
3 Peters’ Yellow Gage, 2 Lombard,
1 Sugar Plum, 5 Peach Plum,
2 Damson, 5 Coe’s Golden Drop, |
5 Reine Clande, 2 Prunus Simoni,
3 Fellenburg, 2 Bleekers Gage,
4 Weaver, 5 Pond’s Seedling,
5 German Prune, 3 American Violet, i
2 Victoria, 3 Hudson River Purple,
7 Bradshaw, 3 McGillivray, ;
5 Imperial Gage, 2 Prune d’Agen, :
2 Italian Prune, 5 Red Egg,
2 Columbia, 7 Washington,
2 Jefferson, 2 Green Gage, ‘<
3 Smiths Orleans, 2 Quakenboss,
3 Saunders, 2 Richland,
3 Moore’s Arctic, 2 Kelsey’s Japan, 9
4 Yellow Ege, 2 Ogon,
3 Genii, 2 Lincoln,
3 Duane’s Purple, 2 Spaulding,
3 General Hand, 2 Satsuma Blood,
3 Munroe, 2 Abundance,
3 Niagara, 2 Mclaughlin,
4 Shippers’ Pride, 2 Saratoga,
3 Moyer, 2 Botan, ‘
3 Large Golden Prolitic, 2 Shropshire Damson,

2 Beauty of Naples,

Of these one Imperial Gage is dead, leaving a total of 152 trees of 50 varieties
all in first-class condition.

PEACHES.

Tn addition to the peach trees noted in my report last year, a consignment was
received in the spring; all were planted, and with the exception of five, are alive,
and have made a thrifty growth. There is now in the orchard, or in nurrery rows
awaiting planting, the following varieties.

/

5 Late Crawford,
3 Lemon cling,

301
a Be Variety. mires Variety.
5 Foster, 7 Early Crawford,
5 Salway, 3 Schumacher,

5 Wager,
2 Scott’s Nonpareil,

2 Amsden, 2 Marshall’s Late,
2 aes Karly, 2 George 4th,
3 Hilborn, 2 Druid Hill,
2 Aiken, 3 Lovett’s White,

2 Coes Golden Cling,
3 Early Canada,

2 Susquehanna,
2 Hill’s Chili,

4 Globe, 2 Stonewall Jackson,
3 Early Beatrice, 2 Lemon Free,

3 Stump, 2 Southern Early,

3 Old Mixon, 2 Moore’s Favourite,

3 Mountain Rose,
5 Early York,

3 Early Barnard,
3 Wheatland,

3 Smock,

3 Alexander,

3 Stephens Rare-ripe,

2 Waterloo,

2 Malta,

2 Coolidges Favourite,
2 Alexander Noblesse,
2 Early Silven,

2 Princess of Wales,

2 Lord Palmerston,

2 Surpasse Meiocoton,

2 Ward’s Late,

2 Fox’s Seedling,
2 Hugh’s I. X. L.,
2 Chair’s Choice,
2 Kayport White,
2 Pratt,

2 Steadley,

2 Reeve’s Favourite,
2 Elberta,

2 Hyne’s Surprise,
2 Willet,

2 Indian Blood,

2 Heath Free,

2 Chinese Blood,
2 Shipley’s Late,

2 Wheelers Late, 2 Hyatt,
2 Jaques Rare-ripe, 2 Heath’s Cling,
2 Red-cheek Melocoton, 2 Muir,

2 Amsden June,

2 Golden Drop,

2 Golden Rare-ripe,
2 Belyeas Late.

2 Fords Late,

2 Yellow St. John,
2 Burke,

1 John Haas,

2 Mary’s Choice,

2 Normand’s Choice,

2 Troth’s Early,

3 Good,

2 Cooley’s Mammoth,
2 Reeds Early Golden,
2 Kaloola,

2 Thurber,

2 Hances Golden,

8 Wonderful,

2 Barnards New Rare-ripe, 2 Gudgeon,
~ 2 WHarly Rivers.

A total of 207 trees of 85 varieties.
CHERRIES.

The cherry trees received last fall, also those received from the Central Experi-
mental Farm in <pring were planted, some on the bench land, and the remainder in
the orchard. Four trees have died, the others have made a very good, and in some
eases, an exceptionally fine growth. The collection includes in all 137 trees of
the following 41 varieties.

ei oe:

302.

No. of
Trees.
7 Knights Early Black,
7 May Duke,
3 Downer’s Late Red,
3 Ostheim,
3 Karly Purple Guigne,
3 Great Bigarreau,
3 Parent,
3 Black Heart,
3 Cumberland,
3 Coe’s Transparent,
3 Vladimir,
3 Empress Eugenie,
3 Lithau,
3 Louis Phillipe,
7 Black Tartarian,
2 Mezel,
2 Rockport,
2 Bessarabian,
2 Lutovka,
2 Dyehouse,
2 Late Duke,

Variety.

Baap Variety.
7 Yellow Spanish,
7 Black Eagle,
2 Napoleon,
2 Royal American,
3 Lieb,
5 Windsor,
2 Black Republic,
7 Early Richmond,
5 Elton,
3 Florence,
3 Champagne,
3 Love Apple,
2 Willamette,
2 English Morello,
5 Montmorency,
2 Reine Hortense,
2 Governor Wood,
2 Olivet,
2 Carnation,
2 Wrage.

APRICOTS,
Of this fruit there has been received and planted the following, all of whieh

have made vigorous growth, 43 trees of 18 varieties.

No. of
Trees.
3 Alexander,
3 Gibb,
3 J. L. Budd,
3 Catherine,
3 Alexis,
3 Nicholas,
2 Alberge de Montgamet,
2 Breda,
2 Carmine Gros,

Variety.

Of nectarines we have the following 12 varieties—25 trees,

living and thrifty.
No. of
Trees.
2 Downton, (1 dead)
2 Karly Violet,
2 Lord Napier, (1 dead)
2 Milton,
2 Red Roman, (1 dead)
2 Spencer,

Variety.

No. of
Trees.

2 De Coulange,
2 Moorpark,

2 Peach,

2 Royal,

2 St. Ambroise, "
2 Turkey,

4 Shense,

2 Roman,

1 Early Golden.

Variety.

NECTARINES,

No. of
Trees.
2 Victoria,
2 Pitmaston,
3 Boston, (1 dead)
2 Stanwick,
2 Hardwick,
2 Early Newington.

Variety.

QUINCES,

Fourteen trees of six varieties of Quinces have been planted and thirteen have
lived and made healthy growth. é
4 Orange, 2 Rea’s Mammoth,
2 Pear (1 dead), 2 Meech’s Prolific,
~2 Champion, 2 Fuller.

305

GRAPE VINES.

Of grape vines 202 have been planted, of which there are now living 188 vines
of 78 varieties.

ae es Variety. No. of Variety.

3 Amber Queen, 2 Barry, Rogers 21, (1 dead),
3 August Giant, 3 Rogers 28,

8 Brighton, 3 Rogers 39,

3 Jessica, 3 Lindley,

3 Delaware, 3 Catawba,

3 Early Victor, 2 Florence,

3 Niagara, 2 Secretary,

3 lady, 2 Moyer, (1 dead),

3 Naomi, 2 Brant,

3 Wilder, 2 Autochon,

3 Moore’s Harly, 2 Eva, (1 dea),

3 Agawam, 2 Victoria,
13 Worden, 2 Champion,

3 Concord, 2 Woodruff Red,

3 Pocklington 2 Jefferson, (1 dead),

3 Salem, 2 Essex,

3 Herbert, 2 Merrimac,

3 Martha, 2 Rogers 34, (1 dead),

3 Massasoit, 2 Bacchus,

3 Giertner, 2 Creveling,

2 Ives seedling, 2 Cynthiana, (1 dead),

2 Elvira, (1 dead), 2 Canada,

2 Moore's Diamond, 2 Rogers No. 1,

2 Triumph, 2 Goethe,

2 Eumelan, (1 dead), 2 Israella,

2 Lidy Washington, (1 dead) 2 Duchess,

2 Berckmans, 2 Cottage,

2 Hayes, 2 Marion, (1 dead),

2 Prentiss, (1 dead), 2 Poughkeepsie Red,

2 Arnolds No. 1, (Othello,) 2 Eaton,

5 Clinton, 2 Oriental,

2 Eldorado, 2 Rogers No. 5,

2 Wyoming Red, (1 dead) 2 Noah, (1 dead),

2 Mo. Riessling, 2 Kensington,

2 Telegraph, 2 Emerald, 2
2 Mills, 2 Delta,

2 Centennial, 2, Cross between Delaware and Concord
2 Highland, 2 Cross between Chassclas & Concord,
2 Ulster Prolific, 1 Chance seedling.

SMALL FRUITS.
Of the small fruits planted, the currants, raspberries, blackberries and goose-
berries all came through the winter in good condition, but the ground heaved so
badly that the strawberries were almost destroyed, only 12 strawberry plants being

left when growth began.

There are now planted in suitable plots the following varieties of small fruits.
Blackberries, planted in rows 8 feet apart and three feet apart in the rows over
900 of the following 17 varieties.

Agawam, Crystal White,
Snyder, Tecumseh,
Taylors Prolific, Early Harvest,

Gainor, Kittatinny,

304

Western Triumph,
Stones Hardy
Minnewaska,
Early Cluster,

Wilson Junior,
Wilson Early,
Lawton,

Erie.

Early King with 50 plants of Lucretia Dewberry.
Of red, yellow and black cap raspberries there are nearly 800 plants of the fol-

lowing 25 varieties.
Cuthbert,
Marlboro,
Turner,
Hansell,
Brandywine,
Heebner,
Shaffer,
H. R. Antwerp,
7 varieties of Saunders’ seedlings.

Gregg,

Hilborn,

Caroline,
Brinckle’s Orange,
Sonhegan,
Mammoth Cluster,
Golden Queen,
Clarke,

Hornet,
Franconia.

RED AND WHITE CURRANTS. ,

Of these nearly 250 bushes have been planted in rows 8 feet apart and 6 feet *

apart in the rows of the following 10 varieties.
Cherry,
Fay’s Prolific,
Versailles,
Moore’s Ruby,
Knights large red.
BLACK CURRANTS.
Nearly 150 bushes of these have been planted
apart in the rows of the following 16 varieties.
Black Naples,
Champion.
nd 12 varieties of Saunders’ seedlings.

GOOSEBERRIES.

White Grape,

White Dutch,
Victoria,

Red Dutch,

Long bunch Holland.

in rows 8 feet apart and 6 feet

Lee’s Prolific,
Manitoba Wild.

About 100 bushes have been planted 8 feet apart and 6 feet in the rows of 9

varieties.
Houghton,
Smith’s Improved,
Golden Prolific,
Industry,
Triumph.
STRAWBERRIES.

Crown Bob,
White Smith,
Downing,
Transparent.

From the Central Experimental Farm there was received in the autumn about

7,500 plants of the following 39 varieties :—
May King,

Green Prolific,

Hathaway, Mary Fletcher,
Black Giant, Crescent,

Bubach, Old Tronclad,
Seneca Queen, Prince of Berries,
Manchester, Osceola,

James Vick, Connecticut Queen,
Woodruff, Westfield’s No. 2,
Jumbo, Haverland,
Emerald, New Dominion,

305

\ f

~ Charles Downing, Jessie,
Photo, Itasca,
Cumberland Triumph, Norman,
Windsor Chief, Sharpless,
Atlantic, Wilson,
Wonderful, Captain Jack,
Maggie, Gandy,
Mrs. Garfield, Pine Apple,
Jersey Queen, Bordelaise,

Belmont, =

Some of these were planted on the bench land and the balance in plots which
were prepared by manuring and thorough cultivation during the summer; itis hoped
that they will come through the winter this time in good condition,

FOREST TREES, SHRUBS AND VINES.

As many of these were very small when planted they were more or less injured
by the heaving of the ground in the spring, many of them had to be reset on that
account. Those that lived have made a vigorous growth.
The following lists show the number which has been planted of each sort with
the number now living. It is proposed to plant many of the hard wood timber trees
on the bench lands and in the interspaces among the rocks on the face of the mountain
at the back of the farm for the purpose of ascertaining whether these valuable woods
of the east cannot be grown here to advantage. If such land, much of which is of no
value other than for timber, can be utilized in this way it will no doubt result in much
future benefit to the Province. :

_ The trees in the following list have been raised from seed, either at the Central
_ Experimental Farm or by some of the growers of forest trees and shrubs in the United
_ __ States; the following list gives the number planted and living.

No. Planted,| No. Alive,

Fall, 1889. | Fall, 1890.

PASTE ACK NHR ACUIVUSISCMBDUCLOUIC «2.26. cee ces see cin neq e cies cis vaieelnalseselanes 200 35
MCE EG ITIVE VET COTS %,« )o6c/s:5 0+ a0 «) oj als «Po: )e(0% pinion ele bin a acy aicle. wiolacems eis 200 200
BommWikhite: Mraxinus AMeEricand.... cece ee nelte ce Dee aca de ced cetesacnarnes | 1,000 762
UBER CUNV ISVETE Sy GI RETLIDTES TIECITO «= aso o.c cic ne ov cin 2 ¥ mjeie ciclo 2 !oofela 2's 0 dy wld e\aleip.osesaleibiniae | 500 458

» ) Butternut, Juglans cinerea... .. 0.0... .- eee tee cee tee nats 4 a

Bemblack ChermcyacPrunws seroma... 1... eee ek eng cece eens nee deen wey os 200 195
Beech, American, Fagus ferruginca . hee 100 61

t do Kuropean, Fagus sylvatica...........-.+-+-- es 100 77
White Em, Ulmus Americana......... .0 22.0 eee eee ie Uae 500 410

Reem hock: | (dol SU me8 racemosa... 2. cee ene cee se ree net eet aie eles aleisisicin elec 500 123
ME CTIMMMECL OMNI TT118) fUNUG o's «os oes sw 60.2 wae anda sis > 5 Heise ais oBe aye slob do slonglesae 50 31
LERLSETS. (CONC aiT oO Re RE SBE Bp ts Baerurige acme sOREcr Sancoabe Tao ucn 500 33

De sugar Maple, Acer sdccharinum.......02---2+-- 02 00er sence net ener ence seccies : 500 468
RIMMEL A Cor THLDTAUIT Savane ok ocise sitreaieiw she os syels oteisizicigniateyaieinlan neem cle! /Kiels 200 148
Tulip Tree, Ziriodendron tulipifera .... 2... 2.0... s eee nee eee ete tees 15 6
Chestnut, American, Castanea vesea Amer..... 2.00002 2cc cence teen eee e te eeee 75 69

Go Spanish, Castamed vesed. 5... Sac v0 dale cine (aes elece deinaiee tees nome ; 50 36
Kentucky Coffee Tree, Gymnocladus Canadensis ......2-006 cece reese eee e ees 50 40
Sycamore, American, Platanus occidentalis.......-. 1.0022 00ee teen eee e eee sees 100 61

_ Basswood, Tilia Americana .......020cc cscs cece cee cece eens teste e teen ees 200 147
Be) Gative Birch, Betula papyraced... 1.2.20. ceecee cence cies ee nde e ene nes nn enes 100 44
MOMSEN BIS ETIG LULER ia.) decaf acielel cb acs ope taltjeresisis =o w+ = Bela ups Wieiehe nie, cin asic 200 140
Locust, Black, Robinia pseudacacia ..........0. cece cece ence nee tet nee n er enee 100 100
Honey Locust, Gleditschta triacanthos.... 00000. ccce ieee ence nen e este cess 50 41
Catalpa, Hardy, Catalpa speciosa........ 2.0. e sree cee eens cette neces 100 66
do Japan, Catalpa Kaempferi..... 100 58

_ do Lee’s Hybrid, Catalpa hybrida. .. 100 67

_ Persimmon, American, Diospyros Virginian A 2 50
~ Russian Mulberry, Morus hybrida......... .......-+++- me ah : 101 101
Ailanthus, Adlantus glandulosa........ 2.000002 cere eee eee nee etter eee 100 6
6c—20 :

a ~ Jack Pine, Pinus giant

r English Yew, Taxus haccata
-Mugho Pine, "Pinus ANUGNO >: Hove com towers Deep eee mee A pase cash
Dwarf Mountain Pine, P. mugho v. rostrata Pee, See

Nis American Wahoo, Enonymus atropurpurcus.
_ _High Bush Cranberry, Viburnaum opulus. .....2.00rie eee eens
Rebiack Nhorn, Prunus SMen0sd hiss vest ae:
_ English Oalk, Duver-Cees: TOW eke ete eel faite hie
Russian Apple RSectel iyo Wn Wee SA ABM srise SOGeE a aera oa dace pe aoa ee yh |
Lo LOTS Werientote ye) ig A iesche a acAe HemMn del aise sure Sbsne bereenh. <aeeearene ny: }
LU BEST veixe) on gE Oa et Reon ob br ir Gaseenaoy esa", ed seen onac er omeco ona |
Homnprancinora european. soup iae a fanrne A teertateh cree see maee set earn hs |
~ Sambucus elaucar scree cite sp cies eee ee LreG eas cee Oe poeta ees
BES L ROR IS ON UACATED Ashe oie Mey eka cle orate Ace Arsgeins sictais akin) eer These tetete tae
Pyrus OTHG GET GIS CATS fe ec NR ote Nl AT Ag oe Pe ee
PuG@olutes tritGscens: a Heep assis Weta aes = Be ane Be Ae NOAH Se
Cephalanthus occidentalis
_ Populus Bolleana.. . .
Magnolia tripetala.. .
Eee oridhas ice CaM he ee rea anne

see

=

s

—
Dato

—

= A consignment of useful and ornamental trees and shrubs was also rec
from France, and although they were a long time in transit, and some were

Bie, ning to grow in tbe cases, “yet a large percentage have made a healthy growth

press ‘aed look promising at this time. sing

4

ae The following list gives the number planted and living :—

a&S) an
as ay E BR : a a
cn =
%, Ae
Acacia julibrissin. ..4.....0 6s .++e000 50 18 ||Ampelopsis Veitchii........ Breese
iAtcer ‘campestrisy. ....: =, 2c1-,< seeeniceiss 100 89 ||Arbutus unedo...../ ;
MD platanoldes! = 4.21). -)- --'enitere eile 100 | 100 ||Acuba Japonica...
do pseudo-platanus.... ..:....-.-. 100 | 100 do hymelaica. .
do negundo variegata.......-....- 25 25 ||Azalea pontica......
do pseudo- platanus pur purea, ate aN 50 50 dom smolliageer ten
do.."Rartaricum.. ..-.'s.4..<ci022 las 25 25 |||Berberis Darwinii:....:22.....2.... 0.
do do Pinnalay...°. see Mees 50 50> ||" (dol fvdulcis.. cei to. acres eee
do platanus Reitenbachi........... 10 10! |[.y ot” Astenophyllasseo > Sot at aa ee,
do do Sehweidleri.... ........ 10 10% |\Betulaalbates)%. ccc nce eens
ABsculus hippocastaneum : 98 do: Maciniatartacmin <ceccen Memes ;
do rubicunda...... mere tic! 10 do pendula elegans
do flore albo pleno.............. 10) |} “dor spurpureass. eee
Asculus laciniata..........-....-. ae | 10 || do pyramidalis. . =a ek
PA ebia ig uimattes t <a coe sc -reljoniml sais 9 | Bignonia grandiflora. . nee aden
PACIMURKCOTC ALA. ofelstricl= tein isin wena ete ) 10 do radicans....! s
PID DUMI RCONLDIAGEN oe koe cometh is elogeen af 10 ;} 27. |\\Boceonta cordatass..).°. 8 cee

fol Lae
microphylla ¢'
mac. Bitola

Retired de Versailles.........
inte: medius se

_ Chionanthus Virginicus............ .
Corchorus J: =e Rae eres oe ea
do

yar elegantissima............-
Mas variegata................
0 mas aurea elegant

onymus argentea
do latifolia aurea ...........-
O viridis Japonica...........

ug! naga (iuglish Walnut)...
rus eamelliafoli BAe: Sane re c

No. Planted,
Summer,
1890.

. |
:
|
|
|

Ligustrum longifolium...............
Lonicera aurea reticulata.............
do Belgica (mohthly)........ ee
do Halleana...

do Sinensis.
Ome RYPEDS ey rte cine aie
Liriodendron tulipifera..............-
Magnolia grandiflora..........-.-.--.
lnc sooes
(3)

do

do
Prunus pissardi
|Pyrus J apeniee.
|Quercus cerris.
items t les Se Bed Be pEBbresccn An
(Rihnis ‘cobinuie cr --sraap een een ea
|\Salisburia adiantifolia...............
|/Sambucus aurea nova.........------

RULEAVAL. = 2.8. ieee :
||Spiraea Californica.......... e
0 ©6Donplasi_ 2.27. 02 ee
Fortunetalba:.....-.. 224.3 :
Thunbergit . Bee Soe
do
|Staphy. leaicolchica. ..'232 ..22. 2-.el. 38
| Sy ringa Charles X . 2-.22..< am.
1} do” rothamagensis .......
lie ilia platypbylla........--.-.. es
do. ‘Sylvestrist: 2: -.7..cie eae Pan
||Tamarix Africana. .
do Indica. .

| do Japonica. . Seutoait aleve ovate
Ulmus campestris. ......-....

[ba tdo eat hola: it sac oes eee a
Uleig Baropeadee tne =. coe ora
Viburnuin lantana

do opulus flore pleno.........-
do macrocephalum... ......--
[waren a Sete Tete Rte cme aii Vee iote nts

} ae,

} do alba
| Yucca filamentosa
|Rhododendron arboreum.... ...-..---
j|Abies amabilis.....- ...+.2200-0..0-5

ips rapollonisen 47 casee a sese reese
Canadensis: ..25- corn sceeceteee
Tr) WH ated c.gneiosun Sancoron :
Onientaliss 28s ses oer teen eer
Nordmaniana.

Picea cephalonica... ..-
Araucaria imbricata.

| do
do — Libani
Cephalotaxus Fortunei .........--
Cryptomeria SAPONICA. \Gpvew es we
do *_ elegans.............. 36
Cupressus Lawsoniana.......+....+---
do ATZENEAs. 0. cewectecd avous

’

, “
. Oe ky
Ss, Reker. AV Oe ay | ae

»
I.

|

No. Planted,
Summer,
1890.

WRoRSSwoowookorhsyr

.
or)

fet
now

“100 ©

ne a dd
BososubunthSurSSeSoo¥orws

| Se | ss Se
2 = -
ges] 4" EEE
ca | 2a eh
go ae : la?
.
Cupressus elegantissima .............. 10 9 ||Taxodium distichum................. 10
Oates: sec ty Nexate Nate malate ele nei 10 7 ||Taxus baccata...... Stich Patio Rare 3 510
4 Juniperus Hibernica.... .........--- 10 10 || do doy fastigiata 32 pesos 10
} do Bermudians. +. ho sees lack 10 7 dow variegati, tf 0 encase eee oe 10
do Japonica aurea............ 5 5 do do. Wanrea..c!.5 roi eck 10
rn do sinensis var argentea......- 5 5 || do var elegantissima .............. 10
asa] do Virginiana elegantissima.. . 10 10 |/Thujopsis boreaus....... es ee ee 10
34 Pinus COMbra MAo swe dete bet eee neler 10 2) "Thuja anreat sce ae Sot a eee 10
) do DaricisCorsica..........--.+06- 50 19 do elegantissima................. 10
ey MOMAVIUPHO.).) ce sie ieeia eeeatcine 40 40 da {comicns 5.75.2. eee oe 10
r Owe PONGELORA cates toate tsteitaaicisis 10 9 do filiformis Japonica............. 10
ie Podocarpus Korayana.............-.- 10 10) |exdovtvenvaenaria,-* reese teens 10
Retinospora aurea gracilis.......-..-.- 10 5 ||Wellingtonia gigantea.............2.. 10
do BVO orci = crete o soit lel bin 10 1 |\/Bengal China Roses............-....- 25
do EQICOIGES. dies icesicges ce 10 0 |\Roses Hyb. perpetual...... ........-- 50
do filiveraies: pesasaceeme anes 10 Siiid= “climbing ss. lie ites caseoe 25
do leptoclada 22.55... ss. 3. 10 LON Wallop wiseepc masse ance cast) sales] ee
do pisifera aurea............. 10 6 ee
: da PIUMOSAs.ciefasin seer usec 8 10 5 6,047 |4,706
ma do RGUATFORS | sistn-oieteate cs = 10 10

In addition to the foregoing, a further consignment of useful and ornamental
trees, shrubs and vines was received this fall from the Central Experimental Farm,
< also a case of flowering bulbs, containing 1,700 bulbs; from the Experimental
Farm at Indian Head a thousand asparagus plants, and from a nursery a hundred —
% of another variety, all of which have been carefully planted. There are now alto-
| gether over 500 different varieties of fruit, and more than 400 varieties of useful
and ornamental trees, shrubs and vines, making a total of nearly 1000 sorts. i 28
Fifteen experimental plots of fall wheat were sown in the autumn, and two of
rye, all of which at the present time are looking well.
ae ~ There is now ready for crop, exclusive of what is sown with fall grain or in

oe eA ae ee. ae ee

| nursery, about 70 acres—making in all about 90 acres. 250 fir trees and stumps ?
4 have been taken out besides the birch, alder and other brush with which much of =
the land was thickly covered. Ferns have given a considerable amount of trouble.
: in the newly reclaimed land, but it is hoped they will be got rid of ina yearortwo
i by frequent hoeing during the season of growth. , roe
The short-horn bull and cow are both in good thrifty condition, and during the
year a very fine calf has been added to the stock. ve

FOWLS. :

Most of eggs laid by the fowls during the spring and early summer were sold
for hatching. There are a few chickens of the following breeds :—Wyandottes,
Houdans and White Leghorns. The Houdans and the Wyandottes began laying
earliest. at

~~ F
.

i ttn

“Three | Two White | Three Wy- | Two Black
Houdans. | Leghorns. | andottes. Spanish.

The Bushy-tealed rats were very troublesome in the poultry house, occasionally 2%
ing off both eggs and chickens. y

I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your obedient servant,
THOS. A. SHARPE.

Superintendent. —

A
hae,

+,
4 " Agriculturist, RSPOEt Of Cher os wuisrscisteisie siercie
y Abortions, treatment of.. .:...........--
| (CNIS) cme a eeOee Bee Be abate rs
=) Experiments with.............
Bea Recent purchases of
bee! RUPEMRAUIONS SOLre =o ether as sbiatss cee
ae Dairy eee; Experimental............ 54
vs LOTR 2, SRR Re oder none eer Bb 55, 56
743 poe eebons proposed fe 50s crate onslvne 54, oy.
ECO S cls > c)-) -/eleln = eoln ee oho wiv nice es 54
ay Heads. ¢ digestible substancesin............ 65
at _ New Building for BEEP os eke se aden 68
SEED EERE Taf hacia! SES lejejare accee Deynreines 56
PLAMINOleemer oe. cron t, cme Ae ee ce 57, 59
y “anes experiments with.........-.....---- 60
wy RITVPBSEC HEL OL. alec os orcs chee ae 00)
Rations for cattle, PAO TEs BEBE Soepo = 66
Steers, experiments in feeding .... ..... 64, 67
NURIA TOL Ne atte neat os o/h arclalSip wie ele 64, 65
Bedford, S.A., Report on Te re Farm
at Brandon, Mienere 2 230
Blair, W.M., Report on Experimental Farm at
Nappan, NS see: 2 ea 239
Chemist, Report of....... Sr Sisca ieee ae 103
Acknowledgements 103
Agricultural Blue-stone, analysis 146
PA TIESINPER UTE HEN DSC) 3'c cic es ioie tetera Hie atciele od oye= 122
Apple tree leaves, analysis of............. 14:
composition pian ate 141
Blue vitrol, effect of on vitality of seed wheat 146
sy Chenopodium album, analysis of..... .... 15
i enpers sulphate, effect of on v itality of seed
Es oar) cic: ne ktae alae ona Ne nies 146
Corn fodder and ensilage ae Suis b Retcecte aes 121
Digestion co-efficients...............----- 117
PSA UBBELERAOT®. 1s «).. 8a alone © ojevis cd vie'ale ge te 122
Fodders, analyses of.................- Efi)
Ponghitnents OF 2... 21. bene. eee 116 117
fn ~ Foundation comb, analyses of............ 151
Gas lime, analysis of..................+:- 113
aA Germ Meal 120
me (SUIS Ta. 7. ed CER en ere ae ee See 121
Great Vitrol, effect of on vitality of seed
RE DEDRMEMEE RES oy eine ema ia tis aeee 146
Gypsum, analysisof .... ......... 2 AS
_ Tron Sulphate, effect of on vitality of seed
| _STLGT1) SAGs S Goes Ee eee ne aeenGae 146
TRE Shds GaSe RAS aarpeaeerccpepdonecece 122
SPA TIOHRUT ATCT. sic\si> s\s\2 «1s « 2'< «s/t ciscineins vin 120
MATMNUAIS Olea oats nic eeickeinte aaa catela 115
Ween naALYBIS Ole << ceo ss cioeins tales eos 112
WISE lo fil ced vtoce ssieee eae ds 133
BPAML URES OL 290 5,z «ho a.cte mais etd te ere 135
Miableot Averages... 2.022... seas seas 140
Muds, Muck and Peats, analyses of....... 110
WheTbiveyMatlO.* 22s fas lege nce soeee se: 118
Oil-cake and Cotton Seed Meal. 25. 120
Phiewm pratense....... ..-.--- 122
SEIIBSTERULPRTAED, on... <0) Cais knee erage om lees 122
Potatoes, list of with Specific Gravity. .123, 124
Red Top Pers Malice ad tele view te rete cee 122
LEGS 5 A ene ane a cesadroode 120
= Soils, analyses of..:. ......-..+-2--+----- 106
constituents of.............. sss 106 107
from New Brunswick........... .--- 169
: from North-West Territories. ........ 109
Spontaneous cumbustion 152
Sugar Beets, analyses ot.. ae 25
7 GlevabIOn GEA Neste east skeen 132

PAGE
Wally HEscuels osetia ste Set ae sete ee tees 122
Din El yates se cite tea ce nk oe tea 122
Wool waste, analysis of. ........... Se LL
Craig, John, Horticulturist, Report of.. ...- 70
Director, Report of the... 0.00.0. ..00cegeee es 5
Acknowledgements. ... ...........-.0-008 53
Alberta, Southern, visit to... ........... 47
Barley, experiments with...............-- 27
SU-TOWEG :/. Joss cede cane tre ee en abae 5
Baxterssi.0o02:30soe 92328 azo
Guaymalaye. ....:......:.-- 30
z Hullesst blacks 03-1 stones 30
IMensury.ces iste seein
Odessa. .
Petschora ¢
Rennie’s Improved.......... 20, 29
Spit? Valley’. 3). S245. 20, 29, 30
two-rowed, imported by Government
for’ seed= oases eee 40
BWO-TOWed ls Atte) nee em ees Be
Beardless 252-25 2st = 19, 2,
Chevalier, selected.....!.... Bs

Danish Chevalier. ..6, 7, 27, 29. 40
Danish Printice Chevalier. 20,27 ,28
27,28

Harly Minting.... ..
English Malting. - .
Golden Melon.......... ...2 c
Goldthorpe? 3. ene ae 27, 25
Large two-rowed naked... .. 20, 29
Peerless White......../.20, 27. 29
Prize Prolific .... 6, 16, 27, 29, 40
Saale. soils 2588 teen eeee 2,
Thanet 2:4 22 Sate so Aes 20
Branch Farms, annual inspection of...... 45
Balding sy — xtc ssa lar eo tee tesa 48
Bulletins, distribution of....... e eto
Carrots, experiments with ....... He SMD
tables with yield of varieties.......... 37
Cereals, improvements in................- 5
Changes and additions to staff............ 49
Correspondence) 25). See es oan ca ee 49
Draining and grading.................-.. 48
Exhibitions attended................- ... 49
Experimental Farm Agassiz, B.C., visitto. 48
Brandon, Mans once eae eee 46
Indian Head, N.W.T 46
Nappan, NiS:..1 2.32208 jose ene 45
Financial statement Experimental Farms..93, 95
Forest trees hardy in the North-West..... 44
Morestry 6-20 ces oe eee see ee 42
on the western plains.......... oe tae
Fruit trees at Agassiz, B.C. USP ao
Graintests, resultlofes 25.02 sae ccc eee > 40
Endian Gorn Wyant ceteris eee ee Dee 39
Letter of transmissal............... 3
Mangels, experiments with na 35
Yield of varieties of........2..2.-...- 30
Manitoba Southern, visit to.. 45
Medicine Hat, visit to....... mnacnze
Meetings attended bs Seat we ces ce teenies 45
Oats, experiments with.. .............. 24
American Triumph’. 9%: 2723.2). se. see 25
Banner's 5204: 2/a- dawns ee eee 15, 25
Black: Partarian’ .5).2%).02-cosa epee 15,25
POAT ZA ress sad sis ts iste mole lereto peer P 5
Canadian Triumph.................-. 25, 26
Canadian White 26
Cream EE tian. 25
Early Ar angel. . 26 .

=
312 ?
/
4
Cecidomyta destructor...... ....-++.0--
Correspondence. ..............
~ Diamond-back Moth Seesmic
Parasites Gls Whore tee ee ee eee
remedies) for.\y asc c0. sania, Mees M
Ellopia somniaria....... sf
Ephestia Kiihniella........ 168 \-
| Farmer’s Institutes attende 155, 156 hit
3 2 Fungous diseases, treatment of. .......... 154 "
Hungarian White......¢...27-.:..- 26 Fusicladiwm dentriticum.... ......2+0+5- 136 eae
Longfellow.............- D Grasses; plots -of .) Abt,. 0.428 else eee 179 no
Poland) Witte...” circle sles « eeinaleuiem © tested, notes on............/..2...- 278, 188 © ©
Potato English Asiatic’. ics) oo ee eae (186 _
' ‘Prize (Cluster! 2.020520 3 ans 2 26 European ;
Rennie’s Prize White................ 25, 26 SE ONGIL TY c)a's aisle = lee ee
Rosedale Nativeccciesns osce gee
Siberian...... Miscellaneous
Victoria Prize. . “ieee Halisidota sobrina :
Waterloo VESSIAN UE lyse hace cite temas ae ne Jit
Welcome Tchnewmon cestus....0.. 00+ vs ==) sean l
White Russian’ ....0.0))0hec.0.- 2-20, 20 Timmneria annulipes
Peas, experiments with ................. 33 | POTUG, c\a/sule els se «bine eee ee 7
: yield of varieties...... Oh rot Bone 33 Mediterranean Flour Moth.......... - 154, 168
Potatoes, experiments with............... 38 Meetings attended).--. J... J. So) eee
list of varieties with yield............ 38, 59 Meromyza Americana..........0. 0. 158, 159, He -
Rye, experiments with. ...........-....% 33 Oats, red leaf or blight of........ .......).
list of varieties with yield...... . ‘disiyl ESS | Oscinis variabilis...-....0. cc. . cc sneeee 158, ib
Seed grain, distribution of 7, 50 Paris Green, use of for destroying insects
Deeth testing Ws. ss. ate oedenee els 39 in Bngland) j5ajicctine )a- eee eee 5
Shrubs, hardy in the North-West 44 Pea Weevil... - cts ie eee eee 171
Sowing, early, medium and late, results of 6 remedies for...) 0%... es oe 172 {
Sugar Beets, experiments with 36 PLOCOGERES MISCUS'.:. ..-)0 + alanlei- me serene ein LO ieee
yield of varieties.............5.45 oe? ; 36: TOT OU COPUTUNUS «51> \oisselans =elelsinlepel = Siete OS
ERree BOOB Sa. ie Seas dah eee eve ne walbe= ‘AS Plhutellacrwucrferaruims = 2.0.02 sana 165
distribtition ofs+ss oe tere ete eet 50 Strawberry Weevil... 0:2). 22.2. .cnbe 154, 173
~ Trees suitable for the North-West........ 44 Therena fervidarid... ii... ../-chas sea 175
Turnips, experiments with............... 33 Vancouver Island Oak-looper............. 175
yield of varieties of..... .... .... Pi erat Ys) parasites off ).5. 4229 2s eee eee a7 =
Wheat, Spring, experiments with........ remedies for. .f. lms!) sete. ee Mace ee 17
Anglo-Canadian bei oe epee atoms 7, 30, 3 Wheat-stem Maggot. -...- 158, 159, 179), 181-83
Campbell’s White Chaff.......... 30, 31, 32 |Experimental Farm, ‘Agass 15% G2 Report of
Campbell’ Sylrinmphne secase cme eect 30, 3 the Superintendent... 2...) cat ceewes ep
Green, Mountain 320 20ee5 5 seine. Apples; ‘list of=). 3). 1. e.jtemcaeieeiite een
Indian Hard Caleutta....0.02..)24 ¢ Apricots, list of..:... ......
} Dudkeb ss as adalec ccs s aisares eos 3 Barley, epee with ..
MACOGA te )nisvej-le sinatctoon somone 5, 7 3 Beans
Red Kern: 53 seee sae e ete Z ¢ Blackberries, list [o) MEMES Mino. ks dene
eR Wife. «ete. Bats chery a) ere eee Da . P Cherries) list: of... js «2 bic seen oe
Rio Grande’. 02 bee ck cesta 3u, 31, 32 Corn, experiments with..................
Russianebard Pare wee en: ace oe 3 Cow Pea, Southern, experiments with. . 296
Naxonika acre x 3 Currants, Red and White, list of. . a.m 304
Wihjte Delhisiseuc.wie nm esetenen a Black, ‘listiof: :<':.../: ds seteee see sees 304
PWihite: Wifes. \gawtasomete tacts ceo ee Figs, list Of aire ante ae ‘
WihiteiRussiani- 2) seenenn cee ences OWIS 11. )5 2 s2iaicrcilaat ate caine ene ei ee
Winter, experiments with Grape’ vines, list/of. 1.50. a endcesenn eee 295, ins
yield of varieties.... ............ 32 Gooseberries; list of... <0). 2 oeleeseeie ne ae
Entomologist and Botanist, Report of the..... Mangels, experiments with.............-- 308 "
Acknowledgements.............-+++ soe wi lay/ Nectarines, listiofe.,)7)2) jess eee 293, 302
{ ( Aleochara anthomyt@........2eeeeeneeeeee 164 Oats, experiments with.................. raelee sh ie
American (Hrit Elvi. Seccbieeeeeh eine he 158 Orange, Japan t
attacks on grasses... ...160, 179, 180, 183 Peaches, list of. .
attacks on wheat..........se00e0e= 158, 160 Pears, list of. . a
Anthomyta brassicee..... sc cecccseceedeces 161 Plums; list. of.)0.\@.c, 275. ee eee
Anthonomus MUSCUUS..... 20. 20cee ee eenee 173 Potatoes, experiments with..............- 297
PUDTMUS IE 3 os «aides ee lapare eee te ein 174 Quinges; list Of. 2.25 aS Ue eee 302 af
Arboretum shsic c.f cee eee 154, 155 Raspberries, list'of,\32 215 i.ctisteeoceti ane 304 4
CA SONITGIfATIUNAIIS' Ghs.c0'. Ge hs Ce ee 171 Strawberries, list of.............. ae cesicne 1 OUS
Association of Official Economic Entomolo- Trees, Shrubs and Vines, list of..... Lotsa 2000,
gists/meeting of .4 .).)4., ve eoeeeen eee 155 Turnips, experiments with...............- 298
Black spot of apple..................22.5 156 ‘Weather... . ooo csd aaa eee ne ohare - 293
Br UGhUs/NUSt 2)... i cinta nies nce ele ee ie ee ele 71 Wheat, Spring, experiments with.... 294
Cabbage M: aggot: 161 Winter, experiments with............ 295
parasites of.. 164 |Experimental Farm, Brandon, Man., Report of
remedies for 162 the ¢ Superintendent BHO SOS GR) aonaodor 325 ; .
Camassia esculenta 157 neh trees, Report on............ 256, 257,260
DLerchtlinrtie.eciiccsstarawey Pee ns 157 arley, experiments with.......... quires 24430—
i *
is
be:

aati Sal

313
- : PAGE PAGE.
Barley, experiments with—Continued Crab Apples, report on..,..............:- 284
thick, medium and thin sowing.... 248 (Currants! report ones peppers ies neo 285
sown at different dates..... ......... 247 Marly maturing) grain sce heres olsen. 271
on spring and fall breaking....... 249 Bxhin bi tions sjsu. eels ste energy ts 292
on backsetting. .. Sasi eoatioe 245 Flax, experiments with.......... iv21.s20 280
after MeO ree ta oaton ons: arg Utoneso 246 Flowers, experiments with. .... .......-. 283
with different drills.............. 249 Fodder plants, experiments with...... ... 278
Bees, experiments with...... .......-.. 267 Forest trees and shrubs......0.0....25.0-- 286
Breaking, new and fallow land..... ..... 268 Grapes sreportionn. sacar doce 286
~ Buckwheat, experiments with........... 256 Gooseberries, report on. ..-....2.2-20..--- 286
PSIG Ne pee ean eatgs mintamerctoni ae eke crdtepeee 267 Grasses, experiments with,.... .......... 280
Carrots, experiments with................ 250 OTSCSS te eee ee Le N Sean Nes 290
Cherry trees, Reporton......... .. .. .. 259 Mangels, experiments with..........:.... 281
Corn, experiments with....... .......... 253 Mixed farming, importance of............ 270
Mornespondence® sis \.k ers eae ee Sales 268 Oats, experiments with................2.. 276
Crab apples, Report on...............- 259 Peas, experiments with.............0..... 27
Currants, Report on.............. 261 (Bearstress) ireportone- S27) ane ee ee 285
I Dhol hy (a2 AGI SRenNeO nee S Ht aon daeeraawees 249 Plum trees, report on..... 285
Exhibits at Ag. Fairs...................- 269 Potatoes, experiments with.. ... .. 281
Farmers’ Institutes attended............. 269 Raspberries, report One... +... sb cticicelaee 286
Flowers, cultivation of.......... ........ 267 Strawberries, report on...............-. 286
Forest Trees and Shrubs................. 262 Sugar Beets, experiments with.... ....... 281
Fruit and Forest Trees..... staconeobodeos 256 piree Needs 5 Ghee Saisie sabe oeteree toa ere 290
Grain grown as single plants............. 249 Turnips, experiments with............... 281
Grape vines, Report on...... ......-.... 260 Megetable, pardeniy. dtcpyncenu obama oes: 282
Grasses and fodder plants............. 252 Wrater'supply 202. /asccsee sect emene 292
Culbivated'=)=\pa\- sy-1 eee seals 252 Weather... 2lscatice ak Seance aoa 271
MUR ELVO rere sede ects leaves tise cite rise be ake 253 Wheat, Fall, experiments with........... 27:
Gooseberries, Report on........ ve are ere 260 Spring, experiments with...... ..... 272
Mangels, experiments with .............. 250 Experimental Farm, Nappan, N.S., Report of
Millets, experiments with................ 255) the’ Superintendent...) -h...0- seca eee =
Maxed ‘crops:for fodder=.. . 2.220. 0..-8-- 54 Barley, experiments with.........-......
Native tree seeds and seedlings. “....... 266 Beans, experiments with......:.......-.-
Oats, experiments with................... 243 Buildings) cee san eee ee nee eee
grown from selected seed....... ..... 244 Carrots, experiments with......... .....-
sown on backsetting.............4..-- 244 Cattle Sap So hae oye CROCE Sesleri
sown after potatoes........ ...... 244 | Corn, experiments with................-
thick, medium and thin sowing.... .. 248 Draining sees ses eee
Mea trees, TEPOLb Os. 2-.,.21- «cic ye ce mie = os 259 Eixhibitionsa-25. 5s. 6-6 Beier
Peas, experiments with.................. 246 Farmers’ Institutes attended...
Plum trees, report on...........-...-..- 260 Fertilizers, experiments with......
Potatoes, experiments with... .......... 251 Bruit}trees. 2) 2. 5. cee ee
Rape or Cole, experiments with........... 255 Mangels, experiments with......... . ...
Raspberries, report on................. . 261 Manures used... ....... Lend achie eeceeetee
Roadsiand prading. co\uias\-!o/alelere c.cis/ala -to1si-10 268 Marshslandss.-\1.c0 cronies SGP
Seed grain distribution... 269 Oats, experiments with.. .............
Strawberries, report on..............-..-. 262 Potatoes, experiments with............ 234
PROS AV ENUC <cctene cereisaiele holt a ichersiz’) iclsheys 266 Raspberries). 33... 2). aet use ae bee
Turnips, experiments with................ 250 Roads 3 inst o8 fe. 55 a2 2. poe ee eae
Vegetables, report on...............2.--- 266 Strawberries... ..i uss? don Sacer eee.
AVARI DONS COMAPI 2. </co oh tees, <fastsle> ietelerat so 268 Turnips, experiments with................
MUG A BC oe ye eS i crea 239 Water supply’ s2)nis,. «<1. cee sen ee eee
Wheat, experiments with................ 239 Weather ii).it ns: roe ec oe eons
ETOZATE CASI BCEU 5.0.6 570.55 2105 sibialasosnase 241 Wheat, experiments with.... ........... :
GI VACKSOLLINIET Sey c Saye Se. \s 2/= 242 |Gilbert, A. G., Poultry Manager, Report of... 207
Onvtallow, david es or .2 2 0elss orn leioaiay= 242 |Horticulturist, Report of ¢
smut in, experiments with....... .. . 242 Applesi. actu aterivierenasereie tect =
sown at different dates. .............. 247 cultivation of. 5:0. -ceeiee yo ciiec eee
on backsetting...... ..-2..- --.2- 239 ING IMGlin Beeb cunO do bas osemosboce-at
AMGV AN OY feet ters can 2 pain -iurna,2/s.08 241 Russian...... esbadsacncod=conesdcck
emOat Shue etnies siecle 247 Arapkas ois ctiacciseidccpbeatheee +
with different drills..... ........ 249 Gipsey....- SREB Pent aocaneseDorec
Spring, sown in fall............... .. 243 Golden White
thick, medium and thin sowing....... 248 Royal Table
Winter, experiments with............ 243 Zolotoreff......
Experimental Farm, Indian Head, N.W.T., Seedling
Report of the Superintendent............ 270 Apricots, Russis
Apple trees, report on...........-...-.- 283, 284 Blackberries, lists of
Barley, experiments with.............-... 275 treatment Of.....-....-..--02--------
Beans, experiments with...............--- 280 Bordeaux Mixture... 2.00. .00..e0.che se
Bees, experiments with..............----- 292 Cabbage, varieties tested................. 84
— Buckwheat, experiments with......... .. 280 Celery, varieties tested............. 85
Carrots, experiments with................ 281 Cherries; Mis tober t=) te eratn ener oe teeters 75
CINNIEL Esa ceebee sae sebeon po acrocebor ace 290 Bossarabian 75.5, -c.2 4 cee eaten 76
Cherry trees, report on..........----+-+-- 285 (Grantor) GaSe eee ele ere 76
Corn, experiments with..............-.--- 279 PathaursWerchseleee. sa. osaseneeenee- 75
6c—21

314

Cherries, list of—Continued Raspberries—Continued.
Montmorency OLCINAITE Secs iave ss ae oe 76 Greg eee ae sedis oie ee ei: «Se NG
Ostheim of Minnesota...............- 75 Heebner. ....avieht acuseanos ae eee ee
Ostheim of Morris.........- Hoehne 75 (EV erstiniesg 2911526 SY Gel sure emcee
Do CM RRA E aera oaaits aes oomsHO 76 Hetil borns-i.)- Letts seeracemeis nee eee
Wiladiroin ci ete eproeue cacy liccss ie Muskin,
(Voroneshivi. 2s seeenins cen: sare waiioniot 76 Royal
WARE ier ccoeuieo enti: Reed 75 Shahar |. fe cetyse a: vate See ea
Gorny webs cs isa shnleh ons cee eerie 85 Souhegan
OALLY VATIGLIEB ey canyon shelisel oi ele 85 Thompson’s Early Prolific
Jate varieties ce catesun eee 86 IBY Or’s facies le tees Mute ae
Currants sblack.5 Scenes. bi joanc orice 83 Raspberry seedlings.......... :
Listiok avartebies!\o ote bma idee aetacimae 82 Radishes, experiments with..............
Ted and White 03d. cece, cele eles Byte? early varieties
Currant seedlings............... Pe ecSo LOL Tate? varieties...A:0.: 20... oa oe
Dewberry, aucretia.-\.2cnisinere epee! Sante 82 |Report of Committee Dg to imspect
Mai: Celeste ove, xters 2 .-fisisettoe ls easieacas 96))) “seedling fruites -- 2. .5-ce 3-eeeeeeeaae .
Evergreen seedlings........... ....- 93 Smallifiruits oe eee eis cee ia
Forest trees, distribution of........... 89, ‘90, 91 Strawberries, list of: - .. 0.202 5ceen
Fungicides, effects of on apple tree leaves. 97 injured by winter, . 5-1. 2. seeeeeeniete
experiments With....5...-.0+-+0sen0s 95 recommended for trial. .............-
Gooseberries; Pearl! 9.228 oss cases des coas 83 Beedling. £0.52: SA wen keieeeee
Smith’s Improved a 83 to be discarded’.............8 A
Heed in gas x. Nacterscesetiot ase /enacistecierrs:? 101 Tomatoes, experiments with
Grapes, experiments with...............- 77 most profitable sorts. ............... 88, 89
Ggrly, VALebles fect... ake socitecis Se thaws 77 Trees and Shrubs, propagation of ........ 94
varieties recommended............... 78 distributionof. 2) 2... desea 91, 92
Meetings attended......1cc:0:s)0- hea evolves 70 Wegetables..:,... << dds eras. -eyernem eee 83
Lettuce, experiments with................ 86 |MacKay,° A., Superintendent Experimental
varieties, remarks on... ............. 86 | Farm, Indian Head, Report of
Tati ORG eamen see cb ac sovomonoct, eee 73 |Poultry Manager, Report OF. js jackets: <0) EEO
descriptive list of Russian 73 Chickens, how cared for.... ...........
Autumn Bergamot Soo how fed: 5. \s.es.c5: 5) ties la pane
Bessemianka........ Deval teleteyeleys 73 number hatched..... ..... .. :
Gakoveke .:...2 “dummies + b'caaniwsnis 73 Correspondents, answers to...............
Kurskaya... BR sctne d-dct nance Senses 7 Eggs, experiments with at different tem-
Themon's «fs. d sisi eee) 5 os aioe 73 peratures)... 12 4, .c0)e) ese 10s eee 219
Rl rild. BB sebone Vee gsedes Soran 7 laid by different breeds of fowls.... . + 215
Phin AC waren sere 3s senmecneace 73 shipmentof 57> pence Pree eel
Need Lng armas seer eee dese eisei 74 unfertilized, experiments with........ 221)
Peas, experiments with.................. 86 weight Of ©: ..: 26. Wsgicseselss eee 22,
Carly] VAMELIES ) ce says os chal jers arabs 87 Fowls, breeding pens of...... ...........
second|earlycli.. scre-tscrteets ae setae ou winter treatment of..................
Plums, list of. . 74 Hens sitting, experiments with. .
Japanese. . 74 how managed........... :
seedlings 74 Poultry, diseases of. ........5 s-co---0- ‘
Prunus Americana, varieties of........... 74 exhibition... 22)=<inssrrleiee: ieee a . 220
C@hicasa, varieties of................- 74 List:of< 0) jee feck 3c een ae 223.
RAS Pberriesit ate cecal oe. eros 80 Winter laying of hens.....<..3.2-) we sees 214
‘Brinckle’s Orange).....5 36 sceneries 81 |Saunders, Wm., Director, Report of ... .... 5
DOOLGE] Cassava) aw 3) Sevawlereisieuie'e sce 81 !Sharpe, Thos. A., Superintendent Hxperinen
Marhart oecicucc ancl hicsatteanchenceene 81 tal Farm, A; aSSiZ, B:C;, Reportiohescesene 293
Golden’ Queen’ . 7. tisk). 0-2 aoe eee 81 |Shutt, F. T., hemist, Report OF Ge. See eee » 103

ve
tai ce
A

— ee - biel ee a ee OE

—_ a
° cee
che : is
os Pe
> <2 &

3B = 5 B s 3 <
© z 0 = W 2 ui
5 og f 2S <8
7 Ae Oe. Bom ft

“O68T = LEgT

* sq. today ay
TeqouttadxT ue
*Jo yusu7.redeq famy[notTasy *epeueg o0* aon

SeuETO
Se ee ee